Amador to celebrate the arts

Music by the Tri-Tone Subs and the Patrons of the Arts Awards will be featured at the finale of AmadorArts TGIF concert series on Friday, Aug. 10. Explore the vineyard beauty of Shenandoah Valley on the way to the free event which will be at the Terra d’Oro Winery, 20680 Shenandoah School Road, starting at 6 p.m.

The Tri-Tone Subs are Barry Duncan, familiar to many, on saxophones and flute and Joe Bellamy on keyboard. Performing a wide range of popular jazz, including standards, ballads, Latin and bop, they are talented improvisers making each of their concerts a unique experience.

Duncan has been pleasing audiences throughout northern California for more than 35 years. His instrumental skills, imagination and huge repertoire make him one of Amador County’s most visible and versatile musicians.

He also performs with The Sierra Sax and Brass Quartet, Carpe Duo, Groove Union, and Bad Habits.

Bellamy has been playing piano since age 2 and he is also well known as a bassist and recording engineer. He can also be heard locally with groups such as Over the Edge, Ten Gallon Heart and Tangled Roots.

Also on tap for this evening will be the presentation of the annual Patrons of the Arts Awards by members of the board of directors of AmadorArts.

The honor is based on an individual’s or a group’s work this past year in support of championing the arts in Amador County.

Last year in 2011, the awards were bestowed to Millie Butler, art teacher at Argonaut High and advocate for more arts education, and to Adam Gottstein, writer, musician, and advocate for assisting low income youth with music training.

There’s plenty of free parking.

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and picnics for this last chance of the summer to take in a free TGIF concert.

To present all nine free concerts this year, AmadorArts received a generous sponsorship from Jackson Rancheria Casino and Hotel.

TGIF may be ending, but the fun continues on. Save the date of Thursday, Aug. 23, 6 p.m, when AmadorArts will hold its popular Arts Networking Mixers. This one, with a dance theme, will be at Clark’s Corner in Ione.

For more information visit amadorarts.org.