Over the past 75 years, Onstage Ogden has grown from a single concert by the Utah Symphony at Ogden High School to 32 performances this season with around 19,000 people expected to attend. Our founders, Beverly Lund and Ginny Matthei, believed in the power of live performance to elevate and connect a community—a belief that remains at the heart of our mission today.
We’re kicking off this anniversary season with three extraordinary performances that celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of the performing arts. First, Cirque Cinema:Troupe Vertigo combines awe-inspiring feats with the iconic sounds of favorite movie soundtracks, all accompanied by your Utah Symphony. Next, BYU World of Dance brings together the energy and artistry of all of BYU’s dance ensembles in one high-production performance that is sure to captivate. Finally, Sammy Miller and the Congregation will blend pop, jazz, and humor into a house party you won’t want to miss.
As we look ahead to the rest of our season, we invite you to join us again in celebrating the legacy of live performance here in Ogden. This season, we are proud to reflect and celebrate the diverse perspectives of our community through dozens of events that span the performing arts spectrum. Our mission—to elevate and connect community through the performing arts—is more relevant than ever as we continue to foster an engaged community through resonant and relevant performances.
To our donors, sponsors, and patrons: thanks for making this remarkable journey possible. Your generosity is the cornerstone of our success, and we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to Onstage Ogden.
Thank you for being part of our 75th Anniversary Season. We look forward to sharing these special moments with you as we continue to write the story of live performance in Ogden and beyond.
James Fredrick Executive Director, Onstage
Ogden
BOARD & STAFF
2024/2025 ONSTAGE OGDEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jean Vaniman
President
Christina Myers President-Elect
Danielle Bendinelli Vice President
Joyce Stillwell
Secretary
Jennifer Webb Treasurer
* New Board Members starting in FY25*
FOUNDATION
Russel King Chair
Meg Naisbitt Vice Chair
Marti M. Clayson Secretary
STAFF
James Fredrick Executive Director
Andrew Barrett Watson Outreach & Events Manager
Sarah Lorna Bailey Development Coordinator
Rosemary Lesser
Cirilo Franco
Pam Higginson*
Flor Lopez*
Wendy Roberts
Deborah Uman
Kate Holbrook Clark
John Fromer
Roger Chrisensen
Russel King Ex-Officio Member
Onstage Ogden Foundation
Dotty Steimke Treasurer
Michael S. Malmborg
Dr. Judith Mitchell
Carolyn N. Rasmussen
Sherm Smith
Nikki Thon
Dr. Robert Fudge
Camille Washington Marketing & Box Office Manager
Avery Franklin Audience Engagement & Administrative Coordinator
Mills Publishing, Inc.
Dan Miller, President; Cynthia Bell Snow, Office Administrator; Jackie Medina, Art Director; Ken Magleby, Graphic Design; Patrick Witmer, Graphic Design/Web Developer; Paula Bell, Dan Miller Advertising Representatives
Onstage Ogden is published by Mills Publishing, Inc., 772 East 3300 South, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 Phone: 801.467.8833 Email: advertising@millspub.com Website: millspub.com Mills Publishing produces playbills for many performing arts groups. Advertisers do not necessarily agree or disagree with content or views expressed on stage. Please contact us for playbill advertising opportunities. Copyright 2024.
Unmatched Academic Results
Come tour a campus and see for yourself!
Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic classes for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence.
Farmington (801) 451-6565
1089 Shepard Creek Parkway
Holladay (801) 278-4797
4555 South 2300 East
Salt Lake (801) 487-4402
1325 South Main Street
Sandy (801) 572-6686
10670 South 700 East
Lehi (801) 407-8777
3920 N. Traverse Mountain Blvd.
West Jordan (801) 565-1058
2247 West 8660 South
2024–25 SEASON
MICHAEL CLEVELAND & FLAMEKEEPER
Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 8PM
BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8PM
CIRQUE CINEMA: TROUPE VERTIGO
Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 7:30PM
BYU WORLD OF DANCE
Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 2PM and 7:30PM
SAMMY MILLER & THE CONGREGATION
Friday, October 4, 2024 at 7:30PM ROYAL WOOD
Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 7:30PM
AIDA CUEVAS
Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 7:30PM
ONSTAGE OGDEN’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 7:30PM
NOSFERATU LIVE-TO-FILM WITH CAMERON CARPENTER
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 7:30PM
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: WILD WOLVES OF YELLOWSTONE
Friday, November 1, 2024 at 7:30PM
COCO LIVE-TO-FILM
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 7:30PM
BALLET WEST’S THE NUTCRACKER
Friday, November 29, 2024 at 2PM & 7PM
Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 2PM & 7PM
Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 12PM
CHOIR!CHOIR!CHOIR!
