2006-2007 Season Galleries

Derby Days 2007 :

Derby Days 2007

Updated: Aug 05, 2007 3:07pm PST

Concerts on The Square :

Concerts on The Square

Updated: Jul 12, 2007 9:52pm PST

Shakopee HS Theatre : Tuesday, May 8, 2007--Jim Murphy was kind enough to take us on a tour of Shakopee's new high school and its theatre complex. I got the opportunity to take photos of the 800-seat facility which is gradually nearing completion. Choral director Mike Kovic and band director Eric Christensen will have a wonderful venue for their concerts and productions. The students and community of Shakopee are very fortunate to have this wonderful venue.

Shakopee HS Theatre

Tuesday, May 8, 2007--Jim Murphy was kind enough to take us on a tour ...

Updated: May 08, 2007 1:16pm PST

Dawson MN : Friday, April 27--Following our performance, we headed to Dawson MN which is the home to gnomes which are located throughout the community. One of the photos includes two gnomes modelled after the Soli's who were Dawson music educators. We certainly enjoy performing in rural communities. The audience has a wonderful appreciation for art and entertainment. A special thanks to Luanne and Dan Fondell for inviting us to Dawson. It was a wonderful experience!

Dawson MN

Friday, April 27--Following our performance, we headed to Dawson MN wh ...

Updated: Apr 27, 2007 11:20pm PST

Staples MN : Thursday, April 26, 2007-- When I arrived in Staples, the members of Five By Design were busy setting up for the evening performance. The venue is located next to the old auditorium which has an industrial feel to it. Along with our performnce, there was an art show in the lobby of the theatre. We appreciated the opportunity to perform in this wonderful facility. We look forward to returning in the not too distant future.

Staples MN

Thursday, April 26, 2007-- When I arrived in Staples, the members of F ...

Updated: Apr 27, 2007 10:53pm PST

Hartford WI : April 22, 2007—Here are some great photos I took while I was traveling to Hartford to catch up with Five By Design. Can you identify the animals? They were so unusual I just had to snap a couple of shots.

The Schauer is a beautiful venue for the community of Hartford. A big thanks to Tom Robbins for inviting us to the Schauer. Five By Design took the opportunity to get its picture taken with choral director Ruth Knowl for who the theatre was named after. Next to the performing art center is the Wisconsin Automobile Museum. I was privileged to take a short tour of the museum. The Kissel was manufactured in Hartford until 1931. Our appreciation to the Robert Baca Jazz Orchestra for providing their expertise. After load-out, I took a trip to see Holy Hill... one of the local landmarks about five miles out of Hartford.

Hartford WI

April 22, 2007—Here are some great photos I took while I was tra ...

Updated: Apr 22, 2007 10:01pm PST

Oconto Falls WI : April 21, 2007—Oconto Falls was our next destination of the tour. The Friends of the Arts
brought in "Stay Tuned" as the final program of their series. We had an enthusiastic audience
of 300 for our third leg of the Wisconsin tour. The performing arts venue at Oconto Falls High
School is a beautiful facility and we wish to express our appreciation and "get well" wishes to Amy
Thiel for coordinating the event.

A big thank you to Dean Kolze for his expertise and congrats to Stacey & Dean on their new
future addition to their home. And it was great seeing Ms. Jodi Radtke again!!

Oconto Falls WI

April 21, 2007—Oconto Falls was our next destination of the tour ...

Updated: Apr 21, 2007 9:54pm PST

Oshkosh WI : April 20, 2007—Five By Design made its third return to the Grand Opera House in Oshkosh. This 1800s architectual gem was saved from the wrecking ball many years ago. Our thanks to Joe Ferlo for inviting us back. Many friends and relatives were on hand to add their support including the Cowlings and Carpenters. A special hi from "Flat Annie" to Lindsey and Annie Carpenter!!

Oshkosh WI

April 20, 2007—Five By Design made its third return to the Grand ...

Updated: Apr 20, 2007 10:28pm PST

Eau Claire WI : April 19, 2007—Five By Design returned to Eau Claire and their first appearance at the State Theatre. A big thank you to Jeannie Roberts for hosting the event. We had a great time visiting with Bill and Marie Niska, Don and Audrey Swedberg, Mr. & Mrs Ted Penrod, Barb  Wildand Mom Pawlak, and Dick Marx.

Eau Claire WI

April 19, 2007—Five By Design returned to Eau Claire and their f ...

