The concert will feature a blend of patriotic, sacred and contemporary selections performed by the longtime community choir. Audience members can expect a program that includes favorites such as “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “The Impossible Dream,” “Measure Me, Sky!” and “A Little Song of Life,” according to information provided by the chorale.

    This year’s performance also marks the debut concert for the group’s new music director, Joshua Romo, along with newly appointed accompanist Julie Edwards-Matanga.

    Romo currently serves as director of music at First Congregational Church of Riverside. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Azusa Pacific University, where he performed with the university’s Chamber Singers and several other vocal ensembles. He also serves as associate conductor for the Vocal Affinity ensemble and previously worked as artistic director for the Rose Singers community choir.

    Edwards-Matanga holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the University of Redlands. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively as a collaborative pianist and vocalist, performing in solo recitals, choirs, opera productions and musical theater performances.

    In addition to accompanying the Harmoneers Chorale, Edwards-Matanga serves as music director for Upland United Methodist Church and the Rancho D’Vines women’s chorus. She also teaches music courses at Mt. San Jacinto College’s Menifee and San Jacinto campuses.

    Founded in 1977, the Harmoneers Chorale has been a longstanding part of the Hemet-area arts community for nearly five decades. The organization traditionally presents two major concerts each year, including a themed spring performance and a holiday concert featuring sacred and secular Christmas music.

    The group also supports local students through scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors pursuing careers in vocal music, music education or musical theater.

    Tickets for the May 17 concert are $15 and will be available at the door. Membership in the chorale is open to experienced singers ages 18 and older who successfully complete an audition process.

    Additional information about the Harmoneers Chorale can be found at harmoneerschorale.com.

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For the thirteen graduating seniors in the ensemble, the achievement represents years of dedication, perseverance, and growth together. Many of the students began playing music in middle school and have spent the past four years developing not only their musical abilities, but also friendships, discipline, teamwork, and confidence through the SJHS band program.

When the final ratings were announced, seniors described the moment as “Finally,” “Emotional,” “Bittersweet,” and “Our hard work paid off.”

The accomplishment is especially meaningful for Band Director Mr. Patrick Harris, who joined San Jacinto High School four years ago with a vision of elevating the program.

“I knew I had my work cut out for me,” Harris said. “But I pushed them, believed in them, and knew they could do it. All the hard work was worth it.”

Students performed some of the most challenging high school band literature possible, including Grade 5.5 music, demonstrating exceptional musicality, precision, and commitment. Their performance qualified the Tiger Symphonic Band for the California State Band & Orchestra Festival at Sonoma State University in 2027, one of the state’s most prestigious music performance events.

Beyond the awards and recognition, students shared that band provided unforgettable memories through performances, competitions, and travel opportunities. Several seniors hope to continue their musical journeys after graduation by performing in college or professional bands, symphonies, or wind ensembles. As they move forward, Mr. Harris hopes they carry one lesson with them: “Believe in yourself regardless of the naysayers.”

The Tiger Symphonic Band’s achievement reflects the continued growth and excellence of music education throughout San Jacinto Unified School District and the dedication of students committed to reaching their highest potential.

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   On the drive down we listened to “Oldies but Goodies” on the radio, singing along to just about every song. Guess that makes us one of the “oldies!” A song came along that I hadn’t heard in ages sung by Barry McGuire – Eve of Destruction. The song was written in 1965 and recorded in just one take on a Tuesday morning with McGuire reading lyrics scrawled on a crumpled piece of paper.

   I thought as we drove that there’s just something a bit bizarre about listening to a song about our world blowing up at any moment but here we are – almost 60 years later – attending a wedding with grandchildren and great’s – like…we’re still here!! But the song was extremely popular and reached number one on the US singles chart, even as it sparked plenty of political commentary with its provocative lyrics! Why?

   Mainly because so many people believed it – and – people revel in being scared. It’s strange! Fear!! It catches peoples’ attention quite like nothing else. Think about it – our society traffics in fear. Amusement parks try their hardest to scare the puddin’ out of people with monster rides while our culture laces itself with health fears, political fears, and fears from war & violence.

   People intentionally read fear-based novels and watch movies that frighten the daylights out of them. Our internet lists over 550 different types of phobias (extreme fear) with dogs, heights, spiders, water, flying, bees, bats, darkness & dust topping the list. Fear seems to permeate our entire culture today!

   But thankfully, the Bible takes a different view of fear. The two-word phrase “fear not” appears 61 times in the Bible and phrases like “fear ye not” appear another 31 times. The Bible tells us that one day “men’s hearts will fail them for fear.” Things are going to get dicey, but God will prevail — so, fear not!

