Summer 2016
B L U M E N T H A L P E R F O R M I N G A R T S – I G N I T I N G C U LT U R E
FEATURE:
CONNECTING COMMUNITY THROUGH JAZZ | P.4
BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
SUMMER 2016 | SPARK
1
Ignite a SPARK: Facebook.com/NCBPAC
CONTENTS
Twitter.com/BlumenthalArts YouTube.com/NCBPAC
Summer 2016
BlumenthalArtsBlog.org
PHOTO BY BRANDON CARTER
4
Free jazz on the plaza drew thousands of people to Levine Center for the Arts throughout the week.
FEATURE:
Matt Hooker. who painted this mural of James Taylor, was among the local artists who paid tribute to some of the most famous artists from the Carolinas.
4 CONNECTING COMMUNITY
9 TRIBUTE TO CAROLINA ARTISTS
8 CHANCE OF A LIFETIME
10 BLUMENTHAL IN PICTURES
9 OPEN ART SURGERY
12 THE BLUMEY AWARDS
Charlotte Jazz Festival Has Far-reaching Impact
Young Artists Perform With Famous Orchestra
9
Local Artists Transform Spirit Square Lobby
Snapshots of the Organization's Reach
Program Pushes Dancers Beyond the Norm
Program Celebrates 5 Years of Honoring Students
ON THE COVER: A second line parade makes its way through uptown Charlotte during the 2016 Charlotte Jazz Festival in April . PHOTO BY PHILLIP HOFFMAN
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Reginald Bean Riaz H. Bhamani Amy Rice Blumenthal Kristin Hills Bradberry, chair Marivi Bryant James Bullock Robert Chesney Joni Y. Davis Dena Diorio James F. Downs J. Porter Durham Jr. David M. Goodman Molly B. Griffin Timothy L. Gunter Greg Haislip
2 SPARK | SUMMER 2016
Jeffrey S. Hay, secretary Renee Hobart Sarah Hutchins Lloyd E. Johnson, treasurer L. Erin Lavely Dr. Edith Valladares McElroy Barbara S. Meeks Edwin B. Peacock III Rick D. Puckett, past chair George A. Raftelis Ed Rose Matthew Salisbury Bill Sullivan Kevin White Amy Wooden
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 writers: Liz Rothaus Bertrand Crystal Dempsey
BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
Editing support: John Luebke Lorrie Henry
4
DIFFERENCE MAKER
PAYING IT FORWARD Positive First Impression at Blumenthal Leads David Goodman to Support Role
By Liz Rothaus Bertrand
I
Special Correspondent
f you’ve ever doubted the importance of first impressions, talk to David Goodman and you’ll doubt no more. Originally from New England, Goodman and his wife Barbara, a native New Yorker, have long been musical theater fans. “I always loved theater,” says Goodman, “(but) all I wanted to do was buy a ticket and see a show … until something grabbed me at that first experience at Blumenthal.” That “something” was a kind of hospitality that Goodman says he had never encountered in his many years of theater going. New to town, the couple were immediately impressed by the openness of Belk Theater’s Will Call area – much different from the glassed-in Broadway box offices they were accustomed to, which Goodman says make you feel “like you’re going to rob a bank!” “We were engulfed with warmth and sincerity when we picked up the tickets,” he says, as the box office staff and ushers went out of their way to welcome the couple and provide helpful information. “It’s an example of how Blumenthal enhances life in Charlotte.” Eight years later, Goodman looks back at that first impression as the inspiration for getting more involved with Blumenthal. Now serving his third year on the board of trustees, Goodman and his wife also fund the Junior Ambassadors program, a unique volunteer experience tied to the performing arts at Blumenthal for select high school juniors and seniors. Junior Ambassadors attend arts management and personal development seminars to build interpersonal skills and selfconfidence. They serve as volunteer ushers throughout the school year and must maintain a 3.0 academic grade point average.
