2008 Annual Report - Rialto Center for the Arts

Georgia State University’s
Rialto Center for the Arts
2008 Annual Report
A Unit of Auxiliary and Support Services, A Division of Finance and Administration
From the Rialto
Greetings!
In its second decade as both an anchor for the revitalization of downtown
Atlanta and a cultural asset for the entire metro area, Georgia State
University’s Rialto Center continues to be the place “Where Atlanta
Meets the World.” Since its rebirth in 1996 as a state-of-the-art
performance, events, and learning space, the Rialto has welcomed well
over 600,000 patrons—young and old, suburbanites and city-folks,
students and subscribers—to an experience of the arts unlike anything
else in the southeast.
Rialto Series presents Zakir Hussain & the
Masters of Percussion
In addition to our own Subscription Series, the Rialto plays host to many
of the city’s leading arts organizations as well as dozens and dozens of
other special events, and our mission encompasses everything from live
performance and cutting-edge visual arts to comprehensive education
programs and a palpable sense of community engagement.
As you will see in the coming pages of this report, the past year
witnessed many wonderful accomplishments. As the Rialto continued to
introduce new audiences to the music and culture of some very faraway
places (and to others a bit closer to home!), we continued to cement our
partnerships with Atlanta’s international community and the city’s
Consular Corp. The Rialto also strengthened its position as a core
component of the Georgia State University community and a focal point
for University activities. But the Rialto doesn’t just welcome audiences,
guests, students, and visitors to its space; we also take our mission into
the community through in-school educational programs and
performances.
These are just a fraction of the remarkable accomplishments of this
wonderful place called the Rialto. As staff members privileged to take
part in all that the Rialto is and does, we are delighted to share this
invaluable cultural resource with not only Georgia State University but all
of Atlanta. We thank you for your continued support of the Rialto Center,
its programs, and the valuable goals for which it stands. We can't do it
without you.
Georgia State Jazz Studies Student
Performs in Rialto Lobby
Leslie Gordon, Director, and the Rialto Staff
2008 Rialto Center Staff
Consular Corps Reception—
Consuls General of Israel and Germany
Rialto Series presents Paul Nabor from the
Garifuna Collective
Did You Know?
•
The Rialto hosted 267 events, welcoming over 56,000 people.
•
The Rialto’s educational programs served 6,300 students of all
ages from across the metro area.
•
The Rialto hosted Gwen Ifill and a nationally televised broadcast
of Washington Week was filmed in the theater.
•
Even with its tiny publicity expenditure, the Rialto annually
receives the equivalent of over $1 million in positive media
coverage for Georgia State University. Talk about a return on
investment!
•
Atlanta Ballet partnered with the Rialto to present a preview
event for its performance featuring mega-star Big Boi of
Atlanta’s Outkast. Over 500 people gathered in the lobby to
participate, and the event was covered by the New York Times.
•
The Rialto was chosen as an official site for the American Heart
Association’s Red Dress Exhibition as part of the Go Red for
Women campaign. Television stations such as Fox 5 featured
the exhibition at the Rialto.
•
Central Atlanta Progress honored Dr. Carl Patton at its Annual
Meeting and filmed the interviews for the event’s video
presentation at the Rialto.
•
The Rialto kicked-off its Events Management class through the
Robinson College of Business Day School of Hospitality in the
spring semester with over 30 students in the class.
•
The Rialto Student Ambassadors were awarded the
“President’s Award for Community Service and Social Action,”
receiving the “Outstanding Campus Impact Award.”
•
One of the University’s Rialto Week programs for students,
“Lyrics and Stills,” included a student photography exhibition at
the Rialto. We were honored to have Ernest G. Welch, naming
donor of the Welch School of Art and Design, select the winning
photograph.
•
The AARP’s 50th Anniversary Celebration named Feed Your
Senses for June 2008 an official “Member Event” for the
celebration.
•
Director Leslie Gordon was included in the Atlanta Business
Chronicle’s “Who’s Who” feature for the second year in a row in
recognition of her role as a leader in metro Atlanta’s hospitality
industry.
•
Jennifer Moore, assistant director, received the “Lifetime
Achievement Award” from the International Ticketing
Association.
Atlanta Ballet’s Big Boi Preview Event
Rialto Hospitality Management Events Class
Ernest G. Welch at the Lyrics & Stills Event
Red Dress Exhibit with the
American Heart Association
Mission Statement
THE MISSION OF
THE RIALTO CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Rialto Jazz for Kids
The Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University, an
intimate, cultural centerpiece in downtown Atlanta, inspires,
educates and entertains diverse audiences by presenting
innovative and exceptional arts programming and cultivating
community partnerships.
The Rialto Center serves as a world-class arts center attracting
nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and by functioning as
a fully accessible resource for the University community. It both
enriches the classroom experience of Georgia State University and
acts as a draw for potential students by offering world-class
opportunities for artistic expression and cultural enrichment in a
unique urban setting that brings together diverse populations. The
Rialto Center brings to Georgia State University the unique opportunity
to routinely host artists and performers of global prominence and
importance as well as frequent world premieres and debut
performances. This distinction further advances the University’s goal
of becoming “one of the nation’s premiere research universities located
in an urban setting.”
