Socorro – Jul 30, 2006: The New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series begins its 2006-2007 season on Sept. 8 with a bluegrass concert and ends the year bringing back America Legend Arlo Guthrie for his fourth appearance at Macey Center on Tuesday, May 1.
http://sonewmex.com/images/nmtpas1.jpg
In between those two concerts, the season offers a diverse genre of music, acting and performing artists sure to delight audiences and enrich their lives.
Ronna Kalish, PAS director and presenter, always lines up a season full of highly acclaimed musicians and actors, introducing audiences to some of the best performers in the nation – all at ticket prices under $20.
It’s an amazing deal when you consider the venue: Macey Center’s great acoustics combined with excellent seating throughout the 600-plus seat auditorium makes it easy to see and enjoy all the shows.
"This is a wonderful way to come to Socorro, see a show at Macey and then visit the Bosque or the VLA or other great places in the vicinity," says PAS Director Ronna Kalish. "All the wonderful things about Socorro aren’t necessarily found by driving down California Street. You have to dig a little deeper and you find the Bosque del Apache, Very Large Array, biking trails, historic tours– there’s lots to see and do."
From the first to the last season’s concert, the PAS year promises to be great:
Bearfoot Bluegrass (Sept. 8), was booked specifically to coincide with the Socorro Fest, (See story, page 4 ). The group is a fast rising, young acoustic band which features powerful, emotive vocals, touching arrangements and instrumental excellence backed by solid rhythm. They play traditional bluegrass and original jazzy compositions, captivating audiences across the nation. Bearfoot Bluegrass won the 2001 Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition.
http://sonewmex.com/images/nmtpas2.jpg
And Arlo Guthrie needs no introduction. "I feel like he’s an American legend," says Kalish. "People like him. Every survey I take, they ask for him back. Even students who don’t really know him, recognize the name."
Arlo likes to come to New Mexico – and we’re glad he likes to include Socorro during his tours here. (Steppin’ Out is also very happy to help sponsor this year’s show.)
Season tickets are available by calling the PAS office, 505-835-5688 or check out their website: www.nmtpas.org (http://www.nmtpas.org/) for more information.
By the way, PAS is a non profit group and as such is always looking for funding support and for volunteers to help take tickets, etc. PAS also has established a foundation for educational and musical support for those who really want their dollars to make a difference.
Here’s a look at the rest of the season:
http://sonewmex.com/images/nmtpas3.jpg
Friday, Sept. 29: The Shangri-la Chinese Acrobats
Their multi-faceted and multi-cultural production features dazzling acrobatic displays, formidable feats of daring and balance, explosive Kung Fu.
Friday, Oct. 13: The Lovell Sisters, featuring young and talented musicians with tight harmonies singing an innovative fusion of country, folk, and contemporary acoustic music.
This five-piece band, based in Calhoun, GA, won NPR’s "A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor" National Teen Talent Competition in February, 2005. The band was also featured on TBS Storyline’s "Backstage Pass". In May 2006, Rebecca became the first female to win the MerleFest International Mandolin Competition.
Friday, Nov. 17: Dervish.
Dervish has long stood at the forefront of traditional Irish groups. From high energy tunes played with intuitive fluidity to beautifully measured songs, from charming lyrics of life and love to inspiring melodies that lift audiences from their seats, Dervish has enchanted audiences from the Great Wall of China to a packed stadium in the Holy Land and to Rock in Rio.
Ten years since first coming together and with four of the original members still at the helm, Dervish is more in demand than ever. Their colorful career has taken them to every corner of the globe and has seen them share centre stage with such names as James Brown, The Buena Vista Social Club, Oasis, Sting, REM, Beck and many more.
Fri. through Sun., Dec. 1-3: Christmas Carol
A musical production of the classic Dickens tale featuring Socorro thespians and musicians. Directed by Dr. Eileen Comstock, this "is exciting because it’s locally produced. We have wonderful talent here in Socorro," says Director Kalish. It’s also a first for PAS – a three day engagement.
