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TABLE OF CONTENTS STRIPPING DOWN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 PIVOTAL PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 SHINE ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 IMAGINING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 STRONGER TOGETHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 OPENING DOORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 LONGTIME FRIENDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 AMERICAN SPIRITUAL ENSEMBLE. . . . . . . . . . 65 Cover photo by Al Petteway & Amy White. alandamy.com 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.
You can help the Wortham Center stay strong during this crisis. With thanks to the following Friends and Board Members who comprise the challenge team, your gift will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 and will help the Wortham return, stronger than ever, to bring you world-renowned artists in music, theatre, dance and the special attractions you love.
Joe & Janice Brumit
Steve & Rena Hoffman
Nancy & Don Ackermann Cole
Hardy Holland & John Moody
John Ellis
Nancy Houha
Dr. Alan & Suzanne Escovitz
Henry LaBrun
Mike Figura
Jerry McAninch
Hedy Fischer & Randy Schull
Tina McGuire
Jan & John Getz
Becky Stone
Francee & Richard Healy
Diana Wortham
Please toto bring the Pleasegive givetoday today bring back tomorrow. theperforming performingarts arts back tomorrow. 4
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
As co-presidents of the Board of Directors, it is our privilege and pleasure to welcome you to the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Last year, we welcomed you to our two new theatre spaces, as well as a refurbished Diana Wortham Theatre and lobby. We began a rollicking, jam-packed, celebratory season of artists from all over our region and from around the world. Then the pandemic struck. We were forced to a grinding halt. But our creativity was not. We knew that the performing arts must find a way, and it could not be limited to indoor stages. Our reduced staff quickly rescheduled many artists, moved performances into courtyards and parking lots, and created safe spaces for local performing groups to record and stream shows — and, ultimately, built a season of part-live, part-streamed performances from world-class artists in the same high quality you’ve come to expect. Our season is taking on flesh, with an eventual return to our three stages in mind. The Wortham board and staff are still here, continuing the work of serving our community. We are grateful and happy to have you join us for this historic season. Enjoy!
Derek Allen and Becky Stone
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S T R I P P I D NO GW N
by Rae Geoffrey Managing Director Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
hey shuffled their feet and glanced at one another nervously. “Should I mention what we talked about?”
Pause. Beat. “Um, no. We’re not going to do that.” Uncomfortable silence. “I think we should ask.”
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In the end, the question came out: The artists wanted to know if it was OK to be nude or partially nude on stage. Would the venue approve of that choice? Were there any restrictions prohibiting nudity? How would audiences feel about this direction?
By removing these brightly colored wrappings, we discover what is at the heart of our humanity and of our organizations.
Patrons of the Wortham Center know that this organization does not shy away from challenging material when it is utilized to enhance or support artistic purpose. Several years ago, I distinctly remember my pre-teen daughter turning to me while watching a Pilobolus performance and asking why the women were topless. My short answer was, “It’s art.” My husband leaned over with a smile and whispered, “You know that’s going to come back and haunt you when she’s in college, don’t you?”
removing these brightly colored wrappings, we discover what is at the heart of our humanity and of our organizations. Despite the pandemic rendering impossible business as we know it, resigning ourselves to a world without art is inconceivable. So we adapt. We adjust. We surge forward, undressed and vulnerable to the other realities.
2021 will bring unique opportunities to explore how we connect with art, artists and each other. My hope is that we arrive at the new year without our layers, ready for the possibility of engaging in imaginative ways, transcending the cold separateness of digital platforms and reaching a new level of understanding and connection by uncovering the essence of each work of art and seeing ourselves reflected within it. Is it OK to be naked? Absolutely.
