Philharmonic concludes season with trip to Broadway

The Abilene Philharmonic concludes its 2022-23 season with "Broadway a la Carte II," an evening of classic show tunes featuring guest vocalists and the orchestra.

Returning to the Abilene Convention Center are three "regulars" - Kristen Hertzenberg, Kristi Tingle and Bruce Ewing. All three have performed here as soloists and as part of ensemble programs.

Joining them will be Bethany Mamola and Malcom Payne Jr.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. - 30 minutes after polls close on the city-school election, so attendees can vote and then relax.

The Philharmonic has announced its 2023-24 season, which includes:

• Sept. 23 - "Tales of Light and Darkness," featuring "Four Sea Interludes" by Peter Grimes and Johannes Brahms' "Double Concerto."

• Oct. 28 - "The Fires of Conflict," featuring Sergei Prokofiev's "Piano Concerto No. 2"

• Dec. 2 - "Irish Christmas in America," a world premiere of traditional Irish Christmas music

• Jan. 13 - "The Poetry of Sound," featuring Richard Strauss' "Don Juan" and "La Mer" by Claude Debussy

• Feb. 3 - "The Works of John Williams," featuring well-known themes by the film composer

Single tickets are now for sale at abilenephilharmonic.com.

Local music groups at the Paramount

∎ Celebration Singers has its spring concert Friday at the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St.

The show, beginning at 7 p.m., is titled "Oldies but Goodies." May is Military Appreciation Month, so music selections will pay tribute to the Armed Forces to close the show

The singers are directed by Betty Ann Blackburn, with Larry McGraw serving as emcee.

It's free but donations are accepted. These shows draw a large crowd so be advised seats go fast.

∎ On Tuesday, it's the spring concert for Abilene Community Band.

Director Joe Stephens will led the all-volunteer group in a selection of musical favorites.

It's also free, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Donations to the Joe Stephens Community Band Endowment Foundation are welcome.

Cinco stuff to do

∎ Country music singer Rick Trevino returns to Abilene, more specifically Potosi, for a Cinco de Mayor concert at Potosi Live.

Doors open at 7 p.m. This is an all-ages event.

Cost is $50. An all-you-can-eat taco buffet will be open.

∎ Also this weekend is the Nacho Average Fiesta, a mother-son dance at Rose Park Senior Center.

Sons ages 3-13 can dance the night with moms or mother figures from 7-9 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Advance registration is $12 per person; the price goes to $20 at the door. This is a city of Abilene Parks & Recreation-organized event.

Go its website to register.

Outside stuff to do

∎ The annual CASA Superhero 5K takes off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday from Williams Performing Arts Center on the Abilene Christian University campus.

There is are "Chase the Villain" runs for youngsters - 8:15 a.m. for children ages 2-5 years and at 10:30 a.m. for those 12 and under. There is no cost to participate.

Runners are encouraged to dress as superheroes for the 7th annual fundraising event. Cost to participate is $25 for those age 13 and older.

∎ Big Country Master Naturalists have a Lake Abilene hike planned from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Abilene State Park. Cost is $5 for park admission.

Eat, drink and be merry

"Savor the Taste Tour 2023" is scheduled from 2-5 p.m. Saturday at Allen Ridge, the collection of eateries and such in northeast Abilene at the corner of Judge Ely Boulevard and Ambler Avenue.

Attendees can enjoy the businesses there - Twisted Root, Cork and Pig, Fuzzy's Tacos, Summer Moon, Phoenix Pho and Bahama Bucks, the outdoor water feature and live music.

Cost is $35, with proceeds benefitting Food Bank of West Central Texas.

Live music in town

FRIDAY

• Big Texas, Heff's Burgers & Bar, Mall of Abilene

• Chris Lackey, Mulligans, 1166 Ben Richey Drive

• Double Shot Band, The Ice House, 173 Walnut St.

SATURDAY

• Joe Dean, Betty Rose's, 3934 Catclaw Drive

• Backyard Boys, Heff's Burgers & Bar, Mall of Abilene

• Christy Patton, Mouse Mountain Coffee Bar, 817 South Second St.

• Parkside, Mulligans, 1166 Ben Richey Drive

• Jackson and Jason Hatch, The Ice House, 173 Walnut St.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Philharmonic concludes season with trip to Broadway