Category: arts

Black Methodists meet for historic “Gathering” on March 1-3 in South Carolina

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 28, 2010

The country’s three largest African-American Methodist denominations (the African Methodist Episcopal-AME, African Methodist Episcopal Zion-AME Zion, and Christian Methodist Episcopal-CME) are convening as a body for the first time in 45 years from March 1-3 at the Carolina Coliseum, 701 Assembly St. in Columbia, SC.
“It appears that we could do more together than we can apart,” said Senior Bishop George W.C. Walker, one of the organizers for the historic Great Gathering.

According to a news release, the purpose of the Great Gathering meeting is to address how illiteracy, unemployment, crime, personal responsibility and other issues are affecting African-American men’s ability to be good providers and role models in their communities.
“Together, all our denominations represent a people and a community with many ills and problems,” Senior Bishop John R. Bryant said. “But we feel strongly that we can overcome all that might separate our churches so we can all focus collectively on what we can do to make things better for our people.”
Over the course of three days, some of the country’s leading thinkers from the fields of education, religion and politics will discuss and collaborate on an initiative to solve the problems that the Great Gathering will define. Among the confirmed participants are Princeton University professor scholar Cornel West; Marian Wright Edelman of the Children’s Defense Fund; philosopher Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu; platinum recording gospel artist Marvin Sapp; singer Byron Cage, and Grammy winner artist Bishop Hezekiah Walker.
AME Zion pastor Dr. Staccato Powell, who is also the CEO of Grace in the City, a community development corporation that is redeveloping the blighted College Park neighborhood in Raleigh, NC; is the chairman for this groundbreaking summit. All activities will take place at the Carolina Coliseum in Columbia, SC. For more information, go to http://www.greatgathering.org/ for registration details.

arts Clark Theatre Oklahoma tulsa

Clark Theatre seeks young writers/directors for The Emergence Project

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 26, 2010

According to a news release, The Emergence Project was conceived for Clark Youth Theatre by Julie Tattershall and George Romero as an undertaking to develop the artistic skills and talents of Tulsa-area youth. By handing over the reigns of writing, directing, and other production aspects of The Emergence Project, it is hoped to see local artists flourish in a new way. Dates for the production are at 7:30 p.m. June 3-5, 2010 and 2 p.m. June 6.
Clark Theatre, 4825 S. Quaker in Tulsa, OK, is seeking writers and directors ages 12-18 for this production. Playwrights should submit a piece 10-20 minutes in length, which would require minimal sets, props and lighting. Directors are asked to submit an application stating their goals for the production, as well as any skills they think they could bring to the project. Up to six one-act plays and directors will be chosen for this production.

Advising on this project is George Romero, an experienced local director, actor, and arts educator currently serving as the president of the Heller Theatre Council. The deadline for submission is Feb. 28, 2010. Plays and applications should be submitted via e-mail to georgeious@gmail.com.

arts black history Coretta Scott King Oklahoma tulsa Tulsa Performing Arts Center

View “Song for Coretta” at Tulsa Performing Arts Center Feb. 26-28

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 26, 2010

Theatre North presents the production “Song for Coretta ” by Pearl Cleage at 8 p.m. Feb. 26-27 and 3 p.m. Feb. 28 at Liddy Doenges Theater in the Tulsa Performing Arts Center,

110 E 2nd St. Tulsa, OK.

Tickets are $15 general admission; groups of 10 or more $ 12.50 per ticket, and $12.50 for students. Tickets are available for sale online at http://www.tulsapac.com/index.asp.
“Song for Coretta” is based on event of Feb. 6, 2006, when people began lining up at dawn outside of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church to pay their respects to the late Mrs. Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose body lay in state in the small sanctuary. By mid-morning, the crowd wound down the street and around the corner of the old red brick building. People of all ages stood patiently for hours, waiting to say goodbye. Sometimes they murmured to each other quietly. Sometimes they shared memories of Mrs. King’s extraordinary life and expressed sorrow at her passing. When a cold rain began to fall at sunset, those who had thought to bring umbrellas shared them with those whose resolve was the only thing not dampened by the drizzle. At close to midnight, the crowd had dwindled to a determined few. The five fictional characters in this play are at the end of that long line of mourners.
The production is sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, go to http://www.tulsapac.com/calendar.asp?id=1318&task=display or call (918) 596-7109.

arts Oklahoma Sapulpa Sapulpa Community Theatre theater

Sapulpa Community Theatre presents production “Greater Tuna” this weekend

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 26, 2010

Sapulpa Community Theatre will present production “Greater Tuna” at La Margarita Mexican Restaurant,
1215 New Sapulpa Road, in Sapulpa, OK, Feb. 25-28, and March 4-7. Dinner begins at 7 p.m., and show starts at
8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There is matinee dinner at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. show on Saturdays and Sundays. The production is a major fundraiser for the Sapulpa Community Theatre. Tickets are $20 and include full
buffet, soft drink and show. For reservations, call (918) 227-2169 or go to http://www.sapulpacommunitytheatre.com.

