If you've never seen or heard Alvin Youngblood Hart, you are missing out on a master of blues & country. I'm not a country fan at all but Alvin's rock-n-roll twist has a way of keeping you grinnin throughout his show. He just jammmms and jammms.
Keep on the look out for more shows from The Live From Memphis Live Music Archive!
Rebirth of Soul: A Tribute to the Queens of Soul - MotherÂ’'s Day Edition
05-08-2008
When many mothers of generations past were flustered with the pains of civil unrest or heartbreak, they refused to let agony have the last word; they birthed lyrics and melody as their language for talking back. This MotherÂ’s Day weekend, Rebirth of Soul will honor queens in soul that vocalized their woes in tune by paying tribute to Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan through song, dance, and theatrics.
The music line up consists of local independent performers Tamara Jones, Shawna P., Karen Brown and Carmen. This talent mix includes artists who have shared the stage with Tina Marie, George Clinton, and opened for Patti LaBelle. True to their craft, their passion for song will court hearts as they perform popular classics of the artists being honored.
The relaxed and soulful atmosphere will prove to be a place for women, especially mothers, to unwind this motherÂ’s day weekend. Gentlemen can enjoy being in the company of regal women. Relax your soul at A Tribute to the Queens of Soul; the spirit will have you singing along and dancing in the aisles. Catch the show Saturday, May 10th at the New Daisy, 330 Beale Street. Showtime is 7:00 p.m. Tickets available online @ www.MemphisRebirth.com for $15 until May 10th at 12:00 p.m. Admission $20 at door. Visit website for ticket availability at Memphis locations.
Rebirth of Soul began in 2007, with a tribute to Donny Hathaway. The tribute showcased HathawayÂ’s legacy, by using the melodic performing talents of local artists. These artists honored the soul prodigy through song, spoken word, and instrument. This resulted into mass audience appeal and demand to RebirthÂ’s bi-monthly events. Since Memphis Rebirth EntertainmentÂ’s (MRE) inception of Rebirth of Soul, Rebirth has become a performance outlet for local independent artists to tribute legends. MRE also hosts the Basement Lounge, where indie artists can showcase their own music.
For more information about Rebirth of Soul and video from previous shows, check out: www.MemphisRebirth.com
ART
Jennifer Barnett Hensel at the P and H
05-08-2008
Jennifer Barnett Hensel "Self-Invited" Opening Friday May 9th 8-10 through June 5, 2008
P and H Cafe 1532 Madison Memphis, TN 38104 901-726-0906
Everyone's been asking, so here it is...the line-up for our 2008-09 Broadway Series! It's our biggest season yet, and features old favorites and the hottest new shows!
September 30-October 5, 2008: AVENUE Q November 18-23, 2008: MAMMA MIA!* December 9-14, 2008: THE PAJAMA GAME January 13-18, 2009: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE February 20-22, 2009: RIVERDANCE* March 3-8, 2009: LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL March 31-April 5, 2009: THE COLOR PURPLE May 5-10, 2009: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF June 24-July 12, 2009: WICKED *Options to the season
$5 Admission to Stax Museum May 11-17! Stax Music Academy Spring Concert and Conversations with Reddings!
05-08-2008
On Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, the Soulsville Foundation will make history when the family of soul legend Otis Redding will be our special guests for two very exciting evenings.
The family includes Otis Redding's widow, Mrs. Zelma Redding, and his three children, Otis III and Dexter Redding and Karla Redding-Andrews. All will be special guests on Saturday, May 17th at the Stax Music Academy SNAP! After School Spring Concert at the University of Memphis' Michael D. Rose Theatre. This concert will feature performances by students of the Stax Music Academy, as well as Artist-in-Residence Kirk Whalum and Otis III and Dexter Redding in a special musical tribute to their father.
The Spring Concert begins at 7:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $5 and will go on-sale tomorrow, May 1, at the Stax Museum Gift Shop. The Gift Shop, located at 926 East McLemore Avenue, is open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sundays.
RELATED LINKS
----------------------------- ArtsMemphis
MUSIC
Upcoming dulcimer and music events in the West TN area
04-28-2008
Group classes at Union University, 2745 Hacks Cross Road, Germantown continue on May 5, 12, 19 from 7:00-8:20 p.m. with Music Theory for Mountain Dulcimer and Using Chords. Don't let the title scare you! This will gently lead you into a deeper understanding of how your instrument works and explain some of the ins and outs of music theory. You do NOT need any music background for this class. This has been one of my most popular classes. Learn how to use some simple tricks to move into chords and playing in various keys.
On Sunday, May 4 at 1:00 p.m., Betty Dawson and I will perform at an informal concert/open jam at the Shelby Forest General Store. Everyone is invited to come out with their instruments and join us for music and barbeque on the deck at the General Store.
Join Butterfly Gap (Lee Cagle, mountain dulcimer, and Betty Dawson, hammered dulcimer) for java and tunes at the new Square Beans Coffee Company, 103 Center Street, Collierville on Saturday, May 17 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. This is a wonderful coffee shop on the west side of the Square between Hewlett & Dunn and the hardware store.
