Sunday, April 08, 2012

West Fest Music Festival, A Great Event For A Great Cause

West Fest Music Festival is coming to the University of West Georgia Athletic Complex on April 21, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. With a talented musical lineup for the event, along with activities for the whole family, you won’t want to miss this event. All proceeds will go to sponsor Carroll County’s chapter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Tickets can be purchased online at www.WestFestGa.com until April 19. Early bird pricing is available until April 1.

West Fest is an annual music festival sponsored by Greenway Medical Technologies, the University of West Georgia and other corporate leaders in the community to benefit a worthy cause. The local chapter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America houses more than 170 children daily in after school and summer programs. West Fest will raise funds to support the organization with needs like transportation, facilities, teachers, technology and a safe and healthy learning environment for kids ranging from 6 to 18-years-old. The Boys & Girls Clubs teach life applicable skills while having fun and preparing kids for their future.

Attendees will experience concerts by numerous performers, including:
  • Darrell Scott, the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter who has penned tunes for the Dixie Chicks, Hank Williams Jr., Faith Hill, Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks and others.
  • Jackson Lawrence, who opened for Luke Bryan during his recent Carrollton show. This talented young band will rock your socks off.
  • Paris Luna, a local favorite who has performed with Zac Brown and was nominated for the GA Music Awards’ Best Rock Female category for her hit song “Tell Me Why.”
  • The Steed Brothers, a blues inspired band
  • Homegrown Band, country favorites from Carrollton
Participate in a day of activities and fun for the whole family while enjoying UWG’s Athletic Complex. Wolves cheerleaders and players will be on hand for face painting and football toss. There will also be clowns and more for the kids.

Current West Fest sponsors include: Greenway Medical Technologies, the University of West Georgia, the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, Ra-Lin & Associates, Sii, West Georgia Technical College, Carrollton Office Equipment, Wells Fargo, Charter Bank, Grillo & Associates, SMI, Southwire, Scott Evans Dodge, Jordan Truck Sales, Pool RX, OmniCall, Carroll EMC, Drakeats, Big Daddy Car Wash, Georgia PR Girl, Garrett-Robinson, Carrollton High School, David & Andrea Godwin, Chick-fil-A, J.Smith Lanier and Bowdon Junction Quick Stop.

West Fest. “Band Together For Good.”

For more information, ticket purchases, sponsorship or donations, please visit WestFestGa.com.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Free Concerts at University of West Georgia

The UWG Department of Music will feature a series of recitals in February that are free and open to the public.

On Feb. 8, internationally renowned pianist, Dorian Leljak, will be the guest artist. Leljak is a professor of piano at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad and a teacher at the Royal College of Music in London. The concert will be at 8:15 p.m. in Kathy Cashen Recital Hall.

On Feb. 13 UWG’s Wind Ensemble will perform under the direction of Josh Byrd. The performance will be at 8:15 p.m. in the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts.

On Feb. 16, Kevin Hibbard, the chairman of the Department of Music, will conduct the Winter Choral Concert. The concert will be at 8:15 p.m. in the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts.

On Feb. 20, UWG’s award-winning music students will perform during the Wright Scholars Concert. The concert will be at 8:15 p.m. in Kathy Cashen Recital Hall.

On Feb. 21, Cale Self will conduct the Symphonic Band and Brass Ensemble. The concert will be at 8:15 p.m. in the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts.

For more information contact: Bobbie Emmons, at 678-839-6262 or bemmons@westga.edu.

