Steel Pan Performance at Chinese Reconciliation Park

Classical Tuesdays hosted Steel Pan performing the music of Trinidad. Led by Miho Takekawa, the group performed several selections outdoors in Tacoma’s Chinese Reconciliation Park.

It was a gorgeous day with great musicians in a special spot in Tacoma!  Here's the video - do join us to celebrate our cultures and artists.  Glad to collaborate with Tacoma Ocean Fest to showcase our community!

Performers: Donovan Klega, Matthew Kusche, Elizabeth Larios, Jordan Bluhm, Ashley Neufeld, Rui-An Tseng, Claire Calderon, Darek Solomon, Jacob Shaffer, Sebastian Hernandez, and Dr. Greg Youtz.

Director: Dr. Miho Takekawa.

The performance features music by Black artists (Sonny Rollins, Marvin Gaye, Ray Holman), extended possibilities of steel band music of different styles (Calypso, Motown, Classical, Reggae), and captures authentic Trinidadian steel band sound (by Ray Holman).

Music:

1. St. Thomas (Calypso Jazz Standard - the composer Sonny Rollins’ parents were from the US Virgin Islands and he was inspired by a song that his parents sang)
2. Strangers Like Me ~ Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Disney song and Marvin Gaye hit song - arranged by the Puyallup School District’s Steel Pan Group instructor Sebastian Hernandez)
3. Bogoroditse Devo (composed by Rachmaninoff - Russian choir music. Arranged by current Steel Pan member Darek Solomon)
4. Red Red Wine (Reggae classic, arranged by current Steel Pan member Jordan Bluhm)
5. Steelband Paradise (Composed by Miho’s mentor Ray Holman from Trinidad and Tobago)

Before the performance is a short conversation between:

• Pamela Ryker (Artistic Director of the Classical Tuesdays series)
• Greg Youtz (Pacific Lutheran University Music Department and Trinidad and Tobago Study Abroad program)
• Miho Takekawa (PLU Music Department)
• Sebastian Hernandez (and Bryn Meyer and Noah Leifsen, students in the PSD Pans of Steel ensemble).

Video by @Kris Crews - Crews Creative - http://crews-creative.com - September 2020.

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma 2020-21 season to start up September 8 – virtually!

Welcome to Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma’s 16^th season. Instead of our annual Concert in the Park, this September we will enjoy music performed outdoors – but virtually!

Music brings us together to celebrate our differences and our common experiences. This Classical Tuesdays season opens with a gift of music from Trinidad. Please join us and Tacoma musicians in celebrating this vibrant culture!  On September 8, check out Classical Tuesdays at www.youtube.com/classicaltuesdays for:

• Our performance by Steel Pan, an ensemble representing the music of Trinidad. Led by Miho Takekawa, a member of the PLU music faculty, the group will perform several selections. (Pre-recorded a few days in advance)
• A conversation between Greg Youtz (PLU music faculty and head of the PLU Trinidad and Tobago Study Abroad program), Miho, Sebastian Hernandez (and his young students in the PSD Pans of Steel ensemble), and me, Pamela Ryker (Artistic Director of the Classical Tuesdays series).

I will announce a link (on the Classical Tuesdays website, on Facebook, and via email) a few days before showtime on September 8. Or explore youtube.com/classicaltuesdays  now, before the event!

The Classical Tuesdays season will unfold month by month as musicians experiment with recording at home for later broadcast or live-streaming. Performances will include some of the series’ familiar musician friends, and some musicians new to our community.

Join me in wishing all in our neighborhood and beyond good health!

Reschedule: March 10 features Torch Ensemble

January's event was postponed due to threatening weather. Torch Ensemble is coming to Slavonian Hall on Tuesday March 10!

TORCH, a Seattle-based contemporary group (Brian Chin, trumpet; Eric Likkel, clarinets; Steve Schermer, bass; Ben Thomas, vibes) perform original and experimental compositions collaborating with videographer Scott Kolbo. Kolbo's multi-media "Passages" tells an inspiring story of resilience and hope, with a heavy dose of slapstick humor and absurdity.

Torch Ensemble

The group Torch takes their name from a Thomas Mann quote: “Art is the sacred torch that must shed its merciful light into all life’s terrible depths.”

Check them out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhOzq-SCXF0

WHEN: March 10, 7:00pm

WHERE: Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St., Old Town Tacoma

FREE: donations greatly appreciated in support of this series of free musical events.

USE the ramp from the alley in the back if the stairs in the Hall are too challenging.

Plenty of free parking, plenty of eateries in the neighborhood for before or after our event.

