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TABLE OF CONTENTS COMING UP: YOLANDA RABUN . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 DEFINING A NEW SEASON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 SUMMER EVENTS AT THE WORTHAM. . . . 14-15 MEET DARIUS KEEVON BATEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 IN THE SPOTLIGHT: ROBERTS & STEVENS . . 24 MONTFORD PARK PLAYERS UNMASKED . . . 30 NO GOING BACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 A BREATH OF CLEAN AIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 IN THE SPOTLIGHT: DAVID A. DOWD. . . . . . . 56 LIFE IN THE TIME OF COVID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Cover: Wortham Center Board Member Darius Keevon Baten works as a financial advisor by day, but pictured on our cover is his debut as a magazine model. Keevon recently modeled for North Carolina Bridal Magazine in a photoshoot at the Asheville Renaissance Hotel, noting: “It was my first time doing anything like this, and it was very exciting.” Get to know more about Keevon in his feature story on page 16. 3
This eZine is clickable! Click on any ad to visit the advertiser’s website. Their participation supports the Wortham Center’s programming; please thank them with your patronage.
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the Friends of the Wortham Center and be among the first to
preview the 2021/2022 SEASON!
Friends of the Wortham Center will be treated to the unveiling of the new season at the members-only Preview Party in July while enjoying a wine and beer reception, the season preview, and the company of fellow theatre goers. Friends will then be able to purchase 2021/2022 show tickets in advance of the general on-sale date in August. In addition to the Preview Party, Friends of the Wortham Center enjoy benefits such as: • Priority seating • Advance ticket order privilege • Donor recognition • Invitations to special events • Artist meet-and-greets ...and more! Visit the Friends of the Wortham Center page on our website and become a Friend today! Contact Jennifer Zemp at jennifer@worthamarts.org or 828-210-9849 if you have any questions. 4
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DEFINING A NEW SEASON by Rae Geoffrey Managing Director Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
W
e had our first staff meeting, in person, at the Wortham Center in 14 months.
In a typical season, around this time of year, we block out an entire morning to have a lively brainstorming session, during which we decide on a theme to define the next season and lead the design of the season brochure. “We need one word. Let’s hear your ideas.” Crickets. 10
Maybe it was the huge chasms of space between us as we sat, fully vaccinated, at socially distanced single person tables. Perhaps it was the awkwardness of meeting in person, free from the confines of Zoom boxes that once defined our space.
How is live performance different than virtual?
It’s possible we were preoccupied with how to drink our coffees and stay masked. Do we lift, sip and replace? Or is it OK to remove the mask temporarily for the sake of a caffeine fix?
Eventually we created a nice, sloppy list of words and phrases — each tinged with hope, humor and marketing promise. It wasn’t perfect, but we did it.
What does it mean to return to being together, in person, to experience art? What does it mean for Wortham to be full of audiences and artists again?
Return, Expand, Larger Than Yourself, Happy, Rejoice, Be Inspired, Gather, Moving, Shared, Collective, Bright Lights, Essential, Open, Exhilarating, Live, I Need a Drink, As One, Arriving, Expand, Happy, Core, Elevating, Action, Together Again, In Person, Show Me the Money, Growing, Center, Thriving, Lift.
I suspect it was the aftershocks of a year of pandemic trauma, stops and starts, programs held in courtyards and parking lots, packing up equipment in thunderstorms, communicating through screens, layoffs, unemployment, trepidation, uncertainty, fear, homeschooling and the many other challenges COVID presented. I threw out a few prompts:
It’s been a long year, but we’re ready to fight through the fog of the past 14 months to embody these words and more.
How do you feel when you sit together in the theatre for a performance?
So now it’s your turn. What words would you choose? 11
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The Wortham Center is delighted to With stable trends and continued vaccination success, we lo Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents
La Sylphide Friday & Saturday, June 4 & 5 at 7 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre WNC Dance Academy Spring Showcase Sunday, June 6 at 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre Blue Ridge Orchestra presents
String Solstice Sunday, June 20 at 3 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. Market Street Courtyard Wortham Center Presents
Soul and jazz artist Yolanda Rabun Saturday, July 17 at 8 p.m. with happy hour 7-8 p.m. Part of the Asheville Area Arts Council Arts Benefit Series
Diana Wortham Theatre Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents
BLVCK Brilliance: A Celebration of Melanin with Melvin AC Howell and Heart & Soul Dance Company Saturday, July 24 at 7 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre Blue Ridge Orchestra presents
Summer Winds Saturday & Sunday, July 24 & 25 at 5:30 p.m. Market Street Courtyard Rock Cats Rescue presents
The Amazing Acro-cats Saturday, July 31 at 7 p.m. Sunday, August 1 at 6 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre 14
o announce a full summer of events. ook forward to safely welcoming patrons back to the facility.
Marcus Anderson presents Jazz AND Coffee Escape 2021 Friday, August 6, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 6 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre Wortham Center Presents
2020/2021 Artist-In-Residence Black Box Dance Theatre presents PATRIOT Saturday, August 14 at 7 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre MaxxMusic presents Meshell Ndegeocello Tuesday, August 31 at 8 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents
OXALIS written by Travis Lowe directed by Stephanie Hickling Beckman Thursday through Saturday, September 2-4 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, September 5 at 3 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre Heart & Soul Dance Co. presents
Flesh & Conflict Saturday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre
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MEET DARIUS KEEVON BATEN
F
inancial advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management by day, and Wortham Center board member by night — or, really, whenever he has a moment to spare. An Asheville native, Keevon fondly remembers
visiting the Wortham Center in his childhood, and, in 2020, he joined the board to fulfill his passion for serving the local community. We recently (virtually) sat down with Keevon for a Q&A to formally introduce him to our patrons. 18
What fuels your passion for the Wortham Center?
couple and only one family member, who would you invite? What would you serve and where would you have it?
I visited the Wortham Center as a child and can still remember how much I enjoyed myself. I appreciate the performances and their ability to evoke emotion. I feel that the Wortham Center has always done an exceptional job of providing deeply moving performances.
Musician: Margit-Anna Süß Famous Couple: Beyoncé and Jay-Z Family Member: My sister I’d host a sunset dinner party at Craggy Gardens during the peak of the rhododendron bloom. We’d enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and champagne as we listened to Margit-Anna Süß playing “Clair de Lune” on the harp.
Which decade do you think had the best style? More recently, my style has been very minimalistic. I’d say the style of the ‘50s most embodies minimalism. A very clean, simplistic yet timeless look that serves as a blank canvas from which to showcase my colorful personality.
What is on your bucket list? To presently focus on a flower bud as it fully blooms in the sun, but I’ll settle for attending the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan with loved ones.
What are five words that best describe you?
What do you like to do when you are not working?
Enigmatic Intentional
When I am not working, I enjoy reflecting, learning, and connecting with friends and family. Naps in my hammock as I soak up rays of sun. Snuggles from my cat.
Perceptive Sensory Acute Curious What makes you laugh?
What is your best piece of advice that you’d like to share?
Moments of awareness about the miracle and serendipity of life. If you had a dinner party and had to invite one musician, one famous
Self-awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and motivations is key. 19
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WORTHAM CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 2020/2021 APPRECIATION AND SUPPORT 2019/2020 SEASON ATTHE A GLANCE 2019/2020 SEASON
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Advertisers in the Wortham Center Playbill and SHIFT eZine - please give them your patronage Buncombe County and the City of Asheville
ADDITIONAL FUNDING SUPPORT
SOUTH ARTS
A special thank you to our volunteers and ushers!