arts contemporary jazz Jazz Aspen Snowmass music United States

Harry Connick, Jr., Natalie Cole and others to headline Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ 20th Anniversary Festival

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 20, 2010

According to a recent news release, Jazz Aspen Snowmass will kick off their 20th Anniversary season from June 24-July 3, 2010, with some of the biggest names in jazz, pop and world music.
Making his first ever JAS appearance jazz pianist/vocalist Harry Connick Jr. and Orchestra have been added to the June Festival lineup appearing at the Benedict Music Tent (pictured at right) on Friday, June 25.
On Saturday, June 26 at the Benedict Tent JAS will present JAS @ 20!, a special evening of performances in a Grammy-like format of multiple guests artists backed by a crack Big Band. Directed by JAS Distinguished Artist in Residence Christian McBride, the show will also feature jazz legends Dianne Reeves, Patti Austin, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Terence Blanchard, John Clayton and more.
Pink Martini will perform at the Benedict Music Tent on Sunday, June 27. The closing night of the JAS 20th June Festival will take place on Saturday, July 3 featuring Natalie Cole with Big Band and Musicians from the AMFS. Cole, who had to cancel an appearance with JAS last July due to a kidney transplant last May, is already back on stage feeling “healthy, whole and 100% again.”
The JAS Academy Summer Sessions, again with Christian McBride, will be in residence June 24-July 3. JAS’ flagship music education program, the Academy is the nation’s only all-scholarship jazz residency program, uniting the finest young jazz artists with the world’s “jazz legends.” JAS has contributed $5 million dollars to music education since 1996.
Attendees can obtain tickets by calling (866) 527-8499 or www.jazzaspen.org. For information on Patron (VIP) tickets, call the JAS office at (970) 920-4996. Ticket and lodging packages are also available at 800-SNOWMASS or www.snowmasstourism.com.

arts Oklahoma performances tulsa Tulsa Community College United States

Tulsa Community College Theater Department presents “The Last Five Years” starting Feb. 12

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 12, 2010

Tulsa Community College’s theater department presents “The Last Five Years” by Jason Robert Brown. The production is directed by Vernon L. Stefanic, playwright and former critic for the Tulsa World.
Performance times are at 8 p.m. Feb. 12-13; 18-20 and 2 p.m. Feb. 14 and 21 in the Studio Theatre at TCC VanTrease Performing Arts Center for Education, 10300 E. 81st St. (81st St. and Highway 169) in Tulsa, OK. The Thursday, Feb. 18 performance will be sign interpreted for the deaf.
According to a news release, “The Last Five Years” is “a uniquely staged multimedia production, featuring the combined talents of the TCC’s theatre, music, and film departments. “The Last Five Years” is a contemporary, ambitious and emotional musical that ingeniously chronicles the five-year life of a marriage, from meeting to break-up … or is it from break-up to meeting? Audiences have to decide, because “The Last Five Years” is an intensely personal and creative look at the relationship between a writer and an actress told simultaneously from both points of view – one telling the story from first date to eventual divorce, and the other story arc from divorce back to the magical first date. It is bittersweet; it is sweetly bitter?”
For more information, visit the PACE Ticket Office, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday or call (918) 595-7777.

arts comedy Muskogee Muskogee Little Theatre Oklahoma theater United States

Muskogee Little Theatre presents “The Foreigner” during Valentine’s Day weekend

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 12, 2010

Muskogee Little Theatre presents “The Foreigner” at 8 p.m. Feb. 12-13 and Feb. 18-20. There is a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14.
Advance tickets may be purchased at Soundworld, 123 E. Okmulgee in Muskogee, OK, or by calling (918) 683-4901. Tickets are also available one hour prior to curtain time at the Muskogee Little Theatre box office.
“The Foreigner” is an inspired comedy that celebrates curiosity and empathy for the outsider. Many people would relish the opportunity to be a fly on the wall, making themselves privy to private conversations. However, pretending to be a foreigner who doesn’t speak the language is possible. When Charlie, a shy Englishman, comes to a rural lodge in Georgia, he pretends to be a foreigner from an exotic country who doesn’t know English so he won’t have to talk to the locals. “The Foreigner” is a feel-good play where the characters grow and change before the audience’s eye. According to a news release, “The Foreigner” is one of the most beloved and crowd-pleasing comedies in community theatre repertory.
“The Foreigner” is sponsored by Creek Nation Casino. All productions at Muskogee Little Theatre are presented with the assistance from The Oklahoma Arts Council. For additional information, go to www.muskogeelittletheatre.com or call (918) 816-0688.

arts Oklahoma Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame performances tulsa Valentine's Day vocal performance

Brenda Johnson and Jeff Shadley headline heartwarming concerts this weekend

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 10, 2010

Tulsa’s Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame presents two shows this weekend that promises to be a heartfelt one for its attendees.

