The Itasca Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Keith Swanson will perform its final concert of the season on Saturday, May 11, 7:30 pm at the Reif Center in Grand Rapids. An Evening with Gershwin and Copland will feature pianist Eric Himy performing Rhapsody in Blue from the original Gershwin manuscript, which is longer by 88 bars.

Also on the program are Aaron Copland’s Variations on Shaker Hymn and selections from the ballet suite Rodeo.

The concert marks Himy’s return to the Reif stage where he performed several years ago. Besides Rhapsody in Blue, he also will give an entertaining presentation, “Gershwin in Paris,” which explores Gershwin’s music and its relationship to classical composers. Himy is one of the more highly regarded interpreters of Gershwin.

His playing has been described by The New York Times as “flawlessly poised, elegant and brilliant.” His compelling artistry has intrigued audiences around the world. The Revue Musicale de Suisse Romande compared him to the legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz calling him “a sensual gourmand of sound.” He has played to critical acclaim in the United States, Canada, South America, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, and Slovenia. Mr. Himy has been heard most notably at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Recital Hall, The Frick Collection, The Phillips Collection, Teatro Amazonas, Salle Cortot and Salle Gaveau in Paris and on NPR “Performance Today.”

The Itasca Orchestra and Strings Program is funded in part by the Blandin Foundation. The concert also is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council through an appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund and an appropriation from the State Legislature.

 

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students and may be purchased by calling the Reif Center at 218-327-5780 or on line at reifcenter.org.

 

MacRostie Art Center features the Outside Voices for May Mental Health Month, along with the 6th Annual Miniature Show.  Music by Andrew Downing from 5 to 7 with artist talks at 6 p.m.  Refreshments will be served.  Benders hosts photographer Jim Fierek from 4 to 7.  Jim has hundred of photos of the Northern Lights.  He and his wife Marie have a portrait studio in Togo, MN.  The Yarn gallery features guest artist Diane Levar presenting her watercolors, cards and painted t-shirts.  Stained Glass with Class shows new small stained glass sun catchers.

Cross Highway 2 and visit Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation featuring art of the Teen Art Club, partially funded through a grant from GRACF.  Jan Stenson features her paintings and jewelry at Jenny & Company..  Wings & Willows features the unique art of Marlene and Brian Johnson of Northern Lights Creations.  The Itasca County Historical Society hosts Dick Green from Beaver Meadow Designs.  Frame Up features pottery and jewelry by April Keillen.  Brewed Awakenings features photographer Pamela Hansen.  Bemidji Author Polly Scotland will have a book signing of By Foot, Pedal or Paddle. Music by singer-songwriter McKean Roberts.  Dinner feature spring quinoa salad.  Cap it all off at the VFW with live jazz by Sam Miltich and friends from 7 til 10. 

Enjoy snacks at most locations!

A teenager from Chicago named Ron  McCormack finds himself in a small town in the South.  This young man has a song in his heart and a skip in his feet.  He experiences the culture shock of living in the south but then finds the town has outlawed dancing following a tragedy a few years earlier.  He goes up against Reverend Shaw Moore, who is behind the ban on dancing, but whose daughter Ariel has become his love interest.  Ron can’t accept this because he loves to dance.  John Persons plays Ron, Christopher Matetich plays Reverend Shaw, while Emily LaPlant plays his wife Vi.  GRHS Choir Director Scott Shrimpton had seen the movie but was very impressed that the musical fleshed everything out much more than the movie had.  He’s wanted to produce this play for several years.  Don’t miss this exciting musical at the Reif Center this Thursday through Saturday, April 25 through 27.  General Admission tickets are available at the door.   Adults $8.00 and students $5.00