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 7:30PM
CAMPANA SOBRE CAMPANA: CHRISTMAS IN MEXICO
Friday, December 6, 2024 at 7:30PM
HOLIDAY POPS EXTRAVAGANZA
Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 7:30PM
TRINITY IRISH DANCE: JIG
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 7:30PM
ONE-MAN STAR WARS TRILOGY
Friday, January 31, 2025 at 7:30PM
MAEVE GILCHRIST
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 7:30PM
BRAVO BROADWAY!
Thursday, February 13, 2025
7:30PM
BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO
Monday, February 17, 2025 at 7:30PM
INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 7:30PM
HOLST’S THE PLANETS: AN HD ODYSSEY
Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 7:30PM
LIVE FROM LAUREL CANYON
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 7:30PM
THE BROTHER BROTHERS
Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 7:30PM
MOZART’S REQUIEM
Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 7:30PM
TURTLE ISLAND STRING QUARTET
Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 7:30PM
The Onstage Ogden’s 2024–2025 season is funded in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, Weber County Recreation, Arts, Museums, Stewart Education Foundation, and Parks (RAMP) program, and Ogden City Arts.
ONSTAGE OGDEN
75 Years of Elevating and Connecting the Community Through Performing Arts
Special thanks to the Board of Directors’ 75th Anniversary Subcommittee for researching and compiling all the archival materials on view: Danielle Bendinelli, Christina Myers, Wendy Roberts, Joyce Stillwell, Jean Vaniman, and Jennifer Webb.
UTAH SYMPHONY
CIRQUE CINEMA
Featuring Troupe Vertigo
Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 7:30PM
BROWNING CENTER AT WSU
Program by Aloysia Gavre & Stuart Chafetz
Stuart Chafetz, conductor
Utah Symphony
John Williams “The Devil’s Dance” from The Witches of Eastwick
John Williams “Rey’s Theme” from Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens Suite for Orchestra
John Williams “Cantina Band” from The Star Wars Saga
Leonard Bernstein Overture to West Side Story (arr. M. Peress)
Carlos Gardel “Tango (Por Una Cabeza)” from Scent of a Woman
John Williams Love Theme from Superman
John Williams “Shark Theme” from Jaws (Suite for Orchestra)
Leonard Bernstein Times Square: 1944 from On the Town
INTERMISSION
John Kander Chicago Medley (arr. T. Ricketts)
Klaus Badelt Suite from Pirates of the Caribbean (arr. T. Ricketts)
Henry Mancini The Pink Panther
John Williams “Raiders March” from Raiders of the Lost Ark
Ennio Morricone Cinema Paradiso for Solo Violin and Orchestra
Lalo Schifrin Theme from Mission Impossible (arr. Custer)
John Williams E.T., the Extra-Terrestrial: “Flying Theme”
John Williams Hedwing’s Theme from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Leonard Bernstein (arr. M. Peress) ‘Mambo’ from Overture to West Side Story
SEASON SPONSOR
ARTISTS’ PROFILES
Conductor
Stuart Chafetz is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Columbus Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor of the Chautauqua and Marin Symphonies. Chafetz, a conductor celebrated for his dynamic and engaging podium presence, is increasingly in demand with orchestras across the continent and this season Chafetz will be on the podium in Baltimore, Detroit, Naples, Buffalo, Vancouver, Calgary, North Carolina and Seattle. He enjoys a special relationship with The Phoenix Symphony where he leads multiple programs annually.
He’s had the privilege to work with renowned artists including Violent Femmes, Ne-Yo, Ben Folds, Natalie Merchant, Leslie Odom, Jr., En Vogue, Kenny G, David Foster w/Catherine McPhee, The O’Jays, Chris Botti, 2 Cellos, Hanson, Rick Springfield, Michael Bolton, Kool & The Gang, Jefferson Starship, America, Little River Band, Brian McKnight, Roberta Flack, George Benson, Richard Chamberlain, The Chieftains, Jennifer Holliday, John Denver, Marvin Hamlisch, Thomas Hampson, Wynonna Judd, Jim Nabors, Randy Newman, Jon Kimura Parker and Bernadette Peters.
Fusing together elements of cirque acrobatics, classical dance and contemporary theater, Troupe Vertigo brings audiences on a spellbinding journey through the world of artistic movement. Consisting of world-class aerial artists, contortionists, and ballet dancers, the Los Angeles based company was founded in 2009 by Artistic Director Aloysia Gavre, formerly of the internationally renowned Cirque du Soleil, and Technical Director Rex Camphuis, whose background is with the fabled Pickle Family
STUART CHAFETZ
Featuring TROUPE VERTIGO
ARTISTS’ PROFILES
Circus. Troupe Vertigo, whose “dizzying acts defy gravity and leave its lucky audiences in awe” (Los Angeles Times) has performed with major orchestras across North America.