With Sincere Appreciation It would not be possible to produce the Wortham Center Season and Matinee Series as well as provide first-class performance venues to numerous local arts groups without the generous, annual support of individuals, businesses, foundations, and funders. A listing of these donors can be found beginning on page 41.
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Thanks for putting art in the heart of the community Bank of America recognizes the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts for its success in bringing the arts to performers and audiences throughout the community. We commend you on creating an opportunity for all to enjoy and share a cultural experience. Visit us at bankofamerica.com/local.
©2020 Bank of America Corporation | 2935478 | ENT-211-AD 23
MISSION CENTERED Roberts & Stevens’ Attorneys Assist Area Nonprofits Roberts & Stevens attorney Kate Madison helps Sherika, a nurse and mother of two, sign the closing documents on her West Asheville home in June 2020. After spending much of her life in public housing, Sherika worked her way through school and through Asheville Habitat’s Homeownership Program to buy an affordable home for herself and her girls.
Kate Madison
John Noor
Susan Russo Klein
Carolyn Snipes
Kate, John, Susan and Carolyn are among the attorneys at Roberts & Stevens Attorneys at Law who work with area nonprofits. Roberts & Stevens is a 20-21 Wortham Center corporate sponsor.
W
ith more than 4,500 nonprofits across the Western North Carolina region, it’s safe to assume this sector makes a big impact on our local community. In fact, according to the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, these organizations funnel more than $42 billion into the state’s economy each year, collectively paying North Carolinians more than $15 billion in annual wages.
does the firm support nonprofits financially — sponsoring community events and fundraisers for a variety of causes — it also provides critical legal work and guidance to many charitable organizations across the region. Attorney John Noor, for example, helped guide an organization through zoning ordinances in order to build affordable housing units. With another nonprofit, he helped stop illegal timbering in the mountains — and, in yet another, he fought to keep a local needle exchange program running.
And nonprofits, much like the Wortham Center, would be lost without the generous support of their patrons — from individuals to foundations, government agencies to corporate sponsors. But not all support starts with a checkbook.
“If the exchange had shut down, people would have died,” Noor explained. Drug abuse in Asheville is a serious and actionable issue and “the lack of clean injection supplies would have increased the spread of communicable diseases
Asheville law firm Roberts & Stevens has long been a shining example of the symbiotic relationship between businesses and nonprofits. Not only 24
like AIDS and hepatitis across the area, as well as increased needle litter across the city.”
Working at a reduced rate to support the organization, Madison assists Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity with closings for its new homeowners.
Roberts & Stevens is “a great place to practice law,” he continued, because many of its attorneys are willing and able to provide pro bono service to those in need.
“During the pandemic, it’s been more important than ever to make sure that we have these Habitat home-buyers keep their scheduled closings,” she explained. “We had to get creative. We had socially distanced closings, even some on the hoods of cars, but we were able to meet all of our timelines and goals and get those families into homes. Affordable housing is a real issue in Asheville, and Roberts & Stevens is thrilled to be able to assist Habitat and its partner families.”
Attorney Susan Russo Klein spent much of the pandemic assisting nonprofits with COVID-related issues, providing guidance for staff reductions and remote work situations, and assisting employers with solid plans for the eventual return to work. Many organizations faced immense pressure and strain from circumstances of the last year, and Russo Klein helped ease much of the stress of these transitions, addressing and mitigating any potential legal repercussions to keep these critical pillars of the community running, despite big changes and challenges.
Additionally, attorneys Noor and Madison, along with attorney Carolyn Snipes, all provide legal counsel to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, which protects the forests, mountains, rivers and farms of the region in perpetuity.
“Because nonprofits must stay missioncentered and actively in service to their constituents, you often advise them differently with that in mind,” Russo Klein said. “Nonprofits may not have the same resources to solve legal issues that corporations do, so creative problemsolving and mindfulness of a nonprofit’s role in the community come into play when addressing pressing legal matters.”
“SAHC permanently protects the places you love in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee — from forested wildlife habitat to scenic vistas, public lands to productive local farms,” reads a statement from SAHC. “We have to ensure that these conserved lands remain protected forever, and Roberts & Stevens helps us accomplish this by ensuring clear title and access at the beginning of projects, and then later by defending established conservation easements and preserves against theft of resources.”
Russo Klein finds working with nonprofit community partners to be an especially rewarding part of her practice. Recently, she assisted an early childhood education organization with planning the construction of a new facility, expanding the business’ footprint to impact even more children and families in the area. While expansion and construction contracts often require extensive review, Russo Klein said she loves knowing that there will be a tangible, positive, community-boosting result to her legal work.
There are many ways to help local nonprofits weather the COVID-19 pandemic, and support from the community — whether through funding or donations of time, skills and expertise — can make a huge difference, causing a ripple effect across the entire region. From performing arts centers to environmental organizations, food pantries to youth shelters, someone out there needs a helping hand — and, much like the attorneys at Roberts & Stevens, you might be just the person to help.
Roberts & Stevens Attorney Kate Madison has also had a big, behind-thescenes impact on the local community. 25
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SPONSORS THE WORTHAM CENTER GREATLY APPRECIATES THE SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THESE CORPORATE, BUSINESS, MEDIA AND INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS.
SEASON SPONSORS:
CORPORATE & BUSINESS SERIES & PERFORMANCE SPONSORS: Blackledge F o u n dat i o n
JAG CONSTRUCTION
MEDIA SPONSORS:
Special Thanks to our Interactive Virtual Party for Friends Sponsor 28
INDIVIDUAL SERIES & PERFORMANCE SPONSORS: Don & Nancy Ackermann Cole Joel & Marla Adams Derek & Elizabeth Allen Jack & Mary Anderson Michael & Catty Andry Shiner Antiorio & Kathy Robinson Rod & Bess Baird Diana Bilbrey Joel & Deborah Bohan-Berkowitz Lucy & Kirk Borland Joe & Janice Brumit Bill & Clarita Burton Charlie & Patricia Sloan Clogston Patty & Gary Coleman Bob & Carol Deutsch Lynne Courtney Diehl John & Marsha Ellis Dr. Alan & Suzanne Escovitz Hedy Fischer & Randy Shull Craig & Jacqui Friedrich Dan & Anna Garrett Catherine & Will Gay Jan & John Getz David Greiner & James Gray Terrie & Dale Groce Judith Hamill Richard & Francee Healy Steve & Rena Hoffman Susan Holden Hardy Holland & John Moody Nancy Houha Bill & Marilyn Hubbard Ed & Vicki Jenest Sherry Kellet Ann & Jon Kemske MaryAnn Kiefer & David Erwin James King & Jayne Cleveland Mark Kleive & Nicole Groves
Henry LaBrun Photo by Chris Charles
Elaine Lang & Michael Ferguson Joe & Jill Lawrence Joe & Mary Linville Elly Wells and Glen Locascio Amy Loether Rick & Janna Lutovsky Jerry McAninch Gail & Brian McCarthy Kenneth & Chris McClung Hugh & Carol McCollum Tina McGuire Anne McKenzie Karen & Robert Milnes Gay Murrill Alastair McDonald Odom Maureen O’Hallaron Richard Perry Bob & Martha Pierce Bill & Mary Ann Pruehsner Sheila Rains & Marjorie Sullivan Ronna & Rob Resnick Jim Rishebarger & Sue Fernbach Carol & Michael Rosenblum Susan & Charlie Shanor Dr. Albert and Judith Siemens Pat & Becky Stone Shirley Varela & Witek Siwanowicz Charlotte Watson David & Dianne Worley Hank Young Lach Zemp
Sponsors listed are for performances originally dated March 1, 2020 through May 6, 2020, and for the current 2020/2021 Season. 29
MONTFORD
UNMASKED By John Russell Executive Director of Montford Park Players
W
hat a year it has been. In early 2020, the Montford Park Players had another live season in the works. We’d made extensive plans; we’d even held auditions. Then the coronavirus arrived. And everything came to an abrupt halt.
