By MEREDITH GRIFFITH
Staff reporter
In 2010 Orcas Center will be sounding some brassy notes, complete with a rendition of the classic burlesque memoir, “Gypsy,” rockin’ musical groups, and plenty of offerings for kids.
“I’m excited about everything!” Executive Director Barbara Courtney said. “Personally, I’m looking forward to Asleep at the Wheel, an amazing western swing band. Four years ago they sold out two shows. Ray Benson is amazing. He was just named Texas Musician of the Year. He’s legendary, in the tradition of Bob Willis and the Texas Playboys. The band has earned nine grammy awards and just taped a special on Austin City Limits with Willie Nelson. They bring out the Texan in me.”
Courtney is also enthused about the Global Dancy Party, featuring more than 50 young dancers and musicians from the Seattle area.
“It’s a trip around the world through dance,” she said. “We’ll see hip-hop sisters, incredible R&B, Mexican folk, Irish and African step, and classical Indian dance. I think that every young person on this island should see it. And I think their parents would really dig it too.”
This year the center block-booked some events in conjunction with San Juan Center in order to affordably bring out top notch artists.
“We have Leon Redbone coming. He’s an iconic performer of early 20th century americana folk songs and tunes,” Courtney said. “He has been around forever and has a huge cult following. We’re really lucky to get him.”
Also of note are David Lindley, Alpha Yaya Diallo, the Chiara String Quartet, The Coats, Willie Thomas’ Jazz Experience, Chris Chandler, Harry Manx, and a Spotlight on Local Poets.
“We will have a lot of local performers: Five Bells Quintet, Oliver Aldort soloing with the Academy Chamber Orchestra, and Dallas Brass will also incorporate local musicians,” Courtney said.
“Gypsy” auditions for children and adults will be held Jan. 9 and 10. Deborah Sparks will direct, and Joe Babcock will provide musical direction. Children cast in the show will receive dance instruction from Susan Babcock, who has choreographed the show, and attend Grace McCune’s chorus class.
The center has also gathered musical talent from around the world to spice up the year with multicultural flavor. Courtney says they will have performers from Eastern Europe, Guinea, and Spain.
“We have the Zedashe Ensemble, an amazing a cappella vocal group [from Georgia]. Several of them were chanter-singers in one of the monasteries there,” Courtney said. “In addition to singing sacred songs, they also went around their villages in Georgia and talked to the older people and collected a lot of the folk songs. Many of these songs were almost lost during the communist rule in Russia.”
There isn’t a Kids Fest this year, but Courtney hopes parents will bring their children to events throughout the year.
“We just were not getting the audiences we needed,” she said. “It was really tough to decide not to do it this year. We’re taking a break and hopefully we can bring it back at some point.”
Kid-friendly events on the schedule include Common Market for teens, the Global Dance Party for all ages, and other events showcasing Orcas youth. Robert Hall, the 5th and 6th grade theatre teacher, will be directing an adaptation of “Little Women.” A summer theatre camp will be led by actors from the Missoula Children’s Theatre. All children who audition will be cast for a stage adaptation of “Robinson Crusoe.”
For all musical and theatre events, scholarships are available.
“We do have donors that have provided underwriting for free and reduced tickets for families in need,” Courtney said. “Any family that otherwise could not afford to participate should let us know.”
For a full calendar of 2010 events, visit www.orcascenter.org.
To be an usher at Orcas Center, contact Artha Kass at artha@orcascenter.org.
