Last time we shared a video with you about "Finding Billy," and the process the Billy Elliot The Musical team goes through to find their leading role. Today, it's all about the Billy's! Let's take a look at what it's like "Being Billy."
Are you as impressed with these boys as we are? I mean, really, they're amazing. And to top it all off, they're so young! We are so excited to have this show here in Northwest Arkansas in just a couple of weeks. Come see Billy Elliot The Musical at Walton Arts Center Tuesday, December 4 - Sunday, December 9 and see how these boys SHINE on the stage!
Kylend Hetherington (Billy) and Rich Hebert (Dad) in “Billy Elliot the Musical.” Photo by Kyle Froman
Billy Elliot The Musical is such a fantastic show, and we are really looking forward to having it here in Northwest Arkansas. The New York Post called Billy Elliot "The best show you will ever see!"
Since we're so excited about this show, and we wanted to do a little something to shake up our blog...we decided to have a giveaway for Billy Elliot!!
It's super-duper easy to enter, and we will choose two winners who will each receive two (2) tickets to opening night of Billy Elliot The Musical on Tuesday, December 4 at 7pm. Just follow the steps below to enter, and you can receive more entries by completing the "extras" outlined in the instructions. The contest will run through Tuesday, November 27, and we will notify the winners by Wednesday, November 28. Good luck!
Last night was another awesome night on our 10x10 Arts Series! Eileen Ivers was AH-mazing on the fiddle, and Immigrant Soul was a fantastic band.
We had a great response from our patrons both during the show and after, at the post-show party in the lobby. Check out what they had to say:
Our next 10x10 Arts Series performance is on Thursday, November 29 at 7pm; Cantus and Theater Latte Da present All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914. Don't miss this inspiring production that recalls the remarkable World War I truce between Allied Forces and German soldiers in “no man's land” on Christmas, 1914.
Fresh off our run of Shrek: The Musical, we’re getting excited for our next Broadway performance; Billy Elliot The Musical! Billy Elliot will be here for eight performances, beginning Tuesday, December 4, and running through Sunday, December 9.
A little background on the show for you: Billy Elliot is a small town boy in northern England, who finds his way from the boxing ring to ballet class. At 11 years old, Billy isn’t sure how to handle his surprising talent, but manages to shine with his community behind him.
Now, about those boys that play Billy in the show. Would you believe that many of them are just 'regular' kids? Not classically trained dancers, or professional theatre performers, but just boys that have auditioned when the opportunity arose in their town? We were fascinated by this information!
We are rolling through our 10x10 Arts Series this season. We're already halfway through the series lineup, and it's only November! Up next we have Irish fiddle player Eileen Ivers, and the band Immigrant Soul on Thursday, November 15. Ivers has been called "the Jimi Hendrix of the violin" by The New York Times, and “the future of Celtic fiddle” by The Washington Post.
Eileen Ivers We caught up with Eileen and the band a couple weeks ago to ask them a few questions before their arrival in Northwest Arkansas. We like to dig a little deeper into our artists, and find out the important stuff. You know, like their favorite beer, and the last movie they watched.
1. We love the fusion of cultures with your music; explain the creative process when collaborating with different cultures.
I like to stay true to the essence and spirit of Irish Music while bringing elements from other cultures which enhance the musical experience without diluting the original emotions and rhythmic sensibility. Irish music and her people have travelled around the globe ...the music has often integrated with other roots music naturally and that is another dimension I like to explore.
2. What makes Irish music so popular around the world?
I believe part of it is the accessibility of the various rhythms and the honest emotions that people of all cultures can relate to.
3. Come on, tell us a story...
Once upon a time there was a little girl who thought the fiddle wasn't cool ...
4. What’s the bands favorite beers?
Eileen: Negro Modelo
Greg: Newcastle Brown Ale
Buddy: Top three: Guinness when in Ireland, ice cold Heineken anywhere else, O'Douls when a beer is untimely.
Lindsey: A Guiness is tough to beat
Tommy: Root ...beer
5. What’s the difference between a fiddle and a violin?
A violin has strings and a fiddle has straaannnngs ... Other than that, it's the style with which it is played. Although, I have heard Itzhak Perlman called his 'Strad' a fiddle!
6. Who are your musical inspirations?
My teacher from County Limerick in Ireland, Martin Mulvihill, but listening to great folks like Miles Davis, Stephane Grappelli, Jeff Beck and many, many others would have been influences as well I'm sure.
7. Most favorite place travelled around the world?
I have been blessed to play around the world, but, I have a special place in my heart for Ireland ...and the beauty of every corner of the U.S. of A. never gets old.
8. Last movie you watched?
Been awhile ...but, I enjoyed Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes.
