or Print - Montana Performing Arts Consortium

33rd Annual
Artist Showcase
Fort Benton, Montana
January 30, 2016
MPAC is funded in part by grants from Montana’s
Cultural Trust, Montana Arts Council, Western
States Arts Federation, National Endowment for the
Arts, individual contributions, and administrative
support from Montana Arts in Bozeman.
See center of program for showcase
Schedule
Showcase I
8:30 – Delusionist Joey Pipia
One Illusion from Joey’s full show: a unique theatrical event
where wonder and the absurd are presented as one; the
audience leaves affirmed in the belief that life is profoundly
marvelous. No fancy boxes, no smoke or mirrors. Instead
it’s just the magic—straight up, fast-paced, funny and
amazing.
8:47 – The Great Bear Folk Theatre
For over 20 years, The Great Bear Folk Theatre has been
combining storytelling, theatre and folk music to create an
evening of interactive entertainment that will have you
laughing at their tandem-told versions of classic folktales,
tapping your toes to Omar’s original music, and dabbing a
tear away at Kori’s engaging personal stories. With their
extensive theatre backgrounds, stories come alive in a
unique, entertaining way. You’ll find yourself wanting to
join the storytelling movement sweeping across the country.
9:04 – Thomas Pandolfi
Thomas Pandolfi is a unique pianist who is especially at
home in the music of Beethoven, Chopin and Gershwin. His
highly popular ―themed‖ programs, many of which include
his amazing transcriptions of crossover literature, are
positively spellbinding. His equally engaging personality,
charisma and stage presence embrace the audience in the
most wonderfully captivating way. One walks away from a
Pandolfi concert with a song in one’s heart, definitely
wanting to hear more and more.
9:21 – Neal Lewing
Black Paw Music, a subsidiary of Port Polson Players, offers
a full range of educational, entertaining and uplifting familyfriendly musical and theatrical attractions. At the forefront, a
series of music/history programs illustrate Montana events or
individuals with relevant traditional and original folk music.
Primary focus of this series features ―Meagher of the
Sword,‖ the story of Montana’s first governor. No one else
offers the catalogue of programs from Bear Paw Music. Not
enough choices? That’s OK. Customized shows are our
specialty—any venue, any event, any audience. Several of
Neal Lewing’s shows are available through Humanities
Montana and have taken him across the country, to Ireland
and beyond.
9:38 – Rebecca Folsom Trio
A writer in Nashville for many years, Rebecca’s songs tell
poetic and succinct stories of bittersweet perseverance,
redemption, and forthcoming liberation. A delicious blend
of acoustic guitars, mandolin, bass and uplifting three-part
harmonies, the sound is rich and yet spare enough to let the
song shine through and shoot straight to the heart. Grammynominated performers create uplifting community
experiences!
9:55 – Jonathan Kingham
Jonathan Kingham weaves folk, jazz, country and R&B
sensibilities seamlessly together in an upbeat acoustic
concert. A gifted lyrical improv artist, his audience
interaction keeps listeners fully engaged and on the edge of
their seats. Sharp songwriting and mesmerizing
performances have garnered him numerous national awards.
A prior Washington State Arts Commission Rostered
Teaching Artist, Kingham is also in demand as an artist-inresidence teaching songwriting.
Showcase II
12:30 - Tales from the Forgotten Kingdom, performed by
Guy Mendilow Ensemble
Embark on a musical trek to kingdoms long forgotten and
bustling towns now vanished. Follow the stories of
vagabond queens, pauper poets and lovers lost to the sea, all
set to spellbinding arrangements of old Sephardi songs
worthy of symphonic film scores. Wrap up these tales with
lush, soulful harmonies evoking flamenco’s gustiness and
the longings of Fado, all combined with heart-pounding
percussion and intricate soundscapes.
Journey through the Balkans to the Mid-East beginning in
Sarajevo and winding through Salonica and Jerusalem.
Tales from the Forgotten Kingdom is a semi-theatrical
adventure where intertwining music and storytelling conjure
an imagi-nation lost to war and upheaval. Leap into wild
rides and fantastic yarns with the Guy Mendilow Ensemble,
an award-winning quintet of world-class musicians from
Israel, Palestine, Argentina, the UK and the USA. This
ensemble of internationally savvy world musicians delivers a
richly-textured global experience of haunting beauty.
―…An international tour de force.‖ Bethlehem Morning Call
12:47 – Fred Crabtree
Fred plays a different style of harmonica and guitar, a folksy,
jazzy, bluesy Americana style.
1:04 – Cascade Quartet
The Cascade Quartet is Montana’s only professional string
quartet. They serve as the resident chamber ensemble for the
Great Falls Symphony, performing concerts, interactive
school shows, community collaborations, and residency
activities for rural and urban communities throughout
Montana and the Northwest.
1:21 – Patrice Webb
Patrice Webb is an award-winning singer-songwriter from
Sandpoint, Idaho who regularly tours the Western United
States with her unique blend of folk, country, swing and
blues. She has released two CDs, both of which are
receiving international airplay. Patrice is also the host of
Sugar Mountain house concerts out of her home in
Sandpoint.
