Showing posts with label Christina Cultural Arts Center. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christina Cultural Arts Center. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Five Delaware Arts Organizations Receive Special Presenter Initiatives Grants from MidAtlantic Arts

The contents of this post originate from a press release from the Delaware Division of the Arts...

Mid Atlantic Arts, in partnership with the Delaware Division of the Arts, has announced over $102,000 in grants, across five states, through the 2023-2024 Special Presenter Initiatives program.

The Special Presenter Initiatives program provides funding to small and mid-size presenting organizations in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia, and the Native nations that share this geography. The program supports presenting projects with professional touring artists and ensembles from anywhere worldwide. The supported projects include public performances as well as community engagement activities that enhance the performance experience and offer meaningful exchanges between touring artists and a presenter’s community.

The artistic engagements proposed by applicant presenters are diverse in performance genre and artist identity. Examples of Special Presenter Initiatives engagement and community exchange include Delaware-based, groundbreaking female Kora player Sona Jobarteh will be presented in her home state by Arden Club, along with her band, to share her evolution of the African musical tradition through performances and an open Q/A and sound-check.
African Kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh.
African Kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh will appear at Arden Concert Gild this season, as part of Arden's 
Mid Atlantic Arts grant. 
“We congratulate the grantees of the 2023-2024 Special Presenter Initiatives program,” said Jessica Ball, the Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “These grants will play a pivotal role in bringing exceptional artists and diverse performances to the First State. Our mission at the Delaware Division of the Arts is to foster artistic excellence and enrich the cultural landscape of Delaware, and these grants align perfectly with that goal. We are excited to witness the meaningful exchanges between touring artists and our communities, and we look forward to the transformative impact these performances will have on our state.”

The 2023-2024 grantees from Delaware include:
“Mid Atlantic Arts plays a vital role in bringing exceptionally talented artists to our community through their generous support,” said Delaware Symphony Orchestra CEO J.C. Barker. “Not only does their assistance enable the DSO to showcase these important artists, but it also provided the necessary resources to foster a collaboration with young talents at the Music School of Delaware. This partnership created invaluable opportunities for aspiring young musicians to learn from a musical virtuoso.”

“CCAC is humbled and honored to be the recipient of a Special Presenter Initiative Grant from Mid Atlantic Arts,” said Christina Cultural Arts Center Executive Director James Rhodes. “As we continue to move beyond shuttered venues and welcome visitors back to CCAC, this funding allows us to engage dynamic artists from around our region and across the country to reconnect with our thousands of supporters.”

Ron Ozer from the Arden Concert Gild stated, “the Special Presenters grant allows Arden Concert Gild to take bigger risks booking unusual eclectic but top tier artists from around the world, such as Lankum, in one of only 5 appearances across the US in one week in 2023.”

Carol Dennis, Executive Director of Coastal Concerts stated, “I’m a strong believer that music has a special way of inspiring and transforming our lives in a multitude of ways. The Mid Atlantic Arts Special Presenter Initiative Program is a remarkable program that allows us to enrich the lives of the youth and adults in southern Delaware by supporting the presentation of our educational outreach programs and concerts by renowned musicians.”

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

About Mid Atlantic Arts
Mid Atlantic Arts supports artists, presenters, and organizations through unique programming, grant support, partnerships, and information sharing. Created in 1979, Mid Atlantic Arts is aligned with the region’s state arts councils and the National Endowment for the Arts. We combine state and federal funding with private support from corporations, foundations, and individuals to nurture diverse artistic expression while connecting people to meaningful arts experiences within our region and beyond. To learn more about Mid Atlantic Arts visit www.midatlanticarts.org.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Christina Cultural Arts Center Opens Concert Season with World Music

Photo by Shervin Lainez.
Live @ Christina, Christina Cultural Arts Center’s (CCAC’s) annual concert series held in its intimate Clifford Brown Performance Space, will kick off this season on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. with noted world music ensemble Ajoyo

Each season, CCAC has been fortunate to welcome performances by noted artists like Gregory Porter, Delfeayo Marsalis, Snarky Puppy and Christian Sands.

Headed by French-Tunisian saxophonist, clarinetist and composer, Yacine Boularès, Ajoyo blends sounds of African tradition, jazz and soul with the silken vocals of Sarah Elizabeth Charles. Tickets for the performance are $23 and are available at ccacde.org.

“Our music stems from West and North African rhythmic traditions — Fela Kuti, Salif Keita, Oum Kalthoum and many more,” says Boularès. “But we also bring a lot of our individual experience as musicians. The sum of it all is an upbeat, eclectic brew of jazz, soul, African rhythms and indie rock.”

