Savor great music at FMCA’s 94th Family Reunion & Motorhome Showcase in West Springfield, Massachusetts.
By Robbin Gould, Editor
June 2016
It’s time to celebrate! Celebrate what, you ask? How about the freedom to travel, to live unencumbered, to enjoy one’s motorhome and all that goes with it. Folks who attend FMCA’s 94th Family Reunion & Motorhome Showcase, August 3-6 in West Springfield, Massachusetts, will be in the heart of such festivities at the Eastern States Exposition, home of the BIG E.
The merrymaking during FMCA’s “Celebrate Your Freedom” Family Reunion will include three nights of star-spangled entertainment. Even more melodies will fill the daytime hours.
Evening Entertainment
On Thursday, August 4, The Texas Tenors will set the patriotic tone with their new show, “Let Freedom Sing!”
Classical, country, and contemporary music combine in each Texas Tenors performance. The trio’s strong individual voices blend to create tight harmonies. Throw in some humor and cowboy charm, and the result is a memorable show.
The group includes Marcus Collins, nicknamed “the Contemporary Tenor.” His vocal career began at age 4, as he began emulating Garth Brooks, George Michael, and other artists before training classically in college. He has appeared on stage in “Hairspray” and “Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” in addition to extensive television work.
John Hagen, known simply as “the Tenor,” has been described as “astonishing . . . a superb tenor of deep musicality.” He has performed a vast array of operatic roles, including Alfredo in “La Traviata,” and is highly regarded for his performances in Verdi’s “Requiem” and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
JC Fisher, “the Romantic Tenor,” has performed various roles in stage productions including “La Boheme” and “A Little Night Music.” He sang in the Puccini festival in Lucca, Italy, and performed a one-man act of many musical genres aboard more than 75 cruise ships worldwide.
The friends’ rise to stardom began on the NBC TV show “America’s Got Talent.” They were a top four finalist in the fourth season — the highest ranked vocal group in the program’s history. They have performed more than 1,000 concerts around the world, including collaborations with prestigious U.S. symphonies. The three-time Emmy winners have produced PBS specials, DVDs, and albums. “You Should Dream,” released in 2013, features original numbers, plus perennially popular tunes such as “God Bless the USA” and “Unchained Melody.”
On Friday, August 5, The Dave & Daphne Show will light up the FMCA stage. Dave Salyer and Daphne Anderson present a signature blend of music and humor reminiscent of a Las Vegas act, with a country influence. They take pride in providing upbeat, family-friendly performances.
Dave is an accomplished guitarist and songwriter who has toured with Barbara Mandrell, performed at the White House, and appeared on numerous TV shows. Roy Clark proclaimed him one of the best guitarists on the planet. Dave’s repertoire ranges from country-western (“Orange Blossom Special,” “Wildwood Flower”) to complex classical (“Flight Of The Bumblebee,” “The William Tell Overture”). He adds vocals — and humor — to the show, which includes some original numbers.
Daphne has been described as a cross between Shania Twain and Patsy Cline. Growing up in Albany, Georgia, she focused on gospel music. Shortly after graduating from Georgia Southwestern University, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to further her musical career, which today embraces gospel and country. Daphne’s impressions of country music legends such as Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn receive rave reviews, as does her yodeling in “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” the Patsy Montana classic. She’s also been known to impersonate Minnie Pearl quite convincingly.
Country music recording artist Ayla Brown will deliver her own musical salute on Saturday, August 6. The Massachusetts native and daughter of Scott Brown, former U.S. senator from Massachusetts, has several albums to her credit, plus numerous live performances.
Ayla’s debut album, “Forward,” was released in 2006. The title track peaked at number 34 on Billboard‘s adult contemporary chart. Her 2012 album, “Heroes & Hometowns,” helped her obtain a lifelong ambition: to perform at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. The singer appeared on that venerable stage on Memorial Day weekend the next year, where she sang “Hero In Her Hometown,” a cut from the album. Her most recent album, “Let Love In,” came out in 2015.
Ayla was a top 16 semifinalist on the Fox TV show “American Idol” in 2006. Shortly after the season concluded, she began attending Boston College on a full basketball scholarship. Combining perhaps two of her biggest interests, she sang the U.S. national anthem at Philadelphia 76ers basketball games for two years. In November 2015 she performed the song at a New England Patriots-Buffalo Bills game on “Monday Night Football.”
Daytime Entertainment
The Frustrated Maestros return to FMCA’s daytime entertainment stage with a diverse playlist of vocal and instrumental selections. The ensemble is composed of members from FMCA’s various Frustrated Maestros chapters. Recognizable in their signature red-and-white outfits, the Maestros play hard at having fun. The Maestros will perform at morning coffee hour on August 4, 5, and 6; during the Ice Cream Social on Friday, August 5; and on Saturday, August 6.
Calling all pickers! The FMCA Country, Bluegrass, and Country Gospel Open Jam on Thursday, August 4, is open to any attendee who would like to participate. Acoustic guitars, banjos, mandolins, fiddles, basses, and steels are welcome. Musicians will play rhythm as singers take turns at the microphone. The jam session is coordinated by RV historian Al Hesselbart (ahesselbart@aol.com).
More information about entertainment, as well as exhibits, seminars, and special events, is available at FMCA.com and will be in the Family Reunion event program. (Dates and times are subject to change.) Let the celebrating begin!
It’s time to celebrate! Celebrate what, you ask? How about the freedom to travel, to live unencumbered, to enjoy one’s motorhome and all that goes with it. Folks who attend FMCA’s 94th Family Reunion & Motorhome Showcase, August 3-6 in West Springfield, Massachusetts, will be in the heart of such festivities at the Eastern States Exposition, home of the BIG E.