Category: arts

Tuscia in Jazz Festival 2010 expands programming

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 8, 2010

Organizers announce in a news release, in the Viterbo region of Italy (about 43 miles from Rome), the countryside town of Soriano nel Cimino and city of Nepi will host the ninth edition of the Tuscia in Jazz Festival from July 8 through Aug. 14, 2010.

For the past eight years, Tuscia in Jazz has been considered one of the most important international jazz festivals, as well as an important vehicle to promote the beautiful region with its Etruscan roots, Roman history, medieval hill towns and unspoiled lakes and forests. Tuscia in Jazz has extended its branches significantly: with a record label to release recordings of its unique live performances, by adding workshops with world-renown pianist Kenny Barron and rising-star drummer Francisco Mela, and incorporating the annual Jimmy Woode Award for bass playing.

The festival has been strongly supported by the local administration of Soriano and it now returns to the squares of the centro storico and thanks to their continued support, all the concerts are free.

The Tuscia in Jazz Masterclass workshops provide an opportunity for young musicians to learn from the masters. This year’s teachers-in-residence include: Dave Liebman, Flavio Boltro, Antonio Sanchez, Shawnn Monteiro, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Eddie Gomez, Tony Monaco, Dado Moroni, Giorgio Rosciglione, Gege Munari, and Karl Potter.

Aside from the townspeople, who volunteer their time and energy, a number of sponsors have lent their financial support to keep every performance at Tuscia in Jazz free. Festival sponsors include Ministero dei Bene Culturali Regione Lazio, Fondazione Carivit, Provincia di Viterbo, and Camera di Commercio e Comunità Montana dei Cimini, and international sponsors MSC Crociere, Warsteiner Beer, and finance organizations like Carivit.

For more information, go to http://www.tusciainjazz.it.

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31st Annual Detroit International Jazz Festival adds more artists to its lineup

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 4, 2010

Photo: Take 6.

Festival organizers for the 31st Detroit International Jazz Festival recently announced artist additions to the 2010 lineup on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, through Monday, Sept.6, 2010, in downtown Detroit. The newly added artists further underscore an already existing diversity of musical genres, including funk, gospel and R&B.
Yellowjackets, Salim Washington and the Harlem Arts Ensemble, Jason D. Williams, and gospel sensation James Fortune and FIYA will join the previously announced roster featuring Mulgrew Miller, Take 6, Branford Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Manhattan Transfer, Roy Haynes and Allen Toussaint.
“Soul” is the theme of the opening night, Friday Sept. 3. Performances by Take 6 and the Mulgrew Miller Trio will be followed by the urban soul music of Tower of Power. For over 40 years, this group has thrilled audiences all over the world with their unique brand of music.
The Yellowjackets have been cutting-edge purveyors of innovative, eclectic jazz for nearly 30 years. With every recording since their 1981 debut album, the Yellowjackets have pushed the boundaries of improvisational jazz and have been leaders in the music’s inescapable evolution. Hailed as the “most adventurous quartet in contemporary jazz music” by All Music Guide, this multi-Grammy Award-winning group features Russell Ferrante, Will Kennedy, Jimmy Haslip and Bob Mintzer.
Jason D. Williams has the same musical innovation and on-the-edge attitude as Jerry Lee Lewis. The fiery Memphis-born pianist covers boogie-woogie rock & roll, classical, country and jazz, in what has been described as an “enthusiastic, reckless and stormy” way.
ASCAP Award winner and Stellar Award nominee James Fortune and FIYA will headline the festival’s “Come MONday” gospel celebration on Sept. 6. The Houston artist made music history with “I Trust You” – the longest running #1 single in gospel music. The group’s rapid success in the gospel music industry has garnered international acclaim and opened the door to their sharing the stage opening for distinguished artists Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, Kim Burrell, Fred Hammond, Smokie Norful and Donald Lawrence. Fortune was a featured guest judge for the 2009 Verizon Wireless How Sweet the Sound Competition.
The “Come MONday” gospel celebration will also feature Detroit’s own Second Ebenezer and Triumph Church choirs.
For the full 2010 artist roster, visit detroitjazzfest.com. The lineup of Detroit-based jazz musicians playing at the festival will be announced in mid-June.

arts Earnest Pugh gospel music

Earnest Pugh returns to radio airwaves with “Why Should I Be Bound?”

