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SAGINAW ONSTAGE 2004:
By Robert E. Martin As with any 'inaugural' event involving mammoth risk and high production costs, one never knows what the outcome will be, so the odds are not unlike flying to Vegas for a hopeful weekend at the roulette tables. For all that attended the debut presentation of Saginaw Onstage last year, the gamble definitely paid off. Apart from filling the spacious & immaculately refurbished Temple with a capacity crowd of music & cultural enthusiasts, the Rotary Club netted $40,000 on the event, which was split equally between Saginaw Riverfront Development and The Children's Museum.
Additionally, close to 700 CD's of the event were sold to the public - not a bad
start to what is now becoming a highly anticipated and immensely positive annual
event in our community. Musical performances this year will consist of hometown Blues Festival favorites The Blues Creators, The Brush/Lopez Group featuring song stylist Julie Mulady, the unique 'East meets West' fusion of Jazz & Rock & Blues performed by Classical Graffitti, the area's premier Celtic Band, Equinox, new pop-rockers Hemisphere, perennial favorites of the rockin' blues The Robert Lee Band, Saginaw's Queen of Country Laurie Middlebrook, Saginaw's own nationally known classic jazz combo The New Reformation Band, the only Saginaw Band to ever have a #1 National Hit, Question Mark & The Mysterians, Frankenmuth Polka favorites The Dave Slivinski Band, a blend of Caribbean & Rock stylings courtesy of Marty Viers & the Music Doctors, and finally legendary singer & songwriter Dick Wagner & the Soul's Journey Band. And of course, numerous other guest stars & celebrities will also fill the stage. According to Nick Oppermann, noted musician and one of the pivotal organizers, the Committee behind Saginaw Onstage decided to focus on assembling an interesting combination of musical styles that would cover a broader spectrum of local talent than that touched upon last year. "The Committee decided that seeing as this is to be an annual event, we should have a little bit of 'holdover' from last year by retaining four popular acts that were showcased last year, and then add new acts into the mix that would broaden the base of interest," explains Nick. "Many were recommended to us or approached us, but the criteria for all performers is the same - they must have a CD of original music available to the public and be based in Saginaw County. Our Committee of Five then listens to their music and makes a judgment from there. In the future, we'd like to open it even more by perhaps adding a church choir into the mix. This year we've added polka music." Will another CD of the event again be released this year? "Yes," notes Nick. "Last year we had he benefit of the local 7-11's that served as a major sponsor and served as a key distribution system, but this year they declined because they have their own CD coming out. Consequently, we're still looking for a major sponsor to assist with setting up a distribution system. In fact, if any retail business or local outlets are interested in distributing the CD, they can contact me or my brother Dave, or Andrea Fisher at Princing & Ewend."
"Plus, they can always get a copy of the CD at The Temple Theatre," continues Nick. "Last year we were selling CD's on the 2nd floor in the Knights of Columbus Hall and this year we have a much better merchandising arrangement. This year we will have access to the main theatre area so CD's will be sold before the show, during intermission, and after the performance." "Each performer will have sets lasting 15 minutes - their Andy Warhol time in the spotlight!", quips Nick. "But even though the bill is a long one, audience members will be treated to a fast-paced evening. As the official stage producer last year, I am proud to say that we had the acts & intermission timed to the minute. By the time Sharrie Williams closed our show last year we were within one minute of being on schedule." Are there any thoughts Nick has concerning this event that frame his feelings as Saginaw Onstage enters its encore performance in 2004? "Yes, and I think this bears repeating," adds Nick. "As you know quite well, this part of the world known as Saginaw has such a fertile proliferation of musicians, songwriters, entertainers, and artists that I don't know whether it's because of the water or the sugar beets, or the alcohol. But we do have a wonderful situation that simply requires more venues to become catalysts to this music. That is what I feel Saginaw Onstage achieves." "Live music has gone through some tough times over the years in Saginaw, but I'm hoping we can do more of this. Despite a reduction in live music venues, I think we're producing more talented kids from younger generations than ever, so I'm optimistic." "My dream is to do two events. One at The Temple and one on Ojibway Island - perhaps an all-day festival featuring musicians & artists. Basically, I'm hoping the more we can do events like this, the more it will help artists gain new interest in the clubs they perform at throughout the year. Ticket prices for Saginaw Onstage 2004 are $50.00 for Main Floor & First Balcony Premier Seating; $35.00 for Main Floors Rows N-Z, $20.00 for Second Balcony all rows, and $10.00 for Third Balcony all rows.
Tickets may be purchased
through any member of The Saginaw Rotary Club or through The Temple
Theater by phoning 989-776-9425.
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