Welcome
Fremar Foundation TS&B 2023 Concert is a Wrap!
The foundation presented its 2023 scholarship students followed by a full concert by Vivant! and a reception for artists and all guests. Lots more photos and video on Fremar YouTube site coming soon.
Vivant! group to be featured at Fremar Foundation “Tango, Swing & Bling 2023”
2023 Fremar Foundation Concert Set for July 9th 
The Fremar Foundation's annual concert, “Tango Swing & Bling 2023,” will be held on Sunday, July 9th at 3:00 pm. at Leawood United Methodist Church, 2915 W. 95th Street, Leawood, KS 66206. The concert will feature Vivant! an 8-member mixed ensemble of professional musicians in the Kansas City area. The group features several former Fort Scott area musicians--accordionists, Karen Fremar and Julie Gettler Silfverberg, and violinist Mayson Lane--as well as musicians Judy Johnson, flute, Melody Stroth, piano, Dee Sligar, bass, Brian Steever, drums and Janne Silfverberg, Trombone/Latin percussion. All of the musicians formerly studied at the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Now in their 17th season, Vivant! presents exciting programs of tango, pop covers, and original works with a Latin jazz vibe. This year's program will feature music by Bacharach, Piazzolla, Ed Sheeran, Smoky Robinson, Fremar, Gershwin, & Chicago. The program will also feature a talented young drummer, Ian Grindstaff, age 7.
All Fremar Foundation Scholars will be recognized at the event with this year's visual arts recipient, Bareigh Farrell from Uniontown High School, providing an art exhibit prior to the concert in the lobby. Donations to the foundation are appreciated. A reception will immediately follow. The public is invited to attend. The Fremar Foundation is an outgrowth of the original Fremar Music Studio that trained hundreds of outstanding music students from Bourbon County and the surrounding area in Southeast Kansas. The studio was operated by Margie and Fred Fremar for over half a century in Fort Scott, Kansas.
Bareigh Farrell Selected as Fremar Foundation Scholar 2023
Jeanne Camac-Counselor, Dr. Karen Fremar, Visual Artist/Cellist Bareigh Farrell, Art Teacher-Chris Woods
Bareigh Farrell, a Uniontown High School Senior from Fort Scott, was recently selected by the Scholarship Committee of the Fremar Foundation to receive a $1,000 scholarship award. Bareigh is an award-winning Visual Artist and Cellist, having received numerous awards in art competitions such as Kansans…As Talented as You Think, Three Rivers League, Gordan Parks Ceremony and several 4-H Art Categories. Her teacher commented:” She demonstrates great artistic skill and profound technical ability while working in both 2-D and 3-D media with stunning results.” Bareigh studies cello and is a member of the Fort Scott area community orchestra. Scholastically she is at the top of her class and is viewed as a leader by her peers. Bareigh maintains a busy schedule after school working at the Eagles’ Nest Coffee Shop and at a local Art Store. She is a member of Art Club, National Honor Society and National Art Society, and is also active in volleyball, forensics and 4-H. She has been accepted to attend Washburn University in the fall and will major in Graphic Arts. Bareigh also plans to study cello at Washburn and will perform in the Washburn University Orchestra. Congratulations, Bareigh!
Pics & Video of Tango Swing & Bling 2022 Below
Annual Concert Event - Tango Swing & Bling 2022
August 28th at 3 p.m. - Leawood United Methodist Church
2915 W. 95th Street, Leawood, KS 66206
Featuring Vivant! - Julie Silfverberg, Karen Fremar, Eman Chalshotori, Janne Silfverberg, Melody Stroth, Mayson Lane, Brian Steever, Dee Sliger, & Judy Johnson
With Special Guests:
Ad Astra Duo, Julie Silfverberg and Friends, Ian Grindstaff, Fremar & Adami Duo (Lori Adami, Piano)
Music by - Piazzolla, Forrest, Stevie Wonder, Fremar, Kapustin, Earth, Wind & Fire, and more...
