Seven Days of Opening Nights January/February 2014 Program

January 2014 february 2014

Volume II Issue II

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2013-2014 Sponsors SEVEN DAYS OF OPENING NIGHTS gratefully acknowledges its sponsors, whose generosity helps make this series possible. Community support has been a cornerstone of Opening Nights from its inception, and these area businesses have taken a personal stake in the series’ success (Sponsors listed as of 1/2/14).

Thank you!

P L A T I NU M S P ONS OR S

platinum sponsors

FSU License Plate

Gol d sponsors ken kato and nan nagy

MICHAEL SHERIDAN and Judy Wilson Sheridan

Silver sponsors Dr. Charles and Amy Newell and Dr. Emily Ashmore

b ronz e sponsors ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN PLANNING

GILCHRIST ROSS CROWE

cynthia tie and john taylor

ARCHITECTS

LAMPLHERBERT LAMPLHERBERT Strategies and Solutions for Natural Resources

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Vezina, Lawrence & Piscitelli, P.A. Construction & Public Contracts Attorneys

grant sponsors

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contents

january-february 2014

65 25

37 DEPARTMENTS

3 7 8 71

Sponsors Director’s Welcome Members Education

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EVENTS

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Itzhak Perlman January 29

27 THE SPRING QUARTET February 8

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tHE GRADUATE February 4

29 eighth blackbird February 9

23 PRISM February 6

33 kathy mattea February 9-10

25 THE IRISH ROVERS February 7

37 urban bush women February 11-12

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43 11 33

45 EVENTS cont.

43 poncho sanchez February 12

57 geoffrey gilmore February 15

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit

45 nicola benedetti February 13

59 new york voices February 16

SevenDaysFestival.org

49 jonny lang February 14

65 lewis black February 16

53 spamalot February 14-March 2

69 matt bondurant & jane springer February 18

/SevenDaysOfOpeningNights /OpeningNights

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director’s welcome

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY Dr. Eric J. Barron, President Office of University Relations Liz Maryanski, Vice President for University Relations Seven Days of opening nights Christopher J. Heacox, Executive Director Carla DeLoach, Development Officer Ashley Kerns, Program Coordinator Pat Campbell, Event Planner Lindsay Fyffe, Education & Outreach Assistant Abby Langsted, Community Engagement Assistant Victoria Shamas, Programming Assistant Seven Days of Opening Nights Advisory Board Mike Pate, Chair Wendy Abberger Ruth Akers, Ph.D. Carmen Butler Jodi Chase Gus Corbella Liz Maryanski Johanna Money Michael Obrecht John Schultz Marjorie Turnbull Ed West Rep. Alan Williams Florida State University Office of the President College of Arts and Sciences College of Motion Picture Arts College of Music College of Visual Arts, Theatre and Dance Fine Arts Ticket Office Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography University Communications University Relations Creative Services

Welcome to the Seven Days of Opening Nights Performing Arts Series at Florida State University– the 16 th anniversary of the Seven Days of Opening Nights Festival and the 92 nd year of professional performing arts presenting at Florida State University.

The 2013-2014 season kicked off in September with student master classes, lectures, classroom teaching, and performances by alumnus and 2013 Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction Adam Johnson, choreographer and 2013 Doris Duke Performing Artist awardwinner Tere O’Connor and his dance company, and country music superstar Clint Black and his acoustic band.

We continue our iconic series in January with a performance of the Beethoven Violin Concerto by the “reigning virtuoso of the violin” Itzhak Perlman who is returning to Tallahassee for his first performance in over thirty years. We are delighted to have Mr. Perlman and the Florida State University Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Jimenéz launch the spring schedule.

Seven Days of Opening Nights enthusiastically presents audience favorites while introducing new and exciting artists to our community. This season is no exception with the return of The Irish Rovers on their “Farewell to Roving Tour,” film guru Geoffrey Gilmore, and Florida State University Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Dance Jawole Willa Jo Zollar’s dance company Urban Bush Women. Artists making their Tallahassee debut include two-time Classic BRIT Female Artist of the Year violinist Nicola Benedetti, multi-GRAMMY award-winner Esperanza Spalding, and comic superstar Lewis Black.

We would not be able to present world-class artists in Tallahassee like Itzhak Perlman, Esperanza Spalding, Urban Bush Women, and the other season artists if it were not for our generous sponsors, members, grantors, and ticket buyers. It is our community’s support, which makes Seven Days of Opening Nights an annual success.

In your continued support of Seven Days of Opening Nights, please consider a gift of membership, sponsorship, or endowing one of our great programs. Your generosity assists in the continuing mission of presenting exceptional artistic and educational experiences in our community. Ask an Opening Nights’ representative at one of the performances or visit our website for more information.

Thank you again for your support of Seven Days of Opening Nights at Florida State University and enjoy these outstanding performances throughout our community.

Best regards,

Christopher J. Heacox

Executive Director, Seven Days of Opening Nights 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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2013-2014 members members listed as of 1/2/14 PRODUCER’S CIRCLE Bernadette Kearney Carol Gregg & Kathy Villacorta David and Cheri Paradice Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Haley Dr. Farhat & Mrs. Kristine Khairallah Janet R. Thornton Jennifer Fitzwater & Geof Mansfield Jim and Betty Ann Rodgers Ken Kato & Nan Nagy Larry and Jo Deeb Lee Hinkle Mark & Sally Rosser Mark & Susan Vanhoeij Mike & Judy Pate Nancy Linnan & Jim York Mikey Bestebreurtje Talbot D’Alemberte and Patsy Palmer John and Barbara Mahoney Drs. Jayne and Fred Standley President & Mrs. Eric & Molly Barron Richard & Karen Burns Rod & Virginia Vaughn, Charles & Patricia Benedict Tanya & Tony Weaver, M.D.

PARTNER LEVEL Bettina Krone Bill & Caryl Donnellan Bob & Mary Bedford, Emergent Design & Development Bryant Miller Olive Dr. Natalie Radford Grossman, Furlow & Bayo Law Firm Gus & Tanya Corbella Jan & Mark Pudlow Jann & Ray Bellamy Josh & Wendy Somerset Law Office of Linda A. Bailey, PA Lisa & Keith Foran Malte & Pam Vonmatthiessen Marjorie Turnbull Mayda & Kim Williams Mike & Debbie Huey Novey Law Dr. Marie Krafft and Dr. Robert Holton Lawton and Elizabeth Langford Patricia J. Flowers SalterMitchell Sherrill & Jimmy Ragans Susan & Charles Stratton Tanya Hollady - Regional Therapy Tara Wah & Paige Harbaugh

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TD & Kathi Giddings The Ingerman Family Warren & Faith Jones Mitchell Haigler Dr. Winston & Denise Ortiz

FRIEND LEVEL Wendy Abberger Len Adams & Connie Sauer-Adams Jean Ainsworth Nigel Allen & Anna Bertolucci Joe & Patti Beckham Donna Blanton & John Van Gieson Don & Eileen Bourassa Dr. Mary Coburn & David Coburn, Esq. Andre & Eleanor Connan Capt. James l. & Sandra J. Dafoe Kathleen Daly & Reinhart Lerch Peggy & Jim Davis Dr. Jeanette De Diemar Greg & Carla DeLoach Richard B. Earls Ruth & Richard Feiock Anonymous Janet Ferris and Philip Padivano Linda Figg & Richard Drew Barbara R. Foorman Louise & Marc Freeman Russell & Mollie Gautier Elenita Gomez & Jack Brennan Barbara L. Hamby & David K. Kirby Robin Hamilton Don Hansard & Nada Marz Tracy & Brenda Hatch Myron & Judy Hayden Christopher & Claire Heacox Calynne & Lou Hill Mart Hill Delma and Diane Hughes Bill & Bunnie Hunter Duane E. Jacobs Mimi Jones & Bill Brubaker Robert and Malinda Jones Rip & Kelly Kirby Herbert and Chantal Littleton Liz & Bob Maryanski Jim & Susan Mau The Mitchell Families James & Nancy Moorer Dr. Jean & Mr. John Munn Julie & Michael Obrecht Niraj Pandit, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I. & Carey Dellock, M.D., F.A.C.C. John & Meg Paschal Maureen C. Proctor Randy & Marilynn Rhea Dottie Roberts & Doug Bruce

Lisa and John Rutledge Greg and Kim Shafer Bill & Jane Simpson Black Fig Del Suggs & Denice Jones Theriaque & Spain Darlene Horton & Richard Wagner Steve Moore Watkins, III, Esq. Teresa Beazley Widmer David & Mary Jean Yon WavSource.com

ASSOCIATE LEVEL Barbara Mason White Beverly Bonner Frick Bill & Dottie Lee Bob & Ellie Disbennett Brian & Carol Berkowitz Carolyn Aziz & Suheyl Muskara Cathy & David Levenson Charles & Sharon Aronovitch Charles H. Lester Cindy & Bill Bielecky Claudia & John Scholz De Witt & Neddy Sumners Debby Kearney Dominic & Debbie Calabro Don & Taska Zorn Donna M. Barber Dr. Michelle Bachtel & Mr. Scott Atwell Dr. Rachel Sutz Pienta & David Pienta Eileen Sperl-Hawkins Elizabeth T. Dameron Ermine M. Owenby Frances Carter & David Folsom Gary Williams Genese & Martin Byrd Greg & Sharon Beaumont J. Eric & Candace Pridgeon Jacob & Johanna Money Jacque Gilberg James & Maureen Daughton James Hennessey & Kathryn Gibson Jan & Dick McCollister Janis David & Ryan Anderton Jawole Willa Jo Zollar Jay & Jennifer LaVia Jenny & John Bryant Jerome and Dr. Alicestine Ashford JoAnna and Michael Rosciam Joanne and David Rasmussen Jodi and Charlie Chase John Dozier and Martha Paradeis John Taylor and Cynthia Tie Jon and Jean Kline Julia Zimmerman and Thomas Schmick

Kathryn Karrh Cashin Kayce Morton Kenneth Reckford and Charlotte Orth Kirby W. Kemper Linda and Kenny Walker Lisa and Bernie Waxman Liz and John Jameson Lynda Roser and Marilyn Yon Marge Masterman Marilynn Evert Mary Anne Price Matthew D. Burrell Mike Mesler Mirella & Theo Siegrist Mr. & Mrs. Frank & Jodee Dorsey Mr. & Mrs. Marion D. Lamb, III Nancy Edmunds Bivins Andrew Behrman Bonnie and Daniel Davis Grayal Farr Linda Harkey Paula and Angel Lluveras Doug Mann & Kris Knab Drs. Faisal and Nola Munasifi Chris and Randi New Barbara J. Pariente Genevieve Scott Dr. Richard Senesac Gary and Patricia Smith Tony Starace Larry and Nancy Stokely David Thead Joseph & Kathryn Travis Dr. Ernesto and Lisa Umana Drs. Ben & Mary Sterner Lawson Patrick & Barbara Murray Phil & Kathy Reeves Phillip Y. “Tip” Tomberlin, Jr. Richard & Alecia Bist Robert Goldman & Lu Ann Snider Robin & Tom Asbury Ronald & Genevieve Blazek Russell & Janis Courson Sandy Kerr & Jessie Lovano-Kerr Stacey Rutledge & Edward Gray Stephen & Yvonne Brown Susan Drake & Charles Futch Terry & Fran Lewis Tom & Mary Ellen Bateman Trudy & Bob Deyle Warren W. & Paula E. Sutton Yvonne E. McIntosh, Ph.D.

DEBUT LEVEL Margo & Bobby Adams Kitty and Steven Aggelis Michael & Silvia Alderman Mary Helena (M.H.) Allen

Ingolf Askevold Bob Baker Mary and Terrell Bebout Ellen Berler & Rob Contreras Brian and Kim Bibeau Libby & Sid Bigham Erwin P. Bodo & Rebecca B. Knapp Greg & Karen Boebinger Bill & Nolia Brandt Dana Brooks Denise Brown Ted Bruce Dr. Steven C. Bryan Barbara Busharis & Stan Tozer Rob & Gina Byerts Celia R. Caputi Leslie Carlile Henry and Debra Carretta Susan Cason Pete & Bonnie Chamlis Heidi Chavers Goldie Chaves Jason & Allison Coleman Dr. R. Steven Coleman Marie E. Cowart Virginia Craig Anonymous - DNW Gail Crisp Elizabeth Crockett-Harris Jane & Pat Dallet Jeff Davidson Dixie M. Davis Timothy and Mary Dawkins Dr. Ludmila De Faria Carol DeLoach Peggy J. Dender Dr. Petra Doan Pamala J Doffek Eleanor & Richard Doran Pamela Davis Duncan Jeff Duvall & Stuart Riordan Bill & Browning Edmonds Stan & Carole Fiore Anne and Chapin Frazee Barbara Ann & Wayne Frederich Jeffrey Frehn Daniel & Linda Fuchs Kathleen Fulsom Brian & Ann Gaber John and Mary Geringer Gregory and Angela Gibbs Durene Gilbert Michael and Patricia Glazer Harvey & Judy Goldman Michael J. Gonatos Dr. Connie Graunke Dave & Margaret Groves Sheldon A. Gusky Stanley A. & Helen D. Haines Kathleen & David Hale Michael & Katherine Hasper John & Eleanor Hawkins Mary Jane & Tom Hayden Topher Heacox Matt & Jennie Hefelfinger Jon & Dottie Hinkle Kurt & Beth Hodges

Laura Hodges Stephen Hodges and Elizabeth Pulliam Lori Holcomb Glee & Myles Hollander Beverly Holmes Ken Hovey Marleena & Sam Huckaba Elaine Hull Barry Johnson Cindy and Joe Johnson Amy M. Jones Edward & Helena Kadunc Chet Kaufman Matt Keelean & Diana Kampert John & Linda Kilgore Kimberly L. King Ms. Bridget King Tom Kirwin Richard Kitchen Greg & Angela Knecht Bob & Gail Knight Davia & Ira Kramer Patterson Lamb Charles and Dian LaTour Pamela Leslie Helen Livingston, EdD, FSU College of Medicine C.B. & Michele Lorch Leslie Lundberg Dian Lyn Dr. & Mrs. Ed Lyon Mike & Cheri Madsen Sam & Peggy Mahdavi Rick & Edna Parker Mann Helen & Tom Martineau Anthony & Susan Matthews Emory & Autumn Mayfield Steve Been, & Kathy & Joan McGuire Dr. Meredith and Elsa McKinney Jane McPherson & Jon Jefferson Lisa Medley Frank & Francesca Melichar Raymond & Rhonda Merritt Morty Merzer Valerie & Steve Mindlin Catherine C. Moon Karen Moon Gordon & Ursula Morgan Karen J Morris Ph.D. Dr Michael & Judi Moss Rob & Carol Murrell Mary Nardi Drs. Robert & Janet Newburgh Dan & Lesley Nolan Dianna & Bill Norwood Shane O’Neill Ed & Linda Oaksford Dr. Debbie Justice-Obley & Ross Obley Albert & Darlene Oosterhof Larry Overton Eric & Kathy Palm Sara Carter Pankaskie Christine H. Parrish Jim & Cindy Parry Jerri Patterson

Michelle Pedulla Thomas G. Pelham Jason & Katie Pernell Tom & Dianne Phillips Diana Picklesimer Jorge & Betty Piekarewicz Wayne & Phyllis Pierson Terri Poore Beth Anne Posey Eva-Lynn Powell Dr. Anne Power David & JoAnn Prescott Nick and Elaine Prine Nikki J. Pritchett Julian and Elizabeth Proctor Cheryl, Freddie, Josiah, Caha Pye John Quine and Bettye Case Glenda Rabby and Dr. Theodore Chiricos David & Pamela Radcliffe Peggy Ramsey Nolan & Zana Raybon Bill & Connie Reinhardt Robert Riedel and Anna JohnsonRiedel Ann & Michael Riley Rippee Construction, Inc. Dr. Diane Roberts Jennifer Rodan Dr. Steve Rollin & Ms. Mary Apple Carol and Henry Rosen Ellye Rosenberg & Laurence Sack Landon & Nancy Ross Dr. & Mrs. Alan Rowan Anonymous Dr. William and Jonette Sawyer Evan Schans Drs. David & Winnie Schmeling Annette Schwabe & Jim Orcutt Lisa A. Scott & Ned Campbell Craig Shaw & Lynn Griffin Nancy & Michael Sheridan Charles & Pamela Shields Sharon Slaten Gale & Charles Slavin Carey Smith Chuck and Donnajo Smith David & Kathleen Smith Crit and Dee Ann Smith Jean T. Souter Mary Jo Spector John & Margaret Stewart Jim & Georgia Stock Catherine and Jesse Suber Neil Sullivan Dan & Robin Thompson Lee and Mary Townsend Susan & Stephen Turner Marianna Tutwiler Ann & Jeff VanderMeer Craig & Jessica Varn Carmel Vernon John & Kendra Viele Dan & Denise Vollmer William Chamberlain & John Wallace James T. Ward

Stan & Paula Warmath Kathleen Waters C.J. Weinman Kip and Beverly Wells Stacy Wheeler Barbara A. White Michael and Gale Whitehead Palmer & Leslie Williams Stanford Williams Marilynn Wills Ken Winker Jenny Grill and Jean-Marc Wise Samuel Wiseman Anne Wright Nancy Wright MD Pam & Taylor Yackulics Marilyn Young & Michael Launer Farmers & Merchants Bank

Spark 7 Days Members Lauren Bacon Walker Banning & Kathy Criscola Matthew Barrios Mary Moore Braunagel Kasia Bugaj Edward Campbell Dr. Judith Devine Amanda Driscoll Elaine and Thomas Duggar William Dunham Amanda Ferrell Kristin Green Drs. Vasken & Sharon Hagopian Kathleen C. Haughney Meghan Hauptli Alison Johnson Vicki & Rox Johnson Jake Kiker Michele Kiker Jonathan E. Klepper George & Yasmine Lewis Jordon Matheson Adam & Lindsey Staley Carson McKendree Jackie Menzel Nathaniel Myers Josephine Newton Richard Perlman Philip Ramsey Leah Reilly Sherman & Noreen Reilly Beth and Lance Rodan GinaMarie Senters Dr. Matthew Shaftel John J. Sheetz Patricia and Chesterfield Smith Rebekah A. Smith Elizabeth Swiman Taylor Terranova Alison R. Voorhees Sara Wander Shainah Weese Andrew Williams Mary Yarbrough Sarah Jane Youn 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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The Best Seats in the House are at Legacy Toyota.

