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Warren Civic Music announces lineup for season

WARREN — New acts will join past favorites for the Warren Civic Music Association’s 2023-24 concert season.

Three of the six artists next season will be making return engagements to Packard Music Hall.

RocOpraNatra did a WCMA concert in 2016, and group founder Brian Roman sang for the series in 2013.

The New York Tenors first came to Warren in 2019, and Andy Cooney from the trio has two prior WCMA appearances, and Spanish guitar player Benise also performed in 2019.

Artist Selection Chair Ellie Monchak said subscriber feedback drives many of those decisions.

“After the show, no sooner do I get out of my seat and they’re saying, ‘That was fantastic. Bring them back,’ and even ‘Bring them back next year,'” she said.

“That’s what Warren Civic Music is all about — pleasing our subscribers.” A new attraction will open the season. Rhinestone Cowgirls on Sept. 19 features a trio of women performing songs by the legendary ladies of country music.

Monchak said the show was put together by the same agency that does the female musical revue Divas3, which was booked for 2020 and delayed until the following year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it emphasizes gowns and the glamorous side of country music.

This is the organization’s 84th season, and for most of those years, there were no country acts, but the genre has had growing popularity with its subscriber base, and Monchak said they try to book one country show a season.

RocOpraNatra, coming Oct. 17, gets its name from the different genres that are each singer’s specialty.

“Danny Scott is more of a rock person,” Monchak said. “Christopher Dallo is more classical. He is one of (songwriter / producer) David Foster’s prodigies. He was 22 years old when he was first here. And Roman brings Sinatra. They have totally different voices but they blend well, and they have a wonderful camaraderie on stage.”

Ron Gartner, who runs one of the booking agencies that Warren Civic Music regularly works with, will be coming to the Mahoning Valley as a performer on Nov. 8 with Splish! Splash! The Music of Bobby Darin, a tribute to the singer from the 1950s and ’60s whose hits include “Beyond the Sea,” “Mack the Knife,” “Dream Lover” and the song that gives the show its title.

“He doesn’t look like him; he just does the music and he’s a real entertainer,” Monchak said.

The New York Tenors will include holiday songs in its Dec. 14 concert.

“Andy Cooney does a Christmas show every year at Carnegie Hall,” she said.

He’ll be joined by Daniel Rodriguez, a former New York City police officer who first gained national attention for his singing after his performance of “God Bless America” at a Prayer for America event following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and Christopher Macchio.

The first show of 2024 will be The Greatest Piano Men on April 16. Four pianists will celebrate the music of such diverse artists as Elton John, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Liberace.

The season concludes with Benise on May 2. The “nouveau flamenco” guitarist has released more than dozen albums and six concert DVDs since 2000, and his latest special, “Fiesta,” has been airing on PBS stations nationwide.

“His production is amazing — beautiful set, other dancers. He’s a very talented young man and just as nice as can be,” Monchak said.

Current subscribers should be receiving brochures in the mail this week. Those interested in requesting a brochure can call 330-399-4885 or email info@WarrenCivicMusic.com. For more information, go to WarrenCivicMusic.com.

Warren Civic Music Association 2023-24 Season

Sept. 19 — Rhinestone Cowgirls (legendary ladies of country music)

Oct. 17 — RocOpraNatra, featuring Brian Roman, Christopher Dallo and Danny Scott

Nov. 8 — Splish! Splash! The Music of Bobby Darin starring Ron Gartner

Dec. 14 — The New York Tenors featuring Andy Cooney, Daniel Rodriguez and Christopher Macchio

April 16, 2024 — The Greatest Piano Men (Billy, Elton, Stevie, Liberace, Ray and more)

May 2, 2024 — Benise: “Fiesta!”

All shows start at 7 p.m. at Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren. Doors open at 6 p.m., and seating is general admission. Single tickets for each performance are $40

Season tickets good for admission to all six concerts are $125 (plus $4 fee for credit card orders). Current subscribers should receive season brochures in the mail in the coming week.

To request a brochure, call 330-399-4885 or email info@WarrenCivicMusic.com. For more information, go to WarrenCivicMusic.com.

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