Insights - Winter 2023

INSIGHTS

FROM THE LONE TREE ARTS CENTER

ANNOUNCING: 2023 TUNES ON THE TERRACE

The Tunes on the Terrace series has been delighting audiences with a variety of local and touring musical acts since its inception in June of 2012. With a vision to provide a unique, intimate, outdoor venue located right in Lone Tree, the tradition continues in 2023 with an incredible roster of artists.

“I really wanted to elevate this series in 2023,” says Lone Tree Arts Center Executive Director Leigh Chandler. “We are incredibly lucky that amazing artists want to come to Lone Tree and perform, and this series offers our patrons the opportunity to see nationally renowned groups alongside local favorites.”

In 2023, three performances will be presented in the outdoor venue with a special performance by international favorite Pink Martini performing in the Main Stage Theater. The 2023 series is presented by RidgeGate and sponsored by Charles Schwab.

Six One Five Collective

Friday, June 23 at 8pm

The Hot Lunch Band

Friday, July 7 at 8pm

Pink Martini

Featuring China Forbes

Friday, July 21 at 8pm

FACE Vocal Band

Friday, August 4 at 8pm

Photo: Chris Hornbecker

Jacqueline Millet Mayor

Wynne Shaw Mayor Pro Tem

Mike Anderson Council Member

Cathie Frazzini Council Member

Marissa Harmon Council Member

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends,

Lone Tree is a special place. The sense of community in a city this size is unmatched, and having a place like the Arts Center serve as a hub of community activity — in Lone Tree, but also in the south Metro area — is a privilege for all of us who work here. As Executive Director, one of my goals is to enhance this sense of community by finding ways for our visiting artists to spend time with the people who live here. Last month, company members from Gibney Dance worked with area domestic violence agencies to help their staff and survivors use movement, physical awareness, and creativity to help heal trauma. Earlier this month, Chicago Tap Theatre’s artistic director led a workshop for advanced tap students on our stage. And next month, San Jose Taiko will present a movement and drumming class for people with Parkinson’s disease, since movement and beat-based music have proven to slow the progression of the disease. You can read more about that on page 4.

MANAGEMENT

Seth Hoffman City Manager

Kristin Baumgartner Deputy City Manager

Austin Good Assistant City Manager

You have received INSIGHTS as a patron or supporter of Lone Tree Arts Center. Please contact robin.scurto@cityoflonetree.com 720-509-1009, with questions or comments.

Articles may be reprinted with permission.

For reprint requests, please contact robin.scurto@cityoflonetree.com

Designed by Mary Louise Lee Marketing Specialist

We’re proud to present remarkable programming to the Denver Metro area, and we’re excited to share the work that our visiting artists bring to improve the lives of people in our community. We can’t do this without you. We owe a huge thank you to everyone in our donor community to help make this work happen. And while we’re talking about community, we’re thrilled to introduce you to our development staff, including our newest member, Marcus Turner, who joined us in January as our Associate Executive Director for External Relations. Read more about him, our Individual Giving Director Robin Scurto, and our Director of Grants and Corporate Development Dana Ciccotello. Their doors — and mine — are always open for feedback, ideas, or a friendly hello!

See

Leigh Chandler Executive Director

Leigh Chandler Executive Director

Heidi Conley Business Manager

Jen Kiser Technical Director

Marcus Turner Associate Executive Director for External Relations

Elaine Caras Rental Events Manager

Dana Ciccotello Director of Grants and Corporate Development

Allissa Dailey City Events Manager

Bailey Dunning Events and Rentals Coordinator

Justin Given Audio Visual Manager

Patrick Hinchliffe Lighting Specialist

Katie Konishi Marketing Manager

Mary Louise Lee Marketing Specialist

Makenzie Pedersen Administrative and Artistic Assistant

Don Post Assistant Technical Director

Robin Scurto Director of Individual Giving

Ashley Vander Weg Box Office Manager / Education Coordinator

LONE TREE CITY COUNCIL

LONE TREE CITY

LONE TREE ARTS CENTER ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

INTRODUCING: YOUR PHILANTHROPY TEAM

It’s been a busy year at the Lone Tree Arts Center! With several new faces (and a brand-new position!) on the fundraising staff, we wanted to take a moment to share who we are, what we do, and how we can work together to share the magic of the arts.

