NextStage Productions produced two- yes, two, fabulous shows on August 13, celebrating the end of summer. Nine performers in two venues, Mid County Senior and, new to NSP, Corralitos Cultural Center, an intimate space with great sound. Check them out Friday nights for Open Mic.
Key of Three (Claire Paul, Nancy Voogd, Kathryn Adkins with Jerry Paul on Keyboard and Matt Waker, drums) opened the show. Their tight jazz harmony recalls the Andrew Sisters but then jumps forward to rock the Queen song “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”.
New to NextStage is Friends and Neighbors. Joanne Cazden, Scott Wilkerson, Jim Christmann and Coty Catlin had the audience in stitches with “Don’t use the f-word with YOUR MOTHER”. They continued to delight using multiple instruments included Jim on harmonica, Coty and Scott switching it up with guitar to mandolin, baritone to bass recorder to tuba- yes, tuba. What fun!
The playfulness between Grainne O’Flynn and Coty Catlin infused the rollicking Celtic rhythms of Siamsa had the audience clapping and joining in the fun. Matt was a power force on the drums.
Three of a Kind (Terrence Courreault, Catt Porter and Ron Locey) performing favorites including “The Road to Shambala” and “Summer Breeze” provided a perfect end to a magical afternoon of music.