Jon Nordgren, Cabrillo College Director of Bands and Cabrillo Stage Artistic Director and a Tom Lehrer enthusiast will join the world’s only Lehrer-dedicated Sousa-Ragtime Skiffle Band The Lehrermen for both shows of Viva La Lehrer IV Saturday, April 8 at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center. Nordgren will play clarinet and assist band co-founder Steve Wilson with song arrangements for the fourth annual celebration of the life and songs of Tom Lehrer.
Returning to the show are previous headliners Lori Rivera, a Gail Rich honoree, and Kylan deGhetaldi, Santa Cruz Ragtime festival organizer. The Gold Standard barbershop quartet Constellation, opera diva Lizz Hodgin, the beauty shop trio “3-in-a-Chord,” Joe Ferrara, Rick Tacklind, Olaf Schiappacasse, and one-man duo “Me&Tom” are also on the bill. Sentinel Entertainment Editor and Gail Rich award creator Wallace Baine will emcee.
New to the show will be Lowell Greene, the second Branciforte Middle School student to perform Lehrer’s “The Elements.” Last year Lowell’s friend and class mate Rowan Jones received a standing ovation upon performing the feat.
With performances routinely sold out, two shows again are scheduled: A 6:30 early show for “Lehrer Fans” who simply can’t wait, and an 8:45 late show for “Lehrer Lovers” who insist on more Lehrer than anyone should have to endure. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each show time.
Mr. Lehrer, currently a Professor Emeritus at UCSC, has given permission to perform his songs but is not otherwise involved in the event. Tickets are on sale now, $26 in advance at VivaLaLehrerIV.brownpapertickets.com, which can is linked through VivaLaLehrer.com or by phone at 1-800-838-3006. Proceeds will benefit the Santa Cruz Homeless Services Center. Kuumbwa Jazz Center is located at 320 Cedar St. downtown Santa Cruz. For additional information call Peter Nichols 831-539-9592.