Mountain Dulcimer Youth Camp will be July 7-11 at Harding Cordova. The camp is open to children 4th grade and up, including adults. One youth scholarship is available. Details at www.LeeCagleDulcimers.com.
Make plans to attend The Chattanooga Dulcimer Festival on June 20-22. Class descriptions are now available, along with other details at www.dpnews.com/cdf/ and www.dpnews.com:80/cdf/workshops.html. I will be teaching along with some other great instructors. Festivals are a great chance to try new things, meet other players and learn from a variety of instructors.
Following the Chattanooga Festival, I will travel to my home and conduct afternoon workshops and an evening concert at The Pickin' Porch, owned by Mike and Connie Clemmer, in Townsend, TN on June 28. Mike builds some beautiful instruments, including dulcimers and banjammers. Join us in the foothills of the Smokies on the banks of Little River. Workshop topics will be Introduction to Fingerpicking (1:00-2:30) and Making Music Work for You (Music Theory Basics for Mountain Dulcimer) (3:00-4:30 p.m.). Cost is $15 per workshop or both for $25. That evening at 7:00 p.m. there will be a concert on the Pickin' Porch which is free and open to the public.
Also, remember that The Memphis Dulcimer Festival will be held on September 26 & 27 at Lindenwood Christian Church. Join Aubrey Atwater, Betty Dawson, Steve Eulberg, Jim Miller, Rick Thum and me for a weekend of musical fun and learning. Details are available at www.LeeCagleDulcimers.com.
Visit the new Folk Musings blog at www.folkmusings.blogspot.com!
TALK TO ME, TENNESSEE...A Statewide Conversation About the Arts May 12 - 14, 2008
As you may know, the Tennessee Arts Commission is hosting Talk To Me, Tennessee...A Statewide Conversation About the Arts conference scheduled for May 12-14 at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs Hotel and Conference Center. This meeting will prove to be one of the most ambitious to date with nationally recognized leaders in the arts offering an enlightening selection of workshops, discussions and speeches.
As arts advocates, this is a very important and exciting meeting for us! Tennesseans for the Arts, in collaboration with the Tennessee Arts Commission, is launching a bold statewide public awareness campaign to communicate the importance of the arts in the lives and communities of all Tennesseans.
To kick off this campaign, we have developed a new logo and tagline that we think artfully communicates the message of the importance of the arts in our state. On the final day of the conference, Wednesday, May 14th beginning at noon, we will launch the public awareness campaign and unveil the new logo and our newly developed TFTA Arts Advocacy Toolkit. This toolkit is designed to guide you step-by-step in advocating for the arts and spreading the message of how the arts are changing lives in a variety of ways in every community.
Inside the toolkit you will find instructions and templates for communicating the message of the arts on changing lives in education, cultural tourism, preservation of cultural heritage, performance, business and economic development and much more.
As members of TFTA, you are the foot soldiers for the arts in Tennessee! Come learn how to partner with us in spreading the word - the arts are vibrant, vital and changing lives in our state.
Please register today at www.arts.state.tn.us.
We'll see you there!
MUSIC
Jack O and The Tennessee Tearjerkers
04-25-2008
This Saturday, April 26 Neil's at 1835 Madison Ave.
Jack O and The Tennessee Tearjerkers Hi Electric Jeffrey and The Pacemakers
Black Bayou Blacksmithing Workshop - April 25, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
04-25-2008
April 25, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM: Black Bayou Blacksmithing Workshop
Also May 3, and May 10 Black Bayou, Goodman Street between Park and Douglass
Local artist John Golightly is offering the public an opportunity to help in the creation of public art by hosting four blacksmithing workshops for residents of the Normal Station neighborhood.
The workshops give neighbors the opportunity to play a major part in enhancing their community, and will give them the chance to become a blacksmith for a day as the help construct five scenic panels that were designed by Golightly.
Anyone who is interested in participating can contact the UrbanArt Commission at 901.525.0880.
The Black Bayou Fence project is a City of Memphis Percent-for-Art project, administered by the UrbanArt Commission.
RELATED LINKS
----------------------------- UrbanArt
ART
Starting Tonight: Dwayne Butcher's Temporary Art Project Installed Downtown
04-25-2008
Memphis College of Art MFA student, Dwayne Butcher, is helping to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the UrbanArt Commission by installing "sandwich board paintings" down the sidewalks of South Main Street. The boards, painted in a minimalist aesthetic with bright colors, will line the sidewalks of S. Main from Vance Avenue down to the Powerhouse at S. Main and G.E. Patterson.
This temporary installation, which will be up from April 25th through May 26th, is one of ten temporary public art projects being installed as part of the UrbanArt Commission's 10th Anniversary celebration.
RELATED LINKS
----------------------------- Urban Art
MUSIC
Shangri-La Spring Record Swap Sunday 5/11 1-5 pm!
04-25-2008
SPRING RECORD SWAP! (& yard sale!) SUNDAY, MAY 11th, 1-5 pm FREE ADMISSION!
FREE performances by JOHN PAUL KEITH & the 1-4-5's and THE TRIPS
(April 22, 2008)— Tigers’ loss got you down? Are you seeking a unique Memphis sport with hard-hitting action and fierce competition? Do you want all this AND fishnets and roller-skates? Then come down to the Midsouth Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 26th at 7p.m. as the wicked women of Memphis Roller Derby battle to see which team will reign supreme in the Championship Bout of the season.
