Brenda Boozer Performs LMC Benefit Saturday Vocal Recital Features Classical, Broadway, Spirituals & More By Jeff Eason Also See It Just Feels Like Home Metropolitan Opera soloist mezzo-soprano Brenda Boozer along with her pianist husband Dr. Ford Lallerstedt will conclude the Lees-McRae Summer Theatre season with a special recital this weekend. The recital, titled Songs of Love, will be presented at the Hayes Auditorium in Banner Elk on Saturday, August 21, at 7:30 p.m. and will benefit programs and projects for Lees-McRae College’s Division of Performing Arts and Summer Theatre. A reception will be held after the concert. The recital will feature American spirituals, classical, folk songs, Broadway tunes, and Appalachian traditional music. Boozer and Lallerstedt have close family ties to the area and have recently moved to the High Country after three decades of living, working and performing in New York City. “We’re staying year round,” said Boozer. “This is our home. I know the winters are tough but I love the fact that if nature stops things, things stop. You learn to live with it. I think we get into trouble when we cannot live with nature and that’s one of the things I love about this area.” Although Boozer has fond memories of New York, the city has outgrown her spirit and love of nature. “There’s too much growth and housing,” said Boozer. “There’s too many people in a small area. I wouldn’t care if I ever went to New York again.” Boozer added that with the advent of computers and the Internet, she can get all the news and entertainment updates she wants wherever she is. She is also impressed with the amount of quality entertainment available in the High Country. “I love what’s happening here,” said Boozer. “I love the Blowing Rock Stage Company. I love what (Lees-McRae Theatre Director) Janet Speer has done for this area. That’s the reason why I want to help them raise money. It’s amazing what she has done on such a small budget.” In addition to directing the Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, Dr. Speer works with the productions of the Blue Ridge Community Theatre. Last season the BRCT produced Annie and this year the production company will take on the musical West Side Story. “I’m so grateful to her for bringing theatre and opportunities to this area,” said Boozer. “And she does it on a shoestring.” Boozer’s family ties to the area include her maternal grandparents, Dr. W.C. and Maude Tate, founders of Banner Elk’s first hospital. “My family spent every summer here and all the holidays with the Tates in Banner Elk, and it has always been my favorite place,” said Boozer. “Therefore, I want to honor Janet Speer in appreciation for the drama, music, entertainment, culture and opportunities she has brought to the area through her talent, love and dedication. She has touched so many lives through her theatre. I wanted to help raise money for the much-needed programs and support of the summer theatre on this 20th anniversary. After making our careers in New York for 34 years, my husband and I have returned to the South to live here permanently. We are thrilled and blessed to be back.” Boozer spent 14 seasons at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and has performed with many of the world’s most prestigious opera companies including the Paris Opera, Covent Garden, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Frankfurt Opera, Netherlands Opera, Teatro de Santiago in Chile, Teatro Comunale in Florence, Houston Grand Opera and the Santa Fe Opera. Over the past five years, Boozer and Lallerstedt have performed over 150 recitals in concert halls, universities and churches throughout the country. Boozer has also been a musical guest on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Late Night with David Letterman and ABC’s Wide World of Entertainment. Tickets for the recital are $20 per person and are available online at www.lmc.edu. They are also available by calling the Hayes Auditorium Box Office at (828) 898-8709.