News Archives 2009

Anniston Star, Ben Flanagan, June 11, 2009

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra performs during last year's Music at McClellan series. This year's season ends Saturday with the annual firing of the cannons. Photo: Bill Wilson/Anniston Star file photo

Don't be alarmed at the explosions outside your door Saturday night. Those blasts aren't rounds of test firing at the Anniston Army Depot or Pelham Range. They are just the sounds of Music at McClellan ending its sixth-annual summer concert series in style, or as the committee has referred to it over the years: Going out with a bang.

Cannons will be fired in Longleaf Park as the Alabama Symphony Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." The famed overture features 16 notated cannon shots the composer wrote into the score. Those firing the cannons will dress in authentic Civil War garb or modern military uniforms, depending on the era of the weapon. The National Guard will contribute three modern howitzers to be fired during the rousing finale.

Pete Conroy, co-chairman of the Music at McClellan committee, said the event is planned to please all levels of taste of those in attendance. While some will soak in the classical styling of a distinguished orchestra playing each complex note to perfection, others will get their kicks a bit differently.

"It's a combination of things," he said. "For some, the high-end beautiful classical music is the attraction. For others, it's just fun to blow stuff up."

Conroy said that Calhoun County wears its patriotism on its sleeve due to the presence of the National Guard, the Alabama Army Depot and other military branches that have served the area.

"I think that the community, maybe because of its association with military installations, is particularly patriotic," Conroy said. "These arrangements are classics that you just can't help but love."

Meagan McCollum, ASO's community engagement manager, said the orchestra enjoys playing McClellan every year and thinks they'd get tons of distressed phone calls if they didn't.

"It's a great opportunity to bring your family and introduce your kids to the orchestra," she said. "You can have fun bringing your picnic, and it's just a nice evening out for the whole family."

While most of the ASO's concerts take place on Birmingham stages, McCollum stressed that it is the orchestra's obligation to serve the entire state whenever possible.

"This is an excellent opportunity for people who can't come to our Birmingham concerts to see the orchestra," she said. "We try to seek out opportunity as much as possible to reach new audience and help serve the entire state of Alabama."

Conroy said the festival committee is not only pleased with its six-year relationship with the orchestra, but that it wishes it had the resources to invite them back for more than just the annual visit. Part of the continuing development between Music at McClellan and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra remains squarely focused on the education and enrichment of the Calhoun County youth and their interest in classical music as a learning device.

"Our relationship with the orchestra is a partnership. We really hope to grow it in every way possible," Conroy said. "That includes increasing their level of performances but also adding additional educational components that would inspire young people to pick up a violin or a cello and learn about an older and more traditional form of music."

The first half of the orchestra's performance will feature selections from various contemporary film scores, which audiences will surely recognize, such as music from John Williams' E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music, Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story and Meredith Wilson's The Music Man.

Other selections are as modern as last year's score for The Dark Knight by James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer, as well as Carter Burwell's music for the popular teen vampire movie Twilight. For the second half of the show, the orchestra will shift from pop selections to classical numbers, recognizing the works of notable composers such as Verdi, Lehár and Ponchielli.

Conroy said those attending are invited to bring coolers, folding chairs, blankets and other picnic equipment that would make for a comfortable and enjoyable experience leading up to and during the concert.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.musicatmcclellan.org or at the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, JSU Bookstore, Tyson Art & Frame, The Anniston Star and the Center for Cultural Arts of Gadsden. The concert grounds open at 6 p.m., and the music begins at 8 p.m.

The read the full story visit the Anniston Star, June 11, 2009
http://www.annistonstar.com/

The Anniston Star, Bill Edwards, Sunday, June 7, 2009

Studdard Sings for home crowd

Ruben Studdard performs at Music at McClellan on Saturday night. Photo: Bill Wilson/Anniston Star

Looking relaxed and elegant in a tan suit and light lavender shirt, American Idol star Ruben Studdard tipped his hat Saturday night to the crowd of 850 or so who came out for the second concert of the 2009 season of Music at McClellan.

