Decades of Love

Sunday, February 2 • 3 p.m.

On February 2, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound take the stage in a heartwarming concert that will take you through 100 years of love songs—from The Beatles and Bee Gees to Michael Bublé. Expect classics like “It Had To Be You,” “Only You” and “I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You.” Haase and his talented group serenade audiences with their unique blend of gospel and popular love songs, making it the perfect night out with your favorite person. “We all sing to our wives and these are the songs we sing [to them],” said Haase. The Decades of Love project is born from a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of love, and that light shines through every voice and every song. Haase, who grew up listening to gospel music, especially the legendary Cathedrals quartet, recalled, “I went to hear them sing anytime they were near my hometown. I’d show up early and help them unload their bus. It was my dream to sing with them one day.” That dream came true in 1990 when Ernie was invited to sing at his alma mater, Oakland City University. The Cathedrals were also performing, and Haase’s performance served as his unofficial audition. Within a week, he joined the group as its tenor. “I went to hear them sing any time they were near my hometown,” said Haase. “I’d show up early and help them unload their bus. It was my dream to sing with them one day.” Doug Anderson, baritone vocalist for Signature Sound, met Haase when he was singing with the Cathedrals. Haase told Anderson that if he ever started a group, he would call on him. A few years later, he did. Dustin Doyle, the group’s lead vocalist, grew up in a Christian home in a small Kentucky town, steeped in southern gospel music. A pastor’s son, he always knew that traveling and singing was his calling. “I’ve always felt the call to travel the world and sing and tell my story. To be able to do that with Signature Sound is an absolute dream come true,” said Doyle. Christopher Taylor, who sings bass for the group, carries on a family musical tradition. His father managed and sang with the gospel group Living N Praise. “I’ve always loved singing, but I never believed God would give me the opportunity to sing with my heroes. I am so blessed and thankful for this opportunity,” Taylor said. This unforgettable evening will be filled with music that celebrates love in all its forms. Tickets for Decades of Love go on sale three weeks prior to the concert for $45 plus fees.

Doo-Wah Riders

Monday, February 17 • 7:30 p.m.

Following the romantic melodies of Decades of Love, get ready for a high-energy country performance with a Cajun twist. On February 17, 2025, The Doo-Wah Riders (not to be confused with doo-wop) will bring their unique fusion of country, zydeco and swing to the Avalon Theatre. 

The group spends 200 days a year playing music across the country, influenced by legends like Bob Wills and Asleep at the Wheel. With songs like “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” “Down at the Twist and Shout” and “Jambalaya,” this concert is sure to get your feet stomping and hands clapping.

Led by Kenny Lee Benson, the Doo Wah Riders have shared the stage with iconic artists such as Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton and k.d. lang. Their sound, which blends Cajun music with country, has captivated audiences worldwide, performing everywhere from Alaska to France and Germany. The band has even played in Grand Junction before, at the 1998 Mesa County Fair, when a torrential downpour turned the rodeo arena into a mud pit. Despite the conditions, they put on an acoustic set indoors.

The band also appeared in the movie “Basic Instinct” performing their original song “Glowing in the Ashes.”

Benson, who has spent 46 years singing lead vocals and playing piano, accordion, and harmonica, is joined by Freddie Johnson on bass and vocals, Al Bonhomme on guitar, Keith Jones on drums, and Jordan Brambilla on fiddle. 

“I have always been a big zydeco fan,” said Benson. “I started playing accordion and slowly started bringing it into our music. I was very inspired by my friend, the late Jo-El Sonnier, who started mixing his Cajun music with country in the 1980s. Our mixing the two happened organically over a number of years and became our signature sound.”

Tickets for the Doo Wah Riders show will be available three weeks before the concert for $45 plus fees.