New Hope Church, 7719 Callaway Road, Greenville, GA 30222 is delighted to present Barry Scott and Second Wind on January 29th at 6 p.m. They are an exciting new acoustic band with a combined experience of almost 80 years of bluegrass and acoustic picking and singing. Individually they have been nominated for Grammy awards, won prestigious competitions, founded bands, and have been highly influential to acoustic, bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music. Collectively, in their few months since forming, they have appeared on the Today Show, gathered a solid following, and established themselves as a powerful new presence in the gospel music arena. The group consists of five young men from Georgia, East Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina areas.
There is no admission or ticket price, but a love offering will be taken. We invite you to come out and enjoy the evening of music and fellowship with this dynamic band. Refreshments and fellowship following the concert.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Atlanta's WKLS Launches Jelli, Puts Control in the Hands of Atlanta's Rock Fans
/PRNewswire/ -- Clear Channel Radio station Project 9-6-1 (WKLS) Atlanta has launched Jelli, the crowd-sourced radio technology that puts listeners in charge of what plays on the air. Jelli combines FM radio with the best of the social web and lets listeners compete or cooperate to get their favorite songs played on their favorite radio station.
Called "Remote Control Radio," the new Jelli-powered show is hosted by D.J. Jordin Silver, and airs Monday through Friday nights from 7PM to Midnight EST. Project 9-6-1 listeners can play along at www.project961.com or download the Jelli iPhone app and control the airwaves on the go.
At any time during the show, Project 9-6-1 listeners vote songs up or down, ultimately deciding what will air next. By playing, listeners accumulate Rockets and Bombs that they can use to propel a song quickly toward the top of the playlist, or knock it off completely. When a song is actually playing live and on the air, listeners can also vote whether it Rocks or Sucks. If enough players think it Sucks, the song is taken off the air instantly, even if it's mid-song. It's the ultimate in crowd-controlled radio.
"Project 9-6-1 was launched in 2006 with an experimental spirit and a promise to push things forward. As the first radio station in Atlanta to fuse social media and terrestrial radio with Jelli, we are showing our commitment to these values," said Project 9-6-1 Program Director Chris Williams. "Remote Control Radio gives our audience complete control and we are excited to see how they wield the remote control!"
"Atlanta is a world class music town and we are excited to see a Clear Channel station like WKLS be the first in town to put control into the hands of its listeners," said Jelli CEO Mike Dougherty.
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Click to read MORE news:
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Called "Remote Control Radio," the new Jelli-powered show is hosted by D.J. Jordin Silver, and airs Monday through Friday nights from 7PM to Midnight EST. Project 9-6-1 listeners can play along at www.project961.com or download the Jelli iPhone app and control the airwaves on the go.
At any time during the show, Project 9-6-1 listeners vote songs up or down, ultimately deciding what will air next. By playing, listeners accumulate Rockets and Bombs that they can use to propel a song quickly toward the top of the playlist, or knock it off completely. When a song is actually playing live and on the air, listeners can also vote whether it Rocks or Sucks. If enough players think it Sucks, the song is taken off the air instantly, even if it's mid-song. It's the ultimate in crowd-controlled radio.
"Project 9-6-1 was launched in 2006 with an experimental spirit and a promise to push things forward. As the first radio station in Atlanta to fuse social media and terrestrial radio with Jelli, we are showing our commitment to these values," said Project 9-6-1 Program Director Chris Williams. "Remote Control Radio gives our audience complete control and we are excited to see how they wield the remote control!"
"Atlanta is a world class music town and we are excited to see a Clear Channel station like WKLS be the first in town to put control into the hands of its listeners," said Jelli CEO Mike Dougherty.
-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Atlanta Opera Extras Offer Opportunities to Learn More About Music and Themes in Porgy and Bess
The Atlanta Opera has launched Atlanta Opera Extras, community outreach initiatives that entertain and educate audiences about opera. A complete listing of upcoming events is below:
Perspectives from The Atlanta Opera Chorus
Monday, January 31, 2011 @ 7:30pm
Spelman College, Science Auditorium, Room 134
Free and open to the public
Select members of The Atlanta Opera Chorus will share their experiences performing Gershwin’s American folk-opera, Porgy & Bess at Paris’ Opèra-Comique, and how these experiences have influenced their perspectives on this American classic. Audience questions are welcome.
Porgy & Bess @ Broke-ology
February 2, 2011 @ 7:00pm
Southwest Arts CenterFree to Broke-ology ticket holders
Members of the esteemed Atlanta Opera Chorus will be performing arias from Porgy & Bess before a performance of True Colors Theatre’s Broke-ology by Nathan Louis-Jackson. The production, directed by Kenny Leon, and starring Jasmine Guy, is a comic drama that encourages us to stay linked to our roots no matter where life takes us.