New 2014 Toyota Avalon

Proud sponsor of Seven Days of Opening Nights

10 seven days of opening nights

3800 W. Tennessee St. • Tallahassee LegacyToy.com • 850-575-0168

sponsored by

Itzhak

perlman january 29 | 7:30 PM

Ruby diamond concert hall “Allegretto” from Symphony No. 7 ����������������������������Beethoven Fantasia on an Ostinato ���������������������������������������������� Corigliano Violin Concerto........................................................... Beethoven

million television viewers in the United States and millions more throughout the world.

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Born in Israel in 1945, Mr. Perlman completed his initial training at the Academy of Music in Tel Aviv. He came to New York and soon was propelled to national recognition with an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1958. Following his studies at the Juilliard School with Ivan Galamian and Dorothy DeLay he won the prestigious Leventritt Competition in 1964, which led to a burgeoning worldwide career. Since then Mr. Perlman has established himself as a cultural icon and household name in classical music.

Having performed with every major orchestra and at venerable concert halls around the globe, Itzhak Perlman was granted a Kennedy Center Honor in 2003 by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in celebration of his distinguished achievements and contributions to the cultural and educational life of the United States. He has performed multiple times at the White House, most recently in 2012 at the invitation of President and Mrs. Obama, for Israeli President/Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree Shimon Peres; and at a State Dinner in 2007, hosted by President and Mrs. Bush for Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. In 2009, Mr. Perlman was honored to take part in the Inauguration of President Obama, premiering a piece written for the occasion

by John Williams alongside cellist Yo-Yo Ma, clarinetist Anthony McGill and pianist Gabriela Montero, for an audience of nearly 40

Itzhak Perlman has further delighted audiences through his appearances on the conductor’s podium. He has performed as conductor with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Symphony, National Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the symphony orchestras of Dallas, Houston, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Montreal, and Toronto, as well as at the Ravinia and Tanglewood festivals. He was Music Advisor of the St. Louis Symphony from 2002 to 2004 where he made regular conducting appearances, and was Principal Guest Conductor of the Detroit Symphony from 2001 to 2005. Internationally, Mr. Perlman has conducted the Berlin Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, London Philharmonic, English Chamber Orchestra, and the Israel Philharmonic.

ndeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, he is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond not only to his remarkable artistry, but also to his irrepressible joy for making music.

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The 2013-14 season takes Mr. Perlman to both new and familiar major centers around the world. In Fall 2013, he joined the Cleveland Orchestra as soloist for their openingnight gala, performed Tchaikovsky with the Toronto Symphony under the baton of Peter Oundjian, and embarked on an eight-city recital tour of Asia with pianist and longtime collaborator Rohan De Silva. His conducting appearances include subscription concerts with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Baltimore Symphony, and he tours extensively in recital and orchestral concerts in cities across North America, including Chicago, Miami, Denver, San Diego, Portland, Dallas, Nashville and Mexico City. Mr. Perlman continues to celebrate the rich tradition of Jewish music with various performances in support of his Eternal Echoes project, including the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

He will also appear with students and alumni from the Perlman Music Program at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center in Sarasota, in addition to their residencies in Sarasota, Stowe, VT, and Tel Aviv. Further to his engagements as violinist and conductor, Mr. Perlman makes multiple speaking appearances this season, including in Orlando at Rollins College, Greensboro at Guilford College and Palm Beach at the Society of the Four Arts.

A major presence in the performing arts on television, Mr. Perlman has been honored with four Emmy® Awards, most recently for the PBS documentary Fiddling for the Future, a film about Mr. Perlman’s work as a teacher and conductor for the Perlman Music Program. In 2004, PBS aired a special entitled Perlman in Shanghai that chronicled a historic and unforgettable visit of the Perlman Music Program to China.

The special featured interaction between American and Chinese students and culminated in a concert at the Shanghai Grand Theater and a performance with one thousand young violinists, led by Mr. Perlman and broadcast throughout China. His third Emmy® Award recognized his dedication to klezmer music, as profiled in the 1995 PBS television special, In the Fiddler’s House, which was filmed in Poland and featured him performing with four of the world’s finest klezmer bands.

Mr. Perlman has entertained and enlightened millions of TV viewers of all ages on popular shows as diverse as The Late Show with David Letterman, Sesame Street, The Frugal Gourmet, The Tonight Show, and various GRAMMY® Awards telecasts. His PBS appearances have included A Musical Toast and Mozart by the Masters, as well as numerous Live From Lincoln Center broadcasts such as The Juilliard School: Celebrating 100 Years. In 2008, he joined renowned chef Jacques Pépin on Artist’s Table to discuss the relationship between the culinary and musical arts, and lent his voice as the narrator of Visions of Israel for PBS’s acclaimed Visions series. Mr. Perlman hosted the 1994 U.S. broadcast of the Three Tenors, Encore! live from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

During the 78th Annual Academy Awards® in 2006, he performed a live medley from the five film scores nominated in the category of “Best Original Score” for a worldwide audience in the hundreds of millions. One of Mr. Perlman’s proudest achievements is his collaboration with film composer John Williams in Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-winning film Schindler’s List, in which he performed the violin solos. He can also be heard as the violin soloist on the soundtrack of Zhang Yimou’s film Hero (music by Tan Dun) and Rob Marshall’s Memoirs of a Geisha (music by John Williams).

In 2008, Itzhak Perlman was honored with a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in the recording arts. His recordings regularly appear on the best-seller charts and have garnered fifteen GRAMMY® Awards. Mr. Perlman’s most recent releases include Eternal Echoes: Songs & Dances for the Soul (Sony), featuring a collaboration with acclaimed cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot in liturgical and traditional Jewish arrangements for chamber orchestra and klezmer musicians; a recording of Mendelssohn Piano Trios (Sony) with cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emanuel Ax; and a recording for Deutsche Grammophon with Mr. Perlman conducting the Israel Philharmonic. Other recordings reveal Mr. Perlman’s devotion to education, including Concertos from my Childhood with the Juilliard Orchestra under Lawrence Foster (EMI) and Marita and her Heart’s Desire, composed and conducted by Bruce Adolphe (Telarc). Further recordings over the past decade have included a live recording with pianist Martha Argerich performing Beethoven and Franck Sonatas (EMI); Cinema Serenade featuring popular hits from movies with John Williams conducting (Sony); A la Carte, a recording of short violin pieces with orchestra (EMI) and In the Fiddler’s House, a celebration of klezmer music (EMI) that formed the basis of the PBS television special. In 2004, EMI released The Perlman Edition, a limited-edition 15-CD box set featuring many of his finest EMI recordings as well as newly compiled material, and RCA Red Seal released a CD titled Perlman Rediscovered, which includes material recorded in 1965 by a young Itzhak Perlman.

Mr. Perlman has a long association with the Israel Philharmonic and has participated in many groundbreaking tours with this orchestra from his homeland. In 1987, he joined the IPO for history-making concerts in Warsaw and Budapest, representing the first performances by this orchestra and soloist in Eastern bloc countries. He again made history as he joined the orchestra for its first visit to the Soviet Union in 1990, and was cheered by audiences in Moscow and Leningrad who thronged to hear his recital and orchestral performances. This visit was captured on a PBS documentary entitled Perlman in Russia, which won an Emmy®. In 1994, Mr. Perlman joined the Israel Philharmonic for their first visits to China and India.

Over the past decade, Mr. Perlman has become more actively involved in music education, using this opportunity to encourage gifted young string players. Alongside his wife Toby his close involvement in the Perlman Music Program has been a particularly rewarding experience, and he has taught full-time at the Program each summer since its founding in 1993. Mr. Perlman currently holds the Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation Chair at the Juilliard School.

Numerous publications and institutions have paid tribute to Mr. Perlman for the unique place he occupies in the artistic and humanitarian fabric of our times. Harvard, Yale, Brandeis, Roosevelt, Yeshiva, and Hebrew universities are among the institutions that have awarded him honorary degrees. He was awarded an honorary doctorate and a centennial medal on the occasion of Juilliard’s 100th commencement ceremony in May 2005. President Reagan honored Mr. Perlman with a “Medal of Liberty” in 1986 and in December 2000, President Clinton awarded Mr. Perlman the “National Medal of Arts.” His presence on stage, on camera, and in personal appearances of all kinds speaks eloquently on behalf of the 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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disabled, and his devotion to their cause is an integral part of Mr. Perlman’s life.

ALEXANDER JIMÉNEZ serves as Professor of Conducting and Director of Orchestral Activities at Florida State University College of Music, and is the String Area coordinator. He has served on the faculties of San Francisco State University and Palm Beach Atlantic University, and has degrees from Baylor University (B.M.) and Florida State University (M.M, M.M.E, and D.M.).

Under his direction the Florida State University Orchestras have continued their long tradition of excellence. Both the University Philharmonia and the University Symphony Orchestra (USO) under Dr. Jiménez have championed new music and collaborated with the leading composers of our day. In 2007, the USO was featured in the PBS special Peanuts Gallery® by Ellen Taafe Zwilich which was awarded Best Performance of 2007 by the National Educational Television Association. Dr. Jiménez has premiered new works with the University Orchestras, including the world premieres of The General by Emmy® Award-winning composer Jeff Beal, the Piano Concerto No. 3 by Ladislav Kubik, Trumpeting the Stone

by Brent Michael Davids, and the world premiere of Alma by Harold Schiffman. Dr. Jiménez has recorded with the Mark, CBC/Ovation, Col Legno, Neos, and Naxos labels. Of the 2010 Naxos release of piano works by Ellen Zwilich, Fanfare’s Lynn René Bayley states that, “Alexander Jiménez and the Florida State Symphony… perform all three works here with tremendous sympathy, love, and excitement,” and David

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Hurwitz of classicstoday.com says that “the Florida State University Symphony Orchestra under Alexander Jiménez leaves absolutely nothing to be desired.” classicstoday.com Jiménez is active as a guest conductor and adjudicator throughout the United States and Europe. He serves on the jury panel of the European Festival of Music for Young People in Neerpelt, Belgium, and was recently named an international ambassador of the Festival. He has served on the conducting faculty of the Varna International Academy at the Gustav Mahler Conservatory of Music in Vienna. Dr. Jiménez is a past president of the College Orchestra Directors Association.

Mr. Perlman records for EMI/Angel, Sony Classical/Sony BMG Masterworks, Deutsche Grammophon, London/Decca, Erato/ Elektra International Classics, and Telarc.

Mr. Perlman appears by arrangement with IMG Artists.

itzhakperlman.com /ItzhakPerlmanOfficial

/PerlmanOfficial

florida state university symphony orchestra Music Director and Conductor Alexander Jiménez Violin I Jenny Lee Vaughn, Concertmaster Tania Moldovan, Assistant Concertmaster Taylor Mitz Vilma Lloja Alexandra Matloff Greg Perrin Julia Grissett Ayşegül Giray Bailey Salinero Jared Starr Gloria Lee Javier Escalera Jia-Rong Gan Violin II Jennifer George, principal Lucas Brown Marianna Cutright Brianna Rhodes Megan Lineberry Clara Knotts Aaron Vaughn Richard Tompkins Ben Maynard Rebekah Morgan Viola Peter Dutilly, principal Elyse Dalabakis Razvan Berindean Maxwell Thompson Oana Potur Ivan Ugorich Allyson Royal Veronica Cieri Rachel Ace Cello Katie Beth Farrell, principal Justin Page Logan Castro Maggie Thompson

Elizabeth Donovan Laura Cribb Austin Bennett Jinny Park Jennifer Pittman Julia Ting Nowell Gatica Katheryn Fister Bass Alex Horton, principal Josh Rowland Joe Sabatino Tyson Martin Sophia Scarano Flute Sarah Jane Young, principal Jolene Harju Allison Watkins, principal Dan Hollister Piccolo Erin Flemming Oboe Casey Knowlton, principal Stefanie Cohn Christina Gavin, principal Maria Vaccaro Clarinet Stacy Christofakis, principal Larkin Sanders Jennifer Tinberg, principal Corinne Smith Bassoon Kelsey Weber, principal Adam Drake Josh Price, principal Steven Palacio French Horn Kristin Gates Jaron Kloap Jonathan Walton Maureen Young

Trumpet Jim Johnson Eric Millard Derrick Montgomery Joe Nibley Trombone Robert Parker, principal David Julian Bass Trombone Erik Shinn Tuba Michael Casey Percussion Cynthia Willis Catherine Cole Daniel Bueno Timpani Nick Stevens Piano Krista Heslop Harp Agnes Hall Orchestra Manager Kristen Klehr Equipment Manager William Sanderson Orchestra Librarians E. Edward Kawakami Matthew Bishop Library Assistant Ayşegül Giray Administrative Assistant Emily Jensenius

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theatRe tcc! presents

Music by Mark Hollmann | Lyrics by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis | Book by Greg Kotis

March 27-29 april 3-5 8 p.M. ReseRve youR tickets now: call 644-6500 or visit www.tickets.fsu.edu For more information about Theatre TCC!: (850) 201-9882 | nielsene@tcc.fl.edu | www.tcc.fl.edu/theatretcc 16 seven days of opening nights

l.a. theatre works

susan albert lowenberg, producing director presents:

sponsored by

the graduate february 4 | 8:00 PM

fred turner auditorium at tcc Starring Diane Adair............................................................ Mrs. Braddock Matthew Arkin.........................................................Mr. Robinson Heidi Dippold.........................................................Mrs. Robinson Jill Renner............................................................. Elaine Robinson Darren Richardson.....................Hotel Clerk/Priest/Psychiatrist Brian Tichnell................................................. Benjamin Braddock Tom Virtue............................................................... Mr. Braddock

Award nominations and it remains one of the top grossing films in history.

Young viewers in the late 60s associated strongly with the films’ story of frustration, rebellion, and complex human connection, wondering: is love forever? Could I, as a young person, go against the grain, or am I going to end up just like my parents?

Directed by Brian Kite There will be one intermission.

The taking of photographs or the use of any kind of recording device is strictly prohibited.

W

hat am I going to do with my life? What is my purpose? Where do I go from here? - Whether at our college graduation, after losing a job, before getting married, or while walking to the grocery store, we’ve all searched for the answers to life’s hardest questions.

For Benjamin Braddock, the hero of The Graduate, this struggle to find answers is no different. Benjamin has just graduated from college, but he doesn’t know what comes next. He moves back home with his family in California, without goals or plans for the future. Along comes the confident, suave, and much older Mrs. Robinson…and the rest is written in (fictional) history.

In the early 1960s, when Charles Webb wrote a novel called The Graduate, America was in an “age of youth.”

Young people were leading the way to social, political, and cultural transformation. Webb’s novel, published in 1963, was groundbreaking in those changing times; reviewers unanimously praised his brilliant and innovative use of dialogue and comedic genius in dealing with controversial themes and the main character’s lack of direction. Webb wrote the book when he was only 23 years old—almost the same age as its protagonist Benjamin Braddock—having himself recently graduated from Williams College.

In 1967, The Graduate film was released, featuring the memorable, boyish face of Dustin Hoffman as the lost but heroically determined Benjamin Braddock, and a 36 year old, stunning Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson. The screenplay for the film was written by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry, who made an appearance in the film as a hotel clerk. It was directed by Mike Nichols. The Graduate quickly became a cult favorite and an artistic triumph, garnering multiple Academy

In 2000, The Graduate stage play opened on London’s West End, to great critical and commercial success. The Graduate ultimately transferred to Broadway starring Kathleen Turner as the martini saturated Mrs. Robinson.

It was first presented on Broadway by John Reid and Sacha Brooks by special arrangement with StudioCanal, in association with Clear Channel Entertainment, at the Plymouth Theatre in New York City on April 4, 2002. The director was Terry Johnson, who also adapted the play script.

Those monumental questions first asked in the 1960s hold special significance in the tides of change in 2013…

MR ROBINSON: I’ve just got one thing to say, Ben. BENJAMIN: What’s that, sir.

MR ROBINSON: One word, Ben. BENJAMIN: One word?

MR ROBINSON: Plastics, Ben. Plastics. Will you think about that?

What does your future hold?

–Anna Lyse Erikson Associate Producer for Artistic Direction, L.A. Theatre Works

L.A. Theatre works mission and background Under the leadership of Producing Director, Susan Albert Loewenberg, L.A. Theatre Works (LATW) has been the foremost radio theater company in the United States for more than two decades. Broadcast in America on NPR stations, streamed online at www.latw.org and aired internationally on the BBC, CBC, and many other English language networks, LATW has single-handedly brought the finest recorded dramatic literature into the homes of millions. The company records the majority of its productions annually in Los 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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Left to right: Diane Adair, Matthew Arkin, Heidi Dippold, Jill Renner, Darren Richardson, Brian Tichnell, Tom Virtue

Angeles before an enthusiastic and loyal audience of season subscribers. Works by Arthur Miller, Tom Stoppard, Lillian Hellman Athol Fugard, Joyce Carol Oates, Wendy Wasserstein, Neil Simon, David Mamet, Lynn Nottage and others have been performed and recorded by LATW with casts of the most critically acclaimed film and stage actors. On the road, LATW has delighted audiences with its unique live radio theater style performances in over 200 small towns and major cities, including New York, Boston, San Francisco, Washington and Chicago. An L.A. Theatre Works performance is immediate, spontaneous, and features a first-rate cast, live sound effects, and a connection to the audience rarely felt in a traditional theater setting. This theater… is an event.