Last appearing at CCAC in May 2018, Ajoyo happily returns to downtown Wilmington for a repeat performance. “On tour, we tend to develop special relationships with certain audiences, and CCAC was definitely one of them,” Boularès says.

Ultimately, he says, Ajoyo is about creating music for the mind, for the heart, and for the body. “You’ll definitely want to stand up and dance,” he says.

This engagement is made possible through the Special Presenters Initiative program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Delaware Division of the Arts.

ABOUT CHRISTINA CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
The mission of Christina Cultural Arts Center Inc. (CCAC) is to make affordable arts, education, career training, exhibitions and live performances accessible to youth and adults in a welcoming learning environment. For more than 70 years, CCAC has been an anchor in the Delaware arts community and Wilmington's Creative District, focusing on the tenets of Hope, Knowledge, Inspiration & Passion by providing instruction and performance/exhibition opportunities in music, dance, drama, visual arts and poetry. Christina offers one of the only integrated arts and academic programs in Delaware, utilizing the power of arts to promote school success, career training, and positive social behavior. We collaborate with local and national partners — business, educators, and artists — to promote the creative industry and advocate for the socio-economic impact of the arts in our community. Christina Cultural Arts Center is a member of the Mid Atlantic Foundation Jazz Touring Network. 


For more information visit ccacde.org.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Christina Cultural Arts Center Hosts Grammy Nominated Duo, Local Artist Exhibit to Open Season

This post content comes from a release from Christina Cultural Arts Center...

On Friday, October 5, as a part of Art Loop Wilmington, Christina Cultural Arts Center (CCAC) will host an artist reception for local artist Stephen Kingsberry and his exhibit, “Burden of Palestine,” from 5:00 to 8:00pm.

Kingsberry’s love for art was reinforced after visiting Palestine in 2017. Kingsberry was moved by the oppression of the Palestinian people and wanted to express the emotions that consumed him on the trip.

Visual Artist Stephen Kingsberry
presents his exhibit, "Burden of
Palestine," opening October 5 at CCAC.
“The exhibit seeks to inform people about the struggles of the Palestinians living under occupation,” Kingsberry said. “I want to express what I have witnessed through the lens of art while helping to promote peace.”

Additional exhibit pieces promote the rich beauty, heritage and traditions of Africa and its people throughout the world. A Gallery Talk will be led by Mike Abel of Delawareans for Palestinian Human Rights on Friday evening at 7:00pm.

“We are excited to show Stephen’s compelling copper pieces in Christina’s Edward Loper Sr. Gallery,” said Executive Director H. Raye Jones Avery. “It’s an exhibit that will undoubtedly draw strong responses from viewers and, hopefully, stimulate conversation and action.”

Also this weekend, Christina begins its live music series on Sunday, October 7, at 3:00pm in the intimate setting of its Clifford Brown Performance Center. Opening Night of Live @ Christina features the Christina debut of two-time Grammy® nominated jazz/R&B duo, The Baylor Project — Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor. 

Jean and Marcus Baylor perform at CCAC on October 7,
opening the Live @ Christina series. Photo by Deneka Peniston.
Tickets for the performance are $25 until September 29 and $35 thereafter. They can be purchased at ccacde.org.

As the children of Pastors, Marcus and Jean Baylor's musical roots were planted deep within the church, and it was there that the road was paved for the influence of gospel, blues, soul and jazz to make its mark. Their debut CD "The Journey", released on their own label, Be A Light, topped the Billboard Jazz Chart at Number 8 and a year later garnered 2 Grammy® nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance.

The engagement of The Baylor Project is made possible through the Jazz Touring Network program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Christina has become known for its intimate performances by acclaimed jazz and R&B artists, and Live @ Christina continues with an appearance on Friday, November 2, by five-time Grammy® nominee, pianist Christian Sands.

ABOUT CHRISTINA CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
Christina's mission is to make all genres of arts education and experiences accessible to all, but most especially low-income communities. Christina is celebrating more than 70 years of delivering impactful arts experiences and education to the community. Christina faculty provide arts learning in such diverse areas as music, dance, visual art, drama, martial arts, early childhood arts education and youth violence prevention. One of the hallmarks of Christina is its annual presentation of intimate live performances of local, regional and internationally known artists in its own Clifford Brown Performance Space. 

For more information, call 302.652.0101 or visit ccacde.org.

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Seven Nights of Free Family Fun at Parks Across Wilmington

This post content originates from a press release from the City of Wilmington...


The sixth annual Summer in the Parks program, in partnership with The Grand Opera House, is in full swing with evening concerts planned starting July 11.

