2010

January 18, Monday @ 11:00 a.m., United Methodist Church, New Canaan, 165 South Ave, New Canaan, Connecticut

Info:United Methodist Church

As part of the town of New Canaan, Connecticut's observance of the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mr. Pleasant joins forces with the Serendipity Chorale in bringing inspirational music to this community gathering.

February 14, Sunday @ 4:00 p.m., Norwalk Concert Hall, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut

Tickets and Info:A Gershwin Valentine
Review:Greenwich Citizen

Mr. Pleasant and the Greenwich Choral Society lovingly offer A Gershwin Valentine. Back by popular demand! The Fascinatin' Rhythm of the dazzling Ryan Keberle Jazz Orchestra from New York City combined with the velvetine sylings of Edward Pleasant and the smooth voices of GCS, will delight you with a Cheerful Little Earful! The benefit concert with silent auction is being given to fund the choral society's vocal scholarships and other benevolent endeavors.

February 26, Friday @ 8:00 p.m. and February 28, Sunday @ 4:00 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church, Gainesville, Georgia

Tickets and Info:Let Us Sing to the Lord

Mr. Pleasant will be a featured soloist with one of the country's premiere vocal chamber ensembles, The Lanier Singers, conducted by Dr. Michelle Roueché. They will present two concerts in preparation for their upcoming and much-anticipated appearance at the Southern Division of the American Choral Directors Association conference in Memphis, Tennessee.

March 12, Friday @ 9:00 a.m., The Cannon Center For The Performing Arts, Memphis, Tennessee

Tickets and Info:ACDA Southern Division

Mr. Pleasant appears with The Lanier Singers, conducted by Dr. Michelle Roueché as they perform during the conference of the prestigious Southern Division of the American Choral Directors Associaton in Memphis, Tennessee.

March 28, Sunday @ 4:00 p.m., Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra, Ben Franklin Middle School Auditorium, 335 N. Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey

Tickets and Info:Ridgewood Symphony Concerts

As part of a concert entitled "Meet the Orchestra", Mr. Pleasant narrates the children's favorite Peter and the Wolf, by Prokofiev. He will thrill and delight his young audience as he tells the story of a brave young boy who outsmarts a mean and hungry wolf. This concert marks Mr. Pleasant's debut with the Ridgewood Symphony.

April 17, Saturday @ 8:30 p.m., Carnegie Hall, Isaac Stern Auditorium, 57th Street at Seventh Avenue, New York, New York

Tickets and Info:Distinguished Concerts Carnegie Hall
Mr. Pleasant returns to Carnegie Hall appearing as baritone soloist in Ralph Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem conducted by Judith Willoughby and Haydn's Paukenmesse, Missa In Tempore Belli (Mass In Time Of War) conducted by Richard W. Weymuth, for Distinguished Concerts International.

Sunday, April 25, Public Family Concert, Allentown Symphony, Symphony Hall, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Tickets and Info:Allentown Symphony

Mr. Pleasant makes a series of appearances during Youth and Family Concerts with the Allentown Symphony. He will narrate the children's favorite Peter and the Wolf, by Prokofiev. The Sunday performance is open to the public.

April 29, Thursday @ 7:30 p.m., Westport Public Library, Westport, Connecticut

Tickets and Info:Sinners, Saints and Sages

Mr. Pleasant presents Sinners Saints and Sages: Poetry and Writings of Ancient Rome. Back by popular demand, Mr. Pleasant will explore the ancient writings of the period to mine them for their wisdom, humor and scandal!

May 1, Saturday @ 8:00 p.m., Norwalk Concert Hall, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut

Tickets and Info:Mendelssohn Choir Anniversary Gala
Mr. Pleasant joins the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut in celebration of their 25 years of bringing fine choral music to the audiences of Fairfield County. During this gala concert, he will appear as baritone soloist which will feature a commissioned work by fellow Midland, Texas native, composer Randol Bass.

May 16, Sunday @ 2:00 p.m., Westport Public Library, Arnold Bernhard Plaza, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, Connecticut

Tickets and Info:Sincerely, Nat

He will present "Sincerely, Nat: The Life and Music of Nat "King" Cole," which tells the story of the entertainer's incredible career and why this man is truly "Unforgettable." The Edward Pleasant Trio will also perform headed by Isaac ben Ayala on piano (also the musical arranger), James Chirillo on electric guitar, and Paul Beaudry on string bass. Supported by the Grace K. Salmon Foundation.