Troupe Vertigo’s 2023-2024 season includes performances at Grant Park Music Festival, the Florida Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Dallas Symphony and Colorado Spring Philharmonic in the US and Winnipeg Symphony, National Arts Centre Orchestra and Calgary Philharmonic in Canada. Notable conductors that Troupe Vertigo has performed with include Jack Everly, Jeff Tyzik, Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Stuart Chafetz, Michelle Merrill, Sarah Hicks, Daniel Meyer, Nicholas Hersh, and Norman Huynh.
Troupe Vertigo’s recent seasons have brought them to the Detroit Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Tucson Symphony, Utah Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, and Vancouver Symphony and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Canada. The company is known for their collaborative custom thematic programs with symphony orchestras from Cirque Espana, Cirque Noir, Cirque Goes to Broadway, Cirque Goes to Hollywood, Cirque Dances featuring The Firebird to complete cirqueballet presentation of The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Cinderella.
Their unique perspective on the circus arts have led to a variety of speaking engagements including with The Center Theater Group Los Angeles, Directors Lab West, TEDx Talk and The Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival. As well in publications for the cover story of Dance Teacher Magazine {August 2016} and in the book Ordinary Acrobat.
The ensemble premiered its first offering, Big Top for a New Generation, in 2010 at the Ford Amphitheater and has gone on to present Nighthawks: A Film Noir Circus, inspired by American jazz, Edward Hopper paintings, and crime novels. In 2016, they brought Tableaux, featuring five women grappling with the constrictions of society, to life at the Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles. Husband and wife team, Aloysia and Rex, frequently bring their gifts and knowledge to the film and television industry, most notably with Rebel Wilson’s aerial performance in Pitch Perfect 2 and with Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz in the film Water for Elephants.
Troupe Vertigo’s facility is also home to Cirque School Los Angeles, which inspires an appreciation for the circus arts for “Anybody with Any Body.” Cirque School uses training, performance, and community outreach to foster passion for the circus arts in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Encompassing over 50 weekly classes to the public, student performances, team building workshops, pre-professional intensives and television and film projects, Cirque School thrives as the premiere cirque training program in Los Angeles.
UTAH SYMPHONY
Thierry Fischer
Music Director Emeritus
Matthew Straw Assistant Conductor
David Robertson Creative Partner
Sharon Bjorndal Lavery
Chorus Director & Opera Assistant Conductor
VIOLIN*
Madeline Adkins Concertmaster
The Jon M. & Karen Huntsman Chair, in honor of Wendell J. & Belva B. Ashton
Kathryn Eberle
Associate Concertmaster
The Richard K. & Shirley S. Hemingway Chair
Laura Ha 2nd Associate Concertmaster
Claude Halter
Principal Second
Wen Yuan Gu
Associate Principal Second
Evgenia Zharzhavskaya Assistant Principal Second
Karen Wyatt 2nd Assistant Principal Second
Sara Bauman~
Erin David
Joseph Evans
Lun Jiang
Rebekah Johnson
Tina Johnson~
Alison Kim
Amanda Kofoed~
Jennifer Kozbial Posadas~
Veronica Kulig
David Langr
Hannah Linz
Yuki MacQueen
Alexander Martin
Rebecca Moench
Hugh Palmer
David Porter
Lynn Maxine Rosen
Barbara Ann Scowcroft
Ju Hyung Shin
Bonnie Terry
Julie Wunderle
• First Violin
VIOLA*
Brant Bayless
Principal
The Sue & Walker
Wallace Chair
Yuan Qi
Associate Principal
Julie Edwards
Joel Gibbs
Carl Johansen
Scott Lewis#
John Posadas
Leslie Richards~
Whittney Sjogren
CELLO*
Matthew Johnson
Acting Principal
The J. Ryan Selberg
Memorial Chair
Andrew Larson
Acting Associate Principal
John Eckstein
Walter Haman
Anne Lee
Louis-Philippe Robillard
Kevin Shumway
Hannah Thomas-Hollands~
Pegsoon Whang
BASS*
David Yavornitzky Principal
Corbin Johnston
Associate Principal
Andrew Keller
Edward Merritt
James Stroup~
Jens Tenbroek
Thomas Zera
HARP
Louise Vickerman Principal
FLUTE
Mercedes Smith Principal