For the second year in a row, the vicious vixens of the Angels of Death (AOD) have ruled the rink undefeated. Once again they face off against their arch-rivals, the warlike Women of Mass Destruction (WMD). Will the AODs leave the WMDs ‘Resting in Pieces,’ or will the WMDs Kill! Kill! Kill! the Angels on the track??
Doors open at 6p.m. Bout action begins at 7p.m in the Youth Building. This event is open to all ages. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5-12, kids 4 and under FREE. Must be 21+ up to drink.
The Youth Building is located at 940 Early Maxwell Boulevard.
(Photo - Henry McDaniel, Marques Brown and Tony Isbell in Room Service at Theatre Memphis.)
Theatre Memphis proudly presents the classic Broadway farce Room Service on the Lohrey Stage for performances April 25- May 11th. A nimble-witted producer, living on a credit with several actors in a Broadway hotel, is desperately in need of a good script. While stowed away with 19 hungry actors and a sky rocketing bill, he tries to forestall eviction by convincing the show’s young playwright to fake his own death. Room Service, a farcical hide and seek game with the increasingly reluctant financier, the hotel manager, and various creditors, is a valentine to the madcap world of Broadway showbiz. The cast consists of a large variety of award-winning actors. Starring as Gordon Miller is Tony Isbell who was last seen on the Next Stage in the productions of Stones in His Pockets and Picasso at the Lapin Agile. As a director at TM, his last work was the Lohrey Stage production of Bus Stop. He has performed at Circuit Playhouse in shows such as Fool For Love and The Dresser. Marques Brown, in the role of Harry Binion, is no stranger to our stage in the aspects of acting as well as directing. A member of the Theatre Memphis acting company ShoWagon for over 5 years, he currently serves TM as Education Specialist. He was last seen on the Lohrey stage in his Ostrander-winning performance as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. Henry McDaniel plays the role of Faker Englund and was last seen on TM’s Next Stage as Freddy in Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Lohrey Stage roles include Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady and the title role in The King and I. The role of Gregory Wagner is played by Chris Hart who appeared on the Next Stage in last season’s production of Oleanna. He also appeared in shows such as Othello and Rounding Third. Stephen Garrett makes his fifth appearance at TM in Room Service as Leo Davis. He has been seen on our stage in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, BARK! THE MUSICAL and the Next Stage hit THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS (THE MUSICAL!). Other cast members include Allen Busby as Sasha (The Odd Couple), Michael Khanlarian as Gribble (The Pavilion), Mandy Lane as Christine (Picasso at the Lapine Agile), Lyric Peters as Hilda (Oleanna), Steven Burk as Jenkins (Lost in Yonkers), Jack Kendall as Hogarth (You Can’t Take it With You), Jim Green as Dr. Glass (The Odd Couple), Britt Watson as Senator Blake (The Odd Couple) and Theatre Memphis newcomer Jason Frazier as the Bank Messenger. Director Kell Christie is Theatre Memphis’ Artistic Director, having previously served that organization as Director of Education and Outreach. She has directed such productions as The Odd Couple, Romeo and Juliet, Godspell, Fiddler on the Roof, The Wizard of Oz, and Tintypes (Ostrander award for Best Ensemble). As well as being an established director, Kell has also appeared in plays such as A Little Night Music, Hamlet, The Pavilion, A Christmas Carol, Once Upon a Mattress, and Once on this Island, (Ostrander, best actress). An adjunct family member at the University of Memphis, Kell holds an MFA in directing and an M.Ed in curriculum and instruction. She also serves the Tennessee Arts Commission as a Peer Grant Advisor and is a board member of Tennesseans for the Arts.
Room Service By John Murray & Allen Boretz Directed by Kell Christie April 25- May 11 -more- SHOWTIMES: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:00 p.m. Sundays TICKETS: $23 Adults, $15 Students with ID, $10 children under 12
DISCOUNT: Special $5 discount for the first 5 performances is available on any adult ticket purchased for April 25, 26, 27, 30 and May 1. BOX OFFICE: (901) 682-8323
FOCUSFest 2008 is the student film festival for current students and alumni of the University of Memphis. It's going to be crazy awesome with everything from dating documentaries to gang shootouts to real life toys and sorority assassinations.
Come join us at Malco Studio on the Square on Thursday, April 24th at 7pm, to drink some wine, eat some popcorn, and enjoy the most ridiculous or brilliant films from the University of Memphis.
This event is FREE and open to the public! Bring your friends and support local artists!
ART
MFA Thesis Exhibition by Vitus Shell
04-21-2008
MFA Thesis Exhibition by Vitus Shell
Just a remainder to come and see the exhibition by recent recipient of Joan Mitchell Grad Fellowship and Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture Residency, Vitus Shell. The artist's reception is this Thursday evening, April 24th, 6:30 - 8:30 at the Southside Art Gallery, Oxford, MS. The exhibition showcases 19 paintings, prints, and painting prints all done in the last 9 months. Outside of the art, there will be refreshments including Louisiana Seafood Gumbo, so don't miss it. Please forward to any friends who might be interested.
