Bluffs & Bayous May 2019

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WELCOME FROM THE NATCHEZ FESTIVAL OF MUSIC “Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.� This was the sentiment of Maria Augusta Von Trapp, the stepmother and matriarch of the Trapp Family Singers, whose story became the basis for one of the most popular musicals of all time, The Sound of Music. As we begin the 29th season of the Natchez Festival of Music, we continue to search for the very keys that will open hearts and entertain music lovers in varied genres.

This Festival is, and always has been, an achievement of volunteerism LQ LWV ÀQHVW IRUP 7KLV H[FHSWLRQDO VSLULW LV H[HPSOLÀHG LQ WKH GRQDWLRQ RI time and energy from the monthly obligations of the Board of Directors to the volunteers during the Festival and other special events. For all those who give of their time and efforts, I am truly grateful.

The other important aspect of our continuity is that of our generous donors. Because of their continued support, we are able to present these special events. This year we mourn the loss of one of our dear friends, Dr. J. Neil Varnell, who was a constant and steady friend of the Natchez Festival of Music. We always shall be grateful for his consideration of the Festival, and this year’s opera will be dedicated to him.

Once again Dr. Jay Dean, our artistic director, has assembled a cast of talented emerging artists and a staff of production technicians

intent on working their magic for you, our patrons. Let’s all be generous in our gratitude to them!

This has been a challenging season without the use of our Performing Arts Center. We owe special thanks to our Mayor and Board of Aldermen and all the businesses and entities who stepped up to make certain that we had spaces for our special events, rehearsals, setbuilding and storage, costumes, and feeding of our artists. This proves the success not only of the Festival, but also of the City!

To the residents of the Natchez area, I hope that you are a regular attendee and will enjoy the musical offerings this year. If you are not from Natchez, know that we are so pleased to have you here, and we hope that you will return again and again.

Diana Glaze, Chairman

Dear Festival-goers, Each May for twenty-nine years, the Natchez Festival of Music has provided outstanding musical performances. People come to Natchez all year for a variety of reasons, but during the month of May they come to this historic city to experience its great musical offerings. This year we continue to expand our festival with every kind of music from opera and musical theatre to country and rock.

Our Opening Night Gala Concert features Asleep at the Wheel, the “Crown Princes of Western Swing.� “With a driving beat and infectious rhythm,� Asleep at the Wheel is simply spectacular! This American country western swing group has been performing for over 40 years, has released over twenty albums, has charted more than 20 singles on the Billboard country charts, and has won nine Grammy Awards. They have been the most important force in keeping the sound of Western swing music alive in America. The group features anywhere from eight to eleven musicians with their famous front man, Ray Benson.

This season also celebrates other artists and events such as the &HQWHQQLDO RI /LEHUDFH WKH Ă DPER\DQW WK FHQWXU\ YLUWXRVR SLDnist, and the Golden Anniversary of Woodstock, one of the most iconic

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moments in American music history featuring internationally known Mississippi Blues icon, Vasti Jackson! Each year we bring in top vocal performers from all over the United States, who will be featured in Stephen Sondheim’s smash hit musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, as well as the world’s most popular opera, Puccini’s La BohÊme. The season includes now-traditional and fan-favorite events, Rossini, Puccini, and Martinis, and Rockin’ on the River at three of Natchez’s most popular music venues, Natchez Architectural and Art Discoveries, Smoot’s Grocery, and the Rolling River Bistro’s 408 Listening Room. We are excited to continue to present one of the best, most diverse, and most inclusive music festivals in the country. Come to Natchez for a Season of Peace and Music.

Sincerely, Jay Dean, Artistic Director

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May 2019

F E AT U R E S

F AV O R I T E S

The Director ..................................................................................29 Asleep at the Wheel: The Crown Princes of Western Swing ......14-15 The Artists ...............................................................................30-40 Children’s Events...........................................................................43

Events

Asleep at the Wheel .......................................................................44 Rossini, Puccini, and Martinis .......................................................45

Louisiana Up & Coming! ...............................................................60

Rockin’ on the River......................................................................46 Mississippi Up & Coming! ..............................................................61 Timeless Impressions ........................................................................47 A Day of Peace and Music–Woodstock 50 .....................................48

G’s Fare

%LVKRS *XQQ &UDZÀVK %RLO ............................................................49 Easy Meal for Busy May...........................................................22-26 The Great American Songbook ......................................................50 Salon Music of the Silver Screen ....................................................51

The Social Scene

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum ................52-54 Mr. Showmanship–An Extravagant Liberace Tribute ...............56-57

Mardi Gras Masked Ball ................................................................10

La Bohéme ...............................................................................58-59 A 100th Birthday Celebration .......................................................11 History of the Natchez Music Festival...........................................62 Important Information .................................................................63

Luncheon for Krewe of Phoenix King and Queen ..........................12

Natchez Music Festival Mission Statement ....................................63 Children’s Art Show..................................................................16-17 Committees and Chairpersons........................................................63 In-kind Donations .........................................................................64

Surprise Retirement Party for Donna Callaway ........................18-19

Past Chairpersons ..........................................................................64 Annual Luncheon for Pilgrimage Monarchs ..............................20-21 2019 Board Members .....................................................................65 Contributors ..................................................................................66

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Brightest Stars Ball .......................................................................28

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BROOKHAVEN & MCCOMB, MISSISSIPPI

Page Page88 { { May May2019 2019 { { Bluffs Bluffs&&Bayous Bayous

PUBLISHER Cheryl Foggo Rinehart COPY EDITOR Jean Nosser Biglane GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jan Ratcliff

Anita Schilling

S TA F F P H O T O G R A P H E R S Tim McCary

Bill Perkins

Cheryl Rinehart

Lisa Adams Whittington

SALES STAFF Cheryl Rinehart

Donna Sessions

CONTRIBUTORS Lucien C. “Sam� Gwin III

Becky Junkin

Jennifer J. Whittier

Alma Womack

Cheryl Rinehart

Jean Biglane

Donna Sessions

Jan Ratcliff

Anita Schilling

Tim McCary

Lucien C. “Sam� Gwin III

Becky Junkin

Jennifer J. Whittier

Bill Perkins

Lisa Adams Whittington

Alma Womack

Bluffs & Bayous is published monthly to promote the greater Southern area of Louisiana and Mississippi in an informative and positive manner. We welcome contributions of articles and photos; however, they will be subject to editing and availability of space and subject matter. Photographs, comments, questions, subscription requests and ad placement inquiries are invited! Return envelopes and postage must accompany all materials submitted if a return is requested. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Bluffs & Bayous are those of the authors or columnists and do QRW QHFHVVDULO\ UHà HFW WKH YLHZV RI WKH SXEOLVKHU QRU GR WKH\ FRQVWLWXWH DQ HQGRUVHPHQW RI SURGXFWV RU VHUYLFHV KHUHLQ :H UHVHUYH WKH ULJKW WR UHIXVH DQ\ DGYHUWLVHment. Bluffs & Bayous strives to insure the accuracy of our magazine’s contents. However, should inaccuracies or omissions occur, we do not assume responsibility.

OFFICE 225 John R. Junkin Drive | Natchez, MS 39120 | 601-442-6847 bluffsmag@gmail.com | bbupandcoming@gmail.com www.bluffsbayous.com

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THE social SCENE VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI

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Mardi Gras Masked Ball

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he Vicksburg Mardi Gras Masked Ball was held Saturday, February 16, 2019. This festive ball was hosted

by Fit Chef Catering and The Lofts at First National and was held at The Vicksburg Hotel. Revelers enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and danced to tunes played by DJ Shaggy.

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1 Holly Lutz , Jessica Fulk, Kimberly Smith, Michele Felburg, and Megan Giacini 2 Jason and Regan Bryant 3 Michael and Angela Marshall 4 Front—Kimberly Smith, Elizabeth Smith, and Christina Kalich; back— Gabi Morgan, Megan Giacini, Jessica Fulk, and Michele Felberg 5 Rebekah Lee, Deidra Fields, and Kimberly Smith 6 Elyce Curry, Elizabeth Smith, Kimberly Smith, Rebekah Lee, and Deidra Fields

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THE social SCENE JONESVILLE, LOUISIANA

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A 100th Birthday Celebration very special event was held at Monterey First Baptist Church in Jonesville, Louisiana, on March 24, 2019—a birthday party to celebrate and honor Gertrude Stewart on her 100th birthday. Her sister, Ardele Paul of New Mexico, was her special guest. Friends of all ages turned out to wish this lovely lady a most happy birthday. She had a big smile from beginning to end and appreciated so much that she had been honored by her church family. Rhnea Bryan and Donna Woodruff organized the party and all the trimmings and made it a most special day for their centenarian.

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6 1 Katherine Campbell, Gertrude Stewart, and Stella Book 2 Dorie and Reverend John Rushing with Gertrude Stewart 3 Sherri Ames Little, Mary Helen Roy, Donna Woodruff, Rhnea Bryan, Stella Book, and Gertrude Stewart 4 Woodrow Wade and Gertrude Stewart 5 Rhnea Bryan, Donna Woodruff, and Gertrude Stewart 6 Frank and Cissy Caulkins with Gertrude Stewart

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

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Luncheon for Krewe of Phoenix King and Queen rewe of Phoenix Monarchs traditionally hold a Queen’s Luncheon, honoring the current Queen Rosalie, on the Thursday before their annual Mardi Gras Parade. This year’s event was held on March 1 in downtown Natchez, Mississippi. Also, the krewe’s previous King Rexes held their luncheon recognizing this year’s Rex XXXVII in conjunction with the Queen’s Luncheon at The Vue overlooking the Mississippi River. Queen Rosalie XXXVII Betsy Mosby and Rex XXXVII Dr. Blane Mire represented the Krewe of Phoenix throughout the Natchez Mardi Gras season.

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7 1 Rex XXII Robert Paradise and Rosalie XXXII Cheryl Rinehart 2 Rosalie XXXIV Laurie Paradise and Rex XXII Robert Paradise 3 Rosalie XXX Darby Short and Rosalie XXXVII Betsy Mosby 4 Rosalie XX Lana Stamper, Rosalie XXV Tanna Davis, and Rosalie XXVIII Beverly Ratcliff 5 Rosalie XXIII Becky Carlisle, Rosalie XXVIII Beverly Ratcliff, and Rosalie XXV Tanna Davis 6 Rex XXV Chuck Bearden, Rex XXIV Dennis Short, Rex XXXII Robert Paradise, Rex XXXI Tim Sessions, Rex XXXVI Pete Cantu, Rex XXI George Murray, and Rex IV Tony Byrne 7 Rosalie XXXIV Laurie Paradise, Rosalie VI Marcia Passman, and Rosalie XXXII Cheryl Rinehart 8 Former and current Rosalies: seated—Mary Lessley, Betsy Mosby, Cheryl Rinehart, Darby Short, Valerie Bergeron, and Bettye Dossett; standing—Laurie Paradise, Beverly Ratcliffe, Sue Stedman, Donna Sessions, Dee Newman, Lana Stamper, and Sherry Bearden 9 Rosalie XXXI Sherry Bearden, Rosalie XXXVI Donna Sessions, Rosalie XXXVII Betsy Mosby, Rosalie XXIX Dee Newman, and Rosalie XXXIII Lisa Mayers 10 Rosalie XXXI Sherry Bearden, Rosalie XVIII Mary Lessley, Rosalie XXXVII Betsy Mosby, and Rosalie XXXVI Donna Sessions 11 Rex XXXVII Dr. Blane Mire, Rosalie XXXVII Betsy Mosby, and Rex XXXI Tim Sessions

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Asleep at the Wheel:

The Crown Princes of Western Swing story by Cheryl Rinehart | photography courtesy of Asleep at the Wheel

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ay Benson has worked harder than most artists to keep the sound and spirit of classic western swing alive. In 1970, Benson teamed up with Floyd Domino (aka Jim Haber), Lucky 2FHDQV DND 5XEHQ *RVĂ€HOG /HUR\ Preston, and Chris O’Connell to form Asleep at the Wheel. At the suggestion of Willie Nelson, the group made their home in Austin, Texas. Soon thereafter, they released their cover of Louis Jordan’s “Choo &KRR &K¡%RRJLH Âľ WKHLU Ă€UVW VLQJOH WR KLW the country charts.

The group became an Austin institution and one of the country’s most indefatigable acts, performing with artists such as Bob Dylan, George Strait, Van Morrison, and Lyle Lovett. Over eighty musicians have made their way through the band lineup while Benson remains the sole constant and original member.

Asleep at the Wheel draws heavy inspiration from Western swing godfather Bob Willis (the Wheel), carrying the torch by preserving the classic sounds that had nearly disappeared from country music and updating it with their own unique sound. They typically record covers (mostly tributes to Bob Willis) but have written original songs, some found in their album Reinventing the

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Wheel. During the late 1970s, Asleep at the Wheel released a slew of excellent albums: Wheelin’ and Dealin’ (1976), The Wheel (1977), and Collision Course (1978), the ODWWHU RI ZKLFK FRQWDLQHG WKHLU Ă€UVW *UDPP\ winner in the instrumental cover of Count Basie’s “One O’clock Jump.â€?

Currently, the group consists of Ray Benson, Katie Shore, David Sanger,

Eddie Rivers, Dennis Ludiker, Josh Hoag, Connor Forsyth, and Jay Reynolds. ,QVWUXPHQWDWLRQ LQFOXGHV JXLWDU EDVV ÀGdle, drums, and piano but also involves saxophone, clarinet, and mandolin, an example of their evolving the genre and keeping it a living, breathing art form.

The band’s interesting name did not come from any particular meaning, event,

or reasoning. “It was more or less tongue in cheek,� Benson said, “kind of like The Grateful Dead.� The meaning of the phrase asleep at the wheel, of course, refers to being inattentive, inactive, or not alert. This group is anything but. The musicianship of Asleep at the Wheel has become legend. The band has toured on the national level throughout its forty-nineyear history with the cumulative talents of over a hundred musicians, always with Benson in the lead. “It took me sixty years, but I’m doing what I’m meant to do—singing and playing and writing better than I ever have. A bandleader is just someone who gathers people around him to play the best music they can play. I just try to make the best decisions possible and kick some ass every night on stage,� explained Benson.

Band member Katie Shore follows in the long tradition of strong and talented female performers who have been an integral part of the band’s LGHQWLW\ IRU GHFDGHV 6KRUH UHà HFWHG ´, DOways wanted to be in Asleep at the Wheel.

If you grew up in Fort Worth and played WKH ÀGGOH LW ZDV LPSRVVLEOH QRW WR NQRZ who the Wheels was. I feel part of a legacy, for sure.�

The documentary Country Music will chronicle the evolution, over the course of the twentieth century, of the country music genre, a uniquely American art form that capsules the experiences of remarkable people from distinctive regions of our nation. Directed and produced by Ken Burns, written and produced by Dayton Duncan, and produced by Julie Dunfey, all Emmy-award-winning creators of PBS’s most-acclaimed and most-watched documentaries for more than a quarter century, Country Music will feature Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel. This multi-episode series, scheduled to run in September 2019, will explore the questions “What is country music?� and “Where did it come from?� while focusing on the biographies of some of the fascinating characters who created it.

For decades a promoter of the love of country music and all of its artifacts, Benson recently donated a pair of his size-sixteen cowboy boots to his friend Marty Stuart, who has created an education and museum center in his hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi. Here, Stuart houses over 20,000 country music

artifacts that he has collected during his forty-year career.

Be sure to enjoy the sounds of Asleep at the Wheel during its Natchez Music

Festival Premier Performance and see what all the excitement is about. You might even get to spy a new pair of boots on Benson.

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THE social SCENE VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI

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Children’s Art Show he Vicksburg Art Association held its annual Children’s Art Show on Sunday, March 31, 2019. This event, open to all elementary schools in Warren County, was held at the Old Constitution Firehouse in Vicksburg. Participating schools included Beechwood Elementary, Bowmar Elementary, Dana Road Elementary, and Porters Chapel Academy. Chair for the show was Ashleigh Holliday. Photography by Janean Shirley

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1 Ashleigh Holliday, Ling Fei Zhang, and Peggy Gouras 2 Neelie Alexander, Megan Alexander, Julianna Sumrall, and Braxton Alexander 3 Carrie Smith and Rich Smith 4 Jacoby Jenkins, Ernie Jenkins, Brycen Jenkins, and Sharolyn Bailey 5 Jordan Combs and Jason Combs 6 Roger Palmertree, Lisa Palmertree, Ashley Bowser, Zoey Meacham, Brittany Meacham, and Bear Meacham 7 Dara Hendrix, Hallie Hendrix, Harrison Hendrix, and Matt Hendrix 8 Ernie Jenkins, Annie Jenkins, Brycen Jenkins, Sharolyn Bailey, Jacoby Jones, and Dorothy Hollins 9 Dub Lloyd, Seth Lloyd, Melissa Walker, Calliope Lloyd, and Laura Bradley 10 Jeff Artman, Ashleigh Holliday, Jonah Artman, Suzanne Artman, and Josh Artman

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THE social SCENE

VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI

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11 Yolyvette Nadal, Roberto Nadal, Norberto Nadal, Rosyvette Nadal, and Noberto Nadal 12 Autumn Rice, Asher Rice, Abram Rice, Sarah Rice, and Blake Rice

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THE social SCENE FERRIDAY, LOUISIANA

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Surprise Retirement Party for Donna Callaway

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surprise party for Donna Callaway, including dinner, drinks, and music, was held at the Ferriday Hall in Ferriday, Louisiana, on February 28, 2019. Callaway retired from many years of service to Delta Fuel.