Participants are also eligible for several one-time, nonrenewable “Spirit of Service” scholarships that can be applied to any field of study at any college or university. The program’s goals were a perfect fit for Goodman, an entrepreneur who believes strongly that people are the essence of any organization. “Barbara and I want the participants to cherish the training that David Goodman and his wife Barbara attend The Blumey Awards. is offered to them and to know that once an ambassador, always an ambassador,” says Goodman. “It is a globally appreciated, generated-from-the heart attribute. The parameters of applying the skills are boundless, and being an ambassador heightens awareness, integrity and applies to every relationship and skill.” The Goodmans have taken their support a step further by creating a legacy gift through the Foundation of the Carolinas to ensure the Junior Ambassadors program will continue in perpetuity. “Receiving support for this unique program is so helpful in assuring that we can continue to provide it today,” says Vice President of Development Cindy Rice, “but providing a legacy gift to assure funding is available for the program for future generations is extraordinary. We are so grateful to the Goodmans for this remarkable support.” Goodman, who has a variety of interests and hobbies – from antiquing and sailing to spending time with his beloved grandkids – marvels at how involved he has become with Blumenthal. He says his experience is a testament to the power of people to make a difference. “It’s amazing that I’m this committed to the performing arts,” he says. “I was never in a school play. Until my love for Blumenthal evolved, I was a ticket patron. That’s it. This all started because somebody was nice to me at the will call window.” T
Goodman poses with members of the Junior Ambassadors
PHOTO BY BRIAN TWITTY
BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
SUMMER 2016 | SPARK
3
CONNECTING COMMUNITY THROUGH
JAZZ This page: Students compete in the Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artists Competition during the Charlotte Jazz Festival in April. Next page: Sammy Miller and the Congregation bring down the house during First Night at the Mint Museum.
COVER STORY BY MICHAEL J. SOLENDER SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
COVER AND LEAD-IN PHOTOS BY PHILLIP HOFFMAN
4 SPARK | SUMMER 2016
BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
PHOTO BY FRANK STEWART
Charlotte Jazz Festival reaches deep into the community extending cultural partnerships, providing educational opportunities, and creating positive economic impact while entertaining sold-out crowds
T
hough the books are closed on the 2016 Charlotte Jazz Festival, sponsored by The Leon Levine Foundation, and the last note was played in late April of this year, the lasting ripple effects continue to be felt across Charlotte, leaving all involved anxious for next year’s encore. By most any measure, the yearsin-the-planning festival saw success at every turn. Thousands of Charlotte residents and visitors from across the state and the country experienced worldclass jazz performed at the highest level. Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, a key collaborator and driving force behind creating the annual Charlotte Jazz Festival, brought the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to town from New York City for both
scheduled and impromptu performances highlighting the weeklong festivities. Every ticketed event for the festival was a sellout. The festival was the first multiperformance event with activities in all venues at Levine Center for the Arts, demonstrating what the strength and vibrancy of collaborative cultural partners means for our city. Festival events at the Mint Museum, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Knight Theater and the plaza showcased the dynamic cultural campus in action once only hoped for by city planners.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
“One of the aspects of our festival distinctly different from others
BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
is the level of community involvement and programming,” said Tom Gabbard, president and CEO of Blumenthal Performing Arts. “We held jazz clinics with area students, offered several free events featuring local musicians including lunch hour jazz with daily ‘Free Fun on the Plaza,’ after work ‘Happy Hour Jazz,’ and special programming for children with the ‘Junior Jazz Club.’” Gabbard noted the seeds for the festival were sown years ago when former Charlotte mayor, now secretary of transportation, Anthony Foxx along with former Arts & Science Council president Scott Provancher visited Wynton Marsalis, artistic and managing director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, in New York City as part of the Charlotte Continued on Page 6
SUMMER 2016 | SPARK
5
Continued from Page 5
Chamber’s intercity visit. “Marsalis lamented that many Jazz fests across the country had evolved around pop music and weren’t necessarily celebrating the unique American art form nor truly involving the broader community,” Gabbard said. “Fox and Provancher suggested Charlotte would be a perfect venue for that and subsequently invited Blumenthal to develop the Charlotte Jazz Festival.” With Marsalis’ support to move forward, visible steps leading to the festival began in 2013. That year Marsalis along with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performed his stunning Abyssinian Mass at Charlotte’s Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, with Foxx and his mother looking on in their home church. Reaching into the community, Marsalis and friends went to area high schools, conducted student workshops and held educational programs for area youth – a practice Marsalis has continued on subsequent visits to Charlotte and a key component of his vision in developPHOTO BY PHILLIP HOFFMAN ing the festival. “Diversity of generations is important,” Marsalis said. “Younger musicians bring a certain type of energy and freshness. The young artist competition allows people to hear what their peers are doing and gain a higher level of involvement from teachers. If you are open to creativity and the celebration of individual personhood, if you are open to these types of values, then you have a chance to be a city that will embrace jazz.” Making community connections through the power of jazz was also critical to Marsalis in the unfolding of the festival. “The consciousness of people in Charlotte has been aware of where jazz is,” said Marsalis. “For a jazz festival or anything like we are trying to do, it takes time to build and develop. The leadership in the business and arts community has the type of patience that is required to develop something of quality.”
