Rock Gold Volume 2 Features Soloists with the Orchestra of Southern Utah
by Sara Penny
It's time for the Volume 2 of "Rock Gold" with the Orchestra of Southern Utah. Soloists will recreate rock classics from ABBA, Coldplay, Metallica, and more. The concert is Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Heritage Theater in Cedar City. Tickets are assigned for this popular concert and are available at myosu.org. It is already close to sold out so don't delay getting tickets. Lobby music before the concert features the SideNote vocal quartet.
"The success of our first Rock Gold concert two seasons ago has had an impact on the choices of music and programming for Rock Gold Vol.2. I have excitedly planned and chosen music for all of you, our biggest OSU supporters! Hurry to get your tickets as they are almost sold out. I can’t wait to see you at the concert!," said Carylee Zwang, OSU Music Director and Conductor.
Let's "Get Lucky" with Justin Olsen, Alyssa Flasch, and Mia Ellingson adding vocals to the Daft Punk/Pharrell Williams song. "Dancing Queen" is a favorite ABBA song that features Mari Hobson, Dee Holt, and Teresa Redd.
For a change of pace OSU presents "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton with Kelsea Burton as the soloist. Another favorite is "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond with vocalist Silas Carson.
OSU musicians have had numerous requests for the "Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band. Andrew Briggs and Savannah Billeter will sing with Lindsay Szczesny on the fiddle part.
SUU Concert Choir with members of Opus and Luminosa will join the orchestra for "Living on a Prayer", "Dancing Queen", "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Sweet Caroline", and "November Rain". There will be 75 people singing in the choirs under the direction of Andrew Briggs.
"Enter Sandman" by Metallica marks the return of Lorah Bodie as soloist. Mark McGahan is also a returning soloist with "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen.
Husband and wife Ty and Teresa Redd will perform "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd. Raven Cain takes on "November Rain" by Guns N Roses.
"Sky Full of Stars" by ColdPlay is an orchestra only version.
Guest performers also include Stan Szczesny on guitar, Jordan Sanders on bass guitar, and Ian Shaw on drum kit. Concert choreography provided by Shellee Younkin and Torri Adams with guest dancers.
Because songs are shorter than a symphony, OSU will be able to pack a lot into a high energy concert. Tickets are $15 for adults with $10 for students over age six. Children over six welcome, but no babies please, as the concert is recorded. Get tickets at myosu.org.
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For Calendars:
Who: Orchestra of Southern Utah
What: Rock Gold Concert, Volume 2
When: Thursday, November 14, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Heritage Theater, 105 N. 100 East
How: Tickets at myosu.org
More information: Amy Gold, OSU Manager, at 435-233-8185
Overview:
Conductor Carylee Zwang
Pieces and Soloists:
Get Lucky - Daft Punk/Pharrell Williams; Justin Olsen, Alyssa Flasch, Mia Ellingson
Livin' on A Prayer - Bon Jovi; choir only
Dancing Queen - ABBA; Mari Hobson, Dee Holt, Teresa Redd
9 to 5 - Dolly Parton; Kelsea Burton
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond; Silas Carson
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen, Mark McGahan
Enter Sandman - Metallica; Lorah Bodie
Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd; Ty Redd, Teresa Redd
November Rain - Guns N Roses; Raven Cain
Devil Went Down to Georgia - The Charlie Daniels Band; Andrew Briggs, Savannah Billeter, Lindsay Szczesny, fiddle
Sky Full of Stars - Cold Play, orchestra version.
Guitar, Stan Szczesny
Bass, Jordan Sanders
Drum Kit, Ian Shaw
Choreography with Guest Dancers:
Shellee Younkin for 9 to 5 and Dancing Queen
Torri Adams for Enter Sandman
Lobby music before the concert provided by the SideNote vocal quartet.
Guest Artists:
Kelsea Burton has been a proud resident of Cedar City for 11 years and has been heavily involved with music and theatre in the community ever since. Her most recent stage appearance was playing Mrs. Potts in the Hurricane Theatrical run of “Beauty and the Beast” this summer. She occasionally performs with the local bluegrass group, Home Girls and has performed at several events in Southern Utah including the Utah Summer Games. Bluegrass runs in her blood and she’s thrilled to be able to perform a Dolly Parton song with OSU especially after being in the audience for Rock Gold last February. Kelsea is also a Realtor with Stratum Real Estate Group, mom to three boys, wife to Brandon and is thrilled to participate in Rock Gold II!
