On the Mark: What a classy, classic show

This past Sunday, the Moose Lake High School auditorium rang with a stunning mash-up of horns, reeds, drums, guitar and keyboard. Billed as the Andrew Walesch Big Band, it was the third of this year's five Agate Encores Community Concerts.

Walesch, who has performed across the region - including at Oldenburg House events in Carlton - acknowledged his professor from St. Olaf College and announced he'd be singing a Frank Sinatra show, at times accompanying himself on the keyboard.

It was amazing how beautifully he sang Sinatra classics such as "New York, New York." And not just singing, but often playing the keyboard while singing and, at other times, holding a microphone and moving about the stage.

He also delivered a number of songs by Cole Porter, some of which I've been playing on piano for years. Among my favorites: "I Love Paris," "Night and Day," "Just One of Those Things," "Let's Do It," and "It's All Right With Me," as well the theme song of his Yale a capella singing group, the "Whiffenpoof Song," which my father loved and often hummed while he worked at his carpentry table.

I've heard and watched Walesch play on the grand piano at the Oldenburg House several times. I always try to sit at the table offering the best view of his fingers flying up and down the keyboard. On one occasion, I admired how he synched with the featured singer, a bassist, and host Glenn Swanson on the drums. He's appeared on the radio show "Mountain Stage" and, this past October, was invited to perform at the 33rd annual Cabaret Convention at the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

With a little effort, there are many opportunities to enjoy incredible music in our area.

In early November, we marveled at the energy and beauty of the University of Minnesota Duluth vocal jazz ensembles Lake Effect and Chill Factor. The UMD vocal jazz program is Minnesota's largest curricular ensemble program specializing in vocal jazz and contemporary commercial styles. At least two dozen students, women and men, sang - some a capella, some in small groups.

And there's more from Agate Encores this winter and spring. The Lyra Baroque concert will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18 at Moose Lake High School, with music from the 17th and 18th centuries on period instruments.

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, look for the Highland String Quartet, all Duluth natives and founding members of the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra. Members have also held principal and assistant principal positions with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra.

Created by Agate Encores board members Marie Skalko, Regi Garvey, Mary Lou Olson, Jeanne and Dan Doty, and Lee and Joe Mogen, they produce five or more concerts from October to April. They solicit business advertisers and print a glossy program. They welcome concert volunteers and financial gifts. See their website at agateencores.org.

Columnist Ann Markusen is an economist and professor emerita at University of Minnesota.One of the five owners of the Pine Knot News, she lives in Red Clover Township north of Cromwell.

her husband, Rod Walli.