'Plugging' for the arts

By: Bill Wilson | Morganton News Herald
Published: October 30, 2008

It is not usually the practice of one business to promote the product or services of its competition.
That's not always the case when it comes to the performing arts. So I would like to put in a little "plug" for something I know you'll love if you missed it last week at CoMMA — or pass the word along to your out-of-town friends and family.
All the hype of "Church Basement Ladies" proved understated to the sheer fun and laughter derived from Troupe America company's musical stage production. Four "crazy" ladies and the preacher kept the more that 700 in attendance at CoMMA rolling in the aisles and busting a few ribs for nearly two hours.
Should you or yours be in the vicinity of another performance during the national tour of this wonderful "slice of life" piece, make a point to go. Ask anyone who saw this Minnesota spirited quintet and they'll tell you to race to the box office for your tickets.
Considering all the bad news that seems to be pouring into our lives these days, "Church Basement Ladies" was just the right sermon at the right time for many.
Congratulations to promoter Ricky Metcalf in his presenting Rhonda Vincent and the Rage at CoMMA last Saturday evening. The orchestra level was full as Rhonda and company entertained fans attending from six different states.
Rhonda Vincent's last visit to CoMMA was Valentine's Day, 2003. The seven-time IBMA Artist of the Year just gets better and better. There is no doubt this will not be her last journey onto the Morganton stage.
If you are interested in "Stayin' Alive," (the show as well as the idea) good seats remain available for the Nov. 8 "Tribute to the Bee Gees." Whether you are a shag enthusiast or just like the music of the 1970s, there will something for everyone in this high-energy pop concert.
Please know that "Stayin' Alive" is a re-creation of the Brothers Gibbs in concert and is not actually the Bee Gees themselves. Much as it may be worth it to many, that concert ticket would sell for $100 and up. CoMMA's are quite a bit less, and once the show begins, you won't be able to tell the difference. Call the box office at 433-SHOW for your tickets today.
As mentioned earlier in this column, local promoters and presenters have played an important role in event activity at CoMMA. The trend and tradition continues into the fall and winter with "A Piano Celebration" at 6 p.m. on Nov. 15. This is the third year for this stellar concert of the keyboard and it always draws a large audience.
New to the CoMMA stage is "A Smoky Mountain Christmas," presented by Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, with three performances held on Dec. 6 and 7. Tickets are $4 each for this church and community concert that is worth so much more in so many ways.
Tickets are moving fast, so don't wait until the last minute for you do not want to miss either of these upcoming concerts.
By the time we talk again, the good old USA will have a new president and a lot of other new folks in leadership roles. CoMMA is having a good year with our folks staying close to home for their entertainment activity. Let's hope our country will begin to have a good year too … and soon. We need it.

Bill Wilson is a local columnist for The News Herald.