Big Band Bash returns

Published 12:00 am Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Salisbury Symphony’s popular fund-raiser, the Big Band Bash, is back this year, and tickets for the evening of music, dancing, food and festivity are available now.
The evening is set for Saturday, Jan. 9.
The band, led by David Hagy, kicks off at 7:30 p.m. in Hedrick Auditorium at Catawba College with the music of Benny Goodman, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and other big names in big band music.
After the 45-minute concert, everyone ó band members and audience ó cross the patio to the Crystal Ballroom to continue the music, this time with room for dancing, a buffet, conversation and celebration.
Music Director David Hagy has invited Mary Siebert, mezzo soprano, to return as guest soloist this year.
Siebert began her career as a cabaret and music theater performer in her native Montana. She was a national winner of the Metropolitan Opera Competition, performing at the Met in a nationally broadcast event. She has performed leading operatic roles with Houston Grand Opera, Minnesota OPera, New Orelans Opera, Opera Delaware and others.
She served as the resident vocal soloist at the Grend Teton Music Festival for six years and performed more than 50 solo recitals nationwide with community concerts. Her eclectic career includes leading roles in musicals such as “The Man of LaMancha, Anything Goes and Oliver! and she recorded solo demos with Paul Simon for his Broadway musical “The Capeman.”
Siebert has appeared regionally with the Magnolia Baroque Festival, as soloist with the Piedmont Chamber Singers, at composer Ken Frazell’s 50th Birthday Party Concert, and with the Piedmont Chamber Symphony.
She currently serves as arts coordinator at the Arts-Based Elementary School in Winston-Salem, and designs arts-based curriculum for children. Her writing has been published in Parenting and Cosmopolitan magazines and she conceived and wrote a children’s opera for NCSA’s Fletcher institute outreach program.
Another treat for the evening’s guests will be an appearance and special dance number by Piedmont Dance Theatre co-directors Rebecca and Daniel Wiley. Those who marveled at their artistry in “The Nutcracker” presented recently with the Salisbury Symphony, will appreciate anew their dancing talents.
Tickets are now available for purchase at the Convention & Visitors Burea.
Ticket cost is $75 per person. For more information, call the symphony office at 704-637-4314.