Tag: bass

Here’s The Schedule for Signature Theatre’s Open House This Saturday August 3rd from Noon to 9:30 PM

This Saturday August 3rd, Signature Theatre is holding its Annual Open House From Noon to 9:30 PM

Kick off the 2013/14 season with Signature’s annual FREE Open House. Starting at noon, come enjoy performances every 15 minutes, master classes, Signature Idol and special single ticket offers through the day followed by the grand Broadway on the Plaza finale concert.

SPECIAL ONE-DAY ONLY OPEN HOUSE DEALS!

BOX OFFICE OPEN 12:00 PM TO 9:30 PM ON AUGUST 3

$20 OFF ALL PERFORMANCES OF MISS SAIGON.

HALF PRICE TICKETS TO SIGNATURE’S 2013/14 SEASON
Tickets to the following shows and performances dates are half price when purchased in person at the Signature Box Office:

Pride in the Falls of Autrey Mill: Nov. 26, 27, 29, 30 & Dec. 1
Crossing: Oct. 29, 30, 31, Nov. 1, 2 & 3
Gypsy: Dec. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 & 22
Beaches the Musical: Feb. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23
Tender Napalm: Apr. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27
The Threepenny Opera: Apr. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27
Cloak and Dagger: June 12, 13, 14 & 15

These offers are only available in person at the Box Office. Tickets are subject to availability and not applicable on previously purchased tickets.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

12 PM – In the MAX
SIGNATURE SEASON HIGHLIGHTS CONCERT
Highlights from the new season featuring songs from the Signature’s 2013/14 season including Miss Saigon, Crossing, Gypsy, Beaches, and The Threepenny Opera — plus a taste of Pride in the Falls of Autrey Mill and Tender Napalm. The Season Highlights Concert will feature many of this season’s Signature stars.
FREE Tickets available at 11 AM at Ticket Booth ONE

12:15PM – In the ARK
FAMILY CABARET
The perfect cabaret for everyone in the family! From Disney show tunes to the latest kid-friendly radio hits, this cabaret is guaranteed to get your young ones hooked on show business.
FREE Tickets available at 11:15 AM at Ticket Booth TWO

12:30PM – In the Lobby
SONDHEIM SONGBOOK
Listen to a cabaret performance by DC actors singing songs by Signature’s favorite composer. From West Side Story to Sweeney Todd, Sondheim is Signature’s Signature!
No tickets required

12:45 PM – In the Shen, 4^th Floor
DANCE MASTER CLASS: KARMA CAMP
Choreographer of Miss Saigon, Karma Camp, and members of the Miss Saigon company lead a dance master class. Come learn some of the choreography for Miss Saigon. Get ready dance the “American Dream!” A question and answer period will follow.
No tickets required

1 PM – On the Plaza Stage
JUNKYARD SAINTS
Junkyard Saints is a DC/Baltimore based seven-piece band with full horn section performing its own brand of New Orleans- style party music by blending Funk, Swing, Latin and R&B – with a splash of Zydeco to round out the mix.
No tickets required

1:15 PM – In the MAX

Tony Award® nominee Carolee Carmello.

CAROLEE CARMELLO IN CONCERT
Tony Award® nominee Carolee Carmello (Broadway’s Parade, Mamma Mia, and Signature’s Saving Aimee), returns to Signature with a set of her favorite songs selected especially for Signature’s audience.
Tickets available at 12:15 PM at Ticket Booth ONE

1:30 PM – In the ARK
OVERTURES ON STAGE
Students from Signature’s intensive summer musical theater institute perform their favorite songs. Be the first to see the stars of tomorrow!
Tickets available at 12:30 PM at Ticket Booth TWO

1:45 PM – In the Lobby
KANDER & EBB SONGBOOK
Listen to a cabaret performance of songs by the men who wrote Chicago, Cabaret and the hit song “New York, New York.” Featuring some of DC’s finest talent, you won’t want to miss out on “All that Jazz.”
No tickets required

2 PM – In the Shen, 4^th floor
ON THE TRACKS: INSIDE CROSSING
Join Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer and composer Matt Conner as they give you an inside look at the world premiere musical Crossing. Learn more about what inspired this new musical and hear a few selections. The world premiere recording will be on sale and a CD signing will follow the exciting conversation about what it takes to write a new musical.
No tickets required

2:15 PM – On the Plaza Stage
JUNKYARD SAINTS
Junkyard Saints is a DC/Baltimore based seven-piece band with full horn section performing its own brand of New Orleans- style party music by blending Funk, Swing, Latin and R&B – with a splash of Zydeco to round out the mix.
No tickets required

