Artosphere Photo-a-Week - Weekly winner #2

Who knew we had such amazing photographers in our community? You guys are really bringing your a-game to the Artosphere Photo-a-Week Challenge! Once again, it was a tough decision this week, but we had to pick one. Drum roll please...Daniel Stadler is our winner for Week 2's theme "Trail."

Photo by Daniel Stadler

Week 3 has begun, and the theme is "Sticks." It's only Monday, but we've already received some beautiful photos for this week! Friday is the deadline for submissions, and you can send them to us through any of these channels:

Looking forward to another great week!

Q&A with Diavolo Dance Theater: Part 3

Today we're finishing up our Q&A with Diavolo Dance Theater. We have had so much fun getting to know more about this group of fascinating dancers, and we hope you have as well!

Diavolo will be performing two times this weekend; Friday, May 11 at 8pm and Saturday, May 12 at 8pm. As part of our 10x10 Arts Series, tickets to these performances start at only $10! We hope to see you here this weekend!

Photo by Kristi Khans

CaSon MacBride - dancer

1. How do you explain what you do to people that have never seen a performance or a photograph of your work?

When referencing Diavolo... I tell them i'm apart of an acrobatic dance company. Similar to cirque du soleil but with a more contemporary dance feel. And then I usually pull out my iPhone and show them our demo video.

2. What style of dance is your favorite to watch?

Nothing like watching really great classical ballet and smooth and groovin' first nations powwow dancing.  

3.Who is your artistic icon?

Bill Irwin 

4. Is there any part of Fearful Symmetries that you thought would be impossible to perform?

Jumping from Column to Column.... looks difficult. Though getting into the piece is also difficult ;-)

5. If you were not a performer today, what profession would you have chosen?

If I absolutely couldn't perform... I'd direct or teach. Lead and grow performers. 

6. Have you ever broken anything while performing?

No breaks but my third day with Diavolo I received 7 stitches just below my knee because of a mishap on Traj (the boat piece). And once while rehearsing a site specific piece with another choreographer I dislocated my ankle.  

7. If you can incorporated and object or structure into a performance what would it be and why?

A teepee. I think it would compliment Diavolo's Dreamcatcher and also bring a cultural element to already great work. There are alot of pieces to a Teepee which would make for great props to make choreography.

The poles, the ropes, the canvas... and then there's the structure itself. The idea of living, dancing, playing on something that is created before your eyes I think would be amazing. Not a structure built before the show off stage behind the curtain; but a structure that the dancers have to discover piece by piece and manifest with an audience. 

8. Diavolo: Fearful Symmetries is described as being inspired by surrealism. Are you influenced by any surrealist artists?

My background is in American Indian Dance... I think in order to believe in the supernatural and the magic within everything you have to live in a surreal reality. Sherman Alexie... if you could consider his work surreal would be one. 

9. How does nature impact your artistic process?

Nature is inspiration, calm, home... you can't exclude yourself from nature. 

And nature is simple, unforgiving, fearless. You can distill anything that happens on stage, the life of a performance, to the simplicity of what is found in nature. When you remember that you can look for inspiration to play any role through how "nature survives".  

10. Do you have a personal way that you try to live a more sustainable life?

An aluminum water bottle that I refill as often as is convenient. Turn lights off when I leave (and TV's). Trying to not take advantage of food, resources, and energy while traveling just because someone else is buying. And I use the low flow flush on toilets when I go number 1. 

11. What is your favorite healthy snack?

Pizza & Yogurt... eaten separately.  

Q&A with Diavolo Dance Theater: Part 2

Yesterday we got to meet Jennifer Huffman, a dancer with Diavolo Dance Theater, and we learned that she thinks ice cream sandwiches are a healthy snack. Wait, you don't think they are? Shhh...don't tell Jennifer!

Today we're going back in to learn more about Shauna Martinez, Rehearsal Director, and Brandon Grimm, another dancer with the company.

Shauna Martinez - Rehearsal Director

1. How do you explain what you do to people that have never seen a performance or a photograph of your work?

Acrobatic dance company, flying and flipping off of very large structures similar to Cirque

2. What style of dance is your favorite to watch?

Contemporary/ modern

3.Who is your artistic icon?

Sabrina Vasquez

4. If you were not a performer today, what profession would you have chosen?

Ultrasound technician or something with exercise science/ massage therapy

5. Have you ever broken anything while performing?

Not broken, sprained yes.

6. If you can incorporated and object or structure into a performance what would it be and why?

hmmm... the challenge of performing on a revolving field would be interesting.

7. Diavolo: Fearful Symmetries is described as being inspired by surrealism. Are you influenced by any surrealist artists?

Jacques is pretty surreal at times... my spectrum of influence is very large.

