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A tireless researcher as well as an artfully engaging performer, Dr. Andrew Flory has thrilled music lovers from around the world. He will perform a medley of arrangements from classical composers on the theorbo and guitar at 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 22 at the historic Allen Christian Church in Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Dr.

Currently, Flory teaches at Muziek school Lochristi and Academie Merksem in Belgium. 

 The theorbo is a plucked string instrument period  in the lute family.  It features an extended neck that allows for a deeper bass range. It was developed in Italy during the Baroque to provide a powerful sound for vocal performances, and it is often larger than a standard lute due to its extended neck.

 In 2024, Dr. Flory received a doctorate in early music, and a performer’s certificate in classical guitar from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. As a multi-instrumentalist and early music specialist, Dr. Flory captivates audiences with his colorful and nuanced repertoire that spans over 500 years. For his doctorate, he arranged Mauro Giuliani’s Opus 30 Guitar Concerto for 3 guitars.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

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For over four centuries, the legend of Pocahontas (Matoaka) has gripped the American psyche. Most of us grew up with the endearing legend of Pocahontas throwing herself over John Smith to save his life before possible execution.

 Rarely is the rest of her story shared though. How many of us today know about her life as the daughter of Powhatan, chief of the Powhatan tribe in what is today the Tidewater region of the state of Virginia? Who is aware that she wed John Rolfe, not John Smith, after she was kidnapped by English colonists?

 Longtime City of Allen employee Tom Keener will separate the biography of Pocahontas from the traditional myth that surrounds her life at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at the Allen Heritage Village’s Allen Christian Church, 450 E. St. Mary Dr. 

Sharing the story of Pocahontas has been a lifelong passion for Tom. As a boy, he was told there was a familial connection to Pocahontas through his Bolling lineage. Pocahontas and John Rolfe had one son, Thomas. He married Jane Poythress and they had a daughter named Jane who would wed Col. Robert Thomas Bolling.

Tom observes, “Pocahontas is a classic heroine; she makes decisions to chart her own path and endures probable pressures to conform to the desires of others. It is a story of adventure, leaving home, colonialism, interaction and collision of cultures, and, above all, love.”

Employed with the City of Allen for 42 years, Tom has facilitated the production of over 500 videos available on ACTV and penned over 100 articles regarding American history.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.  Sponsored by the Allen Public Library and Collin County Genealogical Society, the program is free.

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Treat yourself to an electrifying evening with the Big A$$ Brass Band at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 11, at Allen Heritage Village’s Allen Christian Church, 450 E. St. Mary Dr. 
 
Big A$$ Brass Band has performed at the Kessler Theater, been nominated for Dallas Observer’s and Central Track’s  Music Awards, and did a residency at the House of Blues in Shanghai.  Founded in 2015, The Big A$$ Brass Band is a powerhouse featuring the finest and funkiest of brass players. Their wild, raucous, and original blend of sounds is certain to please all audiences.
 
Blending funk, jazz and hip-hop, improvisation has made this band hugely popular in the Dallas area over the last few years. The energy and joy emanating from the band is thrilling.  Band leader Kevin Butler observes, “It's like the nature of the music is, if you've got a horn or a drum, you can jump in or out at any point in time.” This brass band’s show is like New Orleans parade music that invites the audience to participate.
 
Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free.
 
Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

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Celebrate the music of local favorite country rock band GOODnGONE at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 23.  The group will perform a mix of classic, red dirt and Texas country tunes at the Allen Christian Church, located in Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Dr.

GOODnGONE offers ballroom ballads, twanging shuffles, and a hint of rock. The group also offers its fair share of love songs, including first and eternal loves. Hailing from Collin County, Texas, they penned a song about the first legal hanging in Collin County, “The Ballad of Stephen Ballew.” 

With Jimmie Davidson on lead vocals, Tom Brandish on lead guitar, Richie Davis on drums, and Chris Bangma on bass guitar, they bring a fresh and modern edge to country music. Since forming in 2009, they have played at venues across North Texas and Oklahoma, including The House of Blues, River Ranch at the FW Stockyards, Allen Event Center and numerous city festivals.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free.

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Celebrate the music of local favorite country rock band GOODnGONE at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 23.  The group will perform a mix of classic, red dirt and Texas country tunes at the Allen Christian Church, located in Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Dr.

GOODnGONE offers ballroom ballads, twanging shuffles, and a hint of rock. The group also offers its fair share of love songs, including first and eternal loves. Hailing from Collin County, Texas, they penned a song about the first legal hanging in Collin County, “The Ballad of Stephen Ballew.” 

