Loading...The next program in the Episcopal Church of the Ascension's Concert Series will feature the music of banjoist Gary Vidito and his trio, who will perform a John Denver and Emmylou Harris tribute show at 4 p.m. (EST) Sunday, March 20. Ascension is located at 211 N. Third St. in Bardstown.
Vidito is well known in the area for his work in productions of "Stephen Foster-the Musical" and 'Hoofprints on the Stairs" as well as other musical productions and concerts.
Also scheduled this spring is a return visit by Dick Sisto, widely acclaimed jazz artist, and his trio. Starting at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 17, they will perform a program called "Spirit in Nature," which will consist of spiritually themed music interspersed with readings of Thomas Merton. Sisto presented a successful concert last fall, featuring the spiritual music of John Coltrane.
The final concert of the Winter-Spring offerings will be on Friday, May 20. Beginning at 7 p.m., Martin Ellis, organist for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and Hobert Humphrey, music director for the Church of the Ascension, will present a concert celebrating the renovation of the church's 1960 Ward pipe organ. The instrument has been renovated and updated by Reynolds and Associates, Organ Builders, Marion, Indiana.
"We've added several new voices to the instrument, installed a digital control system, revoiced and cleaned the pipes, and included various performance enhancements," noted Lusk. "The instrument was damaged in a lightning strike last year, prompting replacement of its electrical system," he added. "While making those repairs, we're also able to add new voices, improve the tonal quality, and make several other changes for the betterment of this fine instrument."
On Saturday, May 21, Ellis will host a workshop for area church organists and musicians. "This will be a masters' class style opportunity to work with Mr. Ellis and learn techniques to enhance the capability of the participant's own instrument," Lusk said. Additional publicity will be forthcoming; registrants will pay a $ 30 fee for the workshop and lunch. There is no charge for this or any of the other concerts to the public.
After a summer recess, the concert series will return in Fall of 2011. For more information, please call the church office at 348-4317.