8. How does nature impact your artistic process?

Weather influences the style or dynamic of my movement. 

9. Do you have a personal way that you try to live a more sustainable life?

Working with purpose, and finding moments and places of relaxation and rejuvenation. Lots of laughing and great friends!

10. What is your favorite healthy snack?

Love orange juice! Roasted pepper hummus with pita bread

Photo by Kristi Khans

Brandon Grimm - Dancer

1. How do you explain what you do to people that have never seen a performance or a photograph of your work?

We are an acrobatic dance company that uses really large set pieces and structures. We play a lot with shapes within a space and movement patters in, on, and around the structures and stage. We are mostly closely compared to Cirque du Soliel, but on a much smaller scale.

2. What style of dance is your favorite to watch?

Anything highly synchronized with pattern and formation changes. Cedar Lake's "Violet Kid" does an amazing job at this. I highly recommend it! 

3.Who is your artistic icon?

Coming from a Fashion design background, I'm really inspired by art deco designers such as Erté, as well as works from Alfonse Mucha and the Art Nouvear era.

4. Is there any part of Fearful Symmetries that you thought would be impossible to perform?

The entire thing... After being given a video to study my track, of an almost 30 minute piece, it was really confusing to map my character. It became easier once we were in rehearsals, physically on the structure.

5. If you were not a performer today, what profession would you have chosen?

Funny enough, I actually resigned from a high profile fashion design position to pursue my life as a professional dancer. I made it 51 weeks (1 week shy of a year) in that corporate job and realized I wasn't happy sitting in front of a desk wasting 15 years of training and performing as a dancer. So I quit...

6. Have you ever broken anything while performing?

Never while Performing, no... But I did step on a screw (used to secure taps to tap shoes) in the middle of a piece. Luckily those screws are short and the sole in my jazz shoe was thick. No toes were injured...

7. If you can incorporated and object or structure into a performance what would it be and why?

I'd have to say... Paint... But I'd like to do it on large ramp, similar to a photographer's seamless paper, but something we could run up and splash around in. 

8. Diavolo: Fearful Symmetries is described as being inspired by surrealism. Are you influenced by any surrealist artists?

Surrealist artists, not so much. But currently I have an obsession with sculptor Richard McDonald. His workmanship in itself is surreal in the nature that, it's unfathomable how much life, detail, and character he puts into each work. His main focus is on the human form: physical artists and athletes in dance, gymnastics, and circus Arts. And as a dancer and performer, I am always inspired by the human form.

9. How does nature impact your artistic process?

I love nature! My favorite getaway is Alaska. Pristine, untouched terrain, covered in trees, glaciers, waterfall, and animals has always inspired me artistically. Architect, Frank Lloyd Wright is always taking inspiration from surrounding terrain and blending his architecture beautifully. Whether its allowing a natural creek to flow undisturbed though the middle of a house, or building a home directly over a waterfall I aspire to work as seamlessly with nature as Wright. I prefer not to disturb nature; but embrace is beauty and strength for inspiration.

10. Do you have a personal way that you try to live a more sustainable life?

Sadly, I don't live as sustainably as I would like as it's extremely expensive. I would love to have a fully solar home that relies not on an electric company, but soley on the power of the sun. In the mean time though, I have a reusable plastic Starbucks cup that I get refilled everyday. :-)

11. What is your favorite healthy snack?

Fresh cut mango... 

Thanks Shauna and Brandon! Check back in with us tomorrow as we finish up our Q&A with Diavolo Dance Theater just in time for their first show on Friday, May 11! They'll be performing on Saturday, May 12 as well. Tickets to both shows are only $10, and from the looks of these photos it's going to be quite a show!

Q&A with Diavolo Dance Theater: Part 1

This week we have the brilliant Diavolo Dance Theater in our hall. Diavolo means "the day I learned to fly." Isn't that just the most wonderfully magic name you've ever heard? This 10-member dance company is made up of dancers, gymnasts and actors who deliver large-scale interdisciplinary performances that examine the funny and frightening ways individuals behave within their environment.

They will be in-residency for the week traveling to local schools to work with students, performing as part of our Colgate Classroom Series, and even instructing a Masterclass for people ages 14 and up. They will reach over 2,000 individuals in classroom and community settings this week. We are so lucky to have them in Northwest Arkansas!

Photo by Rose Eichenbaum

Diavolo is also part of our 10x10 Arts Series, and you know we love to grill them about the work they're doing so we can share it with you! Read below to find out a little bit more about the members of this interesting group that are spending the week in our community. Today we're talking with Jennifer Huffman, but come back tomorrow for more with some of the other company members!

