

Emerald
Coast
Concert Association
2008-2009
Concert Series
WHITE SANDS
ORCHESTRA
Saturday, November 22
7:30 PM
FWB
Civic Auditorium
The
season’s Grand Opening blasts off with a much requested return engagement of
Caribbean Sound’s “An Evening With Caribbean Sound”, featuring the taste
and rhythms of the
Caribbean
, colorful costumes, authentic musical instruments in a not-to-be-missed
performance. A complete sell-out at
their last two performances for ECCA, this outstanding concert show features the
incredible talents of the four members of Caribbean Sound performing an exciting
variety of music on one of the most fascinating instruments of the 20th
Century. Escape the trials of everyday life and enjoy the pulsating and
energetic sound of Trinidad and Tobago, the home of the steel drums and Calypso
music. Soak up the spicy rhythms of
Jamaica
and Afro-Caribbean music, feel the vibrant Sambas of Latin music and American
Jazz and stirring Patriotic music of the
U.S.
Hear
the instruments and music that
helped shape the steel pan – African drumming, the magnificent sound of Tamboo
Banboo and stick bands and the rhythmical and charming sound of the pre-melody
instruments. Add to this performance wonderful props, season with the spice of
the islands – Calypso, Soca, Latin music, - and blend in Classical and
American pop, and you will have the recipe for a perfect evening of
entertainment.
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LINDA GENTILE'S AMERICAN PIANO
SHOW
Saturday,
December 6 7:30
PM
FWB
Civic Auditorium
A
Special Christmas gift awaits Johnny Cash fans with the December concert
starring Rockabilly Hall of Famer Rusty Evans and his “Ring of Fire” Johnny
Cash Tribute Band. Relive the music
and spirit of the country superstar Johnny Cash in this amazing performance.
With a voice like rolling thunder and a spirit of gentle rain, Rusty
Evans has WOWed audiences from
Nashville
to
San Francisco
with his stunning tribute to the Man in Black.
Now you can hear this extraordinary group live onstage in Niceville.
Come here Johnny’s greatest Hits like I
Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues,
A Boy Named Sue, Ring of Fire, and many more. Brent
Pierce, Entertainment Director of the Black Oak Casino, says “Rusty Evans and
Ring of Fire are as authentic as it gets when it comes to Johnny Cash.
Rusty captures the real essence of how humble and raw the Man in Black
was on stage. Together with deft
musicians, Rusty leads us through a captivating journey into the world of Cash.
From the Sun Records sessions to the platinum years of
Columbia
, Rusty leaves no notable song unheard.” Don’t
miss this special December concert – ECCA’s gift to our country and
rockabilly fans.
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RON
GARTNER'S SCOTCH, SOUL, AND ROCK & ROLL
Saturday,
January
17
7:30 PM
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Start
the new year with an exciting concert featuring the Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original
Cornet Band in their nationally touring production of “Hometown
Saturday Night.” An evening
with Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original Cornet Band is like setting your pocket watch
back and experiencing all the joys and sounds of the turn of the century.
This is not just a band concert – it is a full scripted production
about a band, a town, and the townsfolk we remember from the past.
It is an emotional journey that will rekindle the most dormant memories
from
America
’s past - a nostalgic glimpse into another time and place that captures the
charm of Our
Town, the homespun enchantment of Prairie
Home Companion, and the spirit and joy of
The Music
Man. Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original Silver
Cornet Band is made up of some of the finest musicians that America has to
offer. Combined with the musical
arrangements of award-winning Grieg McRitchie, one of
Hollywood
’s most respected orchestrators, the group makes a powerful statement that
translates into pure enjoyment!
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LOWES
THE LOWE FAMILY
Sunday, January 31
7:30 PM
OWC Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center
Move over Victor Borge and make way for today’s Concert pianist with a
Cheshire Cat sense of humor! Direct
from world famous stages such as
Lincoln
Center
and Carnegie Hall, the ECCA is proud to present the world renowned,
award-winning concert pianist Vladimir Zaitsev.
A native of Kiev, Ukraine, he was featured by the International Symphony
at Carnegie Hall, has performed on three continents, given master classes around
the world, made numerous radio and television appearances, and has captivated
audiences everywhere. The
New York Times says, “…Zaitsev is a splendid young pianist and his
New York
debut was triumphant. He possesses
a technique of startling virtuosity – surging, passionate and muscular.