Programming is a delicate balancing act of art, entertainment, education, audience and finance. There is a time for grandeur, for lighting tricks, for astonishing combinations of flashy sets, costuming, technicality and physicality. There is also power in the moments where the art is stripped down, devoid of stage stunts and frills, distilled to its pure essence — the sound of an a cappella voice ringing through the theatre, a monologue delivered to the audience, a dancer in a solitary pool of light, a musician breaking the fourth wall to sit on the edge of the stage and play directly to the crowd. The pandemic has forced all of us to unclothe in a way — not just trading our dress slacks for pajama pants — but losing the layers of noise and spectacle that crowded our pre-COVID lives. By
Rae Geoffrey
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PIVOTAL PERFORMANCE A
rtists have a unique way of shining through the darkness, using their creativity to spread joy and bringing hope for a better tomorrow. But, at a time when their light was needed the most, circumstances separated artists from their audiences, prompting a pivot from performance in the traditional sense.
this through. We know it’s going to get better, and we need to have something to look forward to when it does.’ ” In the meantime, with venues unable to host performing artists for live, in-person shows, artists like Tucker found a space in the virtual concert movement. “I never thought I would do a whole concert on live-stream,” Tucker said. “But by allowing change and evolution to be a welcome space, I found a way to make it something worth doing. And, through that, I realized that it’s OK to sit still for a second and think about what does and does not make me happy — and to say when things don’t resonate with me.”
“I was on my phone the other day, scrolling through my pictures from this year, and suddenly, I realized I had hit January,” said Shana Tucker, cellist, singersongwriter and Wortham Center Artist in Residence for the 2019-2020 season. “I see January, February — and then there’s nothing. I can’t believe I don’t have more pictures of this year. There was just this big shift in everyone’s lives, and life as we knew it was obliterated.”
And at first, she admitted, the virtual live format wasn’t her ideal solution. Because each artist navigates the medium in a different way to match their personal style, the format comes with a built-in learning curve, taking quite a bit of trial and error to get right.
Tucker’s performance at the Wortham Center, originally scheduled for April 4, 2020 in the Diana Wortham Theatre, would have been the pinnacle of her season-long residency, which began in September 2019 and included a hikeout performance in nature, as well as songwriting and performance workshops for both adults and children. After building relationships with the Asheville community all season, her highly anticipated concert was among those postponed when the country went into lockdown in the spring.
“I just thought, ‘Either you’re going to sit in this purgatory and be paralyzed by what you can’t do or you’re just going to try — and trying allows you to see what you’re actually capable of, what works for you and what you’re good at,” Tucker explained. “And hopefully you can find your space and have the courage to do it again.”
“It just felt like the other shoe had dropped. Once we realized everything was shutting down, it just became a big ball of stress. But,” Tucker said, “we didn’t cancel. We rescheduled. It felt like hope. People were like, ‘No, we’re going to see
Eventually Tucker found her niche among the new virtual world, recording concert segments in advance to preserve the quality of her performance, while jumping in live between songs to chat with her audience in a more personal way. 16
SHANA TUCKER
January 14, 2021 • 7pm
Photo by Chris Charles for Creative Silence
But the massive shift of 2020 also made Tucker reinvent herself in another way.
me, that was the best way that I could continue making an impact in this world.”
“I took a look at what my world was this year, and realized I don’t want to keep myself waiting to do the thing that I know I’m meant to do,” she said. “So I had to take a look at what other things I’m meant to do. I want to spend time showing up and sharing the gifts of joy — and who needs the most joy right now, you know?”
Tucker’s concert, rescheduled from spring 2020, is set to take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 in the Diana Wortham Theatre as a virtual concert, and possibly a limited-capacity in-person event, if state health and safety guidelines allow for it at that time. “I’m really excited that I get the chance to come back to the Wortham Center for one more big show to finish out this part of my life (as a full-time performer),” Tucker said. “It’s really been an honor. Having this Artist in Residence opportunity afforded me the privilege and the blessing to really get to know Asheville — from supporters of the Wortham Center to the larger community, to finding out how residents support creativity and the arts in Asheville.”