With Jimmie Davidson on lead vocals, Tom Brandish on lead guitar, Richie Davis on drums, and Chris Bangma on bass guitar, they bring a fresh and modern edge to country music. Since forming in 2009, they have played at venues across North Texas and Oklahoma, including The House of Blues, River Ranch at the FW Stockyards, Allen Event Center and numerous city festivals.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free.

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-Enjoy a free afternoon of The Texas Clarinet Group performing “From Bach to the Beatles" at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 30. This presentation will be hosted at the historic Allen Christian church at Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Dr.

Transcribed for trios, quartets, and quintets of B flat, E flat, Bass and Contrabass clarinets, the program feature highlights from Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #2, Beethoven's Ode to Joy, Fucik's Entrance of the Gladiators, Holst’s 2nd Suite in F, a medley of tunes by The Beatles, and the Group's signature arrangement of "Deep in the Heart of Texas."

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free.

Call 214-509-4911.

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Celebrate Veterans Day with Captain Allen Clark, author of Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior, and a musical performance from the Allen Community Jazz Band.  The program will be 7:30 p.m. Monday, November 11, at the historic Allen Christian Church, 252 E. St. Mary Dr., Allen Heritage Village. 

The Allen Community Jazz Band will open the program with a medley of patriotic songs featuring Mark Woodard on Alto Sax.  Highlights of the concert will include a unique version of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy featuring Jeannie Baxter, Shayla Smith and Diana Brooks on vocals. Professionally attorneys in Collin County, these talented ladies enjoy singing on the side.  The band will conclude with Battle Hymn of the Republic.                                                                                                                     

On the last day of his tour of duty in Viet Nam before returning to the United States, Captain Clark confronted horrific tragedy. A mortar round landed behind him, resulting in both legs needing to be amputated below the knees. Captain Clark’s recovery was long and arduous, but the emotional wounds of despair continued to grip his being. An inspiring book, Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior chronicles his spiritually renewing journey.

A West Point graduate, Captain Clark earned the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge for his Army Special Forces service in Vietnam. Later, he served as an assistant secretary in the Department of Veterans Affairs and subsequently as director of the National Cemetery System.

President Ronald Reagan declared, “There are a host of heroes to whom this country owes a debt it can never repay.  Allen Clark lost both his legs while serving his country in Viet Nam.  When he came home, his body was broken, but his spirit never faltered.”

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, Allen Community Jazz Band, VFW 2195, Bernardo de Gálvez chapter DAR, the concert is free.  Call 214-509-4911 for further information.

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Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with last breath of each soldier who died protecting it. --Author unknown.  

Enjoy a Memorial Day concert with the New Horizons Band at 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 24, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr.  Under the direction of Lorenzo Parker and with vocals by Billy Bonner, the audience will be treated to The Black Horse Troop March by John Philip Sousa, Grant Them Rest by Barbara Buehlman, Texas Star March by David Lovrien and many more. 

In addition, the solemn presentation of the colors will be offered by VFW Post 2195. 

This concert is sponsored by the Allen Senior Recreation Center and the Allen Public Library.   Many thanks to the Flower Cottage and Ridgeview Florists for the floral wreaths, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Quality Healthcare Choices for flower bouquets.   Allen Quilters Guild have offered “Welcoming Quilts.”   

Admission to the program is free, and the presentation will also be streamed live.  Find viewing options at Watch ACTV or view online at ACTV.org or YouTube.com/AllenCityTV.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information. 

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Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with last breath of each soldier who died protecting it. --Author unknown.  

Enjoy a Memorial Day concert with the New Horizons Band at 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 24, at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr.  Under the direction of Lorenzo Parker and with vocals by Billy Bonner, the audience will be treated to The Black Horse Troop March by John Philip Sousa, Grant Them Rest by Barbara Buehlman, Texas Star March by David Lovrien and many more. 

In addition, the solemn presentation of the colors will be offered by VFW Post 2195. 

This concert is sponsored by the Allen Senior Recreation Center and the Allen Public Library.   Many thanks to the Flower Cottage and Ridgeview Florists for the floral wreaths, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Quality Healthcare Choices for flower bouquets.   Allen Quilters Guild have offered “Welcoming Quilts.”   

Admission to the program is free, and the presentation will also be streamed live.  Find viewing options at Watch ACTV or view online at ACTV.org or YouTube.com/AllenCityTV.

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.