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Donna Callaway, Karen Callaway, and Millicent Mayo 2 Donna Callaway, Kanika Boykins, and Kacie Boyette 3 Adalynn and Clint Vegas 4 Chuck Caldwell, Donna Callaway, David and Annette Moreland, and Brian Callaway 5 Jane Vegas with Adalynn Vegas 6 Janell Griffin, Peggy Olivero, Didi Sones, Selena Book, and Catherine Byrd 7 Brad Vencil and Dr. Justin Gregg 8 Sarita Holland, Rodney Simms, Barry Iseminger, and Judith Jones 9 Jane Vegas and Judith Jones 10 David and Gina Cauthen, Connie and Travis Brown, and Holly Sandifer

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THE social SCENE

FERRIDAY, LOUISIANA

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11 Kalynn Vegas, Aylin Rivera, and Carol Dillon 12 Benny Jeansonne, Chuck Caldwell, and Sim Mosby 13 Mary Russ, Victoria Bourke, and Max Bourke 14 Carol Dillon with Eddie and Karen Foley 15 Mary Russ, Donna Callaway, Kanika Boykins, Kacie Boyette, Janell Griffin, Selena Book, Paula Rouse, Victoria Bourke, and Peggy Olivero 16 Pat Junkin, Arty and Elizabeth Person, and Dickie Junkin 17 Jane Vegas, Donna Callaway, Vic Vegas, and Marci and Billy Cowan

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THE social SCENE NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

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Annual Luncheon for Pilgrimage Monarchs nother great Society for the Preservation of Aged Monarchs Luncheon! Society members, present and past queens of the Spring Pilgrimage, met at the end of February in the Queens’ Room at Stanton Hall to enjoy a scrumptious brunch prepared by Chef Bingo Star—southwestern quiche, shrimp remoulade, fried green tomatoes, chicken curry bisque, and bread pudding. The Aged Monarchs members make contributions each year to cover the expense of the luncheon with proceeds split between The Natchez Garden Club and The Pilgrimage Garden Club as donations for their restoration projects.

Photography by Abagail McCary

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Betsy Daggett, Meghan Guido, Julia Rachel Kuehnle, Aimee Guido, and Ginny Scarborough Marsha Colson, Vidal Blankenstein, Anne MacNeil, and Kathie Blankenstein Front row—Susan Sharp, Amelia Orlando, Elena Rodriguez, and Linda Rodriguez; row two—Meghan Guido, Aimee Guido, and Anne MacNeil; row three—Julia Rachael Kuehnle, Abagail Washington, Betsy Daggett, and Ginny Scarborough; row four— Stella Sharp, Marsha Colson, Susannah Heatherly, Vidal Blankenstein, and Kathie Blankenstein Meghan Guido, Ginny Scarborough, Aimee Guido, Julia Rachel Kuehnle, and Betsy Daggett Susan Sharp, Amelia Orlando, Stella Sharp, Elena Rodriguez, Linda Rodriguez, and Susannah Heatherly

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THE social SCENE

NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

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Marsha Colson, Stella Sharp, and Anne MacNeil Aimee Guido, Betsy Daggett, and Ginny Scarborough Amelia Orlando and Elena Rodriguez Linda Rodriguez, Amelia Orlando, Elena Rodriguez,and Susan Sharp

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G’S FARE

BY PHOTOGRAPHY BY Becky

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Becky Junkin

Junkin and Jordan Junkin Falls

Easy Meal for Busy May T

he month of May has always been a busy month in our family, and I am sure it is in yours as well. For such busy times, I have created a meal that is quick and easy, and most dishes can be prepared ahead.

Whether you are having a Mother’s Day brunch, bridge luncheon, graduation party, gathering for friends, or quick repast for your family, this meal ZLOO ÀW WKH ELOO This recipe is so easy; and the crostini, so delicious, are a hit with men, women, and children. Be sure that you allow the goat cheese to soften so, when you add honey, it will blend easily. I was afraid that the honey drizzle would make the crostini too sweet, so I tasted the results both with and without the drizzle.

I liked the crostini one-hundred percent better with the extra sweetness from the drizzle of honey. For the sliced fruit, I bought a mixture of berries that was already prepared; you can use any variety of fruit that you want.

GOAT CHEESE, HONEY & FRUIT CROSTINI Sally’s Baking Additions (Pinterest) Crunch-toasted bread, paired with a blend of honey and goat cheese, is the perfect match for seasonal fresh fruit. Easiest appetizer ever!

1 French baguette (18 inches), cut into 3/4-inch slices 8 ounces creamy goat cheese 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling 1 cup sliced fruit (strawberries, blackberries, peaches, or whatever you choose) 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Place bread slices on a baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly toasted. (This is the ONLY cooking you’ll do! Woohoo!)

2. Meanwhile, mix the goat cheese and honey together until relatively smooth. If it’s a little crumbly, that’s okay. Spread the goat cheese mixture on the toasted bread. Top with fruit.

3. Before serving, drizzle each crostini with honey. Keep leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for a couple days.

Make ahead tip: Prepare recipe through step 2, only do not top with fruit. Cover the goat-cheese-topped bread slices tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day or for up to 8-10 hours at room temperature. Then top with fruit and honey. So, prep in the TVYUPUN HUK ÄUPZO PU [OL L]LUPUN :V LHZ`

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For some reason, I always associate spring with either seafood or chicken for the main entrée. I used thighs instead of the chicken breasts, for that is what my family prefers.

This is so easy: you can prepare it and then leave it in the refrigerator to marinate. It is perfect for a spring supper or luncheon.

INA GARTEN’S LEMON CHICKEN Pinterest Prep 5 minutes / Cook 40 minutes Yield: 4 chicken breasts or thighs, or 2 half chickens ¼ cup olive oil 3 tablespoons minced garlic, 8-9 cloves 1 cup dry white wine 1 tablespoon lemon zest* from about 2 lemons 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 1 lemon 1½ teaspoons dried oregano 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves Salt and pepper to taste (optional) 4 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts, 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, or 2 skin-on half chickens, patted dry Lemon slices from remaining lemon after zesting *After zesting, use 1 of the lemons to squeeze the juice needed in the recipe; and slice discs from the second lemon.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small sauce pan, warm the oil over low heat. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown. Remove from heat.

In a small bowl, stir together the wine, lemon zest and juice, oregano, and thyme. Whisk the wine mixture into the warm oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In an oven-safe baking dish, pour in about half of the wine and oil mixture. Place the chicken over the sauce, skin side up. Tuck the lemon slices under the chicken skin. Season the skin with salt and pepper if using these. Pour the remaining wine and oil mixture over the chicken.

Follow the guide below for cook time. Bake until the juice from inside the chicken is no longer pink. If the skin has not browned, place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.

Cover the chicken with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Cook Time Boneless Skin-on Chicken Breasts ................................................................30–40 minutes Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts ...............................................................25–35 minutes Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs...................................................................40–50 minutes Skin-on Half Chickens ....................................................................................45–55 minutes

Adapted from The Barefoot Contessa

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This is so good and, even better, so easy. I use casarecce pasta, and my daughter Jordan uses orzo. This will work with most pasta (I would not use any of the spaghetti or fettuccini pasta for this.) I made it ahead of time and pulled it out when ready to serve. For a ladies lunch, you could use this as an entrĂŠe if you add cooked shrimp or chicken. I leave pasta salad in the refrigerator in the spring and summer for the kids to snack on. It is healthy and cheap.

LEMONY ARTICHOKE PASTA SALAD “gimme some ovenâ€? on Pinterest This pasta salad is quick and easy to make ahead and then toss with zippy lemon basil vinaigrette just before serving— and SO delicious! Serves 8–10 Pasta: 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts 1 bunch asparagus 4 cloves garlic 1 pound uncooked pasta (The recipe uses gemelli which 0 JV\SK UV[ Ă„UK 0 \ZL JHZHYLJJL" 1VYKHU \ZLZ VYaV" `V\ could use rotini.)

Vinaigrette: 3 tablespoons basil, fresh leaves 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly-squeezed 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly-cracked 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 pinch kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper 5 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Nuts and seeds 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted 2/3 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese Cook the pasta in a large stockpot of generously salted water until it is al dente, according to package directions.

Drain pasta and rinse under cold water for about 20–30 seconds until no longer hot. Set aside.

As the pasta water is heating and the pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large sautÊ pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped asparagus, season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and stir to combine. SautÊ for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in sliced garlic and continue sautÊing the mixture for 1–2 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and the asparagus is tender but still slightly crisp on the inside. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, asparagus mixture, artichoke hearts, Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts.

Drizzle evenly with the lemon basil vinaigrette, and then toss to combine. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired. Or cover and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

Lemon Basil Vinaigrette: Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl or measuring cup until combined.

This was originally a lemon cake from Joyful Homemaking, but I changed it and used strawberry Jell-O and sliced Louisiana strawberries. I was serving a crowd, and it was an easy and simple way to make strawberry shortcake without the hassle of creating individual cakes. Next time I make it, I will top the slices of cake with whipped cream—you can never have enough whipped cream!)

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE ANGEL FOOD CAKE “Joyful Homemakingâ€? on Pinterest Prep 55 minutes / Serves 8 1 box angel food cake mix (or a cake from the bakery aisle, split lengthwise in half) 24 ounces Cool Whip, light Ăą V\UJLZ :[YH^ILYY` 1LSS 6 WV^KLY 1 pint of sliced Louisiana strawberries Bake the angel food cake mix according to directions, except bake in [^V PUJO VY PUJO YV\UK WHUZ 4P_ [VNL[OLY [OL *VVS >OPW HUK [OL 1LSS O and spread between the layers. Top the middle layer with half of the sliced strawberries and then frost the top and sides of the cake, adding reserved strawberries on top. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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These are so refreshing; and believe it or not, they are not too sweet. You can buy cotton candy in a bag from the grocery.

This is easy because there is no mixing.

Just pull off a chunk of cotton candy and lay across the top of the glass. Be sure that it doesn’t go into the champagne before serving since it dissolves IMMEDIATELY!

COTTON CANDY CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS “Kirbie’s Cravingsâ€? on Pinterest RosĂŠ champagne is topped with fresh cotton candy for a beautiful cocktail, perfect for a garden party, wedding, or any other special event. The cotton candy will dissolve when it hits the champagne, creating a sweet champagne cocktail. Serves 6 1 bottle of champagne, sparkling wine, or rose champagne -YLZO JV[[VU JHUK` Ă…H]VY VM `V\Y JOVPJL (You can make your own or buy fresh, packaged cotton candy.)

Pour champagne into glasses about 2/3 M\SS +V UV[ Ă„SS [V [OL [VW MVY `V\ KV UV[ want the champagne to touch the cotton candy until people are ready to drink.

Keep the cotton candy sealed until right before serving (This goes for packaged cotton candy and any fresh cotton candy you may make). This will prevent your cotton candy from melting and turning hard. Right before serving, open your JV[[VU JHUK` HUK NLU[S` W\SS VɈ H ZTHSS tuft of it to place on top of the rim of the champagne glass. Make sure your cotton candy is slightly wider than the rim of your champagne glass so that it can sit right on top of it.

Serve immediately. Place cotton candy into champagne, and let cotton candy dissolve into champagne before drinking.

Becky Junkin, mother of four and grandmother of eight, is a lifelong Natchez resident, a retired elePHQWDU\ WHDFKHU RI WZHQW\ IRXU \HDUV DQG FHUWLĂ€HG Pilates instructor.

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THE social SCENE VIDALIA, LOUISIANA

Visit www.bluffsbayous.com for all social scenes.

Brightest Stars Ball he inaugural Brightest Stars Ball was held at the Vidalia Convention Center in Vidalia, Louisiana, on Thursday, February 28, 2019. This event for special needs citizens, ages sixteen and over, in our area included a limousine ride, a red-carpet entrance, music, food, dancing, photo booth, and more. Over a hundred volunteers celebrated the evening’s thirty guests, each of whom received a tiara or crown as the ball concluded.

The idea for this occasion was born when Ronnie Calhoun and Melissa Vaughan worked on Tim Tebow’s “Night to Shine” event in Los Angeles, California, in February 2018. Calhoun mentioned it to Mary Huhn (Concordia Parish School Board Special Populations Supervisor), and they began putting together a team to make it happen. Board members are Ronnie Calhoun, Mary Huhn, Melissa Vaughan, Robert Sanders, Sheila Lillie, William Fred Marsalis, Melanie Kennedy, and Regenia Fleming. Work on the 2020 Brightest Stars Ball begins this summer.

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1 Allen Pittman and Madeline Smith 2 Anthony Hunter and Corley Greene 3 Ashton Dean and Trey Brown 4 Carson Moore and Shakyra Blanton 5 Holden Ferrington and Trinity Riley 6 Jordan Schiele and Sanyni Bell 7 Chris Clark and Satirical Neal 8 Haley Freeman and Chandler Warren 9 Kathryn Strong and Malachi Matthews 10 Madelynn White and Teshawn Boyd 11 Ray Jay Ransom and Morgan Handjis 12 Kathryn Strong

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14 13 Ashton Dean, Stafford Green, and Tybenia Bell 14 Patrick Smith and Ray Jay Ransom leading the train 15 Saige Caviness, Pat Smith, and Patrick Smith 16 Taylor Fletcher and Deondrias Boxley 17 Shyvilie Blaney and Patrick Smith 18 Abby Wilkinson and Christian Page

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THE DIRECTOR

From 1988 until 2018 Jay Dean was the Music Director of The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.

Under his leadership the state’s oldest symphony orchestra achieved an international reputation that has helped enhance the cultural image of the state. He and the USM Symphony Orchestra performed with some RI WKH PRVW VLJQLÀFDQW FODVVLFDO DQG SRSXlar music artists in the world. Other duties at Southern Miss include being the Artistic Director of the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company and the Executive Director of the Arts Institute of Mississippi. In 2015 he was appointed Executive Director of the Arts Institute of Mississippi and in 2018 he was appointed the Associate Dean for Arts an External Relations.

In addition to his work at the University of Southern Mississippi, he is the General and Artistic Director of the Mississippi Opera, the Natchez Festival of Music, the Founding Artistic Director of FestivalSouth, General Director of the Hattiesburg Concert Association, and Associate Artistic Director of the International Performing Arts Institute. He has been the Artistic Director of the Vicksburg International Chamber Music Festival and Music Coordinator for the Mississippi Commission for International Cultural Exchange.

Dean has received numerous awards and honors for his work in Mississippi. These include having twice received the Governor’s $ZDUG IRU WKH $UWV WKH ÀUVW LQ IRU Leadership in the Arts with the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, and the second in 2017 for Artistic Excellence with the Mississippi Opera.

Among other awards and honors, he has been inducted into the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame, is a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Southern Mississippi Research Council, has received the Hub Award and honorary resolutions from the City of Hattiesburg and the Mississippi State Legislature, and has been honored for Excellence for Global Arts and Culture by the Mississippi World Trade Center.

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THE ARTISTS Buffo patter specialist Alexander AdamsLeytes returns to the Natchez Music Festival for the third time this spring after appearing previously as Sir Joseph Porter in HMS Pinafore in 2014 and Merlin in Camelot and Bartolo in Barber of Seville in 2017. This year he will make his musical theater debut (other than speaking roles) as Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and follow it up with his sixth Benoit/ Alcindoro in La Bohème.