2:30 PM – In the MAX
SIGNATURE DIVAS
DC’s most talented musical theater actresses take the stage in a concert to blow the roof off! Featuring Madeline Botteri, Carolyn Cole, Felicia Curry, Erin Driscoll, Natascia Diaz, Sherri L. Edelen, Kellee Knighten Hough, Donna Migliaccio and Nova Y. Payton.
Tickets available at 1:30 PM at Ticket Booth ONE

2:45 PM – In the ARK
FAMILY CABARET
The perfect cabaret for everyone in the family! From Disney show tunes to the latest kid-friendly radio hits, this cabaret is guaranteed to get your young ones hooked on show business.
FREE Tickets available at 1:45 PM at Ticket Booth TWO

3 PM – In the Lobby
CONTEMPORARY BROADWAY SONGBOOK
Listen to a cabaret performance of songs by the exciting new composers writing for Broadway. From Jason Robert Brown to Adam Guettel, some of our favorite performers will give you a taste of Broadway’s new sound.
No tickets required

3:15 PM – In the Shen, 4^th floor
INSIDE MISS SAIGON
After the success of Les Misérables, Signature brings another huge Broadway hit from the same writers to our intimate MAX Theatre. Join Miss Saigon director Eric Schaeffer and the cast as they takes you on an inside look at Signature’s brand new environmental production of Miss Saigon.
No tickets required

3:30 PM – On the Plaza Stage
LEVI STEPHENS
Levi Stephens is a local pop, rock, blues artist who goes far beyond the confines of R&B and seamlessly melds a variety of genres, from soul to gospel to folk.
No tickets required

3:45 PM – In the MAX
CAROLEE CARMELLO IN CONCERT
Tony Award® nominee Carolee Carmello (Broadway’s Parade, Mamma Mia and Signature’s Saving Aimee), returns to Signature with a set of her favorite songs selected especially for Signature’s audience.
Tickets available at 2:45 PM at Ticket Booth ONE

4 PM – In the ARK
SIGNATURE DIVAS
DC’s most talented musical theater actresses take the stage in a concert to blow the roof off! Featuring Madeline Botteri, Carolyn Cole, Felicia Curry, Erin Driscoll, Natascia Diaz, Sherri L. Edelen, Kellee Knighten Hough, Donna Migliaccio and Nova Y. Payton.
Tickets available at 3 PM at Ticket Booth TWO

4:15 PM – In the Lobby
CLASSIC BROADWAY SONGBOOK
Listen to a cabaret performance by DC actors singing some of their favorite songs from the Golden Age of Broadway. From Rodgers & Hammerstein to Irving Berlin, this is your chance to take in some of those great tunes from days gone by.
No tickets required

4:30 PM – In the Shen, 4^th floor
AUDITION MASTER CLASS: MATTHEW GARDINER
Signature’s Associate Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner, director of last season’s hit musical Dreamgirls, leads a master class for pre-selected students on how to make your audition stand out. A question-and-answer period will follow.
No tickets required

4:45 PM – On the Plaza Stage
LEVI STEPHENS
Levi Stephens is a local pop, rock, blues artist who goes far beyond the confines of R&B and seamlessly melds a variety of genres, from soul to gospel to folk.
No tickets required

5 PM – In the MAX
SIGNATURE SEASON HIGHLIGHTS CONCERT
Highlights from the new season featuring songs from the Signature’s 2013/14 season including Miss Saigon, Crossing, Gypsy, Beaches and The Threepenny Opera — plus a taste of Pride in the Falls of Autrey Mill and Tender Napalm. The Season Highlights Concert will feature many of this season’s Signature stars.
Tickets available at 4 PM at Ticket Booth ONE

5:15 PM – In the ARK
CHUCK MEAD AND HIS GRASSY KNOLL BOYS
Chuck Mead, the man in charge of bringing Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet music to life and co-founder of the famed 90’s alternative country quintet BR549, returns to Signature with his band for a special concert.
Tickets available at 4:15 PM at Ticket Booth TWO

5:30 PM – In the Lobby
POP SONGBOOK
Take a break from all the musical theater and listen to a cabaret performance by DC actors singing some of their favorite songs from the radio. Expect everything from Michael Jackson to Adele.
No tickets required

5:45 PM – In the Shen, 4^th floor

Nova Y. Payton

ACTING A SONG MASTER CLASS: NOVA Y. PAYTON
Star of Signature Theatre’s Dreamgirls and upcoming production of Crossing, Nova Y. Payton, leads a master class for pre-selected students on acting a song. A question-and-answer period will follow.
No tickets required