December 5, Sunday @ 5:00 p.m., Stamford Church of Christ, 1264 High Ridge Road, Stamford, Connecticut

Info:stamfordchurch.com

Join Mr. Pleasant as he hosts "The Annual Acappella Christmas Carol Sing-Along" He promises to bring out the singer in you!

December 12, Sunday @ 6:00 p.m., The Church of Christ at Three Chopt Road, 9500 Three Chopt Road, Richmond, Virginia

Info:www.3chopt.org

Mr. Pleasant becomes "Eddie Claus" as he brings his acappella magic into the Heart of Dixie for the eighth year in a row! The "Holiday Sing-Along" is sponsored by the members of the church of Christ at Three Chopt Road who open up their doors and hearts to the Richmond community. Join us as we help make the season bright through song! Don't miss it!!!


Previous Seasons' Highlights

2009

February 27, Friday @ 8:00 p.m. and March 1, Sunday @ 2:00 p.m., Harlem School of the Arts, 645 Nicholas Avenue @ 141st Street, New York, New York
Tickets and Information:Strange Fruit
Review:New York Times Review

Betrayal, Murder, Revenge and Passion take the stage at The Harlem School of the Arts in Strange Fruit, an American Opera to be presented in association with New York City Opera.

Presented as part of HSA’s Celebration of Black History Month, Strange Fruit is based on Lillian Smith’s book that was immediately controversial when published in 1944 and banned by booksellers around the country. The opera tells the tragic story of an interracial love affair between a young black woman and a young white man in a small town in Georgia in 1920.

Strange Fruit revolves around the idealistic Nonnie Anderson and the gentle, though disaffected, Tracy Deen, whose love for each other struggles to survive the hate and intolerance that surround them. Yet even after the horrific consequences of their affair, Nonnie continues to dream of a world that is colorblind. The opera’s score, taking its musical vocabulary from the same period, is infused with blues, jazz and gospel. The opera was premiered by Long Leaf Opera in Chapel Hill, NC in 2007. It was originally showcased at New York City Opera’s Vox 2003.

Performances at HSA will be conducted by Steven Gross and accompanied by Marijo Newman on piano. Mr. Pleasant joins the cast which is led by international soprano Janinah Burnett who will cover the role of Yvette in the new production of La Rondine at The Metropolitan Opera in February. The cast also includes Daniel Neer, Robert Hughes, Tamara Haskin, Melissa Fogarty, Djoré Nance, Heather Hill, Abby Fischer, Matthew Kreger, Dominic Inferrera, Daniel Yarzebinski, Karen Lehman, Abigail Brown and Lindsay O'Neil.

March 28, Saturday @ 8:00 p.m., Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, 31 Glengary Road, Croton-On-Hudson, New York
Tickets and Info:Temple Israel
Info and Pictures from the Show:Sincerely, Nat

Mr. Pleasant presents Sincerely, Nat The Life of singer Nat "King" Cole in words and music. He will tell the story of the entertainer's incredible career and the audience will come to fully understand why this man is truly "Unforgettable." Join Eddie as he explores Mr. Cole's early life in the segregated South and how he evolved from a shy son of a baptist minister to an icon of American style and culture known around the world.

April 22, Wednesday @ 9:00 a.m., Greenwich High School Auditorium, Greenwich, Connecticut
Info:Young People's Concerts

Mr. Pleasant inspires future performers and patrons of the Arts in a presentation with the Greenwich Symphony of Peter and the Wolf.


May 13, Wednesday Evening @ 7:30 p.m., Westport Public Library, Westport, Connecticut
Tickets and Info:Westport Public Library
Hear or Download the Podcast:Edward Pleasant presents Langston Hughes in Word and Song

Mr. Pleasant along with pianist Beth Palmer will present the poetry and music of the Harlem Renaissance. They will present music by noted poets such as Langston Hughes and other luminaries of the day. This concert of poetry and song is part of Westport Library's series on the Harlem Renaissance.

July 25, Saturday Evening @ 7:30 p.m., Quick Center For The Performing Arts, Fairfield, Connecticut
Tickets and Info:Summer Festival Chorus Concert

Special guest Edward Pleasant presents Sing To Freedom a multimedia presentation of pictures and songs of the Civil Rights Era as part of the 2009 SFC concert entitled "The Times They Are A-Changin'". The concert is a celebration of the music and energy of the turbluent 60s.

