Musical programs extend from Mexico to Tolkien

The Southeast Missouri State Symphony Orchestra will present Mexican violinist Manuel Ramos Tuesday in a concert titled "Symphonie Fiesta!" On Thursday, the Southeast Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform works ranging from a Spanish march to a symphony based on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien.

The program Tuesday will include Spanish and Mexican music and will feature Ramos in Lalo's "Symphonie Espagnole" for solo violin and orchestra.

Also on the program are Creston's "Night in Mexico and Massenet's "Ballet Music from 'Le Cid.'"

This year, Ramos has performed concerts with orchestras in St. Louis, Kansas City and Illinois besides appearances with orchestras in Mexico and a tour of South America.

He has been a member of the first violin section with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra since 1976. He also has been assistant concertmaster of the Pittsburgh and San Diego symphonies and concertmaster of the Mexico City Philharmonic.

The orchestra is conducted by Dr. Sara Edgerton. This is the first of five concerts the orchestra will present in the 2002-2003 Commerce Bank Concert Series.

Tuesday's concert will begin at 8 p.m. at Academic auditorium. Tickets are $10 for preferred seating, $6 for general admission, $5 for faculty, staff and senior citizens and $4 for students. They are available by calling 651-2265 or at the door.

Thursday, the Southeast Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform Dutch composer Johan de Meij's Symphony No. 1, "The Lord of the Rings," a work based on the Tolkien trilogy. The symphony won the first prize in the prestigious Sudler International Wind Band Competition in 1989.

Also on the program are "Diagram" by Belgian composer Andre Waignein and music by Gustav Holst and Jaime Texidor.

The wind ensemble is conducted by Dr. Robert Gifford. The concert will begin at 8 p.m.

Admission for Thursday's concert is $6 general, $5 for senior citizens, university faculty and students, and $4 for other students.

Free shuttle service will be provided for both concerts beginning at 7:15 p.m. from the parking lot in front of Dempster Hall along the 700 block of Henderson Street.

River City Players prepare for 'A Little Murder ...'

"A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody" will be presented by the River City Players in dinner theater performances Oct. 25-26 and Nov. 1-2.

The shows will be at the River City Yacht Club, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and an 8 p.m. show start. A special show-only performance is scheduled for Oct. 31, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and a 7 p.m. show start.

The cast includes Natasha Storey Ford, Kate Kruse, Wayne Heiser, Joe Class, Rich Behring and Lloyd Williams. The director is Debie Barnhouse. Randy Barnhouse is the assistant director.

Dinner theater admission is $19.95. Show-only admission is $7. Phone 334-9054 or send e-mail to portcape@clas.net for reservations.

KRCU show makes air at another station

"Your Folk Connection," a locally-produced show broadcast on KRCU 90.9 FM, is being picked up by a Charleston, Ill., station. WEIU 88.9 FM will broadcast the show Saturday mornings at 10 a.m.

Since originating on KRCU, the show also has been picked up by WSIU 91.9 FM in Carbondale, Ill., by WUSI 90.3 FM in Olney, Ill., and by WVSI 88.9 FM in Mount Vernon, Ill., all of which broadcast it at 7 p.m. Sundays.

"Your Folk Connection" is hosted by Barney Hartline, Jim Hickam and Terry Wright. It is broadcast on KRCU at 7 p.m. every Saturday.

'Flaming Idiots' coming to Market House Theatre

PADUCAH, Ky. -- "Flaming Idiots," a comedy about two restaurateurs who really don't know how to run a restaurant, continues through Nov. 2 at the Market House Theatre.

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. today Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday as well as Oct. 24-27 and Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

Phone (270) 444-6828 or go to www.mhtplay.com for information or reservations.

'All Men Can't Be Dogs' at Fox Theatre

ST. LOUIS -- "All Men Can't Be Dogs," a comedy filled with music and a spiritual message, continues through Sunday at the Fox Theatre.

Among the play's stars are vocalists Deniece Williams and Carvin Winans.

Shows are at 8 p.m. today, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

For information, phone (314) 534-1111.

'West Side Story' opens Tuesday

ST. LOUIS -- "West Side Story," the award-winning musical with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and choreography by Jerome Robbins, opens Tuesday at the Fox Theatre and continues through Nov. 3.

The musical is a Romeo and Juliet story set among New York City gangs.

Hit songs include "Somewhere (There's a Place For Us)," "Maria" and "Tonight."

For information, phone (314) 534-1111.

Pop-metal band to play at Cape Girardeau airport

The pop-metal band Jackyl will perform Oct. 29, at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport.

Jackyl has appeared on tours with AC/DC and Aerosmith. They have a Guinness World Record for giving 100 live performances in 50 days.

Also on the bill Oct. 29 will be local bands Closure and Emaciation.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the show.

They are on sale at Shivelbine's music store and P-Mac Music in Cape Girardeau, Trimtasticks in Perryville, Mo., and Collins Music in Sikeston, Mo.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

-- From staff reports