6 PM – On the Plaza Stage
THE BITTER DOSE COMBO
The Bitter Dose Combo is the District’s premiere gypsy swing ensemble featuring accordion, clarinet, bass and several guitars. Their vibrant, yearning impressions of jazz manouche and 40s era swing will quench your summer thirst for rhythm.
No tickets required

6:15 PM – In the MAX
SIGNATURE IDOL COMPETITION
The tension builds as five finalists get narrowed down to the one winner who will perform in the Broadway on the Plaza Concert. Our celebrity panel of judges includes Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer, Broadway’s Carolee Carmello and WETA’s Robert Aubry Davis. Who will be this year’s Signature Idol?
Tickets available at 5:15PM at Ticket Booth ONE

Click here for official Signature Idol rules and guidelines.

7:30 PM – In the MAX

Cedric Neal.

CEDRIC NEAL IN CONCERT
Cedric Neal returns to Signature after his Helen Hayes Award-winning performance in Dreamgirls. Cedric’s unique cabaret showcases his soulful voice, smooth style and electric energy.
Tickets available at 6:30PM at Ticket Booth ONE

6:45 PM – In the Lobby
BROADWAY TOP 40 SONGBOOK
Listen to a cabaret performance by DC actors singing some of their favorite songs from Broadway’s latest hit shows.
No tickets required

7:15 PM – On the Plaza Stage
THE BITTER DOSE COMBO
The Bitter Dose Combo is the District’s premiere gypsy swing ensemble featuring accordion, clarinet, bass and several guitars. Their vibrant, yearning impressions of jazz manouche and 40s era swing will quench your summer thirst for rhythm.
No tickets required

6:30 PM – In the ARK
CHUCK MEAD AND HIS GRASSY KNOLL BOYS
Chuck Mead, the man in charge of bringing Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet music to life and co-founder of the famed 90’s alternative country quintet BR549, returns to Signature with his band for a special concert.
Tickets available at 5:30PM at Ticket Booth TWO

8:30 PM – On the Plaza Stage
BROADWAY ON THE PLAZA – GRAND FINALE
A special finale concert that features Broadway and DC actors celebrating the astounding music of Broadway and Signature Theatre!
No tickets required

ONGOING OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

SIGNATURE STREET – On the Plaza

Get a taste for what Signature’s upcoming season has to offer while your kids jump around in our moon bounce, play skeeball and shoot hoops. Grab popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy – all for FREE.

ALI’S BAR IN THE MEAD LOBBY
Enjoy refreshments such as hot dogs, pizza, salads and sandwiches with beverages and sweets all day long.

ALL PERFORMANCES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
FREE tickets for performances in the MAX and ARK will be distributed one hour prior to show times at the Ticket Booths in front of Harris Teeter. Tickets do not guarantee admission.

August 1, 2013

‘Requiem’ at Young Artists of America Today at 4 PM

Young Artists of America is thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for our final concert of the season:

TODAY AT 4 PM

Running Time: One hour.

The Lutheran Church of Saint Andrew 15300 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20905

(Conveniently located off of the new InterCounty Connector MD-200)

An original Requiem Pastiche with Music By Faure, Verdi, Mozart, Bizet, Schubert, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Featuring:

The Colla Voce Youth Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble performing alongside professional mentors and Guest Soloists:

Colleen Daly, soprano

Monica Soto-Gil, mezzo-soprano

Kenneth Kellogg, bass

Tickets: $20 adults, $15 students/seniors.

Tickets an be purchased online by clicking the Buy Tickets Now button above or via our website:

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO DOWNLOAD OUR REQUIEM POSTER!

Thanks so much for your continued support of Young Artists of America, and we look forward to seeing you at REQUIEM!

Always

– The YAA Team Rolando Sanz, Artistic Director and Kristofer Sanz, Music Director

Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who might be interested!

Visit Young Artists of America’s facebook page.

Visit Young Artists of America’s new website.

Read all the articles and coverage of Young Artists of America on DCMetroTheaterArts.

BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER OF YOUNG ARTISTS OF AMERICA

Help us in creating outstanding performance opportunities for our students while bringing in top quality musicians to act as their mentors!YAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE to the fullest extent of the law.Donated funds will go directly towards our 2012-2013 season which includes MARTYRS in December, MADAMA BUTTERFLY/MISS SAIGON at Strathmore in March and REQUIEM in May.

