Drumline Live TOUR STAFF Company Manager Reggie Brayon
Tech Director Keith Bernard
Costume Manager Toi Whitaker Creator/Director/ Musical Director Don Roberts Percussion Director Demetrius Hubert Scenic Designer Harlan Penn
Sound Engineer KD Morley
Administrative Assistant Queen Aftan Williams
CREATIVE TEAM Assistant Musical Director Brian Snell
Assistant Show Director/ Choreographer Jacques Bell
Assistant Percussion Director/Choreographer Tovah “TJ” Lovely
Lighting Designer Xavier Pierce
Costume Designer Glenda Morton
Assistant Costume Designer Trudy Jones
Arrangers Raymond Rolle II, Lindsey Sarjeant, Keven Shepherd, Nicholas Thomas, Terry Jones TOUR DIRECTION COLUMBIA ARTISTS MANAGEMENT LLC Tim Fox / Alison Williams 1790 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 | www.cami.com SAT, NOV 27 – SUN, NOV 28 2010 | Overture Hall Overture’s Holiday Light display is sponsored by MGE Foundation This program is part of Overture’s Community Ticket Program. Funding for the Community Ticket Program is provided by American Girl’s Fund for Children, a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by contributors to the Ovation Fund. Learn how you can be part of supporting Overture’s community and education programs at overturecenter. com/contribute. Welcomed by
Drumline Live! | Overture Center 1
Photo by Jeffery Machtig
A SUPRANET COMMUNICATIONS WORLD CULTURES SERIES EVENT
Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre
SPONSORED BY PEPSI COLA OF MADISON
FRI, APR 15, 8 pm $20–$28 | Capitol Theater Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Native American culture with elaborate and captivating theatrical work celebrating the culture of the Lakota people.
overturecenter.com
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CAST EUPHONIUM Clifton Robinson Kingston, Jamaica, Florida A&M University Anthony Charles Miami, FL, Florida A&M University PERCUSSION Jason Price Isaiah Ellis Ralph Nader Alex Blake Anthony Pasquini LeJuan Mckee Tovah Lovely Jeremy George FHORNS Darrell Johnson Herb Little BASSES Umar Taqqee Michael Jones Trenton Wright Brandon Kinsey
Atlanta, GA, Florida A&M University Atlanta, GA, Fort Valley State University Brooklyn, NY, Hampton University Brooklyn, NY, Norfolk State University Atlanta, GA, Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, GA, Shaw University Belle Glade, FL, Florida A&M University Sanford, FL, Florida A&M University
Durham, NC, Florida A&M University Atlanta, GA, Florida A&M University
Los Angeles, CA, Florida A&M University Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Dillard, Ft. Lauderdale Atlanta, GA, Florida A&M University Atlanta, GA, Clark Atlanta University
TROMBONE Antoinie Swain Edwin Blakely Aaron Davis Dunwoody Mirvil Christina�Tina Rose� Anderson Trevard Rolle
Atlanta, GA, Florida A&M University Atlanta, GA, Florida A&M University Miami, FL, Florida A&M University Miami, FL, Florida A&M University Atlanta, GA, Southwest DeKalb Miami, FL, Florida A&M University
TRUMPET Donla Willis III Preston Kendall Aheisha Duke Anton Dominique Landers Yamin Mustafa Eddy Falcon Larry Allen Charles Madison Anthony Scott
Detroit, MI, Florida A&M University Raleigh, NC, North Carolina Central University Dallas, TX, Florida A&M University Detroit, MI, Norfolk State University Miami, FL, Florida A&M University New York, NY, Talented Unlimited Arts Houston, TX, Prairie View A&M University Atlanta, GA, Tennessee State University Tallahassee, FL, Florida A&M University
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CAST (cont.) SAXOPHONES Larry J. Smith II Miami, FL, Florida A&M University Jaques Bell Atlanta, GA, University of Georgia DANCERS Vera Musgrove Shimri Israel-McBee Cormesha Johnson Alicia Dixon Nia Lancelin
Temple Hills, MD, Spelman College/Morehouse Tulsa, OK, DeKalb Tech Atlanta, GA, Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, GA, University of Georgia Pine Bluff, AR, Spelman College/UAPB
DRUM MAJOR Brian Snell Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Florida A&M University HOST
Slater Thorpe Atlanta, GA, Florida A&M University
dashing through the snow All your
HOLIDAY DECORATING needs!
Gifts • Themed Trees • Decor Ornaments •Wreaths • Roping
Live
REINDEER December 5 & 12 • noon - 2 p.m.