Photo credit: Lisa Turner Photography
1:38 – An Evening of Contemporary Piano with Jason
Farnham
What do you get if you mix Jerry Lee Lewis, Beethoven, and
Victor Borge in a blender? We invite you to come find out!
A highly-acclaimed pianist, Jason Farnham has performed
his popular show, An Evening of Piano, throughout North
America for audiences of all ages since 2008. Fans have
affectionately dubbed Jason ―Schroeder‖ from Peanuts
because of his zany toy piano, his witty comedy antics, and
the comfortable way he interacts with the audience. The
variety includes jazz, pop, bossa nova, blues, stride piano,
and classical with a modern twist! And of course, playing
the piano upside-down Amadeus-style has become Jason’s
trademark. Audiences enthusiastically rave after the show,
―I’ve never seen anyone play the piano quite like that
before.‖
1:55 – Maracujá
Maracujá takes you on a journey around Latin America
through music. From fiery Cuban Son and Brazilian sambafunk, to soothing bossa nova and wistful boleros, Maracujá
plays music for dancing, music for listening, music to make
you smile. Maracujá can perform in intimate settings as a
duo or trio or grow to a full band to play high-powered AfroCuban and Brazilian rhythms to make a crowd swing and
dance.
Welcome to the.33rd Annual Montana Performing
Arts Consortium Artist Showcase
Saturday’s Showcase is divided into three sections: 8:30
AM to 10:07, 12:30 PM to 2:07 PM and 3:45 PM to 5:05
PM. The format for each Showcase is a live 12-minute
presentation followed by a 5 minute break between artists to
reset the stage for the next artist. During this time Resource
Room artists may also have 2 minutes in which to present
information. Each Showcase session is immediately
followed by one hour in which the Resource Room is open.
Admission is by MPAC conference badge only.
In early November an MPAC jury selected each artist
appearing in the Showcase on the basis of artistic excellence
and quality of their promotional materials.
Showcase I
8:30 – Delusionist Joey Pipia
8:47 – The Great Bear Folk Theatre
9:04 – Thomas Pandolfi
9:21 – Neal Lewing
9:38 – Rebecca Folsom Trio
9:55 – Jonathan Kingham
Showcase II
12:30 – Tales from the Forgotten Kingdom, performed
by Guy Mendilow Ensemble
12:47 – Fred Crabtree
1:04 – Cascade Quartet
1:21 – Patrice Webb
1:38 – An Evening of Contemporary Piano with Jason
Farnham
1:55 – Maracujá
Please remain seated while artists are on stage.
Please turn off cell phones as a courtesy to the artists
and other audience members.
Showcase III
3:45 – Too Marvelous for Words: Nat “King” Cole
Tribute
4:02 – Everything Fitz
4:19 – Louie Bond & His Country Swing Duo
4:36 – Take 5
4:53 – Fubuki Daiko
Showcase III
3:45 – Too Marvelous for Words: Nat “King” Cole
Tribute
Too Marvelous For Words: A Celebration of the Nat “King”
Cole Trio is a fun and swingin’ journey into the early days of
Nat King Cole. Before ―The Christmas Song‖ and ―Mona
Lisa‖ that we know from the crooner standing in front of the
orchestra, Nat was recording and playing (from the piano
bench!) some of the tastiest and most influential music of the
day, leaving an impact not only on an array of singers, but
also on such pianists as Oscar Peterson and Ahmad Jamal.
Drawing on his experience as both an actor and a
singer/pianist, Peter Smith (creator) effortlessly weaves in
stories from this period in Nat King Cole’s life as they relate
to the song selections, creating an evening that is fun,
informative and leaves the audiences tapping their feet and
pondering the fascinating tidbits of Nat’s life.
4:02 – Everything Fitz
The Fitzgerald family’s musical journey began early in life
as they studied the unique style that evolved with Irish,
Scottish and French immigrants. Developing their art form
from these deep and lasting roots, Everything Fitz presents a
high-energy program which blends traditional jigs and reels,
bluegrass, jazz, Celtic and stepdance routines. This is a
show for all ages and musical tastes. Be ready to be
entertained!
―I think together they are a beautiful blend of gorgeous
fiddle music, and top rate, absolutely exhilarating dance
routines.‖ Natalie MacMaster.
4:19 – Louie Bond & His Country Swing Duo
Where jazz and country meet, Louie Bond and Kimberlee
Carlson perform classic Texas swing and country swing with
stellar guitar work and an excellent vocal duo blend.
4:36 – Take 5
The Take 5 Jazz Quintet captures the spirit and festiveness of
the golden age of jazz and beyond. These Boise, Idaho
based performers borrow from their extensive jazz roots and
explore a varied program of music spanning a half century of
jazz. Joyful, sultry and magnetic are words to describe the
band’s featured vocalist, Shirley Van Paepeghem. She is
joined by a talented ensemble whose versatile backgrounds
include being Director of Vocal Jazz at Boise State
University, touring with 3 Dog Night, Rick Springfield and
Tina Turner, and performing for the Walt Disney Company.
