SPARK
Fall/Winter 2015-16
BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS – IGNITING CULTURE
FEATURE:
BLUMENTHAL USES ART TO BUILD COMMUNITY | P.6
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Ignite a SPARK: Facebook.com/NCBPAC Twitter.com/BlumenthalArts
CONTENTS
Founders Room opens with a grand reception. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE CHESSON PHOTOGRAPHY
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Fall/Winter 2015-16
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BlumenthalArtsBlog.org
A break-dancing workshop takes place during Street Jam, part of Breakin' Convention. PHOTO BY JESSICA CLELAND
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FEATURE:
4 SHINING STARS
6 MORE THAN A SHOW
4 REAL-WORLD OPPORTUNITY
10 BLUMENTHAL IN PICTURES
5 NEW FOUNDERS ROOM
12 UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
Open Mic an outlet for Charlotte Talent
Blumenthal uses art to build community
Charlotte Cultural Fellows rise to the challenge
State-of-the-art donors' lounge completed
See why your support matters
Donors enjoy insider's tour in Edinburgh, Scotland
ON THE COVER: Members of the dance group Breakers for Life hang out on the Levine Center for the Arts campus before the Breakin' Convention show. PHOTO BY DANIEL COSTON
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Riaz H. Bhamani Amy Rice Blumenthal Kristin Hills Bradberry, chair-elect James Bullock Robert Chesney Joni Y. Davis James F. Downs Edmund H. Driggs J. Porter Durham Jr. Charlie Elberson David M. Goodman Molly B. Griffin Timothy L. Gunter Greg Haislip
Jeffrey S. Hay, secretary Lloyd E. Johnson, treasurer Steve Kinney L. Erin Lavely Dr. Edith Valladares McElroy Barbara S. Meeks Edwin B. Peacock III Joy Pinchback Rick D. Puckett, chair George A. Raftelis Ed Rose Anne Stolz Bill Sullivan Catherine Warfield Amy Wooden
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SPARK SPARK is produced by the Blumenthal Performing Arts Marketing staff. Vice President of Marketing Wendy Oglesby Editor and Graphic Designer Mark Wallace, creative services manager Writer and Content Coordinator Elise Esasky, communications manager Contributing writer: Brandon Carter
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Editing support: Lorrie Henry
DIFFERENCE MAKERS
DEDICATED TO THE ARTS Theater-loving Duo Retire After 16 Years of Service
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Volunteer leaders Henry and Renée Justice.
assignments, it was Renée’s turn as the front of house customer service volunteer training coordinator to “take them by the hand and go in and give them a personal touch in getting them involved.” What a difference that is from when the Justices had their first night as volunteers. The person they were supposed to shadow was suddenly called to another project and they had to wing it without any formal training. “It’s changed tremendously for the better,” says Henry. They credit General Manager Joyce Ford with establishing the mentoring program, which has improved the volunteer experience and quality of service provided to patrons. In addition to helping to improve orientation, the couple have overseen refresher courses for experi enced ushers and developed the Friends for Life program, which keeps alumni volun teers who have served at least 10 years connected to the Blumenthal community via newsletters, invitations to volunteer appreciation events and occasional compli mentary tickets. The Justices were often at the theater far beyond their official 20-hour-per-week commitments, assisting patrons and super vising volunteers. During Broadway Lights productions, they were generally there for all eight performances. It could have been a chore, but their love of theater made it a pleasure.
