More Events from Southern Tier Celebrates!
Wednesday November 14, 2007, 7:30pm
Broome County Forum
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Songs
of the Spirit is a musical celebration of unity among diverse faiths and
cultures. The program combines contemporary popular music with
traditional sacred music in a unique fusion of genres, styles and
traditions. Spoken word performances from both sacred and secular texts
weave a thematic thread throughout the program, focusing on the shared
spiritual ideals of an interconnected, interdependent world.
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Sponsored
by:
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 Hugh Masekela
Hugh Masekela
epitomizes the Songs of the Spirit goal of promoting understanding and tolerance
through music and the arts. A trumpet player who learned his instrument under
the brutality of the Apartheid state of South Africa, Masekela’s musical
language has over the years encompassed the street songs, church songs, migrant
labor work songs, political protest songs and the sounds of the wide
cross-section of ethnic culture that South Africa possesses. Intertwined with
his musical roots are the vivid portraits of the struggles and the sorrows, the
joys and passions of his country. Over the years, Masekela has recorded
chart-topping singles such as his 1968 #1 hit “Grazin’ in the Grass,” toured
with Paul Simon in support of the highly critically acclaimed 1986 album
Graceland (Warner Brothers), and in 1987 wrote “Bring Him Back Home,” which
became an anthem for the movement to free Nelson Mandela. Consequently, the
vibrant sounds of his trumpet and flugelhorn solos have left an indelible mark
not only music but on history itself. website
 Odetta
Hailed as the “Mother Empress of Folk and Blues” by the The New York Times
and one of the 20th century’s most influential artists by many,
Odetta was
anointed the “Queen of American Folk Music” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in
1961. Beginning in 1949, her solo career had a substantial influence on the
careers of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin and other luminaries. Upon hearing
Odetta’s 1956 release, Odetta sings Ballads and Blues (Rykodisc/Tradition),
Dylan, in a 1978 Playboy interview, remarked, “I went out and traded my electric
guitar and amplifier for an acoustical guitar.” In 1999, Odetta was presented
with the National Endowment for the Arts’ Medal of the Arts & Humanities by
President Clinton, and in 2004 was honored at the Kennedy Center in Washington
with the Visionary Award. Odetta's most recent album of spirituals is "Gonna Let
it Shine."website
 The Shangilia Youth Choir of Kenya
The Shangilia Youth Choir of Kenya
emerges from a unique child rescue center and residence named Shangilia (Swahili
for “Rejoice”) in the heart of Nairobi’s Kangemi slum, formed in the early
1990’s by the late Kenyan film actress, Anne Wanjugu. Ms. Wanjugu, sharing what
she knew best – a talent to perform – with destitute children living on the
streets, found that through participation they gained confidence, skills, focus,
the ability to work in teams and other socializing skills needed for productive
lives. The residence she formed, initially with 40 children, now serves over 200
and incorporates the performing arts as central to its mission and daily
curriculum for all.
The internationally touring choir is the vision of American stage director
Lee Breuer, who together with musicians JD Steele of Minneapolis and Butch
Heyward of New York City, have trained the group over the past two years. The
choir’s previous international experience included performances at the Zanzibar
Film Festival in 2005, and in Delphi, Greece, in 2006. The appearance on Songs
of the Spirit 2007 is part of the US debut performance of this unique troupe,
which serves as ambassador for destitute African children, of Wanjugu’s vision
for the performing arts as a vehicle for social development, and of the victory
of hope out of despair. website
 Tibetan monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery
The music and dance of the
Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery is “a universal expression
of the human subconscious” (The Washington Post). Renowned for their fascinating
multiphonic chanting (zok-kay), chantmasters simultaneously intone three notes,
thus each individually creating a complete chord; a most extraordinary vocal
ability. The monks have shared the stage with Philip Glass, Paul Simon, Sheryl
Crow, Patti Smith, Natalie Merchant and their collaborative skills will once
again be on display at Songs of the Spirit 2007 as they fuse their ancient art
form with the contemporary jazz of Craig Harris. Together with traditional
temple instruments such as cymbals, bells, drums, long horn trumpets, and high
horns, their “remarkable” repertoire of masked dances invokes a sense of “sacred
ecstasy” (The New York Times). Every year, a new group of monks will embark on
tour as the preceding group returns home to the monastery to continue their
vocation. All proceeds from their touring benefit the Tibetan refugee community. website
 Craig Harris
When Craig Harris exploded onto the
jazz scene in 1976, he brought the entire history of the jazz trombone with him.
