Donation presented to band

By Donnie A. Lucas

Albany band director William Vaughan was surprised during the annual Christmas concert on Sunday with the presentation of a $2,500 donation to the band program by Albany Live.

Organizer Michaela Smith said during the presentation that the initial donation to the school by the new non-profit was for use by Vaughan for the band program. She also said that the group intends to set up a scholarship program for band students in the future.

Albany Live was started just over a year ago, so far hosting seven local live concerts in Albany at the Aztec Theater.

A new concert series is set for the spring season hosted by Albany Live at the Aztec, with the first performance set for Jan. 18.

Concerts are planned for five out of the first six months of 2023, including a return performance by Paul Cauthen on Saturday, Jan. 14.

“We have already sold all of the reserved seats and have about 70 general admission seats left,” organizer Michaela Smith said.

Tickets for the first concert are $75 for general seats. Ticket holders can upgrade the experience by purchasing a separate VIP access to the reception with the artist that will follow. The reception includes complimentary snacks and drinks.

Other concerts include Charlie Robison on Feb. 18 and Kaitlyn Butts on April 22.

Dates and artists are pending for both March and June, and no show is currently planned for May.

Albany Live is a non-profit organization established to support the cultivation of live music events hosted at Albany venues.

“We were able to make a sizable donation to the Aztec Theater for the use of their facility,” Smith said. “We utilized the services of several local businesses and also helped bring in guests to our community to experience our amazing local businesses and restaurants.”
Albany has several levels of patron sponsorship, which include certain perks for each level.

The new set of concerts is called “Live at the Aztec Spring Series.”

Information on membership or purchasing tickets can be found on the website: www.albanylive.org

— —