Monday, October 26, 2009

Get Behind the Scenes with Hubbard Street 2 + You Help Plan Their Birmingham Visit

The dynamic Hubbard Street 2 Dance Company is headed to the ASC, Nov 6-8, for two evening performances and one afternoon family matinee.  We recently caught up with Ethan, one of the company's dancers to chat about the visit. 

hub
Jessica (ASC): It sounds like a very interesting program for your Birmingham shows.  I know that not all pieces are as easy to connect to as a dancer as others.  Is there one that stands out as a favorite or maybe as most challenging?

Ethan (HS2): There are two pieces in the program you'll be seeing that I connect with the most at this point, one for being my favorite and the other for  being the most challenging. My favorite piece to perform is Terence Marling's "Glass Skin" because he created a piece that can be different every time it is performed. The blue print always stays the same, but the architecture of the piece always turns out a little differently. For example, I have two solos in the dance with no choreography; he has simply given me some tasks and images to base an improvisation off of. It's a piece that really brings all the dancers into the present moment and helps us connect with one another. 

The other piece I am enjoying right now is Alejandro Cerrudo's "First Light". This is the first piece created on this set of Hubbard Street 2 dancers and it was completed a little more than two weeks before our shows in Birmingham. The challenge then, is to come together as new dancers with new choreography, and make it appear as if we've been dancing this piece together for decades. I always enjoy a race against time and if any group of dancers could bring Cerrudo's work to fruition, I have to be a little biased and say it is this Hubbard Street 2. 

 Jessica (ASC): Dancers have bad work days just like the rest of us, right?  How do you motivate yourself to go out and perform on those days that you just don’t feel quite up to it?

Ethan (HS2): Most definitely! I have found that the majority of my performances happen on the days I feel are the least ideal. Many factors go into how a dancer feels before a show, ranging from past or new injuries to having had to do 3 shows in a row two days prior, travel for five hours the next day, and then perform the following day. Thus, there are many different ways for dancers to push past these "slight" obstacles. Sometimes I find strength in my colleagues; the sheer joy to be out there dancing with people who wholeheartedly share my passion. When performing I have to be completely committed to the present moment, so that can help me forget the long bus drive I may have had the night before etc. Also, we are constantly reminded to keep the dances fresh, not performing them the same exact way every time but finding new challenges and ideas within the strict framework of our choreography. Sometimes we can use our lethargy, sickness, or soreness to go deeper into the movement, finding new pathways or effort qualities that we wouldn't have explored had we been in the perfect mood. Even when it is the worst day possible, when all is said and done, we get to go out there and do what we LOVE. I don't want to spend a day not dancing.

Jessica (ASC): Do you have any upcoming performance between now and your Nov. 6-8 dates at the Alys Stephens Center?  Same program or is it always changed up?

Ethan (HS2): We actually have two shows prior to our run at the ASC. Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has a partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago, but this will be the first time the second company will get to take advantage of this collaboration. We will be performing a condensed show consisting of 3-4 pieces. Our next show will be in Storm Lake, Iowa and it will be the same program that will be seen in Birmingham. For this fall tour we are bringing just one program, but it varies per tour. Our last spring tour to Germany consisted of five different programs, some of which had overlap of pieces, but nonetheless a lot of variety. 

Jessica (ASC): The company is being so generous to participate in many of the ASC’s educational programs while in Birmingham including a family performance on Sunday afternoon.  How will the family performance differ from the Friday and Saturday evening performances?

Ethan (HS2): We are very excited to be a part of the ASC's educational programs. I know I love performing for children because they are a very honest audience; they find humor or amazement in moments I never would have seen before. The program for the Sunday matinee will be slightly shorter than our Friday and Saturday shows and will be much more interactive. I will hopefully be able to come out at some point and lead the audience in some basic movements found by HSDC's educational outreach program to increase self and spacial awareness, focus, and even help with classroom activities such as reading. We strive to show just how accessible dance is, and not only get the kids active and moving but also mentally stimulated by the ideas and concepts behind what we do. 

Jessica (ASC): Is there anything you would like to see while in Birmingham?  Any favorite cuisine you’ll search out while here?  Just let us know and we’ll post a question on our blog and let readers make suggestions for you.

 Ethan (HS2): I'm not sure what I'm looking for in Birmingham. I'm the type in the company that gets pulled into what everyone else has researched or wants to do, but other times I let things find me. I asked around the company if they were looking for any specific cuisine unique to Birmingham and to be honest, none of us were really sure what that would entail. So if your readers have any suggestions for food idiosyncratically "Birmingham" please do share. Mostly, we are always on the look out for a nice restaurant that would be open after our shows (around 9:30 or 10:00 PM). And a place with karaoke wouldn't hurt either...

 Tickets are still available for the shows, Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and the family matinee Sunday, Nov 8 at 2:30 p.m.  Just call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.

 

Lizz Wright dazzles the ASC!


The extremely gifted Lizz Wright graced the Alys Stephens Center’s intimate Sirote Theatre on October 23, 2009 with her gorgeously smoky voice. Wearing a coral dress, a black shawl, and sandals--both of which she later discarded, Wright opened the night with “Old Man.” Her powerful and multifaceted contralto rode the song well, as one could hear a yearning in her voice that effortlessly fused folk and jazz. At one point, Wright stepped away from the microphone and became lost in the music as she danced and lightly tapped her chest--something she would do often that night. Wright’s music is an eclectic mixture of jazz, blues, gospel, rhythm and blues, soul, and folk; the way she intertwines the genres are astounding. Her gospel roots could be heard in “I Idolize You,” where the organ backed her soulful voice, and the guitar appeared to “talk” back as her voice floated over the song.