Reception Immediately Following
Donations to the Fremar Foundation Scholarship Program Appreciated
Laney Covey Named 2022 Fremar Scholarship Recipient
Artist Laney Covey, a senior at Uniontown High School, was selected by the Fremar Foundation as their 2022 Scholarship recipient of their $1,000 scholarship award to a senior in fine or visual arts. In addition to being a superb visual artist, Laney is a pianist and HS band percussionist, who ranks first in her senior class scholastically, is in National Honor Society and on the Principal's Honor Roll (4.0). She holds numerous awards in art and math, has lettered in basketball, volleyball, golf and powerlifting. As a leader in her school, Laney is a Student Council Representative, who regularly volunteers in National Honor Society and Student Council events, and she volunteers at the Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College (featuring the photography of the renowned artist). Laney is active in her church and volunteers in Operation Christmas Child (for overseas children in need) and serves her church on the Communion Committee and with Vacation Bible School each year.
When she is not producing outstanding art, studying, or managing an all volunteer group of thirteen students at the school's Eagles' Nest Coffee Shop, Laney may be found hosting a school blood drive, serving at a teachers' luncheon, placing flags at the National Cemetery, teaching the nursery class at church, or even helping out with chores on her grandparents' farm during hay season or checking cattle. A school faculty member remarked "this honest and hard working student takes every task to heart and always gives her best."
This fall Laney will be attending Allen Community College in Iola, Kansas, to participate in their top ranked art program, and further plans to complete a degree in Digital Media with a minor in Illustration and Visual Storytelling at Pittsburg State University. Her art teacher, Chris Woods, remarked that in addition to Graphic Design, she also has a heart for animation. Laney's ultimate goal is to work in film animation at Pixar. The Fremar Foundation fully believes that with her artistic ability, determination and drive for excellence, she will accomplish this goal and much more. Congratulations, Laney! 
Art Teacher Chris Woods, Jenny Covey, Laney Covey, Karen Fremar, Counselor Jeanne Camac
Just in case you missed it...Here's a Fun Video Summary of our Foundation Concert...from our young drummer's perspective. The ice cream afterwards was a cool bonus. :)
UPDATE August 23, 2021 - Masks and social distancing are required in all common areas of the church including the narthex and hall for the concert. All of the musicians are vaccinated and will be more than 20 feet from the closest audience members. For the reception outside, masks are optional, however social distancing is recommended. We kindly ask that unvaccinated persons remain masked at all times for the protection of all attendees. Thanks for your understanding and for helping us to make this concert possible during the pandemic.
SAVE THE DATE! August 29th - 3pm
It's going to be a fun concert with some crazy variety!
Julie, Melody, Tracy, Dee & Karen
Making Plans for TS&B Under the Backyard Portico
Leawood United Methodist Church
2915 W. 95th Street, Leawood, KS 66206
New works, new arrangements, new players...new fresh cookies afterwards. :-)
Drop on in and renew your spirit with some fun and exciting music!
2915 W. 95th Street, Leawood, KS 66206
Social distancing requirements and Covid protocols in place by the church at the time will be observed for your safety.
Meet Our 2021 Fremar Foundation Scholarship Winner
Noah Martin, Fort Scott High School Senior, is the winner of our 2021 Scholarship award. Noah stands out as a stellar musician and vocalist. He has played French horn and trumpet in Band and has sung in the Fort Scott Choirs for seven years. He is active as a member of the Jazz Band and the FSHS select choral ensemble. He has received I ratings at the District and State levels in both horn performance and vocal solo. Noah has had leading roles in FSHS Theatre Productions, is described by his theatre director as "always serving as a leader to others in the cast," and has assisted with several children's productions.
Noah is also an outstanding athlete. He has played basketball for 10 years and is a member of the varsity basketball team. He is also a member of the FSHS soccer and track teams. When he is not playing in varsity basketball games, he performs for junior varsity and girls' games in the pep band.
Noah plans to attend Ozark Christian College where he will focus on Music and Worship as his major. He aspires to be a musician in a Christian band; and with 3 years' experience in leading worship at his church, he also will seek opportunities as a Director of Worship. He is described by one of his music teachers as "one of the most talented and dedicated music students I have encountered in my 10 years of teaching." The Fremar Foundation is excited to assist this outstanding young man in his musical pursuits in college. Congratulations, Noah!
Noah Martin (center) with Fremar Foundation Members and FSHS Music and Theatre Faculty
Enjoy Vivant's Fiery Concert Performance of Piazzolla's "Violentango"
Fremar Foundation Annual Scholarship 2020-21 Award Recipients
For the 2020-21 school year, we are proud to support the following college students from the Ft. Scott, KS area who have demonstrated excellence in Fine Arts. Best wishes for continued success from the Fremar Foundation.
