PIANIST LEAVES BEND SHELL SMOKING AFTER PERFORMANCE

Pianists Pat Palisch and Christy Shinn, music teachers in the Jackson School District, appeared Thursday as special guests with the municipal band.

It was their first performance as a duet as they performed using only one piano.

Both have performed with groups across the United States and Europe.

Palisch is well known for her ragtime piano work, and. Shinn is recognized as one of the outstanding pianists in our area.

It is said by Nick Leist, the band's director, that "the piano was left smoking, after their performance."

The following is a brief synopsis of the Municipal Band's Special Guest lineup for upcoming concerts:

* July 4 -- Robyn Hosp

Robyn has been singing professionally for 15 years and has performed in Nashville several times, both as a gospel soloist and as a member of various groups. She has gained much recognition as the partner of Mike Dumey with their various stage productions. She has several CDs available that can be purchased at various local stores. Hosp is in constant demand to perform concerts at various churches and civic organizations.

* July 5 -- The Messengers, a group of close friends and singers that attend First Baptist Church, will sing about what is close to their hearts God and country. Old favorites like "My Country Tis of Thee" and "America the Beautiful" are part of the performance, as well as "We've Got to Get America Back to God," a song expressing the deep concern about violence in schools. Ruth Lane, who originated the group, said, "Seeing this all come together has been pure joy for me."

* July 12 -- Shadetree Folk Company

This talented group of folk singers is made up of Barney Hartline, Terry Wright and Jim Hickam. The Shadetree Folk Company made its first appearance with the Jackson Municipal Band two years ago. These musicians have performed together for many years, have been a yearly special with the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band, and have performed at Bollinger Mill, Oak Tree State Park, Eckert's Octoberfest in Bonne Terre and various other places across the Midwest.

* July 19 -- Lacey Hayes

* July 26 -- Steve Shaftner

Shaftner graduated from Augusta College in Augusta, Ga., and worked as a string instructor at Davidson Fine Arts Institute. He is string instructor for the Cape Girardeau School District. He traveled with Narvel Felt's band and has performed with stars such as George Jones, Tammy Wynette and Ronnie Milsap. While touring, several of his performances were at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.