Updated: Apr 20, 2007 10:15pm PST

Houston Symphony : April 13-15, 2007—After a long road trip from Massachusetts, we finally arrived in Texas for three performances at Jones Hall with the Houston Symphony. This is definitely one of the top orchestras on our itinerary... marvelous musicians, administrative staff, a great IATSE crew and audience. Our special thanks to Matthew VanBesien, Amanda Tozzi, Steven Brosvik, Merle Bratlie, Aurelie Desmarais, Bruce Robinson, David M. Rockoff, and Becky Brown for making everything work so smoothly. And a special thanks to Willis Delony, our conductor-pianist and drummer Leon Anderson for sharing their musical talents!

Houston Symphony

April 13-15, 2007—After a long road trip from Massachusetts, we ...

Updated: Apr 15, 2007 10:17pm PST

New Bedford MA : Friday, April 6, 2007—Following performances in Tennessee and Virginia, the members of Five By Design headed to the northeast for an engagement at the Zeiterion Theatre. On Thursday, April 5th, Dennis Alves, artistic administrator accepted his invitation to tour Symphony Hall, home for the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops orchestras. Alves took us from the top floor to the basement, visiting the BSO library, archives, hear a portion of a rehearsal, and getting the opportunity to sing on the stage of the BSO. 

The band members were co-ordinated drummer Matt Edlund and included: Vito Chiavuzzo - Alto, Jacob Rodriguez - Tenor, Marc Osterer - Trumpet 1, Andy Neesley - Trumpet 2, Matt Musselman - Trombone,  and Josh Paris - Bass. Thanks for your musicianship!

New Bedford MA

Friday, April 6, 2007—Following performances in Tennessee and Vi ...

Updated: Apr 07, 2007 7:19pm PST

Kilmarnock VA : March 31, 2007—Matt Edlund was responsible for putting together Five By Design's band for performances in Kilmarnock VA and New Bedford MA. Members of the 8-piece ensemble were students at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. Andy Neesly, UWEC grad, was also on hand as lead trumpet, and Kurt Cowling provided his expertise as conductor and pianist.

Kilmarnock VA

March 31, 2007—Matt Edlund was responsible for putting together Five ...

Updated: Apr 01, 2007 6:30am PST

Wingate NC : March 27, 2007—Wingate University

Wingate NC

March 27, 2007—Wingate University

Updated: Mar 30, 2007 6:21pm PST

Northridge CA : February 24-25, 2007—Five By Design headed to Cal State University — Northridge for two performances of the college's performing art series at the Plaza del Sol Theatre. Part of the company flew in from Minneapolis while others drove the truck and van with the company's stage properties and ground transportation. Backing Five By Design were the Ovation Horns contracted by Mike Vaccaro. Kudos to all the instrumetalists... it was truly an exceptional experience!  A sincere thanks to Therri Donnelly, Kathy Anthony, and the volunteers, staff, and crew who made the appearance such a memorable one!

Northridge CA

February 24-25, 2007—Five By Design headed to Cal State Universi ...

Updated: Feb 25, 2007 3:45pm PST

Benton Harbor MI : February 18, 2007—Five By Design made a run-out to Benton Harbor for a performance at the Mendel Performing Arts Center on the Lake Michigan College campus. Our sincere thanks to Cindy Kinney for being our host. The photo layout includes photos of the Mendel stage crew who made Five By Design's load-in effortless. The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra conducted by Kurt Cowling provided their musical expertise. A special thanks to Abby Frederick for laying down a steady tempo and some great fills.

Benton Harbor MI

February 18, 2007—Five By Design made a run-out to Benton Harbor ...

Updated: Feb 18, 2007 3:50pm PST

Mississippi Symphony : February 10, 2007—Following a short r&r at the Ellis' in Hot Springs, we arrived in Jackson, MS. We wish to express our appreciation to Maestro Crafton Beck and Michael Beattie for inviting us to our first appearance with the Mississippi Symphony. The musicians, audience, and staff were exceptional and we loved our stay. Thanks ever so much.

Mississippi Symphony

February 10, 2007—Following a short r&r at the Ellis' in Hot Spr ...

Updated: Feb 11, 2007 5:38pm PST

Tahlequah OK : February 2, 2007

Tahlequah OK

February 2, 2007

Updated: Feb 03, 2007 9:41pm PST

Miami OK : February 1, 2007--Five By Design was pleasantly surprised to see the marvelously preserved Coleman Theatre in Miami (pronounced "Mi-aah-mah"). The theatre was built in 1929 by local mining magnate George C. Coleman. A big thank your to Barbara Smith, theatre manager for making our stay such a wonderful experience! Be sure to visit the Coleman Theatre website and check out their photo gallery at http://colemantheatre.org/pgs/gallery.htm

Miami OK

February 1, 2007--Five By Design was pleasantly surprised to see the m ...

