Thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday, July 25 as the Belin Quartet was featured in the 2010 Jazz in July Concert Series. We had a great time and could not have asked for a more perfect evening on the steps of the state capitol. A special thanks to John Morgan, Pete Simonson, Steve Charlson, and guest percussionist John Kizilermut for a night of music that I will not soon forget. I walked away humming the melody from John's arrangement of 'It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing).' Other highlights were the perfect strings on the arrangement of 'Over the Rainbow,' and always a favorite 'Tequila!'

The Belin Quartet, in conjunction with Civic Music Association, will present their tenth and final concert in their summer series on Friday, July 30th at 10:30 am on the Downtown Library Lawn.

This week's concert is themed "Splish, Splash, Strings!" and will feature Janice Baker. Assistant Professor of Dance at Iowa State University, leading dances for the children accompanied by the Belin Quartet. In addition to the concert, bird water whistles will be handed out, the Des Moines Symphony Academy will host an "instrument petting zoo," and Blue Bunny ice cream treats will be provided to all who attend the concert.

The Belin Quartet consists of alternating violinists Julie Fox Henson, John Helmich, Tracy Engman Finkelshteyn, violist Sherida Josephson, and cellist George Work.

I hope to see everyone at our final concert, and thank everyone that has made this season a successful one.

Jason Link - 2010 Belin Quartet Manager