DEAR DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE FRIENDS, | |
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We continue to be grateful for what we learn every day about our community’s belief in the important role Jefferson Center plays in the region. Thanks to your ongoing support, this year marks 30 years of distinction and service for Jefferson Center. For three decades, you have allowed us to serve as a cultural hub for the performing arts, education, and community engagement. Together, we look forward to 30 more!
In early September, I communicated to you that I would be presenting to Roanoke City Council and requesting a $6 million capital investment in Jefferson Center for urgent capital needs. This presentation marked the beginning of our public efforts to share timely and relevant information about Jefferson Center’s financial circumstances and to engage the City of Roanoke in a collaborative and sustainable solution. In our pursuit of opportunities for sustainability, increased capacity, and exceptional service, we realize the first step toward progress is the creation of a new partnership with the City of Roanoke. Throughout this process, we are committed to ensuring we are able to protect our ability to fulfill our mission, while also seeking new long-term solutions for sustainability with the City of Roanoke.
Your partnership and support have been essential to Jefferson Center’s success over the past 30 years, and for that we are incredibly grateful. As we look to the future, I will keep you informed as conversations continue. If you feel inspired to do so, you may consider reaching out to City Council to share your support of our request.
Thank you for your steadfast belief in our work and for your generous support. This newsletter highlights all the great work made possible by your gifts.
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Jefferson Center kicked off our 2023-24 season on September 13 with the Grammy-nominated Llanera band Cimarrón, who play Latin music with Andalusian and Indigenous American roots. The result was a joyous, culturally enriched evening of theatrical Latin music with a true air of celebration.
Jazz harpist Brandee Younger and her trio began our Jazz Club series on September 14 with a performance described by Roanoke Tribune as “mesmerizing” as well as “exhilarating and dynamic” and “refreshingly different.” They also invited Music Lab students to observe their soundcheck, followed by a Q&A about their path as musicians from their beginnings to the present.
Lee Fields & The Expressions opened our Star City Series in Shaftman Hall on September 29 with an energized and soulful performance that moved patrons to their feet. His career, which spans decades, was mirrored by the wide range of ages that showed up for this truly inspiring evening of world-class entertainment.
On November 14, Rock Legend and two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Graham Nash, performed to a sold-out audience. Nearly 900 attendees enjoyed a night of beloved songs, nostalgia, and storytelling, which spanned over six decades.
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2023-24 Upcoming Performances | |
These artists are scheduled for one-of-a-kind evenings through December! For a full listing of shows, please visit jeffcenter.org/events where you will also see other shows presented by our local, regional, and national art partners. | | |
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Pace Brothers
Saturday
Nov 18, 2023
7PM - Sold Out!
9PM - Tickets Available
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Watchhouse
Wednesday
Dec 6, 2023
7:30PM
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Joan Osborne
Thursday
Dec 7, 2023
7:30PM
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THE HARRY AND LAVON WEBB
EDUCATION CENTER
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Music Lab kicked off the year on August 28 and is serving students five days a week after school. Their curriculum has covered Music Business, Music Theory, Music Production, Audio Recording, and Content Creation. Students are also learning how to create content for social media in the new Coffey Haus, which is a new space made possible through the Estate of Barbara Lee Coffey. Commercial recording services have also been launched and have successfully booked audio and video-based projects for musicians. Efforts are being made to increase awareness of the studio spaces through hosting more events and promoting affordability.
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Artist Mentorship Opportunities
Cimarrón preceded their uplifting performance in Shaftman Performance Hall with a free Maracas Workshop on September 12, during which local children and their families learned the fundamentals of the percussion with shakers provided by the band. The workshop featured an Introduction to the Instrument (ethnic origins, ancestral practices, structure), Interpretation (basic techniques for first time players), Maracas in Llanera music (implementation of techniques within the genre) and performing a song in unison with the artist. They also offered a free Joropo dance workshop. This workshop covered an Introduction to the Genre, Basic Steps, Individual Routines, Routines in Pairs, and Group Choreography.
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Jazz guitar virtuoso and educator Jonathan Kreisberg amazed our Jazz Club patrons on September 22. Prior to this performance with his own quartet, Jonathan visited Jefferson Center in 2015 as part of the legendary Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio. For this season’s event, he opened his soundcheck to Music Lab students and gave insights into the origins of jazz guitar and the timeline of crucial discoveries that unlocked the multitude of notes and scales that exist in modern music. He also stayed after the second set to meet with high school students who wanted to learn more about his techniques and equipment.
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Chris Keaton, a highly regarded music executive, was a special guest speaker on October 24 at the Music Lab’s Music Business Workshop. He shared valuable insights with 25 participants about the critical role of a talent manager in a musician's career. A Q&A session followed that covered topics such as music marketing and studio management.
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Outreach Out Loud has grown leaps and bounds and provided afterschool programming for students, some weekly! Ongoing partnerships include West End Center for Youth, Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia, YMCA Beacons program, as well as The Noel C. Taylor Academy. Student activities include songwriting, music production, recording, introduction to rhythm, notes, chords and various instruments such as drums, guitars, keyboards, and other percussion instruments.
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DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE RECEPTION | |
More than 50 Director’s Circle members and sponsors gathered prior to the Graham Nash performance. This reception and his sold-out performance are reminders of the power of music to bring people together for social connections and exceptional experiences that are one-of-a-kind. Having the opportunity to gather with donors and friends beforehand made the evening even more special and allowed us to celebrate the amazing generosity of our donors. Your support allows Jefferson Center to be a leader in arts and cultural experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. We could not do what we do without you! | |
2023-24 DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE LISTING | |
Thank you for your generous support of Jefferson Center’s mission! Your support makes the unique and extraordinary work we do possible. | | | | |