Jennifer Huffman - Dancer

1. How do you explain what you do to people that have never seen a performance or a photograph of your work?

I scare them. They aren't expecting what they get sometimes, so in a good way I believe it scares them.

2. What style of dance is your favorite to watch?

Raw, athletic dancing

3.Who is your artistic icon?

I've never had one. There are many people I look up to for guidance; those that have taught me & continue to teach me.

4. Is there any part of Fearful Symmetries that you thought would be impossible to perform?

The first complete run-through we did, I was soooo exhausted at the end of the first half that I thought there was no way I could do an entire second half. But, I did... :)

5. If you were not a performer today, what profession would you have chosen?

Veterinarian

6. Have you ever broken anything while performing?

Possibly...

7. If you could incorporate an object or structure into a performance, what would it be and why?

I have always enjoyed climbing and playing on anything. I have never been afraid of heights, and love to fly through the air, so anything I can jump off of, do a handstand on, climb, slide, crawl or bounce on would be fun for me!

8. Diavolo is performing during our Artosphere Festival, which focuses on arts, nature & sustainability. How does nature impact your artistic process?

The different seasons put me in different moods, and therefore effect how I work that day, or what I decide to create when I do.

9. Do you have a personal way that you try to live a more sustainable life?

I do what I want to do. Dance to the beat of my own drum, and find something that makes me laugh everyday!

10. What is your favorite healthy snack?

A tie between avocados and ice cream sandwiches. :)

 

Artosphere Photo-a-Week - Weekly winner #1

We had a great response to the first week of our first ever Artosphere Photo-a-Week Challenge! You guys have some amazing camera skills, and we were definitely WOW-ed by all your submissions. It was a tough decision trying to pick just one!

Our first winner is Becky Foster for her lovely submission below. Week 1's theme was "Water."

Photo by Becky Foster

Congratulations Becky!

We still have three weeks to go, and our second week just kicked off today with the theme "Trail." You can submit your photos to photos@waltonartscenter.org, upload them to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/waltonartscenter), or tweet them to us @walton_arts #AFphoto.

We're looking forward to seeing what this week brings! For complete rules on the Artosphere Photo-a-Week Challenge click here.

Artosphere Photo-a-Week Challenge

The 3rd annual Artosphere Festival starts next Thursday, May 3 with a kick-off event featuring music by 3 Penny Acre & April Verch, a farmers market on our plaza, a gallery opening of the exhibition Structuring Nature and a conversation with New York Times bestselling author Michael Pollan.

Artosphere has grown tremendously over the past few years, and it's all thanks to the wonderful community we live in. As it grows, we look for ways to really engage our community and enrich their experience even more. This year we decided to do an Artosphere Photo-a-Week Challenge, because it really is all about each individual's experience and interpretation of the world around them. 

There are four themes over the course of four weeks. Send us your interpretation of each theme (see below) by Friday of each week to be entered into the contest. The contest will begin Monday, April 30 and run through Friday, June 1. 

  •   Week 1 - Water (April 30 - May 4)
  •   Week 2 - Trail (May 5 - May 11)
  •   Week 3 - Sticks (May 12 - May 18)
  •   Week 4 - Music (May 19 - May 25)

Photos may be submitted through the following channels:

A weekly winner will be chosen, and featured on our blog, blasted out via Twitter and on our Facebook page as the cover photo. Each weekly winner will also receive an Artosphere tote bag. At the end of the four weeks, a grand prize winner will be chosen, and receive:

  •   2 tickets to our "greenest" show next season - Shrek The Musical
  •   Gift card to a partnering restaurant
  •   Inclusion in the 2013 Artosphere book
  •   Inclusion in an article to a local monthly publication
  •   A feature in the WAC Weekly; our weekly email that reaches over 18,000 people

This is going to be such a fun project, and we can't wait to see all of your submissions. So grab your camera, iPhone or tablet & get started!

Follow-up: Ted Nugent at the AMP

We sincerely appreciate those who have left us comments about the upcoming Ted Nugent concert.  

Walton Arts Center does not condone violence or violent speech, but we also recognize that some such speech may be protected by the First Amendment.   We have followed carefully the Secret Service’s reaction to Mr. Nugent’s comments and understand they have closed the matter and do not see the need for further action. While we do not condone his comments, we are confident in the Secret Service’s thorough review.

We do not have a policy for cancellation of performances due to an artist’s political speech or opinions.  However, we are listening intently to all of the comments we are receiving.  We are also evaluating the many factors that come into play when considering the option to cancel a performance.  Such a decision is not something we take lightly.

We appreciate all who have contributed to the dialogue.

Ted Nugent at the AMP

We would like to thank everyone who has expressed an opinion regarding the upcoming performance by Ted Nugent at the Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP).