Updated: Feb 03, 2007 9:10pm PST

Coffeyville KS : January 31, 2007--It was a snowy day when Five By Design loaded-in at the Roosevelt Middle School in a beautiful old preserved auditorium. Thanks to Ken Burchinal for inviting us for a return visit! We appreciate everyone's courtesies.

Coffeyville KS

January 31, 2007--It was a snowy day when Five By Design loaded-in at ...

Updated: Feb 03, 2007 8:46pm PST

Pittsburg KS : January 29, 2007--It was seven years since Five By Design brought Radio Days to the stage of the Memorial Auditorium. The show on this tour was "Club Swing." Many thanks to all who assisted in making the production a success!

Pittsburg KS

January 29, 2007--It was seven years since Five By Design brought Radi ...

Updated: Feb 01, 2007 3:48pm PST

Holdrege NE : January 28, 2007--Five By Design loaded in to The Tassel Performing Arts Center in Holdrege NE. The community was recovering from an "ice storm" that knocked out the electricity for three weeks and literally disabled Holdrege. The audience certainly appreciated the opportunity to come out for entertainment after weeks of being without electricity. Musicians on board for the gig featured members of the Robert Baca Jazz Orchestra, including Rod Hudson, Tom Brown, and a cadre of UW Eau Claire jazz students. (Please email me your names and instruments and I will include on our website).

Holdrege NE

January 28, 2007--Five By Design loaded in to The Tassel Performing A ...

Updated: Feb 01, 2007 3:17pm PST

Las Cruces Symphony : January 13-14, 2007—Opening the year 2007, Five By Design made its way to New Mexico for its debut with the Las Cruces Symphony. Our sincere appreciation to Lonnie Klein and the members of the LCSO for their wonderful musicianship and hospitality. Leon Anderson (drums) and Kurt Cowling (piano) were on board to provide support for a solid rhythm section. A special thank you to Philip Taulbee and Mernie Burden for transporting members of the group to and from the airport!

Las Cruces Symphony

January 13-14, 2007—Opening the year 2007, Five By Design made i ...

Updated: Jan 14, 2007 10:27pm PST

Imperial Symphony : December 12, 2007—To say we had a good time is an understatement. Kudos to Mark Thielen, Bev Hendricks, and the members of the Imperial Symphony for a wonderful performance. The morning started with two 45-minute shows for 4,000 elementary students... that's right 4,000. We enjoyed performing for each and every one of you. In the evening, Five By Design's "Radio Holly Days" entertained an audience of about 1,700 enthusiastic patrons. And a sincere thank you for the symphony for sponsoring an after hours soiree for the members of Five By Design. The 12th also marked Phil Henrickson's 58th birthday. We celebrated with popcorn and beverages following the perfomances.

Imperial Symphony

December 12, 2007—To say we had a good time is an understatement ...

Updated: Dec 14, 2006 10:11am PST

South Carolina Philharmonic : November 28, 2006—Many thanks to Rhonda Hunsinger, the South Carolina Philharmonic and Nicholas Smith for conducting Five By Design's "Club Swing." We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and meeting the many enthusiastic patrons of the SCP. Looking forward to retunring the wonderful hospitality of the south!

South Carolina Philharmonic

November 28, 2006—Many thanks to Rhonda Hunsinger, the South Car ...

Updated: Nov 28, 2006 9:57pm PST

Charlotte Symphony :

Charlotte Symphony

Updated: Nov 25, 2006 8:43pm PST

Thanksgiving 2006 at the Butterfield's : November 23, 2006—The holidays on the road seems to be an annual event and its always nice when you can share that experience of being at home. Dan and Kathy Butterfield of Davidson NC were kind enough to open their home to the members of Five By Design for a wonderrful and delicious Thanksgiving Dinner. And a big thank you to Mellisa and Mike McNamee for bringing the yummy homemade cheesecake!

Thanksgiving 2006 at the Butterfield's

November 23, 2006—The holidays on the road seems to be an annual ...

Updated: Nov 12, 2007 2:47pm PST

Uniontown PA : November 19. 2006—Five By Design made its return to the State Theatre in downtown Uniontown, Pennsylvania on Sunday evening. We wish to express our thanks to Erica Miller and Marthy Schiff for presenting the event. We appreciate your assistance in making our one-niter an exceptional one!

Uniontown PA

November 19. 2006—Five By Design made its return to the State Th ...

Updated: Nov 20, 2006 7:09pm PST

Sidney OH : November 18, 2006—

Sidney OH

November 18, 2006—

Updated: Nov 20, 2006 6:40pm PST

Cambridge OH : November 16, 2006--Marshall Perry invited Five By Design to return to the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center for an evening dinner performance of "Club Swing." The banquet room was set up as the nightspot with the sign's marquee anchored behind the bandstand and palm trees flanking the bar.