EDUCATION IMPACT
This year’s 2016 Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artists Competition sent three area students home with generous scholarship awards made possible by the festival’s lead sponsor, The Leon Levine Foundation. Not only did Veronica Leahy of Charlotte Latin School and Ariel Mejia of South Mecklenburg High School take top honors in the competition, which was adjudicated
PHOTO BY BRANDON CARTER
Top, festivalgoers gather to welcome the second line parade crowd back to Knight Theater. Above, it was an intimate evening with jazz and dessert at the Harvey B. Gantt Center. At right, hundreds of people packed the plaza at Levine Center for the Arts Saturday afternoon for live music, food trucks and more.
6 SPARK | SUMMER 2016
BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
PHOTO BY FRANK STEWART
by members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the pair was invited to play solos during the final evening performance with Marsalis and the orchestra. “Education is such an important aspect of community-building power behind jazz,” said Lonnie Davis, CEO and cofounder of the Jazz Arts Initiative, an area nonprofit working to develop a jazz audience and connect the cultural community through education, performance and support of musicians. “I’ve seen the appetite for jazz in Charlotte grow. The festival adds to that energy and excitement.”
ECONOMIC BOOST
Charlotte’s Jazz Festival demonstrates the important role the arts play in helping create jobs and economic opportunities across the region. According to the North Carolina Arts Council, the nonprofit arts and cultural sectors in the state represent $1.24 billion of the state’s economy, generating more than 44,000 jobs and $124 million in tax revenue for local and state governments. Local jazz pianist Lovell Bradford is excited about opportunities he sees developing around jazz in this area. “There are incredibly talented jazz musicians right here in Charlotte,” said Bradford, a local jazz pianist and adjunct faculty member at Davidson College. Bradford played with his group during the festival. “To have a true jazz festival, right here in our home city is tremendously exciting,” he said. “Events like this create opportunities for professional musicians to play here in Charlotte as opposed to leaving the city to earn a living. The festival has been great in galvanizing the listener and also with the musicians in creating the feeling that we have a place here in Charlotte.” Energy and excitement was exactly what Charlotteans saw during the weekend’s wildly popular second line parade experienced by hundreds of fans as it snaked down Tryon Street. As for Marsalis? He’ll be back to continue executing on his vision. “I love Charlotte,” he said, speaking about his time here. “The city is filled with jazz lovers. Jazz is the type of culture that doesn’t require a certain type of person. All kinds of people are jazz people.” T
PHOTO BY FRANK STEWART
PHOTO BY PHILLIP HOFFMAN
PHOTO BY FRANK STEWART
Top, Wynton Marsalis makes a surprise appearance at First Night to join Sammy Miller and the Congregation. Above, guests enjoy music during the Hot Platter event at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. At left, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performs to a sold-out crowd for “Music of the Masters: Duke Ellington and George Gershwin” in Knight Theater.
BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
SUMMER 2016 | SPARK
7
PHOTO BY PHILLIP HOFFMAN
CHANCE OF A LIFETIME Talented Young Jazz Artists Perform With World-renowned Orchestra
T
PHOTO BY FRANK STEWART
Above, students perform with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Top right, winners of the Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artists competition are, from left, Veronica Leahy, first place; Ariel Mejia, second; and Rachel Bettendorf, third.
PHOTO BY PHILLIP HOFFMAN
Above, Veronica Leahy competes at the Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artists competition. At right, Ariel Mejia competes in the competition at Stage Door Theater.
PHOTO BY PHILLIP HOFFMAN
8 SPARK | SUMMER 2016
he first and second place winners of the 2016 Loonis McGlohon Young Jazz Artists Competition, which took place during the Charlotte Jazz Festival sponsored by The Leon Levine Foundation in April, were invited to play with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under the musical direction of Wynton Marsalis during the festival. Veronica Leahy of Charlotte Latin School was the first place winner, and Ariel Mejia of South Mecklenburg High School placed second. “I definitely wasn’t expecting any of this to happen,” said Leahy. “I thought … if I won … that I’d get scholarship money. However, the judges spontaneously decided to let me and my friend play with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra! I couldn’t believe it. It has been a dream of mine to just see the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, much less play with them.” Members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra judged the youth competition, held at Stage Door Theater. Regional jazz talent competed for college scholarships in amounts of $1,500, $1,000 and $500, provided by The Leon Levine Foundation. In addition to the wins by Leahy on saxophone and Mejia on trumpet, Rachel Bettendorf on guitar took third place. “We were blown away by the level of talent from all of the young musicians competing this year,” said Blumenthal Director of Education Ralph Beck. “These two students couldn’t have done a better job. It was hard to believe we were listening to ninth graders play.” Leahy and Mejia, both high school freshman, were called up to the stage to play improvised solos