Tickets available for jazz under the stars at Keyah Grande

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Photo courtesy Carole Howard Boni McIntyre gave a hands-on primer on singing successfully at high altitude and low humidity at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts exclusively for Friends of Thingamajig Theatre members on July 9. She taught the audience breathing, warm-up and voice training exercises until they graduated to singing “Who Loves You” from “Jersey Boys.” McIntyre is the music director for all three musicals in the professional theater’s summer season — “Trailer Park,” “Jersey Boys” and “Godspell.” She has a wealth of experience with Thingamajig shows, having been music director for multiple productions including “Jekyll and Hyde,” “West Side Story,” “Ring of Fire,” “Legally Blonde” and “Mamma Mia!” A Colorado native and resident of Denver, she has been such a constant presence at Thingamajig over the last nine years — both as a performer and music director — that she purchased a condo in Pagosa. She has a master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Northern Colorado and also performs and directs at other theatrical venues.

By Sally Neel | Mountain Light Music Festival

The Mountain Light Music Festival is excited to present a fabulous series of jazz concerts at Keyah Grande Wednesday, July 26, through Friday, July 28. 

Each of the three concerts begins at 7 p.m. Tickets ($50) can be purchased at Choke Cherry Tree (56 Talisman Drive, No. 8C) and at the Chamber of Commerce office downtown.

The performances will feature The Wayne Fisher Jazz Ensemble from Baylor University under the direction of Alex Parker, director and senior lecturer in Jazz Studies at Baylor University. Other name artists include drummer Ed Taylor, professor of music theory and drumming coach at Baylor; Chris Clark, Thomas Madeja and Sig Stefanson on trumpet; Jon Whitaker, professor of trombone from University of Alabama; and Brent Phillips, professor of trombone at Baylor University. 

Each concert will have its own unique flavor. Wednesday night’s concert will be in the style of a jazz club combo. On Thursday night, wear your dancing shoes and plan to “cut a rug” as you enjoy a fabulous dance band swing concert. The jazz concerts will culminate on Friday night with the full ensemble with staff and Baylor students on board with five saxophones, four trumpets, five trombones, keyboard, two bass players and drums. 

If you have not had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful setting at Keyah Grande, you are in for a real treat. Located at 13211 West U.S. 160, the guest house is set away from the noise of the highway, offering the perfect intimate and elegant venue to enjoy great music with friends.

“These musicians are the best of the best,” said Carol Larsen, executive director of Mountain Light Music. “I think our audiences will be absolutely thrilled to experience jazz music at its very finest.”

For more information on ticket purchases for the summer concerts or on how you can support the future of Mountain Light Music Festivals in Pagosa Springs, go to www.mountainlightmusicfestival.com or you may contact Carol Larsen at (214) 649-5041.

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