Now, only a few days beyond the emotional one-year observation of the April 27, 2011, tragedies, Evening Shade is making its blessed return to Johnston Park in Historic Downtown Cleveland. Friday evening’s tribute to music and harmony is a tranquil moment whose time has come, and we welcome its arrival.
To begin at 6:30 p.m. each Friday throughout the month, the concerts are free and appropriate for music lovers of all ages.
Frequent goers to past Evening Shades — this is the exciting 18th season — are well familiar with the standing invitation to bring favorite lawn chairs, blankets or quilts ... and don’t forget that basket laden with snacks and food for a downtown picnic while enjoying the talents of diverse performers.
Friday’s opener will include a special offer. Compliments of Charter and The Weather Channel, who are sponsoring the night of music, attendees will receive disaster preparedness kits and other important information while supplies last. The giveaways will get under way at 6 p.m. For this reason, those planning to attend should arrive early in order to receive the kit while also assuring a prime spot of Johnston Park real estate for lawn chairs or a picnic spread.
Featured performer Friday will be EG Kight, known to some as “The Georgia Songbird,” who began her singing career in country music, but over the years has broadened her entertainment horizon to include Americana, Southern rock, blues, pop, jazz, gospel and funk. Kight is no stranger to big audiences. This veteran of the road has headlined at clubs and festivals, bringing a diverse selection of music to cities around the country and in Europe.
Kight continues to tour as a solo act and with a band. She also has performed with a symphony orchestra and on National Public Radio’s famed “A Prairie Home Companion.”
The performer didn’t get her start in country music by accident. Born and raised in a small town in rural Georgia, where she still lives, Kight’s deep roots are reflected in her music. Kight’s family has a rich heritage in gospel. She also has mastered the guitar which gained the attention of Taylor Guitars which now supplies her with these melodic tools of her trade.
Kight has received six Billboard Music Award nominations, twice for Song of the Year.
She will be Friday’s featured entertainer, but the audience will be warmed up quickly by the rhythmic voices of Sound of Tennessee, an award-winning bunch of barbershop-style vocalists who are returning to Evening Shade by popular demand. The chorus last performed in the Johnston Park amphitheater in May 2010.
Sound of Tennessee is led by Chad Guyton who in 2002 became an International Gold Medal winner with his group then, The Four Voices. Sound of Tennessee is a popular quartet whose four-part harmony received the Silver Medal in chorus competition from the Dixie District of the Barbershop Harmony Society at the organization’s 2010 contest in Greenville, S.C.
Sound of Tennessee has delighted Cleveland and Bradley County audiences for more than 15 years. The talented chorus performs in small and large venues in the area, including the hosting of their annual Christmas concert which benefits the William Hall Rodgers Basket Fund. The group also delivers Singing Valentines each year.
Made possible by the Allied Arts Council of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, Evening Shade is funded in part by local sponsors and under an agreement with the Tennessee Arts Commission.
The popularity of Evening Shade continues to grow each year.
It’s an appropriate way to end a busy week and is assured of helping those relax who need it most.
We strongly recommend it.