Evening at Emory
American Originals: George Gershwin and Porgy & Bess
Tuesdays, February 8 – March 1 @ 7PM
Emory University Center for Lifelong Learning
Tuition: $200 (includes performance tickets)
Carter Joseph’s popular Evening at Emory class will explore the musical and social influences in George Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess. On March 1, the class will attend The Atlanta Opera's production of this American masterpiece.
Opera Chat
Thursday, February 10, 2011 @ 7PM
Barnes & Noble Buckhead
2900 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 310
Atlanta, GA
Free and open to the public
Select members of the cast, artistic and production crews will discuss the multi-faceted roles they play in mounting The Atlanta Opera’s upcoming production of Porgy & Bess.
The Atlanta Opera Artist Luncheon
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 12 pm
The St. Regis Atlanta
88 West Paces Ferry Road
$80/person (includes parking)
The public is invited to attend an Artist Luncheon celebrating Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess with Larry Marshall, Stage Director; Walter Huff, Chorus Master; Principal Singers from the production; and select members of The Atlanta Opera Chorus. Please respond by February 7 to Amanda Wilborn at (404) 591-2928 or amandaw@atlantaopera.org.
Low-Country Favorites
Tuesday, February 15
The Cook’s Warehouse - Decatur
In honor of the company’s upcoming production of Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, The Atlanta Opera has teamed up with The Cook’s Warehouse – Decatur to offer “Low Country Favorites,” - a low-country cooking class. Charleston, South Carolina, where Porgy & Bess is set, is one of the homes of low-country cooking. Students will have the opportunity to learn about themes from the upcoming production while learning to cook classics from this tasty cuisine. The class will be taught by Chef Rosemary Rutland.
Ethical Themes in Porgy & Bess
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 @ 7PM
Emory Center for Ethics at Emory University
Free and open to the public
As part of Emory University’s Ethics in the Arts Initiative, Stage Director Larry Marshall and select artists from The Atlanta Opera’s production of Porgy & Bess will discuss the history of the opera, perform musical selections, and engage in ethical discussion about the controversy surrounding Gershwin’s work.
Opera 101
Monday, February 21, 2011 @ 7PM
The Atlanta Opera Center
1575 Northside Drive, NW
Bldg. 300, Suite 350
Atlanta, GA 30318
Free and open to the public
In this multi-media presentation by opera aficionado and Atlanta Opera Board Member Carter Joseph, audiences can learn about the history, background, and story line of Porgy & Bess. Reservations are requested; call 404-881-8801.
Pre-Opera Talk
Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 7 pm
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Friday, March 4, 2011 at 7 pm
Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 2 pm
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders
Pre-Opera Talks are held one hour prior to each performance inside the John A. Williams Theatre at the Cobb Energy Centre and provide opera attendees a free sneak peek into the opera they are about to see.
Sistagraphy Photography Exhibit
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders
During the run of George Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, The Atlanta Opera will exhibit photographs by members of Sistagraphy. These collective works examine the contemporary and historical issues that affect our society through the photographic medium.
Exhibit of Artist Leroy Campbell’s Gullah Collection
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders
During the run of Porgy and Bess, audiences can experience the rich multi-media collage techniques of Leroy Campbell’s acclaimed Gullah Collection. His work, deeply rooted in African-American history, culture and traditions, evokes the complexity of the African-American experience.
Atlanta Opera Student Shorts
Thursday, March 3, 2011 @ 10AM and Noon
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Admission $8
An abbreviated version of the mainstage production, The Atlanta Opera Student Shorts are approximately one hour in length, and are performed with full sets, costumes and lighting and accompanied by The Atlanta Opera Orchestra and Chorus; Accompanying educational materials correspond directly with Georgia Performance Standards in the Performing Arts, English and Language Arts, History and Social Studies. Call 770-916-2923 or visit www.cobbenergycentre.com for reservations.
Urban Youth Harp Ensemble Performance
Friday, March 4, 2011, 7-8 PM
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Lobby
Free to ticketholders
Before the March 4, 2011 performance of George Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, The Urban Youth Harp Ensemble will be performing in the lobby of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
---
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter:
@artsacrossga
@softnblue (music & dance)
@RimbomboAAG (books, authors +)
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
Perspectives from The Atlanta Opera Chorus
Monday, January 31, 2011 @ 7:30pm
Spelman College, Science Auditorium, Room 134
Free and open to the public
Select members of The Atlanta Opera Chorus will share their experiences performing Gershwin’s American folk-opera, Porgy & Bess at Paris’ Opèra-Comique, and how these experiences have influenced their perspectives on this American classic. Audience questions are welcome.