In October, Tucker accepted the executive director position at KidzNotes in Durham, a nonprofit dedicated to engaging children and teens in educational enrichment through music. “One of the pillars of philosophy for the organization is to teach children how to access joy through their instruments. And I was like, ‘I can get down with an organization like that!’” Tucker said. “It’s something that brings them joy and brings joy to those at home with them. It gives them confidence, and it’s not something that their parents can help with. They can say, ‘You did that all by yourself.’ And it’s a productive and rewarding way to spend their time. For
For more information, to purchase tickets, or find updates on performance details, visit worthamarts.org or call the Wortham Center box office at 828-257-4530. 17
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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 37.
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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.
Š2020 Bank of America Corporation | 2935478 | ENT-211-AD 21
Buncombe County Schools’ performing arts programs
Photo by Ben Rickert
SHINE ON
By Laura Mitchell Arts Education Specialist, Buncombe County Schools
U
nder the adversity of a pandemic, the arts must be resilient. They must be a healing force, bringing students, families and communities together with peace and purpose.
“Our kids are starved for beauty and creativity more than ever,” one parent noted.
In Buncombe County Schools, students have found new ways to develop their artistry, creativity and gifts without live performances — and their resilient teachers have learned new skills while juggling the challenges of teaching both online and in classrooms, wearing masks and maintaining six feet of social distance. Bands, chorus ensembles and theatre troupes have learned to work together through Zoom. Some teachers have used specialized music apps to piece together videos of individual student performances. Band directors are safely utilizing outdoor rehearsal spaces and using bell covers generously donated by Dogwood Health Trust. Fairview Elementary School music teacher Cheryl Lewis has added shower caps to her classroom’s drumheads, allowing her to sanitize them while maintaining the integrity of the instruments, so that her students can practice rhythm while using the meter of poems as inspiration. By innovating and adapting to the changing world, students and teachers were able to connect and engage with the 22
performing arts, creating tangible commemorations of 2020. Though nothing can replace a live performance or the magic of working in collaboration, these experiences help keep the arts in the forefront of people’s minds.
music and art, learning folk ballads passed down through the generations in Western North Carolina. They then shared these works with their parents, some of whom were delighted to connect to their own ancestral ties to the region with their children.
With live performances on hold, there has been an emphasis on music literacy skills, music history, music technology and music theory, with a strong focus on social-emotional learning.
“Our kids are starved for beauty and creativity more than ever,” one parent noted. Maegan Dauphinais, music teacher at West Buncombe Elementary, expertly summed up teaching during a pandemic. “It’s learning how to enjoy the journey, its struggles, its highs and lows,” she said. “These are going to be valuable lessons for my students.”
“I’ve seen students interact with each other in ways I have never seen before, and it has been incredible to witness firsthand how music can connect a group of people, no matter the circumstance,” shared Enka High School chorus teacher Sydney Bryant.
This is what a resilient arts program looks like. Despite the challenges, students are creating, problem-solving, appreciating the arts, and collaborating with others — even if it’s not always face-to-face. When we are one day back together again, the experience will be all the more powerful.
From home or socially distanced classrooms, students traveled on virtual field trips, participated in virtual theatre festivals — some with help from the Wortham Center — and experienced music from various countries, time periods and parts of the world. At Oakley Elementary, students studied Appalachian
Follow BCS Arts on Facebook to see more examples of resilience in the arts.
Photo still by Cheryl Lewis
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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 26
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
Photo by Chris Charles
Mark Kleive & Nicole Groves Henry LaBrun 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 Pat & Becky Stone 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. 27
I M AG I N I N G
by Ann Dunn Artistic & Executive Director The Asheville Ballet Photo by Laura Sturgell
W
hat does December without a live “Nutcracker” look and feel like? What makes a live “Nutcracker” ballet so integral to the holiday season? To get our answer, let’s hop on the Ghost of Christmas Past’s cape and fly to the Before Times.
new world to 2,000 young people, newly enveloped in art. Imagine: The evenings and matinees. Families with children dressed in red and green brave the inclement weather to sit in a darkened theatre as Tchaikovsky’s music and Petipas’ choreography unfold before them. They share with one another, and in communion with everyone in the theatre, the joy of the season, a mythical coming of age story, seemingly impossible feats of physical prowess, hundreds of colorful costumes, humor, magic and beauty.