This is something we’d not attempted before, but we learned quickly. We jump-started a season of virtual programming, and, in October, after we were allowed to re-open the amphitheater, we invited community groups in to use our outdoor space.
Now we just had to figure out how to safely reopen to the public. How can you mount a live season of theatre while still keeping the actors, staff and audience safe? We looked at many studies and attempted to synthesize the best practices of such diverse organizations as theatres, dance companies, operas and art museums. Some of these included: having the actors masked and socially distanced during the rehearsal period; physically separating the actors from the audience and the audience members from each other; proper handling of the audience entrance and egress, restrooms, lines for bar and food vendors, and mandatory masks — in short, a multitude of scenarios where everything had to work as designed, with the realization that if one part failed, the whole thing could come crashing down and endanger the public. What a nightmare scenario we were facing!
Due to generous donors and careful allocation of our resources, we were able to survive the year, although I know some arts venues and organizations did not.
We envisioned a season where we were constantly masked and carrying around tape measures, to ensure that no one got within six feet of anyone else.
At first we hoped this was a short-term emergency, but as the year rolled on and the impact of what was becoming a worldwide public health crisis became apparent, we realized we’d have to pivot to an entirely new way of bringing art to the public.
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D PARK PLAYERS The one area we felt could ease our concerns, yet one over which we had no control, was the number of people becoming fully vaccinated.
vaccinated persons, and suddenly we began to approach a hoped-for milestone of having a “normal season.” And that’s where we are today. After our first weekend of masked and socially distanced theatre, suddenly we’re back to normal. And our audiences are so thrilled to be able to experience live entertainment again. We’re hoping that our colleagues in indoor venues will soon be able to get back to presenting a regular season, giving their patrons the same wonderful experience after a year of isolation.
And fortunately, that’s what happened. Enough Americans “got the jab” that the infection rate began to fall, and it became safer to gather in ever-increasing numbers outside. First, as more vaccines came available and more younger people could be vaccinated, the need for outdoor masking went away, and then the CDC declared that fully vaccinated adults could gather outdoors. Then the social distancing mandate went away for fully
Actor Jackson Cole as Romeo in Montford Park Players’ 2019 production of “Romeo and Juliet.”
Photo by Sebastian Michaels. 31
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NO GOING BACK By Jessica Tomasin, founder of Connect Beyond Festival, co-founder of Asheville Music Professionals, owner of Jet Up Productions, studio manager of Echo Mountain Recording Studio
A
s the world begins to open again, it presents a great opportunity to create new routines. 2020 was challenging in many ways, but I think one of the positive things to come from it, for me, was the chance to take a step back and evaluate how I was living my
life. As I was trying to navigate dealing with the unknowns of the pandemic, I started to question all my past decisions that led to me this moment. I was hard on myself, wishing I was in a better position, had saved more money, and made better decisions in the past. After 34
a brief pity party, I knew it was time to move on and focus on the present. I started by making myself a priority. Pre-pandemic, there never seemed to be enough hours in the day to get everything done that I needed to do, and doing anything for myself was the first thing to go if I couldn’t fit it all in. I decided to make the most of the situation, using this as an opportunity to take better care of myself. As time went on, I realized that there was no going back to “normal” — and that this didn’t need to be a bad thing.
Personally, it’s been helpful to make small, incremental changes to my daily routine to help my mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
I realized that prioritizing myself isn’t a luxury; it is a necessity. When we invest in ourselves, it improves our work, our interpersonal relationships, and our overall wellbeing. Personally, it’s been helpful to make small, incremental changes to my daily routine to help my mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Each day I look for ways to improve my life — doing one to five little things for myself. Keeping this number small not only keeps it manageable, it also helps me to remember to celebrate the small victories.
chest while still in bed, then stretch one leg long, then the other.
Hydrate. Do you drink coffee or tea in the morning? While waiting for either to brew, drink a full glass of water with a bit of lemon juice. This can be warm or cold — but starting the day with water and lemon is good for many things, including your digestion, skin, and immune system. For hydration all day long, make a habit out of taking a refillable water bottle with you, and make a point to finish before you get to your next destination.
Ask yourself if it’s a “hell yeah.” Each time you’re approached with a new opportunity — whether it’s a get-together with friends or a new project — ask yourself: “Is this a hell yes?” In choosing to say “yes” to one opportunity, you may be saying “no” to others, so make sure you’re not saying “no” to making yourself a priority.
End with gratitude. Taking the time to write two sentences at the end of each day is a great way to focus on all that went well. Some days it may be hard to find the good. I’ve definitely had a few days lately where I just wrote, “I’m grateful for my dogs.” But even that helps me to remember that there is love everywhere.
In hopes that it might be helpful to someone else, here are some examples of the ways that I’ve been able to practice self-care:
Stretch. Have you ever noticed that
As one of my good friends often says: “We’re all going to be busy for the rest of our lives. The question is: Busy doing what?” Time is the one thing we cannot get back. Our schedules and calendars are filling up and, for some, are already full. Are you on your to-do list? If not, I hope you take a moment and put yourself right at the top.
dogs stretch every time they get up? They take their time, usually stretching one leg long in front and the opposite leg out in the back. You too can do this. Make a point to do a quick stretch every time you get up from a chair or the bed. Interlace your fingers behind your back and open your chest as you walk to the bathroom. Get up in the morning and pull your legs into your 35
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A BREATH OF CLE
T
he Wortham Center for the Performing Arts has installed a new air ionization system to provide air purification throughout the facility. This helps to further create a safe environment for audiences attending events in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The air purification system, using needlepoint bipolar ionization (NPBI) technology, is the industry gold standard for creating safe, clean indoor spaces and is used at facilities like Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard, the White House, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Charlotte Douglas Airport. When installed on each of the Wortham Center’s five air handlers, the system will eliminate 99.4 percent of airborne SARS-COVID virus particles by releasing a high concentration of positive
and negative ions, which travel through the air seeking out, attaching to, killing and filtering pathogens. In addition to its clear benefit during a global pandemic, the new NPBI system will decrease the Wortham Center’s energy consumption, reduce the need for outdoor air intake, neutralize odors, allergens and dust particles, and eliminate other pathogens such as mold spores, viruses and bacteria. 38
EAN AIR With installation on the venue’s air handlers complete, the system will provide air purification for all areas of the Wortham Center, from each of its theatres to the lobby, from on stage to backstage, and inside its restrooms and office spaces.
will help visitors feel more comfortable being together for indoor performances and will jump-start the recovery for performing arts in our community.” The Tourism Product Development Fund, a granting program set up by the Buncombe County TDA, receives 25 percent of the lodging tax funds paid by overnight visitors in the county. In the last 20 years, 39 community projects have benefitted from $44 million in grants from this fund. The Wortham Center has been awarded support from this fund on more than one occasion, most recently for its renovations completed in early 2020.