THE MISSION OF
GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
As the only urban research university in Georgia, Georgia State University
offers educational opportunities for traditional and nontraditional students at
both the graduate and undergraduate levels by blending the best of
theoretical and applied inquiry, scholarly and professional pursuits, and
scientific and artistic expression. As an urban research university with
strong disciplinary-based departments and a wide array of problemoriented interdisciplinary programs, the goal of the university is to develop,
transmit, and utilize knowledge in order to provide access to quality
education for diverse groups of students, to educate leaders for the State
of Georgia and the nation, and to prepare citizens for lifelong learning in a
global society.
School of Music Gala Holiday Concert
Rialto Series presents
Scrap Arts Music
—Georgia State University Mission Statement from the University’s Strategic Plan
(as revised March 18, 2008)
Rialto Student Ambassadors at Work
Rialto Student Ambassadors at Work
Feed Your Senses featuring
Cherokee Storyteller Lloyd Arneach
High School Students at
Turner First Thursdays
Strategic Plan Goals
The Rialto Center is committed to the following goals as
listed in the Rialto Center’s Strategic Plan.
Rialto Partner School
Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary students
at the after-school program
1) The presentation of world class programming
2) A strong leadership role in the external community
3) Provide a beautiful venue, professionally staffed, for
important university events
Rialto Series presents
Paul Taylor Dance Company
Rialto Center for the Arts’ Goals Align
with Georgia State University’s Strategic Plan
The Rialto enables students to “be literate in...culture...comprehend their
place in the world and how the world is changing, understand the
interconnectedness of knowledge, [and] recognize that there is a blurring of
boundaries among disciplines and among nations.”*
The Rialto helps enhance collaboration between artists and scholars of
different disciplines and “collaboration between members of the University
artistic community and local, regional, and national communities.”
The Rialto is instrumental in the fulfillment of the University’s External
Relations Goals by providing a high-profile, on-campus location for alumni,
development, and community events. Already utilized by key political
officials, including Fulton County Commissioners and members of the United
States Congress, the Rialto is uniquely positioned as a site for many
governmental events.
The Rialto offers a creative environment where students gain exposure to
multiple viewpoints and the free exchange of ideas, an appreciation for
diversity among people of the nation and around the globe. Also in keeping
with the University Strategic Plan, the Rialto provides a resource for faculty
to enhance the classroom experience in a unique and experiential way
through the Rialto Series and its lectures and master classes.
*All quotes from the Georgia State University’s Strategic Plan
Washington Week Taping at the Rialto
with Gwen Ifil
Hospitality Management Class at the Rialto
National Black Arts Festival Partnership
Leslie Gordon with NBAF Executive
Producer Stephanie Hughley
School of Music
Symphony Orchesta
The Rialto: Where Atlanta Meets the World
•
On-site Tango program with the Consul General of Argentina and
Dean of the Consular Corps at the Latin American Association.
Rialto Series performance where the Consul General gave
opening remarks to a sold-out house and co-hosted a post-show
Argentinean reception.
•
Welcomed the new Consul General of Peru at the Rialto Series
performance of Peru Negro.
•
Rialto performance by Angelique Kidjo was the kick-off event for
the Francophonie Month celebration (including French, Belgium,
Canadian, Swiss consulates, and the Alliance Française).
•
Co-hosted a pre-show reception with the Dean of the Consular
Corps, which included Mexico, Japan, Columbia, Argentina,
Israel, the Philippines, and the Atlanta Convention and Visitors
Bureau (ACVB) Cultural Tourism leaders.
•
Partnered with the Canadian consulate to present
ScrapArtsMusic, power percussion group out of Vancouver.
•
Partnered with the Institute of Mexico for a special Day of the
Dead celebration, featuring hand crafts from No Mas!, an altar
making workshop, and the traditional Catrina figures.
•
Worked with the ACVB to promote tourism to Atlanta from Central
and Latin American Countries.
•
Hosted an International Thanksgiving Feast for over 125 Georgia
State University International Students, from a majority of the 159
countries represented within the student body.
•
Hosted International Day for the Peruvian Consulates and three
programs for the local Indian community.
•
Regularly partnered with local international organizations:
— Latin American Association
— Istanbul Center
— Georgia Hispanic Network
— Mexican Cultural Institute
— National Black Arts Festival
— Consular Corps
Hispanic Heritage Month program at
Feed Your Senses
On-site Tango Program at the
Latin American Association
Tango Fire Post-show—Consuls Generals of
Argentina, Switzerland, Colombia, and Japan
— Turkish American Cultural Association of Georgia
— Japan American Society of Georgia
— Asian American Chamber of Commerce
— Peruvian American Business Chamber
Rialto International Thanksgiving Feast
Consul General of Peru, Jorge Roman and his wife
Altar to Celebrate Day of the Dead
What They’re Saying About the Rialto...
[The Rialto has] been a huge catalyst, not just for the downtown
community landscape, but as a cultural beacon for the region as well.
