CARY HAS THE BAND, THE BLUES & THE BEATS THIS WEEKEND AT SERTOMA AMPHITHEATRE

Fall Sertoma Series concerts feature Cary Town Band and Africa & the Blues performances   

CARY, NC – Cary’s offering another round of dynamic and entertaining concerts this weekend as part of the 2007-2008 Fall Sertoma Series, including Cary Town Band Concert on Friday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Africa & the Blues on Sunday, September 16 at 2 p.m.; both concerts will be held at the Sertoma Amphitheatre inside Cary’s beautiful Bond Park  The group’s melodious voices will set the stage for four more concerts during yet another season of the best in free, live, and outdoor entertainment at Sertoma Amphitheatre. 

Kicking off their 20^th season, the Cary Town Band will delight the crowd with a variety of American and foreign marches, circus music, overtures and other "pops" classical music, polkas, and waltzes.  The band has been directed by Dr. James R. Hammerle since year one and is reminiscent of the turn of the century bands led by Sousa, Goldman, and others who popularized band concerts all over America .  More than 30 musicians from Cary , Raleigh , Apex, and surrounding areas comprise the Band, almost all of whom are professionals in some other line of work than music.

Then, music lovers are invited to another impressive performance on Sunday, this time with Eric Bibb and BalanKora. Join other music enthusiasts for a wonderful examination of Blues music and its African-roots through the rich harmonies and spirit of world traveling blues balladeer, Eric Bibb, and the 21-string kora playing of Teli Shabu and his sister, balaphonist Mabinti Shabu.

This year marks the first time that Eric and Balonkora has performed on the Sertoma stage. Born in New York into a musical family, Bibb began playing the steel guitar at the age of 11.  Since that time, he has developed into an internationally-known artist and performed with many other renowned performers, including Robert Cray, Mavis Staples, Taj Mahal and Mamadou Diabate. 

Teli and Mabinti Shabu were born into a family of African performers whose talents shine through the drums, various African keyboard and stringed instruments, storytelling, song and dance.  From Africa , through New York , Florida and the Carolinas , they weave the “rhythmic thread” that links drumming, singing, dancing and visual artistic expression together.

“Don’t miss your chance to catch another great season of the Fall Sertoma Series,” said Performing Arts Coordinator Sarah Bunch.  “As temperatures begin to cool down, these concerts are the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Sertoma Amphitheatre and take in some of the area’s most talented artists.”

This season will continue with the fourth performance of the Series – Max and the INDEXICON – on October 14 and Brass at Bond on October 20.

The Sertoma Amphitheatre, nestled away inside Bond Park, is one of Cary ’s best-kept secrets. This intimate, 350-seat amphitheatre is a perfect setting for fall concerts. The shade trees, covered stage, and theatre-style seating for the audience make it comfortable to enjoy music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

For complete details on the Fall Sertoma Series, visit Sertoma Series at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4061.

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