arts

The Negro Ensemble & Penn Live Arts Set New Residency For 2022-23 Season

By Alice G. Collins 3 months ago

Penn Live Arts (PLA) and the Tony and Obie Award-winning Negro Ensemble Company (NEC) have announced a new residency that brings together one of the most important Black theatre producers in the United States and the University of Pennsylvania’s nexus of the performing arts, two legacy organizations that share a mission of advancing innovative, contemporary theatre.

The goal of the yearlong residency is to reflect authentic, underrepresented stories of the Black experience and elevate meaningful and thought-provoking conversations on the monumental role of Black artists in shaping art and culture in our country.

“The timing of this residency could not be more powerful and prescient for The Negro Ensemble Company, Inc.,” said Artistic Director and Executive Producer Karen Brown. “We are in midst of actively systematizing a training and producing platform that will support and present considerably more artists than currently in place. The reality of a residency with Penn

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Seacoast arts and culture news

By Alice G. Collins 4 months ago

Iconic Ireland exhibit by Karen Desrosiers at Lane House Arts Center

Aran Islands, oil, by Karen Desrosiers

Aran Islands, oil, by Karen Desrosiers

Cliffs of Moher, oil, by Karen Desrosiers

Cliffs of Moher, oil, by Karen Desrosiers

Doolin Village, oil, by Karen Desrosiers

Doolin Village, oil, by Karen Desrosiers

HAMPTON – Local artist Karen Desrosiers will have an exhibit of original paintings at the Lane House Arts Center for the month of March. “Iconic Ireland” is a collection of oil paintings featuring iconic images and sights from Ireland and celebrating the Irish culture.

The exhibit features a series of large format works that Desrosiers has painted from photographs taken during her many trips to Ireland. “Themes of Irish and Celtic culture feature heavily in my artwork,” says Desrosiers. “The heart and soul of Ireland and the Irish people shine through the beautiful, rugged landscapes, the brightly painted buildings, the ancient architecture, and the wild flora.”

Desrosiers paints primarily with oils, in an impressionistic manner, applying thick textures and brushstrokes,

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ARTS AND CULTURE: Josh Messick

By Alice G. Collins 4 months ago

Mar. 7—Joshua Messick will be performing Saturday, March 12 at First Presbyterian Church in Ironton at 7:30 p.m. For a preview, visit youtu.be/PMPFaKpF1SM

Genre Style: Acoustic Instrumental Hammered Dulcimer Music — For this concert, I will be performing as a soloist.

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

How did the project start?

I first heard the hammered dulcimer when I was four and fell in love with the sound. I promised my mom I’d learn to play it.

What are three adjectives to describe your style?

Ethereal. Creative. Evocative.

Walk us through your creative process. Does it vary, if so, how?

When creating new music, I try not to think too much. I just play and until I find a phrase I like. I make quick record of it and keep on inventing. After enough good ideas come together, I make a demo recording on my phone and give it a listen.

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Songwriter David Foster, author Tomson Highway win performing arts awards

By Alice G. Collins 4 months ago

OTTAWA — Songwriter and composer David Foster and author Tomson Highway are among the recipients of Canada’s highest honour in the performing arts.






© Provided by The Canadian Press


Foster and Highway are among the laureates listed for the 2022 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards for lifetime achievement, which recognize those who have made an indelible contribution to cultural life in Canada and around the world.

The roster also includes film and television screenwriter, director and producer Fernand Dansereau; broadcaster, theatre artist, scholar and activist Rita Shelton Deverell; and dancer, teacher and choreographer Linda Rabin.

Foster helped launch the careers of music superstars including Celine Dion, Michael Bublé and Josh Groban.

Highway is one of Canada’s most acclaimed writers and performers, whose work spotlights Indigenous people and culture. 

His award-winning plays include “The Rez Sisters” and “Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing.”

The 2022 laureates will be honoured at two

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