with the world-renowned orchestra in front of a sold-out Knight Theater audience during the final piece of the Saturday evening performance of "Music of the Masters: Duke Ellington and George Gershwin." “We decided to play on the last tune, ‘I Got Rhythm,’ by George Gershwin, which is a song that follows a special set of chord changes called rhythm changes,” said Leahy. “While that was the highest-pressure situation I’d ever played in, I tried to come off as more excited than nervous. “After the show, I got to hang out with some of the members at The Westin Hotel event,” she said. “I met nearly all the members of the group, and they gave me some great advice. I learned they are not only incredible players, but incredible people. What an experience. I'd like to thank Blumenthal and The Leon Levine Foundation for all their efforts to make these dreams a reality.” T
BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
OPEN ART SURGERY
Program Pushes Dancers Beyond the Norm
I
n April, 22 local hip-hop artists, actors, dancers, DJ's and MC’s had the opportunity to refine and explore their craft in a weeklong residency dubbed Open Art Surgery, as part of Breakin’ Convention, sponsored by SPRITE, which returns to Levine Center for the Arts this fall. Breakin’ Convention’s Artistic Director Jonzi D and performance artist Jane Sekonya offered guidance and inspiration as participants worked on their own projects. The residency culminated in an informal performance at Booth Playhouse, where audience members had the chance to ask questions and provide feedback directly to the artists. For dancer AJ Glasco, Open Art Surgery meant taking new risks and trying movement techniques that weren’t strictly dance. “I grew so much as an artist and person from learning more about what my body was capable of, and how I could tell more of a story as opposed to just dancing!” says Glasco. T Open Art Surgery at Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.
PHOTO BY BRIAN TWITTY
A TRIBUTE TO CAROLINA ARTISTS
Local Artists Transform Spirit Square Lobby
S
pirit Square is bursting with color, thanks to an innovative tribute to some of the Carolinas most renowned arts and literary figures. A group of eight honorees were selected from more than 1,200 nominations submitted by the public. They are: • Writer and activist Maya Angelou. • Painter Romare Bearden. • The “Godfather of Soul” James Brown. • Trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. • TV star Andy Griffith. • Bluegrass musician Earl Scruggs. • Jazz singer Nina Simone • Singer-songwriter James Taylor Local artist Matt Hooker, known for creating everything from popular street art around Charlotte to corporate commissions, spearheaded a group of local painters who transformed the columns inside Spirit Square into vibrant works of art. Hooker, whose portrait of a young James Taylor playfully spans two columns, says his job as an artist is to make the work speak. “If I can start to bring audiences somewhere they normally wouldn’t have gone – people from one neighborhood to a different one ... patrons into a restaurant they’ve never heard of ... people who have never been to a theater into Spirit Square, etc. – then I really am doing my job,” he says. “That’s the ultimate goal.” And that objective fits right in with a key aspect of Blumenthal’s mission: using the arts as a catalyst to bring people together. Visit the tribute in Spirit Square at 345 N. College St. T
BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
SUMMER 2016 | SPARK
9
Thousands of people arrive at Belk Theater for the event of the season, another sold-out Blumey Awards ceremony on May 22. This marks the fifth annual celebration, presented by Wells Fargo, recognizing excellence in high school musical theater in the Charlotte region.
BLUMENTHAL IN PICTURES
A brand new project underway at Blumenthal's Spirit Square, and very exciting things will be happening in this outdoor space. Keep your eyes and ears open over the next few months as the plans unfold.
10 SPARK | SUMMER 2016
BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
Young jazz-lovers-in-the-making decorate umbrellas at Knight Theater to carry in the Charlotte Jazz Festival’s second line parade in April. The parade drew hundreds of people to the streets of uptown.
WHEN HIP-HOP SENDS YOU TO LONDON
After co-hosting Blumenthal's Breakin' Convention last fall, local slam master Boris "Bluz" Rogers was invited to observe the festival in the U.K. Here's his account of the experience: "It’s an amazing thing to say,'I’m going to London.' Even more amazing is when a culture you grew up on is the reason you get to go to one of the most historic and storied cities on the planet. Breakin Convention was everything my childhood loved. The music, the workshops for all dance styles and the Bboys and Bgirls controlling the dance floor were inspiring to my old knees. The incredible, challenging and creatively breathtaking stage preformances pushed me to view my own craft in a new light. The energy of the Park Jam was a true culmination of the essence of what Breakin Convention is. Jonzi is a true ambassador of the culture and hip-hop scene in London. To say my 13-year-old self and my today grown man self had an awe inspiring time ... would be an understatement. Cheers!" – Boris “Bluz” Rogers
A MESSAGE OF LOVE
In light of House Bill 2 cast members from The Bridges of Madison County, which played at Knight Theater back in May, volunteered their off-time to mentor young members of the LGBT community. The cast aimed to extend the message of the show, that love is always better, after the passing of HB2 in North Carolina. They wanted to reach those affected most by the bill while spreading a positive message of equality.