2830 Parmenter Street Middleton, WI 53562 608.836.7041 brucecompany.com 4 Overture Center | Drumline Live!
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PROGRAM ACT I Africa The ancient rhythms of the world’s first drummers fly on the wings of time, re-invented in the sound and fury of a new band of musicians—and our musical journey begins. Drum Major/Shout It Out Nobody can sit still when these all star musicians and dancers strut their stuff. So what are you waiting for? Get up, get loud, and Shout It Out! There’s a Band in the house! American Soul Some call it Motown. Some call it Soul. Revel in the sweet, smooth sounds that defined an American musical genre with songs made famous by some of the greatest recording artists of all time. The King Be prepared to “Beat It” with Drumline Live, as we give you a “Thriller” highlight reel from the King of Pop, featuring our choreographed rendition of “Smooth Criminal” and “Billie Jean.” Midnight Magic These ghostly drummers are hip and magical. Don’t blink because you won’t believe the sights you are about to see. Gospel Put on your Sunday-go-to-meetin’ clothes and join this hand-clapping, heartthumping celebration of America’s southern gospel music. And don’t you pay no mind to that down-home testifyin’… it’s all good news! INTERMISSION ACT II Street Beat This action packed group of percussionists will absolutely amaze you. This team of drummers is fast with their sticks and just as fast on their feet. Swingin’ If you dig the sounds of the Big Bands, you’ve come to the right place! Welcome to Swing Town. Open twenty-four hours. Bring your dancin’ shoes…. Halftime The sound and style of the Historical Black College and University marching bands is legendary. Enjoy this tribute to the iconic halftime extravaganza made famous by HBCU bands from across America. Who needs a stadium?
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Monster
of a
season
2010/11 M&I Bank Broadway at Overture
Drumline LIVE!
sAT, Nov 27 – suN, Nov 28
Mamma Mia!
Fri, JAN 28 – suN, JAN 30
Art by Mark stutzman
a
The New Mel Brooks Musical
Young Frankenstein Tue, FeB 22 – suN, FeB 27
Legally Blonde, The Musical Tue, Apr 5 – suN, Apr 10
Les Misérables
New 25th Anniversary production Tue, MAy 10 – suN, MAy 15
overturecenter.com
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PROGRAM (cont.) Ultimate Drum Battle This battle begins three versus three, and then two versus two, and finally one versus one. There can be only one champion. We’ll let the audience decide. HBCU DRUMLINE The Bass Drums sound like Thunder, the flash of the cymbals is like Lighting. The HBCU Drumline is an Explosion of Power and Precision. You will be amazed. Funky Footwork Nothing can prepare you for the dazzling choreography of the HBCU dance routine and musical selections that highlight the best of the 80’s and 90’s Hip-Hop.
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HISTORY Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are institutions of higher learning that were established before 1964 with the intention of serving the African American community. There are more than 100 historically black colleges in the United States, located almost exclusively in the Southeast. The HBCU were established after the Civil War as places of dignity and hope where young people had an opportunity to become professionals instead of maids or laborers. Along with the private black colleges and universities founded later by the AMA, these reconstruction era schools became the backbone of higher education for African Americans. It was in these bastions of higher education that the tradition of the show style marching band was born. The tradition began over fifty years
ago at Florida A&M University, which has been long considered the nation’s preeminent black college marching band school. HBCU marching bands began, as most do, as support for the college football team. They have since grown into a sport of their own, featuring characteristic high stepping, funky dance rhythms, and exciting musical repertoire ranging from classical to Top 40. Celebrations of HBCU marching culminate in competitions such as the Big Southern Classic and the Bayou Classic. These competitions, which draw audiences of roughly 60,000 fans each, are a testament to the popularity of the sport. But it is only recently, with films such as Drumline, backed by a flurry of high profile marching band appearances that this tradition has begun to capture the imagination of the American public.
SUPPORT
WHAT YOUR
KIDS
LOVE
Are you a family that attends Kids in the Rotunda (KIR) on a regular basis? Do you depend on KIR for your winter family outings? Do your kids light up when the magician, dancers or bands take the Rotunda stage? Then support what your kids love! Join other KIR fans in helping to keep this family community asset free. Learn about the benefits of membership and join the KIR Club today at overturecenter.com/contribute. You’ll have even more fun and can take pride each Saturday morning knowing that your generosity is part of how it all happens.
overturecenter.com/contribute Drumline Live! | Overture Center 9
HELP
BRING ARTS
THE TOYOUR
COMMUNITY
Overture’s free and low-cost community and education programs are at the heart of our mission to engage the entire community in the arts. In fact, last season, these programs served more people in our community than the total number of tickets sold to all of our performances. These programs are possible only through the generosity of contributors to the Ovation Fund – people just like you who recognize the transforming benefits of the arts and want to ensure that everyone in our community can experience them. Learn more when you make your donation onLine at overturecenter.com/contribute. overture’s free and Low-cost community and education programs incLude: Community Ticket Vouchers, Kids in the Rotunda, Duck Soup Cinema, Take 10, International Festival, Overture Galleries, St. Mary’s A.M. Series, Artist Residencies, Community Arts Access Program, OnStage Performing Arts Series, The Tommy Awards, Educator Workshops, Meet the Artist, Wisconsin Writers Series and Overture After Work
OVATION FUND: Community. Education. Diversity. 10 Overture Center | Drumline Live!