In April the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority board unanimously voted to grant the Wortham Center $45,000 for the new air ionization system to “promote and support Asheville’s creative spirit” by making indoor events safer for all. “Safety is vital to bringing audiences and artists safely back to performing arts venues,” said Rae Geoffrey, managing director of the Wortham Center. “Thanks to the generous support of the TDA, this state-of-the-art system
“We’re grateful for the continued support from the TDA and for their ongoing recognition of the arts as an important sector for community growth and renewal,” Geoffrey said. 39
FRIENDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
to Pho St by
ud
io
Mi
sh a
Ph o
togra phy
Your friends make you laugh. They lend a hand, a hug, and sometimes they help you find your center.
Friends of the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts also play a vital role — providing arts education for children, and supporting an organization that brings world-class artists to our community for unforgettable performances and serves as a home for local arts groups.
Become a Friend of the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts today and enjoy: • Priority seating • Advance ticket ordering • Invitations to special events and VIP receptions • Access to artists • Discounts on class and workshop fees • Donor recognition • and much more Learn more and become a Friend today at worthamarts.org.
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FRIENDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE The Wortham Center is grateful for the generous support provided by the following individuals and foundations. Patty and Gary Coleman Lynne Courtney Diehl Jim Rishebarger and Sue Fernbach Craig and Jacqui Friedrich Dan and Anna Garrett Catherine and Will Gay Bill and Nancy Gettys John and Jan Getz David Greiner and James Gray Terrie and Dale Groce Mark Kleive and Nicole Groves Judith Hamill Bill and Marilyn Hubbard Ed and Vicki Jenest Sherry Kellett Ann and Jon Kemske James King and Jayne Cleveland Elaine Lang and Michael Ferguson Joe and Mary Linville Rick and Janna Lutovsky Gail and Brian McCarthy Kenneth and Chris McClung Hugh and Carol McCollum Anne McKenzie Karen and Robert Milnes Gay Murrill Maureen O’Hallaron Richard Perry Bob and Martha Pierce Sheila Rains and Marjorie Sullivan Ronna and Rob Resnick Carol and Michael Rosenblum Susan and Charlie Shanor Dr. Albert and Judith Siemens Pat and Becky Stone Shirley Varela and Witek Siwanowicz Hank Young Lach Zemp
LEADERSHIP: $10,000+ Arthur J. Fryar Charitable Remainder Trust Beattie Foundation Hedy Fischer and Randy Shull Richard and Francee Healy Henry LaBrun PACESETTER: $5,000-$9,999 Joel and Deborah Bohan-Berkowitz Blackledge Foundation Joe and Janice Brumit John Ellis Dr. Alan and Suzanne Escovitz Steve and Rena Hoffman Nancy Houha Jill and Joe Lawrence Jerry McAninch Tina McGuire Bill and Mary Ann Pruehsner Elly Wells and Glen Locascio David and Dianne Worley PRODUCER: $2,500-$4,999.99 Anonymous Lucy and Kirk Borland John and Marsha Ellis Bob and Carol Deutsch Susan Holden Hardy Holland and John Moody MaryAnn Kiefer and David Erwin Amy Loether Alastair McDonald Odom Ronna and Rob Resnick Diana Wortham SPONSOR: $1,000-$2,499.99 Don and Nancy Ackermann Cole Joel and Marla Adams Derek and Elizabeth Allen Jack and Mary Anderson Michael and Catty Andry Shiner Antiorio and Kathy Robinson Rod and Bess Baird Diana Bilbrey Bill and Clarita Burton Charlie and Patricia Sloan Clogston
ANGEL: $500-$999.99 Myles Alexander Brad and Diane Arnold Linda Bair Bruce and Elizabeth Baker Ann Batchelder and Henri Kieffer 41
Just two blocks from the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, our unique property offers a 60-foot pool and Jacuzzi, fitness center, lounge, restaurant, 275 guest rooms, 21,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and the unparalleled service and first-class amenities that are distinctly Renaissance.
Show Wortham tickets or playbills to receive 20% discount at our Writer’s Bistro restaurant
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Friends Make A Difference continued Keevon Baten Gretchen Batra Paul and Bonnie Bellows Richard Benonis Steve and Joanne Betso Dwight and Norma Bohm Allan and Jean Brown Steve and Linda Brown Otis Brown and Clara Ferguson Bill Cosgrove and Margaret Davis Leslie and Jurgen Dierks Lina Evans and Ira Sloan Bolling Farmer Larry and Marian Fincher Peter and Jasmin Gentling Laurie and Jack Hamilton Maureen and Frank Hantke Peter Wortham Hawes Susan Hill Robert and Linda Hollis Dr. and Mrs. Stace Horine Alberto Colonia and George Hunker Keith Keener David Keller and Nora Murdock Karen and Peter Kennedy Jan and Dennis King Andriette Kinsella Marjorie Locke Todd and Renita McDougal Donna and Fred Meyer Joni Mitchell Janine and Robert Obee Doug and Darcy Orr William and Joyce Ossmann Michael and Marlene Pendley Kathleen Quinlan and Marc Parham Susan and Randy Richardson Shearon Roberts Ken and Betsy Schapira Brad and Margo Searson Ilona and Michael Sena Marsha Shlaer Shirley Varela and Witek Siwanowicz Jimmy and Sandi Stringer John and Mary Ann Tiano Mr. and Mrs. Alfred C. Tollison, Jr. Linda Walker Mark and Debbie Ward Charlotte Watson
