Audience Comments

American Beauty Project

On December 9, Hancher presented American Beauty Project. We asked our ticketholders to email us any comments they might want to share. Here is what we heard back.

 

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My toe just stopped tapping!
Sherwood

 

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I like the concept.  The musicians were excellent. I wish that they had played perhaps thirty minutes longer. The constant moving lights were distracting.

John Deason

 

 

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The American Beauty Project was very enjoyable.  The musicians were outstanding.  The only disappointment was the rather small crowd, although those that attended were very enthusiastic; obviously fans of the Grateful Dead music.

Thanks for the musical experience.
David

Catherine Russell

Hancher presented Catherine Russell as part of our Club Hancher series. Here are the comments we heard from some of those attending.

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The Mill or other similar venue was a great place for that performance.  Do it again.

Bob

 

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Tres kewl.
Sherwood

 

 

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The performance was wonderful, and the pianist was especially superb.  I would go back this weekend if I had the chance….

Many thanks,
Gail

 

 

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Catherine was terrific, and her pianist was also amazing. 
Lynette

The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra

Boston Pops Holiday Tour packed in the crowd at Carver Hawkeye Arena on Sunday night after Thanksgiving. Here are the comments from some of the folks there:

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I absolutely loved the Boston Pops and Rockapella!!  I don’t think that there is a better symphony anywhere.  I have to admit that I had never even heard of Rockapella before this performance though.  My sights were set on seeing Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops because I actually took a trip to Boston a few years ago specifically to attend a couple of their performances, and I was thrilled to find out that they were coming to Iowa City.  Rockapella was just an added bonus.  They were very entertaining and sounded wonderful.
 
I also thought it was extremely cool that Keith Lockhart and the Rockapella group all came out to sign autographs afterwards.  I was thrilled getting to meet Keith and I got the best hug from him!  I think it might have helped that I was literally the last person in line to meet him and since he was probably so tired, he loved it that the line was gone…  :)   Actually, I honestly believe that he is genuinely a very nice person, so I’ll keep that hug in my thoughts as a wonderful friendly gesture.
 
I’ve got a new crush on Steven Dorian with Rockapella!  :)  I melted when I talked to him!  :)   Jeff Thacher was very funny to talk to…  and what a talent he has.  The voices of the entire group were amazing.
 
I feel blessed to have gotten to see this entire performance right here where I live, only 10 minutes from my home!  I hated having the evening end.

Elizabeth Knight

Another side note to you…  I forgot to mention that I didn’t bring my camera that night because the information with my tickets said that camera’s weren’t allowed, and I left my cell phone in the car since I knew those shouldn’t be used during the performance either.  But, I never dreamed that I was going to get to meet Keith and the guys from Rockapella, so of course I was very disappointed that I couldn’t take any pictures.  So, while I was waiting in line to meet Keith Lockhart, a girl named Margo Saulnier who was there as part of Keith’s group was walking up and down the line of people who were waiting, writing our names down to hand to Keith once we got to him.  I was joking with her, asking her if she happened to have a camera that I could borrow.  To my surprise, when I made my way up to Keith and was talking to him, Margo used her phone to take some pictures of me with Keith Lockhart and she sent them to me.  I was SO grateful to her for doing that!  What a special group of people!  I was all smiles as I walked out of the building…  and, I was literally almost the last one out of there.  The place looked empty.  :)
 
Elizabeth

 

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Really loved the concert...my only comment is I wish there had been less singing, more instrumental.

Nasreen


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The Boston Pops performance was great although the venue was not the best.  I sure miss the “old” Hancher; I really loved to go there for performances, especially at Christmas with the giant wreath and the other decorations.  I look forward to the “new” Hancher.
 
Linda M. Bostian


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This performance was awesome!  We loved the soprano…we loved the orchestra..we loved Santa…we loved Rockapella…we loved the reading of the Night before Christmas…we loved the sing along.  We only wish we had little ones we could have shared this with.  We were “wowed” by all the sounds.
 
Thank you for offering this event!
 
Jean E. Stout


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The show was fantastic! The Boston Pops are such wonderful musicians and then to add Rockapella…what a combination. Also, the soprano was magnificent. I took my 82 year-old mother and she thoroughly enjoyed the evening…we both did. I’m sure Carver Hawkeye Arena was quite an unusual venue for the Boston Pops but it was fun to watch what was going on off stage-what would normally be behind the wings of a normal stage. It would have been nice if the stage had been decorated for the holidays, but I realize the unusual venue probably provided enough difficulties that you didn’t need to worry about decorations, too!

After the concert we looked up the Pops Holiday concert tour and were delighted to see that Iowa City is the farthest west they are appearing. Thank you for bringing them here! We feel very fortunate to have been able to attend this wonderful concert.

Jackie


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A tremendous experience.
 
Thank You!
Bob & Eunice Welsh



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We loved the concert and so did our kids, ages 9 and 11.  Rockapella was their favorite! It was our first time ever seeing an Orchestra and the Boston Pops were fabulous! We will come back next year!
 
