Concerts at the Continental—mesmerizing

On Sunday, November 15, 2009, a concert was held at the Continental restaurant and fine-living home on the historic Centerville Square in Centerville, Iowa.  The concert, a part of the “Concerts at the Continental—A Series for Weekend Afternoons” was held at 3:00 and featured Dr. Sam McClure, playing the violin, and Patrice Edwolt, playing the piano.  They played selections from Brahms, Stravinsky, Kreisler, and Grieg during the performance.  The Continental, maintained by local Centerville entrepreneur William Burch [www.williamburch.com], was the perfect venue for the event.  Funded by Morgan Cline, a close friend and business associate of Burch, the Continental features all the makings of a New York-style ballroom located on Main Street America.  Sharon Burch, wife of Bill Burch, also helped develop the event and commented that it was an overall success and a great addition to the already rich traditions of the Centerville region.  The Continental, which also houses executive suites perfect for those who enjoy luxury, was also an excellent place for the artists performing to stay.  Offering a full menu and bar, the restaurant at the Continental Hotel has items for every meal of the day.  Also, within walking distance of the restaurant and hotel are many other attractions that one cannot miss when traveling to the Centerville area.  The Shoppes at Bradley Hall [www.thecontinental.info] offers an excellent shopping experience.  Another great shop nearby is the Columns [www.thecolumns.com].  It is located just off the Centerville Square in a refurbished Neo-Classical white house, equipped with columns that give it its name.

Dr. Sam McClure is the Associate Professor of Violin/Viola and the Director of Orchestras at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, a town about an hour away from Centerville.  He earned his degree from Michigan State University and has performed with several nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians.  He has also traveled to Italy, France, the Czech Republic, and Austria to play.  He earned degrees in violin performance from the Eastman School of Music and Ohio University. 

Patrice Ewolt, who originally hails from Northwest Iowa, completed her undergraduate degree in Clarinet Performance and Music Education at the University of Northern Iowa and has taught in the Iowa Public School System for several years.  She completed her Master’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music and her doctorate from the University of Maryland.  She currently teaches at Central College in Pella, Iowa, but has also taught previously at Grinnell College, Truman State University, and also Southeast Missouri State University. 

The concert, as mentioned, was an overall success.  The Concert at the Continental Series shall continue to be a success and shall bring musical history that spans the globe to the small town of Centerville Iowa.