The Val A. Browning Chair
Lisa Byrnes
Associate Principal
Caitlyn Valovick Moore
PICCOLO
Caitlyn Valovick Moore
•• Second Violin * String Seating Rotates ** On Leave
Music and Lyrics: Rhythm of the Night by Corona, Sing Sing Sing Remix by the Correspondents, I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston (Remix)
PERU: SACO LA MANO
Living Legends
Choreography: Efrain Villalobos; restaging by Benjamin Lopez, Ivette Galvez Laparra, and Piero Gongora
Music: Saca La Mano by Eva Ayllón
INDONESIA: SAMAN
International Folk Dance Ensemble
Choreography: Rustin Van Katwyk
Music: Hai Jala and Hayla Hotsa, (traditional); with drums by Tyler Anderson & Arthur Prusso
PUT ON YOUR SUNDAY CLOTHES
Young Ambassadors
Choreography: Geoff Reynolds
Music: Jerry Herman arrangement by Jarom Hansen
Soloists: Christian McCleary, Tanner Reeves, Lucy Daurio
SELECTION FROM ITALIAN SUITE
Theatre Ballet
Choreography: Gerald Arpino
Music: Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari
VIVALDI BY CHANCE
Contemporary Dance Theatre
Choreography: Adam Dyer
Music: Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi Spring, When She Came Back by Max Richter
SLOVAK REPUBLIC: VERBUNK & SYROCOVY
International Folk Dance Ensemble
Choreography: Ervin Varga
Additional Choreography: Jeanette Geslison
Music: Traditional
Musical Arrangement: Peter Jantosciak
NATIVE AMERICAN: HOOP
Living Legends
Choreography: Kelina Anderson
Music: I Hope You Know by Supaman
DANCING THROUGH LIFE
Young Ambassadors
Choreography: Afton Wilson
Music: Stephen Schwarz arrangement by Jarom Hansen
Soloist: Curtis Allen
CHEEKY CHA-CHA
Ballroom Dance Company
Choreography: Alexander Chernositov and Arina Grishanina
Music: Bongo Cha-Cha-Cha by Carterina Valente and Good Boys
WEATHERING
Theatre Ballet
Choreography: Maile Johnson
Music: Flesh and Bone: Dakini: Movement IV by Adam Crystal
MI
Contemporary Dance Theatre
Choreography: Tristan Gray
Music: MI by Nils Frahm
BALLAD BUSTER
Young Ambassadors
Staging: Nathan Balser
Music: Claude-Michel Schönberg, Alain Boulbil, Andrew Lloyd Webber, arrangement by Jarom Hansen
Soloists: Anne Blotter, Dakota Clement, Jessica Zaugg
SHOW LINE-UP
INDIA: LAAL GHAGRA
International Folk Dance Ensemble
Choreography: Greg Rawlings & Sally Rawlings
Music: “Malhari” by Sanjay Leela Bhansali with lyrics by Prashant Ingole (recorded by Vishal Dadlani); “Laal Ghagra” by Tanishk Bagchi, Manj Musik and Herbie Sahara with lyrics by Tanishk Bagchi and Herbie Sahara (recorded by Manj Musik, Herbie Sahara & Neha Kakkar.
Music: Selections from Jerry Brock, Arranged by Kurt Bestor
SELECTION FROM GISELLE
Theatre Ballet
Choreography: Jules Perrot and Jean Coralli
Music: Adolphe Adam
TENSILE INVOLVEMENT
Contemporary Dance Theatre
Choreography, Sound Score, Scenic and Lighting Design: Alwin Nikolais
Costumes Design: Alwin Nikolais recreated by Dawn Maughan, under the Artistic Direction of Alberto del Saz
Note: The licensing and performance of this work has been granted through the exclusive rights of the Nikolais/Louis Foundation for Dance, Inc.
FINALE
World of Dance Company
Choreography: Curt Holman
Music: “Rhythm of the Night” by Corona
BALLROOM DANCE COMPANY
Artistic Director: Curt Holman
BYU Ballroom Dance Company presents ballroom dance in a theatrical environment with a contemporary point of view. Its innovative choreography is compelling, engaging, and just plain fun! Audiences will enjoy couples dancing a romantic waltz and will feel the energy as the company moves to the infectious rhythms of Latin America. The company holds United States and British Ballroom Dance Formation Championship titles. Their ever-increasing popularity results in a demanding concert schedule throughout the United States and the
world. Since its inception in 1960, the BYU Ballroom Dance Company has performed for millions of people in over 35 countries, including a command performance for the queen of Thailand. The company continues to flourish under the direction of Curt Holman. Their distinctive style and artistic vision keeps BYU’s ballroom program at the forefront of ballroom dance in America. The president of the National Dance Council of America, Brian McDonald, calls the BYU Ballroom Dance Company “one of the ballroom world’s greatest treasures.”
CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE
Artistic Directors: Kate Monson & Adam Dyer
Contemporary Dance Theatre at Brigham Young University is a repertory-based company focused on giving technically advanced students an opportunity to work closely with faculty and guest choreographers in developing work that espouses current aesthetics in the
discipline. While performing the work is a wonderful outgrowth of the company’s efforts, equal focus is given to daily rigorous studio practice that requires collaborative communication and a high degree of physical, spiritual and mental resilience.
INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE ENSEMBLE
Artistic Director: Jeanette Geslison
International Folk Dance Ensemble was established in 1956 and is celebrating their 68th year as a performing arts group. The ensemble has traveled throughout the world performing traditional dances selected from a wide variety of cultures, including Olympic Opening Ceremonies in 1988 and 2002. The group has traveled to and performed in over 57 countries. The group continues to dazzle audiences with their vibrant ethnic costumes, diverse dance selections, and captivating performances.
LIVING LEGENDS
Artistic Director: Moni Tiatia
The Living Legends have a long history of using music, dance, and storytelling to share the Native American, Polynesian, and Latin cultures. For over 50 years, Living Legends has delighted audiences in countries, nations, and tribes around the world. Most recently, the Living Legends have been seen in France, Belgium, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Tahiti (French Polynesia) Mexico, Brazil, China, and throughout the United States.
These dancers are motivated by a
Since 1964, International Folk Dance Ensemble has become internationally famous at the world’s most prominent folk dance festivals, where they perform with many of the best international dance companies. The group presents American traditional dance heritage, as well as representing both BYU and the U.S. as the American Folk Dance Ensemble in folk festivals. These festivals aim to safeguard and promote intangible cultural heritage as well as facilitate cross cultural collaboration, appreciation, friendship, and world peace.
sentiment expressed in our show, Seasons: Throughout time, we have told stories. Stories to celebrate life and rejoice in discovery. Stories of light and strength in times of darkness, of the Earth and all of her creatures
But these stories only live and breathe when we share them Listen
We find great joy in sharing our stories and cultures with you.
THEATRE BALLET
Artistic Director: Ashley Parov & Brooke Storheim
BYU Theatre Ballet fosters love and appreciation for ballet, recognizing it as an artistic means of expression and communication. Striving for excellence, Theatre Ballet seeks to be a gospeloriented catalyst for students to serve, educate, and edify audiences through uplifting performances, outreach programs,
and teaching opportunities. Theatre Ballet Studio Company, the second-tier and preparatory company for BYU Theatre Ballet, also provides many performing opportunities throughout the year, including mentored student choreographic processes and collaborations with Theatre Ballet.
YOUNG AMBASSADORS
Artistic Director: Nathan Balser
The Young Ambassadors, Brigham Young University’s elite song and dance ensemble, shares the magic of storytelling through contemporary music, dance, and theatre. Comprised of 20 student singers, dancers, actors, as well as student stage
BYU DEPARTMENT OF DANCE
Department Chair: Shayla Bott
Associate Department Chairs: Amy Jex, Adam Dyer
Full Time Faculty: Nathan Balser, Elizabeth Dibble, Jeanette Geslison, Curt Holman, Keely Song Glenn, Karen Jensen, Brent Keck, Kate Monson, Ashley Parov, Marin
technicians, the ensemble delivers a fastpaced showcase inspired by American Musical Theatre, Rock, and Pop music. These talented performers offer a fresh view of America’s culture and ways of life.
Roper, Brooke Storheim, Kori Wakamatsu, Hilary Wolfley
Accountant: Ryan Biddulph
Dance Secretary: J’Lene Willes
Dance Medicine: Brenda Critchfield, Mariah Dawe-Johnson
Sammy Miller and The Congregation are on a mission to put the generosity back into jazz and bring art back to the people. Juilliard trained and drummer on a Grammy® nominated album, Sammy Miller has been hailed as “the perfect player scholar” (The Wall Street Journal)
Miller has spent the last decade making jazz accessible to a new generation of listeners and learners. From Lincoln Center to The White House, TEDx to The Newport Jazz Festival, with special guests including Jon Batiste and Wynton Marsalis, Miller’s band, Sammy Miller and The Congregation, has headlined the most prominent Jazz festivals for over a decade. The Congregation specializes in joyful jazz – music that feels good. They recently released the album, Joyful Jazz at Lincoln Center (2023).