The Thomas Family
Center Point


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The Boston Pops and Rockapella were wonderful.  What an enjoyable evening it was with just the right mix of traditional and more modern renditions of the old favorites.  It really started the Christmas season off on the right foot.
Judy Bonnet


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Thank you so much for this opportunity.  I could almost hear the ring tones used to bring back the audience after intermission – almost.   I so miss them.
 
The email you sent out detailing parking, etc., before the event was most helpful as this was my Christmas present to my 94 year old mother.  Getting there early was a must!   The acoustics were wonderful as she could hear well in the 42nd row.   But, we both agreed more Pops and less Rockapella would have made this event more enjoyable.  The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra as outstanding.  A couple big screens on either side would be the only suggestion for us sitting in the higher rows to see those performing on stage.
 
Again, thanks for this all you did to bring the Pops to Iowa City and kudos to the production crew.  It could not have been easy to put this together with all the lights, sound system, stage, etc. at the ARENA….
 
Kathleen Renquist


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WOW!
 
Karen Drake


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My wife Karen and I thought this was the BEST concert we have ever attended.  Keith Lockhart is “one of a kind”.  The way he conducts & gets into the music is simply outstanding.  The harp solo gave us goosebumps and you could have heard a pin drop as she had everyones undivided attention. Rockapella added their own special type of music & the mix with the Boston Pops was amazing. We would attend another “Boston Pops” concert if they ever come to our area again.  We will be talking about this concert for years to come and THANK YOU Hancher for getting them on the schedule.
Have a great holiday season Staff at Hancher.
Thank you for bringing the best music on earth to Eastern Iowa.
 
P & K

 

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It was all kitsch and I was very disappointed.  If I was 8 years old I might have liked Santa and all those Xmas carols.  I expected the Boston Pops that I have loved for years, but unfortunately, all those Xmas wrappings and the Rockapella detracted from their professional musical performance.

Dorothy Paul


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The concert was a wonderful way to get us ready for the upcoming season.  The Rockapella group added variety and certainly their talents were appreciated.  Thank you for bringing the concert to Iowa City and hopefully they will return in the future.

H


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My friends and I enjoyed the Boston Pops and Rockapella Holiday Concert immensely. It is a priviledge to have them not only perform at the University of Iowa but to also be the first stop on their holiday tour. I cannot think of one thing that should be changed!
 
Diane DeMaria


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They were excellent.  I would go again this year if I had the chance.  Took my autistic son, and even he enjoyed the finale sing-along.  I was actually surprised that the accoustics in Carver-Hawkeye were as good as they were, but I’m still impatient for a new Hancher.  I’m praying that the designers are coming up with innovative ideas.  I had nothing against the old Hancher, but I see an opportunity to add to it.  Anyway, The Pops and Rockapella were well worth hearing. 

Dave, Denise & Mike Tiffany


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Delightful, superb. bring in the symphony orchestras.
Ihn the programming I would have preferred hearing more of the orchestra and less of the quintet - as outstanding as they were.
 
Bill Lux
Manchester


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Absolutely outstanding in every way.
Jim


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Overall, I really liked the concert.

On the down side, the acoustics of Carver did not lend themselves to the show. I had trouble making out the words of some of the vocal numbers.

Rockapella is wonderful, but it was kind of strange, on some numbers, being backed up by the Pops.

The Pops was excellent. I had forgotten that Sleigh Ride was originally composed for the Boston Pops. My family really enjoyed the sing along.

Stephen


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Great evening – Broad appeal - Acoustics were fine in Carver – Should do more of this type of events in Carver.

William


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The entire performance was wonderful.    Would have loved to hear the orchestra play longer.
 
Diane Eastman


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I loved everything about it!  Keith Lockhart was entertaining, and the orchestra music was exquisite.  Rockapella was sensational.  I’d go to a whole concert of just them if you ever get a chance to bring them back on their own.  Their music was outstanding, and their spokesman was a lot of fun.  Definitely a good combination of them with the Pops too.  This was without a doubt the best concert I’ve been to in years.  I can’t say enough good things.  I’d love for them all to come back every year.
 
The only drawback was the athletic venue with the steep stairs that my stepfather decided not to attempt and the seats that weren’t as comfortable as those at Hancher.
 
Deborah Hurd
Wilton

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Absolutely fantastic!  I was totally amazed at how good the acoustics were in Carver Arena.    It was one of the most enjoyable evenings I have had in quite some time. Thanks to the Hancher team for bringing this event to Iowa.

Nadine Johnson


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We enjoyed the entire concert and all of the participants – we appreciated being able to see the Boston Pops in person. The acoustics were better than I had expected.   The only negative for the evening was that the safety for the difference in floor levels could have been better indicated – we did witness one person falling.  Our daughter is in a wheel chair and the assistance in finding our seats on the court level was lacking; we did find the location on our own. 

Emmett Scherrman


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I had been looking forward to seeing the Boston Pops since July! They did not disappoint from the opening notes of “A Christmas Festival.” They proved why they are a truly world-class orchestra. And though I am what people might call an “a capella nerd,” I can honestly say that I wasn’t too impressed with Rockapella.  I’ve been a fan of theirs for a long time, but I didn’t think it was their best night. They seemed to treat the Hancher performance as a dress rehearsal. There were some words screwed up, or forgotten, and some pretty noticeable mistakes. Both my wife and I thought that Straight No Chaser was much better when Hancher hosted them at the IMU two years ago.
 
