Benefit to Raise Funds and Awareness for Arts Education

On Saturday, May 18^th, Urban Gateways Jr. Board, New Arts Forum, will host its first ever Rock for Arts benefit concert. Six bands will be performing from 7:00 PM until 11:00 PM at Reggie’s Rock Club to benefit Urban Gateways arts and education programming. The bands include Lonesome Still, Sam Vicari, Newburys, American Muskox, Metropolly, and Ovadya. New Arts Forum Board Chair, Jess Kaswiner said, ‘We are thrilled to partner with Reggie’s Rock Club for “Rock for Arts”. In typical NAF fashion, we’ll be presenting a mash-up of artistic entertainment, while bringing together like-minded arts advocates in support of Urban Gateways. At the heart of our board is the mantra “pARTy for a cause”, putting a ‘new-school’ twist on your old school fundraiser!’ The event will include a free buffet, a happy hour, and access to the roof top bar.

Urban Gateways educates and inspires young people by delivering high-quality, accessible arts experiences that advance their personal and academic growth. Professional artists engage Chicago’s youth in arts activities that build essential skills like creativity, collaboration and innovation, and improve their self-esteem and confidence necessary to succeed in life. Founded in 1961 with a mission to ensure that all young people have full access to the city’s cultural wealth, Urban Gateways works with artists, teachers, principals, community leaders, social service agencies and other partners to expand arts programs across the Chicago Metropolitan area, often in communities where such opportunities are in short supply. Urban Gateways strives to create alternative and positive experiences as a means to a brighter future for children and their communities.

This winter Urban Gateways analyzed our student survey data and found that their outcomes related to active classroom engagement, such as volunteering, sharing new ideas, etc. seemed to be low. What was found was that our students in performing arts residencies (music, dance, theatre) reported greater increases in these areas. To illustrate, 79% stated they volunteer more in class versus 46% of students in non-performing arts programs. 82% state they introduce new ideas more in class versus 46% of students in non-performing arts programs and 82% state they are better listeners after having been in a performing arts program as opposed to 65% in other programs. It seems performing in a band could lead to better classroom engagement.

For more information on this event or Urban Gateways, please contact Brian Foster, Director of Marketing and Sales, at (312) 445-2749 or at bfoster@urbangateways.org. You may also visit www.urbangateways.org/events.

CHICAGO, IL – Chicago’s Merit School of Music is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2013 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award (NAHYP) Finalist by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities and its partner agencies, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

If Merit is chosen to receive an award, the school will receive national acclaim, a $10,000 grant, and an invitation to attend a White House awards ceremony in August hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama.

Merit was named a Finalist for its accomplishments in youth after-school and out-of-school arts and humanities learning.  The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities reviewed a total of 376 nominations from 49 states. According to the President’s Committee, Merit’s selection as one of the 50 Finalists distinguishes it as “one of the top arts- and humanities-based programs in the country.”

Merit School of Music, meritmusic.org, is a non-profit community music school providing high-quality music education to more than 6,000 Chicago-area students, from newborns to age 18. Founded in 1979, Merit transforms the lives of Chicago-area youth by providing the highest quality music education – with a focus on underserved communities – inspiring young people to achieve their full musical and personal potential.  Merit’s esteemed faculty teaches a continuum of instrumental programs leading to the Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-Free Conservatory for the most advanced and motivated young musicians.   Merit also provides in-school music instruction to more than 4,000 kids each year through its Bridges: Partners in Music program. 

As a nonprofit organization, Merit School of Music is devoted to giving all children, regardless of their financial abilities, the opportunity to grow through high quality music education. Merit’s student body reflects Chicago’s diversity with 44 percent of its participants of Hispanic origin. Eighty percent receive scholarships and financial aid.

To learn more about Merit’s music education programs, visit meritmusic.org or call 312.786.9428.

Lake Forest Campus Expands Programming 

 

Luncheon also honors former Ambassador Fay Hartog-Levin as “Citizen Advocate”

 

CHICAGO, IL  – Arts Alliance Illinois will host its inaugural benefit luncheon, “Voices of a Creative State,” Friday, May 17, 2013 at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave. The luncheon will feature a presentation and performance by world-renowned cellist and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant Yo-Yo Ma about the powerful role that the arts can and should play in the civic life of Illinois.
 
