The Arts Council: BLOG

SUMMER SERIES RELEASED

The Arts Council: BLOG — Tue, 29 May 2012 16:37:29 +0000

The Arts Council announces its line-up for the summer! We have a variety of entertainment for ALL ages! Come enjoy this summer at The Arts Council – bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics or reserve tables up close and personal – make this summer memorable; share the joys of music and movies with your family.

Feeling patriotic??? The Arts Council is bringing The U.S. Army Grounded Forces Band – Jazz Guardians to you for FREE June 29th.

Looking for a great way to bring in our country’s birthday – July 3rd we bring you live music by VERTIGO and a screening of TOP GUN!!!

Teen girls and tennis enthusiasts keep a look out for the screening of 16 LOVE, July 13th, starring local heart throb CHANDLER MASSEY!

Music Lovers, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra comes to Gainesville for its 37th season with The Arts Council July 20th. A perfect date night under the stars!

If it’s dancing you love, wear your most comfortable shoes and come watch The Swingin’ Medallions on August 3rd.

Our little friends we have much to offer you too. Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked will be screened on a huge outdoor, inflatable screen as will The Lorax (and our other Movies on the Green). Always remember, our gated green lawn loves your little feet enjoying it – we will have lots of pre-movie activities just for you!

All our events are family friendly!!!

P.S. Like our new LOGO?

THE ARTS COUNCIl, INC. TO UNVEIL NEW LOGO IN CELEBRATION OF THE ORGANIZATION’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

The Arts Council: BLOG — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:26:54 +0000

GAINESVILLE, GA (May 24, 2012) – The Arts Council, Inc. today announced it will unveil a new company logo in celebration of its 40th anniversary on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. The new logo will be seen on the organization’s website, email marketing campaigns, and all printed forms of communications on that date.

The organization’s first logo, a symbol of the performing arts, including ballet, orchestra and theatre, was created in 1972 by Sawyer, Riley & Compton. The new logo symbolizes the organization’s expansion into all forms of performing arts, as well as visual, literary, and film arts. Created by Morton, Vardeman & Carlson, The Arts Council’s new logo is said to also give the brand a more relevant and fresh look for its ever expanding market.

“While keeping our standard of excellence intact, we wanted our new image to maintain our core mission, which is to serve Northeast Georgia through enhancing, educating and expanding public interest in the Arts, while also reflecting the breadth of our arts programming and the excitement of our arts patrons,” said Gladys Wyant, Executive Director of The Arts Council, Inc. ” We think our new logo has done just that.”

Since its incorporation in 1972, The Arts Council has significantly expanded its programming, developed beautiful venues, and increased its value and relevance to its customers by presenting nationally and internationally famed artists to the communities of Northeast Georgia. Today, The Arts Council serves over 35 local affiliate arts organizations, 51 schools, 300+ members and over 12,000 patrons.

TAKING FLIGHT

The Arts Council: BLOG — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:22:59 +0000

Face painting, turtles, juicy hotdogs, slithering snakes, ballerinas, arts and crafts, butterflies, music, balloons, candy and loads of people – all have something in common! They were all present at the 16th Annual Butterfly Release presented by Friends of Gainesville Parks and Greenways at Wilshire Trails Park. Giggling children, happy feet, the distinct and friendly voice of WDUN’s Bill Maine…all made for a terrific way to bring in the start of summer vacation. Were you there??? We certainly were!!! Parents and children excitedly discussed The Arts Council’s upcoming Summer MusicFest and Movies on the Green. “Y’all are screening Top Gun on your lawn,” gleefully squealed a starry eyed teenage girl. “I love Tom Cruise!” Another was excited by The Lorax. Young dads, wishfully reminiscing college frat days cheered when they saw The Swingin’ Medallions on our summer calendar while moms are excited about date night with The Atlanta Symphony under the stars! This promises to be one hot, fun-filled summer for all!!!

The Arts Council’s booth. How many artists do you recognize?

People eagerly awaiting an envelope with a Painted Lady Butterfly in it to release. Spot yourself or a friend?

Beautiful art work found all along the trail

No community event is complete without the presence of WDUN. Bill Maine where are you?

A young boy excited to see the beautiful butterfly in his envelope take flight

Captain Conservation (Gainesville Public Utilities Department) whose special message and water saving tips were a huge hit with the children! Did you get to sign the water barrel?

