Music Festival continues until July 25
FORT BRAGG >> The 35th season of the Mendocino Music Festival started out with a bang thanks to the floorstompin’ sounds of the Pine Leaf Boys. Everyone was stomping and clapping their hands to the Cajun, Creole, swamp pop, country and Zydeco sounds of this energetic and fun band.
Of course, the audience loved their rendition of the Sir Douglas Quintet’s “Mendocino.” What an enthusiastic start to the much-loved Mendocino Music Festival.
On the next evening, the mood changed to the aristocratic music of Bach, Barber and Tchaikovsky with The Festival String Orchestra’s performance.
Sunday night, the audience immersed themselves in “The Songs of Kurt Weill” performed by Jenny Matteucci, Abigail Strock, Matthew Evans, Daniel Lockert and the Festival Chorale. Many tuned into the livestream of Susan Waterfall’s film on the music of Kurt Weill, and the art and culture of Weimar Germany on Friday night. Susan’s lectures, whether live or online, are always at the top of the list.
Monday night featured Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueiredo. One of the hottest international names right now, Figueiredo’s performance was extraordinary. The audience was enthralled throughout. To top it off, a friend of Figueiredo’s from Albion, acoustic guitarist Alex de Grassi, was a surprise guest.
Listening to piano Stephen Prutsman’s “Progressive (Art) Rock” was a unique experience. His enthusiasm for this music genre was shared by those in the audience. And as one reviewer said, the Alexander String Quartet (featured Wednesday night) “breathe the music they play.” On this night the air was full of Haydn, Shostakovich and Ravel.
Of course, there is still much more for the festival audiences. Four more nights, including tonight, July 22, with Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands; July 23, Festival String Orchestra; July 24, Perla Battala; and July 25, the Festival Big Band with Kim Nalley. Tickets are now on sale.
In the beginning
It all began in a living room in 1986. Responding to a community need for the presentation of the music and for classical music education, Allan Pollack, composer/conductor, his wife Susan Waterfall, concert pianist, along with Mendocino resident and world-renowned bassoonist Walter Green, initiated a series of meetings with fellow musicians and music lovers. By the way, their son, Julian Waterfall Pollack, a musical genius in his own right, made his Mendocino Music Festival orchestral debut at the age of 12. The first festival was presented in a blue and gold tent on the Mendocino Headlands in July 1987.
“Good music”
Allan Pollack, who is trained in classical and jazz genres, said he puts together the program each year with Duke Ellington’s philosophy in mind.
“The Duke was writing classical music and playing jazz, and somebody asked if the music was jazz or classical,” Pollack said. “Ellington’s response? ‘There’s good music and there’s bad music. I do good music!’” The Mendocino Music Festival also does!
Did you know?
In addition to local musicians, some orchestra members have been coming to the Mendocino Coast for years. Many of them are part of a “freeway philharmonic” — and perform in various orchestras throughout the Bay Area, where they driving from one gig to another.
Bravissimo
Kudos go not only to the Pollack family, but also to the amazing board of directors, with co-presidents Deborah Farmar and Nancy Jenkins at the helm. Backed by a cadre of over 200 volunteers and their dynamic board members, the Mendocino
Music Festival’s administrative staff, headed up by Executive Director Barbara Faulkner, is made up of a dedicated group of folks who love music.
A few more words
Some words from Allan Pollack, artistic director, conductor and Festival cofounder:
“How miraculous and downright exciting that we are performing again! Although we’re thrilled to be performing in Cotton Auditorium this year, the Festival’s sights are set on 2022 with the big tent and packed programs.
“We have all learned during COVID-19 how important it is to be together, sharing the good things in life with those we love. The Mendocino Music Festival is such a wonderful place to have that happen.”
For more information on tickets and schedule, please visit mendocinomusic.org. The concerts, each one-hour in length, are held in the comfort of Cotton Auditorium in Fort Bragg this year; with health measures for your safety.