“My wife loves Neil Diamond and we have not been able to get to one of his shows.  So, when I saw you were coming to Tyler, I brought her for her 60^th birthday.  This was the first time we have seen your show (Nearly Neil & The Solitary Band) and she was thrilled!  Neil Diamond’s music speaks for itself and I appreciate the way you represent him on stage…Very Professional!”

G. Stone

“Presidio Brass kicked off its Eastern concert tour at Nashua, NH tonight.  They put on a GREAT show – both the music and the stage presence were super!  We had a full house, which roundly applauded every number.”

C. Knickerbocker

“Papa Duke…are truly talented and tops in their entertainment ability.  Vasyl Popadiuk is amazing.  He is a musician that cannot be equaled.”

“Rudolf Budginas is a fantastic performer and entertainer!”

R. Lincoln

“I took my daughter to see your (Rudolf Budginas) performance tonight, and wanted to extend my personal thanks and congratulations to you on a stellar evening.   I cannot tell you how THRILLED she was to see you ‘noodle’ the compositions tonight.  I think what you are doing is absolutely wonderful and I cannot wait to take her to see you again.”

M. Quady

“The Papa Duke concert was well received by the audience – an immediate standing ovation.  His violin virtuosity is amazing. “

A. Spronk

“Chapter 6…Big, Big hit.  First time we had a full house in years.”

V. Jose

“Nearly Neil & The Solitary Band…What a high energy performance!  Amazing talent in Bobby Bruce and the entire Solitary Band!  I can’t say enough great things about the evening!”

G. Rainey

“Chapter 6 was wonderful!  They are such a nice group of young men and incredibly talented.  It was a great way to kick off our new season.”

M. Wolfe

“We had Rudolf Budginas last night and he was outstanding.  He is an exceptional pianist, playing with ease and perfection.  He is also very talented in mixing his jazz with the pieces.  We enjoyed his humor, his knowledge of the great composers, his wonderful rapport with the audience, and his whole performance.”

B. Schuyten

“…thank you (Presidio Brass) for a delightful evening full of beautiful music extremely well done.  The program included a nice mix of familiar, popular music and classics.  It is obvious that you love what you do!”

J. Smith

“Nearly Neil & The Solitary Band was a HIT.  The largest crowd we have had in several years.  Favorable comments galore…he was hot!”

J. Boley

“Daniel Rodriguez was a home run.  His program interspersed with his ‘banter’ to fill in the needed information about his dream to sing, along with his wife and twin sister, the ‘Songbirds,’ made for a most memorable concert.  His singing voice, his gentlemanly demeanor, his love of family, owing his talent to God and his strong faith, having generated so many wonderful and positive comments…and the comments are still buzzing around the suburban area here.  The word is out.”

A.Dickover

“We had a wonderful concert evening this past week with Mr. Daniel Rodriguez.  He had a magnificent voice, nice selection of music and a pleasant stage presence.”

D. Schermer

“They (Nearly Neil & The Solitary Band) were wonderful and really easy to work with.  Great show!”

J. Groves

“Just came from our first show and cannot say enough how delightful Rudolf Budginas was!!!  He related so beautifully with the audience, had great humor and is such a wonderful, talented pianist.  Most of all, he gave 200% the entire concert, even after doing one last night in Shelton.  It was a lovely evening and the audience thoroughly appreciated him.  What a treat to see someone with his gifts right here in Bremerton!  He taught us so much about classical music with joy. “

K. Varnum

"We experienced a real treat last night with the performance of the Celtic Tenors. The variety of music, humor and their personalities drew us in.  Their amazing talent was enjoyed greatly.”

Concert Attendee, Oroville , CA

“Presidio Brass did a wonderful job in performing, interacting and instructing during their short time in our town.  We would look forward to welcoming them back in a few years.”

H. Aaslestad

“The Presidio Brass was a home run!  From the first note to the encore, every moment was a musical feast for the soul.  Tremendous technical skill, stunning musicality, great audience rapport – every ingredient needed for a great beginning to our 2009-2010 season. “

B. Moxley

“Mac Frampton’s rapport with our audience was exceptional and he is a true professional/perfectionist whose performance was a pleasure to experience.  Mac so enjoyed our audience, our venue, and piano, that he performed an additional 20 minutes – and stated to me personally at the conclusion, that he gave “all he had” which was obvious to all.  I was extremely pleased this was our ‘opening act’ for our new season.”

M. Peinado

“In my opinion, yesterday’s concert (Mac Frampton) was THE BEST EVER.  I could have listened to him forever and then some.  What a gift, what a talent, what a blessing.”