John and Edythe Wingerter Pamela Winkler Charles Worley Charles and Patricia Zellerbach BENEFACTOR: $250-$499.99 Lorna and Michael Anderberg Kay Anderson Anonymous Charles and Stephanie Baer David Bate Susan Bicknell and Hardy LeGwin Jay Blanton and Richard Babb Carol and Morty Blumberg Anne Bonnyman John Bordley and Carolyn Fitz Frank and Jean Bourassa Sandra Bradbury Buck and Nancy Bragg Dr. Judi Berson-Levinson and Steven Levinson Patrick Cafferty M. Regina Cameron Robert and Ellen Carr Michael and Amy Clarke Pat and George Collett Brent Coyle Beverly Wright Cutter Deb Davis Lezli and Johnny Davis Jon Devorkin Melinda and Richard Douglass Karen and Bob Dunn Wendy Feinberg Mike and Rachel Figura Ric and Elizabeth Goodman Michael and Sydney Green Sue and Stan Greenberg Larry and Barbara Griswold Al and Betsy Gumpert Cynthia Heitger and Jim Gannam George Hellyer and George Wagner Terry and Joanne Hess Wanda Hubert Diane and Jeff Hutchins Stanley Ingber and Laura Robbins InterPlay Asheville Randy and Mary Johnson Mena Kates Karl Katterjohn David and Angela Kemper 43
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Friends Make A Difference continued Mr. and Mrs. Charles Killian Stuart and Cece Kirsner Doris Kistler and Fred Wightman Anna and Bruce Koloseike Bruce and Frances Koran Michael and Caprice Krout Eleanor and Robert Lane Stephen and Barbara Lehrer Susan and Jeremy Lerner Keith Levi and Patricia Cameron Theodore Luckman Andy MacPhillimy and Lois Sutton Bill and Janice Maddox Jim and Beth Magill Judy Major David and Madeleine Maxwell Donna and Fred Meyer Lamar Noriega Larry and Pat Notestine Alice Io Oglesby Katharine O’Neal Patti and Cal Oppenheim Tommy and Donna Orr Maryann Parish Jack Parsons Jennifer Pasternack Narendra Patel, MD Clara Prado Kathy Rauch Jane and John Reeves Nancy and Robert Rietz Patricia Robertson and Curry First Judy Rose Joel and Marci Rudell David Russell Cherry and Paul Lentz Saenger Pat Scherer and Sylvia Pardo Leigh Schwietz Babbie and Waid Shelton Mr. Cameron Smail and Dr. Wendy Willoughby Mary Kay and Jim Smith Hans and Janet Somey Howard and Juanita Spanogle Heather Spencer and Charles Murray Mara Sprain and John Bates Robert and Patricia Stackman Louis and Sally Stein Tami and John Summerour Dr. Shirley Taffel and George LeRoy
Kathy and John Tempelaar-Lietz Fran and Doug Thigpen Cathey Turbyfill James Vaughn and Kevin Broadwater Rich Wasch and Karen Ziff Dr. and Mrs. John and Heather Whitmire George Wilds and Steve Connell William Winkler Frank Wolf and Sandra Lance Sherrill and Ted Zoller STAR: $125-$249.99 Mr. and Mrs. Max Alexander Carl Alguire Mary Alm and Darrell Russell Sheldon and Juli Altschul Robert L. Anoff Anonymous Joy and Bob Appleton Bruce Armstrong William and Judy Arrants Bill and Sally Atkins Laura Austin Michelle and Bob Austin George Awad Kathleen Ayres Lisa Bailey Ken and Karen Bain Ann and Iain Baird Charles Baker Frederick Baker Patricia Baker Viva Banzon and Robert Evans Stan Baranowski Cynthia Barrager Barrie Barton Sylvia Bassett in Honor of Tom Tracy Barbara Bassler David Bate and Elli Schmeltekopf Tom and Kay Beardsley Barbara and Martin Beckerman Howard and Sandra Belfor Sandra and John Bell Linda Beltran Barbara Benisch and Jacque Allen Lyn Benjamin Joan Berk Elynn Bernstein Janet Bertinuson and Bridget Dunford Anny Bestel 45
WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 2020/2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ile Adaramola
Proudly supporting the arts
Myles Alexander Mary Anderson Darius Keevon Baten Suzanne Escovitz, Treasurer
www.grocefuneralhome.com
Daniel Garrett, Past President Jan Getz, Vice-Chair Jaime Graeber Frances Healy Stephen Hoffman, Secretary MaryAnn Kiefer Tina McGuire Peter Pollay Becky Stone, Co-Chair 46
Friends Make A Difference continued David and Pamela Beyer Martha and Julian Biller Stephanie Biziewski Don and Judith Bliss Ronna Bloom Rhea Bockhorst David and Abigail Doggett Bordeaux Belinda Boscardin Drs. Greg and Susan Braunstein Carl Bredahl Anita McCurley and Sandra Bromble Allan and Jean Brown Bill and Marilyn Brown Dr. Steve Brown David and Lin Brown Michael McCallion and Mary Byrd Buchanan Clinton Bugg and Jeff Nucey Bill and Lee Burdett Eve Burton Bonnie and Bob Busby Robin Byrne and Adam Thanz James Cahill Susan Campbell Brad and Judy Campbell Jeannette and Robert Cannon David and Margaret Carle Michael Carroll and Glenda Overbeck Donald and Cynthia Carson Peggy Carson Georgia Case Phil and Laura Casey Jay Casselberry Louise Cate Robert Chapin John Chapman Mary Daniels and Jess Chapman Gene and Maggie Charleton Peter Chaveas Dr. Kenneth P. Chepenik Don and Sharon Christensen Bill and Meg Clontz Sharon Cohen Sarah Corley and Neil Peterson Mary and Keith Costello Thelma and Roland Cousins Ann Cowden Julie Cowden Bray Creech
Stan Cross Jon Daggerhart Donald Dahms and Lani Ray Philip C. Davis, MD Libby and Michael de Caetani in honor of Dorothy Westly Skip and Fran Dederick Betty Dickson Betty Doll John Donahoe Marta Donahoe Cynthia Donahue William N. Dorfman, Ed.D. Richard and Leslie Dressler Robert DuBrul and Judith Hoy Jan Duwelius Mary Edwards Laurie and Rudolf Ekstein Dreamwind Flutes David and Ellen Feingold Fred and Lynda Feldman Anita Feldman Patti and Rich Fertel David and Susan Feuer Richard and JoAnna Fireman Carol Fisk Tom and Joy Flora Kevin Foley Ellen Foltz Priestley and Brent Ford Jean and Don Forrister Les and Jennifer Foss Joan Foster Patrick Fox Charles and Tricia Franck Mindi Friedwald Linda and Jeffrey Fromson Stephen Frost William Fryar James Gallagher Gertrude Galynker Linda and Dan Gilbert Marty and Carol Gillen Benevity Community Impact Fund Jan Gnadt Daniel Goddard Sid and Jane Goehring Rebecca Goggans 47
Call to schedule a visit and discover a holistic approach to a joy-filled retirement.
