Presenter Reviews

On Nov 14 2011, anonymous Wrote:
Mac Frampton joins MSO for 'Romancing Movies'
Concert ends in ovation, calls for encores Written by Ellen Buckner - Review, 11:00 PM, Nov. 10, 2011
MURFREESBORO — The second concert of this Murfreesboro Symphony's season was an energetic, fast- paced program featuring Murfreesboro favorite Mac Frampton, with members of his ensemble plus members from the MSO. The music was big band and titled "Romancing the Movies."
It began with a Hollywood Bowl Fan Fare, as exciting as you could imagine. Frampton came on stage and began with a charged version of "Tara's Theme" from the movie, "Gone With the Wind." That went right into a calypso beat of "Under the Sea," followed by a powerful arrangement of "Chariots of Fire." Frampton talked between most of the songs, which made it interesting. Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" was next.
Frampton introduced trumpeter Cecil Welch, who was soloist for the Henry Mancini orchestra for 18 years. He played the theme from "The Godfather." His trumpet rang through the sanctuary, and was so haunting that you could close your eyes and see scenes from the movie.
The audience was asked to participate in the next selection by whistling the theme from "The Colonel Bogey March" or better known as "The Bridge Over the River Kwai." Some of the audience left their "puckers" at home, while other brave whistlers joined in.
The next selection was Maurice Ravel's famous piece "Bolero," which was the main theme in the movie "Ten" with Bo Derek. It was, and still is, an intense piece, beginning with a pianissimo and ending with fortissimo. This is all very gradual during the piece and very demanding on the pianist. The first part of the program ended with a John Williams Suite, which was also very demanding.
After intermission, the ensemble came back to play a tribute to Henry Mancini. It began with the theme from Audrey Hepburn's movie "Charade." The next selection featured jazz great Skip Lane on flute. The song was Mancini's "It Had Better Be Tonight." To say that the musician "ripped" that flute to new heights would be an understatement. The audience sat stunned as he executed trills, arpeggios and leaps of pitches all over and around the melody. It was extraordinary, and he received a standing ovation.
"Romeo and Juliet Theme" was next. Although it was written by Nino Rota, Mancini won awards for featuring It on his recordings. "The Spanish Trumpet," starring Cecil Welch, was written for Welch by Mancini and the soprano trumpet. It brought to mind flamenco dancers. Welch received a standing ovation for his intricate rhythms and exquisite playing.
The next song was interesting. It featured our principal percussionist, Mark Winn on the xylophone playing "Hong Kong Fireworks." I say "interesting" because Winn didn't have any music to follow. He "faked" his entire solo!! He was all over that keyboard and when the orchestra joined him at the end, the audience erupted in an extended applause. When I congratulated him after the concert, he broke into laughter and showed me his music. Sure enough, there was nothing there until the end of the piece. He was fabulous.
Then came "The Pink Panther" with Skip Lane playing his original part on his sax. Who can forget David Niven and his magnifying glass as the Pink Panther?
The last part of the concert was for lovers. Frampton played "Dear Heart" as a piano solo, and it was a nice change from the hard-charging arrangements. It was slow and romantic and just lovely. Next featured Lane with his sax on "The Days of Wine and Roses" with just Frampton accompanying. Lane had a lot of air in his mouthpiece, which was annoying coming over his mike. Cecil Welch was up next with a beautiful song
called "The Sweetheart Tree." What made it extra special was the mute he used, called a haben mute. It had the sweetest sound to it, and made the song so much more romantic than a regular mute. Just exquisite. "Moon River" with Frampton and the snares was a dreamy, intimate dance-with-me tempo. And no concert of Mancini's would be complete without the theme from "Peter Gunn."
The orchestra pulled out all of the stops and brought the program to a rousing, whistling, clapping end. The audience was not ready for the concert to end, and jumped to its feet for ovation after ovation.
Frampton is an artist/showman down to his toes. It is no wonder he is a Murfreesboro favorite. His friendly, homey, good-natured quality comes across as someone you would like to visit with about music and his years of experience with famous musicians. It was a magical evening and concert.

 

On Feb 08 2011, Robert Hutchens, Clayton Ctr for the Arts, Maryville, TN, Jan 15, 2011 Wrote:
The American Spiritual Ensemble gave us the best night since our opening.
It wasn’t that every soloist was better than the one before, it was just that each new soloist, whether contralto or coloratura, bass or tenor seemed to be the ultimate voice God could fashion.