Brenda Johnson and her jazz Rhapsody Trio will headline the performance at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Jazz Hall, 111 East 1st Street (upper level) in Tulsa, OK. Included is special musical guest vocalist Tavis Minner. There will be complimentary desserts, roses for the ladies, dancing and sumptuous romantic music. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

On Sunday, Feb. 14, vocalist, trumpeter and band leader Jeff Shadley presents “Big Band, Big Hearts” featuring jazz vocalist and Oklahoma Jazz Hall inductee Olivia Duhon at 5 p.m. at the Jazz Hall. Tickets are $15 and $10 for seniors and $20 for table seating.

For tickets or more information, call the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame at (918) 281-8600 or go to okjazz.org. Gift shop and concessions are available. All major credit cards are accepted.

arts BLAC Inc. classical music Oklahoma Oklahoma City performances vocal performance

Donna Cox opens Carol Brice Series on February 20 in Oklahoma City

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 8, 2010

Soprano vocalist Donna Cox will open Black Liberated Arts Center Inc.’s (BLAC) 2010 Carol Brice Series at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Douglass High School Auditorium, 900 N. Martin L. King in Oklahoma City, OK.
Cox is an assistant professor of Voice at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK, where she teaches Applied Voice at the undergraduate and graduate levels. As a pedagogue, she has facilitated vocal master classes in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, North Carolina and New York.
Cox has performed as the soprano soloist for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Salome Orchestra and conductor Ken Hakoda in Kansas with Academia Phil harmonica and Chorale. She has performed the soprano solos in Vivaldi’s “Dixit Dominus,” Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass,” “Theresan Messes,” Mozart’s “Requiem,” and Mendelssohn’s “Elijah.”
In February 2007, she performed with Dave Brubeck in his mass “To Hope” with the Canterbury Choral Society under the direction of Russell Gloyd. As a recitalist, Cox has performed on numerous university campuses in the United States. She has also toured extensively throughout Germany, featured in recitals focusing on Mozart opera, oratorio and Lied.
Cox’s Feb. 20 performance will focus on three African Americans – Robert Owens, Margaret Bonds and John Carter. Poets Owens and Bonds often compared to none other than poet Langston Hughes. The music is quite sophisticated with its lush harmonies and unexpected contrast which is an Owens’ trait. It is also spiritual and includes John Carter’s arrangements as well as Cox’s arrangements.
The program is supported by the Ad Astra Foundation and the Oklahoma Arts Council. Tickets are $10 and are on sale at Capitol Square Station, Charlie’s Jazz, Rhythm and Blues Store, KM66 and Learning Tree Toy Store in the Oklahoma City metro area. For more information or to buy tickets, call BLAC Inc. at (405) 524-3800.

Donna Cox – Voice from OU School of Music on Vimeo.

arts contemporary jazz jazz music releases United States Valentine's Day

Jazz Vocalist Jackie Ryan releases a collection of love songs

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 6, 2010

Jazz vocalist Jackie Ryan will release a collection of 15 love songs in time for Valentine’s Day, according to a news release. Proceeds from the compact disc “Best of Love Songs” will go to Oxfam for ongoing Haiti Relief fund.
Ryan is best known as a “musician’s singer.” She has performed, recorded, or toured with Clark Terry, Toots Thielemans, Barry Harris, Cyrus Chestnut, Terry Gibbs, Buddy DeFranco, Red Holloway, Eric Alexander, Jeremy Pelt, Ernie Watts, Benny Green, Tamir Hendelman, Jeff Hamilton, Amina Figarova, Mike Wofford, Jon Mayer, Larry Vuckovich, and Jon Hendricks.
Ryan’s 2009 release “DOOZY” was the third most played jazz CD on radio for the entire year, finished at #3 on JazzWeek‘s Top 100 CDs of 2009, received four-star reviews from both “DownBeat” and “All Music Guide,” and sat atop many critics’ end of year lists. Jackie was one of 5 vocalists voted by critics to make “JazzTimes‘” “Top 50 CDs of the Year.”
Selected from three recordings released from 2002 to 2006, “Best of Love Songs” reflects Ryan’s myriad of musical talent. Joining Ryan on the project is legendary two-time Grammy-Award nominees Ernie Watts and Red Holloway, backed by Jon Mayer, Tamir Hendelman, Larry Vuckovich, Jeff Hamilton, Jeff Chambers and others.