Announcement: New Show!

  Akoustikos will be performing at "The Willows" today at 4:00 pm. 

 A special thanks to the facility's entertainment director for securing a time for us to perform! Thank you!

The Christmas Eve Show at Twin Oaks Nursing Home

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Akoustikos! This year has really been a great time in Akoustikos history! The group could not have had such a prosperous tour without all the wonderful staff and residents at each facility. The group would like to thank each and every venue for the opportunities that they have given the group. Thank you! 

 Today, Christmas Eve, marked a truly remarkable time for the group: the chance to perform for a special group of people on a very special day. Today, Akoustikos had the amazing chance to perform their Christmas set list at Twin Oaks Nursing Home. What a truly special time! Zane Z. delivered his original narrative to start the show. As always, Akoustikos chimed in with a song, and the string section sounded their voices with them. All the residents had a truly great time!

Have a blessed Christmas!

Akoutikos is at it again!

The group is pleased to announce that they will be adding another show to their tour this season. 

Akoustikos will be performing at The Willows of Lebanon! 

More information to come!

Cedar Haven Gig

Thank you to Cedar Haven of Lebanon for a wonderful show! 

This was the second year in a row that Akoustikos was able to perform for the awesome residents at this home. With the group's new set list and program, the residents were really getting into the Christmas music. Olivia M. filled in for Zane Z. with the narration for this show. 

The Akoustikos group would like to send a "Special Thank You" shout-out to Carl for all the work that he did with the PA system for this show. Akoustikos was heard loud and clear! 

Stay tuned for some great pictures from this gig!

Country Side Christian Nursing Home Show

What a great bunch of wonderful people! Many residents joyfully spent their (almost!) lunch-time hour listening to Akoustikos perform their show in the facility's chapel area. Everyone had a great time. As is the Akoustikos custom, the group spent some time talking to the residents after the show.

The group was thrilled to be able to spend the early afternoon with all the 

residents and staff at Country Side Christian! 

Marty's Music Store Gig

A wonderful crowd came to see Akoustikos perform at Marty's Music on the 16th. The seats filled very quickly to standing room only! Akoustikos performed an extended set list, with a short intermission by Alyssa M. and her string section. 

A special thanks to the Marty's Music Team for all the wonderful support they have given to the group!

Thank you! 

Please check back soon for pictures from this gig!

Ronald McDonald House Performance

Akoustikos was welcomed by some wonderful folks at the Ronald McDonald House!

The group performed their program, with Zane Z. delivering his original narrative. It is always magical  when the crowd responds to the story and music with laughter and taping to each tune.

Thank you all for a wonderful time!

Elmcroft Celebration!

Today marked the first time that the Akoustikos group performed for the wonderful residents at Elmcroft!

Everyone had a great time at the show on Dec 10th! 

Akoustikos even  had a guest speaker. Olivia M. filled the role of  narrator, for this one performance. During the show, the residents were tapping their feet and humming along to the sounds! Alyssa M. lead her students in a few songs for a brief intermission. After the performance, everyone enjoyed refreshments of
cookies, lemonade, and iced tea.

More Legend's Cafe Photos

Here are more great photos from the performance at Legend's!

Zane Z. Narrates His Original Story for  the Program

Akoustikos Performs for the Crowd at Legend's Cafe

Carla Z. Playing Her Guitar

Akoustikos Performs "The Christmas Song"

Akoustikos Director Paul Zerman Conducts the Group

These photos are courtesy of the Lebanon Daily News.
Thank You!

Photos from Spang Crest

Here is a look inside Akoustikos' second performance of the 2011 tour: Spang Crest!

The Director Conducting the Orchestra

The Group is Getting Ready to Play the Next Song

Legend's Cafe Pictures

Well, here they are!

Check out these photos from Akoustikos' cafe performance:

The Group Performing a Song

The Akoustikos Director Paul Zerman Announces the Group

This is Everyone, Including the Akoustikos String Section
 and Zane Z., Akoustikos' Writer and Narrator

Some of the Akoustikos Project Leaders

And That's "a Wrap!"

Legend's Cafe Performance Video

  Here is a great video of the Akoustikos performance from their gig at Legend's Cafe.





 Video is courtesy of the Lebanon Daily News. Also, here is the link to the article from the Lebanon Daily News: http://www.ldnews.com/ci_19498272?IADID=Search-www.ldnews.com-www.ldnews.com

Spang Crest Performance

 Today marked the second tour-stop in the Akoustikos 2011 tour. Their destination?  Spang Crest.
 
   After their first performance at this nursing home over the summer, the group knew that it would not be their only visit to this wonderful, caring facility. After  the residents arrived to hear the show, Zane Z. opened the program with his story. Just like their performance at Legend's Cafe, Akoustikos chimed in with their many songs, as the string section rang their voices. After the program, the group and guests were able to visit with the residents.

