Chester Gregory (actor, singer, song-writer), born in Gary Indiana, was inspired to become an artist by a performer from the same town—Michael Jackson! As a child, he performed in talent shows and workshops and then continued on in the Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts and then at Columbia College in Chicago. After graduation, he began teaching and directing productions at the high school and college levels. That was followed by numerous roles in Broadway productions and in the recording field with numerous “Greats”—too numerous to mention all— but the most important was The Jackie Wilson Story, which evolved into The Eve of Jackie Wilson.
Chester Gregory (and a “rhythm group”) were the featured performer(s), and they featured Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame member, JACKIE WILSON, best known for his songs, such as “Teardrops,” “Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher,” “I Get the Sweetest Feeling,” “I Don’t Need You Around,” and “That’s Why I Love You So.” Mr. Gregory danced, told stories from the present and past, made jokes, and spoke about life. He had the audience “up and going” and showed us the HEART of someone and a time period that seemed to mean so much to him.
And not too long after this presentation, E! Terrell presented THE DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, led that evening by Maurice Cohn, the current Assistant Conductor for the DSO and past conductor/assistant conductor for many, many prestigious orchestras and companies. Not only does he have a degree in cello performance but also in history and mathematics. And, the audience can attest to the fact that he has a sense of humor that periodically shines through as he introduces/describes music and relates stories about other music “folks.” When not involved with music, he plays tennis, reads mysteries, and searches for the best podcast app. My only music training was several years of music from Forney’s beloved Mrs. Dickey, who taught in her house and in the school system’s “big building,” and from a little choir work with the Lutheran Church Youth Group and also the FHS Choir one year—but I will say that I was really impressed with the conductor and the entire DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA!
I am no expert, but here is what I am pretty sure I enjoyed from the Orchestra. Movement I from the “Montgomery Variations” from Margaret Bonds— Ballade from Samuel Taylor Coleridge (one of the poets I taught to FHS Seniors, or at least tried to do so!)— Academic Festival Overture, Opus 80, from Johannes Brahms— Finlandia, Opus 26, No. 7, from Jean Sibelius.
Then came my favorite part of the entire Orchestra program: March from Raiders of the Lost Ark—Theme from Jurassic Park— “Imperial March” from Star Wars Suite for Orchestra (Darth Vader’s Theme). The final three (3) selections are all John Williams products and very recognizable.
And, I am proud to say that all four of us who attended together that night (Georgia, Harry, Vivian, Don) recognized one more selection (or part of a selection). It was the familiar church hymn, Be Still My Soul.
March (Beach Boys tribute) and April (Side Street Strutters) are the last two dates of performances this presentation season, so call ahead for tickets if you wish to see/hear two really good shows. And it will soon be time to reserve your season tickets for next season. See YOU there!
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