— A.J. Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress
‘Where Atlanta Meets the World,’ the name of the Rialto’s season this
year, continues to focus on bringing talent from around the globe...the
Rialto variety and reach is hard to match.
— Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The world is at your fingertips at Georgia State University’s Rialto
Center for the Arts, where international performers introduce
Atlantans to art in all of its cultural manifestations.
— Atlanta Newcomer Magazine
Kudos should be given to Rialto Director Leslie Gordon and her staff for
bringing...musical adventure to Atlanta.
— Atlanta Daily World
[The Rialto] showed that you can redevelop downtown, and it gave
confidence that the city is alive and well.
— Dr. Carl Patton Interview with Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Contemporary dance, perhaps of all the arts forms, is the least visible.
The Rialto Center for the Arts seeks to change that.
— Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rialto Series Presents David Dorfman Dance
Rialto Usage
Rialto Events Breakdown 2008
University Events
22%
40%
Rialto Series
Rialto Rentals
School of Music Jazz Band Concert
Free Public Events
32%
Rialto Series presents Peru Negro
6%
Total University Events:
107
(including 55 School of Music Events)
Total Rialto Series Events:
16
Total Rialto Rental Events:
85
Total Other Public Events:
Total Events for 2008:
Total Georgia State University Event Attendance:
59
-—–—–—
267
13,865
(including 6,090 School of Music Event Attendance)
Total Rialto Series Event Attendance:
9,079
Total Rialto Rental Event Attendance:
27,276
Total Other Public Event Attendance:
6,104
-—–—–—
Total Attendance for 2008:
Rialto “Jazz for Kids” Annual Jazz Jam
56,315
Starbound National
Talent Competition
Turner First Thursdays Downtown Artswalk
Rialto Demographics
•
The Rialto is committed to reflecting the diversity of Georgia State
University and the city of Atlanta
•
Diverse audiences create incredible experiences
— Over 56% of our audience is made up of minorities
•
The Rialto Full-Time Staff is 50% minority
•
Over the past two years the Rialto has hosted artists from:
— Mexico
— Spain
— France
— South Africa
— Peru
— China
— Puerto Rico
— Columbia
— Cuba
— Turkey
— Benin
— India
— Vietnam
— Argentina
— Brazil
— Russia
— India
— Belize
Rialto Series presents the
World Saxophone Quartet
Rialto Student Ambassadors
Georgia State University — Demographics
2nd largest school in the University System of Georgia
— Annual enrollment is 30,000
•
•
The most culturally diverse university in the state of Georgia
— Students from every county in Georgia, every state in the
nation, and 159 countries
— 46% of the student body is ethnically diverse
Asian
7%
Other
3%
Hispanic
9%
African
American
40%
Rialto Audiences at Pre-show Lobby Talk
Rialto Center
Demographics
Caucasian
41%
Rialto Series presents Estampas Porteñas
from Argentina in Tango Fire
Participants at the Day of the Dead Celebration
Rialto Programs
•
Visual Arts
•
Rialto Series
•
Education & Outreach
•
Rental Events
•
University Events
Visual Arts
The Rialto’s Visual Arts Series is an ongoing collaboration
between the Rialto, the Comer Art Advisory consulting firm,
and the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design at Georgia
State University. Throughout the year, the series
transforms the center into an exhibition space for
professionally curated projects. Exhibitions typically relate
to Rialto presentations or city-wide arts initiatives such as
the National Black Arts Festival and Atlanta Celebrates
Photography.
Painting by Ernesto Cuevas
The Rialto contributed to the city’s vital visual arts scene by
hosting six exhibitions during 2008, highlighting the works
of Christian Bradley West, John Bohannon, Keiko Guest,
Ernesto Cuevas, and Cullen Washington, Jr., among others.
All of these exhibitions are open to the public during Rialto
performances and events, every weekday from 10 AM to
4:30 PM, and one evening each month as part of the
“Turner First Thursdays Downtown Art Walk” (sponsored
by Central Atlanta Progress and Turner Broadcasting
System, Inc.).
Photograph by Keiko Guest
Rialto Series
”Thank you … for giving my high school students
the opportunity to see David's important work at
the Rialto...most of them come from low income
families and would not have been able to afford a
regular priced show...Most of the 9th grade
students have never taken a dance class before
entering the program and have never been to a
dance concert or seen modern dance...They were
blown away.”
— Kathleen Wessel, Dance teacher at Mount Zion
High School in Clayton County
From the esteemed dance company
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Zakir
Hussain’s thrilling performance to the
hottest Latin Flavor performances of
Flamenclorico and Mexican Strings
Meets Chicano Vibes, the year was full
of exciting, world-class experiences.
“I got back from the Zakir Hussain Masters of
Percussion concert not too long ago and I'm so
keyed up I can't sleep... It was
phenomenal...maybe one of the best I've ever
seen at the Rialto or anyplace else! ...At times it
seemed like their fingers were on fire, that's how
good all of them were.”
— Preeti Sagar, Georgia State University IS&T
Department
Although an ice storm occurred the day
of sold-out Tango Fire and the tornado
forced cancellation of sold-out Noche
Flamenca, the Series still served over
9,000 patrons. Capitol Steps, Hubbard
Street Dance Chicago, Peru Negro, and
Masters of Percussion played to
Standing Room Only audiences!