After working with over 60,000 students in 45 states, Miller launched the music education platform PLAYBOOK (www.thisisplaybook. com) to offer teachers the tools to inspire lifelong musicians. Miller recently discussed his music education philosophy in his New York Times op-ed titled “We’re Teaching Music to Kids All Wrong”.
Get onboard: @smcongregation
SAMMY MILLER, DRUMS
Juilliard trained-Grammy® nominated drummer Sammy Miller has been hailed as “the perfect player scholar” (The Wall Street Journal).
From Lincoln Center to The White House, to the Aspen Ideas Festival, to TEDx, to The Newport Jazz Festival, with special guests including Jon Batiste and Wynton Marsalis, Miller’s band, Sammy Miller and The Congregation, has headlined the most prominent Jazz festivals for over a decade. The Congregation specializes in joyful jazz – music that feels good.
After working with over 60,000 students in 45 states, Miller launched the music education platform PLAYBOOK to offer teachers the tools to inspire lifelong musicians. Miller recently discussed his music education philosophy in his New York Times op-ed titled “We’re Teaching Music to Kids All Wrong”.
ALPHONSO HORNE (TRUMPET)
Alphonso Horne is a two-time Grammy® nominated, Juillard-trained trumpeter who was named by Wynton Marsalis as one of the rising stars of the next generation.
Horne has toured with Wynton Marsalis in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Count Basie Orchestra, Cab Calloway Orchestra, and has performed with legendary singers ranging from Tony Bennett to Rihanna. Horne has won many awards, including the National Trumpet Competition (2010), and has also performed in several Tony Awardwinning Broadway shows, including “After Midnight” and “Shuffle Along”.
BEN FLOCKS (TENOR SAXOPHONE)
Saxophonist and professional educator Ben Flocks captivates audiences around the world with his soulful sound.
Flocks has performed alongside Dave Brubeck, Joshua Redman, and many others on some of jazz’s biggest stages, including the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland.
Joshua Redman has praised Flocks’ sound for “diving deep” into the “the soul of things”, noting that Flocks “may yet make some of the widest and longest lasting waves”.
Flocks holds a MA in Music Education from San José State University and a BFA from the New School in New York. A deep passion for music education, Flocks currently serves on faculty at Glendale Community College, Harvard-Westlake School, and the Stanford Jazz Workshop.
ARTISTS’ PROFILES
CORBIN JONES (BASS)
Grammy®-winning musician and educator, Corbin Jones is one of the most sought after multi-instrumentalist.
After graduating Cum Laude and completing a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from USC, Jones’ love of groove led him to a career in performing and recording upright and electric bass, and sousaphone.
Jones’ jazz performances have been seen at the Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Umbria Jazz Festivals, and the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Jones has also provided bass work for 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, Gwen Stefani, and most recently sousaphone on Beyonce and Jay-Z’s OTR II 2018 world tour and Grammy-winning album Everything Is Love.
In addition to touring and performing across the nation, Jones currently teaches in the Jazz program at El Camino College.
DAVID LINARD (PIANO)
Grammy®-nominated and Juilliard-trained, David Linard shares his love for timeless feel-good music as a pianist, composer, educator, and musical director.
A longtime member of Sammy Miller and the Congregation, Linard has traveled the world, playing venues such as Monterey Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Jazz à Juan, Jazz à Megève, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, SF Jazz, and the Bowery Ballroom.
Linard composed the music for KPCC’s hit podcast, Tell Them, I Am, which was featured in Time and the Atlantic on their respective lists of the best podcasts of 2019.
Linard has taught in schools across the five boroughs of NYC as a member of Jazz at Lincoln Center‘s Jazz for Young People program, and worked as a musical director with Ars Nova in their Makers Lab program.
He earned his MM from the Juilliard School in 2015, studying privately with Kenny Barron and Frank Kimbrough, and working closely with Wynton Marsalis.
In 2022 Linard released his debut record, Cafe Gitane.
MOLLY MILLER (GUITAR)
World-touring guitarist and professor of music at the University of Southern California. Miller holds a doctorate in Musical Arts from USC.
Miller is one of Los Angeles’s most soughtafter musicians, recording and touring with artists such as Jason Mraz, Black Eyed Peas, Donna Missal, and Morgxn, at venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall, and Coachella. Miller is featured on Jason Mraz’s latest albums Know and Look For the Good.
Soon after earning her Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Southern California in 2016, she became the chair of the Guitar Department at Los Angeles College of Music. She currently teaches at the University of Southern California.
When Miller’s not on tour or teaching, she heads her own trio, Molly Miller Trio, showcased on NPR’s Fresh Air.
