Come to the River @ Cain Park 6/25/10
There were some differences between last year’s Come to the River by Apollo’s Fire and this year’s version. (By the same group, that is.) Some of the music was different, some of the performers were different, but the biggest change came in venue. In their 18th season, Apollo’s Fire finally made the big stage – at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. This move necessitated one of the biggest changes in the company’s history: the vast space required a bit of amplification.Anyone who knows me, knows I’m not a fan of amplification or enhancement as it is sometimes called. But I must admit, this was perhaps the best example I’ve ever heard. I was seated fairly near the stage in the pavillion, so I can’t speak for those who sat on the lawn, but there was never too much sound for the space. Congratulations to all who made that possible! I could find no mention of those responsible, or I would mention them by name, and accord them a huge ovation, as well.
The main performers were mostly the same, with the addition this year of a pair of dancers, instead of the banjo player from last year. There was also a small chorus, two of whom stepped forward for a tune with the principals. Beginning with Jeannette Sorrell at the harpsichord and hand drum on occasion, they were: Sandra Simon and Abigail Haynes Lennox, soprano; Scott Mello, tenor, and Paul Shipper, bass vocals plus guitar, with Kathie Stewart, wood flute, recorder and penny whistle; Rachel Jones, fiddle; Tina Bergmann on hammered dulcimer, and René Schiffer, cello. The dancers were Matthew Olwell and Emily Oleson. In addition to taking a turn or two on the hand drum, Mr. Olwell soloed as a percussive body dancer. To be very honest, he has to be seen to appreciate his skill: mere words wouldn’t come close!
As it did last year, the program tells a story, partially based on Ms. Sorrell’s younger years in Appalachia, where she experienced ‘passionate preaching and singing.’ It’s a mix of gospel, hootenany and folk, with perhaps a touch of classical mixed in here and there. Whatever it is, it’s thoroughly entrancing, especially when peformed by these experts.
As one would expect of Apollo’s Fire, the musicianship is as-near perfect as is possible: the voices, the instrumentalists – everything! This performance had yet another element added—theatrical lighting—which provided an entire new look to the evening. Again, the technician(s) were unidentified, but his or her contribution was not un-noticed. And not just be me, either.
Shenandoah Valley Memories was the first segment filled, with traditional fiddle and other country-type tunes. One cannot sit still during this music. Each performer had a turn in the spotlight. An entire evening of this sort of music would not be half enough, in my opinion. It was great!
Next was the Covered Wagon Journey, as the family (father, mother, niece and young man) starts out in a covered wagon, heading west. Unfortunately, the younger man (Scott Mello) discovers that eternal trouble-maker—liquor—and ends up in jail, for having killed his supposed rival. In this case, it was Mr. Schiffer, who made an amazing resurrection, just in time for intermission!
Crossing Over Jordan was a short segment featuring Ms. Lennox’s clear soprano and Ms. Jones on the violin in a powerful rendition of Wayfaring Stranger. The final section Revival Meeting presented Mr. Shipper as the revival’s preacher man, as well as the the entire ensemble in a variety of hymns . The conclusion was a multi-stanza Down in the River to Pray, led by Ms. Sorrell, accompanied by the very large—and very happy!—audience. This program is also available (in limited supply) on CD. Official release is next year May.
Information regarding the upcoming season is at the website: http://www.ApollosFire.org.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz, who writes: My most recently published book is Ardenwycke Unveiled (e-book and trade paper). Cerridwen has another contemporary romance from me, But Not For Love, currently available only as an se-book, but perhaps will be in print later this year. I hope to soon get around to completing some of the 30+ incomplete books in my computer!
By the way, Cerridwen has also accepted two of my short stories in their Scintillating Samples (complimentary reads) area: Song of the Swan and Unexpected Comfort. I love photography as well, as you can see here. Occasionally I teach writing workshops and sometimes do editing or ghostwriting on a free-lance basis. But over and above everything else, there’s always been the writing. I can’t imagine my life without it.
And now, after more than a few requests, I’ve started a blog about writing. You can find it here.