From the growling gutbucket intensity of early New Orleans music through the
refined, articulate improvisation of the modern era and into the confrontational
expressionism of the 60’s avant-garde, Harris handled the total vernacular the
way a skilled orator utilizes the spoken word. But the contemporary music world
quickly realized that his talents went far beyond his superb skills as a
trombonist. While he performed with a veritable “who’s who” of progressive
jazz’s most important figures – including Sun Ra, Sam Rivers, Jaki Byard, and
Cecil Taylor – his own projects displayed both a unique sense of concept and a
total command of the sweeping expanse of African-American musical expression. It
is those two qualities that have dominated Harris’ past 15 years of activity,
bringing him far beyond the confines of the jazz world and into the sphere of
multimedia and performance art as a composer, performer, conceptualist, curator
and artistic director.
website
 Frank London & Lorin Sklamberg
Frank London (trumpet/keyboards) and
Lorin Sklamberg (lead
vocals/accordion/guitar/piano) are members of The Klezmatics, whose music Time
Out New York has described as “deeply compassionate as it is invigorating, as
accessible as it is virtuosic.” Superstars of the klezmer world, The Klezmatics
have taken a tradition steeped in Jewish spiritualism and Eastern European
tradition and incorporated provocative themes such as social rights and
anti-fundamentalism with eclectic musical influences such as gospel, punk, and
Arab, African, and Balkan rhythms. Lorin’s “lithe and heartfelt” lead vocal has
helped enable the group to become “sensitive interpreters of any artistic
language they choose” (Billboard Magazine). Frank London recently completed two
commissions for Carnegie Hall while The Klezmatics album “Wonder Wheel” (Jewish
Music Group), with lyrics by Woody Guthrie, recently won the Grammy Award for
2007’s Best Contemporary World Music Album.
 Haale
NYC-based Haale pays homage to 60's
psychedelic rock and Persian/Sufi trance, creating a propulsive soundscape of
electric guitars, percussion, and mystical lyrics. Haale has been recognized by
CMJ for her "totally original songs". Haale’s distinctive style and incendiary
live shows have led her to perform at a David Byrne-curated series at Carnegie
Hall and to collaborate with Tchad Blake, Sean Lennon, and most extensively with
producer and composer Dougie Bowne. The Open Secret Bookstore show celebrates
the release of two EPs, Morning and Paratrooper, and features Matt Kilmer on
percussion and Mike Gamble on electric guitar
website
 Tracy Grammer
Joan Baez has described Tracy Grammer
as a “brilliant artist” with a “mastery over the instruments she plays.” “One of
the finest pure musicians anywhere in folkdom,” Tracy rose to acclaim working
with the late singer/songwriter Dave Carter, known for his “postmodern, mythic
American song craft “(Boston Globe). Her much anticipated solo debut Flower of
Avalon (Signature Sounds, 2005), was the number one most-played album on folk
radio across the United States that year and swiftly expanded an already diverse
and devoted following. Showcasing her emotive, warm and versatile voice in
addition to featuring guest artists such as Mary Chapin Carpenter, the record
showed up on "Best of" lists and listener polls around the country. Touring
nationally with songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jim Henry and honoring the
legacy of Dave Carter with the release of Seven Is The Number (Tracy Grammer
Music, 2006) Tracy’s repertoire continues to evoke a sense of universal
spirituality, infused by the images of many traditions. website
Tickets: $40*, $22.50, $16.50, $12.50, $5
children under 12.
10% discount for groups of 10 or more.
$3 off adult tickets with student ID.