Top Left: Mayson Lane, Violin/Health Science
Center Left: Jezeriah Simpson, Art/Computer Science
Center Right: Levi Bin, Voice/Theater, Automotive Technology
Right: Patrick Schmidt, Special Award Music Education
Fremar Foundation Announces "Special Award for Musical Excellence"
The Fremar Foundation recently selected Patrick Schmidt of Overland Park to receive the "Special Award for Musical Excellence" which includes a $500 scholarship award. Patrick is a 2020 graduate of Blue Valley North High School. He was recently the BVN Nominee (nominated by his choral director, Jason Sickel) for the Johnson County Shooting Star Scholarship In the Classical Voice Category. As an outstanding vocalist, he has participated in musical theatre productions at BVN and in their choral program. He has received Superior I ratings at KSHSAA Regionals in vocal solos and as a member of the BVN Choir and Chamber Singers. Patrick was selected to sing at KMEA in the fall of 2019, as a member of the BVN Choir. The Chamber Singers, a select group of vocalists of which Patrick is a member, performs concerts regularly in the KC area. Patrick is a Freshman Music Education Major (BME) with an emphasis in vocal and choral music at Wichita State University. Patrick occasionally shares his talents at Leawood United Methodist Church and assists his grandmother, Drenda Tomlinson, with deliveries of facemasks she sews to help during the pandemic. Congratulations, Patrick!
Featured Videos
Music to Uplift Your Spirit by Karen Fremar and Lori Adami and Vivant!
Lori and Karen performing a beautiful arrangement by Victor Labenske and Philip Tyler of "When Morning Guilds the Sky"
Vivant! in Concert "That's Life" arr. Fremar
Fremar Foundation Announces 2020 Scholarship Winner
The Fremar Foundation has chosen to award its 2020 Scholarship to Levi Bin, a Fort Scott High School Senior. Levi is a Vocalist and Actor who has been acting in plays and musicals since he was very young. He is now regularly featured in lead roles in high school and community theater productions. Levi has attended International Thespian Festivals where he has received coaching by Broadway professionals. He has also toured Broadway in New York with a select group of thespians from his school. Levi has been a private voice student of Pat Harry in Fort Scott, and has received "1" Ratings at Regional and State Solo Vocal Competitions. He has also been a member of select choir and has been named to Kansas All-State Choir and Southeast Kansas District Choir. He plans to obtain a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice at Pittsburg State University beginning in the Fall. Congratulations Levi!
A Special Notice
Our Annual Fundraising Concert "Tango Swing and Bling" has been Canceled for 2020 due to the Covid-19 Virus. Plans for our 2021 events will be announced here and on our social media when they become available. In the meantime, enjoy videos of our previous performances on this site or on YouTube by searching under Fremar Foundation.
Tango Swing & Bling 2019 (See Program & Full Concert Video Below)
Great fun! Vivant! and company enjoyed performing at the Fremar Foundation Annual Concert Event. We were pleased and excited to have fabulous soprano, Melanie Melcher join us on several numbers. Cellist Eman Chalshotori wowed the audience with his virtuosity and musicality while playing two numbers with duo partner, Karen Fremar on accordion. Of course, Vivant! brought a little extra dazzle and fun to their concert attire by appearing all decked out in their new red shoes!
Thank you to our donors who helped to make the concert possible. We were happy to have two of our Fremar Foundation scholarship recipients in attendance. Many appreciated the lobby art show by Jezeriah Simpson, our 2019 scholarship recipient (now at Baker University as an art major), the antique accordion display by John Brungardt, and the reception hosted by Dee Sligar and sister-in-law, Bev Sligar. Mayson Lane, our 2017 scholarship recipient (now attending Oberlin College in Ohio), was also in attendance and was recognized for his performing tour in Amman, Jordan and also his California concert tour with his string quartet from Oberlin. Below are some photos, the program, and the full concert video (5 segments).
Vivant! in action with Guest Artist, Melanie Melcher, Soprano
Board Member and Vivant! Pianist, Melody Stroth, presentation to Jezeriah Simpson, 2019 Fremar Scholarship Recipient
Karen Fremar and Jezeriah Simpson, 2019 Scholarship Recipient
Karen Fremar and Melody Stroth announce scholarship renewal for Oberlin College Violinist, Mayson Lane
Guest Artist Melanie Melcher, soprano performing Karen Fremar's "Three Songs from The Prophet Song Cycle"
with Julie Silfverberg, accordion and Dee Sligar, bass in the background).
