Veteran Performer Returns to River City Players

-Special coverage by NSU Intern Laura Butler

Elvis may have left the building, but Aaron Hollon is back for his fifth season as a River City Player. Hollon has become a local legend for his impersonations of Elvis Presley in the show.

Hollon graduated last fall with a degree in Jazz Studies but decided to return to the NSU stage for the summer shows.

I love the thrill of going onstage and putting on a great show, Hollon said. I feel lucky that I have had the opportunity to entertain so many people.

Stage experience, fun, friends and good times are what he hopes to gain from his experience as a River City Player.

The best memories have always been getting to know some great people with similar goals in mind, said Hollon. Everyone I have worked with in RCP has left an impression on me and I can honestly call them my friends.

Hollon may be a seasoned veteran now but he admits that his first year as a River City Player was tough at times.

I had no previous experience singing or dancing, he said. I am originally a trombonist so it was a whole new ballgame. In the big picture, I am so grateful that I was put in that position.
Hollon first connected to music as a freshman at Verdigris High School, when he performed his first improvised solo and immediately fell in love with Jazz. He said that his favorite artist is Jim McNeely and his favorite song is Compensation by Thad Jones.

It is one of the greatest Big Band tunes by the greatest Big Band ever, Hollon said.
Another one of Hollons idols is Jazz trombonist Robin Eubanks, with whom he recently recorded a CD.

Hollon was named 2008 Oklahoma Collegiate Jazz Musician of the Year by the Oklahoma Jazz Educators Association. He has played trombone in the NSU Jazz Ensemble, conducted the Riverhawk Marching Band and starred in Big, the Musical. His career goals are to pursue graduate school and to make a living as a musician.

Hollon added that he is auditioning for American Idol in Denver on July 14.

Please wish me luck, he said.

Downtown Country Shows at the NSU Playhouse

Rhinestone Country 2

Thursdays at 7:30 pm: June 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; August 6
Saturdays at 7:30 pm: June 20, 27; July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8

Lights, camera, action! Experience all the glitz and glam of Tinseltown, country-style, in Downtown Countrys star-studded sequel to last summers hit show. With a brand new playlist celebrating the soundtracks you know by heart and recent box-office smashes, its all about the magic of the movies! Grab a front row seat and prepare to be dazzled, as the songs of the Silver Screen come to life before your eyes in Rhinestone Country II!

Turn Your Radio On

Fridays at 7:30 pm: June 19, 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; August 7
Saturdays at 2 pm: June 20, 27; July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8

Turn that FM dial to the best of country radio station KNSU is on the air! With a non-stop string of hits for your listening pleasure, this radio-themed show will have you tuned in all summer long. Call in and request your tickets now, because every lucky listener is guaranteed a great show with the best DJs around! Every weekend Downtown Country will be playing your favorites from yesterday and today just Turn Your Radio On!

River City Players at the NSU Shawnee Street Theatre

Centennial Soundtrack

Thursdays at 7:30 pm: June 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; August 6
Saturdays at 7:30 pm: June 20, 27; July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8

Get ready for the soundtrack of the century! Join NSU as we celebrate 100 years through the magic of music. Relive memorable musical moments from the classic By the Light of the Silvery Moon to NSUs very own Carrie Underwoods Home Sweet Home. Watch 100 years come to life in Centennial Soundtrack!

River City Sockhop

Fridays at 7:30 pm: June 19, 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; August 7
Saturdays at 2 pm: June 20, 27; July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8

Kick off your shoes and stroll back in time for River City Sockhop! Dance through the 50s and 60s with our favorite blasts from the past. Sway through the golden era of rock n roll with Connie Francis classic Where the Boys Are to the Beach Boys timeless anthem, Surfer Girl.

7/6/2009

Published: 2009-07-06 00:00:00