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 1, 2010

For almost a year, Earnest Pugh‘s “Rain on Us” has been one of the most popular songs on gospel radio station playlists and in Sunday morning church services. Aside from reaching #1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart, the track has established the veteran singer and stage actor as one of the most in-demand voices in Christian music today. Now, Abundant Harvest Entertainment is supplying the growing public demand for more Earnest Pugh music with the new radio single, “Why Should I Not Be Bound?”
There’s already an incredible buzz about Pugh’s mesmerizing and dramatic live performance of the song that was written by Detroit- based songwriter Rudolph Stanfield who composed gospel classics such as Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s “I’m Going Through,” Colorado Mass Choir’s “Stir Up The Gift,” and Rev. James Moore’s “Bread of Heaven.” It was originally released as “Perfect Peace” by Keith Pringle in 1984 and became a #1 gospel smash. Marvin Sapp and James Grear both covered it; but Pugh has made the song totally his own with awe-inspiring high notes, testifying, and the New Jersey-based Abundant Harvest Choir’s warm and luscious call and responses.
“First of all, I feel honored to have been asked by Bishop Evans and the producers – Gary E. Diggs and Lonnie Hunter to grace the lead microphone on the remake of `Why Should I Be Bound (Perfect Peace)?’ ” Pugh said in a news release. “This is sure to resonate in the hearts of people because it speaks to the current reality of many who allow fear, doubt, and unbelief to rob them of their joy and peace. Thankfully, the opening line of this song gives an assuring message of hope by where it says, `God will keep you in perfect peace if you keep your mind stayed on Him.’ We need this assurance amidst this terrible economic downturn.”
The soon-to-be hit is the third single from the CD, “Bishop David G. Evans Presents Automatic Praise!” The last single was the rousing foot stomper “This Joy” that was written and led by Tracy Shy with the Abundant Harvest Choir. The song spent twenty weeks on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart and peaked at #20 before moving to the Top 10 on the Billboard Recurrent chart.

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Kirk Whalum to appear on TV One’s “Washington Watch with Roland Martin” on Sunday

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date May 26, 2010

According to a news release, multi-Grammy nominated saxophonist Kirk Whalum will appear as a guest onTV One’s ‘Washington Watch with Roland Martin” on Sunday, May 30.

Citing Kirk Whalum as one of his favorite musicians, Martin invited Whalum on the show to discuss current events and issues relating to the African American community. Also, as both are avid technology enthusiasts, the conversation is sure to touch on Whalum’s interactive marketing strategies and his active Facebook following of more than 37,000 fans, as well as his latest, chart-topping CD “The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter III.”

From health care to the economy, Roland Martin covers issues that matter most in his new “Sunday Brunch” style show, “Washington Watch with Roland Martin.” The show airs every Sunday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST on TV One. Check local listings for information on TV One.

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Owasso Community Theater Co. sets auditions for “Robin Hood” in May 2010

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date May 1, 2010

Owasso Community Theater Company will be having open auditions for children/teens ages 6-18 for “Robin Hood”. Auditions are scheduled at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 15, 2010 and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at the Owasso Public Library. Performances are scheduled Sept 9-11, 2010. The cast will include 14 or more children/ teens (male and female).
For more information, e-mail kay.neldon@octok.org or call (918) 237-1656.

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It’s all about “Little Women” at Tulsa Spotlight Theatre

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date April 24, 2010

The Tulsa Spotlight Theatre, 1381 Riverside Drive in Tulsa, OK, presents “Little Women” April 23-25 and April 29-May 2. Thursday and Friday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday performances are at 2:00 p.m.
The audience will view this timeless and enduring classic about the March sisters’ journey from childhood to maturity during the American Civil War. Audiences of all generations will enjoy acquainting — or reacquainting — themselves with the sisters: Meg, the eldest; Jo, the high-spirited tomboy; Amy, the self-centered beauty; and gentle Beth, as well as their beloved Marmee and Father. Together the March family learns to endure both good times and bad as they share the joys and pains of growing up. Interlaced with warmth, family loyalty and traditional values, all these important events provide the audience with a better understanding of their lives.
Admission is $8-$10. For reservations, call the Spotlight Theatre box office at (918) 587-5030.

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The Zuits return on Friday, April 23, 2010, to the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date April 21, 2010

Tulsa’s jazz, Latin and Blues ensemble The Zuits will return at 7 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2010, to the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame‘s Depot, 111 E. First Street (Upper Level) in Tulsa, OK. Dance lessons start at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.
For more information, call (918) 281-8600. Participants may also buy tickets at the door, which will open at 6:30 p.m.
The extra large dance floor will be rolled out, so participants need to wear dancing shoes and come enjoy the ensemble!

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BareBones International Film and Music Festival continues through April 25, 2010, in Muskogee, OK

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date April 21, 2010

The 11th annual BareBones International Independent Film and Music Festival, is setting an historical milestone as it continues through to April 25, 2010, in Muskogee OK. The 11-day festival has welcomed its 1,000 independent film producer to Oklahoma.