Porgy & Bess @ Broke-ology
February 2, 2011 @ 7:00pm
Southwest Arts CenterFree to Broke-ology ticket holders
Members of the esteemed Atlanta Opera Chorus will be performing arias from Porgy & Bess before a performance of True Colors Theatre’s Broke-ology by Nathan Louis-Jackson. The production, directed by Kenny Leon, and starring Jasmine Guy, is a comic drama that encourages us to stay linked to our roots no matter where life takes us.
Evening at Emory
American Originals: George Gershwin and Porgy & Bess
Tuesdays, February 8 – March 1 @ 7PM
Emory University Center for Lifelong Learning
Tuition: $200 (includes performance tickets)
Carter Joseph’s popular Evening at Emory class will explore the musical and social influences in George Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess. On March 1, the class will attend The Atlanta Opera's production of this American masterpiece.
Opera Chat
Thursday, February 10, 2011 @ 7PM
Barnes & Noble Buckhead
2900 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 310
Atlanta, GA
Free and open to the public
Select members of the cast, artistic and production crews will discuss the multi-faceted roles they play in mounting The Atlanta Opera’s upcoming production of Porgy & Bess.
The Atlanta Opera Artist Luncheon
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 12 pm
The St. Regis Atlanta
88 West Paces Ferry Road
$80/person (includes parking)
The public is invited to attend an Artist Luncheon celebrating Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess with Larry Marshall, Stage Director; Walter Huff, Chorus Master; Principal Singers from the production; and select members of The Atlanta Opera Chorus. Please respond by February 7 to Amanda Wilborn at (404) 591-2928 or amandaw@atlantaopera.org.
Low-Country Favorites
Tuesday, February 15
The Cook’s Warehouse - Decatur
In honor of the company’s upcoming production of Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, The Atlanta Opera has teamed up with The Cook’s Warehouse – Decatur to offer “Low Country Favorites,” - a low-country cooking class. Charleston, South Carolina, where Porgy & Bess is set, is one of the homes of low-country cooking. Students will have the opportunity to learn about themes from the upcoming production while learning to cook classics from this tasty cuisine. The class will be taught by Chef Rosemary Rutland.
Ethical Themes in Porgy & Bess
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 @ 7PM
Emory Center for Ethics at Emory University
Free and open to the public
As part of Emory University’s Ethics in the Arts Initiative, Stage Director Larry Marshall and select artists from The Atlanta Opera’s production of Porgy & Bess will discuss the history of the opera, perform musical selections, and engage in ethical discussion about the controversy surrounding Gershwin’s work.
Opera 101
Monday, February 21, 2011 @ 7PM
The Atlanta Opera Center
1575 Northside Drive, NW
Bldg. 300, Suite 350
Atlanta, GA 30318
Free and open to the public
In this multi-media presentation by opera aficionado and Atlanta Opera Board Member Carter Joseph, audiences can learn about the history, background, and story line of Porgy & Bess. Reservations are requested; call 404-881-8801.
Pre-Opera Talk
Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 7 pm
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Friday, March 4, 2011 at 7 pm
Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 2 pm
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders
Pre-Opera Talks are held one hour prior to each performance inside the John A. Williams Theatre at the Cobb Energy Centre and provide opera attendees a free sneak peek into the opera they are about to see.
Sistagraphy Photography Exhibit
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders
During the run of George Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, The Atlanta Opera will exhibit photographs by members of Sistagraphy. These collective works examine the contemporary and historical issues that affect our society through the photographic medium.
Exhibit of Artist Leroy Campbell’s Gullah Collection
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Free to ticketholders
During the run of Porgy and Bess, audiences can experience the rich multi-media collage techniques of Leroy Campbell’s acclaimed Gullah Collection. His work, deeply rooted in African-American history, culture and traditions, evokes the complexity of the African-American experience.
Atlanta Opera Student Shorts
Thursday, March 3, 2011 @ 10AM and Noon
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Admission $8
An abbreviated version of the mainstage production, The Atlanta Opera Student Shorts are approximately one hour in length, and are performed with full sets, costumes and lighting and accompanied by The Atlanta Opera Orchestra and Chorus; Accompanying educational materials correspond directly with Georgia Performance Standards in the Performing Arts, English and Language Arts, History and Social Studies. Call 770-916-2923 or visit www.cobbenergycentre.com for reservations.
