Centre Stage Productions

Friday, September 9  7-9 p.m.  The national-touring band Troubaduo will perform its eclectic mix of acoustic rock, folk, blues, soul and more. The concert, presented by the non-profit Stagelights Musical Arts Community, will be at The Event Center, 800 Chetco Ave., Brookings.
Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door and all proceeds benefit Stagelights and it’s music outreach and education projects. Tickets are available at Earl E. Books, 511 Fern Ave., and Chetco Music Co., 615 Chetco Ave.
After a decade of performing in bands and solo, musicians Jill Marie and Bryson VanCleve formed the soul-singing duo Troubaduo after meeting in Los Angeles in 2008.
The husband-and-wife team are currently on a national tour, performing 150-plus shows this year.
The band’s website states, “Troubaduo writes mostly artistic Americana and folk with elements of blues, sunshine pop, rock, psychedelic, gospel, soul and jazz, placing an emphasis on lyrics.”
The duo has recorded with world-renown musicians linked to artists such as Tom Petty, Alison Krauss, Johnny Cash, Sara McLachlan and Sammy Hagar. Their list of musical influences include Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings, Tracy Chapman, Van Morrison, Ryan Adams, the Allman Brothers, Stevie Wonder, and Blues Traveler.
Troubaduo supports non-profits including PreemptiveLove.org, a reputable non-profit that raises money and awareness for children in Northern Iraq “whose bodies have been highly affected by chemical warfare and need new hearts,” according to its website.
Troubadouo’s accomplishments include being named featured vocalist of the month in the February 2009 issue of Songwriter Universe Magazine; and writing the Campaign song for the 2007 Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Watch videos of Troubaduo at www.coastalgrooves.com.

Saturday, June 18 7 p.m. to midnight-Stagelights will hold it’s biggest fundraiser to date.  Re-live your Prom Night and dance the night away with live music, great food, prom photos, beer & wine…and fun!  This event will be held at The Rink, corner of Railroad and Center Street in downtown Brookings.  Tickets are $65 for couples, $35 for singles, and price includes two drink tickets, a prom photo,  and gourmet finger-foods prepared by The Two Chefs.  Photos by Jef Hatch Photography, beer & wine provided by MoVino.  Dance to music performed by the Fabulous Spence Bros.

Tickets are available at Cousins & Co. Music, 615 Chetco Ave., Brookings/Earl E. Books, 511 Fern St., Brookings/New Wave Video, So. Coast Shopping Center/Harvest Natural Foods, Crescent City.

Stagelights Music Showcase is scheduled for February 26th a Saturday from 7pm to 10pm at the Performing Arts Center in Harbor

Saturday, December 18   1-4 p.m.  Join us for our first event in the new Stagelights Studios location, 619 Chetco Ave.  (just south of the Redwood Theater) The open house will feature music lesson teacher demonstrations, workshops, refreshments, and drawings.  Don’t miss this opportunity to win a free month of music lessons!  Most of our teachers will be on hand to answer questions and to sign up students.  Gift certificates will be available too…

Saturday, November 20 7-9 p.m.  Portland’s Robert Richter will perform at the Chetco Playhouse, 1240 Chetco Ave., Brookings.  Admission is $10 at the door, $8 advance ticket purchase.  Tickets are available at Cousins & Co. Music, 615 Chetco Ave., downtown Brookings.  This is a Stagelights event and the proceeds will benefit both the artist and the music lesson scholarship fund.  Robert will also host a FREE slide guitar workshop at 2:00 the day of his performance.  Please see the post for that event for more information. 

Singer songwriter guitarist Robert Richter is an energetic performer creating music that blends different genres from folk to blues to rock all played with passion and energy entertaining audiences around the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Portlander Richter began teaching himself guitar at the age of 12 when he purchased a Sears “Silvertone” guitar from a neighbor for $5 and the promise to mow his lawn for a month. (He still has the guitar) Over the years Richter has become known as a versatile singer/songwriter and guitarist. His skilled and emotional slide guitar playing often works his audiences into “hoots and hollers.” 

Richter’s credits include appearing on Tom May’s nationally syndicated radio program “River City Folk,” carried on more than 250 NPR affiliates nationwide. In addition, his music was played on the “Bob Dylan Radio Hour” heard on the Sirius Satellite Network and on KUSF-FM in San Francisco.

“Robert Richter is a charismatic entertainer that gives his all every time he performs and is a stellar musician.”  Morry Feldman, WQED-FM Pittsburgh, PA.

Solo or with his band he performs regularly around the Northwest at festivals, outdoor concerts and other venues.  He has also opened for a number of regional and national acts.

Saturday, October 23 7-10   Stagelights presents the community open mike hosted by local singer-songwriter (and Stagelights board member) Perry Devine.  Join us for a fun evening of music with a variety of performers, or just come to root them on.  Donations are gratefully accepted for this event. 

Since we are in the process of packing and moving, there will be no prepared food available during this event.  We will have coffee, tea, espresso drinks, sodas, water, popcorn and maybe some other munchies. 

