An Evening With Mitzi Smith and Friends will be the inaugural presentation of the Friday Night Concert Series, at Red Mountain United Methodist Church, on Nov. 13.
Mitzi has performed throughout the world with such stars as Elton John and Jason Mraz. Her Gospel favorites and Contemporary Christian hits will be featured, accompanied by J.R. McAlexander’s live band.
J.R., organist and keyboardist for the church, owns Showtune Productions, a company providing musical entertainment at venues throughout the Southwest. After bringing the very successful Broadway Classics show to the church for the past two years, he suggested the church sponsor the Friday Night Concert Series.
“We are bringing in a wide variety of shows from Christian Rock, Gospel, Big Band, Bluegrass, Classical, Opera and Broadway music just in our first season,” J.R. explained. “We are trying to appeal to all age groups, and all the shows are family friendly. The church has just installed a new lighting and upgraded sound system, making it an ideal place for concerts.”
When asked why the church is hosting the concerts, J.R. replied, “The main reasons for the concert series are to provide cultural diversity to the East Valley, to give an opportunity to the church to reach new people, and to be a fund-raiser for our youth program and other great programs the church offers.”
Concerts for 2016 are:
The Tetra String Quartet—Jan. 15
These Arizona State University faculty members have performed this interactive concert worldwide, featuring popular Chamber music.
It Had To Be You—Feb. 12
New York City vocalist Mark DiConza, accompanied by a live band, sings the classic pop hits of Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jr., Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.
Sonoran Dogs Bluegrass Band—March 4
This popular Tucson-based group celebrates traditional and contemporary Bluegrass music.
Falling in Love With Love—April 8
Phoenix natives Jordan and Kaitlynn Bluth celebrate their lives together through opera and musical theatre classics.
All performances begin at 7 p.m., in the worship center. Season subscriptions and tickets for An Evening With Mitzi Smith are available now. Tickets for the concert are only $18 for adults and $10 for children. Subscriptions for all five concerts are $75. Tickets are available at rmumc.com or at Red Mountain United Methodist Church, located at 2936 N. Power Road. For more information, call (480) 981-3833.