“Thank you so much for the wonderful season of music, dance and jazz. The Rialto offers the best of
international music as well as a well-rounded program that reflects Atlanta. Continue the good work
and we are looking forward to 2008-2009...we can hardly wait to see the line-up!”
— Tom and Jeanne Brieske, Rialto Series Subscribers
“[The World Saxophone Quartet performance] was unlike anything I have ever seen before. And the
more I think about it, the more I realize what a privilege it was to witness that. Thank you for the
opportunity.”
— Adisa Nickerson, Metro Atlanta Arts & Culture Coalition
Angelique Kidjo Concert
Education & Outreach
Just a note to say thanks for the opportunity to expose my students to such a
wonderful concert. The students and myself were extremely thrilled to have the
opportunity to witness such a dynamic performance. Your contributions to their
study of jazz has been immeasurable and for that I say thanks.
— Robert Jeffrey, Band director
The dance was something I've never seen before. It's something I would love to
perform. I also learned about standing up for what I believe in.
— Kia Street, 9th Grader, response to David Dorfman Dance performance
Rialto Student Ambassadors at
Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary
Rialto Jazz for Kids Jazz Jam
The Rialto’s educational outreach is comprehensive in
its scope and offers something for nearly every age
group and interest level. Master classes, lectures, open
rehearsals, and workshops feature both internationally
recognized artists and local talents offering structured,
pre-performance events on-site for audiences of all
ages, or classes and lectures either on-site or at
schools. Local artists present free, educational miniperformances through the monthly “Feed Your Senses”
sessions. Meanwhile, the Rialto “Jazz for Kids” program
provides a series of curriculum-based jazz education
sessions for elementary and middle-school students
under the leadership of Dr. Gordon Vernick, Director of
Jazz Studies at Georgia State University.
Last year, the Rialto continued the partnership with East
Point’s Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary School. Students
from the school attended Rialto Series shows, received
tutoring from Rialto Student Ambassadors, and
experienced arts opportunities throughout the year.
Rialto Jazz for Kids implemented a new “All Stars”
group, with Saturday morning intensive lessons
provided for qualified participants.
Garth Fagan Master Class at
North Atlanta High School
Education & Outreach
Education & Outreach Highlights
•
8,245 people attended
education and outreach
programs produced by the
Rialto Center through Series
Artists and the School of Music
faculty.
•
Over 3,300 of the Education
and Outreach participants were
Atlanta Public, Fulton County
or Dekalb County school
children.
•
Senior Groups and Community
Groups with special needs
attended Feed Your Senses
each month.
2008
Total Number
Served Through
Rialto Education &
Outreach Programs:
8,245
On behalf of the second grade team here at Hamilton E. Holmes
Elementary School, I would like to thank you for allowing us to engage
students in such a great cultural experience.
— Mrs. Carla Austin, M.S. Ed., 2nd Grade Chair, H.E. Holmes
Elementary School
I wanted to share how incredible and meaningful the collaboration
between the Rialto Center and Moving in the Spirit has been for the
last eight years! Not only do our young dancers have the brilliant
experience of performing at the best dance venue in Atlanta every
May, they have the honor of witnessing world class dance on the very
same stage that they perform.
— Dana Marie Lupton, Executive Director
Moving in the Spirit
Student Q & A at David Dorfman Dance
Demonstration at the Rialto
Rialto Rental Events
Home to arts organizations large and
small and host to countless events,
the Rialto is a hub of energy and
activity every day of the week.
Within the last year, the Rialto has
played host to 267 events and 56,315
people including an impressive array
of high-profile clients. Throughout
the year, the Rialto also welcomed
its many community partners
including True Colors Theatre
Company, Moving in the Spirit, the
National Black Arts Festival, and
more.
Rialto Rental Highlights
I wanted to thank each of you for helping to make last
night such a success. We have had nothing but positive
feedback and in particular people really enjoyed the
venue. Many of them had memories as children of
coming to the Rialto and had not been back as adults.
Thanks again to each of you for your patience and
support in planning and making last night run so
smoothly.
•
Rented by 53 clients with 85 rental events during
the year. Over 27,000 people attended these
events.
•
HBO presented “Breaking the Huddle,” a movie
focused on the civil rights struggle in NCAA
football.
•
The first boxing match to be held on the Rialto
stage was produced by B&C Boxing and
nationally televised.
•
Chosen by Fox Films to premiere the film “Max
Payne” featuring Chris “Ludacris” Bridges. The
screening was attended by BET, Fox 5, and other
national and local media outlets.
•
NPR’s Washington Week was shot on location
featuring a live audience and host Gwen Ifel as
part of the AARP’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.
•
Hosted the APEX Society’s “Power 30 Under 30”
Awards, where 30 Atlantans under the age of 30
were recognized for their outstanding
contributions in the areas of arts, politics,
community service, and business.
—Karen Paz, Program Coordinator,
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta
Max Payne Movie Premiere featuring
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges
This afternoon, my FLC students toured the Rialto
Center for the Arts as part of their campus
exploration unit. My students loved their tour of
the Rialto! I am glad my Law and Society students
received an introduction to an important center for
cultural events on campus.
