Motor City Brass Quintet

The Fine Arts' Christmas season was again enhanced by this local brass quintet, led by John Rutherford on trombone. Joining John were Derek Lockhart and David Ammer on trumpet, Jacob Cameron on tuba and Detroit Symphony Orchestra member Bryan Kennedy on French horn.

The Motor City Brass Quintet presents "Christmas Vespers." from Brassjar Music on Vimeo.

Halloween Costume Party

Members and guests were hosted by Joann Castle/Hamlin and husband Mike Hamlin in the Signature Grill at The Riverfront Apartments for a rolicking good time at the first annual?? Fine Arts Halloween Costume Party.

A silent auction of items donated by members enhanced the FASD treasury.

For more pictures, see Joann's Album

A Nice Family Gathering

The first play of the 2010 - 2011 season was presented to the delight of two packed audiences.

Directed by Jesse Villegas, the cast of Jackie Detloff, Dan Badia, Lisa Lechniak, Geno Pirrami, Heidi Denler, Matt Decker, Joann Koch and Bill McCarthy provided lots of laughs and some very poignant moments. More than a few tears shed.

The tables at the Playhouse were set in their usual delightful way for members and guests.

For the first time in many years, the dress code for the Friday performance was relaxed, and picnic baskets were the norm.

For more pictures, see Marianne's Album

Planet D Nonet

Fine Arts members and guests enjoyed a rousing kick-off to the 2010 - 2011 season with a concert by the jazz group Planet D Nonet.

Led by drummer RJ Spangler, this group of nine musicians delighted a nearly packed Players Playhouse with their renditions of some old favorites and some new pieces specially arranged for them.

Don't Dress for Dinner

As the final event of the 2009 - 2010 season, Fine Arts presented this hilarious comedy to members and guests. Directed by Heidi Denler, the cast of Laura verBeek, Bill McCarthy, John Denler, Amy Kuta, Chris Oakley and Sue Owens kept the audience in a constant state of laughter. Shirl Williams and Norma Eschenburg are to be congratulated for producing such a fabulous weekend for FASD.

Cast photo by Marianne Shrader

For more pictures see Marianne's Album

Love and Blooms

The Christa Grix Trio, with Christa Grix on the harp, Kurt Krahnke on acoustic bass and Pete Siers on drums and percussion, provided a fabulous conclusion to the Fine Arts Music Series season. The Love and Bloom program theme included a variety of well-known and some rarely heard musical pieces. Fine Arts members and guests are looking forward to next season's lineup.

Directors' Cuts

Our mid-winter production included a series of scenes from two plays: All in the Timing by David Ives and Exhibit This by Luigi Jannuzzi.
Directed by George Abud and Steve Shrader, produced by Laurie Striebel and Lee Peters, with costumes by Heidi Denler, Norma Eschenburg, Shirl Williams and Gina Telford.


Photos by Marianne Shrader
The cast included Charly Davis, Karen Quarnstrom, Bunny Platt, Geno Pirrami, John Denler, Kate Connolly, Julie Brock*, Joseph Gehart*, James Abud*, Ashley Shamoon* and Nancy Radke.
*Guest performers

The Adventure Club Cello Quartet

We were again thrilled to have the ACCQ back, especially with cellist Deborah Shuster travelling from her new home in Oakland California to join with cellists Naomi and David Levine and Irina Tikhonova for one more evening of fun and beautiful music.

Their presentation, unique arrangements and musical skills combined to provide a wonderful mid-winter evening at The Players Playhouse. They never fail to surprise us with an array of music not normally heard from a group of cellos.

We look forward to a return engagement.

Photos by Marianne Shrader.