Contact:
Greg Tivis
1206 Glade
College Station, TX 77840
Phone: 979.695.0211
www.GregTivis.com
Don’t Miss This All Original Musical Concert Benefitting Habit for Humanity featuring some of the finest talent in the Brazos Valley!
COLLEGE STATION, TX, March 5, 2015—First Christian Church (DOC) and local pianist Greg Tivis present “Just a House,” a musical program benefitting Habit for Humanity that debuts the works of local composer Cheryl Aufderheide, hosted by Saint Thomas Episcopal Church on Sunday afternoon at 2:30, March 22nd.
This unique concert will feature all original works as performed by the Marian Anderson String Quartet, Dr. Werner Rose, Penny Zent, Greg Tivis, Bonnie Harris-Reynolds and the Habitat for Humanity singers.
Local composer and lyricist Cheryl Aufderheide writes for personal enjoyment and for her church. As a member of First Christian Church (DOC) of Bryan, Cheryl writes much of the service music as well as special music for the choir, directed by her husband Dr. Karl Aufderheide.
Says pianist Greg Tivis, “I’m so fortunate to work with Cheryl, she writes beautiful music—some light hearted, some deeply emotional and she’s a great lyricist as well. When I arranged one of her compositions for string quartet and shared with the Marian Anderson String Quartet, they took one look and said count us in!”
When Tivis began working with Cheryl on further developing some of her musical ideas, he was impressed enough to encourage her to have a recital to share her music with others. When Cheryl seemed a bit shy about waving her own flag, Tivis suggested a benefit concert and asked her to name her favorite charity. Without hesitation she said Habitat for Humanity.
Cheryl Aufderheide has been involved both personally and through her church with Habitat for Humanity BCS for many years. The theme of the concert is based on a song whose lyrics are read as a poem when a home is dedicated and given to a family, titled “Just a House.” The song explains that it’s not “just a house, it’s so much more.”
Tickets are $10 each at the door. For advance tickets or underwriting information email greg@gregtivis.com or contact Habitat for Humanity directly at 979-823-7200 ext 104.
First Sunday Jazz Jam Celebrates Five Years
Local jazz entertainer Greg Tivis and company will celebrate five years of First Sunday Jazz with a New Orleans style show packed with surprises and special guests from 6pm to 9pm at Luigi’s Patio Ristorante on Sunday, December 7, 2014.
Originally referred to as the First Sunday Jazz Jam, the monthly jazz jamboree has become a staple of the B/CS music scene, and the longest running regular occurring musical event of its kind in the area. Founded in 2009 by Greg Tivis, First Sunday Jazz began at Downtown Uncorked on December 6, 2009. Tivis says his original concept was a New Orlean’s themed jazz jam session that offered area jazz and blues musicians an open invitation to showcase their talents on an “off” night to an audience that came strictly to hear the music. It was an instant success, and before long began drawing musicians and vocalists from as far away as Giddings, Houston, Conroe, Round Rock and all across the Brazos Valley.
Over time, First Sunday Jazz evolved into more of a production show. “While we are still open to musicians sitting in with the band, it’s more of an invitation only affair,” Tivis says. “Maintaining a high quality musical experience and featuring well known special guests have been big factors in the continuing success of First Sunday Jazz, and our ability to consistently attract a large and faithful audience.” Most regulars maintain standing reservations for their tables.
At the invitation of fellow jazz musician and local restaurant owner, Duilio Tani, First Sunday Jazz took up residence at Luigi’s Patio Ristorante in March of 2014. Tivis adds, “it’s been a great move for us—the environment and acoustics are great, and the staff and management have been very supportive. We love Luigis and so do our fans.”
The fifth anniversary First Sunday Jazz on December 7 will include a variety of guest performers including Kelsey Taylor, as well as a special segment entitled “Christmas in New Orleans” by the Greg Tivis Jazz Band. There will be door prizes and even a visit by ole St. Nick himself.
Find out more by signing up for Greg Tivis’ E-News at www.gregtivis.com. Advance reservations are encouraged at 979-693-2742 or www.luigispatioristorante.com
Following in the footsteps of Pete Rodriguez, Greg Tivis brings big band dancing back to the Brazos Valley!
COLLEGE STATION, TX, November 21, 2011—Local jazz pianist Greg Tivis brings big band ballroom dancing back to the Bryan/College Station area beginning with a Holiday Dance at the College Station Hilton Hotel on Tuesday evening at 7:30pm on December 6.
Not so long ago the Brazos Valley had its own big band, the Pete Rodriguez Orchestra. As a music educator Pete Rodriguez was highly respected by the community and his peers in the Texas Music Teachers Association, but to the dancing public he was known as the bandleader of the best dance band in the area, playing fundraisers, special events, and at Aggie Ring dances. That all came to an end almost ten years ago when health problems forced Rodriguez to retire from playing dances, and there’s been a void ever since. Tivis plans to change that.