Chris Botti and Cinderella coming to Atlanta Symphony Hall

COOL SOUNDS — CHRIS BOTTI
SuperPOPS! Series
Atlanta Symphony Hall, Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center
Friday, February 10, 2012, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 11, 2012, 8:00 p.m.
Tickets are $25-$64.
____________________________________________________________________________

CINDERELLA
FAMILY CONCERT
Atlanta Symphony Hall, Memorial Arts Building, Woodruff Arts Center
Sunday, February 12, 2012, 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 12, 2012, 3:30 p.m.
Jere Flint, conductor
Enchantment Theatre Company
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Tickets are $15-$20.
____________________________________________________________________________

All single tickets for the 2011–2012 season are on sale now, and available online at atlantasymphony.org, or by calling (404) 733-5000. Tickets may also be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, all ticketmaster outlets, and the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office, located in the Woodruff Arts Center at 15th and Peachtree Streets. Box office hours are Monday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Monday, January 09, 2012

THE ARTS COUNCIL proudly presents LYNNE ARRIALE as part of 2011-2012 season of EVENINGS OF INTIMATE JAZZ

Sponsored by Dominguez & Jones Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

Internationally renowned jazz pianist LYNNE ARRIALE kicks-off EVENINGS OF INTIMATE JAZZ at THE ARTS COUNCIL SMITHGALL ARTS CENTER with a performance on SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 at 8:00pm. Series tickets are $125.00 each (includes all five performances in the Series); Individual performance tickets are $30.00 each. For tickets call 770-534-2787 or visit www.theartscouncil.net

“Jazz shouldn’t be just for jazz lovers,” explains Arriale. “It’s all about music, organized sound meant to reach people. It’s thinking outside the box in that there should be no box actually. It’s about finding melodies that somehow resonate with listeners. Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of pop and folk music, and what strikes me most about folk music is that without any harmony, the melodies have such integrity. It has made me think about what makes a great melody and I’ve tried to employ some of my ideas here. At the end of the day it’s about connecting with people and sharing.”

Performing with Arriale is bassist Robert Dickson. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, Robert Dickson received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Alabama and a Master of Music from the University of New Orleans. He performed extensively in the New Orleans area and relocated to Atlanta after hurricane Katrina in the fall of 2005. He has performed with many jazz greats including Terri Lynne Carrington, Jerry Coker, Dizzy Gillespie, Lou Marini, Jason Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Irvin Mayfield, Davy Mooney, Ed Petersen, Shannon Powell, Lew Soloff, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Ilona Knopfler, and Johnny Vidacovich. Mr. Dickson is currently in his 6th year as jazz bass instructor at Georgia State University.

At the core of Arriale’s vast appeal is the subtle seduction of her intoxicating, memorable originals and unexpected pop tunes ranging from George Harrison and John Lennon’s classic, “Here comes the Sun,” to Sting’s bluesy “Sister Moon,” the Rolling Stones’ epic “Paint it Black,” Blondie’s signature tune, “Call Me,” and the edgy “Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails, all brilliantly and surprisingly re-imagined. She achieves a special, deep connection with her audience, and the energy flows both ways. Arriale’s emotional authenticity allows her audience to feel and think along with her.

Arriale is one of the finest Jazz pianists out on the loose right now. Her brilliant musicianship, ebullience and bandstand instinct certainly place her among the top instrumentalists of the day. Arriale’s music is highly melodic and suffused with concern for structured development. Her emotional range extends from beautifully played ballads on which it is possible to savor the pianist’s exquisite touch and sense of note placement, to almost euphoric Latin pieces and uncompromisingly driven up-tempo performances. Piano duos and trios with chemistry like hers have been likened to musical conversations. You're hearing what the other people are saying, peripherally almost, and you cannot help but respond to it.

Arriale has been sharing her prolific body of audio and video recorded work all over the world since winning the 1993 Great American Piano Competition. Since then she continues to travel the globe and dazzle audiences. Arriale is equally dedicated to sharing her knowledge and experience. She has taught at colleges and teaches privately and conducts master classes, clinics and workshops internationally. This is Arriale’s fourth season with The Arts Council, playing for its wonderfully appreciative audiences. “Normally Lynne’s concerts are performed in large halls with a massive audience. We are indeed fortunate that she continues to play in our intimate venue where the audience can enjoy her talent up close and personal,” says Gladys Wyant, Executive Director of The Arts Council.