Friday, Feb. 2: Viver Brasil
The multi-award-winning Viver Brasil Dance Company creates riveting and passionate Brazilian dance to explore ancient and contemporary art forms and the spiritual strength of Brazilian culture. Under the guidance of co-artistic directors, Luiz Badaró and Linda Yudin, the company has developed a body of work that fuses passionate Afro-Brazilian dance, stunning costumes, and exuberant live percussion and vocals. They have performed in numerous venues and their residencies range from the University of Capetown to Florida and North Carolina.
Tuesday, Feb. 27: Imani Winds
The five accomplished musicians of Imani Winds joined forces in 1997 to expand the boundaries of the traditional wind quintet and explore the links between European, African and American music traditions. The name Imani, "faith" in Swahili, embodies this mission. In their time together, this young ensemble of African/Latin American heritage has established a distinct presence in the classical music world for dynamic playing, innovative programming, and inspirational outreach programs, which often explore the culture and heritage of the African Diaspora while introducing Western classical traditions to diverse classroom audiences. Their repertoire ranges from Mendelssohn to Paqito d’Rivera and Fred Ho – Imani Winds actively seek to bring new music into the wind quintet literature. The ensemble has adopted new textures and sounds into the quintet by employing folk influences and percussive elements, and through collaborations with other notable musicians.
Friday, March 23: Via Nuevo Mexico, commissioned by Popejoy and produced by Noberta Fresquez (of Mariachi Spectacular fame), this concert will feature New Mexican talent in performing the history of music and dance in New Mexico, including Aztec dancers, flute music, ballet folklorico and mariachi band, flamenco dance and music and cowboy music.
Saturday, April 21: Niyaz
Vas vocalist Azam Ali, multi-instrumentalist Loga Ramin Torkian, and producer/remixer Carmen Rizzo have joined forces to create a sound they call "world music for the 21st century." Known collectively as Niyaz, the trio’s music represents the best of both traditional world music and electronic music. All three of these musicians have built impressive individual careers. With an ethereal, beguiling sound that evokes centuries of women’s voices from medieval Europe to the modern Middle East, Azam Ali is best known as half of the best-selling duo Vas (with percussionist Greg Ellis). Billboard said: "Ali’s voice is a glorious, unforgettable instrument." Loga Ramin Torkian, whose band Axiom of Choice has won much critical acclaim, is deeply involved with the music of his homeland, Iran. He is accomplished on the guitar, the Turkish saz and electric guitarviol (a 14th century European bowed guitar), a traditional Persian lute, as well as other Turkish and Kurdish instruments., Carmen Rizzo, a two-time Grammy Award nominee, has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, electronically producing and remixing their sounds.
Tuesday, May 1: Arlo Guthrie of Alice’s Restaurant fame whose title song premiered at the Newport Folk Festival and helped to foster a new commitment among the ‘60s generation to social consciousness and activism. With songs like "Alice’s Restaurant", too long for radio airplay; "Coming into Los Angeles", banned from many radio stations (but a favorite at the 1969 Woodstock Festival); and the definitive rendition of Steve Goodman’s "City of New Orleans", Guthrie was no One-Hit-Wonder. An artist of international stature, he has never had a hit in the usual sense but continues to be a crowd fav with his music, jokes and good humor.
In addition to the subscription season, PAS also offers free Presidential Chamber Music Series. Led by Willy Sucre, the season this year will include a guest appearance by Awadagin Pratt, the virtuoso pianist in a Friday, Jan. 26 concert. The series, sponsored by Tech President Dan Lopez begins Sept. 23 and features Adam Gonzales.