Saturday Sept. 16 7 p.m.  Katy Boyd and Benny Wain, touring musicians from the UK, will perform in concert in a Stagelights fundraiser.  Local college student Mariah Leanne and former Brookings resident Mason McKinney will open the show.  Suggested donation $8 at the door. 

Saturday, October 2

From the San Francisco Bay Area…

2:00  PM: Nancy Cassidy with Dayan Kai  -   Children’s music.  This is a free show with donations  gladly accepted for the Stagelights Musical Arts Community. We will split  the donations 50/50 with the artists.

7:00  PM:   Nancy Cassidy with Dayan Kai  -   Folk and Americana.  $8 suggested donation. This is a  fundraiser for the Stagelights Musical Arts Community. We will split  the donations 50/50 with the artists.

Saturday, Sept. 25 7-9 p.m.  Stagelights presents husband and wife duo in a fundraiser for the newly begun lesson program.  All proceeds go toward lesson scholarships, thanks to Jill and Bryson who are generously donating their time.  Tickets are $15 for dinner and show, $5 for show only.  Menu includes all you can eat taco dinner.  Troubaduo performs a wide variety of music with guitar, mandolin and vocals. 

Note:  So sorry this listing did not get posted in time to make this show.  The show was terrific though, and thank you Troubaduo for making such a special evening for those who attended.  Thanks also to Takilma FM Radio for broadcasting live from Centre Stage.  You can listen to Takilma FM on the world-wide-web!

Tuesday, July 13

7:00 to 10:00 PM:  Centre Stage - Two bands from Bismarck North Dakota: Zoo On Fire and Slave to the Mushroom Cloud -  Punk / Rock / Pop. $5 suggested donation. This is a fundraiser for the Stagelights Musical Arts Community. Centre Stage is located in the Central Building, 703 Chetco Ave (Hwy 101). 

Sunday, July 11  1-4 p.m.  Stagelights presents it’s second music variety show, this time at the bandshell in Azalea Park as part of the American Music Festival.  Please join us as we showcase some very talented musical artists performing songs from a variety of genres.  This is a fundraiser for the Stagelights Musical Arts Community and a donation jar will be passed around.  Bring your lawn chairs or beach blankets, snack and cold drinks…bring your friends and bring your kids as this is for all ages!  For the teen-age set, we have a special surprise in the form of a couple of punk/pop bands traveling around on tour…they will also be playing at Centre Stage on Tuesday, July 13th. 

Saturday, July 10 8-10 p.m.  Garrick Rawlins (see bio below), will entertain us with his originals…guitar and vocals.  Fundraiser for Stagelights music lesson program, $5 suggested donation. (half the proceeds will go to the performer, half to Stagelights).  Doors will stay open after artwalk, so come on in and get a good seat!  The Backstage Cafe’ will be open with our regular menu and some evening specials. 

Bio:

“I’m forever chasing striking blends of folk, rock, country, cowboy, jazz, punk, blues in songs I write and perform. Born in Wichita Kansas, mostly raised in Sturgis, Michigan, then Kalamazoo, on to Chicago, too long in Southern CA, & for the time being basing out of Northern Arizona.  Began as a hard rock electric guitar player emulating the high energy rock out of Detroit, fell in love with the blues in Chicago. Moved out west to L.A. to play some rock and roll and somehow became Ramblin’ Jack Elliott’s road manager, opener and sidekick for a while(he duets w/ me on my recording of Dollars To Dust) becoming solo artist. While in L.A. I had the good fortune of getting to know and open shows for world-class songwriters/guitarists Dave Alvin and Rick Shea, some of the best California has to offer.

 My music is neither traditional folk, blues nor rock and roll. The best I can describe it in terms of comparison, with no intent of insulting the masters, is Neil Young meets Johnny Cash meets Woody Guthrie meets Led Zeppelin meets Wayne Kramer (of MC5) meets Townes Van Zandt meets Dave Alvin meets Tom Russell meets John Prine meets…well, you get the idea. I could never be all of those things but I think anyone with similar tastes can hear seeds of a lot those and many other influences coming right back out in my own songs.” 
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Saturday, July 3^rd, 7- 9 p.m.  L.K. (Larry) Potts, award-winning singer-songwriter from Petaluma, CA will be featured on Centre Stage.  Larry’s music is described as acoustic folk with a taste of Americana, country, blues, jazz, and pop.  Larry was referred to us by singer-songwriter Steve Meckfessel, who visited us a couple of months ago from the Bay Area.  This is a Stagelights event, suggested donation $5 per person.

Saturday, June 26 7-10 p.m.  It’s time for the monthly open mike, so grab your instrument and come on out to let your talent shine!  Or, just come out to enjoy some great entertainment and cheer your favorite musician on.   This is a Stagelights event, so admission is free, with donations to the music lesson fund always appreciated. 

The Backstage Cafe’ will be open for refreshments!

Sweet Town Little will perform a Preview Concert at Centre Stage, Thursday, April 1 from 7:30 to 9:30.