Baritone Scott Ballantine maintains a busy year-round performing schedule in New England and across the United States. He has worked with such companies as Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre, Boston Lyric Opera, Connecticut Lyric Opera, Opera Steamboat, and the Janiec Opera Company. A recent young artist with the Janiec Opera Company in Brevard, North Carolina, Ballantine had his role debut as Sharpless in 0DGDPD %XWWHUÁ\, covered the role of Maximillian in Candide, and was a Street Singer Soloist in Bernstein’s Mass under the baton of Maestro Keith Lockhart. Following his performances in North Carolina, Ballantine joined the Southern Vermont Lyric Theatre as Baron in La Traviata. Additionally in the 2018-19 season, Ballantine was a young artist with Boston Opera Collaborative, singing Father

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in The Scarlet Ibis and the title role in Don Giovanni. His previous credits include Mercutio in Roméo et Juliette, Schaunard in La Bohème, Hannah Before in As One, John Brooke in Little Women, and the title role in Tobias Picker’s Fantastic Mr. Fox. A native of Colorado, Ballantine left the mountain west and garnered his Master of Music in Voice Performance at the Boston Conservatory in 2015.

Tabitha Bass is an alumna of the University of South Dakota and is in the process of FRPSOHWLQJ WKH ÀUVW VHPHVWHU RI KHU PDVWHU·V degree at the University of Mobile. She is part of the cast as well as a part of the costume creative team. Recently, she attended the International Performing Arts Institute in Germany and the Open Jar Institute in New York City. After La Bohéme closes, she will be changing gears and performing as Tina in Sister Act at the EverBlue Arts Festival. She would like to thank the creative team at Mississippi Opera and the cast of La Bohéme for such a wonderful experience!

THE ARTISTS Kathryn Bancroft is a musical theatre major at Northwestern State University. She is from New Orleans, Louisiana, and has done shows with JPAS and Rivertown Repertory Theatre.

For the past three years, she has performed with NSU theatre and dance in such shows as Oklahoma (Ensemble and Laurie’s understudy), Young Frankenstein (Ensemble and Elizabeth’s understudy), Dangerous Liaisons (Madame de Volonge), Into the Woods (Rapunzel), and NSU’s Christmas Gala 2016 and 2017 0XVLFDO 7KHDWUH (QVHPEOH 7KLV LV %DQFURIWœV ¿UVW WLPH ZRUNLQJ in Natchez, and she is so excited to be working with Natchez Festival of Music.

Hailed by Opera News as “delightful,â€? soprano Ashley Bell has performed as a soloist in the United States, Italy, Spain, France, and Russia. In 2018, she made her Carnegie Hall debut as soprano soloist in Hadyn’s Nelson Mass and Schubert’s Mass in C GHEXWHG DV 0DGDPD %XWWHUĂ \ with Townsend Opera (California), performed Elle in a critically acclaimed performance of La Voix Humaine at Rioja Forum in Spain, sang Donna Anna in a sold-out performance at Bay Street Theatre, and debuted with New York City Opera singing Giovanetta and covering Fiora in L’Amore Tre Re. Other recent performances include Gilda with New Jersey Verismo Opera, Violetta in La Traviata with MidAtlantic Opera, Fioridligi and Donna Anna at the Narni Festival in Italy, and Norina at Spain’s Rioja Forum where La Rioja called her “unstoppable in her brilliant singing and a true stage animal with her hilarious interpretation of Norina/Sofronia.â€? Bell is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Yale University DQG Ă XHQWO\ VSHDNV Ă€YH ODQJXDJHV Upcoming performances include Mary Warren in The Crucible with New York City Opera and Violetta in La Traviata in LogroĂąo, Spain.

has appeared as Pong in Mississippi Opera’s 2018 production of Puccini’s Turandot. Concert appearances include Uriel in Haydn’s The Creation, tenor soloist in Mozart’s Missa Brevis in C, and a feature in the Fort Collins Symphony’s Video Games Live concert. Under the tutelage of Dr. Maryann Kyle, Botto currently is pursuing a Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Mobile where this spring he will be singing the magician in Menotti’s The Consul.

Touted by the Oregonian as “vocally commanding,â€? baritone AndrĂŠ Chiang has a repertoire ranging from Handel to Heggie.

Chiang’s recent highlights include Charlie (Three Decembers) with Painted Sky Opera, Belcore (L’elisir d’amore) with Opera Birmingham, Ford (Falstaff) with Portland Opera, Anthony Hope (Sweeney Todd) with Virginia Opera, Lancelot (Camelot) at the Glimmerglass Festival (Young Artist Matinee), and Falstaff (Falstaff) and Onegin (Eugene Onegin) with Louisiana State University Opera. Among Chiang’s competition honors are his being named winner of the 59th NFMC 2017 Biennial Young Artist Award and winner of the 45th NATS Artist Awards Competition. Upcoming engagements include the roles of Yamadore/Commissioner (0DGDPD %XWWHUà \) with Portland Opera and Dandini (La Cenerentola) with Dayton Opera.

Eric Botto is a tenor originally from Houston, Texas, and currently resides in Mobile, Alabama. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at Colorado State University under the direction of Dr. Tiffany Blake. During his time at CSU, he studied roles such as Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus, Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi, Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni, and Count Almaviva in Il barbiere di Siviglia. In 2013, he participated as a studio artist with Opera Orvieto, singing Don Basilio in Le Nozze di Figaro under the artistic direction of Nyela Basney. He also Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 31

THE ARTISTS Haley Cox is a graduate student at the University of Mobile majoring in Vocal Performance and serving as the graduate assistant for the marketing department of the Alabama School of the Arts. She earned an undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance from the University of North Florida where she had the opportunity to perform in multiple engagements overseas in the Czech Republic. Some of her favorite roles include Musetta (La BohĂŠme), Queen of the Night (Magic Flute), and Rose Maurrant (Street Scene).

Cox most recently appeared on stage as Gretel in the University of Mobile’s production of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel.

Grace Denton is a DMA student in Voice Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Mobile, studying with Dr. Maryann Kyle. She is originally from Brentwood, Tennessee, and graduated with her Master of Music in Music Performance from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her credits include Madame Giry (Phantom of the Opera), Soloist (Songs for a New World), Miss Todd (The Old Maid and the Thief), The Secretary (The Consul), La Ciesca (Gianni Schicchi), and Sister Mary Robert (Sister Act, the Musical), for which she received a Miss Annie Award nomination. When not on stage, Denton enjoys being a health nut and eating all the “healthy� desserts.

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Isabel Dondero is a senior vocal performance major studying with Dr. Maryann Kyle at the University of Mobile. Some previous roles include the Princess and the Nightingale in the University of Mobile’s production of L’enfant et les sortilèges, the Page in Rigoletto for both the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and Mississippi Opera, and a Handmaiden in Turandot for both USM and Mississippi Opera.

Lebanese-American mezzo-soprano Jessica Harika has been described as “a riveting and expressive performerâ€? and “truly a delight to see and hear.â€? Her many roles involve productions with Opera Theatre St. Louis, Shreveport Opera, Opera Main, and Janiec Opera Company. She has also been heard in concert with Opera in the Heights, Brevard Music Festival Orchestra, and 1(& 3KLOKDUPRQLF ,Q VKH ZDV QDPHG D VHPL Ă€QDOLVW LQ WKH Mary Jacobs Singer of the Year Competition and has been seen in Masterclass with Marilyn Horne, Stephanie Blythe, and Jane Eaglen. Harika holds degrees from the New England Conservatory and Virginia Commonwealth University.

THE ARTISTS Wayne Hu is widely acclaimed for his diverse performing career that bridges the gap between opera and theatre. His vast repertoire ranges from the roles of Shakespeare to Sondheim as well as the operatic standards. Previous engagements include La Fanciulla Del West (Bello) with New York City Opera, Le Nozze Di Figaro (Title Role) with State Repertory Opera of New Jersey and Central Florida Lyric Opera, The Merry Widow (Danilo) with Long Island Opera and New Rochelle Opera, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Gaston) with Theatre by the Sea, Camelot (Sir Sagrimore) with the Glimmerglass Festival, and Les MisÊrables (Enjorlas) with Amarillo Opera.

Multiple Grammy-nominated and worldrenowned guitarist, vocalist, Mississippi living blues legend, 2019 Polar Music Award winner (with Playing For Change), 2017 Arts Ambassador, 2016 Grammy Nominee, 2015 Albert King Lifetime Guitar Award recipient, 2014 Cultural Ambassador, and 2012 Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame inductee, Vasti Jackson is a consummate performer, singer, guitarist, songwriter, arranger, producer, and musical director. He is the only Mississippian to have two recordings nominated for a Grammy in the same year, same category, and one win. From his early beginnings, playing in churches and juke joints in McComb, Mississippi, to festivals, concerts, and theatres around the world, Jackson has moved effortlessly from blues to soul to jazz to funk to gospel to pop. In his forty-six-year-plus musical career, festivals and international tours have taken him to Belgium, Japan, Germany, Lithuania, Ukraine, France, Greece, South Africa, Holland, Sweden, Poland, Argentina, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Sicily, Norway, Finland, England, Ireland, Tunisia, Uruguay, Brazil, and Portugal. He has performed on Dan Akroyd’s House of Blues Radio Hour, the Starz Encore Network, WGN-TV in Chicago, and PBS. He has performed, written, produced, and recorded music for HBO, VH1, Mississippi Educational Television, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and radio and television programs in Australia, Uruguay, Finland, and Canada.

Rusty Jenkins is a local actor who has appeared in several productions at the Natchez Music Festival including A Little Night Music, Camelot, Showboat, and Kiss Me Kate. He has appeared in twenty different plays at the Natchez Little Theatre and was awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award. He has appeared in the movies Rise Again and Lost River as well as the “Old Capitol Documentary.â€? He has had a role in Angels on WKH %OXII DQ DQQXDO EHQHĂ€W IRU WKH 1DWFKH] &HPHWHU\ IRU WKH ODVW eighteen years. Jenkins has two sons—Phillips and Dunbar, four granddaughters—Isabel, Caroline, Juliet, and Isla, and is married to the former Lyn Fortenbery.

Julian Jones, collaborative pianist, is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance at the University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama. A Louisiana native, Jones served as Instructor of Voice and Staff Collaborative Pianist for seven years on the Voice Faculty at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. While serving as music director for many productions at ULM, he also participated in local community theatre, as well as provided music for numerous houses of worship.

Jones was selected as a 2017 Teaching Fellow at the International Performing Arts Institute in Kiefersfelden, Germany, with Dr. Maryann Kyle, his mentor at IPAI and current major professor at the University of Mobile.

With accolades that he is “relatably earnest, and his voice carries a lush, warm timbre,â€? Peter Lake is an internationally performing tenor who made his role and house debuts as Pinkerton in the ground-breaking Anglo-Japanese production of 0DGDPH %XWWHUĂ \ this past April. In the summer of 2018, he made his role debut as Faust in Natchez Festival of Music’s production of Faust and sang Pang in Mississippi Opera’s Turandot. Lake will return to Natchez this summer to make his role debut as Rodolfo in Puccini’s La Bohème. This past August, he performed with Savannah Voice Festival in multiple concerts and covered Alfredo while singing Gastone in Savannah Opera’s La Traviata. He will be returning to Savannah Voice Festival this summer to perform Jinx in their production of Forever Plaid. Last fall, Lake wrote and starred in a one-man cabaret celebrating the life and music of Frank Sinatra, a production which he premiered with Mississippi Opera. He will go on to perform this show with multiple companies throughout the year. Other notable roles for Lake include Count Almaviva in Il barbiere di Siviglia, the Duke in Rigoletto, Paris in La belle HĂŠlène, Camille in Die Lustige Witwe, Ferrando in CosĂŹ fan tutte, and Don JosĂŠ in Carmen.

Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, tenor Hanif Lawrence comes to Natchez Festival of Music for the second year after his debut in the 2018 production of Gounod’s Faust. As a soloist, Lawrence performed at the Celebration of the Negro Spiritual Festival at Nicholls State University. In December 2018, he appeared as a guest soloist in the Jamaica Youth Chorale’s 10th Anniversary Celebration. A frequent performer at Natchez Musical Arts League meetings, Lawrence is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, where he studies in the studio of Dr. Byron Johnson.

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THE ARTISTS Melanie Leinbach (University of Virginia, BA; New England Conservatory, MM), has established herself as a versatile performer in opera and musical theater. Recent appearances include Despina (Cosi fan tutte) with North Shore Music Festival, Adina (L’elisir D’amore), Younger Alyce (Glory Denied) with Opera Upper West, Lucia (The Rape of Lucretia) with Loft Opera, Cunegonde (Candide) with Opera Steamboat, as well as Frasquita (Carmen), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), and Adele (Die Fledermaus). Additionally, she was a part of the critically acclaimed production of The Pirates of Penzance with Barrington Stage Company. Leinbach looks forward to a great month of music with Natchez Festival of Music!

(Endeavor Opera Theater), and First Step Sister in The True Story of Cinderella (Opera Tutti!). Other operatic highlights include Pandolfe in Cendrillon (Miami Music Festival), Morbio in Die schweigsame Frau, Baptista in Kiss Me, Kate! (Pittsburgh Festival Opera), Huascar in Les indes Galantes (Amherst Early Music Festival), Marco in Gianni Schicchi, Dr. Falke in Die Fledermaus, and Albert in Werther (Temple University Opera Theater), Ottokar in Der Freischütz (Wilmington Concert Opera), and Antonio in The Gondoliers (Greensboro Light Opera & Song). This past fall, Maisano joined VoxAmaDeus singing the bass solos in Bach’s 0DJQLÀFDW and Mozart’s Coronation Mass at The Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has also appeared as a guest soloist singing selections from Copland’s Old American Songs with The Rose Tree Pops Orchestra.

Philadelphia native, baritone Matthew Maisano is thrilled to make his debut with Natchez Music Festival! He was last seen as Count Almaviva in Wilmington Concert Opera’s production of Le nozze di Fiagro, a role Maisano previously sang as a graduate student with Cleveland Institute of Music Opera Theater. Other roles this season include Eugene Onegin in Eugene Onegin (Russian Opera Workshop), King Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors (Children’s Opera Box and Delaware Valley Opera Company), Ben in The Telephone

Adam Meshejian is a recent graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi, earning his bachelor’s degree with honors in Vocal Performance. While attending USM, he studied with soprano Dr. Susan Ruggiero-Mezzadri. He was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, where he took on roles in Oklahoma! (Ali Hakim) and Lil’ Abner (Hairless Joe) and performed scenes from Godspell (Jesus), Tarzan (Tarzan), and The Lion King (Simba) as part of the Broadway on Stage and Disney on Stage programs at Coastal Alabama Community College. Also at USM, he has been in Carmen, The Mikado, Rigoletto, The Phantom of the Opera (The Hairdresser), The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Glass Menagerie (Jim O’Connor), La Traviata (Alfredo Germont), Parade (Leo Frank), and Pippin (Lewis) along with roles in The Magic of the Musical Stage scenes program, including Turandot (Ensemble/ Emperor Altoum Cover) with Mississippi Opera. In his undergraduate career, he was D VHPL ÀQDOLVW LQ WKH FODVVLFDO DQG PXVLFDO theatre divisions for the 2017 NATS Mississippi Chapter and Southern Region &RPSHWLWLRQV DQG WKH ÀUVW SODFH ZLQQHU LQ the upper college men’s musical theatre category at the 2018 NATS Mississippi Chapter Convention. Meshejian furthered his professional training as a member of the 2018 Musical Theatre Company at the International Performing Arts Institute in Kiefersfelden, Germany, where he performed in Impresario of the South including scenes from The Phantom of the Opera (Phantom) Les Misérables (Marius), 'LH =DXEHUÁ|WH (Tamino), and Die Fledermaus (Eisenstein).

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THE ARTISTS Olivia Russell is a soprano from Gulfport, Mississippi, currently residing in Mobile, Alabama. She has earned an Associate of Arts in Vocal Performance at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston Campus, and has performed roles such as Clairee from Steel Magnolias and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. Some of her favorite roles have been Little Red in Into the Woods and Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka. She has also performed in Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company’s productions of Rigoletto, Turandot, and The Mikado. In 2018 she attended a summer-intensive program at NYCDA in New York where she took classes and received a scholarship for courses in ÀOP YRLFH VWDJH FRPEDW DQG DFWLQJ XQGHU .HYLQ %UH]QDKDQ DQG $ODQ 5DFNKDP $OVR LQ VKH ZRQ ÀUVW SODFH LQ WKH 0LVVLVVLSSL NATS competition, Musical Theatre division. Russell currently is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Mobile under the study of Dr. Maryann Kyle. At the University of Mobile, she has performed as Merriman in The Importance of Being Earnest and is looking forward to performing as La Bergère in L’efant et les sortilÊges and Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods.

American tenor Wesley Saunders is quickly establishing a name for himself as a sought-after young artist in the United States and abroad, and he has recently made his international debut with Berlin Opera Academy in its production of Carmen. With an active career in opera and music theatre, Saunders has been seen in productions ranging from Faust, Carmen, and Il Barbieri di Siviglia to musicals such as Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Phantom of the Opera.