 

Legend's Cafe Performance

 Well, Akoustikos is officially in their touring season!

   The group gave a wonderful performance to a great crowd at Legend's Cafe on December 2nd. Akoustikos opened the night with a classical Beethoven arrangement. After the introductions of the group and guest musicians, the program began  with the beginning of an original narrative, written by Zane Z., an author and playwright from New Covenant Christian School. The story was accompanied by the musical talents of Akoustikos, and guests: the string section!  Alyssa M., an instructor at Marty's Music Story in Annville, gathered some of her bright young students to fill the string section. Mallory T., of Akoustikos, and guest artist Madison M. also added to the string section.

     While Akoustikos is a guitar orchestra, they are always looking for different, unique ways to enhance each performance. Besides guitars and the string section (which consisted of violins, violas, and a cello) a wonderful saxophone solo and drum harmonies can be heard in this year's show.

  But don't take my word for it! Akoustikos still has one more public show. This performance will be at Marty's Music Store. Please see the side tool bar for more information.

  Please stay "tuned" for photos from the Legend's Cafe Performance!

Legend's Cafe Gig

December second is almost here, and the group is preparing for their performance at Legend's Cafe! Be sure to take a look at the above flyer for more information about this performance.

Also, be sure to visit Legend's website, for information pertaining to the cafe, here: http://www.legendscafe.org/

The Akoustikos' Complete Gig Schedule

  Because the December month approaching quickly, be sure to check out the updated 

Akoustikos tour schedule on the right-hand tool bar. This is the complete list of 

stops the orchestra will be making during this touring season.  

Dates to note:

Akoustikos' public performances are at Legend's Cafe and Marty's Music Store.

Hope to see you there!

Forum Performance

Here are some great pictures that were just received
of Akosutikos performing at the Forum.

Paul Zerman is presented with the "Crescendo Award."

Inside the Forum

Here is a "little look" as to what Akoustikos saw
when they entered the Harrisburg Forum!

You can click on each image to see it larger.

 

The stage is the platform on the right.

Here is a more detailed look of the auditorium before the seats were filled.

Here is the back wall of the auditorium... Can you see the "Music" text on the left?

Here is what it reads:

"Since the 18th century, music has been
to the modern world what sculpture and
architecture were to the Athens
of Pericles and what painting was
to the Italian Renaissance..."

Forum Pictures

Here are some more great pictures of Akoustikos' performance at the Forum!

Akoustikos in action!

Paul Zerman gets the crowd ready for "JailHouse Rock."

Akoustikos taking their bow.

Akoustikos' introduction!

Congratulations!

      At the Harrisburg Forum, Akoustikos director Paul Zerman was awarded the Crescendo Award for his outstanding work with youth in the arts. Zerman's dedication for teaching and music is nothing short of astounding!

  Here is what some Akoustikos members had to say about their instructor:

  "For me, Akoustikos has been a great experience! I got to meet some really wonderful people. Even though sometimes we were not totally prepared for a show, it is a blast. I also enjoy playing for nursing homes because they really enjoy it and it gives you a nice feeling. It is also nice having Paul as our conductor and teacher because he can really help us, and he is just great to be around sometimes."
~ Sincerely, Devyn

     "Being in Akoustikos has meant so much to me. Not only has it advanced my playing ability, it has also helped me to be able to play in front of an audience. In some of the same ways-- such as my playing ability-- I have greatly advanced under the guidance of a great teacher like Mr. Zerman. He has been an excellent guide from when I learned my first chord, till now when I can play awesome rock/blues songs."
~That's alot of typing for an elf, Zach

      "I have enjoyed performing with Akoustikos. I don't like to play by myself in front of an audience, but it has been fun playing with the group. Thanks Paul, for this opportunity!"
~ Isaiah

     "It means alot to me to be a part of the Akoustikos and have Paul as my teacher. I dreamed of being a well-known guitar player, and Paul is teaching me alot of ways to play a guitar. It really helps my confidence performing on stages with the Akoustikos. Without Paul, I could have never done all these things."
~Thanks! Blaine

      "Thanks Paul for being such a great teacher and a great instructor for Akoustikos!!"
~Carla


      "Being a member of Akoustikos has been an incredible journey. I have learned so much from the experience! Because of Akoustikos, I am able to do many musical things  that I never thought I would ever get the chance to do. When I was asked to be a part of this (Paul likes to call it his "crazy idea"),  I could not help but say "yes" to the occasion. I had such a desire to do something with my guitar, and this was my chance. Being a part of Akoustikos has broken the chains nerves had on me. Through playing at the many nursing homes the group is able to do, I was able to unlock the door I had been trying to get through for so long. I love sharing my love of music with others, and now I feel as if I fully can!

