MINNESTA 9-11 TRIBUTE CONCERT

Minnesota 9-11 Tribute Concert Slated for Sept 11 Minnesota 9-11 Tribute, a memorial concert to recognize the victims of the September 11 tragedy and pay tribute to the first responders in the community, will be held at the Lake Harriet Band Shell on Wednesday, September 11, 2013. Pre-concert activities that include ensembles performing Americana music start at 5 pm with traditional orchestra and chorus performance at 7 pm. Leah Beno of TV My Fox 9, will be the hostess for the evening. In addition, there will be a guest appearance of Erin Delany, Ms. Global United International Queen. The concert is a multi-cultural performance with emphasis on patriotism and those who protect our country and its people. Nearly 300 musicians, first responders, fire, law enforcement, military service personnel and others from Minnesota will participate in the event. The early evening concert is admission free and open to the public. Sign language interpreting service will be provided with reserved seating. “Individual musical groups will perform in the pre-concert time period,” says Jim Sample, event chair. “These include a popular jazz duo called “Better Together, the Sabathanites Drum Corps, the Metropolitan Boys Choir, Ray Covington who sings rhythm & blues, Paul and Michelle Porter of Dandelion Wine, Chez Raginiak who is an international author, speaker and songwriter and the Minnesota State Fire Service Memorial Pipe Band. Our purpose is to present a cross-section of Americana music that underscores our rich American heritage. The pre-concert lets visitors relax and enjoy an evening devoted to remembrance, reflection and thanksgiving.” A spectacular opening with color guards from 11 or more organizations will begin the traditional chorus and orchestra concert at 7 pm. Participating organizations include the Saint Paul Fire Department, American Legion Post 260, VFW Post 3915, Minnesota State Fire Service Memorial Pipe Band, Park HS Junior ROTC, National Sojourners Heroes of ‘76, Boy Scouts of America Troop 6, Girl Scouts of America Troop 13238, St. Thomas University ROTC, U of Minn Navy and Army ROTC “The Minnesota 9-11 Tribute memorial concert creates deep emotions among those who attend,” said Sample. “The emotions of God Bless America and the feelings of strong patriotism as you sing the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ elicit deep-felt feelings. Who cannot be respectful and awed by Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever? The concert conveys a rainbow of thoughts and emotions among everyone.” Dr. Kristin Tjornehoj, associate professor and director of instrumental music at UW-River Falls will conduct this year’s orchestra. She conducts the university Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the St. Croix Valley Orchestra and teaches related courses. She is a graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Ia, and the University of Minnesota. The Minnesota 9-11 Tribute choral conductor is Karla Miller. She is a choral music professor at North Hennepin Community College, Brooklyn Park, Minn, where she conducts three choral ensembles, teaches music theory, music appreciation, piano and voice. She is a graduate of Augsburg College. Sample said that audience participation in patriotic melodies is highly encouraged. “We plan to have a candlelight vigil and a flag march during the performance,” he said. “The pipe band will play Amazing Grace, and the program concludes with Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever.” It is suggested that people come early as there is adequate but open seating. Annual, free concerts such as this have drawn more than 4,000 people in the past. Parking is limited. A free-will contribution is encouraged