Ballerinas from Gainesville School of Ballet dressed for the occasion. This is the regional dance company responsible for bringing the wonderful holiday tradition of the Nutcracker to Gainesville each year!

Little boy swaying to some wonderful summertime music played by WDUN. May I have this dance, please?

A Painted Lady Butterfly about to spread its wings. Just imagine 1500 of them in the park – a sight to remember!

We will be back with the butterflies at next year’s event!!!

Larry Barker Quartet

The Arts Council: BLOG — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

The Arts Council is delighted to present The Larry Barker Quartet as part of its Evenings of Intimate Jazz Performance Series on May 19, 2012. The performance will start at 8:00pm at The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center. Tickets are $30.00 per person. For tickets call 770-534-2787 or visit www.TheArtsCouncil.net.

Gainesville, Georgia’s own Larry Barker is a jazz pianist with an eclectic musical background. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Barker has earned a Bachelors degree in Music Education and a Masters degree in Jazz Performance. He is a veteran educator, currently teaching elementary music in the Gwinnett County Public Schools. He has performed and/or recorded with Charles Glenn, the U. S. Army Band, the Glenn Miller Band, Tom Kennedy, Theo Peoples, Peter Mayer, The Drifters, and numerous others. For years, Mr. Barker has collaborated most often with vocalist Charles Glenn, resulting in one CD release (Offerings) and countless memorable jazz club performances.

Since moving to Georgia in 2006, Larry Barker has performed with Atlanta Acoustic Jazz, Atlanta Beat, Sam Skelton, Ken Watters, the Sweet Lu Quartet, FootLights, and regularly plays solo piano at Grapes & Hops Bistro in Flowery Branch.

Mr. Barker’s influences on jazz piano include Oscar Peterson, Gene Harris, Michel Petrucciani, Bill Evans, Fred Hersch, George Shearing, Dave McKenna, Nat King Cole, Ray Kennedy, and Kenny Barron. His piano style is also shaped to a great degree by listening to the great vocalists such as Mel Torme ì, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, John Pizzarelli, Kurt Elling, and instrumentalists such as Stan Getz Ray Brown, Tom Kennedy, Clark Terry, Paul Desmond, and Jeff Hamilton. He prefers not to play “outside” in the manner of many jazz musicians; rather Mr. Barker finds ways to explore his way “inside” the music. His approach keeps audiences completely engaged with each song. Larry’s performances are all about energy and emotion, speaking his own words through Jazz. This quartet will find a synergy with our wonderful audience that will propel its combined creativity to make this a most memorable evening of Jazz.

Accompanying Mr. Barker are Dave Frackenpohl on guitar, Neal Starkey on bass and Clay Hulet on drums.

Dave Frackenpohl

Dave Frackenpohl is an active jazz guitarist and composer/arranger in the Atlanta area. Collaborating with such jazz artists as Hank Crawford, Bobby Watson, Buddy DeFranco and Carl Allen, he has performed at Spivey Hall, Woodruff Arts Center, the Fox Theatre and Rialto Center for the Arts. A versatile player, he has appeared with big bands such as Moments Notice and Les Elgars, touring Broadway shows such as High School Musical, Chicago and 42nd Street, as well as the Atlanta Symphony, Florida Orchestra and AtlantaChamber Players. Composer/arranger credits include several Mel Bay Jazz guitar books/recordings including Jazz Standards for Guitar I & II, as well as recorded tracks by local Atlanta artists Sam Skelton, Ike Stubblefield and E.J. Hughes.

Neal Starkey

Neal Starkey is an American jazz bassist residing in Atlanta, Georgia. He has had a long and varied career, performing with many of the most notable names in jazz, including Kenny Barron, Eddie Harris, Sonny Stitt, Duke Pearson, Al Cohn, Charlie Rouse, Barney Kesseland many others. He is a regular featured performer at the W. C. Handy Music Festival, and a member of the W. C. Handy Jazz All-Stars. Originally from New York, he has made Atlanta his home for the past 25 years. Starkey has recorded with Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams and Freddie Hubbard with the CBS Jazz All-Stars, and has served as bass instructor in the jazz program at Georgia State University. He has also had extensive studio recording experience and is one of the most in- demand bassists in the Southeastern region.

