Music Festival A Big Hit In Marshall, Texas
MARSHALL- The Marshall Music Festival is off to an exciting start with a tremendous visitor turnout and a lively inviting musical atmosphere. A good old-fashioned church hymn singing, a rousing outdoor boogie woogie concert and other outstanding performances have led the start of this music festival unlike any other.
This week, in addition to more than two dozen free musical performances at Marshall’s many music venues, restaurants and pubs, visitors will be treated to a one-of-a kind experience; four days of center stage performances by the Marshall Symphony Orchestra.
“We’re so excited to have Jeans and Classics back by popular demand this Saturday,” said Tiffany Ammerman, event chairperson. “The symphony gets started on Wednesday when we have Dixieland on the Square, and thenThursday, we’ll have Meet the Orchestra with Michael Shotten of Jeans and Classics along with Andrew Powers on guitar. We’re going to have free rehearsals open to the public both Friday night and Saturday morning, and then the big night on Saturday; the Jeans and Classics band backed by the Marshall Symphony Orchestra.”
Jeans ‘n Classics founder by Peter Brennan said the concept of combining rock musicians and headlining stars with world-class symphony orchestras has drawn record-setting capacity crowds to performances around the world. Since its inception, Jeans and Classics has been a star performer in the arts and entertainment scene. Specifically designed for Marshall’s downtown, outdoor venue, the show in Marshall can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. The show will feature a blend of classic rock and classic R&B. Vocalist Michael Shotten will perform a wide selection of music from The Eagles, Wild Cherry, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Kiss and U2. Vocalist Gavin Hope will sing rhythm and blues from Earth, Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson, Prince, The Temptations and Stevie Wonder.
“The Marshall show is different each year, and it’s specifically designed for Marshall,” said Ammerman. “After our first few shows, I told Peter we’d like to have two lead singers and maybe different genres of songs. They didn’t offer any shows like that, so he got to work and put a show together especially for Marshall. He’s been doing a special show for Marshall every year since. You can’t see it anywhere else.”
Jeans and Classics will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, under a tent on North Washington Street in historic downtown Marshall. Tickets are $25, and tables are also available. For information, contact the Marshall Regional Arts Council at (903) 935-4484. Area restaurants will also offer event menus for the Jeans and Classics show. While pre-ordering is required, visitors can order dinner from downtown restaurants, and those meals will be delivered just before the show. Under the Texas Sun will also be open, selling a wide variety of beer and wine, and those coming to the show are also permitted to bring their own spirits. Show rehearsals will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday, and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, both are free and open to the public. The symphony orchestra will also be center stage in downtown Marshall on Wednesday at 11 a.m., with Dixieland on the Square, and on Thursday at 6 p.m., during Meet the Orchestra at Central Perks, downtown. Both of these events are free.
Music performances are occurring every day through September 21. A complete schedule of activities during the Marshall Music Festival and available lodging at VisitMarshall Texasorg or contacting the Marshall Convention and Visitors Bureau at (903) 702-7777.