Saunders holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Idaho and a Master of Music degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Described by The New York Times as “the robust-voiced baritone,â€? bass-baritone Luke Scott has performed leading roles with orchestras and opera companies in Canada and the United States. Recent engagements include Escamillo (Carmen), Maryland Symphony, the Caramoor Festival; Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro), Opera on the Avalon; El Sistema in Venezuel; Peter (Hansel und Gretel) Opera Theater of Connecticut; Count Almaviva (Le Nozze di Figaro), Martina Arroyo Foundation; Argante (Rinaldo), Boston Opera Collaborative; Leporello (Don Giovann), Opera Western Reserve; and Emille de Becque* (South 3DFLĂ€F) at St Petersburg Opera. Recent concerts include the Brahms’ Requiem with Newburyport Chorale Society, Mozart’s Requiem with Connecticut Virtuosi Orchestra, and Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus with New Haven Chorale. Other accolades include soloist with Cape Cod Symphony, a winner of the New England Concerto competition, Messiah soloist with the Eastern Connecticut 6\PSKRQ\ DQG Ă€QDOLVW IRU WKH $UW 6RQJ 3UHVHUYDWLRQ 6RFLHW\ RI 1HZ York concert. Last season after his role of Escamillo (Carmen) with Opera Western Reserve and a debut with Opera in Williamsburg,

he returned to New York’s Broadway district in the critically acclaimed revival of Figaro 90210 and then continued to Boston for the world premiere of Noli Me Tangere, followed by a concert of Rogers and Hammerstein with Opera Theater of Connecticut.

Scott has received the American Prize in opera; awards from the Martina Arroyo Foundation, Bel Canto Scholarship Foundation, and Gerda Lissner Foundation; and was named Shreveport Opera Singer of the Year.

Lyric soprano, Sarah Stembel is thrilled to be making her Natchez Festival of Music debut. In May 2018, she graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance under the direction of Dr. Maryann Kyle. Most recently, she has covered the role of Musetta for the Mississippi Opera’s production of La Bohème. In May 2018, she played the role of Shelby in the Hub City Player’s production of Steel Magnolias. During her time at Southern Mississippi, she was in several productions with the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company, including Christine DaaÊ in The Phantom of the Opera, Yum-Yum in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado, Consuela in West Side Story, and in the ensembles of Turandot, Rigoletto, Carmen, Tosca, and Showbiz Harmony! She has also been a part of the Mississippi Opera productions of Turando, Rigoletto, Carmen, and Tosca. Last fall, Stembel won third place in the Student Artist category in the John Alexander National Voice Competition. In 2016, VKH ZRQ ÀUVW SODFH LQ WKH *XOI &RDVW 6WHLQZD\ 9RFDO &RPSHWLWLRQ in Mobile, Alabama, and second place in the Student Division of the Voices of Mississippi Competition. This fall, Stembel will be pursing her Master of Music in Vocal Performance.

Llettesha Sylvester is a distinguished soprano who has excelled at the top of her class.

As a Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival Champion in 2010, she claimed the title of Most Outstanding Vocalist, was the winner of the Lieder Class—Broadway Female Class, and garnered the Myer Shield second place. She has performed for members of Parliament, ministers of government, ambassadors, and the Prime Minister and President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. She has studied voice under the tutelage of Mr. Jessel Murray and the late Dr. Vertrelle Cameron-Mickens and has been coached by Dr. Leah Brown and Dr. Maryann Kyle, and she has earned an Artist Diploma in Music Performance from the University of Trinidad and Tobago: Academy of the Performing Arts. In addition, Sylvester has performed at Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, Jazz Artists on the Greens, and Tobago Jazz Experience. In May 2015, she took command of the stage in WKH OHDGLQJ UROH RI 0DKDOLD -DFNVRQ LQ D WZHQW\ ÀYH VKRZ UXQ RI Mahalia: A Gospel Musical. She returned for an encore in this role in September 2016 for seven shows. Currently, Sylvester is reading for a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance in the studio of Dr. Byron Johnson at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi.

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THE ARTISTS Lauren Terry is a recent graduate of Ouachita Baptist University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. There, she served in many different capacities as a performer, director, and costume designer. She is so excited and thankful to be joining Natchez Festival of Music for the ÀUVW WLPH $ KXJH WKDQNV WR -RH KHU IDPLO\ DQG friends for all their support and faith in her.

Dr. Corey Trahan returns for his sixth season with Natchez Festival of Music. During the 2018-2019 season, he was guest vocalist with the Northwestern Florida Symphony Orchestra and performed recitals in Austria and Atlanta as well as at Eastern New Mexico University.

He will perform Hysterium in Sondheim’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and join Des Moines Metro Opera’s 2019 summer season for productions of Candide and Wozzeck. Currently, Dr. Trahan is an Assistant Professor at NWFSC, Artistic Administrator of the Natchez Festival of Music, and member of the American Guild of Music Artists and the Actors’ Equity Association.

Demi VanderWerff, mezzo-soprano, is a summa-cum-laude graduate of Jacksonville State University with a concentration in vocal studies. She works as an active performer, director, and teacher in the Southeastern region.

VanderWerff has a passion for working with young singers to foster a positive attitude and solid musical understanding. Her favorite roles include Hansel (Hansel & Gretel), Musetta (La BohĂŠme), Susanna (Le Nozze di Figaro), Kate (0DGDPD %XWWHUĂ \), Stephano (Romeo et Juliette), Mary (The Nativity According to St. Luke), Adele (Die Fledermaus), and Lucy (The Telephone). She has been engaged with Mississippi Opera, University of Mobile Opera, Ars Nova School of the Arts, Jacksonville Opera Theater, Opera Upper West, The Huntsville Community Chorus, Bloomington Cantata Project, National Opera Association, IU Opera, Alabama A&M Choral Studies, Druid City Opera, and Fantasy Playhouse.

Actively involved in the outreach of opera, VanderWerff has directed children’s operas Gertrude McFuzz and Sid the Serpent, DQG KDV SDUWLFLSDWHG LQ ,QGLDQD 8QLYHUVLW\¡V QRQ SURÀW 5RXQGDERXW Opera for Kids. In 2015, she served as the intern for the OK Mozart Festival in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. VanderWerff is pursuing her Master of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Mobile.

Olivia Vaughn has performed in musical theatre for the past ten years and just recently entered the opera scene at the University of Mobile. Her most recent production was the university’s doublebill feature opera of Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel in which she played the Sandman, and of Ravel’s L’Enfant et les Sortileges in which she played L’Ecureuil. She also has performed at the University of Mobile as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods and Woman (1&2) in Songs for a New World. Additional recent Page 36 { May 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

musical theatre credits include the Narrator in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Fantine in Les Miserables, Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical. In the fall of 2016, she placed fourth in the Lower Level College Division–Musical Theatre at Regional NATS 2016, and she was awarded Music Major of the Year at Meridian Community College in 2018. Vaughn has an Associate Degree in Vocal Performance and is currently studying for her Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Mobile under Dr. Maryann Kyle.

Jamaican soprano, Danielle Watson, completed her Bachelor of Music in December 2017 at Alcorn State University. She has performed in Showboat, Carmen, and Faust with Natchez Festival of Music; and she has covered the role of Adina in Donizetti’s opera L’elisir d’amore for Southern Opera & Musical 7KHDWUH &RPSDQ\ $ UHJXODU VHPL ÀQDOLVW DQG ÀQDOLVW DW YRLFH FRPSHWLWLRQV VKH ZDV D ÀUVW SODFH ZLQQHU in the Younger Student Adult Women and Men Division at the Southern Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Competition held at the University of Louisiana–Monroe in November 2016. Watson has given solo performances at the Natchez Music League and Nicholls State University in Houma, Louisiana, for A Celebration of the Negro Spirituals. Also, she has appeared as a soloist with several Jamaican groups and has been invited to appear in concerts and recitals hosted by notable Jamaican organizations. An avid lover and supporter of the arts, Watson, currently is pursuing her Master of Music in Vocal Performance at The University of Southern Mississippi where she studies under the tutelage of Dr. Kimberley Davis.

Gabriel Bass is from Natchez, Mississippi.

His love for music started with watching his grandfather play piano and sing weekly during church services. As a young man, he played country music in local honky tonks. At the age of WZHQW\ ÀYH KH VWDUWHG SOD\LQJ WKH JXLWDU DQG LQ 2017, he recorded and released an album called Fools Paradise. This album features many local artists, including Richard Burke, Mark Richardson, Chris Kenney, Taylor Spring, Amanda Fulton, Jason Gore, Ben Lewis, Burne Sharp, Kristopher Douglas, and others. Bass specializes in playing songs of Sam Cooke, George Jones, Lead Belly, Dr. Hook, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Chris Stapleton, and Dion, as well as songs of his own.

He loves playing in Natchez because it is the perfect melting pot of music, history, and good times. In Natchez, one never knows whether he or she will be playing for a table of local friends or visitors from some other part of the world who have come to Natchez to hear some authentic Mississippi music.

THE ARTISTS With a driving beat and infectious rhythm, Asleep at the Wheel is simply spectacular!

This American country western swing group has been performing for over forty years, has released over twenty albums, has charted more than twenty singles on the Billboard country charts, and has won nine Grammy Awards. They have been the most important force in keeping the sound of western swing music alive in America. The group features eight to eleven musicians with their famous front man, Ray Benson.

The Bishop Gunn musicians of Natchez, Mississippi, are rooted in the history and sounds of their home and its northern Mississippi Delta neighbor; and their music features a blend of rock-and-roll, soul, and blues. In 2017, the band appeared on Kid Rock’s 8th Annual “Chillin’ the Most Cruise� and was voted the best band on the boat by the “chillers.� In September 2017, Bishop Gunn took the stage at the Pilgrimage Festival in Franklin, Tennessee, alongside artists like Justin Timberlake, Eddie Vedder, Mavis Staples, and Gary Clark, Jr. The band then played Laid Back Festival dates with Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, Jimmie Vaughan, the Gregg Allman Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Bishop Gunn released their debut full-length album, Natchez, in May 2018. They worked on the release with Grammy Award-winning producers Casey Wasner and Mark Neill at legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and FAME Studios as well as at The Purple House in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee.

The album, named after the band’s hometown, entered the Billboard charts as the #4 Blues Album and also appeared as #8 on Heatseekers South Central albums chart. Rolling Stone Country featured the band among its “Artists You Need to Know,â€? asserting “anyone can cite WKH 0XVFOH 6KRDOV VRXQG DV DQ LQĂ XHQFH EXW IHZ DFWV FDQ DFWXDOO\ pull off making music worthy of such a claim. Nashville band Bishop Gunn is one of those acts. . . . The resulting music is the perfect blend of Nashville and the Shoals, and is the rare album that builds upon its LQĂ XHQFHV UDWKHU WKDQ UHVRUWLQJ WR RXWULJKW PLPLFU\ Âľ %LVKRS *XQQ has an exciting 2019 ahead, performing on the Southern Rock Cruise and embarking on a European tour which includes support dates with Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators.

The Lagniappe Trio is comprised of musicians Rachel Taratoot Ciraldo, Ă XWH &KULVWRSKHU /RZU\ YLROD DQG Stephanie Gustafson Amfahr, harp.

Formed in 2016, these principal players of the Baton Rouge Symphony have extensive experience with the orchestral and chamber music UHSHUWRLUH DQG SDUWLFXODUO\ HQMR\ SUHVHQWLQJ QHZ ZRUNV IRU WKH Ă XWH viola, and harp ensemble.

A native of West Monroe, Louisiana, Lisa Lee Phifer is an accomplished vocalist, pianist, music director, teacher, recording artist, and song writer with credits spanning opera, musical theatre, contemporary Christian, symphony pops, and over two decades of concert touring. Highlights of her thirty-plus years in the industry include Rose in Kurt Weil’s Street Scene, Pamina in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Mrs. Andrews in Mary Poppins, and Kathy Seldon in Singing in the Rain (awarded Best Actress in a Musical). Her accomplishments LQFOXGH SODFLQJ ÀUVW LQ WKH *RVSHO 6RQJZULWHUV GLYLVLRQ RI WKH regional National Association of Teachers of Singing Vocal &RPSHWLWLRQ UHFRUGLQJ KHU ÀUVW DOEXP ZLQQLQJ WKH %URDGZD\ DQG Classical divisions in the regional National Association of Teachers of Singing Vocal Competition, and earning a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

As a professional choral artist, Phifer has sung in Carnegie Hall with the Festival Chorus under Maestro Anton Armstrong; and she currently performs and often solos with the Lanier Chamber Singers, the Cresswind Community Chorus, the Believer’s Band, and Gainesville First United Methodist Church. Recent projects include concert programs with renowned pianist Ron Chiles and performances “Celebrating Sinatra� with Corey Trahan (baritone) and Julian Jones (pianist). She currently resides in Gainesville, Georgia, where she maintains a private teaching studio for piano and voice as well as an active presence in the local arts scene.

The B3 LV D SRZHU WULR URFN RXWĂ€W KDLOLQJ IURP DOO SDUWV RI 0LVsissippi. Their sound is as unique as the story of how they came together. One evening in the spring of 2017, the group combined their talents at the Under the Hill Saloon in Natchez. Their chemistry and sound that night was as magical as the Mississippi River rolling a few feet outside the door. Currently, they perform as a trio as well as collaborate on original songs. From the four corners of Mississippi, The B3 artists bring their raw improvisational skills, musicianship, and rootsy sound to the stage, a sound that is gritty and authentic just like the Mississippi Mud in which these boys were raised.

Young Valley, hailing from Jackson, Mississippi, offers points of view from songwriters Zach Lovett, Dylan Lovett, and Spencer Thomas with a trading of styles from traditional country to southern-tinged rock-andUROO :LWK WKH DGGLWLRQ RI .HOO .HOOXP DQG (WKDQ )ULQN WKH Ă€YH piece group lays out a catalogue of catchy melodies, harmonies, and plenty of guitar shred, all packaged into well-crafted tunes. In a recent interview in Mississippi Today they said, “We service the song. Wherever the song takes us, we need to go.â€? This mantra has kept them honest in their approach; and just like their hard-tolook-away-from kind of stage show, you don’t quite know what to expect next from Young Valley.

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 37

THE ARTISTS PRODUCTION STAFF Beth Everett is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music with an emphasis in choral music at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where she conducts the Southwestern University Chorale and Southwestern University Singers, and also teaches courses in conducting and music literature. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from The University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Southern Methodist University, and a Bachelor of Music in Church Music from Palm Beach Atlantic University. In addition to her love of choral music, she has an extensive list of opera and musical theater productions in her conducting repertoire ranging from La Traviata to A Chorus Line and from Godspell to Carousel and Into the Woods. Dr. Everett has prepared choruses for Meadows Opera Theater and Southern Opera and Musical Theater productions including Francis Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites, Kurt Weill’s Street Scene, and Maurice Ravel’s L’Enfant et les Sortilèges. She returns yearly by invitation as musical director and chorus master with Natchez Festival of Music and has conducted performances of Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance and Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. She conducted Show Boat in 2016 in celebration of the tricentennial of the City of Natchez, Mississippi. Dr. Everett performed most recently with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra

and the Emory University Symphony Orchestra, and she has performed the mezzo soprano solos for such major choral works as Handel’s Messiah, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Mozart’s Requiem, and Mendelssohn’s Elijah.

Landon Henry, a Natchez native, is pleased to be back home working for Natchez Festival of Music’s Outreach Program this year. In the festival’s 2013 season, he played Ralph in Kiss Me Kate and worked backstage for Rigoletto.

In its 2015 season, he was brought in for the ÀUVW WLPH DV WKH IHVWLYDO¡V SURGXFWLRQ VWDJH manager and has served in that role every year to date. He attended The University of Southern Mississippi where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and received extensive training in scenic design and carpentry, prop building, and stage lighting. Henry lived in Chicago for three years, working as a stage PDQDJHU DFWRU SURGXFHU DQG FRIIHH DIÀFLDQDGR 7KHUH KH ZDV DQ ensemble and founding member of the Jubilee Theatre Collective.

He also stage managed productions for several Chicago companies, including Cube Ensemble, Trap Door Theatre, and The One Year Checkov Project. This year in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he stage managed Opera Louisiane’s opening concert of Baritone’s on the Bayou. Passionate about education, Landon is now undergoing WHDFKHU FHUWLÀFDWLRQ LQ /RXLVLDQD DQG ORRNV IRUZDUG WR LQVSLULQJ new generations of young people to pursue their dreams.