Ann Dunn Imagine: Thursday and Friday mornings in December. Yellow school buses roll in, unloading 500 children (per performance) from around the region, most of whom have never before experienced the wonder of live theatre and ballet. The excitement, the noise, the silence as the lights go down. Then the curtains part, revealing a whole
Imagine: You are part of a tradition that dates back well over 100 years — a 28
tradition that, as the first few familiar notes of music begin to play, reminds you of your own childhood dreams and experiences.
culminating in two hours of magic and, yes, imagination, in an annual tradition presented lovingly to the local community. This year, however, though the downtown holiday decorations are all hung and lit, there are no school buses, no families, no children dressed up in red and green excitedly rushing to the theatre. There is no anticipation, no cookies and nutcrackers at intermission, no postproduction pointe shoe-signing. And for all of us behind the scenes, there have been no months of work on our masterpiece, no last-minute costume checks, no “Places, please!” from the stage manager. Most importantly, we all miss the moment when the theatre lights go down, the stage lights come up, the curtain rises and everything comes together in the annual journey that is “The Nutcracker.”
Imagine: The magic – the applause when mechanical dolls come to life, the fear when the battle rages between giant mice and toy soldiers, the amazement when the Nutcracker turns into a prince, and the audible ooooh when it snows on stage. Imagine: Intermission. Everyone rushes to get in line for cookies and nutcracker dolls, and, after the show, dancers still in costume autograph real pointe shoes for the next generation of theatre and ballet lovers. Imagine what a free outing to “The Nutcracker” means to the women and children in shelters, and to young people in orphanages and group homes — opportunities provided by The Asheville Ballet’s generous patrons.
Thanks to technology, many ballet companies, including The Asheville Ballet, will present a virtual “The Nutcracker” this year, and we are grateful for that opportunity. But, in its absence, the miracle of live, in-person theatre will be dearly missed – and that is what December without “The Nutcracker” looks like, for now.
Photo by Bruce Hemingway
Finally, imagine months of work by choreographers, costumers, set designers, lighting and sound designers, dancers, volunteers, movers, fundraisers, box office employees, and the administration of both The Asheville Ballet and the theatre — all
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STRONGER TOGETHER
by Katie Cornell
Photos courtesy of Asheville Area Arts Council
A
s the executive director of the Asheville Area Arts Council, I have seen firsthand the devastation this year has wrought on our local arts community. At the same time, I have been inspired by the many creative ways artists and arts organizations have found to support each other and the community.
to provide food and other resources to local musicians. Following the death of George Floyd, protests broke out in downtown Asheville, and a group of local artists seized this opportunity to capture the movement in a series of powerful murals. Since then, many arts organizations have shown their support for racial equity by prioritizing equity work and using this time to address needed systemic changes within their institutions.
Before the state of emergency was declared in March and the lockdown began, cultural institutions in Buncombe County voluntarily closed their doors and went dark, because it was the right thing to do for our local community. These institutions continue to go the extra mile to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors, oftentimes at great sacrifice to their own organizations.
Artists continue to capture both the impacts of the pandemic and the social justice movement, preserving and helping us interpret this moment in our society. At the same time, they have found a way to support each other through the Artist Support Pledge campaign, by donating a portion of their sales to other artists in need.
In March, I AM AVL partnered with the Orange Peel for a series of live-streamed performances to support musicians that lost work due to COVID-19. And as the months dragged on, Asheville Music Professionals organized joint relief efforts
Recently, Explore Asheville brought together the Asheville Area Arts Council, Asheville Art Museum, Buncombe County 34
government and the City of Asheville to design new artwork to encourage locals and visitors to follow health safety protocols, while at the same time supporting local creatives. The arts council has also partnered with Buncombe County for this year’s Arts Build Community grant, a series of $500 micro-grants for artsbased community projects that promote hope and healing. Over the winter months especially, our local community is going to need some positive connection — even if it’s only virtual — and we hope these projects can help.