9. What kinds of art have been an inspiration to you?
Being intrigued with mathematics I love Escher's works and the insightful book "Godel, Escher, Bach".
10. Is there something you enjoy collecting?
Always a fan of collecting handmade gifts from globel travels ...our home is a real ethnic wonderland.
11. What has been a memorable place to perform and why?
One of the more unforgettable moments has been guesting with The National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center with the late and great Marvin Hamlisch conducting. My recently deceased father-in-law from County Monahan, Ireland recited his "American Wake" poem in the house of the decendant of Irish heritage ...poignant beauty in a magical performing arts center.
12. Is there a dish you love to cook when you are home?
Off the road there is nothing like home cooking ...a few hours of nurturing home made spaghetti sauce is a comforting night at home.
13. Was there some great advice you received as you began your artistic journey?
Don't be afraid to improvise ...know the structure and theory then just jump ...
14. What profession other than yours would you most like to attempt?
While in grad-school studying mathematics I was on track for a career with NASA ...a dream job ...a different dream took hold.
Eileen Ivers & Immigrant SoulDon't miss Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul next Thursday, November 15 at 7pm. They're bringing a piece of Ireland right to your door, and you can snag a seat for as little as $10. See you there!
Last week we shared a few stories from area military families that they sent in for our Letters Home ticket giveaway with KNWA. Today we've got the grand prize entry, submitted by Kathleen Villar, as we get ready for this Veterans’ Day weekend.
Congratulations, Kathleen!
Zach Kenney in Letters Home“The ability of one letter to truly change my entire life still amazes me.
In December 2004, I was a young teacher working tirelessly to stamp out ignorance, and hoping one day to be a wife and mother. I had written myself off as a spinster, despite my mother’s promise that this would be “my year.” I didn't have time to date, didn't have any prospects and was so picky I knew that Mr. Right just wasn’t in Northwest Arkansas. Little did I know, he was actually halfway around the world, about to open a letter that would change our lives.
A military brat, I had always grown up with a deep appreciation for the men and women in the armed services. In the fall of 2004, I learned about an organization, AnySoldier.com, which provided addresses of soldiers overseas who wanted mail or items for themselves and their fellow soldiers. They would post and you could choose where to send your letter or package. I began writing letters in October and continued through the holidays. I even encouraged my students to write letters. It was in December that I came across a posting that said,
‘I am representing my team of 6 soldiers. We are a fairly tight team. We live at a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Farah, AF. As of now we live and work in a cinder block structure that was built by the Afghans. We do have electricity and running water, so things aren't too bad here. It certainly could and has been worse.’
That night (Dec. 4, 2004) I sat down and wrote a heartfelt letter to that soldier thanking him for his service, letting him know that he was in my thoughts and telling him about my life here in Arkansas. I knew nothing about him, but didn’t care. I wanted him to know he was appreciated and his sacrifice was being acknowledged.
The holidays came and went that year. School began again and then on Jan. 11th an email appeared in my inbox from someone named Cody. I was shocked and hadn’t expected to hear back from my letter and yet here was a reply. He wrote me a long email about his family, his work in Afghanistan as a counter intelligence agent and his hopes for the future. I remember printing it out and taking it to my mom to read. It was an amazing letter and led me to want to know more about him. I admit it didn't escape me that he was single!
I emailed him back and before I knew it, we were corresponding each day, sometimes 2-3 times. We exchanged pictures of ourselves and our families. I learned how to make short web cam videos after he sent me one showing me his living conditions. I showed him my living room and my dog. Then one night, I emailed him and instantly received a reply asking if I knew how to use instant messaging. I didn’t. Through email he guided me through the steps and that night we “chatted” for hours. Between mid-January and May we chatted almost every day, we talked on the phone when he could find a satellite phone to use, and I grew to know the man behind the letter.
We continued to chat and talk on the phone right up until his deployment ended. We planned for him to come immediately to Fayetteville and visit. Although we had already decided that we ‘liked” each other, we were adult enough to realize that a face to face meeting was a must before we took the relationship any further. On May 25th Cody arrived in the states and just two days later I picked him up at XNA. We spent Memorial Day weekend together and both realized that what we had was real, but we only had three days together.
Cody returned to his unit for deactivation and a move to Arizona, where he would teach at the military intelligence school. I left for a month-long teacher exchange program in China. We didn’t know exactly how we would make our relationship work, but we knew we wanted to be together.
It is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I returned from China at the end of June with a whopping phone bill and hopes of a wedding in the near future. Cody had changed his plans to work in Arizona and had moved to Fayetteville. Cody asked me to marry him with a beautiful ring just one day after I returned from China. We had only been “together” for four days, but I had known him much longer and said yes. We married four months later surrounded by family and friends.