Stage director J. J. Hudson is well known for his dynamic productions. In the past two years, he has directed Werther and CosÏ fan tutte (Temple University), /D ÀOOH du rÊgiment (Opera in the Heights), Le nozze di Figaro (Opera in the Ozarks), Die =DXEHUà |WH and Carmen (Lakes Area Music Festival), La Bohème (Tri-Cities Opera), 6RXWK 3DFLÀF (Opera Roanoke), /D ÀQWD giardiniera (Columbus State University), and Suor Angelica in Gianni Schicchi (Red River Lyric Opera). Productions in the spring of 2019 include Rita in Il segreto di Susanna with Sarasota Opera. A frequent director in young-artist opera programs, Hudson has served on the directing staff of the Aspen Opera Theater, Red River Lyric Opera, Opera Breve Vocal Intensive, Opera in the Ozarks, Oberlin in Italy, and Opera North. Additional recent directing credits include CosÏ fan tutte (Opera Tampa), Il barbiere di Siviglia (Tri-Cities Opera), La Cenerentola (Opera Roanoke), West Side Story (Asheville Lyric Opera), and La Traviata (Berkshires Theater Group).

Hudson holds a Master of Music in Stage

Page 38 { May 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

THE ARTISTS Direction and a D.M.A in Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. He also holds degrees from Stetson University and the University of Iowa.

Titus Joshua is an alumnus of Northwestern State University with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre, concentrating in performance and directing. Hailing from Covington, Louisiana, he has been studying theatre for nine years, performing both on stage and behind the scenes.

Titus hopes to continue on his path in theatre and HYHQWXDOO\ WUDQVLWLRQ WR ÀOP ZRUN DV ZHOO Taiwanese pianist Yuan-Hung Lin has performed frequently in Asia, Europe, and the United States. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Music from National Taitung University in Taiwan and her Master of Arts in Music from Birmingham Conservatoire in the United Kingdom. She is currently pursuing the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts at The University of Southern Mississippi. During her studies, she won prizes at the Peter Donohoe Piano Competition, International Prima Pianistica Piano Competition, and International New Tang Dynasty Television Piano Competition. She also received a Taiwan Ministry of Education scholarship to support her studies at the Birmingham Conservatoire and The University of Southern Mississippi. Lin is not only a soloist but also a collaborative pianist who has worked with many instrumentalists and singers. In addition, she performs as an opera pianist at The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Music, having worked with the opera department there on such musicals and operas as Turandot, The Drowsy Chaperone, and The Elixir of Love.

A Hattiesburg, Mississippi, native, lyric baritone Harlan Mapp, is studying for his Master of Music in Conducting at The University of Southern Mississippi. He has performed in various musical theatre roles such as Phantom in Andrew Loyd Weber’s Phantom of the Opera, Nathan Detroit in Guys & Dolls, and Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Mapp’s operatic roles include Ping in Turandot, Mandarin in Turandot, Count Monterone in Rigoletto, Ko-Ko in The Mikado, Doncairo in Carmen, and Father in Hansel and Gretel. He was part of the 2018 Natchez Festival of Music, working on props and set for A Little Night Music and Faust, and is returning for another year as part of the production team while continuing to work on sets and props.

Mapp attended The University of Southern Mississippi for his undergraduate studies in Music Education.

Rob Mulholland (director) has directed and designed over one hundred productions both nationally and internationally in New York and London and at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland where he holds the record for most Fringe First Awards. He has worked with actors and singers from The Royal National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Broadway, The Metropolitan Opera, and Hollywood. For The University of Southern Mississippi, he has directed West Side Story, Don Giovanni, Cosi fan tutte (twice), Die Fledermaus, The Merry Widow, The Barber of Seville, The Fantasticks, Company, Side by Side by Sondheim, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Marriage of Figaro, The Tender Land, Godspell, As You Like It, and others; and for Mississippi Opera, he has directed Carmen, The Mikado and The Pirates of Penzance. He also has served as Production Manager for Placido Domingo in Concert and Ray Charles in Concert. Mulholland’s New Orleans direction includes Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (twice), Into the Woods, and Mel Brooks’ The Producers, for which Mulholland won the New Orleans Award as Director of the Year. His numerous musical theatre credits for Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera include the record-setting Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Oliver!, Grease, The Music Man, 6RXWK 3DFLÀF, The Drowsy Chaperone, The King and I, A Christmas Carol, and others. Mulholland is the author of Best of the Mississippi Blues (starring Vasti Jackson), a two-time featured presentation of FestivalSouth and A Signature Event at the 2015 Natchez Festival of Music where he has also done Don Giovanni, Kiss Me Kate, and the 2016 Natchez Tri-centennial production of Showboat. This past fall in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he directed Macbeth WKLV FRPPXQLW\¡V ÀUVW HYHU 6KDNHVSHDUH LQ WKH 3DUN Richard Nechamkin is a conductor, pianist, and vocal coach with forty years of experience and a UHSHUWRLUH RI RYHU VHYHQW\ ÀYH RSHUDV DQG KH LV the founder, artistic director, and conductor of the New York Opera Forum. His extensive experience includes musical direction and conducting for the Atlantic Chamber Orchestra (comprised of members from the Philadelphia Orchestra), Johanna Meier Opera Institute, Opera-On-The-Go, New York Lyric Opera, New York Opera Theatre, and Ottocento Opera Company. He has held staff positions at New York City Opera, Mississippi Opera, New York Grand Opera, Amato Opera, and Hudson Valley Opera. In the 1980s, he was Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of the Y Sinfonietta, an orchestra based in Flushing, New York. Nechamkin was associate musical director (2002-2008), and has been assistant conductor of Natchez Festival of Music since 2014 and of Mississippi Opera since 2012. He also has accompanied many singers, including Montserrat Caballe, Susanne Marsee, and Gabriella Tucci; and he has played for the voice studios of Tucci, Marsee, Joshua Hecht, Johanna Meier, Renata Scotto, Carol and Nico Castel, Betty Allen, Michael Warren, and Gary Glaze among others. In addition, he arranged and FRQGXFWHG VHYHUDO ÀOP VFRUHV DQG KDV VHUYHG DV PXVLF GLUHFWRU IRU two off- off- Broadway productions. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, Nechamkin studied conducting with Pierre Boulez, Sixten Ehrling, and Anton Coppola.

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 39

THE ARTISTS In Mobile, Alabama, Christopher W. Powell is music director and organist at Christ Church Cathedral as well as the Tony and Alma Fisher Music Director at Springhill Avenue Temple. He is also a collaborative pianist at the University of Mobile and for Mobile Opera. Powell studied at the University of West Florida and at Juilliard School in New York City. As a composer, he won a silver medal in 2016 and a bronze medal in 2017 in the Global Music Awards competition.

Maggie Saunders, originally from Huntington, West Virginia, is so excited to be working with Natchez Festival of Music! In 2015, she graduated from Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Following graduation, she was Resident Actor with Charleston Stage Company in Charleston, South Carolina, where she taught classes and performed in both main stage and TYA productions as well as stage managed and choreographed. Thereafter, she traveled to Amana, Iowa, to work with the Old Creamery Theatre, teaching and performing. Saunders’ favorite performance credits include Hairspray (Tracy Turnblad), The Miracle Worker (Anne Sullivan), and Footloose (Rusty).

TECHNICAL STAFF Boston native and choreographer Ryan Anthony is a performing artist with a passion for music, theatre, dance, and art. A sought-after instructor and choreographer around the Southeast, Anthony has been a part of many musical productions, including Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, Cats, and Footloose. Most recently, Anthony was co-choreographer for the sold-out run of the Southern Opera and Musical Theater’s production of The Phantom of the Opera. Anthony is also an avid photographer and is developing a local clientele with photo shoots in various mediums.

He has performed in productions around the South and is thrilled to put his choreographic skills to work for the Natchez Festival of Music.

Bethany Lee, a recent graduate of Northwestern State University, is beyond thrilled to be returning to Natchez Music Festival. Her recent design credits include The Birds and When I Snap my Fingers. Excited to begin her career past college, she is going on to design for Stagedoor Manor in New York and performing with Brightstar Children’s Touring Theatre. Lee wishes to thank her family and friends for always pushing her to follow any dreams that she has ever had; and she wants to say a special thank you to Thomas, her best friend and partner in crime.

Thomas Hadzeriga is a recent graduate of Northwestern State University with a Bachelor of Science in Musical Theatre/Performance and Directing, and he is excited to be returning to Natchez for his third summer in a row! His recent roles include Moritz Stiefel in Spring Awakening, Nat in The Birds, Polonius in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, and Wally Fergusson in 1940’s Radio Music Hour. As he begins a new chapter in his career, Hadzeriga would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Jay Dean, Dr. Corey Trahan, and Landon Henry for this opportunity and to thank Bethany Lee for her love and support. To Ash, Jack, and Jay—Hadzeriga would not be in theatre if it were QRW IRU \RXU LQà XHQFH ZKHUHYHU \RX PD\ EH WKDQN \RX Hayden Courington is a senior accounting major at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Heavily involved in the School of Music and Arts program at USM, he has performed in its productions of Mary Poppins and West Side Story. In addition, Courington was the stage manager for the USM and Mississippi Opera productions of Carmen and for Natchez Festival of Music for two summers.

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THE PRODUCTIONS

Saturdays, May 4, 11, 18, & 25

Children’s Events Each Saturday Morning during the Festival

Natchez First Presbyterian Church • Fellowship Hall • 400 State Street 10:00 a.m. / Admission Free

Saturday, May 4 Goldie B. Locks and the Three Singing Bears A Musical Stage Production

Saturday, May 11 Fairy Tales in Music Songs from the Greatest Fairy Tale Musical Movies

Saturday, May 18 A Musical Instrument Petting Zoo An Interactive, Hands-on Musical Experience for Kids

Saturday, May 25 Painting with Emotion Draw and Paint Your Own Pictures Inspired by Music

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 43

THE PRODUCTIONS

B

Saturday, May 4

illboard Magazine in 2010 stated, “Everything this act has ever released is simply spectacular.” Despite being around for over 40 years, Asleep at the Wheel continues strongly, releasing albums such as Still the King: Celebrating the Music of Bob Willis and His Texas Playboys in 2015. This Bob Willis tribute earned strong reviews and received a Grammy Award for Best Recording Package. Their latest album, called New Routes, was just released in September 2018. When asked what it meant for Asleep at the Wheel to be playing for over 40 continuous years, Ray Benson said, “It means everything.

This is what I’ve wanted to do since I was young. For Asleep at the Wheel to have been able to play music around the world since 1970 has been amazing. I’ve been very lucky to have so many amazing musicians and bandmates through[out] the years. It’s made all the tough times worth it, and I’m extremely excited to see what the future has in store for Asleep at the Wheel!”

Natchez City Auditorium 207 Jefferson Street 7:00 p.m.

Admission $30 Enjoy cash bar beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Page 44 { May 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

THE PRODUCTIONS

Tuesdays, May 7, 14, & 21

T

his has become a Natchez Festival of Music “do-notmiss” event. Each year, festival guests look forward to attending these iconic festival concerts. Come hear the very best singers in the nation perform their most exciting arias while you sit back, relax, and enjoy one of your favorite drinks. These concerts are always fun!

Admission $20 ($10 for K-12 Student, Adult with K-12 Student, College and Active Military with current ID)

Tuesday, May 7 Historic Natchez Foundation 108 South Commerce Street 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 14 Magnolia Hall 215 South Pearl Street 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 21 Natchez Visitor Center 640 South Canal Street 7:00 p.m.

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P2P Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 45

THE PRODUCTIONS

Wednesdays, May 8, 15, & 22

Blues, Rock and Roll, great drinks, and a fabulous Mississippi sunset come together to create this fun event. Come enjoy live music performed by Natchez-area musicians.

Wednesday, May 8, at Natchez Architectural and Art Discoveries Starring Gabriel Bass Gabriel Bass is from Natchez, Mississippi. His love of music started with watching his grandfather play piano and sing weekly during church services. As a young man, he played country music in local honky tonks and started playing the guitar at age 25. In 2017, he recorded and released an album called Fool’s Paradise, which features many local artists, including Richard Burke, Mark Richardson, Chris Kenney, Taylor Spring, Amanda Fulton, Jason Gore, Ben Lewis, Burne Sharp, Kristopher Douglas, and others. Bass specializes in playing the songs of Sam Cooke, George Jones, Lead Belly, Dr. Hook, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Chris Stapleton, and Dion, as well as songs of his own.

515 Main Street • 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. • Admission $8 Anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, May 15, at Smoot’s Grocery Starring The B3 7KH % LV D SRZHU WULR URFN RXWÀW KDLOLQJ IURP DOO SDUWV RI 0LVVLVVLSSL 7KHLU VRXQG LV DV unique as the story of how they came together. The group met in the spring of 2017 at the Under the Hill Saloon in Natchez. Their chemistry and sound that night was as magical as the Mississippi River rolling a few feet outside the door. They perform as a trio as well as collaborate on original songs. From the four corners of Mississippi, The B3 band members bring their raw improvisational skills, musicianship, and rootsy sound to the stage, a sound that is gritty and authentic just like the Mississippi Mud in which these boys were raised.

319 South Broadway Street • 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. • Admission $8 Anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, May 22, at Rolling River Bistro’s 408 Listening Room Starring Young Valley With a trading of styles from traditional country to southern-tinged rock and roll, the ÀYH PHPEHU <RXQJ 9DOOH\ EDQG OD\V RXW D FDWDORJXH RI FDWFK\ PHORGLHV DQG KDUPRQLHV (with plenty of guitar shred), all packaged into well-crafted tunes. This group from Jackson, Mississippi, has songwriters Zach Lovett, Dylan Lovett, and Spencer Thomas collaborating with Kell Kellum and Ethan Frink in performing their hard-to-look-awayfrom kind of stage shows. Since the release of their debut album No Filter in 2014, Young Valley has toured over thirty-four states. In an interview with Mississippi Today, the musicians explained, “We service the Song. Wherever the song takes us, we need to go.”

408 Main Street • 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. • Admission $8 Anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Thursday, May 9 Temple Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nai Israel 213 South Commerce Street 7:00 p.m.

Admission $15 ($10 for K-12 Student, Adult with K-12 Student, College and Active Military with current ID)

featuring

The Lagniappe Trio

F

rom the Spanish countryside to celestial skies, from WKH Ă RDWLQJ WHQWDFOHV RI D MHOO\Ă&#x20AC;VK WR WKH VWDWHO\ JUDQGHXU RI the Mississippi live oaks, and from the blurred colors of a sunset to a drop of dew, Timeless Impressions will take your imagination on a trip through time and space. The Lagniappe Trio (Rachel Taratoot &LUDOGR Ă XWH &KULVWRSKHU /RZU\ viola and composer; and Stephanie Gustafson Amfahr, harp) will feature the diverse colors and qualities of WKH Ă XWH YLROD DQG KDUS DV WKH\ present timeless works that have stood and will continue to stand the test of time. Come hear exotic and spectacular works by Claude Debussy, Jacques Ibert, Karim al Zand, and Christopher Lowry.

Sponsored by Al Walker In Memory of Keith Karlson

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THE PRODUCTIONS

Friday, May 10

A DAY OF PEACE AND MUSIC

WOODSTOCK

5

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Featuring internationally known Mississippi Blues icon

VASTI JACKSON

Natchez City Auditorium 207 Jefferson Street 7:00 p.m. / Admission $25 ($10 for K-12 Student, Adult with K-12 Student, College and Active Military with current ID)

T

he Natchez Festival of Music proudly presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Day of Peace and Music: A Woodstock 50th Anniversary Celebration.â&#x20AC;? Come hear the music of Jimi Hendrix; Janis Joplin; the Who; Crosby, Stills, and Nash; and many others. Originally billed as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three Days of Peace & Music,â&#x20AC;? the Woodstock festival was a one-of-a-kind experience! This music and art festival spanned four days, August 15-18, in 1969 at a six-hundred-acre dairy farm in Bethel, New York. More than half a million people came to see more than thirty-two acts that performed during that weekend. Woodstock is widely regarded as a turning point in popular music history. :LWKLQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW GD\ WKH FRQFHUW ZDV LQ GDQJHU RI VKXWWLQJ GRZQ PDVVLYH WUDIĂ&#x20AC;F MDPV H[WUHPH VKRUWDJHV RI IRRG and an assortment of unsanitary conditions, medical cases, and even a birth or two were just some of the issues with the concert. Inclimate weather also was a problem, turning the grounds into a muddy pit and causing delays that made the performances bleed over into Monday. Multiple musicians like Bob Dylan or the Beatles did not attend, citing different reasons, ranging from not wanting to perform outdoors to not wanting to deal with â&#x20AC;&#x153;unwashed hippies.â&#x20AC;?