Eman Chalshotori & Karen Fremar, Cello/Accordion Duo
Setting up Reception Event Photos: Jezeriah Simpson setting up his art show; Jezeriah painting of tennis shoes; Reception hostess, Dee Sligar at one of the reception tables, Antique accordion display by John Brungardt, Barbara Beadle at the CD Merch Counter.
Tango, Swing & Bling 2019 Program
Vivant!
(L-R) Karen Fremar, Brian Steever, Dee Sligar, Melody Stroth, Judy Johnson, Janne Silfverberg, Melanie Melcher (guest soprano), Julie Silfverberg, Eman Chalshotori
Tango, Swing & Bling 2019 Concert Video
Concert VIdeo 1st part
Coming Sunday August 25, 2019
Tango, Swing & Bling 2019
4:00 p.m. Reception; 4:30 p.m. Concert
Leawood United Methodist Church
2915 W. 95th Street, Leawood, KS 66206
Featuring Vivant!
Soprano, Melanie Melcher Cuthbertson
Chalshotori & Fremar Cello/Accordion Duo
Art Show in the Lobby by 2019 Scholarship Winner Jezeriah Simpson
Vivant!
Back row: Julie Silfverberg, Accordion; Eman Chalshotori, Cello; Karen Fremar, Accordion/Vocals; Front row: Melody Stroth, piano; Janne Silfverberg, Trombone/Latin Percussion; Brian Steever, Drums; Dee Sligar, Bass; and Judy Johnson, flute.
Program featuring works by Piazzolla, Popper, de Falla, Moore, Fremar, Lennon/McCartney and more.
Public welcome. Donations at the door to support the Fremar Foundation Scholarship Fund appreciated.
Jezeriah Simpson 2019 Scholarship Award Winner
The Fremar Foundation recently awarded its $1,000 scholarship to outstanding artist, Jezeriah Simpson, of Fort Scott, Kansas. Jezeriah ("Jez") has has been a serious student of art for thirteen years and has won numerous awards for his murals and drawings. He is the President of his Uniontown High School Senior Class, is a multiple-sport athlete, and is a member of the Honor Society. Jezeriah has been accepted to attend Baker University to major in studio art and portraits on a full-ride scholarship. He is interested in applying his skills to product design, and plans to continue on to do graduate work in art engineering and design at the University of Kansas. Jez is pictured above with Karen Fremar in front of a mural he painted of the Uniontown Eagles mascot along with several of his art works. Congratulations, Jez!
Mayson Lane 2017 Scholarship Winner Update
Violinist, Mayson Lane (2nd from Left) with his String Quartet
Fremar Foundation Scholarship Winner, Mayson Lane, reports that he recently toured and performed concerts in the Middle East, with select musicians from Oberlin Conservatory, in Ohio, where he is currently a violin performance major. The tour featured Mayson perfoming several concerts at the American Embassy in Amman, Jordan, and also for refugee students. His string quartet will be spending the summer performing concerts in California and at several music festivals across the USA. The foundation is honored to continue its sponsorship of Mayson as he builds his musical career. Mayson graduated at the top of his senior class from Fort Scott High School in 2017.
Vivant! Presents Full Concert on Ruel Joyce Recital Series at JCCC
October 1, 2018 - Carlsen Center
Vivant! in Concert
Top Photo: Vivant! In Concert. Lower Photo: Backstage (Front Row) Janne Silfverberg, Trombone, Latin Percussion; Brian Steever, Drums. (Back Row) Eman Chalshotori, Cello; Julie Silfverberg, Accordion; Judy Johnson, Flute; Melody Stroth, Piano; Dee Sligar, Bass; Karen Fremar, Accordion.
Vivant! Otono Porteno & Fracanapa in Concert October 1, 2018 Carlsen Center
Scholarship Winner Brenna Bower at Pitt State University
2018 Scholarship Winner, Brenna Bower, Trumpet, is hard at work at Pittsburg State University this year. She participates in Marching Band, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, as well as private study on Trumpet. Brenna is a political science major carrying a full load. She is also working at the Bicknell Arts Center in Pittsburg part-time, where she has assisted with the production of several Broadway Shows. Brenna hopes to continue on to Law School after graduation and plans to continue to always contribute musically by participating in a community orchestra. We are happy to lend our support to this talented and hard-working student and applaud her diligence! Brenna was a leader in her school and in music at Uniontown High School, where she graduated with top honors in the Senior Class of 2018.