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and The Grand Executive Director Mark Fields today invited citizens to enjoy the 2018 season of Summer in the Parks, a series of interactive, cultural experiences provided free in neighborhood parks around the city. The program, now in its sixth year, is a collaboration between the City and The Grand with additional support from The Wilmington Parking Authority. Programs run through August 1.

Each week, Summer in the Parks features free interactive arts activities such as storytelling, African music, folk art and illustrating, as well as dance and movement, sock puppets and Shakespeare in parks and public spaces. Participating spaces include Tilton, Haynes, Holloway, Woodlawn, Prices Run, Barbara Hicks, Judy Johnson, Stapler, Union Park Gardens, the Helen Chambers Playground and the Rodney Street Tot-Lot.

Christina Cultural Arts Center's "Village in Concert"
happens on July 17 in Haynes Park. 
Beginning Wednesday, July 11 and continuing through Wednesday, August 1, free music concerts will be presented in City parks from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Free water ice will also be provided. A complete schedule of concerts is included below.

“Wilmington is pleased to present yet another summer of free fun, entertainment and interactive opportunities in partnership with our friends at The Grand,” said Mayor Purzycki. “The City and The Grand continue to produce unique, first-rate artistic and cultural programs for children and their families. More than 18,000 City residents have benefited from hundreds of events since this summer program began in 2013.”

Pamelyn Manocchio, The Grand’s Director of Community Engagement, is the producing coordinator for Summer in the Parks series. “I am thrilled to be working with so many talented artists again this year. We’re particularly excited to try out new programming, such as ‘Salsa in the Street,’ where all ages will be encouraged to learn Latin dancing and ‘Empowered Voices,’ which will feature inspirational spoken word artists and open the mic to audience participation. It’s all about getting the community involved, and we’re happy to create a unique way for youth and families to participate in the arts.”

“We are pleased to be continuing this innovative arts program in partnership with the City for the sixth consecutive summer,” said Fields. “Making interactive arts experiences available to neighborhood children is a wonderful way to introduce culture and personal expression, while fulfilling our community service mission. It’s even better that Summer in the Parks offers The Grand an opportunity to also promote the impressive work of colleague Wilmington artists and arts organizations. We are grateful for the vision of the City leadership in supporting this program.”

The Music School of Delaware's MM & Friends perform
on Kids' Night Out July 22 in Union Park Gardens.
While The Grand serves as producer for the innovative program, it draws on a wide variety of artistic talent from Wilmington and the region. This year’s daytime artists include ASCAB Capoeira Delaware, Dance4Life, Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Shakespeare, First State Ballet Theatre, Flyogi, Griots Wa Umoja, LaFate Gallery, Maya Belardo Music, Pieces of a Dream, TAHIRA Productions, The Delaware Contemporary and Wilmington Drama League.

A full schedule of activities can be found on The Grand’s website and calendar updates are posted to the Summer in the Parks Facebook page.  All programs and schedules are contingent upon weather and subject to change.

Evening Music Events for Families
  • Wednesday, 7/11: Helen Chambers Playground (600 N. Madison Street)
    Summer Jam, featuring live performances by Richard Raw, Mz Yola, Kae Hock, Aziza Nailah, and Beyond Those Bars Students plus music by DJ MikeNite. Live painting with Terrance Vann
  • Tuesday, 7/17: Haynes Park (N. Franklin and W. 30th & 32nd Streets)
    Village in Concert with Christina Cultural Arts Center Village together with Creative Vision Factory and special guest Olivia Rubini
  • Wednesday, 7/18: Rodney Street Tot-Lot (4th & Rodney Streets)
    Salsa in the Street, with DJ Bis; salsa instruction from Sara Jastrebski and Sarah Savery as well as art-making project with JaQuanne LeRoy
  • Sunday, 7/22: Union Park Gardens (S. Bancroft Parkway & S. Sycamore Street)
    Kids Night Out, featuring The Music School of Delaware’s M&M and Friends, plus “Become a Hero” capes with Vanity Constance and Mike Mixson
  • Wednesday, 7/25: Stapler Park (W. 16th & N. Union Streets)
    Rhythms at Play, featuring the Elbert-Palmer Drum Line with Peter Antony & Friends and “I See Seashells” art project with Stephanie Przybylek
  • Monday, 7/30: Tilton Park (N. Franklin and W. 7th & 8th Streets)
    Empowered Voices, with Kim “Metaphor” Graham hosting poetry/spoken word with Kaamilah Diabate, plus beaded rings with Gilda Jennings.
  • Wednesday, 8/1: Holloway/Compton Park (7th & Lombard Streets)
    Grand Finale with Fuzaholics and painting with Terrance Vann

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Experience "What's Going On" Through Dance & Music

What's Going On created and performed by Dance Place.
Photo by Jonathan Hsu.
Christina Cultural Arts Center welcomes Dance Place of Washington, DC to celebrate Marvin Gaye's landmark music brought to life through exuberant dance. The one-night-only performance will be held at The Tatnall School's Laird Performing Arts Center in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday, April 21, at 4:00pm.