Today, LATW’s Audio Theatre Collection includes more than 500 classic and contemporary titles–the largest library of its kind in the world. Much lauded, the L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collection is available in over 9,000 libraries and has received awards from the Audio Publishers Association, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Publisher’s Weekly, Writer’s Guild of America, American Library Association, Grammy Awards and many others. Additionally, over 3,000 high schools nationwide use the recordings and accompanying study guides to teach language arts, literature, history and civics through LATW’s Alive & Aloud educational outreach program. LATW’s newest initiative, The Play’s the Thing for Higher Education, makes over 300 digitized works from our collection available to universities and colleges across the country for use in a variety of disciplines. LA. Theatre Works can be heard daily on Beijing Bilingual Radio/AM774.com. For more information on these programs, LATW’s Audio Theatre Collection, national radio broadcast information and other exciting projects, visit latw.org.

for L.A. Theatre works Susan Albert Loewenberg............................... Producing Director Brian Kite.............................................................................. Director Terry Johnson....................................................................... Adaptor Vicki Pearlson.................................................... Managing Director Gary Starr............................................................ Business Manager Christina Montaño........................................... Associate Producer Anna Lyse Erikson............................................. Associate Producer Diane Adair.....................................................Tour Manager/Actor Caitlin Barbieri..................................... Production Stage Manager 18 seven days of opening nights

Daniel Ionazzi.............................................. Set/Lighting Designer Josh Bessom.............................................................Sound Designer Rebecca Guzzi.................................................... Costume Designer Dennis Ramirez....................................................... Graphic Design Scott Willis............................................................ Music Supervisor Myke Weiskopf........................................... Senior Radio Producer Ronn Lipkin...................................... Post-Production Coordinator Lucy Pollak...........................................Publicity & Public Relations DIANE ADAIR (Mrs. Braddock/Stripper) Diane graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in Communications from Chapman University in Orange, California, and upon graduation was accepted as a company member of South Coast Repertory Theatre. She has appeared on stage with June Lockhart in The William; co-starred opposite John Glover in The Traveler at The Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, and was seen Off-Broadway as ‘Meg Greenfield’ in a New York Theatre Workshop/Affinity Theatre/L.A. Theatre Works’ production of Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers with Peter Strauss. A national tour was done of Top Secret starring John Heard, Susan Sullivan and Gregory Harrison.

Diane also had the pleasure of touring as ‘The Narrator’ in The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial with Ed Asner. And most recently toured as ‘The Narrator/Mrs. Gardiner/Kitty’ in Pride and Prejudice with Jane Carr and Nicholas Hormann.

Her film credits include the critically acclaimed UFOria with Harry Dean Stanton; and the 2002 Winner of the New York International Film Festival’s Best Mockumentary, Instant Trauma. Her numerous television guest star appearances include Fonzie’s girlfriend on Happy Days, and a recurring alien on Babylon 5. She has done both on-camera work and voiceovers for national commercials, as well as voicing the Emmy Award winning mini-series The Wild West, with Jack Lemmon and Helen Hunt. Diane also enjoys writing and was a quarterfinalist in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. She has signed with literary agent, Jane Putch.

MATTHEW ARKIN (Mr. Robinson/Man 1) Broadway credits include Losing Louie, The Sunshine Boys, and Laughter on the 23rd Floor. Off-Broadway includes Dinner with Friends (Drama Desk nomination), Rounding Third, Indian Blood, War in Paramus, You Should Be So Lucky, and Moonlight and Magnolias. Regional theatre credits include Surf Report at La Jolla Playhouse, The Scene at Hartford Stage, Sight

Unseen at George Street Playhouse, Little Footsteps and Lost In Yonkers at Pennsylvania Stage Company, Around the World In 80 Days at the Cape Playhouse, A Thousand Clowns at American Stage Company, Two Rooms and True West at TheatreWorks, Talley’s Folly at Bay Street Theatre, and The Whale, The Prince of Atlantis, and Our Mother’s Brief Affair at South Coast Repertory. Mr. Arkin was in L.A. Theatre Works’ Dinner with Friends and Photograph 51. Film credits include Margot at the Wedding, Second Best, Raising Flagg, Death to Smoochy, Bittersweet Place, An Unmarried Woman, The Curse.

Television includes Switched at Birth, Harry’s Law, Medium, Rescue Me (recurring), all incarnations of Law and Order, Ed, Third Watch, 100 Centre Street (recurring), All My Children (recurring) and Simple Justice. Arkin also teaches acting at South Coast Repertory and in Los Angeles. His first novel, In the Country of the Blind, will be published this March. matthewarkinstudio.com HEIDI DIPPOLD (Mrs. Robinson) was last seen as ‘Violet’ in the World Premiere of Smokefall by Noah Haidle at South Coast Repertory. She also starred in the World Premiere of Noah Haidle’s Mr. Marmalade (South Coast Repertory), Twelfth Night (New Orleans Shakespeare Festival) for which she won a Big Easy Award for Best Actress in a Comedy, Dumb Show (South Coast Repertory, American Premiere), Homebody/ Kabul (Berkeley Repertory, West Coast Premiere), Ghosts (Off-Broadway), I Hate Hamlet (Cleveland Playhouse), Naked TV (Edgemar Center) and many others at theatres across the country. Film credits include Stardom and House (20th Century Fox). Television credits include recurring roles on The Sopranos and All My Children, and Guest Star roles on 20 Good Years, N.C.I.S., NYPD Blue, Alias, and Angel. Ms. Dippold holds an M.F.A. in Acting from Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts, and a B.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin.

JILL RENNER (Elaine Robinson) Jill is thrilled to be back on the road with L.A. Theatre Works, having toured most recently in their production of Pride and Prejudice. Other credits include UCLA Live’s Medea starring Annette Bening, A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the Harold Clurman Rep, Island of Brilliance at the Pacific Resident Theater, as well as a staged reading of OPC, written and directed by Eve Ensler. A recent graduate of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television, Jill is also a proud member of the Pacific Resident Theatre. A special thanks to her family, teachers, and this lovely cast! jillrenner.com DARREN RICHARDSON (Hotel Clerk/Priest/Psychiatrist/ Man 2) Originally from London, Darren’s most recent L.A. Theatre Works productions include Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers which toured China and was the first American play performed at the Beijing National Theatre, and the US national tour of Pride and Prejudice. Other LATW productions include The Browning Version, Photograph 51, The Life of Galileo, She Stoops to Conquer Arcadia, The Imaginary Cuckold, The Bungler, The Misanthrope, Hamlet, and Romeo and Juliet. His BBC radio work for Jarvis & Ayres productions includes two series of Kicking the Habbit; Ayckbourn’s A Small Family Business and Henceforward, Shadowlands, The Horse, Keep Your Pantheon, P.G. Wodehouse’s Uncle Fred In Springtime, England Their England, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Shaw’s You Never Can Tell, and most recently Air Force One. Theatre in LA includes: What the Butler Saw at

The Odyssey, The Real Thing for the ICT Long Beach, A Chorus of Disapproval at the Odyssey, Alfie at The Met, and Abigail’s Party at The Odyssey. TV and film includes Lost, Fastlane, Soccer Dog - European Cup, and the award-winning shorts Offside and Nebraska. He has been on the small screen many times in many commercials from England to Australia and all stops in between! His vocal talents have been lent to many of Hollywood’s top grossing films. He is honored to be back onstage with his L.A. Theatre Works family!

BRIAN TICHNELL (Benjamin Braddock) Recent Theatre credits: Peace In Our Time, and Macbeth with the Antaeus company, Camino Real with the Theatre at Boston Court, and Hamlet in The Oxford Shakespeare Festival. TV Credits: Happy Endings, Body of Proof, Maron, The Client List, Silicon Valley, and Newsroom. Brian is originally from south Mississippi, he attended the University of Mississippi and California Institute of the Arts. This is Brian’s first tour with L.A. Theatre Works, and he is grateful for the opportunity.

TOM VIRTUE (Mr. Braddock) is a frequent TV guest star, having appeared in over two hundred and fifty episodes of television. He has been a series regular on The Building, The Bonnie Hunt Show, the popular Disney Channel program, Even Stevens and most recently played Reverend Stone on ABC Family’s The Secret Life of the American Teenager. His recent film appearances include Iron Man 3, Hitchcock, The Guilt Trip and Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon. A graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Speech, Tom has performed Off-Broadway for the Hudson Guild and in Chicago with The Practical Theatre, which led to his being hired by The Second City’s Mainstage Company. He is the recipient of a Joseph Jefferson Award for his theatre work in Chicago, and has received the LA Theatre Award for his stage work in Los Angeles. He has acted in over a dozen plays for L.A. Theatre Works including the original U.S. Tour of Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers and its two recent tours to China.

TERRY JOHNSON (Adaptor) is a British dramatist and director of stage, television and film. Johnson’s stage work has been produced around the world. His plays include Days Here So Dark, Insignificance, Cries from the Mammal House, Unsuitable for Adults, Imagine Drowning, Hysteria, Dead Funny, London Cuckolds, Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick, Hitchcock Blonde, Piano/Forte, and The Graduate. He has won nine British Theatre awards including the Olivier Award for Best Comedy 1994 and 1999, Playwright of the Year 1995, Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards for Best New Play 1995, two Evening Standard Theatre Awards, the Writers Guild Award for Best Play 1995 and 1996, the Meyer-Whitworth Award 1993 and the John Whiting Award 1991. Johnson won the 2010 Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical for La Cage Aux Follies.

His plethora of directing credits include Dumb Show (Royal Court Theatre) and on the West End: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Entertaining Mr. Sloane, Elton John’s Glasses and The Memory of Water. His film directing credits include The Libertine and Not Only But Always.

BRIAN KITE (Director) has directed across the United States and abroad, recently helming the L.A. Theatre Works National Tour of Pride and Prejudice and their production of Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers, which toured China in May and June of 2013. He is the Producing Artistic Director at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts where his credits include the critically acclaimed productions of Miss Saigon 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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(Los Angeles and Macau), Little Shop of Horrors, Dinner with Friends, Steel Magnolias starring Cathy Rigby, Driving Miss Daisy starring Michael Learned, and David Auburn’s Proof.

He recently helmed a production of Cabaret in Bermuda under the patronage of the Queen’s Governor and directed a production of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie at The Actors Co-op in Hollywood. Before that he directed two Los Angeles revivals, J.B. by Archibald MacLeish and The Crucible

by Arthur Miller, and the West Coast premiere of Václav Havel’s The Beggar’s Opera. He directed the Philadelphia production of Glenn Wein’s Grandma Sylvia’s Funeral and worked with Tony Award-winning director Daniel Sullivan on The Geffen Playhouse’s production of Hedda Gabler starring Annette Bening. He directed over 20 productions at French Woods Festival in New York where he was the Director of Theater Programs for 7 years. Brian is currently a member of the directing faculty at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television, serves as the Chair of the LA Stage Alliance’s Board of Governors, is the Artistic Director of the award winning Buffalo Nights Theatre Company and is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

SUSAN ALBERT LOEWENBERG (Producing Director) is founder and Producing Director of L.A. Theatre Works, a nonprofit media arts and theatre organization. Ms. Loewenberg has produced award-winning radio dramas, plays and films in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and London. Under her supervision, LATW has created the largest library of plays on audio in the world, garnering numerous awards from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Writers Guild, The American Library Association, Publishers’ Weekly and others. She also serves as host and is the Executive Producer of LATW’s nationally distributed syndicated radio series L.A. Theatre Works broadcast on NPR stations nationwide and in China daily on The Radio Beijing Network. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, she has served on innumerable boards and panels, including the National Endowment for the Arts, California Arts Council, The Fund for Independence in Journalism in Washington D.C. and was co-chair of the League of Producers and Theatres of Greater Los Angeles.

From 1996-2002, Ms. Loewenberg served during the Clinton administration on the Board of Directors for Federal Prison Industries, a presidential appointment, and served for several years as a member of the regional panel of the President’s Commission on White House Fellows. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of The Center for Public Integrity, and a Fellow of the Los Angeles Institute for the Humanities at USC. Ms. Loewenberg is the author of several articles that have appeared in American Theatre Magazine, The Los Angeles Times and various professional journals.

CHRISTINA MONTAÑO (Associate Producer) oversees every production for L.A. Theatre Works, whether it’s a special engagement, a live recording at UCLA, an in-studio recording, or a national/international tour. Christina just returned from being in China for L.A. Theatre Works International Tour of Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers. Prior to coming to L.A. Theatre Works, Christina was a resident Stage Manager for Universal Studios, where she was the opening Stage Manager for Fear Factor Live!, Stage Manager for the WaterWorld Live Action Stunt Show, and the Terminator 2 3D Stunt Show, as well as many special events. Other special theater credits include: A Kid’s Life! first National Tour and Wild Party! Some of Christina’s favorite production credits include: the Annual Academy Awards (Oscars), Miss Universe and Miss USA Shows, Primetime Emmy Awards, Stand Up to 20 seven days of opening nights

Cancer, Modern Family, and Cold Case.

ANNA LYSE ERIKSON (Associate Producer for Artistic Development) facilitates the casting, play selections, and rights acquisitions for L.A. Theatre Works’ live and in-studio recordings and tours, manages LATW social media outlets, and oversees the continued growth of the LATW family of artists through an annual auction and other outreach. Anna Lyse holds an M.A. in Theatre History, Theory and Criticism from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a B.A. in Theatre Performance from the University of Missouri. She has adapted, produced, and directed two original productions around her scholarly research into the life and work of Tennessee Williams. She was a dramaturg for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, for which she was awarded “Best Dramaturg” in 2010. She was an Executive Board Member and Director of Outreach for the Independent Actors Theatre of Columbia Missouri, charter member and Vice President of the University of Missouri’s Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Society, and a former MU Research Scholar. Ms. Erikson is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board (Friar’s Chapter).

CAITLIN BARBIERI (Production Stage Manager) Caitlin is very happy to be a part of her third L.A. Theatre Works production.

After graduating from CSU Long Beach with a B.F.A. in Film Production she rediscovered her love for live theater and has been a part of it ever since. She also stage manages at Universal Studios Hollywood and Glendale Centre Theatre.

Some of her favorite credits include The 39 Steps, Little Shop of Horrors, and Glengarry Glen Ross. Caitlin would like to thank her family and friends for all of their support.

DANIEL IONAZZI (Set/Lighting Designer) is the Production Manager for the Geffen Playhouse. He is also a member of the faculty of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and Director of Production for the Department of Theater.

Mr. Ionazzi is the author of The Stage Management Handbook and The Stagecraft Handbook. Design credits include: WWII– Beyond All Boundaries for the National World War II Museum.

For L.A. Theatre Works: Pride and Prejudice National Tour. For Arena Stage: Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins.

For Steppenwolf Theatre Company: The Seafarer. For South Coast Repertory Theater: In the Next Room. For the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts: Teatro Alla Moda.

For the Geffen Playhouse: The Jacksonian, Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins, Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie, Superior Donuts, A Step in Time, Nightmare Alley, The Female of the Species, The Seafarer, Atlanta, Speed-the-Plow, A Picasso, Wishful Drinking, All My Sons (Ovation nomination), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Paint Your Wagon, Take Me Out, I Just Stopped By to See the Man, Boy Gets Girl (Ovation nomination), Under the Blue Sky, Oscar & Felix, God’s Man In Texas, The Unexpected Man, The Weir, Defiled, Merton of the Movies, and All in the Timing (Ovation nomination); for the Dance Company Diavolo: Catapult and Trajectorie; for the Denver Center Theatre Company: Henry IV Part I, The Three Sisters, The Night of the Iguana, Antigone. Additional design credits: The Ahkmatova Project, Amelia Lives, Telling Time, Othello, Trojan Women, Misalliance, and Jenufa with Josef Svoboda.

JOSH BESSOM (Sound Designer) is excited to design his first show for L.A. Theatre Works. Recent designs at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts include Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Ovation Nominated), Spring Awakening with Director Brian Kite, Next to Normal, Little Shop of Horrors, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Ring of Fire, as well as associate designs for Miss Saigon and the national tour of

Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan. Other credits include The Drowsy Chaperone (3D Theatricals) and Altar Boys (Musical Theatre West). Josh is also the Audio Engineer at La Mirada Theatre and an Associate Designer for Sound Advice Designs. In his spare time he runs the independent record label, Organik Records, and plays bass and flute in the band Lazy Preacher.

Josh would like to thank Julie Ferrin and his gal Jane for their encouragement and support. joshuabessom.com REBECCA GUZZI (Costume Designer) Rebecca is thrilled to be collaborating again with L.A. Theatre Works, past LATW productions include: Pride and Prejudice, The Rivalry and The Real Dr. Strangelove National Tours. Rebecca has designed costumes, makeup and hair for educational and professional theatre and film productions throughout Southern California since 2003. Highlights include Offshore Signals (CSUF, recipient of the KC/ACTF Kate Drain Lawson Award), A...

My Name is Alice (CSUF), 24 Hours: A Rock Musical (The Stella Adler Theatre), 12 Angry Jurors (Pomona College), Dreamland (film), Lilith & The Woebringer (film), Grimm City (web series), and the upcoming Lil Tokyo Reporter (film).

Recently, Rebecca completed work at Universal Studios Singapore as a member of the operational wardrobe design team. Additionally, she is active in the educational realm.

From 2009-2010, she taught costume production techniques at The Orange County High School of the Arts in Santa Ana and prior to that, the English language in Okayama, Japan with The JET Programme from 2006-2008. Rebecca holds two B.A. degrees from California State University, Fullerton, one in History and the other in Theatre Arts Technical Production

and Design. She is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Costume Design at UCLA.

Representation Baylin Artists Management 721 Hyde Park Doylestown, PA 18902

Phone: (267) 880-3750 Fax: (267) 880-3757

baylinartists.com If you are interested in becoming a “Producing Partner” by making a donation to L.A. Theatre Works, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, or wish to join our mailing list, please visit our website or write to: L.A. Theatre Works 681 Venice Boulevard Venice, CA 90291

latw.org

/LATheatreWorks

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22 seven days of opening nights

prism sponsored by

february 6 | 7:30 PM

Ruby diamond concert hall

The PRISM shows are built on a more-is-more philosophy. A saxophone ensemble might pop up in the balcony, followed by 10 tuba players on the stage and then a marching band might come stomping down the aisles.

It’s a sonic collage of barely controlled madness.

– Tallahassee Democrat

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RISM returns for yet another magnificently conceived, beautifully played performance. Featuring top music students from Florida State’s world-renowned wind and percussion programs, PRISM covers the spectrum of band activities at Florida State – Florida State Chamber Winds, the Campus Band, University Concert Band, Seminole Sound, University Symphonic Band, University Wind Orchestra and of course, the Marching Chiefs – covering a huge amount of musical terrain.