According to a news release, no other Oklahoma film festival comes close to that record.

The grassroots cultural festival, inaugurated in 1999, has seen steady growth in attendance and quality of films despite its aversion to court major studios and celebrities.

“We have nothing against Hollywood stars or movies, we have just chosen to focus our attention on the next generation of stars and star makers, and on helping to grow independent film makers in the state as we help to grow the industry here,” said ShIronbutterfly Ray, executive director and founder of the film festival in a news release.

While the festival is well-attended by working actors, directors, cinematographers and screenwriters from both coasts, it typically hosts film makers from all over the world who are making their first foray into moviemaking. “Some of the film makers have been in the industry for years as actors, or screenwriters, or stunt people, or cinematographers who decided they wanted to take their engagement in the industry to the next level and then others are novices or students who had an idea for a movie and decided they would make it, pretty much by any means necessary,” said Oscar Ray, festival marketing director and independent film producer.

The festival will exhibit more than 170 films from 35 cities and 13 foreign countries, conduct workshops on acting, screenwriting and independent motion picture production while welcoming to Oklahoma and Muskogee more than 200 actors, screenwriters, directors and producers. The event is open to the public, and advanced tickets can be purchased online. For more information, go to www.barebonesfilmfestivals.org.

Even without courting celebrities, many have attended the festival and have shared in impromptu settings their wisdom and knowledge about the industry and moviemaking. Oklahoman Ryan Merriman (“Final Destination II,” “Lonesome Dove, “Comanche Moon”), Tonya York of York International, along with television producers, soap stars and successful screenwriters have given a nod to this one-of-a-kind film showcasing event. The festival has been twice named by Movie Maker magazine as one of the “top 20 film festivals in the U.S. to attend.”

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Cushing Community Theatre continues “The Turn of the Worm” production

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date April 15, 2010

Cushing Community Theatre, 105 E. Broadway, Cushing, OK, presents “the Turn of the Worm” with dinner performances at 6:30 p.m. April 16-17, 2010 and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 18, 2010, matinee (no dinner is included at this performance).
The production is written by George Tubbles and directed by Sandra Williams. Cast members of “The Turn of the Worm” are Lucy Robinson, Ethelee Seeberger, John Alcorn, Zach Amon and Krystal Hutchko.
“The Turn of the Worm” is the story of elderly Italian sisters share an apartment and speak to each other only on Easter, Christmas and shopping days. This play turns into an experiment in love and understanding. It bristles with humor as lessons are learned by all. It’s tempered with thought-provoking content. It’s poignant, funny and suitable for all ages.
Tickets for the dinner performances are $25 per person (or $192 for a table of 8) and $12 at the door or $10 in advance for the Sunday matinee performance. Sponsors are the Oklahoma Arts Council and Escott’s Foods. For more information, go to www.cushingcommunitytheatre.com or call (918) 225-4141.

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Child advocate Geoffrey Canada to speak on April 28 in Oklahoma City

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date April 15, 2010

Anita G. Arnold, executive director of Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC), Inc., has announced that Geoffrey Canada, nationally known child advocate who founded Harlem Children’s Zone will speak from 1 to 3 p.m. April 28 at the Petroleum Club, 4040 N. Lincoln Blvd. 2nd floor, in Oklahoma City. Tickets are $40. No tickets will be sold at the door, and seating is limited.

Canada is known for helping impoverished, at-risk youth beat the odds. Canada’s programs are on the cutting edge of preventing youth violence and fostering community development. He transformed a 24-block area in Harlem, NY, and developed a network of services that has helped more than 10,000 children.

The 2010 Brock Prize Laureate was presented a $40,000 award for excellence in education by Oklahoma University President David Boren and Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis at Tulsa University. Canada is also a recipient of the Heinz Award which carries a $250,000 prize. Canada has appeared on numerous television shows including “60 Minutes” and “The Colbert Report.” He is also seen in an American Express television commercial that speaks of his ground-breaking work.

Arnold said in a news release, “Oklahoma City is fortunate to have Mr. Canada come to share his experiences. Anyone who is serious about changing the lives of children and profoundly changing communities should be there. There is no one in America more qualified to address the issues of America’s children. Mr. Canada knows what he is talking about. He has lived it, written about it, inspired children and showed them how to succeed using his resources for their good. We need to listen.”

BLAC, Inc., Enid Public Schools, Mid-Del Schools and Oklahoma City Public Schools will host the event. For more information, call BLAC, Inc. at (405) 524-3800.