The band’s combined teaching experience with
undergraduate and master’s degrees offers them the ability to
present effective student outreach programs guaranteed to
inspire young talent.
On stage, Take 5 combines magnetic stage presence and
superb musicianship with wonderful musical arrangements
and dynamic vocals to create a unique, fun and enjoyable
performance of classic American jazz.
4:53 – Fubuki Daiko
Combining their traditional Japanese training with their
North American roots, this dynamic taiko drum group melds
hard-driving percussion and gentle bamboo flute melodies in
heart-felt displays of musicianship, humour, and sheer
physical stamina.
Resource Room Artists
Resource Room admission is by conference badge only.
Drum Brothers
Drum Brothers present high energy performances that
celebrate a diverse mix of world instruments and sounds:
West African djembe and dunun drums, middle Eastern
frame drums, Australian didgeridoo, close harmony vocals,
acoustic guitar, flute and saxophone, and original
arrangements and compositions. They’ve performed at
numerous venues throughout the Northwest and Canada,
have been a featured act at the Seattle World Percussion
Festival, and recently were guest artists on the Montana PBS
program, 11th & Grant with Eric Funk. Drum Brothers have
been at the forefront of the American hand drumming
movement since it began in the early 1990’s. Over the years,
they’ve offered numerous school and community rhythm
classes, drum circles, and more recently, interactive team
building events for organizations and community groups.
The ensemble is comprised of Matthew and Michael
Marsolek, Lawrence Duncan and Colin Ruggeriero.
Scott Kirby
Main Street Souvenirs is a musical and cinematic explosion
of Americana. Exploring small town America, and featuring
the Great Plains. Pianist/visual artist, Scott Kirby, takes us
on a journey through the Heartland with his live piano
performance, original art (projected on
a screen), photography, video and storytelling.
Tra le Gael
Sliding from one Celtic tune to another, Tra Le Gael will
effortlessly pull you across the moors and into a rollicking
pub. This ensemble can melt your heart and set your foot to
tapping with their lovely renditions of traditional reels and
jigs as well as contemporary compositions. Hailing from the
Flathead Valley, Tra le Gael is an affordable Montana choice
when you are looking for musicians who can easily entertain
in a concert hall as well as enamor youngsters in an energetic
outreach program with harp, dulcimer, fiddle, whistles,
mandolins, guitar and drums. Featured on Montana PBS’
11th & Grant with Eric Funk, the members of Tra le Gael,
with poise and panache, share their joy with audiences of all
ages.
Space for Notes
More Space for Notes
Some of MPAC’s Members
Location of some of Montana Performing Arts Consortium’s
members. Keep in mind Montana is approximately 600
miles wide and the northeastern and northwestern borders
span the entire Mountain Time Zone. Population is just over
1 million according to U.S. Census estimate.
Map courtesy of Jim Peaco
Montana Performing Arts Consortium
Brief History
The Montana Performing Arts Consortium (MPAC)
incorporated in November, 1982, and became tax-exempt the
following year. During its first quarter century, MPAC
arranged over three hundred tours of performing arts events
and saved presenters over $1,000,000 in reduced fees and
travel costs for block-booked events (cost difference between
a single run-out and a block rate). These savings not only
increased the number of events presenters were able to offer,
but also stimulated audience growth.
MPAC continues to assist the development of rural and
emerging presenters through the Presenter Development
program designed specifically for their needs. Since 1987,
with funds from the Montana Cultural Trust and Montana
Arts Council, MPAC has supplied over $295,000 in fee
support monies to emerging and established rural presenters.
This assistance helped them in developing performing arts
series, upgrading existing series, and developing artist
residency programs in their communities.
The Consortium orchestrated the state’s blockbuster tour of
the Denver Center Theatre Company’s production of the
play ―Quilters‖. Due to the organizational and fundraising
efforts of MPAC, an unprecedented thirteen communities
were able to participate. Since that time MPAC has blockbooked such performers as B. B. King, Turtle Island String
Quartet, John Houseman’s The Acting Company, California
E. A. R. Unit, The Kronos Quartet, Phillip Glass, Wynton
Marsalis, Merce Cunningham, and dozens more.
Since the first live Showcase in 1983, at least six different
artists who participated went on to receive either a
nomination for or win a Grammy Award.
Acknowledgements
Montana Performing Arts Consortium wishes to thank:
Don Phillips, Stage Manager
Michael Jones, Sound
Randy Morger, Emcee
Connie Jenkins, Chouteau County Performing Arts
Fort Benton Woman’s Club
Arlynn Fishbaugh, Executive Director, and the
Montana Arts Council
Seyan Lucero, Associate Director, WESTAF
Andy Thomas, Information Specialist, WESTAF
Bomgardner Catering
Montana Agricultural Center and Museum
Fort Benton Elementary School
Sterling Burch
The Club House
Grand Union Hotel