For more information and tickets call the PAS office, 505-835-5688 or check out their website: www.nmtpas.org (http://www.nmtpas.org/)
By PenGwen
© 2006 SoNewMex.com - Reprint Permission Granted
Socorro – Jul 30, 2006: The New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series begins its 2006-2007 season on Sept. 8 with a bluegrass concert and ends the year bringing back America Legend Arlo Guthrie for his fourth appearance at Macey Center on Tuesday, May 1.
http://sonewmex.com/images/nmtpas1.jpg
In between those two concerts, the season offers a diverse genre of music, acting and performing artists sure to delight audiences and enrich their lives.
Ronna Kalish, PAS director and presenter, always lines up a season full of highly acclaimed musicians and actors, introducing audiences to some of the best performers in the nation – all at ticket prices under $20.
It’s an amazing deal when you consider the venue: Macey Center’s great acoustics combined with excellent seating throughout the 600-plus seat auditorium makes it easy to see and enjoy all the shows.
"This is a wonderful way to come to Socorro, see a show at Macey and then visit the Bosque or the VLA or other great places in the vicinity," says PAS Director Ronna Kalish. "All the wonderful things about Socorro aren’t necessarily found by driving down California Street. You have to dig a little deeper and you find the Bosque del Apache, Very Large Array, biking trails, historic tours– there’s lots to see and do."
From the first to the last season’s concert, the PAS year promises to be great:
Bearfoot Bluegrass (Sept. 8), was booked specifically to coincide with the Socorro Fest, (See story, page 4 ). The group is a fast rising, young acoustic band which features powerful, emotive vocals, touching arrangements and instrumental excellence backed by solid rhythm. They play traditional bluegrass and original jazzy compositions, captivating audiences across the nation. Bearfoot Bluegrass won the 2001 Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition.
http://sonewmex.com/images/nmtpas2.jpg
And Arlo Guthrie needs no introduction. "I feel like he’s an American legend," says Kalish. "People like him. Every survey I take, they ask for him back. Even students who don’t really know him, recognize the name."
Arlo likes to come to New Mexico – and we’re glad he likes to include Socorro during his tours here. (Steppin’ Out is also very happy to help sponsor this year’s show.)
Season tickets are available by calling the PAS office, 505-835-5688 or check out their website: www.nmtpas.org (http://www.nmtpas.org/) for more information.
By the way, PAS is a non profit group and as such is always looking for funding support and for volunteers to help take tickets, etc. PAS also has established a foundation for educational and musical support for those who really want their dollars to make a difference.
Here’s a look at the rest of the season:
http://sonewmex.com/images/nmtpas3.jpg
Friday, Sept. 29: The Shangri-la Chinese Acrobats
Their multi-faceted and multi-cultural production features dazzling acrobatic displays, formidable feats of daring and balance, explosive Kung Fu.
Friday, Oct. 13: The Lovell Sisters, featuring young and talented musicians with tight harmonies singing an innovative fusion of country, folk, and contemporary acoustic music.
This five-piece band, based in Calhoun, GA, won NPR’s "A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor" National Teen Talent Competition in February, 2005. The band was also featured on TBS Storyline’s "Backstage Pass". In May 2006, Rebecca became the first female to win the MerleFest International Mandolin Competition.
Friday, Nov. 17: Dervish.
Dervish has long stood at the forefront of traditional Irish groups. From high energy tunes played with intuitive fluidity to beautifully measured songs, from charming lyrics of life and love to inspiring melodies that lift audiences from their seats, Dervish has enchanted audiences from the Great Wall of China to a packed stadium in the Holy Land and to Rock in Rio.
Ten years since first coming together and with four of the original members still at the helm, Dervish is more in demand than ever. Their colorful career has taken them to every corner of the globe and has seen them share centre stage with such names as James Brown, The Buena Vista Social Club, Oasis, Sting, REM, Beck and many more.
Fri. through Sun., Dec. 1-3: Christmas Carol
A musical production of the classic Dickens tale featuring Socorro thespians and musicians. Directed by Dr. Eileen Comstock, this "is exciting because it’s locally produced. We have wonderful talent here in Socorro," says Director Kalish. It’s also a first for PAS – a three day engagement.