"If it wasn't for you, there would be no Ruben!" he exclaimed to the audience as he began performing.

Fresh off of 71/2 months of a cross-country tour, Studdard, of Birmingham, warmed the hearts of fans like Tacara Williams of Anniston, seated with family members.

"We like Ruben, we voted for him on American Idol," she said.

Melba White of Oxford said she once heard Studdard as part of a gospel concert, so she was looking forward to enjoying his solo voice ring out across McClellan's verdant venue.

It indeed did so, backed up by Studdard's four-man band and two female vocalists.

See the full story at the Anniston Star, June 7, 2009
http://www.annistonstar.com

The Anniston Star, Meg Weidner, Special to the Star, June 8, 2009

Summer is here and family time awaits us on the grassy lawn at Music at McClellan. As sponsors of Music at McClellan, we believe in the artistic and cultural value that the concerts bring our community. To have a season lineup that is so tastefully diverse brings our community together, unifies us in harmony, and instills a sense of oneness that is enchanting, a true accomplishment of music throughout our oftentimes turbulent history.

I am proud that our community can support such a magical experience in a small-town environment. Driving five miles for big-city entertainment is a huge coup for Anniston and McClellan. Compliments to the founding members who have created this gift to us locals.

I hope it is a gift that we can sustain. In an unpredictable economy, often the music and arts programs are the first to be cut from federal and private funding. Why we think these areas are not important, I will never know. I have never once used a geometry proof or logarithm to pay my bills, but I have often relied upon my creativity to turn out my next essay or film manuscript.

Music at McClellan is a vital part of our community. One of my favorite artists, folk artist Missionary Mary, turned out a painting with dancing women that screams "Music heal thy body, mind and soul." Sing it, sister. Music is a powerful source of unity, strength and healing, and living in a community that unfortunately has negative markings from, well, I leave this to your imagination. I am so grateful that Co-Chairs Pete Conroy and Josephine Ayers and the original members of the Joint Powers Authority invested so much of their time and energy and money to create something positive for our community.

It is a legacy I hope to share with our 2-year-old daughter for all the years to come. I hope that as we witness her physical growth and her taste buds change with every year's family and company picnic. I hope to also see Music at McClellan continue to grow with community participation and enthusiasm.

I have never walked away from a concert disappointed. Far from it, actually. I walk away rejuvenated, energized and inspired.

Thank you for the music, the family time and the overall experience of peace, unity and inspiration in a community that I am proud to call home.

Meg Weidner lives in Anniston.

To see the full story, see the Anniston Star
http://www.annistonstar.com

Jacksonville State University Newswire, June 1, 2009

American Idol Ruben Studdard to perform at Music at McClellan

In 2003, millions of television viewers nationwide made Birmingham's Ruben Studdard their American Idol, including legendary R&B diva Gladys Knight, who nicknamed the soulful crooner "The Velvet Teddy Bear."

On Saturday, June 6, fans in his home state will welcome Studdard to the stage as Music at McClellan presents Ruben Studdard: An Alabama Homecoming.

Studdard, who grew up singing gospel and once pursued opera performance, comes to the Longleaf Park stage with a new album, Love IS, and fresh off 30th anniversary national tour of Fats Waller's musical, Ain’t Misbehavin’.

Studdard's first post-Idol single, “Flying Without Wings,” debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Hot 100 while “Superstar” peaked at No. 2 on the R&B chart. In December 2003, his first album, “Soulful,” went platinum based on advanced orders and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's 200.

Studdard is the second of three acts performing at this year's Music at McClellan concert series. On May 30, The Machine, a NYC-based Pink Floyd cover band, played to a crowd of around 1,300. On June 13, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra will close the season with Classics and Cannons Under the Stars.

Music at McClellan gives music enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy concerts under the stars with the backdrop of the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge. McClellan comes to life with the sights and sounds of exciting new acts and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra in this beautiful outdoor setting, and picnicking with family and friends is encouraged! For those not interested in bringing their own picnic, there is great food available on the premises.

