Austin POPS P. O. Box 684083 Austin, TX 78768 Phone 512.417.3578 www.austinpops.org

Press Release

Contact: Carol Lynn Martens Phone:(512) 905-3502 or Terri Neubert Phone: (512)744-7438 Fax: (512)328-7331

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 19, 2008

“Live Music Legacy” Concerts Feature Music Notables

Austin, TX, September 20, 2008: The Austin Pops orchestra, under the direction of Jamie Desautels, announced their 2008-2009 season, titled “Live Music Legacy”, slating three performances at Riverbend Centre in Austin. The first concert is set for November 7, 2008, and headlines Ruby Jane Smith, a 13 year-old fiddle playing phenom from Mississippi. Single performance and season tickets are available by phone at 877-443-8849 or online at: http://austinpops.org

The Pops’ 34-member orchestra brings together classical musicians from around Central Texas, then invites local and regional artists to join them in concert. According to Desautels, “this is what makes the group unique. In a city like Austin, there are lots of musical choices, but our eclectic sound bridges a gap. Our goal is to showcase local artists, bring new music to the stage, and create an exciting concert experience for everyone in the family. Every year we get better, and this year is our best series yet.”

The Pop’s November program features music ranging from Jazz to Bluegrass with guest artist Smith, 13, headlining the season’s opening night. Smith’s talent has earned her turns on stage with Willie Nelson, among other country music notables, while her Southern Rockabilly style has already garnered rave reviews and network television interviews for the teen. http://www.mississippifiddler.com/

The November concert also highlights the Pop’s commitment to young performers and music education in Austin. The group is underwriting a fundraising initiative to support music education programs. Many students will be in the audience to hear Smith, and participate in a pre-concert event with Pops musicians.

Additional concerts are scheduled for February 7, 2009, and May 23, 2009 at the Riverbend Centre located at 4214 N. Capital of Texas Highway. More information can be found at: http://www.riverbend.com/

Concert Highlights:

November 7, 2008: “In the Mix”

· Ruby Jane – Featured season opening artist joins the Pops in a rousing fiddle performance backed by a full orchestra.

· Leah Zeger – An Austin favorite, Zeger brings her four-octave vocal range and operatic training to Scat improvs.

· John Mills – returns to perform one of his most memorable original compositions: “Trajectory” with the Pops.

· Paul Baker – Smart new sounds from a composer whose works are often featured in computer games and educational music, Baker’s music is sure to be a fun new addition to the Pops repertoire.

· Ulrich Ellison – Austrian guitar virtuoso and Fulbright scholar, who’s been called “Austin’s own Jimi Hendrix”, returns to the spotlight this season.

February 7, 2009: “Newbies & Oldies”

· Daniel Stokes – Up-and-coming young artist joins the Pops, adding his guitar and vocals to a Rock’n Revival set.

· Courtney Sanchez – Elegant jazz and blues in the legendary Motown style, Sanchez brings her own brand of sizzle to the stage in her Pops debut.

· Bob Meyer – Smooth sounds flow from this nationally known composer’s original jazz instrumentals.

· Billy Crockett – Texas-style acoustic guitar starts with Country, then adds Folk and Americana to the mix. Crockett is recognized as one of the musical geniuses who’s putting “The Live Music Capital of the World”® on the map.

May 23, 2009: “Fiddles & Folk”

· Jamie Desautels – comes out from behind the podium to lead a Fiddle Jam Session as big as Texas! Don’t miss this event – as fiddlers and violinists in the audience are invited onstage to join the band for a medley of reels, jigs and waltzes. We’re going for the record books on this one! Fiddlers of all ages are invited – get your music on the Pops web site after February 1, 2009, then come ready to be part of the tapestry of sound at “Fiddles & Folk”!

· Phoebe Hunt – Featured Artist Hunt, is Austin born and bred. She’s now touring nationally with the Belleville Outfit – and being lauded as one of Austin’s fast-rising talents. In May, she’s coming home to join the POPS on stage, and bringing her fiddle and sweet ‘n sassy vocals with her.

· More Artists to be added. Check the Austinpops.org for updates, or subscribe online to the Pops newsletter: Tapestry of Sound.

POPS Backgrounder

Orchestra Highlights:

The Austin Pops bring together a stellar group of Texas musicians who are internationally recognized through music publications, compositions, recordings, and instrument endorsements.

Maestro Jamie Desautels hails from Canada, and began playing violin at age five. He is conservatory educated and holds three music degrees. He has performed on five continents and is heard on recordings worldwide. His arrangements for the POPS have been described as “outstanding artistry” by Austin Lyric Opera Conductor, Richard Buckley, and his conducting as “brilliant” by international composer, John Mills. Desautels now resides in the Austin area with his wife, Mari.

Many members of the Pops further their passion for music off stage through careers in the music field. Their professions range from University faculty members and certified public school teachers to music business entrepreneurs and composers, arrangers, and performers working in a range of musical genres.

Many Pops players are also principal and section players with the Austin Symphony and Austin Lyric Opera Orchestras. Nearly all members maintain private teaching studios throughout the Austin area.

Complete Quotes ref. Jamie Desautels:

"I have worked with Jamie in several different capacities over recent years, and whether in the recording studio or on the concert stage, he has consistently impressed me as musician of the absolutely highest calibre. As a violinist he has wonderful technique and flawless intonation, but beyond that, he is remarkably versatile---musically conversant with every component of the ensemble and at ease with numerous genres. These qualities make Jamie a very natural and effective leader for any musical situation that may arise. We worked together most recently on an ambitious "pops" orchestral project where he both conducted the orchestra brilliantly and wrote a beautifully realized original arrangement. I cannot imagine a more talented, versatile and deserving musician." John Mills

"I have worked with Mr. Desautels for nearly three years. He is not only a dedicated and talented musician, but also a vital and decisive leader. I know that I can count on him to coordinate and inspire his section. In addition, I have adjudicated at violin auditions with him and respect his insight and opinions. One of the outstanding aspects of Mr. Desautels' artistry is that he easily moves from one genre to the next. As mentioned, I have worked with him in classical repertoire and am impressed by his technique, phrasing, and musicianship. I am equally impressed by the number of popular recording artists who seek out Jamie as either a session musician or arranger. I know that his arrangements have received strong critical acclaim. The excerpts that I have heard are indeed clever and idiomatic." Richard Buckley

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