Dance Place Artistic Director Vincent E. Thomas looks through the lens of Marvin Gaye's transcendent music and finds a reflection of today’s world. Gaye's insights into life, love and social justice are given fresh perspectives through Modern, Jazz and West African dance choreography by Thomas, Ralph Glenmore and Sylvia Soumah. 

The program is a full-length dance piece set to the groundbreaking music of Marvin Gaye, including classic hits like Heard it Through the Grapevine, Let’s Get It On, Mona Lisa, Inner City Blues, Got to Give It Up and many more. 

What's Going On seeks to evoke thoughtfulness and sparks conversations in each community it touches.

Vincent E. Thomas (Artistic Director) is a dancer, choreographer and teacher. His choreographic work has been presented nationally and internationally. He is Artistic Director of VTDance and Professor of Dance at Towson University. Ralph Glenmore (Choreographer) is a former principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. His illustrious Broadway career includes A Chorus Line, Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ and Bubblin’ Brown Sugar. Sylvia Soumah (Choreographer) is Founder/Artistic Director of Coyaba Dance Theater, performing traditional and contemporary West African dance and music. The What’s Going On company is made up of eight new and established dancers, many familiar to the DC dance scene.

Tickets are $22 or $16 for students, all available now at ccacde.org

This project is made possible, in part, with support from Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation Delaware Special Presenter Initiative Grant.  

See ccacde.org and danceplace.org

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Wilmington 1968: New Website Empowers Community Reflection

This post content comes from a press release from the Delaware Art Museum...

Twenty area organizations collaborated to launch the Wilmington 1968 website, a tool for community reflection. Via www.wilmington1968.org, Delawareans can access community resources that teach about the local Civil Rights Movement through words and pictures, and address present-day racial and social justice issues. Additionally, the community can share memories of their own to contribute to cross-generational conversations about this historic event. These oral histories will be archived for future generations. The Wilmington 1968 website will also serve as a hub for information about related exhibitions, performances, events, and forums. It will be available to the community through January 2019.

Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Wilmington high school students converged on Rodney Square. Subsequent to these protests, looting and fires prompted a request for the National Guard to restore peace. Although other American cities experienced the same level of uprising after April 4, 1968, Wilmington, Delaware experienced the longest peace-time occupation in modern times. Wilmington remained under martial law for nine and a half months. This extensive patrol of Wilmington by the National Guard drastically changed the city from the inside out. Residents went about their days and nights watched, restricted, angry, and fearful. Numerous businesses along Market Street closed.

If it is true that we are destined to repeat the lessons we haven't learned, today's youth are adamant that we will not get left back. Youth-led movements such as #NeverAgain-nationwide protests stemming from the latest school shootings-are taking center stage in our social consciousness and awaking a new generation of activists. 


In 2017, Simone Austin (2017 Alfred Appel, Jr. Curatorial Fellow with the Delaware Art Museum; current graduate student, University of Delaware, History Department), was instrumental in bringing this shared history to the forefront as the primary contemporary researcher on these events for the Delaware Art Museum's summer exhibition series. 

The community-wide reflection beginning this spring will bring "both answers and questions," says Austin. "People of my generation and those who are not from Wilmington will start to understand what happened, why Wilmington looks the way it does today, and why people have certain perceptions of the City of Wilmington and of Delaware. I also think in terms of questions because the work that I've done is not the end. There are so many stories that just aren't found in traditional sources and I'm hoping that more people will come forward and share their experiences."

The Wilmington 1968 partners see the upcoming events, performances, and forums as ways to constructively process the physical and emotional toll on our city stemming the uprising and its aftermath. Our community needs to know that we, representatives of the arts & culture community, are not oblivious and unaffected by this quest for healing, and support all Wilmingtonians as they contribute to these necessary cross-generational conversations about race and reconciliation.
Drawing inspiration from the protest art of the 1960s, Squatch Creative — the design firm that created the Wilmington 1968 website — blends technology and art to empower activism. Marcus Price, the site designer, shared, "While creating the aesthetic for the Wilmington 1968 remembrance, I wanted to do justice to the people who lived through this experience. It's different than creating a website for a product or a brand. It was an entire movement and people. I wanted to be sure that I honored that and the spirit involved." 

Partner Organizations in Wilmington 1968 project:

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Arts in Media Clients Ready for a Busy Fall ArtSeason!