*$40 includes pre-concert reception at Orazio
Salati Gallery
205 State Street, Binghamton, from 6-7pm.
Charge by phone: 607.722.7272
Online: at
www.ticketmaster.com
Tickets also available from Ticketmaster outlets at Boscov’s and Macys.
Information: 778.6626 (Arena Box office)
Day of show information: 778.1369 (Forum box office)
Questions? Call Southern Tier Celebrates at 607-723-8572
Songs of the Spirit is a creation of NYC-based
Parallel Voice
Productions, with artistic direction by Brian Young and Jonathan Secor. The 2007
season is produced by The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine,
Micocci
Productions, LLC, and Parallel Voice Productions, LLC.
This
program is generously supported by the New York State Music Fund, established by
the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors; funded
in part
through Meet The Composer's MetLife Creative Connections program, & with
additional support from The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation.
   
Southern Tier Celebrates! in partnership with the
Binghamton University Women’s Studies Program presents:
Amanda Homi
Two FREE concerts —
 Thursday, November 1, 2007
7:30pm, BU, Casadesus Hall*
and
Friday, November 2nd
7:00pm, City Hall Council Chambers,
downtown Binghamton
First, on Thursday, November 1st in Casadesus Hall on the Binghamton
University Campus at 7:30pm, a trio performance featuring an eclectic fusion of
world music and modern pop sounds. Amanda’s full 6-piece band will be presented
on Friday, November 2nd at 7:00pm in the MetroCenter Atrium, located in downtown
Binghamton. For more information, contact Southern Tier Celebrates! at
607.723.8572.
Amanda Homi has recorded and toured with a diverse selection of artists
including Jackson Browne, Jane Siberry, Grover Washington, Toots Thielmans,
Toots Hibbert, Mavis Staples, and “They Might be Giants”. At the age of
seventeen, London- born Amanda set off to see the world and a year later found
herself singing Greek songs in the most popular bouzouki club in Athens. Over
the years she has written Reggae songs in Jamaica, studied Sabar drumming and
dance in Senegal, played Brazilian percussion in Bahia, and sung with Gypsy
Flamenco artists in Spain. Her songs are inspired by her global adventures. She
performs with her multi- talented band, singing in several languages, playing
percussion and dancing. Amanda’s live performance reflects her passion for the
musical cultures and rhythms that touch her heart. From the moment they hit the
stage you will be drawn into their colorful world. Her songs are true to their
international sources, and at the same time offer the best of great pop music -
irresistible hooks, infectious rhythms, and slice-of-life stories that inspire
listeners to sing and dance along. She is currently in production for a
documentary television series she is hosting entitled HerSong. In each
episode, a featured female artist acts as Amanda’s musical tour guide to her
native country, telling her story and opening doors to unusual destinations. The
first episode features award winning Colombian cantadora Toto La Momposina. She
has written and sung on numerous international ad campaigns, TV themes and film
scores and works with Wildvine music in NYC. Her new CD, Drumgirls is a virtual
musical journey around the world. Produced with her musical director Graham
Hawthorne, it features a stellar cast of international musicians.
* Casadesus Hall is located on the
Binghamton University campus in the Fine Arts Building just up the stairs from
the visitors parking garage on the East side of campus.
This project is supported in part by the New York State
Music Fund, established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller
Philanthropy Advisors, Senator Tom Libous, the New York State Council on the
Arts, the Broome County Arts Council, and the Binghamton University Women’s
Studies Program and Harpur College Dean’s Office.
Want to know more?
www.myspace.com/amandahomi
www.drumgirl.com
Matt Burt
& The Casual Acquaintances
 FREE Concert!
Friday, June 1, 2007
7:00 - 9:00 pm
During the YWCA's Open House Celebration (5:00 - 9:00 pm)
80 Hawley Street, Binghamton
This concert is presented to complement the Gorgeous Washington Street
Association's First Friday Art Walk. Feel free to come and dance to the sounds
of this fun, Americana roots rock, alt-country band! Refreshments will be
served.
For more information, please contact Southern Tier Celebrates! at
607.723.8572.
