Author: mitchmuse

Global communicator, Journalism, Entrepreneur, Web editor, Blogger, Freelance writer, Jazz enthusiast

CD gospel jazz music reflections United States

Mitch’s Reflection: Bil Carpenter Presents “An Uncloudy Christmas”

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date December 13, 2009

If you’ve enjoyed the book “Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Music Encyclopedia” by Bil Carpenter, music journalist and co-founder of Capital Entertainment, then you will enjoy the compilation “An Uncloudy Christmas.”

The 12-track compact disc features artists Bryan Wilson, Pookie Hudson and the Spaniels, Ann McCrary, Candi Staton, Richard Hartley, Markas Nair and Carpenter ending things country style with title single “Uncloudy Christmas.”

Opening with “The Savior Has Come,” Wilson presents such a feel-good house of prayer shout band style that it’s hard not to clap your hands a few times. Pookie Hudson and the Spaniels presents traditional gospel style tracks “The Angels Watching Over Me” and “I Just Want to Thank Him.” McCrary brings a modern touch to the compilation with the jazzy “Remember Not to Forget Jesus.”

In “An Uncloudy Christmas,” there is a song to fit any fan’s musical taste or holiday mood, and each artist does a fine job of presenting the true meaning of the holiday season.

Editor’s Note: Review CD was provided by Capitol Entertainment.

contemporary jazz holidays jazz music New Year Oklahoma Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame party tulsa

It’s “Sax to the Max” at Tulsa’s Jazz Depot for New Year’s Eve

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date December 12, 2009

The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame will present its New Year’s Eve Celebration on Friday, Dec. 31 at The Jazz Depot, 1st and Cincinnati in Tulsa. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Longtime Tulsa saxophonist and 2002 Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame inductee Earl Clark and his Spectrum Band will present a fusion of jazz, blues, R&B and country from 8 to 10 p.m.
The evening will conclude with 2004 Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame inductee and Tulsa saxophonist Grady Nichols, featuring “American Idol” vocalist Krista Branch from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $70 per person and are available online at www.okjazz.org and www.MyTicketOffice.com by calling (918) 281-8600. The ticket price includes buffet dining, desserts, entertainment, complimentary champagne toast and party favors to bring in the New Year. Only 350 seats are available at event.

arts holidays Muskogee Oklahoma theatre

Muskogee Little Theatre continues “Miracle on 34th Street” this weekend

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date December 11, 2009

Muskogee Little Theatre will end its holiday production “Miracle on 34th Street” this weekend. The production, directed by Charles Mutch, is about Kris Kringle, who is the personification of good will and holiday spirit. As Macy’s holiday Santa, he enchants children and shoppers so completely that he is deemed dangerous by fellow employees who question his competency and plot to ruin him. A small girl’s belief in Santa and the magic of the holiday is at stake in a climactic courtroom decision.

Ticket prices are $14 for adults and $10 for students. Advanced tickets may be reserved at Soundworld, 123 East Okmulgee, Muskogee by calling (918) 683-4901. Remaining tickets may also be available at the theatre box office, Cincinnati & D Street, Muskogee, 30 minutes prior to show. For more information, contact box office at (918) 683-5332. “Miracle on 34th Street” is sponsored with the assistance of the Oklahoma Arts Council. For additional information, visit www.muskogeelittletheatre.com.

arts Oklahoma theater tulsa Tulsa Spotlight Theatre youth

Revisit Narnia via Tulsa Spotlight Theatre production “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date December 11, 2009

Tulsa Spotlight Theatre, 1381 Riverside Drive, presents “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 11-13, and 18-19. The production is directed by Joshua Barker, John Barker, and Mindy Barker. Tickets are $8-$10. Early reservations are recommended. For tickets, call the Spotlight Theatre box office at (918)587-5030.

