Chelsea House Orchestra’s 22nd annual Hometown Show, with special guest Thunderwüde, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 at 7 p.m. at Chelsea High School.
Opening with Beach Middle School’s Fiddle Club, featuring 5th-8th grade students led by led by director Nathan Peters, the Hometown Show will feature performances by Chelsea House Orchestra (CHO), and bluegrass trio Thunderwude.
The two groups played together in January when Thunderwüde invited CHO to open their show at The Ark in Ann Arbor. “Thunderwude’s music making is stellar, using elements of Folk, Celtic, Rock and Jazz into a swirling dervish of creative music,” says Jed Fritzemeier, “We’re thrilled to have them join us at our Hometown Show.”
Chelsea House Orchestra (CHO) is a Celtic music group comprised of students from Chelsea High School. Led by maestro Jed Fritzemeier, CHO has been in-demand for over 20 years at festivals and events throughout the Midwest, including the Chicago Scots Highland Games, Thunderbay Maritime Festival, Indiana State Fair, Alma Highland Games (MI), and Edinboro Highland Games (PA).
Thunderwüde is a Chelsea-based bluegrass trio fronted by singer/songwriter Jason Dennie. His masterfully crafted songs have become staples of the Thunderwüde experience as he draws from his 20-plus years as a professional musician. The energetic Wesley Fritzemeier is the perfect counterpart to Dennie as he dazzles with his incredible prowess on both the mandolin and fiddle
“It’s always been a goal of CHO to learn from professional musicians, like Thunderwude, to expand their understanding of making an art form into a career. What makes Thunderwude so cool is that the group was conceived right here in Chelsea. What makes the group even cooler is that one of the members is a direct descendent of CHO,” says Jed Fritzemeier, referring to Wesley Fritzemeier, who is his son and former member of CHO.
This exciting combination of toe-tapping Celtic music and energetic bluegrass will keep you clapping and smiling all evening long. Following the show, the audience is invited to enjoy the afterglow reception in the Commons.
Tickets for the 2018 Hometown Show are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. New this year, tickets are available online at www.chelseahouseorchestra.org/hometown/ or at the door.
Proceeds from CHO’s Annual Hometown Show ticket sales and donations go to raise funds for the group for educational purposes, equipment costs, and travel expenses.
2019 TRIP TO CHINA
At this year’s Hometown Show, CHO will be accepting donations for their trip to China In March of 2019.. During this trip of a lifetime, CHO will perform for Chinese audiences in cities including Beijing, Shijiazhaung, Hangzhou, participate in cultural exchanges, and visit Tianamen Square, the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Lingyin Temple, Dragonwell Tea Plantation, Shanghai, and Yuyuan Market.
To learn more and see a full list of upcoming performances, visit www.chelseahouseorchestra.org.
