Feb 13, 2024, is the next Classical Tuesdays event: Hip-Hop and BeatBox! Come, give it a listen!

 Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma is featuring a twist on the concept of "classical" music this coming February 13.  Join us as we explore the now-50 years old Hip-Hop and BeatBox styles that are established in today's street music and mixed cultural gatherings. 

We welcome Czon DeLuna, the father/son duo Seattle Hip-Hop artist/wordsmith Czon De Luna and his 11 year old son Nicco. 

Czon DeLuna Hip-Hop duo

father-son duo Czon and Nicco

Also, this evening BeatBox Panda artist who will demonstrate his BeatBox style

Listen to this talented beatboxer at https://shoutoutla.com/meet-edward-vincent-m-bantasan-professional-beatboxer/

BeatBox Panda

BeatBox is the sound produced from the mouth using different techniques, as we will witness! The first known use of beatbox dates back to 1982, then described as an electronic device that adds a backbeat, manipulates sounds, and mimics music instruments, A beatboxer is a person who vocally imitates percussion sounds, layering entirely voice-generated rhythm tracks, turning himself/herself into what rappers call a human beatbox.

When: February 13, 2024, 7:00pm

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

FREE/All ages welcome

The ramp from the alley at the back of Slavonian Hall is available for easier access to the 2nd floor performance level.

Wine & Song 2023 tickets are available! Join us December 5th at 7:00pm

 Classical Tuesdays' annual Wine & Song event - which is a benefit for our series of free musical evenings - is scheduled for December 5th at 7:00pm. Again this year the Connelly Law Offices will host and underwrite this lovely evening, in their handsome and inviting venue.

Lyric mezzo-soprano Soon Cho, accompanied by pianist Amy Boers, will use Robert Schumann's Frauenliebe und leben as the framework for this recital, weaving songs together to tell a story of "Echos of Life through a Harmonious Tapestry". This lovely program includes several women composers: Amy Beach, Clara Schumann, Lili Boulanger, and Florence Price, including living South Korean composer Hye-Young Cho, as well songs by Henry Purcell and Robert Schumann.

Tickets are $30 each are available at     https://wineandsong2023.eventbrite.com

     or contact Pamela at prryker@gmail.com

lyric mezzo-soprano Soon Cho

• Wine & Song 2023: Echoes of Life through a Harmonious Tapestry                                      
• December 5, 7:00pm                                                                                                               
• Connelly Law Offices at 2301 N 30th St., Tacoma WA 98403                                              
• $30 tickets available at http://wineandsong2023.eventbrite.com                                           

November 14 at 7:00pm in Slavonian Hall: Dancing with the Sun King

Harpsichordist Henry Lebedinsky and dancer Anna Mansbridge invite us all to attend the court of Louis XIV! The wearing of haute couture and other finery is optional but do join us at 7:00pm on Tuesday, November 14 at Slavonian Hall in Old Town Tacoma, as we enjoy a window into the grandeur and ceremony of the 17th century.

Known as the Sun King, also as Louis the Great, he was King of France from 1643 to 1715. In his early years he lived at the Louvre (the royal palace at that time), where he established the splendor and the protocol that was to define the Grand Siècle. In 1682, King Louis moved his court - and its fashionable music and decorum - to Versailles. Throughout his life Louis enjoyed dancing and playing the guitar.

On Tuesday Nov 14, Henry Lebedinsky returns to Slavonian Hall, this time sharing his insights into the music and dance of that golden era as established by King Louis and his court. Joining Henry in this performance are renowned dancer Anna Mansbridge, Tekla Cunningham on baroque violin, and Adaiha MacAdam-Some on viola da gamba. This will be a tremendous evening. Join us!

Henry Lebedinsky, harpsichord

Anna Mansbridge, dancer

What: Classical Tuesdays: Dancing with the Sun King

When: November 14, 2023 at 7:00pmWhere: Slavonian Hall, 2303 N 30th St, Tacoma WA

FREE, All ages are welcome

A ramp from the alley to the back door is available to help access the 2nd floor level.

October 10 7:00pm Violin & Percussion in Slavonian Hall, Old Town Tacoma

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma looks forward to the return of violinist Maria Sampen! And performing with Maria, we welcome percussionist James Doyle who joined the Puget Sound music community in 2020.