October 3, Saturday @ 8:00 p.m. and October 4, Sunday @ 3:00 p.m., Allentown Sypmphony, Symphony Hall, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Schedule and Ticket Info:Allentown Symphony
2009-2010 Season:Poster
See the review:Allentown Symphony American Voices

George Gershwin is once again celebrated in this gala event that you will not want to miss. Mr. Pleasant will thrill and delight you as he portrays Gershwin's most memorable characters from the American masterpiece, Porgy and Bess . This is Mr. Pleasant's debut appearance with the Allentown Symphony.

October 28, Wednesday @ 9:00 a.m., Greenwich High School Auditorium, Greenwich, Connecticut
Info:Young People's Concerts

Edward Pleasant again inspires future performers and patrons of the Arts in a presentation with the Greenwich Symphony of The Magic of Beethoven. Greenwich Symphony is an award-winning ensemble cited often for its service to the community and educational outreach. Mr. Pleasant is proud to be a part of GSO's educational efforts.


October 29, Thursday @ 8:00 p.m., Yucca Theatre, Midland, Texas

Tickets and Info:Sincerely, Nat

Mr. Pleasant presents Sincerely, Nat The Life of singer Nat "King" Cole in words and music. He will tell the story of the entertainer's incredible life and career. The audience will come to fully understand why this man is truly "Unforgettable." Join Eddie as he explores Mr. Cole's early life in the segregated South and how he evolved from a shy son of a baptist minister to an icon of American style and culture known around the world. Midland Area Aids Support (MAAS) offers this evening of entertainment with proceeds to benefit this worthwhile cause that helps those suffering from AIDS and their families.


November 14, Saturday @ 8:00 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Brewster, New York, November 15, Sunday @ 3:00 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Mt. Kisco, New York

Tickets and Info: Putnam Chorale Concert

Mr. Pleasant is pleased to make his debut with the Putnam Chorale under the direction of Douglas Anderson. He will appear as the baritone soloist in Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass and Beethoven's Choral Fanstasy.

December 6, Sunday @ 5:00 p.m., Stamford Church of Christ, 1264 High Ridge Road, Stamford, Connecticut

Info:stamfordchurch.com

Join Mr. Pleasant as he hosts "The Annual Acappella Christmas Carol Sing-Along" He promises to bring out the singer in you!

December 13, Sunday @ 6:00 p.m., The Church of Christ at Three Chopt Road, 9500 Three Chopt Road, Richmond, Virginia

Info:www.3chopt.org

Mr. Pleasant becomes "Eddie Claus" as he brings his acappella magic into the Heart of Dixie for the seventh year in a row! The "Holiday Sing-Along" is sponsored by the members of the church of Christ at Three Chopt Road who open up their doors and hearts to the Richmond community. Join us as we help make the season bright through song! Don't miss it!!!


2008

February 23, Saturday @ 8:00 p.m., The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Maryland
Review:Washington Post Review

Edward Pleasant appears as Jake, a fisherman in Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess." He is honored to share the stage with other world class performers including Marquita Lister and fellow Texas Tech School of Music graduate Terry Cook. The Strathmore Center is the home of the National Philharmonic. Click on the link to see the recent review.

March 10, Monday, North Elementary School, Greenwich, Connecticut

In this private appearance with the Storytime Quartet, Mr. Pleasant turns Master Storyteller as he presents classic children's tales with classical string quartet literature. In collaboration with The Storytime Quartet's co-founders Carla Fabiani and Lisa Wolf, Mr. Pleasant adds his unique brand of storytelling to inspire tomorrows performers and patrons in an all-day outreach. Stay tuned for more on The Storytime Quartet with Eddie Pleasant. We may be coming to a school near you!

March 19, Wednesday @ 8:20 p.m., Anthology Film Archives Theater, 32 Second Avenue, New York, New York, 212.505.5110
Tickets and Info:New Filmmaker's Festival
Watch the YouTube Trailer:Exposure

Mr. Pleasant makes his New York motion picture debut as University of Connecticut professor Cole Dawson, in the independent film entitled Exposure, written and directed by Patrice Hamilton who submitted the film to the New Filmmakers Festival. Exposure is a feature film about characters who need to come to terms with one thing--Life is movement. Sometimes you need to look back, and sometimes you need to stand still, but do it too long and you could lose everything. Sometimes moving on is the hardest move to make. Come join Eddie as he lights up the silver screen in the Big Apple!