May 12, 2013

YOUNG ARTISTS OF AMERICA’S ‘REQUIEM’ TONIGHT AT 7:30 PM AND TOMORROW AT 4 PM

Young Artists of America is thrilled toannounce that tickets are now on sale for our final concert of the season:

REQUIEM TONIGHT SATURDAY MAY 11TH AT 7:30 PM

and

TOMORROW MAY 12TH AT 4 PM

The Lutheran Church of Saint Andrew 15300 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20905

(Conveniently located off of the new InterCounty Connector MD-200)

An original Requiem Pastiche with Music By Faure, Verdi, Mozart, Bizet, Schubert, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Featuring:

The Colla Voce Youth Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble performing alongside professional mentors and Guest Soloists:

Colleen Daly, soprano

Monica Soto-Gil, mezzo-soprano

Kenneth Kellogg, bass

Tickets: $20 adults, $15 students/seniors.

Tickets an be purchased online by clicking the Buy Tickets Now button above or via our website:

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO DOWNLOAD OUR REQUIEM POSTER!

Thanks so much for your continued support of Young Artists of America, and we look forward to seeing you at REQUIEM!

Always

– The YAA Team Rolando Sanz, Artistic Director and Kristofer Sanz, Music Director

Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who might be interested!

Visit Young Artists of America’s facebook page.

Visit Young Artists of America’s new website.

Read all the articles and coverage of Young Artists of America on DCMetroTheaterArts.

BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER OF YOUNG ARTISTS OF AMERICA

May 11, 2013

Buy Your Tickets to ‘REQUIEM’ at Young Artists of America in Silver Spring This Saturday @7:30 & Sun @4

Young Artists of America is thrilled toannounce that tickets are now on sale for our final concert of the season:

REQUIEM This Saturday, May 11 at 7:30pm

and

This Sunday, May 12 at 4:00pm

at The Lutheran Church of Saint Andrew 15300 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20905

(Conveniently located off of the new InterCounty Connector MD-200)

An original Requiem Pastiche with Music By Faure, Verdi, Mozart, Bizet, Schubert, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Featuring:

The Colla Voce Youth Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble performing alongside professional mentors and Guest Soloists:

Colleen Daly, soprano

Monica Soto-Gil, mezzo-soprano

Kenneth Kellogg, bass

Tickets: $20 adults, $15 students/seniors.

Tickets an be purchased online by clicking the Buy Tickets Now button above or via our website:

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO DOWNLOAD OUR REQUIEM POSTER!

Thanks so much for your continued support of Young Artists of America, and we look forward to seeing you at REQUIEM!

Always

– The YAA Team Rolando Sanz, Artistic Director and Kristofer Sanz, Music Director

Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who might be interested!

Visit Young Artists of America’s facebook page.

Visit Young Artists of America’s new website.

Read all the articles and coverage of Young Artists of America on DCMetroTheaterArts.

BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER OF YOUNG ARTISTS OF AMERICA

May 8, 2013

Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys at Hylton Performing Arts Center by Francine Schwartz

On Saturday, May 4, 2013 the Hylton Performing Arts Center of Manassas 3rd Anniversary Gala once again welcomed one of American music’s greatest Bluegrass legends, Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, which he formed with his brother Carter in 1946.

Photo courtesy of Hylton Performing Arts Center.

Dr. Ralph Stanley, born in 1927 in Big Spraddle, Virginia, boasts of a career in music starting in his early 20s The group performs all over the country, including featured appearances at Grand Ole Opry, and abroad. Dr. Stanley received the “Living Legend award from the Library of Congress, the National Medal of Arts, presented by he National Endowment for the Arts, and a Grammy Award for the Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2002. His compositions have been featured in The Coen Brothers’ 2000 film, O Brother, Where Art Thou? Some of country and bluegrass music’s greatest stars got their start in Ralph Stanley’s band, including Ricky Skaggs, Larry Sparks, and Keith Whitley.

All the members of the group are natives of the mountains of Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, growing up in little towns where they still live. Mostly self taught, each member of the group was introduced by name and town of origin These talented musicians are not only a point of pride for their community, but cherish a regional musical style, Mountain Country, which is sustained in part through avoidance of contact with bluegrass talents from other jurisdictions. There is a strong influence of gospel in the lyrics as well as musical style, and this was emphasized by the offer to provide a free King James Bible with every CD purchased at the concert.

The first song was “Man of Constant Sorrow,” followed by Dr. Stanley’s grandson, Nathan Stanley, singing his composition, “Papa I Love You.” Nathan Stanley has become a solo artist as well as an entrepreneur with his own record label, Stanley Generation Records. It’s hard to imagine anyone able to play more rapid or complicated rhythms.