Maria Sampen, violin

This exciting program will include:

Salina Fisher: Komorebi (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nVwBE4Oycs) (violin and vibraphone)

Daniel Levitan: Duo for Violin dan Marimba (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILyXrZXRFsg)

Yousif Sheronick: Jubb Jannin  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkKNPs11J5g (violin and percussion)

Fraser/Haas: Caliope Meets Frank https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwgcvxsOeyI (violin and marimba)

Marilyn Shrude (this composer is Maria's mother): Visions in Metaphor (solo violin and images)

Wynton Marsalis: Come Long Fiddler from "At the Octoroon Balls" (solo violin)

And selections of  solo percussion/marimba.

James Doyle, percussion

What: Violin & Percussion Duos & Solos

Where: Slavonian Hall, 2320 N 30th St, Tacoma

When: Tuesday, October 10, at 7:00pm

FREE, All ages welcome!

Tacoma Tapestry 2023 in Old Town Park Saturday Sept 9 at 2:00 - 4:00pm

 Join us in exploring Tacoma's cultural history.This year we celebrate the music of Croatia and the Balkans.

Bonaca Croatian ensemble

Performers are the KlapaDooWopella mens vocal quartet which specializes in traditional Croatian “Klapa” (a cappella minstrels who traditionally hang out on boat docks and street corners along the Adriatic coast of Croatia); Bonaca, a multi-piece tamburica orchestra which performs music from Croatia and Central and Southeast Europe; and Dunava (Danube), a Balkan womens vocal ensemble.

Dunava womens vocal ensemble

The ladies of Slavonian Hall are offering pastries and coffee.

Bring blankets and beach chairs for sitting on the grass.

We are happy to be sponsored by Tacoma Creates, Tacoma City Events, Tacoma Sister Cities, and Old Town Business & Professional Association.

Time: 2pm-4pm Cost: Free All ages welcome

KlapaDooWopella mens voices

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma 2023-24 Season

 Announcing our 19th Season of Free Music events!

Classical Tuesdays starts the 2023-24 season in Old Town Park  

    then returns to Slavonian Hall (and Connelly Law Offices for our December benefit)

    September 9th at 2:00pm in Old Town Park

        Tacoma Tapestry 2023 - Croatian music & refreshments

    

    October 10th at 7:00pm in Slavonian Hall

        Dance Music for Strings - Maria Sampen, violin, & friends

    November 14th at 7:00pm in Slavonian Hall

        Dancing with the Sun King - Henry Lebedinsky, harpsichord, with                 dancer Anna Mansbridge

    December 5th at 7:00pm in  Connelly Law Offices

        $30 ticketed benefit event for the series offering song & wine                         reception

    February 13th at 7:00pm in Slavonian Hall

        Hip-Hop Duo Czon & Nicco

           

    March 12th at 7:00pm in Slavonian Hall

        Electric Cello & Dancers - Gretchen Yanover with Anastasia & Willow

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Arx Duo percussionists return to Tacoma April 22, 2023, in Pantages Theater with Symphony Tacoma

 

Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma featured Arx Duo percussion ensemble on April 12, 2022, as we welcomed audience to return to Slavonian Hall 

Saturday April 22, 2023, Arx Duo performs with Symphony Tacoma.

Purchase tickets at a discount price using the code (PARTNERS20) as seen in the photo below. 

Along with a fantastic new composition by Nick DiBerardino performed by Arx Duo, we’ll hear the all-time favorite Beethoven 7th Symphony and Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances. Nice program! 

I will watch for Classical Tuesdays friends in Saturday’s audience!

March 14 at 7:00pm Join us for favorite Songs from Musical Theater!

We conclude our 17th season on a fun note - Puget Sound Concert Opera has planned an evening of Songs from Musical Theater!

Tuesday March 14th at 7:00pm at Slavonian Hall, Old Town Tacoma FREE Donations are very much appreciated to sustain this series!

The Dueling Divas’ Musical Theater Favorites will feature performers sopranos Katie Hochman and Regina Thomas, joined by mezzo-soprano Dawn Padula, with John Burkhardt at the piano.

Regina Thomas & Katie Hochman

Dawn Padula

Grant money from Tacoma Creates has supported Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma’s “A Celebration in Voice” which includes the performance of Valentine Songs by Soprello on February14 (youtube.com/classicaltuesdays) and the upcoming March 14 Musical Theater!

Guest artist for our December Wine & Song - the fabulous vocalist Adriana Giordano and pianist Eric Verlinde performing Brazilian Music - is featured in the March issue of Earshot Jazz. Have a read!