The result? Despite criticism, Woodstock was a huge success! Over half a million people attended. The United States Army airlifted much-needed supplies and performers during the weekend, allowing it to continue. Although most people KDG OHIW E\ 0RQGD\ PRUQLQJ -LPL +HQGUL[ Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG RXW WKH FRQFHUW RQ $XJXVW E\ SHUIRUPLQJ KLV LFRQLF UHQGLWLRQ RI â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Star-Spangled Banner,â&#x20AC;? one of the most legendary moments from the entire weekend. The owner of the dairy farm, Max Yasgur, spoke to the crowd on Sunday afternoon, explaining,â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are the largest group of people ever assembled in one place at one time. . . . we had no idea there would be this many . . . and you have proven something to the world . . . that half a million [people] can get together for fun and music and have nothing but fun and music.â&#x20AC;?

In the early years, many attempts were made to replicate the Woodstock experience. However, the state of New York and the town of Bethel passed multiple mass-gathering laws designed to prevent similar festivals from happening. To prevent people from visiting the site, local farmers took such measures as spreading chicken manure or even forming roadblocks with tractors and police cars.

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THE PRODUCTIONS

Saturday, May 11

BISHOP GUNN CRAWFISH BOIL Bluff Park Downtown Natchez Gates open at 3:00 p.m.

Admission $15 in advance / $25 at the gate

C

ritically acclaimed band Bishop Gunn returns to Natchez to commemorate its rock and roll roots with friends, family, and fans in an DXWKHQWLF 0LVVLVVLSSL IDVKLRQ ² D FUDZĂ&#x20AC;VK ERLO 7KH QG DQQXDO %LVKRS *XQQ &UDZĂ&#x20AC;VK %RLO LV D VRXWKHUQ FHOHEUDWLRQ RI 1DWFKH] PXVLF DQG IRRG 7KH HYHQW ZLOO IHDWXUH D IXOO URVWHU RI OLYH PXVLF DQG DQ HQGOHVV VXSSO\ RI FUDZĂ&#x20AC;VK E\ & 0 &UDZĂ&#x20AC;VK

Bishop Gunn formed after Travis McCready and Burne Sharpe met at the big annual music festival in Natchez, Mississippi. They began to collaborate, drawing inspiration from the Delta and featuring elements of rock and roll, soul, country, and blues. Shortly thereafter, they added band members Drew Smithers and Ben Lewis. With this current lineup, they moved to Leiperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fork, Tennessee, where they rehearse in a re-purposed grocery store.

Getting their band name from a headstone in a historic Natchez cemetery, Bishop Gunn has gone on to perform with various reputable acts; and the group appeared in Kid Rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8th Annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chillinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Most Cruiseâ&#x20AC;? in 2017, being voted as the best band on the boat by the â&#x20AC;&#x153;chillers.â&#x20AC;? Bishop Gunn also has performed at the Pilgrimage Festival in Franklin, Tennessee, alongside artists such as Justin Timberlake, Eddie Vedder, and Mavis Staples; and the group has played at the Laid Back Festival with Jaimoeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jassez Band, Jimmie Vaughan, the Greg Allman Band, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. More recently, Bishop Gunn has played support dates for Blackberry Smoke and The Outlaws, as well as continues to be invited to Kid Rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chillinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Most Cruise.â&#x20AC;?

In May 2018, Bishop Gunn released its debut full-length album Natchez, named after the band membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hometown. This album entered the Billboard charts as the #4 Blues Album and has also appeared as #8 on Billboard Heatseekers South Central chart. Rolling Stone has SUDLVHG WKH EDQG DQG LWV GHEXW DOEXP VWDWLQJ ´$Q\RQH FDQ FLWH WKH 0XVFOH 6KRDOV VRXQG DV DQ LQĂ XHQFH EXW IHZ DFWV FDQ DFWXDOO\ SXOO RII PDNLQJ PXVLF ZRUWK\ RI VXFK D FODLP %LVKRS *XQQ LV RQH RI WKRVH DFWV ÂŤ >7KLV@ UDUH DOEXP EXLOGV XSRQ LWV LQĂ XHQFHV UDWKHU WKDQ UHVRUWLQJ to outright mimicry.â&#x20AC;?

Bishop Gunn has performed covers such as Jimmy Reedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Baby What You Want Me to Doâ&#x20AC;? as well as composed their own songs like Natchezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead single â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shine.â&#x20AC;? When asked what the message of their music is, McCready said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to preserve the music that came EHIRUH XV DQG FDUU\ WKH Ă DJ IRUZDUG E\ DGGLQJ VRPHWKLQJ QHZ WR LW Âľ Note: This event is not part of our ticket packages. It is a separately ticketed event.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 at the gate. (Children ages 10 and under receive free admission.)

Tickets can be purchased at www.ardenland.net or by phone at 877.987.6487.

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 49

THE PRODUCTIONS

Sunday, May 12

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

Trinity Episcopal Church 305 S. Commerce Street 2:00 p.m.

Admission $20

A

special Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Concert featuring music of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, and many other jazz and popular music standards.

Starring: Corey Trahan, baritone; Lisa Lee Phifer, soprano; Julian Jones, piano

Page 50 { May 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

THE PRODUCTIONS

Friday, May 17

SALON MUSIC OF THE

SILVER SCREEN The Towers 801 Myrtle Avenue 7:00 p.m.

Admission $120 Includes entertainment, hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres, and adult beverages. Must be 21+ to attend

I

n Europe during the nineteenth century, the Salon was a popular type of private, musical, and social event that took place in JUDQG KRPHV RI VLJQLÃ&#x20AC;FDQW SDWURQV RI PXVLF DQG PXVLFLDQV ,W XVXDOO\ IHDWXUHG D SLDQLVW SHUIRUPLQJ URPDQWLF PXVLF EXW FRXOG LQFOXGH PXVLF IURP WKH VWDJH DV ZHOO 2XU 6DORQ 0XVLF IURP WKH 6LOYHU 6FUHHQ ZLOO EH DQ HYHQLQJ RI PXVLF IURP JUHDW Ã&#x20AC;OPV RI WKH JROGHQ HUD RI Ã&#x20AC;OP <RX ZLOO KHDU LFRQLF VRQJV OLNH ´6LQJLQ· LQ WKH 5DLQ µ ´, *RW 5K\WKP µ DQG ´7U\ WR 5HPHPEHU µ DV ZHOO DV PXVLF IURP Ã&#x20AC;OPV OLNH The Wizard of Oz, Hello Dolly, Annie Get Your Gun, and many more. There is no better city in the world for a Salon than Natchez, and there is no more beautiful setting for such an event than The Towers.

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 51

THE PRODUCTIONS

Saturday, May 18, 2019 Natchez City Auditorium 207 Jefferson Street 7:00 p.m.

Admission $35 ($10 for K-12 Student, Adult with K-12 Student, College and Active Military with current ID) Enjoy cash bar beginning at 6:00 p.m.

“A

comedy tonight!” is truly what A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is. It is a fast-paced musical comedy that promises to have you rolling RQ WKH ÁRRU 7KH VKRZ WDNHV HOHPHQWV IURP WKH DQFLHQW FRPHGLHV RI 3ODXWXV DQG delivers them in a Vaudevillian style. Pseudolus, a Roman slave, plots to win the heart of the beautiful Phelia for his young master, Hero. In exchange, his master will grant Pseudolus his freedom forever more. However, chaos ensues with hilarious schemes, cases of mistaken identity, and complicated twists and turns along the way. You don’t want to miss this performance of one of the funniest musical productions ever to have been on stage!

PROLOGUE Prologus enters, welcomes the audience to the theatre, announces that the presentation is a comedy, and explains the particulars of what is to follow (“Comedy Tonight”). The curtains part as Prologus introduces the characters and the setting: the street in Rome upon which sit, in a row, the houses of Erronius, Senex, and Lycus. Erronius is an old man, searching abroad for his son and daughter, who were stolen as infants by pirates; his house is stage left. Lycus is a buyer and seller of beautiful women; his house is stage right.

Senex, also an old man, lives with his wife, Domina; their son, Hero; and their slave, Page 52 { May 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

Saturday, May 18 Pseudolusâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the part that Prologus will be playing; they occupy the house stage center. Next introduced are the Proteans, three actors playing many characters, all in different costumes. Prologus calls WKH HQWLUH FRPSDQ\ WR WKH VWDJH WR Ă&#x20AC;QLVK â&#x20AC;&#x153;Comedy Tonight.â&#x20AC;?

ACT ONE As the play opens, Hero is on the balcony of his house; Philia of Crete is at the window of Lycusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house; and Senex comes out of his house, tellimg the Proteans (dressed as slaves) that he and Domina are to visit her mother in the country. Domina calls for Hysterium and Pseudolus. Pseudolus is to be responsible for their son, Hero, especially keeping him away from women, particularly those of the shameful house of Lycus. Domina sends Senex into the house to fetch a gift intended for Dominaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, a bust of Domina. Hysterium is then appointed Slave-in-Chief, whose word is to be followed in their absence.

After his parents leave, Hero drifts toward the house of Lycus and tells the audience that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in love with Philia (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love, I Hearâ&#x20AC;?). The Proteans (dressed as citizens) enter, holding Pseudolus by the arms, and tell Hero that Pseudolus, masquerading as a citizen, has cheated them in a gambling game. At Heroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insistence, Pseudolus repays the citizens and then asks Hero for his freedom if he can arrange for Hero and his love to be together. Pseudolus imagines all of the things freedom would mean for him (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Freeâ&#x20AC;?).

When Lycus appears from his house, Pseudolus takes Heroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s money bag, jiggles it behind Lycus, and asks to see the courtesans, none of whom, though, is Philia. As the courtesans go back into the house, Philia again appears at the window. Hero points her out to Pseudolus as the one they are seeking; but Lycus explains that she has already been sold to Miles Gloriosus, a great captain coming later in the day to claim her. Pseudolus invents a story, telling Lycus that Crete is suffering from a plague and Philia will soon die, her smiling the signal of impending death. Lycus lets Pseudolus look after Philia in Senexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house until the captain arrives.

Pseudolus departs to resolve the captain matter, leaving Philia and Hero together,

Philia claiming her only asset is that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ORYHO\ DQG +HUR DIĂ&#x20AC;UPLQJ KHU ORYHOLQHVV (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lovelyâ&#x20AC;?). After the song, they profess their love for each other. Hysterium enters and becomes nervous when he sees them embracing; he gets more upset when he learns that Philia is from the house of Lycus. Pseudolus enters; and sending Philia and Hero away, he and Hysterium argue through lies and threats about the situation. When the two young lovers return, Pseudolus announces that the lovers are to take a ship to a far-off island where they can be free from all cares (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pretty Little Pictureâ&#x20AC;?). However, Philia feels she must honor the contract with Miles Gloriosus. Pseudolus, realizing this will ruin his chance for freedom, puts Philia in Senexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house to await the captain, whose arrival Pseudolus will announce with three knocks on the door.

Pseudolus decides upon a plan involving sleeping potions, subterfuge, intrigue, and even the sweat of a mare (!), with Philia eventually announced as the new maid upon Senexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return. Senex and Pseudolus then discuss the joys of having a maid; they are eventually joined by Hysterium and Lycus (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody Ought to Have a Maidâ&#x20AC;?). Before Senex can enter his house to meet Philia, Pseudolus convinces the old man that he needs a bath after his long trip. Senex goes to the empty house of Erronious to take his bath and wait for Philia. A very nervous Hysterium returns in time to see Senex enter Erroniusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house.

After Pseudolus leaves to make a sleeping potion, Hysterium tries to calm himself (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Calmâ&#x20AC;?). He has almost calmed down when Senex yells for him; Hysterium runs into the center house.

Erronius returns home after his journey abroad, searching for his children; he has very bad eyesight and mistakes Hysterium (who has just exited the house, carrying a chicken) for a young woman who is carrying a baby. Senex, still waiting in Erroniusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house for the arrival of Philia, begins to sing; Hysterium tells the startled Erronius that his house is haunted.

(UURQLXV GHPDQGV WKDW +\VWHULXP Ă&#x20AC;QG D soothsayer; Pseudolus hears this and introduces himself to Erronius as a soothsayer. With Hysterium frantically gesturing behind Erronious, Pseudolus guesses the nature of Erroniusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long WULS DEURDG DQG WHOOV KLP WKDW KH FDQ Ă&#x20AC;QG

his long-lost children. Erronius gives Pseudolus his ring, copies of which are worn by his children. Pseudolus then sends Erronius off to circle the entire city of Romeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with its seven hillsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;seven times; this will rid the house of ghosts.

Senex enters and sends Hysterium off to make a bath just as Hero enters looking for Philia. She steps onto the balcony, and Senex and Hero both realize that the other is watching her. This leads each of WKHP Ă&#x20AC;UVW WR GHQ\ WKH SRVVLELOLW\ WKDW WKH other could be interested in her and, then, WR Ă&#x20AC;QG UHDVRQV ZK\ VKH ZRXOG EH PRUH interested in the other (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Impossibleâ&#x20AC;?).

Senex sends Hero to the public baths as Hysterium announces that Senexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bath is ready.

More misrepresentations, identify confusions and changes, and potion play HQVXH DV VROGLHUV DUULYH WR FRQĂ&#x20AC;UP WKDW their captainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bride awaits; they then leave. Pseudolus has sent Hysterium to give Philia some sleeping-potionspiked wine; at Pseudolusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s command, Hysterium is to carry out her seemingly lifeless body. Pseudolus then tells Lycus to pose the courtesans informally in front of the center house.

Everyone stops and watches as (UURQLXV HQWHUV DQG H[LWV DIWHU KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW WULS around the city. Pseudolus sends Lycus into the house as a fanfare, announcing the captainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrival, is heard. Pseudolus greets the captain and introduces himself as Lycus. Praising himself continuously, Miles Gloriosus demands to see his bride (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bring Me My Brideâ&#x20AC;?). Pseudolus calls for Philia to be brought out, but Hysterium enters and tells him Philia wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drink the wine for religious reasons. Pseudolus goes into the house with Hysterium to make Philia drink the wine. When Miles again demands that his bride be brought out to him, Pseudolus exits the house and announces that Philia has escaped. When Miles reminds Pseudolus (still pretending to be Lycus) that the money for Philia has already been paid, Pseudolus drops his disguise and tells Miles that Lycus will pay him back his money. Lycus and Hysterium enter and insist that Pseudolus is Lycus. In a rage, Miles Gloriosus orders his soldiers to raze the center house. He threatens to kill Pseudolus, who, after begging time for one word, yells, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Intermission!â&#x20AC;?

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 53

THE PRODUCTIONS ACT TWO Prologus (this time, played by Senex) welcomes the audience back and recaps the action in Act One as the characters enter and assume their end-of-Act-One positions.

Miles prepares to kill Pseudolus; but Pseudolus escapes, insisting that Philia PXVW EH QHDUE\ DQG Ă DWWHULQJ KLV ZD\ RXW of the execution. Miles orders Pseudolus within one hour, guarded by his soldiers, to bring her to him at the center house.

Pseudolus tells Hysterium to bring Philia up to the roof of the house. Everyone stops and watches as Erronius arrives and exits after his second trip around the city. Senex, still in the house of Erronius and fresh from his bath, tells Hysterium to bring Philia to him; he also asks Hysterium to bring any leftover â&#x20AC;&#x153;passionâ&#x20AC;? potion.

Pseudolus loses the soldiers DFFRPSDQ\LQJ KLP DQG KH UXQV RII WR Ă&#x20AC;QG the body snatcher to make his plan work.

Domina arrives, encounters Hysterium on his way to Senex with the passion potion, and tells Hysterium that she still loves Senex, despite her suspicion that

Saturday, May 18 he is chasing other women (â&#x20AC;&#x153;That Dirty Old Manâ&#x20AC;?). Domina, the daughter of a general, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t object when Hysterium tells her that he has invited Miles and his men into the house. Miles, thinking he is in the house of Lycus, believes Domina is an older courtesan.

Pseudolus returns, tells Hysterium that the body snatcher has died and someone has stolen the body, and pulls Hysterium into the house as Senex, still in Erroniusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house, asks Philia, in the center house, to come to him. On her way to Erroniusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house and unseen by the captain, Philia runs into Hero and tells him that her revenge for being taken by the captain will be to think of Hero while making love to Miles (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Show Himâ&#x20AC;?). Pseudolus enters, sends Hero and Philia into the garden to avoid being seen by Miles, and discovers that Philia will go with Hero if he obtains the captainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contract. Pseudolus then calls Hysterium to come out of the house wearing a virginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dress and wig to impersonate the captainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dead courtesan.

When Hysterium continues to protest,

Pseudolus tells him how pretty heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll look as a dead virgin (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lovely â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Repriseâ&#x20AC;?); Pseudolus tells him to lie down and places (UURQLXV¡V ULQJ RQ +\VWHULXP¡V Ă&#x20AC;QJHU Pseudolus calls out to the captain and his soldiers that he has found the dead Philia.

