Cuyahoga Valley National Park Announces Fall Concert Series

Date: July 28, 2011
Contact: Mary Pat Doorley, 440-546-5995
Contact: Ralph Davila, 330-657-2909 ext. 109

Brecksville, Ohio - Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park are pleased to announce their fall Cuyahoga Valley Heritage Concert Series line-up. The series celebrates the cultural legacy of the Cuyahoga Valley. The series is sponsored by the Ohio Arts Council, 89.7 WKSU, Cable 9, Courtyard Marriott of Akron/Stow, and the Lloyd L. and Louise K. Smith Foundation.

Admission, unless otherwise noted: $17 adults, $12 Conservancy members, and $5 children ages 3 - 12. General seating. Advance sales are available until 3 p.m. on the Friday for that weekend's show by calling 330-657-2909 or stopping by Park Place in Peninsula. You can create your own subscription series-enjoy three great Cuyahoga Valley Heritage Series concerts for one low price! No cash refunds, but tickets may be exchanged up to 10 days before the concert. Series prices: $45 adults, $30 Conservancy members, and $15 children ages 3 - 12. All concerts are held at Happy Days Lodge and begin at 8 p.m., unless otherwise stated. Doors open at 7 p.m., unless otherwise stated.

On concert days, call the Cultural Arts Hotline at 330-650-4636 ext. 228 after 2 p.m. for up-to-date ticket availability and severe weather cancellations.

Scheduled Concerts

Friday, September 9
Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers
Whether nailing an upbeat honky-tonk tune or a slow, sad story-song, Zoe Muth's music is so honest and familiar, you'll wonder why you haven't heard it yet. Indeed, a spotlight should rest on Muth's strikingly honest vocal delivery and unpretentious, poetic lyrics-but you can't overlook her band, the Lost High Rollers. The soundscapes the band creates match Muth's lyrics flawlessly. Each flutter from the mandolin and every sliding note from the pedal steel seemingly pull the listener down a country road.

Friday, September 16
Baka Beyond
Joining musicians from five countries in the Celtic fringes of Europe and the west coast of Africa, Baka Beyond plays the most original live world fusion sound around. Strong African beats underpin Celtic and Gaelic melodies, producing fast yet gentle rhythms that are totally infectious. This blend makes for a stunning fusion of influences. The spectacular musicianship and improvisational skills of the band combine with a sensitivity learned from the Baka Pygmies in the African rainforest.

Friday, October 14
Maura O'Connell
Captivating stylist, musical explorer, songwriter's singer. Labels have never fully defined the talent of Maura O'Connell. Self-described as "just a singer," Maura's multi-decade singing career has brought her international acclaim and two Grammy nominations. Her start as vocalist for Celtic group DeDanann led to meeting other top-flight acoustic players whose music resonated with her and influenced her blending of Celtic traditions with a wide variety of other genres. Add to her talents a great band, and you have a wonderful evening of fine entertainment.

Saturday, November 12
Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys
One of the most influential accordionists and vocalists in modern Zydeco music, Jeffery Broussard continues to be one of the genre's most dynamic performers. An innovator from the start, he began his career with traditional Creole Zydeco music, playing drums in his father's band, Delton Broussard & The Lawtell Playboys. From there he moved on to develop the nouveau Zydeco sound in Zydeco Force. Broussard now returns to the more traditional Zydeco sound with his own band, Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys. Please note: due to the accompanying dinner/dance option, the venue will open at 7:30 p.m. for general audience seating.

Join us for dinner (and dancing!) in the valley before the show. Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley's own Chef Larkin Rogers will prepare a Creole menu to get the evening started. Band leader Jeffery Broussard will host dance lessons for all dinner guests. Following dessert, the concert will begin. Dinner/dance/concert package: $35 adult, $32 Conservancy members, $15 children under 12. Dinner/dance event begins at 5:30 p.m. Package participants must register in advance.

Saturday, November 19
Joy Kills Sorrow
With its bold new brand of acoustic music, Joy Kills Sorrow pushes through the envelope and out the other side. This Boston-based string band brings a decidedly modern sensibility to a traditional sound, channeling the prodigious talents of its individual members into elegant arrangements and a full arsenal of original songs. While paying homage to its bluegrass roots, Joy Kills Sorrow effortlessly merges influences as diverse as folk, rock, pop, and jazz.

The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a nonprofit organization created to engage public support for the park and provide services to enhance public use and enjoyment of the park. For more information about the Conservancy and its membership program, visit www.conservancyforcvnp.org or call 330-657-2909. CVNP encompasses 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Managed by the National Park Service, CVNP combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural activities in one setting. For more information visit www.nps.gov/cuva or www.dayinthevalley.com or call 330-657-2752 or 800-257-9477.

-NPS-

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