Memphis in May International Gala - Sultans & Soul
04-21-2008
Memphis in May International Gala
Presented by Harrah's Entertainment
The Board of Directors of Memphis in May International Festival invite you to salute The Republic of Turkey and Ambassador Nabi Sensoy at
Sultans & Soul
Friday, May 9, 2008 Memphis Hilton - 939 Ridge Lake Boulevard
Grand Bazaar Silent Auction Cocktails - 7:00 pm Dinner - 8:00 pm Turkish Music by Latif Bolat Dance like a sultan to Memphis Soul Revue
Attire: Cocktail & Silk Road Chic - Passport Not Required $150 per person or Table of Ten $1500 - VIP Tables $5000 proceeds benefit Memphis in May Arts & Education Initiatives R.S.V.P. to Kristen Jones (901) 525-4611 extension 108
ART
Urban Art
04-21-2008
Friday, May 9, 2008 6:30 PM Center for Southern Folklore 119 S. Main Street in Pembroke Square at Peabody Place
Dan Corson of Seattle is installing a temporary public art piece in Downtown Memphis that includes infrared cameras and laser lights.
The project will be up May 10-26.
Please join us at the Center for Southern Folklore on May 9 for a talk by Dan Corson. Stay until the sun goes down and get a sneak peek at the project.
Call the UrbanArt Commission for more details, 901.525.0880.
RELATED LINKS
----------------------------- UrbanArt
ART
Orpheum Announces Art Contests - eadline for entries is May 15.
04-21-2008
In 2008, the Orpheum celebrates 80 years of entertainment. To help commemorate our anniversary, we announce a call for entries to area artists for two design contests:
80th Anniversary Commemorative Poster A limited edition 18” x 24 ¾” poster will be printed in full color and distributed during anniversary festivities in the fall 2008.
80th Anniversary Commemorative Silk Scarf A limited edition 36” x 36” scarf will be created in full color and distributed during anniversary festivities in the fall 2008.
The winning artist in each category will receive $500 and an Orpheum gift package valued at $250. All artists who enter will receive four tickets to our 2008 Orpheum Summer Movie Series.
TENNESSEE LIMOUSINE SERVICE FILM MAKERS SHOWCASE, 7PM, MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008, AT THE STUDIO ON THE SQUARE
04-21-2008
7PM, MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008, AT THE STUDIO ON THE SQUARE, MALCO THEATER.
THE SHOWCASE WILL FEATURE MEMPHIS INDIE SELECTIONS...
ZOMBIEZ,DIRECTED BY JESSICA POWERS PLASTER BABBLE,A ONE MAN NARRATIVE BY JOHN FUESS L'HIPPOTAME VERT FTW,DIRECTED BY EDWARD VALIBUS PHILLIPS OUR ATTIC, A SCARY SHORT BY DONALD MEYERS ROB WINFREY'S ADAPTATION OF EDGAR ALLEN POE'S THE TELL-TALE HEART THE PULP FICTION FILM,CHERRY POPPIN, DIRECTED BY JOHN SIMPSON.
ALL THE DIRECTORS PLAN TO ATTEND AND WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE. YOU WILL ALSO SEE THE WORK OF LOCAL CINEMATOGRAPHERS, SOUND, LIGHTING AND EDITING ENGINEERS. PREVIEW THE TALENTS OF LOCAL ACTORS AND MUSICIANS.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE AND LET'S HAVE SOME FUN.
PLEASE, NO ONE UNDER 17 ADMITTED WITHOUT PARENT OR GUARDIAN. VIOLENCE AND STRONG LANGUAGE.
FILM
Brett Hanover's "Bunnyland" to Premiere in Nashville
04-21-2008
After over a year and a half of work, my latest feature film, "Bunnyland," is set to premiere at the 2008 Nashville Film Festival. I will be in attendance, along with several guests from the documentary, and would love to see you there. Thank you all for your support in the past, and on this project, and I hope you can make it out. -Brett Hanover
"Bunnyland" World Premiere at the 2008 Nashville Film Festival Monday, April 21 at 9:00PM
Second Screening: Wednesday, April 23 at 2:00PM
Program Description: In the mountain resort of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, 73 rabbits are found slaughtered at a miniature golf course. Nearby, a small rental cabin catches fire, killing its only occupant. Connecting these two events is amateur archaeologist Johnny Tesar, the self-proclaimed "last Indian on the Trail of Tears." Johnny claims to have discovered an ancient civilization, and has collected thousands of stone artifacts to support this assertion. His bizarre scientific theories have generated controversy for decades, and the relics themselves continue to attract skeptical curiosity seekers. But in Johnny's microcosm of friends and enemies, it is even more difficult to discern all the facts of legal battles, spiritual alliances, and unexplained deaths. Bunnyland takes us into Tesar's world and all the people in it, for better or worse. Memphis filmmaker Brett Hanover lets everyone speak for themselves - neighbors, co-workers, business partners, tenants and Johnny himself - and deftly weaves a sometimes funny, sometimes mystifying, consistently bizarre look at a slice of life in eastern Tennessee enshrouded in the influence of the one and only Mr. Tesar.
