IF YOU GOWhat: Evening Shade concert by The Tri-Octaves.When: 6:30 tonight.Where: Johnston Park, Inman Street, Cleveland, Tenn.Admission: Free.Phone: 423-472-6587.
Tonight's concert by The Tri-Octaves in Cleveland, Tenn., serves a threefold purpose: It offers family-friendly entertainment, concludes the 17th season of the Evening Shade music series and kicks off the Memorial Day weekend.
Officials with the Allied Arts Council of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce say the members of this high-energy trio - Willie Kitchens, Doug Richesin and Michael Rodgers - are more than up to the task.
"These are incredibly talented musicians," said concert organizer Kyle Elrod, "[who] will present an evening of everything from gospel music to inspirational pop ... something for every musical taste.
"Their unique combination allows them to bring popular hits that everyone knows as well as gospel music that everyone loves," Elrod said.
Although this is the first Tri-Octaves performance at Evening Shade, Richesin has appeared twice previously, singing inspirational music. The Sweetwater, Tenn., resident has several recordings to his credit, including "Seed of Faith" and his newest release, "Work of Art."
Rodgers, of Knoxville, performs with the Knoxville Opera Company, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir and Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. He also serves as soloist with Cokesbury and Christ United Methodist churches.
Kitchens, of Chattanooga, joined Rock and Roll Hall of Fame R&B group The Impressions in December 1999 as lead singer, writer and arranger. The group toured with Eric Clapton in 2001. He is executive director of the Bethlehem Center Mass Choir and minister of music at Bethlehem-Wiley United Methodist Church.
Those attending are invited to enjoy dinner at one of the downtown restaurants or pack a picnic supper. Johnston Park is bounded by Inman, Ocoee, Broad and First streets.