2020-2021 Season
Thomas Pandolfi
October 25, 2020 at 3pm
First United Methodist Church
American pianist THOMAS PANDOLFI is an exciting virtuoso who, with each passing season, becomes more and more sought after by audiences worldwide, showered with superlatives by critics for his passionate artistry and amazing technique. He maintains an active touring schedule with recitals and guest performances across the country and around the world. Pandolfi earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the legendary Juilliard School as a scholarship student. He is the proud father of a wonderful son and daughter, and resides in Washington, DC.
Dash Duo with Polina Khatsko
January 24, 2021 at 3pm
First United Methodist Church
Yamaha Artist David Dash and his wife Mary Elizabeth Bowden perform as the Dash Duo. David is the Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, a member of the Grammy Award winning Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, and Principal Cornet of the North Carolina Brass Band. Mary Elizabeth serves as a Resident Artist at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and is also Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Shenandoah Conservatory.
Polina Khatsko is a staff pianist at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the Wake Forest University School of Music, as well as a sought-after freelancer.
Matt Herskowitz
February 21, 2021 at 3pm
First United Methodist Church
Uniquely combining the superlative technique of a classical virtuoso with his prowess in jazz, world music and free improvisation, pianist, composer and arranger Matt Herskowitz has carved out a unique and personal voice in music. Over the course of the last decade, Matt has produced a series of critically-acclaimed recordings, premiered his works in settings from New York’s Central Park to Germany’s Köln Philharmonie, collaborated with top classical, jazz and pop artists, and has performed at music festivals across the globe.
Lost Dogs Found
March, 21, 2021 at 3pm
First United Methodist Church
Lost Dogs Found are a musical group playing Traditional and gospel bluegrass. Their home base is Hahira United Methodist Church, located in Hahira, Georgia. Their goal is to use their God-given talent to spread the good news of the gospel and to use any proceeds generated by the group to help people with needs.
Robert McDuffie Center for Strings
April 18, 2021 at 3pm
First United Methodist Church
The Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, comprised of Townsend School of Music majors from Mercer University, features the 18 full-scholarship students of the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings. These musicians, hailing from 11 states and 5 countries, learn from and often perform side-by-side with their faculty mentors who play with some of the country’s top orchestras and world-class ensembles. Annie Fullard of the Cavani String Quartet is the Chamber Music Chair of the McDuffie Center, coordinating and coaching the chamber groups, with the additional coaching of Lawrence Dutton of the Emerson String Quartet. They perform regularly in Macon, GA and have traveled extensively.
Joe Gransden, Jazz Trumpet
May 16, 2021 at 3pm
First United Methodist Church
Renowned for the hard bop approach of his trumpet and a voice that has been compared to Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra, Joe Gransden has performed worldwide with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller, as well as Barry White, The Moody Blues, Kenny Rogers, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, and the Whispers. Mr. Gransden has an innate ability to connect with an audience, and as Freddie Cole says, “With Joe singin’ and the band swingin’, it’s a beautiful thing!”