Entertainment : Celebration Iowa Singers and Jazz Band Announces Performance in Vinton

Andy Heckroth of Dysart, a Union High School Band member, is part of the Celebration Iowa Band.

Iowa High School musicians to present show for Vinton

Celebration Iowa Singers and Jazz Band, an elite ensemble of Iowa high school musicians, is pleased to announce their upcoming performance in Vinton on Saturday, July 31st. The show begins at 7:00 pm and will be held at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School auditorium. Admission is free, but Celebration Iowa will be taking up a free-will offering to help offset their expenses.

The main sponsor of the Vinton performance is Clingman Pharmacy.

Andy Heckroth of Dysart, will perform with the Celebration Iowa Band. Andy is a member of the Union High School Marching Band and Jazz Band.

Now in its 28th season, Celebration Iowa showcases the quality of Iowa high school music programs through its educational and service-oriented summer performance opportunity. Together with a talented staff of teachers and professionals, students in Celebration Iowa present an action-packed production that includes song, dance and jazz band favorites for audiences of all ages to enjoy

Celebration Iowa’s 2010 show will open with a memorable tribute to American songwriters George and Ira Gershwin entitled, “The Brothers Gershwin”. Some of the compositions featured are,”Strike Up the Band”, "Fascinating Rhythm", and “Shall We Dance”. The second act, entitled “Legacy: Elvis 75!” is a rock and roll tribute to Elvis Presley who would be 75 this year. Amongst the classic selections to be performed are “You Ain’t Nothin’ But a Hound Dog”, “Jailhouse Rock” and “Love Me Tender”. The show will conclude with a set arranged by Kevin Brown specifically for Celebration Iowa. “Ritmo Caliente” is a celebration of Latin influence on American pop music featuring such hits as “Rhythm of the Night”, “Caravan”, “Oye Como Va”, and “Get On Your Feet”.

The Celebration Iowa Jazz Band will once again perform an eclectic repertoire of jazz from many styles and eras. The group performs classic swing charts, as well as more modern big band charts. They also perform original songs and arrangements from some of today’s newest composers written just for the group. Popular selections from last year include: “April in Paris” by Vernon Duke, “Boogie Stop Shuffle” by Charles Mingus and “Such Sweet Thunder” by Duke Ellington.

Celebration Iowa cast members are offered the opportunity to perform over 30 shows in all corners of the state and beyond while learning from some of Iowa’s finest teachers. Every year cast members agree that their experience with Celebration Iowa is truly “the summer of a lifetime.”

The 2010 Celebration Iowa cast members will be led by the following staff members: Kevin Brown, jazz band director, who is back for his fifth year with the program; along with Jason Rausch, choral director of the singers; and Lisa Roberson as creative consultant.

Celebration Iowa, a project of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa is also funded by R.J. McElroy Trust and The Fred Maytag Family Foundation, and the Celebration Iowa Alumni and Parent Fund. Each cast member also secures local sponsorships to defray personal costs.

The ensemble rehearses on the Luther College campus June 6-25 and will tour statewide June 26- August 7. Questions regarding Celebration Iowa should be directed to Benji Nichols, Program Director or Mary Weis, Administrative Assistant, by calling 563-387-1009 or e-mailing celebrationiowa@luther.edu. Information can also be found on the website: www.luther.edu/celebrationiowa/.