University Events
— Nancy Mansfield, FLC Instructor
Home to the Georgia State University School of
Music’s major ensemble concerts, and an
upscale facility used for many departmental
events, the Rialto Center serves as a major
campus venue for professional and social
activity throughout the year. School of Music
students are able to experience performing in a
professional environment, offering students and
faculty alike a world-class space unmatched in
the area.
University Event Highlights
Thanks so much for your support with the Zakir
Hussain master class. It was great to see and
hear him so up close. Thank you for your
continued support of education and outreach to
GSU students and the community.
•
University events at the Rialto totaled 107
events including 26 dinner/reception and
development events, 14 performances,
lectures, and film screenings, 4 meetings, and
2 academic honors and graduation
ceremonies.
•
The Office of Intercultural Relations partnered
with the Rialto to present Lunch and Learns
during the first half of the year and then coproduced Feed Your Senses during the
second half of the year.
•
The Rialto hosted the Board of Regents
annual holiday luncheon.
•
The J. Mack Robinson College of Business
hosted resume workshops and panel
discussions for their students.
•
The Rialto partnered with the School of Music
to present A Symposium: Garifuna Popular
Music and Arts as Identity. The symposium
featured a film series, a discussion and
demonstration, a drumming master class, a
visual art exhibit, and a panel discussion on
Garifuna, an Afro-Caribbean culture.
— Stuart Gerber, School of Music
I just wanted to send a heartfelt THANK YOU for
hosting my staff and I at the Rialto last Friday. I
really enjoy the fact that I am able to partner with
such wonderful colleagues in recruiting
prospective students, and welcoming our visitors.
The Rialto is a huge part of our campus tour, and
collaborating with you on how best to publicize
your area and the upcoming events is important.
— Jean So, Welcome Center Director
Winner of Georgia State Idol 2008
2008 Rialto Series Community Partners National Black Arts Festival, Southern Arts
Federation, Comer Art Advisory, Ernest G. Welch Gallery of Art & Design, Central
Atlanta Progress, the Consulate of Peru in Atlanta, the Consulate of Argentina in
Atlanta, the Cultural Services of the French Consulate in Atlanta, Moving in the Spirit,
True Colors Theatre, Campus MovieFest, Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary, Several
Dancers Core, Atlanta Ballet, the Latin American Association.
2008 Rialto Series Donors ($5,000 and up) Bill and Peg Balzer, Fulton County Arts
Council, Georgia Council for the Arts, Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation, Southern Arts
Federation, Taste of Atlanta, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.; ($2,500 — $4,999) City
of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs, John Jinks Family Foundation; ($1,000 — $2,499)
Naomi Kirkman-Bey, MD, Anthony & Mary Burger, Alice Franklin & Dennis Hawk, Erroll
& Elaine Davis Charitable Gift Foundation, Michael Graves, James D. Starr Moore
Foundation, J. Mack & Nita Robinson, Milton Simpson; ($250 — $999) Richard
Alterman, Julia K. Bannerman, Matthew & Natalie Bernstein, Tom & Jeanie Brieske,
Michael & Anne Easterly, Phil & Judi Edwards, Brooks Franklin & Maureen Keating,
Paul Goggin, Leslie Gordon & Blake Leland, Connie & Robert Hawkins, Doug Hopkins,
Keith & Katherine Keeney, Tim & Lauren Mescon, David & Judy Myers, Bob O’Neill &
Rose Ferguson, Susan & William Reeves, Harold Shumacher & Nancy E. Nolan, Jill &
Doug Slavin, Cedric & Wendy Suzman, Fred Bussey Smith, Jacqueline Welch; ($100 —
$249) George Alexander, Bill & Michiyo Allen, Linda Alliston, Margaret Anthony,
Laurence Bagen, Dr. E. Jo Baker-Henry, Ruth Ann Bartlett, Laura Bentsen & John Vlha,
Woodrow & Dr. Cheryl Bergeron, Reginald Boykin, Marvin Brown, Gregory Cherry,
Elizabeth & Arthur Clement, Dr. & Mrs. Ronald P. Colarusso, Gerri Combs, Owen
Conner, J. L. & M.W. Crandall, Teresa Dalton, Rene Diaz, Kelly Dolan, Martin & Anne
Emanuel, Marie Epps, Gerald A. Filardi, M.D., Ann & Lewis Freeman, Oscar L.