• Tuesday March 14th at 7:00pm, Puget Sound Concert Opera singing Musical Theater Favorites

• at Slavonian Hall, Old Town Tacoma

• FREE, all ages welcome

• Masks are optional but recommended

Love Songs for Valentine's Day at Slavonian Hall Feb 14, 7:00pm

Join Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma for Valentine's Day!

Love Songs Across the Centuries & Continents: Soprello - a duo formed by soprano Allison Pohl MacRae and cello Alistair MacRae - will perform Love Songs  including works by Purcell, Bach, Mozart, and Schumann, plus some modern works and arrangements by this fabulous duo. 

Soprano Allison and Cellist Alistair

WHEN: Tuesday February 14th, 7:00pm

WHERE: Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St, Tacoma 

FREE: All ages welcome

2023 Wine & Song returns to Connelly Law Offices Dec 13, 7pm: Songs of Brazil

 Wine & Song Benefit for Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma is happily returning to the Connelly Law Offices lovely space this Dec 13, at 7:00pm. This is always a festive evening with music, wine and finger foods, and community. All are welcome!

This year's Wine & Song features Adriana Giordano singing Songs of Brazil with the amazing Eric Verlinde at the piano (together they are in a band called EntreMundos Quarteto). 

Adrianna Giordano

Their effervescent and passionate music will be followed by a reception of wines - Ginkgo Forest Winery Tasting Room will pour some of their east-of-the-mountain wines! - and a generous table of savory finger-foods contributed by Met Market and others, and delightful holiday cookies baked for us by North End neighbor Chris Reynolds.

Tickets are $30, all ages welcome. Tickets are selling on Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/ClassTue

or contact prryker@gmail.com

What: Wine & Song Benefit: Songs of Brazil

When: Tuesday Dec 13 at 7:00pm

Where: Connelly Law Offices 2301 N 30th St., Tacoma

$30 tickets available at https://tinyurl.com/ClassTue or prryker@gmail.com

Some tickets may be available at the door

November 8 Classical Tuesdays Celebrates Puget Sound Composers! 7:00pm at Slavonian Hall. Tickets for our Wine & Song Benefit are selling on EventBrite

From the onset of  Classical Tuesdays in Old Town, some 18 years ago, we have enjoyed celebrating our talented musicians here in the Northwest. Over these years we have enjoyed several events featuring composers from Tacoma and the region.

On November 8th, we will perform works of several musicians active as performers and composers in the Puget Sound region: Jerry Kracht, Elise Winkler, Sheila Bristow, Kathryn Smith Derksen, Melia Watras, and Rob Hutchinson. The compositions will feature flute, clarinet and bass clarinet, mezzo soprano, guitar, violin, and harp, all performed by Tacoma instrumentalists. 

Kathryn Smith Derksen

Jerry Kracht

Melia Watras

Rob Hutchinson

Sheila Bristow

WHEN: Tuesday Nov 8th, 7:00pm

WHERE: Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St, Tacoma

FREE:  All ages welcome

Tickets for our festive Wine & Song Benefit on December 13 at Connelly Law Offices are selling now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-song-benefit-songs-of-brazil-tickets-433817849867?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

October 11 in Slavonian Hall: Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma welcomes the Auburn Symphony String Quartet

String Quartets composed by women and People of  Color

Tuesday October 11 at 7:00 pm, in Slavonian Hall

Auburn Symphony String Quartet

The Auburn Quartet will perform three pieces for us: String Quartet  No. 1 in G minor by Emilie Mayer (a prolific German composer born in 1883), String Quartet No. 1 in C minor. Op. 51 No. 1 by Johannes Brahms (1883-1897) , and Lyric Quartet: Musical Portraits of Three Friends composed in 1960 by William Grant Still  (b.1895 in Mississippi, he is considered to have been part of the Harlem Renaissance). 

Emilie Choi, violin; Kimmy Harrenstein, violin; Joyce Ramee, viola; and Brian Wharton on cello.

WHAT: String Quartets composed by women and POC

WHEN: October 11 at 7:00pm 

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

FREE All ages are welcome, masks are encouraged when not seated

We are excited to be a part of Tacoma Arts Month!

Enjoy a video of our September TAIKO in Old Town Park at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poWDNELNp5Y&list=UUJQd9cK-rrkYZb5A_QVB1dg&index=1

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Saturday at 4:00 in Old Town Park in Tacoma. TAIKO Japanese Drums

This Saturday will be a lively, colorful celebration of Asian cultures in Old Town! 