We have been married now for seven years and they have been the happiest years of my life. We are now a family of four and I couldn’t ask for a more loving father for our children. I continue to be amazed that through just one letter our paths crossed and I found my true love.”
--Submitted by Kathleen Villar
Cameron Harms in Letters HomeJoin us this Sunday, November 11 at 2pm to hear letters from soldiers, and gain a new perspective on the lives of our troops, at Letters Home!
Walton Arts Center is having a special presentation to honor our nation’s troops this Veteran’s Day; Sunday, November 11. Letters Hometakes the experiences of soldiers beyond the politics of war, and takes viewers into the lives of the men and women serving our country. The production is based on an HBO documentary and an Op-Ed article in The New York Times called “The Things They Wrote.”
We partnered with KNWA, asking area residents to share their stories and memories as it relates to war, and the service. Below are some of the pieces that members of our community shared.
Christian Blackburn & Lynda Shadrake in Letters Home“I met my husband after he was out of the Army almost a year. That was in 1990, and right before Desert Storm. After just a few months, he was called back. Fortunately it was over very quick and he didn't go overseas. He did however have all the vaccinations. Within months he started having pain and swelling in his ankles. As time went on it would come and go and progressed to his knees, hips and back. They tested gimmick several times and could not determine what it was.
After about 14 years of this they did diagnose it as rheumatoid arthritis. After research we found it was likely caused by the anthrax vaccine. We have filed and been denied VA disability 4 times because they will only pay for diagnosed issues. Even after all of that he would go back today and serve again if they would let him. He is an amazing man, husband and father to our 3 kids!”
-- Submitted by Dana A. Splichal
“My husband, Capt Sean Kreps is active duty Air Force. He decided to join after when had been married about 9 months. We just celebrated our 20 year anniversary this past June.
Over the years he has been all over the world and we have lived in many different places. I remember him being in basic training back in 1993 and we lived off letters. I would write him 2 or 3 times a day! Letters are the best gifts for our military! They lift their spirits and let them know they are loved and appreciated As we've spent more time apart thru the years and with 3 kids I thank God for technology!
When Sean had to live in Turkey for a year or was deployed to IRAQ we were able to use the computers to keep in touch. Email and Skype kept my husband close to me and up to date on everything with our three kids. He is now stationed in Fayetteville at the University of Arkansas with the Air Force ROTC.
My husband and family have sacrificed a lot over the last 20 years but the Air Force has given us so much along the way. I am so proud of my husband for serving his country.”
-- Submitted by Rachel Kreps
“My daddy was in WWII. My mother was in high school participating in a "drawing" for names to be pen pals with soldiers. She drew someone else's name but traded for Vernie Bartlett's name. For three years they wrote each other, having never met. When he returned to the USA, he immediately went to see his "pen pal". Five dates later, they were engaged. They were happily married 52 years before he passed away. It all started due to "letters home".”
--Submitted by Rosemary Butler
Check back in later this week to read the grand prize entry, and don’t forget to grab your tickets to Letters Home!
WOW. That's all we can say after last night's performance of Shrek the Musical. It was opening night, the hall was full, and the laughs were plenty! Check out our audience review, and we know you won't want to miss your chance to see this show while it's in Northwest Arkansas!
All your favorite characters were there; Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, Gingy - were you?
If you didn't make it last night, fear not! Shrek the Musical will be here through Sunday, November 4 and there is still time to get your tickets.
Here's a few comments we received after the show on our 10x10 sticky note reviews:
Thanks so much to everyone that came out for this amazing show! We always have a great time at our 10x10 Arts Series performances, with all the pre- and post-show activities, the fun drinks and our wonderful patrons.
Eileen Ivers & Immigrant SoulOur next show on the series is Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul on Thursday, November 15 at 7pm. If you haven't experienced a 10x10 show, we encourage you to grab a friend & come check it out. After all, with tickets starting at just $10, you don't have much to lose, but you have a lot to gain!
The leaves are changing, the weather is unpredictable, and spooky scenes are out in full force, so you know what that means?Halloween is just around the corner! And what goes better with Halloween than a big, green ogre? Shrek the Musical will be here October 30 - November 4, and we want to make sure you're ready for the show!
With the cooler weather, is there any better way to get in the Shrek spirit than baking your very own gingerbread men? We didn’t think so!
Gingy from Shrek the MusicalThe best ingredient in this recipe is a heaping spoon of attitude, so start channeling your inner fairy tale creature and let these delicious cookies transform you from angry ogre to sassy human in just one bite!
Once you’re snuggled up with your gingerbread men and a large glass of milk, try tackling these word scrambles and see if you’ve got your Shrek lingo down.