RELATED LINKS
----------------------------- Brett Hanover
FILM
“Blue Vinyl” Tonight! @ the Power House!
04-16-2008
“Blue Vinyl”
When filmmaker Judith Helfand’s parents decide to replace the rotting wood siding on their suburban home with cheaper, more durable blue vinyl, Helfand embarks on a quest to find out whether it's possible "to make products that never hurt anyone at any point in their life cycle." Toting a slab of siding, Helfand travels to Lake Charles, Louisiana, the vinyl capital of the United States. What she uncovers there, and in another manufacturing center, Venice, Italy, is enough to convince even her stubborn parents to take the vinyl down. Nominated for two Emmys, the film won the 2002 Messenger of the Year Award from the Environmental Grantmakers Association.
Presented by The Chickasaw Group Sierra Club.
Wednesday, April 16, 7:30 p.m. @ Power House Memphis 45 G.E. Patterson (between Main and Front Streets)
RELATED LINKS
----------------------------- Power House
ART
Anthony Lee Studio Visit April 16, 6:00 PM
04-15-2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 6:00 PM Marshall Arts 639 Marshall
Local artist Anthony Lee will open up his studio for public viewing and will discuss two of the projects that he has worked on for the UrbanArt Commission: Modern Hieroglyphs, which is a temporary project created for the UAC's 10th Anniversary celebration; and a project for Pierotti Park, which is a permanent art piece going into the public park as part of the City of Memphis' Percent-for-Art program.
Call the UrbanArt Commission for more details, 901.525.0880.
RELATED LINKS
----------------------------- Grace Askew
FILM
Elzemeyer Talent Agency Open Call April 19th!
04-15-2008
Open Call ETA Elzemeyer Talent Agency Saturday April 19, 11AM-4PM Opportunities for: Actors, Models, Voice Over, and Promotional talent All Ages over 6 149 Monroe (2nd & Monroe) enter from Monroe, 3rd Floor Cadre Building, Downtown Memphis Please bring a photo and resume For more information contact Abby at abby.elzemeyer@gmail.com
MUSIC - Blues
Blues Sunday with The Rev. Jimmie Bratcher
04-15-2008
May 25th 10:00 AM Christ the Rock Metro Church at 8800 Winchester in Memphis will break with tradition and welcome the acclaimed blues / rock guitarist The Rev. Jimmie Bratcher.
The Rev. is no stranger to Memphis he spent summers in Memphis growing up and the legendary Memphis producer Jim Gaines produced The Rev's 2005 CD titled "RED". RED climbed its way onto the national blues radio chart in 2006 at #22.
Combining elements of southern rock, soulful gospel and raw blues The Rev. and his band will for sure be rockin the church house.
While in the area The Rev will also be performing a free concert at The Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, MS May 24th at 6:00 PM and at Huey's in midtown Memphis the evening of the 25th.
For more information visit www.jimmiebratcher.com
THEATRE
Empire Builders" opens at Theatreworks
04-15-2008
A respectable family flees within the confines of their home, from a strange, unknown and terrifying Noise which pursues them as they move from floor to floor until they reach the attic. This darkly comic play is a deeply disturbing essay on the culture of fear. It exposes how easily a society becomes the prisoner of its own paranoia. This play, written in 1959, is even more relevant today with our society’s deep seated fear of the unknown terror waiting to spring forth from any direction.
Performance Information: The play will be performed at Theatreworks,by New Moon Theatre Company 2085 Monroe, in Overton Square April 18 – May 4, 2008.
Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, with one Sunday matinee, May 4 at 2 pm.
Tickets are $12.50 for adults, $10 seniors and students. Tickets are available through New Moon at 901-278-7025.