Tango Swing & Bling 2018
TS&B Musicians On Stage Performed Together and an Encore
Vivant! Performing at Tango Swing & Bling 2018
Margie Fremar (1969 Fort Scott Tribune Photo)
This year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fremar Music Studio Founder, musician and teacher, Margie Fremar (1918-2005).
Vivant! Performing Piazzolla's La Muerte del Angel
All 2018 Tango Swing & Bling Musicians
Slava Miniaev, Jim Dennihan, Ludmila Lupacheva, Julie Silfverberg, Karen Fremar, Eman Chalshotori, Janne Silfverberg, Melody Stroth
Mayson Lane, Brian Steever, Dee Sligar, and Judy Johnson
Quintessential - Dvorak Bagatelles Op. 47, I
Mayson Lane & Melody Stroth Performing Estrellita by Ponce (arr. Heifetz
JOIN US for a Full Vivant! Recital on October 1 at JCCC on the Ruel Joyce Recital Series
12:00pm Noon in Polsky Hall
Sunday, August 19, 2018 at 4:30 p.m.
Leawood United Methodist Church 95th Street East of Mission Road
Featuring Vivant!, Mayson Lane, & Quintessential
Check out
Melody's Facebook Post Below
Leawood United Methodist Church 95th Street, Leawood, Kansas 4:30 p.m. Concert
Preceded by Lobby Reception
Vivant! in Full Recital
Featured on Ruel Joyce Recital Series at Johnson County Community College
October 1, 2018 at Noon, Polsky Hall
Brenna Bower, Trumpet ~ 2018 Fremar Foundation Scholarship Winner
Uniontown High School Senior
Trumpeter Brenna Bower of Uniontown High School has been selected to receive the Fremar Foundation’s 2018 Scholarship Award of $1,000. Brenna has received 1 Ratings for her Trumpet Solos at State and has received multiple selections for SEK District Band, All-State & 4-State Honor Bands, and Mid-America All-Star and Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Bands. She is in the National Honor Society and is a Class Officer. Brenna is a private music student of Leota Anthony in Fort Scott. She plans to pursue degree work next fall at Pittsburg State University in Political Science, as well as a minor in Music.
Congratulations, Brenna!
Foundation Presents Quintessential in Chamber Music Concert
Friday, February 16, 2018 at 3 p.m.
Quintessential Chamber Ensemble
Judy Johnson, Flute; Slava Miniaev, Viola/Violin; Karen Fremar, Accordion;
Jim Dennihan, Piano; Ludmila Lupacheva, Cello.
The Fremar Foundation will present Quintessential in concert performing music by Bach, Dvorak, Fremar, Gaubert, Piazzolla, Farrenc, and Lloyd-Webber. Members of Quintessential are graduates of the Moscow Conservatory and the UMKC Conservatory. The concert will be presented at Bishop Spencer Place, 4301 Madison, Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday, February 16, 2018, at 3 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
Vivant! 2017
Photos and Videos Below of Tango Swing & Bling 2017
Piazzolla: Concierto Para Quinteto
Bart Howard: Fly Me To The Moon
Fremar: Vexation
Chicago: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
October 8, 2017 ~ Annual Foundation Concert
"Tango Swing & Bling"
Vivant! in Concert 2016Program: Music by Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago, Astor Piazzolla ~ Concierto para Quinteto, Soledad and Otono Porteno, Jason Scheufler ~ Cinematic Caricatures, Antonio Carlos Jobim ~ One Note Samba, Karen Fremar ~ Intro and Allegro and Vexation, Bart Howard ~ Fly Me to the Moon, and a few other fun works.
Featuring Vivant! Musicians ~ Melody Stroth, Piano; Julie Silfverberg, Accordion; Dee Sligar, Bass; Eman Chalshotori, Cello; Janne Silfverberg, Congas and Trombone; Karen Fremar, Accordion and Vocals; Brian Steever, Drums; Judy Johnson, Flute; Jason Scheufler, Guitar.
All are welcome to enjoy refreshments in the casual environment of the lobby and then be entertained by this unique ensemble of Concervatory of Music alums who enjoy performing together as Vivant!