Urban Youth Harp Ensemble Performance
Friday, March 4, 2011, 7-8 PM
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Lobby
Free to ticketholders
Before the March 4, 2011 performance of George Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, The Urban Youth Harp Ensemble will be performing in the lobby of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
---
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter:
@artsacrossga
@softnblue (music & dance)
@RimbomboAAG (books, authors +)
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
2011 Charles Wadsworth & Friends Concert Set for March 19th
The date is set! Newnan's native son and world-famous pianist Charles Wadsworth will return to Newnan to perform in concert in his namesake Charles Wadsworth Municipal Auditorium on Saturday, March 19. at 7:30 pm. Wadsworth will once again be joined by a group of world-class musicians as they present the much anticipated "Charles Wadsworth & Friends" concert that has become Newnan's most prominent cultural event.
Wadsworth grew up in Newnan and became an accomplished pianist at an early age and, by age 13, was filling in as the substitute pianist and organist at local churches. He went on to earn his bachelor's and master's degrees from famed Julliard School and moved to New York in 1952 to begin his professional career. In New York, he founded the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in 1969, leading it as Artistic Director and pianist for twenty years and bringing chamber music the unprecedented popularity that it enjoys today. His innovative programming and the varied repertoire he unearthed have inspired a new generation of virtuoso musicians to perform chamber music, fostering the creation of chamber music festivals worldwide. Since l977, Wadsworth has been one of the Artistic Directors of the Spoleto USA Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, where he is pianist and host of the daily chamber music concerts. Similar concerts were created in 1960 at the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy.
Mr. Wadsworth celebrated his 80th birthday during Newnan's 2009 concert and, since announcing his retirement at last year's concert, has limited his concert appearances. He pledged, however, to return annually to Newnan for as long as "providentially able." He has received New York City's highest cultural award the Handel Medallion, in addition to South Carolina's Order of the Palmetto. He holds honorary doctorates from the University of South Carolina, Converse College, and Connecticut College and has been invited to perform at the White House for Presidents Kennedy, Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan. His many honors include being a 2009 recipient of Coweta County's Centre for Performing & Visual Arts' Richard Brooks Visionary Award of Distinction and also having had an alley in Newnan designated as "Wadsworth Alley."
Charles Wadsworth has been returning annually to Newnan with his Charles Wadsworth & Friends Concerts since 1990. Originally sponsored by a group of local citizens and, more recently, by the City of Newnan's Cultural Arts Commission, the concert has generated funds used to restore the city's auditorium named after Wadsworth in 1998. It continues today supporting the ongoing upkeep and improvement of this treasured hall. Concert proceeds have also made possible a series of Master Classes in which the visiting artists share their talents and personal experiences with groups of Coweta County students. With the strong support of the Newnan City Council and a large number of loyal patrons, the restoration of the auditorium was completed in 2008.
Tickets for the event will be available after March 1st. General seating adult tickets are $20 and Senior/Student tickets are $15.
---
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Twitter:
@artsacrossga
@softnblue (music & dance)
@RimbomboAAG (books, authors +)
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
Wadsworth grew up in Newnan and became an accomplished pianist at an early age and, by age 13, was filling in as the substitute pianist and organist at local churches. He went on to earn his bachelor's and master's degrees from famed Julliard School and moved to New York in 1952 to begin his professional career. In New York, he founded the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in 1969, leading it as Artistic Director and pianist for twenty years and bringing chamber music the unprecedented popularity that it enjoys today. His innovative programming and the varied repertoire he unearthed have inspired a new generation of virtuoso musicians to perform chamber music, fostering the creation of chamber music festivals worldwide. Since l977, Wadsworth has been one of the Artistic Directors of the Spoleto USA Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, where he is pianist and host of the daily chamber music concerts. Similar concerts were created in 1960 at the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy.
Mr. Wadsworth celebrated his 80th birthday during Newnan's 2009 concert and, since announcing his retirement at last year's concert, has limited his concert appearances. He pledged, however, to return annually to Newnan for as long as "providentially able." He has received New York City's highest cultural award the Handel Medallion, in addition to South Carolina's Order of the Palmetto. He holds honorary doctorates from the University of South Carolina, Converse College, and Connecticut College and has been invited to perform at the White House for Presidents Kennedy, Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan. His many honors include being a 2009 recipient of Coweta County's Centre for Performing & Visual Arts' Richard Brooks Visionary Award of Distinction and also having had an alley in Newnan designated as "Wadsworth Alley."
Charles Wadsworth has been returning annually to Newnan with his Charles Wadsworth & Friends Concerts since 1990. Originally sponsored by a group of local citizens and, more recently, by the City of Newnan's Cultural Arts Commission, the concert has generated funds used to restore the city's auditorium named after Wadsworth in 1998. It continues today supporting the ongoing upkeep and improvement of this treasured hall. Concert proceeds have also made possible a series of Master Classes in which the visiting artists share their talents and personal experiences with groups of Coweta County students. With the strong support of the Newnan City Council and a large number of loyal patrons, the restoration of the auditorium was completed in 2008.