This will be a free concert, although donations to Stagelights Musical Arts Community  are gratefully accepted.  All proceeds will go toward the development of the lesson program which is almost ready to begin.  We have students waiting, and teachers are formulating their lesson plans…your donations will help defray the costs for both students and Stagelights!  Centre Stage is located at 703 Chetco Ave., Brookings (in the Central Mall)

                      Scott Perry - Lead Vocals, Keys, Guitar         Mike Tyce - Bass
                David Amato – Drums                                    Paul Lopez - Lead Guitar

 Singer/Songwriter Scott Perry has been performing here locally since he was 12 years old. He has won and done well in many competitions including, Southern Oregon Idol, and Colgate Country Showdown.   He has also opened for rising acts such as Country Music Artist, Jake Owen, and American Idol Top 10 finalist, Kristy Lee Cook, from Selma, OR.
Paul Lopez - A guitar player from the young age of eight.  He’s the jack of all genres but rooted in progressive rock, blues, and acoustic originals. Paul now tries his hand at country for the first time and he’s loving it. He says, “it doesn’t matter what you play as long as you have fun doin it.”

Drummer David Amato started playing drums at the age of 10 in Grants Pass, Oregon. He has played in various Rock bands throughout the years, including American Standard, Tongue of Razors, 3DM, and End of Never. David has now discovered his talent in Country Music with Sweet Town Little.
 Mike Tyce has been involved in music since he was 5 years old.  Says he started out playing various instruments but eventually found his interest in playing bass guitar.  After 30 years of playing in several bands, which pertained to different genres such as blues, rock, country, and bluegrass, he now enjoys playing and writing music with Sweet Town Little.

Saturday, April 3 7:00 to 10:00 PM: San Francisco Bay Area singer/songwriter Steve Meckfessel offers intimate songs of family secrets, of long forgotten poets, of separateness, connection, of second chances and acceptance. He is a guitar player’s songwriter with arrangements distinguished by their varied voicings and unexpected chord progressions. Checkout Steve’s website here.

Steve will be joined by songwriters Perry Devine and Larry Diehl for a songwriters-in-the-round set that is sure to be fun and deeply moving at the same time. Checkout Larry’s website here and Perry’s website here.

This show will be a fundraiser for the Stagelights Musical Arts Community. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Tickets are available at Centre Stage and Earl E. Books. Both are located at 703 Chetco Ave (Hwy 101) in Brookings.

Saturday, March 27 7-9 p.m.  Stagelights presents Portland singer-songwriter Christine Havrilla in her first performance at Centre Stage.  This is a fundraiser for the Stagelights Musical Arts Community… $10 at the door  $8 in advance, tickets available at Earl E. Books or The Backstage Cafe’. 

Portland based, Philadelphia native, Christine Havrilla, brings her “well-built, catchy, smart tunes” (Upstage Magazine) to audiences all over! Touring nationally in support of her latest project, “In My Chair,” Christine utilizes the soft gritty texture of her vocals to express warmth and honesty audiences quickly embrace. Named “One of the Top Ten Indie Artists” by The Advocate Magazine, The Washington Post writes, “(Havrilla’s) songs are intelligent and moving, the arrangements are incisive and colorful, and, best of all, Havrilla consistently comes across as a confident and seasoned performer.”

Thanks to our sponsor for this event, Wild Rivers Motor Lodge, Brookings, Or.

 Saturday, March 13, 8:00 pm:  - Alaskan singer/songwriter Tom Begich returns to Centre Stage for an evening of heartfelt contemporary folk music. Tom completely mesmerized the audience with his moving songs, rich vocals and awesome guitar playing when he was here in October. Don’t miss what is sure to be a magical evening. Admission is $10 at the door or $8 in advance. Stop by Centre Stage or Earl E. Books to get your tickets in advance, since this show will probably sell out. This will be a fundraiser for the Stagelights Musical Arts Community, so come out and support this great organization while enjoying some fantastic music.

Wednesday, January 20 6-9 p.m.  You are invited to the Redwood Theater to view the Playing for Change (peace through music) documentary and to experience the uplifting message of the film.  The Stagelights House Band will kick off the show with 45 minutes of music.  There will be a discussion session after the film, and sign up sheets will be available for music lessons and the youth choir.  This is a fund raiser for Stagelights Musical Arts Community and the suggested donation is $5.  If you don’t have a donation, please come anyway!  Doors open at 5:30.  The Redwood Theater is located at 621 Chetco Ave., downtown Brookings.  Our thanks go to Tim Patterson for donating the use of his venue to our cause! 

The mission of Stagelights is: To provide music education, enrichment and enjoyment to all age groups, regardless of their ability to pay, and…To act as a communal center for musicians and aspiring musicians, with a focus on youth and senior outreach. 

Board members:  Kim Banfield, Perry Devine, James Anderson, Scott Graves, Michelle Later. 

Stagelights House Band Members:  James Anderson, Kim Banfield, Perry Devine,  Scott Graves, Jef Hatch, Gordon Later, Paul Lopez, Tim Muehler

For information about Stagelights, or to become involved with our mission, please email Kim at centrestage@charter.net  or phone 541-251-3952.