Category: United States

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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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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Israeli Guitarist Yotam to release “Resonance” on May 4

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date April 19, 2010

Israeli guitarist-composer Yotam (full name Yotam Silberstein) swings hard with an all-star cast for his debut compact disc, “Resonance” (to be released on  Jazz Legacy Productions).
The New York-based guitarist is joined by the stellar rhythm section of Christian McBride on bass, Aaron Goldberg on piano and Greg Hutchinson on drums. Special guest trumpeter Roy Hargrove also appears on faithful recreations of Clifford Brown’s “Daahoud” and Joe Henderson’s “Mamacita.”
“Aaron, Christian, Greg and Roy, in my opinion, are a few of the giants of their generation,” Yotam says in a news release. “I was very honored to have them on the record. We have have forged a special chemistry together. And I think you can hear that on the album.”
Yotam is known for his unusual musical blend of bebop, Brazilian music, American blues, Jamaican reggae and Israeli folk songs. According to his bio, he was born and raised in Tel-Aviv, Israel, and started playing guitar at the age of 10, focusing mostly on rock and blues.
In August 2005, Yotam  received a scholarship to further his jazz studies at the New School in New York City. Less than a month later, he was selected as one of 10 top guitar players to participate in the semi-finals of the distinguished 2005 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Guitar Competition. In 2009, in addition to releasing his second release, he toured with the Sam Yahel Trio, opening for Steely Dan in major concert halls.
Since then, he has played in many of the city’s great venues with great jazz artists like James Moody, Benny Golson, Curtis Fuller, Louis Hayes, Jimmy Heath, Frank Wess, Junior Mance, James Spaulding, Pat Martino, Antonio Hart, Slide Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars to name a few.

Dorival Caymmi Kenia music releases United States world jazz

Brazilian vocalist Kenia releases “Kenia Celebrates Dorival Caymmi” on April 27

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date April 16, 2010

Brazilian vocalist Kenia, who reemerged on the jazz scene two years ago with the critically-acclaimed album “Simply Kenia,” will release on April 27 her latest project “Kenia Celebrates Dorival Caymmi” (Mooka Records).
Known for her ability to translate the complex rhythms of her homeland into jazzy creations that made her a star of the smooth jazz movement two decades ago, Kenia digs into Brazil’s cultural legacy on the 15-track session. She tackles the musical legacy of Brazilian composer and singer Dorival Caymmi who spent more than seven decades creating an aural portrait of Bahia, the stronghold of Brazil’s vibrant African culture. The author of such fabled standards as “Samba da Minha Terra,” “Doralice” and “Voce Ja Foi a Bahia,” Caymmi has long been recognized as a singular figure in Brazilian popular culture.
“Dorival’s music lies just between the two major movements in MPB (Música Popular Brasileira, or Brazilian Popular Music),” Kenia said in a news release, “the Samba of the 1920s and 30s and the Bossa Nova of the late 1950s and ’60s. Caymmi’s music served as a kind of a smooth transition between these two styles. And, although he had two very distinct lines of composition, the link between these two movements is characterized by his firm foundation of Samba, sprinkled with some Bahian spices.”
Brazilian musicians such as pianist Fernando Merlino, bassist Leo Traversa, percussionist Airto Moreira, guitarists Eric Susoeff and Marty Ashby, the singer’s son Lucas, who contributes his growing skills as a percussionist, and trombonist Jay Ashby, and sound engineer Jay Dudt collaborated with Kenia on this project.
Kenia is best known in the United States when she recorded with trumpeter Claudio Roditi on his album “Red on Red.” Several years later, she launched her solo recording career, producing four popular and critically-acclaimed albums for the MCA and Denon labels between 1987 and 1991. She also established herself as one of the most popular and successful U.S. based Brazilian musicians since the heyday of Sergio Mendes and Brazil ’66. In 1997, Kenia launched her own label, Mooka Records.

arts Cushing Cushing Community Theatre Oklahoma performances United States

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.