DON ROBERTS creator and director Don P. Roberts received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida. While at FAMU, he served as drum major, student conductor, and student arranger in what is considered to be one of the finest band programs in America. He received a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. Presently, Mr. Roberts is pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Administration from Argosy University in Sarasota, Florida. He is also a member of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster’s Fraternity. Mr. Roberts was the Executive Band Consultant for the Twentieth Century Fox hit movie, Drumline. He was responsible for training the actors, writing the precision drills, rehearsing the band, etc. As the chief band consultant, he played a vital role in the making of Drumline and its success. The movie received national and international acclaim. In 2003, it was nominated by the NAACP as Most Outstanding Motion Picture. It was also nominated for an American Choreography Award for Outstanding Achievement in Feature Film. Most recently, Mr. Roberts was appointed as the Associate Producer and Executive Band Consultant for the
ESPNU Television series, “The Battle”, which features some of America’s best Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Marching Bands. The weekly show debuts in the fall of 2010. Mr. Roberts also serves as the President and Musical Director of the company, Halftime Live, which has provided the official drum line for the Atlanta Hawks from 2007-Present and the Atlanta Falcons in 2007. As an educator, Mr. Roberts has served as the Instrumental Music Coordinator of the DeKalb County School System since 1996. He served as the Chairman of the Music Department and Director of Bands at Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, Georgia from 1990 through 1996. He was appointed to a dual role from 1998-2004 as DeKalb County Instrumental Music Coordinator and Southwest DeKalb High School CoDirector of Bands. Connect with Overture on Facebook and Twitter.
overturecenter.com
always
DeWitt, Ross & Stevens
OveRtuRe GalleRieS
local Free
always
always
amazing
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PATRON SERVICES AND INFORMATION
Welcome to Overture Center for the Arts Your enjoyment is important to us. Please contact an usher or the ticket office if you have any concerns about your experience here.
Rentals: For information on renting spaces in Overture Center for weddings, performances, meetings or other events, call 608.258.4163 or email events@overturecenter.com.
ORDERING & INFORMATION
Etiquette Please turn off all paging devices, cell phones and watch alarms.
Order online! overturecenter.com Phone orders: Call 608.258.4141 Mail or fax: online order form at overturecenter.com or in our magazine. Buy in person: Visit the ticket office located on the main floor just off the Rotunda Lobby. Ticket office hours: Mon–Fri, 11 am–5:30 pm; Sat, 11 am–2 pm; open additional hours evenings and Sundays on days of ticketed performances. Group orders: Groups of 15 or more receive a discount on most performances. Call 608.258.4159 to make reservations. TTY/ TextNet: Call 1.866.704.2328 for tickets and information. Visit overturecenter.com: For a calendar of events, links to artists’ websites, video, audio, directions, parking and much more. PATRON SERVICES & POLICIES Accessibility: Request accommodations when ordering your tickets. Call 608.258.4144 (TTY/TextNet: 1.866.704.2328) for information, questions, or to request the following: n
wheelchair-accessible seating house wheelchair for transport n sign language interpretation n Braille playbill n other accommodations n
Information is also available at overturecenter.com/tickets/accessibility Children and lap seating: Every person, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the theaters for performances. Children under the age of 6 are not permitted at certain performances. See our season brochure, visit our website or call the Help Line at 608.258.4143 for information. Contacting a patron during a performance: Call 608.258.4179 with performance the patron is attending and his/ her row and seat number. Lost and Found: Visit the information desk in the Rotunda Lobby or call 608.258.4973.
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Smoking is prohibited in Overture. The use of cameras or tape recorders in the theaters is prohibited without written permission from Overture Center and the performing company’s management. Food, large bags and other large items are not permitted in the theaters. Beverages are allowed at select shows in Overture souvenir cups. In consideration of audience members with scent sensitivities and allergies, please use perfumes, aftershaves and other fragrances in moderation. Event Staff Stagehand services in Overture are provided by members of Local 251 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Volunteer usher and other services for Overture are provided by Overture Friends. For information, visit overturecenter.com/ contribute/volunteer or call 608.258.4177. RESIDENT ORGANIZATIONS Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society bachdancinganddynamite.org | 608.255.9866 Children’s Theater of Madison ctmtheater.org | 608.255.2080 Kanopy Dance Company kanopydance.org | 608.255.2211 Li Chiao-Ping Dance lichiaopingdance.org | 608.835.6590 Madison Ballet madisonballet.org | 608.278.7990 Madison Museum of Contemporary Art mmoca.org | 608.257.0158 Madison Opera madisonopera.org |608.238.8085 Madison Symphony Orchestra madisonsymphony.org | 608.257.3734 Wisconsin Academy’s James Watrous Gallery wisconsinacademy.org | 608.265.2500 Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra wcoconcerts.org | 608.257.0638