Shasta Community Concerts begins annual membership drive March 1

A membership drive for the 72nd performance season of the Shasta Community Concert Association kicks off Sunday, March 1, with five productions that will surely appeal to the entire family.

Season memberships are $70 for adults, $35 for students and $170 for families, which includes two responsible adults - either parents or grandparents - as well as any number of children, said Jane Wittmann, association publicist.

"The family-friendly, reasonably-priced concert series begins Sept. 18 with Chapter 6, an a cappella sensation with a combination of jazz, pop, rock and gospel music featuring tight harmonies, nimble choreography and great humor," Wittmann said.

As a bonus, any new member who signs up by March 31 will be able to attend the final concert of the 2008-'09 season, American Jukebox, at no additional charge, she added.

The second concert of the 2009-'10 season will be an Oct. 6 performance by Project, a trio of flute, cello and string bass that "balances their sincere allegiance to their Classical roots with elements of World music, jazz and even hip hop," she said.

"Flutist Greg Patillo's beat box flute is truly remarkable," said Wittmann, who had an opportunity to audition many of the performances last year at a national Community Concert showcase or convention.

The new year will bring a "lively, fun and entertaining tribute Jan. 20, 2010, to the music of Neil Diamond" with performer Bobby Bruce as Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band. "Bruce looks and sounds remarkably like the popular singer," Wittmann commented.

Those who remember the stirring a cappella vocals of New York City's "Singing Policeman" following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 will want to attend the Feb. 18, 2010, concert by Daniel Rodriguez, the tenor who stirred us all with his renditions of "God Bless America" and the National Anthem, she added.

An interesting mesh of hand-painted masks and costumes, mesmerizing puppetry, pantomime and comtemporary dance will wrap up the performance series on April 28, 2010, as ArcheDream for HUMANKIND takes the stage, Wittmann concluded.

All concerts are held at the Redding Convention Center.

Memberships are available by calling 247-7355 or by going on-line to www.shastacommunityconcerts.com