Splendid pianist!”
Vladimir
responded, “Splendid newspaper!” Mr. Zaitsev uses his versatile and
charismatic talents to create a singular one-man show in which the audience is
presented with dazzling pianism, heartfelt vocal renditions and a mixture of
delightful and personal anecdotes. His
perfectly timed off-hand remarks and observations make for a wonderfully
charming and entertaining performance. His
solo repertoire includes works from the classical as well as from popular
culture, from Baroque to the Beatles, as well as his own insightful and
virtuosic piano arrangements of well-known Broadway, pop, and international
favorites. Don’t miss a chance to
hear this great musician!
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100
YEARS OF BROADWAY
Saturday, February 14
7:30 PM
FWB
Civic Auditorium
Sunday, February 15
2:30 PM
FWB
Civic Auditorium
The Emerald Coast Concert Association’s Annual Fundraiser Concert is
always a hit with Snowbirds and locals. This
year’s show stars pianist, vocalist, and entertainer Brian Gurl together with
Joey MacDonald, drummer Eddie Graham (Elvis Presley’s former drummer) and Joe
Bruno on bass. Join them as they
create a colorful, panoramic journey into a world of music featuring a fantastic
variety of styles including ragtime, rock ‘n roll, tin pan alley, showtunes,
jazz, semi-classical and pop favorites. Brian’s unique and awesome talents are
spotlighted as he plays the piano in all of his stylings and adding his vocal
talents to a variety of music from Irving Berlin and George Gershwin to Elton
John and from Boogie-Woogie to Broadway. But
that’s not all. The audience will
be regaled with favorites by Ray Charles, Liberace, Duke Ellington, Josh Grobin,
Jimmy Durante, Fats Waller and many more. Also
featured in the show is a very funny tribute to “old time radio” and the
days of Charlie McCarthy, W.C. Fields, Burns and Allen.
Proceeds from the shows are used to fund ECCA’s Arts Outreach which
brings performing artists directly into the schools in
Okaloosa
County
. Music, dance, song, comedy and a
great cause – this show has it all! (Note:
Get your tickets ordered early as this show has always sold out weeks
before showtime.)
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SEASON
FINALE
MASSENKOFF
RUSSIAN FOLK FESTIVAL
Saturday,
March
7 7:30 PM
OWC Mattie
Kelly Performing Arts Center
In the American music meccas of
New Orleans
and
Southwest Louisiana
, there’s a saying that describes the rootsy region’s atmosphere:
“Laissez les bon temps rouler” or “Let the Good Times
Roll!” ECCA will end its season
with a high energy show that is guaranteed to get the audience on its feet
celebrating the music of Mardi Gras and the Cajuns.
Zydeco (pronounced zeye – dee – coe) is a mixture of French-Caribbean
Creole music, Cajun, and
New Orleans
rhythm and blues. Long requested by
ECCA patrons, this show satisfies a taste for the spicy and exotic music of
Louisiana
and brings with it a foot-stompin’, Cajun rompin’ good time.
Zydeco-A-Go-Go, founded in 1992, features an all-star group of colorful
personnel with decades of experience. At
past Zydeco-A-Go-Go concerts audience members were literally dancing in the
aisles – and there’s plenty of room at the
Family
Life
Center
for everyone to get involved in this Season Finale!
Experience the “Joie de vivre” that typifies
Louisiana
dance music.
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ECCA ANNOUNCES 49TH CONCERT SEASON
E.C.C.A.
will be utilizing three venues for the season – the Ft. Walton Beach Civic
Auditorium and Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Okaloosa Walton College. To order season
tickets call (850) 269-1080. If you would like a season brochure, call (850)
362-9356 or 837-1742 to get on the mailing list. Individual tickets are available three
weeks prior to performance date.
The
Emerald Coast Concert Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Profits
from shows are used for educational outreach in Okaloosa County.
Contact Information
- Telephone
- 850-362-9356/850-837-1742
- FAX
- 850-837-1742
- Postal address
-
Ft Walton Beach, Florida
- Electronic mail
- General Information:
MsueNelr@aol.com
Sales:
MsueNelr@aol.com
Customer Support:
MsueNelr@aol.com
Webmaster:
bill@billzuppa.com