Marcus Turner (Associate Executive Director for External Relations) joined the LTAC fundraising team in January of 2023, in a newly created position. Marcus is thrilled to work closely with the development team to connect patrons with our remarkable organization and create support for expanding programming. Prior to coming to Lone Tree, Marcus worked for the Arvada Center, SCFD, Northwestern University, and the University of Denver in fundraising, marketing, and grantmaking. Fun facts: When he’s not working, Marcus keeps busy as a bassoonist and plays in large ensembles and chamber groups around the Denver metro area. He also loves travelling the world but at 6 foot 6, only when he can get a seat in the exit row of the plane!

marcus.turner@cityoflonetree.com/720-509-1145

Robin Scurto (Director of Individual Giving) has served in several capacities at LTAC since 2014. As part of the fundraising team, Robin has stewarded individual donors and their generous gifts exceeding $1MM. In addition, she cocreated the curriculum for young adults with special needs to develop their skills as volunteer ushers at LTAC. Robin also launched LTAC’s community impact program for those with memory loss and their caregivers. Robin is inspired by our donors, loves hearing their stories and reasons for giving, and is ready to ensure your support helps us make programming happen – for everyone! Fun facts: Robin is a former clarinetist and music teacher. She also serves as an active community volunteer. She is the current Past Governor of the Rocky Mountain District of Kiwanis International, a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children by fighting hunger, improving literacy, and offering mentorship and guidance.

robin.scurto@cityoflonetree.com/720-509-1009.

Dana Ciccotello (Director of Grants and Corporate Development) came onboard at LTAC in March of 2022. Dana identifies grant funding prospects and opportunities for corporate sponsor relationships. She is happy to provide information about how partnership with LTAC can help your company reach new audiences, and achieve its community outreach goals. Before coming to LTAC, Dana worked as a fundraising consultant. Prior to moving to Denver in 2020, Dana worked in performing arts administration and production in Boston, at organizations including Boston Lyric Opera, the Harvard Art Museums, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Fun facts: A former ballet dancer and teacher, Dana loves the outdoors, and spends many weekends in the wilderness, camping, hiking, and rock climbing! She has one cat named Henry Pickle. dana.ciccotello@cityoflonetree.com/720-509-1008.

As a team, we’re passionate about the ways that art can touch lives, and about sharing transformative experiences with the broadest possible community. We couldn’t do this without you! There are many ways to give to LTAC. We can’t wait to meet you and help you discover how joining LTAC’s family of supporters might be right for you.

BEAT: TAIKO FOR PARKINSON’S WITH SAN JOSE TAIKO

San Jose Taiko was founded in 1973, by young Asian Americans seeking an outlet to convey their experiences as third generation Japanese Americans. Looking to Japan for inspiration, they were drawn to the empowering sounds of the taiko the Japanese drum an instrument that embodies the heartbeat of Japan. Since then, San Jose Taiko has become a world-class ensemble, performing extensively both nationally and internationally, and reaching more than 75,000 audience members each year!

This March, San Jose Taiko will grace the stage at the Lone Tree Arts Center. In conjunction with their performance, they will offer their new outreach program, Taiko for Parkinson’s, which uses taiko to promote wellness for people living with the disease. In the safe and welcoming environment of this workshop, San Jose Taiko will provide a gentle introduction to taiko drumming and help promote physical activity, cognitive engagement, and social connection, all of which have been proven to slow the progression of the disease and decrease the severity of symptoms.

The workshop will be presented in partnership with the Parkinson Association of the Rockies. “PAR is excited to join forces with the Lone Tree Arts Center to provide an opportunity for people with Parkinson’s to share a fun experience with San Jose Taiko,” said Jodi Brown, PAR’s executive director. “This event will provide a look at what Taiko can do to help reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s, while all enjoy an exciting day of learning!”

Taiko for Parkinson’s was designed by Artistic Staff members of San Jose Taiko and Occupational Therapist Sydney Shiroyama. The workshop will cover taiko history and etiquette, San Jose Taiko’s philosophy, and basic playing techniques, which emphasize large amplitude movements, full extensions, trunk rotation, and using a loud voice. Class will take place on LTAC’s Main Stage.

Care partners and family members are welcome to sign up and participate as well. No experience is necessary, and appropriate accommodations will be provided for those who need them.

Friday, March 24, 2023 at 10am

Click here to register for this free workshop. www.lonetreeartscenter.org/taikoworkshop

THREE CHEERS FOR OUR USHERS!

Since the Lone Tree Arts Center opened in 2011, one of the many groups that has been integral to our success is our volunteer corps of ushers. Our ushers have been smiling faces since day one, in their signature green scarves and white shirts, welcoming patrons through the doors of LTAC. (And quite a few of our 113 active ushers have literally been with us since day one!) They are an incredibly loyal, hard-working, and welcoming group of people, and we are so lucky that they choose to spend some of their time with us!

Before they don their green scarves, our volunteers go through an initial training and shadowing period, in addition to annual trainings. Safety is a huge focus of the trainings, and each year ushers participate in a practice evacuation of the theater, as well as general safety discussions and reminders. Another focus of our usher trainings is our commitment to exceptional hospitality. We always want our patrons to feel welcome and excited to return to our venue, and we know that our staff and volunteers are a critical part of that experience.

Some of our ushers go on to become even more involved at LTAC – “graduating” to staff positions as house managers.

