2011 Calvary & the Arts Concert Series

October 12 - December 7
Wednesdays at 12:05

Great musicians and great food are a Memphis tradition. Calvary & the Arts celebrates this tradition with free concerts each Wednesday at 12:05, October 12-December 7. Join us each week for a unique musical experience, offered in loving memory of Dottie Jones. Concerts last approximately 45-50 minutes and are followed by lite-fare lunch ($5.00).

October 12
Kirk Whalum

Forged from his Memphis gospel roots and his 1980’s initiation into the thriving Houston, TX, nightclub scene, Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. “Soulful,” “passionate,” “stirring” … are words most often used to describe his music. Kirk is the recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgements for his musical excellence including three Dove Award nominations, an NAACP Image Award nomination and two Stellar Awards—Gospel music’s highest honor. Come and welcome Kirk back to our stage for the opening of our 2011 season.

October 19
Holly Cole and the Memphis Dawls

Beautiful and talented, these ladies are just stellar! Holly Cole sings backed by Jana Misener (Giant Bear) on cello and vocals and Krista Wroten (Yazoo Shakes, Black Max) on violin, accordion and vocals. Holly is one of the best singer/songwriters in a prolific crop of Memphis musicians, creating an epic, flowing sound that may remind you of the expansive West Texas soundscapes of say, Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Lovely acoustic strumming, songs and singing with an undercurrent of atmospheric twangs and echos of saws and other almost indecipherable sounds. You will not want to miss this fresh new sound on the Memphis scene.

October 26
Rhodes Singers

 The Rhodes Singers perform many concerts annually, tour throughout the United States, and every three years tour internationally. Last summer, they participated in the Rome International Choral Festival, and in 2012 members will participate in the Salzburg Choral Festival, touring also to Vienna and Prague. In 2011, they performed, by invitation, at the National Cathedral, in Washington DC, and at the Kennedy Center, for a special Presidents’ Day Concert. Also in 2011, they performed several works by Alice Parker, receiving coaching from the distinguished composer and arranger through the Springfield Music lecture series.

November 2
Maria Spence 

One moment she’s delivering some of the gutsiest down-home blues, the next she’ll sweetly jump into a soulful ballad that tugs on your heartstrings. All’s fair in love and life, and there’s no place her music won’t take you. Maria’s band is a tight group of seasoned players who create a powerful and unique sound – every tune, every groove. The voice, the band, and the songs create an eclectic, versatile mix of music. This is one show you won’t want to miss.

November 9
Memphis Jazz Orchestra

 Our celebration of great Memphis music continues with the Memphis Jazz Orchestra. This concert honors our veterans with that great music that kept the country swinging, dancing and sometimes crying. Standards by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman and Frank Sinatra along with a medley of the service anthems will fill this program. Dancing in the aisles is permitted!

November 16
Joyce Cobb

Joyce is a Jazz Diva with a Memphis Soul, and there’s no doubt about it. Joyce returns to our stage with her own blend of soul, blues and jazz. She has brought her own Memphis style to clubs near and far. Let her soul get your fingers snapping and your feet tapping.

November 30
The Memphis Boy Choir

Come and celebrate with us as we honor and Chamber Choir and The Memphis Boy Choir in their 24th season. The choir, along with the Chamber Choir, recently toured Washington, DC and performed at the Canadian Embassy, The National Cathedral, The Basilica of the National Shrine and the Singapore Embassy. Join us for a concert of beautiful music for Advent and Christmas.

December 7
Christmas Pops Concert

Calvary & the Arts ends the season with members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Christmas Pops. Started in 2002 by former Calvary Organist-Choirmaster, Thomas Pavlechko, this concert is now a Memphis tradition. Come and enjoy favorites of the Christmas season by Leroy Anderson (“Sleigh Ride” and the “Christmas Fantasy”) as well as other well-loved symphonic works. Ring in the season with us!