Best actor Justin Rivers and best actress Amina Faye appear on WBTV’s Bounce morning show after taking the titles at the fifth annual Blumey Awards ceremony presented by Wells Fargo the night before.
BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
SUMMER 2016 | SPARK
11
THE BLUMEYS
Program Celebrates 5 Years of Honoring High School Musical Theater Students
B
lumenthal Performing Arts' High School Musical Theater Awards program, presented by Wells Fargo, has become a highly anticipated, black-tie gala celebration to honor high school musical theater excellence in the Charlotte area and to promote arts education. This year, 43 high schools in the region competed in 12 categories, and in the fifth annual awards ceremony, held May 22 at Belk Theater, 415 students performed onstage, including opening and closing numbers with students from every school. A New York musical director, David Dabbon, conducted an orchestra made up of the same musicians who play the major Broadway tours. Behind the scenes, aspiring student theater critics reviewed shows throughout the year with advice from Charlotte Observer Theater writer Lawrence Toppman. Their reviews were posted on the Observer’s website. Justin Rivers and Amina Faye, both students of Central Academy of Technology and Arts, won the coveted Best Actor and Best Actress awards. This entitles them to go to the National High School Musical Theater Awards (The Jimmy® Awards), where they make their debut on a Broadway stage as part of that competition. This national competition is where 2013 Blumey best actress, Eva Noblezada, was spotted by a casting director and went on to star
POSTSECRET
Show That Launched in Charlotte Wraps Up National Tour
P
ostSecret creator Frank Warren and the creative team credit Blumenthal Performing Arts with being the perfect place to nurture PostSecret: The Show. “Blumenthal not only 'gets' the digital space but allowed us to leverage the coverage in traditional media in ways that brought fresh faces to the venues and built enthusiasm, not just awareness,” says Warren. PostSecret: The Show is a challenging production to describe because it is one of the first theatrical performances born on the web, Warren Theatergoers pour their hearts out at PostSecret: The Show at explains. “But the team at its debut in Charlotte in 2014. Blumenthal allowed us to grow our marketing story in ways that made the performance itself richer. We are very grateful for that.” The show was developed in Charlotte in 2014. A North American tour was launched at Booth Playhouse in 2016 that included stops across the country and a week long run in Toronto. T
12 SPARK | SUMMER 2016
PHOTO BY DANIEL COSTON
Justin Rivers (best actor), front, and Amina Faye (best actress), to his left, both students of Central Academy of Technology and Arts, won for their roles in Ragtime at The Blumey Awards. Now they compete on the national level at The Jimmy® Awards in New York.
in Cameron Mackintosh’s revival of Miss Saigon in London’s West End. The revival is slated to play on Broadway in spring of 2017, starring Noblezada. CFA Academy from Cabarrus County won the Tier 1 Wells Fargo Best Musical Award for their production of Mary Poppins. Central Academy of Technology and Arts from Union County won the Tier 2 Wells Fargo Best Musical Award for their production of Ragtime, which featured both the Best Actor and Best Actress winners. Student achievement is further recognized at The Blumey Awards through the Mary Doctor Scholarship, which awards two $10,000 college scholarships that are renewable for four years of college. This year, Wells Fargo has provided funding for WTVI to broadcast The Blumey Awards in June and repeat broadcasts throughout the year. Check WTVI.org for the schedule. The complete list of winners can be viewed online at BlumenthalArts.org/ BlumeyWinners. T — Article by Brandon Carter, marketing and publicity specialist
A DEAR FRIEND
Remembering Blumenthal's Henry Justice
S
ixteen years ago, Henry A. Justice brought his wonderful smile and effervescent personality to Blumenthal Performing Arts. He began working as a volunteer usher, then house manager and finally as the director of Volunteer Services until his retirement in August 2015. On April 23, Henry lost his battle with cancer, but that smile will remain in the hearts and lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. T
Justice
A FEW WORDS FROM FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES “My life changed in such a remarkable way when I began working with Henry. His passion for Blumenthal provided one of the best mentoring experiences I have ever had in my professional career. No one will ever be able to light up a room with a smile like Henry.” – Pamela Crenshaw, Front of House Coordinator
“Henry helped me in more ways than I realized at the time. When he interviewed me for the volunteer position with Blumenthal in January 2008, I was still new in this country, and even though my English was improving, I was actually terrified about talking to other people. His gentle encouragement and belief that BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
I can be an effective volunteer boosted my confidence and helped to overcome some of my fears. His laughter and jokes and various stories made the theater a very happy place to come to. He is one of the best people I ever met and as I say this, I still can't believe that I will never see him again. My life is enriched forever because I knew him. – Zhanna Meggison, Volunteer since 2008
“Henry was a teacher, a mentor, a man of God, and a very dear friend. His smile and sense of humor will never be forgotten.” – Cathey Winfield, volunteer since 2003.