By Liz Rothaus Bertrand Special Correspondent
ost people choose a tropical location for their honey moon. Not Henry and Renée Justice. Passionate performers in their high school and college years, the two headed to frigid New York City 54 years ago in December to see five Broadway shows. The couple has spent the last 16 years rivaling that honeymoon schedule, spend ing hundreds of nights at the theater while leading a thriving volunteer program at Blumenthal Performing Arts. With their perpetual smiles, they have played a vital role in the Charlotte community, training new volunteers and welcoming a udiences to events. This past August, the two decided to retire from show biz – their second career. They came to Blumenthal as volunteers back in 1999, when Henry retired after 46 years as a United Methodist minister. A year later, Renée, an English teacher, also retired. Henry was already back to work as Blumenthal’s part-time house manager. “Renée and I were essentially like a team,” says Henry, who became director of Volunteer Services in 2007. He recruited, interviewed and led the three-hour orientations that took place monthly for new volunteers. After they received their
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“Henry and I usually say there are no bad shows,” says Renée. “Some are just better than others.” Most of all, they have enjoyed Blumenthal’s family atmosphere, working closely with volunteers and staff, and wel coming people of all ages to the theater. “As I tell all of my friends, we could not have asked for a better opportunity after the first retirement,” says Henry. “It’s just been a good run.” “It really has,” says Renée. T
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SHINING STARS
Open Mic an Outlet for Charlotte Talent
Sisters Lauren and Lane take the stage and wow the audience with their bluegrass and folk tunes.
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rom a performer’s perspective, there’s no greater feeling than stepping out onto a stage and seeing the effect your talent has on an audience. From singers to dancers, and every kind of act in between, everyone has the chance to step into the spotlight at Blumenthal’s Open Mic. Presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts as part of the organization’s Whirl initiative, Open Mic gives the general public the opportunity to shine bright like a star on a professional stage. “I felt for just five short minutes like a star, and feeling like a star feels pretty good,” says past Open Mic performer David Crowe. For past Open Mic performing duo Lauren and Lane, it was a chance to connect with other artists. “We established friend ships with fellow performers, which opened the door for us to perform and collaborate with other gifted artists such as the Caroline Keller Band.” Open Mic nights take place throughout the year at the beautiful McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. Visit BlumenthalArts.org/ Whirl for information. T — Article by Shameika Rene’, special correspondent
Charlotte Cultural Fellows Rise to the Challenge
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t was a dose of arts reality for six weeks this summer for a group of interns taking part in the first Charlotte Cultural Fellows program. Together with the Levine Museum of the New South, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Discovery Place, Blumenthal Performing Arts hosted the students in a newly devel oped program designed to truly expose them to the inner workings and poten tial career opportunities that exist in
Katie Engel shadows the Blumenthal ticketing staff.
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the nonprofit cultural arena. Katie Engel’s experience allowed her to learn more about the Queen City. “I learned a lot about what Charlotte has to offer culturally. Learning about these different organizations is what really inspires my love of the arts because I’m reminded of how similar cultural organizations are, especially when there are so many things that make them dif ferent,” says Engel. The group was handed the task of a
Engel leads the Charlotte Cultural Fellows workshop.
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real life challenge and finding a viable solution, which helps them in the long run. “I've had experience throughout my college career with event planning, so taking on a leadership role came pretty naturally to me,” says Engel. “I think this experience validated my thought that I’d be interested in entertainment management for a future career, and I’m grateful to have had this real-world opportunity.” T — Article by Shameika Rene’, special correspondent
The Fellows do research for a presentation in August.
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NEW FOUNDERS ROOM SPARKLES
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ounders Room, a new event space managed by Blumenthal Performing Arts, opened its doors during the late summer run of Motown The Musical, with a special event in honor of former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl Jr. on Sept. 1. Current Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan and N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory were among those who attended the event celebrating McColl’s support of the arts in Charlotte. Located on the ground level of Founders Hall in the Bank of America Corporate Center, Founders Room offers easy access to Belk Theater and pro vides a gathering place for Blumenthal’s member lounge, education events, affinity group events and events hosted by Blumenthal’s resident companies, including Charlotte Symphony and Opera Carolina. The space features a full bar, kitchen and private restrooms. “We are very grateful to Bank of America for generously providing this space to us for $1 per year for the next five years,” said Blumenthal P erforming Arts President and CEO Tom Gabbard. “We’re certain this state-of-the-art space will allow us to enhance the experience of many theatergoers for years to come.” T
Gov. Pat McCrory speaks during the grand opening of Blumenthal's new Founders Room in Founders Hall, also attended by Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, second from right, and former CEO Hugh McColl, far right.
PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE CHESSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Guests and dignitaries enjoy the new Founders Room.
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Visitors gather for a cypher in the Knight Theater lobby as a DJ plays. A cypher is where a group of people circle around a performer to watch and take turns participating.
