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The Arts Council

Smithgall Arts Center Summer MusicFest

Series Performers Announced for 2011

The Arts Council’s 2011 Smithgall Arts Center Summer MusicFest outdoor series is on the way, so get out the picnic baskets and get ready for our exciting performances on the lawn under the stars.. The 2011 Season features Atlanta Blues legend Francine Reed on Friday, June 24^th and the world renowned Atlanta Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, July 16^th.

Francine Reed will be joined by Java Monkey at their Gainesville debut at the Arts Council’s Smithgall Arts Center Summer MusicFest on Friday, June 24^th. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Francine Reed has had a passion for singing since her early childhood. She began singing professionally with her family’s gospel group when she was five. “I always say I was born singing,” Reed has said in a biographical release. “I can still remember my first performance when I was a 3-year-old in my aunt’s church. I used to listen to rehearsals with her gospel choir and I’d sing ‘I Wanna See Jesus’ in front of the congregation…It’s a natural, God-given talent.”

In 1985, friends introduced Reed to Lyle Lovett, who was searching for a female singer for his new band. Lovett was still a struggling, virtually unknown performer when they began their association, but as his star rose, Reed became an integral part of his show. Reed began touring with Lovett and his Large Band as a background vocalist, and also often performed duets with the country musician. She was featured with Lovett on several albums, and appeared with him on television shows such as “Late Night with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show,” and "Regis and Kathy Lee.”

In the mid 1990s, she decided to pursue a solo career and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Here she recorded her debut solo album, “I Want You to Love Me,” which featured a duet with Lyle Lovett. Her follow-up, “Can’t Make It On My Own,” featured a duet with Delbert McClinton. The success of these early works resulted in nominations for the prestigious W.C. Handy Award. (Blues Song of the Year and Soul/Blues-Female Artist of the Year - 1997)

Reed continued to release solo albums and went on to collaborate with other great performers. She performed on Willie Nelson's acclaimed album Milk Cow Blues (2000), lending her soulful voice to the title track as well as to the song "Funny How Time Slips Away." She has also contributed vocals to the recordings of Delbert McClinton and Roy Orbison.

Francine Reed has become one of Atlanta’s most treasured artists and continues to expand her fan base at venues around the country. For several months out of the year, she performs in Seattle or San Francisco, appearing as the “Chanteuse” for Teatro ZinZanni. She describes the avant-garde production as "Cirque du Soleil meets dinner-in-the-round, on acid." Reed continually blesses audiences with her amazing vocals and vibrant personality; she is truly a musical experience that should not be missed.

This is "Java Monkey"! This band keeps the audience moving to the beat and listening to a combination of great songs.... originals mixed with classic R&B, funky instrumentals, blues, rock, soul, and some of their own trademark style of well-known songs that everyone likes! Java Monkey is Steve McRay – vocals, keyboards, key-bass; Marvin Taylor – guitar; Michael Bastedo – vocals, sax, zendrum; and, John Holder – vocals, drums.

The name Java Monkey refers to the fixation, some may say an almost addiction, to caffeine - and the one vice you choose not to give up. That urge to want more...yes, maybe another cup, just one more! Just like the band Java Monkey, itself, and the impulse to get hooked. You’ll want more, more, more......just keep it hot and keep it coming!

Francine Reed and Java Monkey performance begins at 8:00pm and individual tickets are $25 per person, a table for 8 is $240.00. Add 7% sales tax to all ticket sales.

An annual tradition since 1975 The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra marks its 36^th anniversary performance for patrons in Gainesville, Hall County, and northeast Georgia on Saturday, July 16^th.

The Orchestra is known for the excellence of its live performances, presentations, renowned choruses, and its impressive list of GRAMMY® Award-winning recordings. Regarded as one of the most creative and innovative orchestras in North America, the 95-member Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is complemented by the acclaimed Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the widely recognized Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra.

During its 32-year history with Telarc, the Orchestra and Chorus has recorded more than 100 albums and its recordings have won 27 GRAMMY® Awards in categories including Best Classical Album, Best Orchestral Performance, Best Choral Performance, and Best Opera Performance.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs more than 200 concerts each year for a combined audience of more than a half million in a full schedule of performances which also features educational and community concerts. A recognized leader and supporter of contemporary American music, the Orchestra recently received the 2007 award for Strongest Commitment to New American Music from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. In addition, Music Director Robert Spano was named Musical America 2008 Conductor of the Year.

Individual tickets for the ASO are $35 adults, $32 seniors and $28 children. A table for 8 for the ASO performance is $320. Add 7% sales tax to all ticket sales. The rain date for the ASO is July 18^th.

All performances are at The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center and begin at 8:00pm. To order tickets call 770.534.2787 or www.theartscouncil.net.