Black Jacket Symphony ‘perfect’
GHS Band members performing “Tusk” with the Black Jacket Symphony. (Photo by Bruce Branum)
The Ritz Theatre. (Photo by Bruce Branum)
BRUCE BRANUM/THE GREENVILLE STANDARD
“Rumours” did abound Friday night for the Greenville Area Arts Council (GAAC) as the Black Jacket Symphony performed songs from the Fleetwood Mac album of the same name.
Nancy Idland, GAAC Director, was thrilled with the first performance of a four concert series. Idland said of the event, “I am so pleased. The audience certainly enjoyed the songs and the group’s light show was pretty spectacular. I do want to thank the City of Greenville and Greenville Policed Department Chief Alonzo Ingram for allowing the GAAC to have a street party after the concert.”
Several attendees just couldn’t quite control themselves and could be seen swaying to rhythm of the songs performed by the band. MacDonald Russell, when asked about his feelings of the concert, said, “It’s excellent….excellent.”
The highlight of the night came when members of the Greenville High School Tiger Pride Marching Band performed with the Black Jacket Symphony giving the concert a rousing ending and earning a standing ovation to the song “Tusk”.
Fleetwood Mac’s original production of the song included University of Southern California band members performing the drum and horn lines. You could sense GHS Band members’ nerves as they waited to enter the theater, but once inside they stood tall and nailed the ending. GHS Band Director, Bret Johnson, said “It was an enjoyable experience for our students and it seems that our community really enjoyed it as well.”
Carol and Eddie Pope said of the ending, “Perfect…It was perfect.” Mattie Gomillion, Circuit Clerk for Butler County, added, “I thought the ending was just great.”
After the concert, members of the band took pictures with local citizens and mingled with the street party crowd. Idland and her crew of volunteers provided an excellent setup for the street party. There were white clothed tables, candelabras and delicious hors d’oeuvres and beverages for all to enjoy.
“I do hope the word will spread of the GAAC’s concert lineup for this season. There are three more to go and I hope they are as successful. Our next concert will be on Nov. 13 and will feature The Classic Nashville Roadshow,” said Idland.
