1) Jazz Ensemble I and Guest Mandolin Player Jonah Horton Perform Nov. 6
Works by George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Pat Metheney and other jazz composers fill the program for the Nov. 6 performance by Jazz Ensemble I from the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University. The free concert begins at 8 p.m. in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. The ensemble is directed by Todd Wright. Twelve-year-old mandolin player Jonah Horton and guitarist Andy Page will play a set consisting of “Lady Be Good”, I’ve Found a New Baby,” and “Limehouse Blues.” Horton began playing mandolin when he was 7 years old. He is the 2012 Wilkes Has Talent winner, 2012 winner of the Youth Mandolin Contest held at Galax Fiddlers’ concention and third place winner in this year’s Open Mandolin Competition in Galax.
2) Chamber Singers and University Singers Perform Nov. 7
Classical to contemporary works will be performed by the Chamber Singers and University Singers from Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music. The performance, conducted by Dr. Stephen Hopkins, begins Nov. 7 and 8 p.m. in Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall. Admission is free.
3) Billy Graham Invites People to Celebrate 95th Birthday
On Nov. 7, Billy Graham celebrates his 95th birthday. But even after a lifetime spent sharing a message of hope around the world, speaking to some 215 million people in live events in 185 countries, Graham still has something to say—and people across the U.S. can find out what that is this Thursday. During the past year, Graham worked with a video crew to record his personal message to the nation in a 30-minute program called The Cross. The video is the culmination of the My Hope America with Billy Graham project, the largest outreach ever conducted in North America by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. “With all my heart, I want to remind Americans of God’s amazing love, as simply and clearly as I can,” said Graham. “It’s a message I believe God has given me for people in our nation today.” More than 25,000 churches are participating in the project, which is expected to result in thousands of individuals opening their homes and reaching out in their communities. Graham himself is participating in the My Hope America project in a similar way. On Thursday evening, some 700 invited guests plan to join Graham for his 95th birthday celebration in Asheville, N.C. During the event, the guests will watch the debut of The Cross. Around the country, pastors who have registered to participate in the My Hope America with Billy Graham project are receiving DVDs of The Cross. Individuals participating in the project have also had the opportunity to order DVDs of the program online for free. In addition, The Cross will be televised Nov. 7-10 on more than 480 stations, including Fox News Channel at 10 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 7. It will also be available online at MyHopewithBillyGraham.org. Last month, Graham released his 32nd book, The Reason for My Hope: Salvation. The book presents the core message that has guided his life and calling for more than 70 years.