Raven Cain, the charismatic lead singer of Six String Revolver, has risen from a challenging upbringing in a doomsday cult to become a prominent figure in rock music. With a history of collaboration with major labels like Universal Music Group, he has released five acclaimed solo albums. His music, marked by introspective lyrics and Southern rock influences, resonates deeply with fans, earning top spots on the 365 music charts. Beyond the stage, Raven's talents extend to martial arts, literature, and television, showcasing his multifaceted nature and cementing his status as a captivating cultural figure.
Lorah Bodie began her musical journey as a student of Dr. Blaine Hart Johnson, at the age of 10. She continued classical voice training into her teens when Rock n Roll became her passion. After she graduated from SUU, she performed with several rock bands from the Southern California area from the late 70s into the early 90s before taking a break to pursue an academic career at San Diego State University. She continued singing at special events, as writing became more of a focus. In 2019, Muffin Records released Lorah’s album, RAIN, the culmination of a writing partnership with French composer, Tristan Des Pres, and a stellar lineup of featured artists. The album is available at LorahBodie.com and all major streaming services. “We've worked to create a positive ripple, our Stitch in Time, messages left behind for those who seek to find.”
Mark McGahan started singing at the age of 16 in the choirs of Canyon View High School. After High school he became the lead vocalist for the rock band Apollo’s Army which is still going strong to this day. He has performed in many music festivals and shows of all kinds over the years and enjoys singing in multiple genres.
Silas Carson is a local musician from Cedar City, UT. As a self taught musician he primarily learned to sing and play the bass by ear while playing along with songs in his bedroom. He has since gone on to perform in many bands and is currently performing with Cedar City's very own, The 8eez.
Alyssa Flasch is excited to be joining OSU for the Rock Gold concert! She earned her bachelor's degree at Carroll University where she studied theatre, music, and business. She went on to earn her Masters of Science in Leadership for Creative Enterprises at Northwestern University. Lyss currently works for a marketing agency as a Junior Strategist and Media Buyer where she works with several performing arts and live entertainment clients. She continues to perform whenever she can, participating in community theatre, independent films, or singing at home while her husband accompanies. Participation in the arts has played a vital role in building her confidence and self-esteem while overcoming her shyness and anxiety; Lyss loves to share that magic of the arts with others in hopes that it will help them as it has helped her. When she isn't working or performing, Alyssa loves to cuddle with her kitten, Mango.
Teresa Redd is from the suburbs of Cleveland, OH, and graduated High School in the 80’s with big hair AND an even bigger love of 70 - 80’s music! Teresa moved to Cedar City, UT in 1993. She attended Southern Utah University where she earned her degree in Music Education and later her Master’s in Music Education. Teresa has taught private piano, vocal and show choir for over 20 years. After raising
a family of five children, Teresa received a job at Canyon View Middle School where she has
taught choir and now orchestra for the past 16 years. Teresa is involved in many music ensembles in the community and is excited to perform with the Orchestra of Southern Utah! Teresa, and Ty, have also been a DJ’s for over 16 years. Ty has been quoted saying to Teresa:
“Girl, you are my “Dancing Queen!”
Dr. J. Ty Redd love of music started in elementary school where he
was allowed to bang on drums! By the time he was in six grade he was
allowed to bang on the drums for the drill team and pep band! He attributes
his love of music to Robert Bowring, who was his Band Teacher all the way
through high school. Ty was the drummer (and vocalist) for a band that traveled
often and consistently. After many years of playing, he decided to attend Southern
Utah University where he found his love of science! Ty went on to graduate with his
PhD in Chemistry. He soon found his way back to Southern Utah University where he has been
Professor of Organic, Medicinal and Biochemistry Chemistry. His hobbies include playing any
instrument he can get his hands on; however, Ty’s favorite instruments are guitar, drums,
piano, and native flute when camping! Ty has become “Comfortably Numb” as he looks forward
to retirement from 35 years of teaching at Southern Utah University!
Savannah Billeter is a vocalist, songwriter and performer who excels in multiple different aspects of music. She has performed with Southern Utah University’s opera class, concert choir and commercial music band Alternate Currents for three years, as well as its chamber choir Opus for one year. She has been writing her own music since she was 12 years old and made her first recording at 16, finally composing and publishing her first single “Naomi” at age 20. She has performed in multiple musicals, plays and operas as well as several open mics and even performed with Alternate Currents at The NAMM Show singing her original song City Lights. Her goal is to one day professionally write, produce and perform music for others to be able to spread a message of love, as well as provide a safe space to everyone who listens. She has been working towards this by taking several Commercial Music Technology courses at Southern Utah University and is on track to get her degree in spring 2025.