The crowd, several hundred strong, was enthusiastic and called out many of their favorites when the opportunity arose. They were especially appreciative of the songs which Dr. Stanley sang himself that were filled with love, warmth, and straight from the heart – “Rambling Man” and “Molly Sweet Molly.” These works were also among the oldest compositions and featured less instrumental pyrotechniques. Other songs featured were “The Road is Tough and Rocky,” “Little Darling,” “White Dove,” “Where Has My Sweet Baby Gone,” “Wildwood Flowers,” “Pretty Polly,” “You’re on Lonely Time,” “Glory Land,” “Long Black Veil,” “Dark Stranger,” “Coozie,” and “Bound to Ride.” My favorites were the closing songs, “Orange Blossom Special,” with special fiddle tricks, and “Angel Band.”

Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys.

Members of the Clinch Mountain Boys are Ralph Stanley II (Guitar), Nathan Stanley (Guitar), Dewey Brown (Fiddle), Jimmy Cameron (Upright Bass), James Shelton (Lead Guitar), and Mitchell Van Dyke (Banjo). They are all exceptional musicians and their playing was divine.

Running Time: 90 minutes, with one 20-minute intermission.

Dr. Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys performed for one night only on May 4, 2013 at 8:00 pm at Hylton Performing Arts Center – 10900 University Boulevard, in Manassas, VA. For future events, check their calendar.

https://youtu.be/cRNMSKnmZ-E

May 6, 2013
Allison Miller at The Mansion at Strathmore by Keith Tittermary

Montgomery County native and drummer extraordinaire, Allison Miller played at the Mansion at Strathmore on Friday night to a Standing Room Only crowd. Miller, who grew up in Olney and is a graduate of Sherwood High School, got her first experience with drumming studying under legendary musician and teacher, Walter Salb, a Silver Spring, MD resident who was the driving force behind many young drummers and was considered one of the area’s finest teachers, who sadly passed away in 2006.

Allison Miller. Photo courtesy of Oregon Music News.

During Miller’s ninety-minute performance of mostly her own compositions, she played a new song from her latest CD called “Spottswood Drive” as a tribute to Mr. Salb. This piece in her evening of songs was the most heartfelt as she spent time talking between her songs about the inspiration for her songs, and it is evident in the band’s fine performance that Salb was truly an inspiration to her.

Her band, Boom Tic Boom, is comprised of herself on drums, Kirk Knuffle on cornet, Myra Melford on piano and Todd Sickafoose on bass. In various numbers through the evening, each member had solos that really shined through. Miller has assembled a quartet of top-notch musicians who love playing the hard jazz that gives them a signature sound.

Most of her compositions, as she tells us, were written with a different style and interpretation: her smooth piece, “Early Bird,” which had an easy sunrise motif that you playfully filled the mansion room with great ease. Another composition of hers, “Waiting,” featured a great cornet solo by Knuffle, who effortlessly tests the limits of his instrument.

Also featured was a piece composed by her pianist, Melford, called “The Kitchen” which was very reminiscent of spending hours in a kitchen using different items to make a percussive sound. As a surprise, Miller invited her friend, vocalist Rachel Friedman to join her troupe and she delighted us with her smoky rendition of the Jessica Lurie song, “Once” – a beautiful ballad sung with great gusto.

While the evening was full of great jazz music and wonderful stories by Miller, the program could have benefited from being in a larger venue, as the tight, un-air-conditioned room in the mansion was a bit of a distraction, and the mix of her group sounded a bit swallowed.

Seeing something as unique as Boom Tic Boom was a welcome treat to enjoy a homegrown talent returning to where she got her start.

Running Time: 90 minutes, with no intermission.

Allison Miller performed one-night only on April 27, 2013 at The Music Center at Strathmore – 5301 Tuckerman Lane, in North Bethesda, MD. For future events, check their calendar.

LINK:
Allison Miller’s website.

May 6, 2013

Tickets On Sale For Young Artists of America’s ‘REQUIEM’ on May 11 and 12th

Young Artists of America is thrilled toannounce that tickets are now on sale for our final concert of the season:

REQUIEM
Saturday, May 11 at 7:30pm
Sunday, May 12 at 4:00pm

The Lutheran Church of Saint Andrew
15300 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20905
(Conveniently located off of the new InterCounty Connector MD-200)

An original Requiem Pastiche with Music By Faure, Verdi, Mozart, Bizet, Schubert, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Featuring:

The Colla Voce Youth Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble performing alongside professional mentors and Guest Soloists:

Colleen Daly, soprano

Monica Soto-Gil, mezzo-soprano

Kenneth Kellogg, bass

Tickets: $20 adults, $15 students/seniors.