The Cast: Melissa Briggs Mother (Anna) Jon Devin Schmürz Natalie Higdon Zenobia Don McCarrens Father (Léon) Mark Rutledge Neighbor (Mr. Garret) Sylvia Wilson Mug
Theatre Memphis proudly presents the classic Broadway farce Room Service on the Lohrey Stage for performances April 25- May 11th. A nimble-witted producer, living on a credit with several actors in a Broadway hotel, is desperately in need of a good script. While stowed away with 19 hungry actors and a sky rocketing bill, he tries to forestall eviction by convincing the show’s young playwright to fake his own death. Room Service, a farcical hide and seek game with the increasingly reluctant financier, the hotel manager, and various creditors, is a valentine to the madcap world of Broadway showbiz. The cast consists of a large variety of award-winning actors. Starring as Gordon Miller is Tony Isbell who was last seen on the Next Stage in the productions of Stones in His Pockets and Picasso at the Lapin Agile. As a director at TM, his last work was the Lohrey Stage production of Bus Stop. He has performed at Circuit Playhouse in shows such as Fool For Love and The Dresser. Marques Brown, in the role of Harry Binion, is no stranger to our stage in the aspects of acting as well as directing. A member of the Theatre Memphis acting company ShoWagon for over 5 years, he currently serves TM as Education Specialist. He was last seen on the Lohrey stage in his Ostrander-winning performance as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. Henry McDaniel plays the role of Faker Englund and was last seen on TM’s Next Stage as Freddy in Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Lohrey Stage roles include Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady and the title role in The King and I. The role of Gregory Wagner is played by Chris Hart who appeared on the Next Stage in last season’s production of Oleanna. He also appeared in shows such as Othello and Rounding Third. Stephen Garrett makes his fifth appearance at TM in Room Service as Leo Davis. He has been seen on our stage in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, BARK! THE MUSICAL and the Next Stage hit THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS (THE MUSICAL!). Other cast members include Allen Busby as Sasha (The Odd Couple), Michael Khanlarian as Gribble (The Pavilion), Mandy Lane as Christine (Picasso at the Lapine Agile), Lyric Peters as Hilda (Oleanna), Steven Burk as Jenkins (Lost in Yonkers), Jack Kendall as Hogarth (You Can’t Take it With You), Jim Green as Dr. Glass (The Odd Couple), Britt Watson as Senator Blake (The Odd Couple) and Theatre Memphis newcomer Jason Frazier as the Bank Messenger. Director Kell Christie is Theatre Memphis’ Artistic Director, having previously served that organization as Director of Education and Outreach. She has directed such productions as The Odd Couple, Romeo and Juliet, Godspell, Fiddler on the Roof, The Wizard of Oz, and Tintypes (Ostrander award for Best Ensemble). As well as being an established director, Kell has also appeared in plays such as A Little Night Music, Hamlet, The Pavilion, A Christmas Carol, Once Upon a Mattress, and Once on this Island, (Ostrander, best actress). An adjunct family member at the University of Memphis, Kell holds an MFA in directing and an M.Ed in curriculum and instruction. She also serves the Tennessee Arts Commission as a Peer Grant Advisor and is a board member of Tennesseans for the Arts.
Room Service By John Murray & Allen Boretz Directed by Kell Christie April 25- May 11
SHOWTIMES: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, -MORE- and 2:00 p.m. Sundays TICKETS: $23 Adults, $15 Students with ID, $10 children under 12
DISCOUNT: Special $5 discount for the first 5 performances is available on any adult ticket purchased for April 25, 26, 27, 30 and May 1. BOX OFFICE: (901) 682-8323
Group classes at Union University, 2745 Hacks Cross Road, Germantown continue on April 14, 21, 28 from 7:00-8:20 p.m. with Songs in the Key of G. This is an opportunity to explore ways to play in another key so that you can more easily play with other instruments. We will look at re-tuning, using a capo, and playing backup chords.
During May the group class topic is Music Theory for Mountain Dulcimer and Using Chords. Don't let the title scare you! This will gently lead you into a deeper understanding of how your instrument works and explain some of the ins and outs of music theory. You do NOT need any music background for this class. We will meet May 5, 12, 19 at Union University, 2745 Hacks Cross Road, Germantown from 7:00-8:20 p.m.
On Sunday, May 4 at 1:00 p.m., Betty Dawson and I will perform at an informal concert/open jam at the Shelby Forest General Store. Everyone is invited to come out with their instruments and join us for music and barbeque on the deck at the General Store.
Mountain Dulcimer Youth Camp will be July 7-11 at Harding Cordova. The camp is open to children 4th grade and up, including adults. One youth scholarship is available. Details at www.LeeCagleDulcimers.com.
Make plans to attend The Chattanooga Dulcimer Festival on June 20-22. Class descriptions are now available, along with other details at www.dpnews.com/cdf/ and www.dpnews.com:80/cdf/workshops.html. I will be teaching along with some other great instructors. Festivals are a great chance to try new things, meet other players and learn from a variety of instructors.
Following the Chattanooga Festival, I will travel to my home and conduct afternoon workshops and an evening concert at The Pickin' Porch, owned by Mike and Connie Clemmer, in Townsend, TN on June 28. Mike builds some beautiful instruments, including dulcimers and banjammers. Join us in the foothills of the Smokies on the banks of Little River.
Also, remember that The Memphis Dulcimer Festival will be held on September 26 & 27 at Lindenwood Christian Church. Details are available at www.LeeCagleDulcimers.com.
Visit the new Folk Musings blog at www.folkmusings.blogspot.com! If you have questions, call me at 901-877-7763 or reply to this e-mail.
En Plein Air Watercolor Workshop Friday, April 11, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Saturday, April 12, 10 am - 2 pm
Bill Branch, watercolor artist and Weekend Manager at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, will offer a two-day workshop in the medium of watercolor and the application of that medium to "plein air" or outdoor painting. The class will have an indoor session of history and instruction in the basic techniques of watercolor painting. The following day, the class will create an outdoor painting in the Dixon gardens.
Ages 14 and older Beginners' level Materials and Saturday lunch included $95 members; $120 non-members Reservations required. Space is limited.
