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It’s Sombreros vs. Lederhosen for Kentucky Symphony Orchestra’s Aug. 4 Devou concert


“Celebrate, appropriate, just don’t over-orchestrate” quipped the KSO’s fount of programming James Cassidy as he dreamed up this summer’s musical menu.

The August 4 show features two new KSO subsidiary groups — a Mariachi and a polka band, both making their public debuts in Devou Park.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Devou Park Amphitheatre.

“Actually these are two very identifiable cultural and musical genres with which Americans love to engage, whether they travel south of the border, to the land of schnitzel and sauerkraut, or simply visit their local ethnic restaurants,” says Cassidy. “With the Mariachi’s we can dabble in Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass hits of the 1960s while bringing Munich’s Polka tunes to Cincinnati a month before the Oktoberfest celebrations begin in earnest. Why? Because we can, thanks to great arrangers and versatile musicians playing instruments commonly found in the orchestra.”

Pass the chips and salsa, as the first half deploys a 
9-piece Mariachi band (3 violins, 2 trumpets, trombone,
guitar, bass and accordion) in authentic sombreros
to perform a Latin variety from “De Colores” and
“Besame Mucho” to “Spanish Eyes,” “The Mexican
Shuffle” and “La Bamba,” plus “La Cucaracha,” “Cielito Lindo” and many more.

Making a quick headgear change (It’s all about the hats!), 9 musicians (2 clarinets, trumpet, trombone, tuba, bass, guitar, accordion & drums) return from intermission donning Alpine hats for a trip across Bavaria for some polkas, yodeling, and audience singing and dancing (Yes, we will do the “Chicken Dance”.)

Besides the requisite beer drinking songs — “Ein Prosit” and Beer Barrel Polka”— KSO vocalist and Scherzmeister,
Troy Hitch leads the crowd in today’s Munich favorites — “In München Steht ein Hofbräuhaus,” “The Donkey Song,” “Viva Colonia” and “Rock Mi.” By the second half the audience will be chanting Ziggy-zaggy, ziggy- zaggy, oi, oi, Olé!”

Picnics are welcome, though drinks and concessions will be available.

Join James Cassidy, the Ft. Mitchell Mariachis and the Mainsträsse Polkateers for the Symphony’s 24th Summer in Devou Park, Saturday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m.

The TANK Shuttle from the Covington Catholic parking lot to the band shell runs from 6-7:30 p.m (returning 9:15 following the concert) for $1 each way.

Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Free admission and parking, though donations are encouraged. For more information, visit the KSO at www.kyso.org or call (859) 431-6216.

Sponsors for the show include DBL Law and Toyota.


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