Opening Nights - Meklit

thank you to our sponsors

25 TH JUBILEE PLATINUM LEVEL

DIAMOND LEVEL

HERB & MARY JERVIS

GOLD LEVEL

LEE HINKLE

SILVER LEVEL

FSU License Plate

KEN KATO & NAN NAGY BERNADETTE & ROGER LUCA

ERIC & ANDREA FRIALL

RON SACHS & GAY WEBSTER-SACHS

MIKEY BESTEBREURTJE & WILSON BAKER

BRONZE LEVEL

CHRIS & BETH CORUM KIMBERLY CRISER

SALLY

BETH & LAWTON LANGFORD DEBBY

IN-KIND SPONSORS & ENDOWMENTS

JIM

CHARLES

KELLY & LAURIE DOZIER ENDOWMENT FUND

LOUISE IRELAND HUMPHREY EXCELLENCE FUND

BETH & LAWTON LANGFORD ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

LARRY & JO DEEB

MARJORIE TURNBULL

KARIOTH

& SUSAN STRATTON

KEARNEY

& BETTY ANN RODGERS

LINDA J. SMITH, PHD

MR. & MRS. JOHN RADEY

from the director

on behalf of Opening Nights, we are thrilled to share the second half of our 25th Anniversary Season with you! We’ve saved the best for last this spring with so many incredible performances coming your way. In February, we kick off the vibrant lineup with:

The Other Mozart by Sylvia Milo at Turner Auditorium on February 4. This captivating one-woman show tells the story of Mozart’s forgotten sister, Nannerl, a piano virtuoso in her own right. Television, stage and film star Katharine McPhee will perform live at the home of the FSU President on February 6.

A month-long celebration of Black History Month kicks off with Step Afrika! on February 7 and is sure to delight all ages with an exciting blend of percussive dance styles that integrate songs, storytelling and humor. Pulitzer Prize winning author, Colson Whitehead will speak on February 9 about his writings and engage the audience with insightful discussion.

The Queens of Soul, Morgan James and Erica Gabriel take center stage with our very own Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra on February 11 for a celebration of the music of Motown, R&B and soul; celebrate Valentine’s Day with a breathtaking performance by contemporary dance company MOMIX and their visually stunning repertoire entitled Alice, inspired by Alice in Wonderland; and Ethiopian jazz singer, Meklit, will perform on February 28.

French-based Zodiac Trio will perform Benny Rides Again, a celebration of the songs of Benny Goodman on March 3; country and folk music legend Emmylou Harris takes the Ruby Diamond stage on March 4 for an unforgettable evening of the music that has thrived for more than 50 years; theatre fans get ready for New York Gilbert & Sullivan Player’s The Mikado on March 11 for a matinee performance; and families won’t want to miss

Legendary late-night comedian and television host Jay Leno will pack Ruby Diamond for a memorable evening of laughs on March 29; Opening Nights continues its collaboration with the Chain of Parks Arts Festival with digital media artist John Ensor Parker on April 13; FSU’s PRISM is back with its traditional spring performance on April 16; and the season concludes with Piano Battle, a rollicking good time, on April 25.

Sponsorships and memberships make each season possible, and we are very grateful to the many people who have generously supported us this season. As we continue to celebrate the Opening Nights 25-year legacy into the next season, we invite you to renew or become a member or a sponsor of our 2023–24 Season. From town to gown, Opening Nights is a vital university and community performing arts program with a mission worthy of supporting and celebrating! These performances create a thriving cultural life in our community and create priceless educational experiences on campus and throughout the community. Ask any Opening Nights associate about these philanthropic opportunities. We hope you join us!

Thank you again for your support of the Opening Nights 25th Anniversary Season at Florida State University. Please enjoy these outstanding performances!

Jennifer Wright Director, Opening Nights at Florida State University

The Jungle Book performed live by the Panto Company on March 23.

Florida State University

Richard McCullough President

Opening Nights Staff

Jennifer Wright Director

Lori Elliott Development Director

Grace Atkins

Program & Operations Manager

Brad Lister Business & Patron Services Manager

Calla MacNamara Education & Engagement Manager

Nick DiChiara Patron Services Coordinator

Noelle Enright Marketing Associate

Amanda Cole Graphic Designer University Communications, Creative Services

Rodney Johnson Assistant Director of Creative Services University Communications, Creative Services

Opening Nights Development Council

Eric Friall, Chair

Gus Corbella, Immediate-Past Chair

Susan Stratton, Secretary

Kathleen Daly

Brooke Hallock

John Marks

David Mica, Jr.

