September 15, 2024
By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
It was a lot of years ago when I first got a hint about the abundance of talent behind what was going on in the local arts community. Some of it born right here. Much of it a migratory creative resource with transplanted roots like my own.
I’d landed a gig with the local rag back then and would be out and about reporting then writing a story about one of the local arts or music groups.
In one instance I wrote a feature about a 1920s’ themed jazz band led by a director and self-taught and amazing musician, the late Dan Fox who wrote over 240 arrangements and spent a career writing the music for instructional instrumental books and playing at places like the Roseland Ballroom, Johnny Walker’s and Eddie Condon’s Jazz Clubs. There were others such as a feature on the 42nd Street Big Band when back in the day they were packing the house for $10 a ticket weekday shows held at the Richey Suncoast Theatre.
I’d get to chatting up the musicians and before long I’d be hearing about who played with Tommy Dorsey or Benny Goodman. Who toured the country or the world with big-name stadium acts. Who worked as a studio musician for the talk shows before aging into retirement after a lifelong gig they just didn’t wanna kick.
Tell me about it.
I wrote about artists with an unusual flair for the visual – illustrators, sculptors, potters and former art teachers, some who invented new outlets for people to sing, play, draw, paint, quilt or act so they could create a joyful noise or awesome vantage right where they were.
Some of them have moved on. Passed on. Some of them are still at it and are always looking for new blood to sign on and keep the band playing on so to speak.
With the 2024 – 2025 performing and exhibiting season gearing up comes the traditional call for those with a knack to be a part of something bigger. To sign on to join the creative frey that is an integral part of building strong and vibrant communities.
It’s not just about the artistically inclined.
Supporters of the arts are often invited to share their business acumen whether it be in helping to promote or help fund the arts through promotions, grant writing or sharing input and expertise while sitting on a board of directors.
Turns out there’s also a call for crafters and museum docents for those who have mastered a skill or might want to learn or hone one.
These people are essential and their input increasingly valuable in a time when arts funding has been slashed in the state of Florida.
On that note, I’ll share some options below for interested readers along with some links to local arts non-profit organizations to consider. Whether you paint, sing, fundraise or simply want to be something beyond a spectator there’s a place for you. Go ahead and look.
Now Onward.
Peace.
Join the Band | Chorus
Richey Community Orchestra and Chorus – Rehearsals begin Monday, September 30 for both groups. The orchestra performs shows at the Center for the Arts at River Ridge and dinner shows at Spartan Manor in NPR. The chorus performs at two shows including the season opener, Rock on America on November 10.
There are always openings for the chorus. Some spots for the orchestra – particularly the string section. Must be able to read music. For information visit richeycommunityorchestra.com. Call (727) 919-3866. Email richeycommunityorchestra@gmail.com
Related News Articles
- The Little Orchestra the Could – and Did – Amid the Pandemic, Michele Miller, What’s What New Port Richey, May 2021
- A Passionate Musician Leads Richey Suncoast Orchestra, Michele Miller, Tampa Bay Times, September 2014 (Paywall $$)
Richey Concert Band. During the fall, winter, and spring, rehearsals are held weekly at the Gulf High School in New Port Richey. Four concerts are scheduled for the 2024-2025 season with shows at Center for the Arts at River Ridge. The opening concert is November 3. For information visit richeyconcertband.com.
- Artist of the day: Richey Concert Band, Michele Miller, Tampa Bay Times, August 2012 (Paywall – $$)
Anclote Symphonic Winds, This group, started by the late J.R. Farley, is a local wind ensemble made up of professional to semi-professional musicians from the Tampa Bay area. Performs at the Jewish Community Center and other venues. For information email anclotesymphonicwinds@gmail.com or visit the group’s FB page.
Thursday Musicale is a women’s singing group begun in 1947 as a way for women of NPR to enjoy singing. It soon progressed to performances at local venues, including the Hacienda Hotel. Eventually, the group became a non-profit group with the mission of providing music scholarships for local high school seniors going on to college to study music.
Since 1990, the Thursday Musicale has given scholarships totaling $66,000 to 97 students, some of whom have gone on to perform nationally and internationally. The first rehearsal is at 9:30 a.m. Oct 1 at the New Port Richey United Methodist Church at 5901 Indiana Ave, NPR. Women of all ages are welcome to join. You MUST be able to read music. For information visit the group FB page.
Theatre
Richey Suncoast Theatre Curtain Calls – The Sound of Music was a successful sellout tapping on local talent that featured a double cast for youth roles. Recently the cast was selected for the upcoming drams, Murder on the Orient Express. There will be curtain calls for Into the Woods, Calendar Girls and Little Shop of Horrors. Visit www.richeysuncoasttheatre.com/auditions
The Richey Suncoast Theatre Artists Committee is open to actors, playwrights, directors, designers, painters, sculptors, woodworkers, lighting designers, or anyone else who considers themself an artist, or an artist at heart… we want you!!
We are looking for a core group of creatives to help us brainstorm ideas to bring more people into the theatre in various artistic ways. We want to hear from you! Visit www.richeysuncoasttheatre.com/volunteer
Visual Arts
Pasco Fine Arts Council and Center – Classes and workshops are back in session at three locations in New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel and at St. Leo University. Features classes for adults and kids. A gift shop at the NPR locations and galleries with revolving exhibits. For information visit www.pascoarts.org
West Pasco Art Guild – Classes are up and running. Open studio time. Call to Artists and rotating themed exhibits are held throughout the year. For information, visit www.westpascoartguild.org
West Pasco Quilters Guild – This altruistic meets regularly for workshops and sewing groups in various locations. They donates quilt blankets to local youth in need and have donated thousands of dollars to local non-profits with funds raised through their biannual quilting show. Visit westpascoquilters.org
At the Museum
Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City is seeking docents and demonstrators! Just want to learn? No problem. Training provided.
Needed – – building docents, chair caning (apprentice), blacksmith (apprentice), – Woodworking/carving, – flint knapping, – primitive fire-starting, lead casting, basket weaving, butter churning, candle dipping, – tinsmith, leatherworking, canning (food), wild forage, herbs (cultivation, drying). Have a skill that’s not on this list? Contact Andy or David at the front desk at 352-567-0262 or email pfmfrontdesk@gmail.com. Visit www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org
Boards & Committees | Volunteer
- New Port Richey Cultural Affairs Committee – Makes recommendations and advises the City Council regarding financial sponsorship and creation of activities promoting City residents’ cultural education and recreation. Must be a registered voter. Two-year terms. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm at the New Port Richey Library. For information, visit www.cityofnewportrichey.org/city-departments/boards-committees
- New Port Richey Main Street Design Committee – One of the four pillars of the Main Street Organization, this committee is responsible for events such as the annual Sidewalk Chalk Festival and the upcoming permanent walking art exhibit Tides of Time. For information visit www.nprmainstreet.org/get-involved
- Pasco County Cultural Affairs Council – Meetings held throughout the year and are open to the community. Next one is 1- 2 p.m. November 4 at Starkey Ranch Library, Theater, and Cultural Center in Odessa. Visit pascolibraries.org/support-the-library/cultural-affairs-advisory-council
- Richey Suncoast Theatre Volunteer Program – Here, you’re not just a volunteer; you’re the driving force behind the vibrant cultural scene. Dive into a world where every experience is a chance to learn, grow, and shine. Whether you’re mastering box office management, perfecting lighting cues, or simply making new friends, your journey with us is a thrilling adventure of discovery. Join the diverse community of performers, technicians, and dreamers as we unite to create magic on and off the stage. Visit www.richeysuncoasttheatre.com/volunteer
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