   Isaiah 43 clinches it all with this: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end – because I am God, your personal God, your Savior.” God has promised to meet you just where you are and at whatever fear level you’re experiencing at any given time! That is amazing!

   This is completely opposite of what the world feeds us. In 1947, the “Doomsday Clock” was adopted by atomic scientists to show how close we are to global annihilation. Back then the clock was set at 7 minutes to midnight. The clock is now set at just 90 seconds. Definitely not moving in the right direction, but here’s THE question: who’s your 911? Who’s your “go-to” when fear attempts to overtake you? A ‘shrink?’ Food? A friend? Or God? As usual, we all have a choice. 

   Trying to wrap this up on a positive note, I’m sure all you parents know it’s scary 

being a parent. We can fear for our children and for good reason – kids are unpredictable, schools are challenging, and our culture can capture our children at younger & younger ages. But here are some whacky things parens have learned while maneuvering their way through the ‘scary’ maze of childhood ~

   ~ A king-sized waterbed holds enough water to fill the entire bedroom 3 inches deep. ~ If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite. ~ A 3 year-olds voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant. ~ Super glue is forever. ~ Garbage bags do not make good parachutes. ~ Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving. ~The fire department in Austin, TX has as 5-minute response time. OMG to all of the above.

   But – here’s the bottom line: Life is a grand adventure. Life is good. Life is challenging. Life takes courage to navigate. So, why not let God be your 911?!

Bob and Susan Beckett pastor The Dwelling Place City Church at 27100 Girard Street in Hemet, CA. For more information, you may contact them at DPCitychurch.org

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Sue Breyer, CalRTA Division 33 Vice President

Nearly 80 members and friends of the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) Division 33 celebrated the holiday season with a special performance by the valley’s own Harmoneers Chorale at their December 6th luncheon. The Chorale’s 25 members treated luncheon guests to a variety of holiday classics ranging from “What Child is This?” to a unique toe-tapping Christmas rendition of Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood.”

The Harmoneers Chorale was founded in the Hemet area in 1977 under the name The Happy Harmoneers. The group was comprised of people who simply loved to sing, and who wanted to share their love of choral music with their community.

Under the leadership of Director Mary Ellen VanOstenbridge for the past 13 years, and Accompanist Charity Putnam for over 19 years, The Harmoneers Chorale presents two major concerts each year. Their yearly winter holiday concert was recently held on December 4th and featured traditional and contemporary Christmas music. Their annual Spring concert will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hemet. The Spring concert theme is different each year and might include music ranging from Broadway show tunes to popular movie songs, or patriotic tunes to gospel numbers.

The Chorale also provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors who desire to further their education at a two-year or four-year college and pursue a career in vocal music, musical theater, or music education.

In keeping with the holiday spirit and with a desire to help those who are struggling in our local community, CalRTA members also brought bags and boxes loaded with food and household goods for the Valley Community Pantry. Jim Lineberger, Executive Director and CEO of the Community Pantry, took a moment to share with the audience the great needs of our valley residents, including many seniors, and thanked CalRTA for their support.

CalRTA’s next luncheon meeting will be February 14, 2023, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Seven Hills Members Club and will feature guest speaker Dr. David Pyle, Superintendent of the San Jacinto Unified School District. You can get more information about the state CalRTA organization at their website, calrta.org, or for information about CalRTA local Division 33 (Hemet, San Jacinto, Menifee, Nuview, Romoland), go to div33.calrta.org, or send an email to calrtadivision33@gmail.com.

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NEW YORK (AP) — The 2021 Grammy Awards will no longer take place this month in Los Angeles and will broadcast in March due to a recent surge in coronavirus cases and deaths.

The annual show would shift from its original Jan. 31 broadcast to March 14, according to a joint statement released Tuesday from the Recording Academy and CBS, which broadcasts the ceremony. The statement said the decision was reached “after thoughtful conversations with health experts, our host and artists scheduled to appear.”

“The deteriorating COVID situation in Los Angeles, with hospital services being overwhelmed, ICUs having reached capacity, and new guidance from state and local governments have all led us to conclude that postponing our show was the right thing to do. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of those in our music community and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly on producing the show,” read the statement from Recording Academy interim CEO Harvey Mason Jr., CBS executive Jack Sussman and Grammys executive producer Ben Winston.

“We want to thank all of the talented artists, the staff, our vendors and especially this year’s nominees for their understanding, patience and willingness to work with us as we navigate these unprecedented times.”

