Forever DOO-WOP A tribute to the 50's and 60"s with BEND

Description

 Forever DOO-WOP Tribute to the 50”s & 60”s
The Arts Council invites you to join us for a very special Saturday Nite live with the band Blend on Saturday, May 20^th at the Larimer Arts Center located at 216 Reid St. Palatka. Concert will start at 7:30Pm and tickets are $10.00.  Blend is touring through Florida and this is a sure to be a sellout show so reservations are suggested.  Coffee and light refreshments will be served.  To hear a sample of their music please visit
 https://youtu.be/h8RapBNEn68
BLEND... a cappella quartet bringing back all of those fun-loving memories from the 50's and 60's with a fun twist. BLEND mixes the great music of yesteryear with today’s comedy. Fun for all ages, BLEND is a show you will not want to miss!
Their story: 
BLEND was formed at John A. Logan College as a minor project that quickly blossomed into the makings of a successful career for its four members. Johnathan Estes of the group says, “We started over eleven years ago for a talent show, and ended up winning. From there, found we had a unique sound, so we decided to pursue it as a career.” The real strength of BLEND lies in their ability to entertain crowds of all ages with their energy, humor, renditions of songs which most everyone has heard at some time, all while keeping a Christian undertone.  In addition to their classic doo-wop routine, they are also a deeply spiritual group who loves to share their gospel music as well.
The group has performed at churches with their gospel arrangements and has wowed crowds far and wide at venues such as fairs, festivals, and performing arts centers with their amazing a cappella version of hits from the 50's and 60's. In 2008, BLEND appeared as special guests at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri. This led to an offer to perform their show in Branson at the Gene Williams Country Theater on a regular basis; however, the timing for that was not right. BLEND had to decline that great opportunity due to their dedication to educational responsibilities and pursuits.
While 2008 proved to be a successful year for them, the group made some changes to the presentation of their show. Developing a show fit for performing arts centers with a bit of nostalgic and unique flair, BLEND began touring as far south as Florida and into the northern part of the country to states like Minnesota and South Dakota. The show quickly gained attention as audiences across the midwest grew fond of the sounds and entertainment that these four guys bring to the stage with each performance. Due to this overwhelmingly positive response, BLEND was offered the opportunity to perform full-time in the cities of Hannibal, Missouri as well as Paducah, Kentucky in 2010. The group, however, has continued to travel the country in order to be heard more broadly.
After making several appearances throughout the years in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the city proudly welcomed BLEND to present daily shows at the Vienna Theatre during the summer season of 2011 and 2012. In 2014, they were asked to perform regularly at the Five Star Dinner Theatre. Nestled in the heart of Hot Springs, BLEND quickly became a “must-see” show. This success has continued for the group in the past few years as they have traveled and performed in spots all over the country. BLEND has worked with various artists, and can be seen performing backup vocals on Ronnie McDowell's show as well as on his album entitled, “I'm Gonna Dance with the Ones that Brought Me.” Come see for yourself why people across the country are raving about the very entertaining A Capella quartet from Southern Illinois. You won’t be disappointed!
Johnathan Estes –A native of Paducah, Kentucky, Johnathan now lives in Marion, Illinois.  As a child, he grew up listening to a wide variety of music and artists and fell in love.  He had the opportunity to attend several concerts in Paducah and always dreamed of being the person performing on stage.  However, Johnathan was very shy.  Now, being the “talker” of the group, Johnathan has grown out of his shy personality.  Always acting silly and adding his comical charisma on stage, he can also have a very serious side.  Johnathan is very dedicated to serving the Lord and spreading the gospel using the gifts and talents that he has been given.  Bringing others closer to GOD is his number one goal.  Johnathan devotes all of his time and energy to bringing the great music and talents to the fans. 
 
Adrian Fox – Originally hailing from Northern Illinois, Adrian now lives in Metropolis, Illinois. He has been with Blend since the summer of 2013. Music has always been a big part of his life, beginning with singing to karaoke tracks at age 3. He went through school in both band and choir. Adrian's love for the music of the 50's and 60's began when his grandmother introduced him to her favorite artist; Elvis Presley. As his musical talent grew he joined his father's 50's, 60's, Classic Rock, and Country band. This increased his love for that style of music even further. Adrian attributes most of his musical skill and experience to his dad, Kevin. He studied Music at Shawnee Community College and Christian Ministry at Mid-Continent University. His love for God is the fuel for everything he does. "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory" (1 Corinthians 10:31). Adrian believes that Blend is the perfect mixture of his two passions; music and ministry. 
Nik Berry – Nik has been with Blend since 2013 where he auditioned as a bass singer. Nik had a passion for music at a young age and the church choir in his hometown of Metropolis, Illinois is where it began. His experience singing in choir at junior college renewed his interest in singing as he got older. Now in his early 20's and still living in Metropolis, he studied Alternative Energy Engineering. Being the center of attention was never his strong point, but being in Blend has completely changed that, helping him become the goofy and outgoing person he is today. He never expected he could become part of a group such as this, but he can't thank God enough for the blessed life he's given him. “We never know what God will put in our paths,” Nik said, “I've always enjoyed being a part of music whether it was in the band or the choir. I really enjoy the friendship and fellowship we all share with Christ. Although we're not actual brothers, no matter what, we will always be brothers in Christ."
Aaron Chamness - Aaron has been a member of the Blend team since 2010. Aaron has been
involved in music since his birth, being raised up in southern gospel music. "My father sang baritone in a gospel trio since before I was born. We used to always go to his singings as a family. I heard what tight, 3-part harmony was supposed to sound like, and I also had an appreciation for the importance of family because we always did everything together. Growing up in a strong Christian home was a blessing, one I
The Arts Council of Greater Palatka’s Saturday Nite Live is supported in part by memberships, the Putnam County Tourist Development Council, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture
For more please call 386-328-8998 or visit www.artsinputnam.org.