February 11 Classical Tuesdays in Old Town features Women Composers of the 17th Century

Leading Ladies: Celebrating Baroque Women Composers
Soprano Natalie Ingrisano and harpsichordist Henry Lebedinsky invite us to step back into 17th Century Italy for an evening of songs written by women composers. It's only recently that these earlier women composers and their prodigious output are resurfacing. Join us for a delightful evening!

Natalie Ingrisano, soprano

Henry Lebedinsky, harpsichordist

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma
Where: Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th Street, Tacoma WA 98407

When: Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 7:00pm

FREE/all ages welcome/a ramp is available in the rear for those who are challenged by the Hall's stairs

Classical Tuesdays Jan 14: Canceled, hopefully rescheduled in March.

TORCH is a contemporary chamber music ensemble performing original compositions. Their name references Nobel laureate Thomas Mann's mantra, “Art is the sacred torch that must shed its merciful light into all life's terrible depths."


From TORCH's website:

In 2012, we asked, “Is it possible to create music that could exist as both intellectually rich and crafted with precision while maintaining a palpable groove without using a drummer?” TORCH was born to answer the question with series of self-composed, original programs of music. Rooted in contemporary classical composition, modern tango, and jazz improvisation, TORCH bridges gaps between genres, re-imagines works from master composers of the 20th century, and demonstrates an indie-band model of self-composition as a contemporary chamber music ensemble.

When: January 14th at 7:00pm
Where: Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St
             Old Town Tacoma
Free/ donations appreciated
All ages welcome!
Parking and a ramp for those who need easier access are behind the hall

Wine & Song 2019 a resounding success

"(we)... had a wonderful time at the Wine and Song 2019.  Yes, the entertainment of piano and tenor  was top drawer!! And I am so excited about the kayak trip (we successfully bid on)...!!!! What a wonderful group of people.  I talked to so many interesting men and women!!!!!  Thank you for making our favorite Xmas Party so very special!!!! " GT

"And thanks to you Pam, for organizing such a fine event. It really was terrific--inspired us to get tickets to hear Brendan do the Messiah next week! " MK

Every seat was filled, Brendan and Beth's music was perfection, Chris's reception table was beautifully laden with delectable finger foods created by Karen and John,Kathleen, Northern Fish, Joanne, Chris' cookies, and wines donated by Kathy and John.

And above all, a big Thanks! to Rob for calling around and gathering folding chairs at the last hour!

The Old Town and Proctor district businesses Northern Fish, Lobster Shop, CI Shenanigan's, Harbor Lights, Katie Downs, Pacific Northwest Shop, Gardensphere, Justine of Europa Bistro, and Karen and Kirk were very generous with their contributions for the Silent Auction. Thank you!
We all enjoy spending the evening in the lovely Connelly Law Offices space, and thank them for their support.

All efforts - and our terrific audience - made for a successful and festive evening. All of this supports the Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma series; we couldn't do it without you. Enjoy the Holidays! See you January 14 for our next event in Slav Hall.

Wine & Song Benefit is Tuesday December 10 at Connelly Law Offices

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma is holding our annual Wine & Song Benefit again this year in the lovely Connelly Law Offices. Join us for a chamber recital by our guest artist Brendan  Tuohy, followed by a generous and convivial reception of wines and finger-foods. Those who wish may gather around the piano for a bit of carol singing at the end of the evening.

Connelly Law Offices in Old Town

The silent auction baskets are filling up amazingly! North End shops, theaters and restaurants offered so generously last season, and already a new round of retailers have come forth with attractive items.This is a silent auction, so it is not the focus of the evening, the winning bids will be announced during the wine reception; you will be impressed with what you might pick up.

Our featured guest singer for this Wine & Song is Tacoma tenor Brendan Tuohy accompanied by the wonderful pianist Beth Tankersley. Brendan has planned an evening of art songs centered around the theme of wandering, "I was thinking of a short set of Schubert songs followed by the Vaughan Williams 'songs of travel'. Then lighten the mood a little with 3 or 4 Reynaldo Hahn French songs and then close the evening with Dvorak’s gypsy songs." Sounds delightful to me!

tenor Brendan Tuohy

I most recently heard Brendan sing the lead role in The Tacoma Opera's production of The Elixir of Love downtown at the Rialto Theatre. All the roles were sung beautifully and Brendan truly shone.

