The Madison music scene can be broken into three broad categories, which is why there truly is something for everybody, whatever your favorite music style might be. First, there’s the cover music scene that mostly happens at the bars and pubs around town, playing popular rock and country hits. Second, there’s a vibrant original music scene that happens mostly at Red Bicycle Hall, but other spots as well like Jane’s Barbershop and Thomas Winery. These are the singer/songwriters and original bands playing their own unique creations.
And third, which brings us to today’s story theme, there’s a growing resurgence of classical music in Madison, with at least one performance a month, mostly happening in our historic churches with their glorious natural acoustics. And I should add, the term “classical” applies rather broadly here, encompassing everything from the great composers played on traditional instruments to accordion virtuosos and master guitar players.
The engine behind the classical music mania is the Madison Performing Arts Foundation, and its current president Starla Raley. Loyal readers will recognize Starla’s name from countless earlier events, due to her high demand as pianist and accompanist of first choice here in town. And as it happens, her husband Michael Raley is also an accomplished musician on trombone. They will be performing together on Friday, Feb. 13, at the Presbyterian Church on Broadway at 7 p.m. As with all MPAF shows, it’s free and open to the public, with donations gladly accepted.
“There’s actually quite a lot of classical music written for the trombone,” explains Michael. “The instrument has been around since the 15th century in various forms. We have a full hour of interesting and varied pieces, and we’re very excited to share it.”
A recently retired professor of history at Hanover College, Michael Raley has a long and storied career as a classical trombonist, having logged nine years with the Louisville Orchestra and an ongoing place with the Louisville Philharmonia group. He and Starla met and married 13 years ago and moved to Madison for the Hanover position.
“We’ve definitely seen an increase in interest and audiences since we started the classical music series some years ago,” explains Starla. “Just a few years ago if we got 50 people to show up we were happy, but now it’s not unusual to see 125 or more. In fact, the churches where we perform have been pretty much full at many shows, standing room only!
“We feel very lucky to have these amazing churches that allow us to come in and play. You have to remember, these are historic structures built well before electronic amplification, so they are perfectly suited to acoustic style music. We’ve been told by some of our visiting musicians that it’s the best sounding venue they’ve ever played in!”
“We have a special composition we’re looking forward to performing,” adds Michael. “It’s written by a friend of ours, Joe L. Alexander, who wrote it for me and Starla about 10 years ago. Joe is now deceased, and we never got to play it while he was alive, so this will be a first. In fact, we think his widow may be able to make the show. The piece is about 8 minutes long, and it’s kind of a quirky conversation between the trombone and piano. We love it, and we think the audience will too.
“February is Black History Month of course, so we are ending the show with a set of spirituals. We’re very pleased with the entire program, and we’ve been working hard getting it ready. It looks like the weather is finally warming up, so the concert is the perfect way to get out of the house on Friday and get back out in the world. We hope to see you there!”
Hot Tip of the Week
This Saturday is Valentine’s Day, as you all know. (You didn’t forget again, did you?!) Several of our local establishments are offering special experiences for you and your soul mate. Rivertown Grill will have Zach Hackney playing unplugged acoustic in the dining room starting at 5 p.m. Mad Paddle Brewery has a Valentine’s-themed music line-up ready to set the mood. Thomas Family Winery will be kind of jazzy with Brook and Steve. And if you want to catch an original music performance, Red Bicycle Hall has Joey Harkum playing his heartfelt songs. The wine bar at Vintage Lanes will be romantic and cozy, as always. And Off Broadway Taproom will be serving their wonderful pub grub, as always. (Chef Gabby will have something special cooked up for sure!) I guess the moral of the story is, just get out there! Every weekend is magical in Indiana’s Music City.
Charlie Rohlfing is a retired advertising man and partner in The Red Bicycle Hall music venue. Look for his distinctive fedora bobbing above the crowd anywhere local live music is happening.
Music Events Schedule
Friday, Feb. 13
1st Street Saloons – DJ Nate (9 p.m.)
Vintage Laness – Jazz (7-9 p.m.)
Mad Paddle Brewstillerys – Roman Toast (8 p.m.)
TailGatorss – DJ Scratchy Karaoke (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 14
Happy Valentine’s
1st Street Saloons – DJ Nate
Mad Paddle Brewstillerys – Lillian & Noah Brown/DJ Nate (8 p.m.)
VFWs – Silverwings (8 p.m.-Midnight)
Red Bicycle Halls – Joey Harkum (8 p.m.)
Thomas Family Winerys – Brook Reindollar & Steve Pulias (8 p.m.)
Central Hotels – Jimmy, Nick, & Kerri (9 p.m.)
Rivertown Grill Dining Rooms – Zach Hackney unplugged (5-8 p.m.)
1st Street Saloons – L&L Karaoke
Sunday, Feb. 15
Vintage Lanes – Violin Pop with Samantha Lamkin (6-8 p.m.)
Monday, Feb. 16
TailGators – Singo Bingo (7-9 p.m.)