Johnson Directs Third Annual OctubaFest Recital 10/15/2007 9:27:54 AM  E-Mail UNCW Department of Music professor Daniel Johnson directed the Third Annual OctubaFest Recital on Oct. 13 in the UNCW Recital Hall. The concert featured marches, polkas, and other traditional Oktoberfest favorites. Soloists included Johnson and UNCW music major Elias Galloway. Other performers included the Port City Tubas, a quartet comprised of college and community tuba and euphonium players, which played selections by award-winning composer John Stevens. A highlight of the recital was a performance by the UNCW OctubaFest Ensemble, an outreach group including twenty tuba and euphonium players from North and South Carolina. "The rich, organ-like sound of a tuba-euphonium ensemble is ideal for a holiday performance," said Johnson. "OctubaFest is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and appreciate these beautiful and often misunderstood instruments. At the same time, it is a truly unique holiday tradition that allows us to give a special musical gift to the community." The OctubaFest recitals are related to the popular Tuba Christmas concerts, also promoting the low brass instruments by featuring seasonal carols performed by tuba and euphonium players. This year, Tuba Christmas concerts are scheduled on Saturday, Dec. 8, at noon at Independence Mall (3500 Oleander Drive) and at 2 p.m. at Brightmore of Wilmington (2124 41st Street). Both performances are free and open to the public. All tuba or euphonium musicians interested in participating in this year's Tuba Christmas concerts should contact Johnson at x7559 or johnsond@uncw.edu.