We are aware of Mr. Nugent's recent comments, and comments he's made in the past. Here is a link to the most recent news about these comments.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_PEOPLE_TED_NUGENT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

As an entertainment presenter, and owner of the AMP, we take into account our wide and diverse audiences when booking shows. However, there is a lot of discussion going on internally about this concert, and we want to assure everyone that we are listening to your feedback and comments and taking them into account.

Many of you have asked us if we intend to cancel Mr. Nugent's performance. Cancellation, though rare, may happen because of weather issues, sales or scheduling conflicts, and we work closely with our performers' management to make such decisions. Walton Arts Center does not have a policy of cancelling shows based on a performer's political statements or opinion; we evaluate each show on a case-by-case basis.

As an arts and entertainment presenter, we are grateful for the opportunity to engage in dialogue with our community about issues such as this, and we welcome your comments and feedback.

"Arts Involvement Narrows Student Achievement Gap"

When this headline came through on a weekly newsletter, we couldn't wait to click through and find out more. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) released a study that suggests "in-school or extracurricular programs offering deep arts involvement may help to narrow the gap in achievement levels among youth." You can read the entire article here.

As we mentioned last week, one of our favorite things about working at Walton Arts Center is bringing students of all ages in to experience the arts. Arts education has been the cornerstone of Walton Arts Center from the very beginning; even before our building was built the first person we hired was an education director. We understand the impact that the arts have on our youth, and want to insure that we do our best to give them that experience.

Rocco Landesman, NEA Chairman, visited Northwest Arkansas a few weeks ago, and made stops at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, NWACCC, TheatreSquared and Walton Arts Center.

Martin Miller, managing director TheatreSquared; Rocco Landesman, NEA Chairman; Robert Ford, artistic director TheatreSquared

Here's what Martin Miller, Managing Director of TheatreSquared, shared with us about Landesman's visit:

Seated on the set of the recent T2 production of Kim Rosenstock's Tigers Be Still, Chairman Landesman commented on TheatreSquared's rapid growth as a professional theatre through a period of economic uncertainty. He requested details on the theatre's world premiere production of Kevin D. Cohea's Sundown Town, funded in part by the theatre's first NEA Art Works grant, as well as earlier original productions such as Robert Ford's My Father's War. Singling out these plays as well as the theatre's annual Arkansas New Play Festival, the Chairman applauded TheatreSquared's willingness to take artistic risks.

"There's a reason non-profits need public support," said Landesman. "They shouldn't have to base their decisions on the market. They can take risks—that's why they're here."

 Barbara Putman, Foundations Relations Officer WAC; Jenni Taylor-Swain, VP Programs WAC; Terri Trotter, COO WAC; Rocco Landesman, NEA Chairman; Joy Pennington, Executive Director Arkansas Arts Council; Jodi Beznoska, VP Communications WAC

The NEA Chairman also visited Walton Arts Center for a tour. This year we received grants from the NEA that helped fund some of our 10x10 Arts Series Programs, our SmART Residency program, the Martha Graham Dance Company performance and our general operations. Our staff took him on a tour of our campus, and graciously thanked him for all the NEA does to support Walton Arts Center as well as the arts community as a whole. Landesman had this to say about his visit:

"At the NEA we're interested in getting out around the country and seeing what's being done with the arts," Landesman said in an interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. "What we're seeing here, I think, in Bentonville and Fayetteville, is a real intersection between the arts and communities."

 

 

In The Heights student review

One of the things we love most here at Walton Arts Center is bringing students in to experience the theatre. No matter the age, they are almost always in awe of the lights, music and magic that happen on stage.

We received an email with a link to a blog post from one of the University of Arkansas' Visiting Student Program participants that came to see In The Heights with a student group, and it warmed our hearts so we wanted to share it with you!

Here's a little bit from Sangeun Cho's experience at In The Heights:

“It was a wonderful evening that I will not forget. I hope other international students will be able to have wonderful experience as I did at this program while studying at the University of Arkansas!”

Click here to read her entire blog post, and see some pictures!  

Q&A with the Whiffenpoofs of Yale

We are winding down our 2011-12 season, and my oh my how it has just flown by! But, before we welcome the Artosphere Festival to Northwest Arkansas, we've got a few more shows to share with you (yes, Mary Poppins is one of them! Pssssttttt...there's not too many tickets left for that show so you might want to act fast!).

The Whiffenpoofs of Yale will be serenading Northwest Arkansas on Friday, April 6 at the Arend Arts Center in Bentonville. This concert is part of our 10x10 Arts Series, with tickets starting at just $10. Did you know you don't have to subscribe to the series to get that awesome price?