Mountain College Museum + Arts Center. More information about this series will be available early next year. These are just a handful of the many initiatives happening in our creative community. No matter how bleak things might seem there are always silver linings, and we will get through this by working together.
The arts council has also partnered with local arts nonprofits for an art benefit series next spring. A series of 10 events will feature performances benefiting LEAF Global Arts, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective, Asheville Art Museum, Asheville Community Theatre, Asheville Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina Stage Company, Montford Park Players, the Center for Craft and Black
Katie Cornell
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FRIENDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
to Pho St by
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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.
Photo by Camilla Calnan Photography
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Photos by Camilla Calnan Photography
FRIENDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE The Wortham Center is grateful for the generous support provided by the following individuals and foundations. Lynne Courtney Diehl Jim Rishebarger and Sue Fernbach Craig and Jacqui Friedrich Dan and Anna Garrett Catherine and Will Gay 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 Amy Loether 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 Pat and Becky Stone Charlotte Watson 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 Lucy and Kirk Borland John and Marsha Ellis Bob and Carol Deutsch Susan Holden Hardy Holland and John Moody MaryAnn Kiefer and David Erwin Alastair McDonald Odom Anonymous 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 Patty and Gary Coleman
ANGEL: $500-$999.99 Myles Alexander Brad and Diane Arnold Linda Bair Bruce and Elizabeth Baker Ann Batchelder and Henri Kieffer Keevon Baten 37
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Friends Make A Difference continued 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 Michael and Amy Clarke Bill Cosgrove and Margaret Davis Leslie and Jurgen Dierks Lina Evans and Ira Sloan Bolling Farmer Larry and Marian Fincher Peter and Jasmin Gentling Bill and Nancy Gettys Laurie and Jack Hamilton Maureen and Frank Hantke Susan Hill Robert and Linda Hollis 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 Dr. Albert Siemens 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
John and Edythe Wingerter Pamela Winkler Charles Worley Charles and Patricia Zellerbach BENEFACTOR: $250-$499.99 Lorna and Michael Anderberg Anonymous Charles and Stephanie Baer 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 Patrick Cafferty Robert and Ellen Carr Pat and George Collett Brent Coyle 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 Peter Wortham Hawes Cynthia Heitger and Jim Gannam Terry and Joanne Hess Dr. and Mrs. Stace Horine Wanda Hubert Diane and Jeff Hutchins InterPlay Asheville Randy and Mary Johnson Mena Kates Karl Katterjohn David and Angela Kemper Mr. and Mrs. Charles Killian Doris Kistler and Fred Wightman Anna and Bruce Koloseike Bruce and Frances Koran 39
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Friends Make A Difference continued Michael and Caprice Krout Eleanor and Robert Lane Stephen and Barbara Lehrer Keith Levi and Patricia Cameron Theodore Luckman Andy MacPhillimy and Lois Sutton Bill and Janice Maddox David and Madeleine Maxwell 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 Jane and John Reeves Nancy and Robert Rietz Stanley Ingber and Laura Robbins Patricia Robertson and Curry First Judy Rose David Russell Cherry and Paul Lentz Saenger Pat Scherer and Sylvia Pardo Babbie and Waid Shelton Mark and Barbara Shevory 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 Martine Stolk 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
Drs. Emily and Jonathan Wood 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 David and Pamela Beyer Martha and Julian Biller Stephanie Biziewski Don and Judith Bliss Ronna Bloom 41
WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 2020/2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ile Adaramola
Proudly supporting the arts
Myles Alexander Derek Allen, Co-Chair Mary Anderson Darius Keevon Baten
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Suzanne Escovitz, Treasurer 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 42
Friends Make A Difference continued Rhea Bockhorst David and Abigail Doggett Bordeaux Belinda Boscardin Drs. Greg and Susan Braunstein Carl Bredahl Anita McCurley and Sandra Bromble 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 M. Regina Cameron 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 Sharon Cohen Sarah Corley and Neil Peterson Mary and Keith Costello Thelma and Roland Cousins Ann Cowden Julie Cowden Bray Creech Stan Cross Beverly Wright Cutter 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 John Donahoe Marta Donahoe Cynthia Donahue 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 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 Ellen Golden Mary Goodkind and Lindley Garner Joen and William Goodman Tom and Linda Goodwin Barbara and Jeff Gould Ted Graczyk and Paul Gusmerotti 43
Call to schedule a visit and discover a holistic approach to a joy-filled retirement.
