Metropolitan-style entertainment comes to McCook

From Bach to Berlin -- Brahm to Bernstein, whatever your taste, this year's concert series sponsored by the McCook Concert Association is sure to please the musical palette of music lovers throughout Southwest Nebraska.

The Concert Association has been sponsoring musical talent in Southwest Nebraska for several years, giving area residents the taste of culture once available only in Denver, Lincoln, Omaha or beyond.

This year's line-up begins Monday, Oct. 7, with a group of five Austrian men who have become popular recording artists throughout the European Continent

The brass quintet, Brassissimo Vienna will entertain audiences with classical performances by Strauss, Mozart and Bach, including such classics as Mozart's "The Magic Flute," show tunes from Andrew Lloyd Webber and waltzes from Strauss.

The 45-member Russian State Chorus will be on stage Friday, Nov. 8 to entertain members of the McCook Concert Association with musical selections celebrating the rich heritage of the Russian culture.

From Rachmaninoff's "Italian Polka," to musical classics such as "Santa Lucia," "House on the River" by Stephen Foster and the American classic "God Bless America" by Irving Berlin, concert members attending this concert are sure to enjoy an entire evening of entertainment by one of the world's leading choirs.

For a little humor and great piano and vocal sounds, the McCook Concert Association's third concert will be provided by Everything Under the Sun.

The name of the duet, comprised of Diane Penning and Rich Ridenour, is a fitting title to their musical talent. Works to be performed include everything from pop tunes from greats such as George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen and Cole Porter to more serious pieces by Jacques Offenbah, Leonard Bernstein and a familiar aria from a major opera. The duet mixes their stylings with style, grace, fun and humor.

Don't miss this special concert on Friday, Feb. 7 The final concert will be performed by the Tom Prin Trio on Saturday, March 29. Pianist Tom Prin will be accompanied by Bruce Calin and Bruce Winterfold as the group provieds an evening of laid-back, easy listening tunes, bringing back the sounds of the past with a medley from the Wizard of Oz and heating up with some seat bouncing music from Billy Joel.

The group will entertain with piano, drum and bass and a little humor as they poke fun at one another with friendly jokes.

Only members of the McCook Concert Association are invited to attend any one or all of these concerts. For only $30 for adults, $10 for students or $65 for a family membership, residents in Southwest Nebraska can enjoy the musical entertainment of four groups normally seen only in the larger cities. In other words, for about the cost of a movie ticket, metropolitan culture can be found right here in McCook.

It's a great value for the money when you consider the alternative -- to see these concerts anywhere else concert-goers would end up paying for expensive tickets, airfare, motel rents, taxi service and meals.

There is just a short time left to purchase an annual ticket. For more information call (308) 340-2592. Tickets will go off sale Friday evening.