Come, join us for this festive evening. By purchasing a ticket at: classicaltuesdayswineandsong.brownpapertickets.com  you help support this series of free music events held on the 2nd Tuesdays in Old Town, September through February

When: Tuesday December 10, 7:00pm
Where: Connelly Law Offices, 2301 N 30th Street, Old Town
$30 tickets at classicaltuesdayswineandsong.brownpapertickets.com
call 253-752-2135 for more info and to mail a check for tickets

November 12 Classical Tuesdays welcomes back Tim and Maria

Violins and More Violins! 
Maria Sampen and Tim Christie
On Tuesday November 12 Maria Sampen and Timothy Christie return to Old Town with an evening of violin music - solo, duo, and larger ensemble.  Featured also will be a string group newly-formed and led by Maria at University of Puget Sound called the Puget Sound Virtuoso Strings -  comprised of talented 7th-12th grade violinists from the Puget Sound area. This group will play selections for violin ensemble including a piece by Polish female composer, Grazyna Bacewicz, and Maria will join them for a performance of Astor Piazzola's Winter from his "Four Seasons". 

The Puget Sound Virtuoso Strings

Tim and Maria will each perform solo violin repertoire - selections by Bach, Paganini, and Ysaye.

Where:

Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St., Old Town Tacoma

When: Tuesday November 12, 7:00pm

Free/donations appreciated

All ages welcome  

Ramp access from the alley

The evening of Irish song and dance was such fun and heart-warming!

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma had a big success Tuesday evening when the Beltane Boys sang and played for us. Our toes tapped away and our hearts were warmed by the singing of their soulful male voices.

Brandon (fiddle), Rich (voice), Cameron (flute/whistles/pipes) and Bill on the bodhran

We had a full house - and 'most everyone started the evening with supper at The Spar. Great fun was had by all.
Be sure to join us November 12 for an evening of Violins and More Violins with Maria Sampen, Tim Christie and the Puget Sound Virtuoso Strings ensemble.

Classical Tuesdays brings Irish Toe-tapping to Old Town Tacoma

The Irish are Coming! to  Old Town.
Join Classical Tuesdays for some Irish fiddling, singing, drumming and good old toe-tapping.

The Beltane Boys

The Beltane Boys add their soulful blend of male vocal harmonies to songs from all around the British Isles and Ireland. It wouldn’t be a céilidh without some instrumental dance music, and the Beltane Boys’ fiery jigs and reels will be sure to get your toes tapping.  So come enjoy a lively evening of song, story, laughter, and tunes that will have you humming all the way home.  

When: October 8th at 7:00pm
Where: Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St
             Old Town Tacoma
Free/ donations appreciated
All ages welcome!
Parking and a ramp for easier access are behind the hall

Brass Band Northwest comes to Old Town Park for our 2019-20 season starter

Join us Saturday September 14 at 4:00 in Old Town Tacoma Park.

Bring your lawn chair and picnic makings.We'll have a party on the lawn.
The Old Spaghetti Factory has offered to treat us to Italian sodas while we listen to the brass guys!

We've enjoyed the Brass Band NW in previous years and are happy they keep coming back!

Saturday, September 14 at 4:00pm
Old Town Park at the bottom of 30th Street hill
And it's FREE!

The Girsky String Quartet members performed for Classical Tuesdays March 5, 2019

Violinist Artur Girsky: Born in Riga, Latvia, into a family of violinists, Artur Girsky began playing violin at age 5. He studied with Maya Glezarova at the Moscow Central Music School and with Felix Andrievsky at the Royal College of Music in London. Girsky won Third Prize at the International Violin Competition of Naples and he served as Concertmaster of the Moscow Soloists chamber orchestra under the baton of world-renowned violist Yuri Bashmet. In 1997 Girsky joined The Florida Orchestra as Principal Second Violin. He has been a member of the Seattle Symphony since 2006 and is also a member of ODEONQUARTET.

Violinist Natasha Bazhanov: Born in Ekaterinburg, Russia, Natasha Bazhanov began playing violin at the age of 5. After winning several regional youth competitions, she made her solo debut with Ural State Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 9 and later was invited to Moscow Central Music School to join the class of professor Belenky. She was one of five people chosen to participate in Sir Yehudi Menuhin's masterclass during his historic visit to Moscow. After graduating with honors, Bazhanov was accepted to the Moscow conservatory and was touring extensively throughout Europe, taking part in festivals such as Schleswig- Holstein, Evian, Bonn, Schloss Ort. After moving to the United States, she became a member of the Florida Orchestra's violin section and later the principal second violinist. In 2006 she relocated to Seattle to join the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra and also plays regularly with Seattle Opera.

Violinist and violist Timothy Christie is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival. He serves on the music faculties of the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington, and the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina.
The solo violist of Brave New Works since the group's inception in 1997, Timothy has performed and premiered numerous solo and chamber works of the 20th and 21st centuries. Timothy currently with the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra, IRIS Orchestra (Germantown, Tennessee), the Seattle Symphony, and the Seattle Opera. He also plays in numerous chamber music series throughout the Northwest.