RICK LOLLAR (GUITAR)
Rick Lollar is a New York City-based guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Through his work as a leader, and collaborations with Southern fusion guitar wizard Jimmy Herring, and soul jazz luminary drummer/ vocalist Jamison Ross, Lollar has carved out a sound centered in the blues, yet stamped with the harmonic and rhythmic invention of jazz. His gritty, expressive singing voice and his gift as a songwriter and lyricist are just as central to his musical identity.
Hailing from Tallahassee, FL, and having spent over a decade in the Atlanta music scene, Lollar moved to NYC in 2022. He’s
ARTISTS’ PROFILES
performed and recorded with diverse artists, including Jimmy Herring, Jamison Ross, Marcus Roberts, Scotty Barnhart, Col. Bruce Hampton, Roosevelt Collier, Lera Lynn, Larkin Poe, The Lee Boys, Robert Finley, Kenosha Kid, The Filthy Six, and many others.
OLIVIA K HARRIS (VOCALS)
The K in Olivia K, Khe-ra, means “Daughter of the Sun,” which perfectly describes her music, her joyous outlook on life and fiery disposition. Her performance art and musical sensibility combines the boundless energy of the Brooklyn West Indian Day Parade with the soulfulness of the Baptist church she grew up in. A proud lifelong
Brooklynite (except four years uptown at Columbia University), her iconic voice and original writing can be heard on Netflix, BET, and MTV as well as in commercials, and most unusually, a fire escape in NYC. As the DIY Funk Queen of East New York, she has led her band Olivia K and the Parkers in a sold-out show at Joe’s Pub, joined the 2022 Joe’s Pub Working Artist Group, and played BRIC’s iconic Celebrate Brooklyn, and Brooklyn Museum. Her anthem “Native New Yorker” is archived in the permanent archives of Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and was heard on the Showtime series “Flatbush Misdemeanors”.
FRIENDS OF ONSTAGE OGDEN
Onstage Ogden is grateful for the individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies who have made a charitable contribution in support of the performing arts in our community. Donors listed made their contributions between August 13, 2023, and August 12, 2024
SEASON SPONSOR ($100,000+)
Stewart Education Foundation Weber County RAMP
SERIES SPONSOR ($25,000+)
Alan and Jeanne Hall
State of Utah, Utah Division of Arts and Museums
SPONSOR ($10,000–$24,999)
Art Works for Kids Foundation
The Franzen Family
Robert & Marcia Harris
Dr. Val Johnson
Lawrence T. Dee and Janet T. Dee Foundation
PROTECTOR ($5,000–$9,999)
Beaver Creek Foundation
George S and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation
Rosemary & Dave Lesser ●
PARTNER ($2,500–$4,999)
Dr. Robert Fudge and Sylvia Newman ● Marty and Carolyn Rasmussen ●
Val A. Browning Charitable Foundation
Norman C. & Barbara L. Tanner
Charitable Support Trust
Richard & Shirley Hemingway Foundation
Weber State University
Marriner S. Eccles Foundation
Christina & Shaun Myers ●
Ogden City Arts
Suzy Patterson
Harry and Becky Senekjian WESTAF Western States Arts Federation ● Foundation, Board & Staff ● Monthly Recurring Donation ● Employer Match
FRIENDS OF ONSTAGE OGDEN
BENEFACTOR
Bank of Utah
($1,000–$2,499)
Danielle Bendinelli ●
Geraldine and Evan
Christensen
Dr. Rosemary Conover
Rick and Karen Fairbanks
Doug and Shelly Felt
Cirlio Franco ● ●
James & Nicole Fredrick ● ● ●
Donna and Ralph Friz
PATRON
($500–$999)
Joan Alf
Roger Christensen ●
Catherine Clark ●
Brent and Vicki Cox
Tim and Candace Dee
Allan & Kellie Diersman
Diana & Ralph Dunkley
ADVOCATE
($250–$499)
Brad and Lynn Carroll
Raymond and Betty Christian
Sean Bishop & Taylor Knuth
James & Deborah Lindstrom
Sandy and Phillip Maxwell
Andy and Susan McCrady
DONOR (100–$249)
Zana Anderson
Phil and Melanee Berger
Yaeko Bryner
Edwin Cannon
Sharon Charley
Dr. Allen and Janis Christensen