If you’ve never seen a PRISM concert before, you need to. Just ask someone who’s been there.

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Michael and Judy Wilson Sheridan Sponsors of the Irish Rovers: The Farewell Tour Proudly Support Seven Days of Opening Nights and The Performing Arts in the Tallahassee Community

24 seven days of opening nights

the irish

rovers the farewell tour

sponsored by

february 7 | 7:30 PM

Michael Sheridan & Judy Wilson Sheridan

Geoffrey Kelly.................................................... Whistle and Flute Wilcil McDowell............................................................ Accordion Fred Graham.................................................................... Bodhran George Millar.......................................................................Guitar Morris Crum..................................................................Keyboards Ian Millar............................................................... Guitar and Bass Sean O’Driscoll.................................... Banjo, Mandolin, and Box

O

ver their 50 years together, The Irish Rovers have become cherished music icons, touched three generations of music lovers, and initially brought Irish music to the attention of North Americans amidst the world of rock and roll. The last few years have seen the Rovers return to television, return to the radio airwaves, sell out concert tours, garner rave reviews for their Gracehill Fair, Drunken Sailor, and Home in Ireland albums, attract the attention of a new younger audience, and be touted in the press as “internet sensations!”

The excitement around the Rovers these days confirms that their music continues to hit a chord with fans of all ages.

On this last tour across the United States, concert-goers will enjoy the Irish wit and charm that has captivated audiences since 1964 as The Rovers perform a rollicking mix of their hits, new favorites, and signature Jigs and Reels. Joining the Rovers on tour are multi-instrumentalist Morris Crum from Ireland, whistle/ flute player Geoffrey Kelly (from Spirit of the West), and one of Ireland’s most outstanding fiddle players, Gerry O’Connor, all who regularly play on Rovers recordings and tours.

Ruby diamond concert hall After more than twenty-five years since their last television series (they had three which spanned over 20 years), the band returned to the small screen with two television specials in the last three years, Home in Ireland filmed entirely in Ireland and the Irish Rovers Christmas in the mountains and pubs of Banff National Park.

It has been a long and magical journey for these Irish lads, and the magic continues. Due to YouTube, their song, “Drunken Sailor” reached a new young audience, with over 10,000,000 hits. Last year, Rovers songwriter/producer George Millar responded by heading back to the studio and recording a new CD full of songs of the sea, including a tribute to The Titanic for its 100th anniversary. The release made headlines in both America and Ireland, and was the soundtrack for a Canadian documentary about the Harland and Wolff shipyards of Belfast where the mighty ship was built.

If you’ve been waiting to see this iconic band, wait no longer as this is the last time The Irish Rovers will tour the US.

theirishroversmusic.com

/TheIrishRovers

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26 seven days of opening nights

jack dejohnette, joe lovano, esperanza spalding, and leo genovese the spring quartet february 8 | 7:30 PM

Ruby diamond concert hall

sponsored by FS U Lice nse P late

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tudying the vibrant history of modern music, not just jazz alone, you’d be hard-pressed to find a major name that Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, and Esperanza Spalding are not connected to, whether it be on recordings, performances or collaborations. To have these three musicians co-lead a modern multigenerational project that showcases the linear path from the beginning source to the future of the lauded jazz idiom, is a spectacle in itself.

One of the most respected drummers on the planet, NEA Jazz Master, Jack DeJohnette, is capable of playing in any style while maintaining a well-defined voice, keeping him in constant demand as a drummer, bandleader, and sideman for over five decades.

Hailed by the New York Times as “one of the greatest musicians in jazz history,” GRAMMY® award-winning saxophone giant Joe Lovano has distinguished himself as a prescient and path-finding force in the arena of creative music. Lovano’s 23 recordings on the famed Blue Note label are unparalleled and his accolades and acclaim as bandleader and soloist are endless.

The young bassist, vocalist, and composer Esperanza Spalding was one of the biggest breakout stars of 2011—not just in jazz, but in all genres of music. Her receipt of the 2011 GRAMMY® for Best New Artist was unprecedented—the first time in history that a jazz musician has won the award—but Spalding continues to make the unprecedented the norm.

The all-star frontline is rounded out by the amazing Argentinean pianist Leo Genovese a long-time cohort of Esperanza Spalding, who has travelled the globe on her Chamber Music Society and Radio Music Society tours.

JackDeJohnette.com JoeLovano.com EsperanzaSpalding.com

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28 seven days of opening nights

eighth

blackbird STill in motion february 9 | 7:30 PM

Ruby diamond concert hall Doug Perkins................................................................ Percussion Michael Maccaferri.......................................................... Clarinets Tim Munro............................................................................ Flutes Lisa Kaplan............................................................................. Piano Yvonne Lam.................................................................Violin/Viola Nicholas Photinos................................................................... Cello

4. En Suspens (Ligeti, arr. by Munro) 5. Counting Duet #3 (Johnson) 6. Entrelacs (Ligeti arr. by Kaplan) 7. Counting Duet #4 (Johnson) 8. Automne a Varsovie (Ligeti, arr. by Munro) Intermission

Bryce Dessner: Murder Ballades 15’ I. Omie Wise II. Young Emily III. Wave the Sea IV. Brushy Fork Tom Johnson/Ligeti, arranged by Kaplan and Munro: Counting Duets/Etudes 25’ 1. Counting Duet #1 (Johnson) 2. Fanfares (Ligeti, arr. by Kaplan) 3. Counting Duet #2 (Johnson)

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RAMMY® Award-winning eighth blackbird promises –and delivers–provocative and mind-changing performances to its burgeoning audiences.

Combining bracing virtuosity with an alluring sense of irreverence, the sextet debunks the myth that contemporary music is only for a cerebral few. The ensemble attracts fans of all ages to its performances and recordings, which sparkle with wit and pound with physical energy; it inhabits and explores the sound-world of new music with comfort, conviction, and infectious enthusiasm. eighth blackbird is lauded for its

Steve Mackey: Suite:Slide 15’ I. Slide of Dog II. Depending III. Lonely Motel Richard Reed Parry: Duet for Heart and Breath (viola and piano) 5’ Brett Dean: Sextet 15’ Estimated Program length, with a 15 minute intermission: 115 minutes

performing style, often playing from memory with theatrical flair, and for making new music accessible to wide audiences.

“It’s new music you can bring home to your mother,” observed the Washington Post. Profiled in the New York Times and NPR’s All Things Considered, the sextet has also been featured on Bloomberg TV’s Muse, CBS News Sunday Morning, St. Paul Sunday, Weekend America, and The Next Big Thing, among others. The group is in residence at the University of Richmond in Virginia and the University of Chicago.

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Now celebrating its 15th season, eighth blackbird showcases music by the two most recent Pulitzer Prize®-winning composers in its 2010-2011 recording and performing repertoire, programming new and recent works (written expressly for the ensemble) by both Jennifer Higdon and Steve Reich on its season concerts and its newest CD. Highlights include a return to Zankel Hall; performances at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, representing the fourth year of the ensemble’s hometown series; a tour of Higdon’s new concerto On a Wire with several high-profile orchestras; Reich festivals on both sides of the Atlantic–at Carnegie Hall and at the Barbican Hall in London where the group makes its long-anticipated debut; a return to the Library of Congress for a concert that includes the world premiere of a new work by Stephen Hartke; and a new CD featuring Reich’s prize-winning Double Sextet on Nonesuch Records. Headlining the group’s season is its new politically driven two-part program “PowerFUL/less”, tackling Stravinsky’s provocative statement questioning the value, meaning and power of art. The ensemble has been selected to curate and perform in Park Avenue Armory’s new “TuneIn” music festival in New York City, amongst whose many highlights is the New York and indoor premiere of John Luther Adams’s “Inuksuit,” featuring more than 70 percussionists, as well as the “PowerFUL/less” program.

Last season the sextet made its debut at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, playing the world premiere of MarkAnthony Turnage’s “Grazioso!”; it presented a new version of Schoenberg’s “Pierrot lunaire”, with choreography and direction by Mark DeChiazza; the group toured “Slide,” by Eckert and Mackey (having premiered it in summer 2009 at the Ojai Music Festival); and it enjoyed residencies at the Universities of Richmond, Chicago, and Maryland, as well as at the renowned Curtis Institute of Music. New York City hosted the ensemble at the Look & Listen Festival and the Peoples’ Symphony Concerts, and the group made its Minneapolis debut. Capping off the season and looking forward to its next, eighth blackbird gave the world premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s new concerto for sextet and orchestra with the Atlanta Symphony.

Highlights of recent seasons include collaborations and performances with conservatory students from Oberlin and Los Angeles’s Colburn School; debuts in the U.K. (Liverpool), Rotterdam, and Australia (Melbourne); and eighth blackbird’s own “hometown” series over three years at Chicago’s prestigious Harris Theater, featuring guest artists such as Glenn Kotche and the Hilliard Ensemble. The sextet was Music Director of the famed Ojai Music Festival, where, as part of its “wild musical party,” the ensemble gave the world premiere of “Slide.” It performed new commissions by Steve Reich, by David Lang, Michael Gordon, and Julia Wolfe, by Frederic Rzewski, and by Stephen Hartke; it toured Osvaldo Golijov’s song-cycle, “Ayre,”with soprano Dawn Upshaw, and performed a fully memorized and staged cabaret-opera version of Schoenberg’s “Pierrot lunaire.” Venue debuts at Zankel Hall and The Kitchen in New York City, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Houston Friends of Music, and Pittsburgh’s Chamber Music Society attest to eighth blackbird’s burgeoning allure–for both audiences and presenters.

The sextet has appeared in Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, and South Korea; at nearly every major chamber music 30 seven days of opening nights

venue in North America, with performances at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the Metropolitan Museum, Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Cleveland Museum of Art, and La Jolla Chamber Music Society; and has been concert soloist with the Utah Symphony and the American Composers Orchestra.

A summer favorite, the group took the reigns as Music Director of the Ojai Music Festival’s 2009 season, and it has appeared several times at Cincinnati’s Music X, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, Caramoor International Music Festival, and Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, also performing at Tanglewood, New York’s 20th annual Bang on a Can Marathon, and Bravo!-Vail.

Since its founding in 1996, eighth blackbird has actively commissioned and recorded new works from such eminent composers as Steve Reich, George Perle, Frederic Rzewski, and Joseph Schwantner, and has commissioned groundbreaking works from a younger generation (Jennifer Higdon, Stephen Hartke, Derek Bermel, David Schober, Daniel Kellogg, and Carlos Sánchez-Gutiérrez). The group was honored in 2007 with the American Music Center’s Trailblazer Award and a Meet The Composer Award. eighth blackbird received the first BMI/Boudleaux-Bryant Fund Commission, was the first contemporary music group to win the Grand Prize at the Concert Artists Guild International Competition, won the 2000 Naumburg Chamber Music Award and the 2004 NEA/CMA Special Commissioning Award, and has received grants from BMI, Meet The Composer, the Greenwall Foundation, and Chamber Music America, among many others.

The music covers all kinds of moods and approaches, from dreamy surrealism to caffeinated unison melodies, and the members of eighth blackbird deliver it all with their trademark panache.

– San Francisco Chronicle

The ensemble has enjoyed widespread acclaim for its four CDs released by Cedille Records. strange imaginary animals won the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance and amassed an impressive number of rave reviews, both in the U.S. press and internationally. Absolute Sound wrote of the album: “Like the band itself, all the music is fresh, vibrant, exciting, and slightly addictive. … I don’t know what eighth blackbird has planned for the future, [but] whatever comes next, their track record strongly suggests that it will be great.” What comes next – and has already been deemed great in the form of a Pulitzer Prize – is Steve Reich’s Double Sextet, which is available on a new CD, released by Nonesuch Records in September 2010. The group’s first CD, thirteen ways, featured works by Perle, Schober, Joan Tower, and Thomas Albert, and was selected as a Top Ten CD of 2003 by Billboard magazine. beginnings, featuring Kellogg’s Divinum Mysterium and George Crumb’s Vox Balaenae, was praised by the New York Times as having “all the sparkle, energy, and precision of the earlier outings. … It is their superb musicality and interpretive vigor that bring these pieces to life.” Of fred, eighth blackbird’s

disc comprising three Rzewski works, the San Francisco Chronicle reported: “The music covers all kinds of moods and approaches, from dreamy surrealism to caffeinated unison melodies, and the members of eighth blackbird deliver it all with their trademark panache.” In 2006, the group debuted on the Naxos label in a performance of The Time Gallery, commissioned by eighth blackbird from 2004 Pulitzer Prize©winning composer Paul Moravec. eighth blackbird is active in teaching young artists about contemporary music and, in addition to residencies, has taught master classes and conducted outreach activities around the country, at the Aspen Music School System (grades K-12), the La Jolla Chamber Music Series, the Candlelight Concert Series, Hancher Auditorium at the University of Iowa, and throughout the Greater Chicago area.

The members of eighth blackbird hold degrees in music performance from Oberlin Conservatory, among other institutions. The group derives its name from the Wallace Stevens poem “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird.” The eighth stanza reads:

Cameras and other recording devices are not permitted in the theatre during the performance.

Booking direction by David Lieberman Artists Representative Post Office Box 10368 Newport Beach, CA 92658 714-979-4700 | info@dfartists.com

eighthblackbird.org

/eighthblackbird

I know noble accents And lucid, inescapable rhythms; But I know, too, That the blackbird is involved In what I know.

Supporter of the arts at Florida State University and in the Tallahassee Community 2013-2014 series PROGRAM 31

32 seven days of opening nights

sponsored by

Kathy

Mattea

february 9 | 2:00 PM pebble hill plantation

A

PPALACHIAN: of a wild and beautiful mountain land, a genre of distinctly American music, and for many, the deep roots of family. For Kathy Mattea, it also represents an essential piece of her musical education and heritage.

Calling Me Home is Ms. Mattea’s new release on Sugar Hill Records, co-produced with multi-GRAMMY® Award-winner, Gary Paczosa. It’s a collection of songs that celebrates the Appalachian culture of her native West Virginia, and expands the vocabulary of acoustic roots music that has always served as her artistic center.

Ms. Mattea has gathered songs and stories of bravery, pride, and grief that further define and describe the life and times of her home place. 2008’s GRAMMY®-nominated Coal was her first step towards discovering this vast and rich genre of music that producer Marty Stuart described as “in her blood,” taking her back to the lore of family stories and to her place and her people.

Ms. Mattea’s concerts present her new and most recent material alongside her Top 20 radio hits: from the signature ballad “Where’ve You Been?” to the bluesy “455 Rocket” to the iconic “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses.” Long known as an impeccable songcatcher, her 17 albums are woven through with bluegrass, gospel, and Celtic influences, and have garnered multiple Country Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and GRAMMY®Awards.

february 10 | 7:30 PM

Ruby diamond concert hall Increasingly in demand as a public speaker, Ms. Mattea regularly presents keynotes and educational programs at colleges and civic venues across the country, both as a standalone and in conjunction with concert appearances. Her long history of activism has led her to bring public attention to several current environmental issues, including climate change and some mining practices in her native Appalachia.

The particular genius of Kathy Mattea is to call up the touchstones of hope and heartbreak that we all carry in our pockets.

– Barbara Kingslover

BILL COOLEY (Guitar) A native of Santa Barbara, CA, Bill Cooley is a stalwart Nashville veteran called, “one of Nashville’s most respected sidemen,” by Guitar Player magazine. After working with Merle Haggard in California in the early 80’s he moved to Nashville in 1985, and has toured and recorded with Reba 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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34 seven days of opening nights

850.575.8684

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3945 Museum Drive

McEntire, Alan Jackson, and Hal Ketchum. Mr. Cooley has played guitar for Kathy Mattea on stage and in the studio for the past 20 years. As a songwriter, his songs have been recorded by Ms. Mattea and Ms. McEntire, among others.

Mr. Cooley’s first album, titled Unravel’d, was released in 1997 and nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year at the Nashville Music Awards© (he lost to Chet Atkins!). Music Row magazine called it “a magical gem of a guitar record,” and Wood & Steel magazine said it was “a terrific acoustic guitar albumUnravel’d is satisfying in the way good music should be.”

When Mr. Cooley’s second album, A Turn in the Road, was released in 2004, Acoustic Guitar magazine wrote, “few guitarists cover as much musical ground as thoroughly as Bill Cooley does on his second solo disc.” According to Minor 7th. com, “Cooley’s forte is laying down any kind of groove with just his fingers and six steel strings.” Mr. Cooley was part of the core band that recorded Ms. Matteas’s GRAMMY®nominated Coal album, and is now with her on tour in support of that project. In the spring of 2009 he released his third instrumental album: The Return Journey.

In 1993, Mr. O’Rourke moved to New York to further his musical career, and since moving to the United States he has had many wonderful opportunities: working with a wide variety of artists throughout the United States and Canada, being blessed with the chance to study with the great Mark O’Connor, cultivating a successful career as a session musician, and composing and producing numerous albums in his studio on Long Island. In 2002, Mr. O’Rourke was given the wonderful opportunity to join Kathy Mattea, and is delighted to rejoin Ms. Mattea and her band, as a musician and friend, as she embarks on her new acoustic tour.

DAVID SPICHER (Bass, Vocals) A native of Nashville, TN, David is the son of session fiddle king Buddy Spicher. He has performed with Crystal Gayle, Pam Tillis, the Jerry Douglas Band, Carolina Rain, Jim Lauderdale, Nickel Creek, polka queen Lynn Marie, the Nashville Symphony, John England & the Western Swingers, and his family’s own Nashville Swing Band.

mattea.com

EAMONN O’ROURKE (Fiddle, Mandolin, Vocals) Eamonn O’Rourke was born in County Donegal, Ireland.

He grew up in a very musical family and took an interest to music at a very young age. Mr. O’Rourke plays bass, guitar, violin, and mandolin, and he began his professional career in his late teens, playing with small, local Irish bands.

