America's Tenor to kick off Community Concert series on Sept. 5

Former NYPD officer Daniel Rodriguez, known since Sept. 11, 2001 as 'America's Tenor,' will kick off the Dyersburg Area Community Concert Season with a performance at the Yates Auditorium at 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 5. [Click to enlarge]

Members of the Dyersburg Area Community Concert Association would like to remind Dyer County residents that it is not necessary to travel out of town to enjoy quality performances by nationally acclaimed artists.

In fact, the DACCA will begin its 2009-2010 season on Sept. 5 with a concert featuring Daniel Rodriguez, known since Sept. 11, 2001 as "America's Tenor" and "The Singing Policeman," right here in the Yates Auditorium.

Rodriguez's a capella performances of "God Bless America" and the national anthem stirred the hearts of the entire nation at Sept. 11 memorial services. He has since performed patriotic and inspirational songs, as well as selections from Broadway and the opera at venues including the 2002 Winter Olympics, Disneyland and the White House.

The first concert of the series will take place at 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 5, in the Yates Auditorium at the Professional Development Center, located at 305 College St. in Dyersburg.

The concert will honor local soldiers, servicemen, policemen, firemen, first responders and members of the sheriff's department, Highway Patrol, National Guard and ROTC. All emergency personnel and servicemen will receive free admission and be honored at the event.

Meleia Lewis of the DACCA said the organization plans to pay tribute to local officials and focus on the patriotic aspect of Rodriguez's performance, although he will sing other styles of music, as well.

"Also, for this concert, the association is allowing people to purchase tickets at the door for $10," said Lewis, who said performances in the series are usually reserved for season-ticket holders. "We are also offering a reduced rate for area choral students. (Rodriguez's) wife and her sister are renowned singers in their own right and they will join him on stage. They have studied voice around the world and we feel it is a good opportunity for (the choral students) to meet someone of some notoriety."

Additional performances in the 2009-2010 season include Quattrocelli, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Yates Auditorium; the U.S. Army Band and Chorus on Friday, Nov. 7, in the Dyer County High School Gymnasium; and the California Guitar Trio on Tuesday, April 6, at the Yates Auditorium. The featured performers are all renowned in their genres, with their music featured internationally and even chosen to wake up astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor.

Season tickets are still available for the 2009-2010 season, with Lewis stressing what a bargain the prices are.

Adult tickets for four concerts are available for $40, with senior tickets for residents 65 and older priced at $35, student tickets for $10 and family tickets for $85. The DACCA Patron program offers individual patron opportunities from $75 to $1,000.

"The family tickets include two adults and their children," said Lewis. "That is a wonderful bargain. Who can take parents and two or three children to four prestigious performances for $85?"

In addition, season ticket holders may attend performances of the Union City Community Concert Association.

Those interested in purchasing season tickets, becoming a patron sponsor or obtaining more information on the DACCA may call 285-9117 or 285-3078.