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Russian pianist opens new Brownville concert season
By JEFF KORBELIK / Lincoln Journal Star
Friday, Mar 24, 2006 - 12:01:28 am CST

The 2006 Brownville Concert Series will have music ranging from Broadway to bluegrass to gospel.

Russian pianist Gleb Ivanov kicks off the season at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Already well known in his homeland, Ivanov is starting to attract attention in the United States.

The Washington Times called him “eerily like the ghost of Horowitz” and noted that “his talent is larger than life.”

Entering its 16th year, the Brownville Concert Series is known for bringing in top talent from around the world. The town is earning a reputation as the “third coast.”

Cabaret performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights with seating at small, candle-lit tables. Sunday afternoon and evening concerts start at 2 and/or 7:30 p.m.

The Brownville Concert Hall is at the corner of Second and Atlantic streets in Brownville, nine miles west of I-29 or nine miles east of Auburn on U.S. 136.

The following is a rundown of 2006 performers. For ticket information, call (402) 825-3331 or visit www.brownvilleconcertseries.com.

KT Sullivan/Mark Nadler, April 21-23: These cabaret performers are known for their show “Come On and Hear: The Love Story of Irving Berlin,” which won the 2004 Nightlife and MAC Awards.

Craig Rubano, May 19-21: This Broadway singer made his debut as young lover Marius in “Les Miserables,” performing the part more than 700 times.

DaXun Zhang, June 25: The bouble bassist recently performed with acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, including concerts in Japan, California and Carnegie Hall.

Total Experience Gospel Choir, July 30: Director Louis Magor, who once was Mary Martin’s music director and accompanist, returns to his home state with one of the Pacific Northwest’s finest soulful ensembles.

Maude Maggart, Aug. 18-20: This xabaret singer is the first daughter of Broadway veterans Brandon Maggart and Diana McAfee and the sister of songwriter Fiona Apple.

Alex Richardson, Sept. 17: A promising young tenor who recently performed the role of Ruiz Alonso in the revised premiere of Osvaldo Golijov’s “Ainadamar” at the Santa Fe Opera.

Bob and Sheila Everhart, Oct. 20-22: The duo has performed traditional authentic country and bluegrass music internationally for 50 years.

Annie Sellick, Nov. 10-12: A jazz singer who has won several best jazz artist awards from the Nashville media that have earned her a devoted following.

The Soaring Sounds of Christmas with Terry Hodges and Friends, Dec. 8-10: This bass baritone has had an extensive music theater and opera career in the United States and Canada.