Asheville, NC 800-284-1531 deerfieldwnc.org 48
Friends Make A Difference continued Ellen Golden Mary Goodkind and Lindley Garner Joen and William Goodman Tom and Linda Goodwin Barbara and Jeff Gould Ted Graczyk and Paul Gusmerotti Jaime Graeber Bill and Deborah Graham Betsy Gray and Ed Lunow Lisa Green Ray Green and Cathy Rezak Ron and Jane Greene Drs. Mary Ellen Griffin and Wendy Coin Raymond and Deborah Gurriere Ellen Guthrie Jean and Allen Haggar Cliff Hall Kay Hall Iris Hardin William Harding Patrick Hardy Crystal Harmon Melissa and Jerry Harrelson Gibbie and Chuck Harris Tom and Marie Hartye Ernie and Barb Harwig Rabbi Patti Haskell Philip and Sylvia Hawkins Debra Hawley Mary Beth Hayes Rebecca Heartz Barbara Heller Roger Helm and Deborah Freeman Alice Helms Hal and Constance Hemme Jim and Betty Henderson Marilynne Herbert Lyndi Hewitt John Hicks Ben and Martha Hill Dan and Linda Hinchliffe Alan Baumgarten and Judy Hoffman Michael Hofman Tonya Hogan Jo Hogan Sandra Holden Greg and Mary Howell Sam and Ann Hubbard Jim and Bonnie Hull
David Hurand and Martha Salyers Richard Hurley In Honor of Jim Trantham Mary Hutchison and Catherine Quinn Toby Ives and Sally Broughton-Ives Ronald Jacobs David Janson Jeanne Jeffrey Susan Jenkins David Jenkins Susan Jensen Cheryl Johnson Sally Jones John Ellery and Elizabeth Jones Robert Jordan and Martha Oatway Dr. Andrew Jurik Kate and Kevin Justus Charis and Bruce Kabat Charlotte and Harold Kaplan Jean and Joe Karpen Leah Karpen Ed and Carol Kaufmann Jess and Phyllis Key John King and Peggy Clark Richard and Linda Kirkendall Caroline Knox Susan Koenig and Tim Arem Drs. Louis and Marilyn Kolton Dwarshuis Linda Kooiker Helen and Matthew Kraus Mr. and Mrs. Michael Krimmelbein Diane Kyker Theresa and Gary Landwirth Thomas Lang and Deborah Lewis Ginger Lang Marc Langweiler Stephen LaPointe and Claudia Jimenez Jonathon Lawrie Lynn Lederer and Leslie Long Walter Leginski Nan Leininger Rose Levering and William Abbuehl Rob and Wanda Levin Becky Lewis Bill and Susan Loftis James Losse and Ellen Haack Paula O’Hara and Joe Luna Bonnie Luria and Kelly Gloger Mary Lynn David Mackel 49
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Friends Make A Difference continued InterPlay Asheville Susan Macy Howard Malovany Mr. and Mrs. William W. Mance Martin and Kathryn Mann Ernest Marshall Millie Massey Kate Mathews Michael Maxwell Judith McAfee Richard and Joy McConnell John and Jansen McCreary Kelly McEnany Fred McKinney Dr. Darryl McLeod Terry and Alexandra McPherson Gail Meadows Bob and Ulana Mellor Dr. Roger A. Miller and Judith Mishkin Miller Thomas and Martha Mills Nick Mimken Michelle Minks Elizabeth Minor Glen and Hanne Miska Jean Moburg David Moore Pattie Moore and Lea Stoll Aaron and Anna Morris Jann Nance and Chester Pankowski Joanne Neary and Les Dunne Kirk Avent and Nancee Neel Steve and Wendy Newman Cathy Nichols Priscilla Nullet Susan Oliver Rhea Ormond John Orr Marsha Ott Judy and Rick Ott Theresa Oursler Bradford and Deenie Owen Dana Owen Robert Pace Cindy Page Danna and Bob Park Valerie and Ron Patton Rose and Fred Patz Jim and Carolyn Payton
Lita Perkins in Memory of John E. Perkins and Quita B. Foster Vicki Phillips Kaye Phillips Elizabeth and William Phoenix Kelly and Lawrence Pierce Dan and Gloria Pincu Brayden Pitcairn Jane Pitt Peggy and John Ponak Susan Posey and Bill Jacobs Elizabeth Pou Mary L. Powell Morris Letsinger and Liz Preyer Amira and Thomas Ranney Pamela Reid Jonathan Reily Heather Hartley and Phil Reynolds Brook Reynolds David and Karen Reynolds Gail Rhodes Jennifer Rish and Constance Lofton John and Pam Roeth Alan Rosenthal Susan and Lewis Rothlein Rhonda Sachais Celeste Sandridge Betsy and Jimmy Savely Charlene Scharf and Sophie Steinberg Elizabeth and Gary Schenk Barry and Jackie Schieb Steve Schimmel Connie Schrader and Clay Rowan Lizz and Frie Schulz Donald and Jonel Schuster Tom and Jean Schwandes Jill and Bill Scobie Todd Seeleman Leslie Shaw Peter Shell Mark and Barbara Shevory Anita Shields Cynthia Shilkret Ellen Silver Janise and Rick Silverman Ernest and Vicki Skidmore Hope Skilling Anna Skinner Sarah Wells Slechta 51
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Friends Make A Difference continued Bret Sleight Leesa Sluder Penny Smith and Margaret Bray Ann and James Smith Howard and Honey Solomon Sandra Sonner Karen Spacek Elke and Ted Spirakis Barbara Stalzer Peter and Melissa Stanz Amy Star and Robert Falanga George and Leslie Stephens Bonnie Stewart Nancy Stewart Marty and Barbara Stickle Jeff Stillson Stewart Stokes Robert and Pat Stolz Dr. Shelley Stone Hank and Maria Strauss Darrell and Caroline Strong Cathy Stryker Ruth Summers Susan Swiger Bob and Christine Swoap Margery Tabankin Isabel Taylor Lee and Kate Thayer Deborah Thompson Richard and Katherine Thornburgh Claire Tiernan Bruce Black and Helen Toms Lorili Toth
Katherine Triplett John and Lori Turk Steven Turner and Charlotte Kassab Terry Van Buren Charles and Joanna Vanderkolk William Swarts and Susan Waldman Deb Walker Ann Ward Timothy Warner and Barb McCampbell Hope Warshaw and Don Kraus Harold and Anita Watsky Michael Way Philip Weast and Keith Bramlett Virginia Weiler Marilyn and Mark Weinstein Dr. Gretchen Whipple Dave Nelson and Margo White Cliff and Lisa Whitfield Guy and Linda Wierman Paul Wilczynski and Joan Brasier George Wilds and Steve Connell William and Gail Wiley Karen Wilkinson Steve WItherspoon Anne Wolf Drs. Emily and Jonathan Wood Sherry Wothke Michael Wrenn Lynn Wright and Sybil Adcock Carroll Ann Wykoff Michelle Yanik Gregory and Marjorie Zack Michael Ziecheck and Debra Bowen
This listing reflects membership donations between March 1, 2019 and May 17, 2021. Thank you!
FOUNDATION SUPPORT Arthur J. Fryar Charitable Remainder Trust of the CFWNC Asheville Area Arts Council The Beattie Foundation Blackledge Foundation Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
Eaton Charitable Foundation Hamill Family Endowment Fund of the CFWNC National Endowment for the Arts New England Foundation for the Arts North Carolina Arts Council The Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation SouthArts 53
We’re behind the arts in Asheville.
365 Merrimon Ave blackbirdframe.com | 828.225.3117 CUSTOM FRAMING • ART • GIFTS • HOME DECOR • MIRRORS
A World of Music
Grass Roots Public Radio 54
Leave a lasting legacy with the Wortham Center.
With thoughtful estate planning, you can provide lasting support today for tomorrow’s audiences. Your gift ensures the best of the performing arts in Western North Carolina for years to come. Your legacy gift: • maintains award-winning performances in dance, music, and theatre. • says Y.E.S. so all children have access to the arts through the Youth Education Scholarship Fund. • nurtures the arts in our community. • creates opportunities for local artists. • secures the future of the Wortham Center. Contact the Wortham Center to learn more about easy ways to make a lasting impact with a planned gift through a will or trust, retirement plan, insurance policy or annuity, or through many other giving vehicles.
For more information about a planned gift to the Wortham Center, please contact Jennifer Zemp, Development Director, at jennifer@worthamarts.org or 828-210-9849. 55
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: David A. Dowd
T
he local market of Bank of America has shown tremendous support of the Wortham Center, season after season. And for Asheville market Senior Vice President David A. Dowd, this relationship with the performing arts is more than just financial support: It’s a passion. We recently interviewed David to learn more about his life and his love of the arts (as well as his time in the spotlight). 56
What’s one thing that some people might be surprised to know about you?
become an Asheville firefighter. Although that dream never came to fruition, I would want to join a local volunteer firehouse.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been in two Asheville Community Theatre shows: “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” and “Crimes of the Heart.” In one of those roles, I sang a duet in front of a sold out crowd.
