Prince in Las Vegas – A New Frontier

by | Jan 11, 2008 | Artist, Concerts, Dance

The artist formerly known as, currently known as “Prince” will be performing in Las Vegas starting in November and thru 2007. Rather than see this as a sell out or commercialization of an esteemed performer – a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, tons of gold records“ I was thrilled. He will add talent and class to a city that seems to be a continuous poker tournament.
This artist and he is one, regardless of all of the eccentricities that have been applied to him creates and performs with such joy and passion that listening and watching him on stage is an example of what can be achieved when you continue to work at your craft, your bliss, whatever it is.
His recordings are great fun, but, on stage he is electricity, genius, and he can dance! He spins, he does the split while still playing guitar. Hot stuff!
I don’t think his planned Friday and Saturday night stints in a Vegas hotel lounge will change his work ethic. He will continue to be one of the “hardest working men in show business” on stage.
He will wear white silk jumps suits? Maybe his onstage wardrobe is also part of the fun, but, I have no doubt he will not disappoint, he will “put on a show” in the best theatrical tradition.
I will clap, dance, tap my feet and be transported.  I will forget all about my under funded 401k and company downsizing. He will give me my money’s worth Prince is a star!

The Arizona Magic of Music & Dance

by | May 1, 2007 | Art, Dance, Education, Events, Live Performance

Arizona Magic of Music & Dance Camp is a unique program for children and young adults with physical and mental disabilities – that – in just one week prepares them to stage a wonderful theater production written and choreographed especially for them. This program is brought to Arizona by ZETA21 International Leadership Foundation, in partnership with Challenge Aspen.

A Unique Program for Children and Young Adults with Physical and Mental Disabilities

In recent years, Challenge Aspen Music & Dance has performed Peter Pan, Snow White and the Seventeen Dwarfs and Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Learn more about this event at AZMagic

I Remembered Why I liked Him – Brian Stokes Mitchell

by | Apr 15, 2007 | Concerts, Culture, Dance, Film

The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “South Pacific” was running on PBS during their pledge weeks. It wasn’t the Mary Martin film of 1950’s, but a musical done “in concert”, all in character and full voice w/o sets, at Carnegie Hall. He starred as Emile the estate owner. The cast was great, but as always, Brian Stokes Mitchell stood out.
brian-stokes-mitchell-home-headshot.jpg As he sings “This Nearly Was Mine”, he uses his voice to paint a picture of a man lamenting about a “paradise” he has always wanted and dreamt about, and just missed reaching. Beautiful and heartbreaking. (He got a standing “O” for that one.) Mr. Mitchell elevates all that he graces with his presence. From his non singing comedy turn as Trevor the weatherman on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, to performing with the Boston Pops. Always intense, always present, he is always excellent. Known best for Broadway musical theater – I was fortunate to see him twice as the dapper & tragic “Coalhouse Walker ” in “Ragtime”, (1998). His other credits include Jelly’s Last Jam (1992), Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993), a revival of Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me, Kate” (1999), for which he won a Tony, and August Wilson’s “King Hedley II” (2001) His newest venture is an album – “Brian Stokes Mitchell”. He does Jazz, show tunes and pop standards with his own special style. He is a baritone with great feeling. I like him.