Cambridge OH

November 16, 2006--Marshall Perry invited Five By Design to return to ...

Updated: Nov 17, 2006 8:31am PST

Grand Rapids Symphony : November 10-12, 2006—This marked our fourth return to DeVos Performance Hall and the Grand Rapids Symphony. Under the baton of John Varineau, Five By Design performed its newest production "Club Swing." And as always, all the personnel of the GRSO were wonderful to work with. Leon Anderson (drums) and Kurt Cowling (piano) were on board in the rhythm section. We appreciate all the work of the GRSO especially Roger Nelson who was responsible for our return. Judy and Sue, agents at Zajonc Valenti Management, travelled from Ann Arbor to renew friendships and see the show. A special thanks also to Jeff Kaczmarczyk, music reviewer for the Grand Rapids Press for the magnificent review. We were very flattered!

Grand Rapids Symphony

November 10-12, 2006—This marked our fourth return to DeVos Perf ...

Updated: Nov 12, 2006 6:01pm PST

Muncie Symphony : November 4, 2006

Muncie Symphony

November 4, 2006

Updated: Nov 24, 2006 9:21am PST

Madisonville KY : October 14, 2006--After travelling 16 hours from Sarasota, we arrived at the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts for a performance of "Club Swing". Backed the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra and conducted by Willis Delony, Five By Design closed the October leg of its tour. Now its back to Minneapolis and several weeks at home before hitting the road again. A big thank you to Glema Mahr, Brad Downall, Lynn Curtis, Rob Blumrick, and Retha Tarter for all their assistance. We love you guys!

Madisonville KY

October 14, 2006--After travelling 16 hours from Sarasota, we arrived ...

Updated: Oct 14, 2006 11:09pm PST

Florida West Coast Orchestra : October 12, 2006

Florida West Coast Orchestra

October 12, 2006

Updated: Oct 13, 2006 11:18pm PST

Arkansas Symphony : October 6-7, 2006—Five By Design made its third return visit to Little Rock for a pair of performances with the Arkansas Symphony. We stayed at the Peabody Hotel... home to the world famous Peabody Ducks. Everyday at 11 am the ducks would come down the elevator from their penthouse. The ducks waddled  to the strains of a Sousa march on a red carpet that would befit a king to the Peabody pool. And at close of day their would be another ceremony in which the ducks would return to their penthouse suite. Many thanks to David Itkin and William Vickery for inviting us to be part of the ASO symphony pops series. Five By Design "Stay Tuned" made its world premiere with the orchestra. The shows were also a homecoming for Little Rock's Dan Ellis who is Five By Design's stage director. In addition, October 7th marked Daniel's 32nd birthday!! Happy Birthday Dan. Thanks for working on your special day!!

Arkansas Symphony

October 6-7, 2006—Five By Design made its third return visit to ...

Updated: Oct 12, 2006 8:13am PST

R&R at the Ellis' :

R&R at the Ellis'

Updated: Oct 03, 2006 9:01pm PST

Huntsville Symphony : Saturday, September 30, 2006--In it's final preview, Five By Design's "Stay Tuned" appeared with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. It took the road crew two days to travel to its destination in Alabama. Many thanks to Evelyn Loehrlein for inviting Five By Design to be part of its 2006-2007 season.

Huntsville Symphony

Saturday, September 30, 2006--In it's final preview, Five By Design's ...

Updated: Oct 01, 2006 6:03am PST

UWEC JAZZ & 5XD : Monday, September 25, 2006-- Five By Design headed to Studio M at Minnesota Public Radio for a recording session with Robert Baca's UW Eau Claire Jazz Ensemble. The fivesome recorded "Winter Wonderland" and the Andrew Sisters & Bing Crosby arrangement of "Jingle Bells." The recording will be available for the holidays and benefit the music department at UW Eau Claire. We will place a link to the site once the cd is available for purchase.

UWEC JAZZ & 5XD

Monday, September 25, 2006-- Five By Design headed to Studio M at Minn ...

Updated: Sep 27, 2006 9:15pm PST

Paducah KY : September 9, 2006
Five By Design brought its production to the Clemens Fine Arts Center on the campus of West Kentucky Community and Technical College. The fivesome was ably backed by the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra led by Willis Delony. Thanks to Gail Butler-Robinson and her staff for everyone's hospitality.

Paducah KY

September 9, 2006 Five By Design brought its production to the Clemen ...

Updated: Sep 20, 2006 7:34pm PST