Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Next Season - Already?

Folks have been coming up to me and asking about the 2011-12 season. I'm thrilled people are so eager to learn what is coming next year. Although we still have many great events left in this season - NYG&S Pirates of Penzance, John Pizzarelli, Capitol Steps..., everyone at the MAC has been working hard to button down our plans for next year.

New Philharmonic is considering a big Beethoven and a concert featuring a Van Cliburn finalist. Kirk will announce their season at the April 15 and 16 Brahms concert.

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble has another great slate of dramas and a side splitting farce in store for theatre patrons and will announce their season this May during the run of Noel Coward's Private Lives.

The MAC hopes to kick off its season with a Blues Bash celebrating homegrown Chicago Blues. I can tell you that the season will be full of Taiko drumming from Japan, American roots music from a legend, passionate Flamenco from Spain, Afro-Latin Jazz, Grammy winners in Country, Bluegrass, Jazz and Pop, and much, much more.

Sorry to be coy, but we are finalizing our deals and hope to have more information out in late May.

be well
Stephen

Thursday, March 3, 2011

One of the Best Voices I’ve Ever Heard

By Amy Calhoun


I was introduced to Rani Arbo’s beautiful vocals back in 1997 when she and bandmate Andrew Kinsey were part of a group called Salamander Crossing.

Fast forward 13 years and you can imagine my surprise when I learned Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem had been booked for Club MAC. I was thrilled!

Why am I looking forward to Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem so much?


Their voices blend into a cohesive sound creating the most beautiful harmonies I’ve ever heard. From upbeat bluegrass tunes to lilting ballads, the band’s delivery is like butter melting over hot toast.

One minute you’re bouncing along to a catchy gospel number and the next you’re choking back tears over a heartfelt strain about love and romance.

From joy and laughter to compassion and sorrow, Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem gets into your soul and takes you on a harmony filled musical journey.

If you want to check out the band, take a listen to this interview and live performance on Minnesota Public Radio.



You can be sure I’ll be at the Club MAC performance (March 18 and 19, 8 p.m.) and I can’t wait to introduce my kids to this great music on Saturday morning (March 19, 10 a.m.) when Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem hold a Pajama Party and feature songs from their kids cd Ranky Tanky.