K. Dreyer

“The concert with Mac Frampton in Wenatchee was FANTASTIC!  I know you have heard this before, but Mac’s appeal to the audience was the best I had ever seen. “

A.Bucholtz

“Rudolf Budginas…was a beautiful, exciting, most enjoyable concert.  This lovely young man makes you want to dance in the aisle and perhaps go home and start practicing the piano again…A LOT!” 

A.Couch

“Wow and Wow AGAIN!  I am a devoted Diamond fan and saw him live in Dallas, Texas in 1976.  This show (Nearly Neil & The Solitary Band) was better.  In fact, I had to remind myself that I was NOT seeing the real Neil a few times during the show, he is that good.  I am so glad I bought season tickets!  If this is how we started, imagine how it will finish!”

L. England

“Wow and Wow AGAIN!  I am a devoted Diamond fan and saw him live in Dallas, Texas in 1976.  This show (Nearly Neil & The Solitary Band) was better.  In fact, I had to remind myself that I was NOT seeing the real Neil a few times during the show, he is that good.  I am so glad I bought season tickets!  If this is how we started, imagine how it will finish!”

L. England

“Rudolf Budginas…Great…wonderful pianist.”

Elko, NV

“I went to the show (Red Hot Hollywood) not sure what to expect, but ended up really enjoying it.  Though all the vocalists were very talented, I most enjoyed the first soloist (during Fred Astaire’s dance).  He has such a powerful, soulful voice.  Also, the dancing got progressively more exciting as the show went on.  The last few were my favorite.”

M. Schuch

“Rudolf Budginas...is very talented and relates to the audience so well.”

T. Grindstaff

“We have seen shows in Chicago, New York and London but, I don’t think we have every enjoyed an evening more than we did at Red Hot Hollywood.  Those young people were fantastic.”

W. Gossett

“You (Nearly Neil & The Solitary Band) do a great tribute to Neil Diamond, but I must tell you, Bobby, you are truly a star in your own right.  Your voice is so beautiful and your stage presence makes the entire audience feel connected with you.  I hope your tour is successful as I am sure it will be and thanks for bringing your talent to our town.  We appreciate you for sharing your gift with us.”

L. Robinson

“I was on such a high after seeing your show (Nearly Neil & The Solitary Band) in Greenville, TX last night that I couldn’t go to bed until 3am.  I wish I had known about all of you before as Neil Diamond has been my #1 singer my whole life.  It was the most enjoyable evening we have ever had in Greenville.  THANKS!”

M. Stewart

“Davide Cabassi played for us on Monday night, 2/4/08 at the Performing Arts Center in California and gave a marvelous performance!!!!!!!!!! The audience was delighted with the music so beautifully played and the genuine rapport he had with the audience---we loved him.  I see a brilliant future for him” 

Sincerely, Lillian Bareither, Board of Directors, Community Concert Association

“ 4 Score was Magnificent!”

Bob Travis , Tennessee

“The Sigmund Romberg Orchestra performance was an unqualified success in filling in for the Moscow Boys Choir for our Concert Series last Thursday evening. The musicians, singers, and conductors were simply terrific.

As a school district fine arts director, I see a golden opportunity for a group like the Romberg Orchestra to add a student outreach (Encore) concert a la "Peter and the Wolf" or "Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra" and work through Live On Stage to bring cultural enhancement and educational matinee concerts to students on the same day as evening concerts for the community.

I can assure you that a light classical evening concert for communities like our's would be very well received. Other programs ... like music of the Oscars, Broadway theme, etc. would also be welcome from an ensemble like this.

In Terrell, the Encore programs drive programming decisions. In most cases, we insist on having both components.

Even though special arrangements would be needed for an ensemble the size and instrumentation of the Romberg Orchestra, I believe the interest in such a program would be significant, especially here in the southern US where we do not have many opportunities for orchestral performances for students.”

Thanks for your consideration, Dana Skelton

President, Texas

“The Karkowska Sisters had the best review an artist has received from our local paper. Again everyone was very pleased with the sisters!. I have had phone calls from concert members that wanted to know if there is a CD available of the Christmas program from Sunday. They loved it! Thanks to all at Live On Stage (you made me a Hero) This has never happened before, a letter to the editor about one of our concerts! Our community loved them! Thanks again”

Bill Harper, Ohio

“Yesterday we were treated to the best Christmas concert we have ever had. The Karkowska Sisters were Great!!! Our members gave them a standing ovation, and did not want to leave. This morning they captivated the sixth graders from our county! Over 700 students and they loved them. The Karkowska Sisters message was very motivating to the students. On behalf of our concert association thank you to Live On Stage for this talent.”

