MidWinter Concert
8 pm - Saturday
December 9, 2006
Bellingham High School Auditorium

Kulshan Chorus
appearing with:
Steve Rice, Brian Kirk
and Clipper Anderson
[about the musicians]

ABOUT THE CONCERT

Hello from the Kulshan Chorus !
Please join us for our annual midwinter concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday,
December 9 at the Bellingham High School Auditorium. We invite you and your family and friends to make this event a part of your holiday celebration. You won’t be disappointed. Arrive early, we often sell out!
This season we return to the powerful and eclectic programs for which we were renowned when performing with the Atlantics some years ago. The hallmark of these eclectic programs includes songs of the heart and the hard driving music for which the Kulshan Chorus is recognized. When our colorful 85 voice choir of women, men and children hits the stage, you may find it impossible to sit still. The powerful gospel beat of “soul” Hallelujah and Sound Over All Waters, the fantastic jazz arrangement of S. Claus Is Coming To Town, and the driving rhythm of Noyana, from the heart of South Africa, certainly excites us as singers, and has often set many in our audience to dancing.

This season we will also perform three of our favorite songs by local composer, Linda Allen, and a beautiful carol from our collection of Polish “Koledy,” arranged and sent to us by Stefan Stuligroz. His arrangements are “jewels.” What is special about this program is the chance for many of our new singers, and many of you who may have recently joined our audience, to experience the power and drive of these golden favorites that we love to sing.

The Kulshan Chorus will travel to Ecuador next summer, so some of the music for the tour will also be included in this, our 18th annual midwinter concert. [see EquaTour 2007]

The Kulshan Chorus is dedicated to providing an opportunity for our singers to work in concert with highly professional and skilled musicians.

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ABOUT THE MUSICIANS

Steve Rice
Pianist, Accordianist

Steve Rice grew up in upstate New York. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, Boston where he was winner of the "Oscar Peterson Award".

Steve moved to Seattle in 1986 and, as a highly regarded jazz pianist, has performed extensively throughout the Northwest. Steve is featured on several outstanding 2006 CD releases including Rouge "Festival Rouge" (French cabaret / accordion), Steel Drummer Gary Gibson "Yahboy" (calypso/jazz fusion) and the Jim Cutler Jazz Orchestra. A personal highlight is his guest slot on the new mega-cheerful Jean Jacques Perrey / Dana Countryman "Happy Electropop Music Machine".

Steve Rice teaches Jazz Piano and Theory at North Seattle Community College. He lives in Ballard with his teenage son, and recently delivered his daughter for her freshman year at WWU!

Brian Kirk
Drummer/Percussionist/Composer

Brian Kirk has been an active member of the Seattle Jazz Community since his arrival from New York City. Kirk has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Jack McDuff, Bobby Hutcherson, The Pointer Sisters, Gladys Knight, and was first call on New Yorks’ Broadway scene having performed in shows including “Ain’t Misbehavin, Five Guys Named Moe, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Miserables and Jelly’s Last Jam,” featuring Gregory Hines.

Brian Kirk has made numerous recordings for movies and records including the soundtracks from “Philadelphia” starring Tom Hanks, “A Rage in Harlem” starring Forrest Whitaker, and the original Broadway soundtracks of “Ain’t Misbehavin,” featuring The Pointer Sisters and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Five Guys Named Moe.”

Brian is currently the Instructor of Jazz and Music Theory at Seattle Central Community College received an M.A. Jazz Contemporary Music Studies from New York University.

Clipper Anderson
Bassist

Clipper Anderson is one of the most popular bassists in the Northwest. He was described by Seattle's "Earshot" jazz magazine as "a player for the connoisseur to savor." A native of Polson, Montana, Clipper played both french horn and bass in high school. He graduated from the University of Montana, having studied bass with Frank Diliberto.

After a professional stint in the Spokane area, he moved to Seattle. Clipper Anderson has toured and played with a number of internationally-known jazz artists, including Randy and Michael Brecker, Toots Thielmanns, Herb Ellis, Bob Mintzer, Diane Schurr, Freddie Hubbard, James Williams, and many others.

As a seasoned educator, Clipper has taught privately at Spokane Falls Community College, Eastern Washington University in Cheney, and numerous clinics and festivals at schools and colleges. For the past nine years, Anderson has been involved in various groups participating in a program called "Music For Youth."

Once again, join us for a power-packed musical evening and plan to set your foot a-tapping. Who knows, you may even decide you would like to sing with us in this chorus!
Hope to see you there,
Roger Griffith
Musical Director, Kulshan Chorus

The 85 voice Kulshan Chorus includes men, women and children of all ages and is well known in Bellingham and throughout Whatcom County for its colorful and powerful concerts. Our musical repertoire is taken from sources throughout the world.
We sing with a heartfelt desire for peace and dignity, in honor of human and cultural diversity and stewardship of the world.

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