Southern Stars Symphonic Brass Band

The April 20 concert is themed “Strings Attached!” and will feature as guest artist, Pete Huttlinger, who is recognized as a virtuoso acoustic guitar musician.

“Pete is another internationally known Nashville artist whose technique on the acoustic guitar will amaze our audience,” Wages says. “He cut his guitar chops playing with the John Denver band, was the National finger-picking guitar champion, and is a composer of his own music. Pete has a great sense of humor which he mixes into his performances.”

“Nashville artists such as Vince Gill, LeAnn Rimes, and John Oates (of Hall & Oates) are just a few of his admirers who recognize Pete as an extremely gifted musician”, Dwight continues. “We are very fortunate to be able to attract guest artists of this caliber. It is a credit to the SSSB, and our audiences who have appreciated having talent like Buddy Greene, Jeff Taylor, and now Pete coming to Crossville to share their brand of entertainment.”

Check out Pete Huttlinger on YouTube playing Stevie Wonder’s Superstition to see what a treat you are in for to hear Pete in person.

The concert program for Strings Attached! is as follows:

1) Klaxon march by Fillmore, 2) Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs) – cornet soloist Joel Tillman, 3) Hey Jude – featuring Pete Huttlinger with the Southern Stars, 4) I Dreamed a Dream (from Les Miserables), 5) “Neath the Dublin Skies” – featuring Brandon Jones on a euphonium solo, 6) Little Fugue in G Minor by JS Bach, 7) Vitae Aeternum (Eternal Live) – featuring a major brass band work built around 3 hymn tunes. INTERMISSION 8) a 30 minutes set of solo selections by Pete Huttlinger, 9) Liberty Fanfare – celebrating the centennial of the Statue of Liberty, 10) Make His Praise Glorius, 11) Sing, Sing, Sing – featuring Pete Huttlinger, Chris McCormick (jazz trumpet), and Kurt Snider (trap set) accompanied by the SSSB.

Tickets are $20 for Adults, $5 for students, and are available at the following locations: Cumberland Eye Care in Fairfield Glade, First National Bank of TN branches in Crossville and Fairfield Glade, Bed & Biscuit Kennels, and at the Cumberland County Playhouse box office and website (a small handling charge will apply at CCP).

The concert is being held at the Central Baptist Church in Crossville, not at our regular venue of Stone Memorial High School. The church is located at 1346 S. Main Street, at the intersection of Miller Bypass and Highway 127 South. The sanctuary seats nearly 1,200, and there is a wonderful balcony for those who enjoy looking down into the the band to see all of the musicians. Click here for a map: http://goo.gl/maps/IfU8K

Filed under: Uncategorized on April 12th, 2013 | No Comments »

By Rebekah K. Bohannon Beeler

“There is something about (guitar) players and their sound. It doesn’t start with the instrument. It starts in the heart and then goes down to the hands.”  This is an excerpt from Pete Huttlinger’s Blah, Blah, Blog posted September 6, 2010, less than two months before he suffered a major stroke and while recuperating subsequently incurred massive heart failure. In light of his unique heart and the medical adversity he has overcome as a result, Huttlinger, the world renowned, award winning fingerpicker who has learned how to play the guitar twice, is an expert on matters of the heart. The battery pack he keeps by his side that powers his heart pump is not the only thing keeping him going; his music does, too.
Relearning how to play the guitar, among other things, has made him concentrate on the tone of his instrumentals and working through strained dexterity, he has found that he is “less of a show-off” but he is not in any way less of a musical mastermind and performer. He appreciates things more and that includes his guitar; realizing now that it offers more than it did before. His guitar acts as a voice for the new songs that are in his revitalized heart.
A few of Huttlinger’s amiable experiences on his entertainment resume include performing at Carnegie Hall, Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival, touring with John Denver, touring with John Oates (of Hall & Oates), several television appearances, and performs with LeAnn Rimes who often requests him for her acoustic performances. He is adding yet another prestigious performance to his long list of musical accomplishments as the guest artist for the upcoming Southern Stars Symphonic Brass (SSSB) “Strings Attached!” concert at the Central Baptist Church in Crossville on April 20. The SSSB is a professional 30-piece brass ensemble that has wowed crowds by the hundreds since its founding in 2008.
“I’m looking forward to performing with the SSSB. It’s not often that you get to hear the acoustic guitar featured with a brass band,” Huttlinger says, jokingly, “ Or should I say it’s not often that you get to hear a brass band featured at an acoustic guitar concert?”
Either way, the SSSB concert showcasing Pete Huttlinger’s magical musical abilities will undoubtedly be the musical delight of the season. Huttlinger’s rebirth can be heard in all of his songs and as his heart keeps pumping to its unique rhythm, keeping time for him and his guitar, he will be enjoying the art in all of its facets as the sound starts in his heart and moves to his hands and makes his guitar sing.
For more information or tickets to the SSSB concert with headliner Pete Huttlinger contact Dwight Wages at 931-484-6939 or visit the website at www.southernstarssymphonicbrass.com.

