By By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles & Features Editor
The historic Turnage Theater in downtown Washington is hosting a series of musical events this month, offering everything from 1950s rock ’n’ roll to classical selections.
The concerts kick off Friday with Dixieland jazz performed by the Steve Creech All Stars, according to Scotty Henley, the theater’s executive director.
“He’s a local resident who has been a regular on the Beaufort County music scene,” Henley said of Creech. “And he’s written about 50 songs, and he’s appeared on the Dick Clark show.”
Creech’s song “Marry Me” was in the top 20 on the rhythm-and-blues chart in the 1960s, Henley added. Creech first appeared on the Turnage stage two years ago as part of the ensemble cast for the Our Turn to Dream event.
Tickets are $15 per person for orchestra and mezzanine seating and $10 a person for seating in the balcony. Tickets are available in advance at the Turnage box office, or they may be purchased at the door. Doors open for the concert at 7 p.m., and seating begins at 7:30 p.m.
In conjunction with this month’s Music in the Streets festivities, the Turnage will host the Christian group Life Light on June 18, beginning at 8:30 p.m.
The group performs contemporary Christian rock music, according to Henley.
Tickets are $5 a person at the door, and seating begins at 8 p.m.
The talents of Washington-born Jesse Davis and Nathan Warner of New York will be in the Turnage spotlight June 19 during Ivory with a Touch of Brass.
The concert will feature classical selections performed on the piano and trumpet. Show time is 6 p.m., and seating begins at 5:30 p.m.
“This is a donations-only event, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Turnage,” Henley said. “A reception after the show will honor the musicians.”
Finally, an Elvis Presley tribute, Illusions of the King, starring Keith Henderson will be held June 26.
“Henderson lives in Raleigh and has been performing this Elvis tribute for 20 years,” Henley said. “You can expect songs like ‘Blue Hawaii’ and ‘Hound Dog.’”
Orchestra and mezzanine tickets are $15 a person, and balcony seating is $10 a person. The show begins at 8 p.m.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact the Turnage box office at 252-975-1191 or visit www.turnagetheater.com.