Route 66 Rising Stars in 2019 had some major concerts! In May we put together a concert of "Black Classical Music for Violin and Piano", with James Ruggles Violnist and Dolores McCreary Pianist Accompianist. It featured the music of Black Composers William Grant Still, Ragtime music of Scott Joplin, and an assortment of New Orleans, and Black Latino Composers.
Also in May, we attempted to do our 3rd year of playing the Route 66 Festival in Clinton, Oklahoma. But because of the El Reno tornado storm nearby, And torrential rains, we had to get out fast! Everyone was safe.
In June, we had a Route 66 concert at Claremore First United Methodist Church. It was highly successful, and featured our Black Composers for Violin and Piano again, Winnie Cooper, Joesf Glaude, Johnny Beard and Amy Sebran. It was a delightful concert, and provided impetus for our Fall Concert, in November.
Our November concert was at the Gorgeous Coleman Theater in Miami, Oklahoma. It had Guest Artist (the "Queen of Country Fiddle", Jana Jae performing. It was spellbinding! Afterwords, Janet Cox delighted audiences with her rendition of "Coal Miner's Daughter", and many other tunes. Winnie Cooper did a fantastic Patti Page and oldies set. James Ruggles finished the first half with his "Black American Composers for Violin and Piano".
The second half had Joesf Glaude playing Jazz Swing Guitar with Shauna singing her 1930's and 40's torch songs! Johnny Beard Spanish Flamenco Guitarist and James Ruggles played a set of traditional Spanish Farruca, Tango and Bulerius. Amy Sebran played a firey set of Patsy Cline, Bob Wills (with James on Fiddle) and Hank Williams.