The "Whiffs," as they are affectionately known, are an a capella group of senior Yale men that have been singing the classics for over 100 years. When you've been around that long, you know what you're doing, and these guys are phenomenal. We are thrilled to bring this talented group of young men to our area, and at the low price of $10 no less!

Last week we had the pleasure of doing a short q&a with the Whiffenpoofs' World Tour & Publicity Manager, David Martinez. Wondering where the name 'Whiffenpoofs' came from? Read on to find out!

1. What band/group would you most like to collaborate with?

I think it would actually be really interesting to do a genuine collaboration with our sister group, Whim n' Rhythm. Although we do concerts together throughout the year, it's rare that the Whiffs and Whim sing the same song together, and I think singing with a group of singers as talented as the combined forces of the Whiffs and Whim would be exciting and different.

2. Do all Whiffenpoofs major in music? If not, what are you studying?

Although I am not currently a music major, I thought for about a year that I would try to double major in Political Science and Music, and I took classes with the aim of achieving that goal. Ultimately, though, I decided that I was getting a lot of musical fulfillment singing in an a cappella group as an extracurricular activity. I decided that I wanted to focus academically elsewhere, so now I'm doing Political Science & Economics!

3.What was your reaction when you learned you had been accepted to one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools in the US?  How did you celebrate?

Elation! I applied early action to Yale, so it was the first school that I heard back from. It was such a relief to know that even if all else failed, I would still be going to one of the best schools in the country with an incredible extracurricular scene in music and theater. Once I decided to attend, I couldn't wait. Throughout the summer I devoured all the information I could about Yale, which built up to an incredible first month there.

4. We hear you each have a Whiffenpoof nickname. What is yours and how did you get it? What would Walton Arts Center’s Whifenpoof nickname be?

My nickname is a pretty simple pun: David "Kwik-E" Martinez. It's just a reference to a Simpsons convenience store, I believe. I think the Class of 2011 were a little lazy in coming up with our nicknames!

As for the Walton Arts Center... Perhaps Walton "If you'll not careful, you're gonna break h-" Arts Center, or Walton Arts "Decent and De-" Center, or Walton Arts "Cotillion's Where We'll Pre" Center.

5. What song not currently in the Whiffenpoof repertoire would you like to see added and why?

My a cappella resume is actually a little bit different from that of most of the other guys in the group. I spent my first three years at Yale in a coed group that focused on a broad range of music that included a lot of contemporary pop, so I've always been partial to more upbeat, contemporary music. I'm a big fan of Janelle Monae, so maybe a cover of "Cold War" or "Open Happiness." Maybe some more recent musical theater, although that's often difficult to divorce from the plot of the show and place in the middle of an a cappella set!

6.What is a Whiffenpoof and why is that the name of the a cappella group?

A handsome, intelligent, charming young man who sings in white tie and tails!

In all seriousness, though, I believe the term "Whiffenpoof" was first heard in an operetta around the turn of the 20th century. The operetta was based off of the comic series Little Nemo, and in it there's a scene where three men are sitting around ice fishing. They don't seem to be catching any fish, so they turn to bragging about previous feats. "I've caught a swordfish before!" claims one, while another says he's caught a whale. The third one, not wanting to get shown up, trumps them all. "That's nothing. I've caught a Whiffenpoof." Apparently, a Whiffenpoof is a mystical dragonfish that sings for food and drink.

Well, one of our founding members thought that was a great name, especially since the group at the time was doing exactly that -- singing for food and drink. He proposed "The Whiffenpoofs" and the name stuck. We still sing at that same tavern/bar 103 years later, though most of us are pretty convinced that if they had known they'd be sticking us with that name for a century, they may have reconsidered.

Many thanks to David for taking the time to answer our questions. We hope you'll join us this Friday for a show that's sure to entertain!

Q&A with SFJAZZ Collective

Yesterday you dipped your toe in the pool of the all-star jazz group SFJAZZ Collective. Today, we're taking a dive into the deep end! We like to hit up our incoming 10x10 Arts Series artists with a Q&A to get to know them better before they get here. Here's what SFJAZZ Collective drummer, Eric Harland had to say...

Eric Harland - drums

1. If you could do another tribute show, which artist would you choose and why?

I would personally choose James Taylor... mostly because I love his music and haven't had the opportunity to perform his music or with him. 

2. If you could choose one celebrity to play with, alive or dead, who would you choose?

John Coltrane would be my choice... 

3.What is the one piece of music that you wish you would’ve composed?

The theme to Star Wars...  

4. If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

More financial balance so that the arts can remain an act of "expression" to success and not the act of "mimic" to success...

5. If you were not a performer today, what profession would you have chosen?

Maybe Computer Engineering...  Philosophy...  Winemaking...  can't really choose just one.  