Aaron Clark
Ellie Cole
Phillip & Gail Coleman
Julie and Stephen Coley
Katrina Daniel
Lynn and Natalie Dearden
Darin and Deborah Deem
Dr. Douglas Deis
Gaye Delange
Gloria Dixon
John Fromer and Willis McCree
William and Deborah Hackett
Bill & Barbara Hughes
Beth A. Mannino & Paul E. Schick
Dr. Judith Mitchell ●
Robert Montgomery, MD
MSL Family Foundation
Kay Hoogland & James O’Brien
Marlin & Kathleen Jensen
Michelle Ley
Frank and Sharon Markos
Wayne Miller
Meg and Mark Naisbitt ●
Paul and Sandra Perkin
Madeline & Alex Mcdonald
Daniel Neumann
Gary and Marilyn Newman
Laurie & Greg Rives
Eileen & Steve Santella ●
Juergen Sass
Dr. Ann Ellis
Steve Ericson
Byron Espinoza
Pat Fuller
Dixie Funk
Karen Gall
David and Ruth Ann Gladwell
Cliff and Elizabeth Goff
Dana & David Gossner
Kim Hale
Holly and Stephen Handy
Terry Hartman-Smith
Linda Hearn
Heather Heileson
Tina and Robert Herman
Jon Higginbotham
Robert and Sally Neil
Scott and Pam Parkinson
Ralph Nye Charitable
Foundation
Carolyn Rich-Denson ●
Jonathan and Beverly
Souder
Jean Vaniman ● ●
Glenn and Connie Wimer
Ned and Sheila Stephens
Joyce and Robert Stillwell
Dr. Deborah Uman and Mr. Michael Sander ●
Janice and Sheldon Ward
Jennifer & Dr. Michael Webb ●
Kent and Trudy Whiteman
Sherman and Cheryl Smith ● Keith and Marlys Sorbo
Dorothy & Dan Steimke ● Carl and Helgard Wolfram
Grover Hoopes
Amy Huntington ●
Matthew Janzen
Alisa Jenney
Melba and Denis Kirby
Paul Kriekard
MacDowell Ensemble - Ogden
Chapter
Rand and Cynthia Mattson
James and Jennifer McGregor
Roy Mecham
Toni Montrone
George Muller
Garrett Murphy & Esther Ahn
Maurine Naisbitt
Brian & Marsha Namba
FRIENDS OF ONSTAGE OGDEN
Claude & Barbara Nix
Kim Odell
Cheryl Orme
Dr. Michael & Cindy Palumbo
Donald Pantone
Jeff Paulson
Janet A. Petersen
Bobbie Ramer
MaryAnn Rientjes
Linda Roth
Mary and Howard Schuyler
MEMBER ($50–99)
Kathy & Craig Adams
Clyde Baker
Daniel Bedford
Bobby Buckles
Shane DeHart
Michael and Susan Deyoung
Rocky Stone & Judith Faulkner
Janice Grajek
Mira Green
Scott and Deborah Greenwell
David and Joan Hadley
Shane Schvaneveldt
Kathy Sedgwick
Denise Sly
Michael Smith
Carol and Paul Sonntag
Sandra Sowerby
Edna Stratford
David Suehsdorf
Robert Tillotson
Ruth Turner
Kelly VanNoy
Lucinda and Phillip Wagner
Andrew and Suzanne Wall
David Walling
Linda Watson
Paula Weick and Carl Stuart
Barbara & Gerald West
Aloha Whitney
Michael Wutz & Marilee Rohan
Douglas & Karin Yonemura
Larry Zaugg
Mary Hargis
Jennifer Hartman
Kimberly and Christian Hearn
Debra Hull
Earl Johnson
Marilyn Konieczny
Jason Lew
Gale Livingston
Lisa Mustafa
Tina Olsen
Joseph Orozco
Matt & Camille Pollard
Joan and Paul Powell
Sarah Quistberg
Bonnie & William Rembacz
Carol Rhees
Mindy Steele
Jullie Stoddar
Ron and Sandy Waite
Jackie Watson
ShaRon Williams
Please contact Onstage Ogden Development Coordinator, Sarah Bailey, at 801.612.0757 or sarah@onstageogden.org, if you would like to make a donation or if your name has inadvertently been left off or is misspelled.
BEVERLY LUND & GINNY MATTHEI LEGACY CIRCLE
75 years ago, Beverly Lund and Ginny Matthei organized a concert by the Utah Symphony at Ogden High School. They did so believing in the power of live performance to elevate and connect a community. Over the decades their vision evolved into what it is today, Onstage Ogden. For our 2024/2025 season, Onstage Ogden is introducing the Beverly Lund & Ginny Matthei Legacy Circle. Consider contributing to their legacy by including Onstage Ogden as a beneficiary of your estate.
If you would like to join the inaugural class of the Beverly Lund & Ginny Matthei Legacy Circle or have already included Onstage Ogden in your will, estate plan, or beneficiary arrangement, please let us know by calling Sarah Bailey at 801-399-9214 or by emailing sarah@onstageogden.org. Visit onstageogden.org/give for more information.
