CROSSVILLE —
Shirley Ann O'Connor has been playing the piano since the age of five, when she appeared in her first piano recital. She continued to study and perform, receiving a degree from Michigan State University in piano and public school music supervision, along with further study in musicology. She was awarded a scholarship from Delta Omicron, national music honorary, which she used to obtain her master's degree in piano performance at Central Michigan University.
O'Connor taught piano and theory at Saginaw Valley University and later at Northwestern Michigan College where she pioneered class piano for children and adults. In addition, she was music supervisor in the Elk Rapids elementary schools as well as teaching piano privately. She also served as organist in churches in Saginaw, MI, and Elk Rapids. O'Connor was a performing member of the Saginaw Tuesday Musicale and the Traverse City Music Teachers. She served as the local associations coordinator for Michigan Music Teachers Association and an adjudicator for the National Guild of Piano Teachers.
Upon moving to Tennessee, O'Connor continued teaching private students and performing at various events as well as organist and pianist at various churches. She was honored as BPW's Woman of the Year in 1996, winner of the music award at Senior Day at the Tennessee State Fair in 1995 and Ms. Senior Cumberland County in 1997. She received an award for "Most Talented" for her performance at the state pageant for Ms. Senior Tennessee.
In 2010, she gave a full piano concert celebrating 75 years since her first public performance. She was honored by certificates of appreciation from the governor of Tennessee and mayor of Clarksville, who proclaimed April 18, 2010, as Shirley O'Connor Day.
O'Connor will be exhibiting her talent in a duet with Debbie Wood, also an accomplished pianist, Friday at the Palace Theatre. The variety show begins at 6 p.m. and tickets will be available at the door.
Things To Do
O'Conner in concert Friday
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Stone concert features new music videos May 29
Singer/songwriter/musician Mike Stone brings his unique blend of pop, soft rock and folk music to the Cumberland County Playhouse Mainstage May 29 in a concert featuring his new music videos.
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'Georgia Songbird' coming to Palace June 7 for First Friday performance
EG Kight, “the Georgia Songbird,” is bringing her Country-Flavored Southern-Fried Blues back to Crossville’s Palace Theatre. Kight’s 2011 First Fridays performance garnered rave reviews from all in attendance with many of those audience members requesting an encore performance. PAART is very happy to grant their wish by presenting EG Kight at the Palace Theatre on Friday, June 7, at 7 p.m. central time.
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Review: '9-5' a delightful addition to CCP season
Are you ready to have a good laugh? Get your tickets to “9-5: The Musical” at the Cumberland County Playhouse. Energy pours from the stage with the rise of the curtain.
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Laugh along with Landry, Venable, Claborn, and Rose
The Art Guild at Fairfield Glade proudly presents a two-hour laugh fest, the “Talk is Cheap Tour” at Stone Memorial High School Auditorium on Saturday, June 1, at 7 p.m. The “Talk is Cheap Tour” partners four storytelling friends who enjoy working together: Bill Landry, Sam Venable, Jimmy Claborn, and Elizabeth Rose.
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GRITS coming to Palace May 31
Highly acclaimed band GRITS From Dumplin Valley will perform at Historic Palace Theatre on May 31 beginning at 7 p.m. Chris Marion, longtime keyboardist for world famous Little River Band, will join GRITS. Chris sometimes performs with GRITS when not on the road with LRB. A rising young talent from Nashville, Shelby Terrell, will start things off with a solo show.
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Concert to help bring brighter days full of hope to House of Hope
D2 is honored to come back a second year for the House of Hope benefit. If you missed last year’s sold-out show at the Palace Theatre, here’s your chance to see outstanding entertainment for a great cause.
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‘Talk is Cheap’ Tour promises a laugh-fest
The Art Guild at Fairfield Glade proudly presents a two-hour laugh fest, the “Talk is Cheap Tour” at Stone Memorial High School Auditorium on Saturday, June 1, at 7 p.m. The “Talk is Cheap Tour” partners four storytelling friends who enjoy working together: Bill Landry, Sam Venable, Jimmy Claborn and Elizabeth Rose.
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The Miracle Worker is not to be missed at CCP
Violent emotional outbursts expressed in astounding physicality mark the production of The Miracle Worker now running in the Adventure Theater of the Cumberland County Playhouse.
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Dunn to appear on 'Tough Grit' TV show
Do you have a curious dog that likes to roam? Ever thought of installing an electric fence or pet door? Look no further than your local Tractor Supply store manager for seasoned pet advice.
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Enjoy a Night at the P'opera May 3
PAART (Performing Arts Alliance of Rural Tennessee) is bringing “A Night at the P’opera” to the Palace Theatre for their First Friday event on May 3. International recording artists Armand & Angelina will entertain you with a rewarding evening of music, laughter and joy. This talented duo brings with them a unique blend of popular and classical music which they call “P’opera.”
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