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Arts Updates, Interviews, Calendar, Calls for Artists and Volunteers, Auditions --- It's All Here in Arts Blast, Arts Blast on the Air, and on Facebook. | Supporting The Arts & Arts Councils Everywhere | |
Volume 5 No. 16| April 28, 2023 | |
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Notes from the Editor:
MAY DAY! But first a busy arts weekend.
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Bookmark On the Calendar at WilliMiller.com for frequent updates. Calls for Artists, Auditions, & Volunteers are on the website, too. Catch up with events at Willi Miller's Arts Blast on Facebook and pick up some laughs and interesting info on the Willi Miller's Arts Blast Extras page. | |
Downtown Friday in Vero Beach! | |
Vero Beach Choral Society’s Mass in Blue
Shuffle Down to Buffalo with Katie and Jessica
The Sextons Share an Exhibit - Last Call
Kids Arts Fest at VBMA
Forever in Bloom at the Emerson
Weekends at Riverside PLUS A Look Ahead
Four Freshmen on YouTube
Call to Artists
JoAnn Falletta Online
Emile Griffith in Opera
... And More!
Go to the Arts Blast Calendar - What's Happening all over Arts Blast Land
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The Vero Beach Choral Society will offer two performances of Mass in Blue on Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, both at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church at 520 Royal Palm Boulevard in Vero Beach. Admission is free; the suggested donation is $10. Due to the popularity of the group, whose last performance hosted over five-hundred audience members, for the first time ever the Choral Society will present two performances of their current repertoire. Artistic director and conductor for the Vero Beach Choral Society, Dr. Jacob Craig, said, "We had so many people show up for the Christmas concert that in order to make the audience all have seats and enjoy themselves we are doing it twice.".
Craig, also the Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach said, “I wanted to do something unique and challenging and Mass in Blue is very challenging, especially with the different types of jazz harmonies and rhythms.
"Many choirs have not had the opportunity to understand or experience the techniques involved with singing in this style, and Will Todd has done a truly masterful job in creating an exciting work.” The full program for the entirely jazz-themed concert also includes I’ve Got Rhythm by George Gershwin, and Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley.
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Craig said, "All scholarships go towards our local students as they take private instruction, and all scholarships are given under work-study programs where they are paying a portion of their tuition, have a portion under scholarship, and then they must give back into the community as well (i.e. playing at churches, community events, etc.)"
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Last Call
Collaboration - A Celebration
Sharon and Sean Sexton
Together Through Time
A Retrospective Including New Works
41 Years of Working Together
On view through April 30
Call 772-567-1233 to arrange your own personal tour.
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Sharon Sexton-Orange Lake Study-5x7-oil on canvas board | |
Sean Sexton-Morning Pastorale (From Our Yard), 9x12-oil on canvas board | |
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The Laughs and the Music are Back in the Loop at Riverside!
Get the summer lineup online at riversidetheatre.com.
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So You Want to Be on Broadway? | |
With only this weekend remaining in the run of 42nd Street at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, you’ll have to hustle if you haven’t seen it yet. As it nears its final curtain, two of the dancers had enough energy left for an Arts Blast Q&A. Dance captain Katie Griffith has been playing Lorraine in the ensemble and, in her Riverside debut, Jessica Wockenfuss is Annie. | |
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Katie
Griffith, 25, is from Seattle but is based in New York City. She didn’t grow up in a show business family but knows she was a lucky girl. “My parents were totally on board with my artistic pursuits since I was a little kid. I am really grateful to them.”
She got her start in singing, dancing, and acting around the same time — the summer she turned nine.
“The local youth theatre was doing a production of Les Miserables .… I took the Audition 101 class to get ready for the audition — my first ever. It was a 4-hour lecture. I’m not sure how they expected kids to sit through that, but I was hooked. I got in my mom’s car afterwards and when she asked how it went I said, ‘Good. I think I’d like to do theatre for the rest of my life.’ And that was that!”
