From Child Prodigy to UWP Founding Father

Herb Allen, who returns to Nashville Saturday night with the Colwell Brothers, for their first performance in Music City in over 46 years, has had a long and distinguished career in music and the performing arts.

The following brief biography of Herb may tell you a few things about the man you didn't know.

He has been performing since the age of 3 when he was with the Seattle Children's Orchestra.


As a composer, arranger, teacher, pianist, percussionist and conductor, Herb has dedicated a life time to music and he has performed world wide.

After studying under noted instructors John Hopper, Whitney Tustin, Carl Pitzer and Dr. William Reed, Herb went on to a professional career. One of his career highlights include touring as accompanist for Muriel Smith, the original Carmen Jones on Broadway. He's also conducted pops programs with various choral groups and symphony orchestras in the United States and Europe.

In addition, Herb was the founding musical director of Up With People, writing and directing its music for performances in Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, Japan's Kabuki Theater. He served as music director for Up With People's musical spectaculars which included four Super Bowl Half Time shows.

Herb also composed the music "Moment By Moment - Jewel of the Desert" for the opening of Arizona's newest State Park, Kartchner Caverns. He often collaborates with The Colwell Brothers, Steve, Paul and Ralph, and with his talented British wife Jane Allen, along with singer actor Tom Sullivan and award winning producer David Mackay.

Tickets are still available for the 7:00 p.m. Saturday night show to be performed at the J.T.Moore School Auditorium, 4425 Granny White Pike. You can buy them at the door that evening or in advance on-line at:

http://www.eventinterface.com/UWPNashville

The extraordinary lives of the Colwell Brothers (Steve, Paul and Ralph) are also captured in their biography, A SONG FOR THE WORLD, written by Frank McGee. Autographed copies of the book are available for sale at the concert with 10% of the proceeds going to support the Up With People Alumni Association. Donations received at the concert will also go toward scholarships for local young people to travel with one of today's UWP national casts.

It was the last trip to Nashville by the Colwell Brothers and Herb Allen back in January, 1966 that led to the creation of Sing-Out South and for dozens of Nashville area high school and college students to join Up With People over the next several years.