The following information comes from an Arts in Media press release announcing its clients' fall performance seasons. Check out the organizations' respective web and social media sites for complete details and ticketing information. 

The Arts at Trinity, a free series in the heart of Wilmington hosted by Trinity Episcopal Church, is now in its seventh season of "pop-up" events in literature, drama, poetry and visual arts. This year opens on Saturday, Oct. 7 with the Serafin String Quartet performing works by Haydn, Mendelssohn and American composer William Grant Still. On Sunday, Nov. 5, Trinity Church Choir and an orchestra conducted by Terrence Gaus-Wollen perform sacred music by Bach as part of Trinity’s regular Sunday service. On Saturday, Dec. 2, rising jazz pianist Gil Scott Chapman performs classical and jazz works and his own compositions. All performances are free to attend. For more details, visit facebook.com/TheArtsatTrinity.

Christina leads off its 71st year with its second annual Homecoming Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 1:00-6:00pm. The free, family-friendly event includes tours, children’s activities and closes with JAMMIN’ @ CHRISTINA, a musicians’ jam session. This fall, Christina unveils a new program called Literary Café, which welcomes New York Times best-selling author and Delaware native Jeff Hobbs on Friday, Oct. 20 and Saturday, Oct. 21. Hobbs will discuss his work, The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace. CCAC’s focus on intimate live performances returns on Saturday, Nov. 18 with a concert by gospel/soul/hip hop drummer George “Spanky” McCurdy. CCAC then embraces holiday majesty on Sunday, Dec. 10 with the stunning contemporary dance/music/narration production of “Carols in Color” performed by Eleone Dance Theatre. Christina wraps up 2017 with a Student Holiday Showcase on Saturday, Dec. 16.  Full details and tickets for events are available at ccacde.org.

Delaware’s Off-Broadway drops the axe on its 24th season with Lizzie, a blistering rock opera based on the 19th Century legend of notorious accused murderess Lizzie Borden, running Sept. 8-16 (Thursday, Sept. 7, 8:00pm preview and Sunday, Sept. 10, 2:00pm matinee). Four women front a six-piece rock band to tell a tale of murder and mayhem. Lizzie marks the CTC debut of Darby Elizabeth McLaughlin in the title role, alongside Jill Knapp of Hot Breakfast!, Kyleen Shaw and Grace Tarves. The band features Meghan Doyle, Joe Lopes, Dustin Samples, Noelle Picara, Sheila Hershey and Rich Degnars.  CTC‘s Fearless Improv continues Third Thursday shows at Chelsea Tavern through 2017 with performances on Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec 21. Shows are also held at Penn’s Place in Old New Castle on Sept. 9 and Nov. 11. Fearless Improv 101 and Improv 301 — 8-week public workshop series teaching basic scenework and advanced performance techniques —begin Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Delaware Historical Society.  In December, CTC returns to The Black Box to present a stripped-down version of the Sondheim classic, Sunday in the Park with George, running Dec. 1-16. They plan to collaborate with local visual artists to produce a “live” piece of art during each production — delivering a fresh, immersive multi-genre experience every night.  Tickets for all CTC and Fearless productions are available at city-theater.org.

Wilmington’s most affordable and diverse music series presents three full-length Festival Concerts this fall, featuring organist David Schelat on Saturday, Oct. 14; Pyxis Piano Quartet on Saturday, Oct. 28; and Mastersingers of Wilmington on Saturday, Nov. 4. Its much-beloved weekly music fest, Thursday Noontime Concerts, begins Thursday, Oct. 5 with a lineup including regional favorites like Copeland String Quartet, pianist Daniel Carunchio and countertenor Gus Mercante as well as a return appearance by Lyra Russian Choir – the vocal ensemble of St. Petersburg. The Noontime schedule culminates in the holiday tradition of the Cartoon Christmas Trio on Thursday, Dec. 7 and a holiday concert by Center City Chorale on Thursday, Dec. 14. Festival concert tickets and more details can be found at marketstreetmusicde.org.

Delaware’s ensemble known for ‘provocative pairings’ announces its 25th Anniversary Season! On Saturday, September 30, the season begins in a new partnership with the Delaware Historical Society for Up Close & Personal: The Violin – an informal afternoon of music and conversation featuring ensemble violinist, Christof Richter. This landmark season is highlighted by four new works from composers Chris Braddock, Jennifer Nicole Campbell, Mark Hagerty and Thomas Whitman, as well as a poetry and music collaboration entitled United Sounds of America with Delaware's Poets Laureate, The Twin Poets, Nnamdi Chukwuocha and Albert Mills. The ensemble also continues its longstanding partnership with its Wilmington Series home, The Delaware Contemporary, with a performance on Sunday, Oct. 29.  That concert will feature the World Premiere of Up to the Light by Mark Hagerty with guest percussionist Chris Hanning and additional music of Bach and Abel. Full details and tickets for all performances can be found at melomanie.org.