Tickets for the event will be available after March 1st. General seating adult tickets are $20 and Senior/Student tickets are $15.
---
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter:
@artsacrossga
@softnblue (music & dance)
@RimbomboAAG (books, authors +)
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Consumers Can Download for Donations with the Choice Hotels Music Newest Original Song
/PRNewswire/ -- As part of the continuing Choice Hotels Music program that introduces original songs to benefit a range of charities, "Sweetest Dreams" performed by Holly Montgomery will be launched on the Choice Hotels Music website. "Sweetest Dreams" was made available on January 11, 2011, and consumers who visit ChoiceHotelsMusic.com and download the free song will sponsor a $1 donation from Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) to the non-profit organization ServiceSource Foundation. Choice Hotels will donate one dollar for every free download of the song by consumers, up to $10,000.
"Sweetest Dreams" is the latest song to be introduced by Choice Hotels Music and it's one that strikes a particularly emotional chord for the company. In May of 2010, Steve Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels International and Vice-Chairman of the ServiceSource Foundation, visited ServiceSource in Alexandria, Virginia where he met a remarkable young woman named Kai Croft. Kai is a 26 year old client of ServiceSource, who, despite having Arthrogryposis -- a severe physical disability which affects a person's joints, is a prolific and eloquent poet. After reading Kai's poetry blog, Steve asked Kai if she would like some of her poems put to music. Kai loved the idea.
"I have been writing poetry for as long as I can remember. I think I was about 12 years old when I wrote my first poem called 'Poems' and it made me think that I could express myself with the words that readily came to mind," said Kai. "It's so exciting that my writing has inspired others to create this song and give back to ServiceSource."
Representatives of Choice Hotels contacted Holly Montgomery (local musician) and Tom Nichols (local musician & producer) and asked them to review some of Kai's poems to see if they might create a song from her poetry. Montgomery and Nichols got right to work, pulling lines and words from her poems to assemble what ultimately became the lyrics to "Sweetest Dreams."
"As soon as Tom and I started reading Kai's blog we fell in love with her words. Using her poetry, it was so easy to create a beautiful song. We started arranging and composing music and in only a few days were able to record a demo," said Holly Montgomery, Sweetest Dreams singer and songwriter. "But what really made the experience amazing was the fact that not only did we get to create this music, but every time somebody downloads the song a donation (up to $10,000) is made back to the organization that means so much to Kai -- ServiceSource Foundation. We are able to make music and make a difference!"
"I was so inspired by meeting Kai, reading her poems and learning what ServiceSource Foundation does to help people. It all just fit so perfectly with the Choice Hotels Music program which was able to combine all of these amazing elements to create 'Sweetest Dreams,'" said Steve Joyce, Choice Hotels President and CEO, and Vice-Chairman of the ServiceSource Foundation.
The song was professionally recorded on May 26, 2010. With Kai in attendance, she was able to hear exactly how the words in her poems came to life in a song. Nichols produced the recording and sang backup vocals while Montgomery played bass and sang lead vocals. A host of famous and talented musicians also played on the song including Drummer Aynsley Dunbar, and Guitarists Randall Hall and Paul Bell.
Since the launch of Choice Hotels Music in August 2010, the company has released three original songs that have generated over 30,000 downloads, which resulted in donations from Choice Hotels to three worthy charities -- Rebuilding Together, SOME (So Others Might Eat) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Washington and Greater Baltimore.
Visit ChoiceHotelsMusic.com today to download the free song "Sweetest Dreams" by Holly Montgomery and inspire a $1 donation (up to $10,000) for the ServiceSource Foundation.
For more of Kai's poetry, visit her blog at www.kaiswriting.blogspot.com.
"Sweetest Dreams" is the latest song to be introduced by Choice Hotels Music and it's one that strikes a particularly emotional chord for the company. In May of 2010, Steve Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels International and Vice-Chairman of the ServiceSource Foundation, visited ServiceSource in Alexandria, Virginia where he met a remarkable young woman named Kai Croft. Kai is a 26 year old client of ServiceSource, who, despite having Arthrogryposis -- a severe physical disability which affects a person's joints, is a prolific and eloquent poet. After reading Kai's poetry blog, Steve asked Kai if she would like some of her poems put to music. Kai loved the idea.
"I have been writing poetry for as long as I can remember. I think I was about 12 years old when I wrote my first poem called 'Poems' and it made me think that I could express myself with the words that readily came to mind," said Kai. "It's so exciting that my writing has inspired others to create this song and give back to ServiceSource."
