There’s nothing better than a little something special to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary.
And with the Concord Community Music School celebrating 30 years of teaching locals all about music, it’s only appropriate that the something special is a concert. That’s right, the music school will kickoff its 30th anniversary weekend with an alumni concert Friday night with musicians spanning all three decades.
Fiddler Audrey Budington, cellist Emily Taubl, bassist Scott Kiefner and jazz pianist Mark Shilansky will take the stage for 15-minute sets each, and will even bring in some of their own musical colleagues for the night. There’ll also be a special performance by the music school’s Great Wall of Sound at the end of the evening.
“There’s going to be a good jam at the end with all the musicians,” said music school president Peggy Senter. “This is the first time we’ve done a totally alumni concert for this weekend.”
Now it wasn’t easy for Senter to determine the lineup for the alumni concert. She had this long list of potential alum, but eventually widdled it down when she realized the need to have musicians that represented all 30 years along with the different musical genres.
“It’s the whole 30 years of our history,” Senter said. “And these are really experienced professionals.”
All four were more than happy to help, although the way she asked Taubl was a little unorthodox. The two just happened to run into each other on 8th Avenue in New York City one day. It had been another for 15 years since they saw each other, but after talking for three hours Taubl was more than on board.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, in the music school’s Recital Hall, 23 Wall St. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors, but tickets have been going fast so we suggest getting them as soon as possible. A gala reception to celebrate the 30th anniversary will follow the concert. To purchase tickets, call 228-1196 or visit ccmusicschool.org.
“It will be a regular length convert with a great party after,” Senter said.
But the concert is just the start of the celebratory weekend. On Saturday, the music school invites the public for its annual Performathon and community open house. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., anyone interested in music or looking to learn more about what the music school does is invited to walk the halls, listen to some tunes and even try out an instrument.
“We hope the whole community will come,” Senter said. “It will get people to see what we do in our building.”
Students, alumni and faculty will perform all day, raising money for the Financial Aid Fund with the help of some strategically placed green bowls for donations. Activities will include an instrument petting zoo, a community sing, jam sessions, music and movement showcases for young children, along with folk, jazz and classical solo and ensemble performances. There will also be raffle tickets ($3 each) for some great prizes.
“I’m hoping some of the Friday night performers will stay around for Saturday,” Senter said.
For more on the anniversary weekend, visit ccmusicschool.org.