6.You’ve covered some great names (Coltrane, Hancock, Monk and now Stevie Wonder); how do you decide? And, is there anyone that you haven’t done that you would love to?

We decide based on a voting process, about who we agree to be the next honored Artist.  As far as those we haven't played before...  I think everyone has a different outlook on that.  

7. What is your favorite Stevie Wonder song to perform and why?

Ah man...  he has too many great songs to narrow to just a favorite...  but some are "Higher Ground", "Golden Lady", "Superstition"...  and these are mainly do to their great melodies, feel, lyrics...  but wait...  THAT'S ALL OF STEVIE'S SONGS.....   :-)  

8. What song, artist, or genre of music do you secretly like, but are embarrassed to admit?

None...  I'm open to all music.

SFJAZZ Collective will be in Northwest Arkansas this Thursday, March 15 at 7pm. I hope to see you all at the show! Don't have tickets yet? No problem! They're still available and can be purchased here, or by calling the Walton Arts Center box office at 479.443.5600.

SFJAZZ Collective plays Stevie Wonder

SFJAZZ Collective is made up of a group of eight accomplished jazz musicians from around the country. The unique thing about the group is that this collective is not their primary career. The group comes together once a year, chooses a jazz legend to honor, takes the music of that icon and puts together their own compositions.

In years past, SFJAZZ Collective has played the music of Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Thelonius Monk and more. This year they've chosen the incomparable Stevie Wonder.

Take a look at this behind the scenes video of their arrangement of "Visions" together.

It's pretty awesome how this group of all-star jazz musicians work together on SFJAZZ Collective every year. We're very excited to bring them to Northwest Arkansas as part of our 10x10 Arts Series, and tickets start at just $10. We're looking forward to seeing this amazing group live! 

ARTOSPHERE 2012: Coming to a community near you

Guess what? Spring is just around the corner! I know, it doesn't really sound shocking since our winter in NWA has been anything but wintery this year. However, spring being so near means that we're almost to the middle of March, and that's just crazy!

Artosphere Arts & Nature Festival is also coming up soon, and UA Film Graduate student Clint Fullen produced this AMAZING trailer to help get us pumped up about Artosphere. We've been hiding this video in our pocket for months, and we are thrilled to finally share it with you today!!

This is footage from Artosphere Festivals from the past few years, and you can expect this year's festival to be just as awesome. Please, take a minute to watch and share with a friend. You can also see it in Malco Theaters across Northwest Arkansas for the next six weeks!

Stay tuned as we will be releasing the full Artosphere lineup on Friday, March 16! Enjoy!

Thank You Thursday

Hello? Are you still there Thank You Thursday? You are? Good!

This week we would like to thank Brooke McNeely Galligan. Brooke helps us with a lot of our video recording here at Walton Arts Center. You know those fancy opening night video reviews we share(or try to get you to star in) on Facebook and Twitter? That's Brooke's fabulous work!

She's always willing to help us out, day or night, rain or shine, scheduled or unscheduled. We really appreciate Brooke's hard work, dedication and flexibility. Camera in tow, Brooke always has a smile on her face and finishes the job before we've even made it to the office the following morning.

For a peek at some of Brooke's work for us, check out our YouTube page and our opening night reviews.

THANK YOU BROOKE!

2012-13 Broadway season...unveiled!

On Saturday, March 3, we held an exclusive Broadway subscriber event at Walton Arts Center. We had the incomparable Seth Rudetsky on-hand to help us unveil our 2012-13 Broadway series. Seth is a Broadway insider, Sirius XM Radio host and accomplished pianist. He has interviewed tons of Broadway stars, and has also played piano for shows like Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Ragtime. We were so glad to have him in NWA to help us on such an exciting day!

Here's a small clip from his show; announcing our lineup for next year along with audience reactions to our season:

In case he threw you off with his New York accent, this is a recap of our Broadway series next season:

We will also have these shows hitting our stage next season:

To say we're excited is an understatement. We are over the MOON about our season for 2012-13, and we hope NWA is as well. Every year it just keeps getting bigger and better, and we often wonder "How can we trump this season?" But, we will. *wink*

Early access to these shows is currently only available to our Broadway subscribers, but fear not! If you aren't a subscriber, but would like to become one; call our box office at 479.443.5600 as they are taking pre-orders to become a subscriber. Pre-orders will be filled in the order they were received; so the sooner you call the better! We hope to see lots of smiling faces next season!

WAC is 'All Shook Up' this week!

The big trucks rolled into town earlier this week, and along with them they brought a big act! Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins moved into Northwest Arkansas on Monday, and they're spending the week at Walton Arts Center. The hit musical, Million Dollar Quartet is running through Sunday, February 26, and tickets are still available.

