Chat with Kids' Festival Performer Charles Tortorici

I spoke with singer/songwriter Charles Tortorici yesterday to find out what he has in store for kids at the "Rhythms of the Earth" Festival this Sunday at the ASC.



ASC: What can parents and kids expect from your performance at "Rhythms of the Earth?"

Charles: I will perform a variety of original songs and poems that deal with the environment, creativity, and the arts in general. It will be interactive in that I will get the audience to make various percussive rhythms with their voice, along with echoing various words or phrases from the songs/poems. I will also have an interactive piece that celebrates the many rhythms of voice, through words, syllables, and nonsensical syllables.

ASC: What can kids learn from experiencing live performances?

Charles: Children (and adults too) can learn how a writer (be it poet, songwriter, storyteller) uses the rhythm found in words and phrases to create moving, dynamic works of literary art. They will experience the importance of breath to the feel of rhythm in words, as well as see how a songwriter pulls from a variety of topics for creative expression. Encouragement and empowerment to find their own creative voice run throughout the live performance.

ASC: What project are you working on now?

Charles: I've been working with a 12-year-old ASFA student Walker Yancey on songs, both his and mine, and sharing writing ideas. It is a mutual creative learning experience. I'm also preparing new material (songs and poems) to perform at schools, festivals, and libraries this coming school year.

Come see Charles perform, along with performances from Nathifa Dance Company, John Scalici and the Get Rhythm performing ensemble, and Celtic band Hooley. Children can engage in hands-on projects, play musical instruments, and learn to make yummy culinary dishes using organic foods. Children also can learn about native Alabama wildlife and flora through brief kid-friendly lectures, demonstrations and other fun activities. Festival participants include Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, Alabama Wildlife Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Theatre, Vulcan Park and Museum, Stevan Grebel Center for Dance and Jones Valley Urban Farm.

Festival sponsors are the Alabama State Council on the Arts, Jane Stephens Comer, National Endowment for the Arts, Southern Arts Federation, Vulcan Materials Company Foundation, The Birmingham News, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Viva Health.