Asheville, NC 800-284-1531 deerfieldwnc.org 44
Friends Make A Difference continued 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
Susan Posey and Bill 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 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 Robert 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 InterPlay Asheville Susan Macy Judy Major 45
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Friends Make A Difference continued 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 Lawrence Pierce Dan and Gloria Pincu Brayden Pitcairn Jane Pitt Peggy and John Ponak 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 Leigh Schwietz Jill and Bill Scobie Todd Seeleman Leslie Shaw Peter Shell Anita Shields Cynthia Shilkret Ellen Silver Janise and Rick Silverman Ernest and Vicki Skidmore Hope Skilling
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Friends Make A Difference continued Anna Skinner Sarah Slechta Bret Sleight Mr. Cameron Smail and Dr. Wendy Willoughby 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 Louis and Sally Stein 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 Susan Swiger Bob and Christine Swoap Margery Tabankin 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 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 William and Gail Wiley Karen Wilkinson Steve WItherspoon Anne Wolf 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 November 30, 2020. Thank you!
FOUNDATION SUPPORT Arthur J. 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 49
We’re behind the arts in Asheville.
365 Merrimon Ave blackbirdframe.com | 828.225.3117 CUSTOM FRAMING • ART • GIFTS • HOME DECOR • MIRRORS
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At the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, you’ll find inspiration, education, and joy.
This is your center.
Come in and build your legacy. You have experienced the magic of dance, music, and theatre in the Diana Wortham Theatre, the Tina McGuire Theatre, and the Henry LaBrun Studio. You’ve supported performing arts through your contributions and membership. You are a passionate patron. Continue your commitment to the Wortham Center with a legacy gift. It is as simple as including the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in your estate plans. Your gift will have a lasting impact on the future of performing arts at the Wortham Center.
This is your center. Let it be part of your legacy.
For more information about planned gift to the Wortham Center, please contact Jennifer Hampton, Development Director, at jennifer@worthamarts.org or 828-210-9849. 51 41
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.
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53
OPENING DOORS by Jan Getz
W
hen my husband, John, and I moved to Asheville in 2010, we were looking for ways to connect with the greater community.
A painter and jewelrymaker, my mother introduced me to the arts at a young age — even offering art classes to the neighborhood kids in exchange for other moms teaching us things, like how to swim. She made sure my sister and I had both piano and dance lessons for five years. Then, we were allowed to choose to continue one artistic pursuit. My sister instantly chose the piano, and I instantly chose dance. My mother also put up monthly famous works of art over the kitchen table to discuss. She shared poetry and literature. She took us to museums and an artists’ series at the university where she and my dad taught. We saw Marcel Marceau, Andrés Segovia, plays, music, dance.
I had ushered at the local university when I was in high school, and John and I had both ushered at our university when we were grad students. So, naturally, we sought out an ushering opportunity when looking to meet new people and learn more about the local arts scene. That’s how we first came to the Wortham Center — as volunteers. As we grew to know and admire the staff, we continued to be impressed with the quality and variety of performances at which we ushered and attended. Eventually, we became donors, and, later, I was asked to serve on the board. Now, I serve as the board’s vice president. And through all these years, it’s been a grand experience.
