Hermiston's Desert Arts Council kicks off a new concert season Sept. 10 with soothing jazz from internationally known pianist Tom Grant.
The Arts Council, celebrating its silver anniversary this year, will present six productions for its series of music, theater and dance performances.
The Tom Grant Band concert starts at 7 p.m. in Hermiston's Conference Center, 415 W. Highway 395.
Since 1983, Grant has repeatedly topped the Smooth Jazz charts at Billboard magazine.
Some of his popular tunes, like Mango Tango and Night Charade, were No. 1 hits.
Grant grew up in Portland in a musical family, learning to play piano and drums from his tap-dancing father. His older, piano-playing brother also inspired Grant to become a jazz pianist.
A look at the season:
-- Oct. 24: The Trail Band show starts at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Theatre at Hermiston High School, 600 S. E. First St.
This eight-piece ensemble is a blend of brass and string instruments. One of the lead singers, Rindy Ross, was formerly with the rock/pop band Quarterflash.
-- Nov. 14: Hennessey Street is a dinner theater that will tug at your heart while satisfying your palate with fine food. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at Hermiston's Conference Center, 415 W. Highway 395.
The show tells a stirring story of four women who combine their memories and hope for the future to bring their neighborhood to life with laughter as well as tears. Hennessey Street playwright Rebecca Redshaw will be on hand for the production and will give a short introduction before curtain time.
-- Feb. 20: Bottom Line Duo with Inland Northwest Musicians concert starts at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Theatre at Hermiston High School, 600 S. E. First St.
Spencer and Traci Hoveskeland make up this singing duo. They play a mix of classical and contemporary music that's suitable for the whole family.
-- March 20: Brigham Young University Theatre Ballet starts at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Theatre at Hermiston High School, 600 S. E. First St. The school is renowned for its collegiate dance companies, and the ballet is no exception with productions packed with as much athletic energy as poised discipline.
-- April 28: Colorado Children's Chorale starts 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Theatre at Hermiston High School, 600 S. E. First St.
This choral group has no trouble keeping the audience awake with its lively show numbers that touch on everything from folk to popular tunes, as well as a bit of opera.
A season pass to all six shows is $130 each or $320 for families for general admission. Reserved seats are $250 each or $500 for families.
Individual tickets to each show are $19 for adults and $9 for students.
Tickets are available at www.desertartscouncil.com or call 541-567-5161.
*Dori O'Neal: 582-1514; doneal@tricityherald.com
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