Sunday, June 22, 2008

Earthbeat Choir’s First of Summer Concert Series

Earthbeat, performing at the United Nations
The Earthbeat Choir opens its Summer Concert Series this morning on the Main Stage at the (111th annual!) Strawberry Days Festival in Glenwood Springs. The tunes performed will include several written by the Choir, and a medley of Eagles hits.

Earthbeat, a non-profit organization, has been presided over by its maestro of ten years, KC Johnson. His mission statement: “The Choir embraces a diverse group of children, in which the magic of music flourishes. Where kids feel safe to start where they are and rise to their full potential as singers, songwriters & creative artists, because there is a creative artistic spirit in every child waiting to be released.” He further states: “Whenever an event in our world touches our lives and hearts, you can rest assured that the Earthbeat Choir will be moved to write a song....The inspiration that compelled us to write the song, ‘"Don't Look the Other Way"’ was the Columbine tragedy. It was written with the children, staff and musicians of the Carbondale and Basalt Summer Music Camps.”

The Earthbeat staff this year includes graduates from past Music Camps. Dave and I, having had the privilege of performing with K.C. and the Choir over the last ten years, have watched many of these kids blossom into brilliant young adults. Two kids (Kids? HA! – let me rephrase…) Two young men, both monster musicians, will accompany the choir this year. Van Wampler (who just turned 19!) (and received bagpipes as a birthday gift from his grandparents - how cool is that?) will be on keyboards. Dominic Franklin will provide a strong backbone as the drummer. Oh, and, yeah. Dave and I will be there on guitar and bass. Speaking of which – we’d better get a hustle on. We have a 9:45 soundcheck; the show has a 10:45 downbeat.
Other scheduled Earthbeat concerts are:
July 19 - Burning Mountain Days – New Castle – time to be determined - noonish
July 27 – Carbondale Mountain Fair – Carbondale – time to be determined - noonish
August 16 – Basalt River Days - time to be determined - noonish
If you’d like to reach KC for further information, please call him at (970) 618-8103.

By the way - While at the Festival, take time to browse the many booths. You’ll find all sorts of treasures created by local artisans, as well as major ‘good eats.’ BBQ ribs, corn dogs, funnel cakes, ice cream, tacos, tamales, spanakopita, etc, etc, etc. Cotton candy! Oh, man. I am so all over it.

Other acts appearing today on the Main Stage are:
Big Daddy Lee & the King Bees at 2:30
Atomic Brass Project at 3:30 - With two of Denver's best vocalists and a five piece horn section, they are sure to keep you movin' all night long!

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