Bonhomie Duo kicks off Dukes concert series on Sunday
Sep. 18—It is with good fellows that the Fred and Beverly Dukes Memorial Concert Series kicks off its 2023-2024 season.
On Sunday, the Bonhomie Duo — Richard Noel on digital accordion and Janice Hubbard on vocals and percussion — will perform at First Congregational Church.
Derived from the French word bonhomme, meaning "good fellow," "Bonhomie" means cheerful friendliness. This is "the perfect word to describe these two entertainers and their enchanting music," according to a Dukes concerts news release.
Noel and Hubbard have been playing music together since January 2022, appearing weekly at The Greek in Ventura Harbor along with a variety of other gigs in Bakersfield, Camarillo, Washington and San Jose.
At the concert, the duo will offer a wide repertoire of music from classical to country and the Beatles to the blues.
During the event, Johnny Young, president of the Happy Music Center, will present Noel with the prestigious Happy Music Ambassador recognition award.
This award acknowledges and celebrates individuals who "utilize the power of music to spread joy, positivity, kindness, and overall well-being within their communities and beyond." Noel has been selected to receive the award since it was determined his musical contributions have touched countless lives and brought happiness to many.
Doors open at 3:30 p.m., the concert begins at 4 p.m. Sunday at First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road (corner of Stockdale Highway and Real Road).
Admission is free but donations to the Dukes duck basket are gratefully accepted and go directly to compensate the musicians and keep the series going.
The Dukes concerts season continues with:
Nov. 5: Paul Cierley & Friends (jazz)
Dec. 3: Bakersfield High School Choirs, led by director Amanda Isaac (variety/Christmas)
Jan. 14: The Tea Rose String Quartet (classical)
March 3: Bakersfield Winds, led by director David Green (classical)
April 21: Vince Galindo, Kyle Appleton & Friends (classic country)
Visit fccbakersfield-ucc.org/dukes-concert or @dukesconcerts5 on Facebook for more information.
