2012

BREAKING NEWS! Mr. Pleasant announces the release of the recording of Scott Joplin's Treemonisha on the New World Records label. Singing his signature role of Zodzetrick, Pleasant can be heard with a gifted cast of singers and the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, conducted by Rick Benjamin. Produced by Grammy Award winner Judith Sherman, this recording is available directly from Mr. Pleasant as well as newworldrecords.org and Amazon.com.


January 13, Friday @ 7:30 p.m., St. Patrick's Church, 130 East 4th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania

Info:Honoring Martin Luther King

Pleasant appears as baritone soloist along with soprano Julie-Ann Green in this concert honoring the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. Pleasant and Green will be featured in the music of George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. Pleasant is honored to appear with the Erie Chamber Orchestra, now in its 34th season of presenting diverse programs to the greater Erie community. As established by founder Bruce Morton Wright, the Orchestra's mission is to insure that high-quality orchestra music will always be available to everyone in the Erie community no matter one's age, income, or educational or cultural background. To promote that goal, all performances are always free of charge.

April 17, Tuesday, The Riverside School, Riverside, Connecticut

Listen:The Tortoise and the Hare

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 educational outreach.

April 18, Wednesday, The North Mianus School, Riverside, Connecticut

Mr. Pleasant continues to thrill young audiences as he presents classic children's tales. He again appears in collaboration with The Storytime Quartet.

April 23, 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 narration with the Greenwich Symphony of Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev.

April 28, Saturday, The Quick Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road Fairfield, Connecticut

Pleasant appears in a concert dubbed And the Bugles Sang with the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut. He will sing the movingly poignant words of Private First Class Jesse Givens, killed in the line of duty while serving his country in Iraq. His words were set to music by composer Lee Hoiby and titled Last Letter Home.

May 13, Sunday @ 5:00 p.m., Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, 31 Glengary Road, Croton-On-Hudson, New York
Info:Temple Israel

Mr. Pleasant appears with soprano Cantor Devorah Avery, pianist Dina Pruzhansky in an afternoon concert of great music. Back by popular demand, the duo will sing operatic and musical theater favorites to thrill and delight. Don't miss it!

May 20, Sunday @ 4:30 p.m., Norwalk Concert Hall,125 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut

Tickets and Info:Gershwin and More!

Pleasant appears as baritone soloist in a concert that spotlights American-style works. This performance that will leave you humming with delight. A concert version of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess hits all the most familiar and popular highlights from this iconic composer’s most exciting score. An added treat will be George Shearing’s Songs and Sonnets, showcasing amusing settings of Shakespeare’s poetry, deftly scored for choir, jazz piano, and bass.

December 2, 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 9, 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 tenth year! 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!!!


2011

January 23, Sunday @ 4:00 p.m., West Side Presbyterian Church,Varian Fry Way, 6 South Monroe Street (corner of West Ridgewood Avenue), Ridgewood, New Jersey

Info:Soli Deo Gloria

Pleasant appears as bass soloist in this, a celebration of Bach masterworks: Soli Deo Gloria: Masterworks of Johann Sebastian Bach featuring Joshua Greene, conductor with the Adelphi Chamber Orchestra. Joshua Greene, noted Metropolitan Opera coach and conductor has put together a unique program of his favorite Bach masterpieces from Christmas Oratorio, St. John Passion, St. Matthew Passion and Cantata No. 24. The other soloists are Hye Jung Lee, soprano, Mary Hughes, alto and Chee Shen Tan, tenor.

April 1, Friday, The Riverside School, Riverside, 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 educational outreach. Stay tuned for more on The Storytime Quartet with Eddie Pleasant. We may be coming to a school near you, no foolin'!

April 3, Sunday @ 5:00 p.m., Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, 31 Glengary Road, Croton-On-Hudson, New York
Info:Temple Israel

Mr. Pleasant appears with soprano Cantor Devorah Avery, pianist Dina Pruzhansky and Broadway pianist/conductor Sariva Goetz in an afternoon concert of great music.

April 14, Thursday, Masonicare of Newtown, Connecticut

Mr. Pleasant presents Sincerely, Nat The Life of singer Nat "King" Cole in words and music. In this private performance, 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." Eddie is joined by musical collaborator Isaac ben Ayala as they explore 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 18, Monday @ 7:00 p.m., Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, New York, New York

Tickets and Info:Distinguished Concerts Avery Fisher Hall
Mr. Pleasant returns to Avery Fisher Hall appearing as baritone soloist in Mozart's Coronation Mass in C conducted by Richard W. Weymuth, presented by Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY).