Join us for CHIKIRI Taiko drumming in Old Town Park and then walk over to the Chinese Reconciliation Park to take in the Moon Festival. 

Pick up a copy of this week's Tacoma Weekly to see a terrific feature article

I also suggest some very interesting reading about Japanese history in Tacoma 

This past May, Tacoma Weekly wrote about Merilee Tanbara's video on the Japanese internment which was shown at the Grand Cinema as part of the "Our Communities Our Neighbors" video project at and announced her upcoming book on the internment. 

 Here is another fascinating intro to Tacoma's Japan Town history 

 Join Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma this Saturday at 4:00 for CHIKIRI And The School of TAIKO performing Japanese Taiko Drums.

• TAIKO Japanese Drums Old Town Park on 30th Street in Tacoma 
•  Saturday, September 10, 4:00 
•  FREE, fun for all ages 
•  Bring a chair or blanket to sit on; perhaps bring a picnic!

Japanese Taiko Drums in Old Town Park Saturday, September 10 at 4:00. Bring your chair or blanket and perhaps a picnic!

CHIKIRI & Team, The School of TAIKO, based in Seattle/Bellevue since 2009, performs fun, exciting and beautiful Japanese Taiko Drumming programs. The group was founded by professional Taiko performers Ringtaro and Asako Tateishi. Ringtaro has a unique 10-year history as a former member of the world-famous taiko group "Ondekoza", performing for "US Running Tours" for three years. He then moved to the United States to perform at Walt Disney World / Epcot and elsewhere around the US, for seven years. His partner, Asako, also performed at Epcot as a Disney international artist. 

CHIKIRI Taiko Drums      photo by Tero Patana

The School of TAIKO provides Taiko classes for all ages and levels, and for those who dream of becoming a professional Taiko performer. (Their youth program "Taiko Summer Camp" is very popular.) 

CHIKIRI & The School of TAIKO  photo by Patana

CHIKIRI and The School of TAIKO can be seen throughout the PNW at community and corporate events, at school events and private special occasions, They've performed at Seattle Symphony's Celebrate Asia, Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan Fair, Japan Week, and at sports game halftime shows - for Seattle Storm, OL Reign, and Seattle Sea Wolves.

Since 2014, CHIKIRI have produced the "Bellevue World TAIKO Festival" with special guest performers from Japan and elsewhere to introduce high quality Japanese performing arts and to celebrate their special music to the community.

WHERE: Old Town Park in Tacoma

WHEN: Saturday September 10 at 4:00pm

WHAT: Japanese Drums

FREE! All are welcome! Bring your chair or blanket and perhaps a picnic! 

Arx Duo percussion ensemble April 12 Live in Slavonian Hall

 At long last! Classical Tuesdays and Arx Duo have been trying for a couple of years to find a date when we might schedule a performance in Slavonian Hall. And that time has come!

April 12, at 7:00pm

Arx Duo: Mari Yoshinaga & Garrett Arney

Performing a program of music that is all new, featuring works on their debut album, recorded through Jack Straw Artists in Seattle.  One featured work is by Robert Honstein, titled “Evergreen”, which is appropriate in Washington state - the evergreen state" - and another work programmed for this evening is from Seattle based composer and native, Angelique Poteat.

Arx Duo recently enjoyed a day of filming in the woods! Check it out: arx music on Instagram: “Though it was pretty cold….we had a great time filming last week with @fourtenmedia media and Robert Honstein. “Evergreen” filmed outdoors!…”

When: Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 7:00pm

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

FREE and all are welcome!

Special Event: Saturday March 19th Ross Salvosa performs Filipino Piano Music

 A bonus event! - presented by Classical Tuesdays in Old Town Tacoma and SAI Music Fraternity Tacoma Alumnae Chapter: Ross Salvosa, Filipino-Canadian pianist now based in Seattle, in a recital to include works by beloved Filipino composers Lucio San Pedro, Ramon Tapales, and Antonio Molina, as well as works by Chopin and Stravinsky.

• Saturday March 19th at 10:00am.
• Please make a reservation with Classical Tuesdays or call 253-752-2135 as seating is limited to 15 for our Classical Tuesdays audience.
• You’ll be given the address when you make your reservation.
• This event is FREE.
• Masks are now optional.

An internationally distinguished pianist-pedagogue, Salvosa is director of the Concordia Arts Group in Seattle and an artist-faculty at the Chopin Academy of Music in Issaquah. He is a senior advisor to the Vancouver Clef Music Society and has served as the artistic director of the Music Without Borders Society. He earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of British Columbia

Tacoma Youth Symphony select small ensembles Jan 11, 2022, at 7:00pm in Slavonian Hall

Welcome the new year by celebrating our youth. 

