The Arts Council of Greater Palatka invites you to come
celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July in Palatka.
We have lots of fun and entertainment for
the whole family. The Arts Council presents the
tropical splendor of the "Caribbean Sound Steel Pan & World Music
Ensemble" and the energetic and traditional sounds of "Blast of Grass"
blue grass band. We are so pleased and want to
thank the City of Palatka and all those who have arranged for the fire
works to take place again this year in Palatka for a great traditional
Independence Day celebration for all to enjoy.
Blast of Grass will start performing at the amphitheater on
the beautiful St. Johns River at 5:30 and will play until 6:00 PM at
which time the Independence Day parade will start. Following
the parade Blast of Grass will resume playing until 7:30 then the
Caribbean Steel Band will play steel drums, patriotic music
and tropical splendor into the breathtaking and luminous fire works
display over the river.
Last and certainly not least, we will have music by Zack
Tremblay and A.J Norton at Third and St. Johns Ave.
The Caribbean Steel Band will give us a remarkable blend of Calypso,
Soca, Latin, American pop and original compositions performed on this
truly innovative creation of the 20th century. The group’s sense of
style and passion for their music captures the unique and colorful
artistry and melodious atmosphere of the Caribbean in an exciting
performance and an unforgettable evening of World Music. During its 24
year history, Caribbean Sound has performed with the Jacksonville
Symphony Orchestra, the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra in Owensboro,
Kentucky, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rockford Symphony
Orchestra, The Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the East Texas Symphony
Orchestra. They have toured the Eastern U.S. performing evening
concerts, orchestral programs, university programs, outdoor
performances, and educational programs. September 2009 began their 12th
year on the Florida State Touring Program through the Division of
Cultural Affairs. The University Of Florida Center for the Performing
Arts said “This highly acclaimed quartet captures the colorful rhythms
of the Caribbean with the newest instrument of the 20th Century-the
steel drum…” The Daytona Beach News-Journal said “The quartet from
Jacksonville had them dancing in the isles.” Cecil Cole, Artistic
Administrator for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra said, “Caribbean
Sound was the highlight of our Family Series. Michael
Krajewski, Principal Pops Conductor for the JSO said “Melodic,
pulsating, colorful sounds---sure to captive all who hear them.”
Caribbean Sound has 6 CD’s available. “Panic Attack”-1994,
“J’Ouvert Comin”-2000, “Evolution”-2003, “The Covers”-2006 and
“Caribbean Christmas”-2006 and “Beyond the Islands” in 2008. All will be
available at the performance, or through their web site at www.CaribbeanSound.net. Band members are Barry Olsavsky, Mike
Wilson. Danny Stimpson, Lawrence App, and my son Matthew Olsavsky.
Blast of
Grass
The sound of Bluegrass music knows no greater fans than the
four artists who make up this group. Blast of Grass has four unique and
innovative musicians. Two of the members also being family members --
Danny Lanier (mandolin and harmony vocals) and son Justin Lanier (guitar
and lead vocals) with the help of Platt Drew (bass) and Rick Ray (banjo
and harmony vocals) each member of this group knows how to compliment
one another’s music in every way.
Blast of
Grass has shared the stage with such artists as Tracy Lawrence, Roy
Clark, Ty Herndon, Cherry Holmes Family, Marty Raybon and countless
others. Although they write their own material, the group also
considers any genre of music for material to add a bluegrass twist to.
From the
time this band started in early 2000, its main goals are having fun,
presenting a good show, and preserving and protecting bluegrass music.
Whether at county fairs, bluegrass festivals, private parties, or jam
sessions, Blast of Grass is a lively, energetic bluegrass band. From
styles ranging from traditional bluegrass to contemporary bluegrass even
to something, they like to call "Mograss". Anytime you get a chance to
see this group you are in for a great treat.
Releasing their debut
project entitled “Movin’ Forward, Lookin’ Back” in October 2001 Blast of
Grass has definitely moved forward, pleasing crowds of all sorts with
their own original style of bluegrass music. From the traditional style
of good, hard driving bluegrass to the more accented and melodic style
of contemporary bluegrass, it is easy to see why Blast of Grass is one
of the top rising bluegrass bands today.
Zach Tremblay,
Local singer, songwriter, performer,
and music instructor at the Larimer Arts Center. Zach
is musically versatile performing alternative-rock, classic-rock,
indy-rock, metal, emo, punk, contemporary Christian, praise and worship,
hardcore, Country, 80’s pop/rock, 90’s pop/rock, swing and big band,
the oldies, and everything in between. Zach had performed numerous
venues in Palatka and surrounding counties.
AJ Norton, 19 is a native of Palatka. He has enjoyed playing
guitar for over five years. AJ plays a variety of songs from bands such
as Green Day to songs by artists such as Bob Marley. AJ says he looks
forward to continue playing his guitar and performing.
For more information, please call Denise at 328-8998 or email artsinputnam@aol.com
Sponsored by our members; the State of Florida; Department of
State; Division of Cultural Affairs; the Florida Arts Council; the
National Endowment for the Arts; the City of Palatka; the Putnam County
Commission; the Putnam County Tourist Development Council; Bingo
Palace and Seminole Electric Cooperative Inc.
The Arts Council is the designated Local Arts Agency for
Putnam County.
Denise Aiken
Executive
Director
The Arts Council of Greater Palatka
386-328-8998