The Grammys will be held in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. Los Angeles County, the epicenter of the crisis in California, has surpassed 11,000 COVID-19 deaths and has had 40% of the deaths in California. It is the third state to reach the 25,000 death count.

An average of six people die every hour from COVID-19 in Los Angeles County, which has a quarter of the state’s 40 million residents. County health officials fear the incoming Christmas and New Year’s surge.

The new Grammys date coincides with the scheduled hosting of the Screen Actors Guild Awards, which is typically held at another downtown Los Angeles venue, the Shrine Auditorium. That show honors the best performances in film and television.

“The Daily Show” host and comedian Trevor Noah is set to host the 2021 Grammys, where Beyoncé is leading contender with nine nominations. She scored nominations for song and record of the year with “Black Parade,” which she released on Juneteenth, while “Savage” — her No. 1 collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion — picked up bids for record of the year, best rap song and best rap performance.

Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” which aired on Disney+, is nominated for best music film while “Brown Skin Girl,” a song dedicated to dark- and brown-skinned women, is nominated for best music video. Her daughter Blue Ivy Carter sings on “Brown Skin Girl” and also earned a Grammy nomination.

Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Roddy Ricch, Jhené Aiko, Post Malone, Renée Zellweger, Billie Eilish and her producer-brother Finneas also scored nominations. First-time nominees include The Strokes, Megan Thee Stallion and Harry Styles.

Since the pandemic, a number of awards show were postponed and later revamped due to COVID-19 restrictions. The BET Awards was the first major awards show during the pandemic and was a success thanks to its artsy, highly produced, well-crafted pre-taped performances. The MTV Video Music Awards featured Lady Gaga winning awards and performing onsite in a mask, and the Latin Grammys pre-taped several performances the week of the show, handing out some of its awards to the winners who attended the show.

Performers at the upcoming Grammys will be announced at a later date.

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The joint jumped with the likes of Little Richard, Fats Domino, Billy Joel plus a dash of Sinatra and Reba McIntyre tossed in to spice up the already boiling stew of original rock and then some. Yes, the joint was jumpin’.

Actually, the music was so hot nobody noticed the chill of an October breeze drifting in from the Pacific Ocean. If you like Elvis, The Coasters, Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, Credence Clearwater or the Eagles you would have had more to digest than at a Thanksgiving Dinner in New England. These two guys are so talented I wondered why I’d never heard of them, so I began asking questions.

Neil began tinkling the ivories at age 4 or 5. His grandmother was a resident of Hemet and when he visited her, his fingers went directly to her upright Piano and there was born a true musician.

He explained, “I knew my fingers were gonna do something more than holding a shovel or pitchfork. L was born to play the Piano. Although I didn’t major in music, I was beginning to be seriously involved with music while in high school.”

After graduation, he began to play with different local bands throughout Orange County. “I was born and raised in Anaheim. I began to be known as the kid on the Piano, so I began to get lots of local gigs.

“I did a lot of work for Disneyland. That’s where I met Scott Bruce who was the official ‘Elvis’ for 15 years. He took me under his wing and taught me a lot about showmanship. I owe him a lot.”

Neil also toured with a group known as, “Cash, Killer and the King.” Johnny, Jerry Lee and Elvis. “We toured the country – the Nevada Clubs, Laughlin, Vegas and Mesquite, expanding into the Midwest and South. They loved our show in Mississippi and Louisiana because they were all born and raised Southerners; he admits to loving Swing and Country. “One of the greatest things about musicians is how they understand each other no matter the genre. I get requests from all generations. Sinatra or Little Richard. I keep tuned to the generational music progression.”

He no longer resides in Orange Country. “I recently moved my family to Menifee, a town nearby to Hemet.”

The COVID virus has restrained musicians in California. Lately, he has been performing in Arizona and Nevada. “Places I’ve had relationships with in the past that are still open. Right now, there are not many entertainment options in California. This is our first time at the Derby and the reception has been awesome. I think it is a great idea this ‘Piano under the stars. It is quite unique. I’m looking forward to coming back in the near future.”

His sidekick, Guitarist Travis Daggert, is a product of nearby Moreno Valley. His father was a Pastor, so his musical education began at age 12 in a church. He’s been working with Neil the past few years and they blend well together.