RELATED LINKS
----------------------------- Brooks Museum
ART
Robert Yasuda Subject to Change & Dolph Smith Looking Back from Out Where I Live 1 - 26 apr, opening fri, 4 apr 6-8pm
04-04-2008
Dolph Smith Gaters, watercolor on board, wood, mixed materials, 21.5 x 31.5 x 8.5 ", 2008
Robert Yasuda Overlook, acrylic on fabric on wood, 36 x 32", 2007
This month at david lusk gallery: robert yasuda subject to change & dolph smith looking back from out where I live 1 - 26 apr, opening fri, 4 apr 6-8pm
Delta Axis presents: Blue Vinyl a Sierra Club Film Night Hosted by Indie Memphis
04-04-2008
Delta Axis Presents: “Blue Vinyl” A Sierra Club film night Hosted by Indie Memphis Wednesday, April 16, 7:30 p.m. At the Power House, 45 G.E. Patterson (between Main and Front)
When filmmaker Judith Helfand’s parents decide to replace the rotting wood siding on their suburban home with cheaper, more durable blue vinyl, Helfand embarks on a quest to find out whether it's possible "to make products that never hurt anyone at any point in their life cycle." Toting a slab of siding, Helfand travels to Lake Charles, Louisiana, the vinyl capital of the United States. What she uncovers there, and in another manufacturing center, Venice, Italy, is enough to convince even her stubborn parents to take the vinyl down. Nominated for two Emmys, the film won the 2002 Messenger of the Year Award from the Environmental Grantmakers Association.
Admission is free, donations are appreciated. Come early to get a good seat.
RELATED LINKS
----------------------------- Power House
COMMUNITY
Memphis Roller Derby’s Final Four
04-04-2008
…Just as the Tigers finish their final four challenge, the wild women of Memphis Roller Derby will be starting theirs! Celebrate the Tigers’ win at the Midsouth Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 5th at 7p.m. as all of MRD’s teams fight for a spot in the April 26th championship bout.
In the first bout of the night the fatal femmes of the Angels of Death take on the fast girls of the Legion of Zoom. The Z-girls are eager to unleash their new members on the undefeated Angels. Can they zoom their way to victory or will they be added to the Angels’ body count? Come to the fairgrounds and find out!
Pink and camo collide in the second bout of this double header as the PrissKilla Prezleys take on the Women of Mass Destruction (WMDs). The last time these skate divas met the Women of Mass Destruction achieved rapid dominance with their tactics of shock and awe. Will they prevail yet again, or will the PrissKilla Prezleys skate, rattle and roll their way to victory?
Doors open at 6p.m. Bout action begins at 7p.m in the Youth Building. This event is open to all ages. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5-12, kids 4 and under FREE. Must be 21+ up to drink.
The Youth Building is located at 940 Early Maxwell Boulevard.
A Taste of Cuba Saturday, May 10th 7:00-11:00 p.m. at Askew Nixon Ferguson Architects(1500 Union Avenue) Come to A Taste of Cuba and savor a grand selection of cigars during a formal cigar tasting, sample aged rums not available in the U.S., dine on authentic Cuban food and enjoy music by Los Cantadores. General admission tickets cost $50.00 each. VIP tickets cost $100.00 each and include a limited edition box of premium cigars and other unique gifts. Proceeds will benefit the International Children's Heart Foundation. For tickets or more info, call (901) 869-4243 or visit www.BabyHeart.org.
FILM
April 16, 6:00 PM: Studio Visit with Anthony Lee at Marshall Arts
04-04-2008
Local artist Anthony Lee will be opening up his studio for public viewing on April 16th at 6 PM. Lee will be discussing two of the projects that he has worked on for the UAC: Modern Hieroglyphs, which was a temporary project created for the UAC's 10th Anniversary celebration; and his Pierotti Park installation, which is a permanent art piece going into the public park as part of the City of Memphis' Percent-for-Art program. Lee will be describing these projects and the process of fabricating and installing these works in coordination with the UrbanArt Commission. The studio is located at 639 Marshall Avenue and all are welcome.
April 11, 7:00 PM: UAC to Host Third Ward, TX Movie Screening
04-04-2008
Third Ward, TX Movie Screening Friday April 11 7:00 PM Memphis College of Art Callicott Auditorium 1930 Poplar Avenue in Overton Park
The UrbanArt Commission, as part of their Arts Build Communities Grant through ArtsMemphis, is hosting a lecture and a screening of the documentary Third Ward, TX, produced by Memphis native Noland Walker.
The documentary focuses on Project-Row Houses, a program founded by Houston artist Rick Lowe, which was established on the principle that art and the community creating it can "revitalize even the most depressed inner-city neighborhoods, for the mutual good of existing and future residents." The program was designed, therefore, to create a sense of community through art, culture, and history in the Houston, TX Third Ward neighborhood.
In conjunction with this screening and to express the story, process, and future of the Project-Row Houses program in Third Ward, TX, director Rick Lowe will be giving a lecture on May 8th, also in the Callicott Auditorium, at 6:30 PM.
For more information contact Laura Caroline Johnson at (901) 525-0807.
RELATED LINKS
----------------------------- UrbanArt
ART
UrbanArt: April 7, 5:30 PM: Countrywood Park Worksho
04-04-2008
A workshop will be held at the UrbanArt Commission office at 8 S. Third St., Suite 100 at 5:30 PM, Monday, April 7, and is open to all artists who wish to learn more about this project and its guidelines. The UAC is seeking an artist to create a fun and unique public art enhancement for Countrywood Park, soon to be renamed Fletcher Creek Park. The top three residential priorities for the installation include: promoting community interaction and bringing people of all ages together, linking the project with the surrounding environment, and including an innovative educational aspect. The location within the park and nature of the enhancement is to be left up to the artist.