Heather Mitchell

Nan Nagy

Tom Nelson

Ron Sachs

Florida State University

Office of the President

College of Fine Arts

College of Motion Picture Arts College of Music

College of Social Sciences & Public Policy

FSU Panama City

University Communications

University Relations

upcoming performances

february

28 Meklit

jazz, world music, vocal

Sponsored by FSU License Plate

march

3 Zodiac Trio

instrumental, jazz

4 Emmylou Harris country, Americana

Sponsored by Lee Hinkle, Ken Kato & Nan Nagy

11 New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: The Mikado opera, comedy, musical theatre

Sponsored by Taylor Blackburn Family Fund

23 The Jungle Book family, theatre

Sponsored by Centennial Bank & Kessler Construction

29 Jay Leno comedy

Sponsored by Peter Boulware Toyota

april

13 John Ensor Parker: Chain of Parks Art

Festival Presenting Artist speaker, visual arts

Sponsored by Laurie & Kelly Dozier Endowment

16 PRISM

classical, jazz, marching band, pop

Sponsored by Walmart

25 Piano Battle

classical, instrumental, comedy

Sponsored by Herb & Mary Jervis

Cover photo: Meklit by John Nilsen

Stay connected to Tallahassee’s latest activities and attractions. Read Tallahassee Magazine in print and online, plus like and follow on social media for the latest events and happenings. @tallahasseemag | tallahasseemagazine. com

Stay connected to Tallahassee’s latest activities and attractions. Read Tallahassee Magazine in print and online, plus like and follow on social media for the latest events and happenings. @tallahasseemag | tallahasseemagazine. com

We are proud to support Opening Nights.