concert gospel Israel Houghton performances United States

Gospel artist Israel Houghton to kick off tour on April 23 in Richmond, VA

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date April 14, 2010

According to a news release, Grammy winner worship leader, songwriter and recording artist Israel Houghton will kick off his “Power of One” concert tour at 8 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2010, at The Richmond Outreach Center (ROC), 5501 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA. Houghton’s latest CD “Power of One” won him his third consecutive Grammy in January during the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. He won the award for “Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album” for the project and was honored with a “Best Gospel Song” nomination for “Every Prayer” from “Power of One.” Previously, Houghton and the New Breed won a 2008 Grammy for the CD “A Deeper Level” and in 2007 for “Alive in South Africa.” This year’s Grammy win marks Houghton’s first one as a solo artist.
In addition to his career as a recording artist, Israel Houghton is a worship leader at Houston’s Lakewood Church and a spokesman for international relief agency World Vision. He is also the recipient of six Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Award.
The program will also feature an appearance by comedian Mike Washington of BET’s “Comic View” TV program. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at The Roc’s bookstore (804) 675-4101 or online at ticketweb.com.
The Richmond Outreach Center is lead by Pastor Geronimo Aguilar and his wife Samantha. It is the tenth fastest growing ministry in the nation according to Outreach Magazine Report.The Power of One Tour is sponsored by Bailey Productions in conjunction with Allen Management Group.

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Like poetry? Then go to Shades of Brown Coffee and Art for some verses tonight

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date April 9, 2010

Got any plans for (tonight) April 9th? Come to Shades of Brown Coffee and Art, located at the corner of 33rd Street and Peoria Avenue in Tulsa, OK, at 8 p.m. to see Ithica‘s band member Damion Shade and Mercy Gallagher Teague throw down against the forces of spending a Friday night … not listening to awesome poetry. Side note: It is a music/arts performance. 😀 For more information, call (918) 747-3000.

jazz Jimmy Amadie music releases United States

Pianist Jimmy Amadie to release project “Kindred Spirits” on May 11

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date April 8, 2010

According to a news release, veteran pianist Jimmy Amadie adds another chapter to his remarkable life story with the May 11 release “Kindred Spirits,” which features an all-star lineup on a tailor-made selection of blazing swing and tender ballads. Each track features a collaboration with one of three saxophone giants: Lee Konitz, Joe Lovano, and Lew Tabackin. As always, Amadie calls on his crack rhythm team of drummer Bill Goodwin and bassists Steve Gilmore and Tony Marino, who adapt to each guest star with stunning dexterity.“Kindred Spirits” finds common ground linking individualistic musicians. As Amadie’s seventh CD, it follows in the footsteps of his last effort, “The Philadelphia Story,” which teamed the leader with Benny Golson, Randy Brecker, and Tabackin.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to record with some of the greatest players who’ve ever lived,” Amadie says. “It’s such an unbelievable experience because you get a chance to learn from them.”
For fans who follow Amadie, the journey has been a long one for him. Amadie has not only struggled with the extreme tendonitis in his hands which waylaid his musical life for decades, but he was diagnosed with lung cancer after the recording of “The Philadelphia Story.” He entered a year-long treatment of chemotherapy and radiation, but it has not stalled his love for music.
“There isn’t anything negative about the playing I did,” Amadie insists in a news release. “I did not play under bad circumstances.”

Bethany Baptist Church concert gospel releases United States

Abundant Harvest Entertainment showcases talent in concert at Bethany Baptist Church

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date April 6, 2010

According to a news release, Abundant Harvest Entertainment will showcase some of gospel music’s dynamic future superstars in concert on Friday, April 16, 2010, at the Bethany Baptist Church’s Harvest Hall in Lindenwold, NJ.
The company has signed Cherry Hill, New Jersey’s homegrown rapper, Christawn; Long Island, New York, vocalist Karen Orlando; and Delaware-based female group known as His Own.
The purpose of the concert is to introduce the tri-state area of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware to these exciting new artists who will release new CDs sometime this year.
Hip-Hop minstrel Christawn’s debut CD “Life Story” will debut May 18, 2010. The guitar-
driven radio single “Save Me” features Micah Stampley’s dramatic wail and retells the real-life story of the day that Christawn escaped getting arrested for drug possession. $10 pre-orders of his CD will be sold at the concert.
Although, she was diagnosed with brain damage at birth and was tone deaf until age 14, Karen Orlando has defied the odds. Through her faith, she triumphed over the diagnosis and was rewarded with a beautiful singing voice. She’s recorded several praise-and-worship CDs,
is a conference speaker and hosts a local Christian TV show “Straight Talk.” Her next project is expected to drop in late summer 2010.
The seven-member female vocal group, His Own, met at Delaware State University and is working on their debut CD. The group will perform songs from their forthcoming projects at the concert, as well.
Abundant Harvest Entertainment (AHE) is a recording label founded by Bishop David G. Evans, pastor of the 27,000-member Bethany Baptist Church in Lindenwold, NJ. Evans co-founded Sweet Rain Records, the company that made Grammy winner Hezekiah Walker a star. AHE is
distributed by the Universal Music Christian Group. The label is enjoying success with the Top 20 Billboard smash “This Joy” from the Automatic Praise CD and the CD “Pure Love” that features several radio hits.