Sunday, May 8, 2005
BLOCK 5 fund-raiser will aid Oakland
YOUNGSTOWN -- A benefit performance of the new Holocaust play "BLOCK 5" will be presented at 8 p.m. May 25 at the Oakland Center for the Arts, in the old Elks building downtown. The event will include a reception, and 50 percent of the box-office proceeds will benefit the Oakland. Tickets are specially priced at $20 and can be obtained by calling the Oakland at (330) 746-0404. Other performances are scheduled for May 20-21 at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., May 22 at 2:30 p.m., May 26-28 at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and May 29 at 2:30 p.m. In attendance at most performances will be special guest Eva Schloss, Anne Frank's stepsister, who will sign books and talk about her experiences in Birkenau concentration camp.
English music festival with local talent
YOUNGSTOWN -- Seraphim Chorus and Chamber Orchestra, Jon Simsic music director, presents A Festival of English Music at 8 p.m. May 20 at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave. The program will include a complete performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs with YSU voice faculty member Allan Mosher, baritone. Kirk Kupensky of Youngstown will perform a movement from Alwyn's harp concerto, "Lyra Angelica," to which Michelle Kwan skated in the Olympic and World Championships. Tickets may be purchased at the door. For more information or tickets, call (330) 898-3620.
Seeking musiciansfor summer programs
ASHTABULA -- The Ashtabula Arts Center's Theater Department is seeking accomplished musicians to play in this summer's pit orchestras for its Straw Hat Theatre productions. Players of all reed, brass and string instruments, as well as keyboard players, are needed for the productions of "Peter Pan," "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "South Pacific." Guitarists and bass guitarists are needed for "Superstar" and "Bat Boy." Drum set players are needed for "Peter Pan," "Bat Boy" and "South Pacific." "Superstar" also requires a percussionist. The center is located at 2928 West 13th Street.
To participate in one of the summer's orchestras or for more information, contact theater coordinator Darrell Lowe at (440) 964-3396.
65th concert season
WARREN -- Warren Civic Music Association's 65th concert season will open Sept. 12 with Crystal Gayle. The season will continue with Quartetto Gelato's "Neapolitan Nights," a program of Italian melodies, arias and love songs, on Oct. 18, and pianist Mac Frampton and his ThreePenny Symphony offering "Pop Go the Classics" Nov. 19.
In 2006, Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians will play Feb. 6, and a Broadway Star-Spangled Celebration March 10 The season concludes April 25 with film, recording and Broadway star John Davidson.
Concerts will be at 7:30 p.m. at Packard Music Hall. Subscriptions purchased by May 31 are $55, or $25 for students, plus a $1.50 handling fee. After May 31, prices will be $60 and $30, plus the fee. Tickets to individual concerts will be available in September. Call (330) 399-4885 for ticket information.
WKSU gets awardsfor writing excellence
KENT -- WKSU was recognized with 18 awards from Ohio Professional Writers Inc., the state affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women, April 23 at the Pump House in Ashland during the organization's annual spring convention. Staff members were honored with 12 first-place awards, which are now automatically entered into the national Communications Contest sponsored by NFPW. The WKSU Web site is www.wksu.org.