Pre-concert events start at 6 p.m.. Music Begins at 8 p.m.

Music at McClellan is held at McClellan's Longleaf Park.

Advance adult tickets are $25 each; $30 on the day of the event. Tickets for children under 12 are $5 each.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.musicatmcclellan.org or at the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, JSU Bookstore, Tyson Art & Frame, The Anniston Star, and the Center for Cultural Arts of Gadsden.

For more information, call (256) 782-801.

To visit Ruben Studdard's my space site, click here.
  

To view the full Jacksonville State University Newswire story, June 1, 2009
http://www.jsunews.com/news/?newsID=54

Anniston Star, Megan Nichols, May 31, 2009

The Machine performs Saturday night as the first act of the 2009 Music at McClellan summer concert series. Photo: Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star

The Machine took the Music at McClellan stage Saturday night to raucous cheers and shouts of "Pink Floyd rules."

The New York-based Pink Floyd cover band kicked off the 2009 McClellan concert series as a popular act with attendees.

Richard Grant, 61, of Oxford, said the music took him back to his "better days."

"Some of the best times of my life happened to the jams of Pink Floyd," Grant said.

Grant attended the concert with his wife, children and grandchildren and he was happy to share the band's music with his family.

John Wright, 25, said he was happy to see Music at McClellan feature music he likes. The Anniston resident sipped on a beer with his friends and munched on hot dogs before the show Saturday night.

"The festival atmosphere out here is pretty cool," he said.

Anniston Star Multimedia Slideshow: Music at McClellan - The Machine View photos of The Machine performing at the Music at McClellan concert series.

Before the show Marilyn Brewster, 24, said she couldn't name any Pink Floyd tunes.

"Sure you can!," friends told her and started singing lines from "Comfortably Numb" off the album The Wall.

Brewster discovered she knew at least one song the band played Saturday night. "I'm just out here to have a good time with my friends," she said.

The crowd size was estimated to be at least 1,700, comparing favorably to attendance for Alabama Symphony Orchestra concerts in previous seasons.

On June 6, the next Music at McClellan act will be singer Ruben Studdard, who attained national fame on the American Idol music competition series in the spring of 2003.

To view the full Anniston Star story, May 31, 2009
http://www.annistonstar.com/news/2009/as-local-0531-mnichols-9e31a3055.htm

Anniston Star, Jessica Weninegar, May 28, 2009

Pink Floyd cover band The Machine not only plays the music of the pyschedelic English rock band, but uses lights, lasers and other stage effects to enhance the show. Photo: Special to The Star

Pink Floyd cover band, The Machine, may not have its parent act beat in album sales, but these guys dish out more of what fans can't get from "The Floyd" itself — live performances.

"I honestly think we have played more shows than Pink Floyd has played," said Joe Pascarell, front man for the New York-based tribute band. "We are on our … I have lost count … somewhere around 2,100 shows, 2,200 shows. That's a lot of shows."

For 21 years, The Machine has recreated the sights and sounds of Pink Floyd, gaining the attention of publications such as Rolling Stone and Spin magazine. Their talent and ability to duplicate the ambiance of a live Pink Floyd show has taken them from performing in their neighborhood bar to venues across Europe, Asia and North and Central America.

Like most cover bands, The Machine started out playing on the weekends at local spots. "You know when you are young and you are a musician, you always have that weekend band. Everyone has their job and whatever they are doing," Pascarell said. "You have your band and you play in your local places, which is what we did."

However, once The Machine started covering Floyd songs, the road from weekend band to touring band was all but paved.

"I think when we quit our jobs, when it came to that moment, like, 'Wow, we can play enough that I have to quit my job.' That moment was pivotal," Pascarell said. "That was the moment where I (was) like, 'Hmm, maybe we have something here.'"

They did have something, a foundation for success, success that Pascarell expected to be short-lived. "If you would have asked me in 1989, 'How long (would we perform)?' I would say, maybe two or three years," he said. "Here it is, 21 years later, and I am still doing it."

