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A Busy February At Schools Arts Center

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By KLINT LOWRY | The Suncoast News

Published: February 6, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - February isn't harvest time for too many things, but there is a bumper crop of local talent ripe for the picking scheduled for the public's perusal this month.

The performances will be presented at the Pasco Schools Center for the Arts, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey, on the River Ridge Middle-High School campus.

It all began Sunday afternoon, when Henry Fletcher directed his Richey Concert Band in performance.

For more than 30 years, the band has been a showcase for local instrumentalists.

At 2 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 9, the Suncoast Harmony Singers, the local chapter of Sweet Adelines International, will perform under the direction of Amy Riddle, with musical guest the Encore Swing Band.

The 40-member vocal group has a repertoire that includes pop oldies, Broadway show tunes and American music standards, and in light of the season, they may have a Valentine's Day number or two.

Tickets are $12.

The Richey Community Orchestra will blow in at 3 p.m. Feb. 10, jazzing things up with a showed titled "Dixieland Jamboree." The show will feature RCO concertmaster and Florida Fiddle Champion Elan Chalford, along with guests.

The Feb. 10 guest lineup is: trumpeter Charly(cq) Raymond, who wows audiences with his renditions of the music of Harry James, Bunny Berigan and Clyde McCoy; and vocalist Michele James, who has sung with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and now tours with Raymond's Hot Lips Dixieland Band.

Tickets are $15.

There will be a break in the musical cavalcade at 5 p.m. Feb. 16, as Ingram's Karate School will present a free martial arts demonstration. The program will also include the presentation of belts and awards recently earned by students.

It's two for the price of one – and the price of one is free – when the River Ridge High School and Middle School bands give their annual combined concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, offering a look and listen at some of this area's emerging musical talent.

Youthful enthusiasm gives way to age and seasoning at 2:30 p.m. as Bright House and Community Aging and Retirement Services presents the Bright House Senior Talent Show, featuring local performers. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance at local Bright House and CARES locations.

Variety is the spice of life, and a zesty evening is in store with the River Ridge High School and Middle School talent show at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28.

And with this being a leap year, that extra day is being put to use. Dawayne Ledbetter brings the Gulf Middle School Band in for a concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29.

Both of these shows are free.

For more information on events at the Pasco Schools Center for the Arts at River Ridge, call 727-774-7382.

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