Representatives of Choice Hotels contacted Holly Montgomery (local musician) and Tom Nichols (local musician & producer) and asked them to review some of Kai's poems to see if they might create a song from her poetry. Montgomery and Nichols got right to work, pulling lines and words from her poems to assemble what ultimately became the lyrics to "Sweetest Dreams."
"As soon as Tom and I started reading Kai's blog we fell in love with her words. Using her poetry, it was so easy to create a beautiful song. We started arranging and composing music and in only a few days were able to record a demo," said Holly Montgomery, Sweetest Dreams singer and songwriter. "But what really made the experience amazing was the fact that not only did we get to create this music, but every time somebody downloads the song a donation (up to $10,000) is made back to the organization that means so much to Kai -- ServiceSource Foundation. We are able to make music and make a difference!"
"I was so inspired by meeting Kai, reading her poems and learning what ServiceSource Foundation does to help people. It all just fit so perfectly with the Choice Hotels Music program which was able to combine all of these amazing elements to create 'Sweetest Dreams,'" said Steve Joyce, Choice Hotels President and CEO, and Vice-Chairman of the ServiceSource Foundation.
The song was professionally recorded on May 26, 2010. With Kai in attendance, she was able to hear exactly how the words in her poems came to life in a song. Nichols produced the recording and sang backup vocals while Montgomery played bass and sang lead vocals. A host of famous and talented musicians also played on the song including Drummer Aynsley Dunbar, and Guitarists Randall Hall and Paul Bell.
Since the launch of Choice Hotels Music in August 2010, the company has released three original songs that have generated over 30,000 downloads, which resulted in donations from Choice Hotels to three worthy charities -- Rebuilding Together, SOME (So Others Might Eat) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Washington and Greater Baltimore.
Visit ChoiceHotelsMusic.com today to download the free song "Sweetest Dreams" by Holly Montgomery and inspire a $1 donation (up to $10,000) for the ServiceSource Foundation.
For more of Kai's poetry, visit her blog at www.kaiswriting.blogspot.com.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Honda and Atlanta’s V-103 to Host the Return of the Honda Battle of the Bands National Anthem Competition
Radio Personality Ryan Cameron will Host Event Saturday, January 8th at the Mall at Stonecrest Where Aspiring Atlanta Vocalists Will Audition to Perform Before Thousands at the Dome
The city’s very best singers are invited to audition for the Honda Battle of the Bands National Anthem Competition, co-presented by American Honda and V-103 Radio: “The People’s Station.” Local radio air personalities Ryan Cameron and Sytonnia will be on hand, in person, at the Mall At Stonecrest in Lithonia this Saturday, January 8th to host the auditions. Atlanta-area aspiring vocalists will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and enter into the running to win a thousand dollars and a chance to sing the National Anthem before a crowd of 60,000 at the 9th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase scheduled to take place at the Georgia Dome on January 29, 2011.
Saturday, January 8th 2011, 10:00 a.m.
The Mall at Stonecrest
2829 Turner Hill Rd.
Lithonia, Georgia
Registration will be held at the Sears Court of the Mall, and begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. Participants are encouraged to arrive early.
Of the 103 entrants that will be allowed to audition, three finalists’ will be selected and their audition videos will be posted on the V-103 “WebMag” page on www.v-103.com, for friends, family and the world to view and vote on who they think should sing the U.S. national anthem “live,” at this year’s 9th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase, at the Georgia Dome on January 29th. In addition to performing before 60,000 fans the winner will also receive a pre-loaded VISA card worth $1,000. The first runner-up will receive a $500 pre-loaded VISA, and third place, a $250 card. All three finalists will also be awarded two tickets to the event.
Tickets for the 9th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase, presented by The Home Depot, are on sale now, and disappearing fast. The showcase which features riveting performances by eight of the nation’s top Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands is one of the most highly anticipated events in Atlanta. Visit Ticketmaster or the Georgia Dome box-office, or purchase tickets online by visiting www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.
The city’s very best singers are invited to audition for the Honda Battle of the Bands National Anthem Competition, co-presented by American Honda and V-103 Radio: “The People’s Station.” Local radio air personalities Ryan Cameron and Sytonnia will be on hand, in person, at the Mall At Stonecrest in Lithonia this Saturday, January 8th to host the auditions. Atlanta-area aspiring vocalists will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and enter into the running to win a thousand dollars and a chance to sing the National Anthem before a crowd of 60,000 at the 9th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase scheduled to take place at the Georgia Dome on January 29, 2011.
Saturday, January 8th 2011, 10:00 a.m.
The Mall at Stonecrest
2829 Turner Hill Rd.
Lithonia, Georgia
Registration will be held at the Sears Court of the Mall, and begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. Participants are encouraged to arrive early.