Filed under: Uncategorized on April 11th, 2013 | No Comments »

The April 20 concert is themed “Strings Attached!” and will feature as guest artist, Pete Huttlinger, who is recognized as a virtuoso acoustic guitar musician. Buddy Greene, who performed last year with the SSSB, personally recommended Pete to band president, Dwight Wages.

“Pete is another internationally known Nashville artist whose technique on the acoustic guitar will amaze our audience,” Wages says. “He cut his guitar chops playing with the John Denver band, was the National finger-picking guitar champion, and is a composer of his own music. Pete has a great sense of humor which he mixes into his performances.”

“Nashville artists such as Vince Gill, LeAnn Rimes, and John Oates (of Hall & Oates) are just a few of his admirers who recognize Pete as an extremely gifted musician”, Dwight continues. “We are very fortunate to be able to attract guest artists of this caliber.  It is a credit to the SSSB, and our audiences who have appreciated having talent like Buddy Greene, Jeff Taylor, and now Pete coming to Crossville to share their brand of entertainment.”

Check out Pete Huttlinger on YouTube playing Stevie Wonder’s Superstition to see what a treat you are in for to hear Pete in person.

The concert program for Strings Attached! is as follows:

1)  Klaxon march by Fillmore,  2)  Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs) – cornet soloist Joel Tillman,  3) Hey Jude – featuring Pete Huttlinger with the Southern Stars,  4) I Dreamed a Dream (from Les Miserables),  5)  “Neath the Dublin Skies” – featuring Brandon Jones on a euphonium solo,  6)  Little Fugue in G Minor by JS Bach,  7) Vitae Aeternum (Eternal Live) – featuring a major brass band work built around 3 hymn tunes.              INTERMISSION              8)  a 30 minutes set of solo selections by Pete Huttlinger,  9) Liberty Fanfare – celebrating the centennial of the Statue of Liberty,  10)  Make His Praise Glorius,  11)  Sing, Sing, Sing – featuring Pete Huttlinger, Chris McCormick (jazz trumpet), and Kurt Snider (trap set) accompanied by the SSSB.

Tickets are $20 for Adults, $5 for students, and are available at the following locations: Cumberland Eye Care in Fairfield Glade, First National Bank of TN branches in Crossville and Fairfield Glade, Bed & Biscuit Kennels, and at the Cumberland County Playhouse box office and website (a small handling charge will apply at CCP).

The concert is being held at the Central Baptist Church in Crossville, not at our regular venue of Stone Memorial High School. The church is located at 1346 S. Main Street, at the intersection of Miller Bypass and Highway 127 South. The sanctuary seats nearly 1,200, and there is a wonderful balcony for those who enjoy looking down into the the band to see all of the musicians. Click here for a map: http://goo.gl/maps/IfU8K

Filed under: Uncategorized on March 28th, 2013 | No Comments »

The Southern Stars Symphonic Brass (SSSB) have secured their concert dates and venues and are excited to announce their plans for their outstanding events for their 5th Anniversary season of providing concerts in Crossville. The 30-piece professional instrumental ensemble is coming off of a very successful 2011/2012 concert series which culminated with their performance with Nashville guest artists Buddy Greene and Jeff Taylor last April which drew a record audience of nearly 800.