Rowena Hammill, cello: Originally from Australia, cellist Rowena Hammill graduated with a master’s degree from Indiana University where she was teaching assistant to Janos Starker. She has held professorships at the University of Northern Iowa and California State University Northridge and was Associate Principal Cello of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Presently, she divides her time between her positions as Associate Principal Cello of the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra and Artistic Director of Vashon Chamber Music in Washington state.In Los Angeles, she has performed with the Gold Coast Concert Artists, Pittance Chamber Music, and for the Guild Series. In the Seattle area, she curates and performs concerts for Club Shostakovich, and with the Girsky Quartet presents the Vashon Beethoven Quartet Project, performing all the quartets of Beethoven over three years, 2015-2018.In 2016, she directed the inaugural Vashon Island Cello Camp, a summer camp for students ages 14 and older. Vashon Chamber Music is now in its eighth season, bringing chamber music concerts to the residents of beautiful Vashon Island in Puget Sound as well as outreach concerts in schools and senior centers all over the Seattle area.

Join us again for our 15th season! with a Concert in the Park on Saturday September 14 at 4:00pm.

Rescheduled to March 5: Power and Patronage in the History of Chamber Music

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma is excited to bring The Girsky String Quartet to Old Town Tacoma on March 5th at 7pm in Slavonian Hall.

The Girsky String Quartet

Artur Girsky, violin

Natasha Bazhanov, violin

Tim Christie, viola

Rowena Hammill, cello

The program and a discussion of the role of patronage in the history of chamber music will feature:

Franz Joseph Haydn – Quartet in D major, Op. 71 No. 2

Dmitri Shostakovich – Quartet No. 10 in A-flat major, Op. 118

Ludwig van Beethoven – Quartet No. 8 in E minor, Op. 59 No. 2

The Girsky Quartet is an ensemble of stellar string players from Seattle, Los Angeles, Vashon Island, and Tacoma that is rapidly carving a niche for itself in the Pacific Northwest: 

Where & When:
Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St., Old Town Tacoma
Tuesday March 5, 7:00pm
Free/donations appreciated
All ages welcome 

Hear Gretchen Yanover's innovative classical sound January 8 in Slavonian Hall

Greet the New Year with Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma. Hear Seattle's Gretchen Yanover, classical/crossover/electric cellist, in a captivating performance of improvisations on cello and loop sampler!  Her music reflects her African American and Russian Jewish heritage, the European classical tradition she was trained in, and a contemporary approach that embraces technology to add layers of sound to her improvisations.

Gretchen Yanover
photo by David Speranza

Gretchen began playing at the age of ten in her public school music program. She was immersed in the world of classical music until her college years, when she expanded her range to include playing in bands. Once she was introduced to a loop sampler, Gretchen found a new voice for her instrument. She began to improvise and compose in this context, creating her own instrumental atmospheres and melodies. She has three solo albums.

In this 2017 News Tribune video, Gretchen shows how her use of technologies such as the loop sampler expands the meaning of classical music and adds layers of sound to her performance.

Where & When:
January 8, 2019  7:00pm
Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th Street
Old Town Tacoma

All ages/easy access from alley
FREE

Fantastic silent auction baskets for Old Town Classical Tuesdays' Wine & Song Dec 11

December 11, 7:00pm, at Connelly Law Offices, 2301 N 30th St in Old Town Tacoma

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma invites you to our Wine & Song 2018, featuring Erin Guinup, soprano, followed by wine and finger foods. This is a fundraiser for the Classical Tuesdays series of free events held at Slavonian Hall and Old Town Park September through February.

Pacific NW Shop, Proctor

 

Come prepared to make bids on some fantastic silent auction baskets. Neighbors and businesses have contributed a terrific variety of gift certificates. Alfredo Russo is offering 2 passes for a cooking class at Europa Bistro, Jon Douglas Rake and Jeffrey Stvrtecky of Tacoma Musical Playhouse are offering 2 tickets to a theater performance, Bill Evans of the Pacific Northwest shop is putting together a generous basket of Northwest bounty, Harbor Lights has donated a dinner certificate for 2, Katie Downs is offering a pizza of your choice, and many other delightful gifts to be discovered in the baskets!

$25 Tickets at:  https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3657034   some tickets are available at Bayview Optical in Old Town  or contact Pam:  253-752-2135 or prryker@gmail.com

Harbor Lights, Old Town Tacoma

Wine & Song 2018 festive evening to benefit Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma invites all - and all ages - to our festive Wine & Song 2018! 