The audience erupted with bravos, standing ovations, whistles throughout the evening. The music was breathtakingly, heartbreakingly beautiful.

They performed on Martin Luther King’s very birthday. How perfect.

Four of the Ensemble Hope Kohler (sp?), Alfonse Anderson, John Wesley Wright, and even Dr. McCorvey himself gave a master class for our students. At times all four of them were on stage working with a student; one would lift his chin, another would straighten his back, another would keep a hand on the diaphragm, one would stand before him willing the note into just the right placement. Here were these extraordinarily gifted and experienced performers/teachers making the student feel as if nothing in the world was as important as taking that student’s talent to the highest possible level.. It was a beautiful thing to see such generosity and concern.

On Feb 08 2011, Joan Stadslev, Chipola College, Marianna, FL Wrote:
Just wanted to share with you what an absolutely WONDERFUL evening we had here at Chipola College last night with the FREDDY COLE QUARTET.
The audience of all ages (teenagers, college students through senior citizens) LOVED everyone in the quartet….what wonderful musicians….
and they mixed and mingled and visited at the reception following with such ease and no rush despite a very early morning flight out of Panama City this morning.
EVERYONE here is excited about the upcoming Grammy Awards and all are pulling for Freddy!!!

It was a great event last evening. Thank you!
Joan

On Aug 30 2010, Carl Kane / Elizabethtown PA Wrote:
Hello again from Gretna Music. I wanted to thank you, and all the folks at Alkahest, for helping bring the Capitol Steps back to Gretna Music last night. They got here a bit late, but once here were a delight to deal with, and put on a great show. It would have been nice if one or two of the group had stayed for our post concert reception, but perhaps we didn’t give them enough notice about it.

Thanks very much again for your part in making the evening happen. Please also pass on our thanks to the Capitol Steps.

Sincerely,
Carl Kane
Gretna Music
717-361-1508

On Apr 26 2010, Carolyn White, President Wrote:
April 25, 2010 2:08:16 PM PDT
DAVID OSBORNE in Concert
Dear David,
At church today in Madison, I was approached by several people who had been at the concert and they loved it! Many people asked how such a small town like Verona could attract such wonderful talent! I told them if you pay the fee, they will come! It really was a wonderful way for us to finish out our season. Many have now asked to be placed on the mailing list for next year's brochure. We thank you for thrilling our audience with your incredible talent. Many also said that they appreciated Paul's singing and Dan's bass. Paul was actually a big hit.I was most impressed that you could remember all the songs that were requested and then make a medley out of them that would last 20 minutes! You have very strong hands, plus a good mind! I couldn't have remembered all the songs that were requested.Hope your trip home was good and you can relax with your family. Many thanks. and best wishes, Carolyn

On Mar 15 2010, Julie Ashbrook Wrote:
“WAR BONDS: SONGS & LTRS OF WWII”
March, 2010

I recently heard that 50% of Americans do not know what countries fought in World War II. After having “War Bonds” here, we think our local population could beat that statistic. We were thrilled with the quality of the performance and the ease of working with all of those involved with the show.
Your show motivated us to share quickly vanishing WWII memories with our middle school and high school student bodies, and with adults in our community through school assemblies and a public luncheon featuring a WWII POW, WWII cartoons, songs, and excerpts from WWII poetry. Your assembly-length performance for our high school English students was great. Like many of us, they tweet, twitter, e-mail and hit delete, evaporating the history of a whole generation. Your “War Bonds” assembly gave them a chance to think on the impact of writing as they heard songs and letters from 65-75 years ago. We count our “War Bonds” adventure as a huge success. Thank you so much!

Julie Ashbrook, Administrator
Chillicothe Area Arts Council
Chillicothe, Missouri

Julie Ashbrook, Administrator
Chillicothe Area Arts Council
660-646-1173
arts@chillicothemo.com

On Feb 15 2010, anonymous Wrote:
February 13, 2010-Spencer, WI David Osborne Trio thrilled the audience as they swayed and bobbed to familiar tunes. But when David played back audience favorites without even writing the titles down, the crowd went crazy. And just as impressive were Paul and Danny, the bass and drummer, keeping up with him. We had record sales of CD's; almost 50% of those in attendance. We will definantly bring them back.
Submitted By: Sally / Lucille Tack Ctr for the Arts/ Spencer, WI
Submitted When: February 14, 2010 11:20 AM

On Jul 01 2009, Meleia Lewis, President Dyersburg Area Community Concert Association Wrote:
The Dyersburg Area Community Concert Association loved Man 1, Bank 0!. Patrick Combs was extremely entertaining and energetic. The audience, which consisted of all ages, thoroughly enjoyed his retelling of this unbelievable but true life story. You'd be crazy not to enjoy it!