Clay Hulet

Originally from Chicago, Clay Hulet performed regularly in that city’s vital jazz scene with such local luminaries as John Campbell, Joe Daley, Bunky Green, and Tom Hope. He appeared frequently on radio, television, and recordings, most notably on Richard Drexler’s album Flaming Spirit with Dave Liebman, Tom Harrell, and Steve La Spina. Now living in Atlanta, Clay plays regularly at clubs, festivals, and hotel venues in and around the city. In addition to accompanying nationally known musicians, he performs with many local artists. They include Kenny Banks, Dave Frackenpohl, Joe Gransden, Gary Motley, and Syl Spann. Clay regularly appears at The Whisper Room at Churchill Grounds, performing with Danny Harper and two-time Grammy nominee Russell Gunn.

Call today for tickets! (770) 534-2787

Calling all extras!!

The Arts Council: BLOG — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:59:21 +0000

Look who you can be in a movie with!!!

The Arts Council wants to help put you on the silver screen! Keep checking our Facebook page for updated films being made in and around GA, the new Hollywood of the southeast!

Southern Hollywood Events is looking for paid extras to be a part of the movie 42 – The Jackie Robinson Story. 500 seats will be reserved for extras in Birmingham, Alabama; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Macon, Georgia.

Harrison Ford will star as Branch Rickey the team executive that signed Robinson with Chadwick Boseman playing the part of Jackie Robinson andChristopher Meloni playing the part of Leo Durocher.

Each day raffle tickets will be given away for you to win prizes ranging from iPads to featured extra roles, and all-inclusive trips to Jamaica and Cancun. Everyone will walk away with something and the more days you participate the more raffle tickets you will get. You will also receive an extra raffle ticket for every friend you have signup and bring to the set.

The dress will be 1940s attire and a photographer will be on set to take everyone’s picture for a best dressed contest, man and woman, in each of the three cities. Winners will win a featured extra role in the movie.

Birmingham, Alabama

May 15th, 16th and 17th

Chattanooga, Tennessee

May 21st, 22nd, 24th, 25th, 29th, 30th, 31st

and

June 1st, 4th and 6th

Macon, Georgia

June 12th and 13th

For more info and registration: beinthemovie42.com

You are cordially invited…

The Arts Council: BLOG — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:33:16 +0000

Wedding season is here and we at The Arts Council couldn’t be more excited! From flowers and decorations to dresses and the location-we love helping make every wedding celebrated at The Arts Council unique and memorable!

THE PERFECT DESTINATION-downtown Gainesville

THE ARTS COUNCIL SMITHGALL ARTS CENTER where you can have the best of both worlds: our green lawn, bricked patio, and wrought iron gates make for a perfect outdoor wedding while the marble atrium with focal crystal pendant chandelier afford glamour and sophistication.

At The Arts Council we believe in giving our clients the freedom to choose their own licensed caterers, florists, wedding coordinators, and decorators.

We have compiled a list of some of our personal favorite decor, fashions, and trends. The versatility of The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center lends itself to every style and fashion!

For rental information and booking visit our website or call The Arts Council at (770) 534-2787.

Green and white hydrangeas with a pop of pink

Simple and effortlessly elegant bouquet of white tulips

The perfect splash of color for a summer tabletop straight from the backyard

Bright beautiful bouquets!

When it comes to tabletop decor, we agree less is MORE!

Seated dinner simplicity

Pop of color

Tent done well-just the right balance of twinkle lights and candlelight

Gorgeous arrangements and great use of color!

Even seaside chic will work wonders on our lawn and patio

Perfect pink peonies-simple, elegant, and eye catching

Beautiful arbor for an outdoor wedding!

Apple green + crisp white=great wedding colors for spring or summer

Ginna’s wedding dress pick!

Gown custom designed by Amy Smilovic of Tibi, also love her bouquet!

The bride’s colors were gray and yellow so the bridesmaids got to pick there own Tibi dress within the color scheme! Great idea and they really will wear them again!

Terrifically elegant from every angle

Nairika’s wedding dress picks!

Lace and sleeves the latest in trends

Simple and elegant

Tired of the white? Give color a chance!

Another trend: desert/candy bars! Great for favors!

Happy planning! The Arts Council wishes all newlyweds a lifetime of happiness and love!

