Lots of great shows in this busy time of year

It's been too long since I posted last. For those of you who attended all of the great shows that have taken place since my last posting (African Children's Choir, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Second City, The Lettermen, and the Carolina Chocolate Drops) and have something to share about your experience at the BCPA, please do so by clicking the comments button at the bottom of the page, or by sending me an email at jaalberts@cityblm.org.

A few thoughts from me:

I was absolutely blown away by the African Children's Choir's energy and joy for performing. These kids put in a huge day at the BCPA, with a morning performance for K-12 students as part of our Student Spotlight Series. Their evening performance also had the audience in rapt attention, as they sang a wonderful mix of traditional African songs, spirituals, and some classical and popular selections.

There's little you can add about how wonderful the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band are. After all these years, the NGDB knows who they are and, more importantly, how to bring you into their heads for a couple of hours. It was no wonder watching their magnetic performance why this band had so many imitators and admirers, including members of the Eagles and Alabama.

There were moments during The Second City's March 12 performance when I could barely see straight, I was laughing so hard. A man who travels home with a friend, remarking on their journey that "people really see me for who I am here," forgets to mention everyone in this small town sees him as "an old black woman," when in actuality he's a tall skinny white kid. It was hilarious to watch his friend Steve's expression as his buddy for all intents and purposes turned to Maya Angelou ... (and learned that these same townspeople also saw him as a woman named Sarah).

I have to admit, the thing I was looking forward to most at The Lettermen's March 20 performance was the pre-show. Tony Butola, the last remaining original member of the group, led a pre-show discussion with Tom MacEwan, the new lead vocalist of the Classics IV, who were the evening's opening band. Butola comes from a classic performance tradition dating back to the true glory days of Hollywood and Las Vegas, when triple-threat performers reigned king. His stories included doing gags with legendary talents including Buster Keaton ... a legacy that was emphasized in a video they showed of the band performing in their heyday with a variety of different artists, and on programs like the "Ed Sullivan Show." The audience went home with a song in their hearts. It was, by many accounts, one of the most thrilling performances in the new BCPA's history.

There was a big crowd and a great vibe when the Carolina Chocolate Drops performed in the BCPA Ballroom on Friday night. The band was amazing, performing with a easy confidence that perfectly fit their style and music. Soft-spoken banter added an additional layer of easiness that in no time wrapped the entire audience in a sense of relaxed enjoyment.

Looking ahead to having outdoor performances on the CEFCU Summer Stage has me hoping the Chocolate Drops will be back sometime for a show we can enjoy with the stars overhead.

Speaking of, we're all very excited about the new CEFCU Summer Stage space and our five-concert lineup for this first summer. It's a terrific lineup, and it's going to be a fun summer series.
Hope to see you all there!