We had the pleasure of working with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) on a Broadway Breakfast Wednesday morning. Christopher Ryan Grant (Sam Phillips) and Arkansas native Cody Slaughter (Elvis) are two of the cast members that joined the crowd for a creative conversation. OLLI, located on the University of Arkansas campus, conducted a six-week class that studied the four icons portrayed in Million Dollar Quartet.

Christopher Ryan Grant (left) and Cody Slaughter (right)

Slaughter got his start as an Elvis Tribute Artist with no formal training; Grant on the other hand is a graduate with an M.F.A. from the Yale School of Drama. Their dynamic during the conversation was so fun, and the crowd was eating up every bit of it. They would tease each other about their personal backgrounds and their characters, but it was all in good humor. Slaughter talked about how he loves performing in Million Dollar Quartet because he gets to make Elvis 'human' instead of just impersonating him, and Grant confessed he never wanted to be in a musical, but this show won him over.

Come see Million Dollar Quartet this week at Walton Arts Center and get lost in a night of rock and roll, good times and even some laughs. Tickets can be purchased here or by calling the Walton Arts Center box office at 479.443.5600.

The National Tour of Million Dollar Quartet. Photo by Joan Marcus

 

Getting to know the artists of TAO:The Art of the Drum

Next up in our 10x10 Arts Series is TAO:The Art of the Drum. TAO was formed in Aichi, Japan in 1993 and two years later moved their base of operations, called "Grandioso," to Oita seeking a better environment for creative enrichment.

Nearly 20 years later, over five million spectators in 17 countries worldwide have seen TAO. We are very excited to bring them to our corner of the world on February 28!

We sent them a short Q&A to get to find out more about their troupe before they arrive in Northwest Arkansas. Who would have guessed that if they weren't performing the world over they would have liked to work at Build-A-Bear?? Read on to learn more about these interesting artists!

1. What sort of background/training do you have? Is it mostly acrobatic or musical?

Surprisingly enough, not many of us have acrobatic or musical background. Some come straight from high school or college. One came from academy of art and design, and used to be a member of an amateur rock band. One came from fashion design school. One came from Self Defense force of Japan. One used to be a tour guide in Canada. So many backgrounds, and some had Taiko experience, some did not. Nobody had professional knowledge or skill of music; therefore, everyone leaned it together starting from nothing.

2. What is your favorite country that you have travelled to?

Spain - Atmosphere, Sunshine, Good Food, Lively Fun people

3. Is there a location that you aspire to perform at someday?

Las Vegas, New York, London, Paris, Tokyo. Our goal is to have long running shows in these 5 locations.

4. Is there a sport that you enjoy playing?

The boys play baseball, volley ball, basketball, etc, but we don't really do much sports. Obviously, we run quite a lot!

5. If you were not a performer today, what profession would you have chosen?

Office person, Stuffed Animal Builder

6. You all come from wildly different backgrounds; a rocker, a gymnast & a composer, how did you get into this field?

By seeing TAO's show!

7. This is a very physically demanding performance – what kind of exercise regime is required?

Our training is quite hard core for ordinals. Our day starts at five in the morning, run 20km, do 200 push-ups, followed by 200 sit-ups and round it all off with more muscle and rhythm training before going for breakfast at nine. And we start rehearsing. Some trainees do not last long if they cannot handle the tough physical training or mental impact living with others might have on them.

A lot of mental strength is needed. It's like running marathon. You can stop, but at the same time you can't. You feel like giving up, but around you, the rest of the group doesn't stop. Daily training is to build strength both mentally and physically. If you can not do those push-ups and sit-ups, you will not have the strength to lift the sticks to play the drum.

8. How many different instruments can you play besides the drum?

It depends on the performers, but of course all of us play drums, and some can play the Shamisen (three-stringed lute), Koto (plucked zither) and Shinobue(flute).

9. Do you have any pre-show rituals to get ready for a performance?

Stretching real good, putting the favorite perfumes on (lady), having circle every single show

This is such an interesting group of performers! We can't wait for their show on Tuesday, February 28. Tickets are going fast, so call our box office (479.443.5600) or visit www.waltonartscenter.org today.  

Thank You Thursday

Thank You Thursday is here! There should be a song for Thank You Thursday, and then we could start things off with a fun tune. Instead though, you can imagine whatever voice you'd like saying "It's time for Thank You Thursday!" We like to imagine the voice of a game show host because they always get the crowd amped up for what's about to come, and that's always fun. Plus, we think that accurately portrays how we feel about Thank You Thursday - super excited to tell you all about who we're thanking this week!!

This week we're thanking, drum roll please...the Fayetteville Public Library! The fine folks at the Fayetteville Public Library are so wonderful to work with. They let us come and speak to different groups that assemble there weekly (like the children's storytimes, the Flicks before Six group and many others). They also host the 10x10 Arts Series Countdown Conversations (and create a special book list for each one), movie nights and other fun happenings.