We’re very excited to kick off the Broadway series with such an entertaining show, and we can’t wait to see everyone in the hall. We'd love to see your costume, and encourage you to dress up any day you're coming to the show! To sweeten the offer, we'll be handing out a treat to everyone that dresses up for the show! Just stop by our box office when you're here, and they'll have your treat ready.
Shrek the MusicalTo find out more about this run of Shrek the Musical, and all the activities that will be going on during the week, visit our website. See all you ogres and ogresses next week!
Yesterday we got to learn a little more about actress Jane Carr who will be playing Mrs. Bennet in L.A. Theatre Works' "Pride and Prejudice" this Friday.
Today we're talking to actor Nicholas Hormann who will play Mr. Bennet in this run of "Pride and Prejudice." Hormann has been in multiple television shows over the years, including "Seinfeld," "Parks & Recreation," "Desperate Housewives," "Bones," "Frasier," and "The West Wing."
Mr. Hormann was kind enough to take the time to answer some of our questions, and we're happy to share them with you today!
1. Fill in the blank; Theater is _____?
Holy
2. Is there something you enjoy collecting?
Coffee mugs of the theaters I've played in.
3. What has been a memorable place to perform and why?
The Barrymore Theatre, the Eugene O'Neill Theatre and the Helen Hayes Theatre on Broadway.
4. Is there a dish you love to cook when you are home?
Pesto with basil from the garden--served on almost anything, except ice cream.
5. Was there some great advice you received as you began your artistic journey?
Don't compare yourself to others.
6. What profession other than yours would you most like to attempt?
Music (piano). Or writer of short fiction.
If you'd like to see Mr. Hormann in "Pride and Prejudice" this Friday, we advise you act quickly as tickets are going fast. Hope to see you at the show!
You know we like to fill you in on who will be performing in our 10x10 Arts Series shows, and this time around we'll be in the company of some actors you will probably recognize.
Jane CarrYou know how we roll around here when it comes to our 10x10 shows; we like to give our visiting actors the third degree. Kidding! But really, we do like to pick their brains about a variety of topics. Carr took the time to answer a few questions for us, and here they are for your reading pleasure!
1. Fill in the blank; Theater is _________?
Occasionally very good.
2. Is there something you enjoy collecting?
No, not much of a collector. I like antiquing though.
3. What has been a memorable place to perform and why?
Wyndhams Theatre London. My first West End show. I think the prettiest theatre I ever performed in was The New Amsterdam on Broadway.
4. Is there a dish you love to cook when you are home?
I love to bake almost anything.
5. Was there some great advice you received as you began your artistic journey?
Watch older, established actors and learn from them.
6. What profession other than yours would you most like to attempt?
The list could go on forever. The nice thing about acting is that you get to pretend to have a million professions.
Check back here tomorrow to find out the other recognizable actor that will visit Northwest Arkansas this Friday, October 26 for L.A. Theatre Works' "Pride and Prejudice!"
After 43 seasons, the Tokyo String Quartet announced that 2012-13 would be their final season together. This group was officially formed at Juilliard School of Music in 1969 by founding members Kikuei Ikeda, violin and Kazuhide Isomura, viola. Other members include Martin Beaver, violin and Clive Greensmith, cello. We're happy to host them on their final tour this Friday, October 19 at 8pm.
Tokyo String QuartetTokyo String Quartet has played venues all across the globe, and has been featured on numerous television shows including "CBS Sunday Morning," PBS's "Great Performances," and even "Sesame Street."
They took time out of their busy tour schedule to answer a few questions for us, and we're happy to share them with you!
1. How many countries have you performed in? Have you performed in every state?
We have performed in over 30 countries and all but two of the states here in North America
2. How do you best introduce new audiences to chamber music?
We try to program wisely, choosing pieces that we feel are relevant, that have a strong message for the public. We work with living composers and have commissioned many new pieces that have now become mainstream works in the quartet repertoire. We participate in a good deal of educational outreach and we are constantly working with young ensembles, helping them to forge their own distinctive styles. When we feel it appropriate, we give pre-concert talks and always encourage listeners to come backstage to ask us questions after the performance. We are always open to exploring different kinds of performance formats, open rehearsals, more informal venues, etc.
3. What will you miss most about each other when you retire?
Sharing a beer together after a successful concert! The rehearsal process, though occasionally thorny, can be an invigorating and stimulating experience. We will miss the exploration of new repertoire and of course the chance to revisit some of the most compelling masterworks ever written.
4. Any surprising musical inspirations?
We all love our teachers, Henrky Szeryng, Ivan Galamian, Victor Danchenko, Robert Mann and the members of the Juilliard Quartet (from the 1960s) Dorothy Delay, Hideo Saito, Donald McCall and Boris Pergamenschikow. More surprising might be the creativity and originality of Frank Zappa! We all read widely, some of us are enthusiastic film buffs and for Clive, the German tenor Fritz Wunderlich is a huge inspiration.
