Southside Casual Classics was started by Cindy Solfest-Wallis as a way for people to enjoy great music in a relaxed setting. Concerts are informal, but informative, and the performers discuss the pieces and composers during the concert. Concerts are held at the Camp House, 1427 Williams St., at 7:30 p.m. and are free.
Neshawn Calloway will kick off the 2013 season on Monday, Jan. 14
Review for Neshawn Calloway:
Neshawn Calloway is a native of Olive Branch, Ms. She came to Chattanooga in 1994 as a part of the graduate program at UTC.
Upon receiving her masters from UTC she was employed as the choral director/music department coordinator at Chattanooga State Technical Community College. During her time at Chattanooga State she directed the Concert Choir, Concert Chorale, Gospel Choir and Jazz Vocal Ensemble.
In 2001 she transitioned to the Chattanooga School System as the choral director at Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, where she is still employed. Neshawn directs two middle school choirs and three high school choirs and her ensembles have consistently scored superior ratings at choral festivals locally, regionally and nationally.
During her time as a student at UTC Neshawn worked as an intern for the Bessie Smith Hall. During her internship she worked to put together the exhibition that is currently displayed in the atrium of the museum. She not only studied the life of Bessie Smith but also her music. With the information acquired she put together an educational show about the life and music of the Empress of the Blues that has been performed at several schools in Hamilton County as well as Chattanooga State.
Neshawn is a former member of the Chattanooga Choral Society for the Preservation of African American Songs where she served as assistant director for a number of years. Currently she is working with Marcellus Barnes as assistant director of the Sounds of Unity Performing Arts Chorale, a community ensemble created as an outlet for at risk youth.
As a vocalist Neshawn performs a wide variety of music and has been on the stage at Nightfall and Riverbend. Currently she often performs with the Dexter Bell Jazz Trio and has been a featured soloist in several churches in the city. Neshawn made her symphony debut in February 2012 as a soloist in The Chattanooga Symphony Pops Concert.
Most recently, in May of 2012, she traveled to Hamm, Germany where she performed a concert of jazz and blues. The concert was a complete sell out. During her travels in Germany she also performed for the mayor of Wolfsburg, Germany.