Best known as a jazz pianist and trumpet player, Tivis toured and performed with many of the nations most prominent big bands in the late eighties and early nineties including Tex Beneke, Guy Lombardo, Jimmy Dorsey, and Jack Morgan and the Russ Morgan Orchestra.
After settling in the Bryan/College Station area in the mid-nineties, Tivis met and played several engagements with Pete Rodriguez as well as filling in for him with his own band. After landing a nightly piano bar gig at the College Station Hilton, Tivis put his focus on promoting and recording primarily with his jazz trio. Now he’s decided the time is right to get back in the dance business.
“People have been asking for years,” Tivis says, “and after our record breaking success with a big band dance earlier this year at the Derby Day symphony fundraiser, I think the time is right.”
Local dance studios and members of the Bryan/College Station Dinner Dance Club agree—ballroom dancing has never been more popular, and not just with the older crowd. The Texas A&M Ballroom Dance Association (TAMBDA) and the Texas Aggie Swingcats are just two examples of the growing resurgence of dancing. The only thing missing from the local dance scene is a live big band.
Working in association with the College Station Hilton, Tivis plans to introduce the newly formed Greg Tivis Dance Orchestra to the public for their dancing pleasure on Tuesday, Dec 6, in the Hilton Ballroom. Tickets are $15 each or $25 per couple, doors open at 7pm. For more information or advance ticket purchase call 979-695-0211 or visit www.gregtivis.com
Local Jazz Vocalist Kelsey Taylor Returns to Performing
Downtown Uncorked to host Kelsey Taylor and Greg Tivis in concert, Sunday, October 17, to raise money for medical bills.
BRYAN, TX, September 17, 2010—After a 12 week stay at Scott & White Hospital in Temple due to complications from her pregnancy, a healthy and vibrant Kelsey Taylor is gearing up to return to her busy performing schedule. Her premature newborn baby boy is doing great, but even with insurance the young family faces staggering medical bills after what amounted to just over 100 days in the hospital. While Kelsey plans to resume her regular Friday night appearances at Veritas Wine & Bistro as soon as October 1, she and pianist Greg Tivis will give a special performance for her loving fans at Downtown Uncorked in downtown Bryan the evening of Sunday, October 17. Admission will be free and all tips and money raised from CD sales will go directly to Kelsey Taylor and family.
A native of Dallas, Taylor is a graduate of Texas A&M and has been a resident of the Bryan/College Station area for ten years. Singing has been a life-long passion for Taylor, and in 2008 she returned to singing professionally after teaming up with prominent local jazz pianist Greg Tivis. In 2009 Taylor was featured on Tivis’ latest CD, Beginning to See the Light. The CD was released October 17 of 2009 as Kelsey Taylor and the Greg Tivis Trio performed to a packed ballroom at the College Station Hilton.
In addition to being regular performers at Veritas Wine & Bistro in College Station and Downtown Uncorked in Bryan, Taylor & Tivis have been in high demand in the private party circuit. FLAIR magazine ran a feature story on them in their Spring 2010 edition, and their CD’s have sold by the hundreds at shows and worldwide through their websites and CD Baby. Taylor and Tivis are also slated to perform with the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra as the headliners for the 2011 Derby Day fundraiser.
The October 17 appearance at Downtown Uncorked will feature Kelsey Taylor, Greg Tivis and bassist Steve Carr and will begin at 7pm. Find blog archives, press releases, news articles, complete performance schedule and more at www.gregtivis.com
Russ Morgan Orchestra Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Final Encore Tour! Don't Miss This Rare Opportunity to be a Part of American Big Band History!
COLLEGE STATION, TX, April 1, 2010—After 75 years of continuous service to ballroom dancers the world over, Jack Morgan and the Russ Morgan Orchestra will take to the road for the final time this month and will appear in College Station for one performance only at the Hilton Hotel and Conference Center on Sunday evening, May 2, 2010.
College Station pianist and jazzman Greg Tivis, pianist for the Russ Morgan Orchestra from 1989-1994, has been asked to re-join the orchestra for this very special farewell tour and will be featured in performances on both piano and trumpet.
Founded in 1935, the Russ Morgan Orchestra is the one of the longest continuously running big bands in American history, and there’s only been two leaders the entire time – father and son! Jack Morgan has been leading the orchestra for over forty years, since his father’s death in 1969. In a recent interview Jack said that there’s no longer enough jobs to keep the band together and working full time and he plans to “quit while he’s ahead.” This will be the final tour of this legendary band that was one of the founding orchestras of the great American Big Band Era.
