Shawn Mullins is known for his expertly crafted folk rock, instrumental rock, and adult alternative music. His influences range from the power-pop groups such as the Violent Femmes and the Indigo Girls to singer-songwriters like James Taylor and Kris Kristofferson. After a series of indie releases and growing buzz in the Atlanta music scene, Shawn’s critical and commercial breakthrough came when 1998 Soul’s Core shot him to fame on the strength of Grammy-nominated No. 1 hit, “Lullaby” followed by AAA/Americana No. 1 hit “Beautiful Wreck” from 2006’s 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor. His song, “Shimmer” was used in promotion of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and was included on the Dawson’s Creek soundtrack. His co-write “All in My Head” from 2008’s Honeydew was featured in episode one of the hit TV sitcom “Scrubs.” Mullins also co-wrote the Zac Brown Band’s No. 1 country tune “Toes.”
Celebrated mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges enchants listeners with beautifully nuanced, emotionally rich, and powerful performances.
A Groton Hill exclusive!
Hailed as “opera royalty” and “one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her generation” (OperaWire), Grammy Award-winning J’Nai Bridges is a powerhouse of vocal artistry.
Celebrated for her mesmerizing portrayal of Nefertiti in Philip Glass’ Akhnaten at the Metropolitan Opera and as a definitive Carmen on two continents, Bridges captivates audiences with her sumptuous voice and commanding stage presence.
World renowned rock guitarist Gary Hoey's first break came in 1987 when Ozzy Osbourne liked Hoey’s tape enough to fly him to LA for an audition. Although Zakk Wylde wound up with the gig, Ozzy recommended Hoey move to LA where he was certain he would get noticed. So he did – thanks Ozzy – and it paid off. In 1992 Gary’s cover of “Hocus Pocus” rocketed into the Billboard’s Top 5 Rock Tracks.
Album release show celebrating 2025's "Old Knew," Groover's second album on Criss Cross Records.
New York-born and Boston-bred emerging saxophonist, composer, and educator Gregory Groover Jr has already left an indelible mark in the jazz world, in a short period. Saxophonist Walter Smith III describes him as a “thematic musician, who's playing very much relates to the song. He plays with a lot of energy, and he leads with that. The heart is the most important thing – the direction and motion of what he plays is where he really feels.” Groover’s artistry seamlessly marries genres as he continues to push the boundaries of jazz while honoring its deep legacy.
We’re kicking off the season with a trio of crowd-pleasers that will fill the hall with the Vista Philharmonic’s sound – big, dynamic, and impactful pieces our musicians love to play. We’ll open with a bright, bouncy, and energetic curtain raiser by one of Maestro Hangen’s favorite contemporary composers, Adolphus Hailstork. Saint-Saëns exquisite, rich, and romantic Cello Concerto follows, in the deft hands of concerto competition-winning cellist Nathaniel Taylor, who returns this season as a featured soloist. Rachmaninoff’s second Symphony closes out the program with a powerful, bold, and exceptionally romantic symphonic experience.
The Catnip Junkies are a talented group of musicians specializing in the iconic sounds of New Orleans jazz, swing and brass band music to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience. They are the happiest, tappiest, brassiest band you’ll ever see. Not merely skilled players, they are also passionate performers who know how to engage a crowd and create a lively, fun atmosphere. From classic tunes to modern hits, their repertoire has something for everyone - a band of clowns coming to your town on a mission to make laugh, swing, dance and sing!
Experience the brilliance and emotional depth of the Baroque era with a program of masterworks from some of its greatest composers. Mezzo-soprano Meridian Prall brings expressive power to Giovanni Battista Ferrandini’s Il Pianto di Maria, a poignant and rarely heard gem. The orchestra shines in a vibrant suite from Rameau’s Les Boréades, J. S. Bach’s joyful Sinfonia to Cantata BWV 42, and the timeless elegance of Handel’s Water Music, Suite in F Major. A rich tapestry of sound, spirit, and splendor awaits.
Daniel Chong, violin Jessica Bodner, viola Jonathan Swensen, cello Charles Neidich, clarinet Roman Rabinovich, piano
CCMS Co-Artistic Directors Daniel Chong and Jessica Bodner are joined by legendary clarinetist Charles Neidich, Naumburg Award-winning cellist Jonathan Swensen, and the brilliant and expressive pianist Roman Rabinovich for a captivating program featuring works by Schumann, Fauré, and Messiaen. The concert begins with the whimsical and imaginative world of Schumann’s Märchenerzählungen, transitions into the warmth and lyrical beauty of Fauré’s Piano Quartet in C minor, and culminates in Messiaen’s profound and transcendent masterpiece, Quartet for the End of Time.
Experience the brilliance and emotional depth of the Baroque era with a program of masterworks from some of its greatest composers. Mezzo-soprano Meridian Prall brings expressive power to Giovanni Battista Ferrandini’s Il Pianto di Maria, a poignant and rarely heard gem. The orchestra shines in a vibrant suite from Rameau’s Les Boréades, J. S. Bach’s joyful Sinfonia to Cantata BWV 42, and the timeless elegance of Handel’s Water Music, Suite in F Major. A rich tapestry of sound, spirit, and splendor awaits.