Upcoming Shows

Harlingen Concert Association is pleased to present the following performances for the 2009-

2010 Season. DUE TO EXTENSIVE HURRICANE DAMAGE TO THE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM, PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED AT THE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH. WHEN THE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM HAS BEEN REPAIRED, PLANS TO RETURN TO THE AUDITORIUM WILL BE ANNOUNCED. pALL SHOWS ARE AT 7:30 PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.um at 7:30 PM.

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Memberships include all of the performances listed. . All seating is reserved.

Blending a rootsy feel reminiscent of the 1970’s west coast country rock scene with today’s modern country, Buffalo Rome brings a vinyl vibe to the digital age…

With three individual, unique styles and tastes for music, Michael

Visconti, Kevin Douglas and Billy McCorvey bring their life experiences

and life stories together to create musical magic.

Buffalo Rome is a “sound “… A sound that’s holistic, wholly mature, yet fresh in nature…Buffalo Rome is a sound that’s “lived in.”

Truly more than the sum of their parts, Buffalo Rome is a perfect

blend…Michael hits the high notes, is charismatic and has a wacky sense of humor. Kevin, who is described as the gentleman of the group, lends thought to rich and contemplative lyrics. Bill is an “observer” with a cool edge who is rock-steady on stage

Celtic Crossroads is critically acclaimed as 'the most exhilarating and authentic show to come from Ireland in decades - not to be missed'. It is an explosion of youthful energy and dazzling musicianship. Celtic Crossroads abounds with fusions of traditional Irish music, bluegrass, gypsy and jazz whilst pulsating with the rhythms of exciting Irish dance percussion. Spontaneous mid show ovations are the norm, and enraptured Celtic Crossroads audiences are always compelled to shout, and SHOUT for more.

The show was officially launched in 2006, after months of auditions with over 800 applicants, to find Ireland’s finest traditional music talent. All the performers are award-winning multi-instrumentalists, each professionally trained in multiple world genres of music.

In 2008, Celtic Crossroads undertakes its first major International touring season, spanning Europe, North America, Asia, Mexico and Canada as the show is unleashed across the globe. The Celtic Crossroads show is already making history by taking Irish Music to a new dimension on the international stage. The creators are keen to stay clear of the cheesy Irish stereotypes, and unauthentic production standards, preferring to produce a world standard show that Irish people are proud to call their own. The show does not use tracks, and is 100% authentic, its all pure authentic talent straight from the Emerald Isle. Even the shows .ie web-site is hosted from Ireland. Irish people have embraced this fresh, modern and authentic look, with Celtic Crossroads celebrating 86 sold out performances in Ireland in 2007 alone!

Rudolf Budginas (pronounced bud-guinness) was born into a family of musicians in Lithuania. He began his studies at the age of four and made his debut at the age of nine with the Lithuanian National Symphony. Subsequently, he trained at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory. Thereafter, he rose to international prominence performing solo concerts throughout the world.

Moving to the United States in 1994, Rudolf's passion is to expand the accessibility of classical music to wider audiences. When not playing solo concerts, he joins his musical group with a program called, "Rudolf: Cutting Edge Classics" and stellar guest musicians to perform concerts that brilliantly balance pop, jazz and well-known classical works.

Rudolf is known for interacting with the audience by presenting information and humorous asides about the program. With his charmingly accented English, he talks about the impetus for his new concerts, "I felt that after my strictly classical recitals, I was questioning if I had more to offer to my audiences. It was clear that they loved classical music but I felt there was more I wanted to do. I want to present an evening with more variety of musical styles. I want to keep my audience constantly surprised and excited throughout a concert. Also, I really enjoy working with other creative and talented musicians -- that inspires me, too. So the hoped for result will be that we will create something new."

New Orleans Newest Musical Legend is Jazz pianist Ronnie Kole – Ronnie is a class act and consummate performer who is popular in both his own country and overseas. The New Orleans-based musician spends much time abroad in Europe and Asia, where his smooth sound and elegant persona lend themselves to refined venues and guest appearances with symphony orchestras. Kole is a piano man's piano man, admired by many top stars in the business, from Harry Connick Jr. to Allen Toussaint.

Born in Chicago, Kole was afflicted with heart trouble as a child, which landed him in Spaulding School for the handicapped. He received much encouragement there from the celebrities who made a point to visit. In return, Kole has become very involved in charitable and civic organizations in his professional career, such as being President of the Louisiana Easter Seal Society, President and Chairman of the Sugar Bowl, Chairman of the Louisiana Tourist Commission, 2008 President of the World Trade Center to mention a few. He sits on more boards than there are ivory keys on the piano, and helped organize both the New Orleans Jazz Festival and the French Quarter Festival, and has made numerous appearances at both venues.

Kole is the fifth person to be inducted into New Orleans Musical Legends Park, located in the French Quarter of New Orleans…On April 11th 2008 his life size statue will be standing along side Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, Fat’s Domino and Chris Owens…Quite a tribute to this living legend…

From the silver screen to the stage, Matt Davenport Productions Inc. presents a thrilling “red carpet” review of Hollywood’s greatest music memories. A versatile cast of eleven sing, dance and recreate magical movie memories by Gene Kelly, Astaire and Rogers, Julie Andrews, Donald O’Connor, Judy Garland and more. Our talented Music Director/accompanist serves as host, portraying varied Hollywood icons, such as the Director, Producer, ticket-taker, stage hand and more to tell Hollywood’s musical story.

From the golden age of Singin’ in the Rain, Mary Poppins and The Wizard of Oz, we’ll fast-forward to today’s contemporary movie musicals, including Chicago, Grease and Hairspray. Creative stage adaptations of Academy Award-winning compositions like “My Heart Will Go On,” “Take My Breath Away,” and “A Whole New World” will fill the stage with cinematic proportions.

An array of colorful sets and costumes sparkle around innovative musical arrangements and choreography as the auditorium comes alive with the sound of movie music.

The Canadian Tenors fuse four powerful voices to deliver an exciting new blend of classical and popular repertoire to the world. Remigio Pereira, Fraser Walters, Jamie McKnight, and Victor Micallef and have a wealth of international performance experience among them and bring their passion for music alive in every show. Their heritage reflects the cultural mosaic that is Canada, encompassing Portugese, Irish, Scottish, and Maltese roots; together they speak six languages and sing in eight.

Their diversity on stage draws upon Remigio and Victor’s classical training and knowledge and reflects Jamie and Fraser’s wide experience in musical theatre to deliver an engaging concert experience, one that entertains and inspires.

With tours of Norway, Holland, the United States, and of course Canada to their credit the Canadian Tenors’ real journey is just beginning. They are also in demand for corporate events sharing the stage in recent months with such luminaries as president Bill Clinton, music legend Quincy Jones, motivational master Anthony Robbins, and Canada’s musical maestro David Foster, and in locales as diverse as London and Tahiti; Vancouver and Vienna.

This Fall they release their highly anticipated debut album, in which they collaborated with world-renowned Swedish producers Quiz and Larossi (Paul Potts, Diana Ross), Grammy awarded producer Steve Thompson (Madonna, Guns n’ Roses), and Canadian Juno award-winner Jeff Wolpert (Loreena McKennitt, Sarah Brightman, Nelly Furtado).

Soloists and musicians in their own right, as individuals they have accomplished much, and now as a group they are conquering the international stage.