Here's your BEHIND THE SCENES newsletter

COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE AND ART CENTER

JULY 2022 * VIEW AS WEBPAGE

'It don't mean a thing

if you ain't got that swing'

Ella Fitzgerald called him "The Duke of Ellington." He was a true Renaissance man and one of the giants of 20th Century music – jazz or any other kind. Unquestionably, Ellington was one of the greatest composers of our time. He sold records in huge quantities and created a sound that was all his own for which the world of music will forever be the richer.

“We chose Duke Ellington’s music as a focus for this performance because of his immense impact on the history of jazz and the diversity of the songs associated with him … songs such as Satin Doll and U.M.M.G. (Upper Manhattan Medical Group) written by Duke with his long-time music collaborator Billy Strayhorn,” Pete Swan explained.

“These are tunes that are really fun to play and have room to be interpreted in various ways and still maintain their identity,” says Pete. “Our quintet is an ensemble that consists of great soloists who will provide lots of chances to hear a very high level of improvisation.”

So, what are you doing Friday night July 22?

"Take the A Train" over to CPAC for a jazzy, music-filled night out.

Tickets

Also on your July ticket list...

Bring Back That Lovin’ Feelin’

soulful rhythm and blues

Friday, July 8

Will Foraker / Trouble Brewin’

vocalist and pianist

Weds. July 13

Backstage with Chris

Christopher D. Ashcraft, Executive Director

'The arts are key to rebuilding all over the world'

Greetings!

Welcome to the first issue of “Behind the Scenes,” a brand new communications link from us at CPAC for you, our loyal patrons, donors and supporters. Watch for the email newsletter on the first day of each month. We hope you will enjoy it.

Our world and our community are now in the post-pandemic rebuilding process. All of us are focused on rebuilding stronger than ever before. CPAC is fully back and in high gear.

I’m no doubt preaching to the choir in this newsletter since I know so many of you feel the same way, but I view the arts as an integral part of the rebuilding process across the world. The arts bring joy, build community, improve the quality of our lives, provide education, cultural understanding and so much more.

We have built a new season of CPAC performances, visual arts workshops and classes and rotating monthly art exhibits in the gallery and theater lobby that are all more exciting and fulfilling than any season that has come before.

All of our ticket packages – discounted season tickets of 12 or more shows, ticket packages of 6 or more and single show tickets – are all on sale right now. Many performances will certainly sell out, so be sure to place your order soon.

Thank you so much for your confidence in us to bring you high quality entertainment, education and culture day after day. Enjoy all CPAC has to offer you.

It's a 'workshop extravaganza'

You won’t easily miss ‘Coy Fish,” a striking oil painting by Stanley Balka in CPAC’s summer exhibit. That colorful work and other paintings by students who took a CPAC course during the past season are on display in the Harry and Ann Paxon Gallery and theater lobby through Sept. 30. We call it a “Workshop Extravaganza.”

“The idea for this show came from Betsy Kimbrough, one of our instructors and exhibit volunteers,” says Susan Ettl, CPAC Virtual Art Director. “When she suggested it to me, I thought it would be an excellent way to thank people by giving them the opportunity to display their artwork. There is something in this exhibit that should appeal to every viewer.”

Stan participated in an oil painting workshop taught by David Simons last November. He enjoys being creative in a variety of media, including drawing, acrylic painting, steel sculpture, wood working and stained glass. You can read more about Stan and the other exhibit artists in the bio and artist statement notebook in the gallery. Be sure to make time for a summer visit.

Summer arts camp at CPAC:

'confident voices, sense of community'

There was lots of learning and performing going on in June as the annual CPAC Summer Arts Camp took center stage for two, one-week sessions and fun-filled performances. But, then COVID raised it's ugly ahead among a few of the kids, so we had to cancel the second week and will try to reschedule later in July and produce a concert version.The camp and production are directed by Regina Ford and Kate Grant. Participating students were entering grades 4 through 12.

“The CPAC summer camp not only fosters children's theatrical and artistic skills, but helps develop confident voices, encourages open-mindedness, and builds a sense of community using teamwork to put on a show,” Regina said. “Plus, it's a load of fun to wear costumes and pretend to be someone else by walking in their shoes.”

Seussical Jr. is a musical comedy weaving a story of friendship, loyalty, and love. The play featured many of the beloved characters who populate the world of Dr. Seuss, including the Cat in the Hat guiding the audience into the Jungle of Nool. There, they met Horton the friendly elephant, JoJo, the Who child with too many “thinks,” an abandoned egg left by the lazy Mazie the Bird, the Cat’s loyal neighbor Gertrude McFuzz and others.

We could not offer the many cultural opportunities we do without the loyalty, dedication and support of patrons and friends like you. Please help us continue to expand our programming as our community grows. Your payment is tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Gifts may be made in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone you admire. CPAC gratefully accepts stocks, bonds, foundation and corporate charitable gifts. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you at many performances and programs this season. Just click the button below to securely donate online.

--Tom Cooke, CPAC Foundation Board Chairman