The New Christy Minstrels will be playing at Bret Harte High School in Calaveras County. (Courtesy photo)

Critic's Choices

Afternoon of Music Appreciation in Stockton

Paul Kimball, the new conductor and music director of the Saint John's Chamber Orchestra of Stockton, will present an afternoon of music appreciation at The Haggin Museum.

Kimball is best known throughout Stockton as a theater conductor. He conducted the summer hit theater production of Cabaret at Atherton Auditorium.

The performance will preview the Chamber Orchestra's January Festival and will include selections from Pachelbel. Kimball will also explain the art of conducting, what happens at rehearsal, and provide insights into music by playing recordings.

DETAILS

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 7.

WHERE: The Haggin Museum, Victoria Park, 1202 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton.

TICKETS: $5 for adults 18 and up; $2.50 for youth ages 10-17, students with valid I.D., and seniors 65 and older. Museum members and children under 10 accompanied by adult are free.

INFORMATION: 940-6300 or 940-6317.

New Christy Minstrels in Calaveras County

It has been more than 40 years since a group of folk musicians made their national debut on the "Andy WIlliams Show" in 1962. The New Christy Minstrels, a group of eight men and two women, were so well received that they went on to win a Grammy Award for their first album.

The New Christy Minstrels will be performing two concerts in Angels Camp. The performances kick off the "Ovations" performing arts series of the Calaveras Arts Council. The "Minstrels" were re-launched about two years ago, when they began performing throughout the West. On March 23, 2006, the California State Legislature honored the group recognizing Randy Sparks, the director of the "Minstrels," for his 50 years in the recording industry and the group's 45 years to the music industry.

Sparks was the brainchild of the original New Christy Minstrels. He contributed to the majority of songs and lyrics to the group. Barry Mcguire, also a "Minstrels" original, was the lead vocal and CO-writer for the "Minstrel's" 1963 top forty song, "Green, Green." Both will be performing at the Angel's Camp concert. Other original performers in include Clarence Treat, Jackie Miller Davidson, and Art Podell. New recruits include Becky Jo Benson of Mokelumne Hill, Buffalo Bill Boycott of Wyoming, and one great surprise guest.

DETAILS

WHEN: Today, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

WHERE: Bret Harte High School, 323 Highway 49, Angels Camp.

TICKETS: $25 for adults, $10 for youth to 17. Discounts available for groups of 12 or more.

INFORMATION: High Sierra Tickets at (866) 463-8659 or Calaveras Art Council at 754-1774

— Compiled by News-Sentinel staff