Apr 27, 2007
PORTLAND, Ore. - One sure sign of spring is the sound of Providence Stage Band members tuning their instruments. This group of physicians and friends, some performing together for more than four decades, will transport their audience to the big-band era during the Providence Stage Band’s 45th Annual Spring Concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 6 at Horner Performing Arts Center. The arts center, part of the David Douglas School District, is located at 1400 S.E. 130th Ave. in Portland, between Stark and Division. The concert is free and open to the public.
Program selections will feature classic arrangements from Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Les Brown, Buddy Rich, Duke Ellington and Charlie Barnett, as well as Broadway tunes such as “On the Street Where You Live,” “On a Clear Day” and “Get Me to the Church on Time.”
The Providence Stage Band was formed in 1962 when a small group of doctors and friends gathered to play music. They had few instruments and no sheet music. Over time, and under the direction of founder Chuck Bradford, the group became known for its gift in recreating the big-band sound. There are currently 22 members, including four doctors, a dentist and several Providence staff members.
Band members range in age from their mid-30s to their late 80s. Some are self-taught musicians; others studied their art in universities. “We are held together by love of music and the camaraderie found among musicians,” explains Larry Morrell, the band’s current leader.
Providence Stage Band has several other community appearances scheduled in the coming months. They include:
- Oaks Park Dance Hall, 6 - 9 p.m., Sunday, May 20;
- Tualatin High School, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 23;
- Children’s Arboretum Park (10040 N.E. 6th Ave.), 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, July 28;
- Lents Park - Founder’s Day Celebration; 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 19;
- Laurelhurst Park, 5 - 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 26.
Providence Portland Medical Center is part of Providence Health & Services, the state’s largest health system and second-largest private employer. Providence Portland is recognized for excellence in patient care and research in such areas as cancer, heart, orthopedics, women’s health, rehabilitation services and behavioral health, and was recently selected as a Top 100 Hospital for cardiovascular care. For more information, visit www.providence.org/ppmc .
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