The remaining concerts in their 2012/2013 ticketed Crossville concert season are the. Winter concert on Sunday, Feb. 17 at 3pm at Stone Memorial HS Auditorium, and will conclude with their Spring concert on Saturday, April 20 at 7pm at the Central Baptist Church.

Tickets for these concerts will be available at the following locations: Cumberland Eye Care in Fairfield Glade, First National Bank of TN branches in Crossville and Fairfield Glade, Bed & Biscuit Kennels, and at the Cumberland County Playhouse box office and website (a small handling charge will apply at CPC). Ticket prices for the individual concerts will be ADULTS – $20, and STUDENTS – $5.

The Feb. 17 concert is themed “Who’s Got JR?” Most will remember the big question from the TV hit Dallas, which was “Who Shot JR?” Well, the SSSB have their own bit of suspense, as they are expecting to weave a concert full of music selections from a wide variety of music genres, featuring guest artist Jason Ross. Jason is a 16-year veteran with the Cumberland County Playhouse where his great personality has made him a favorite of audiences. He is expected to sing a couple of his favorites… which will surely have his unique acting skills and humor sprinkled in, too.

The April 20 concert is themed “Strings Attached!” and will feature as guest artist, Pete Huttlinger, who is recognized as a virtuoso acoustic guitar musician. Buddy Greene, who performed last year with the SSSB, personally recommended Pete to band president, Dwight Wages.

“Pete is another internationally known Nashville artist whose technique on the acoustic guitar will amaze our audience,” Wages says. “He cut his guitar chops playing with the John Denver band, was the National finger-picking guitar champion, and is a composer of his own music. Pete has a great sense of humor which he mixes into his performances.”

“Nashville artists such as Vince Gill, LeAnn Rimes, and John Oates (of Hall & Oates) are just a few of his admirers who recognize Pete as an extremely gifted musician”, Dwight continues. “We are very fortunate to be able to attract guest artists of this caliber.  It is a credit to the SSSB, and our audiences who have appreciated having talent like Buddy Greene, Jeff Taylor, and now Pete coming to Crossville to share their brand of entertainment.”

Sponsors who have signed on again to support the SSSB in the coming season are:  Season Sponsor – Bed & Biscuit Kennel, and Concert sponsors -  Farm Bureau Insurance (Gordon Atchley), Cumberland Eye Care (Dr. Stuart Galloway),  State Farm Insurance (David Bell), Flynn Sign Co., and a new sponsor for this season – Cumberland Medical Center.

Check out Pete Huttlinger on YouTube playing Stevie Wonder’s Superstition to see what a treat you are in for to hear Pete in person.

Clip of Alex at the first rehearsal for this concert:

Single tickets are $20 for adult, and $5 for students/children. Tickets are available through the Cumberland County Playhouse either by walk-up, phoning 931-484-5000, or using the Playhouse’s online ticketing service.  A small service charge will apply for ticketing at the Playhouse.

Tickets are also available at Cumberland Eye Care in Fairfield Glade, First National Bank of Tennessee branches on Main Street in Crossville and the Fairfield Glade branch on Peavine Road, and at the Bed and Biscuit Kennel off of Peavine Road at 153 Fence Lane.

Season tickets are $45 for adults, and include this concert, plus upcoming concerts on Sunday, Feb. 17 featuring guest vocalist Jason Ross from the Cumberland County Playhouse, and the concert on April 20 featuring guest artist Pete Huttlinger from Nashville. Mr. Huttlinger is an acoustic guitar phenom you do not want to miss!  Check out Pete on YouTube to experience his tremendous talent.

For group sales inquires, please call SSSB Founder and President, Dwight Wages, at 931-484-6939.  With the purchase of a minimum of 10 tickets, the group rate will be $17/ticket………..and for every 10 tickets purchased……….we will give the group 1 FREE ticket.   These group tickets are only available through Mr. Wages.

The SSSB is very appreciative of its sponsors, and encourages its audience to choose these sponsors for service when they have a choice.  This season’s sponsors include: Bed & Biscuit Kennel, State Farm Insurance (David Bell), Cumberland Eye Care (Dr. Stewart Galloway), Farm Bureau Insurance (Gordon Atchley),  and the Cumberland Medical Center.

