Category: arts

Heller Theatre continues performances of production “And the Winner Is” this weekend

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date September 30, 2010

Heller Theatre continues performances of the production “And the Winner Is” by Mitch Albom at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1-2 and 2 p.m. Oct 3, 2010, at Henthorne Performing Arts Center, 4825 S. Quaker Ave. in Tulsa, OK.
“And the Winner Is,” the newest play by Mitch Albom, is a quirky, heartfelt and slightly wicked tale of life, death and sacrifice. Fans remember Albom, who authored “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “The Five People You Meet in Heaven.” Tickets, also available at the door, are $7-$10.

For reservations and more information, call (918) 746-5065.

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“Oklahoma City Music: Deep Deuce and Beyond” presented to Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date September 24, 2010

From left: Gov. Brad Henry and author Anita Arnold

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry was presented a copy of the recently published book, “Oklahoma City Music: Deep Deuce and Beyond” by Anita Arnold, author and executive director of Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) Inc. in Oklahoma City.

Gov. Henry was pleased to receive the book that covers more than 70 years of music history from the late 1920s to the late 1990s. Henry said he was interested in this history that has contributed so much to Oklahoma.
According to Emily Higgins, publicist of Arcadia Publishing of Mount Pleasant, S.C., “Oklahoma City Music: Deep Deuce and Beyond” was also selected to compete with 10 other books in the region as part of a national sales competition within Arcadia.

“We have already had a number of book signings in and around Oklahoma City that have been fun,” Arnold said. “Each audience is different and raises new questions each time.”
Arnold will participate in other book signings scheduled through February 2011 at various locations in the Oklahoma City area. “Oklahoma City Music: Deep Deuce and Beyond” is available at Barnes and Nobles, Borders, Capitol Square Station, Charlie’s Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Store, Dean’s Typesetting, Hastings Books, Music and Videos, Hopkins Haircare, Learning Tree Toy Store and Walgreens.

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Famed African Children’s Choir to perform in Oklahoma City in November 2010

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date September 23, 2010

According to a recent news release, the world-renowned African Children’s Choir will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, at the Frederick A. Douglass High School auditorium, 900 N Martin Luther King Ave. in Oklahoma City. The event marks the opening performance of the 2010-11 season of performing arts presented by Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) Inc. As BLAC Inc. nears the end of its 40th anniversary, the choir that started in 1984 will be the first performance of the season but will end a year-long celebration of the arts as presented by BLAC Inc.

The African Children’s Choir performances are a fundraiser to help orphans on the continent. Funds from performances support projects that provide food, medical assistance and education. Through the music of choir members, many of whom are homeless, millions of dollars have been raised to start schools, fight diseases such as AIDS and establish centers where children are fed.
“Good Morning America” featured the choir in 2009 in concert following a magnificent performance on “American Idol.” The African Children’s Choir have also appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and at the White House in August 2008 as former President George W. Bush signed the H. R. 5501, or the Global AIDS Initiative Renewal bill, to greatly increase foreign aid for those in Africa suffering from AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. The African Children’s Choir performed for Her Majesty the Queen of England and former South African President Nelson Mandela.

“It is a way that Oklahoma can make a contribution to these projects while enjoying a performance fit for a Queen or President, for that matter,” said Anita Arnold, BLAC Inc. executive director. “This is one of many ways, Oklahoma can make an impact felt around the world, through BLAC Inc. and its programs. The performance is open to the public, and we encourage you to come.”

The performance is made possible through funding provided by the Oklahoma Arts Council. Tickets are on sale and may be purchased at the following Oklahoma City locations: Capitol Square Station, Charlie’s Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Store, KM66 and Learning Tree Toy Store. For more information, call (405) 524-3800 or to sample some of the choir’s music, go online to http://africanchildrenschoir.com/.

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Monthly jazz program series begins at Oklahoma City’s Douglass High School

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date September 14, 2010

Left to right, Earl Day, Keyboards, Delmar Burge, Drums and Kirbie Greene, Congas.

