The legendary Canadian Brass in concert at TRCC

The Canadian Brass will take the stage at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16.

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. - The Three Rivers Community College Patrons of the Arts Society will begin its 2008-2009 season with a concert by the foremost brass ensemble in the world -- The Canadian Brass.

The Canadian Brass will present "Legends" at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16 in the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on the Three Rivers campus in Poplar Bluff. TRCC Patrons of the Arts Society members Helen and John Grimm of Doniphan are sponsors for the concert.

The Canadian Brass has performed together for 40 years in concert halls around the world and delighted audiences with their musicianship, flare and brilliant, full brass sound and repertoire. With more than 80 albums and videos to their credit, the Canadian Brass is undoubtedly the premiere musical organization of its kind today.

The Canadian Brass sprang from modest roots in Toronto, Canada. Gene Watts, a Sedalia, Mo., native and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, is the original creator of the Canadian Brass. When the idea came to him to form the ensemble, he had already carved out an orchestral career with orchestras in North Carolina, San Antonio, and Milwaukee, and was the first trombonist for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He and tuba player Chuck Daellenbach set out to create a new type of brass ensemble.

In the years since, the Canadian Brass has developed a unique character and rapport with audiences that creates a concert experience that is fun for the entire family. Not stuffy or formal, the ensemble has been able to combine classical works for the brass ensemble with daring leaps into jazz, contemporary concert music and popular songs.

"Millions of television viewers have seen the Canadian Brass on such shows as The Tonight Show, Today and Entertainment Tonight. They have appeared as guest artists with the Boston Pops Orchestra and on PBS," said Judith W. Scott, vice president for college advancement at Three Rivers. "Their talent is matched only by the fun they have together and with their audiences. The Canadian Brass tests the rules with a mischievous streak that creates great fun."

Tickets for the Oct. 16 concert with the Canadian Brass are $20 per person, and may be purchased in advance by contacting the TRCC Ticket Office at (573) 840-9170 or by contacting the college toll-free at 1-877-TRY-TRCC. All seats are general admission.

The concert with the Canadian Brass on Oct. 16 is the first event of the 2008-2009 season at the Three Rivers Tinnin Fine Arts Center. Other programs include:

Tickets for all six shows are currently on sale by contacting (573) 840-9170.