2022–23 members

producer’s circle

Mr. & Mrs. Bart Aiken ✽

Jann & Ray Bellamy H

Phillip & Betty Brown ✽

Kathleen Daly & Reinhart Lerch ON

Liz Dudek ✽

Richard & Judi Earls ✽

Sharon & John Harris

Jimmie Crowder Excavating

Paull & Nita Kirkpatrick

Carol Lees, Gregg & Kathy Villacorta ON

Geof Mansfield & Jennifer Fitzwater ON

Mike & Judy Pate ON

Piekarewicz Family ✽

Sherrill & Jimmy Ragans ON 20+

Jayne M. Standley H

John D. Woods MD

partner level

Anonymous ✽

Cathy & Jim Bracher

Kathryn Karrh Cashin, Ph.D. ON

Mike & Jeri Damasiewicz ✽

Bob Davis

Bill & Caryl Donnellan ON

Patrick & Kathy Dunnigan ✽

Lori Elliott & Doug Hall

Jack & Susan Fiorito ✽

Grossman Furlow & Bayo LLC ✽

Dave & Margaret Groves H

Brenda & Tracy Hatch H

Ms. Mart Hill ON 20+

Bill & Bunnie Hunter ✽

Linda & Rick Hyson ✽

Susan & Al Kaempfer

In Memory of Helen Keaton u

Los Robles Animal Hospital u

Stacey Lampkin ✽

Tom Nelson & Lisa Mergel

Raymond & Rhonda Merritt

Heather & Mark Mitchell

Kristine & Tom Parker

Johanna Van Lierop Plummer u

Mary Anne Price ✽

Terry & Marilyn Reisman u

Stephen & Barbara Roberts ✽

Barbara Shapiro ✽

Del Suggs & Denice Jones ON

Warren W & Paula E Sutton H

AS OF 1/24/23

Shawn McCauley & Suzanne Smith u

Susan McConnell ✽

The Rodney David Reeves Trust Fund

The Three Sisters

David Waters u

Bernie & Lisa Waxman ✽

friend level

Greg & Sharon Beaumont H

Nada Carey

Ellen Berler & Bob Contreras ✽

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Davis ✽

Sandy & Jim Dafoe H

The Hon. Stephen Everett & Meghan Everett ✽

Bill Graham & Shelley Hill

Royce P. Gray, M.D. u

Ken & Debbie Hodges ✽

John & Linda Kilgore H

David & Linda Knopf

Mr. & Mrs. Lee H

Jimmy Martin & Carlos Fernandez

Marjorie Masterman ON

Joan May

Randi & Chris New ✽

Fred & Anna Roberson ✽

Eleanore Rosenberg & Larry Sack H

Jason & Brenda Watts ✽

Bonnie & Woody Woodward

David & Mary Jean Yon H

associate level

Dr. John Bailey & Bonnie Gaughan-Bailey

Greg & Karen Boebinger H

Eileen & Don Bourassa ✽

Jennifer & Scott Boyles ✽

Karen Bradley

Bob Cohen & Karen Asher-Cohen ✽

Ms. Carol Cooper

Pamala J Doffek ✽

Colonel & Ms. Dunn ✽

Keith & Vangie Fields

David & Paula Fountain ✽

Carole Goodyear u

Karen Herrick

Robert G. Knight H

James Lee & Gordon Bedwell ✽

McNeal/Dunn Family ✽

Emily Millett ✽

Mr. & Mrs. Jon Moyle, Jr. u

Ed & Linda Oaksford ✽

Patsy Palmer

Dianne Phillips H

John Stephen Pirtle u

Bill & Connie Reinhardt H

Dr. David & Mrs Rhonda Saint u

Pat & Gary Smith H

Michael G. Stephens u

Heather & Rob Telfer

Phillip Tomberlin Jr. & Martin Kavka H

Mike & Angie Wallenfelsz u

debut level

Francisco Alarcon & Kathleen Kearney ✽

Cheryl Anderson

Drs. Charles & Sharon Aronovitch H

Kathleen Barnett & Dr. Lonnie Draper

Lazaro Barreiro u

Mark & Patsy Bates u

Adrienne J Bowen

Robin Boyle u

Ann Brattain ✽

Bruce Campbell & Susan Stephens ✽

Robert & Linda Clickner ✽

Mary & David Coburn

Pamela L. Cooper ✽

Ellen & Robert Crabtree ✽

Susan Crawford & Joseph Travis u

Liz Dameron ON

Brafford Davis, CPA, PLLC

Lynda deMarsh-Mathues ✽

Dr. & Mrs. Deyle ON

Michael & Nancy Diamonti

Mr. & Mrs. Richard DiChiara

June Dollar & Grady Enlow

Virlindia Doss u

Marcy P. Driscoll

Tom & Valeria Dudley u

✽ Member for 5 years or more

H Member for 10 years or more

ON Member for 15 years or more

u First year members

2022–23 members, cont.

Anita Renee Favors

Rick & Joyce Fausone ✽

Robert Fingar H

Peter & Mary Lou Fodor u

Mark Fontaine ✽

Tim & Jamela Fordyce ✽

Belinda T. France u

Joy & James Frank u

Meg Gibson

Tom & Daleen Gilpin u

Richard & Christine Gordon ✽

Freddie Groomes-McLendon

Drs. Vasken & Sharon Hagopian

John & Eleanor Hawkins ✽

Dr. & Mrs. Hayden H

Maura & William Heebink ✽

James & Hillary Hodges u

Myles Hollander H

Gary Hudson u

Susan & Bill Hurlbut u

Keith Ihlanfeldt

Liz Jameson ✽

Dallas & Rita Johnson

Dr. David & Dottie Jones

Mr. Keelean & Mrs. Kampert H

Christine M Keller ✽

Kira Derryberry Photography

John & Sylvia Labie u

Bruce & Lametria Lamont

Brian R. Lockwood ✽

Terry & Fran Lewis ✽

Dr. Debbie Justice Obley & Ross

Obley H

Orange State Construction, Inc. u

Susan Potts & Michael Mesler u

David & Jo Ann Prescott H

Nikki Pritchett & Stephen Fox ✽

Cathy & Barney Ray

Billie Reardon

David Reed

Mark E. Reichert

Charles & Mary Rooney u

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ross u

Joann Sapolsky

Susan Schatzman u

Sarah & Terry Sherraden u

N. Stratis u

Sharon Strickland & Richard Pearlman ✽

Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Suber ✽

Dan Taylor & Tony Archer ✽

Phyllis Thomson & Steve Carter u

Jan Timm ✽

Michael & Ressa Tomkiewicz

Judith Underhill ✽

Marilynn Wills ON

Ronald & Annette Wilson ✽

Nancy Wright H

Kathy & Richard Zorn ✽

solo level

Robert Andrews u

Senait Ashenafi u

Bob Atwood u

Adrienne Barnes ✽

Anthony & Janet Carro u

Lisa & Ken Cashin ✽

David & Karen Cherni u

Jim & Pam Cooke u

Cheryl Cox u

Julie Decker

Louise Divine u

Michael Erickson & Maria Cabrero u

Sharon & Rick Fallon u

Kevin & Suzanne Fenton u

Jean Frey u

Kim Gabbard

Jim & Lori Keller

Janet Kistner

Mrs. Jo Anne Koch-Owens

Mark Leadon u

Dian & Chas LaTour H

Jan LeBar ✽

Edna Parker Mann u

Stephen D. McDowell u

Mike & Michelle McGinley u

Joe Picklesimer u

Joe Sigler u

Laurie Svec u

Ida Mattia Thompson ✽

Kelvin Wallace u

Stacy Wheeler ✽

Glenn Woodsum, DJ Wright u

distinguished artists fund

Mrs. & Mr. Beggarly

Mr. & Mrs. Daly

Kathleen Daly & Reinhart Lerch

Dr. & Mrs. Hayden

Meghan Jankelow

Lourdes Madsen

The Rodney David Reeves Trust Fund

opening nights in class

Dan & Ashley Barrow

Dr. & Mrs. Deyle

Dr. & Mrs. Hayden

The Rodney David Reeves Trust Fund

For more information and to become a member, visit openingnights.fsu.edu/support/membership

✽ Member for 5 years or more

H Member for 10 years or more

ON Member for 15 years or more

u First year members

Herb & Mary Jervis

Congratulations Opening Nights for fostering the Arts in Tallahassee for the past 25 years.