Please check this site often for details on the upcoming concerts, and “Like” us on Facebook for the most up-to-date information on the Southern Stars Symphonic Brass Band: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernStarsBrass

Filed under: Uncategorized on August 20th, 2012 | No Comments »

The final concert of the 2011/2012 season for the Southern Stars Symphonic Brass will be a fitting finish to another great season of music and guest artists. The concert is on Saturday, April 21 at 7pm and will be conducted by Dr. Steven Sudduth. This is a new time for a SSSB concert, but the evening concert should minimize conflicts with springtime golf and gardening.

Brassamataz! is the concert theme and will feature this outstanding instrumental ensemble performing big band hits of the swing era. In addition to this music which will have your body moving to big band beat of this 30 piece group, they have contracted with one of the top entertainers from Nashville.  Sponsors for this concert are:  Maestro sponsor – David Bell, State Farm Insurance; Baton Sponsor – Cumberland Eye Care, Dr. Stuart Galloway; and 2011/2012 Season Sponsor – Bed & Biscuit Kennel.  Guest Artist sponsors are:  First National Bank of TN,  Rush’s Music Stores, and Spirit Broadband Communications.

Buddy Greene, is a virtuoso harmonica musician, guitarist, vocalist and song writer who is comfortable performing across a wide variety of music genres.  He has produced 16 CD’s of his own, but it is his frequent appearances with the Bill Gaither Gospel group that most people are familiar.   Buddy composed the music for the hit Christmas song Mary Did You Know? to the lyrics of Mark Lowry of the Gaither Gospel quartet.   He is excellent performing across a wide variety of music genres which makes him great to hear in concert.  Buddy is featured in many YouTube videos, so just Google YouTube and input his name to view his performances. His Carnegie Hall video is sure to impress you with his virtuoso performance of classical music.  For further information, Buddy’s website is:  http://www.buddygreene.com/buddyGreeneHome.html

For this unique concert, the Southern Stars will perform big band medleys of Count Basie, Glenn Miller, “Sing, Sing, Sing” – the Gene Krupa and Benny Goodman hit, Dave Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo a la Turk”, and Weather Report’s “Birdland”.   Buddy Greene will perform “Georgia, On My Mind” and “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” with the SSSB.   Then the audience will be treated to a separate 30 minute set of music where Buddy with be featured by himself, supported by his sideman, Jeff Taylor………..performing a variety of music to demonstrate their skills across selections of gospel, bluegrass, Irish/celtic, and even classical.

Tickets for this great concert are a tremendous bargain at $18 for adults and $5 for students.   A special “short season” ticket for the Feb. 12 and April 21 concert are $30 and can be purchased prior to the Feb. 12 concert.   To hear Buddy Greene perform would cost you at least this, and you will get the added benefit to have the outstanding musicians of the Southern Stars in concert as well.    You are getting essentially two concerts for the price of one!!    Individual tickets will be available for this concert beginning on Feb. 12.    Ticket sales locations will be: (1) First National Bank of TN locations in Crossville and Fairfield Glade, TN, (2) Cumberland Eye Care, Dr. Stuart Galloway in Fairfield Glade, (3) Bed & Biscuit Kennel off Peavine Rd., and (4) Cumberland Co. Playhouse box office at 931-484-5000 or at their on-line website (a small surcharge will apply for the CCP location).   Group sales for a minimum of 1o are available for $15/ticket via contacting Dwight Wages at 931-484-6939.

Filed under: Uncategorized on February 1st, 2012 | 1 Comment »

The Southern Stars Symphonic Brass (SSSB) recently celebrated the opening concert of their 4th season of their three concert series in Crossville, TN.    The Oct. 23, 2011 concert theme was Strike Up the Band and featured Broadway and movie music.   This concert was sponsored by the 2011/2012 Season sponsor Bed & Biscuit Kennel and had as featured guest artists, the husband/wife duo Brian & Amanda Bacon as vocalists.