Pseudolus offers to dispose of the body, but Miles insists on conducting a funeral service (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Funeralâ&#x20AC;?). Miles then places the contract on the body and is about to kiss the body when Pseudolus tells him that â&#x20AC;&#x153;sheâ&#x20AC;? died from the plague in Crete. Having just returned from there, Miles knows there is no plague; he leans over the body and declares, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This girl is alive!â&#x20AC;? Hysterium jumps up and runs off, followed by Pseudolus and the soldiers. Much running about and many scenes of mistaken identity follow to unravel the interwoven intrigue and trickery, all culminating in the entire ensembleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s joining Pseudolus as he explains that all have gotten what they have been seeking (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Comedy Tonight â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Repriseâ&#x20AC;?).

CAST Pseudolus .............. Alexander Adams-Leytes Hero ..................................... Wesley Saunders Philia.................................. Melanie Leinbach Miles Gloriosus .....................Scott Ballantine Senex.................................. Matthew Maisano Hysterium ................................ Corey Trahan Domina .................................... Jessica Harika Marcus Lycus.................................Luke Scott Erronius ................................... Rusty Jenkins Proteans Eric Botto Haley Cox Grace Denton Isabel Dondero Wayne Hu Julian Jones Adam Meshejian Olivia Russell Joshua Sewell Sarah Stembel Demi Vanderwerff Olivia Vaughn PRODUCTION STAFF Director ...................................Landon Henry Music Director ............................Beth Everett Production Manager ................Harlan Mapp Pianist .............................. Christopher Powell Pianist .................................... Yuan-Hung Lin Choreographer ....................... Ryan Anthony Costume Coordinator ............... Tabitha Bass Costume Assistant ................... Grace Denton Set Design....................................Bethany Lee Lighting and Tech ...........Thomas Hadzeriga Titus Joshua Props/Furniture ........................Harlan Mapp South Design ............................. David Farrell Sound Design ........................... Casey Gilbert

Page 54 { May 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

On the River k On the River k On the River k On the River

Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Natchez k vidalia k Ferriday k Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 55

THE PRODUCTIONS

Mr. Showmanship AN EXTRAVAGANT LIBERACE TRIBUTE

Thursday, May 23, 2019 Waverly Plantation 790 Highway 61 South 7:00 p.m.

Admission $25

L

LEHUDFH D PDQ ZKR HPEUDFHG D ZLOGO\ Ă DPER\DQW OLIHVW\OH ERWK RQ DQG RII WKH VWDJH IURP WKH V WR WKH V LV WKH SLDQLVW ZKR ´GLGQ¡W JLYH FRQFHUWV >KH@ SXW RQ D VKRZ Âľ :ĂŁDG]LX 9DOHQWLQR /LEHUDFH LV best known for reinventing classical music by trimming out â&#x20AC;&#x153;the boring partsâ&#x20AC;? and remixing them to be more fun and accessible to his raving audiences. For Liberace, the performance was most important; and he showed it by wearing exotic costumes and performing on rhinestone pianos with a silver candelabrum on top, his signature move. Tonight, Liberace lives on in spiritual successor David Maiocco. Dressed in similar Ă DVK\ IDVKLRQ WKH VHFRQG KH ZDONV RQ WKH VWDJH 0DLRFFR SHUIHFWO\ HPERGLHV /LEHUDFH¡V VW\OH Page 56 { May 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

Thursday, May 23 %RUQ :ĂŁDG]LX 9DOHQWLQR /LEHUDFH in 1919, the man had already shown tremendous skill on the piano at the young age of three. Being in a house Ă&#x20AC;OOHG ZLWK PXVLF /LEHUDFH TXLFNO\ ZDV able to play any tune on the piano just by hearing it. At the age of fourteen, he was professionally taught and was soon performing in theatres, clubs, weddings, or bars. It was at these venues that Liberace performed under the pseudonym Walter Busterkeys since :ĂŁDG]LX 9DOHQWLQR /LEHUDFH GLGQ¡W VRXQG so stage friendly.

Liberace was always a bit showy DQG Ă DVK\ EXW DURXQG WKH V KH UHDOO\ EHFDPH WKH Ă DPER\DQW ´0U Showmanship.â&#x20AC;? At this time, he chose to use simply his last name, Liberace, and began his journey to becoming a worldrenowned showman. Above all else, the show was Liberaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obsession with Ă DPER\DQW VWDJH HYHQWV VSRWOLJKWLQJ KLV ULGLFXORXV RXWĂ&#x20AC;WV JDULVK SLDQRV DQG VLOYHU candelabrum. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just his looks that were considered over-the-top, but his musicianship as well. Many critics have ODPHQWHG WKDW /LEHUDFH ´VLPSOLĂ&#x20AC;HV ZKDW LV too complicated and complicates what is too simple.â&#x20AC;?

A perfect example of this practice occurred when Liberace performed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chopsticksâ&#x20AC;? at Carnegie Hall. Dressed in a bedazzled tuxedo and, of course, with a candelabrum atop his piano, he performed this simple little ditty with an ensemble

accompanying him as he transformed the tune into many different styles ranging from a lyrically classical piece, to a stern march, to jazz.

According to biographer Darden Pyron, Liberace â&#x20AC;&#x153;enhanced the show with dramatic and spectacular playingâ&#x20AC;? even when he was performing classical repertoire such as Beethoven and Bach, a cue he took from his idol Ignacy Paderewski.

Liberaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extravagant and gaudy style in SHUIRUPDQFHV LQĂ XHQFHG RWKHU HQWHUWDLQHUV such as Elvis Presley, Elton John, and David Bowie.

Despite his obvious success and virtuosity, many critics often panned his performances, claiming that Liberace was a sloppy musician who consistently failed to stick to a composerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original intentions. Liberace naturally responded by saying that he was merely taking out the boring parts and enriching the rest. One particular scathing review by columnist Cassandra (William Connor) from the Daily Mirror heavily implied that Liberace was homosexual, which he was but vehemently denied up until his death. Liberace responded by coining the phrase â&#x20AC;&#x153;What you said hurt me very much. I cried [or laughed] all the way to the bank.â&#x20AC;? That, and he sued for libel.

David Maiocco is a virtuosic pianist who at the young age of sixteen was already music director for multiple productions.

During the 1980s in his undergraduate studies, Maiocco trained under Alfred

E. Lee and Jung Ja Kim at the Boston Conservatory. By the 2000s, Maiocco had validated his identity as Music Director for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;most iconic legends of all times,â&#x20AC;? or, more accurately, facsimiles thereof.

Maiocco has worked with multiple performers such as James Beaman as Marlene Dietrich and Lauren Bacall, Steven Brinberg as Barbra Streisand, and Richard Skipper as Carol Channing.

In 2002, Maiocco won the MAC Award for Best Musical Director, becoming an International Cabaret Music Director.

Currently and after a brief hiatus, Maiocco joined forces with his longtime friend Chuck Sweeney in the 2010s. Together, they â&#x20AC;&#x153;revivedâ&#x20AC;? Miss Peggy Lee as well as Liberace, promoting the act as Lee Squared in 2016. This very act made Maiocco the recipient of the 2017 Bistro Award for Best Musical Comedy Duo, becoming himself an iconic legendâ&#x20AC;Śor a striking replication.

Michael Barbieri of QLife Magazine stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maioccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance as Liberace is often eerily accurate . . . . [H]is reproduction of Liberaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uniquely embellished sound is remarkable.â&#x20AC;? Ironically, many critics today praise Maioccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stunning mimic of Liberace whereas Liberace in the cultural aesthetics of his time faced numerous criticisms about his performance style.

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 57

THE PRODUCTIONS

Saturday, May 25, 2019 Natchez City Auditorium 207 Jefferson Street 7:00 p.m.

Admission $25 ($10 for K-12 Student, Adult with K-12 Student, College and Active Military with current ID) Enjoy cash bar beginning at 6:00 p.m.

R

odolfo, a poet, and his friends Marcello, Schaunard, and Colline, manage to have DQ HQMR\DEOH WDNH RQ OLIH GHVSLWH WKHLU H[WUHPH ÀQDQFLDO GLIÀFXOWLHV 'XULQJ WKH FROG winter, a torrid romance is kindled between Rodolfo and a beautiful seamstress named Mimì; but love is not the only thing lurking in the city: tragedy and sadness await them all. Come join us for this tale of love and loss that is sure to touch everyone’s heart with arias like “Che gelida manina,” “Si, mi chiamano Mimì,” and Musetta’s famous waltz “Quando m ‘en vò.”

Page 58 { May 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

Following the success of his opera Manon Lescaut in 1893, Puccini was eager to continue with another work for the stage. However, Puccini’s taste in literature was, he knew, uncertain; and he batted about for a suitable subject.

Tentatively, he settled upon the loosely woven plot of a mid-century novel Scènes de la Vie de Bohème (Scenes from Student Life) by Henri Murger; but the composer remained uncertain, dithering for several months. Then in March, he discovered that his friend and composer of the trendsetting I Pagliacci, Ruggiero Leoncavallo, had embarked on his own opera based on Murger’s novel. Incensed at the story being taken by another, Puccini embarked upon a fury of composition, stating impetuously, “Let him compose, I will compose, the public will judge.” And so the public did.

La Bohème remains Puccini’s most popular opera, debuting to immediate success in 1895, leaving Leoncavallo’s work of two years later to bite the dust.

The libretto was by the faithful duo Luigi Illica (story) and Giuseppe Giacosa (verses). They produced a touchstone of tight plot, dramatic effectiveness, and tender sentiment. Since Murger’s novel is not a sustained story but rather a series of vignettes, much of the opera is, in fact, original with the librettists. Puccini was justly delighted and inspired by their work. It tells of a quartet of student-artists (“bohemians” or, roughly, rapscallions) rooming together in a garret in the Paris Latin Quarter: Rodolfo, a poet; Marcello, a painter; Colline, a philosopher; and Schaunard, a musician. Inspired by the new text, Puccini produced a work of rhythmic variety, orchestral color, and lush lyricism. It has never been absent from the stage. Countless newcomers to opera (This author is one of them.) have been won over by this extraordinary work.

ACT ONE takes place in the garret. It is Christmas Eve, and the high-spirited boys are about to depart for a night on the town.

7KHLU KLMLQNV DUH PRPHQWDULO\ GHÁDWHG E\ the appearance of the landlord, Benoit, demanding the rent. The artists get the old man drunk and hasten his departure before their own. Only Rodolfo remains behind to complete a newspaper story. As he writes, there is a quiet knock on the door. It is his neighbor, Mimì, asking for his assistance LQ ÀQGLQJ KHU ORVW NH\ 2QH WKLQJ OHDGV WR

Saturday, May 25 another and a love affair is kindled between them. Holding her hand gently (aria: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Che gelida maninaâ&#x20AC;?) Rodolfo introduces himself. She responds (aria: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mi chiamano MimĂŹâ&#x20AC;?) recounting her quiet life as a PDNHU RI VLON Ă RZHUV 3URPSWHG E\ WKH YRLFHV RI KLV IULHQGV RXWVLGH Rodolfo leads MimĂŹ from the room (duet: â&#x20AC;&#x153;O soave fanciullaâ&#x20AC;?)

In ACT TWO ZH Ă&#x20AC;QG RXUVHOYHV RXWVLGH LQ D EXV\ 3DULV VWUHHW with the bustling CafĂŠ Momus on the corner. Rodolfo introduces MimĂŹ to his friends, and a good time is enjoyed by allâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;until WKH HQWUDQFH RI 0DUFHOOR¡V ROG Ă DPH 0XVHWWD RQ WKH DUP RI DQ HOGHUO\ EXW ZHDOWK\ JHQWOHPDQ $OFLQGRUR 6KH Ă LUWV RXWUDJHRXVO\ attempting to make Marcello jealous. Everyone, she says, falls in ORYH ZLWK KHU RQ Ă&#x20AC;UVW VLJKW ZDOW] ´4XDQGR P¡HQ YR¡¾ $ SRZHUIXO ensemble builds, contrasting the pairs of lovers: one happy, the other miserable; one at the beginning of love, the other at the end of it.

Eager to get rid of the old man, Musetta pretends that her new shoe pinches her foot, and Alcindoro dutifully departs to have it repaired.

In his absence, the cafĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s substantial bill arrives, and the bohemians laughingly leave it behind for Alcindoro to pay. The scene ends with the jolly appearance of a toy seller and a gaggle of noisy children, followed by a brass band, which brings down the curtain to the act.

ACT THREE introduces a change in tone and a somber note GXO\ UHĂ HFWHG LQ WKH VQRZ\ VFHQH RI D FLW\ JDWH 7R RQH VLGH LV D brightly lit tavern. MimĂŹ enters, coughing from a tubercular illness.

She meets Marcello, and they discuss the sad course of their romantic OLYHV 5RGROIR KDV SURYHQ D GLIĂ&#x20AC;GHQW ORYHU DQG 0XVHWWD UHPDLQV KHU inconstant self. MimĂŹ hides as Rodolfo leaves the tavern. He narrates to Marcello the slow decline of MimĂŹ from illness. Love alone is not enough to bring her back, he laments. Overcome by emotion MimĂŹ shows herself. To the raucous laughter of Musetta indoors, MimĂŹ and Rodolfo, now united, promise that they will stay together until spring. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Addio, senza rancor,â&#x20AC;? goodbye without regrets, they sing. And on this gentle note, the act ends.

In ACT FOUR, we are back in the bohemiansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; garret. Rodolfo and Marcello are trying to work, but both are distracted by the sad state of their love lives (duet: â&#x20AC;&#x153;O MimĂŹ, tu piĂš non torniâ&#x20AC;?). Colline and Schaunard bound in with a skimpy repast which the four turn into a mock banquet, followed by boisterous dancing. This horseplay is at its height when Musetta appears at the door with a clearly ill MimĂŹ. The boys place her on the bed where she is tended gently

by Rodolfo. The bohemians lament that their poverty prevents any help for her condition. Colline even offers to sell his coat to buy medicine (aria: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vecchia zimarraâ&#x20AC;?). MimĂŹ awakens and sees her lover bending over her with concern. They reminisce over their KDSS\ WLPHV WRJHWKHU SLFNLQJ XS Ă HFNV RI WXQHV DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK those sweet moments. MimĂŹ asks to hold a little bonnet that Rodolfo had bought her on the memorable Christmas Eve seemingly so long ago. For a time, she seems to rally; but overcome with coughing, she sinks back onto the pillow. Schaunard whispers, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marcello, she is dead!â&#x20AC;? Rodolfo sees the strained looks on the faces of his friends and realizes the truth. Grief-stricken, he falls on MimĂŹâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifeless body, exclaiming her name. $Q XQNLQG ZDJ RQFH PRFNHG WKLV WRXFKLQJ Ă&#x20AC;QDO VFHQH ZLWK D SXQ :K\ LV 5RGROIR¡V Ă&#x20AC;QDO OLQH HYHU\ WHQRU¡V IDYRULWH" %HFDXVH KH gets to sing â&#x20AC;&#x153;MimĂŹ, MimĂŹâ&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x153;Me, Me!â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201D;get it? But the rest of us simply dissolve in tears.

--Synopsis by Stanley Hauer

CAST MimĂ­ ..............................................................Ashley Bell Musetta..........................................................Sarah Stembel Rodolfo ..........................................................Peter Lake Marcello ........................................................Wayne Hu Shaunard.......................................................Andreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chiang Colline ...........................................................Luke Scott Alcindoro/Benoit ..........................................Alexander Adams-Leytes Parpignol.......................................................Adam Meshejian Ensemble Scott Ballantine ............................................(Marcello Cover) Eric Botto ......................................................(Rodolfo Cover) Haley Cox......................................................(MimĂ­ Cover) Grace Denton Isabel Dondero..............................................(Musetta Understudy) Jessica Harika Julian Jones Hanif Lawrence Melanie Leinbach Matthew Maisano.........................................(Shaunard Cover) Adam Meshejian Olivia Russell ................................................(Musetta Cover) Josh Sewell ....................................................(Alcindoro/Benoit Cover) Llettesha Sylvester Demi Vanderwerff Olivia Vaughn ...............................................(Musetta Understudy) PRODUCTION STAFF Stage Director ...............................................J. J. Hudson Conductor .....................................................Jay Dean Assistant Conductor.....................................Richard Nechamkin Assistant Pianist ...........................................Yuan-Hung Lin Production Manager ....................................Harlan Mapp Chorusmaster ...............................................Beth Everett Costume Coordinator ..................................Grace Denton Costume Assistant ........................................Tabitha Bass Set Design......................................................Wes Hanson Production Assistant ....................................Bethany Lee Lighting and Tech ........................................Thomas Hadzeriga Lighting and Tech ........................................Titus Joshua Props/Furniture ............................................Harlan Mapp Supertitles .....................................................Bradi Flynt Natchez Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chorus .........................Cherish McCallum

f

In loving memory of Dr. J. Neil Varnell: Thank you for the many years of dedicated support of the Natchez Festival of Music.