Bill Harper, President, Ohio

“I really enjoyed 4Score's great performance the other night. Tis the Season!”

Thanks, John Cummings, Montana

I took the liberty of greeting and thanking Mr. Cabassi, as he collected his things in the music room just off the auditorium following last night's concert.  Mr. Cabassi is a world-class concert pianist, of course, but I wanted to express to him that aside from his amazing credentials as a concert musician he is surely possessed of a big, big, heart.  Mr. Cabassi offered us a performance worthy of the Vienna State Opera or the New York Metropolitan Opera House in our High school's auditorium - a humble venue visibly and aurally in need of its imminent 2 year renovation.  Mr. Cabassi played forcefully - beyond the poor acoustics of the old stage - filling the large, old auditorium with the musical genius of Schubert.  In a post-intermission program switch, spontaneous, and perhaps in gracious acknowledgement of the enthusiastic applause of the largely senior audience in attendance, Mr. Cabassi gave us Franz Schumann, Novellette op.21 n.8, and Carnaval op. 9.  Mr. Cabassi's captivating performance was augmented by equally captivating Italian-accented English annecdotes and hugely foreshortened (we were assured) elucidations of the art and music of the evening's composers.  Were it not for our many senior knees and backs, he would have been honored with more of the standing ovations his performance earned him, I assured Mr. Cabassi.”

John M. Fewel, Pennsylvania

“CELTIC TENORS were a VERY positive "hit" with our audience, a larger than usual crowd attended and many CD's, etc. were sold.

Joe Boley - Oregon

“Just wanted to let you know how much our association enjoyed the last two concerts.  Scheduling was a little tight - less than two weeks between them - but both audiences were full and receptive!  Franc D’Ambrosio was incredible!!!  What a wonderful performance by an absolutely awesome person!  His audience rapport is terrific!  Michael Grossman, Franc's talented accompanist was exceptional.  Franc is always so easy to work with and seems like an old friend to me and our association!!!”

“This past Monday we had the pleasure of hearing The Celtic Tenors!!! Once again, incredible talents, terrific audience rapport and such a varied program!  The talents of these three men plus their lovely soprano, Donna Malone and Danny Sheridan on piano gave our association yet another wonderful LIVE ON STAGE experience!”

Thank you for all you do to make us look good!!!

Gini Rainey Texas  

“Edgar Cruz's performances in Silver City were smash hits. He brings to the stage an intimacy and a freshness, giving audiences an informal invitation to his world. "Come as you are," he announces when the light first hits him, "But come." Then, he unpacks all that talent, riffs and licks through four centuries of music, from "Greensleeves" to "Hotel California." He squeezes an orchestra and a chorus out of a single guitar. What a remarkable entertainer and artist.”

“I had the opportunity to see 2 concerts. Edgar Cruz in an afternoon concert in New Mexico and Misty River in an evening concert in  Texas .

Earlier on Saturday I had a call from Wayne Roberts, the President in New Mexico , saying he wanted me to inform LOS that Edgar Cruz performed an outstanding concert for the concert association the night before.  Edgar had a great rapport with the audience and Edgar has an incredible touch with the guitar and it sounds like more than a solo guitarist. Another reason he was so endearing to the audience is that he played familiar pieces of music. Near the end of the show he asked the audience to call out songs that he hadn't played and he would play them. And indeed he did.  Edgar was easy to work with and so appreciative of the opportunity to perform.   I agree with everything Wayne said and you have seen the great comments from New Mexico .”

“I moved on to Texas and got there in time for the 7:30 show time.  The ladies in Misty River were very pleased to be in Texas for the very first time.  There was an audience of over a 1000 people and they enjoyed the excellent harmony provided by Misty River and their delightful sense of humor.  Each lady has a fine voice and supported by various instruments that each play.  Misty River performs a wide variety of Americana music.  In recognition of Veteran's Day they sang America the Beautiful which was much appreciated.  At the begriming of the concert the individual announcing for Texas asked all Veterans to stand.

The man who has been head of the IATSE ( Union for Theatrical and Stage employees) for many years said to me these ladies have great voices. This was quite a compliment coming from him as he has seen many stars in Texas over the years.

If you haven't had a chance to see either one of these concerts I recommend that you do.

Gladys , Arizona

“Just got home from a FABULOUS performance by The Limeliters for our Community Concert Association!!! Thanks for having them on your 2007-2008 roster!!  By the way, they played last night (Sunday) at a small club in New York to an audience of just 20 people!!! We had about 1300-1400 tonight!”  Keep up the good work! 

