Write a commentA group of local musicians once again "bands together" Saturday, April 13 to bring the "sound of the Supper Club" to local audiences, as the "Bohemian Supper Orchestra" performs at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center in Salem.
The event is sponsored by the Salem Education Foundation, with proceeds earmarked for scholarship funds for local students.
Most all the performers are alumni and veterans of the popular "Bohemian Supper Club" events produced by the Salem Choirs in recent years, and musical director Bill Spencer-Pierce promises a great show.
"We have a terrific line-up of outstanding lead vocalists, with star turns by Abby (Corbin) Harrett, Destiny Davis, Devan Grigsby, Bri (Little) Adams, Kameron Gumaelius, and Katie Hobbs, along with Nathan Smith, Zec Morris, and Greg McCurdy", said Spencer-Pierce, who, along with McCurdy, has been putting these shows together for 17 years.
The show is not only designed to feature the vocalists, but a starring role for the band, which includes a four-piece horn section and some sweetening from local string players. Thirty performers in all are donating their time and talents in producing the two-hour show.
Selections include popular numbers from 60's to the present, with an emphasis on jazz-flavored rock and pop. Colorful and unique orchestration is a point of emphasis of the show, say organizers.
"We have so many talented people on board", said Spencer-Pierce, "so we want to showcase the whole spectrum of talent. That creates a lot of nice instrumental combinations and solo spots. There's jazz-rock, straight ahead pop, everything from Dolly Parton to Tower of Power and everything in between."
The rhythm section includes McCurdy, Cameron Foutch, and Matt Adkins on guitars, with Zec Morris on bass. David Spencer-Pierce and Axel Root handle percussion. Nathan Smith and Devan Grigsby provide keyboard support. Very capably rounding out the band are A'ndrea Snyder and Taylor Alexander on background vocals, both of whom have often appeared as lead singers in past shows.
Horns include Brandon Johnson, Sam Bortka, Chris Karkovsky, and Bill Laughlin. They're joined by violinist Whitney McCurdy and the "Con Brio" string trio of New Albany.
They will be joined by Salem High School Choir and Band Directors, Lori Tharp and Brittany Hildenbrand on piano and oboe, respectively.
"The addition of the strings really beefs up the orchestral colors available. The. horn players do a lot of doubling as well" said Spencer-Pierce, who conducts the group from the piano.
Dan Mullins handles sound, and the show will be hosted by MC and SHS Basketball Coach Jaelen Nice.
The family-friendly event starts at 7:15 pm, Saturday, April 13 at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center on the Salem Middle School campus.
All seats are $10, and tickets go on sale March 1 at Mid-Southern Savings Bank, Salem Apothecary, Loy & Fordyce Insurance, Salem High School, and online at EventBrite.com
SHS Guidance Director Jennifer Martin coordinates the event for the Salem Education Foundation, with assistance from Salem Choir Alumni Chair, Samantha Richardson and others.