Keith Lockhart is so much fun to watch conduct the orchestra, and the talented musicians he had under his direction were flawless. Thanks for bringing the Boston Pops to Iowa City, and kudos for turning Carver-Hawkeye Arena into a really nice concert venue for a night.

Michael Graham


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The whole experience was astounding!  My husband and I have traveled to New York to see shows on Broadway and this was by far my favorite live performance of any type.  It was fun, beautiful, moving and nostalgic.....and 10 minutes from our house.  Thank you, Hancher, for making this possible. 

You may post my comments but please leave my name off. 

Thank you


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The concert was wonderful!  Certainly put us in the mood to begin the holidays. I am glad they explained the difficulty with the piece “Little town of Bethlehem”.

Gordon and Mary Mixdorf


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We enjoyed the concert immensely.  We just moved from the San Francisco Bay area and were pleasantly surprised to be able to go to a concert of this caliber in Iowa.  I hope there is enough interest to attract more concerts like this.

Sherry


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The concert was absolutely phenomenal.  I have four children ages 5-15 and they all loved it.  My two sons really loved the singing of Rockapella.  My two daughters have been dancing and singing “Must be Santa, must be Santa, must be Santa, Santa Claus” around the house since we got home Saturday night. 

Thanks for bringing the Pops to Iowa City,
Cormac and Kirsten O’Sullivan


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Upbeat and fun.
Marcia Congdon

 

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We enjoyed the program very much, the Rockapella was fun and very talented and the Soprano was wonderful.

Mary


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We enjoyed tWe loved the evening with the Boston Pops and Rockapella.  We would have liked more with the Boston Pops alone but it was a fun evening.  Setting up that stage was a huge job - and we need to say a big thank you to all who worked on that!  We will all appreciate our new Hancher when we finally get into our new space - any performance will seem like a piece of cake.  I couldn’t believe the Gazette review of the evening with not one word about Hancher bringing the artists to Iowa.  The performance worked surprisingly well at the Arena.  Thanks to all the staff for the effort put forth in making this such a successful evening.

Jean Hood


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We enjoyed tLoved hearing the Boston Pops and Rockapella. As a high school choral director for over 30 years and director of the barbershop chorus in town, I had a hard time listening to the soloist. Too much “opera” style for the show. She didn’t seem to fit the venue. Beautiful voice, but didn’t work me. Encore...all you could hear was her with the “Pops”. Could have been the arena? Just a thought...bring up the “mics” for “Rock” and make it blend. You put me in the holiday spirit...hearing the Boston Pops was on my “bucket list”.....check one off. Already heard Rockapella in Vegas at Mid-Winter Barbershop Convention so that was a big draw too. Great show!!! Thanks for coming to Iowa.

Deb


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We enjoyed tThe performance was wonderful!  Getting in to the performance was not so wonderful.  For some reason there was only one door open to get in.  Finally a staff person opened a second door, but there were no programs at the second door.  I would suggest opening more doors.
 
Thanks,
Mike 


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We enjoyed tWe thought the show was just fantastic! Actually we’ve attended many performances in our lifetime and this was by far one of the VERY best! We were not ready for the orchestra or Rockapella,  or the soloist to conclude the program, could have listened for hours!!
 
Thank you for scheduling such a fantastic show to kick off the holiday season!!
 
Pat Dawson


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We enjoyed tThe Boston Pops program was delightful entertainment.  Thanks for bringing it to Iowa City!

Ginger and Art Nowak


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We enjoyed tTerrific show. I have seen the Pops Esplanade twice along the Charles River on the Fourth of July. They were every bit as spectacular as I experienced in Boston. Whoever was in charge of the sound system has my kudos – it was perfect. I felt as if I had fallen into a CD of the performance. My only regret was there wasn’t more with just the symphony. I could have listened to them all evening. The Nutcracker Suite Medley was my personal highlight. Thanks to all the people involved with Hancher for bringing them to Iowa City. Such a large production is a huge logistical undertaking, and I appreciate the extra effort for such a magical event.
On Iowa,
Cathy


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We enjoyed tBev and I thought it was a super concert to get Iowa City  and everyone in attendance into the Christmas spirit. We enjoyed the old melodies done up in the style that only top level musicians can produce. The setup lent itself to great views of the performers and the sound was better that many concert halls. We enjoyed seeing the sound people at work and marveled at the depth of the fidelity produced to the audience. I tried counting the mikes located in the orchestra, and estimated them around 25+. What a job to mix all of them and what a result we were presented. Kudos to all the stage and sound personnel.

Now, we want to also acknowledge the Rockapella group and the talent they displayed. We heard them some years back at City High, and didn’t feel they had lost one iota of talent and energy. The arrangements were so effective and really enhanced the old tried and true songs on the program.

Lastly, we want to give a big bow to the multi-talented conductor, Maestro Lockhart. He was not only directing, but singing, dancing, introducing, and narrating in the top level of talent, we have grown to enjoy and appreciate from Hancher events.
KEEP IT UP!

