Birch Creek 2023 Fall Concert Series includes Hispanic Heritage Month, World Class Artists and Guest Performers
Talk of the Town
Featuring Kevin Van Ess and his Dixieland Jazz Band
EGG HARBOR, Wis. (August 15, 2023) – Birch Creek presents five concert dates for its Fall Concert Series, plus a fundraiser featuring jazz mallets and Latin roots in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month sponsored by the Associates Volunteers. The world-class faculty performing artists of Birch Creek and guest performers return for Saturday evening concerts that are not to be missed.
The series begins September 9 with Talk of the Town featuring Kevin Van Ess and his Dixieland Jazz Band. Back by popular demand, this nationally recognized Bourbon Street Dixieland Jazz group returns to fill the air with infectious energy and upbeat rhythms. Van Ess, a highly sought-after clarinetist from Wisconsin, has performed with Pete Fountain, Bob Hope and many other sensational artists. A typical Talk of the Town performance will include renditions of New Orleans-style crowd favorites such as “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” and “Bourbon Street Blues.” Audience participation is a highlight.
Dan Moore & Friends
Featuring Wesley Morgan and Rodrigo Villanueva
Members of the Birch Creek Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music faculty return for a performance September 16 featuring program director Dan Moore, mallets; Wesley Morgan, bass; and Rodrigo Villanueva, drums. This ensemble’s exceptional chemistry enables them to push the boundaries, coaxing creative improvisations from well-known melodies in jazz and popular music genres.
Jazz Faculty Favorites
Featuring Katie Ernst, vocals; Michael Stryker, piano; and Scott Burns, Saxophone
On September 23, Birch Creek’s world-class jazz talent reunite for a musical experience that will captivate your senses with silky smooth jazz virtuosity. This performance features Big Band Jazz I faculty favorites Katie Ernst, vocals; Michael Stryker, piano; and Scott Burns, Saxophone.
Percussion Trio
Featuring Brad Stirtz, Carter Stirtz and Wesley Morgan
Local favorite and faculty member in Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music, Brad Stirtz of Naperville, IL, leads a percussion combo for Birch Creek’s Associates Volunteers annual fundraiser on October 7. The concert celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with jazz mallets and Latin vibes, and features bassist Wesley Morgan, and drummer Carter Stirtz, a Birch Creek alumnus who performs professionally nationwide. Experience mesmerizing jazz mallets and Latin percussion in a one-of-a-kind concert, with social time at 5:30 PM, hors d’oeuvres at 6:00 PM catered by Alexander’s, Fish Creek, and the concert at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $100 per person, benefitting Birch Creek students.
On December 2, ring in the holiday season with a cherished tradition in Juniper Hall: a 2:30 PM Matinee Family Concert with free admission for children under 11, followed by a 7:00 PM performance. Both feature Birch Creek’s Symphony Brass, Dan Moore, Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music Program Director and mallet virtuoso, Christmas carol sing along with Cynthia Stiehl, and Door County’s Community Bell Choir led by Ricki Mitchell.
All Fall Concert Series concerts start at 7:00 PM in Juniper Hall. Order tickets at BirchCreek.org/Tickets or call (920) 868-3763.
Birch Creek Music Performance Center celebrates its 48th year as Door County’s Residential Summer Music Academy in Egg Harbor, WI, for advanced student musicians. With a performance emphasis, students are taught by nationally known performers and educators during the day and perform alongside them in concerts at night. Four sessions focus on Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music; Symphony, and Big Band Jazz. Proceeds from all Birch Creek events and concerts provide support for Birch Creek students.
