UMC starts the new season with modern country performance | News, sports, jobs

According to a press release, Uptown Music Collective will open its 2024-2025 performance season with “Midnight Train to Memphis: A Tribute to the Modern Country” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 and 9 at the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St. The performance will feature the music of modern country stars such as Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson and Tyler features Childers, Taylor Swift and more.

The show is performed by UMC’s renowned Special Performance Group 1, comprised of UMC students ages 13 to 18. This diverse group of young musicians deliver world-class performances that have become a staple in the local community for years.

Modern country music, including songs like “Tennessee Whiskey” “Heart like a truck” “Beautifully crazy” “Before he cheats” “Girl Crush” and more, blending the sounds of rock, pop, folk and blues with the rich tradition of country storytelling. These songs speak to the timeless themes of heartbreak and love, small town values, and of course the familiar comforts of dogs and trucks. While these performances feature electric guitars and modern production, they continue to rely on classic country instruments such as flat-top acoustic guitars, banjos, fiddles and pedal steel guitars, creating a sound that blends old and new. In every note, today’s country artists honor the past and push the genre forward, evolving country music for today’s audiences while preserving its spirit.

“Country music is very popular among our students and they are extremely excited to bring this performance to the stage.” said UMC founder and CEO Dave Brumbaugh. “This will be our third country performance, following ‘Family Tradition: A Tribute to Outlaw Country’ and ‘Friends in Low Places: A Tribute to Garth Brooks and 90’s Country.'” Every time we saddle up “When we sit down to perform a country show, the energy rises and our inner-country students’ boys and girls ride out to deliver a great and inspiring performance – so don’t miss it.”

“Midnight Train to Memphis” will feature UMC students who have been diligently preparing for this event for more than three months, the press release states. In addition to the music, there will be a professional light and sound show organized by the students themselves in collaboration with the Community Arts Center professionals. As with all Uptown Music Collective performances, the students are not only the performers but also the directors of the show. A group of younger students, or “Tech Monkeys” will act as stage technicians and spotlight operators. The show’s cast comes from Uptown Music Collective’s acclaimed Special Performance Group 1.

This show will be headlined by Uptown Music Collective senior Izzy Butters (Loyalsock Township High School) and junior Rian Gephart (Montoursville Area High School). The show’s leadership committee includes UMC students Matthew Bellino and Nick Willoughby (Danville Area High School); Lila Butters and Ella Hertwig (Loyalsock Township High School); Tixo Bower (home school); Grace Godin, Abby Jamison, Owen Miller and Caiden Scarfo (Williamsport Area High School); Mackenzie Hakes (South Williamsport Area High School); Elle Donlin (Loyalsock Township Middle School); Rowan Alamy (Lewisburg Area High School); and Gianna Waldman (Montoursville Area High School).

“When I went to the country show, I thought my role would be pretty simple, just playing a few basic chords.” Bower said. “But after listening to the setlist, I was pleasantly surprised by the heavier riffs and advanced yet tasteful solos in the songs. The guitar parts turned out to be more fun and challenging than I expected. I can also play other instruments such as pedal steel and banjo, which further enriches the experience. What seemed like a simple gig has turned into a more exciting and rewarding opportunity.”

Tickets for the performance are only available at the door and on the Community Arts Center website (www.caclive.com). For more information about the Midnight Train to Memphis, visit uptownmusic.org/midnighttrain or call 570-329-0888.