Lee and Bev Witwer


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We enjoyed tWe really enjoyed the concert -- the Boston Pops is always great, and
Rockapella (whom we’d never heard before) were very entertaining.  Kathryn
Skemp Moran was very good and we enjoyed her.

However, with something on the order of 4,000-5,000 people trying to get
into CHA, it would be helpful to have more than two ticket-takers and only
one door.  (This was a bigger crowd than used to come to Hancher, and as I
recall there were always at least four ticket-takers at the door there.)

(We miss Hancher!  We’ll be glad when the new one finally opens.  We suggest
booking the Joffrey Nutcracker for the first performance.)

Bill Moorhead


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We enjoyed tThe concert was outstanding as I knew it would be having watched and listened to the Boston Pops for years.  It was the first time to hear Rockapella -- they were great.  A most enjoyable evening and worth every penny!

Sherryl Hoeppner


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We enjoyed tI absolutely love every minute of the concert!!!!  I wish they could come every year!!!
 
Beth Ann Bitner, Sr


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We enjoyed tA wonderful evening!
Marilyn

Loved it!
Carol


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We enjoyed tEnjoyed the POPS - wish they’d done more songs w/o the vocals.
 Carver Hawkeye is not a great venue for music.

Mary


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We enjoyed tWe really enjoyed the concert.  The family atmosphere was especially nice.  When you put a music event in a large arena not especially designed as a performing arts setting it could be difficult.  This was especially well done and the sound was fantastic.  Thank you for all the efforts of the Hancher staff.

John and Sharon


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We enjoyed tI loved the concert.  The music was great!  The vocalists -- tops!

I would have loved to see some seasonal decorations for a more festive atmosphere, but that may not be under your control.

Thanks for the opportunity to see  this terrific orchestra.  The holiday season has officially begun!!  Can hardly wait for the “new” Hancher to be built!!

Barb


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We enjoyed tThe orchestra was great I really liked it better than the Rockapella group.
Sandy Noren



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We enjoyed tWe had a great time. We came from Burlington with about 25 other people and all said it was fun and a great way to start the Christmas Season. Can’t wait until the new Hancher is built and we can attend something like this in that.

Steve Swanson



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We enjoyed tMy kids and I really enjoyed the concert – it was worth the “stay up past your bedtime”.
 
Michelle Krapfl


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We enjoyed tThe orchestra--perfect!
Kathryn Moran--lovely!
Rockapella--unprepared.
 
Would love the Pops to bring their Christmas show again next year, possibly on a Friday or Saturday night or Sunday afternoon so the younger kids could attend.
Thank you!
Chris



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We enjoyed tMy husband and I really loved the concert at Carver.  The Boston Pops and Rockapella were
wonderful together!  We cannot wait until the next time.
 
The seating and parking were fine. 
 
We were in lower level L.   There were a lot of people confused in the new section, since
rows were not marked.  Maybe next time some staff could help direct people.  Not a big deal though.
 
Thank you for all you do.
 Mark and Lisa Butcher



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We enjoyed tMy husband and I were very pleased with the performances of the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and Rockapella.  It was a great way to begin the holiday season with Christmas spirit.  I was especially moved by the live sound of the Nutcracker Suite – the strings sounded awesome.  Sleigh Ride was a special treat as well.
 
The conductor of the orchestra and members of Rockapella demonstrated great rapport with the audience.  The sing-a-long was an unexpected surprise and I felt that those attending the concert appreciated the opportunity to participate.
 
Thank you for a very enjoyable evening.
 
Marcy Musser



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We enjoyed tThis was one of the best Hancher offerings we have attended.  It was top notch.  It wa sso nice to be able to kick off the Christmas season in this way.
We had heard Rockapella before and loved them this time with the symphony.
The soprano was talented, but I would have preferred to have her use her “non- opera” voice for all of the music, not just that offered in the second half.
 
We moved to Iowa from  St. Louis 7 years ago, and while in St. Louis we had the Boston Pops conductor guest conduct the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for 3 years, where I sang in the Missouri Choral Society that was part of the Pops.  It was a great treat this year to be able to hear and sing the Boston Pops arrangements that I have become so familiar with, especially “White Christmas” and “Sleigh Ride”.  Lovely reinvoking of those memories.
 
I would love it and support having the Boston Pops make Hancher part of its holiday tour every year, if it could be so arranged.  What a huge treat to have that here in Iowa (instead of driving to Chicago or Des Moines to hear world-class talent.)
 
Thank you!
 
Lori and Ian Montgomery

 

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It was Great, we totally enjoyed everything about it.  We had never heard the Boston Pops in person, as with Rockapella either and both were wonderful.
 
Thanks for coming to Iowa City
Pam Cameron

 

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The orchestra was tremendous and I really enjoyed the soprano.  I liked some of the Rockapella songs, but I didn’t think the group blended that well with the orchestra.  Would have enjoyed less Rockapella and more just Boston Pops.

I thought the acoustics were good and would like to see you bring more events to Carver.  If you do, you need to have 4-6 ticket takers & more than 1 door open.

