Doug returns to the beautiful Punta Gorda Center for Arts and Education next year to perform with Janita Hauk and the Port Charlotte Symphony. “I’m excited to be coming back to Punta Gorda, and especially to work with Maestra Hauk. Quite frankly, I enjoy the dynamic of working with women conductors, especially after working with Maestra Beverly Everett in Bemidji. I’m happy to see women conductors are finally finding their place on the podium in the symphony world.
In this unique concert, Doug will be bringing his rhythm section as well as augmenting the group with a horn and string section. Also joining Doug on stage will be young musicians from the Bakersfield area. In conjunction with the concert, Doug will be presenting his master class program, and the kids will be performing a portion of the concert live on stage with him and his group!
Doug is currently working on a Music Book project for all musicians, specifically violinists. The project will include printed music as well and transcriptions of solos for Doug’s various CDs. The project will also include an instructional DVD and play along backing tracks taken from the actual CD releases. These tracks will not only be an excellent way to learn Doug’s music, but will also be a great way to be able to perform with a full backing compliment. “I’m really excited about this project”, says Doug. “It will be a great way for musicians to become familiar with not only my music, but the way I approach jazz, Celtic, Latin and other styles found on my CDs.
Doug’s rhythm section will include Ken Wild, who has played bass on all of Doug’s eight CDs. Ken is also the bassist on the television series, The Simpsons. Also performing with Doug will be drummer Michael Jochum. Mike also has performed on all of Doug’s releases and is currently a member of the smash heavy metal band, Korn. Pianist Jim Gasior from Miami will also be joining the group. Maestro Gary Lewis will be conducting this two-hour program featuring many of Doug’s arrangements.
Doug recently performed with The Bemidji Symphony in Bemidji, MN under the direction of Maestra Beverly Everett. Dr. Everett called it “The most successful concert in our 88 year history”. About three hours north of Minneapolis, Bemidji is the birthplace of legendary outdoorsman Paul Bunyan.
“The concert could only be described as an electrifying, energetic, invigorating and enjoyable showcase of the featured artist’s talent and training.” writes Ronald Bennett in the Odessa American.
Recently Doug performed in Japan with Noel Paul Stookey. The “Paul” of the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary has been a close friend and musical cohort since his childhood. Noel has just completed a new CD featuring Doug entitled Promise of Love. Included on the CD is a very compelling song entitled Megumi. The song speaks of the kidnap by the North Koreans of a young Japanese girl named Megumi.
You can find out more about the CD and the Megumi story by visiting Noel’s website at: www.noelpaulstookey.com and www.fazz2007.com