Congratulations to Mayson Lane 2017 Scholarship Winner
The foundation recently awarded its inaugural $1,000 scholarship to outstanding musician Mayson Lane at Fort Scott High School’s Award Ceremony held in the gymnasium at Ft. Scott High on May 9th. Mayson will begin pursuing the
Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance at Oberlin Conservatory in Oberlin, Ohio next Fall. Mayson recently performed in Carnegie Hall in New York as a member of the 2017 Honors Performance Series, and was selected as a violinist for the All-National Honor Symphony Orchestra. He has served as Concertmaster for the Kansas City Youth Symphony from 2015-2017 and the Ft. Scott High School Orchestra. He holds a 4.0 GPA and is Student Council President. Mayson is the son of Melvin and Tabitha Lane of Ft. Scott, KS. We are delighted to assist this talented musician in his career!
2016 Events...
Vivant! Five ~ to Appear in Recital October 17, 2016
October 17, 2016 - 12 PM
Ruel Joyce Recital Series
Melody Stroth, piano. ~ Eman Chalshotori, cello ~ Karen Fremar, accordion
Judy Johnson, flute ~ Janne Silfverberg Latin percussion
Performing Ruel Joyce Recital ~ October 17, 2016
Melody Stroth, Eman Chalshotori, Karen Fremar, Judy Johnson & Janne Silfverberg
Thanks to JCCC, The Ruel Joyce Recital Series Fund, and especially to Doreen Maronde for a wonderful opportunity to perform to a full house in recital on the Ruel Joyce Series. Melody and Eman were spellbinding with therir splendid musicianship on full display. What an appreciative audience! Not a vacant seat in the hall. A real treat to perform at JCCC! The energy we felt in the hall was electric with a standing ovation to top it all off. We even had our own reserved parking. A real treat for musicians in every respect!
SWEET! 😊
12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS
Free Admission
~~~
Melody Stroth, Piano
Eman Chalshotori, Cello
~~~
Joined by Vivant Members
Karen Fremar, Accordion
Judy Johnson, Flute
Janne Silfverberg, Latin Percussion
~~~
Music by
de Falla, Gjeilo, Schumann, Faure, Piazzolla, Dvorak, Hayes
Vivant!
Brian Steever, Drums; Eman Chalshotori, Cello; Karen Fremar, Accordion; Melody Stroth, Piano; Julie Silfverberg, Accordion; Dee Sligar, Bass; Judy Johnson, Flute; Janne Silfverberg, Trombone/Latin Percussion
Tango, Swing & A Little Bit of BlingVivant! In Concert October 9, 2016
Please join us on October 9th, 2016 for a new musical event featuring the music of Piazzolla, Fremar, Ellington and a few other "Blingy" pieces. The concert will be at Prairie Baptist Church on 75th and Roe in Prairie Village, Kansas, beginning at 4 p.m. with a reception of light snacks and an opportunity to meet and greet the artists in the lobby following the 4:30 p.m. concert. Performers will include Julie Silfverberg and Karen Fremar, accordion; Melody Stroth and Laura Anderson, piano; Eman Chalshotori, cello; Judy Johnson, flute; Janne Silfverberg, trombone and congas; Dee Sligar, bass; and Brian Steever, drums.
We'll be premiering Fremar's "Magenta Mix" and our arrangement of Piazzolla's "La Muerte del Angel" along with "Street Tango," "Los Suenos," "Michelangelo '70," a piano duo with accordion featuring pianists Laura Anderson & Melody Stroth performing Piazzolla's "Bandoneon" from Suite Troileana, and a few other works by Piazzolla, Duke Ellington and others. It's always fun and there are always surprises!!
The concert is free. While we don't charge ticket prices for our events, we recommend a $10 donation to help us raise funds to support our new scholarship program for high school music students from the Fort Scott, KS/ Uniontown, KS area who seek to pursue a college education using their musical talent. Hope to see you there!
Just in Case!!!!!
Emergency Defibrillator ~ perhaps a necessary accessory for accordionists after a big concert?????
P.S... We accordionists will also share this device with pianists, cellists, wind players, percussionists,
and maybe even bass players!!