The multi-talented actress came to Vero Beach fresh from a straight play, The Wolves, about an indoor girls soccer team. “No show girl makeup or tap warm-up necessary! Very different than 42nd Street.”
Thinking you might like to audition for a big musical? Griffith explained the 42nd Street casting process for Arts Blast. “Every ensemble member has been hand-picked from their auditions. To be cast in the ensemble, there is an initial audition where everyone learns a dance combination — in the case of 42nd Street, we learned the opening number! You learn it quickly altogether then do it 4 at a time for the director, choreographer, and casting director. From there, a cut is made and the remaining folks go in one-by-one to sing a song of their choosing. Sometimes you are asked to come back the next day to sing again, learn a new dance combination, or prepare a song or scene from the show that the casting director sends you, with a cut in between each round. It takes a lot to make it to the end!”
It isn’t all about dancing. Sometimes you need your little toolkit. “Tap shoes usually can last a really long time — maybe…10 years. But sometimes you dance so hard the tap comes off the shoe and you have to use a little screw driver to screw it back on!” No ear plugs are used in the performing of 42nd Street, Griffith said. “Our sound designer and engineers are experts at balancing the volume of our voices and the orchestra with our tap shoes up on stage.”
After a performance, Griffith has a routine. “I’m always really hungry and amped after the show, even though my body is exhausted. Usually, I’ll come back to the hotel, take a quick shower, take off all my stage makeup, then make some late-night pasta and maybe go hang with some of my fellow cast members for a little in the courtyard. Then, I’ll roll out my legs while watching Love Island and zonk out.”
Cast members get to spend time exploring Indian River County during the run of the show, Griffith said. “Once rehearsals are done and you get into performances, there’s a lot more free time. On days where you only have an evening show, you have the whole morning and afternoon to explore. It’s a blast. I LOVE going to the beach and eating at all the cute places downtown. Just have to be extra good about sunscreen — Can’t be sun burnt as a New York dame in 1933!”
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Jessica
Jessica Wockenfuss, 36, lives in Hudson Vally, New York, with “my incredible husband!” who holds down the fort while she’s on the road for performances. Her family has always supported her aspirations, although they aren’t show biz at all, she said. Her dad was a professional baseball player and her mother a registered nurse.
“When I was a child, it was monkey see, monkey do with my older sister, so when she started taking dance classes, I started taking dance classes! I quickly fell in love with performing and never looked back.” Getting to where she is now in her career took “a lot of hard work, patience, determination, and luck!” Wockenfuss said. She didn’t get the lucky break that Peggy Sawyer (42nd Street) did. It was more of a “steady build. I used to be insanely jealous of my friends who got their big break right out of college, but man, I am SO glad for all of my experiences. In ‘paying my dues,’ I have seen Europe, worked all over North America, performed in many of the most beautiful theaters in the country, grown as a human being and performer, and, most importantly, established a network of incredible friends and colleagues, many of which I consider family. I wouldn’t trade my career for the world.”
Her road trips vary in length, depending on the contract, she said. “For a regional show like this, the norm is around 6 weeks. For a national tour, it’s usually about 8 months. As for how often, that answer varies immensely! Before the pandemic, I was working very consistently. This is my first show back, and I have another gig lined up for July, then we’ll see how it goes from there!” She’s open to whatever roles come her way. “My bread and butter is being the song-and-dance gal, but I would LOVE to do a play!”
Wockenfuss has a set post-performance regimen. “I have to do at least 45 minutes of rolling out my muscles, stretching, icing, massaging, etc. after the shows. Before, during, or after, I’ll hang out with some cast mates, but I’m always too tired to do anything more social or energetic!”
For youngsters who see her onstage and want to pursue a career like hers, Wockenfuss has strong advice:
“Work very, very, very hard. It’s an incredibly tough business, but so worth it when the hard work pays off and you get to do what you love for a living. Also, try everything and find what fits— all dance styles, varying vocal techniques, instruments, writing, tumbling, etc. You never know when someone will need an accordion-playing alto who can juggle! But most importantly: ALWAYS BE TRUE TO YOU. You will find yourself in a sea of talented performers who all have the same skill set as you auditioning for the same role, but no one in there is YOU. And YOU could be exactly who they’re looking for. As my mom always says before a big audition, “Show them who you are.”