Of the 103 entrants that will be allowed to audition, three finalists’ will be selected and their audition videos will be posted on the V-103 “WebMag” page on www.v-103.com, for friends, family and the world to view and vote on who they think should sing the U.S. national anthem “live,” at this year’s 9th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase, at the Georgia Dome on January 29th. In addition to performing before 60,000 fans the winner will also receive a pre-loaded VISA card worth $1,000. The first runner-up will receive a $500 pre-loaded VISA, and third place, a $250 card. All three finalists will also be awarded two tickets to the event.
Tickets for the 9th annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase, presented by The Home Depot, are on sale now, and disappearing fast. The showcase which features riveting performances by eight of the nation’s top Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands is one of the most highly anticipated events in Atlanta. Visit Ticketmaster or the Georgia Dome box-office, or purchase tickets online by visiting www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
An Acoustic Evening with Travis Tritt
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Doors open at 7 p.m.
Buckhead Theatre
3110 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
Tickets range from $50-$75
www.ticketmaster.com
Show is reserved seating and open to all ages.
Travis Tritt, one of the leading country singers and one of the first country artists to infuse rock & blues into the world of country music, brings his magic to Atlanta for an acoustic performance at Atlanta’s landmark Buckhead Theatre. His bluesy, Southern rock sound and gutsy outlaw image distinguished him from fellow country artists. Tritt produced a string of platinum albums and Top Ten singles throughout his music career, including three number one hits as well as two Grammy-Awards. Visit www.thebuckheadtheatre.com for more information.
Doors open at 7 p.m.
Buckhead Theatre
3110 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
Tickets range from $50-$75
www.ticketmaster.com
Show is reserved seating and open to all ages.
Travis Tritt, one of the leading country singers and one of the first country artists to infuse rock & blues into the world of country music, brings his magic to Atlanta for an acoustic performance at Atlanta’s landmark Buckhead Theatre. His bluesy, Southern rock sound and gutsy outlaw image distinguished him from fellow country artists. Tritt produced a string of platinum albums and Top Ten singles throughout his music career, including three number one hits as well as two Grammy-Awards. Visit www.thebuckheadtheatre.com for more information.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
National Endowment for the Arts Announces Live Webcast of 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Awards Ceremony & Concert
January 11, 2011
Panel Discussion with 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Moved to 1:00 p.m. on January 10, 2011
The National Endowment for the Arts and Jazz at Lincoln Center announced today that the NEA Jazz Masters Awards Ceremony & Concert on January 11, 2011, will be video streamed live for those unable to attend in person. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. EST and can be accessed through arts.gov.
In addition, a live audio broadcast will be carried through three outlets: Sirius XM Satellite Radio’s Real Jazz Channel 70, WBGO radio on 88.3FM or wbgo.org, and at NPR Music (npr.org/music).
The NEA Jazz Masters Awards Ceremony & Concert honors the recipients of the 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Award—the nation’s highest honor in this distinctly American music. The 2011 NEA Jazz Masters are Hubert Laws, David Liebman, Johnny Mandel, and the Marsalis Family—Ellis Marsalis, Jr., Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, and Jason Marsalis. In addition, the 2011 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy is awarded to Orrin Keepnews.
The Awards Ceremony & Concert will feature the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis in a program dedicated to the honorees’ works; honorees Mr. Liebman, Mr. Laws, and the Marsalis Family will perform. The evening also will feature a special performance by Roberta Gambarini and others in honor of the Jazz Masters who have passed away in the last year: Hank Jones, Abbey Lincoln, James Moody, and Dr. Billy Taylor.
The concert is sold out but stand-by tickets will be distributed on January 11, with the line beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office, Broadway at 60th Street, ground floor. Those who do not receive a ticket are invited to watch the concert via simulcast at Frederick P. Rose Hall.
Panel Discussion with 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Moved to 1:00 p.m. on January 10, 2011
The National Endowment for the Arts and Jazz at Lincoln Center announced today that the NEA Jazz Masters Awards Ceremony & Concert on January 11, 2011, will be video streamed live for those unable to attend in person. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. EST and can be accessed through arts.gov.
In addition, a live audio broadcast will be carried through three outlets: Sirius XM Satellite Radio’s Real Jazz Channel 70, WBGO radio on 88.3FM or wbgo.org, and at NPR Music (npr.org/music).
The NEA Jazz Masters Awards Ceremony & Concert honors the recipients of the 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Award—the nation’s highest honor in this distinctly American music. The 2011 NEA Jazz Masters are Hubert Laws, David Liebman, Johnny Mandel, and the Marsalis Family—Ellis Marsalis, Jr., Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, and Jason Marsalis. In addition, the 2011 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy is awarded to Orrin Keepnews.