Freeman, Ronni French, Hal Gaines, Jennifer Garr, Samuel Greene, Timothy Hall,
Michal & Jack Hillman, Eve Hoffman, Cooper Holland, John Howard, Joe N. Kennedy,
II, K.N. King & Susan A. Cole, Mr. W. Edmund & Mrs. Cecil Laird, Alexandra Land,
Glenn and Patti Langford, Teri Lewis, Dr. Raphael Loutoby, James & Janet Love,
Norman & Anne Mandel, Ray & Mary Maynard, Mike & Enid Mescon, William & JoAnn
Haden-Miller, Juan & Judith Montier, Veronica Njoku, Willie Opyogao, Jerry Rackliffe,
Ron & Sara Reams, Jack A. Rogers, Sharon & David Schachter, Rita Scoggins, Susan
& Jim Slemenda, Ricki S. Still, Deborah Sudbury, Verah M. Turner, Walter Wallace,
Andy Weiskoff & Judy Aehle, Jay Wucher, Norman & Harriet Zoller; (up to $99) Susan
Andry, Barbara Antonopolous, Nancy & Joseph Atkins, Keinon Montriez Bennett, Robert
Benowitz, Susan Boyle, Matthew H. & Stacey Brill, Sharon Broyles, Susan Byrd, Keith
Charlton, Stan Citron, L. Coley-Greene, Howard Colier, M.D., Dwanye Colquitt, James
Colquitt, James Dant, Kristin Eberhart, Sigrid Economou & Family, Elizabeth Etoll, Mary
K. Evans, Ian & Connie Falconer, Joane Finegain-Martin, Barbara Friedman, Shenika
Gaines, Willie Gaither, Mark J. Garlen, Roger Gelder—Budget Rent a Car, Emily J.
Giordano, Christopher Graves, Ralph & Rachel Greil, Helen Green-Bailey, Carolen
Hansard, Christopher Harden, Teresa Hollingsworth, Doris Humphrey, Kwan Jason
Hwang, Randy Hyman, Nancy Irwin, Dwayne Jarvis, Joyce Jelks, Kimberly Johnson,
Cindy Karom, Dawn Keene - Keene Design, Inc., Bill Key, Paul & Amy Knowlton,
Constance M. Lombardo, David Lowrey, Patrick T. Malone, M.D., Connie Lynne Martin,
Gloria Mims, Barbara Mullins, Vincent Murphy, Enitan Oduneye, Bizant Okatan, Sandra
Pace, JoAnne Parr-Rollins, Cynthia Perry, Mr. and Mrs. Alan E. Pinado, Thomas
Ptaszynski, Wayne E. Reed, Leoneade Reuben-Werner, Cheryl A. Rhodes, Susan
Richmond, Joyce Roberts, Quanda Rodriguez, Deborah Rupp, Pamela Rutherford,
Charles Lamar Samples, Jr., Mary Ruth Scott, Bruce Seaman, Derek Shendell, Debra
Shilling, Thomas Sigmon, George & Jane Silver, Jeffrey R. Slattery, Averil Smith,
Denise Smith, Elizabeth H. Smith, Roman & Amy Stankus, Lynn Stewart, Bill Thomas,
Jennifer Trinidad, Suzanne Turner, Leanne Ujcich, Amye Walters, James L. Weis,
David White, Marilon & Howard Williams, Carole Willis, Jamil Zainaldin & Ingrid Kelly.
Georgia State University Donors Skyler Austin, Jodie Harper, Lillian Banks, Julia
Bannerman, Monica Barnes, Jeannie Barrett, Elizabeth Beck, Dan Benardot, Robert
Bland, David Brown, Tanishia Chapman, Brenda Cherry, John Clark, Dr. & Mrs. Ronald
P. Colarusso, Kara Cooper, Jo Costanzo, Myland Desameau, William Dillard, Jr., Diane
Ellis, David Frackenpohl, Ivan Franklin, Stuart Gerber, Dwight Gibson, Leslie Gordon,
Kenneth Hale, Frank Hall, Jesse Horton, Rupert James, Suzanne Jernigan, Dean
Johns, Mary Karom, Lyra Kilby, Clifford Kuhn, Alexandra Land, Sharon Mathis, Allison
Melton, Latanja Melton, San Miller, Diane Moore, Janaia Moore, Jennifer S. Moore,
Margarita Munoz, David Myers, Carmen Newton, Sebolatito Olorunsola, Nioyonu
Olutosin, Sandra Owen, Carmen Owens, Laverene Perry, Yolanda Person, Debora
Porter, Todd Prusin, Jerry Rackliffe, Wayne E. Reed, Jack Rogers, Pamela Rutherford,
Chablis Salters, Anthony Smith, Cheryl Smith-Turner, John Steward, Lee Stewart,
William Stewart, Veda Storey, Karynne Turner, Walter Wallace, Sharon Weaver,
Colleen Williams, Tammy Woodring, Karen Zabrucky, Estanislau Zaragosa.
Contributors
2008 Rialto Season Sponsors
2008 Rialto Program Partners
Appendices
Education & Outreach Programs
Rialto Series Pre- and Post-Performance Lecture/Demo
Tango Fire - January 19, 2008
Music and Dance Lecture/Demonstration - The History of Tango
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago - February 9, 2008
Pre-show Lecture with Lucas Crandall,
Moderated by Sue Schroeder of Several Dancers Core
Peru Negro - February 16, 2008
Masks exhibit from Peruvian National Day
World Saxophone Quartet - February 23, 2008
Jazz performance with Georgia State University Jazz Studies students
Garth Fagan Dance - March 8, 2008
Pre-show Lecture with the Company
Tango Fire—Pre-show
Zakir Hussain Master Class
David Dorfman Dance - March 29, 2008
Post-show Q & A with the Audience
Garifuna Collective - April 19, 2008
Pre-show Lecture with Michael Stone, Cultural Anthropologist, Princeton Univ.