As an adult, I was able to combine my love of dance with my profession as a television producer to attend the Dance and Television Workshop at the American Dance Festival, with a scholarship from the National Endowment for the Arts. Getting to work with the production team for the PBS series “Great Performances: Dance
Having been both a participant in the arts as a dancer and an appreciator of the arts as an audience member, I can say that, without a doubt, these experiences have enhanced my life. 54
in America” was truly life changing. I attended this amazing workshop twice, and then I put my new knowledge and skills to work with The Ohio State Dance Company and Dancentral when I was working at WOSU-TV.
Through all these years, it’s been a grand experience.
Once we are through this period of hardship, I expect to continue to see a wide variety of high-quality artists from many genres and backgrounds bring their talent to our stages and spaces. The commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion will continue to be driving forces in the selection of artists. There will be opportunities for more start-up performers to gain an audience, using the two newer spaces. The flexibility of the Tina McGuire Theatre and the Henry LaBrun Studio will afford both local and touring organizations opportunities to create unique programs that can be sitespecific.
It’s important to give young people the opportunity to experience performances that enrich their lives, open their minds and, potentially, influence their futures. So we were delighted to learn of the Wortham Center’s Y.E.S. Fund, the Youth Education Scholarship Fund that brings local children to the arts and the arts to local children in their schools — and, for several years, we’ve made an annual donation to the fund as holiday gifts for relatives.
The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is one of the entities that helps make Asheville the special city that it is. The commitment to be inclusive and present a wide variety of top-notch artists from many disciplines at affordable prices is an invaluable contribution to the artistic soul of our community.
Now, with the pandemic and all of its challenges, we’ve increased our support of the Wortham Center to help keep the doors creatively and safely cracked open — until we can fling them wide again to artists and audiences. 55
56
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 57
F R I LONGTIME N D S by Joe Brumit
R
ecently, the Wortham Center (virtually) sat down with Brumit Restaurant Group owner Joe Brumit, whose company operates 61 Arby’s restaurants across North and South Carolina. Joe and his wife Janice are longtime Friends of the Wortham Center and are sponsors on both an individual and corporate level. Both Joe and Janice are passionate about the arts and about giving back to the community. Who was the biggest influence in your life?
today and the person I have become. I am always remembering the influences he had on me and thinking of things he did. One of the things I’m most grateful for is his level-headedness, as it must have rubbed off on me. Being wellgrounded (both spiritually and with good
As simple as my father was, he was not a business success by any means. He was a machinist and made around $24,000 a year. The person my father was is the biggest influence on me being who I am 58
What is your best accomplishment?
business sense) has helped me make the decisions in my life that I have and use the resources I have gained from people and mentors.
This is a hard question. Some people would look at Janice and I and say we are so accomplished in our business. Honestly, Janice and I both look at what we can do in and for the community. The time and resources that we have allows us to help all the groups and people that we can.
How did you get interested in owning your own business? I have worked in the fast food industry since I was in high school. I started with Burger Chef, which was bought out by Hardee’s, and continued to work in the industry all the way through college. I was then recruited to Burger King and worked as a store manager, training manager, district manager and eventually franchise district manager, where I worked with the franchisees. I liked what the franchisees were doing and thought, “If they can do it, then so can I.” I was approached by a franchisee with Burger King, who said he was going to buy 13 Arby’s in North Carolina and was looking for an operating partner — “Are you interested?” Six years later, I bought him out and here we are today with 61 stores in North and South Carolina.
What is on your bucket list? Most of the bucket list items are travel. We have had to move some trips around due to the pandemic. Some places we have been include Antarctica, Great Britain, all over the Norwegian area across the arctic. Some places we will be going to in the future are Australia, back to Africa, Prague, and taking a cruise from Rome to Barcelona. If international travel cannot occur, we will do long trips in the United States, out West and across the Northeastern parts of the U.S.
If you could have lunch with one person (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
I am most proud of the senior team that I built, who now are running the business while I semi-retire. I am still involved with the business, but I am no longer in the office day-to-day.
