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Arts & Entertainment

Red Bank Theater Watch: A Melody of Music For Every Taste

Check out what's happening this week at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank.

It’s a jam packed week at Count Basie beginning with Tuesday’s feel good performance by the Beach Boys. The fun filled music continues throughout the week, with Rock the Basie on Friday, a groovy tribute to Woodstock on Saturday, and a heavy dose of Texas swagger courtesy of Lyle Lovett on Sunday.

The week starts of right on Tuesday, Aug. 23, when the Beach Boys bring their laid back vocal harmonies to the stage. The Beach Boys, formed in California in 1961, are best known for their songs reflecting the relaxed surfer vibe of California.

The Beach Boys are often referred to as “America’s Band,” and since the sixties, they have enjoyed 36 Top 40 hits in the United States, including four number one singles. They are best known for their hits Surfin’ USA, California Girls, Good Vibrations, I Get Around, and Kokomo.

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On Friday, Aug. 26, let your inner rock star out with Rock the Basie: Adult Band Camp Showcase. “Rock the Basie” lets adult musicians live the dream. 

Beginning in a 10-week course for adult musicians from any age group, each musician gets to work in a “master class” setting with Marc Muller—guitarist, producer, arranger and writer—from the Berklee College of Music. Muller has worked with legends such as Elton John, Shania Twain, Carly Simon and many others. 

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The musicians in the program are paired off in groups to form a band.  Each week they attend a class unlike any class you’ve probably attended—there is work on music, performance and a focus on the ever important stage presence. The music styles vary and usually feature classic rock, blues, country and even some jazz. The program culminates with Friday’s performance, which gives everyone the chance to play onstage to a live, screaming audience.

On Saturday, Aug. 27, hop in the time machine and take a trip back to 1969 with Rockit! A Tribute to Woodstock. The Rockit! Summer Concert is the culminating event of a six-week rock band program offered by the Count Basie Theatre Performing Arts Academy, and Rockit!, directed by Bruce Gallipani.

The goal of Rockit! Is to help new, young musicians learn and grow through music and performance. The program gives them an opportunity to learn teamwork, enhance their musical skills and perfect their performance technique. Admission to the program is by admission only, and the program culminates in a live performance at Count Basie.

On Sunday, Aug. 28, Count Basie gets a dose of Texas swagger when it hosts the extraordinary Lyle Lovett and His Large Band. Lovett began his career as a songwriter from North Harris County, Texas. In 1986, he jumped from solo songwriter to singer and recorded his first career.

Lovett is most often thought of as a country singer, but his music incorporates elements of folk, swing, blues, jazz and even some gospel sounds. Lovett has 10 albums under his belt, and won four Grammy Awards, including Best Country Male Vocal for 1989’s Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, and Best Country Album for his 1996 release The Road to Ensenada.  

His most recent release, 2009’s Natural Forces combines Lovett’s eclectic style by blending his signature country with a dabbling of swing, jazz and blues. Lovett is know from his wild hair and his witty stage shows, all of which we undoubtedly be present at Sunday’s performance.

Schedule:

  • Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011: The Beach Boys, 8 p.m.
  • Friday, Aug. 26, 2011: Rock the Basie, Adult Band Camp, 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011: Rockit! A Tribute to Woodstock, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011: Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, 8 p.m.
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