Get Ready for Songbird Saturday, April 11th in Sonora!

A  throng of great musicians live in and around  Sonora’s mountains! “Tuolumne County is home to some great music festivals and  musical theatre.,” says community arts advocate B.Z. Smith. “We have quite a blend with American Folk, Blues, Broadway, Celtic, Classical, Jazz, Punk, Rock N Roll, Salsa, and for more than 30 years,  California’s acoustic gem, the Strawberry Music Festival!” Many exceptional talents contribute to the region’s reputation for great music.

And then there is the steady rhythm of original songs, written by gifted locals. So, it’s no small wonder that Sonora 2^nd Saturday Art Night hosts 50+ musicians each month in the historic downtown’s growing arts and cultural district. They fill shops, galleries, eateries and Stage 3, the downtown live theatre spot, with solo acts, bands, duos, all sharing their music and lending pleasure to 2^nd Saturday Art Night revelers. “You might even catch our local Grammy Winner!” quips Smith, who founded the monthly Art Night.

Now in its fifth year, Sonora 2^nd Saturday Art Night has launched a new program in 2015, called  “2^nd Saturday AFTER 8,” working in partnership with Sonora Chamber of Commerce. “Our Art Night visitors kept asking for something that lasted on into the later evening,” explains Art Night committee member Laurie Lehmann, “So, we gave birth to the ‘AFTER 8’ idea. In 2015 we’re hosting three special nights of entertainment.” Just as downtown shops and galleries begin to close their doors for the night, “2^nd Saturday AFTER 8” springs to life—Film premieres, concerts, dances, and much more in the works.

On April 11^th  at 8pm, Art Night offers “Songbird Saturday,” at Stage 3 Theatre, 208 S. Green St., doors opening at 7:30pm. “Our ‘Songbird Saturday’ highlights six talented singer-songwriters, spanning three generations,”  says organizer Katie Dunn, who inspired the event.  The evening welcomes longtime Americana artist Richard Sholer of the Coyote Hill Band, Tim McCaffrey of the Little Fuller Band, The Lundgren Sisters—Hanna and Sophia, soloist Andrew Danté and award-winning songwriter Grover Anderson, who will also act as emcee. “These musicians have great talent and rich experience. Their tastes range from Western Swing and Jazz through Dirty Bluegrass and Blues, right into the latest sounds of a new generation of Indie music,” Dunn explains. Each performer takes the spotlight to tell about the inspirations and stories behind their original songs. As they perform, the others play along to accompany. “Expect an evening of surprises, laughter and a few tears. These folks tug at heart -strings with their songs,” Dunn notes.

The evening is also a benefit for 2^nd Saturday’s new Mountain Performers’ Fund.  “This new fund will help support the well-being and sustainable artistic pursuits of  our Art Night performers,” explains Art Night committee member Sarah Nesper. “They’re all devoted to their art, while trying to eek out a living. We want to provide them with additional help.” To that end, the evening will be accented by a benefit raffle, offering a cluster of deluxe gift baskets.”

“Songbird Saturday” tickets include an offering of hors d’oeuvres and desserts with a No-Host Wine & Beer Bar. Advance  tickets of $20 are now on sale  at the Stage 3 Box Office, Downtown Funky Junk, in the historic Mundorf’s Building at 71 S. Washington St., and at Mountain Bookshop, in the Sonora Junction Plaza at 13769 Mono Way in East Sonora.  On the evening of the show, any unsold tickets will be available at the door for $25. On board to help is ShoSounds with audio engineering.

For more information, check out www.2ndsaturdayartnight.org. And come join us for a 2^nd Saturday Art Night year round in the historic Gold Rush town of Sonora, CA.

WHO: Sonora 2^nd Saturday Art Night Committee, in partnership with Sonora Chamber of Commerce

 WHAT: “Songbird Saturday: A 2^nd Saturday Art Night AFTER 8 Event,” featuring Theatre in the Round performances by Richard Sholer, Tim McCaffrey, The Lundgren Sisters, Andrew Danté and Grover Anderson (also acting as emcee).

 WHEN: Saturday, April 11^th, 2015, at 8pm. Doors open at 7:30pm

 WHERE: Stage 3 Theatre, 208 S. Green St., historic downtown Sonora, CA

 WHY: Three generations of regional singer-songwriters share their inspiration and stories behind their song. Plus, the event is  fund raiser for 2^nd Saturday’s Mountain Performers’ Fund, helping to support the livelihood of local Art Night performers.

 HOW: Tickets–$20 in advance (include hors d’oeuvres).Available at Stage 3’s Box Office, Downtown Sonora’s Funky Junk and Mountain Bookshop Any remaining tickets can be purchased at the door for $25. The evening supports the Mountain Performers’ Fund, and will  include a charity raffle of deluxe gift baskets and a No-Host Wine & Beer bar.