Antonio Ciacca jazz Jazz at Lincoln Center music releases world

Just a touch of “Lagos Blues” with pianist Antonio Ciacca and saxophonist Steve Grossman on Jan. 12

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date December 7, 2009

Internationally acclaimed jazz pianist Antonio Ciacca teams with renowned saxophonist Steve Grossman in a new project “Lagos Blues,” to be released by Motéma Music in the U.S. on Jan. 12. Joining them is Ciacca’s regular quartet – saxophonist Stacy Dillard, bassist Kengo Nakamura and drummer Ulysses Owens – who contribute a picturesque image on the broader story of jazz.

Born in Germany, raised in Italy, Ciacca plays with a rare blend of earthiness, fire and intellect, with elements of Wynton Kelly, Red Garland and Bobby Timmons. He is the director of Programming for Jazz at Lincoln Center.

According to a news release, Ciacca began his studies at the Bologna Conservatory. At the time, he played only classical repertoire, the effects of which led him to consider switching his energies to sports and becoming a professional soccer player. This all changed when his future Lincoln Center compatriot Wynton Marsalis came to Bologna give a concert.

“What impressed me was the relationships between the musicians,” Ciacca says. “They were all proud and accomplished and dignified. They were just perfect.”

Speaking with Marsalis after the concert, Ciacca took to heart the trumpeter’s advice: “Try to swing as hard as you can and you’re going to be good.” That mission began when he sought out Grossman, whose lessons laid a solid foundation for the young pianist. After three years, at Grossman’s suggestion, he left for the States in 1993 to immerse himself fully in jazz culture, working first in Detroit and then in New York.

Fahir Atakoglu fusion jazz music releases world

Fahir Atakoglu set to release “Faces & Places” on Jan. 5

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date December 6, 2009

World-jazz pianist-composer-arranger Fahir Atakoglu enlists a host of friends for his upcoming Jan.5 release, “Faces & Places.” Joining him are trumpeter Randy Brecker, guitarist Wayne Krantz,Yellowjackets’ saxophonist Bob Mintzer, Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo, bassist John Patitucci and Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez on drums.

According to a news release, “Faces & Places” is a follow-up to the 2008 fusion project “Istanbul in Blue,” which reached #1 on the JazzWeek World Music Albums chart and featured guitarists Mike Stern and Wayne Krantz, tenor saxophonist Bob Franchesini, bassist Anthony Jackson, and Hernandez on drums.

Atakoglu dedicates “Faces & Places” project “to all musicians who have come to the United States from all corners of the world: Those who follow their dreams and touch people’s hearts, lives and souls with their music.” A native of Istanbul, Turkey, Atakoglu has recorded 18 albums that have sold more than two million copies in 17 countries including the United States. Atakoglu continues to compose film scores, ballet music, operas and other symphonic works while also performing solo and trio concerts around the world.

arts Broken Arrow Broken Arrow Community Playhouse Oklahoma theater tulsa

View “Cinderella” at Broken Arrow Community Playhouse

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date December 4, 2009

Broken Arrow Community Playhouse (BACP) presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” at 8 p.m. today, Dec. 10-12 and a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on Dec. 13. The production is directed by T.L. Bringle.
Hilary Hunt stars as Cinderella and James Bowie, portraying the dashing Prince Christopher, lead a cast of BACP newcomers and veterans. Joining them onstage is Shayna Stubblefield, Seth Paden, Tim Petro, Sherry Hacker, Anna Caldwell, Tiffany Wright, Maureen Dunbar, Rachel Kincheloe, Allison Walden, Brett Maxey, Brittany Wright, Donald Gilmore, Stephanie Porter, Joe Smith and John Knight.
In a news release, the BACP states that “Cinderella,” the timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale, is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. Its recreation in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren was no less successful in transporting a new generation to the miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true, and so was a second remake in 1997, which starred Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother. The BACP’s production is based on the 1997 teleplay.
Ticket prices are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors, $9 for students, and $6 for children 12 and younger. For more information, go to www.bacptheatre.com. Reservations for this production may be made by calling the BACP box office at (918) 258-0077. The BACP is located in The Main Place at 1800 S. Main in downtown Broken Arrow.

arts Christmas Clark Theatre holidays Oklahoma tulsa

Clark Theatre presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date December 4, 2009

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is presented at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13, and 7:30 p.m. today, Saturday and Dec. 9-12 at Clark Youth Theatre, 11440 E Admiral Place, Tulsa. Kathryn Hartney is the director.