MORE THAN A SHOW
Blumenthal uses art to build community COVER STORY BY PAGE LEGGETT
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT COVER AND INSIDE PHOTOS BY DANIEL COSTON (EXCEPT WHERE NOTED)
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“To see @blumenthalarts promoting hip-hop in their venue almost brings tears to my eyes because it means we have penetrated something; a barrier previously thought impenetrable ... Respect for real.” @QUILLHIPHOP – A.K.A. MASON PARKER
NC Dance District performs on stage at Knight Theater.
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t was hard for Blumenthal Performing Arts’ staff members to find the words to describe how it felt when they saw the Sept. 14 Instagram post at the top from @Quillhiphop – a.k.a. Mason Parker – an actor, spoken word artist, emcee and WPEG on-air personality. But in a way, it validated everything the organization’s CEO was hoping to achieve when he decided to bring a hip-hop festival to Charlotte. “We blew up perceptions, not only of what we bring in, but also of what hip-hop is,” said Blumenthal President and CEO Tom Gabbard of Breakin’ Convention, the inter national hip-hop dance theater festival created by London’s Sadler’s Wells that Blumenthal brought to Charlotte in October. (If you missed it, you can catch it in 2016 and 2017.) Hip-hop, a sometimes misunderstood art form, has officially gone
from underground to mainstream. The hottest ticket on Broadway now is Hamilton, a hip-hop musical about the founding father whose face is on the $10 bill. There’s a misperception that hiphop is confined to the streets and not for everyone. Not so. “It’s familyoriented, fun and uplifting,” Gabbard said. “Real hip-hop is about peace, love, unity and having fun.” Sadler’s Wells, the theater that birthed Breakin’ Convention, has a 300-year history of producing theater and opera. Gabbard calls the group “the premier presenter of dance in the world.” Sadler’s Wells CEO and Artistic Director Alistair Spalding said Breakin’ Convention was launched in London 12 years ago to elevate “an artistic form that could be as compelling on stage as … ballet.” Jonzi D, artistic director of Breakin’ Convention and a Sadler’s
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Wells associate artist, has been a leader in British hip-hop, rapping and B-Boying since the early 1980s. When Jonzi visited Charlotte in April 2014, he found it to be the perfect place for the concept behind Breakin’ Convention. “It’s not just about bringing in international stars. It’s also about engaging the local community. Tom (Gabbard) can see the benefits of Breakin’ Convention on a level of community engagement. This event is for everybody – not just one type of person. Charlotte really embraced that.” Hip-hop is more than music. If you’re a “So You Think You Can Dance?” fan, you’re already a hip-hop fan. Break-dancing is one component of hip-hop. Local graffiti artist DeNeer Davis, 28, who was part of Breakin’ Convention, said hip-hop can Continued on Page 8
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Continued from Page 7
include break-dancing, DJing, e mceeing, rapping, as well as her own art form – graffiti. “People talk about the ‘hip-hop community,’” Davis said. “No one talks about a ‘pop community’ or a ‘country community.’” She calls the hip-hop community “a family” – one whose founding fathers are now in their 60s. Hip-hop has operated mostly in the shadows in Charlotte, but Breakin’ Convention shined a light on the art form like nothing before it. The two-day affair featured international artists and emerging local artists. Along with ticketed performances in Knight Theater, Breakin’ Convention offered Street Jam at Spirit Square, a day filled with free activities, including DJs, a drum circle, lessons in beatboxing, spoken word performances, a fash ion show and a graffiti station, which let participants try their hand at the art form. Breakin’ Convention is huge for Charlotte. Reggie Bean, multicultural director of Charlotte’s Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, said, “The show came straight from London to Charlotte. It didn’t go to L.A. or Miami or D.C.” Mason Parker, whose Instagram message spoke to Breakin’ Convention being a breakthrough, agrees it’s a win. But he’s not surprised the Queen City landed it. “North Carolina is a rising star on the national hip-hop scene,” he said. Blumenthal had plenty of support, including that of pre senting sponsor Sprite. Bean said, “Hip-hop brings people together. It’s the music a lot of us grew up listening to.” Now, it’s his 13-year-old daughter’s jam. “She rummages through my music,” he said, adding that she finds it cool listening to “old school” music like Run DMC, LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys. “People across generational lines listen to hip-hop,” Continued on Page 9