Photo credit: Angel Udelhoven
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Fun for Families at
Vero Beach Museum of Art
Mark Your Calendars for the VBMA
Children’s Art Festival April 29
Join us at the Vero Beach Museum of Art for our annual Children’s Art Festival event for the enjoyment of families and children of the community. The FREE event, to be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 10 am to 3 pm throughout the Museum, is inspired by the exhibition Rolling Sculpture: Streamlined Art Deco Automobiles and Motorcycles. Enjoy creative studio art-making with Museum Art School instructors inspiring young artists to try Doodle Ride with Camy de Mario, Totally Tubular Cycles with Pearl Lau, and A-Maze-ing Roads! with Jaynilee Hernandez in the Atrium. Additional studio art activities include Easy Easel Painting with Charter High School photography and film teacher Amy Saville, and Anything But a Paintbrush with Fellsmere Elementary art teacher Sophia Strazinsky.
VBMA Docents will facilitate fun mini-gallery activities and tours. We will have LIVE performances by local youth groups, including Osceola Singers + Explorer Ensemble, Vero Classical Ballet, Fellsmere Musical Mustangs, and Rhythm & Soul Dance.
Visitors will enjoy free admission to the current exhibition Rolling Sculpture: Streamlined Art Deco Automobiles and Motorcycle, which is the last weekend before the show closes on April 30.
Additionally, multiple student art exhibitions will be on view, with the Indian River County Student Art Exhibit in the Atrium and An Artistic Discovery – 2023, Congressional Art Competition presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey in Holmes Great Hall.
Lunch, snacks, and refreshments will be available for purchase from The Dignity Food Truck from The Source and DonutNV from Daytona Beach.
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Art at the Emerson
Forever in Bloom
A fragrant array of floral art
On view through May 30
Featured Artists:
Lisa Willnow, Paris Birich, Vera Titova, Daniel Jones, Patricia Kolalewski, Betsy Kurzinger,
Anne Whitney & Judy Burgarella
Gallery hours are Monday - Friday,
10am - 3pm, with no entry fee.
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A Call to Artists
“CRYSTAL JUBILEE INVITATIONAL: A Special 15th Anniversary Celebration” - CALL TO ARTISTS In continuation of their celebratory 15th Anniversary Season, Gallery 14 presents a special summer show, CRYSTAL JUBILEE INVITATIONAL: A Special Anniversary Celebration. This show, runnning from June 1 through September 2, will have four receptions: June 2, July 7, August 4 and September 1, all in tandem with the summer First Friday Gallery Strolls. Artists should be inspired by topics that include celebration, clear, sparkling, lightness, clarity, and durability. Applications are due MAY 15TH. Please go to www.gallery14verobeach.com to access and download the application form.
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Choreographer's Notebook:
Samuel Kurkjian
Watch At Home
for a limited time!
"The entire company sparkled in this perforamance. I can't wait to watch it again."
My daughter and I loved the show so much and we were dancing the whole way home."
After purchase, you can view the program as many times as you like now through May 7!
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For 4 Freshmen Fans!
They're online in a recorded-live performance with Emmett Cohen. Here are the links as supplied by The Four Freshmen Society:
4 FRESHMEN LIVE
https://youtu.be/mwaHXFKz8aU
https://www.facebook.com/TheFourFreshmen?mibextid=LQQJ4d
http://www.YouTube.com/EmmetCohen
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For JoAnn Falletta fans!
JoAnn Falletta's Detroit Symphony Orchestra concert will be streamed free and live this weekend!
The Saturday evening concert will be begin at 7:45 p.m. at dso.org and via the DSO's YouTube and Facebook channels as part of DSO’s Live from Orchestra Hall series.