Buy Local, Give Local, Live Local! Part 2

The Arts Council: BLOG — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:52:13 +0000

North Georgia Writers: Juliana Finch singer/songwriter May 2

Sounds of Sawnee SPring FLing at the Dawsonville Council for the Arts may 6 at 2pm

I.N.K.: Mother’s Day Craft Week May 7-May 11

Gainesville State College: May 10, Face it: Substance Abuse Prevention Video Contest

Elachee Nature Center: Flights of Fancy Garden Art Auction May 11 6:30-9pm

Dahlonega Arts Council 2012 Mountain Flower Festival May 19-20

Brenau’s 4th Annual Memphis BBQ championship, gates open at 10am May 26

The Arts Council presents Northeast Georgia resident The Larry Barker in a quartet as the last performance in the Evenings of Intimate Jazz Series 2012!

The Larry Barker Quartet will perform at The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center

Saturday May 19, 2012 at 8pm

Go to our website to purchase tickets or call The Arts Council (770) 534-2787

Buy Local, Give Local, Live Local

The Arts Council: BLOG — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:03:27 +0000

The Arts Council salutes its affiliates for producing high quality entertainment and events for our wonderful community. To showcase a few scroll down to see some upcoming performances and events for the ENTIRE FAMILY:

Main Street Gainesville presents The Spring Chicken Festival & Parade

April 28 9am-4pm in Downtown Gainesville

*FREE ADMISSION*

Gainesville Ballet Company

Dancing at Dusk

One of our newest affiliates: Fifth Row Center

Memorial Day Concert, May 28, 2012 at 7:30pm at First Baptist Church, Gainesville, GA

*FREE ADMISSION*

Come celebrate our great nation and its heroes!

The Arts Council presents Northeast Georgia resident The Larry Barker in a quartet as the last performance in the Evenings of Intimate Jazz Series 2012!

The Larry Barker Quartet will perform at The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center

Saturday May 19, 2012 at 8pm

Go to our website to purchase tickets or call The Arts Council (770) 534-2787

The Del Baroni Quartet

The Arts Council: BLOG — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:44:36 +0000

Our next artists in The Arts Council’s Evenings of Intimate Jazz Series, The Del Baroni Quartet, get a lot of inspiration from greats like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Harry Connick, Jr., Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald and more.

Ol’ Blue Eyes

Frank Sinatra began his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey.

Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole first came to prominence as a jazz pianist. He owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres. He was one of the first black Americans to host a television variety show, and has maintained worldwide popularity since his death.

Harry Connick, Jr.

Harry Connick, Jr. is an American singer, big-band leader/conductor, pianist, actor, and composer. He has sold over 25 million albums worldwide. Connick is ranked among the top 60 best-selling male artists in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America, with 16 million in certified sales. He has seven top-20 US albums, and ten number-one US jazz albums, earning more number-one albums than any other artist in the US jazz chart history.

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald is also known as the “First Lady of Song” “Queen of Jazz” and “Lady Ella,” she was an American jazz and song vocalist. With a vocal range spanning three octaves (D♭3 to D♭6), she was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing and intonation, and a “horn-like” improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing.

The Del Baroni Quartet with Vocalist Jennifer Hanson

Del Baroni has an appreciation for American standard music, Jazz and the artists who had public impact with both live and recorded performances, Baroni created a concept to recreate the excitement of live broadcasts as well as intimate jazz club settings utilizing vintage equipment and vocal stylings like Frank Sinatra in his shows.

See The Del Baroni Quartet perform Live this Friday, April 20, at 8pm at The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center

For tickets call The Arts Council (770) 534-2787 or visit our website!

The Arts Council Salutes Strong & Diverse Women

The Arts Council: BLOG — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:46:19 +0000

You Don’t Know What I Got, the debut feature from Linda Duvoisin, is a sprightly, candid portrait that examines the thoughts, ideas, convictions and passions of five diverse American women. Her technique shifts our attention at irregular intervals, abruptly changing time and place, mirroring the actual conversation patterns and highlighting the universal aspects of their experiences. She cuts from Tennessee to Minnesota to New Mexico, or joins Ani DiFranco onstage and off. Each of these master storytellers adds her voice to a tapestry of home spun tales, fables, confessions, advice, music, poetry, thoughts and actions. The richly textured portrayal is filled with the unforgettable stories of determined women who share an extraordinary passion for Life. Their wit and wisdom form the foundation of an immensely satisfying film. Features singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco, Linda Finney, a police officer activist/poet, fellow police officer Julie Brunzell who shares her dream of becoming a social worker, Myrtle Stedman, born in 1908, a feisty artist and adobe-architect, and she revisits Jimmie Woodruff, the charming housekeeper who worked for the Duvoisin family.