According to a recent news release, Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) Inc. is sponsoring a monthly jazz program as a reward for students at Frederick A. Douglass High School in Oklahoma City. The program is a new initiative that starts this month at the request of Douglass High School Principal Brian Staples as part of the comprehensive program funded by the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association (NBMOA).
“The 2010–11 school year begins a long term commitment for NBMOA to work with students and faculties of Frederick A. Douglass High School and its feeder schools to provide services through BLAC, Inc. to get student state performance scores up to meet state and national standards,” NBMOA President Darryl Umphries said. “We have adopted this project to ensure the success of Douglass and its associated schools. In doing so, we will have contributed significantly to improving the entire community. It is a strong collaboration of partners that will demonstrate that positive change will result when people work together. We are happy to be a part of an exciting future for our community and our schools.”
The Earl Day Trio kicked-off the jazz series on Sept. 10, 2010, and will be followed by the Moe Williams Band on Oct. 8, 2010, and Kelvin Drake Band on Nov. 5, 2010. The free performances are open to the public.
“Other bands will be scheduled for the rest of the school year,” said Anita Arnold, BLAC Inc. executive director. “These bands will perform from 1:15 p.m. until 2:40 p.m. on each date.”

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Danilo Pérez obtains 2010 ASICOM International Award

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date September 10, 2010

According to a recent news release, Panamanian pianist, educator and social activist Danilo Pérez has been awarded the 2010 ASICOM International Award by the (ASICOM) and the University of Oviedo (Principality of Asturias). ASICOM gives this prize each year to individuals who have made or are making significant contributions in IBEROAMERICA, helping to build and rebuild that historical region through their work and vision.
“It is encouraging and a tremendous honor to be considered for such an important award,” said Pérez, who will be honored along with four other prominent individuals at 7 p.m. Oct. 8, 2010 at the University of Oviedo in Spain.
His annual Panama Jazz Festival has brought world-renowned musicians to the country for the last seven years, not only to perform but also to work closely with local youth. That mission is carried on yearlong by the Fundación Danilo Pérez, which offers musical and cultural education to disadvantaged young people in Panama City. In the United States, Pérez serves as artistic director of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute in Boston, which offers music students an opportunity to explore creativity, advance the social power of music, and connect music with the restoration of ecology and humanity.
Pérez released his Mack Avenue records debut, Providencia, on August 31. He made his first U.S. performance in support of the album on Labor Day weekend at the 2010 Detroit International Jazz Festival.

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“A Letter to the Depot” opens 2010 fall season at Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date September 10, 2010

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame‘s fall season opens on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010, with “A Letter from the Depot” at the Jazz Depot, 111 East First Street – upper level in Tulsa, OK.
Sandy Gardner’s original one-woman musical that will take audience participants back to the glory days of train travel. The second half of the show also will feature Sandy and the Chuck Gardner Trio, who will offer great jazz standards and a few surprises. The trio consists of arranger and pianist Chuck Gardner, Bill Crosby on bass and Tony Yohe on drums. General admission is $15, and $10 for seniors and students. Front-row seating is available for $20 per person. For more information, call (918) 281-8600 or go to http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=2762&pid=6852081. Tickets will also be available the day of the show. Doors will open at 4 p.m.

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Justin Echols presents “Life is a Cabaret: A Tribute to NYC Cabaret Legend Bobby Short”

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date August 19, 2010

Justin Echols will perform at 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010, at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame‘s Jazz Depot, 111 E. First Street (Upper Level) in Tulsa, OK.

After spending the winter at New York City’s Carlyle Hotel playing the piano, Justin Echols will bring his first-hand experience from the cabaret scene, paying tribute to the legendary vocalist/ pianist Bobby Short.

General admission is $15 or $10 for seniors and students. Front-row table seating is available for $20 per person.

Tickets may be purchased on the day of the show. Doors will open at 4 p.m. For more information, call (918) 281-8600.