The Music School boasts a busy fall of student and professional performances, beginning with its Opening Night – All Bach! A Thank-You Concert on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 7:00pm at its Wilmington Branch. This concert will feature noted works by Bach including Brandenburg Concertos #3 and #5; B Minor Orchestral Suite & Violin Concerto in E Major, performed by chamber orchestra conducted by Simeone Tartaglione. The Music School’s additional professional concerts will include music of the Revolutionary War; the 10th anniversary of its Music of Many Lands program; and an annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration.  The Wilmington Community Orchestra, under the baton of Tiffany Lu, will perform works from Barber to Beethoven. And, the school continues to host its Classical Café sessions, which encourage lively discussion on a variety of music-related topics, quarterly Open Mic Nights, a monthly Bluegrass Jam, jazz and several rock-based student and faculty ensemble performances. For complete details and tickets, visit musicschoolofdelaware.org.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

(Art) Looping it Up in Wilmo with the Good Girls

By Guest Bloggers the Good Girls — Brenda Joy and Brynn Lee
Brenda is the Executive Director of Friends of Wilmington Parks and enjoys all things outdoors, too much food and Wilmington's diverse and plentiful arts offerings. Brynn is a 3rd Grader in a Spanish-English immersion program and enjoys arts, crafts and cereal.



Artist Kevin Niemi at the Baby Grand Gallery
The Grand Opera House was our starting point, where we viewed Half & Half, a collection of vintage fashion photography and infrared landscapes by Beth Trepper.  Down the hall in the Baby Grand Gallery, we met Kevin Niemi and took in his serene abstracts (photo at right).

Jerry’s Artarama had a mosaic art showing from members of Creative Vision Factory and other contributors.  We spied a flyer pointing us to a tile carving activity at Creative Vision Factory so we headed over and Michael Kalmbach gave us some simple instructions and set us loose to create our own unique art pieces!  The tiles we carved will be fired and installed in a quilt-like mural at Stubbs Elementary School.

Nicholas Irving's
Tree of Decision
Christina Cultural Arts Center did not disappoint with its powerful display of Nicholas Irving’s tree women (photo at left), which we enjoyed to the music and dance taking place in the adjacent, visible (and audible) studio.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Chris White Gallery offered a two-floor exhibit A Young Woman’s Exploration in Art, the photographic works of the young women of Serviam Girls Academy. LOMA Coffee had live music and showcased the renderings of Jessica Foraker of Open Spaces Artworks, including a piece painted using a credit card.

Brynn getting a "cat-icature" from
artist Malaki Rhoades
LaFate Gallery had a diverse Women’s History Month art show comprised of the works of five women, and 8-year-old Brynn enjoyed having a car — errr — cat-icature personally created for her on the spot by young artist Malaki Rhoades! (photo at right).

2nd & LOMA, always a buzzing space, featured Denise’s bright acrylic paintings.  

NextFab's 3D print creations
ArtzScape spotlighted the Face to Face exhibit by Zathray Burton.  We ended the evening at The Delaware Contemporary, where we saw the Wilmington IN the Best Light photo contest-winning photography of Brendan Mulrooney. Some 'Loopers tried their hands in a participatory knitting activity and we were mesmerized by NEXTFAB’s 3-D printer working away on a vase while we fancied finished creations (photo at left). The evening highlighted opening receptions for Marilyn Holsing and Laure Drogoul in the Delaware Contemporary's galleries, and it’s always a treat to be able to visit the open artists' studios upstairs!

The chilly winds couldn’t keep us away  we’ve enjoyed countless art loops in all seasons since Brynn was a toddler and are looking forward to Wilmington's next Art on The Town on Friday, April 7!

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Powerful Messages Told Through Equally Powerful Performances

By Guest Blogger, Ken Grant
Ken Grant has worked in Delaware media, politics and marketing for 25 years. He and his Lovely Bride enjoy Wilmington's arts and culture scene as much as they can.

Hip-hop artist Richard Raw performs.

Dr. Lynnette Young Overby (Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Experiential Learning at the University of Delaware) and Colin Miller have created a multi-genre event that communicates hundreds of years of powerful, emotional history through dance, music, images, video, documentary footage and media interviews. The University of Delaware Professor of Theatre and Dance (Overby) and the CAS Director of Global Arts (Miller) gathered dancers from the U.S. and South Africa to explore the tumultuous racial strife of each country.