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Fl league PROUD SUPPORTER OF SEVEN DAYS OF OPENING NIGHTS 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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36 seven days of opening nights

Urban bush

sponsored by

women

30th anniversary celebration

february 11 - 12 | 8:00 PM

nancy smith fichter dance theatre

Founding Artistic Director Jawole Willa Jo Zollar Associate Artistic Director Maria Bauman Company Members Maria Bauman, Amanda Castro, Courtney J. Cook, Chanon Judson, Shantelle Courvoisier Jackson*, Tendayi Kuumba, Stephanie Mas, Samantha Speis (*on leave) Apprentice Amber Renee Moore

dark swan Choreography nora chipaumire Assistants to Choreographer Lacina Coulibaly Pia Monique Murray Music Maria Callas, “Cast Diva” from “Norma” Sam Cooke, “Bring it on Home to Me” Yo Yo Ma, “The Swan” by Camille Saint-Saëns Lighting Design Susan Hamburger

30th anniversary welcome (being bushified) by Jawole Zollar and Maria Bauman HEP HEP SWEET SWEET Concept, Stage and Choreographic Direction Jawole Willa Jo Zollar Created by the Company Music Charlie Parker, Count Basie Orchestra, Scrapper Blackwell, Dinah Washington, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band “Parker’s Mood” by Charlie Parker with the lyrics by King Pleasure “Boogie Woogie” (1937) by Count Basie and His Orchestra – The Best of Basie Album “E Blues” (guitar solo) by Scrapper Blackwell, Scrapper Blackwell 1959 – 1960 “Good Morning Blues” (1st take) by Count Basie and His Orchestra – The Best of Basie Album “Where Are You?” by Dinah Washington – Dinah ‘62 (re-mastered)

Costume Design Omotayo Wunmi Olaiya

“My Feet Can’t Fail Me Now” by Dirty Dozen Brass Band – This is the Dirty Dozen

Costume Construction Zinda Lee Williams

Sound Design Daniel Smith

Lighting Design Russell Sandifer Costume Design Naoko Nagata Dramaturg Talvin Wilks

INTERMISSION WALKING WITH ‘TRANE Choreography Jawole Willa Jo Zollar and Samantha Speis in collaboration with the Company Composer & Musician George Caldwell Lighting Design Russell Sandifer Costume Concept Jawole Willa Jo Zollar & Samantha Speis

Program and casting subject to change.

The taking of photographs during performances is strictly prohibited.

2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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COMPANY HISTORY Urban Bush Women (UBW) burst onto the dance scene in 1984, with bold, innovative, demanding and exciting works that bring under-told stories to life through the art and vision of its awardwinning founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. The company weaves contemporary dance, music, and text with the history, culture, and spiritual traditions of the African Diaspora.

Under Zollar’s artistic direction, Urban Bush Women performs regularly in New York City and tours nationally and internationally. The Company has been commissioned by presenters nationwide, and includes among its honors a New York Dance and Performance Award (“Bessie”); the Capezio Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance; and two 2004 Doris Duke Awards for New Work from the American Dance Festival. In March 2010, UBW toured South America as part of DanceMotion USAsm, a cultural diplomacy initiative spearheaded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

at venues including Brooklyn Academy of Music, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and The Kennedy Center.

UBW was selected as one of three U.S. dance companies to inaugurate a cultural diplomacy program for the U.S. Department of State in 2010. In 2011 Jawole choreographed visible with Chipaumire, a theatrical dance piece that explores immigration and migration. In 2012 Jawole was a featured artist in the film Restaging Shelter, produced and directed by Bruce Berryhill and Martha Curtis, and currently available to PBS stations. Jawole is collaborating with MacArthur Fellow Liz Lerman to animate wealth and poverty in America.

Jawole developed a unique approach to enable artists to strengthen effective involvement in cultural organizing and civic engagement, which evolved into UBW’s acclaimed Summer Leadership Institute. She serves as director of the Institute, founding artistic director of UBW and currently holds the position of the Nancy Smith Fichter Professor of Dance and Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor at Florida State University.

Off the concert stage, Urban Bush Women has developed an extensive community engagement program called BOLD (Builders, Organizers, & Leaders through Dance). UBW’s BOLD program has a network of over 29 facilitators that travel nationally and internationally to conduct workshops that bring the histories of local communities forward through performance. UBW’s largest community engagement project is its Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), established in 1997. This 10-day intensive training program serves as the foundation for all of the company’s community engagement activities.

Ultimately the SLI program connects dance professionals and community-based artists/activist in a learning experience to leverage the arts as a vehicle for civic engagement.

A former board member of Dance/USA, Jawole received a 2008 United States Artists Wynn fellowship and a 2009 fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial.

Still dancing, she recently toured in a sold-out national tour presented by 651 ARTS as a leading influential dancer/ choreographer on a program that included her early mentor Dianne McIntyre, her collaborator Germaine Acogny, Carmen de Lavallade and Bebe Miller. As an artist whose work is geared towards building equity and diversity in the arts Jawole was just awarded the 2013 Arthur L. Johnson Memorial award

by Sphinx Music at their inaugural conference on diversity in the arts. Recently, Jawole was a recipient of the 2013 Doris Duke Performing Artist Award.

As UBW celebrates its 30th anniversary, it continues to use dance to bring together audiences through innovative choreography, community engagement and artistic leadership development.

nora chipaumire (choreographer) was born in Mutare, Zimbabwe and is a resident of New York City. Chipaumire has been challenging stereotypes of Africa and the black performing body, art, and aesthetic for more than a decade.

She studied dance in many parts of the world including Africa, Cuba, Jamaica and the U.S. A graduate of the University of Zimbabwe’s School of Law, Chipaumire holds an M.A. in Dance and M.F.A. in Choreography and Performance from Mills College (CA).

WHO’S WHO IN THE COMPANY Jawole Willa Jo Zollar (artistic director) From Kansas City, Missouri, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar trained with Joseph Stevenson, a student of the legendary Katherine Dunham. After earning her B.A. in dance from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, she received her M.F.A. in dance from Florida State University. In 1980 Jawole moved to New York City to study with Dianne McIntyre at Sounds in Motion.

In 1984 Jawole founded Urban Bush Women (UBW) as a performance ensemble dedicated to exploring the use of cultural expression as a catalyst for social change. In addition to thirty-four works for UBW, she has created works for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Philadanco, University of Maryland, Virginia Commonwealth University and others; and with collaborators including Compagnie Jant-Bi from Senegal and Nora Chipaumire. In 2006 Jawole received a New York Dance and Performance Award (Bessie) for her work as choreographer/creator of Walking With Pearl…Southern Diaries. Featured in the PBS documentary, “Free to Dance,” which chronicles the African American influence on modern dance, Jawole was designated a Master of Choreography by the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center in 2005. Her company has toured five continents and has performed 38 seven days of opening nights

norachipaumire.com Maria Bauman (associate artistic director/dancer) From Jacksonville, FL, Maria Bauman began as an apprentice with Urban Bush Women in 2002 and has since held many roles including company member, Associate Artistic Director for Community Engagement, Director of Education and Community Engagement, and Interim Managing Director. On stage, she has been honored to be an original cast member of multiple UBW works including Walking with Pearl...Africa Diaries; Walking with Pearl...Southern Diaries; and les ecailles de la memoire... Now, as Associate Artistic Director for the company, Maria is at the helm of UBW’s BOLD (Builders, Organizers and Leaders through Dance) intiative and is assistant to Jawole Zollar in the dance studio and on tour. She weaves her identities as a choreographer, dancer, facilitator and educator together to strengthen UBW’s performance and touring work, develop community partnerships, deepen our education practices, support company members and help people move and sweat together as an expression of connection and liberation.

Maria has taught contemporary dance around the world, including at Hunter College (NY), the Singapore American School, and American Dance Festival Winter Intensives. She is also former Arts Coordinator of El Puente (NY). She works closely with the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond on Understanding and Undoing Racism workshops for arts communities, is a WOW Café Theatre collective member (theater space by and for women and transgender artists) and is on the Laundromat Project’s Artists + Community Council.

In addition to Urban Bush Women, Maria has danced with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company (apprentice), Ground Zero Dance, Adele Myers & Dancers, Nia Love/ Blacksmith’s Daughter, and Paloma McGregor/Angela’s Pulse. She is also the founder of MBDance, creating duets and small group dances from a sense of physical and emotional power, a desire for equity and a fascination with intimacy and relationships. Her company, MBDance, will next show work in New York as part of Harlem Stage’s E-Moves 15.

Amanda Castro (dancer) is a fresh, upbeat, passionate dancer who was born in Brooklyn, New York but raised in New Haven, Connecticut. Amanda furthered her dance studies at the California Institute of the Arts where she received her BFA in Dance and Choreography and minor in Humanities. She also had the honor of studying and performing in London, UK under the direction of DV8’s Lauren Potter. This past fall, Amanda traveled to South Africa to teach and judge under the American Dance Awards. Amanda is currently an apprentice for Urban Bush Woman Dance Company in Brooklyn, New York.

Courtney J. Cook (dancer) is a Virginia Native now residing in Brooklyn, NY. She began her formal dance training at the Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts. She later attended and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, receiving her B.F.A in Dance and Choreography. Since relocating to New York, Courtney has had the privilege of performing works by astounding choreographers such as Christian Von Howard, Burr Johnson, and is now an apprentice with Arch Dance Company, under the artistic direction of Jennifer Archibald. She is both thrilled and honored to continue her journey in the arts as a new company member of Urban Bush Women.

Shantelle Courvoisier Jackson (dancer) is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Ohio University with a BFA in dance performance and choreography. She has since performed with Dayton Contemporary Dance second company and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater under the direction of Kevin Iega Jeff and Garry Abbott. She has also performed with the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble as rehearsal director.

Shantelle has worked with choreographers Kyle Abraham, Sidra Bell, Antonio Brown and worked collaboratively with Alison Chase and Paloma McGregor of Angela’s Pulse. This is her first season with Urban Bush Women.

Chanon Judson (dancer) is a cum Laude graduate from University at Buffalo. She was a member of Cotton Club Parade and the Tony Award winning musical Fela! She served as Site Director for Ailey Camp Kansas City, MO for four years and is a teaching artist with Alvin Ailey Arts in Education, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Co., Urban Bush Women, and Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts. Her commercial credits include Victoria Secrets Live,

L’Oreal Live, the Jimmy Fallon Show, and the Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Concert.

Tendayi Kuumba (dancer) is a graduate of North Atlanta High School of Performing Arts and Spelman College. Her training ranges from Buffalo Inner City Ballet, Ballethnic, Callanwolde Fine Arts, and Moving in the Spirit. Currently Tendayi is a company member of Urban Bush Women, ASE Dance Theater Collective, and Axam Dance Theater Experience. Past works include Liberata Dance Theater, Marjani Forte of LOVE/FORTE Collective, T Lang Dance, and Nathan Trice/Rituals Performance Project “StrangeLove.”

Tendayi performs regularly as a resident Jazz vocalist at the Williamsburg Music Center with the Gerry Eastman Quartet every Friday night. She gives thanks and blessings for life, love, breath, and the pursuit of happiness.

Stephanie Mas (dancer) grew up in Miami, Florida and began her movement training at a young age. She later moved to Tallahassee, Florida to study with Florida State University’s Dance Department. She had the pleasure of working with FSU’s esteemed faculty for a few memorable years and then moved to New York City following graduation. Upon arriving in New York she really dove in, created, and collaborated with many different artists, such as Paloma McGregor, Millicent Johnnie, BODYART, Megan Bascom, Megan Kendzior, Kate Weare, and Kirstin Kapustik. She just recently joined Urban Bush Women in June 2013 and has found the experience to be such a fulfilling blessing. She looks forward to the many years to come of digging deep and uncovering the truth in the work.

Amber Renee Moore (apprentice) was born and raised in Detroit, MI and is a dancer, instructor, and choreographer.

Amber began her dance training at Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy in 1996 and later trained at Cass Technical High School from 2005-2009. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Wayne State University, where she received a BFA in Dance in 2013. During her time at Wayne State University Amber was awarded a talent scholarship that led her to study under Jeff Rebudal, Karen Prall, Meg Paul, Biba Bell, Ariel Osterweis, and other influential teachers. Amber has had the pleasure and honor to work with and perform works by Julie Bour, Meg Paul, Karen Prall, Nathan Trice, Ron Todorowski, Wanjiru Kamuyu, Christopher Huggins, Debra White-Hunt, Melanie van Allen, Janis Brenner, Ray Mercer, Edgar Page and Scott Bartell. Amber became an Urban Bush Women apprentice in the summer of 2013.

Samantha Speis (dancer) is a movement artist residing in Brooklyn, New York. She has worked with Gesel Mason, The Dance Exchange, Deborah Hay (as part of the Sweet Day curated by Ralph Lemon at the MoMA), Marjani Forte, Pearson/Widrig Dance Theater and MBDance. She was the 2012 recipient of the Alvin Ailey New Directions Choreography Lab, and had seven weeks to teach and explore process with Ailey students. Her work has been featured at the Kennedy Center (Millennium Stage), Long Island University, Joyce SoHo, Hollins University, Danspace Project, Dixon Place, Dance Place, and The Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

Speis’ solo, The Way it Was, and Now, was commissioned by the Jerome Foundation to be performed at Danspace Project for the Parallels Platform Series, and was later invited to the Kaay Fecc Dance Festival in Dakar, Senegal. Speis has been a guest artist and taught workshops throughout the United 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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States, South America, Senegal, and Europe. Upcoming projects include Liz Lerman’s Healing Wars and Jawole Zollar and Liz Lerman’s Blood Muscle Bone: the anatomy of wealth and poverty. This is Samantha’s sixth season with UBW. George Caldwell (composer & musician) has conducted shows on Broadway (Black & Blue, Play On!), played piano & keyboards for others (Bring In ‘Da Noise, The Full Monty), conducted tours in Europe (Body & Soul, Black & Blue), as well as serving as musical director for US regional tours of original musicals (Ella, Thunder Knocking On The Door, Cookin’ At The Cookery, and Golden Boy at the Long Wharf Theatre). He toured in the Count Basie Orchestra for seven years, and in the Duke Ellington Orchestra for three years. He’s performed with diverse artists, from George Benson, Dianne McIntyre, Savion Glover, the Nicholas brothers and Bobby McFerrin to Brenda Lee, Elvis Costello and Dizzy Gillespie.

Lacina Coulibaly (assistant to choreographer) was born in Burkina Faso and has a professional dance career that is based on a unique African choreographic expression deeply rooted in traditional African dances that have contemporary influences.

He is co-founder of Cie Kongo Bâ Teria with Souleymane Badolo and Ousseni Sako. The company was featured in the documentary film Movement (R)Evolution Africa (2007). With this company Lacina co-choreographed Vin Nem (2001) which toured the world and won international awards, including the 3rd place award at SANGA, les Rencontres Choréographiques.

Lacina also danced and choreographed with other international dance companies, such as Salia ni Seydou, FasoDanseTheatre, TchéTché, and collaborated with artists such as Emily Coates, Catherine Young, and Amy Sullivan. He has worked as with schools such as Brown University, University of Florida, Cornell University, UCLA, and Ohio State University as a guest lecturer, artist-in-residence, and teacher. Currently he is on faculty at Yale University.

Susan Hamburger (lighting designer) is the Lighting Designer for the Bessie Award winning Urban Bush Women.

She has worked with such notable artists as Craig Harris, Lucinda Childs, Mark Rucker and numerous dance companies including Bessie winner Nora Chipaumire, Troika Ranch, Urban Tap, Ellis Wood and Alice Farley among others. She has also designed A Child’s Christmas in Wales, Little Shop Of Horrors, Suddenly Last Summer, The Great Highway, West Side Story, The Cryptogram, Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing and Waiting for Godot. Susan is an adjunct professor at New York University and The Juilliard School. susanhamburger.com Pia Monique Murray (assistant to choreographer) is a New York City-native, majored in African-American studies and dance at Oberlin College and was influenced by multidisciplinary performance art while attending the Trinity/ LaMama Performing Arts Program. She plays many roles in dance: teaching artist, rehearsal assistant, stage manager, tour manager, choreographer and performer. She has worked with Urban Bush Women, Nora Chipaumire, Paloma McGregor, Dianne McIntyre, Blondell Cummings, Doug Elkins and others in various capacities. Pia performs traditional dance from Ivory Coast with Vado Diomande’s Kotchegna Dance Company and leads PIA MONIQUE MURRAY DANCE COLLECTIVE (PMMDC) an interdisciplinary performance art group. pmmdc.com 40 seven days of opening nights

Naoko Nagata (costume designer) began making costumes with no formal training. Nagata’s first costume was created for Jeanine Durning in 1998. From that moment, she has been creating for a diverse group of choreographers and dancers such as Kyle Abraham for Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Amanda Loulaki, Bebe Miller, David Dorfman Dance, Liz Lerman, Nina Winthrop, Nora Chipaumire, Reggie Wilson, Urban Bush Women, and many others. Working closely with collaborators, Naoko helps bring to life what she calls “the creation of a shared dream.” Nagata’s work has been seen on both international and national main stages including The Kennedy Center, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography, PACT Zollverein, Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Joyce Theater, and New York City Center. Currently, she is working with Reggie Wilson for BAM Next wave.

Omotayo Wunmi Olaiya (costume designer) is a songwriter, performer and costume designer. She has designed for choreographers Marlies Yearby, Ronald K. Brown, Donald McKayle, Donald Byrd, Rennie Harris, Kevin Ward and Camille A. Brown. Wunmi has collaborated on works produced by Alvin Ailey, Cleo Parker Robinson, Evidence, and DCDC. In 2000, Wunmi was awarded a “Bessie” for her work with Yearby and Ron Brown. Wunmi’s album entitled See Me will be released later this year. Check wunmi.com for upcoming projects in music and design. Wunmi is honored to have the opportunity to design for dark swan, her first collaboration with both Nora Chipaumire and UBW. Russell Sandifer (lighting designer) is co-chairperson of the School of Dance at Florida State University. He also has designed lighting for The Suzanne Farrell Ballet (since 2001), on occasion for Urban Bush Women (since 1998), and is the lighting director for the national festival of the American College Dance Festival Association. Russell designed for Seaside Music Theater from 1984 until it closed in 2008. In his professional career Russell has designed lighting for almost two thousand dance works. Russell is a member of United Scenic Artists, Council of Dance Administrators, and a lifetime member of the American College Dance Festival Association.

