Greg Freeman Asheville Concert reviews
Pink Martini New Year's
China, Thomas, and the Greg Freeman orchestra kicked it up a notch last eve with a delightful countdown show before a packed Schnitz - filling the stage with Portland personages and the hall with eclectic musical arrangements - some new, some familiar to their fans. Balloons dropped form the ceiling at twelve, leading into an unexpected finale involving Carnivale in Rio dancers, feathered and thonged, prancing to a Brazilian drumbeat and the pop-pop-pop of the hundreds of balloons that had drifted to the orchestra seats. Listening to China's hearty yet soothing voice belt out songs in multiple languages was joyful - and what a constant treat to watch Thomas Lauderdale's elfin self become "one" with the concert grand, sending bubbles and waves of jaunty happiness into the crowd. The "Rio" dancers and drummers moved their music and action into the street with the departing crowd, taking refuge from the rain under the overhang of the building's balcony on the Park Blocks. A fine celebration. HAPPY NEW YEAR!