Albion to host Eastman musicians at historic Courthouse Square

(Source: Diane Palmer, organizing committee)

Three historic churches in Albion will serve as venues for a series of professional concerts this spring, a grassroots organizing committee announced this week.

Partnering with the Eastman Community Music School, a group of Albion arts advocates introduces the Eastman at Albion Courthouse Square Concert Series, to be held April 11, May 9 and June 13.

The first concert will feature the Bob Sneider Quintet on April 11 at the First Presbyterian Church of Albion. The quintet comprises faculty members from the Eastman School of Music and the Eastman Community Music School. In conjunction with this concert, the Eastman musicians will also conduct a jazz clinic at Albion High School.

Classical guitarist Petar Kodzas and soprano Pamela Kurau will perform second in the series with a concert May 9 at Pullman Memorial Universalist Church.

Quartsemble will complete this new series with a concert June 13 at Holy Family Parish – St. Joseph’s Church. All concerts will begin at 3 p.m.

The series is sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Madejski and the Rotary Club of Albion, while individual concerts are sponsored by other business owners and individual benefactors. Proceeds from the concerts will go toward establishing a performing arts scholarship at Albion High School, reports Concert Series committee member Charlie Nesbitt. Nesbitt represents the Albion High School Alumni Foundation, which is providing the organizational support necessary to help establish the Concert Series in its first year in Albion.

“We knew we needed a local organization to help us get the series off the ground,” said Diane Palmer, concert series coordinator. “Several Albion High School Alumni Foundation board members serve on the Concert Series organizational committee. Their support has been invaluable in our efforts to promote the performing arts in our community.”

“We look forward to this wonderful opportunity to host high-caliber musical concerts in the beautiful historic church venues around the Courthouse Square,” Palmer said.

Ticket prices for each concert are $10 for general admission and $5 for students. Tickets are available for purchase at Elsewhere Café, 118 N. Main St., Albion, and Bloom’s Flower Shop, 139 S. Main St., Albion. For more information about the Eastman at Albion Courthouse Square Concert Series or to purchase tickets online, visit www.eastmanatalbion.com.

For more information about the Albion High School Alumni Foundation, please visit www.albionalumni.org.

Diminuco dinner an overwhelming success, raises over $30,000

This past Saturday, the Albion High School Alumni Foundation held a dinner honoring Richard Diminuco at Hickory Ridge. Dick is retiring after a long and successful career as AHS head football coach and athletic director. Dick amassed over 200 victories, and led the Purple Eagles to two state championships during his tenure.

Almost 300 friends and family of Coach D attended the dinner. The list included many who played for Dick, athletic directors and referees from the area, other AHS coaches, teachers and administrators, and old-time friends who coached and played with Dick in high school. We had a wonderful meal, followed by some gentle roasting and socializing.

The event netted over $30,000 for the Alumni Foundation. Proceeds will be used to permanently endow the “Coach Richard Diminuco Scholarship for Athletic Excellence.” The scholarship will be awarded annually to an outstanding AHS athlete going on to college who displays good character and academic achievement.

Charlie Nesbitt led the committee that organized the event. Members included Gary Mannella, Dan Monacelli, Sue Starkweather, Chuck Nesbitt, Mark Keeler, Mark Paganelli, David Snell, Rich Monacelli, and Chris Haines. Many thanks from the Alumni Foundation to all who supported this event.

Here’s a link to Scott DeSmit’s article in The Daily News: http://thedailynewsonline.com/articles/2009/04/07/news/5358052.txt