INSIGHT AND ENGAGEMENT Blumenthal’s Business Leaders for the Arts Event Provides Insider Information
O
n April 6, close to 70 Charlotte-Mecklenburg business leaders gathered on the stage of Booth Playhouse for the second Blumenthal Business Leaders for the Arts event, hosted by SPRITE. Over lunch, attendees had the opportunity to converse with Jonzi D, creator and artistic director of Breakin’ Convention.
Led by Blumenthal President and CEO Tom Gabbard, guests were given a unique look at this international festival of hiphop dance, how it has evolved, and plans to expand into the United States based on the success in Charlotte. Jonzi’s latest project, “Open Art Surgery,” was presented in Charlotte on the Booth stage later that week. Stay tuned for an announcement of the next event in July, and save the date of Sept. 15 for the inaugural Business Leaders for the Arts celebration dinner. T
Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard, left, chats with Jonzi D, creator of Breakin' Convention, about the future of the event.
SUPPORT AWARDED
Circle de Luz members pose in the Knight Theater lobby before seeing Stomp at Levine Center for the Arts earlier this year.
CHANGING LIVES
Arts for All Program Helps Young Women of Circle de Luz
C
ircle de Luz is one of several nonprofits Blumenthal partners with to expand access to the arts for those least able to purchase tickets. It is an ideal nonprofit partner as it is opening possibilities through mentorship and education for young people who often have limited opportunity to explore their aspirations. For seven years Duke Energy has funded Circle de Luz radically empowers young Latinas by supporting their transformation through holistic programming, dynamic mentoring and scholarship funds for further education. Our more than 55 annual programs are deliberately crafted to provide a wide variety of experiences to these young women, who are often called on to be caregivers to younger siblings in households where both parents work long hours. Their familial roles prevent them from participating in after-school activities, and their financial situations mean they
ABOUT ARTS FOR ALL
Generous support from corporations and individuals provides more than 3,400 tickets annually free of charge through Arts for All
200 tickets for young people from Circle de Luz and other nonprofits through the Duke Energy Ticket Scholarship Fund, an Arts for All initiative. Below is an excerpt from a note that the program manager for Circle de Luz wrote, explaining more about the program and Blumenthal's outreach. are not able to take advantage of much of what our city offers. The Blumenthal's Arts for All program has been one of the most valued partnerships we have forged as it allows the young women we serve, and their families, to attend extremely high quality stage performances annually. These shows reveal to them new possibilities for their futures. They begin to see the arts as a vibrant, supportive community, and for some, this is truly transformative. – Mary Kathryn Elkins, Program Manager, Circle de Luz
The Broadway League Honors PNC for Commitment to Arts
O
n May 17 in New York, The Broadway League presented The Star of Touring Broadway award to PNC BankWestern Carolinas. The award lauds PNC’s ardent support of the Broadway Lights series, making Charlotte a top 10 touring market. The nomination notes PNC’s keen interest in education programs using the arts to motivate students. “PNC continually demonstrates its commitment to make the arts a cornerstone of a healthy community,” said Blumenthal Performing Arts President/CEO Tom Gabbard. Recipients of Star of Touring Broadway Awards are selected by The Broadway League, the national trade association for Broadway in New York and across the country. The League is best-known for producing The Tony Awards. T
initiatives. Duke Energy helped conceive and fund this important program. For more information or to make a gift, go to blumenthalarts.org/inspire. T BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
SUMMER 2016 | SPARK
13
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS PRODUCER’S CIRCLE $25,000+
Peg and Jay Adamczyk Mark Bernstein* Barbara and David Goodman*
$10,000+
Dr. Milton and Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund Victoria and Porter Durham Beth and Jonathan Feit Vickie and Tom Gabbard Laura and Jeff Hay* Renee and Chris Hobart Mr. and Mrs. William B. McGuire, Jr. Michael, Jaime and Allie Monday Jeanne and Rick Puckett