“Greetings! Anita Maria, my Mom and myself, Connie are from Organ and we are not from any particular association, but my Mom donates a lot of her time to the Library, Hospice, Smart and the Food Cupboard.  I just wanted to let you know how much we are enjoying this years concert selections! We've been attending for several years now, and truly enjoy most. But, this year's choices, or at least the first two, have been terrific. Thanks for doing such a great job! Please keep up the good work.

 Most sincerely, Anita and Connie Martin, Organ

“As I listened to my friends and neighbors rave about Presidio Brass’s performance, I was hoping they would take time to tell you also. I got a lot of hugs, too, because of the enrichment you brought their lives. Soon Julie will hear what the kids especially liked.  Our graphic artist was at the performance and dearly loved it.   I wish you success.  Hopefully, we can get you back to our area”
Sincerely,

Barbara Mann, Publicity Chair
Arizona

“Wow!  The piano has never sounded better during the performance by Michael Kaeshammer Nov. 7, 2007 in Illinois .  This guy brings the complete package to the stage with amazing talent, confidence and enthusiasm!   His unique improvisational style comes to me as a breath of fresh air when compared to the usual set pieces, pre-planned, pre-packaged and predictable.  Thanks for the show!

Sincerely, Jim Burnett, Illinois

“I am writing you today to provide feedback on one of your featured artists - Davide Cabassi. Here, in our small in Michigan , we are no strangers to concert pianists. In the past we have hosted the likes of Christiana Pegoraro (in fact, we engaged her exquisite performance, TWICE!) and Alpin Hong (you may remember I wrote you a lengthy and glowing commentary about him, last year), among others. I was sure that we could not 'top' their performances. Well, I WAS WRONG!  Tuesday night was an evening that our Community Concert patrons will NEVER forget!”  

“With his humble and humorous personality, Mr. Cabassi infused the audience with an unexpected and tender warmth, as he introduced his first selection. Though it may seem trite to say, he charmed the pants off of his audience! He then sat down to his instrument and gave stunning and unimagined new life to our 9ft. Steinway grand! From the first moments of his performance, the audience was spellbound - and the evening spiraled higher and higher from there.”

“I could fill pages with accolades and remarks that were given, but I will try to limit them to a poignant few:

"His fingers were a blur upon the keys. I held my breath with disbelief!"

"I never thought that, in my lifetime, I would witness a live performance of Mussorgsky's 'Pictures At An Exhibition'. This has been a perfect dream come true!"

“And my own impression? I was shocked and yet helpless to discover tears - rapturous tears (blush!), created by the intensity, artistry and passion of this masterful, young musician. His 'gift' defies description. To witness it is to become bedazzled and mesmerized. For me, it will be a lifelong joy to be cherished!”

“Many thanks Matt, to you and your staff, for making such amazing talent available to our rural worlds. Ruth Gordon highly recommended Mr. Cabassi and we are indebted to her astute judgment. Davide Cabassi reigns PREMIER in my experience with your offerings. His brilliance in the world of music is simply - a breathtaking experience!”

BRAVISSIMO!!!

David B. Usher, Executive V.P.

Michigan

“Sourdough Slim was a very entertaining show and I would highly recommend it to anyone.  The songs brought back memories of songs I learned in grade school and the jokes had us laughing throughout the show.”

Ken Roberts, Washington

Our concert with Revolution  was really wonderful.  We had the best crowd we’ve had in several years – I’d say more that 300 people (for us that is great) , the guys were as nice as they could be, and everyone had a great time.  We had people standing up waving their arms, clapping, and singing along.  I think we sold enough single tickets to pay for the backline stuff we had to rent.  So, it did go very well and I would highly recommend them.”

 Camille, New Mexico

“Just wanted to tell you that we had a WONDERFUL evening with the Beatles!  We had over 700 there, and they had everyone on their feet screaming and clapping.  Quite a night.  It was extremely loud - but that comes with that era.  All four of them were really great to work with and very good with all the people”.

Thanks for offering them.

Marilyn Wolfe, Arizona

“We just had Presidio Brass this afternoon and they are doing an encore tomorrow at our high school.  They are great!  We missed seeing them in the catalog this season; I hope they are in it next year.

Thank you so much, Bud Gottschalk, Florida

"Juggernaut Jug Band was a big hit. They are so friendly (probably they were immediately engulfed by the crowd. I believe they also sold a large number of CDs which is a good indicator. Our people enjoy performers who will talk to them and these guys were tops. We would pick them again."