Matt Burt began playing guitar at 13, starting with everything from the
Kingston Trio to the Rolling Stones. His experience playing in bands during
Junior High and High School led to the formation of his eclectic country rock
band, Allis Chalmers, while at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York in the early
seventies. When Matt moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1973, the heavy lifting
began, starting with fronting the folk/rock band Sky Blue, then moving on to
straight-ahead rock with Capa City . Over the next several years he and his
cohorts toured throughout the West and Midwest, and after an extended tour
through Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco in late 1981, he closed out that
chapter and headed back to Boulder. It was there that he hooked up with an old
pal from the Southern Tier of New York: Dave Race on bass. Dave brought along
the rock steady Marty Stinger on drums. Dave had been touring out of Nashville
and Marty had just finished up two years of touring and recording with Warren
Zevon. They formed a quirky but short-lived trio dubbed The Bush Boys.
Matt then relocated to the Southern Tier of New York where he devoted himself
to the family business and writing until 1999, when after performing at a
Memorial concert for an old dear friend, and a mainstay of the clubs around
Westchester County, New York, he realized that he just wanted to play again.
This kicked off a period of non-stop writing between the years 2000 and 2005,
resulting in the release of his self-titled CD in 2007.
What has always distinguished Matt's song craft and singing from the rest, is
his commitment to the honesty of the song. He has said, "I've shelved more than
a few songs because, when it was over and done, they were just cute. They didn't
really express any truth about the characters in the song and just seemed kind
of frivolous."
The Matt Burt CD fits comfortably within the Americana genre. And although
the songs cover a lot of ground stylistically, Matt's singular voice and song
focus leave no doubt who you are listening to. Matt is currently performing solo
and with The Casual Acquaintances: Tim Reilly on guitar and mandolin, and Jack
McKissick on bass all around Southern Tier of New York. He recently appeared on
Channel 34 in Binghamton and is doing promotional performances to showcase the
self titled CD: Matt Burt.
 The
Star Keeper
by Theatre de l’Oeil
March 17, 2007 – 2:00pm
Broome County Forum Theatre, Downtown Binghamton, NY
Cost: $10 adults, $7 seniors & students,
$5
children
BINGHAMTON, NY – Southern Tier Celebrates’ presents The Star Keeper, by
Theatre de l’Oeil, on Saturday, March 17, 2007, starting at 2:00 pm at the
Broome County Forum Theatre. The Star Keeper has been performed all over
the world, running approximately 60 minutes. Audience members are invited to a
reception which follows the performance. The Star Keeper is geared for
general audiences, ages 5 and up -- because it is theatre without words, the
performance appeals to all ages, including adults with, or without children.
Tickets: $10 adults, $7 seniors & students, $5 children.
For groups of 15 or more, (any age), adult price is reduced to $7 per ticket
– a $3 savings.
Tickets available at
,
charge by phone 607-722-7272 or the Box Office 607-778-6626, Day of Show Box
Office 607-778-1369. For more
information, please contact Southern Tier Celebrates at 607-723-8572.
Master
classes for theatre students or theatre professionals (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY) can
be scheduled for the afternoon of Friday, March 16th by calling Southern Tier
Celebrates 607-723-8572, ext. 22
“… a stunning triumph…sure to enchant, young and old” Winnepeg Free
Press
“… enchanting and ingenious …..” The New York Times
“Beg, borrow, or mooch a ticket if you can, with or without kids.” The
Edmonton Journal
The story is simple. As he is lighting up the evening sky, Pierrot
accidentally dislodges a star from the heavens. Using gorgeous visuals, music
and a variety of puppet styles, this show without words tells the story of
Pretzel, a brave and lovable character who notices the fallen star and is
determined to restore it to its rightful place. Pretzel puts the star in his big
basket and sets out on a magical journey. Along the way, he must climb a
spider's thread, cross the dormitory of dreams, dive to the ocean depths in
pursuit of a pearl-fish, and resist the bewitching charms of the bubble tamer.
Fantastic, memorable characters are encountered on his journey..