5. What has been the biggest challenge as a group?
We have had several member changes, so the process of integration has certainly taken a good deal of patience and commitment. Keeping our performance standard at an extremely high level and managing a broad repertoire requires a huge amount of effort. You are only as good as your last concert.
Tokyo String Quartet 6. Less music, what other talents do you possess; what do you do in your 'spare' time?
Martin is an enthusiastic golfer and aviation buff. Kazu and Kikuei are passionate Yankees fans. Clive enjoys cooking.
7. If you had only 60 minutes left on earth and had to spend it playing one pop song over & over, what would that song be?
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody.
8. Do you have a favorite sport or team that you enjoy watching and supporting?
New York Yankees!
9. What profession other than yours would you most like to attempt?
Martin - an airline pilot. Clive - winemaker. Kazu - violinist
10. Is there something you enjoy collecting?
Kikuei - Japanese prints. Martin - model airplanes.
We hope you'll join us this Friday, October 19 as we witness one of the greatest quartets on their farewell tour. Come early for a pre-show creative conversation at 7pm with all the members of the Tokyo String Quartet. See you there!
Exciting news is coming out of Northwest Arkansas! Just in time for National Arts and Humanities month, Americans for the Arts has released the economic impact results for nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Northwest Arkansas. At an Arts & Prosperity breakfast this morning, Walton Arts Center officials reviewed the study results and discussed the impact on the community.
Arts & culture organizations generated $46 million in total economic impact in 2010, the year the study was conducted, compared to the previous study in 2005 that reported an economic impact of $16 million. That means during five shorts years and a down economy, the impact of the arts has almost tripled in NWA!
NWA arts and culture also generated $4 million in government revenue and supported 1,488 full-time equivalent jobs; almost double that of similarly sized regions. Even the total economic impact of $46 million was $5 million higher than in similar study regions. The study also showed that an arts attendee spends an average of $20 beyond the cost of their admission.
Arts and culture also have a tremendous opportunity to grow as a form of cultural tourism. On average, non-residents spend $36 on lodging, restaurants and transportation. The research showed that 76% of audiences surveyed at arts events said the event was the primary purpose for their trip.
Mike Malone of the Northwest Arkansas Council was among the speakers who discussed the significance of the findings. The Northwest Arkansas Council deals with infrastructure, and highways and water are typically what people associate with them, he said. However, when it comes to recruiting good businesses and talent to NWA, the area’s social and cultural infrastructure become equally important. “All of it matters greatly to building a better Northwest Arkansas,” he said.
Our President and CEO Peter B. Lane said a few words as well. "We have a large vision here at Walton Arts Center as we look forward to the expansion of our Fayetteville campus, the construction of a new facility in Bentonville and finding a permanent home for the AMP. If NWA arts and culture organizations have tripled their impact in the last five years, then what great things can we accomplish in the next five?"
Our next 10x10 Arts Series show is just around the corner; Caravanserai: Majid Bekkas Gnawa Ensemble with Brahim Fribgane. If you're anything like me, you're looking at that first word wondering how to even pronounce it, let alone figure out what it means. Let me break it down for you phonetically: Kara-van-sir-eye. There, see? It's not that hard. :)
Majid Bekkas Gnawa EnsembleNow, let's talk about what it means. From their website: Caravanserai: A place where cultures meet creates new pathways for Americans to experience the diversity of contemporary Muslim artistic expressions by introducing U.S. audiences to exciting and dynamic artists from the Muslim world. Sounds pretty interesting, right?
We're very much looking forward to hosting this performance next Thursday, October 18 at Walton Arts Center. They are only traveling to four places in the United States this year (Tennessee, North Dakota, Minnesota and Arkansas)!
Brahim FribganeAs per usual, we like to find out more about these artists before they arrive. There were so many things we wanted to ask, but alas, we had to temper ourselves to make sure we don't overwhelm them. :) Read on to find out more about the artists behind Caravanserai: Majid Bekkas Gnawa Ensemble with Brahim Fribgane.
1. What are you most looking forward to on this US Tour?
Majid - The chance to share my culture and my community with American people and to let them discover our music and way of life - the things they cannot learn in books or through movies or television.
Brahim - Looking forward to sharing the art and music that I learned back home. And to connect with American audiences in terms of seeing us differently than how the media portrays us. I want to share with happiness because whatever you feel in music we all feel it together. We are the same inside.
