Church playing host to concert series

DOWNEY - In celebration of its newly-renovated auditorium, First Presbyterian Church of Downey will host the 2009 Celebration Concert Series, an effort to provide "high-quality artistic performances for the surrounding community at a reasonable cost."The series debuts Jan. 24 with a concert designed for audience participation by pianist and organist Christopher Martin. Martin hails from the USC Thornton School of Music and is presently teaching from his own studio in Anaheim. In March, trumpeter Knox Summerour will headline a concert with nationally-acclaimed ensemble members. Summerour is a trumpeter and vocalist in Los Angeles, in addition to being a film composer. Paulie Pesh, an active composer and performer in Southern California, will visit in May. Accompanied by his acoustical guitar, Pesh has been described as an "incredible talent." The summer months will feature trombonists Steven Humenski and Bob Sanders, along with up-and-coming musician Jeffrey Reynolds. Award-winning musician Brandon Bernstein will be joined by "some of the best jazz musicians in L.A." when he performs in September. Closing out the series will be nationally acclaimed and award-winning speaker, author and humorist, Ken Davis. The concerts are sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Downey and proceeds will cover the costs of the musicians. Any leftover funds will be used to support musical classes for children in the church's Kidz Konnection after-school program. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Season tickets are available for $50 for all six concerts, and $150 for season tickets for a family of four. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com. Each ticket will begin at 7:15 p.m. and will include an intermission. ********** Published: January 9, 2009 - Volume 7 - Issue 38