What is a favorite sound of yours? The sound of our whole family singing along to the same song. We are never on key together, but it’s definitely a heart-warming experience.
What is on your bucket list? Right now, my bucket list is to hike Segment No. 3 of the Mountainsto-Sea Trail. Being located in the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains, I am fortunate to live right off the trailhead.
Would you rather go camping in the mountains or stay at a beach? Why? I love living in Western North Carolina, and I am passionate about this community. I’ll admit I really enjoy the fact that N.C. has the ability for residents to enjoy the beach or the mountains. My choice, ultimately, would be to go camping.
If you could have lunch with one person, who would it be and why? The opportunity to break bread holds a special place in our household. Before every meal, our family looks around to those joining us at the table and states, “I am thankful for you.” Last year was challenging for us, as we lost our daughter due to health issues. We continue this tradition by being thankful for our little girl. The ability to break bread with her would be very special.
What fuels your passion to support the Wortham Center? As a market executive, I look at all facets of the community and what makes it unique. The Wortham Center provides an exceptional weaving of global and local artists to create a positive community impact. The Wortham Center is a key part of the fabric of Western North Carolina and fuels mine and Bank of America’s passion to support them, ensuring they are able to deliver their mission.
What is the one thing you always wanted to try or do? My sense of duty and wanting to give back is very sincere. Before I went into banking, I tried to 57
Elevate Your Perspective
Blue Ridge Public Radio is everything you love about public radio. BPR News offers NPR and local news coverage. BPR Classic provides classical music, NPR news and entertainment.
BPR.org
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Improve balance, increase flexibility, like yourself more! Discover the Feldenkrais Method® Lavinia Plonka, GCFP, RSME www.laviniaplonka.com 828-275-4838
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•
IN THE TIME OF COVID Stephanie Jones
WORTHAM STAFF STORIES
•
Facilities Maintenance
Stephanie had a baby boy! Stephanie’s family would always refer to “Stephanie and the girls.” During COVID Stephanie added an additional family member and her family had to change to “Stephanie and the kids.”
Star Burritt
Former Front of H
Star moved to Na care for her new g
Holy cow - what a grandma learned new things - wavin and the fine art of somewhere in the that, we got vaccin
Haylee Wilkie
Coco Palmer Dolce
Jennifer Ze
Haylee started a graduate studies program.
Coco adopted a puppy.
Jennifer got mar
In June of 2020 we brought home a puppy! Our son August has always wanted a dog and since he was schooling from home and I working from home, it made for perfect timing. Her name is Bella, and she loves walks, making friends and chewing on everything.
I landed my dream Wortham Center, home, and, before he had a question nifty: He asked me so we can be toge married soon afte happily ever after
Development Associate
Due to the pandemic, in August 2020, I decided to continue my education, enrolling in WCU’s English Studies master’s program. I now work in development at the Wortham Center by day and as a full-time student by night!
Patron Services Manager
Development Dir
Sylvia Pierce Technical Director
Michael Lowery
House Manager
ashville to help grandson.
Sylvia worked on her green thumb.
Michael learned a new craft.
year! Leo and all kinds of ng, walking, napping! And e middle of all nated.
Last spring, I dug three new garden plots for tomatoes, peppers, and marigolds (for natural pest control), squash, beans, peas, kirby cukes and a dozen herbs. I used broken bricks and stones from the Courtyard cleanout as natural borders.
I have been interested in wood turning for a long time and the downtime caused by the pandemic gave me the perfect opportunity to start. At first, I thought all I wanted to make was bowls but I have discovered that I most like making lidded boxes and pens.
emp
Jared McEntire
t
rector
rried.
m job at the we bought a new e Lach turned 60, n for me that was e to be his wife, ether for life. We er and are living r!
Community Engagement Director
Jared regrew his curls. The pandemic necessitated sacrifices large and small, including longer gaps between haircuts, resulting in the longest (and largest) hair I’ve sported in over 15 years. Among many other things, I look forward to a good postCOVID shearing.
Production Manager
Rae Geoffrey Managing Director
Rae added feathers and fur. As a foster family for Brother Wolf Animal rescue, we decided to use the time in quarantine to help animals in need. Since March 2020, our family has fostered and rehomed two litters of kittens and added a flock of chickens to our personal menagerie.
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MAGAZINE
WHAT YOU
LOVE TOM MOORS
MICHAEL OPPENHEIM
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SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 1 YEAR (4 ISSUES) ONLY $16.95 SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT WNCMAGAZINE.COM/SUBSCRIBE OR CALL (877) 333-4962 63
Youth Education Scholarship FUND
Children from economically challenged families are used to hearing the word “no.” At the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, we believe that all children should have access to the arts – regardless of their economic status.
With your help, we say “YES.”
YES to field trips.
For many children in Western North Carolina, a field trip to the Wortham Center is their first exposure to a live performing arts event. Unfortunately, school funding for activities is increasingly limited. Most teachers must ask students to bring money from home to attend a performance with their class. For some students, this is simply not an option. No child should miss the opportunity to learn through the arts. Donors to the Y.E.S. Fund make it possible for thousands of children in Western North Carolina to experience the arts every year regardless of economic circumstances. All it takes is $10 to ensure that a child is not left behind. For only $250 you can send an entire classroom of children to the theatre.
YES to artists in schools and community. The Y.E.S. Fund sends nationally recognized artists into local classrooms and community centers, and makes possible to access virtual experiences in order to deepen learning, provide students with positive role models and expand the arts experiences beyond the walls of the theatre.
YES to emerging artists.
You can open doors for the next generation of performing artists through a new scholarship program for promising high school seniors. The Emerging Artists Fund supports students pursuing a career in the performing arts by providing scholarships to further their professional studies.