This is a fundraiser for the Classical Tuesdays series of free events presented by the Old Town Business & Professional Association held at Slavonian Hall and Old Town Park September through February.

soprano Erin Guinup

Erin Guinup, Founding Director of Tacoma's Refugee Choir, will perform "Ladies of Lyric and Song" including some jazz, operetta, and contemporary cabaret. She'll be accompanied by Marjorie Skreen-Dickerson on piano.

 Afterward, we'll enjoy a lovely spread of wines and finger foods.


A special feature this year: silent auction baskets will offer gift certificates for eateries in Old Town, theater performances and many more goodies. Check back for tantalizing details!

This convivial event is held at   

Connelly Law Offices on North 30th

Connelly Law Offices
2301 N 30th Street, Old Town Tacoma

December 11 at 7:00pm.

$25 are available at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3657034

or call 253-752-2135
Any remaining tickets will be available at the door.

Watch highlights of this week's Classical Tuesday on YouTube

A 12 minute video of Classical Tuesdays' Korean Wave event is showing on WATV KBS, a Federal Way-based cable TV station in the Korean Broadcasting System with 7 million viewers in Washington State.

The video is also on the WATV KBS homepage (https://www.kbswa.com/) and YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/t3umRYJP60c). You'll see a short intro outside Slavonian Hall and several parts of the Korean Wave-style arts fusion show, ranging from traditional Korean music and dance to a Korean fashion show.

Queen Jean Yang

Che Sehyun Hip Hop artist

Seattle Aphrodite fashion 

Korean Traditional & Contemporary Culture at Classical Tuesdays Nov 13, 7pm

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma is excited to bring the Wave Korean Performing Arts ensemble to Slavonian Hall November 13. This amazing troupe performs contemporary as well as traditional music and dance - and fusion fashion!

The Wave Korean Performing Ensemble

The  increasing awareness in recent years of diverse aspects of South Korean culture - from fashion and film to pop music and cuisine as well as traditional Korean arts -  is often referred to as the Korean Wave. This growing popularity of all things Korean - Korean dramas and Korean pop music especially - has flourished via the internet and social media.

Korean Performing Arts will feature traditional music on the haegeum two-string Korean fiddle, the gayageum 12-string Korean harp, traditional standing drums, folk and court dances, and then shake it all up with a hip-hop multimedia "Kimchi"!
We'll also enjoy a fusion fashion show presented by Miyoung Margolis, designer at Seattle Aphrodite! 
Korean Performing Arts have planned quite an exciting, colorful evening for us!!

Bring your cell phones to send short videos out to the social media community

1.   

Several North End neighbors have stepped forward to help support this event: A Big Thank You! to   Nicola Tollefson, John & Karen Trueman, Stolz & Associates, PS, Janice Sakai

Join us November 13 at 7pm! Come for coffee and cookies before the music starts.

As usual, the performance at Slavonian Hall is Free and appropriate for all ages. Easier access is available from the alley to the hall on the second floor.

Haegeum instrument

Where & When:
Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St., Old Town Tacoma
Tuesday November 13, 7:00pm
Free/donations appreciated
All ages welcome  
Ramp access from the alley

Brass Quintet in Slavonian Hall October 9, 7pm

The Choppers brass quintet

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town is excited to bring a Brass Quintet to Slavonian Hall on October 9. The free concert starts at 7:00pm.

The Choppers brass quintet members are active throughout the NW region. The members are:

Shelly Devlin, trumpet

Denise Cline, trumpet

Stacey Eliason, French horn       

Barry Ehrlich, trombone

Jameson Bratcher, tuba

 Listen to their performance of El Gato Montes at the Washington State Capitol, Olympia WA.

 They'll  play works by the popular American composers Eric Ewazen and Leonard Bernstein, and others. Join us for coffee & cookies before the music starts!

Where & When:
Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St., Old Town Tacoma
Tuesday October 9, 7:00pm
Free/donations appreciated
All ages welcome 
This event is part of Tacoma Arts Month

Clan Gordon Pipers inspired dancing and singing

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town started up our 14th season on Saturday September 8 in Old Town Park. We provided the finale for Pioneer Days Festival at Job Carr Cabin Museum.
The Clan Gordon Pipers regaled us with dance tunes and with songs that touched the heart - a few people in the audience sang along at times! The pipers' tunes were often familiar and very moving. The drummers showed great wrist action with their mallets! and the two dancers were lovely and lively.

Clan Gordon Pipers

Clan Gordon drummers

Clan Gordon dancers