The evening starts with a 6 p.m. reception and silent auction at Occasions at Stone River on February 11, followed by a live auction and dinner at 7 p.m. Joining in the evening’s fun will be Emcees Russ Childers and Billy Quinton, Roasters Jon Bailey, Don French and David Sweet. Dinner will be prepared by Chef Zach. All proceeds will go to benefit Rockwall MusicFest.

Tickets are $85 and can be obtained online through PayPal on our donate page. Just indicate the number of tickets you need in the comments section of the form, and they will be held for you at the door. Checks can be made out to Rockwall MusicFest, and send to:
P.O. Box 1071,
Rockwall 75087.

Further information call 972-771-3573.

About MusicFest

Rockwall MusicFest is the production arm of The Greater Rockwall Philharmonic Orchestra. The organization has grown since its inception and is known for presenting the finest in classical and contemporary music throughout this area of North Texas. The organization’s mission is to build and support a professional orchestra wherein young, talented musicians can learn by performing side by side with professionals; by presenting at least one Festival of Music each year featuring The Greater Rockwall Philharmonic Orchestra and various musical groups from the Rockwall Independent School System and/or the surrounding areas, and by presenting or sponsoring other music-related activities as considered to be in support of attaining the goals and objectives of Rockwall MusicFest.

Bob Lewis ~ PlanetRockwall.com

The event will be held at the Utley Performing Arts Center, 1201 Townsend Drive. Tickets can be purchased in Rockwall at:  Lakeside National Bank, Rockwall Chamber of Commerce, Alliance Bank.  Royse City location:  Leadership Bank, Helping Hands Store, or by calling 972-771-3573 (leave message).

Purchase tickets online by going to  http://rockwallmusicfest.com/donate/ and click on the “donate” button. Specify “Christmas concert tickets” in your comments as you complete the process. Provide your name for pickup at “will call”.

Thanks for supporting great music in Rockwall!

But wait! There’s more! Anyone who visits the MusicFest tent during the concert and becomes a member at the $25 level or higher will receive a limited edition fashion statement featuring an image of the most talented octopus ever seen on a T-shirt. This musical mollusk was designed by Rockwall’s own Linda Oistad.

Show the world your support of fine music in our community by enjoying the concert and becoming a member of MusicFest. See you at the ‘Fest!

Dr. Holcomb

This exciting musical treasure of professional and talented, youthful musicians, is entering its ninth year.  Well known conductor and chorale director, Dr. Stephen Holcomb, will again lead the orchestra in an evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein classics, together with the thirty five member chorale group from Dallas Baptist University.

Last year the event drew close to two thousand music lovers.  The professional reputation of the orchestra has grown throughout the years.  Students from the RISD, Meadows School of Music at SMU and well known professionals throughout north Texas will present the beloved scores from the King and I, Oklahoma, Sound of Music and many more  melodies written by this famous duo during the twentieth century.

Join us as the sun sets over Lake Ray Hubbard, the breeze ripples the waters and the sound of magnificent music fills the air.

This year’s Roastee will be none other than former mayor and county commissioner, not to mention world-class sailor, Scott Self. Scott has distinguished himself over the years as a community leader and businessman. He has been a prime mover in helping to make Rockwall a destination for sailors throughout the area, and has himself won national acclaim as winner of several offshore sailing events, including the Transpac, a race from Southern California to Hawaii which draws hundreds of top racers from all over the world. His boat, Soap Opera, came in first in its class, no mean feat given the competition he faced.

Since April, 2008, Scott has operated sailing charters on Lake Ray Hubbard aboard the Seawolf, a 40-foot wooden catamaran which he and wife Jan built after retiring in 2005. Seawolf cruises have become one of the most popular activities anywhere in the area.

This year’s Roast will be held at Occasions at Stone River on January 29. A silent auction will be held and dinner will be prepared by Chef Zach. All proceeds will go to benefit Rockwall MusicFest. MusicFest’s roasts are a highly anticipated event each year and this year is promising to be another big success as an evening of good natured fun. For more information, please call 972-771-3573 or 972-772-0752, or purchase tickets through PayPal on our donate page.

About MusicFest

Rockwall MusicFest is the production arm of The Greater Rockwall Philharmonic Orchestra. The organization has grown since its inception and is known for presenting the finest in classical and contemporary music throughout this area of North Texas. The organization’s mission is to build and support a professional orchestra wherein young, talented musicians can learn by performing side by side with professionals; by presenting at least one Festival of Music each year featuring The Greater Rockwall Philharmonic Orchestra and various musical groups from the Rockwall Independent School System and/or the surrounding areas, and by presenting or sponsoring other music-related activities as considered to be in support of attaining the goals and objectives of Rockwall MusicFest.

Bob Lewis ~ PlanetRockwall.com

The late Robert and Mary Elaine House will be honored at the event. Dr. and Mrs. House were loyal supporters of musical culture of Rockwall, Heath, Rowlett and their surrounding areas.

The old fashioned venue of outdoor concerts, will welcome many from Rockwall County and the surrounding area. Guests are invited to bring their blankets, pack a box lunch (or buy one at Ruby Tuesday’s or Agave Grille). Sit back and enjoy an evening of simply, beautifiul music.

The evening will end with an exciting fireworks display over Lake Ray Hubbard.

Lorie Grinnan & Dennis Bailey

The seventh annual Celebrity Roast presented by Rockwall MusicFest, will be held January 30, 2010 at Occasions at Stone River. This year, the organization will roast well known Rockwall County residents and County Commissioners Lorie Grinnan and Dennis Bailey. They will join the list of high profile dignitaries who have been a part of these festivities throughout the past years: The Hon. Ralph M. Hall, former Mayor Ken Jones, Rockwall Helping Hands Director Margo Nielsen, RISD Public Relations Director Sheri Fowler, American National Bank Vice President Kevin Fowler, beloved Rockwallite Raymond Cameron and Rockwall Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Margie Hooper.

High profile county residents will join in the fun as Masters of Ceremonies and Roasters: MC’s include Russ Childers, President Lakeside Insurance and President of the Rockwall Rotary Club; Greg Beauchamp, Executive Director Promise Makers and Brad Lambeth, Attorney, Lambeth-Mateer PLLC. Roasters are Mike Atkins, Executive Director Rockwall YMCA; Derick Schaefer, brother of Lorie Grinnan and President Efficient Business LLC; Jonathan Bailey son of Dennis Bailey and Sales Manager Trend H>R> and Dewayne Cain, President and Founder Rest Haven Funeral Homes.

Rockwall MusicFest is the production arm of The Greater Rockwall Philharmonic Orchestra. The organization has grown since it’s inception and is known for presenting the finest in classical and contemporary music throughout this area of North Texas. The organization’s mission is to build and support a professional orchestra wherein young, talented musicians can learn by performing side by side with professionals; by presenting at least one Festival of Music each year featuring The Greater Rockwall Philharmonic Orchestra and various musical groups from the Rockwall Independent School System and/or the surrounding areas, and by presenting or sponsoring other music-related activities as considered to be in support of attaining the goals and objectives of Rockwall MusicFest.

The Board of Directors of MusicFest wish to thank the City of Rockwall, The Rockwall Women’s League, The Mary Elaine House Trust and the Alliance for the Arts for their continued support of this worthy venue.

MusicFest’s roasts are a highly anticipated event each year and this year is providing to be another big success presented as an evening of good natured fun. For more information, please call

972-771-3573 or 972-772-0752.