What do the movies E.T., Pink Panther, Days of Wine and Roses, Fame, The Mission, Wizard of Oz, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Peter Gunn, The King & I, An American Tale,  De-Lovely, Porgy and Bess, Pennies from Heaven, An American in Paris, and Goldwyn Follies all have in common?  They represent movies for which beautiful and familar music has become part of our popular music culture, and they will all be represented in the coming concert by the Southern Stars Symphonic Brass (SSSB) on Jan. 23 called “Silver Screen Hits”.   This concert is supported by our 10/11 Season Sponsor – Bed & Biscuit Kennel, and Baton Sponsor – Farm Bureau Insurance and agent Gordon Atchley.

The SSSB’s ensemble of 30 professional brass and percussion musicians has been dazzling its audiences for 3 seasons thru its brand of “Premium Entertainment” which combines music for all ages, a wide variety of music styles, outstanding guest vocalists, and virtuoso instrumental soloists from the ensemble’s outstanding musicians.  Mr. Chaz Barber of Knoxville, will be the featured vocalist to sing with the SSSB at this concert and his rich baritone voice will be showcased on “The King & I” and “Gershwin for Brass” medlies, and Frank Sinatra’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”.   Chaz currently teaches voice at Roane State and serves as choir director at the Community Church of Fairfield Glade.

Two instrumental soloists will be featured in the concert program.   Adam Featherston of Nashville, will be playing on trombone Cole Porter’s poignant ballad “Everytime We Say Goodbye” which was sung by Natalie Cole in the movie “De-Lovely”.   Adam holds Bachelor of Music degree from UT, and a Master’s degree in Music from TTU.   He has connections to Crossville, as his grandmother currently lives here.

The second instrumental soloist, Dr. Greg Danner, has been featured previously in prior concerts and will be performing the “Allegro from the 3rd Horn Concerto” by Mozart.  Surprizingly, this classical gem was part of the soundtrack for the movie “Fame” about NYC’s School for the Performing Arts.   Dr. Danner is the Professor of Composition at TTU in Cookeville and is a regular in the pit orchestra at Cumberland Co. Playhouse, so undoubtedly you have heard him on your visits there.

Dr. Steven Sudduth will be guest conducting the SSSB for the remaining two concerts in the Crossville Concert Series, including the coming Jan. 23 performance.   SSSB’s regular conductor, Dr. Donald Ryder, is on sabbatical from the Univ. of Tenn. and has some other committments to follow during this time period.   Steven Sudduth is currently Director of bands and Low Brass at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY.  He has taught at the university level in North Carolina, North Dakota and South Dakota.   Dr. Sudduth has won several awards for his music compositions and is an accomplished trombone musician for  various symphony orchestras and brass quintets.   The SSSB is looking forward to having Steven debut at the coming concert.

Besides the vocalist and instrumental music mentioned above, the concert will include the following selections:   “Fanfare & Flying Theme from E. T.”,  “Somewhere Out There”, “Cartoon Classics”, “Wizard of Oz” medley, “Gabriel’s Oboe”, “Death or Glory” march, “Let’s Face the Music and Dance”, and “Touch of Mancini”.

The concert will begin at 3:30 pm on Sunday, Jan. 23 and will be held in the Stone Memorial High School Auditorium of I-40 at Exit 320 (Genesis Road) at 2800 Cook Road.   Prior information errorenously reported the concert to begin at 3pm, but the correct start time is 3:30 pm.

Tickets for this concert are $18 for Adults and $5 for Students.   These are available for advance purchase at Cumberland Eye Care on Peavine Road in Fairfield Glade,  First National Bank of Tennessee branches in Crossville and Fairfield Glade, Cumberland Co. Playhouse box office, and Bed & Biscuit Kennel off Peavine Road.   Call Dwight Wages at 484-6939 for further details.