Joe Cansler, President, North Carolina

“Franc D'Ambrosio is breathtaking----in fact since Monday I have been talking about the performance to everyone I know-----Franc's talent is a #10 plus----what a performer to come to this small Arkansas town and give a performance fit for royalty!  He said and I quote " I promised to come anywhere that wanted me to come".  He proved that by coming to a city of 13,000 and singing his heart out!  Never shall I forget the electricity in the audience and see the glow on each face------compliments to your organization, Matt Davenport for having the highest quality of talent to be presented to ALL who seek LIVE entertainment! Here's to even greater success the next five years---please let Cherie Lawson know she does a great job arranging the best for Arkansas !  

With a song in my heart, Kay Marti, Arkansas

“Our Oregon Community Concert was treated to something very special on October 23rd - the Karkowska Sisters Duo. We're fortunate to see some marvelous talent come to our Arts Center , but few can match the technical mastery and great personal warmth that these ladies so generously shared.”

“Perhaps one wouldn't expect an all-classical program to have much draw in a small town, but not so, the sisters played to a packed house. We're largely a senior membership, so a lot of us aren't so spry any more, but when these ladies finished, we all jumped to our feet like ten-year-olds with shouts of 'Bravo!' and 'Encore!'”

“My mother, Angelica Batchelor, happens to be a senior member on our Concert Board and thus has considerable say in setting up the artist roster each year. If her great delight is any sign, you can rest assured that we'll be seeing the Karkowska Sisters once again!”

Kind regards,

Glenn Putman, Oregon

“Well, it's going to be very hard to top this show, Matt.  I got a chance to see On Broadway again in PA and absolutely LOVED it.  My favorite sections (or my MOST favorite) were Chicago/Jerome Robbins and the Phantom portion, though grown-up Annie was right up there.  Ray said he expected her to twirl that dog around like a lasso.  So funny!

There was a glitch with one of the women's mikes but that got sorted out.  It was an amazing feat to get that show up and running in the length of time they had, but all was ready and curtain up right on time.

The entire audience loved it, I think I can assuredly say.  I heard one little girl convince her grandmother) to let her stay for the whole show though she was supposed to leave at intermission.  She was so delighted by it all.  I overheard one woman say, "I'm going to pull out all my old show records" 

I know you can't keep this cast together but they are super and such good advertisements for Live On Stage. 

I actually think this show is good enough to play.....well......on Broadway!

Carolyn, Pennsylvania

“ Misty River was a great show!!I hope to see them again sometime. I sent and bought an album. Hopefully next time a person can buy tickets without belonging to Concert Series, as I don't.  thanks"    

Rose A, Washington

“Pianafiddles performance Great. Come back soon.”

Ed Brown, Texas

“I had the pleasure to work with Pianafiddle Thursday evening (Oct. 18, 2007).  Adam and Lynn were the best to work with.  Considering the sudden change to the concert schedule we were prepared for the worst and were pleasantly surprised.  Since this was the first Community Concert Association Production at the Civic Center we wanted to do our best to make it a success.  Once Adam and Lynn arrived we knew within minutes it would be.  The ease in which they prepared for the event and the suggestions they offered allowed us to create a great production.  What a treat for our first event!  “

Sincerely, Heather Hrebec,

Convention and Visitors Bureau Event Coordinator, Texas

“What a wonderful concert!! The range of music that was covered by Piannafiddle was awesome: boogie, jazz, classical, rock, bluegrass, spiritual, country, and folk. All the different genres were covered! (Except Britney - thank goodness!! - oh wait, that's not a genre...)

It's hard to decide who kept me riveted the most: Trying to watch Lyn's hands on the Grand or Adam's passion on the violin. You are a remarkable pair. Can't wait to see you again!!”

Barbie Hughes , Texas Palestine

P.S.: I'm the one that bought the DVD for the Flatbush Waltz, even though I don't have a DVD player!! That piece stirred my heart as much as Largo (Dvorak) does. Absolutely breathtaking!!

Last night we had the Celtic Tenors at the Pavilion.  They did a wonderful show, and the young soprano was wonderful too.  The audience was engaged from the first moment, and someone even replied to them in Gaelic!!  They wore black suits and then more casual wear, I missed their frock coats made of velvet from Showcase, smile!!  Everything about the show was wonderful!! 

Melanie Bliss , South Dakota     

    “My wife and I attended the On Broadway show last night in Minnesota along with some friends.

    We were very impressed by the quality of the production and the music selection. It was very, very entertaining. The singers were extremely talented. We Thoroughly enjoyed the show. Thank you.”

Lou & Jerine Polack , Minnesota