I hesitate to voice my favorites when asked about concerts, mainly because I had a hand in booking most all of them so I obviously like most of them.\u00a0However, every once in awhile a concert comes around that just really speaks to me emotionally, educationally, and inspirationally.<\/p>\n
This was the case this past Friday night when the American Spiritual Ensemble returned to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in concert.\u00a0This is one of those that perhaps doesn\u2019t have that \u201cwow!\u201d appeal by name recognition.\u00a0 I fear too many dismiss a particular concert or show because they don\u2019t recognize the performer.\u00a0 If this was the case for some, they missed out on an amazing concert experience.<\/p>\n
Far too often, the recognized named attractions offer much less talent and thus, sometimes entertainment value, than ones much lesser known.\u00a0 In the case of the American Spiritual Ensemble, the amount of talent on the stage far surpassed most concerts you may ever witness.\u00a0 If one didn\u2019t recognize this just from listening, it became obvious when they each introduced themselves and gave a brief bio of their credentials.\u00a0 Nearly half the singers held doctorate degrees in music while many others perform regularly in New York, L.A., Chicago and elsewhere throughout the world.\u00a0 Each singer was a world-class soloist.\u00a0 Twenty-one total singers and an accompanist who began concertizing in Italy at the age of three!<\/p>\n
As you listened to the first big chord of this vocal ensemble, you knew you were in the presence of world-class musicians and vocalists.\u00a0 And the thing I really like about the ASE is that its programs are also entertaining; nothing dry and boring about their performance.\u00a0 I rarely go on about a particular performance at the NPAC, but this one blew me away \u2026 once again!\u00a0 I would have to think that if they returned again, we should fill the hall to capacity.<\/p>\n
The next show coming to the NPAC is a little like the one I just described.\u00a0 Bowfire is perhaps not a name everyone recognizes, but includes world-class fiddlers and violinists, as well as other accompanying musicians.\u00a0It is one \u201chot\u201d show that has great appeal to every style music lover and is stunningly staged with light, sound and production.\u00a0Not only is the show filled with many great musicians, but also dancers.\u00a0 It is the complete sizzling bow show.<\/p>\n