2. What size of audiences and whom do you typically perform for in Morocco?
Majid – Mostly festivals with many young people - some have thousands of peope like the Essaouria Gnawa World Music Festival which can have as many as 50,000 in the audience. Sometimes I do concerts in theatres and special places for people that know about music like teachers and students at universities in Morocco that are much more intimate. I alos perform in jazz clubs in Europe.
Brahim – I performed with Hassan Hakmoun and Peter Gabriel at Woodstock in 1994 and some big festivals in Europe. I also do a lot of jazz clubs and more intimate setting with with my jazz group Club d’Elf and Medeski, Martin and Wood and a band called Moving Picture with Adam Rudoloph.
3. Explain the tradition of twirling the hat? Why do only men do it - is it a religious act or just something fun to do?
It is not a religious act like a dervish. It is not about connecting with the divine or achieving a trance or anything. It is just fun. It is to make people smile and add color to the performance. One legend goes that the first slave emancipated by Mohammed named Bilal was asked to be the first mushin (the person who calls people to prayer). Mohammed’s cousin Ali was having trouble with his wife and Bilal created the quarqabs (the castanet we play)and the twirly hat to sing and dance and make them happy to bring Ali and his wife back together.
4. What is your most favorite Moroccan dish/meal to prepare?
Majid - My specialty is fish tagine cooked with tomatoes, garlic and olive oil spiced with cumin, pepper, paprika, lemons and parsley.
Brahim – sfinge it is a fried bread like a donut that makes me think of home. Mint tea with sugar too.
Other members of the ensemble: Sidi Abellfattah El Houssaini likes ice cream vanilla, Fath Allah Chaouki likes shell fish, Abdelhafid Oummane likes couscous with chicken and vegetables, Mesbah Chaouki likes bouzroug (mussels), and Abdessadek Bounhar likes everything…he is an “every-terian.” (<--ha! We love this!)
5. How did you learn how to play your instrument? When?
Majid - I learned to play guembri in Sale where I was born with a master named Bahaman. I started playing guenbri and banjo when I was fourteen in the early seventies. There was a band called Nass Ghiwane known as “The Beatles of Morocco” that inspired me.
Brahim - I was thirteen or fourteen. I was born in Casablanca and I was influenced also by Nass Ghiwane. The first instrument I learned was harmonica because of Bollywood movies I saw often at the cinema when I was a kid.
6. What are 3 goals of your performances? What do you want audiences to walk away with?
Majid – First to have the audience accept and enjoy it, the second is if we can have people sing and participate with us like clap or whatnot we feel like we are sharing, and third to bring the message of love and peace in this world. Musicians are the best ambassadors.
Brahim – First to tell people that Muslims are not only what they see on tv and read in the papers - burning flags and being violent. We are people of peace like them. Also that people will learn about my amazing culture and my language and my tribe from the Souss or South part of Morocco, and third that we are making peace with music and music with peace.
7. What makes you unique from other performers?
Brahim - Every musician plays with his own hands, and his own life influences. That is what makes me unique. Your roots and experiences make you “you” and this makes the sound you play or the song you sing unique.
Majid Bekkas Gnawa Ensemble in Morocco. Photo by Hassan Abdellaoui.
8. Do you have any superstitions or backstage rituals, before you go on stage?
Everything that we do we say “bismillah” before we eat, before we put on our clothes in the morning, before we do anything. It is a blessing and a prayer and it means “in the name of God.”
9. Is there something you enjoy collecting?
Abdelfattah {ensemble member} collects percussion instruments and noisemakers. We all like to fish, and play soccer.
10. Was there some great advice you received as you began your artistic journey?
Brahim- The great musician Ali Farka Toure told me “whenever you play your instrument, be yourself, do not try to be anyone else. “
Majid – When I released my album African Gnoua Blues I received a call from from famous American jazz legend Archie Shepp and he told me “You are in the right direction. Now I understand how near gnawa is to the blues and jazz.” Then he invited me to play with him in Paris!
11. What profession other than yours would you most like to attempt?
Abdelfattah - ice cream maker
Brahim - When I was young I wanted to be a merchant marine so I could sail and see the world.
Abdelhafid – carpenter
Mesbah – electrician
Abdessadek – sales…business
Fath Allah - only gnawa nothing else
Majid – teacher…but I want to me a musician all my life.
Turns out we're not too different from our friends across the globe. I mean, who doesn't like ice cream? Come join us for their performance on October 18, and don't forget to come early for the pre-show conversation at 6pm!
If you'd like to find out more about Caravanserai, please visit their website.
We are celebrating our 20th anniversary here in Northwest Arkansas, and the old saying "time flies when you're having fun" seems to ring true to us during this time. It hardly seems that its been 20 years since we opened our doors to the community, let alone that some of our employees have been here for just as many years (be sure to tell them how youthful they look. :) )!
