The next free concert of the season by the Bonita Springs Concert Band will be Sunday, April 11 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Park in downtown Old Bonita. Guest soloists are CJ Greer and Lance LaDuke.
The concert will follow the CDC Covid guidelines. The band will be winnowed down to 45 members and be socially distanced. They ask the audience to social distance as well. And please wear a mask while walking in and out of the park.
CJ has found her passion in vocal performance and instruction. She has performed around the world from theme parks to Broadway, including a year in Japan performing in both English and Japanese. She is a singer, actor, teacher, conductor and musical director with an undying love for storytelling, and inspiring others to find their unique story and voice in the music. CJ will sing “Big Spender”, and “The Sound of Music”.
CJ has received multiple Helen Hayes Award nominations for solo and ensemble regional performances in the DC area. Broadway/Nat’l Tour credits include Sister Act, Les Miserables, The Producers, Ragtime, I Love A Piano, and The Buddy Holly Story.
Lance LaDuke is internationally known as a performer, writer, speaker and educator. In addition to his duties on trombone and euphonium (and singer/court jester) in Boston Brass, Lance teaches at Duquesne and Carnegie Mellon Universities. He will do a musical comedy called “James Band”.
The band will also play “Porgy and Bess,” “76 Trombones,” “The Cowboys Overture”,and more.
The Bonita Springs Concert Band is under the direction of Gary Smith who retired after 24 years as conductor of the University of Illinois Marching Illini 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 85”. Become a “Friend of the Band” for just $50. Find out more at www.bonitaspringsconcertband.org. Bring your family, a friend and a lawn chair April 11 at Riverside Park.