An audience of around 430 was thoroughly entertained by the program below:

• Overture to Candide
• Showboat selections………guest vocalists (Brian and Amanda Bacon)
• Bravura………….euphonium solo, Brandon Jones
• Cheek to Cheek
• Someone to Watch Over Me
• Barnum & Bailey’s Favorite
• Breezin’ Down Broadway
• You’ll Never Walk Alone……….guest vocalist, Amanda Bacon
• Mack the Knife……..featuring Chris McCormick, flugelhorn
• Wind Beneath My Wings……….guest vocalist, Brian Bacon
• Ragtime for Horns………..Eb Alto Horn section
• Chicago selections
• Encore:    Klaxon march

Filed under: Uncategorized on December 26th, 2011 | No Comments »

The Southern Stars will be performing their 2nd concert of the Crossville Music Series on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 3:30 pm at Stone Memorial HS Auditorium led by conductor, Dr. Steven Sudduth.   Maestro Sponsor for this concert is Gordon Atchley, of Farm Bureau Insurance, and the 2011/2012 Season Sponsor is Bed & Biscuit Kennel.  The theme of the concert is Presidents & Patriots, in line with the date of the concert being President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and the proximity of President’s Day.   The music has been selected to include patriotic music and other selections that have connections to the eras of US Presidents.

Daniel Black will be appearing as guest artist for this concert via agreement with the Cumberland County Playhouse, where he has been an active performer/actor for 16 years.  Daniel will be narrating Aaron Copland’s moving “Lincoln’s Portrait” with accompaniment by the Southern Stars Symphonic Brass.   In addition, Daniel will be the featured vocalist for the ever popular “Bill Bailey”.    The full program for this concert is:

• President’s march
• Lincoln Portrait ……..Daniel Black as narrator
• Sandpaper Ballet
• Bandinage……tuba solo, Sean Greene
• Summon the Heroes
• Bill Bailey…….vocal by Daniel Black

INTERMISSION

• William Tell Overture…….featuring our percussion section
• Shennadoah……euphonium solo, Brandon Jones
• Solid Men to the Front
• Tijuana Brass selections
• American Salute

Tickets for the concert are $18 for Adults, and $5 for Students.   A special “short season” ticket will be available for $30 which gives admission to both this concert and the April 21 final concert of the season.    Tickets will be available in advance by Jan. 13 at the following locations:  (1) First National Bank of TN locations in Crossville and Fairfield Glade, TN, (2) Cumberland Eye Care, Dr. Stuart Galloway in Fairfield Glade, (3) Bed & Biscuit Kennel off Peavine Rd., and (4) Cumberland Co. Playhouse box office at 931-484-5000 or at their on-line website (a small surcharge will apply for the CCP location).   Group sales for a minimum of 1o, are available for $15/ticket via contacting Dwight Wages at 931-484-6939.

Filed under: Uncategorized on December 25th, 2011 | No Comments »

The 3 concert season in Crossville, TN will be comprised of a Oct. 23, 2011 concert with two others in 2012…………Feb. 12 and April 21.    The Oct. 23 concert is at 3:30 pm and is titled Strike Up the Band, and will feature Broadway and movie music.  Guest artists are vocalists Brian & Amanda Bacon.    The February 12 concert is at 3:30 pm and is themed, Presidents & Patriots, which will feature patriotic music and selections that are tied to the eras of U. S. Presidents.   Guest artist for this concert will be Daniel Black who is a staff actor at the Cumberland Co. Playhouse, and is appearing via support of the CCP.    The final concert on April 21 is at 7pm and is themed Brassamataz !! and will feature big band swing selections.   The guest artist will be Buddy Greene who is a Nashville entertainer, who appears frequently with the Bill Gaither Gospel group.   Buddy is a virtuoso harmonica musician, guitarist, vocalist, who co-wrote the Christmas classic, Mary Did You Know? See other posts on this website for more details on these concerts.

Tickets for the concerts are $18 for adults, and $5 for students and all concerts are held at the beautiful 1200 seat auditorium of Stone Memorial HS in Crossville, TN.  Season tickets for the 3 concerts are $45, and a “short season” ticket for the last two concerts of the season is priced at $30.  Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more.   Contact Dwight Wages at email dwight.wages@gmail.com for addition information.

Filed under: Uncategorized on December 25th, 2011 | No Comments »