Flamenclorico: Lore of the Miners - October 4, 2008
Pre-show Flamenco performance with Local Flamenco Dancers
Mexican Strings, Chicano Vibes - November 8, 2008
Special Day of the Dead presentation and hands-on workshop
Paul Taylor Dance Company - November 15, 2008
Pre-show Lecture with the Company
David Dorfman Dance
Demonstration on Rialto Stage
Rialto Center Series Master Classes and Outreach Programs
Tango Program at the Latin American Association - January 17, 2008
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Demonstration - February 9, 2008
Oliver Lake Master Class - February 23, 2008
Garth Fagan Dance Demonstration - March 7, 2008
Garth Fagan Master Class - March 7, 2008
Noche Flamenca Master Class with Soledad Barrio - March 17, 2008
David Dorfman Master Class at Emory University - March 2008
David Dorfman Dance Demonstration - March 28, 2008
Jimmy Heath Master Class - April 11, 2008
Zakir Hussain Master Class - May 3, 2008
Flamenclorico Master Class - October 5, 2008
ScrapArtsMusic Lecture & Demonstration - November 1, 2008
Paul Taylor Master Class - November 15, 2008
Monthly Feed Your Senses Program
Master Class with Jay Hoggard, vibraphonist
The third Wednesday each month from 12-1 PM
January - Celebrates MLK Week
February - Jazz Vocalist Nefertari Bey
March - Manga African Dance
April - National Jazz & Poetry Months
May - Melvin Jones Quartet
June - Gordon Vernick Jazz Combo
July - Celebrate the NBAF: Julie Dexter
August - Atlanta Caribbean Groups
September - Chicago Style Steppin
October - Hispanic Heritage Month
November - Native American Storyteller
December - Like the Dickens carolers
Feed Your Senses
Education & Outreach Programs
Rialto Center Jazz for Kids Program
Rialto Jazz for Kids Jazz Fest
The Rialto Jazz for Kids program was initiated in 2003 to teach
jazz skills to selected Atlanta middle school students in
participating schools. With the jazz genre’s fan base growing
older, the importance of creating the next generation of jazz
lovers and musicians is essential. The program is led by
Georgia State School of Music Director of Jazz Studies, Dr.
Gordon Vernick. The musicians provide a number of sessions
on jazz techniques for band students at each of the partner
schools. This was the third year the participants have joined us
at the Rialto for an End of the Year Jazz Fest. This was the
inaugural year of the Rialto Jazz for Kids All Stars, a group of
18 select participants that attended additional intensive
sessions at the Rialto on eight Saturday mornings in the spring.
Inman Middle School
October 10, October 13, November 7, December 12, 2008
JC Young Middle School
January 30, February 20, October 14, November 11,
December 9, 2008
Ridgeview Middle School
January 31, March 16, October 16, November 13,
November 19, December 11, 2008
Sandtown Middle School
February 11, February 25, October 3, October 8,
November 12, December 10, 2008
Rialto Jazz for Kids at Imagine It!
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Taylor Road Middle School
January 31, February 21, October 16, October 29,
November 13, December 11, 2008
Tucker Middle School
February 2, 2008
Rialto Jazz for Kids All Stars
February 23, March 8, March 15, March 22, March 29,
April 12, April 19, & April 26, 2008
Rialto Jazz for Kids Fest
May 6, 2008
Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary School Partnership
The Rialto Center partners with Hamilton E. Holmes
Elementary School in East Point, Georgia, Fulton County, to
provide students in this underserved community the
opportunity to experience the arts on various levels. Their
after-school program is enhanced by visits from the Rialto
Student Ambassadors who plan arts-related activities, assist
with productions, and mentor the students. The students
also receive free tickets to select Rialto Series events and
outreach programs are provided free to the school.
Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary School — GSU Pom Poms
Rialto “Jazz for Kids” Jazz Jam on the Rialto Stage
University Events
(School of Music)
55 School of Music Events
6,090 Participants
Student Concert Series
Fall Symphony Orchestra Rehearsals
Faculty Recital Rehearsal
Fall Symphony Orchestra Concerts
Faculty Recital with Robert Ambrose
Honors Choral Concert - Dinner
Honors Band Program
Honors Choral Concert
Honors Band Program Performance
Fall Wind Ensemble Rehearsals
Spring Wind Ensemble Rehearsal
Fall Wind Ensemble Concerts
Spring Wind Ensemble Concert
Honors Orchestra Program Rehearsal
Spring Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal
Honors Orchestra Program Performance
Spring Symphony Orchestra Concert
Fall Wind Orchestra Concert
Receptions for Audition Participants
Fall Percussion Ensemble Rehearsal
Spring Wind Orchestra Concert
Fall Percussion Ensemble Concert
Spring Percussion Ensemble Rehearsal
Fall Jazz Band Rehearsal
Spring Percussion Ensemble Concert
Fall Jazz Band Concert
Jazz Band Rehearsals
Audition Day
Jazz Band Concert with Jimmy Heath
Brassfest
Opera Rehearsals
Gala Holiday Rehearsals
Opera Pre-show Lectures
Gala Holiday Concerts
Candide Performances
Other University Events
2008 Georgia State University Events
(excluding School of Music)
Georgia State University Arts Fair
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Pre-show Dinner
Associate Provost Office
LAW Reception
College of Arts & Sciences
Pre-show Reception
2007 Honors Day Program
College of Education
Pre-Show Dinner
Honors Award Ceremony
ETEN Dinner
Benjamin Mayes Lecture
Department of African American Studies
Kwanzaa Celebration
Student Appreciation
Department of Communications
Film Screening (2)
Department of Psychology
Research Conference
Department of Real Estate
REAIC Distinction Portrait Unveiling
Department of Undergraduate Studies
New Student Reception
Finance and Administration
Awards Ceremony
Board of Regents Holiday Luncheon
HR Employee Recognition Program
Freshman Learning Class
Tour (8)
Institute of Public Health
Partnership for Urban Health Research Presentation
International Student and Scholar Services
Tour
New Student Programs Department
Incept Breakfast (2)
GSU Idol
Georgia State Arts Fair
Family Weekend Tour
Inceptor Training
Finance and Administration Awards and Recognition Banquet
Rialto Display Board
Office of Education Opportunity and Trio Programs
Community Connections Reception
Staff Retreat
Office of Intercultural Relations
Lunch and Learn Series (3)
Presidents Office
Pre-show Dinner
J. Mack Robinson College of Business
Resume Review
Employer Panel
Dress and Network for Success
MBA and Alumni Networking Event
Tour
Welcome Breakfast & Resume Review
Mock Career Fair
Networking Event
Speaker Event
School of Accountancy
Public Accounting Lecture (2)
Campus Moviefest Georgia State University Winners
Spotlight Programs Board
Campus MovieFest
Total GSU Clients:
Total GSU Events:
Total GSU Attendance:
University Foundation
Holiday Reception
(Including School of Music Events from Previous Page)
22
107
13,865
Rialto Rental Events
2008 Rental Clients
Metro Atlanta Arts and Culture Coalition: Leadership Class
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Annual Sales Awards
Rising Talents of Atlanta: Singularity
WABE Radio: Cornerstone Lunchtime Event
Atlanta Community Ministries: 8th Annual Fundraiser Concert
B&C Boxing, LLC: Fight Night at the Rialto
The AMIT Program, Incorporated: Annual Fundraiser
Phi Mu Fraternity: Benefit Concert
Atlanta Ballet: Atlanta Ballet and Big Boi Preview
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church: Easter Services
Assoc. of Invalids and Veterans of WWII Emigrated to US from USSR
National Black Arts Festival: Atlanta Reads King
Theatrical Outfit: ATLexis Gala Reception and Fundraiser
Price Arts Foundation: Kick-Off Gala
Ahavath Achim Congregation, Inc.: Golda's Balcony
The K.I.D.D.S. Dance Project: The Resurrection
Fulton County Arts Council: Panel Meeting
American Heart Association: Exhibition Reception
Moving in the Spirit: Origins - Honoring our Humanity
Rhythm Dance Center: Company Concert 2008
T.H.U.G. Awards: Awards Ceremony
Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism: Film Screening
Jennifer Strozier: Wedding Reception
Purchasing Power, Inc.: Corporate Diversity Training
WETA - Washington Week: Show Taping
Southern Center for Human Rights: Annual Benefit
Apex Society: Power 30 Over 30 Awards
Fulton County Arts Council: Teen Academy
National Black Arts Festival: Tribute to Judith Jamison
National Black Arts Festival: Stand
National Black Arts Festival: Millie Jackson Concert
Peruvian - American Association of Georgia: Peru: Land of the Inkas
Metro Atlanta Arts and Culture Coalition: RenGen Marketing Forum
Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau: Briefing/Connect
Atlanta Business Magazine: Top 25 Atlantans to Watch Awards
O'Neal: 40th Birthday Party
His Highness the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili: Ali to Karim
Atlanta Jazz Dance Preservation Society: Society Fundraiser
Southern Arts Federation: Performing Arts Exchange
Giwayen Mata: 17th Anniversary Celebration
Foundation Center: Resource Fair
Asha-NA , Inc.: So You Think You Can Naach?
Bank of America: LEAD Reception
Allied Advertising: Max Payne Premiere
Radio One: Comedy Show
Atlanta Coalition for the Arts: GAELA Awards
Brindavan Gurukul: Magical Flutes
Taylord Entertainment: Showcase of the South
Rain Forest Films: Commercial Filming
Lander's: Wedding Reception
HBO Services Inc.: Breaking the Huddle
Pope High School: Holiday Concert
First Congregational Church: Jazz Vespers
Georgia Public Library Systems
True Colors: Black Nativity
Total Rental Clients:
53
Total Rental Events:
85
Total Rental Attendance: 27,276
Kenny Leon at True Color’s
Black Nativity Production
Film Event at the Rialto
Public Broadcasting Atlanta’s Cornerstone Event
B&C Boxing: Fight Night at the Rialto