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Vintage Valentine

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“Vintage Valentine” with Berel Alexander Ensemble

            Singer/bandleader Berel Alexander is out to win hearts with a “Vintage Valentine” pair of performances, Saturday, February 13th at the Arcata Playhouse and Sunday, February 14th at the Morris Graves Museum of Art.

            Alexander’s debut album, Hooked, has been getting plenty of airplay since a sold-out crowd of 300 packed the Red Fox in December to hear the charismatic songwriter lead the 10 piece Berel Alexander Ensemble.

“We’re thrilled with the response to the CD,” Alexander said. “We want to follow–up with a sweet set of all-ages shows for Valentine’s Day: a festive event at the Arcata Playhouse and an elegant evening at the Morris Graves.”

            The musical line-up for Vintage Valentine includes Berel Alexander (voice and acoustic guitar), Mike Lee (cello), Lorenza Simmons and Biancamankai (voice), Jesse Elias (electric guitar), Stephen “Fuss” Bernhardt (bass), Corey Winer (drums), Justin Schwartzman (sax and trumpet), Alex Botkin (trombone), Marnin Robbins (violin), and Brian Swizlo (Hammond B3 organ and piano).   The Ensemble will play Alexander’s original songs plus a few jazz classics.

            On Saturday, Feb 13, doors open at 6:30 with music from 7 to 9 pm at the Arcata Playhouse, 1251 9th Street. Tickets are $ 15 general admission, $ 10 for students and children.  In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, audience members are encouraged to wear something red, and take part in the best-dressed contest for a chance to win a copy of Hooked.

            The Sunday evening soirée runs from 5 to 7 pm at the Morris Graves Museum of Art, 636 F Street, Eureka. The $ 25 ticket includes wine and sparkling juices, hors d’oeuvres and delectables.  This holiday event is a fundraiser for the Humboldt Arts Council. 

            The popular bandleader is currently dividing his time between Humboldt County, the Bay Area and Los Angeles.  Alexander comments, “It’s great to be in L.A. to network in the music industry, and come home to Humboldt to work with my musicians and production team.  I’m also working on setting up shows in the Bay Area for spring and hoping to get into some summer festivals.”

            Weather permitting, Alexander will arrive at the “Vintage Valentine” gigs in the cherry red 1974 Dodge Challenger featured in his CD and website artwork.  The singer explains, “I’m hoping for clear skies. The Chally belongs to my neighbor Marl Olsen, and he doesn’t let that baby get wet!”

            Seating for both shows is limited and advanced tickets are highly recommended.  Ticket outlets include The Works at 213 F Street, Eureka and 987 H Street, Arcata and Fortuna Music Mart, 1040 Main Street, Fortuna.  For further information, see berelalexander.com.

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