$7,500+
Mr. William K. Diehl, Jr. Belinda and Timothy Gunter David and Nancy Hauser Wendy and Michael Kahn Jean and Matthew Salisbury Lynn and Bill Sullivan
$5,000+
Anonymous 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 Bob and Jena Gallagher Dale Halton and Fred Wagner Beverly and Jim Hance Diane and Chuck Harrington Rebecca S. Henderson and J. Michael Booe Kearns Saldinger Charitable Foundation Jane and Hugh McColl Beth Monaghan Linda and Tony Pace Mr. and Mrs. George Raftelis Kelli and Mike Richardson Ann and Michael Tarwater Kathleen Upton Karen and Edgar Whitener Joan and Robert Zimmerman
$2,500+
Kearns Saldinger Charitable Foundation Elizabeth Austin Julie and Riaz Bhamani Crandall and Erskine Bowles Kristin and Buck Bradberry Robin and Lea Burt Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chesney Nan and Hal Clarke Amy and Alfred Dawson Jennie Derby Jim Donahue Dr. Bryan Edmiston and Mr. Felipe Gonzalez Charlie Elberson
Karen Griffin and John Galloway 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* Nora and Thomas Hughes Susan and David Jamison Juanita and Lloyd Johnson Ronald Kahn Mary Jean and Howard L. Kushner Hedy and John Manry Barbara and Josh Meeks Dr. Shannon Moran and Mr. Joseph Lovallo Anna and Tom Nelson William Newcomb D. Nelson Rogers Wendy and Frank Rosen Ken Rothmel Brenda and Bill Ryan Rose and Tom Sherard Lisa and Glenn Sherrill Norma and Rodney Short Deanna and Norman Shue The Levine-Sklut Family Foundation - Lori and Eric Sklut Patricia and John Stewart 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
$1,500+
Anonymous (2) Michael Alcione Holly and Jeff Atkins Anne and John Barry Renee and Mike Baumbach 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 Dr. Denny Bolton Peggy and Ray Bouley Ben Bourne Chris and Steve Brace Pat and Tim Brier George Brooks Kathleen Britton Mary and Frank Brown Peter and Cynthia Buck James Bullock Dr. Chris Burkett Karmen Cassell Elaine and Steve Coats Harvey and Muri Corzin Karin and Sean Davies Pamela and Greg Dills
Gloria and Peter De Arcangelis Richard DelliSanti Dr. Zoe Forward and Dr. Luke Dollar Michele Durkin Marcia and Bob Dynko Landrum and Kathie Fisher Todd Gardner, MD In Memory of Judy Gerhart Todd Glenham Randy Griffin Joseph and Carol Gigler Robin and Blaine Hawkins Juliet and Brian Hirsch Carol and Chris Horn Mandy and Todd Houser Larissa and Ken Huber Peggy and Jim Hynes Beth Ipock Hope and Dhiaa Jamil Michelle Johnson Janet and Neil Kaplan Patty and Chris Lambert Eleanor Ehrhart and Dominick Landi Erin Lavely Marc and Xhenis Levack The Leon Levine FoundationSandra and Leon Levine Ashley and Scott Mattei Jill Maxwell Charlotte and Arthur Mott Janet and Peter Nixon Brian Noonan Emily and Jacob Norris Anne Patefield Dr. Helene Keyzer and Dr. Richard Pollard Susan and Dale Pond Gregory Price Jim Putnam Cindy and Randy Rice Lisa and Robert Rollins Dr. Rubin Salant and Family Jaye Salter and Daniel Brewster Mr. and Mrs. Jason C. Schmidly Vesime and Marty Schroering Michael Serulneck Roger Shaul, Jr. June Silver Judith Smith Dr. Ramada Smith and Mr. Kevin Smith Dr. Matthew Wheelock and Dr. Jill Smith-Wheelock 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 Ellen and Ron Vilas Robert Whiting, Jr Mary Ellen and Reid Wilkerson Johnnie Willis and Michael Green
Contributions received from June 1, 2015-June 1, 2016
In loving memory of my Rip – Cathey Winfield
$1,000+
Valerie and Bill Alexander Leslie Alston Bryan and Kristen Barboza Dr. and Mrs. Edward S. Baum Linda and Ralph Beck Diann and Doug Beckner Marinn and Scott Bengel Mr. and Mrs. Tony Bikhazi Jeremy Blaney Rachel E. Brackett Bill and Robin Branstrom Greg and Susan Brouse Bret Burquest Joy and Chris Butler Karen and Kevin Chapman Brent Clevenger Brian Collier Charlotte Cochrane Mr. Edward Cook Ms. Catherine Cordle Lori and Roger Cuddy Rose and Bill Cummings Joni and Aaron Davis Virginia A. Davis Donna and Al de Molina Gaither and Robert W. Deaton Lee Ann and Steve DeCarlo April and Joe Dodge, Jr. Betty Doria Pepper and Roddey Dowd, Sr. Brigid and James Downs Rachel and Jonathan Ellis Steven Ellis Kelli Enos 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 Anne Gilchrist Anne and George Goodyear The Graf Family Mr. and Mrs. Mike Greene William Griesser Molly and Robert Griffin Michael and Debby Groenhout Alex Haefele Fred Handsel and Ben Bellente Pamela Hanna, M.D. Donna and Randy Helton Eric, Lori, Halle and Casey Hillman Carolyn and Tim Hilton Sarah Hollar and Peter Macon Brad Hrbacek Brian Hunt Kathy and Charlie Izard David S. Jacobson Lynn Jeffrey Erich Jungwirth Linda and Kerry Kenner Virginia A. Kern Debra and Steve Kinney Janice S. Ladley