Fayetteville Public Library also helps engage the community and gives people a deeper understanding of the arts and upcoming performances at WAC.

So thank you to Lolly, Renee, Caitlyn, Laura, Willow and all the staff. We are so fortunate to have the Fayetteville Public Library on our team (and as a neighbor!).

THANK YOU FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY!!

Time for Three - Q & A

This groundbreaking trio, comprised of violinists Zachary De Pue and Nicolas Kendall, and Ranaan Meyer on the double bass, have been playing together since their days as students at the Curtis Institute for Music. Time for Three sets themselves apart from traditional classical practices, and instead draws upon each of their differing musical backgrounds. Their repertoire includes pieces by Bach, Brahms and Mancini mixed with their own arrangements of pop artists like Katy Perry, Kanye West and U2.

Time for Three by Vanessa Briceno Scherzer

We're just going to dive right in today as we received some great responses to our questions we threw at trio, Time for Three. These guys will be in NWA this Friday, February 3 at 8pm. Tickets start at $10, and this is a great concert to bring the whole family to.

Ranaan Meyer, double bass:

1. What is your favorite sound?

This is a challenging question to answer because I like so many sounds however I love the sound of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Curtis Institute of Music. I enjoy describing their sound as a marshmallow filled rich hot milk chocolate that is delicious to the ears.

2. How did the name of your group come about?

The name Time for Three comes from a journey to our first gig. We were driven from Philly down to D.C. in a stretch limo. When we were 20 minutes out from our destination we realized that we prepared our music for the show but had no name for our band. We quickly came up with Time for Three. The idea was that we are three musicians coming together for one purpose or concept.

3. What is the biggest challenge for your group?

The biggest challenge for Time for Three is finding time for Time for Three... Time for Three is made up of three guys who are really busy doing lots of different musical things. Currently we get together for 26 weeks out of the year to perform and create. This sounds like a good chunk of time but it is crazy just how fast that time flies by...

Zach De Pue, violin:

1. If you were not a performer today, what profession would you have chosen? 

I think I would be some sort of financial adviser.  I have always loved numbers, math, equations, theories, etc.  Numbers fascinate me.  Now if I could just count my rests correctly!!!

2. In your video “Stronger” you convey an anti-bullying message, and say that inspiration for the message was drawn from your own experiences. Where/how did you find the strength to continue on your own path and not succumb to peer pressure? 

I had the unique situation of having 3 older brothers who all play the violin professionally to this day.  My oldest brother Wallace, in addition to studying violin, trained with our dad as a boxer.  So the first time he was picked on for being a violinist, he took care of the problem, so to speak.  I owe it to my oldest brother for clearing the path for his younger bros with the perception that we all could take care of any problems (even though I never trained as a boxer a day in my life, haha!!!)

3. You have a lot of interaction and involvement with schools and young musicians. What is the one thing that you hope they take away and pass along to others? 

That each younger person should find their passion and go for it.  Any passion, whether artistic, scientific, athletic, etc.  Any and all are incredible, but find your inner passion and believe in it and stay true to it.

Nicolas Kendall, violin:

1. What type of music did you listen to growing up and how has it influenced your music today?

Throughout middle school and high school, most kids my age were into Nirvana, Perl Jam, Rage Against The Machine, Nine Inch Nails, A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, Primus, and a little known band called Phish. I was hooked. I had all the cassette tapes for these bands and others that I would throw into my Sony Walkman (remember those??) on the way to school, or at home on my stereo system in my room.

Probably since I was studying violin intensively as a young kid, my ears were thirsty for more than what was popular. My school choir director would have me play violin at his church on the weekends where he was director of his gospel choir. I also would listen to Bluegrass on the local NPR station on Sundays. And of course, there were my favorite classical selections that would consume me if the mood struck. Brahms German Requiem being one of my favorites.

All these musical languages have been part of who I am as an artists. They have shapes me in ways that I probably do not even notice at times. The variety of sounds, rhythm, and energy consumed me during my adolescent years, and fueled my love for performing live concerts.

2. What are the last 3 songs you listened to on your Ipod?

The Lotus Eaters by Sarah Kirkland Snider, featuring Shara Warden from My Brightest Diamond

Chicken Grease by D'Angelo

Yellow & Red by Down Dexter

3. All this touring…what’s your least favorite form of transportation/traveling?

Smelly cabs!

Time for Three will be at Walton Arts Center this Friday, February 3 at 8pm. Tickets start at only $10 and can be purchased here, or by calling 479.443.5600. Don't miss your chance to see this amazing trio!