The next free concert with the Bonita Springs Concert Band will be Sunday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Park in Downtown Old Bonita Springs.
Ryan Little, an accomplished French Horn player will perform “Serenade for Horn.”
Ryan Little was born in Burke, Va., to a musical family. He began studying piano at age 3 before switching to viola, then to the trumpet and finally to the horn at age 10. Ryan received his master’s of music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in 2017. In 2015, he received his bachelor’s of music degree from the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University,.
Ryan has performed with the Chicago Arts Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, The Florida Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and the New World Symphony.
The band will play “The Best of Chicago,” with some great tunes from the ‘70s. And you’ll hear “Santana in Concert,” which is sure to bring back great memories.
Heather Ivy with be the guest vocalist. Heather Ivy is a classical crossover soprano, headlining entertainer and performance coach. Her vocal quality and storytelling are equally moving as they are entertaining and her genuine warmth shines through everything she does. She enjoys connecting with audiences both on and off the stage, and sharing her gifts with emerging artists. She has performed with the national tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and was headliner onboard Holland American and Princess Cruise lines. She’ll perform “The Girl in 14G.”
The band is half its normal size because of Covid-19 guidelines for social distancing. Members are under the direction of Gary Smith who retired after 24 years as conductor of the University of Illinois Marching Illini Band and Symphonic Band. This is the 7th season that Gary has led the band. Gary says, “the talent of these musicians is tremendous, ranging in age from 15 to 94.”
Become a “Friend of the Band” for just $50. Find out more online at www.bonitaspringsconcertband.org. The concert will also be available on Facebook at Bonita Springs Concert Band.
Bring a lawn chair and a friend Sunday, Jan. 24. Be sure to wear a mask into the park and socially distance per CDC guidelines.