My father. I lost my dad when I was 29. He passed when he was 59 and my mom passed when she was 75. Having my mom in my life for much longer (and relatively nearby in Franklin, N.C.), I had more opportunities to have lunch with her than I did with my dad.
What might someone be surprised to know about you? I sing in the church choir at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. Of course, we haven’t sung in person together since March, but we do meet through Zoom on Wednesday evenings. Some choir members are starting to get together to create outdoor, socially distanced recordings in front of the church. The recordings are then played on the Sunday morning virtual service. We were the first church in the area to move to virtual services, daily devotionals, church meetings, etc., when the pandemic lockdown started in March.
What fuels your passion to support the Wortham Center? One thing we have noticed is that we are so blessed with the arts in Asheville. There are not a lot of people willing to support the arts in many places — and if the arts are going to exist, we need to pull together as a community to support them. We support all of the arts in Asheville, and we feel like the arts are part of the culture, one of the great things of Asheville. We want to see the arts survive and thrive, especially during this difficult time. 59
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. 60
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 November 30, 2020. Ruth Planey Bobbi Powers Kathryn Ramirez Susan and Lewis Rothlein Mara Sprain and John Bates 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 Ann and Jon Kemske 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 JosĂŠ Alvarez Shiner Antiorio and Kathy Robinson Kathleen Ayres Ken and Karen Bain Linda Bair 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 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 Melinda and Richard Douglass 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 Joan Foster
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 Terry and Joanne Hess Susan Holden Nancy Houha Bill and Marilyn Hubbard Alberto Colonia and George Hunker Suzanne Jones Sally Jones Becky Lewis Ann and Bob Lewis Tina McGuire Jim and Pat Morris Janine and Robert Obee 61
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Y.E.S. Fund Supporters continued Charles and Tricia Franck Jonas Gerard Fine Art, Inc Mary Goodkind and Lindley Garner Barbara and Jeffrey Gould Lisa Green Sue and Stan Greenberg 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 Hal and Constance Hemme Susan Hill Dan and Linda Hinchliffe Steve and Rena Hoffman Alan Baumgarten and Judy Hoffman Sandra Holden Diane and Jeff Hutchins Susan Posey and Bill 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 Janet Laube Stephen and Barbara Lehrer Susan and Jeremy Lerner 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 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 Mary L. Powell Morris Letsinger and Liz Preyer Kathleen Quinlan and Marc Parham Anna Reese Frank Reynolds Gail Rhodes Patricia Robertson and Curry First Penny Rose 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 63
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COMING UP AMERICAN SPIRITUAL ENSEMBLE The Power of Spirituals Tuesday, January 19, 2021 • 7pm
Witness the power of spirituals and explore their historical context in a new virtual experience from American Spiritual Ensemble. This critically acclaimed group, comprising more than a dozen of the finest singers in the classical world, combines its captivating vocal talents with the moving words and interviews of former slaves, recorded in the recently published book “In Their Own Words: Slave Life and the Power of Spirituals” by Eileen Guenther. Through both historical narrative and
soul-stirring song, the virtual concert “The Power of Spirituals” takes the audience on an interactive journey, shining a light on events of the past and offering hope and reconciliation for the present.
Tickets to experience the American Spiritual Ensemble virtual performance on January 19 are available at worthamarts.org.
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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 Hampton Community Engagement Director Jared McEntire 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 66
• Account Management
• Bookkeeping
• Business Consulting
• Back Office Support
• Human Resource Consulting • Strategic Planning • QuickBooks Training
• Money Management
• Personal, Business, & Estate Tax Prep
New Starts to Fresh Starts. We are here to help.
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SHANA TUCKER
January 14, 2021 at 7pm
Photo by Chris Charles for Creative Silence
Diana Wortham Theatre Limited in-person audience + virtual tickets
TICKETS:
wo r t h a m a r t s . o r g (828)257-4530
YOUR DREAMS. OUR MISSION.
Nationally recognized excellence with an Asheville vibe A SHEVI L L E • M A D I 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 D U
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