The project, Same Story Different Countries – From oppression to resilience to liberation in South Africa and the United States – takes the audience on a journey from the African Savannah to slave plantations in the U.S. to civil rights struggles in both the U.S. and South Africa. The primary form of communication in the show is dance. Dozens of dancers transform the stage, expressing the joy of community, the pain of oppression, the strength of character, the outrage at injustice, and the determination of a spirit that continues regardless of ignorance and violence.

While the dancers were performing to music provided by a soundtrack or beautiful live voices, there was one segment performed to the sound of testimonies before the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission and an interview by Wolf Blitzer with civil rights activist Deray McKesson.

Well-known Wilmington hip-hop artist Richard Raw performed his latest hit, Shine Yo Light, in the part of the program titled “The Power of Walking Together,” encouraging the African American community to take pride in their history and heritage while shining a light for others to follow.

The choreography and performances left the audience amazed at both the technical expertise and emotional connection achieved by the performers.

Unfortunately, this production has only been scheduled for one performance in this region, with talks now of taking the program to South Africa. If the organizers stage another production in the U.S., you will absolutely want to experience this powerful piece of performance art for yourself.

See www.ccacde.org

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Celebrate Wilmo's Creative District at the 7th Street Arts Bridge Kick-Off


Information taken from press release courtesy of Wilmington Renaissance Corporation...

Creative District Wilmington is excited to host 7th Street Arts Bridge Kick-Off on Friday, October 2 from 5:30-8:00pm at the new Inspire Lot located at 215-219 W. 7th Street between Orange and Tatnall Streets.

Music by Jea Street and JaE, hip-hop performance by Street Xpressions, food trucks, hands-on art projects and more! Be sure to add this to your schedule while enjoying the first Friday Art on the Town Art Loop! There is no admission cost for the 7th Street Arts Bridge Kick-Off. Performances run from 6:00-8:00pm. In case of inclement weather, a decision will be made by Noon on October 2. Music provided by Gable Music Ventures.

Live Performances
6:00-6:45pm - Jea Street
6:45-7:15pm - Street Xpressions (hip-hop dancers)
7:15-8:00pm - JaE

Sponsored in part by Christina Cultural Arts Center, Cityfest, City of Wilmington, Colonial Parking, Downtown Visions, Gable Music Ventures, Smashed Label, Street Xpressions Arts Organization, Inc., and Wilmington Renaissance Corporation.

Wilmington's Creative District is a part of a national wave of creative placemaking initiatives that seek to transform urban areas. This revitalization project encompasses the area bounded by 4th, 9th, Market and Washington streets. It's driven by collaborative partners: Chris White Community Development Corporation, Christina Cultural Arts Center, City of Wilmington, Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware, Quaker Hill Neighborhood Association and Wilmington Renaissance Corporation. The Creative District is generously supported by Bank of America, Delaware Division of the Arts, Delaware State Housing Authority, Delmarva Power, JPMorgan Chase, Longwood Foundation, TD Bank Foundation and United Way of Delaware.

The Creative District is focused on creative production and consumption, a place where creative entrepreneurs - artists, musicians, designers, tech innovators, makers and manufacturers - and neighborhood residents thrive and where locally designed goods and original works are made and consumed. This revitalization will engage the community - current and future residents, as well as civic and business leaders - In a wide range of initiatives and programs that include; affordable housing, greening and streetscape projects, real estate development, programming and community engagement activities, public art and public performance projects, and centers for creative entrepreneurship.

See CreativeDistrictWilm.com.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

A Weekend of Music at Christina Cultural Arts Center: Diva Jones & Jazz Vespers

Two events this weekend at Christina Cultural Arts Center (CCAC) brings even more music to its intimate Clifford Brown Performance Space. 

On Friday, November 7, beginning at 7:00pm, mezzo-soprano Diva Jones will present The Wellthy Diva Jones — a mini-concert for the public and a workshop focused on healthy-living for performing artists. Called "...a mezzo with the stature of (opera legend) Shirley Verrett, plus the flash of Dorothy Dandridge." by The London Times, Jones has performed throughout the United States, Europe, Israel, and United Kingdom with major orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Israeli Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic.  She is also a dedicated whole and raw foods chef, who studied under the famed Ann Wigmore Institute.  Tickets for Diva Jones are $15 for adults and $10 for students with ID.

For more information on Diva Jones, visit msdivajones.com.

To close the weekend on Sunday, November 9, at 2:00pm, CCAC welcomes Music Director Aaron graves and griot Greg Williams for "The Gospel According to JazzJazz Vespers. The program also features Aaron Graves, piano; Tony Williams, saxophone; Cedric Napoleon, bass; Craig Mciver, drums & Tonya Lynette, vocals. A free-will donation is appreciated.

