COME ONE, COME ALL. The Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra will also welcome vocalists and local high school orchestra as part of upcoming event. (Photo via Facebook)

Harlem’s Little Blackbird The Story of Florence Mills, with music by H.T. Burleigh and Scott Joplin, will be the featured score for the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra’s annual Friends & Family concert at 2pm Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Pablo Center at the Confluence (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire).

Harlem’s Little Blackbird, the children’s picture book by Renée Watson, tells the story of Florence Mills, a prominent African-American singer and entertainer during the Harlem Renaissance. She is remembered for her sweet, bird-like voice and her signature song, “I’m a Little Blackbird Looking for a Bluebird.” An Eau Claire resident known for her dulcet tones, Laurie Erdman, will narrate the story.

Guest conductor Karyn Quandt, choir director at Bethesda Lutheran Church and retired North High School music teacher, will direct soprano Nuka Lor and ECCO’s talented musicians in the piece, arranged by Sandra Nikolajevs. The concert will also include additional selections by John Williams, Brian Balmages, and Aaron Copland. Following the concert, the Memorial High School Orchestra will facilitate the musical instrument petting zoo.   

Tickets are $15. Those 21 years old and under are free. Everyone attending must reserve a ticket in order to have a seat at the concert. Tickets are available at the Pablo Center Box Office on the Pablo Center website.

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