A must watch for all women (18+ for some language and thematic content) and those who love women!

The Arts Council in conjunction with Gainesville State College and South Arts is proud to screen You Don’t Know What I’ve Got and two shorts, We Shall Not Be Moved: The Nashville Sit-Ins and We Shall Not Be Moved: The Chattanooga Sit-Ins on April 12, 2012 at Gainesville State College, Academic Building IV, Mathis Road, Oakwood Ga at 7:30pm. Post screening the audience will have an opportunity to meet the director at a Q&A reception. Tickets $7 adults; $5 students and seniors (65+). To purchase tickets call 770-534-2787 or visit www.TheArtsCouncil.net

For other recent news about women…

THANK YOU TO THE LIKES OF ASHLEY JUDD FOR STANDING UP FOR WOMEN EVERYWHERE!

From The Daily Beast…

Ashley Judd’s ‘puffy’ appearance sparked a viral media frenzy. But, the actress writes, the conversation is really a misogynistic assault on all women.

The Conversation about women’s bodies exists largely outside of us, while it is also directed at (and marketed to) us, and used to define and control us. The Conversation about women happens everywhere, publicly and privately. We are described and detailed, our faces and bodies analyzed and picked apart, our worth ascertained and ascribed based on the reduction of personhood to simple physical objectification. Our voices, our personhood, our potential, and our accomplishments are regularly minimized and muted.

Photo by Richard Drew

As an actor and woman who, at times, avails herself of the media, I am painfully aware of the conversation about women’s bodies, and it frequently migrates to my own body. I know this, even though my personal practice is to ignore what is written about me. I do not, for example, read interviews I do with news outlets. I hold that it is none of my business what people think of me. I arrived at this belief after first, when I began working as an actor 18 years ago, reading everything. I evolved into selecting only the “good” pieces to read. Over time, I matured into the understanding that good and bad are equally fanciful interpretations. I do not want to give my power, my self-esteem, or my autonomy, to any person, place, or thing outside myself. I thus abstain from all media about myself. The only thing that matters is how I feel about myself, my personal integrity, and my relationship with my Creator. Of course, it’s wonderful to be held in esteem and fond regard by family, friends, and community, but a central part of my spiritual practice is letting go of otheration. And casting one’s lot with the public is dangerous and self-destructive, and I value myself too much to do that.

However, the recent speculation and accusations in March feel different, and my colleagues and friends encouraged me to know what was being said. Consequently, I choose to address it because the conversation was pointedly nasty, gendered, and misogynistic and embodies what all girls and women in our culture, to a greater or lesser degree, endure every day, in ways both outrageous and subtle. The assault on our body image, the hypersexualization of girls and women and subsequent degradation of our sexuality as we walk through the decades, and the general incessant objectification is what this conversation allegedly about my face is really about.

A brief analysis demonstrates that the following “conclusions” were all made on the exact same day, March 20, about the exact same woman (me), looking the exact same way, based on the exact same television appearance. The following examples are real, and come from a variety of (so-called!) legitimate news outlets (such as HuffPo, MSNBC, etc.), tabloid press, and social media:

One: When I am sick for more than a month and on medication (multiple rounds of steroids), the accusation is that because my face looks puffy, I have “clearly had work done,” with otherwise credible reporters with great bravo “identifying” precisely the procedures I allegedly have had done.

Two: When my skin is nearly flawless, and at age 43, I do not yet have visible wrinkles that can be seen on television, I have had “work done,” with media outlets bolstered by consulting with plastic surgeons I have never met who “conclude” what procedures I have “clearly” had. (Notice that this is a “back-handed compliment,” too—I look so good! It simply cannot possibly be real!)

Three: When my 2012 face looks different than it did when I filmed Double Jeopardy in 1998, I am accused of having “messed up” my face (polite language here, the F word is being used more often), with a passionate lament that “Ashley has lost her familiar beauty audiences loved her for.”

Four: When I have gained weight, going from my usual size two/four to a six/eight after a lazy six months of not exercising, and that weight gain shows in my face and arms, I am a “cow” and a “pig” and I “better watch out” because my husband “is looking for his second wife.” (Did you catch how this one engenders competition and fear between women? How it also suggests that my husband values me based only on my physical appearance? Classic sexism. We won’t even address how extraordinary it is that a size eight would be heckled as “fat.”)