A year full of aspirations, action, and achievements!

Select members of the 8 orchestras comprising the Tacoma Youth Symphony Assoc. - ages 6 to 21 - have been invited to perform in small chamber ensembles and they are coming to Slavonian Hall in Old Town Tacoma to perform for our community!

We will hear groups of string players, woodwind and brass. 

As usual during the Covid-19 pandemic, you will be asked to show proof of vaccination before entering the hall and to wear a mask at all times when in doors. Pre-register to secure one of the 50 allotted chairs!

The event will be posted on our social media sites at a later time:

https://www.youtube.com/user/classicaltuesdays

facebook.com/classicaltues

When: January 11, 2022; 7:00pm

Where: Slavonian Hall, 2306 N 30th St., Tacoma WA 98403

Cost: Free

December 14 : Annual Wine & Song Benefit: Accordion and Seasonal Sing-Along!

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

at Old St Peter’s Church,
 2910 N Starr Street in Old Town Tacoma

Lyle Schaefer on Accordion!  Our Voices in Song!

Lyle Schaefer, accordion

Between 6:15 and 7:00pm, join us at the fire pit outside Old St Peter’s Church for a mug of hot apple cider to greet each other before entering the church for our music-making.

At 7:00pm, join us for music and singing at Old St Peter’s Church in Old Town Tacoma, 2910 N. Starr St., Tacoma, Wash.

$25 ticket includes gift coupon packet

Sold at: Old Town Wine Skins, 2208 N 30th St, Tacoma (253-267-5325)

or at door (only 50 seats available!)

Please come prepared:

Welcome back! Come prepared to show proof of vaccination (a photo on your phone will do the trick) and wearing a mask.

A maximum of 50 guests will be seated in the pews, spread out at appropriate distance so we are all comfortable and confident of our health safety.

Great write-up in The News Tribune/Great performance by Trio Guadalevin

On November 9, we were enthralled by Trio Guadalevin's colorful, heart-warming music - and insights into some historical origins of the music. Our thanks to Trio Guadalevin members Tony Gomez (on panderos, cajón, teponaztli, jarana and additional percussion), Abel Rocha (on voice, harp, jarana, guitar, quinta) and Gus Denhard (on baroque guitar, oud, jarana, theorbo and vihuela), and collaborator Ke Guo (voice, harp, and dizi).

A video of the October string quartet concert and a write-up of the Classical Tuesdays series ran in The News Tribune and the TNT's blog, and Q13 FOX played a video on their morning local news segment.

You might enjoy reading and listening to these items - you just may learn something about our series that you hadn't heard before!

Nov 9, 7:00pm Classical Tuesdays: A Musical Trip from Spain to Mexico

Next on our calendar! Classical Tuesdays is excited to feature Trio Guadalevin for our gathering on November 9, 7:00pm in Slavonian Hall, Old Town Tacoma. Because word is out that the series is live in Slav Hall, we recommend that you pre-register – by mailing prryker@gmail.com.  Again, we will ask for proof of vaccination and that you all wear a mask during the event. Arrive by 6:50 to claim your seat. 

Join Trío Guadalevín for a musical journey that will travel from Spain/the Mediterranean to Veracruz, La Huasteca and the Pacific coast of Mexico, with novel arrangements shaped from son huasteco, baroque melodies, son jarocho, Sephardic Jewish balladry, Zapotec songs and more. 

Tony, Abel, Gus

Many instruments and sonorities new to our experience will be heard! The trio features Abel Rocha (voice, harp, jarana, guitar, quinta) with Gus Denhard (baroque guitar, oud, jarana, theorbo and vihuela) and Antonio Gómez (panderos, cajón, teponaztli, jarana and additional percussion). 

This concert debuts a new collaboration with Ke Guo, (voice, harp, dizi) which harks back to the Manila-Acapulco trade route that connected China with Mexico, by way of the Philippines. A student of Spain's Paco Diez, Ms. Guo will also perform a selection of Sephardic Jewish music.

Ke Guo, voice, harp, dizi

Next in our series: December 14, 2021

For our annual Wine & Song Benefit we will gather at Old St Peter's Church in Old Town Tacoma. Lyle Schaefer will delight us on his accordion and then we'll enjoy a community sing! More details later!!