If you weren't at the concert of Orange Kellin's New Orleans Blue Serenaders on Sunday night, April 18, you missed a show of shows. Three great musicians and a most unusual vocalist-dancer entertained members of the Canton Community Concert Association in a grand, authentic New Orleans style.

Maybe you never heard of Orange Kellin before. Neither had most of those at the concert, but it didn't take long to get acquainted. As a teenager in Sweden, when he first heard New Orleans jazz music, he knew in an instant he had to be a part of that seductive sound. He recorded the first of three records with the Imperial Band of Stockholm when he was 17. The call to go to New Orleans was received loudly and clearly. He responded and within a month after arrival, he was offered a recording session with the well-known DeDe Pierce. He performed with the best of the New Orleans jazz and ragtime musicians. He was on his way with the hot sounds of his clarinet.

On stage in Canton with Kellin was Conal Fowkes, a multi-talented pianist, vocalist, composer, arranger and teacher from England. His skills and expertise cover diverse and ever expanding fields, and he brought the house down when he was featured at the keyboard. He is featured in some of New York's elite musical groups including the Woody Allen Jazz Band.

The percussionist with the New Orleans music-makers was Chris Tyle who is a master at singing and performing classic jazz; that is, jazz music from the very beginning in New Orleans up until the bebop era of Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. For more than 30 years, Tyle has researched the history of jazz music. He is comfortable performing in groups whose styles range from ragtime to swing. In addition, he's a jazz educator as a faculty member of America's Finest Dixieland Jazz Festival Adult Jazz Camp and as a guest lecturer.

Another star on stage in Canton was Vernel Bagneris who wrote, directed and starred in the original Off-Broadway production as well as the recent Broadway production of "One Mo' Time," which ran for 3 1/2 years in New York and branched out into seven touring companies in addition to Australia and London's West End. The show was honored with a Royal Command performance for Queen Elizabeth. It was nominated for several Olivier Awards as well as a Grammy nomination for its cast album.

That's the kind of talent that is brought to Canton to entertain and inspire you. That's what members of the Canton Community Concert Association saw and heard less than 10 days ago. But don't feel left out. The kickoff to the 2004-05 season comes in less than 10 days on May 6.

The first big attraction next season will be "One Enchanted Evening" on Oct. 8. It will be an evening remembering Richard Rodgers, who collaborated with many lyricists during his distinguished career. His first notoriety came with his collaboration with Lorenz Hart. Act One of the show features Richard Rodgers' lush musical compositions which inspired the lyrics of Lorenz Hart.

Act Two focuses on the second chapter in Richard Rogers' career as he collaborated with Oscar Hammerstein. In contrast to the Rodgers and Hart partnership, Hammerstein first composed the lyrics and then Rodgers composed the music to fit the lyrics. You'll hear your favorites from the "Sound of Music" and "Oklahoma" and such tunes as "My Romance," "Blue Moon" and many more. On stage will be 15 performers singing and dancing the night away.

On March 17, 2005, concert members will hear the Westwind Brass with five celebrated performers. This is Brass with Class that will provide you with a delightful evening showing you a real touch of "Class in Brass."

For the last concert, the audience applauded and cheered when it was announced the Guy Lombardo Orchestra will be in Canton on April 5, 2005. You know what the Sweetest Music this side of Heaven is like, and it's as fresh and beautiful as the first time you heard it.

The Canton Community Concert Association selects programs for your enjoyment and inspiration. So become a member during the drive that begins May 6. That's just a little more than a week away. Details concerning memberships and costs will be announced prior to and during the drive.

Give yourself and your family a good musical break. Become a member of the Canton Community Concert Association during its 49th season.

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Music-Music-Music!

If you weren't at the concert of Orange Kellin's New Orleans Blue Serenaders on Sunday night, April 18, you missed a show of shows. Three great musicians and a most unusual vocalist-dancer entertained members of the Canton Community Concert Association in a grand, authentic New Orleans style.