On Mar 30 2009, Kim Scarboro Wrote:
March 30, 2009

Alkahest Artists and Attractions, Inc.
P.O. Box 49092
Atlanta, GA 30359

RE: AN AMERICAN PORTRAIT FEATURING MAC FRAMPTON

Dear Alkahest,

The North Florida Community College Artist Series had the pleasure of presenting An American Portrait in January 2009. Mac Frampton is an extremely talented pianist and a genuinely charming performer who brings a ton of personality to the stage. He provided an outstanding performance and really connected with our audience. Our patrons loved Frampton and raved about the show.

Vocalists Dawn-Marie James and Sam Hagan and the three piece band helped make the performance even more outstanding. All are extremely talented and worked well together. We had great attendance and an overall great time with An American Portrait.

Mac Frampton could not have been easier to work with. The group’s technical representatives responded to all inquiries about the performance quickly and the group was a pleasure to meet and work with. Their load-in, set-up and load-out went very smoothly. It was very easy to accommodate the show and the performers at our auditorium. The Alkahest website is also very well organized and provided helpful links and information needed for planning and preparing for the show – specifics about the performance, artist biographies, pictures, concert program and more.

On stage, Frampton, Hagan, James and the band really brought the music to life. Their individual personalities and talent blended extremely well and took our audience on an entertaining and historic journey. Our audience loved this show. It was a fun show to host and definitely a crowd pleaser.

At the end of the show, Mac Frampton immediately made his way to the lobby to greet audience members. This gesture was much appreciated by our patrons and the Artist Series staff. So many audience members stopped to meet Frampton, to comment on the show and to wish the performers well.

A wonderful show; a great cast (on and off stage); and a performance I highly recommend to other presenters. We had a great time.

Sincerely,
Kim Scarboro
North Florida Community College Artist Series

On Feb 24 2009, Stephen K. Stone Wrote:
Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Dear Alkahest Artists &Attractions,

On Saturday, January 17, 2009, 7:30 p.m. the Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center’s Guest Artists Series presented An Evening with Linda Davis to a sold-out audience.

The entire evening was delightful, classy, and showed Linda’s natural gift of connecting with an audience; the quality of a true entertainer. The prominent difference in the two sets of music that Linda presented (Country and 1940’s Jazz Standards) was well-designed and was surely a reason that all audience members were highly engaged and entertained, even those who do not consider themselves country music connoisseurs.

Not only did Linda receive a standing ovation for the performance but it was clear that she made many, many fans that evening as evidenced in her 1 ½ hour meet & greet/autograph signing and quite successful compact disc sales following the show.

I personally found Linda to be a unique and special spirit. With her, the person you spoke with backstage was the person you knew on stage. It was as if she was a wave across everyone she met and every place she went. The entire venue, both behind the scenes and in the spotlight, was radiating with positive energy that I directly attribute to who Linda is. It was as if I was seeing a close friend that I had not seen in ages.

Thank you,
Stephen K. Stone
Illinois Central College
Performing Arts Center

On Feb 22 2009, Peggy Dettwiler Wrote:
Mansfield University hosted the American Spiritual Ensemble in an unforgettable performance on February 16 in celebration of Black History Month. Having heard wonderful choral singing for more than 35 years, I can honestly say that this was one of the most memorable choral and solo concerts I have ever heard. The ensemble of professional soloists modeled exemplary vocal technique, artistic musical expression, and passion from the heart that truly elevated the Negro Spiritual to real American Art Song.
Peggy Dettwiler, Director of Choral Activities
Mansfield University
Mansfield, PA

On Feb 06 2009, Karl & Jeannine Morris Wrote:
One of the "perks" of our volunteer work with the Warren Civic Music Association is getting to meet wonderful performers such as Linda Davis. Thanks to Alkahest for recommending her. She really connected with our audience in a wonderfully varied program spiced with her delightful commentary. Linda's warm personality comes across on stage.  Although the weather was cold and snowy there was a good crowd in attendance. It made for a great January evening!

