Community Concerts celebrates 75 musical years
Jun 06, 2019 03:21PM ● By Jan Weeks
The Association, one of the most underrated groups to come out of the mid to late ’60s, arrives midway through the season for a matinée performance on January 26, 2020, to thrill those who sang along with “Cherish” and other hits, like “Along Comes Mary.” Three original members and the son of another bring a huge helping of memories to audiences.
According to Trish Mahre, CCGV publicity chair, this season turned out to have a nostalgia theme. Sail On, a Beach Boys tribute group, starts the season on September 19, with a trip back to the 1960s. The Beginnings, a tribute to Chicago, including the brass sounds that make them special, bookends the season on May 17.
“The board tries to find a variety of music, and I feel that you won’t find this selection of music for a comparable price anywhere,” said Mahre.
A season ticket for all seven performances is $75 until July 1, when the price increases to $80. That works out to about $11 per show. Try seeing a live performance at the Avalon or many other venues for that price.
The Annie Moses Band performs October 8. These Julliard-educated musicians celebrate four family generations of hard-working folks and an abiding love of music. Grand Junction joins Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ol’ Opry as a venue.
On December 1, Rockapella offers a matinée performance. The group became TV famous in the early 1990s after performing “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” Now they rock on with Motown, pop, soul, and more.
Sons of Serendip, finalists in the ninth season of “America’s Got Talent,” perform on March 15. The male group consists of a harpist, a cellist, a pianist, and a vocalist who thrill audiences with their creative interpretations of popular music.
Dan Miller’s Cowboy Revue uses guitars, mandolin, bass, fiddles and their voices to bring the traditional music of the American West to life on April 14.
Bobbi Alpha, CCGV board president, became involved in the organization when her three daughters all took piano lessons from Mary Leah Chavies, who gave them free tickets to concerts and they were hooked.
Chavies, 91, has been around since the first season in 1944 and a CCGV board member since 1963.
“She was a sophomore at Grand Junction High School and sold tickets to her classmates,” Alpha said.
She has also taught piano students since 1944 and played string bass in the Grand Junction Symphony for 44 years.
Season tickets have sold out for three of the past five years. Order tickets online at www.community concertsgrandvalley.org or by mail. You can print the application form from the website or call 243-1979 and one will be sent to you. Tickets will be mailed to subscribers in early September. Unsold seats for each concert may be purchased at the door—$25 for adults and $15 for students. Doors open 45 minutes before each performance and seating is first-come, first served. ■