Tickets an be purchased online by clicking the Buy Tickets Now button above or via our website:

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO DOWNLOAD OUR REQUIEM POSTER!

Thanks so much for your continued support of
Young Artists of America, and we look forward to seeing you at
REQUIEM!

Always

– The YAA Team
Rolando Sanz, Artistic Director and Kristofer Sanz, Music Director

Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who might be interested!

Visit Young Artists of America’s facebook page.

Visit Young Artists of America’s new website.

Read all the articles and coverage of Young Artists of America on DCMetroTheaterArts.

BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER OF
YOUNG ARTISTS OF AMERICA

May 5, 2013

Tickets On Sale For Young Artists of America’s ‘REQUIEM’ on May 11 and 12th

Young Artists of America is thrilled toannounce that tickets are now on sale for our final concert of the season:

REQUIEM
Saturday, May 11 at 7:30pm
Sunday, May 12 at 4:00pm

The Lutheran Church of Saint Andrew
15300 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20905
(Conveniently located off of the new InterCounty Connector MD-200)

An original Requiem Pastiche with Music By Faure, Verdi, Mozart, Bizet, Schubert, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Featuring:

The Colla Voce Youth Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble performing alongside professional mentors and Guest Soloists:

Colleen Daly, soprano

Monica Soto-Gil, mezzo-soprano

Kenneth Kellogg, bass

Tickets: $20 adults, $15 students/seniors.

Tickets an be purchased online by clicking the Buy Tickets Now button above or via our website:

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO DOWNLOAD OUR REQUIEM POSTER!

Thanks so much for your continued support of
Young Artists of America, and we look forward to seeing you at
REQUIEM!

Always

– The YAA Team
Rolando Sanz, Artistic Director and Kristofer Sanz, Music Director

Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who might be interested!

Visit Young Artists of America’s facebook page.

Visit Young Artists of America’s new website.

Read all the articles and coverage of Young Artists of America on DCMetroTheaterArts.

BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER OF
YOUNG ARTISTS OF AMERICA

April 29, 2013

‘Holly Near’ at Wolf Trap by Eric Denver

The packed Holly Near concert last night at the Barns at Wolf Trap was a coming home for me. The last time I saw Holly was in the exact same venue about ten years ago. The 90-minute non-stop concert only skimmed her successful career as a singer/songwriter, but what a concert it was!

Holly Near. Photo by Mike Rogers.

Holly’s band was composed of members Songwriter/composer John Bucchino on keyboard (whose has been with Holly for 28 years), Jan Martinelli on bass, David Rokeach on drums, and Vocalist Andre dos Santos Morgan. All of the band members’ musical expertise support Holly’s talents in successfully connecting with the audience, but each are also given the spotlight throughout the evening to illustrate their own achievements with their instruments and/or voice. Andre performed superb harmonies with Holly during the set. Three individuals took turns in sharing the responsibility of signing during the evening.

The Barns is a perfect venue for the intimate theatrical experience. For tonight’s performance, the proscenium stage was set up with a stage bathed in soft red lights and a blue background draped on the back wall. There was no bad seat in the house. The crystal clear acoustics were perfect so you could understand every word spoken and/or /sung.

Holly’s concerts are so heartwarming as she weaves in historical events as part of the evening’s play list. And, speaking of the play list, those 90 minutes flew by as she performed 19 songs. Seven of these songs were from her latest CD – Peace Becomes You: “One Good Song.” “Because of a Drum,” “Peace Becomes You,” “We’re Still Here,” “I Aint Afraid,” and “She Just Wants to Dance.” About half of the songs Holly sang were ones that she personally composed. Yet, she wasn’t afraid to share songs from other songwriters which were made famous by her compatriots like Odetta’s “Sail Away.” Holly performed “99 Miles to LA,” originally recorded by Johnny Mathis.

For Broadway lovers, you would have enjoyed the rendition she performed of Lerner and Lowe’s “I’ve Grown Accustomed to her Face” as the nurturing chords of Holly’s voice provided a moment for the audience to ponder. There is no way that Holly could skip over theater; after all she played Eliza Doolittle in a high school production of My Fair Lady and also played in the Broadway production of Hair. Despite her early theatre career, she knew as a social activist she wanted to share her gift of song in a more loving way.

At one point in the evening, Holly apologized to all in the room for her crib sheets on her music stand stating, “I thought I’d lose my voice before my mind, but it’s actually happened in the other direction.” This sharing of personal stories and events brought a sense of shared empathy – knowing that some of her audience were suffering from similar challenges. Holly’s songs are about everyday events that we can all identify with. “Peace Becomes You” speaks to standing on a picket line for a living wage.

