Music

A passion for the arts: ‘Music at McClellan, the Mountain Longleaf Series’ will open with concert on May 22

By Cynthia Malakasis
Star Staff Writer
04-14-2004

Anniston’s old military base will host a different crowd this spring, and the sounds of the season will mix with those of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra will join forces with popular artists in a month-long “cultural extravaganza,” said Pete Conroy of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce at a press conference Tuesday morning. “Music at McClellan, the Mountain Longleaf Series,” will be held at the Fort McClellan Ceremonial Parade Ground. It will open with a concert on May 22. Concerts will be held on the following three Saturdays, through June 12. Organizers hope this is going to be the beginning of what could turn into an annual event. “This region has always had a real affinity for the arts,” said Sherri Sumners, president of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. “This concert series gives us an opportunity to highlight two of the amenities that make this area so special — our beautiful outdoor natural areas and our passion for the arts.” Paul Ferrone, ASO executive director, said he hopes the orchestra can make McClellan its summer home and continue the event for years to come. The series will open with a concert by ASO and the 21st Century Platters performing classic oldies Saturday, May 22. Three Dog Night will bring “Joy to the World” the following Saturday, May 29, playing hits such as “Eli’s Coming,” “Never Been to Spain” and “Mama Told Me Not to Come.” ASO and star of the long-running Las Vegas show, “The Rat Is Back!,” Steve Lippia, will croon Frank Sinatra standards in a “Simply Sinatra” performance June 5. The series will end on June 12 with ASO Associate Conductor Christopher Confessore leading the orchestra in classical music favorites such as Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture” and “1812 Overture.” Each concert begins at 8 p.m., with grounds opening at 6 p.m. for picnicking. All seating is in the lawn. Tickets are $15 if bought in advance and $20 on the day of each concert. A package of eight tickets is available at a discounted rate. Children’s tickets are $5. To buy tickets, you may call 1-800-507-0336 or visit www.alabamasymphony.org. For information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 237-3536 or visit the event’s Web site at www.mam.jsu.edu. ‘Music at McClellan’ Saturday, May 22: 21st Century Platters and Alabama Symphony Orchestra will be performing classic oldies such as ‘Only You’ and ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’ Saturday, May 29: Three Dog Night will bring ‘Joy to the World’ with hits such as ‘One’ and ‘Mama Told Me Not to Come’ Saturday, June 5 : Steve Lippia and Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform Frank Sinatra classics, such as ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ Saturday, June 12: Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform classical pieces such as Tchaikovsky’s ‘Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture’

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