Marywood University’s music, theatre, and dance department has announced its lineup of summer concerts and performances at the Calabro Delfino Amphitheatre at the Learning Commons. The concerts and performances are free and open to the public.

On Sunday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m., vocalist Nicole Rasmus and musical director/pianist Marty Ort will present Marywood’s version of the Grand Ole Opry titled, “Going Crazy for Patsy,” featuring the songs of the American legend Patsy Cline. 

Nicole Rasmus is, a performer from NEPA whose genres include standard, jazz, Motown, Broadway, and country music, has been influenced by the musical stylings of Barbara Streisand, Judy Garland, Etta James and, of course, Patsy Cline. Marty Ort’s forte is his ability to play any style of music. Because of Marty’s versatility, his audiences enjoy numerous styles of music including classical, jazz, and Broadway. In the event of inclement weather, this concert will be held at the Fireplace Lounge in the Nazareth Student Center. 

“Opera Under the Stars” will be performed on Sunday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m. Jennifer Cowgill, associate professor of voice at Marywood University will be joined by lyric tenor, Clifford Bechtel, and Todd Ranney, baritone,associate professor of voice and opera at Mansfield University. 

Clifford Bechtel appears regularly in the United States and in Europe and was a featured artist at the International Malta Arts Festival. He has appeared as a soloist with opera companies and orchestras in the United States, including Opera Seabrook, Delphi Opera, Pennsylvania Lyric Opera, Peabody Opera, Maryland Concert Opera, ConcertOPERA Philadelphia, Opera Lancaster, Atlantic Coast Opera Festival, Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra, Peabody Concert Orchestra, Oxford Summer Institutes Festival Orchestra, Pittsburgh Concert Chorale, and Pottstown Symphony Orchestra. 

Todd Ranney has developed an annual operatic production featuring a full-length production over eight years at Mansfield University, including The Marriage of Figaro, The Magic Flute, The Tenderland, The Pirates of Penzance, Gianni Schicchi/Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Consul, and Die Fledermaus. During his operatic career, he has performed in more than 100 productions throughout the Midwest and has been a featured soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, having appeared with Barbara Bonney, Felicity Lott, Susanne Mentzer, Wendy White, Leonard Slatkin, and Jahja Ling. 

He has sung with the Symphony Orchestras of Dayton, Akron, Lakeside, and Wooster, as well as the Cleveland Pops. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Fireplace Lounge in the Nazareth Student Center.

Marywood University’s inaugural Community Drum Circle will be performed on Sunday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m., by moderators Steve Kurilla and Jamie Orfanella, who will guide the group in rhythms and rhythm-based activities. Kurilla is a regional musician who plays various genres of music. In addition to being an avid percussionist, he is the founder of the Kennedy Creek Strummer, a community-based ukulele group. 

Musician Jamie Orfanella spent 10 years learning the art of the Japanese Shakuhachi flute. It has led him to a certification in teaching the traditional instrument and learning a new range of musical instruments. Attendees will also take part in the Community Drum Circle, and are encouraged to bring didgeridoo, bongos, djembre, or an empty water jug with two wooden spoons. In the event of inclement weather, the Community Drum Circle will take place at the Liguori Center in Regina Hall.

On Sunday, July 28, at 6:30 p.m., the Gypsy Jazz Quintet will feature Mark Woodyatt & Gypsies. Mark Woodyatt is a jazz and electric multi-genre violin virtuoso who provides exceptional music that he has been sharing for more than 30 years. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will take place at the Fireplace Lounge in the Nazareth Student Center.

 For additional information about the free summer concerts at Marywood University, contact the music, theatre, and dance department at www.marywood.edu/mtd/, or call (570) 348-6268.