Daniel Smith (sound designer) began working as a composer and pianist for the Florida State University School of Dance in 2009. Since that time, he has created over 50 musical compositions for dance. His works have been presented in eighteen states throughout the country including the world premier of Metamorphoses at the 2011 Ringling International Arts Festival. Mr. Smith maintains an active career as a performer and is the pianist for Sinfonia Gulf Coast. He holds the Bachelor of Music Education from Florida State University (2005) and is presently pursuing the Master of Music Education from The University of Florida.

Talvin Wilks (dramaturg) is a director, playwright and dramaturg based in New York City. He has served as dramaturg for five collaborations with the Bebe Miller Company: Going to the Wall, Verge, Landing/Place (for which he received a 2006 Bessie Award), Necessary Beauty, and the recent premiere of A History. In addition he has worked with Marlies Yearby (woo-men), Darrell Jones (Hoo-Ha), Camille A. Brown (Mr. Tol E. RAncE) and is currently working with Carmen de Lavallade on the upcoming work, As I Remember It, and Urban Bush Women’s Hep Hep Sweet Sweet.

Zinda Lee Williams (costume constructor) took an old pair of tights and made a leotard for her doll when she was a child.

Who would know that this would be her life’s work? Zinda started her professional career as a dancer and costumer for Garth Fagan Dance (formerly, Bottom of the Bucket, But...

Dance Theatre). She would soon realize that she couldn’t do both and eventually chose to design and construct costumes while touring as Garth Fagan’s wardrobe supervisor. Since then, Zinda has built costumes for Merce Cunningham, Lucinda Childs, Complexions, Philadanco, Ron Brown Evidence and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, to name a few.

urban bush women staff Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Chief Visioning Officer Maria Bauman, Associate Artistic Director Anna Glass, Special Advisor Lai-Lin Robinson, Manager of Operations Henry Liles, Finance Manager Katrina Reid, Program Assistant Jose Santiago, Production Manager Bennalldra Williams, Training Specialist

urban bush women board of directors Regina Bain Tammy Bormann, Chair Erik L. Hall, Treasurer Yvahn Martin Alice Sheppard Jennifer Smith, Secretary Lorrie A. Warner Jawole Willa Jo Zollar Gail Jones - UBW Young Professionals Board Simone Sneed - UBW Young Professionals Board

urban bush women creative catalyst circle The UBW Creative Catalyst Circle invites the partnership of individuals, teams of individuals, and institutions who believe

in the vision and mission of UBW and who wish to bring this vision to the stage through their philanthropic gifts.

Tracey & Phillip Riese

urban bush women funders Doris Duke Performing Artist Awards program Nathan Cummings Foundation National Endowment for the Arts This work is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council Surdna Foundation UBW’s production residency at Florida State University was made possible in part by the generous support of the Florida State University School of Dance.

Urban Bush Women -- 30 years strong!

UBW, Inc., is the parent corporation of Urban Bush Women, a not-for-profit organization located at: 138 S. Oxford St., Suite #4B Brooklyn, NY 11217 (718) 398-4537; fax (718) 398-4783 The company gratefully accepts contributions which are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. For booking information, please contact IMG Artists, 212-994-3500 | imgartists.com © 2014, UBW, Inc. All rights reserved.

urbanbushwomen.org /ubwbrooklyn

/ubwdance 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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Dr. Charles & Amy Newell and Dr. Emily Ashmore Proudly Support

42 seven days of opening nights

poncho

sanchez sponsored by

CUBANO BE! CUBANO BOP!

Tribute to the Conga King, Chano Pozo and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie february 12 | 7:30 PM

Ruby diamond concert hall Poncho Sanchez & His Latin Jazz Band Poncho Sanchez................................................................... Congas Francisco Torres................................ Trombone/Musical Director Ron Blake........................................................Trumpet/Flugelhorn Joey De Leon Jr.................................................................. Timbales Rob Hardt...........................................................Saxophones/Flute Andy Langham........................................................................ Piano Rene Camacho.......................................................................... Bass Angel Rodriguez...............................................Bongos/Percussion Larry Sanchez.....................................Sound Engineer/Production

At 24, after working his way around the local club scene for several years, he landed a permanent spot in Cal Tjader’s band in 1975. “I learned a great deal from Cal,” says Mr. Sanchez, “but it wasn’t as though he sat me down and taught me lessons like a schoolteacher. Mostly it was just a matter of being around such a great guy. It was the way he conducted himself, the way he talked to people, the way he presented himself onstage. He was very elegant, very dignified, and when he played, he played beautifully. The touch that he had on the vibes – nobody has that sound. To me, he was – and is, and always will be – the world’s greatest vibe player.”

I

Mr. Sanchez remained with Tjader until the bandleader’s death in 1982. That same year, he signed with Concord for the release of Sonando!, an album that marked the beginning of a prolific musical partnership that spans 30 years and, with the September 2012 digital release of Live in Hollywood, 26 albums!

f music were about pictures, percussionist Poncho Sanchez’s music would best be described as a kaleidoscopic swirl of some of the hottest colors and brightest lights to emerge from either side of the border. At any given show, on any given record, fragments of Latin jazz, swing, bebop, salsa, and other infectious grooves collide and churn in a fiery swirl, with results that are no less than dazzling.

Although born in Laredo, TX, in 1951 to a large MexicanAmerican family, Mr. Sanchez grew up in a suburb of L.A., where he was raised on an unusual cross section of sounds that included straightahead jazz, Latin jazz, and American soul. By his teen years, his musical consciousness had been solidified by the likes of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaria, Wilson Pickett, and James Brown. Along the way, he taught himself to play guitar, flute, drums, and timbales, but eventually settled on the congas.

Whether it’s salsa, straight-ahead jazz, Latin jazz, or even elements of soul and blues, the mesmerizing array of sounds and colors from Mr. Sanchez’s youth have telegraphed across the decades and continue to inform his creative sensibilities to this day. “There’s room for a lot of different sounds in our music,” he says. “I think people have come to know that that’s what Poncho Sanchez is all about. We put it all together in a pot, boil it together and come out with a big stew. This isn’t some marketing strategy to sell records. These are the sounds I grew up with. So when I play this music, I’m not telling a lie. I’m telling my story. This is the real thing.”

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44 seven days of opening nights

nicola

benedetti with alexei grynyuk february 13 | 7:30 PM

Ruby diamond concert hall Nicola Benedetti �������������������������������������������������������������������� Violin Alexei Grynyuk ���������������������������������������������������������������������� Piano Beethoven (1770-1827) Violin Sonata No. 7 in C Minor I. Allegro Con Brio II. Adagio Cantabile III. Scherzo: Allegro IV. Finale: Allegro; Presto Prokofiev (1891-1953) Violin Sonata No. 1 in F Minor I. Andante Assai II. Allegro Brusco III. Andante IV. Allegrissimo - Andante Assai, Come Prima Intermission KORNGOLD (1897-1957) Mariettas Lied from Die tote Stadt KORNGOLD (1897-1957) Tanzlied des Pierrot from Die tote Stadt ELGAR (1857-1934) Violin Sonata in E minor, Op. 82 I. Allegro: Risoluto II. Romance: Andante III. Allegro Non Troppo

N

icola Benedetti is one of the most sought after violinists of her generation. Her ability to captivate audiences with her innate musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with her wide appeal as a high profile advocate for classical music, has made her one of the most influential classical artists of today.

With concerto performances at the heart of her career, Ms. Benedetti is in much demand with major orchestras and conductors across the globe. Recent and future performances include engagements with the London Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra del Teatro La Fenice, Frankfurt Radio Symphony, WDR Cologne, Danish National Symphony, Strasbourg Philharmonic, Orchestre National D’Ile de France, Beethoven Orchester Bonn, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Netherlands Radio Chamber, Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, National Symphony of Washington D.C., Dallas Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Melbourne Symphony, and Hong Kong Philharmonic amongst others. Ms. Benedetti will also embark on tours with the Bergen Philharmonic (Germany), Camerata Salzburg and BBC Scottish Symphony (India).

The 2014-2015 Season will see Ms. Benedetti further her passion for music of the Italian Baroque and historical performance realized in collaborations with Andrea Marcon and WDR Cologne, Venice Baroque Orchestra, and a European tour with La Cetra Barokorchester Basel.

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These international appearances have resulted in her working with a host of distinguished conductors including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Stéphane Denève, Christoph Eschenbach, James Gaffigan, Valery Gergiev, Alan Gilbert, Jakub Hrusa, Louis Langrée, Andrew Litton, Jirí Belohlávek, Sir Neville Marriner, Diego Matheuz, Kristjan Järvi, Neeme Jaarvi, Paavo Järvi, Donald Runnicles, Yan Pascal Tortelier, Pinchas Zukerman, and Jaap van Zweden.

With her regular duo partner, pianist Alexei Grynyuk, Ms. Benedetti frequently performs in recital making appearances in the world’s leading concert halls. Most recently, she performed at the Dresden Musikfestipiele, the Sapienza in Romea and Maison Symphony in Montreal and prior to this has given recitals in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hong Kong, Paris, Sacile, New York, Boston, and Washington D.C. Future recitals include performances at the Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall, Symphony Hall Birmingham, Aix en Provence, and Trieste Italy.

Ms. Benedetti is a devoted chamber musician and collaborates with cellist Leonard Elschenbroich and pianist Alexei Grynyuk, who have been performing as a trio since 2008. They recently undertook an extensive tour of Scotland in March 2013 including performances at the Edinburgh Usher Hall and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Recent and future highlights include concerts at LSO St. Luke’s, Frankfurt Alte Oper, Die Glocke Bremen, Hong Kong City Hall, two tours of South America, and at the Ravinia, Schloss Elmau, Istanbul, and Cheltenham Festivals.

46 seven days of opening nights

Fiercely committed to music education and to developing young talent, Ms. Benedetti has formed associations with education establishments including schools, music colleges, and local authorities. In 2010, she became Sistema Scotland’s official musical ‘Big Sister’ for the Big Noise project; a music initiative partnered with Venezuela’s El Sistema (Fundación Musical Simón Bolívar). As a board member and teacher, Ms. Benedetti embraces her position of role model to encourage young people to take up music and work hard at it, and she continues to spread this message in school visits and master classes, not only in Scotland, but all around the world.

In addition, Ms. Benedetti recently developed her own education and outreach initiative entitled, The Benedetti Sessions. Piloted in March 2013 at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, these sessions gave hundreds of aspiring young string players the opportunity to rehearse, undertake and observe master classes culminating in a performance alongside Ms. Benedetti. She will present The Benedetti Sessions at the Royal Albert Hall in September 2013 and has plans to develop this exciting initiative on an international scale.

Winner of Best Female Artist at the 2012 Classical BRIT Awards, Ms. Benedetti records exclusively for Decca (Universal Music). Her most recent recording, The Silver Violin, is particularly renowned for its success in reaching No. 30 in the U.K. pop charts simultaneously to topping the classical charts. Her past six recordings on Universal/ Deutsche Grammophon include a varied catalogue of works including the Szymanowski Concerto (London Symphony

Orchestra/Daniel Harding), newly commissioned works by Tavener and “The Lark Ascending” (London Philharmonic/ Andrew Litton), a disc of virtuosic works (Royal Liverpool Philharmonic/Vasily Petrenko), Tchaikovsky and Bruch Concertos (Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Jakub Hrusa) and most recently Vivaldi, Tartini, and Veracini Concerti (Scottish Chamber Orchestra/Christian Curnyn).

Ms. Benedetti was appointed as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2013 New Year Honors, in recognition of her international music career and work with musical charities throughout the U.K. In addition, she has received five honorary degrees to date.

Born in Scotland of Italian heritage, Ms. Benedetti began violin lessons at the age of five with Brenda Smith. In 1997, she entered the Yehudi Menuhin School, where she studied with Natasha Boyarskaya. Upon leaving, she continued her studies with Maciej Rakowski and then Pavel Vernikov, and continues to work with multiple acclaimed teachers and performers.

Ms. Benedetti plays the Gariel Stradivarius (1717), courtesy of Jonathan Moulds.

Nicola Benedetti appears by arrangement with IMG Artists 152 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 Ms. Benedetti records exclusively for Decca Classics.

nicolabenedetti.co.uk

Alexei Grynyuk (Piano)

Alexei Grynyuk was awarded the first prize at the Sergei Diaghilev All-Soviet-Union competition in Moscow at the age of thirteen. Grynyuk has achieved numerous other successes at international piano competitions, most notably first prizes at the Vladimir Horowitz Competition in Kiev and the Shanghai Piano Competition in China. He has been described by ‘Le Figaro’ (Paris) as “…master of transparent and sovereign touch…astonishing personality and absolutely transcendental virtuosity.”

Alexei’s recital appearances expand to many of the world’s most renowned concert halls including the Great Hall of Moscow Conservatoire, ‘Piano Series’ at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Wigmore Hall & South Bank Centre in London, Salle Cortot & Salle Gaveau in Paris and other prominent venues of Europe, United States, Mexico, Morocco and Far East. Alexei has been invited to perform at such prestigious festivals as Cervantino (Mexico), Duszniki Chopin Festival (Poland), Musical Kremlin International Festival (Moscow), Musica Sacra (Maastricht), Davos Festival (Switzerland), Newport Music Festival (Rhode Island) and International Keyboard Festival (New York).

Upcoming engagements include a Wigmore Hall recital, a recital tour in Japan and a tour with National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine.

Mr. Grynyuk has recordings available on Orchid Classics.

orchidclassics.com/agl.htm

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Ken Kato & Nan Nagy Sponsors of Jonny Lang

Proudly Support Seven Days of Opening Nights and The Performing Arts in the Tallahassee Community

48 seven days of opening nights

jonny

lang

with ana popovic

sponsored by

ken kato & nan nagy

Jonny Lang....................................................... Guitar/Lead Vocals Barry Alexander................................................................... Drums James Anton.....................................................Bass Guitar/Vocals Jason Eskridge...................................................Vocals/Percussion Dwan Hill........................................................... Keyboards/Vocals Akil Thompson......................................................... Guitar/Vocals

F

ame does not seem to have impacted Jonny Lang. The country farm boy from Fargo, ND who got his start sixteen years ago in the local clubs of Minneapolis and found incredible success with his major label debut album, Lie To Me, actually has managed to survive the treacherous music business labyrinth quite well. The renowned guitarist, vocalist and songwriter withstood the early, hot spotlight, fell in love and began a family.

Along the way he learned what could only be taught by experience, by struggle and by love. That well-earned clarity of purpose permeates his first album of brand new music in seven years, Fight For My Soul.

“The inspiration for the songs on this record varies widely,” states Lang. “Some are about personal struggles; some are focused on injustices I have seen. Some are random, fictional stories that hopefully people can relate to in some way. I’ve wanted to make this album for a long time. Creatively, I think there is a lot more going on inside of me than I’ve been sharing on record. Much of what I’ve experienced through music and life in general is in these songs.”

Lang’s full touring schedule combined with his first priority, his young family, is the primary cause for the length of time between new albums. “Between family time and being out on the road, I really had to pick my spots to fit in recording the new album,” he

february 14 | 7:30 PM

Ruby diamond concert hall says. “Sometimes, the last thing you want to do when you’ve been away from home for a long time is to go into the studio. In the last year, we’ve been able to work on it more consistently and finally finish it.”

Textured arrangements, gorgeous vocal melodies, and expressive guitar playing are all found in generous abundance on Fight For My Soul, however, the album defies categorization by a single genre. For the last three years, Lang, along with producer Tommy Sims (who co-wrote Eric Clapton’s GRAMMY-winning “Change the World”) collaborated on the project from the ground up. The first step was fine-tuning the soulful numbers Lang demo’d at home. “Sometimes I write music that I could never imagine putting on a record,” Lang admits. “Tommy has the ability to see the consistencies in the songs where I might not.” Sims also contributed the soul-rocker “Blew Up (The House),” and played several instruments as well, including resonator guitar and world-class bass on certain tunes.

As an artist Lang has evolved since the writing process began. For example, the track “What You’re Looking For” carefully layers banjo, guitars, spacey keyboards and a percussion sample to create a sonic dreamscape that beautifully underpins its story of the search for the essentials of life — faith, love, hope. Similar growth and artistic courage can be found on “We Are the Same” which evokes the freewheeling spirit of Motown’s Psychedelic Shack era, some of Lang’s favorite music and a side to his musicality he was eager to expose.

Lang’s four earlier studio albums were written and crafted under the careful watch of his previous record labels. This one was different and it was a welcome change. After the release of the GRAMMYwinning Turn Around in 2007, he made the decision to forego the major label route and become an independent artist. Lang’s first indie effort was 2009’s Live At the Ryman, (subsequently 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 2014 SEVEN DAYS OF OPENING NIGHTS FESTIVAL

SNIFFEN & SPELLMAN, P.A. S NIFFEN & S PELLMAN, P.A. 123 N. M ONROE S TREET T ALLAHASSEE, FL PHONE : 850/205-1996 | WWW . SNIFFENLAW . COM

50 seven days of opening nights

released by his new label, Concord) but Fight For My Soul is his first fully realized artistic statement through his own label SayRai Music (via Concord) and features his own long-time touring band: drummer Barry Alexander, bassist James Anton, rhythm guitarist Akil Thompson, keyboardist Dwan Hill and background vocalist Missi Hale. “Recording with the band for the first time was really gratifying,” says Lang. “They’re all amazing musicians and we’ve grown together musically and personally by playing hundreds of live shows. This served us well in the making of Fight For My Soul.

Because of them, I have grown musically in ways I never thought I could, and it really is an honor to have them on this record.”

Jonny Lang’s path has afforded him the opportunity to interact with some of the most respected legends in music. On the way up, he shared the stage with the Rolling Stones, B.B. King, Aerosmith, Sting, and Buddy Guy, with whom he continues to tour. As a 12-year-old, he began a long, exhilarating journey that has brought him to points across the globe, and he remains very excited about continuing the rather amazing trip. “With this album, I really look forward to bringing our music to people in places I’ve never been before,” enthused Lang. “Music is a great conveyer of ideas and emotions and in a sense, that doesn’t have much to do with the individual performing as much as the power of the connection.” He adds finally, “Music can be a blessing. And if Fight For My Soul can help somebody by making them feel better or make them realize they’re not alone, that’s my idea of success.”

jonnylang.com /JonnyLang

ANA POPOVIC The award-winning, hard-touring, guitar slinger blends smoking electric funk and slide guitar, jazzy instrumentals and a tight blues groove with soulful, feminine vocals. Add to the mix her incredible stage presence, all of which makes her an irresistible force in the world of contemporary blues music.