The budget for this artwork is $50,000. All artists who live in the tri-state area, which includes Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi, are invited to submit their proposals by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, May 7, 2008.
The full guidelines for proposals can be found on the UAC website, www.urbanartcommission.org, or by calling Laura Caroline Johnson, Project Coordinator, at 901-525-0880.
RELATED LINKS
----------------------------- UrbanArt
ART
Now on View: Chandler Pritchett Temporary Art Project Installed Downtown
04-04-2008
University of Memphis MFA student, Chandler Pritchett brings fine art into the realm of commercial culture with her newest watercolor installation at the Center City Commission. As one of the UrbanArt Commission's 10 Temporary Projects, these watercolor paintings, along with the free postcards that are distributed at the site, will be on display at the Center City Commission office at 114 N. Main Street through May 23rd, 2008.
For more information about the 10th Anniversary, check the calendar below and our website, www.urbanartcommission.org
Interactions/Interruptions was made possible through the generous support of the following organizations and individuals: First Tennessee Bravo Award, Hyde Family Foundations, National Endowment for the Arts, Deupree Family Foundation, Waddell & Associates, Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Goodman, Scott and Carolyn Heppel, and Mrs. Sandy Goldstein; with additional support from Memphis College of Art, ArtsMemphis, the Tennessee Arts Commission and Clear Channel; and special thanks to the Memphis Area Transit Authority, City of Memphis Division of Park Services, Memphis Public Library and Information Center, the Riverfront Development Corporation, Archer Malmo, the Center City Commission, Belz Enterprises and the South Main Association.
RELATED LINKS
----------------------------- Urban Art
MUSIC
An Evening with Cory Branan Live at the Hi-Tone April 11
04-03-2008
RELATED LINKS
----------------------------- Cory Branan
FILM
MORE THAN 100 FILMMAKERS, PRODUCERS, DIRECTORS AND ACTORS CONVERGED ON MEMPHIS FOR THE 9TH ANNUAL ON LOCATION: MEMPHIS INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST
04-03-2008
(Memphis, TN – April 2, 2008) The 2008 On Location: Memphis international film fest is a wrap! 93 films from 20 different countries and the U.S. found new audiences and fans during this 4 day annual fest! More than 100 filmmakers, producers, directors and actors converged on Memphis, March 27-30 to celebrate independent filmmaking with 4 days of films, workshops and networking opportunities. Among those who came from around the globe was Adrian Belic, whose movie, "Ghengis Blues," was nominated for an Academy Award.
Belic was in Memphis for the showing of “Ghengis Blues” and his newest documentary, "Beyond the Call," which he wrote, produced, directed and filmed.. "This is one of those wonderful local regional festivals that filmmakers and fans come to just have fun, for the sheer pleasure of independent films," Adrian said. "I'm astonished how many filmmakers are here. That's rare." Awards were given out on Thursday, March 27, at Malco’s state-of-the art Paradiso Theatre just before the Opening Night film, “Delta Rising”, the Clarksdale, Miss.-centered music documentary filmed at Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club. "Low and Behold," a movie about a young insurance claims adjuster unprepared for the physical and emotional wreckage of post-Katrina New Orleans, was named Best Narrative Feature. "Knowledge Is the Beginning", about an orchestra of Arab and Israeli young people, was named Best Documentary. "The Second Line" another Katrina-inspired film, was award the Best Short. The Best Animated Film was the short, "Raccoon and Crawfish" with the Music Video award going to "Falling from Mars" by singer Alyssa Campbell. In a special presentation, Jimmy Tashie, SVP of Malco Theatres, was given the first OL:M VISION Award – presented to those in the community who have shown tremendous support and vision for the filmmaking industry in Memphis.
Standing room only workshops included industry professionals such as Linn Sitler of the Memphis and Shelby County Film & Television Commission, James Spies director of “Nothing But The Truth”, actress Renee O’Connor from “XENA: The Warrior Princess”, Brent Heyning from ToyShoppe Productions, and Jeffery Clanagan, CEO of Code Black Entertainment.
After many pleading emails (and some threats) to bring back the show, LTTM's Shorts Fest has returned with a vengence with some terrific films. The host for this episode is the always lovely Memphis actress, Melissa Walker.
THE FILMS:
"Central Garden"- directed by Kaleo Quenzer and the guys at Find Grind Films.
"On The Road"- directed by Matt Isbell. Follow The Daddy Mack Blues Band on tour from Memphis to L.A. and back.
MUSIC FOR ENDING CREDITS:
"Jump On" sung by Kim Richards from the True North album.
THE TIMES are always the same all April long:
Sunday- midnight Thursday- 2a.m. Thursday- 10:30 PM Saturday- 1:30a.m. Saturday- 11pm This is a weekly schedule that will begin on Apr 4 . Be sure to tune in all April long to see some great Memphis talent. We are accepting entries again! If you want info on how to enter, email: info@LastTraintoMemphis.com . Do to events and circumstances beyond our control, the Shorts Fest will no longer be a monthly show, but we will do our best.