...only for a small fee ;)
The event at Roosterville "International" Airport near Liberty, Missouri was a hit! Our musical show featured the accordion just outside the main hangar at 1:30 p.m. An airshow and flying competition to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the airport ~ home to nearly 100 light aircraft. ~ began in the morning at 10:30 a.m. A parachute jump with one of the largest American Flags took place just before we went on stage. During the day, landings and take-offs by vintage planes, fly-ins from neighboring airports and a salute from the Beechcraft Air Club occurred. There were plane rides & lots of food, drink and fun. The foundation performed an hour show featuring swing, blues and pop. It was a beautiful September day to hang out beside the runway and enjoy music, great food and flying! The airport had a capacity crowd for its 50th anniversary celebration. It was a great way to showcase great music! Thanks Roosterville!
It was a great time! Below is Vivant! after their performance in front of one of the cool planes in the competition. Thanks to Roosterville Airport for hosting such a fun event.
Music & Merlot Set for October 4th
"Music & Merlot" ~ Concert and Wine Bar ~ Oct. 4th 4:30 p.m. (Cocktails at 4 p.m.) ~ at Bishop Spencer Place 4301 Madison, Kansas City, MO 64111. Our concert will feature the 7-piece group, Vivant! Vivant! is a Midwest group comprised of professional musicians whose focus is to share their own unique and original brand of music. Many of the multi-talented Vivant! members are international and national prize-winning musicians. Each of them trained at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. They all have active professional music careers, having performed many concerts throughout the United States and around the world. Vivant's Instrumentation includes acoustic and digital accordions, piano, flute, trombone, bass, drums, & Latin percussion. Members include Julie Silfverberg, Melody Stroth, Dee Sligar, Judy Johnson, Karen Fremar, Janne Silfverberg, & Brian Steever. The group will perform a variety program of Fremar arrangements including popular standards: Come Fly with Me, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Latin works: Jobim's One Note Samba, Piazzolla's Libertango; Stevie Wonder's You Are the Sunshine of My Life & I Just Called to Say I Love You, and more...including Build Me Up Buttercup, More Today Than Yesterday, You Keep Me Hangin' On, and Karen Fremar's haunting original to honor Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans: Grasping for the Wind. The Fremar and Silfverberg Accordion Duo will be featured performing Fremar's Monroe. Come early and enjoy a glass of wine. Parking is limited but security will direct you to additional available parking nearby. We look forward to seeing you for a fun concert on a lazy Sunday Afternoon. All are welcome. Join us!
Recap of Music & Merlot 2014 "Hooray for Hollywood"
Featured accordionist, Julie Silfverberg, and Composers, Jason Scheufler and Karen Fremar, teamed with nine musicians to put together a memorable event centered on film music. Works performed included the premieres of Scheufler's Cinematic Caricatures, commissioned by the Fremar Foundation, and Fremar's That's the Rainguy, Monroe (Too Hot to Cha Cha Cha), Time's Gone By for Bogey, and The Duke. Works performed by Vivant! included: Lloyd-Webber’s On This Night of A Thousand Stars, Eddie Rabbitt’s I Love A Rainy Night, Ellington’s Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, a medley of movie themes from the 50s & 60s: Before Beatlemania, and film music by Piazzolla: Street Tango, Los Suenos & Michelangelo ‘70. The concert concluded with the 2014 Academy Award Winner, Let it Go, from Frozen. Guests enjoyed wine and refreshments in the lobby while viewing storyboards of the musicians' careers and an antique accordions from the collection of Board Member, John Brungardt. Musicians performing included Janne Silfverberg, hand drums and trombone; Julie Silfverberg, accordion; Melody Stroth, piano; Karen Fremar, accordion; Brian Steever, drums; Dee Sligar, bass; Beth McCollom, cello, Jason Scheufler, electric guitar; and Judy Johnson, flute.
About the Fremar Foundation
The Fremar Foundation was established in 2010 as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The foundation seeks to support outstanding artists and their contributions to the music field; provide education about the unique musical qualities of the accordion, its music and musicians, and its history; provide music scholarships (beginning in 2017) to high school students seeking to pursue a college degree using their musical training, and present top musical artists in concert.
Board of Directors
Dr. Karen Fremar Dee Sligar Julie Silfverberg Melody Stroth Larry McMullen
Chairman/Pres. Sec./Treas.
To support the foundation, please send your tax deductible donation to:
Fremar Foundation
Dee Sligar, Secretary/Treasurer
2816 W. 87th Terrace
Leawood, KS 66206