During 2013 Ana has appeared on the cover of Vintage Guitar, Guitar Player’s Gear Guide and American Blues Scene. Her album Can You Stand The Heat was a “Pick Of The Week” by USA Today and featured on NPR Music. Nearly all of Ana’s albums made it the Top 5 of the Billboard Blues Charts and are being played regularly on U.S. radio.

Ana Popovic was born in Belgrade (formerly Yugoslavia) and grew up in a warm and loving family where music was very important.

All throughout her youth, her father invited friends over for nightly jam sessions. In this atmosphere, she quickly learned her father’s impressive blues and soul record collection, grabbed his guitar and started playing at the age of fifteen. Since then, Ana has developed into a phenomenal guitarist/vocalist with a growing legion of fans throughout the world.

Ana and her phenomenal four-piece band as well as her Mo’ Better Love Big Band are tirelessly touring, playing major blues, jazz and rock festivals around the world. She is endorsed by Fender, Mesa Boogie, Ovation, and DR strings. Ana has shared headlining stages with B.B. King, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph, Jonny Lang, and many others. When not on tour, she resides in Memphis, TN.

/JonnyLangBand

©2012 Target Brands, Inc. Target and the Bullseye Design are registered trademarks of Target Brands, Inc. 722966

Every kid deserves a brush with inspiration.

That’s why Target is on track to give

$1 BILLION FOR EDUCATION by the end of 2015.

Learn about the difference this support is making for kids nationwide.

Target.com/Education

2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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52 seven days of opening nights

ward

Tony A

r Winne al usic

Best M

2005

The School of Theatre at Florida State

presents Monty Python’s

Spamalot

february 14 - March 2 | 8:00 PM richard g. fallon theatre

L

ovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT is a new musical, with a book by Eric Idle and an entirely new score created by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.

Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table, and featuring a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT “raises silliness to an art form” (The Sunday Times) and has been hailed as “a no-holds-barred smash hit.” (The New Yorker). It is sure to dazzle and entertain the Lords and Ladies of the audience!

From the original screenplay by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin. Original Broadway Production produced by Boyett Ostar Productions, The Shubert Organization, Arielle Tepper Madover, Stephanie McClelland/Lawrence Horowitz, Elan V. McAllister/Allan S. Gordon, Independent Producers Network, Roy Furman, GRS Associates, Jam Theatricals, TGA Entertainment, Live Nation.

Recommended age: 13+ Contains material that may be inappropriate for audiences under the age of 13.

Monty Python’s Spamalot is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by:

Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 570 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2100, New York, NY 10018.

(866) 378-9758 | theatricalrights.com

Act I Overture Fisch Schlapping Song King Arthur’s Song Monk’s Chant/He’s Not Yet Dead Come With Me Laker Girls The Song That Goes Like This All For One! Knights Of The Round Table Find Your Grail Run Away!

Act II Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life Brave Sir Robin You Won’t Succeed On Broadway The Diva’s Lament Where Are You? Here Are You! His Name Is Lancelot I’m All Alone The Song that Goes Like This (Reprise) The Grail We Are Not Yet Wed Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (Reprise) 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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ALAN SOUZA (Director) is a freelance director, based out of New York City. He conceived and directed the world premiere of The Little Hours, based on the short stories of Dorothy Parker, for the New Jersey Repertory Company in 2008. The production received the prestigious Edgerton Foundation Award for New Works – as did Exposure Time, a world premiere play that he led in early 2010.

He has directed both plays and musicals for the Walnut Street Theatre, The Laguna Playhouse, The New Theatre, Virginia Musical Theatre, The Human Race Theatre, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Texas Shakespeare Festival and the John W Engeman Theatre at Northport. He conceived and directed the star-studded benefit concert, First You Dream, for the Actors Fund of America and the Christopher Reeve Foundation, is a frequent Guest Artist at many University Drama Programs throughout the country, and teaches Musical Theatre Audition technique classes in NYC. Alan was nominated for the 2008 Carbonell Award for his work on The Full Monty for the Maltz Jupiter Theatre; the show received 8 nominations in total, including Best Musical, Best Director, and Best Featured Actress for Mimi Hines.

Meet the director

What’s there to do in Tallahassee?

Visit COCA’s online calendar for art, theatre, music, dance, literary, and tons of other events. Or sign up at www.cocanet.org to have them sent directly to your inbox every Monday.

MoreThanYouThought.com 54 seven days of opening nights

The school of theatre at florida state As one of the top-tier theatre training programs in the nation, the School of Theatre at Florida State provides its students with a wide variety of theatrical and educational opportunities. The primary mission of the School of Theatre is to offer students a comprehensive education in theatre and to prepare emerging artists to enter the professional theatre industry. As a result, the School of Theatre provides both student artists and community audience members a diverse array of productions that explore the spectrum of our shared humanity.

Founded in 1973 under the vision and leadership of then-Dean Richard G. Fallon, the School of Theatre enjoys a national reputation, in large part, because of the excellence of its undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a gifted faculty of nationally recognized professional artists/educators.

The London Theatre Studies program, the chance to work side by side with guest artists and eminent scholars, as well as showcase opportunities in New York City and Los Angeles are just a few of the many reasons why students are attracted to our various professional and academic degrees from all over the United States, many foreign countries, and every county in Florida.

entertainment industry professionals.Through their creative work, research, publication, and service, School of Theatre alumni contribute to the commercial, educational, and cultural life of the citizens of Florida and the nation.

For more information on the School of Theatre productions, ticket information, and academic programs, please visit the School of Theatre website at theatre.fsu.edu.

The School of Theatre at Florida State is a member of the University/Resident Theatre Association, Inc. and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

theatre.fsu.edu /FSUSOT

/FSUTheatre

Alumni of the program include Broadway stars Montego Glover and Leslie Flesner, television producer Steven Sears, Emmy award-winners John Papsidera and John Brace, Broadway producers Heather Provost and Darren Bagert, Playwright and Professor Suzan Zeder, and a host of talented

We Proudly Support

Seven Days of Opening Nights

2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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56 seven days of opening nights

geoffrey

gilmore

a movie you haven’t seen vii february 15 | 7:30 PM

Ruby diamond concert hall

G

eoffrey Gilmore joined Tribeca Enterprises in 2009 as Chief Creative Officer. He is responsible for Tribeca’s global content strategy and leads creative development initiatives and expansion of the brand. He helped develop Tribeca’s distribution platform, Tribeca Film, and supervises the Tribeca Film Festival and the Tribeca Online Film Festival. Mr. Gilmore also joined the Board of Directors of Tribeca Enterprises. He came to Tribeca from the Sundance Institute where he served as the Director of the Sundance Film Festival. He was responsible for film selection and the overall direction of programming from 1990 through 2009.

Geoffrey Gilmore is the best-known curator of American independent film in the world.

Independent Producers Conference for 18 years and worked with the Institute on numerous international and national projects and symposia. For 14 years, he served as head of the UCLA Film & Television Archive’s programming. Mr. Gilmore has also taught a course in the UCLA Department of Film and Television on independent production and has also lectured in Paris, Germany, Japan, and China. He served on the board of the Independent Feature Project/West and the advisory board of the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, and he has served on the council for the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council, the Rockefeller Foundation, and other organizations and committees. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and did his post-graduate work at UCLA.

/GeoffreyGilmore

– Frank Patterson, Dean of the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts

In addition, Mr. Gilmore was a consultant for the Sundance Channel and also served as consultant to the Sundance Cinemas. He directed the Sundance Institute’s Annual 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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Voices with the florida state vocal jazz ensemble february 16 | 4:00 PM

opperman music hall

New York Voices

Peter Eldridge, Kim Nazarian, Lauen Kinhan, and Darmon Meader Florida State University Vocal Jazz Ensemble

Kevin Fenton....................................................Director Mitch Crawford................................Assistant Director Soprano: Mary Kelsay, Elizabeth McCawley, Greta Smidt, and Emily Szymanski | Alto: Judy Gaunt, Andie Gilroy, and Aria Grosso | Tenor: Noah Lubert, Brian Niu, Omar Nassair, and Skipper Stradtman | Bass: Asher Carlson, David Mandt, Isiah Maxey, and Robert Washington

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013 marked New York Voices’ 25th Anniversary in music. The GRAMMY® Award-winning vocal group has refined their musical story to a high art. They are known for their close-knit voicings, inspired arrangements, and unparalleled vocal blend. Their chameleon-like musicianship allows them to move seamlessly from setting to setting, be it orchestral/big band, to the intimate trio lineup. With deep interests rooted in jazz, Brazilian, R & B, classical, and pop, their music mixes traditional sensibilities with more than a dash of the unexpected. They are first call from great arrangers and conductors like Don Sebesky, Michael Abene, Keith Lockhart,

and Rob Fisher who all know and admire the complexity of what they do and want something out of the ordinary, something extraordinary. Like the great jazz vocal groups that have come before — Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross, Singers Unlimited, and The Manhattan Transfer — they are firmly a part of that legacy and are dedicated to passing it on to generations to come.

The celebratory year opened with the release of New York Voices Live with the WDR Big Band Cologne on Palmetto Records. This project is a collection of past favorites, current in-rotation tunes, and brand new arrangements. The big band charts were all written by the incomparable Michael Abene, the producer of their 1989 debut CD on GRP. The WDR, the critically acclaimed big band based in Cologne, Germany, pairs perfectly with NYV’s musicality and might. Closing the 25th Anniversary year was the much-anticipated New York Voices Holiday CD, Let It Snow, produced by the great Elliot Scheiner (producer of NYV’s Big Band CD, Sing! Sing! Sing!).

Formed by Darmon Meader, Peter Eldridge, Kim Nazarian, Caprice Fox, and Sara Krieger, New York Voices had their first performances in 1988. Darmon, Peter, Kim, and Caprice attended Ithaca College in NY and were part of an invitational alumni group formed to tour the European Jazz Festival circuit in the summer of ’86. In 1989 they would sign their first record deal with GRP Records and release their self titled debut album, New York Voices. The group received rave notices and quickly received domestic and international recognition in the jazz 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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world. From ’89 to ’94, they released four CDs on the GRP label, New York Voices, Hearts of Fire, What’s Inside, and Collection.

While recording for GRP, they underwent personnel changes. In 1992, Sara Krieger retired her chair, and after auditioning over 60 vocalists from all over the United States, the group found Lauren Kinhan. There was an immediate chemistry, allowing the group to make a quick transition and become the “new” New York Voices. Lauren’s first musical contributions can be heard on NYV’s third CD, What’s Inside, released in May 1993.

In early 1994, Caprice Fox left the group; forever fixing NYV as the quartet it is today.

In addition to their own CDs, NYV has made many guest appearances on recordings and live performances that have earned them critical acclaim and demand in a variety of settings. You can find their performances on such CDs as the GRAMMY® Award-winning Count Basie Orchestra with New York Voices, Live at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG Records), the Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning Brazilian Dreams with the great Paquito D’Rivera, the contemporary classical Visions Within (Robert Lepley – EarthBeat Records), Heirs to Jobim (BMG Records), Don Sebesky’s, I Remember Bill (BMG), Jim Hall’s By Arrangement (Telarc), A Love Affair – the Music of Ivan Lins (TELARC), Louisiana Purchase (DRG), and many more. They have had the pleasure of performing with a number of influential jazz artists including Ray Brown, Bobby McFerrin, Nancy Wilson, The Count Basie Orchestra, George Benson, Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross, The Manhattan Transfer, the Boston Pops, The Metropole Orchestra, Ivan Lins, Paquito D’Rivera, Bob Dorough, and many more.

In early 1997 they traveled down a different road, paying tribute to Paul Simon with New York Voices Sing the Songs of Paul Simon. They explored a variety of styles to express new turns on this singer/songwriter’s rich songbook. All Music Guide said, “The arrangements are brighter and brassier than Simon’s originals, but there’s a real charm to the performances that makes it a thoroughly entertaining experience.”

In 2001, New York Voices released their sixth CD, Sing! Sing!

Sing! After many years of performing with the Count Basie Orchestra, the group wanted to address the great Big Band songbook and offer their own spin. With Darmon doing the lion’s share of the vocal and big band arrangements, they hired the producing talents of Elliot Scheiner (Manhattan Transfer, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac) to capture the music and mix it with his exquisite precision and care. As reviewed

by Don Heckman of the L.A. Times, “The title track quickly lays down what to expect from the balance of the program: complex, interwoven vocal lines, interactive improvising, and brisk ensemble accompaniment. And revivalist swing fans, both players and listeners, would do well to check out the Voices’ capacity to bring a contemporary quality to classic material without sacrificing the essence of either.”

In the last decade, the pops symphony community has called upon them to develop various programs. The Boston Pops knocked first and commissioned a few big band style adaptations. Then a baby boomer show followed that toured extensively in 2003. Finally, the Boston Pops got the holiday program started in 2005, and the rest is history. NYV has added to all these programs over the years allowing them to dive into the gorgeous landscape of symphonic settings and build a new following of music appreciators. Janelle Gelfand of The 60 seven days of opening nights

Cincinnati Enquirer said, “The group’s incomparable blend, hip delivery and great arrangements resulted in one swinging party. Their four-part harmonizing was so close, it was hard to tell where one voice ended and another began.”

2007 marked the release of their seventh studio CD, A Day Like This. They went back to their roots of mixing things up; Brazilian influences, swinging trio numbers, and a couple big band romps. They also included a handful of original songs from the members, which has always been a strong suit for this multi-talented ensemble. All About Jazz L.A. said, “a sumptuous collection of vocal harmonic heaven … the vocals are a Whitman’s Sampler of various flavors and tastes, richer than a dark chocolate bon bon.”

NYV has traveled the globe with their elegant music, amazing audiences all over the world with their impeccable voices and stunning arrangements. “Live, they’re just as impressive to witness,” says Mathew Lurrie of Time Out Chicago, “we dare say there may be no better way to understand the wit and wink of jazz harmony than via these Voices.”

Along with their extensive concert performances and recording schedules, NYV also works in the field of education, giving workshops and clinics to high school and college music students throughout the world. In 2009, they opened the New York Voices Bowling Green State University Vocal Jazz Camp. It is a wildly successful venture that admits students from all over the world at different ages and stages in their musical lives.

NYV have cultivated their brand of teaching, creating a roster of classes that students select from while also participating in one of four levels of jazz choirs and the all camp piece. It is a six-day summer event that is instructive while also being personal and nurture based.

Peter Eldridge Peter Eldridge ranks “in the celebrated tradition of melodic poets, most famously represented by such disparate voices as Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, and Steely Dan – singer/songwriters who create catchy, beautiful tunes with insightful lyrics that are both personal and universal (allmusicguide.com).” Mr. Eldridge continues to draw on his many talents as he pursues an eclectic mix of activities, including composing, performing, arranging, recording, as well as teaching (the Manhattan School of Music, head of the jazz voice department). He has released four solo recordings so far: Stranger in Town, characterized by its bittersweet swing and called the Best Jazz CD of 2001 by Boston radio station WICN; Fool No More, full of his evocative original music in a sophisticated pop setting, released in the same year (both on the independent label Rosebud Records); Decorum, a 2005 release of originals which Downbeat was noted as saying, “If musical intelligence and artistry were prompters to marketplace success, Decorum would grant him stardom . . . strong, far-ranging voice . . . hauntingly wistful,” and finally the latin-inspired Mad Heaven, which was released last year on the Palmetto label. Jazz Review said of the album, “Mad Heaven showcases Mr. Eldridge as a major player in vocal jazz, an artist of extraordinary depth and conviction.”

Compositions by Mr. Eldridge have been included on albums by other artists: “Minds of Their Own,” written with Brazilian composer and performer Ivan Lins, was included on Nancy Wilson’s R.S.V.P. (Rare Songs, Very Personal) on the MCG Jazz Label, which won the 2004 GRAMMY® award for Best Jazz

Vocal Album; “Difficult” was recorded by Cuban saxophonistclarinetist Paquito D’Rivera for his The Jazz Chamber Trio, a 2005 release on Chesky Records; and “Difficult” was also used in comedian Zach Galafianakis’ DVD Live from the Purple Onion.

Jane Monheit, who was at one time one of Mr. Eldridge’s many talented students, features his song “Surrender” as the title track on her acclaimed 2007 CD and also features the Eldridge duet “Around Us” on her 2003 Encoded Music DVD, Live from the Rainbow Room. Ms. Monheit and Mr. Eldridge also recorded a duet for her most recent album, Home, entitled It’s Only Smoke. One of his many choral pieces, simply entitled “Prayer,” was recently recorded by New York City’s own Marble Collegiate Sanctuary Choir, on its recording With Many Voices.

In spring 2008, Mr. Eldridge was invited to join Kurt Elling, Jon Hendricks, and Mark Murphy for a concept concert entitled, the Four Brothers. He is also a member of the vocal group Moss, which combines the talents of Luciana Souza, Kate McGarry, Theo Bleckmann, and Lauren Kinhan. The debut album by Moss was named one of the best CDs of the past decade

by Downbeat. Mr. Eldridge continues to perform with his own band in venues in New York and internationally. He has also recently begun a new duo with bassist Matt Aronoff called Foolish Hearts, which just released its first studio project (an EP entitled New Definition) and has already had two tours of Europe and the States. Mr. Eldridge has also worked with Bobby McFerrin (lending his voice to McFerrin’s recent Vocabularies project), Michael Brecker, Meredith Monk, Fred Hersch, George Benson, Kenny Werner, David Byrne, Jim Hall, Larry Goldings, the Roches, Jonatha Brooke, Bill Charlap, Betty Buckley, Joshua Redman, and many others. Mr. Eldridge recently wrote the musical score with composer/conductor Adam Waite for the PBS documentary film, No Job for a Woman. Mr. Eldridge’s music was recently featured in NYC’s Playwright’s Horizons production of a new play called THIS by Melissa Gibson. He is regularly asked to lead master classes and workshops around the world, and as guest conductor has directed All State groups including New York, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

KIM NAZARIAN For the past 25 years Kim Nazarian has been harmonizing all over the world with the multiple GRAMMY® Award-winning group, New York Voices (NYV). In 2012 Ms. Nazarian was recognized as one of the top 50 most influential Armenian artists, and inducted into her High School’s Hall of Fame.