April 21, Thursday @ 7:30 p.m., The Marian Anderson Music Center Auditorium, Cheyney University, 1837 University Circle, Cheyney, Pennsylvania

Tickets and Info:Arts and Lecture Series - Treemonisha

Mr. Pleasant recreates one of his signature roles. He will appear as the crafty conjurer Zodzetrick in Scott Joplin's Treemonisha. This will be a special concert presentation produced by the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, conducted by its founder, Rick Benjamin. The concert will take place on the historical campus of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. Cheyney University is America's first black college - founded in 1837. Mr. Pleasant is proud to be a part of this important performance in such a historically rich venue. Metropolitan Opera soprano Anita Johnson will sing the title role joined by members of the Cheyney University Concert Choir. This musical style continues to speak directly to modern audiences-from heartfelt arias to rousing ragtime choruses.

May 6, Friday @ 8:00 p.m., West Side Presbyterian Church,Varian Fry Way, 6 South Monroe Street (corner of West Ridgewood Avenue), Ridgewood, New Jersey

Info:Pro Arte - New Jersey

Pleasant appears as bass soloist in this concert collaboration with Joshua Greene, noted Metropolitan Opera coach and conductor. This spring concert of Mozart treasures will also feature noted Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Kirstin Chavez.

May 31 - June 2, The Academy of Arts and Letters, New York, New York

Mr. Pleasant will record the role of the crafty Zodzetrick in Scott Joplin's Treemonisha for the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and New World Records. Conducted by Rick Benjamin, the recording of this American masterpiece will be produced by Grammy Award winner Judith Sherman.

October 15, Saturday @ 8:00 p.m. and October 16, Sunday @ 3:00 p.m., Stamford Symphony,Stamford Center for the Arts, The Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic Street, Stamford, Connecticut

Tickets and Info:Music of the Masters

As a part of the Stamford Symphony Orchestra's gala opening concert, Mr. Pleasant will be featured as a part of the orchestra's celebration of great American music and musical themes. The music of George Gershwin and Scott Joplin will be performed. Pleasant will reprise the ode to Ragtime music, When the Band Plays Ragtime, music by Bob Cole with words by James Weldon Johnson who also wrote the words to the Negro national anthem Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing. He will also perform the stirring folk tune Goin' Home which served as the inspiration for Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 in E Minor 'From the New World'.

December 1, Tuesday, Recording Release!

Mr. Pleasant announces the release of the recording of Scott Joplin's Treemonisha on the New World Records label. Singing his signature role of Zodzetrick, Pleasant can be heard with a gifted cast of singers and the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, conducted by Rick Benjamin. Produced by Grammy Award winner Judith Sherman, this recording will be available at from newworldrecords.org, Amazon.com as well as other national outlets.

December 4, 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 11, 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 ninth year! 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!!!




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.

June 27, Sunday @ 2:00 p.m., Church of St. Mark, Brooklyn, New York

Mr. Pleasant appears with Rejoicensemble in a 25th Anniversary Concert featuring the music of noted composer and pianist M. Roger Holland II. Rejoicensemble is conducted by its founder Dr. Carl MaultsBy. Mr. Pleasant has appeared in numerous concerts with the ensemble and he has also appeared in several of their recordings. Rejoicensemble is dedicated to commissioning and performing works by contemporary African-American composers, the preservation and performance of African-American music, as well as other music of the African Diaspora, and increasing the general public awareness of the cultural significance of music of the African-American experience.

October 14, Thursday @ 1:30 p.m., The Sidney Albert Jewish Community Center Auditorium, 340 Whitehall Road, Albany, New York

Tickets and Info:Sincerely, Nat

Mr. Pleasant takes "Sincerely, Nat: The Life and Music of Nat 'King' Cole" on the road to Albany, New York. He will appear in the Sidney Albert Jewish Community Center's concert series Autumn Concert in the Afternoon. Pleasant is joined by collaborator/music director Isaac ben Ayala in telling the story, in words and music, of this entertainer's incredible career and why this man is truly "Unforgettable."

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!!!






Please stay tuned for more updates!