During a twenty year recording career for Decca Records, Russ Morgan had five Gold Records, “So Tired,” “Cruising Down the River.” Somebody Else is Taking My Place,” “Forever and Ever,” and “You’re Nobody ‘til Somebody Loves You.” Many of Russ Morgan’s other famous compositions, such as the band’s theme song, “Does Your Heart Beat for Me,” as well as “So Long,” “Sweet Eloise,” “Flower of Dawn,” “Please Think of Me,” and many other originals are featured regularly at performances around the country.
Since taking over his father’s orchestra in 1969, trombonist and crooner Jack Morgan, an outstanding ballroom dancer in his own right, has expanded the Russ Morgan Orchestra’s music library and appeal by adding a large selection of Latin music, all custom arranged for Jack and the orchestra. With over 1800 songs in the working dance book, Jack is always ready to play your special big band request, and because of his ballroom dance experience you can count on perfect dance tempos all night long!
The May 2nd event at the College Station Hilton will begin at three in the afternoon with a one hour complimentary ballroom dance lesson with local dance instructor Susan Quiring or Susan’s Ballroom Dance. At 4 o’clock Jack Morgan and the Russ Morgan Orchestra will take the stage for a ninety minute concert celebrating the 75 year history of the orchestra. After a brief intermission, the TAMU Ballroom Dance Association’s Performance Team will perform several exhibition dances, followed by two hours of ballroom dancing for everyone with the Russ Morgan Orchestra.
Admission for this one time event is $30, with seating limited to 200 guests. Contact greg@gregtivis.com to purchase advance tickets. For complete Russ Morgan Orchestra “Encore Tour 2010” schedule visit www.russmorganorchestra.com
Don’t Miss This! A Golden Opportunity to Have a Las Vegas Moment
in the College Station/ Bryan Area.
COLLEGE STATION, TX, September 15, 2009—Local jazz pianist Greg Tivis presents an evening in Las Vegas at the Hilton Hotel & Conference Center on Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m. on October 17.
If you are a fan of the songs from the Great American Songbook—what many people call today’s jazz standards—and the artists that originally sang them, which include the likes of Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Gershwin, and Ella Fitzgerald, then this is a must-see. The Greg Tivis Trio and jazz vocalist Kelsey Taylor will enthrall you with their renditions of such songs as Moon River, Mona Lisa, Beyond the Sea and many more.
Says vocalist Kelsey Taylor, who is debuting her new CD, Beginning to See the Light, at this event, “I’m so fortunate to work with Greg Tivis. No other music compares to the great American standards, and there’s no one that understands that more than Greg. His passion, style, and technique is a true throwback to the 40s and 50s when swing was THE thing.”
Tivis, or The Jazzman, as local musicians call him, has a storied past—having played and traveled with names like Jimmy Dorsey, The Ink Spots, Tex Beneke, Russ Morgan, Guy Lombardo, Kay Starr, Wynton Marsalis, and many more.
Greg laughs now when he thinks back, saying, “For years we were on the road 10 months out of the year. We practically lived out of a bus. But the experience of playing and learning from the icons was unbelievable. I’m going to enjoy so much bringing a Las Vegas style show to this area, the likes of which no one has ever seen before. The big stage. The lighting. The wardrobes. The seating arrangements. It will be exactly like a Vegas show that you would attend after having a great dinner on the strip.”
You can find out more about this production by calling 979.695.0211 or visiting www.GregTivis.com today.
LCAA brings Greg Tivis home to Lindsay for free concert this Sunday
1981 Lindsay High School graduate, Greg Tivis, will be returning home to Lindsay, Oklahoma to give a concert at the REC building on N Hwy 76 this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Thanks to generous patrons of the Lindsay Civic Arts Association the concert is open to the public and admission is free.
A former music student of pianist Jonetta Hinkle and Lindsay band director E.B. Moore, Tivis went on to attend Central State University briefly before pursuing a career playing music professionally. An accomplished pianist and trumpeter, Tivis is versatile in many types of music, but prefers the music of the Great American Songbook—the music of Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer, Hoagy Carmichael, and other greats who’s music has become synonymous with the name “American standards.”
On Sunday, November 14, Tivis and his trio will bring the swinging sounds from the past to life in an exciting concert that will showcase the latest addition to the Tivis entourage, vocalist Kelsey Taylor. Together they will be debuting for the first time in Oklahoma their latest album, “Beginning to See the Light.”
Over the past 25 plus years Greg Tivis has performed from coast to coast with the dance orchestras of Jimmy Dorsey, Russ Morgan, Guy Lombardo, as well as backing stars such as Kay Starr, the Ink Spots and many more. He’s performed for all major cruise lines, as well as Las Vegas and the Lawrence Welk Theater in Branson, MO. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a first class, Las Vegas quality show right here in our own backyard this Sunday, November 14, 3pm, at the REC building in Lindsay. Call 979-756-6263 for more information or visit www.gregtivis.com
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