“Somebody’s Jail,” which I enjoyed the most, focused on the recent Feb. 14th event when one million women were commemorating a world-wide ‘War on Women’ when their sisters were killed or injured by their boyfriends or husbands. What could be more appropriate than discussing the gun issue at one point and later incorporating equality issues with regards to immigration. And later, she sang Eric Schwartz’s “Hattie and Mattie,” a story that conveys that love between two older women, and focused on Marriage and Equal Rights. With his permission Holly modified the lyrics and the spelling of the title and made the song hers. Holly’s songs are a natural evolution of a performer who believes very deeply about the importance of social action and provides the opportunity for America to “Wake Up!”

One audience member shared his story with me about the time he sat in Glen Echo Park to hear and experience Cris Williamson, a pioneer of the Women’s Music movement. In the middle of this 1972 concert, Holly Near was introduced and began to sing. This was her first appearance in Washington, DC, when Holly was relatively new on the women’s circuit at that time. He remembered how the crowd just adored her, and since that night, he has followed her career religiously, because she moved him so much and touched his soul.

‘Peace Becomes You.’

The concert concluded with popular songs “Harriet Tubman” and “Study War No More.” It was the perfect ending to the performance. Some of the audience hesitated a bit before leaving the venue. I presume it was their way of saying “We’re Still Here” and they weren’t quite ready to call it an evening.

Running Time: 90 minutes, with no intermission.

Holly Near performed for one-night only on April 11, 2013, at The Barns at Wolf Trap -1635 Trap Road, in Vienna, VA. If you missed it, check out Holly’s website. For upcoming Wolf Trap events, check out their website for tickets, or call (877) 965-3872.

April 12, 2013
‘Voice(s)’ by DancEthos at INTERSECTIONS at Atlas Performing Arts Center by Colleen Sproull

The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival continued its mission of “creating connection through innovative art” today with Voice(s) by DancEthos. For a refreshing twist in the contemporary dance world, DancEthos paired up with talented musical artists The West Shore Piano Trio, Euphonism, and Pauline Pisano and we were treated to live music onstage with the dancers. Printed in the program was the following quote, which was expressed with heart and soul throughout the first piece:

“Gender and all other denominations by which we categorize and dismiss each other need to be excavated from the inside.” Dorothy Allison

Photo courtesy of DancEthos.

The first movement, The Divide (2012), is at once a visually pleasing array, as the company of four men: Matthew Bennett, Nathan Victoria, Donnie Walker, and Rick Westerkamp, and six women: Jenny T. Flemingloss, Colleen Hutchings, Carolyn Kamrath, Dora Shick, Mandy Swann, and Kathleen Weitz, don watercolors of cool blue and green. The choreography by Tiffany Haughn expresses an honest portrayal of life stories. I saw friends, mothers, lovers, acquaintances, coworkers all continuously moving and encountering one another using specific patterns in the choreography, one of my favorites being churning. Passing time, the daily grind, working hard – these themes all came to mind. There was a busy city feeling, as the dancers passed each other, changing angles and speed, as if to say we don’t have time for one another as we should. The moments they met and partnered, falling and supporting each other – or fighting and competing with each other as was shown in later parts of the movement – stirred up emotions in me relevant to my daily life. Beautiful classical music composed by Rebecca Clarke and performed by The West Shore Piano Trio: Heather Haughn (violin), Diana Flesner (cello), and Jay DeWire (piano), accompanied the action onstage with such vigor. The piano keys churned and fluttered under steady mellow strings that sped up with intensity.

The second movement, Listen, is a world premiere with energetic choreography by Carolyn Kamrath The a cappella group “Euphonism” enters, including Amanda Cornaglia Aldag, Charlie Friday, Joseph Kang, James (Jeeves) Murphy, Laura McCann, John Baer, and Johanna Horn. The dancers: Elizabeth Barton*, Amanda Blythe*, Jenn Burka*, Megan Furman* (* indicates guest artist), Colleen Hutchings, Meg McDermott, Leah Rothschild*, Vanessa Rowan, Mandy Swann, Donnie Walker, Kathleen Weitz, and Rick Westerkamp enter looking sharp in purple, beige, and black. The microphone volume was a bit overpowering but seemed to even out by the third song, “Please Don’t Go,” which was my favorite of this movement, with the use of spotlights, great height and extension in the choreography, and a whole lot of everyone’s personality showing through individually. They moved and flowed with great ease and excitement.