To commemorate and preserve our history, Walton Arts Center commissioned local artist, Kathy Thompson to create an original project.
Kathy Thompson's work in progress for WAC. Taken at Thompson's studio in Fayetteville.Kathy Thompson has become known for her H Boxes, mixed-media boxes that arrange treasured artifacts into dynamic and resonant compositions. These richly textured and inventive works explore the intersection of objects, history, memory, and the formal language of assemblage.
Without much direction from Walton Arts Center, Ms. Thompson undertook the task of rummaging through our archived materials, as well as conducting interviews with staff, patrons and others in the local arts community.
"Broadway" photo by Ironside PhotographyWhat came out of Thompson's hours and hours of research were 20 beautiful boxes that encompass not on Walton Arts Center's history, but also some history (and nods to the future) of Northwest Arkansas.
Our staff and Ms. Thompson are hard at work installing this exhibition, titled "20 Years," in our gallery for an event we're hosting this Thursday, October 4; "Treasures & History: A Gallery Open House" from 5:30pm - 8pm. Please join us as we unveil this project that has been "20 Years" in the making!
Moving day! Kathy's boxes getting prepped for installation
We recently unveiled new concepts that would add 30,000 square feet of space to the Walton Arts Center Fayetteville campus at an estimated cost of $20 million. The vision includes an expanded lobby and plaza plus additional seating and a dedicated entrance for Starr Theater. This creates a vibrant streetscape, allows for more performances and special events and attracts more people to the entertainment district. Please keep in mind that these are just renderings of the project to show you the size and scope. Design elements will come later.
We couldn't be more excited about getting started on this project, and you may be wondering exactly what our timeline is for this expansion. We will have to see how things play out with fundraising and design, but we are ready to move! Our preliminary timeline looks like this:
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's talk about what will be included in the Fayetteville expansion:
Nearly 30,000 additional gross square feet of space including:
New main lobby that connects the Center to Dickson Street
Larger lobby to accommodate crowds for major events
Expanded concessions and lobby amenities
Additional restrooms
Outdoor covered plaza that creates synergy with Dickson Street
New special event spaces
Expansion and renovation of Starr Theater
New separate entrance plaza and dedicated lobby
Additional theater seating – Increase seating capacity from 165 to 250
Window to new plaza allows natural light into the room
Creates divisible room for more flexible event and performance space
Additional backstage support spaces to meet current and future needs of artists
New dressing rooms and stage storage
New production offices for visiting and local crew
Catering kitchen
Storage for instruments, pianos and electrics
Maintenance shop
New lighting system in Baum Walker Hall
Reconfiguration of Rosen Memorial Rose Garden/Bradberry Amphitheater
New access to garden from main lobby
New event space for indoor/outdoor events in garden
Option to cover garden
Expansion of WAC’s main administrative offices
Additional space to house WAC’s expanding staff
Conference room and office support space
Are you still with us? It's a lot to take in, but we are dedicated to ensuring our facilities further our mission to bring great performing artists and entertainers to Northwest Arkansas, and to being an active and dynamic part of the Dickson Street entertainment district. We know what this expansion means to us, but let's talk about what impact it will have on our community:
More shows and events on Dickson Street at all times of the day
A renovated Walton Arts Center with an expanded lobby, more special event space, and additional backstage support facilities, means more shows and events and more people coming to Dickson Street
Starr theater’s larger capacity allows it to be used for more types of performances
Separate lobby for Starr Theater means performances can seamlessly take place in both theaters at the same time
New event space throughout the complex meets NWA’s growing need for meeting, conference and special event space, bringing people to Dickson Street at varying times of the day
A new streetscape on Dickson Street that further invigorates downtown
New main lobby and plaza become an active part of the streetscape
The Expansion compliments new and exciting developments in the downtown, including the remodeled Town Center and the Chancellor Hotel, cementing Downtown Fayetteville as an event and entertainment destination
More people coming to performances and events bring increased economic development to Fayetteville
WAC’s expanded main offices contribute to the downtown daytime economy
Better facilities for touring artists
More storage and production space to accommodate touring companies’ larger casts, crews and sets
New lighting system to keep up with changing technology
Increased opportunities for local arts groups
More performance opportunities for local groups in the facility
Better space and equipment
After reviewing our preliminary expansion timeline, what the project will include and how it will impact our community, we have a bird's eye view of what our campus would look like. As most of you probably know, the City of Fayetteville is also planning to build a parking deck on or around the Walton Arts Center campus. The architecture firm that we're working with made a rendering of what our campus would look like both with the parking deck on our lot, and with the deck on an adjacent lot.