Dee Holt is from rural Colorado where she spent the 80’s recording the Top 40 off the
radio every Saturday on her cassette deck. She was in a rock band in the early 90’s
while studying vocal music at Western State University of Colorado. After raising three
kids, she taught high school and junior high choir for 7 years before moving to Cedar
City. She sings Messiah with the Southern Utah Chorale every Christmas, and is the
assistant director of In Jubilo—Cedar City’s premier women’s chorale. She also sings
with the award winning acapella group SideNote. Her favorite rock song is from the 80’s
of course! Twisted Sister “We’re Not Gonna Take It!” She’s excited to perform tonight
with OSU!
Justin Olsen has enjoyed music his entire life. He participated in many choirs from the time he was in elementary school through his collegiate years. Since graduating from Southern Utah University in 2021 with a degree in Spanish, he has been a regular participant in community events, particularly his involvement with Cedar Valley Community Theatre. In his free time, he enjoys listening to and singing along with music; playing, teaching, and running games of Dungeons and Dragons; and spending time with friends and family.
Jordan Sanders hails from Castle Dale, Utah and grew up enjoying the outdoors
in the San Rafael Swell and the surrounding areas. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance from Southern Utah University and a Masters degree in Music Technology also from SUU. He sings opera and has performed in a number of operas at Southern Utah University. He has also been involved in professional theater in the Neil Simon Festival in Cedar City. He sings, plays bass, guitar, piano and drums and has recently finished producing his third album of his own music. He has been producing music on his own since 2011 and has been producing music with others in Southern Utah since 2014. He has an eclectic taste in music, both in listening and performing and gets to show that with the 8eez band in which he takes part.
Stan Szczesny has played guitar for 34 years. He studied jazz improv at Cornish College of the Arts under Howard Schaunzer and classical guitar under Barry Brooksby at SUU. Currently, he is lead guitarist for the regional cover band The 8eez. He lives in Cedar City with his wife Lindsay Fife Szczesny and their five children.
Lindsay Fife Szczesny began violin lessons with Sara Penny at age 6 in 1985. This past summer, she loved being the fiddler in Fiddler on the Roof with SimonFest, now American Crossroads Theatre. As a kid, she learned to fiddle as a member of Fife Family Fiddlers and High Country Fiddlers, led by her mom, Carol Fife. Today, Lindsay teaches violin and viola in Cedar City and loves the process of seeing students of all ages become great fiddlers!
Ian Shaw was born and raised in Nashville, TN. He has a diverse musical background, playing drums/percussion in a variety of ensembles throughout high school and college including drum corps, jazz bands, percussion ensembles, marching bands, concert bands, worship teams, and pit orchestras. Ian graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering and from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering. After graduate school, he and his wife embarked on a series of adventures (including thru-hiking the PCT in 2019 and spending 6 months living out of a van in New Zealand) that ultimately led to the move out west to Cedar City. It was here that Ian started playing bass (and then drums) in the local rock'n'roll band Runaway Fire, reigniting a passion for music performance that had been lying dormant. When not at his day job as a structural engineer, you can find Ian exploring the outdoors with his family or touring around the Western US with Runaway Fire.
Dr. Andrew Briggs is the Director of Choral Activities at Southern Utah University. He directs the Opus choir and Concert Choir, teacher voice and conducting, as well as oversees the Choral Music Education program. He has been a professional singer, and conductor in Arizona, Texas, and Utah. Andrew sings opera, jazz, musical theater, and pop.
Andrew graduated with his doctorate in Voice from Arizona State University in 2014, where he and his wife Kristin earned their Masters in 2010. His repertoire includes in Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Mass in C and Requiem, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, and Handel’s Messiah to name a few. He was also the soloist for the premiere work Tito’s Say by James DeMars in 2010.
Andrew and Kristin started the Summerwood Community Choir & Orchestra in Houston TX in 2019, where Andrew has conducted productions of Rob Gardner's The Lamb of God and selections from Handel's Messiah. He is in demand as a vocal and choral clinician, and he and his wife and six kids live in Cedar City, UT.
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| The SideNote vocal quartet will provide lobby music before the concert. This photo is from a Final Friday Art Walk this season. |
Concert Program
(Concert poster design is by Rollan Fell.)
2023 concert link Photos from Rock Gold Volume 1
