Kingston Trio Concert to Benefit Will Rogers H.S.
The Kingston Trio, the American folk and pop music group that launched the folk revival of the late 1950s to the early 1960s, will present “Holiday Cheers” at the Will Rogers High School Auditorium, 3909 E. 5th Pl. in Tulsa on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m., sponsored by the Will Rogers High School Community Foundation.
Back by popular demand, The Kingston Trio will perform their exquisite arrangements of holiday music plus several of their familiar classic hits.
The Kingston Trio’s appearance at the school in February 2016 was believed to be one of the first-if not the first-musical concerts at that venue by a group of this stature that is open to the public. All proceeds from the concert will go to the Will Rogers High School Community Foundation, Inc., a 501©(3) nonprofit entity, which was formed in 2010. To date, the foundation has provided approximately $270,000 towards academics, athletics, arts and administration needs, benefiting students.
The current trio, comprised of George Grove, Bill Zorn and Rick Dougherty, with Paul Gabrielson on acoustic bass, is as accomplished as any prior composition of the group, according to Dick Risk, ( ‘59) volunteer event coordinator.
“Bill first joined the trio almost 43 years ago, although he left for a while and then rejoined them. George came into the group and is its longest-tenured member, in his 40th year, and Rick is in his 11th year. Bob Shane, the only surviving original member, still wields a guiding hand to ensure the trio stays true to its traditions and even performs with them on occasions.”
The Kingston Trio was by far the most popular singing group in the folk revival era. They dominated the Billboard charts, unmatched by anyone, once having four albums in the Billboard Top 10 at the same time.
This concert will help the foundation reach its budget goals for 2017. The board of directors has initiated an endowment, which will ensure continued support for school activities.
The foundation grants academic scholarships, provides school supplies and equipment, supports performing and visual arts, conducts public tours of the historic building, supports organized athletics and other extra-curricular activities, and is responsible for the continued operation of the Hall of Fame, which not only honors distinguished alumni but also inspires current students,
Tickets are now on sale, with prices starting at $25. Tickets are on sale online at www.protixonline.com, by phone at (866) 9PROTIX, or through ProTix ticket outlets in Tulsa at Starship Records and Tapes and the Brady Theater Box Office.
For more information concerning the event, sponsorship and group sales, call Jo Anne Lewis at 918-587-1341.
Updated 10-06-2016
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