This Christmas tale makes its 23rd annual appearance at Clark Theatre. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” chronicles the story of the Herdmans, who are the worst kids in school. One Sunday, the Herdsmas come to church to take advantage of the free snacks the minister gives out, and it happens to be the same day for the annual church Christmas Pageant tryouts. After peer intimidation, the Herdmans were cast in lead roles. Disaster looms, but so does the possibility of learning the true meaning of Christmas.
For ticket information, call (918) 669-6455 or go to www.clarktheatre.com.

arts Grove grove community playmakers Oklahoma theater

Playmakers’ holiday show features “The Velveteen Rabbit”

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date November 23, 2009

The Grove Community Playmakers kick off the holiday season with an adaptation by Scott Davidson of the classic children’s story, “The Velveteen Rabbit,” by Margery Williams. Performances will take place at 121 W. Third St., Grove, OK.

A short play about holiday giving, “The Lost and Found Christmas,” is also included. It is a production from The Paper Bag Players by Judith Martin and music by Donald Ashwander.

“We wanted a holiday show that would allow children 3-4 years to the theatre,” said Director Suzanne Boles in a news release. “We haven’t performed for children this young since we produced ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’s Christmas Tail.’ Of course, the very sensitive ‘Velveteen Rabbit’ is a good way for all children and adults to remember what’s real about Christmas,” she added.

The plays are produced with assistance from the Oklahoma Arts Council and supporters of the Playmakers.

The production opens Friday, Nov. 27 and each weekend through Sunday, Dec. 6. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m.; the Tuesday performance is at 7 p.m.; Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

The Playmakers ask that there be no children younger than 3 years old, and to please determine that all children are able to sit through a performance of more than one hour without distracting actors or other members of the audience. There will be one intermission with special entertainment.

Reservations are necessary. Adult tickets are $13.50 and students (pre-school – High school) $6.75. A special admission fee for “lap-sitters” (ages 3-4) is $3 per child. There is a special group rate for youth groups with children first-grade through mid-school. The rate for ten children or more is $5.50 each. There must be one adult for every 3-4 children; ticket price for these adults will be $11.50 each. “Pay What You Can Afford” tickets are also available. Talk with box office volunteers when making reservations. For more information, go to http://www.gcplaymakers.com/, call (918) 786-8950 or e-mail 1groveplaymakers@sbcglobal.net.

arts Nightingale Theater. Tulsa Oklahoma theater

Nightingale Theater to present “Born Again Yesterday” by Justin McKean this Sunday

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date November 17, 2009

“Born Again Yesterday” by Justin McKean will be presented at 7 p.m. Sunday, November 22nd, 2009, at at the Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. Fourth St., Tulsa. Tickets are $10. For reservations, call (918) 633-8666 for reservations or go to www.nightingaletheater.com.

Justin McKean’s “Born Again Yesterday” guides the audience through a hilarious maze of experiences drawn from the author’s life as a strict fundamentalist. “Everything in the play is based on something I did, or saw or heard,” McKean says.

Laughing at himself through this two-hour comedy, McKean hopes to build bridges. “The point of the play is to humanize, not demonize,” he says in a news release. “Christians who see it understand this quickly. They laugh more loudly than the non-religious people. I think this is because they know the people in the play very, very well. They’ve been to church with them. They have had potluck dinners with them. They went to church camp with them. You can love your family and still roll your eyes at them sometimes.”

Most of the play is comedy, but there are moments of sadness. “I’ve made people cry,” McKean says. “The show is based on a true story, and when I found that I’d lost my ability to believe the same things I did as a child, it truly devastated me.” These teary moments have a lighter side, too. “I’m a happy guy. I don’t take things too seriously, so there’s always a joke in there. In the saddest moments of life, you have to laugh through the tears.”

The story ends on a note of joy and hope with a plea to the audience to work together in their community locally and globally.