Carol


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We were delighted with the Boston Pops Christmas concert.
 
John & Marty Young



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Really enjoyed the whole concert - WONDERFUL!!!!!  Would love to hear it again in the future.
The combination of Rockapella and the orchestra was amazing.



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It was FANTASTIC.  We will bring the whole family if the
Pops returns in the future.

Vickie


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Great concert - lots of fun had by all.  I was impressed with the sound even in Carver Hawkeye Arena.  I wasn’t sure how it would sound, but I think the renovations (and most certainly the tech work) really made a difference.  I’m looking forward to more concerts like this until the new auditorium is built.

My only concerns were the insufficient staffing of ushers for this venue.  Given the number of stairs, the fact that a large # of attendees could be anticipated to be seniors, and the size of the audience (~ 4000), I would have expected for there to be a minimum of 2 ushers/aisle to assist concert goers to their seats and to maximize the safety of the patrons.  Lots of people sat in the wrong seats, which created confusion and upset guests.  This problem could have been circumvented with a higher level of staffing.  Also, not enough wheelchairs were available at this venue to assist patrons in need.

Many thanks.

Tami



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It was a great way to start the Christmas season for us.  From start to finish, it was a wonderful evening.  Parking was easy, and finding our seats was even easier.  The entire concert could not have been better and the sound was at a perfect level.  Everyone around us were enjoying the lively songs, tapping feet and singing along.  We would do it over in a minute.

Alice

 

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Good afternoon
 
I just wanted to share with you that my family had a wonderful time at the Boston Pops/Rockapella concert!
 
I feel so blessed that I was able to take my children to a musical event of this magnitude! This seems something more of the callibur that would come to Des Moines, so that makes it even better that we were able to enjoy this concert here in Iowa City!
 
We had a wonderful family time listening to these two very talented groups!  I hope that the Hancher will be able to secure more quality acts, groups and performances similar to this on a regular basis.
 
Thank you again for a wonderful time!
 
Best,
Jennifer

American String Quartet and the Maia Quartet

Comments from the audience about the performance on November 18, 2011:

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The American String Quartet received a standing ovation from me for their Ravel.  I think it has to be the very best I’ve heard in my life for a live performance. WOW.  We were extraordinarily lucky to hear this here in Iowa City.

I wished we could have heard at least another quartet by them.

The collaboration with both quartets was special for the Maia Quartet, and their choice of rep was good, especially the Shostakovich piece. 

Maurita Murphy Mead


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I’m so grateful that the flooding has not kept quality music and musicians from coming to Iowa City and the University.  I took my 11 yr old daughter to this event and it was wonderful.  The pre-concert lecture was educating as well as enjoyable, even for the 11 yr old.  The acoustics in the hall were good as well was the climate control, although it got stuffy towards the end of the concert.  If I had a complaint it would be about the seating in the hall.  The ‘pews’ can be noisy with so many people in them and of course, not the most comfortable seat for a two hour concert.  As my father used to say, “... the mind can only take what the ass can stand.”  (sorry about the blue language, but you get the point)  I was truly excited to hear the octets and they were wonderful... it was a truly wonderful evening... Keep up the good work and try to get some covers for the pews... if you please.

Sincerely,
Tom McNamar


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The performance on Friday was very powerful, very moving.  Splendid ensemble, passion, precision, intensity earning an enthusiastic standing ovation at the conclusion.  The two quartets were superb in the Hayden and the Ravel, and the combined quartets gave an outstanding performance together in the two octets.  If this was indeed the last performance of the Maia quartet, they will be deeply missed.
 
Steve Locher


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One of the most wonderful concerts that I have attended. I am so sorry that the Maia Quartet will no longer be at the University. I wish them all the best.

Marty


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I was hoping they would play “The Orange Bl0ssum Special”!
Sherwood


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Great concert! Really hard seats!
Jane Downer

Paul Taylor Dance Company

On November 1, Hancher presented Paul Taylor Dance Company. We always want to know what folks think of the performance and here is the response from our email to ticketholders.

 

The Paul Taylor Dance Company performance last night was outstanding.  The dancers were spectacular and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening.

Thank you for bringing them to Iowa City.
 
David

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The Paul Taylor Dance Company presentations were excellent.  We all seemed to have favorites, but for the older crowd, the “Company B” segment with music from the Andrews Sisters was wonderful.  Well worth the time and money to see these artists in action.

Dave & Denise Tiffany

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Very enjoyable! What excellent athletes.
Karen

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It was a diverse show.
Which could be seen by the span of the age group in attendance.
 
Enjoyed the performance and it was excellent to finally get to see his work.
Understandable, the number of awards he has received.

KML

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All the tableau is so beautiful, but they used a lot of music, no song.  Song would be exciting.  Intermissions were too long, just for changing costumes..

Adham from Egypt (age 15)

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You could have them every year, and I would be there!  Really outstanding and great interpretive choreography - as always!  A most enjoyable evening!  Thanks for bringing them back!