On Feb 02 2009, Donald W. Nixon The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts- NEwnan, GA Wrote:
There are not enough words to describe the joy that was experienced in hosting The American Spiritual Ensemble. The quality of the performance was exceptional, the mission and vision of these performers is essential for all people to experience and appreciate. We have never hosted a more commited, experieced , educated and passionate collection of real artists with genuine desire to share their art form. All these attributes culminate when they offer their gifts to an audience. I would highly recommend that ASE be included on the roster of any presenting facility. ASE connected our community through the Arts. Many have requested a return visit. True joy

On Jan 26 2009, Kimberly Howard, Program Manager Wrote:
Mid-Continent Public Library hosted A Night before Christmas Carol on December 2nd and 3rd of 2008 at four of our branches. David was amazing. Here are some of what our patrons thought of his presentation.

"Excellent Actor! David makes you feel like your right there with Mr. Scrooge and the Cratchits. And his message of as an audience member of "future spirits" we can make changes in our lives is profound." Gloria Curtis, Raytown, MO

" We wouldn't miss it! We come to all his programs any time he is in town."Joyce and Howard McKinney of Riverside, Mo

"I love this program, it has become an family tradition!" Lorene Gibson, Raytown, Mo

"A fine way to usher in the Christmas season." Don McClain, Raytown, Mo

"We love this program! I look forward in seeing it. I have made it a Christmas tradition. Its not Christmas until we see this performance!"
Mariellen and Sue Malensik, Raytown, Mo

"David is an exceptionally talented performer who always delivers an outstanding program!" H.G. Gretlein

"David's performance of Dickens is one of the best one man shows you will ever see!" Jason Alexander

Kimberly Howard
Program Manager
Mid-Continent Public Library
Independence,Mo

On Jan 26 2009, Joe Gillie Executive Director Old School Square Cultural Arts Center Wrote:
Just wanted to let you know that the Kingston Trio was a total home run at the Crest Theatre in Delray Beach, FL. The guys were so well recieved and they were a dream to work with. We did 5 shows and even in this tough economic environment two shows totally sold out and the other three were near capacity. The best part is that it brought so many people in that had never been to our theatre! Bravo Trio!

On Jan 22 2009, anonymous Wrote:
Our audience loved the Buddy Morrow Production of The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. We sold more tickets than usual for our Performing Arts Series of concerts. Patrons want them back soon.
Barbara Griffin, Special Events, Central Florida Community College, Ocala, Florida

On Jan 21 2009, Kirkland Performance Center Wrote:
Our audience really enjoyed Patrick Combs' Man 1, Bank 0 here at the Kirkland Performance Center. His story was engaging, humorous, and all the more interesting given the difficult times banks find themselves in now.
Patrick is quite the talented entertainer! I wish he'd kept the money! After all the bank put him through, he deserved it!
We very much recommend him.

On Jan 16 2009, Betty Comer Wrote:
I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how much the members and directors of our organization enjoyed the performance by The David Osborne Trio this past September in Corbin.

For 47 straight years, the Fine Arts Association of Southeastern Kentucky, Inc. has been committed to bring high-quality performance art to our rural area of the state. For many who are members of this organization, our annual Concert Series is the only chance they have to come in contact with some of the world’s best artists, musicians, actors and performers. I can say, without reservation, that Mr. Osborne and the men that accompanied him the night he played in Corbin were as courteous and professional as they were amazingly talented.

As directors of the Fine Arts Association, many of us got the opportunity to interact with Mr. Osborne’s “trio” before he performed. It was truly a pleasure. As patrons of the association ourselves, we were all delighted by the rare and extraordinary talent on display during the performance. Many of our members heaped praise on Mr. Osborne after the show. There has been nothing but positive feedback.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making this year’s concert series another smashing success.

Sincerely,

Betty Comer
Fine Arts Association of Southeastern Kentucky, Inc.
Program Chair

On Dec 19 2008, Donald Nixon, Center for Performing & Visual Arts, Newnan, GA Wrote:
Thursday, December 18, 2008 4:39 PM
Subject:” THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS CAROL”, starring DAVID ZUM BRUNNEN

What a joy to host you at the Centre in Newnan. Hopefully you have returned safely and can now enjoy a great holiday season with your family. It was an exceptional production. Needless to say- your gifts mesmerized our audiences. Your art form was present with such understanding that we all felt we had visited with Mr. Dickens. Even the youngest of our audiences said, He’s really good” Your energy and passion for the arts provided the obvious difference. Thanks for your work and commitment to excellence. You blessed us….. everyone!
Please express to Rachel our appreciation for her contribution to the production. Our techs commented on her level of professionalism and kind spirit.
The act epitomized the mission and purpose of this facility. Every aspect conveyed excellence in the truest form.
Thanks for your dedication to communicate, educate through and demonstrate the joyful power of the Arts.
Please keep in touch and the Centre in Newnan aware of your new projects and programs that might enrich our efforts.
It was a joy to invest and spend time with you-
Our best regards-
don

