ASHLAND — Ashland music lovers will have a couple of shows to enjoy the first week in March, including symphony and jazz arrangements.
The Ashland Symphony Orchestra will present two concerts “A Musical Menagerie” and “Color Me Happy” on Saturday, March 4 at the Robert M. & Janet L. Archer Auditorium at Ashland High School.
“A Musical Menagerie” at 4 p.m. marks the return of the ASO’s free family concert. This one-hour program prepared by Grammy award winning conductor, Michael Repper, is designed to introduce listeners to the instruments in the orchestra and to a variety of musical styles. The instrument petting zoo and several crafts will be available starting at 3 p.m.
Tickets are not required for this event.
At 7:30 p.m. the ASO will present the music of Jessie Montgomery, Edvard Grieg, and Felix Mendelssohn in “Color Me Happy.” Composer Montgomery says of her piece Strum, “Drawing on American folk idioms and the spirit of dance and movement, Strum has a kind of narrative that begins with fleeting nostalgia and transforms into ecstatic celebration.”
The joy continues with Holberg Suite by Grieg, a multi-movement piece that incorporates several dances and is one of strength, gentility, playfulness, and meditation. Mendelssohn wrote, “In the deep twilight we went today to the palace where Queen Mary lived and loved … I think I have found there the beginning of my ‘Scottish’ Symphony.” Repper says, “Every movement of his Symphony No. 3 in A minor is based on a folk theme that will stick with you beyond the concert. This concert is sure to make you smile!”
Tickets for “Color Me Happy” are $24 for adults and $21 for seniors and may be purchased online, by phone, or at the door. Child and student tickets are free with the purchase of an adult or senior ticket, though they may be purchased for $5 each to benefit the Symphony. The ASO also offers reduced price tickets ($5) to persons receiving Medicaid, EBT, SNAP, and WIC. Free and reduced price tickets are only available by phone or at the door.
Continuing with the theme of “Color Me Happy,” the Archer Lobby will have a display of art by Ashland City School students, curated by members of the Ashland High School Chapter of the National Art Honor Society. Following the concert, members of the ASO Board of Directors invite you to stay for a cookie and punch reception to celebrate Repper’s recent Grammy® win.
For tickets and more information please call 419-289-5115 or visit www.ashlandsymphony.org.
The ASO is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation and is proudly sponsored by Samaritan Hospital Foundation, The Ohio Arts Council, and many local businesses and individuals.
All-Star Dixieland Jazz Band show set for March 6
On Monday, March 6 at 7 p.m., Ashland’s Big Bands & All That Jazz Society will host a concert by the “ALL-STAR DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND.”
This will be an evening of truly traditional jazz, completely improvised as nature intended. Musicians performing will be trumpeter Ben Huntoon, trombonist Matt Ellis, clarinetist Logan Moore, guitarist Andy Cary, bassist Paul Martin, drummer Steve Berry, and pianist McCray Martin.
It has been several years since the organization has hosted a Dixieland Jazz concert and those involved are excited to finally do so. This concert will be held at the First Christian Church, at 1425 King Rd, in Ashland.
The church is handicapped accessible. Anyone with questions should contact Paul Martin, Jazz Society President, at 419-289-6361.
