The Jefferson City Concert Association kicks off its 2016-17 season Sept. 17 with with a special concert - The 4 Freshmen.
Singing with a unique harmony, The 4 Freshmen have entertained worldwide listeners for 65 years. Their tight-knit sound is inspired the Beach Boy's Brian Wilson, The Mamas and the Papas, Frankie Valli and the Manhattan Transfer.
The show will start at 7 p.m. at the Miller Performing Arts Center. Tickets are between $10 and $20, and can be bought at eventbrite.com/e/the-4-freshmen-tickets-26931884993.
The group started in 1948, when four college freshmen crafted a unique style of vocal harmony that caught the ear of great bandleader Stan Kenton. Kenton was responsible for bringing the group to Capitol Records, where they became a national sensation.
In 68 years, The 4 Freshmen have recorded more than 75 albums, 70 top selling singles and received six Grammy nominations. The last of the original four founders, Bob Flanagan departed in 1993, less than a year after Bob Ferreira joined. Ferreira has since remained the outfit's anchor.
Under Ferreria's leadership, The 4 Freshman won Downbeat Magazine's Best Vocal Group Award, the "Sachmo" Award and have been awarded JazzTimes' top Jazz Award three times. The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001 along with the Beach Boys, ABBA and the Bee Gees.
Also on the slate for this year's concert season at the Miller Center will be "Link Union," an eight-member acoustic band that combines folk, bluegrass and gospel music in a style familiar to fans of "A Prairie Home Companion," and "Bill Forness & One More Round," one of America's top Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash tribute shows. Rounding out the season will be the return of "Project Trio," which will be not only performing but teaching Master Music Classes in area schools.
In addition the Concert Association sponsors three shows by Jefferson City's own Symphony Orchestra at Lincoln university including, this year, a special presentation of "Hansel and Gretel" in conjunction with Mostly Opera.