JimMcG

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They stepped on it not in it! Simply great.
Sherwood


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This was our first adventure to a dance performance--I enjoyed the Brandenburg best.  We both loved the acrobats a couple of weeks ago--we’d go to see them again--I may not go to another dance performance but I’m glad we went last night.
                                       
Helen


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It was fabulous! It was full of grace and delightful.  Everything was done to perfection.

Bob & Eunice Welsh

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I thought the performance was outstanding (only one collision and some timing). I am not a regular to dance series but was very pleasantly surprised.
 
Congratulations on your efforts to create venues for your performances to keep people engaged while the “New Hancher” is being built.
 
I for one appreciate it!
 
Best Regards,
Doug

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The first work was worth the entire evening. It moved, it sang, it embraced Bach.
Hancher attendees


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I love the show, especially the first and last performances. 
Leah

AnDa Union

On October 27, 2011 Hancher presented this amazing group from Mongolia. Our audience sent us these comments:

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This group has fabulously talented, charismatic members. It was a total joy. People who passed this up really missed out on great, unique entertainment.

Karen, David, and Megan Drake

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I attended this performance with my husband. I loved every minute of it. The fusion of old world technique with modern style was really amazing. The group was extremely personable, and we were so pleased that they all came out to meet the crowd, and to sign CDs, as we left the theater. I would place this concert  into the "Top 10" concerts I have ever attended.

Thanks for brining this unique group to Iowa City!

Best wishes,

Kristina Venzke and Jeff Hermiston

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Entertaining, culturally enlightening and a good educational choice.

Rudy Schulz

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it was simply awesome, both girlfriend and i loved it.

Curt

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This was a surprise, well-received show!  We enjoyed it very much.  It proves that excellent entertainment does not have to be performed at the speed of light, by flying through the air, or reaching decible-deafening levels, or with blue-language

William

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My husband and I were absolutely thrilled to be at the AnDa Union concert last evening. We'd had the privilege of seeing their filmat the BIjou the night before so were incredibly excited about being able to attend the concert.

We were blown away by AnDa's combined and individual voices as well as their playing of the murin huur, the flute, the drums. We are totally without words to describe the visceral responses AnDa's arrangements of traditional Mongolian music brought to us. We kept saying, "How do they do that?" referring to how they used their voices. And how did the flutist play his flute and yet have the underlying drone of his voice. Or another musician: how could he sing and whistle at the same time?

It was a privilege to participate in this concert and we agreed that the Englert was a perfect setting for the concert. This concert was even better than the one we heard in UlaanBataar 2 years ago, the first time we'd ever heard throat singing.

Thank you AnDa Union and thank you Hancher for bringing these outstanding young musicians to Iowa City.

Jan Down

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We had a wonderful evening with this group  Wish they could have demonstrated throat singing  Paul and Esther Retish

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Made me really miss my pet Yak!

Sherwood

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Delightful program.  The program was unique, original and the musicians were engaged and enthusiastic - as was the audience.

Kenn Hubel

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I enjoyed it.

Marcia Congdon

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very good enjoyed it very much. 

Gary

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Great, loved it, one of the best. Bought the CD & continuing to enjoy. I like that you are like the Enterprise and boldly going to where concerts have not gone before !

C

 

 

 

National Acrobats of The People's Republic of China

This group appeared as part of our 2011-12 season. We asked what folks thought and here is what they sent us:

 

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We thoroughly enjoyed the show.  My kids said “It’s amazing” and “It’s awesome”!  I went to work and told everyone if the National Acrobats come to town again they definitely have to go.

Thank you for bringing the Acrobats to Iowa City.

Karyl

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It is a great show. But I think it was too short. We should have more these kinds of show.
Fang

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I liked the show.  I thought they were excellent.  I’m glad I went.

Criticisms.  The show didn’t follow the program and it seemed like the award winning number wasn’t done. My main complaint is this.  We ordered our tickets last spring and we were seated among a class of young children who I assume got the tickets by someone’s generous donation at the last minute.  But they were spread all over the right side of downstairs.  The kids were excited an unruly.  We had the kids behind us, beside us and their teachers in front of us and they were all talking loudly and the teachers were reprimanding the students.  Before the show started, I couldn’t even hear what my friend next to me was saying.  It is a lot of money to pay and pay way in advance to be seated in such a bad location.  I don’t know what you can do to rectify it, but in the future I think it would help if the students were not interspersed all over and if their teachers sat among them instead of clustered at the front.  Anyway, all the disruption was annoying and sort of spoiled the show for me.

Lynne

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Awesome show.  Our 3-year-old son didn’t blink the whole show.  Good venue as well.


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I thought the Acrobats from Peking was an absolutely outstanding performance. The athletic performance was spectacular and the dancers were lovely and graceful. The color in the costumes were brilliant and I couldn’t take my eyes off the performance for a minute. It seemed like the first half went by in a flurry and I couldn’t wait for more. It is obvious that these dedicated performers have devoted their young lives to perfecting their art. Fantastic. I thought about driving to Milwaukee to see a Cirque de Soleil performance that night but decided to go to the Peking Acrobats instead. They were just as stunning.I wished they would have been here for 2 nights. I would have liked to have seen them again. I am pleased they were willing to work on our smaller stage and let us see their beautiful production.