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PHOTO BY JESSICA CLELAND
Continued from Page 8
Bean said. “It goes beyond any par ticular demographic.” Unlike some subgenres of hiphop, such as “gangsta” rap, Breakin’ Convention’s hip-hop is “more positive and family-friendly than people give it credit for,” Bean said. Blumenthal made a three-year commitment to Breakin’ Convention. “With any big idea, you’ve got to allow time to develop it,” Gabbard said. “We want to nurture this show and provide enough time for audiences to find it. We’re in this for the long haul.” Breakin’ Convention isn’t all Blumenthal is doing this season to build community. Blumenthal and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for
African-American Arts+Culture will join forces with Wells Fargo to bring Dance Theatre of Harlem to the Levine Center for the Arts in January. Wells Fargo’s generous donation provides tickets to nearly 1,200 people – the equivalent of a full house. And the people getting those tickets are those least likely to have the resources to see the performance. Also, The Charlotte Jazz Festival will return in the spring with indoor and outdoor components. Wynton Marsalis, the legend from one of jazz’s leading families, will return to Charlotte to participate and perform. But Breakin’ Convention is the groundbreaking, community-building
centerpiece – an event designed to bring people together in the spirit of peace, love, unity and having fun. The festival’s clever name has mul tiple meanings. There’s break-dancing, of course. And if you think of “conven tions” as large gatherings of people who share a common interest, then this convention meets that definition. Gabbard said it’s also, liter ally, breaking conventions about what hip-hop is. It’s breaking down barriers. “That’s what the arts should do,” Gabbard said. “That’s what Blumenthal should do.” T
Opposite page, from the top: Dejarius Bright performs during a cypher; a performer with the Nouveau Sud Project uses a simple wheel; and The Ruggeds perform. This page, top, clockwise from left: N Rock with Breakers for Life leans against a column in the Knight Theater lobby painted by a local graffiti artist; The Ruggeds perform; Michael Tavera performs in a cypher, and a group of kids participate in the drum circle during Street Jam at Spirit Square. At left: A performer sings during Find Your Jazz Day at the 2014 Charlotte Jazz Festival. At right: Lindsey Croop from the Dance Theatre of Harlem performs.
PHOTO BY PHILLIP HOFFMAN
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PHOTO BY RACHEL NEVILLE
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PHOTO BY JESSICA CLELAND
PHOTO BY DANIEL COSTON
Cast members from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast spend the morning at Levine Children’s Hospital.
Freedom Schools Scholars enjoy a special performance of Annie thanks to donations through the Arts for All initiative.
PHOTO BY DANIEL COSTON
PHOTO BY DANIEL COSTON
Former congressman Mel Watt and other local celebrities attend a birthday bash thrown for Motown The Musical Director Charles Randolph Wright, pictured second from right, during the two-week run of the hit show in Charlotte.
PHOTO BY ELISE ESASKY
Star of Annie, Issie Swickle, performs “Tomorrow” on WCNC’s "Charlotte Today."
Families try their hand at graffiti art during the first Graffiti Jam held in July.
PHOTO BY JESSICA CLELAND
BLUMENTHAL IN PICTURES
A packed house moves to the same beat in Belk Theater during Motown The Musical.
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PHOTO BY CATHERINE MUCCIGROSSO
Attendees come dressed to impress at the fourth annual High School Musical Theater Awards.
PHOTO BY DANIEL COSTON PHOTO BY PHILLIP HOFFMAN
Talented young people wow judges during the first Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artist Competition at Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts.
WBTV Anchor Maureen O’Boyle enters the stage as Blumey Awards emcee for a night celebrating high school musical theater.
PHOTO BY BRANDON CARTER
PHOTO BY ELISE ESASKY
Visitors pose with one of Blumenthal’s Tony Awards at the annual Tony Awards Viewing Party held at McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square.
PHOTO BY ELISE ESASKY
Josh Tower (Berry Gordy) stops by FOX’s "Good Day Charlotte" to chat about Motown The Musical playing at Belk Theater.
Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard appears on WBTV to invite Charlotte residents to the free Tony Awards Viewing Party.
PHOTO BY DANIEL COSTON
PHOTO BY MICHELLE YOUNGS
Over 1,000 people attended the third annual National Dance Day celebration held at the Wells Fargo Plaza in July.
Ana Ogbueze, center, and other local choreographers attend exclusive lead-up events in anticipation of Breakin’ Convention.
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UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES Blumenthal Donors Enjoy Insider's Tour of Theater in Edinburgh, Scotland Tour participants dine together at Divino Enoteca in Edinburgh.
Mike and Jaime Monday enjoy a fun-filled day of sightseeing.
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By Courtney Devores Special Correspondent
lthough Blumenthal Performing Arts is known for booking the biggest touring Broadway shows and main stream musicals, it also brings cutting edge, international avant-garde entertain ment to Charlotte. The experience of finding such enter tainment isn’t reserved for Blumenthal’s top brass. It is one President Tom Gabbard shared with Blumenthal Performing Arts donors by leading a trip to the Scottish coastal capital of Edinburgh for the Edinburgh Festival. It's the world’s largest arts festival with thousands of theater, comedy, dance, music, children’s and per formance art shows during the month of August. The 68-year-old festival launched the careers of comedians Dudley Moore, Peter Cook and Craig Ferguson, and pre mieres many future international hits. “It was an amazing experience. It far exceeded any expectations,” says Jaime Monday, who returned from the Blumenthal-guided Edinburgh experience in August where she and her husband hit roughly 12 shows in four days. Upon landing in London, the group was given an insider’s look at the city’s theater experience and a guided tour of the theater and performance collection at the PHOTO BY BELINDA LAWLEY Museum. But it was Victoria and Albert 12 SPARK | FALL/WINTER 2015-16
the B roadway musical Bend It Like Beckham that brought Monday to tears during a number sung by a mother to a daughter. “I’m an empty nester. I’ve recently let my daughter go in the last two years,” explains Monday, who got involved with Blumenthal because of her daughter’s inter est in theater and dance. “Here it is, this show about soccer, and I have tears rolling down my face. I thought the show was phenomenal because it touched everybody in there.” That was just the warmup for a whirl wind trip through Edinburgh that included a wizard-led Harry Potter tour of cemeter ies, hotels and coffee shops where J.K. Rowling wrote her iconic books, as well as a rare private tour of Edinburgh Castle. Then there were the Fringe perfor mances, from Oscar winner Juliette Binoche in a new Ivo van Hove-directed version of Antigone to a much sparser twoman show about the life of John Lennon. Monday predicts American singing impressionist Christina Bianco will be a breakout star. During her one-woman show, she channels everyone from Adele to Julie Andrews, Celine Dion and Ariana Grande. “She sounds just like them. She went through the alphabet and sang from an art ist that starts with each letter and told her story about coming around to the fact that this is an actual talent,” Monday says. BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
A visit to Hamilton & Inches presented a photo op under the Royal Warrant Seal.
Another standout was Dickens Abridged, Adam Long’s outrageous musical comedy of Charles Dickens’ greatest hits, described by the British press as Tenacious D meets Monty Python, and the Grateful Dead meets the ghost of Christmas past. Monday only wishes she had time for even more of Edinburgh. “Tom (Gabbard) is very talented in knowing what to see and where the next up and coming act might be coming from. He really picked out a wide variety of great shows.” T
ARTS FOR ALL
Program Makes Strides for Students in the Region
T At right: Freedom Schools Scolars walk uptown to Belk Theater for a special performance of Annie. Above: The students head inside the theater for the show.
he philosophy at Bumenthal Performing Arts is that all students should have opportunities to be inspired by theater, particularly those who need inspiration the most. For some, the opportunity is out of reach because of life circumstances. Blumenthal provides that opportunity with the help of those who also believe that art, and access to art, is inspirational and important for all children. Thousands of individuals in the community made inspiration possible this summer by sponsoring tickets for 1,100 Freedom Schools Scholars to attend a special matinee of Annie. This
STARS COME OUT Aria Tuscan Grill Hosts Cast Parties
At left: Producer's Circle member Betty Doria, right, and her daughter, left, meet a cast member during the Kinky Boots cast party held at Aria Tuscan Grill.
