This is a great opportunity to experience the incredible acoustic space in Armstrong Woods. Magical moments await!

2008 Old Grove Festival Lineup

Saturday, July 19, 2008 - La Catrina (Latin Classical String Quartet) and Russian River Variety Show, gates open at 5:00pm
Founded in 2001, the La Catrina Quartet has a triple mission: to work closely with living composers in order to promote the performance of new music, to promote Mexican and Latin- American art music and toperform the masterworks of the string quartet repertoire. Its members have played as soloists with a variety of orchestras in Mexico and the United States and given recitals in Japan, England, the United States, and Mexico.

The award-winning and highly acclaimed group is quickly gaining accolades world-wide. “The La Catrina Quartet surely must be counted among the most promising young string quartets today. Every note the La Catrina plays is infused with energy, every gesture has a purpose and every phrase is meaningful. Their attention to detail and their dedication to classical music is a breath of fresh air.”—Keith Robinson, cellist, the Miami String Quartet. "How wonderful to hear four young musicians be such good ambassadors for music"—Yo-Yo Ma, concert cellist.  “They are destined for a bright, brilliant career”—Chauncey Patterson, violinist.

Saturday, August 16, 2008 - Junius Courney Big Band and Russian River Variety Show, gates open at 5:00pm
Authentic swing-20 piece bandThe Junius Courtney Big Band delivers the power and subtlety of authentic swing. Led by drummer Nat Courtney, son of the late bandleader and trumpet player Junius Courtney, and under the musical direction of George “Jazzbeaux” Spencer, the Junius Courtney Big Band thrives via a combination of exciting jazz charts and impressive jazz chops.

With internationally-acclaimed recording artist Denise Perrier out front on vocals, the Junius Courtney Big Band redefines the classics and presents originals as new as tomorrow morning. Its twenty-piece strength and forty-plus-years lifetime bring high-definition to the bandstand. As audiences have found, the Junius Courtney Big Band lifts off in live performance to delirious realms of swing.

Friday, September 12, 2008 - The Sun Kings - Beatles cover band and Russian River Variety Show, gates open at 5:00pm
Hailing from Alameda, California, the Sun Kings nail the feel and sound of the Beatles music from 1963 to 1970. Drawn together by a passion for Beatles music, and the love of performing it, the Sun Kings cover the entire spectrum of their recorded history.  The music of the Beatles is encoded into our collective DNA, and The Sun Kings bring the same joy and energy that makes their music so irresistible to the concert stage. This will be a great evening of Beatles hits and classic album cuts played just the way you remember them.  Bring the whole family for a wonderful evening of some of the world’s best-loved contemporary music. 

Saturday, September 13, 2008 - Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew -Sonoma County Repertory Theater, gates open at Noon
Celebrate the Rep’s 15th Anniversary with the Bard’s boisterous, side splitting, and politically incorrect battle of the sexes! Voted best theater company in 2005 and 2006 by the Northern California Bohemian readers’ poll, the Rep is fast becoming known for exceptional theater in intimate settings.

Greek Feast - September 13th - Armstrong Redwoods Group Picnic Area following the play -Last year’s popular post-show “Greek Feast” will return for an encore performance on September 13th following the conclusion of The Taming of the Shrew.  Join the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods for a delicious smorgasbord of tasty delights in the group picnic area following the play.  - GA all tickets $35

Contact the Stewards for details and reservations: 707-869-9177 X 00. (limited to 50 so make your reservations early)

Stewards of the Redwoods website

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