The students, faculty, and staff of FSU and the citizens of north Florida have been enriched by your efforts.

We eagerly await what the next 25 years will bring.

meklit

“At the shining crossroads of two cultures, making truly moving music.” – POPMATTERS

Meklit Hadero is an Ethiopian-American vocalist, songwriter, composer and cultural activist. She makes music that sways between cultures and continents, including a body of deeply personal Ethio-Jazz songs. Her touring band includes the intimate strums of an Ethiopian krar, the wails of a Jazz saxophone, the multi-tones of a drum kit mixed with the snappy rhythms of a Turkish tupan, the fluttering of pentatonic keyboard melodies, and the backbone of a grooving bassline that just makes you want to dance. Her lyrics in English and Amharic connect to our shared humanity, reminding us that “everything that we are was made in a supernova.”

Continued on pg. 23

Photo by Petri Anttila

Ken Kato & Nan Nagy

Proud Sponsor of Opening Nights and Emmy Lou Harris

LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival Presenting Artist

John Ensor Parker

April 13, 2023

Art Festival April 15-16

Our gift supports two highly successful visual and performing arts presenters to collaborate and provide a unique, cultural experience for our community.

Laurie & Kelly Dozier Endowment

WHERE GREAT SERVICE IS ALWAYS THE STAR OF THE SHOW

Meklit

Continued from pg. 19

Meklit is an Ethio-American vocalist, songwriter and composer known for her electric stage presence and innovative, deeply personal Ethio-Jazz songs. She writes music steeped in traditional Ethiopian rhythms blended with her singer-songwriter’s poetic core, with floating melodies and dancing grooves that draw on sources as varied as East African music, Nina Simone and Joni Mitchell.

Meklit is touring a preview of her upcoming release Ethio-Blue, a six song EP of entirely original music. In addition to featuring her longstanding quintet of bass, drums, percussion and tenor saxophone, Ethio-Blue adds the fleet fingers of multi-instrumentalist Kibrom Berhane (piano/keyboard, masenqo, krar). The album is an Ethio-Jazz soundtrack to social transformation, a collective celebration as we step into a new era of equity. Its anthem—"Here To Imagine"— invites audiences into wide possibilities for imagining and living the future we want to build together. It's Amharic language song,

"Hagere Ethiopia," sings of the poetic beauty and cultural power of Meklit's home country. The tender track, "Antidote," ends with a simple refrain—"you are the antidote." In this body of music, Meklit offers a balm to the social isolation that has spread rampant in this pandemic era. Her live show leaves audiences feeling into magnitude of the shifts we are experiencing, and invites them to dance their way in.

Meklit became a sensation with the release of her 2010 debut On A Day Like This, an enchanting collection featuring her delicately luminous original songs and traditional Amharic melodies. The album received rave reviews and featured coverage on PBS, National Geographic, and NPR, and the singer has been on a meteoric rise ever since.

Meklit’s album When the People Move, the Music Moves Too was named among the best records of the year by Bandcamp and The Sunday Times UK, climbing to the top of the iTunes, NACC, and European World Charts. Her performances have taken her around the world, from Addis Ababa—where she is a full-blown star—to San Francisco, New

York City, Chicago, Nairobi, Cairo, Montreal, London, Zurich, Rome, Helsinki and many more.

Meklit is a National Geographic Explorer, a TED Senior Fellow, and a former Artist-inResidence at Harvard University. She has collaborated with the likes of Kronos Quartet, Andrew Bird, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and musical legend Pee Wee Ellis. She has also been commissioned to create new work by Lincoln Center, MAP Fund, the Center for Cultural Innovation, Meany Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Washington, Montgomery College and more.

Meklit is the co-founder, host and coproducer of Movement, a new podcast and live show telling stories of music and migration, which debuted in a nationally syndicated broadcast on PRX’s The World. She is the co-founder of the Nile Project, and a featured voice in the UN Women theme song and winner of the 2021 globalFEST Artist Award. Meklit’s music has been featured in the New York Times, BBC, CNN, NPR, Washington Post and many more. She holds a BA in Political Science from Yale University.

Photo by Saul Metnick

I regard the

as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.

- - Thornton Wilder