Blumenthal board chair Rick Puckett, left, and his wife, Jeanne, enjoy a night at Aria with the cast of Cinderella.
Students are all smiles during intermission as they strike a pose in front of the step-and-repeat.
particular Arts for All initiative was the largest to date for a single performance. Blumenthal truly believes theater inspires and lifts people up, and it has become its mission to ensure that all children are able to experience that magic. It’s important to the organiza tion to be a place for every member of this community. Blumenthal has several Arts for All initiatives that assist organizations including but not limited to Big B rothers Big Sisters, YWCA, Communities in Schools and Freedom Schools. T
PARTNERS
BlackArch Commits to Multiyear Sponsorship
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lumenthal Performing Arts was thrilled to announce it was joining forces with BlackArch Partners this year. BlackArch committed to sponsoring Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in September and will be the exclusive present ing sponsor for a Broadway Extra production each year for the next four years. “We are grateful to have BlackArch Partners’ sup port in helping us to serve our community,” said Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard. “We are truly honored to be working with a company that has approached their charitable decisions in such a thoughtful, strategic way.” BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
BlackArch Partners engaged its entire firm to conduct a compre hensive review of its charitable giving. After an intensive process of soliciting information from and interacting with over 60 charitable organizations, BlackArch Partners chose Blumenthal Performing Arts to be one of its top philan thropic long-term partnerships by making a four-year annual com mitment totaling $100,000. “Blumenthal Performing Arts has a profound impact not only in Charlotte and the Carolinas but is instrumental in promoting and supporting the performing arts across the country and internation ally,” said Matthew Salisbury of BlackArch Partners. T FALL/WINTER 2015-16 | SPARK
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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS Contributions received from Oct. 17, 2014-Oct. 17, 2015
PRODUCER’S CIRCLE CHAIRMAN
Peg and Jay Adamczyk Dr. Milton and Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund Victoria and Porter Durham Vickie and Tom Gabbard Barbara and David Goodman Laura and Jeff Hay Renee and Chris Hobart Mr. and Mrs. William B. McGuire, Jr. Michael, Jaime and Allie Monday Jeanne and Rick Puckett In Memory of Jane Mary Reilly
DIRECTOR
Mr. William K. Diehl, Jr. Belinda and Timothy Gunter David and Nancy Hauser Wendy and Michael Kahn Lynn and Bill Sullivan
PRESIDENT
Anonymous (1) Cathy and Jim Baily Mr. William M. Barnhardt and Mrs. Nancy B. Thomas Christine and Arthur Becker The Blumenthal Foundation Amy and Philip Blumenthal Betsy and Alfred Brand Minna and Michael Elliott Elizabeth and James Faulkner Dorlisa and Peter Flur Beverly and Jim Hance Diane and Chuck Harrington Kearns Saldinger Charitable Foundation Julie and Howard Levine Jane and Hugh McColl Mr. and Mrs. George Raftelis Kelli and Mike Richardson Jean and Matthew Salisbury Ann and Michael Tarwater Karen and Edgar Whitener Joan and Robert Zimmerman
BENEFACTOR
Julie and Riaz Bhamani Robin and Lea Burt Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chesney Nan and Hal Clarke Amy and Alfred Dawson Terri and Mark Deboo Ms. Jennie Derby Jim Donahue Dr. Bryan Edmiston and Mr. Felipe Gonzalez