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2010 Angel City Jazz Festival will convene Oct. 2-9, 2010, in Los Angeles

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date August 19, 2010

The 2010 Angel City Jazz Festival – Los Angeles’ only non-commercial jazz and new-music festival – will be held on Oct. 2-9, 2010, organizers announced in a news release.

The weeklong festival will be held at six venues in the city, combining music, film, art, dance, poetry and food with two world premieres. Featured artists at the 2010 Angel Music Festival include The John Abercrombie Quartet, Nels Cline’s DIRTY BABY, The Ravi Coltrane / Ralph Alessi Quintet, Henry Grimes and Friends, Wadada Leo Smith’s Golden Quartet with Vijay Iyer, Myra Melford’s Trio, The Sons of Champignon (Tim Berne, Jim Black and Nels Cline) and many others.

The festival is produced by Angel City Arts in association with the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, CalArts, L.A. Filmforum, Cryptogramophone Records and the Jazz Bakery. For more information (including schedule of events), visit angelcityjazz.com or call Rocco Somazzi at (323) 573-2110.

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“The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” ends this weekend at Muskogee Little Theatre

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date August 13, 2010

Muskogee Little Theatre continues the August musical comedy production, “The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” this weekend. Ticket prices are $14 for adults and $10 for students. Show times are at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, and Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010.
Six kids face off in the battle of their lives. The competition is intense. The words are outrageous. Let the spelling (and the singing) begin! Three adults adjudicate the proceedings: a nostalgic former spelling bee winner, a midly insane Vice Principle and The Official Comfort Councilor completing his community service to the State of New York. Both tender and sardonic, this hilarious Tony Award-winning musical of overachievers angst brings you inside the spelling championship to end them all. This show is recommended for all ages.
Before every performance of “The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” four audience volunteers are recruited to participate on-stage as guest spellers. Each new foursome guarantees a new set of hilarious and unexpected experiences. The willing contestants are chosen through pre-show lobby interviews and questionnaire.

Potential guest spellers should arrive at the theatre 45 minutes prior to curtain. The show is co-sponsored by Rotary Club of Muskogee and MyPro’s. All productions at Muskogee Little Theatre are presented with the assistance of The Oklahoma Arts Council. For more information, go to www.muskogeelittletheatre.com or call (918) 816-0688.

arts Black Liberated Arts Center Inc. Douglass High School education jazz music Oklahoma Oklahoma City performances United States

Oklahoma City’s Black Liberated Arts Center Inc. announces headliners for 2010-11 season

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date August 11, 2010

African Children’s Choir

Ailey II Dance Company of New York

Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) Inc. of Oklahoma City, OK recently announced headliners for the upcoming 2010-11 season of performing arts and a new venue for ongoing performances.
“Beginning this year, most of BLAC Inc.’s performances will be held at Frederick A. Douglass High School auditorium, said Anita Arnold, BLAC Inc. executive director. “However, the Soul Food Dinner Theater performances will continue to be held at the downtown Petroleum Club. The beautiful 1,200-seat auditorium fits our needs, as well as any other venue in the city, and it is conveniently located. In our 40th anniversary year, it is appropriate that we celebrate it by launching our 2010-11 season at Douglass.”
The African Children’s Choir will open the season at Fredrick A. Douglass High School auditorium on Nov. 7, 2010, and Ailey II Dance Company of New York will perform at the auditorium on March 26, 2011.
Grammy Award -winning jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum will headline the Soul Food Dinner series in a show, “Kirk Whalum Plays Donnie Hathaway” on Jan. 15, 2010, at the Petroleum Club in Oklahoma City.

Kirk Whalum

“We are excited about our partnership at Douglass High School that includes professional development programs, performances and so much more,” Arnold said. “This is part of how we intend to continue our service to the community. BLAC, Inc. is offering a special Early Bird subscription to the 2010-11 season. It is our way of offering savings on advanced ticket purchases.”
The performances are partially funded through the Oklahoma Arts Council. For more information, call BLAC Inc. at (405) 524-3800.