Help students dream BIG. Make a donation to the Y.E.S. Fund today. For more information or to make a donation, call 828-210-9849 or visit worthamarts.org. 64
Y.E.S. Fund Supporters Thanks to the generosity of the following donors, thousands of children attended a live performance at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts free of charge in the past ten seasons. Donors to the Y.E.S. (Youth Education Scholarship) Fund make it possible for children to deepen their learning by sponsoring artists in schools and providing scholarships to promising high school seniors to pursue a career in the arts. The following list reflects donations received to the Y.E.S. Fund between March 1, 2019 and May 17, 2021. James Vaughn and Kevin Broadwater Lynn and Stephen Weinrib
Program Sponsors: $1,000+ Joel and Marla Adams Arby’s Joel and Deborah Bohan-Berkowitz Lyn Dunn Eaton Charitable Foundation The Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation Huisking Foundation Sherry Kellett Downtown Asheville Residential Neighbors (DARN) Henry LaBrun Jill and Joe Lawrence Bob and Martha Pierce PNC Holly and Greg Pollock Dianne and David Worley
Student Sponsors: Up to $249.99 Deborah and José Alvarez Shiner Antiorio and Kathy Robinson Kathleen Ayres Ken and Karen Bain Frederick Baker Sylvia Bassett in Honor of Tom Tracy Gretchen Batra Janet Bertinuson and Bridget Dunford Susan Bicknell and Hardy LeGwin Martha and Julian Biller Linda Blair Walter Brewer Lana S. Burns M. Regina Cameron Susan Campbell Jeannette and Robert Cannon Joshua Canter Don and Sharon Christensen Gracemarie Cirino Madelon and Scott Clark Michael and Amy Clarke Patty and Gary Coleman Bill Cosgrove and Margaret Davis Bob and Carol Deutsch William N. Dorfman, Ed.D. Melinda and Richard Douglass Betty Doll Richard and Leslie Dressler Robert DuBrul and Judith Hoy Karen and Bob Dunn John and Marsha Ellis Lina Evans and Ira Sloan Wendy Feinberg Fred and Lynda Feldman Marshall and Heidi Fields Richard and JoAnna Fireman Joan Foster Charles and Tricia Franck Jonas Gerard Fine Art, Inc Mary Goodkind and Lindley Garner Barbara and Jeffrey Gould Lisa Green Sue and Stan Greenberg
Classroom Sponsors: $250-$999.99 Mary and Jack Anderson Rod and Bess Baird Diana Bilbrey Anne Bonnyman Steve and Linda Brown David and Margaret Carle Deb Davis Lynne Courtney Diehl Larry and Marian Fincher Hedy Fischer and Randy Shull Jan and John Getz Susan Holden Nancy Houha Bill and Marilyn Hubbard Alberto Colonia and George Hunker Suzanne Jones Sally Jones Ann and Jon Kemske Becky Lewis Ann and Bob Lewis Tina McGuire Donna and Fred Meyer Jim and Pat Morris Janine and Robert Obee Ruth Planey Bobbi Powers Kathryn Ramirez Mara Sprain and John Bates 65
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Y.E.S. Fund Supporters continued Larry and Barbara Griswold Al and Betsy Gumpert Kay Hall Laurie and Jack Hamilton Maureen and Frank Hantke Pilar Hartman Ernie and Barb Harwig Sam and Pamela Hausfather Cynthia Heitger and Jim Gannam Richard and Francee Healy Hal and Constance Hemme Terry and Joanne Hess Susan Hill Dan and Linda Hinchliffe Steve and Rena Hoffman Alan Baumgarten and Judy Hoffman Sandra Holden Diane and Jeff Hutchins Ronald Jacobs Ed and Vicki Jenest Susan Jensen Randy and Mary Johnson Kate Justus Ellen Kaczmarek and Gary MacPeek Jean and Joe Karpen Leah Karpen Jess and Phyllis Key John King and Peggy Clark Anna and Bruce Koloseike Michael and Caprice Krout Patrick Latta Janet Laube Stephen and Barbara Lehrer Susan and Jeremy Lerner Rob and Wanda Levin James Losse and Ellen Haack Paula O’Hara and Joe Luna InterPlay Asheville Kathryn and Martin Mann Marilynn Mattox Pat McCauley Hugh and Carol McCollum Susan McDaniel James and Linda McDonald Thomas and Martha Mills Susan Minkler Glen and Hanne Miska David Moore Aaron and Anna Morris Marianne Newman Janine and Robert Obee Patti and Cal Oppenheim
John Orr Bradford and Deenie Owen Dana Owen Rose and Fred Patz Jim and Carolyn Payton Lita Perkins in Memory of Quita B. Foster Susan Posey and Bill Jacobs Mary L. Powell Roberta Powers Morris Letsinger and Liz Preyer Kathleen Quinlan and Marc Parham Anna Reese Frank Reynolds Gail Rhodes Patricia Robertson and Curry First Penny Rose Carol and Michael Rosenblum Scott Rothermel Susan and Lewis Rothlein Betsy and Jimmy Savely Ken and Betsy Schapira Tom and Jean Schwandes Todd Seeleman Anita Shields Barry Silverstein and Sharon Wood Ernest and Vicki Skidmore Sarah Slechta Barbara Sloss Ann and James Smith Brian Smith Howard and Honey Solomon Sandra Sonner Robert and Patricia Stackman Mary Stair Pat and Becky Stone Darrell and Caroline Strong Kathy and John Tempelaar-Lietz Shirley H. Tenney and Paul Merriken Fran and Doug Thigpen Charles Throckmorton Mark and Debbie Ward Timothy Warner and Barb McCampbell Virginia Weiler Guy and Linda Wierman Karen Wilkinson John and Edythe Wingerter Pamela Winkler Drs. Emily and Jonathan Wood Sherry Wothke Lynn Wright and Sybil Adcock Hank Young Sherrill and Ted Zoller
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2021 Emerging Artists The Wortham Center is delighted to announce the 2021 Y.E.S. Emerging Artists Scholarship winners. This scholarship recognizes outstanding graduating high school students who intend to pursue a career in the performing arts. Congratulations to these exceptional students. Gabriel Coll-Bettencourt Vocal Performance Graduating from Charles D. Owen High School “I dream of a message through music that will give rise to a larger global community of artists...Art teaches us that improvement is found in others and that collaboration is essential to growth. Music is our differences and our common ground viewed with soft-spoken eyes and beautiful, open minds.”
Aaron Lipsky Instrumental Performance (clarinet) Graduating from A.C. Reynolds High School “I think pursuing the performing arts is a passion, a risk and a necessity for that individual...I want to broaden the classical music audience in as many ways as possible by making it accessible, interesting and relevant to everyone, not just the wealthy few. As I advance toward this goal, I am striving to dismantle rigid (and sometimes unwelcoming) concert culture by bringing together people with varied life perspectives to share experiences through music.” Audrey Lynn Dance Graduating from American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School “Growing up in Asheville, the Wortham Theatre was not just a place for me to experience performances by some of the country’s best artists but it was also a place where I was able to perform and where I found my calling to be an artist...an environment that supported my love for the arts and led me to have access to some great sources of inspiration...To be a ballet dancer is to live a life loving it; there is no other way.” 69
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WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
2020/2021 STAFF Proudly supporting the
Managing Director Rae Geoffrey
of communities across the mountains for more than 17 years!
Finance Director Anne Wolf Development Director Jennifer Zemp Community Engagement Director Jared McEntire Operations Manager Steven Hunt Patron Services Manager Coco Palmer Dolce Technical Director Sylvia Pierce Production Manager Michael Lowery Facilities Manager Jeanette Houston Development Associate Haylee Wilkie Marketing Director Elly Wells
The Laurel of Asheville thelaurelofasheville AshevilleLaurel The Laurel of Asheville
Marketing Project Manager Kate Justus Creative Services Leslie Shaw Design
TheLaurelofAsheville.com 71
FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES BLACK BOX DANCE THEATRE
Get Up and Move! Virtual Classrooms (grades K-12) Get Up and Move! Family Activities (family) Virtual Field Trip - SHOW & TELL: Interactive Performance Experience (grades K-12) Rovin Ronnie’s Human Yard Art (all ages)
2021-2022 Matinee Series To be announced soon
visit wo r t h a m a r t s . o r g
YOUR DREAMS. OUR MISSION.
Nationally recognized excellence with an Asheville vibe A S HEVI L L E • M A DI S O N • E N KA • SO U T H • W O O D FIN • (8 2 8 ) 3 9 8 - 7 9 0 0 • A B T E C H . E DU
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