The Seaford Community Concerts Association kicks off the 2017-18 season with Paul McDermand at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28, in the Madden Auditorium at Seaford Senior High School. This is a high-energy, crowd-interactive experience featuring the sweet, lilting timbre of the steel drums with the haunting sustain of the vibraphone. Add a Baja Marimba twist and combine all on the concert stage - the perfect formula for a toe-tapping, heart-singing night of melody and merriment.

McDermand began his musical career as a freelance percussionist in the Chicago area. At age 19, he assumed the percussion duties on a popular theatrical production playing in one of Chicago's downtown theaters. The show was called “The Magic Man,” and it starred a teenage David Copperfield.

In 1981, he moved to the Phoenix, Ariz. area, lending his artistry to film scores, commercial jingles, symphonic productions and stage shows of every description. The list of big-name entertainers with whom McDermand has performed is vast: Natalie Cole, Tony Bennett, Johnny Cash, Liberace, The Temptations and the Moody Blues have all tapped his considerable talents.

In 1993, McDermand received an invitation to join a revival tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's “Jesus Christ, Superstar,” featuring the stars of Norman Jewison's 1973 motion picture. He accepted, anchoring the rhythm section during sold-out performances throughout the world's finest theatrical venues. Upon his return to Scottsdale, McDermand began to develop an assortment of instrumental arrangements built around the steel drums, marimba and vibraphone, resulting in numerous CD releases. These recordings are embraced the world over for their easy nature and exotic beauty. 

His rising demand as a concert artist did not escape the notice of Live On Stage Inc. The Nashville-based talent agency included McDermand and his band on its 2014-15 Artist Roster, to the delight of audiences from Redondo Beach, Calif., to Nashua, N.H. The ensemble is thrilled to be back for yet another national tour with Live On Stage during the 2017-18 season. When home in Scottsdale, McDermand is a featured soloist with the Arizona Opry and the entertainment director at Tommy Bahama, Kierland Commons.

While the SCCA membership drive is over, there is still an opportunity to sign up the night of the performance. Simply bring a check made out to SCCA to the membership table in the lobby and buy a membership on the spot. The price for a regular membership is $65. Children are admitted free with a paying adult; SCCA does not sell individual tickets to concerts.

The schedule for the 2017-18 season is as follows:

• Paul McDermand, Thursday, Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m.
• Two On Tap Monday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m.
• Pavlo Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.
• Duo Baldo Thursday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.
• Side Street Strutters Monday, April 9, 7:30 p.m.

To see a full description of these performers and join using a credit card, go to Seafordconcerts.org.

Remember to bring a membership card and a canned good to donate to the Seaford Food Bank to this performance.

When completing the membership form, consider becoming a patron. This year with a Benefactor Patron donation of $500 or more, receive two free memberships, and with a Sustainer Gift of $250, receive one free membership. For more information, call SCCA at 302-629-6096.