Charlie Elberson Beth and Jonathan Feit Sandra and Stephen Godofsky Douglas R. and Elizabeth G. Goldstein Mrs. Gail Grim Lisa and Greg Haislip Sally Hawk and Tommi Levi Patti and Mark Hawley Rebecca S. Henderson and J. Michael Booe Nora and Thomas Hughes Susan and David Jamison Juanita and Lloyd Johnson Dr. Shannon Moran and Mr. Joseph Lovallo Hedy and John Manry Barbara and Josh Meeks Anna and Tom Nelson Linda and Tony Pace Wendy and Frank Rosen Ken Rothmel Brenda and Bill Ryan Rose and Tom Sherard Lisa and Glenn Sherrill Norma and Rodney Short The Levine-Sklut Family Foundation - Lori and Eric Sklut Anne and Robert Stolz Jacqueline A. Tucker Sandy and Greg Vlahos Ed Weisiger, Jr. and Betsy Fleming Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. White Lisa and Kenny Wilson Amy Wooden and Joe Kolodziej
INVESTOR
Anonymous (3) Holly and Jeff Atkins Elizabeth Austin Ann and John Barry Mrs. Kimberly Beason Joyce and Andrew Berger The Donald H. and Barbara K. Bernstein Family Foundation Catherine W. Bickley, DDS Mr. and Mrs. Alan Blumenthal Peggy and Ray Bouley Kristin and Buck Bradberry Barbara and William A. Branch Jaye Salter and Daniel Brewster Pat and Tim Brier Mary and Frank Brown Katy and James Bullock Dr. Chris Burkett Jeff and Anne Brady Carlson Karmen Cassell
Elaine and Steve Coats Karin and Sean Davies Gloria and Peter De Arcangelis Dr. Zoe Forward and Dr. Luke Dollar Michele Durkin Landrum and Kathie Fisher Jennifer and Scott Fuller Todd E. Gardner, MD In Memory of Judy Gerhart Todd Glenham Randy Griffin Robin and Blaine Hawkins Carol and Chris Horn Mandy and Todd Houser Peggy and Jim Hynes Michelle Johnson Janet and Neil Kaplan Mr. Howard Kushner Patty and Chris Lambert Marc and Xhenis Levack The Leon Levine FoundationSandra and Leon Levine George and Wanda Mackie Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Ashley Mattei Jill Maxwell Kristy and Tadd Morganti Janet and Peter Nixon Emily and Jacob Norris Dr. Helene Keyzer and Dr. Richard Pollard Gregory Price Jim Putnam Cindy and Randy Rice Mrs. Jon Richardson Lisa and Robert Rollins Mr. and Mrs. Jason C. Schmidly Vesime and Marty Schroering Roger Shaul, Jr. Peggy and Pope Shuford June Silver Sherry and Tom Skains Dr. Ramada Smith and Mr. Kevin Smith Judith Smith Cindy and David Soliday Jeri Dianne Stancil Ingrid and Walter Steele Dia and Paul Steiger Dr. and Mrs. Robert Sullivan Jennifer and David Teifer Carrie and Jeff Teixeira David Thomason Lee and George Veltri Catherine and Scott Warfield Mary Ellen and Reid Wilkerson Johnnie Willis and Michael Green
In loving memory of my Rip – Cathey Winfield
GRAND PATRONS
Larry Adams Valerie and Bill Alexander Leslie Alston Bryan and Kristen Barboza Dr. and Mrs. Edward S. Baum Renee and Mike Baumbach Diann and Doug Beckner Marinn and Scott Bengel Mr. and Mrs. Tony Bikhazi Crandall and Erskine Bowles Bill and Robin Branstrom Kathleen Britton Jerod Brown Peter and Cynthia Buck Bret Burquest Brent Clevenger Harvey and Muri Corzin Lori and Roger Cuddy Rose and Bill Cummings Joni and Aaron Davis Donna and Al de Molina Gaither and Robert W. Deaton Lee Ann and Steve DeCarlo Pamela and Greg Dills Pepper and Roddey Dowd, Sr. Brigid and James Downs Betty Doria Marcia and Bob Dynko Rachel and Jonathan Ellis Mr. Steven Ellis Kelli Enos Kathy and Tom Ewing Elaine and Jeffrey Fagan Carolyn B. Faison Dr. and Mrs. Roger J. Fish Michele and Walter Fisher Joyce Staley Ford John R. Georgius Robin Gershen Joe and Carol Gigler Anne and George Goodyear Mr. and Mrs. Mike Greene Molly and Robert Griffin Pamela Hanna, M.D. Ellen and Ned Hardison Donna and Randy Helton Eric, Lori, Halle and Casey Hillman Carolyn and Tim Hilton Larissa and Ken Huber Kathy and Charlie Izard David S. Jacobson Lynn Jeffrey Linda and Kerry Kenner Virginia A. Kern
Membership gifts make inspiration possible in our community. JOIN TODAY! BlumenthalArts.org/givenow or call 704.379.1353 14 SPARK | FALL/WINTER 2015-16