The third and final movement is an outstanding world premiere of Voice(s) On the Hook with chorography by Matthew Bennett, Rick Westerkamp, and Jenny T. Flemingloss. Dancers in the six movements include the above mentioned dancers as well as Sarah Gonzalez, Elizabeth Odell Catlett (understudy), Daniela Blechner, Tina Fratello, and Katie Miller. The smooth, sultry voice and piano stylings of Pauline Pisano are featured. She was paired up quite professionally with Jessie Reagan Mann (cello), David Fallo (viola), Jason Yudoff (cajon), Jason Crawford (percussion), Jay Giacomazzo (bass), and William Dixon Brancato (acoustic guitar). DancEthos should always perform with this amazing team of instrumentalists. The dancers’ fire and passion was totally exposed, the women wore stunning red dresses, and the storytelling brought tears to my eyes – a woman in love, not getting the affection she so desires and deserves. The themes were so identifiable, I could feel the nearly sold-out audience’s total engagement in the action and vulnerability. Angular shapes, ever-changing directions and levels, and high extension and energy abound. Pisano’s gorgeous voice expresses deep emotions like I’m scared of what I became” and encouragement with “It’s just a temporary situation.” The choreography goes right along, plunging forward with the lyrics and pausing with breaks for emphasis in the music. I wish I could see this whole movement again. It was stunning, captivating, relatable, romantic – everything I desire.

Running Time: One hour, with no intermission.

Voice(s) played February 23, 2013 at Atlas Performing Arts Center – 1333 H St NE, in Washington, DC. Tickets for upcoming INTERSECTIONS shows can be purchased online. For more information about DancEthos, visit their website.

February 24, 2013
‘Terri White at Barbara Cook’s Spotlight’ at The Kennedy Center by David Friscic

Terri White, Broadway musical favorite and recent star of The Kennedy Center’s production of Follies and the recent Broadway production of Finian’s Rainbow, held the audience in the palm of her hand for a scintillating set of nineteen songs – singing with her signature style of jazz-infused Broadway, pop, and traditional standards. White has always been hard to categorize as a performer for she is such an interesting hybrid of musical styles – jazz artist, Broadway belter, intimate cabaret stylist, and a theatrical actress of considerable comic verve and dramatic pathos. White brought all these elements to the fore for a rapt and receptive audience for one-night only at The Kennedy Center’s Barbara Cook’s Spotlight series. With two encores and numerous standing ovations, the audience was reluctant to let this generous and vibrant performer leave the stage.

White performed her cycle of songs in a beautiful black pants suit with a silver sequined jacket and top and was backed-up by the superb Bobby Peaco on piano (also the Musical Director) and Ivan “Funkboy” Bodley on Bass.

Terri White. Photo courtesy of The Kennedy Center.

White quite properly opened her act with the song “Sweet Beginnings,” beguiling her audience at the start and then launching into a beautifully rendered version of “Teach Me Tonight”. Her version of the popular standard “Here’s That Rainy Day” was a high point of the show, building to a rueful and melancholy coda.

White mentioned that she had understudied Nell Carter in Ain’t Misbehavin’ and, then, did a spot-on and scathing impersonation of Carter singing “Mean to Me.” White and pianist Peaco livened up the pace a bit with a very humorous and affectionate duet – taking a trip on “Route 66.”

A lush, romantic medley of “You Are So Beautiful to Me” and “More Than You Know” brought the house down with White’s impeccable phrasing – underscored by her very intimate and tremulous tone.

A rousing cover of the perennial favorite “God Bless the Child” was blasted to the rafters with theatrical bravado. Never have I heard such an emotionally wrenching and intense version of “Everything Must Change” – which White built to a devastating rumination on the unforgiving nature of time.

Yet another humorous change of pace was delivered in White’s sly and bawdy rendition of “When You’re Good to Mama” from Chicago.

White’s cover of “Here’s to Life” was even more powerful than the versions of Streisand and Shirley Horn – culminating with White raising a toast to her appreciative audience.

Encores of “Who Can I Turn To” and “Summertime” brought the audience to its feet.

Terri White is a brilliant artist working at the peak of her powers.

Running Time: 90 minutes, with no intermission.

Terri White performed at The Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater on January 25, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. For more information on future Kennedy Center events, visit their website.

January 27, 2013

Tag: bass

SPECIAL ONE-DAY ONLY OPEN HOUSE DEALS!

Kenneth Kellogg, bass

Kenneth Kellogg, bass

Kenneth Kellogg, bass

Kenneth Kellogg, bass

Kenneth Kellogg, bass