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 59

For area avents in May, visit these sites: www.louisianatravel.com ALEXANDRIA Throughout May www.alexandriapinevillela.com BATON ROUGE Throughout May www.visitbatonrouge.org CONCORDIA PARISH (FERRIDAY & VIDALIA) Throughout May www.cityofvidalia.com www.concordialibrary.org www.concordiapchamber.com deltamusicmuseum.com JACKSON Throughout May felicianatourism.org MONROE/WEST MONROE Throughout May monroe-westmonroe.org NEW ORLEANS Throughout May neworleansonline.com neworleanscvb.com PORT ALLEN Throughout May www.westbatonrougemuseum.com ST. FRANCISVILLE Throughout May www.crt.state.la www.stfrancisville.us www.westfelicianahistoricalsociety.org www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com

Page 60 { May 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

For area avents in May, visit these sites: www.visitmississippi.org BROOKHAVEN Throughout May www.facebook.com/VisitBrookhavenMs www.haventheatre.org www.lincolnciviccenter.com www.visitbrookhavenms.com COPIAH COUNTY (CRYSTAL SPRINGS & HAZLEHURST) Throughout May www.copiahcountycourier.com www.cityofcrystalsprings.com JACKSON Throughout May www.dulinghall.com www.msmuseumart.org www.visitjackson.com MAGNOLIA Throughout May magnoliachamberofcommerce.com MCCOMB Throughout May www.pikeinfo.com MEADVILLE Throughout May meadvillems.com

NATCHEZ Throughout May www.visitnatchez.org/full-event-calendar www.natchezchamber.com www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com www.natchezgardenclub.org www.natchezlittletheatre.org www.natchezpilgrimage.com www.thetowersofnatchez.org www.visitnatchez.org

WOODVILLE Throughout May townofwoodville.org Facebook: Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association

PORT GIBSON Throughout May Facebook: portgibson.chamber RIDGELAND Throughout May www.ridgelandms.org SUMMIT Throughout May www.pikeinfo.com VICKSBURG Throughout May www.southernculture.org www.vicksburg.org www.vicksburgartassociation.org www.visitvicksburg.com www.tarawildlife.com WESSON Throughout May Facebook: Wesson Chamber

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 61

HISTORY OF THE NATCHEZ MUSIC FESTIVAL

BANK OF BROOKHAVEN PRESENTS 9TH ANNUAL

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT THURSDAY | JUNE 20, 2019 3-9 PM Over 30 retailers & restaurants participating $20 advance ticket/$25 week of event (Includes special coupons to all participating retailers, official Girls Night Out t-shirt, $10 meal voucher to participating restaurant of your choice, After-Party & MORE!)

601 Sports, B*Dazzled, Beyond the Rainbow, Broma’s Deli, Brookhaven ENT Allergy & Facial Surgery, Bumper’s Drive-In, Castles, Clementine Country Store, CoolSculpting by Southern Surgical Services, Detour 51, Engravables, Erin & Co, Expectations, Expectations Too, Georgia Blue Bakery, Georgia Blue Brookhaven, Hall & Company, J. Allan’s, Judy’s II, Melinda’s Fabrics/Interiors, Picket Fences Vendors, Poppa’s Fish House, Roxy Magnolia, Southern Style, The Boutique by Southern Style, The Fish Fry, The Honey Pot, The Venue at 550, Three Sisters Boutique, Vendor’s Emporium, Zeal Consignment

For ticket info visit www.brookhavenchamber.com or call 601-833-1411

Page 62 { May 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

Twenty-four years ago Lani and Ron Riches, former owners of Monmouth Plantation Historic Inn, attended a Santa Fe Opera Festival. Lani remarked to her husband, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Natchez could have an opera festival?” They immediately scheduled a meeting with civic leaders to discuss the idea.

During a conversation one evening with dinner guests, Dr. and Mrs. David Blackburn, the Riches discovered that Dr. Blackburn was a well-respected opera teacher and conductor in New York. In fact, two of the performers in the Santa Fe Opera were in Dr. Blackburn’s studio. After being invited to attend the meeting with civic leaders and interested citizens, Dr. Blackburn devised a plan, which became known as the Natchez Opera Festival. Dr. Blackburn became a committed Natchez resident, as well as co-founder and artistic director of the festival.

The mission and purpose of the festival is to provide quality opera, Broadway, and jazz performances. It also seeks to provide positive performing opportunities for outstanding artists; to nurture and encourage talented young singers in their careers; and to allow them to share in an educational outreach program throughout Mississippi and Louisiana. The festival hires professional performers each season with auditions being held during the fall in Natchez and New York. The artists are selected for their outVWDQGLQJ WDOHQW DQG WKHLU DELOLW\ WR ÀW LQWR WKH Natchez lifestyle.

Each year, the festival has grown and become a major regional event. In 1998, the festival was awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. In 2001, Alcorn State University became a major sponsor of the festival and helped to transform the arts in southwest Mississippi. In 2002, Opera News recognized the festival for artistic excellence. In 2003, Dr. Blackburn was awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in Opera and Music Education. The festival also changed its promotional name, the May Festival, to the Natchez Festival of Music in 2003. Following the untimely death of Dr. Blackburn, George Hogan became the Artistic Director and created a connection with the University of Mary HardinBaylor. Taking charge as Artistic Director in 2011, Dr. Jay Dean connects the festival to The University of Southern Mississippi and makes strong connections to other outstanding music festivals throughout Mississippi.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TELEPHONES: As a courtesy to other patrons, please disconnect electronic paging devices and turn off cellular telephones.

FIRE NOTICE: The exit sign nearest the seat you RFFXS\ LV WKH VKRUWHVW URXWH RXW LQ WKH HYHQW RI Ă&#x20AC;UH RU other emergency.

BEVERAGES: Beverages will be available for purchase before the performances, during the performances, and during intermission.

LATECOMERS: Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of theatre management during appropriate pauses in the program. Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center policy is to begin performances at the advertised curtain time.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: Lost and found inquiULHV PD\ EH GLUHFWHG WR WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLYH RIĂ&#x20AC;FHV DW MMPAC. PHOTOGRAPHS AND RECORDING: Cameras and recording devices may not be brought into the theatre without the consent of the management. Please note that the recording in any form of a live performance may be a violation of federal copyright laws.

RESTROOMS: /RFDWHG RQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW Ă RRU DQG EDOFRQ\ SMOKING: All of our facilities are smoke free.

ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE: One entrance to the Center is wheelchair accessible. The entrance is into WKH PDLQ OREE\ RQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW Ă RRU RUFKHVWUD OHYHO ORcated on the right side of the building

NATCHEZ MUSIC FESTIVAL MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Natchez Festival of Music is to enlighten and enrich the lives of the citizens of the greater Mississippi/Louisiana region and neighboring areas by producing a variety of musical events including popular music, Broadway shows, recitals, musical theater, operas, and other special concerts. We also provide educational outreach programs in music and the performing arts for thousands of children each and every year. We are an important part of the cultural fabric of RXU FLW\ DQG VWDWH DQG ZH EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W WKLV UHgion by providing quality-of-life events for our citizens and educational events for students, and by serving as a tool for tourism and economic development. Our vision is to be a driving force for cultural activity that attracts people to Natchez and Mississippi from around the world.

COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPERSONS Nominating â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bob Sizemore Grants â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Stacey Trenteseaux and Diana Glaze Fund Raising â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mary Lessley Marketing/Publicity/Website â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mike Lopinto, Joe Hernandez, and Fran Trappey Special Events â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marla Toman Building â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bob Adams Housing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Charlotte Franklin Food â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cindy Rollins and Charlotte Franklin Hospitality â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bobbye Henley Bar and Beverage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wesley Steckler Appreciation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Diana Glaze Program Liaison â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Diana Glaze Ticket Sales â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fran Trappey Education â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Charlotte Franklin and Blythe Smith Floral Design â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Julie Kendall

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 63

IN-KIND DONATIONS* AT & T Adrienne Parr Ann Faillace Barbara Kaiser Bluffs & Bayous Magazine Blythe Smith Bo and Tracy McCartney Robert â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bobâ&#x20AC;? Adams Bobbye & Bill Henley Brenda Hicks Carol Ann Riley Carolyn Gwin Carolyn Harper Carolyn Weir Cappy Stahlman Charlotte & Jim Franklin Cindy & John Rollins City of Natchez Coca-Cola Distributorship Cotton Alley CafĂŠ, LLC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; David Browning & Guy Bass Garden Song B & B â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dan Gibson David Atkins David Paradise David Steckler, MD, FACS Debbie Willson Dianneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Frame Shop Donna & Tim Sessions Dr. John A. White First Presbyterian Church

First Natchez Radio Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Margaret Perkins Ginger & James Hyland Go Mart â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tom & Ward Graning Hedy Boelte J. E. Hicks Distributing Co. Historic Natchez Foundation Jan & Dan Shiells Jennifer Metcalfe Jerry Krouse Jim Smith Jim and Mary Lessley Nest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; John Grady Burns K Street Grillâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Baton Rouge, La. Katie McCabe Killelea Family Lana Stamper Leon Hollins Leonard Sullivan Lynette & George Tanner Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kevin Preston Marina Cavette Mark Coffee Massage Emporiumâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Baton Rouge, La. Mary Flach Melissa Vaughn Natchez Grand Hotel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Walter 7LSWRQ -R $QQ %UXPĂ&#x20AC;HOG 6WDII Natchez Little Theater

Page 64 { May 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

Natchez Visitors Bureau

PAST CHAIRPERSONS

Patty Killelea Willard Penny Daggett Polly Ireland Roux 61 Sandy Lane Sango Chrysler-Dodge-Jeepâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Mark Sanguinetti Sara Ragsdale, Jackson, Miss.

Shirley Byrne Stockade Bed & Breakfastâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Baton Rouge, La.

1991 Ken Miller 1992-1995 Dr. David Steckler 1996-1998 Dr. Elmer Gaudet 1999-2002 Dr. Don Killelea 2003-2007 Dr. Lawrence Konecky

Sonder-New Orleansâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Peter Bowen

2008 Paris Winn

Southwest Broadcasting, Inc.â&#x20AC;&#x201D; McComb, Miss.

2009 Ronald McGowan

Southwest Distributorship, Inc.

2010 Dr. Lawrence Konecky

T. G. McCary Photography Abagail Washington Temple Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nai Israel The Markets, Inc. Tom Taylor Towers Collection Trinity Episcopal Church Turbo Ice

2011 William â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sandyâ&#x20AC;? Fowlkes IV 2011 Dr. Lawrence Konecky 2012-2017 Mary Lessley 2018 Diana Glaze

2019 BOARD MEMBERS OFFICERS Diana Glaze, Chairperson Charlotte Franklin, Vice-Chairperson John Rollins, Secretary 5\DQ :LQJÃ&#x20AC;HOG 7UHDVXUHU BOARD MEMBERS Robert Adams Donna Ball Doris Ann Benoist Marsha Colson Pat Galloway Michael Gemmell Dan Gibson Jessica Hawkins Wade Heatherly Bobbye Henley Rusty Jenkins Julie Kendall Mary Lessley Paromita Saha-Killelea Bob Sizemore Wesley Steckler Marla Toman Fran Trappey Patti Wentworth Margee Wohner Elizabeth Wolf 2019 EMINENT BOARD Leon Atkins David Ball Ethel Banta Ginny Benoist Hedy Boelte Maxine Brice Tony Byrne Burnley Cook Robert Dearing Camille Durkin Fred Emrick Terry Estes Evelyn Fairbanks Jeanette Feltus Katherine Killelea Kathleen Mackey King Donzell Lee Lynn Leet Brad LeMay David Paradise Marie Perkins Lani Riches Ron Riches Ginger Schwager Ricky Smith Ed Songy A. Holmes Sturgeon Ron Switzer Thomas Taylor Neil Varnell Bobbye Wynn ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Jay Dean CO-LIN LIAISON Nancy McFarland

Bluffs & Bayous { May 2019 { Page 65

ANGELSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$50,000+ Dr. J. Neil Varnell GOLD BENEFACTORSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$25,000 - $40,000 SILVER BENEFACTORSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$10,000 - $24,000 AT & T David & Betty Paradise Mississippi Arts Commission BRONZE BENEFACTORSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$5,000 - $9,999 Adams County Board of Supervisors %REE\H %LOO +HQOH\²6SRQVRU RI ³:RRGVWRFN ´ City of Natchez STARSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$2,500 - $4,999 Caroline Hungerford & Greg Illes 'HOWD %DQN Helen & Randall Smith Natchez Convention & Visitors Bureau Paul G. Green, Inc. Ronald G. McGowen 7KH 0DUNHWV 8QLWHG 0LVVLVVLSSL %DQN PATRONSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$1,000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $2,499 Alan & Elizabeth Wolf Alcorn University $OIUHG :DONHU²6SRQVRU RI ³7LPHOHVV ([SUHVVLRQV´ in Memory of Keith Karlson Ann & Robert Paradise Cammie & Billy Dale Callon Petroleum Company Claudette & Ed Songy Margee & Collins Wohner &RQFRUGLD %DQN 7UXVW &R ' (²6SRQVRU RI ³0U 6KRZPDQVKLS´²$Q Extravagant Liberace Tribute 'DYLGVRQ¶V 3DFNDJH 6WRUH Diana Glaze Dr. Neil Varnell Gerry E. Laumenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;UBS Financial Services Ginger & Tom Schwager +RPH %DQN James & Nancy Biglane Mary & Jim Lessley Sue & Mac Pate Merit Health - Natchez Rotary Club of Natchez SSS Foundation Stratton Bull Trust

Page 66 { May 2019 { Bluffs & Bayous

CONTRIBUTORS** SUPPORTERSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$500 - $999 Ann Elizabeth Kaiser Association of Flood Plain Managers of Mississippi Bergeron & Plauche, LLC Borum Family Health Clinic Good Hope Timber/Tanna & Vidal Davis Internal Medicine Assoc. of Natchez, PLLC John Ball, Attorney/Eileen & John Ball Carolyn & Lucien Gwin Mary Jane & Ed Gaudet Connie & Pat Burns Patti & Lynn Wentworth Sharon & Michael Blattner Virginia Harrigan FRIENDSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$250 - $$499 Catherine & Everette Ratcliffe &U\H /HLNH 6WHGPDQ 5HDOWRUV Gay Metcalfe Gwen McCalip J. M. Jones Lumber Company John & Priscilla Dale John Noel Lynette & George Tanner Melody Thayer Natchez Ford Lincoln Natchez Wealth Management Phyllis Mashburn Silas Simmons, LLP Stephens & Hobdy 6WXDUW +HÃ&#x20AC;LQ 6WDWH )DUP Charlotte & William E. West GIVERSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;$1 - $249 Allen Petroleum Services, Inc. Ann & Charles Carlton %HWW\ -HQNLQV Bill & Christine Foley %UXFH .XHKQOH /DZ 2I¿FH Dr. Carrie Iles Dr. Sam Tumminello Ethel Banta Hal Garner Antiques & Interiors Hayden & Barbara Kaiser 3HJJ\ -DFN %HQVRQ -DFN /D]DUXV $WWRUQH\ Kay McNeil 6KLHOGV /DUU\ ³%XWFK´ %URZQ Debra & Lee Martin Meg & Mac Hazlip Marsha Colson 6DQGUD 0LNH (OODUG Nancy Hungerford Ronald Switzer & Jim McClure

Ruth Ellen Calhoun Silas Simmons, LLC Annette & Tony Byrne W. B. Burnsed, Jr. Walter Brown Law Firm, PLLC Pat Dale MEMORIALS In memory of Charles Conner Burns Diana Glaze In memory of Patricia Lea Diana Glaze In memory of Kathleen Scallan Diana Glaze In memory of Spencer Allen Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of Charles Conner Burns Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of Alma Dale Campbell Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of Penny Daye Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of Phyllis Falkenheiner Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of Beverly Hall Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of Anne Hash Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of Charles Johnson Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of Dr. Bruce Kuehnle Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of William Lambert Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of Frances Martin Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of Walter Mullins Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of Dr. Carl Passman Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of Barbara Potter Mary & Jim Lessley In memory of Keith Karlson Alfred Walker HONORARIUMS In honor of Mary Lessley Christine & Bill Foley In honor of Miriam Montgomery Diana Glaze In honor of Melinda & Fred Kent Virginia Harrigan In honor of Charlotte Franklin Gwen McCalip

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