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Debra and Steve Kinney Janice S. Ladley Eleanor Ehrhart and Dominick Landi Beverly and John Lassiter James Ledbetter Cathy and Fred Littlejohn Sarah Hollar and Peter Macon Catherine and Jeremiah Malone Marie-Claire Marroum-Kardous Betsy and T. Bragg McLeod Ms. Marie Mitchell Charlotte and Arthur Mott William Newcomb Jill and Ed Newman Drs. Elaine and Thomas Pacicco Anne Patefield Mr. and Mrs. Edwin B. Peacock III Donna and Steve Pernotto Joy Pinchback Susan and Dale Pond Fidel and Laura Prieto Mary and Dave Pylipow Dr. and Mrs. Richard S. Roberts Sally and Russell Robinson William R. Rollins Carla and Ed Rose Michael Serulneck Dr. Marvin Shapiro and Mrs. Anita Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Shelton, Sr. Cheryl Barringer and Mike Sherman Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Sherrill Rita and Pat Shevlin Deanna and Norman Shue The Marc and Mattye Silverman Foundation Rosemary and Paul Smith Tom E. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Wayne B. Smith, Jr. Patricia and John Stewart Claudia and David Strickert Suzanne and Michael Stritch Claire and Jim Talley Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Thomas Christina and John Trainor Ellen and Ron Vilas Diana and Matt Wakefield Jacqueline and John Wasco Margo and Dave Wehrung Drs. James and Jackie Wheeler Teresa and Stick Williams Joanna and Landirs Williams Pat and Bill Williamson
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Cousins Properties Crescent Communities, LLC Deloitte Elliott Davis Decosimo InterCon Building Corporation King & Spalding LLP
Lincoln Harris Mayer Brown LLP Midrex Technologies, Inc. North Highland Company NUCOR Rodgers Builders Inc.
SPX Corporation SteelFab, Inc. Troutman Sanders LLP UTC Aerospace Systems Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice PLLC
MANAGING PARTNERS Baird Private Wealth Management Bryan Cave Charlotte Paint Co. Inc. Commercial Flooring Solutions
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP Little McGladrey McGuireWoods LLP
Moore & Van Allen PLLC PMMC Preferred Electric Co., Inc.
Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson P.A. White Knight Engineered Products, Inc.
ASSOCIATE PARTNERS Balfour Beatty Construction Cabarrus Glass Company Inc. Chicago Title Insurance Company Crosland Southeast Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
DTH IT Consulting Galvan Industries, Inc. Garmon & Company, Inc. Commercial Flooring High Performance Technologies Hood Hargett & Associates
Hoopaugh Grading Company, LLC Howard Brothers Electric Jenkins Peer Architects McKenny’s Inc. McNeary Inc. McVeigh & Mangum
Messer Construction Company NC Interiors Contracting Odell Associates Parsec Financial Red Moon Marketing Robert Hopkins General Contractor LLC
Rogers Unloading Service Schindler Elevator Corp. Terri DeBoo Ideas@Work Tippens & Zurosky LLP Velligan Medical Services, PC Willis Xentegra
RESTAURANT PARTNERS
LEADERSHIP GRANTS Blumenthal Performing Arts receives support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.
Blumenthal Performing Arts is supported, in part, with funding from ASC in the amount of $312,092.
BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
FALL/WINTER 2015-16 | SPARK
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BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS 130 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Charlotte, NC Permit No. 3036
WE INSPIRE BIG DREAMS. Eva Noblezada, named best actress in Blumenthal Performing Arts' 2013 Blumey Awards, gained national attention at The Jimmy™ Awards that year and went on to land the lead role of Kim in Miss Saigon, now playing in London’s West End.
Blumenthal Performing Arts has been entertaining and inspiring our community since 1992.
Your gifts make inspiration possible. 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 • 704.372.1000 • BlumenthalArts.org
Photo by Henry McGee