     The other exciting thing that Akoustikos has allowed me to do is to utilize my love of music theory. It is so interesting, and fascinating to me that different musical works can be arranged, and edited to work in a classical guitar setting! As I look back on the whole Akoustikos experience, from beginning to present, I am truly inspired. Inspired to try, and reach higher than I thought I could ever reach. For that, I am forever thankful, and blessed.

     But none of this would have been possible if not for the group's founder, director and teacher, Paul Zerman. His passion and love for the art of music is nothing short of infectious. He not only taught me how to be a "guitarist," but also a musician.  He can take an exceedingly difficult topic, and explain it in such a way that I can understand easily. For me, his lessons in music theory have unlocked a  whole new world for me-- a world that I never want to stop exploring. 

    Through Akoustikos' entire career, Paul has been dedicated one hundred percent to helping me, and all of his students, achieve far above every wild dream any of us could muster. He believed in us before we did ourselves, and proved that success can be achieved in music. I am beyond grateful that I could be a part this group. I would have never gotten this far in my musical journey without the team-effort of Akoustikos, and one extraordinary guitar teacher who dared to achieve his "crazy idea!"

~Bethany

Thank you Mr. Zerman for all you do!

The Harrisburg Forum Re-Cap

     On Sunday, July 17th, Akoustikos performed at the Harrisburg Forum for the "Celebration of Children" event. I must say, that the entire day was nothing short of spectacular!

Upon arriving at the Forum, each member of Akoustikos made their way back-stage to their designated dressing room, where they waited until their curtain call. In the mean time, the group tuned their guitars and warmed up by playing a select song from the set list. After Akoustikos received their cue, the group made their way to the Forum stage. It was time.

The crew placed each chair and music stand with care, and with a quick drum adjustment, the group took to their seats. A member of Akoustikos' brother, introduced the group with a wonderful speech. With every member in place, the program started under the careful direction of the Akoustikos conductor, Paul Zerman. Akosutikos played two songs for the "Celebration of Children" event. But Akosutikos was not finished!

The group played several songs during the intermission of the "Celebration of Children" event.

   
Check out some of these Photos taken by Eric during the whole event!

There will be more photos and "gig highlights" to come!

Here is Akoustikos' string section-- A new addition for the summer tour!

Akosutikos Director Paul Zerman leads the group through a song.

Akoustikos performing "JailHouse Rock."

Marty's Music Gig

The akoustikos group has another announcement!

         They will be performing a final rehearsal in the "Loft" of Marty's Music Store before their Forum appearence. Check out the flyer for more info!

More Gig Dates!

Well, today is the day! The Akoustikos group will "head on over" to Spang Crest and perform their first show of the summer season today.

  But the real news is the group's other confirmed gig. Akoustikos will be performing at Linden Village again. After playing their Christmas set list at Linden Village last year, Akoustikos wanted to visit  this wonderful rest home again. Everyone had a great time last year-- including Santa! The group is really looking forward to playing for these residents. The time and date for this event is Saturday, July 30th at 2:00 pm. Be sure to check the right-side bar for all gig dates!

Akoustikos Summer Tour

The akoustikos group has broken their normal routine!

       The group is now performing a Summer 2011 Tour. After confirming a performance date at the Harrisburg forum, the group has decided to perform at some nursing homes. Please see the side bar (toward the right) for gig dates, times, and places.

A Special Message from the Akoustikos Director

       With the new year beginning, it’s time to reflect on our accomplishments from the past year. Akoustikos made a big leap forward (a former member even said we went ‘legit’)! The improvements made included logos, shirts, web sites, front-page news coverage, and a public venue to perform in. It was important to me, this time, to get some of the students involved in the planning stages because it is also their project as much as it is mine.

     During the venue-planning, they wanted to share their talents with the seniors at the nursing homes-- which is very giving of their time and efforts. I cannot thank everyone involved enough for their efforts. All of the members of Akoustikos should take great pride in what they have done, and I hope they had a little fun along the way. I want to thank all of the new members for giving this a chance, and I hope they had a great experience. A special thanks to all of last year’s participants who immediately said “yes” to being involved this year (everyone came back this year -excluding two who are no longer students).
    

      As we close the book on the 2010 tour, one thing sticks out in my mind. Even though many residents said wonderful things about the group-- including two gentlemen who stopped me to say that the Akoustikos group was the best entertainment they had there-- It was the last stop at the VA Hospital that will stay with me the most. A young vet who was wheelchair bound grabbed my hand, so I asked him if he liked the show. He pulled me in closer to him and said with vigor, “It was awesome.” He was right. It truly was awesome.

Thank you to everyone for making this special event happen.

Paul    (Akoustikos Director)

The Show at the VA

What a fun way to end the Akoustikos 2010 Tour!

After the group played some well-known tunes, the residents celebrated with their very own bologna drop, refreshments, and of course, noise-makers. After the short intermission, the group "wrapped-up" the celebration with the rest of their set-list. Here are some great pictures from that afternoon:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!