Everybody in the entertainment business, either artist or club owner, is struggling. Jesse Vivanco, the genial owner of Derby’s, has managed to survive the pandemic so far. Many club owners have shuttered their doors. A few have kept the home fires burning. Just sayin.’

rustystrait@gmail.com

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Art of the guitar DVAC

Diamond Valley Arts Council (DVAC), Saturday, hosted, “The Art of Guitar in Mexico,” featuring Guitarists Pamela Arellano and Jesus Serrano. The free concert was part of DVAC’s, “Culture Series,” and yet another example of fulfilling their motto, “Advancing the Arts–Creating Community.”

DVAC has been forming harmonious relationships with local and non-local artists, musicians and performers for more than a decade. DVAC president, Jason Strain said, “We’ve been around for over 14 years . . . we’re heavily involved in the community, and the most rewarding part of being involved with this program is in bettering the community through promoting the arts.” Through fulfilling their mission statement, the council continues to introduce the community to a world of culture and to enrich people’s lives. Note for note, Saturday’s concert series was no exception to the rule.

The two virtuosos of guitar serenaded and mystified the audience with a repertoire of musical magic tricks, techniques, and seemingly effortless talent rooted in Mexican culture. The concert was made possible by DVAC and by the efforts of David Pelham, who’s passion for crafting guitars, and the beautiful classical music of Mexico–led him to Paracho, Michoacan, Mexico and its annual Festival de Guitarra. DVAC Secretary, Anna Ancheta says, “These guitarists are brought from Mexico through the generosity of Mr. Pelham . . . David has been going to the international guitar festival in Paracho, Mexico for 17 years.”

Arellano, of Zacatecas, Mexico, played a diverse set, originating from places like Brazil, Spain, and Argentina. Arellano is a serious student of classical music; she has been a part of the guitar quartet, Tierra Mestiza, and participated in the International Congress of Chamber Music. Her technique and style deployed intricate finger-picking, sweeping arpeggios, tempo changes and crescendos-executed with the sophistication and discipline that classical music demands.

Each song had its own transportive qualities that took listeners on a journey. As one local patron said, “The music is creating the atmosphere . . .and the way the venue here is set up-it adds to that effect.” Arellano’s on-stage elegance paired perfectly well with her style, ending each number with a bow and expressing her gratitude.

Serrano then took the stage and was equally impressive in his abilities; his speed and precision were flawless. He executed such an array of techniques: trill picking, hammer-ons, natural harmonics, etc., that at times it sounded as if two guitars were being played simultaneously. He even used the guitar as a percussive instrument, palming drum beats with his picking hand and performing six-string wizardry with his fretting hand. Serrano has won countless awards in competitions throughout the world, and this year took first place at the Guitarenfestival Nordhorn competition in Germany.

By the end of the night, Arellano and Serrano took to the stage togetherand closed with a guitar duet, ending on another successful note for a community that appreciates and thrives on the arts.

For more information on the Diamond Valley Arts Council, happenings and events, please visit https://www.thedvac.org/

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In 1978, comedians Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi created a blues band as part of a comedy sketch for Saturday Night Live. The combination of soulful music and wacky banter was a big success, leading to the creation of a nightclub act and a comedy film that has become a cult classic.

On Saturday November 23rd, the music of The Blues Brothers will take center stage at the Historic Hemet Theatre with the arrival of Fairchild Blues Tribute.

Performing as Jake and Elwood Blues, this tribute has dazzled audiences worldwide with their uncanny resemblance to Belushi and Aykroyd. Along with their slick dance moves and witty banter back and forth with the audience, this show is a nonstop ball of energy from start to finish.

Top Blues Brothers hits include, “Soul Man,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” “Hey Bartender,” “Shake a Tail Feather,” “Flip, Flop, Fly,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Gimme Some Lovin’.”

If you still have not visited Hemet’s very own music hot spot, this will be great show for your initiation. The party is ready and waiting for you…

Meanwhile, the Tribute to Reba McEntire on Friday November 8th was an event to be remembered. Corrie Sachs performed a flawless show, looking and sounding so much like Reba it was shocking when she revealed her real voice at the end of the night.

The dance floor got a workout from all the two-steppin’ and line dancing going on, and more than a few voices went home hoarse from cheering all night. Straight from Vegas, it was another great show at Hemet’s downtown concert venue.

Only 3 concerts remain on this year’s schedule: Tribute to (12/7), Keith Urban (12/13) and a special holiday show by Stone Soul (12/21) performing a “Stone Soul Christmas” with some of rock and roll’s favorite holiday classics.

Next year’s first season has been announced, including tributes to Elton John by Kenny Metcalf (January 4), The Carpenters by Sally Olson & Ned Mills (January 18), Tina Turner by Debby Holiday (February 1), Marvin Gaye by Jackie’s Boy (February 22), The Bee Gees by Bee Gees Gold (3/7), Tom Petty by Petty and the Heartshakers (March 21), Metallica by Masters of Puppets (April 4) and Abba by Abba Fab (April 18).

