DANKE! for your support of the Howland Cultural Center and the Beacon High School PTSO/GAPP German Exchange Program.

I'm a Stranger Here Myself by MADERA VOX (Kelly Ellenwood, vocals)
recorded at the Howland Cultural Center, 2009
Composer: Kurt Weill
Lyrics: Ogden Nash

https://open.spotify.com/track/0kZjrYigUaUm7GRpHO4HDM?si=be3ddec3ee7044d7 

“Saint Rita: Lost and Found” Brings Passionate Music of Kurt Weil and Edith Piaf 

Featuring the talents of Kelly Ellenwood (vocals), Kathleen Bosman (violin/viola), and Stephen Clair (guitar), the evening will be a heartfelt exploration of the music of Kurt Weill and Edith Piaf. They will be joined by Nate Allen (double bass) and Brad Hubbard (woodwinds).

Saint Rita offers a unique blend of artistry that captures the raw emotion and gritty authenticity of Weill and Piaf’s compositions. The trio’s performance will transport audiences from Weimar-era Brecht to the Rue Pigalle and across time and space to 1940’s Hollywood and Broadway.

The concert is a benefit performance for Beacon High School’s short term foreign exchange program to Munich, Germany, under the auspices of the Goethe Institut's German American Partnership Program (GAPP).

About the Artists:

Kelly Ellenwood is an acclaimed soprano and award-winning actor known for her dynamic roles on Broadway, in film and television, and the concert stages. With accolades such as the Gold Medal and First Prize at the Savannah Music Festival’s "American Traditions Competition," Ellenwood brings a powerful voice and rich interpretive skills to her performances. A founding member of the indie-classical quintet Madera Vox, she also is a dedicated community organizer, and one of the team responsible for the Beacon Bonfire Music + Art Festival. bonfireworksfoundation.org @beaconbonfire 

Kathleen Bosman is a versatile violinist and violist with a rich performance history across Boston and New York City. Her extensive work with prestigious orchestras, opera companies, and chamber ensembles, along with collaborations with world-class musicians, underscores her exceptional talent. Bosman also teaches at Beacon Music Factory and continues to inspire and educate through her music. beaconmusicfactory.com 

Stephen Clair is a renowned songwriter and guitarist with a distinguished career in music. His critically acclaimed albums - (his 11th came out last October) - and performances nationwide have earned him a respected place in the industry. Clair is also the founder of Beacon Music Factory, an innovative music education center featured on CBS Sunday Morning and beloved for its impact on the community. stephenclair.com @herrclair

Nate Allen Nate Allen is a versatile musician who has toured the U.S. and Europe and recorded with artists such as Bees in the Barn, Stephen Clair, Peter Karp, Sue Foley, and the Kristijan Krajčan Contemporary Jazz Ensemble. He plays a wide range of styles including blues, jazz, rock, bluegrass, and more, on instruments like bass (upright and electric), banjo, guitar, keyboard bass, and percussion. Nate has performed at notable venues such as the Highline Ballroom, Music Hall of Williamsburg, and Yoshi’s Jazz Club. He is also an experienced music teacher, offering private lessons and group classes in bass, banjo, guitar, music theory, and composition at Beacon Music Factory and online. https://www.instagram.com/nathanbradleyallen/

Brad Hubbard is a composer and multi-instrumentalist, playing Baritone Saxophone, Flute, and Bass Clarinet. He has performed worldwide in diverse settings, including as a soloist and with groups like the Hot Wrk Ensemble, The David Sanford Big Band, Neil Alexander’s X Ensemble, and the Analog Jazz Orchestra. In May 2024, he premiered his "Concerto for Baritone Saxophone and Concert Band." Brad is also the Woodwind Instructor at The Beacon Music Factory in Beacon, NY, where he resides with his family. @bigasssax