Friday, Feb. 2: Viver Brasil
The multi-award-winning Viver Brasil Dance Company creates riveting and passionate Brazilian dance to explore ancient and contemporary art forms and the spiritual strength of Brazilian culture. Under the guidance of co-artistic directors, Luiz Badaró and Linda Yudin, the company has developed a body of work that fuses passionate Afro-Brazilian dance, stunning costumes, and exuberant live percussion and vocals. They have performed in numerous venues and their residencies range from the University of Capetown to Florida and North Carolina.
Tuesday, Feb. 27: Imani Winds
The five accomplished musicians of Imani Winds joined forces in 1997 to expand the boundaries of the traditional wind quintet and explore the links between European, African and American music traditions. The name Imani, "faith" in Swahili, embodies this mission. In their time together, this young ensemble of African/Latin American heritage has established a distinct presence in the classical music world for dynamic playing, innovative programming, and inspirational outreach programs, which often explore the culture and heritage of the African Diaspora while introducing Western classical traditions to diverse classroom audiences. Their repertoire ranges from Mendelssohn to Paqito d’Rivera and Fred Ho – Imani Winds actively seek to bring new music into the wind quintet literature. The ensemble has adopted new textures and sounds into the quintet by employing folk influences and percussive elements, and through collaborations with other notable musicians.
Friday, March 23: Via Nuevo Mexico, commissioned by Popejoy and produced by Noberta Fresquez (of Mariachi Spectacular fame), this concert will feature New Mexican talent in performing the history of music and dance in New Mexico, including Aztec dancers, flute music, ballet folklorico and mariachi band, flamenco dance and music and cowboy music.
Saturday, April 21: Niyaz
Vas vocalist Azam Ali, multi-instrumentalist Loga Ramin Torkian, and producer/remixer Carmen Rizzo have joined forces to create a sound they call "world music for the 21st century." Known collectively as Niyaz, the trio’s music represents the best of both traditional world music and electronic music. All three of these musicians have built impressive individual careers. With an ethereal, beguiling sound that evokes centuries of women’s voices from medieval Europe to the modern Middle East, Azam Ali is best known as half of the best-selling duo Vas (with percussionist Greg Ellis). Billboard said: "Ali’s voice is a glorious, unforgettable instrument." Loga Ramin Torkian, whose band Axiom of Choice has won much critical acclaim, is deeply involved with the music of his homeland, Iran. He is accomplished on the guitar, the Turkish saz and electric guitarviol (a 14th century European bowed guitar), a traditional Persian lute, as well as other Turkish and Kurdish instruments., Carmen Rizzo, a two-time Grammy Award nominee, has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, electronically producing and remixing their sounds.
Tuesday, May 1: Arlo Guthrie of Alice’s Restaurant fame whose title song premiered at the Newport Folk Festival and helped to foster a new commitment among the ‘60s generation to social consciousness and activism. With songs like "Alice’s Restaurant", too long for radio airplay; "Coming into Los Angeles", banned from many radio stations (but a favorite at the 1969 Woodstock Festival); and the definitive rendition of Steve Goodman’s "City of New Orleans", Guthrie was no One-Hit-Wonder. An artist of international stature, he has never had a hit in the usual sense but continues to be a crowd fav with his music, jokes and good humor.
In addition to the subscription season, PAS also offers free Presidential Chamber Music Series. Led by Willy Sucre, the season this year will include a guest appearance by Awadagin Pratt, the virtuoso pianist in a Friday, Jan. 26 concert. The series, sponsored by Tech President Dan Lopez begins Sept. 23 and features Adam Gonzales.
For more information and tickets call the PAS office, 505-835-5688 or check out their website: www.nmtpas.org (http://www.nmtpas.org/)