Sharon

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I don’t understand chinese but I figured it out!
Sherwood

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We had a great time watching the Chinese National Acrobats.  Grace, beauty, precision acrobatics and even comedy.  We thought the performance was delightful and the old Englert was the perfect setting. Good Job!!!

Ruth Coleman
 

 

National Chamber Choir of Ireland

This ensemble with Paul Hillier conducting appeared at St. Mary's Catholic Church as part of our 2011-12 season. Our audience sent in these notes in response to our asking what they thought:

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I imagine the National Chamber Choir of Ireland might have come as a shock to anyone who was expecting, say, Irish songs. But I loved the imaginative program and I was stunned by the choir's precision and blend. I'm so glad I went!

Anne Tanner

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Singing in German with a Gaelic accent? I was afraid that they were going  to do an encore!

Sherwood

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I really loved the concert, with a couple suggestions.  It would have been nice if they would have sung some Irish songs. The piece after intermission was perhaps too long, and given that the audience is sitting in church pews.

Sincerely,
Maurita Mead

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Please don't invite the National Chamber Choir of Ireland back to Iowa City. Though each member of the choir is obviously very talented, this program was toooo much! Admittedly, their Bach renditions brought me joy which was only increased when I heard them singing Brahms. The Cleary number, while clever, was hard to follow and the ponderous work of O'Regan was, I suspect, taxing on many members of the audience. In addition to being very lengthy, it was hard to connect what was sung with what was written in the program. It's rare for me to complain about a Hancher event, but I can't help myself this time.

Ken

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OUTSTANDING- ESPECIALLY THE BRAHMS AND THE SECOND ACT-  VERY MOVING-  IN FACT THAT LAST PIECE, THE NAME ESCAPES ME- BY TARIK O-REGAN JUST KEPT BUILDING  UNTIL THE FINALE SO THAT WHEN THE ANCIENT FIAN WARRIOR WENT TO TARA TO RECORD THE EXPLOITS  IT TOUCHED ME LIKE WHEN YOU SEE ANY REALLY GREAT WORK OF ART-  AND I WAS TALKING TO MY WIFE ON THE WAY HOME AND WE BOTH AGREED THAT THAT WAS THE KIND OF PERFORMANCE THAT WILL ‘GROW’ ON YOU IN THE FUTURE AS THE LAYERS  RESONATE IN YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS-  IT CERTAINLY MAKES ME WANT TO READ THE BOOK ON WHICH IT WAS BASED AND ALSO GOOGLE THE CHARACTERS AND GUARDIAN ANGEL REFERENCES- JUST A FIRST CLASS PERFORMANCE-  BUT I KIND OF WISH THAT THEY WOULD HAVE CHOSEN A MORE BEAUTIFUL THIRD PIECE- LIKE THE BRAHMS- SINCE BY THEN THEY HAD ALREADY ESTABLISHED THEIR ARTISTIC EXPERTISE AND THE DIFFICULTY OF THE ARRANGEMENT , WHILE IMPRESSIVE, COULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY ONE WITH MORE EMOTIVE RESONANCE-  I MEAN WE ONLY GET TO HEAR THEM THAT ONE NIGHT!  BUT THAT LAST SONG WAS REALLY, REALLY MOVING- I THINK BY THE END, THE ENTIRE AUDIENCE WAS STIRRED-

Patrick J. Knobbe

 

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We very much enjoyed the Irish Chamber Choir and its mixed repertoire concert.  The tongue twister number was especially unusual and captivating.  I felt that the last composition (with composer present) was a bit far out for a diverse audience mixture.  It was too lengthy and too sophisticated to digest sitting on hard pews without being able to understand lyrics.   I would have preferred a program with many short numbers, especially since this was an inaugural tour of this group.   No questioning the excellence of voices or complete musicianship.
 
Sincerely, Ruth Baldwin and Dick Javes

 

 

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble

On Sunday, October 2, the group played at City High School auditorium as part of the Hancher season. Some of our audience members responded to our note asking about their experience. Here is what we heard:

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City high auditorium was a lovely setting for this incredible ensemble. The size of the room, the acoustics, the charming color schemes of the proscenium, all enhanced a throughly memorable performance. The lesser known Strauss piece was a delightful opening, followed by the more prodigious Brahms sextet. There was always a unity of sound with each instrument resonant yet complicit in the overarching sound. Then came the more familiar Mendelssohn octet. The third movement alone was worth the rather modest price of admission. Again there was a fluidity of articulation, the trademark of an ensemble truly wedded in sound. To say it was breathtaking was an understatement. It was a bravo performance all the way through. The encore brought tears to my eyes. Years ago I heard the McCoy Tyner group at Sweet Basil in New York. At the beginning of the last set the bassist bowed Summertime in a haunting, achingly beautiful solo. To hear that great song played by the strings of the Academy of St. Martin's was every bit as wonderful, particularly the violist took charge of the melody and carried it lovingly to the end.

Performances like this are what life is all about.

Thanks,
Tony Colby

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They proved the "String Theory"! They were classical.
Sherwood

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Absolutely marvelous performance!!!   Bring them back!
Ellen Widiss

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A beautiful concert with musicians who really made the notes sing.  A delightful afternoon.  More of this quality of musicianship would be welcomed in future programming.