March 29, Saturday @ 8:00 p.m., Norwalk Concert Hall, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut

George Gershwin is celebrated in this gala event that you will not want to miss. Mr. Pleasant will thrill and delight as he portrays Gershwin's most memorable characters. Mr. Pleasant is honored to perform with the orchestra of the town in which he now resides, Norwalk, Connecticut!

April 22, Tuesday @ 9:00 a.m., Greenwich High School Auditorium, Greenwich, Connecticut

Info:Young People's Concerts

Mr. Pleasant inspires future performers and patrons of the arts in a presentation with the Greenwich Symphony of The Thrill of the Orchestra by Russell Peck. This performace is given in conjunction with the year-long celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Greenwich Symphony. Mr. Pleasant sends a heartfelt "Happy Birthday" to the Greenwich Symphony!


May 10-11, NYU Skirball Center, New York, New York
Info:Vox 2008

Mr. Pleasant again lends his talents in promoting new operatic works as he appears in the 2008 Vox Series produced by New York City Opera. New York City Opera’s VOX is an exciting annual festival of new operas that offers American composers and librettists the opportunity to hear their works with a full orchestra and excellent artists. Every year, VOX presents up to twelve new, previously un-produced works from both emerging and established composers in orchestra readings that are free and open to the public.

To date, the festival has presented excerpts from 70 new operas with more than 30 going on to full productions — four at City Opera and the remainder at other opera companies, including Houston Grand Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Washington National Opera, Michigan Opera Theater and the Sante Fe Opera.

November 6, Thursday, Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street, Hartford, Connecticut
Tickets and Info:Real Art Ways
Watch the YouTube Trailer:Exposure

Real Art Ways is one of the United States' leading innovative contemporary arts organizations, with programs in Visual Arts (commissioned public projects, curated exhibitions, education), Live Arts (innovative music of all kinds, performance, spoken word) and Film and Video (feature films and artists' videos).

Mr. Pleasant appears as University of Connecticut professor Cole Dawson, in the independent film entitled Exposure, written and directed by Patrice Hamilton who submitted the film to the New Filmmakers Festival. Exposure is a feature film about characters who need to come to terms with one thing--Life is movement. Sometimes you need to look back, and sometimes you need to stand still, but do it too long and you could lose everything. Sometimes moving on is the hardest move to make. Come join Eddie as he lights up the silver screen in the Hartford!



December 7, Sunday @ 3:00 p.m., Norwalk Concert Hall, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut

Tickets and Info:Season's Greetings

Mr. Pleasant is honored to mark his debut appearance with The Fairfield Country Chorale and AmorArtis Orchestra. The concert will feature Victoria Livengood in a concert entitled Season's Greetings. He appears as soloist in Gerald Finzi's movingly haunting In Terra Pax adapted from Robert Bridges' poem Noel: Christmas Eve, 1913 and Holy Scripture. The concert will also offer The Seven Joys of Christmas, Kirke Mecham and Magnificat, by Vaughan Williams. The concert will be conducted by Maestro Johannes Somary and it will culminate with a rendering of the Hallelujah Chorus.

December 7, Sunday @ 5:00 p.m., Stamford Church of Christ, 1264 High Ridge Road, Stamford, Connecticut

Info:stamfordchurch.com

Join Mr. Pleasant as he hosts "The Annual Acappella Christmas Carol Sing-Along" He promises to bring out the singer in you!


December 14, Sunday @ 6:00 p.m., The Church of Christ at Three Chopt Road, 9500 Three Chopt Road, Richmond, Virginia

Info:www.3chopt.org

Mr. Pleasant becomes "Eddie Claus" as he brings his acappella magic into the Heart of Dixie for the sixth year in a row! The "Holiday Sing-Along" is sponsored by the members of the church of Christ at Three Chopt Road who open up their doors and hearts to the Richmond community. Join us as we help make the season bright through song! Don't miss it!!!


December 21, Sunday @ 6:00 p.m., Golf Course Road Church of Christ, 3500 West Golf Course Road, Midland, Texas

Info:www.gcrcc.org

Mr. Pleasant brings the sing-along to his hometown, Tall City, Midland, Texas! The Golf Course Road church family hosts this holdiay gift to the Permian Basin. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind event. There'll be something for the whole family!






Please stay tuned for more updates!