Beverly and John Lassiter James Ledbetter Margie and Victor Lisciani Cathy and Fred Littlejohn Dr. Edith Valladares McElroy and Dr. Clint McElroy Catherine and Jeremiah Malone Julianne Marley Marie-Claire Marroum-Kardous Betsy and T. Bragg McLeod Dr. and Mrs. Alden Milam Shelley and Andy Misiaveg Ms. Marie Mitchell Jared Mobley Amy Murphy Jill and Ed Newman Wendy Oglesby and David Higbe Drs. Elaine and Thomas Pacicco Mr. and Mrs. Edwin B. Peacock III Steve and Donna Pernotto Joy Pinchback Fidel and Laura Prieto Mary and Dave Pylipow Mrs. Jon Richardson Dr. and Mrs. Richard S. Roberts Sally and Russell Robinson William R. Rollins Carla and Ed Rose Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Schneck Jane and Nelson Schwab Dr. Marvin Shapiro and Mrs. Anita Shapiro Emilie and Gene Sharbaugh Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Shelton, Sr. Cheryl Barringer and Mike Sherman Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Sherrill Peggy and Pope Shuford The Marc and Mattye Silverman Foundation Jennifer Smith Rosemary and Paul Smith Jan and Scott Smith Tom E. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Wayne B. Smith, Jr. Claudia and David Strickert Suzanne and Michael Stritch Virginia and Lane Sutton Claire and Jim Talley Ben C. Taylor, III Mr. and Mrs. Jack H. Thomas Ellen Wade Diana and Matt Wakefield Catherine and Scott Warfield Jacqueline and Rusty Wasco Margo and Dave Wehrung Drs. James and Jackie Wheeler John Whiteknight Mary Williams Teresa and Stick Williams Pat and Bill Williamson
*Members of the Legacy Society at Blumenthal
Membership gifts make inspiration possible in our community. JOIN TODAY! BlumenthalArts.org/givenow or call 704.379.1288 14 SPARK | SUMMER 2016
BLUMENTHALARTS.ORG
LEADERSHIP GIFTS THE DOCTOR FAMILY FOUNDATION
2015-16 Broadway Lights
SIGNATURE GIFTS
CEO PARTNER
MAJOR GIFTS Preferred Dining and Catering Partner
Preferred Caterer
PRESIDENTIAL PARTNERS
DIRECTING PARTNERS
Ernst & Young LLP Publix Super Markets Charities
EXECUTIVE PARTNERS Cousins Properties Crescent Communities, LLC Deloitte Elliott Davis Decosimo InterCon Building Corporation
Belk, Inc Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP British American Business Council C design Inc.
King & Spalding LLP Midrex Technologies, Inc. Moore & Van Allen PLLC North Highland Company Rodgers Builders Inc. SteelFab, Inc.
Troutman Sanders LLP UTC Aerospace Systems Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice PLLC
MANAGING PARTNERS Baird Private Wealth Management BDO Bryan Cave Carolina CAT Charlotte Paint Co. Inc.
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP LEC Media Little McGladrey
PricewaterhouseCoopers Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson P.A. White Knight Engineered Products, Inc.
McGuireWoods LLP Nieman Marcus Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP Preferred Electric Co., Inc.
ASSOCIATE PARTNERS Balfour Beatty Construction BB&T Cabarrus Glass Company Inc. Chicago Title Insurance Company Crosland Southeast
Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP Galvan Industries, Inc. Garmon & Company, Inc. Commercial Flooring Heede Southeast, Inc. High Performance Technologies
Hood Hargett & Associates Hoopaugh Grading Company, LLC Jenkins Peer Architects McGrann Paper Corporation McVeigh & Mangum Messer Construction Company
Odell Associates Parsec Financial Red Moon Marketing Robert Hopkins General Contractor LLC Tippens & Zurosky LLP
Velligan Medical Services, PC 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
SUMMER 2016 | SPARK
15
BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS 130 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Charlotte, NC Permit No. 3036
WE INSPIRE
F U T U RE ARTISTS Wynton Marsalis works with a student at a High School Jazz Clinic as part of the Charlotte Jazz Festival sponsored by The Leon Levine Foundation
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 FRANK STEWART