For more information on these events, please call Christina Cultural Arts Center at 302.652.0101.

The mission of Christina Cultural Arts Center Inc. is to make affordable arts and education, workforce training and live performances accessible to youth and adults in a welcoming learning environment.  Christina Cultural Arts Center Inc. was founded in 1945 by the Women's Club of Trinity Episcopal Church to provide activities for immigrant Polish and Swedish working-class families.  In 1969, the Christina mission was re-aligned to serve as a community-based arts center with an emphasis on preserving African-American cultural heritage. In 1993, Christina completed a capital campaign to purchase and renovate its central location in downtown Wilmington at 705 N. Market Street. Today, Christina Cultural Arts Center Inc. is a gathering place for all, exploring diverse creative expression reflecting our shared American heritage.  


Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Mics Are Open All Over Wilmington!

Wilmington is suddenly rich with open stages for up-and-coming artists of every genre. Welcome three new open mic venues in the city — Get out and experience them all!

Christina Cultural Arts Center presents "The Pivot" Open Mic
A night for singer-songwriters, musicians, spoken-word artists and more! Opening night of the series began October 31 and now continues on the 2nd and 4th Fridays monthly at the Clifford Brown Performance Space of Christina. Sign-ups at 7:00pm and performances at 8:00pm.
Christina Cultural Arts Center
705 N. Market Street • Wilmington, DE 19801


The Arts at Trinity Open Mic
All storytellers, poets, musicians and singers are invited to come and share your gift during this open mic event, hosted on the 3rd Tuesday of the month by Ginny Wilder. Sign-ups begin at 6:30pm, and the entertainment begins at 7:00pm. Artists wanted. Listeners appreciated.  Mark your calendars with the full schedule: November 18; January 20; March 17; April 21; May 19 & June 16.
Trinity Episcopal Church
1108 N. Adams Street • Wilmington, DE 19801

#theBASSment at The Nomad
The Nomad is already known as the downtown spot for live jazz and hip, cozy gatherings. Now, it will be known for its Tuesday nights with #theBASSment, an open mic hosted by local musician Darnell Miller and his musical friends, The Souldaires. They promise plenty of poetry, funk, soul and good vibes. The fun happens Tuesdays 8:00-10:00pm, with no cover.
The Nomad Bar
905 N. Orange Street • Wilmington, DE 19801

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Grammy-Award Winning Vocalist Performs in Benefit for Christina Cultural Arts Center

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Photo courtesy of Gregory Porter
Just before he takes the stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Grammy Award–winning jazz singer, songwriter and actor Gregory Porter makes a rare stop at The Grand Opera House at 7:30pm on Friday, October 17. The one-night-only performance in the Baby Grand Theater is a benefit for Christina Cultural Arts Center.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring an artist of Gregory’s caliber to Wilmington,” said CCAC Executive Director, Raye Jones Avery. “The event is even more meaningful for us because the proceeds benefit Christina Cultural Arts Center — one of our city's celebrated arts organizations helping to elevate WIlmington's vibrant cultural scene and to inspire our children, youth and teens through the arts.”

Special pre- and post-event ticket packages (one including a post-concert dinner with Porter) are still available by contacting The Grand Box Office at 37.800.GRAND. Single concert tickets are $45 and can be purchased online at TicketsAtTheGrand.org or by calling the box office.

This performance is just part of Christina Cultural Arts Center’s focus on presenting intimate live performances by both local and nationally known musicians — both in the Clifford Brown Performance Space of CCAC and other venues in and around downtown Wilmington. Past concerts sponsored by the organization include a sold-out performance by jazz-funk ensemble Snarky Puppy and Esperanza Spalding, as part of the Clifford Brown Year-Round Jazz Series in partnership with the Grand Opera House and the City of Wilmington.

Gregory Porter’s new album, Liquid Spirit, earned him a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Jazz Album in January. The album features three covers and 11 original songs including the title track (Liquid Spirit), Hey Laura, and No Love Dying. Called “the next great male jazz singer,” by NPR Music, Porter made his U.S. television debut last year with an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

This engagement of Gregory Porter is made possible through the Jazz Touring Network program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Christina Cultural Arts Center, Inc. is a premier community school of the arts with a mission to make affordable arts education and live multicultural performances accessible to children, teens and adults in a safe, family environment. CCAC’s leading-edge programs promote self-development, healthy lifestyles, social change, educational success and economic empowerment. CCAC is a partner in Wilmington’s Creative District project and the Center City Wilmington Delaware Readiness Team — a task force aiming to prepare Wilmington’s East Side and Southbridge area children for Kindergarten readiness.

See www.ccacde.org.