Donald W. Nixon, director
The Center for Performing & Visual Arts
Newnan, GA
(770) 254 2787
Donald.nixon@cowetaschools.org

On Dec 18 2008, Mary Lynn Norton Wrote:
David,
Thank you, Serena, and the band for a phenomenal performance of War Bonds at McCelvey on Sunday, October 26. Folks are still talking about it in the community and they like the incorporation of the local letters. That is always a good sign! It truly was a wonderful performance. My pharmacist brought his father who had served in WWII to the performance and he comments on how touching the performance was almost every time I go into the pharmacy. He had an idea that every male vet who attended the show was taken back to their service days by Serena’s outstanding performance Safe journeys in your many travels.
Best regards,
Mary Lynn Norton
Facilities Rental Manager
Culture & Heritage Museums
McCelvey Center
212 East Jefferson Street
York, SC 29745
803.684.3948, ext 22
mlnorton@chmuseums.org
www.chmuseums.org

On Dec 11 2008, Sandy Swartz, Jefferson, WI Wrote:
The Council for the Performing Arts was fortunate enough to host War Bonds: Songs and Letters of World War II a few weeks ago. David and Serena had the audience laughing and crying all at the same time. What a wonderful show. Their talent is great and both of them (as well as the band members) were very personable.

The agent, Elizabeth Bridges and her entire staff, were easy to work with and I hope to book with them again.

You won't go wrong with this show!!

On Dec 11 2008, Diane Craig, Homestead Community Concerts, Miami, FL Wrote:
GUY LOMBARDO'S ROYAL CANADIANS was a great success! Some audience members mentioned that they thought there was too much talking, but still loved it. No other negatives. The board is definitely considering a rebooking in 5 to 7 years. Personally, this was my favorite big band. We also appreciated the addition of Christmas music. Staging committee said they were super to work with - not at all demanding.
Presented Dec. 6, 2008

On Dec 10 2008, anonymous Wrote:
The Vernon Parish Arts Council was proud to present the Linda Davis Show on 15 November 2008. The Show was lightly attended due to football playoffs in the local area, howevr, those who were in attendence were well pleased and entertained...Linda is a lovely person to work with and we had a fun time together while she was here. The musicians she used in the second half of the show were excellent. Good arangements and they executed them exceptionaly well.

Kal Kathey
Vernon Parish Arts Council
Show coordinator

On Dec 03 2008, Sumter County Fine Arts Council Wrote:
The Sumter County Fine Arts Council, in cooperation with the University of West Alabama in Livingston, hosted Mithril on Nov. 11, 2008. They were fantastic, and our members and audience loved them. They were a fun, vibrant, highly talented group who interacted with our audience both during and after the show. We had them in conjunction with a Celtic dinner event, and we were pleased as well with how incredibly flexible and accommodating they are. We would highly recommend them.

Sheila Limerick
Programs Chairperson
Sumter County Fine Arts Council
Livingston, AL

On Nov 28 2008, Saint Vincent College Concert Series Wrote:
Woods Tea Company was a true pleasure to have on our concert series. Not only were they professional and easy to work with, but they brought in a larger audience than we usually have. The audience loved them and had a great evening of entertainment. I've never heard "Bring them back!" so many times before.

On Nov 25 2008, anonymous Wrote:
The Robert M. Merryman Performing Arts Center in Kearney, Nebraska, hosted War Bonds on November 20, 2008. The audience members loved every minute of it. We would highly recommend this show and the delightful cast!

B. Gail Lowenberg
Executive Director

On Nov 24 2008, Liz Lechtenberg, Director Ohnward Fine Arts Center Wrote:
Our audience loved War Bonds: Songs and Letters of World War II. We received lots of positive comments as people were leaving the theater. Serena has a voice that should be on Broadway! It was funny . . . it was moving . . . it was right on! Highly recommend this show.

They were VERY easy to work with also. No big egos here. It was a pleasure!

On Nov 21 2008, anonymous Wrote:
We at the Cumblerland County Playhouse have had Mac Frampton here 2 times and he is a crowd pleaser beside being one of the finest musicians I know. He and his band will give your audience there money's worth and you will here them say to you time and again when are you going to have Mac Frampton back. I highly recomend.
Buster Irvin
Concert Administator
Cumberland County Playhouse
Crossville, TN

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