As we mentioned above, we are thrilled about this project and what it means for our community. We hope that you are as well. You can find more information about our vision for Walton Arts Center on our website.
We would love to hear what you think - leave your comments below!
You guys! It's taken us nearly a week to get over all the fun we had at our first show of the 10x10 Arts Series this season, Plena Libre.
There was a great turnout to the 6pm creative conversation with Gary Nunez, Founder, Director and Bass player of Plena Libre. Then we turned it up a few notches, and got the {dance} party started at 7pm. Can we just say that you guys really know how to shake it? We absolutely loved seeing everyone on the dance floor!
The music was great, the dance floor was fun, but you guys really brought the house down. Thanks to everyone that joined us last week for Plena Libre!
Here are a few comments we received from you after the show:
Plena Libre is the first show on our 10x10 Arts Series this year, and we couldn't be more excited to kick-off the series with this fun, engaging group! Plena Libre will be at Walton Arts Center on Thursday, September 20 at 7pm. We guarantee their music will have you wanting to jump out of your seat and dance along. Guess what? We anticipated that, and we've added a dance floor in our hall during the performance!
The sound of Plena Libre is the modern, forward-looking sound of Puerto Rico, yet at the same time it is firmly rooted in Puerto Rico’s musical traditions. The plena and bomba are at the core of the compositional structure of the songs and the instrumental lineup, which includes the panderos – the hand-held drums used in the traditional plena; it is also at the core of the singing style of Plena Libre’s soneros, who have been brought up on Afro-Rican sung traditions.
PanderoIf you've been following our blog, you know that we like to pick the brains of our 10x10 artists, and this year is no different! We caught up with Gary Nuñez, Founder, Director and Bass player of Plena Libre to ask him a few questions.
1. What is the difference between plena, bomba and salsa music?
They are completely different music. They have different rhythmic patterns that sustain the melodies and arrangement and singing approach. Salsa roots are Cuban. Plena and Bomba come from Puerto Rico. Bomba is actually one name under which around 20 different rhythms exist. Nevertheless, they do share a common African root as many of the music in this hemisphere like in U.S., Colombia, Mexico, Panama, etc.
2. How is plena music received in other Latin American countries?
Plena Libre’s performances and recordings, have been very well received by the public and received great reviews by the critics everywhere we've performed including, U.S., Europe, Morocco and Malaysia (check our web page for quotes).
3. What’s the one thing you want all audiences to remember about Plena Libre after the concert?
A moment of sharing, happiness and joy!
4. What’s your favorite style of Latino dance? Why? Where did you learn it?
PLENA! ! Many times over. Basic steps are simple, you can do it on your own, with your partner, or just in a choreography with a bunch of people! While doing it with your partner you can then go into more complicated steps that look great!!
5. If you had to describe your music in 3 words what would they be? Why?
New, energetic, and joyful. My approach as a composer and arranger has been and is, to keep the basic traditional rhythms, but renew them with the influences of contemporary music from the world, thus creating a "new plena". Our music, and our shows, are full of lots of energy that starts from the stage and gets to the audience, creating a beautiful circle of energy, that in turn creates emotions of sharing and joy.
6. What is the oddest thing someone has given you during/after a performance?
Oh I'd rather not say!
7. Was there some great advice you received as you began your artistic journey?
Always follow your intuition, as source of knowledge fill with experience and not that contaminated with the rational thinking process, which should be applied later, to achieve your goals. As for music, practice, practice, and listen, listen, listen!
8. Is there a dish you love to cook when you are home?
I'm an expert on scramble eggs!!!! with cheese, ham, and a touch of ketchup ( they do that in the city of Ponce, south of Puerto Rico)
9. What profession other than yours would you most like to attempt?
I've been lucky to work in radio, press, social work, etc. during my forming years. As for another profession I really do like Law, because there’s so much good you could do for others.
10. Where’s your favorite place to travel?
Besides Puerto Rico (to know my country and its people) I do enjoy everywhere we go. It is just the experience of learning that there are so many different ways to live and see life.
11. Did you watch the Olympics? What was your favorite sport?
I did, some of the sports. Track and field (I'm a runner) because there was a Puerto Rican, that is the current world champion of the diamond league of track and field (400 meters with obstacles), Javier Culson. He was hurt when he ran, but nevertheless, got a Bronze medal. Basketball and swimming (amazing!).
Plena Libre - that's Gary Nunez in the white pantsI don't know about you guys, but I'm dying to know the answer to #6! Come to the show on September 20, and maybe you can find Gary during the post-show activities and see if he'll clue you in on this little secret. Hope to see you all there!
Kylend Hetherington (Billy) and Rich Hebert (Dad) in “Billy Elliot the Musical.” Photo by Kyle Froman
