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.