For this 19th production by
Theatre de l’Oeil, artistic director Andre Laliberte gathered the
company’s closest collaborators and shared his idea with them: to create a
“theatre of images” that would appeal directly to the audience’s senses’
regardless of age, education or geography. After several years of teamwork, the
story of Pretzel finally took shape. The Star Keeper is Theatre de
l’Oeil’s special envoy. Since it was created in 1997, it has been presented
in over 500 international performances, festivals and prestigious venues, in
addition to two important tours to the United States and countless appearances
in Canada. The play has received multiple awards, including three awards from
l’Academie quebecoise du theatre in 1999, a 2001 Chalmers Canadian Play Award:
Theatre for Young Audiences, and more recently, winner of a Citation of
Excellence in the Art of Puppetry, awarded by UNIMA-USA in 2005. Presenters
across the US have been eagerly awaiting the return tour of The Star Keeper.
This performance of The Star Keeper is presented with partial
funding provided by the New York State Council on the Arts: Art Works for Young
Audiences. Additional support provided by Southern Tier Celebrates’ FUND FOR
PUPPETRY THEATRE.”
Presented with the support of the
Conseil des arts et des
lettres du Québec.
Brawner Brothers Band
FREE Concert!
March 2, 2007 – 7:00pm
Broome County Forum Theatre, Downtown Binghamton, NY
 Southern
Tier Celebrates presents a free public concert with
Brawner Brothers Band, on
Friday, March 2, 2007, starting at 7:00 pm in the Broome County Forum Theatre,
236 Washington Street, downtown Binghamton. This concert is presented to
complement the Gorgeous Washington Street Association’s First Friday Art Walk.
For more information, please contact Southern Tier Celebrates at 607-723-8572.
The Brawner Brothers offer classic soul music at its funk-a-liscious best!
Seamlessly interweaving vibrant grooves rooted in Blues, R&B, Jazz and Latin
music, these guys get everyone – from old-school Teddy, Peabo, Lou Rawls, and
Les McCann devotees to the vast Hip-Hop Nation snappin’, shakin’ – and smilin’!
The band has earned consistently high acclaim by audiences and media alike,
with a long and solid record of performing at many of the most prestigious music
venues around the US. Led by powerhouse keyboardist/vocalist Kenny Brawner,
brother Everett lays down that rock-steady bass. Strong and tasty guitar,
eye-popping drumming and masterful global percussion round out the rhythm
section; blazing horns kick it up “another notch”!
Profoundly influenced by legends of many genres, Kenny has developed a
distinctive, highly original style. John Wilson of the New York Times
described Kenny’s vibe as “rich, romantic, with bold striking figures and a
strong stomping beat.” Curt Davis of the New York Post found
Kenny’s compositions’ “strong and assertive”. For nearly a decade, Kenny led
the jazz-funk recording band called “Raw Sugar.” During that period, one of his
original tunes was selected as “Showstopper of the Week” on trend-setting WBLS-FM
in New York City, while Kenny’s collaboration with Onaje Allan Gumbs had Jazz
aficionados paying close attention. From their dynamic Ray Charles celebration,
to deep blues to wonderfully fresh new takes on Gershwin and Cole Porter, these
guys offer that special balance of accessibility, intimacy, raw talent and
electrifying showmanship.
The Brawner Brothers Band was honored to perform with blues master B.B. King in
a Wendy’s hamburger commercial, and has also wowed crowds in Mr. King’s upscale
clubs around the US. The band is a hometown favorite in Harlem USA, winning
loyal fans at St. Nick’s Pub and Minton’s Playhouse -- two
legendary Harlem venues – as well as at Terra Blues and The Cutting
Room, two of downtown Manhattan's renowned music clubs. They captivate
audiences everywhere with their irresistible funky-good-time classic soul music.
Also insightful educators, the Brawners take great pride in working closely
with school-age fans – and their range of repertoire and style effortlessly
bring generations closer together – making them a perfect choice for fun,
memorable, family programs. The band has just completed a month long tour of
Turkey, and looks forward to sharing their awesome, highly entertaining grooves
with new audiences in ‘07/’08.
This concert is supported by the New York State Music Fund,
established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy
Advisors.
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