In addition to her extensive studio credits as a movie score and jingle singer, some of Ms. Nazarian’s other recordings include Red Dragonfly in NY (JVC Victor) produced by Jazz Ambassador Jiro Yoshida; Long Ago and Far Away (MCG Jazz), an original children’s radio show; and guest appearances on An Afternoon in Rio (MCG Jazz) with extraordinary guitarist Joe Negri (“Handyman” for Mr. Rogers); Two Worlds with Boston based band El Eco; and Mark Shilansky’s Join the Club release.

Ms. Nazarian also specializes in teaching vocal technique and the art of ensemble singing. For the past 3 years she has represented the U.S. as a judge for the International A Cappella Competition in Graz, Austria. She will also be a guest teacher in Germany this summer, and continues her long-standing position as an Artist in Residence at Bowling Green State University (host of the annual BGSU/NYV Vocal Jazz Camp).

Ms. Nazarian has conducted the New York and Arizona All State Jazz Choirs, and many all area and district jazz choirs in the U.S. Her highly acclaimed workshops have been presented at JEN and many state MEA conferences.

The near future holds a solo CD release for Ms. Nazarian entitled, Some Morning. Remarkable guests include: Paquito D’Rivera; Gary Burton; John Pizzarelli, and Sean Jones.

Ms. Nazarian is a magna cum laude graduate of Ithaca College. She presently resides on a 6.5-acre farm in Oberlin, Ohio with her husband, son and 2 cats.

Touring the globe for the last 1⁄4 century has provided some favorite venues, countries and audiences. That amazing list includes: Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the Montreal Jazz Fest, the Jazz Cruise; Ouro Preto, Brazil; Leipzig, Germany, Armenia, Columbia, France, Holland, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, and Uruguay to name a select few.

“Whether I’m singing with the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra, or the next up and coming rhythm section, it is an honor to make my living in music. I do believe it is my mission in this particular lifetime.”

Along with the many recordings Ms. Nazarian has made with NYV, she is proud to be one of the featured voices on Bobby McFerrin’s VOCAbuLarieS CD. Another recent professional highlight is Ms. Nazarian’s collaboration with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and the Manchester Craftman’s Guild on a concert tour dedicated to the late, great Ella Fitzgerald. Ms. Nazarian also enjoys being part of a special program called “Vocalese,” (created by visionary producer, Larry Rosen), which integrates NYV with Manhattan Transfer, and Jon Hendricks.

LAUREN KINHAN Vocalist and composer Lauren Kinhan has been creating genremerging music for years, as evidenced on her CDs Avalon and Hardly Blinking and her contributions to New York Voices’ recordings. Her musical ideas shake up traditional confines of jazz, pop, and everything in between and instead offer an experience led by an accomplished creative and curious mind. Legendary Phil Ramone describes Ms. Kinhan as a true songstress, “She is musical, lyrical, and really delivers vocally.”

Her training in jazz and deep connection to soul music has developed a voice that is expressive and fearless while her love of prose keep her dreaming of ways to lead her listeners on different adventures. Christopher Loudon from Jazz Times says, “Sweet surprises lurk around every corner … shaping a pastiche that is hip, intelligent, and vibrant.”

In addition to being a requested vocalist, Ms. Nazarian’s work as a lyricist is in demand. You can hear her contributions on the NYV CD’s; and now you can hear her other original lyrics throughout the world, including Russia, Brazil, the Netherlands (with Brazilian composer, Ivan Lins and the Metropole Orchestra), and Japan.

Most notably, she wrote the title track to the accompanying CD of Bill Strickland’s best selling book Making the Impossible Possible. You can find her song World of Possibilities on iTunes.

Her third solo CD, tentatively titled Circle in a Square, is already in production following a successful campaign she ran with the aid of Kickstarter’s fan funded business model. She has partnered with Elliot Scheiner (Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac) to produce the recording featuring the amazing talents of Ben Wittman (drums), Andy Ezrin (piano), Dave Finck (bass), and Will Lee (bass) for the underbelly. The project will also feature special guests like Paquito D’Rivera, Randy Brecker, and Donny 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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McAslin, to name a few. It’s another collection of her original songs with a wide range of stories to be told and moods to be struck. She has also commissioned artists to depict each of the songs to be featured in the packaging of the book of lead sheets. The artists are from her family and immediate circle of friends and celebrate the impact these visionaries have had on her own creative life. A tentative Spring 2013 release is the goal.

Her versatility as a composer is evidenced in her contributions to New York Voices CDs over the years, and co-founding two other super groups, Moss and JaLaLa. Moss, made up of Luciana Souza, Kate McGarry, Theo Bleckmann, Peter Eldridge and Ms. Kinhan, released their self-titled CD, Moss, in 2008 to rave reviews. In 2010, it was included in Downbeat’s ‘Best CDs of the 2000s’ issue. JaLaLa is short for Janis Siegel (The Manhattan Transfer), Laurel Massé (founding member of The Manhattan Transfer), and Lauren Kinhan, and they released their tribute to Johnny Mercer, That Old Mercer Magic, in 2009.

Ms. Kinhan’s debut solo project, Hardly Blinking, was produced

by Phil Ramone, Frank Filipetti, and Rob Mounsey and was mixed by Frank and Elliot Scheiner in 2000. It shows off the influence that Stevie Wonder, Carole King, Bonnie Raitt, and Joni Mitchell had on her early writing. The collection of songs were pulled directly from a live performance at the Bitter End in NYC that Phil Ramone attended and then signed her on the spot. Expect categories to be dashed with rock anthems sitting next to art pieces.

In 2010, EOne Entertainment picked up Lauren’s sophomore CD, Avalon, which she co-produced with Ben Wittman.

You can hear Ms. Kinhan’s voice on Bobby McFerrin’s project VOCAbuLaireS and Ornette Coleman’s 1996 release Sound Museum, Three Women. She toured with Mr. Coleman, culminating with his 1997 Lincoln Center retrospective, “Civilization” featuring Billie Higgins, Charlie Haden, and Gerrie Allen. In 1996 Ms. Kinhan and Japan’s rising star guitarist/ producer Jiro Yoshida teamed up to release Guitar and the Moon. The stellar quartet, featuring Eddie Gomez, showcases her personal take on singing the standards.

Ms. Kinhan served on the Board of Governors for the Recording Academy’s NY Chapter from 2008-2010. She currently sits on the committees for Education, Jazz and GRAMMY® Career Day. Teaching and mentoring are a big part of her schedule.

She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music.

DARMON MEADER Recognized in both the jazz vocal and instrumental worlds, Darmon Meader is a highly respected vocalist, arranger, and saxophonist. Mr. Meader has achieved international recognition as the founder, musical director, chief arranger, composer, producer, saxophonist, and vocalist with New York Voices. As a member of New York Voices, he has released numerous recordings on the GRP, RCA/Victor, Concord and MCGJazz labels. In 2013, NYV released two new CDs: New York Voices, Live with the WDR Big Band Cologne and their long awaited Christmas CD, both of which feature Mr. Meader’s extensive arranging skills. In 2008, Mr. Meader released his much anticipated debut solo CD, And So Am I. This solo project is a collection of jazz standards and original works, which reflects his varied interests and skills as a singer, saxophonist, writer, and arranger.

Mr. Meader has been the guest conductor for All-State Jazz Ensembles in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, and has made artistin-residence appearances at numerous schools, including Northwestern University, University of Louisville, American River College, Humber College, Columbia College, and University of Georgia. Mr. Meader has also taught at numerous domestic and international music workshops including the Inzigkoven Vocal Jazz Workshop in Germany, various IAJE Teacher’s Training Institutes, the Western Michigan University Vocal Jazz Camp, the Vocal Pop & Jazz Days workshop in the Netherlands, the Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camp, and the NYV BGSU Vocal Jazz Camp. Many of his choral, vocal jazz, and instrumental arrangements are available through the following publishers: Carl Fischer Music, Shawnee Press, Hal Leonard, Alfred Music, Belwin Mills, and UNC JazzPress.

KEVIN FENTON Kevin Fenton, professor of choral conducting and ensembles, is director of University Singers and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Choirs under Dr. Fenton’s direction have been invited to perform for regional and national conventions of ACDA, CMS and MENC on ten occasions, including the University Singers performance at the National Convention in 2013.

A champion of new music, Dr. Fenton has conducted over twenty premiere performances, including Jason McCoy’s “Santo” (2012); Jeffrey Ames’ “I Can Feel the Spirit” (2011); Eric Barnum’s “In Paradisum” (2010); Sydney Guilliame’s “AuDéla du Chagrin” (2010); Clifton Callender’s “Reasons to Learne to Sing” (2010); and Troy Robertson’s “American Echoes” (2010). Kevin also teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in choral conducting and choral literature.

Prior to his arrival in 2000, Kevin was DCA at James Madison University and Virginia Tech. He has conducted choirs in thirty-six states, including twenty all-state honor choirs. During 2012-13 Kevin conducted All-State Choirs in North Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. He has conducted the International Festival Choir with China’s People’s Liberation Orchestra in Beijing and conducted the Prague Festival of New Music in 2013. Kevin’s textbook Foundations of Choral Conducting is used by university students throughout the US. Dr. Fenton is a recipient of the Gamma Mu Chapter of Delta Omicron Music Professor of the Year Award and the FSU Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Kevin currently serves as president of ACDA’s Southern Division and he is looking forward to the 2014 Southern Division Convention that will take place in Jacksonville Florida.

newyorkvoices.com /NewYorkVoices

music.fsu.edu /FSUCollegeOfMusic

2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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lewis

black sponsored by

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ruby diamond concert hall

R

eceiving critical acclaim as a stand-up, actor, and author, Lewis Black has performed for audiences throughout Europe, New Zealand, Canada, and The United States. In 2012, he performed eight sold-out shows at The Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway.

so did his skill as a stand-up and eventually, the fulfillment of performing stand-up outweighed that of working in the theater. Having found his public voice, Lewis left the West Bank in the late 80’s to pursue stand-up full time.

Lewis Black was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Silver Spring, MD. Colicky as a baby, it seems he was destined to be angry and easily irritated. His mother, a teacher, and his father, a mechanical engineer, instilled in both Lewis and his younger brother, Ron, the importance of education and the necessity to question authority; lessons which have him throughout his private and professional life. When Lewis was 12, his father took him to his first play and he quickly fell in love with the theatre. This ultimately led him to pursue a career in drama.

Degrees followed from the University of North Carolina and Yale Drama School, with a stint in Colorado owning a theatre with a group of friends in the interim. During his tenure at UNC, he first ventured into stand-up, performing at Cat’s Cradle in Chapel Hill. Stand-up continued to be a steady presence as he pursued his career in theatre.

He (is) sarcastic, biting, profane, and manic. But he’s so good at being all of those things and making them funnier than anyone else can.

Lewis Black eventually settled in New York City and became the playwright-in-residence at the West Bank Café’s Downstairs Theatre Bar. He oversaw the development of more than 1,000 plays, including works by The West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin, American Beauty writer Alan Ball, as well as his own original works. In addition to overseeing the works on stage, he emceed every show. As the West Bank grew,

– TheatreJones

In 1996, his friend Lizz Winstead tapped him to create a weekly segment for a show she was producing on Comedy Central called The Daily Show. The segment, a three-minute rant about whatever was bothering him at the moment, evolved into Back in Black. It became one of the most popular and longest running segments on the show and also created a long and successful relationship with the network. Since then, Lewis has taped four specials for the Comedy Central Presents series, cocreated Last Laugh with Lewis Black, presided over Lewis Black’s The Root of All Evil, and continues to perform Back in Black on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. His popular appearances on 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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66 seven days of opening nights

Comedy Central helped to win him Best Male Stand-Up at the American Comedy Awards© in 2001.

Increased exposure from The Daily Show eventually generated a record deal with Stand Up! Records. His first CD, The White Album, was released in 2000 to much critical acclaim. he followed with eight more, six under the Comedy Central Records label. He has been graced with 5 GRAMMY® nominations and two wins for his work. The first nomination came in 2006 for Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center Blues, the second in 2009 for Anticipation. In 2007 he won the GRAMMY® for Best Comedy Album for The Carnegie Hall Performance and in 2011, his second for Stark Raving Black.

His most recent release, In God We Rust (Comedy Central Records) was nominated for a GRAMMY®.

He’s filmed two specials for HBO, Black On Broadway and Red, White and Screwed. The latter was nominated for an Emmy in 2007. He had a regular feature for two seasons on Inside the NFL (for which he earned a Sports Emmy®) and in 2006 was honored to be asked to participate in Comic Relief.

In 2009 Lewis Black filmed his first feature length concert film, Stark Raving Black at the Fillmore Theatre in Detroit. The film had a limited run in theaters across the U.S. and Canada in the summer of 2010. At the end of the theater run, premium movie channel EpixHD picked up the film for its channel along with the accompanying documentary Basic Black. Both are still aired regularly and can be found in the EpixHD on demand queue. 2011 found him producing his second full-length concert, In God We Rust, which also still airs on EpixHD. A much sought after guest for several late-night television shows, he’s been seen on Larry King Live, Piers Morgan Tonight, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’ Brian, and the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He’s also had numerous appearances on CNN and MSNBC and has occasionally announced the weather with Al Roker.

with the 52nd Street Project, he was roasted in Charred Black 2007, which drew the largest fundraising numbers in the Project’s history. He’s a member of their Advisory Board, is Co-Chair of their Capital Campaign and in 2000, the Ron Black Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in memory of his late brother. He is also committed to raising funds for the Rusty Magee Clinic for Families and Health. He’s a strong supporter of both the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Autism Speaks and was honored by The Brady Center for his commitment to ending gun violence. In 2012, he was honored by the ACLU of Georgia with the National Civil Liberties Award. At the Williamstown Theatre Festival, he established the William Foeller Fellowship, having taught and performed at the festival for more than a decade. Lewis also supports our military personnel and has performed in 3 tours with the USO where he visited several Middle East and European military bases with Robin Williams, Lance Armstrong, Kid Rock, Miss America Rachel Smith, and Kellie Pickler.

Today Lewis Black maintains residences in both Manhattan and Chapel Hill, NC. Still loyal to his alma mater, he’s worked with UNC students to create the Carolina Comedy Festival, a yearly festival on the UNC campus that not only highlights performances, but also provides workshops and lectures for budding comics, writers, and performers. With his involvement at UNC, he continues a life-long commitment to education and the arts.

In his leisure time, Lewis likes to play golf, even though golf hates him.

lewisblack.com /TheLewisBlack

In the midst of a rigorous touring schedule, regular TV appearances and movie roles, Lewis Black has written three best selling books, Nothing’s Sacred (Simon and Schuster, 2005), Me of Little Faith (Riverhead Books, 2008), and I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas (Riverhead Books, 2010). All garnered critical praise as well commercial success and spent numerous weeks on the New York Times best-seller list.

As a playwright Lewis has penned over 40 plays, many of which have been produced around the country. The Deal, a dark comedy about business, was made into a short film in 1998 and picked up by the Sundance Channel. In 2011, his play One Slight Hitch was produced at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and then again in 2012 at both the ACT Theatre in Seattle and The George Street Theatre in New Brunswick.

In 2006, Lewis had a break out year as an actor. He co-starred with Robin Williams in Barry Levinson’s Man of the Year (Universal Pictures), appeared as “the fake dean of a fake college” in Steve Pink’s Accepted (Universal Pictures), and as the harried airport manager in Paul Feig’s Unaccompanied Minors (Warner Brothers). He also lent his voice to the role of “Jimmy” in Bob Sagat’s parody, Farce of the Penguins (Thinkfilm).

In addition to his professional pursuits, Lewis is dedicated to a number of charitable organizations. As a long time mentor 2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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& Jane springer february 18 | 7:30 PM

M

att Bondurant’s newest novel The Night Swimmer (Scribner) was published in January, 2012, and was featured in the NYTBR, Outside Magazine, and The Daily Beast, among others. His second novel The Wettest County in the World (Scribner 2008) was a New York Times Editor’s Pick, a San Francisco Chronicle Best 50 Books of the Year, an international bestseller, and has been made into a feature film (Lawless) by director John Hillcoat, starring Shia Labeouf, Tom Hardy, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska, Gary Oldman, and Guy Pearce. His first novel The Third Translation (Hyperion 2005), was an international bestseller, translated into 14 languages worldwide. He currently teaches literature and writing at the University of Texas at Dallas (mattbondurant.com).

FSU Alumni Center Ballroom

Jane Springer is the author of two collections of poetry, Dear Blackbird, (Agha Shahid Ali Prize, 2007) and Murder Ballad (Beatrice Hawley Award, 2012). Her honors include a Pushcart Prize, an NEA fellowship, and a Whiting Writers’ Award, among others. She received her Ph.D. from Florida State University in 2008, and currently teaches English and creative writing at Hamilton College, in upstate New York.

2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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education

Arts education is at the core of Seven Days of Opening Nights’ mission, providing meaningful artistic experiences to students of all ages on and off of Florida State University’s campus.

This year is no exception with master classes, Q & A sessions, and lectures by a myriad of artists including extended residencies by dance company Urban Bush Women, violinist Nicola Benedetti, GRAMMY® Awardwinning ensemble eighth blackbird, and jazz vocal ensemble New York Voices.

Seven Days of Opening Nights is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Leon County Schools as collaborators in the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Partners in Education Program.

Among other opportunities, this program will bring Teaching Artists from The Kennedy Center to Tallahassee to provide Arts Integration professional learning opportunities for teachers. Arts Integration is an approach to teaching in which students construct and demonstrate understanding through an art form.

Students engage in a creative process that connects an art form and another subject area and meets evolving objectives and standards in both. To learn more about this exciting partnership, visit SevenDaysFestival.org.

The merger of class instruction and culturally rich experiences enhance the educational experience we are able to provide our students.

Arecia Shelton-Martin Fairview Middle School

For updated information on Opening Nights’ education programs, visit

SevenDaysFestival.org

2013-2014 series PROGRAM

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SevenDaysFestival.org