By Beverley E. Park

 What a wonderful way to start the 2010-2011 Community Concert Season with the Lowe family, a group of classically trained, multitalented singers, dancers and instrumentalists that are way above and beyond the norm, having appeal for every age and all musical preferences. The family group includes mom LeeAndra, dad Robert, son Doug, and daughters Korinne, Kami, Kayli and Kara. Two other daughters, Kendra and Keisha are not performing currently in the show, but both have the same disciplined musical background and Kendra helps Doug with the musical arrangements. A disciplined background and lifestyle is certainly evident in the quality and preciseness of the entertainment.

The family starts the show with a contemporary song and dance routine featuring “Happy Days” then moving quickly and smoothly into the lively “When the Saints Go Marching In’. Dad, Robert plays “You’ll Never Walk Alone” on the trumpet and from there the show continues with a violin and xylophone duet of "Flight of the Bumblebee." The types of music throughout the show range from contemporary to bluegrass to musicals to classical, while the dancing goes from jiving to salsa to ballroom to Irish clogging. While all of the family participates with tremendous talent, Korinne Hamblin, oldest daughter of the performing group and Doug Lowe, the only son, showcase their musical training while performing on the violin and grand piano respectively. Any member of the troupe could perform as solo artists.

Tribute is given to their family traditions and roots from Wales and Ireland, by performing authentic dances, singing songs, and playing instruments and music from both countries. The use of many instruments made the show even more interesting and kept the audience on their toes as the family quickly shifted from instrument to instrument. This reviewer was particularly drawn to the skillful and melodic use of the “penny whistle” also called a “tin whistle” in Celtic times. It is a simple six-holed woodwind instrument, made of tin or a like metal, when played and blended with other instruments gives a joyful and yet eerie sound to the music.

 One section of the show is dedicated to playing and singing music from "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Miserables." During one part, Doug, Kayli, Kara and Kami split into pairs and play duets on two different grand pianos, together. In another section, all the girls show that they can play violins well while having fun—playing their own plus each other’s instruments, doing this while assuming intriguing poses and visual challenges. Throughout the show, they trade off playing drums, xylophone, violins, piano, electronic keyboards, bass fiddle, timpani, pennywhistle and other instruments. Doug even plays Amazing Grace on the bag pipes. Mom, LeeAndra, Korinne and Kara perform a clever skit called "Channel Flipping" representing what you could have heard (before remotes) by flipping channels during commercials.

 As part of the Bakersfield Community Concert Student Outreach Program, Doug and LeeAndra Lowe spent part of the day working with the Bakersfield High School Chamber Singers. In turn the choir, under the direction of Christopher Borges, entertained early show goers with their voices and as part of the finale joined on stage to sing with the Lowes as they delivered a soul searching and heartwarming song “We Will Go On”. The song is a tribute to those affected by disasters as Katrina and 9-11, written by son Doug. The student outreach program is funded solely by contributions from patrons of the Concert Association. Each concert the association chooses a musical group from a school located in the valley to participate.

The Lowe family pays tribute to America’s heroes, the veterans, widows and children of veterans by recognizing them as Robert Lowe (dad) plays "Taps". While performing the songs "America," "Dixie," and "God Bless America," an unusual but extremely moving display featuring all twenty-seven flags that have flown over our country during its history gave the audience reason to rise to their feet for a standing ovation and show of patriotism. The Lowe family ended the show with a fitting rendition of "When There’s Love At Home."

How refreshing to have two plus hours of quality entertainment that is appropriate for the entire family. For more information and to purchase tickets phone 589-2478 or log onto our web site at www.bakersfieldcca.org