In fact, our current team of house managers is composed entirely of former ushers! They’re the perfect people to lead our

ushers, since they know the role inside and out. Our four house managers help with all of our events, and are always ready to make patrons’ visits to LTAC the best they can be.

Our ushers and house managers serve LTAC and the City of Lone Tree beyond just performances, too. Our house managers often represent us at various community events, like the Lone Tree Police Department Open House or the Castle Rock Senior Expo. Our ushers can often be found at our City events during the summer and fall, helping out wherever they’re needed.

If you or someone that you know is interested in becoming an usher, scan this QR code to fill out an interest form. We have trainings three or four times a year, open to anyone sixteen and older who is interested in ushering!

Ushers at a recent training with LTAC staff

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL AT A NIGHT IN NEW ORLEANS

This March, celebrate the magic of Mardi Gras in Lone Tree!

Enjoy an exclusive party followed by a concert by the Grammy Award-winning Preservation Hall Jazz Band. All proceeds from the party will benefit Lone Tree Arts Center programming.

At the party, enjoy original “set” pieces and décor (including a life-sized float!), created by our talented theatrical tech team. Local restaurants will provide a bounty of New Orleans-themed hors d’oeuvres and desserts, with something to suit every taste. From gumbo to po’ boys, beignets to king cakes, immerse yourself in the flavors of Bourbon Street! Sip on wine, beer, or a cocktail, or savor a cappuccino from Monk & Mongoose’s deluxe beverage cart. Wear your most festive attire, and get ready to tap your feet to live tunes by the Royal Street Ramblers.

After the party, take in a Main Stage concert by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Founded in the early 1960s, the band derives its name from Preservation Hall in the French Quarter. A National Medal of Arts winner and longtime worldwide phenomenon, this band is not to be missed!

A Night in New Orleans is a party with a cause. All proceeds will benefit LTAC’s programs, including signature Community Impact initiatives like Student Matinees, Sensory Friendly performances, and SPARK!, an interactive and engaging cultural experience for people experiencing memory loss and their caregivers.

Admission is $200 and includes access to the party and prime seating at the concert.

Tickets are still available, but going quickly. It’s not too late; join us for a sparkling evening in The Big Easy!

Thank you to our generous partners and sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Park Meadows

Platinum Sponsors: Charles Schwab, Merrick, RidgeGate, Shea Homes

Gold Sponsors: Plante Moran, Sky Ridge Medical Center, Thrive Home Builders

Silver Sponsors:

Beyond Campus Innovations, BMO Commercial Bank, Brad Calbert and Debbrah Courtney, Chetter and Toni Latcham, Colorado State University System, Dave and Marianne Huelskamp, The Delectable Egg, The Huelskamp Family, Infinity Properties, Kent and Heather Clark, Lokal Homes, Marc and Gail Wallace, Patrick R. Davidson & Associates, LLC, Timberline Kitchen & Bath

Restaurant Partners:

Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood, Fish & Company, GQue BBQ, Hook & Reel, Lucile’s Creole Café, Monk & Mongoose, Republic National Distributing Company

Saturday, March 11, 2023 6pm party, 8pm concert

To purchase tickets for both A Night in New Orleans and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, click here

If you already have tickets to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band concert and would like to add tickets to the party, please call the Box Office at 720.509.1000.

To join our family of sponsors for A Night in New Orleans, please contact Dana Ciccotello at Dana.Ciccotello@CityofLoneTree.com

Concept art for a Night in New Orleans by Mallory Hart

Lone Tree Arts Center staff member Mallory Hart shows off a custom Mardi Gras mask for the float, hand-carved from foam

PERFORMANCE SPOTLIGHT: NAGHASH ENSEMBLE

“East meets West and antiquity meets modernity in this collection of ruminations, lamentations and incantations. Highly intriguing yet accessible.” — NPR

Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 8pm

Tickets from $35-$45

BUY TICKETS

After years of touring Europe, Armenia’s critically acclaimed Naghash Ensemble will be touring North America for the first time this March, with stops in 11 U.S. and Canadian cities and performances at prominent venues including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Don’t miss the opportunity to see them in Lone Tree!

The Naghash Ensemble combines medieval Armenian folk music with contemporary post-minimalism and rock-style energy in their show Songs of Exile, a profound meditation on spirituality and the loss of homeland. Timeless beauty, created by three female vocalists and traditional Armenian instruments, meets the urgently timely subject matter of belonging and exile.

The Naghash Ensemble includes Hasmik Baghdasaryan (soprano), Tatevik Movsesyan (soprano), Arpine Ter-Petrosyan (alto), Harutyun Chkolyan (duduk), Aramayis Nikoghosyan (oud), Tigran Hovhannisyan (dhol), and John Hodian (piano/composer).

Naghash Ensemble

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Photo credits: San Jose Taiko: Higashi Design Nat Geo: NASA JPL-Caltech Take 6: John Abbott Tiempo Libre: Lawrence White