The New Christy Minstrels first CoMMA concert

If I don't point my mistakes, who will? Wait — Maybe that's why everyone is lining up the front door.
At 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 20, The New Christy Minstrels (not Minstrel as some of the press releases indicate) will perform their first CoMMA concert as a part of MainStage Morganton, 2008-09. Sorry for the little error, but rest assure there will be well more than one minstrel in the troupe.
It has been more than 40 years since a group of young men and women made their national television debut on The Andy Williams Show in the fall of 1962. That group, The New Christy Minstrels, would go on to win a Grammy for their debut recording, "Presenting The New Christy Minstrels". They continue today to entertain and delight their fans, old and new.
Original members who still appear with the group include Randy Sparks, Clarence Treat, Jackie Miller Davidson, Dolan Ellis and Art Podell. Special new members are Becky Jo Benson, Bill Boycott and when available, Chuck Cole.
Randy Sparks continues to write the music and direct the group. Clarence Treat has taken on the responsibility of vocal arrangements.
Some 'discoveries' by way of TNCM include John Denver, Kenny Rogers & the First Edition, The Spectrum featuring Richard and Karen Carpenter, Michael Nesmith of The Monkees and Michael Martin Murphy.
One of the group's first recordings in the early 1960's was an Etta Baker favorite, "Railroad Bill." "O, Shenandoah" and "This Land is Your Land" appeared at about the same time. "The Big Rock Candy Mountain," "In the Pines," and "(Go) Tell it on the Mountain" have become folk standards from the start.
CoMMA has presented folk legends such as The Kingston Trio, Judy Collins and Janis Ian in past seasons. In the same tradition, we are proud to offer The New Christy Minstrels as the beat goes on… and should bring back some fond memories for many, and create a few new ones as well.
Seldom a MainStage performance goes by that someone doesn't pick my brain about the 'sleepers' on the season — those shows without a lot of name recognition that promise to be something really special.
Everyone fairly well knows the stories and music of "Annie," "Oliver!," and "Jesus Christ Superstar." But there are three shows, back to back in October, that might be considered the CoMMA sleepers of the current season.
The first, on October 4 is Four Celtic Women. Although it is not the 'Celtic Thunder' or any other PBS piece, this music from the Isles promises to be outstanding. Festival of Four brings light classical, pop, and new age chamber music to CoMMA. It's been too long since we have provided such. Their 'touches' will astound you on October 16.
Coming to CoMMA on October 18, certainly the title "Church Basement Ladies" offers up some images and conversation. It's just good clean fun as four ladies and the preacher tell it like it is. If you go to church, ever went to church, or would like to go to church, see "Church Basement Ladies," and see if you can relate.
All these MainStage performances have 7:30 p.m. curtain.
Diverting a bit, this year marks the fifth year of a very talented musician and good friend's coming to Morganton. Classical flamenco guitarist Miguel Pico and his family emigrated from Colombia, South America in 2003 and since that time Miguel has become a part of the Morganton fabric.
Besides teaching guitar to area youngsters and a few oldsters, he has toured and performed as one of the North Carolina Touring Artists. There are few of us who can travel as he does, an ambassador for our city, putting out the word of what a great place Morganton truly is.
When someone picks up roots from a foreign country and chooses Morganton as his new home, it is important that he contribute to its name and success. Miguel's devotion and love for Morganton goes well beyond our city limits. We are fortunate that he chose us. His work with the Burke Art Council and presenting public concerts can make us all proud.
So we started off the column announcing and admitting to a mistake and end it with a 'feel good' bit. I guess we've covered it all for now.