Hancher attendees

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The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is well known for their ability to select and play gorgeous, melodic classics.  Yesterday was absolutely euphoric!  The Strauss was an unusual lyrical surprise. I feel sorry for anyone who does not have the good fortune of experiencing this group at least once in their lifetime!

Best,
Jennifer Seery 

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Extroadinary.  The Brahms was my favorite.  I rushed out at intermission and bought the CD of the Brahms sextets.   I love the "intimacy" of the auditorium.  It was nice being so close to the musicians. 

Steve Schomberg

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Excellent.  My son and I enjoyed their artistry very much.
Dave Tiffany

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All one can say is WOW.  Fabulous performance!
Melvin 

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Each of the musicians contributed beautifully and the result was truly wonderful and satisfying. 

Eunice Welsh

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My wife Bev and I attended the concert at City High Auditorium. We both enjoyed the final selection on the program by Mendelssohn and the encore by Gershwin. The arrangement on that encore was a masterful work and Gershwin himself would have approved.

We both felt the Strauss, and the Brahms were tedious and repetitive and found ourselves nodding off at times. It was not because of the players skills, but was the way the music affected us that afternoon. I have found that Brahms hits me that way, even when I was performing it in my orchestra days.

The players skills were top drawer and it was a pleasure to watch their expressions and interplay with the other musicians.

Congratulations on getting such skilled concerts and performers to Iowa City,

Lee and Bev Witwer

 

Joey DeFrancesco at the Mill

We presented Joey DeFrancesco Trio at the Mill on Thursday night on September 29. We asked our audience for comments and here is what we heard.

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One of the best concerts i've been in my life, he is an exceptional musician, his technique and musicality are amazing. And the set list was perfect, from slow ballads, jazz standards, ending in an energetic r&b.

Jorge

 

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This is the only jazz performance of the semester of amajor jazz artist. Please have more!!|

Also, it would be good if the names of the sidemen could be listed in the program. On his website, Joey De  Francesco had announced that Paul Bollemback would be playing guitar last night. However, there was a different guitar player last night. Those changes should be announced with anticipation.

Thank you
Rene

 

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It was a most enjoyable experience.  The music was great and the Club Hancher idea was delightful.  It was a pleasure being part of a large, attentive and enthusiastic audience that transformed a very familiar venue.  Bringing Hancher out to the community has been a very good thing!  I hope that even after a new Hancher home is built, you'll continue the Club Hancher effort.

Janet Lessner

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Joey DeFrancesco and his Trio put on a great show.  Extremely talented musicians. It's a shame the venue was The Mill.  The sound was sub-par at best, as was the comfort level. The view from many seats was inferior, especially for a $20 ticket price. This event deserved much better than an old run-down bar, regardless of its "history". It would have been a much better show in the IMU with a "nightclub style" seating arrangement.

Ken

 

*

Great music- too short. I expected him to play for 1.5 hours and he played for 1 hour. What else did he have to do until 10:00?
—T

 

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I am glad that you brought Joey D to Iowa City so I could see him and meet him in person. Since I am a Hammond B-3 player, this concert was very special since Joey is one the best!

I liked the idea of having the concert in a club as it was up close and personel. We were lucky enough to sit right next to the stage on Joey's side and hear the Hammond organ perfect. Some of my friends weren't so lucky and sat straight out from the stage and said the sound coming through the house PA system wasn't very good. The in house PA speaker system is out dated, enough said.

All in all I liked the concert being in a club.

Thanks,
Denny Ketelsen

 

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They really had the beat which is also how they looked!
Sherwood

 

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My husband and I were at the Joey DeFrancesco show at the Mill, and we thought it was spectacular!  We really enjoyed being able to see a show like that in the intimate setting of the Mill with food and drinks available.  Joey's performance was phenominal, and we would gladly see something like that again.  We'd have loved it if it was a bit longer though.

Thanks,
Hannah and Chris Dimond

 

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Great show but it didn’t last nearly long enough, it only ran for 1 hour.
Steve

 

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First I have to tell you I am a great fan of B3 Music. Since Jimmy Smith left us, the top of the B3 players has to be Joey. His technique, swing, musicianship, personality - all make for a great performer.

As to the venue, the Mill was perfect, preferable to a large concert stage. Jazz plays best in a more intimate space. I was seated in front of the stage and loved every minute. The volume was loud but not painful as some events at Hancher have been. I remember having to leave a concert many years back because of the volume.

We enjoyed the food, the contact with many musician friends and ,of course, the great music. I was also very pleased that Joey was playing the Hammond B3 with two Leslies rather than the smaller portable unit that I know he has been performing on.

Thanks for a most enjoyable Hancher event.

Jim and Penny Hall

 

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Thank you for bringing Joey DeFrancesco, he has been my absolute favorite organist for years. I attended both shows.

Andrew DiRuzza

 

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He played for 1 hr, that is not acceptable!
David

 

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I enjoyed the venue and the music was great.  But the duration was way too short for a jazz fan like me, especially given the ticket price.

Lee