Show tickets $22 presale / $25 day of show. Showtime is 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6:15 pm. Information on all theatre events is available at www.HistoricHemetTheatre.com or by calling the Ticket Office, (951) 658-5950.

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If you like swing, Broadway, jazz or opera but didn’t attend “Bubbles and The Boys” this past Saturday night at the Diamond Valley Arts Council in Hemet, then you cheated yourself out of the best show I’ve seen in the valley in years. Joanne Juliet Lapointe gave a performance beyond human imagination with a voice that zoomed from gut belly flapper to Metropolitan opera in range. She is a blues, flapper, soul and operatic diva with a catalog from Speakeasy to Grand Opera.

She opened her show with a Betty Hutton “Stuff Like That There,” on to an old Broadway flapper’s day version of “I Don’t Care,” a lonely barroom version of “One For My Baby,” and on and on through Edith Piaf’s, “La Vien Rose and an aria from Puccini that sent the audience to its feet with the first of several standing ovations.

I tell you folks; you ain’t seen nothing like her in the San Jacinto Valley in my memory, and that goes back 35 years.

Following a short intermission, she came roaring back and made plenty of use of her three accompanists: Lou Usevic on Bass, Rob Woyshner at the piano and Quintin Dennard, late of Detroit’s Motown and beyond on Drums, and LaPointe sported quite a set of pipes. She was not the least bit piggish about the spotlight, always willing to share with the guys who tried to make her look better, which was a wasted effort because she would shine in the middle of a desert with nothing but camels for an audience.

She gets the nickname “Bubbles” from the way she emulates the great Opera Diva, Beverly Sills, and she does so in so many ways. She has been referred by media reviewers as “Beverly Sills meets Bette Midler. Her one-woman show, “Red Hot Bubbles,” a tribute to Carol Burnett, Madeline Kahn and Bette Midler has been delighting audiences throughout the Southland for years.

(Best show of the season)

As for operatic credits, she has spent seasons with the San Diego and Long Beach Opera Companies.

As an addendum, Rob Woyshner gave the most beautiful rendition of DeBussey’s, “Claire de Lune” as a redux to a series of “La Luna” songs beginning with Andy Williams Moon River. There were eyes filled with tears of sweet memories among the adoring audience that just couldn’t get enough of Woyshner or LaPointe.

And plaudits to Jason Strain: the guy is always up in the control box with more light spectaculars than an Irish Leprechaun. There was lighting in multiple shades of blue and red and clarity that embraced every phrase of every song, including a blue light about a song about a truckload of Viagra that accidentally got dumped into the water supply in Johnson, Tennessee that had the audience rolling between the tables in laughter.

Something beyond one show, however, goes to the management and board of Diamond Valley Arts Council. They continue to bring first-class entertainment and music to their rustic abode at 123 N. Harvard Street in the downtown center of Hemet. Their goal is to advance the arts and create community, and these folks they excel at both. Membership is $35 a year and is also the best entertainment value you will ever get. Just sayin’.

rustystrait@gmail.com

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Joanne is thrilled to perform at the DVAC Theatre. This charming chanteuse has been nick-named “Bubbles” by the press for her sparkling personality and her effervescent three-octave voice.   The Grunion Gazette refers to her as “Beverly Sills meets Bette Midler.” Her one-woman show “Red Hot Bubbles,” a tribute to Carol Burnett, Madeline Kahn and Bette Midler has delighted audiences throughout the southland.   Opera credits include two seasons with the San Diego Opera and the Long Beach Opera. Be prepared for a fun evening of Jazz, Broadway, Opera, and Comedy with Joanne Juliet Lapointe joined by Rob Woyshner on piano, Lou Usevic on bass and Quentin Dennard on drums.

Joanne Juliet Lapointe will perform Saturday, October 12, 2019, at The Diamond Valley Arts Center, located at 123 N. Harvard St., Hemet, Ca 92543. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the show starting at 7:00 pm. Admission is $15 for Members and $20 for Non-Members. Student tickets are $5 for Pre-Sale and $10 at the door. As always, members can enter the coupon code online at checkout for your discount.

MUSIC AT THE CENTER is a fundraiser for The DVAC and its programs.  Beverages will be available for purchase. Guests have access to the current gallery exhibition as well as the concert.  Doors open at 6:30 pm with the show beginning at 7:00 pm.

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