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Treasure Coast Flute Choir
Mother's Day Concert
The Pittenger Center at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Stuart, FL
Sunday, May 14 at 3 p.m.
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Boxing Legend in Opera
From an article by Mat Probasco
The tragic story of Virgin Islands boxing legend Emile Griffith is at The Metropolitan Opera in New York through May 13.
Champion "opens with an aged Griffith lost in dementia, singing to his shoe and battling guilt over having killed an opponent (BennyParet) in a bout many years earlier. ... The real Emile Griffith and Benny Paret were both complex people, dealing with the racism and homophobic prejudices of their times, as well as a relentless boxing schedule that demanded they fight as often as possible, despite the obvious detriment to the boxer’s health and safety. A 2005 documentary found Griffith, four decades later, still haunted by nightmares of Paret’s death."
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MartinArts magazine
The latest issue of MartinArts magazine is hot off the presses.
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Riverside Theatre Announces 2023-2024 Lineup! | |
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Justin Walker and the 50 mixed voices of the Brevard Chorale will welcome spring with a tip of the hat to the stage, when they present Music of the Theater in two Brevard concerts.On Monday, May 1, the group will perform Music of the Theater at the Simpkins Fine Arts Auditorium at Eastern Florida State College, 1519 Clearlake Road in Cocoa at 7:30 PM. Admission at the door is $10 for adults and seniors; $5 for students. On Wednesday, May 3, the Chorale will reprise Music of the Theater at 7:00 PM in Titusville at The Great Outdoors RV-Nature & Golf Resort. The Titusville concert is free of charge and will be held at the resort's Community Church at 144 Plantation Drive. Donations are welcome. Pianist Jean Black will accompany the Chorale during both concerts. For more information about the Brevard Chorale or the Music of the Theater, visit BrevardChorale.org or call (321) 794-7528.
Justin Walker, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Brevard Chorale, said, "This tribute to musical theater features some of the biggest songs from the biggest shows, with themes of love, adversity and triumph. I can guarantee the audience will walk away humming."
The Chorale is one of two community choruses sponsored by the Department of Performing and Visual Arts at Eastern Florida State College. For membership information or concert schedules for the Brevard Chorale, visit BrevardChorale.org or call (321) 794-7528.
| Mother's Day is Around the Corner! | |
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Three opportunities to dance with Ballet Vero Beach - Accepting auditions and applications NOW!
Audition for Ballet Vero Beach's 2023-2024 Season
Ballet Vero Beach is seeking professional dancers for the 2023-2024 Season. The company is specifically interested in male presenting dancers with professional experience, excellent classical and contemporary technique, and superior partnering skills. However, the company will consider all applicants regardless of gender identity. Interested dancers should submit resume and video footage to info@balletverobeach.org. For more information about our organization click Audition.
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Apply to our Fellowship Initiative
The company is also seeking applicants for the Fellowship Initiative for Dancers. Specifically aimed at altering the way young people enter the field, this two year program allows accepted fellows to dance full time with Ballet Vero Beach, receive their AA or BA through Indian River State College (paid for by the company), and experience hands on training in arts literacy and arts integration through delivering the company's education and engagement initiatives. To apply for the initiative click Apply.
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Apply to the Riverside Dance Festival
The Riverside Dance Festival is a unique experience in Intensive Summer Study presented by Riverside Theatre and Ballet Vero Beach. Accepted students will experience day-to-day life with Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre. Students will have the opportunity to take daily technique classes in hip hop and contemporary dance from Terminus and Riverside’s own distinguished faculty. They will also perform alongside Terminus in a mixed repertory concert to culminate the festival. To apply, click Apply.
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Bookmark On the Calendar at WilliMiller.com for frequent updates. Calls for Artists, Auditions, & Volunteers are now online.
Catch up with events at Willi Miller's Arts Blast on Facebook and pick up some laughs and interesting info on the Willi Miller's Arts Blast Extras page. And now there's a Facebook Arts Blast on the Air!
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