The Brownville Concert Series is thrilled to bring the 2017 season to a close with its annual Christmas Gala. “Crooner” Todd Murray will be bringing with him Broadway star Sally Wilfert and bringing back Jazz singer Stacy Sullivan.  Also joining him is another new face and hot new Cabaret star Kristofer Lowe.  Add in Academy Award winning pianist Yasuhiko Fukuoko, famed NY guitarist Troy Fannin and the Auburn High School Choir for an unbeatable show!  They will perform in concert Friday and Saturday, December 8 and 9, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 10, at 2 p.m. Sponsors for this event are: Deborah, John and Lou Solie in Memory of Mary Solie; Lifetime Vision Center; DM Farms – Dennis Meyer and Della Meyer; Charles & Jody Anderson; First National Bank of Johnson and James and Ruth Keene.
The only performer to capture Broadway World Cabaret Awards in 2016 was Todd Murray, who took the prizes for “Best Show, Male” and “Best Vocalist, Male” on the strength of his show Croon, performed the Metropolitan Room in New York and in Brownville and has been showing all over the world along with his CD. During an era when there is a shortage of significant male jazz and cabaret singers, Todd Murray has emerged as a notable interpreter of standards, newer material, and his own originals. Blessed with a deep baritone voice, Todd is an intimate performer who excels on romantic ballads, swings at every tempo, and does justice to the lyrics that he sings.
Sally Wilfert has appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award winning production of Assassins, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and King David. She also toured the country in the first national tour of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Off-Broadway, Ms. Wilfert’s credits include See Rock City, Make Me A Song: The Music of William Finn, The Mistress Cycle and The Prince & The Pauper. At Carnegie Hall she has appeared in Cole Porter’s Jubilee, South Pacific in Concert (starring Reba McEntire), and Sondheim: A Tribute, (all for PBS). Performing with the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center and Tokyo, she was featured soloist, singing “Somewhere” for their performances of West Side Story Suite. Wilfert has performed throughout the country.
With a move to New York in 2012, Stacy Sullivan’s career dreams took flight in the creation of  “It’s a Good Day – A Tribute to Miss Peggy Lee,” the live show and recording that would change her life. Stephen Holden, of The New York Times referred to her performance as “Spellbinding,” Darkly Sultry,” and “Compelling.” Clive Davis of The Times (London) wrote, “A commanding, willowy presence, Sullivan captures that rare combination of vulnerability and worldliness.”
Kristoffer Lowe, who won both the 2015 Bistro Award and 2015 MAC Award (for his debut show, “Waiting for the Sun to Shine” at Don‘t Tell Mama), also won the MetroStar 2014 contest which guaranteed him a show and CD.  “The vocalist exhibits a gift for variable phrasing, adapting to the intention of each lyric, making every one sound personal.” — BroadwayWorld.com.
Yasuhiko Fukuoka is a versatile pianist and in-demand composer who is recognized both onstage and off for his virtuosic talents.  His emotional, story-driven music has captivated audiences throughout the world. His works have appeared at prestigious venues from Lincoln Center to Festival de Cannes, spanning many genres of music from orchestral to electronica.  New York Times’ Stephen Holden declared, “…brilliant pianist, Yasuhiko Fukuoka, found a seamless blend of folk, classical, blues, and vaudeville styles.”
Troy Fannin received his BFA in music performance, and has since toured in most of the United States as well as Mexico, Kenya, and Australia. He predominantly performs as lead guitarist with ‘St. Van Cortlandt & the 101’, ‘Marcellus Hall’, and as a freelance guitarist with several other New York based artists. He has performed on and executive produced numerous albums and currently works as the main session guitarist for the Pilcrow Media record label here in NYC. Troy Instructs guitar, bass, and ukulele.
Concert tickets are $20  ($15 for students).  To purchase tickets online go to www.brownvilleconcertseries.com or call 402-825-3331. Stay overnight at the River Inn Resort and get a 10% discount on tickets. Dine before the shows at the Lyceum Restaurant by calling 402-825-1222.  The Nebraska Arts Council (www.nebraskaartscouncil.org), a state agency, supports this program through a matching grant funded by the Nebraska Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.