George Gershwin’s vibrant ‘S Wonderful was performed by Erin Hahn on sax, Karina Roth on vocals, Mike Roth, bass, Thomas Stamps, percussion, and Michael DeBevec, piano and vocals.
Surrounded by rain clouds, but spared any storm, the cold storage building of the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department was the scene of a concert of classical, contemporary, and jazz music, performed by local artists. The acoustics of this building make it a fine concert hall and, with the big garage doors open, the view of the forest around the building adds to the ambience.
This concert was the fifth annual presentation, and it only grows in richness. Philis Anderson opened the concert with two gorgeous movements for the Northumbrian Suite for oboe. They were melodic, and Philis’s skillful playing and the richness of her tone, made them sing. There were several musicians who were performing for the first time, including Nancy and Hugh Magill, who followed Philis by playing several waltzes from Brahms’s Neue Liebeslieder, Opus 65a. These pieces were lively, and they were expertly performed as piano duets, on the very excellent Kawai piano that when not being used for this concert, is housed at the Schaap Community Center nest to the concert building.
Nancy and Hugh Magill played piano together in their performance of Johannes Brahms waltzes from Neue Liebeslieder, Opus 65a.a
Kathy Bolstad, accompanied by Karina Roth played “Tambourin,” by F. J. Gossec. This is Gossec’s most famous piece, a dance piece, and it was written in the 18th century for clarinet, which had just recently been invented. The piece was wonderfully played, and it made one feel like dancing. Following Kathy and Karina was Fred Anderson, playing acoustic guitar. This was Fred’s first appearance for this concert. He played J. S. Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, probably Bach’s most well known composition. This piece is arranged for many instruments, as well as voice, but Fred, playing a guitar interpretation, highlighted this beloved song’s quiet, calm nature.
Fred followed that piece by his own beautiful composition, Lost in C., again setting a tone of quiet attention to the mellow sound of the guitar.
Left: Fred Anderson, on guitar, plays Jesus Joy of Man’s Desiring by J.S. Bach. Right: Kathy Bolstad on clarinet and Karina Roth (not pictured) on piano, played Tears in Heaven, from the movie Rush. Eric Clapton wrote the song.
The concert then transitioned to a lively mood, with jazz compositions, played by the Sky Blue Jazz Ensemble. This jazz group consists of Mike DeBevec, piano and vocals; Eric Hahn, soprano sax and tenor sax; Karina Roth, vocals; Mike Roth, bass; and Thomas Stamps, percussion. This ensemble played five pieces, including two of Mike DeBevec’s compositions: Suite Nonetto, and Mixed Blood. Mixed Blood was written by Mike for Philis Anderson, so it included oboe. Philis joined the ensemble to play the piece, and it was a terrific blend of jazz instruments and the more orchestral instrument, the oboe. The jazz ensemble played two George Gershwin pieces: Our Love is Here to Stay, and “S Wonderful, both all time favorites. Karina Roth, with great style, sang both songs with the ensemble.
The last three pieces brought the audience to quiet attention starting with an oboe solo, Gabriel’s Oboe, from the movie: The Mission, accompanied by Karina on the piano. Philis, lovingly dedicated this song to her Grandson, Gunnar, who died last winter in a snowmobile accident.
Kathy Bolstad, also accompanied by Karina, followed Philis’s piece with the song, Tears in Heaven, from the movie Rush.
This well known song was written by Eric Clapton following the accidental death of his young son. Trumpet player, Robert Reed, also performing in the concert for the first time, closed the concert with another beautiful, lyrical song by George Gershwin, Someone to Watch Over Me. It’s a good guess that more than one person in the audience was quietly humming along.
Following the concert, a reception was held in the A. Paul and Carol Schaap Community Center just next door. This center is a favorite gathering place for many Gunflint Trail residents, and for such events as this concert reception.
The reception gives the audience a time for a few refreshments, and the opportunity to meet and talk with the performers, and with each other. Another blessing of our community.
Many people worked to make this concert and reception a pleasing experience for the audience, most of all, the musicians, but also the behind the scenes individuals. Patsy Coleman was the contact person for ticket reservations, Dave Coleman gave excellent input to the organization of the concert, moved the piano, was interviewed on WTIP, and did countless other tasks to make the concert happen. Several members of the fire department helped by emptying the cold storage building of rescue equipment so it could become a concert hall, and many volunteers set up the community center for the reception.
Elfvin Bakery provided delicious cakes, and Cook County Whole Foods Co-op provided wonderful food trays. Dave and Patsy Coleman donated wine to add elegance to the reception. Staff from WTIP came to do a recording of the concert, which will be aired on WTIP at a later date. A very big thank you to all who worked to make it another very successful event. Thank you, audience, for coming!
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