Posted by: thepinetree on 07/05/2013 06:03 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 07/05/2013 06:03 PM
Expires: 01/01/2018 12:00 AM
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Route 88 (Band) Intersects on Main Street in Moke Hill
Mokelumne Hill, CA... Our lives revolve around music -- it touches our hearts in many ways . . .
Taking the name of the rural state highway that runs through their home base of Amador County, keyboardist Aldo and his songbird wife, Darnelle, got together with their guitar-playing friend Ken, and became Route 88. Their mission was to create a repertoire that would appeal to music lovers of all ages. With the addition of three more band members, Elle, Gordy and Ted, they are ready to take Northern California on a tour of the dance floor. With a diverse set list from the 1950s to current times, distinguished vocal harmonies and tight compositions, the group is equipped to offer an uplifting, entertaining show for all ages. From Santana to Pure Prairie League, Route 88 rambles down that nostalgic highway and then winds up the new road with contemporary country, rock and blues. They can even drive into something sultry like Give Me One Reason and Smooth Operator. On Wednesday, July 17, they will be driving to downtown Mokelumne Hill at Shutter Tree Park for Music in the parks. Bring your chairs and picnics and enjoy the journey from 6:30 until 8:00 pm.
The band consists of Aldo Midili on keyboards, who is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Aldo started playing accordion at age 12 in a polka waltz band. He moved to California in his early 20s and has developed techniques in several styles of music. Inspired by groups such as The Eagles and Crosby, Stills & Nash, Aldo arranges the bands tunes to include close and tasty harmonies. Darnelle Midili is one of the lead singers. When she’s not singing in the band, she is hosting her own karaoke shows for public and private events. Elle Runyun is a classically trained vocalist who also performs as a soprano with the Stockton Chorale. She is a wedding soloist and loves to sing jazz and classic rockl. Gordon Walker provides the tight rhythm glue for the ensemble and doubles on other instruments as well as harmony vocals. Ken Lawver has been playing guitar since 1966 and is a founding member of the band. A consummate musician, he is also a practicing Chiropractor in Manteca, California. Ted Williamson studied composition and vocal harmony at the University of Pittsburgh and has arranged vocals for Randy Sparks and the New Christy Minstrels.
Shutter Tree Park is located at the corner of Main and Center Street in downtown Mokelumne Hill. Heading north on Highway 49 towards Jackson, turn left on Main Street in Moke Hill and travel to the end of the road. The next Music in the Parks concert is July 24 at Murphys Community Park. Enjoy Bill Welles and Company for a rich blend of music from folk and bluegrass to blues and jazz. For a downloadable schedule of Music in the Parks and other events presented by the Calaveras Arts Council, go to www.calaverasarts.org or call (209) 754-1774.
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