“Lynne Arriale’s Brilliant musicianship and bandstand instincts place her among the top jazz pianists of the day” - The New York Times

“The poet laureate of her generation… a stunning composer and prolific recording artist who has followed her muse without compromise.” (Andrea Canter, Jazz Police)

“A singular voice as a pianist and leader… a powerhouse. Haunting, gorgeous - she has a knack for finding a song’s heart.” (DOWNBEAT)


THE ARTS COUNCIL is thrilled to kick-off its EVENINGS OF INTIMATE JAZZ SERIES with pianist LYNNE ARRIALE on January 28, 2012. Other artists in this Series include the Evan Christopher (Clarinetist) Trio on February 18, 2012, the Wycliffe Gordon (Trombonist) Trio on March 24, 2012, the Del Baroni (Vocalist and Bassist) Trio with Jennifer Hanson (Vocalist) on April 20, 2012 and the Larry Barker (Pianist) Quartet on May 19, 2012. All performances will start at 8:00pm at The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center. Series tickets are $125.00 per person and include all five performances. Individual performance tickets are $30.00 per person. 7% sales tax will be added to all ticket sales. For tickets call 770-534-2787 or visit www.theartscouncil.net

DIRECTIONS TO ARTS COUNCIL SMITHGALL ARTS CENTER From Atlanta: Take I-85 north to Exit 113 bearing left onto I-985 north to Exit 20 GA Highway 60 (Queen City Pkwy/Candler RD). Turn left onto GA 60 and proceed approximately 2 miles to intersection with GA Hwy 369 (Jesse Jewell Pkwy). Turn right onto GA 369 and proceed approximately 1 / 2 mile to intersection with W. Academy St (Poultry monument/railroad museum on left & BB&T on right). Turn left onto W. Academy and proceed two blocks and the Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center will be on the right at the intersection of W. Academy and Spring St.

Sunday, January 08, 2012

Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles to Lead ASO in Two Weeks of Concerts

First Program To Include Atlanta Symphony Premiere of Britten Violin Concerto With Guest Violinist James Ehnes

Second Program To Feature Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, With Soprano Nicole Cabell and Mezzo-Soprano Kelley O’Connor

ORCHESTRA TO HOST PRE-CONCERT CHAMBER MUSIC RECITAL JANUARY 19, 2012

MR. RUNNICLES TO LEAD READING SESSION WITH ATLANTA SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles, who is celebrating his 11th season of artistic partnership with Music Director Robert Spano and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, will lead the Orchestra in Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony January 19 and 21, at 8:00 p.m., and January 22, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. Guest violinist James Ehnes will join the Orchestra for the Atlanta Symphony premiere of Britten’s Violin Concerto. These performances will mark Mr. Ehnes’s second appearance with the Orchestra, as well as his second collaboration with Mr. Runnicles and the Orchestra in Atlanta.

Prior to the performance on Thursday, January 19, 2012, members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will host a pre-concert chamber music recital from 6:45–7:30 p.m. in Atlanta Symphony Hall. The program will include the First Movement of Beethoven’s “Archduke” Piano Trio and Mahler’s Piano Quartet, and will feature the following Orchestra musicians: Violins William Pu and Olga Shpitko, Viola Lachlan McBane, Cellos Karen Freer and Brad Ritchie, and Pianist Peter Marshall. The chamber music recital is free and open to all concert ticket holders.

The following week, Mr. Runnicles will lead the Orchestra in Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony January 26 and 28, 2012, at 8:00 p.m. in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. The program will feature the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, as well as Soprano Nicole Cabell and Mezzo-Soprano Kelley O’Connor.

Ms. Cabell and Ms. O’Connor are both frequent guests, and friends, of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Ms. O’Connor was recently featured in the Orchestra’s June 2011 ASO Media release of Lieberson’s Neruda Songs and Atlanta School of Composers member Christopher Theofanidis’s Symphony No. 1.

Additionally, Mr. Runnicles will lead a reading session with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra during a rehearsal in late January. This will mark his first collaboration with the Youth Orchestra.