At times, Wright’s voice was emotive, delicately touching the inner chambers of one’s soul and not just their ears. She took the audience on a journey through love, deliverance, and life. Her exquisite vocal arrangements were electrifying, particularly when she sung “Hit the Ground,” a song her “daddy likes” as she put it.


Wright’s voice is lucidly beautiful, raw, and has the power to evoke passion. Her performance was moving, with her voice echoing a sweet tenacity. Wright stole the show with a traditional gospel song, “Walk With Me Lord,” that she blended with smooth jazz. Her voice was pleading and hopeful as the fluidity of the organ pierced the theatre. Mid-performance, Wright pulled off her earrings as she sung “hold my hand Lord,” and reached her hand out for emphasis.



Wright’s voice is pure in its simplicity and depth, a brilliance that can only be cultivated. She sung in different registers, artfully going from low to high. Her vocal arrangements were awesome as she plaintively yearned for love and affection, which were enough to resonate in one’s heart. Wright performed “Another Angel,” “My Heart,” “Stop,” “When I Fall,” “Blue Rose,” “Trouble,” “Coming Home,” “Easy Rider,” “Hey Mann,” “Salt,” and “Thank You.”


A big thanks to Shermika Dunner for reviewing the Lizz Wright show!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

ASC's Arts in Action program is truly running at full speed!

I just have to give a nice plug to our Arts in Action Education & Outreach Program and it's director, aka "brains of the operation", Kimberly Kirklin.  Since I'm in the marketing & programming world, I don't always know what's going on in our education department.  What I do know is there's always a TON happening.  

Just take a look at this upcoming schedule of events for the next week - Yes, all of these events in one (1) week!

arts-in-action-logo



Friday, Oct 16 - ASC Kids' Club on the Road presents "No Fear Shakespeare with Quinton Cockrell"
at Smith Middle School & a Kindergarten program at Washington K-8


Friday, Oct 16 - ASC Kids' Club on the Road presents "Poet's Corner with Sharrif Simmons" at Lewis Elementary  & at Homewood High School

Friday, Oct. 16 - Individual Guitar Lessons with ASC's new Robert Redus School of Guitar at Glen Iris Elementary

 Saturday, Oct 17 - Drama Workshop for students at the ASC 

Saturday, Oct 17 - Make It Happen Performing Ensemble for students at ASC

 Saturday, Oct 17 - ASC Kids' Club on the Road presents "Poet's Corner with Sharrif Simmons" at the King's Ranch

 Tuesday, Oct 20 - ASC Kids' Club presents "The Watershed Workshop" highlighting the enviroment through the performing arts at Smith Middle School & at Inglenook K-8

 Wednesday, Oct 21 - ASC Kids' Club presents "The Watershed Workshop at Barrett Elementary

Personally, I think that's pretty impressive!   ASC Ticket Buyers & Donors make this possible.  When you purchase a ticket to the ASC, you are helping to build the Arts in Action program.  Most of these programs are offered completely free of charge to schools and students.  Through your support, the ASC even provides free bus transportation for many events! 


poets corner

So, the next time you buy tickets to a show at the ASC, give yourself a pat on the back...together we're making sure Birmingham's kids get the arts education they deserve!

To find out more about the AiA program, visit www.AlysStephens.org.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Jim Lauderdale Has a Few Surprises in Mind for ASC Audience

We caught up with Nashville's busiest songwriter and performer to discuss his upcoming ASC show and the intimate On Stage w/the Band format.  

jim lauderdale

ASC: I was lucky enough to catch you perform at the Ryman this summer with Elvis Costello. What was it like playing and recording with him?

Jim: It was amazing experience, I still can't believe it happened. It looks like we will be doing more touring in 2010. One of the highlights for me, was that we started writing together. That's a real dream come true and I hope to do more.

ASC: You seem to be a regular at the Ryman. I noticed you recently hosted the Americana Music Awards again. Do you feel a different energy performing there than in other venues?

Jim: Yes I do, there is so much history in the place that I can feel the vibrations of past performers and performances, like Hank Williams, that graced that stage.

ASC: Tell us what your working on these days. Any new collaborations or solo projects in the works?

Jim: I am finishing a record of collaborations with Robert Hunter (co-writer w/ Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead). We started writing together about 10 years ago, when I was doing my first record with Ralph Stanley, Robert is one of my favorite writers of all time and it's a blessing to get to work with him. We've written probably close to 60 songs together.

ASC: For the Birmingham show at the Alys Stephens Center you’re performing in the bluegrass trio format. As an artist, what does this format allow that maybe you’re not getting to do in other settings?

Jim: I actually might bring more than a trio to surprise you!

ASC: Speaking of setting, the show here is part of the ASC’s “On Stage w/the Band” format, meaning it’s super intimate with audience members actually seated on the stage with you. Any thoughts on what this might mean for your show?

Jim: It sounds like it is gonna be a really fun experience for me. I've never performed in that kind of setting, so I'm really excited about it and looking forward to being with you all!

Great seats are still available to see the JIM LAUDERDALE BLUEGRASS TRIO, Wednesday, October 14th.  The show is part of the ASC's "On Stage w/the Band" series.  $40/on stage.  $35/right above stage.

Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for tickets.

Friday, October 2, 2009

La Divina del Piano

Gabriela Montero's nickname is "La Divina del Piano," and given Gabriela Montero’s classical keyboard skills, "divine" does not risk exaggeration. Not only is Montero one of the most sound interpreters of the classical piano repertoire, but what sets her apart is her ability to take a well-known piece and offer a fresh improvisational interpretation of it. It’s the kind of style that makes Montero open to taking mid-concert requests.
-The Star-Telegram