Eric Anderson plays a euphonium. According to Wikipedia a euphonium is a medium-sized, conical-bore, tenor voiced brass instrument that derives its name from an ancient unspellable Greek word, which means “well sounding” or “sweet-voiced”. Photo courtesy of Prof. David M. Coleman
Woods, winds, and rain looked to be the order of the day for the annual “Woods, Winds, Strings, and a Little Jazz” concert on the Gunflint Trail, but while the woods and the wind remained, the rain stopped, and the concert began. This late-summer event continues to be a wonderful way to celebrate the great musical talent of local musicians, and sometimes guest musicians. What is so obvious is how much the performers enjoy playing in this remarkable, informal setting, and how enthusiastic the audience is in responding.
There are always a few spontaneous incidents that bring a bit of hilarity to the event, but which make the concert of serious music and evident hard work so much more appreciated. For example, as Sue Anderson was playing a violin solo, a rogue gust of wind scattered her music all over the front of the hall, and she, with great calm, and some help, got the music back on the stand and continued, unflustered.
Later in the program, as Sky Blue was playing, featuring Thomas Stamps on vocal, and Dave Coleman was helping by serving as an impromptu microphone stand for Thomas, Thomas serenaded Dave, to the audience’s delight.
This concert included, but was not limited to, a wide range of music by well known composers, such as J. S. Bach, Leroy Anderson, Leo Kottke, John D. Loudermilk, W.A. Mozart, Fats Waller, and some local composers, arrangers, and performers, such as Fred Anderson, Erika Ternes, and Mike DeBevec.
Soloists included Philis Anderson, oboe; Sue Anderson, violin; Eric Anderson, euphonium; and Fred Anderson, guitar. Karina Roth accompanied most of the soloists, and also was featured as vocalist in the piece “Guitarra,” performed by Sky Blue Jazz ensemble. Thomas Stamps sang the lyrics to “It’s Only A Paper Moon,” also played by Sky Blue Jazz.
Several groups also contributed to the event. Philis Anderson and Sue Anderson played an oboe and violin duet, “Serenade,” by G.B. Viotte, a piece that, to my ears, sounded like it had themes from folk tunes heard in the countryside. Sisters Amelia and Greta Roth sang the very poignant song, “My Love, My Life,” from the movie and play “Mamma Mia!” They sang it skillfully and with great feeling, and we hope they’ll continue to sing for future concerts, as talent not only comes to Grand Marais but it blossoms and grows here as well. SVEA, a group that has established itself not just locally, but around the Upper Midwest as well, sang with obvious enjoyment, four songs, all in Swedish, and all arranged by member Erica Ternes.
SVEA also ended the concert with one more song, again arranged by Erika. Other members of SVEA besides Erika are Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux, Tina Hegg Raway, and Elunia Steckelberg. This group always gets an enthusiastic response from the audience.
More ensembles took part, including a trumpet trio, consisting of Don Grant, Robert Reed, and Paul Dragsten, which performed the well known and loved piece, “Bugler’s Holiday.” This piece opened the concert, a good, lively way to begin.
Another brass ensemble, the Borealis Brass Quintet, consisting of Eric Anderson, euphonium; Dave Coleman, trombone; Don Grand trumpet; Robert Reed, trumpet; and Alyssa Hedstrom, french horn, played well-known pieces, including Rondeau, by Jean-Joseph Mouret (known to many from Masterpiece Theater), Ashokan Farewell, by Jay Unger (the nostalgic theme from Ken Burns’ Civil War television series), as well as Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” plus George Bassman’s and Ned Washington’s “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You.” It’s a treat to hear those beloved pieces that span the history of much music that we know.
As always Sky Blue Jazz Ensemble, including Mike DeBevec, piano; Mike Roth, string bass; Karina Roth, vocal, and accordion; Erik Hahn, sax; and Thomas Stamps, percussion and vocal, entertains the audience with jazz favorites. This ensemble has contributed to our local music scene in many venues, and what a contribution it is!
As with any event, the behind-the-scenes work is necessary to make it something enjoyable for the musicians and the audience. The Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department members empty the cold storage building at the Poplar Lake station, to turn it into a performance hall.
Dave Coleman, in addition to designing the posters placed around the region, designed the program, emceed the concert, and solicited musicians. Patsy Coleman handled the ticket sales, assisted by Kay Olson, and money disbursements, music director Susan Scherer contacted the musicians and arranged the program order. Vicki and Nicki Boostrom organized and served the reception treats, which came from Cook County Whole Foods, Crosby Bakery, and beverages and other supplies from Dave and Patsy Coleman (wine), Johnson’s Foods, and Gene’s Foods.
Thank you to WTIP station manager Matthew Brown and Martha Marnocha, who recorded the concert for future broadcast. Michael Valentini provided the sound system, and Bill Beckstrand made sure the piano was in tune. Cook County News-Herald, Northern Wilds, Joan Farnam (North Shore Music Association), and Fred Smith all helped with publicity.
This concert and reception, a community gathering, would not happen without the greatly appreciated A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Mid-Trail Community Center. It has quickly become a meeting place for residents of the Gunflint Trail, as well as Grand Marais residents and Trail guests. Our gratitude for Paul and Carol’s gift is recognized whenever we are there. Finally, our profound thanks go to the musicians and the audience. The proceeds of the concert go to the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department for equipment.
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