The Awards Ceremony & Concert will feature the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis in a program dedicated to the honorees’ works; honorees Mr. Liebman, Mr. Laws, and the Marsalis Family will perform. The evening also will feature a special performance by Roberta Gambarini and others in honor of the Jazz Masters who have passed away in the last year: Hank Jones, Abbey Lincoln, James Moody, and Dr. Billy Taylor.
The concert is sold out but stand-by tickets will be distributed on January 11, with the line beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office, Broadway at 60th Street, ground floor. Those who do not receive a ticket are invited to watch the concert via simulcast at Frederick P. Rose Hall.
Monday, January 03, 2011
This Weekend: La Fanciulla del West
Live Transmission: Saturday, January 8 at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT
The Metropolitan Opera’s 100th anniversary revival of Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West will be transmitted to movie theaters worldwide on Saturday, January 8 at 1 pm ET / 10 am PT as part of The Met: Live in HD series. Set in a mining camp during the California Gold Rush, saloon owner Minnie has her sights set on the mysterious Dick Johnson, and nothing—not horses, hangmen, or a high-stakes poker game—can keep her from finding true love. Deborah Voigt will sing the title role of Minnie in Giancarlo Del Monaco’s 1991 production, with Marcello Giordani as Dick Johnson (a.k.a. the bandit Ramerrez) and Lucio Gallo as the villainous sheriff Jack Rance. San Francisco Opera Music Director Nicola Luisotti will conduct the work, which the composer told The New York Times in 1910 he considered “the best of [his] operas.”
Find local theater information here: United States International
The debut of La Fanciulla del West in 1910 was the first-ever world premiere presented by the Met. For the occasion of the centennial performance on December 10, 2010, “dozens of audience members [attended] in fringed Western wear and cowboy hats” (Associated Press).
Giancarlo Del Monaco’s “brilliant staging” (Financial Times) “allows this remarkable score to come through beautifully” (The New York Times). As Minnie, the Associated Press praised Voigt for “a riveting and moving portrayal” displaying a “shining top that pierced through the sumptuous orchestration…her warm, endearing manner combined with an infectious stage-dominating moxie to make [the role] all her own.” The critic for The New York Times added, "I cannot think of a soprano who could sing any better this demanding role.” As Dick Johnson, Giordani “is at his best here” said the New York Daily News. Under the baton of Luisotti “the score emerged as arguably Puccini’s most subtly written and boldly modern music” (The New York Times).
Met star soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, currently in rehearsals for her Met debut as Tosca in January, is the HD host for La Fanciulla del West. Barbara Willis Sweete directs the transmission and Jay David Saks is music producer.
For more information, the public is encouraged to visit http://www.metopera.org/hdlive.
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www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
The Metropolitan Opera’s 100th anniversary revival of Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West will be transmitted to movie theaters worldwide on Saturday, January 8 at 1 pm ET / 10 am PT as part of The Met: Live in HD series. Set in a mining camp during the California Gold Rush, saloon owner Minnie has her sights set on the mysterious Dick Johnson, and nothing—not horses, hangmen, or a high-stakes poker game—can keep her from finding true love. Deborah Voigt will sing the title role of Minnie in Giancarlo Del Monaco’s 1991 production, with Marcello Giordani as Dick Johnson (a.k.a. the bandit Ramerrez) and Lucio Gallo as the villainous sheriff Jack Rance. San Francisco Opera Music Director Nicola Luisotti will conduct the work, which the composer told The New York Times in 1910 he considered “the best of [his] operas.”
Find local theater information here: United States International
The debut of La Fanciulla del West in 1910 was the first-ever world premiere presented by the Met. For the occasion of the centennial performance on December 10, 2010, “dozens of audience members [attended] in fringed Western wear and cowboy hats” (Associated Press).
Giancarlo Del Monaco’s “brilliant staging” (Financial Times) “allows this remarkable score to come through beautifully” (The New York Times). As Minnie, the Associated Press praised Voigt for “a riveting and moving portrayal” displaying a “shining top that pierced through the sumptuous orchestration…her warm, endearing manner combined with an infectious stage-dominating moxie to make [the role] all her own.” The critic for The New York Times added, "I cannot think of a soprano who could sing any better this demanding role.” As Dick Johnson, Giordani “is at his best here” said the New York Daily News. Under the baton of Luisotti “the score emerged as arguably Puccini’s most subtly written and boldly modern music” (The New York Times).
Met star soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, currently in rehearsals for her Met debut as Tosca in January, is the HD host for La Fanciulla del West. Barbara Willis Sweete directs the transmission and Jay David Saks is music producer.
For more information, the public is encouraged to visit http://www.metopera.org/hdlive.
---
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
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