Pascarell can thank Pink Floyd for more than just its songs. "I have loved Pink Floyd ever since I was a kid," he said. "The way I learned how to play the guitar was to figure out those songs, you know? Just sit in front of the record player and figure them out. So, in that way, they were like my music teacher, and now as an adult, I perform the music." The Machine performs not only to honor the music of Pink Floyd, but also to embody its improvisational nature. "I know growing up listening to it, the first thing I liked about their music is that it made me feel a certain way," Pascarell said. "We try to create that … experience of listening … and the way it makes you feel. I think we deliver that. You don't really get to experience that with the real Pink Floyd, because they hardly ever play."

Pascarell and The Machine will create that experience, with music and a light show, on Saturday, as the first concert of this year's Music at McClellan series.

To view the full Anniston Star story, May 28, 2009
http://www.annistonstar.com/entertainment/2009/as-music-0528-0-9e27w2720.htm

Birmingham News, Mary Colurso's Blog and Column, May 22, 2009 7:15 AM

Ruben Studdard booked at 'Music at McClellan'

Ruben Studdard

Special
Ruben StuddardBirmingham's Ruben Studdard will appear at this year's Music at McClellan series, held on the grounds of the former Fort McClellan near Anniston. His concert is set for June 6 at Longleaf Park.

The series also includes The Machine, a Pink Floyd tribute act, on May 30, and "Classics and Cannons Under the Stars," featuring the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, on June 13.

Gates open at 6 p.m.; music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the gate, $5 for children ages 4-12. A three-pack of tickets is available in advance for $60. More info: 256-235-9208.

To view the Birmingham news blog, visit
http://blog.al.com/mcolurso/2009/05/a_birminghams_ruben_studdard_w.html

Anniston Star, Dan Whisenhunt, Staff Writer, 04-02-2009

Ruben Studdard

This year's Music at McClellan concerts will be less about horns and strings and more about rhythm and blues, as the summer series' organizers look to save money.

Organizers announced Wednesday the Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform at just one concert and American Idol winner Ruben Studdard will headline the second show.

The orchestra will close the series with its traditional Stars and Stripes pop show. The season opens with The Machine, a Pink Floyd tribute band.

Organizers also are cutting back the number of shows from three to four. Music at McClellan Co-chairwoman Josephine Ayers said the changes saved $100,000 on the cost of the event this year.

In previous years, the orchestra played all four of the series' concerts, with occasional guest appearances by other artists. Organizers and orchestra leaders regularly referred to McClellan as the ensemble's "summer home."

Music at McClellan Co-chairman Pete Conroy calls the new lineup a "reinvention" of the annual summer concert series. Ayers said the concerts will reach out to a broader audience.

But necessity is also the mother of this reinvention, Ayers said. The McClellan Development Authority on Wednesday recommended giving $25,000 to help put on the series. Music at McClellan organizers had requested $50,000.

"This year we knew we were going to have to cut back and the fact that MDA was unable to support us at the same level was really not a surprise," Ayers said. "I'm just so happy they've been able to do what they've done and to assure us that we're welcome at McClellan and that they'll be able to do anything to help us that they can."

In the past, the Joint Powers Authority, the board in place before the MDA, contributed money to the series. MDA chief executive Gen. Robin Scott reported that the JPA lost $297,062 on the event since 2004.

MDA chairman Ronnie Smith said the development board couldn't give as much this year as the JPA did because there are a lot of questions surrounding the board's future income. After the meeting, Smith praised the Music at McClellan committee, particularly for landing Studdard, an Alabama native.

"It's a pretty big deal," Smith said. "I think the Music at McClellan Committee has done wonders."

Conroy said Studdard should be "a real draw."

"We appreciate the MDA's contribution," he added.

Ayers said she hopes the series will be back to four shows next season.

"I think we are very fortunate that we can even do a season," she said. "I'm happy."

To view the full Anniston Star story, April 2, 2009
http://www.annistonstar.com/news/2009/as-local-0402-dwhisenhunt-9d01x3247.htm