The event will also feature the presentation of Arts Alliance Illinois’ first “Citizen Advocate” Award, in recognition of an individual whose vision and civic leadership provide heightened visibility to the value of the arts. Arts Alliance Illinois, the state’s leading arts advocacy organization, is proud to honor Ambassador Fay Hartog-Levin (ret.) with this award at its first annual luncheon.
 
“Voices of a Creative State” will gather Illinois’ creative, corporate, and civic leaders to celebrate the strength and diversity of our state’s cultural sector at what will become Arts Alliance Illinois’ signature fundraising event. The luncheon, for which Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Joan W. Harris will serve as honorary chairs with Pamela Crutchfield and Kassie Davis serving as event co-chairs, will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a brief networking reception followed by the luncheon at noon.
 
“Arts Alliance Illinois is a wonderful organization and an important part of Chicago’s thriving arts sector,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Their work continues to be integral in creating opportunities and visibility for arts organizations and new initiatives, and it is a driver of our Cultural Plan’s goal to firmly establish Chicago as an unparalleled global destination for creativity and excellence in the arts.”
He is a strong advocate for educational programs that not only bring young audiences in contact with music but also allow them to participate in its creation. Yo-Yo Ma delivered this year’s Nancy Hanks Lecture on the Arts and Public Policy as part of National Arts Advocacy Day on April 8 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
 
“How exciting to have Yo-Yo Ma, one of the great classical musicians of our generation and one of the most active and articulate arts advocates in our country, as the keynote speaker at this special event celebrating the strength and diversity of the arts in Illiniois,” said David Hawkanson, Arts Alliance Illinois board chair and executive director of Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

An avid advocate for the arts and arts education, renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma will speak about the responsibility of artists and arts organizations to connect with their communities and engage as active citizens in our democracy.

Voices of a Creative State will become the signature fundraising event of Arts Alliance Illinois. Proceeds from the event will help Arts Alliance Illinois promote widespread support for the arts throughout the state. Some of the programs that will benefit from the luncheon include advocacy campaigns such as “Make Art Work,” which promotes the impact of the arts on jobs, the economy and community vitality in Illinois as well as arts education initiatives such as the “Arts & Education Exchange,” which is a free, online service that connects educators with arts providers to give students an opportunity for expression and self-discovery through creative outlets. 
 
About Yo-Yo Ma

Yo-Yo Ma was appointed the Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in December 2009, and his consultancy was renewed through the end of the 2014-15 season in January 2012. Ma is currently fulfilling his second term in this role by providing musical leadership and guidance for the CSOA’s Institute for Learning, Access and Training and the CSO’s Citizen Musician initiative, which encourages musicians and music lovers to sustain and expand the role of music in civic and cultural life by creating and enhancing communities through music.
 
In 1998, he established the Silk Road Project to promote the study of the cultural, artistic and intellectual traditions along the ancient Silk Road trade route. In the 2006-07 season, partnering with the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the City of Chicago, the Project presented Silk Road Chicago, a citywide exploration of the artistic legacy of the Silk Road. In 2009-10, the Silk Road Project introduced, Silk Road Connect, a multidisciplinary educational initiative for New York City middle-school students.

About Fay Hartog- Levin

Fay Hartog-Levin, an accomplished attorney and the 65^th United States Ambassador to the Netherlands, will receive Arts Alliance Illinois’ first “Citizen Advocate” Award for her demonstrated dedication to the vital place for the arts in civic life and policy. A strong advocate for the arts, Hartog-Levin served on Arts Alliance Illinois’ Board of Directors 1997-2009, and as its Chairman 2006-2008. In addition to her term as Ambassador and many other appointments, Hartog-Levin’s commitment to culture and community is evident in her current role as Senior Advisor to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
 
Ticket, Table and Sponsorship Information
Sponsorship packages for tables of 10 guests begin at the $3,500 level. Individual tickets are $350 and $150. Reservations are strictly limited.  For information or to purchase tickets, tables or sponsorships, visit www.artsalliance.org/luncheon or call 312.855.3105 x12.

About Arts Alliance Illinois

Arts Alliance Illinois is the state’s leading voice for the arts and arts education, uniquely combining advocacy, service, and information to advance a creative and culturally vibrant state.

The Lira Ensemble, known for its excellent performances of Polish music, song and dance, offers two concerts this Christmas season, titled “Polish Carols, Song & Dance” featuring the Lira Singers, Lira Dancers and Lira Symphony:

 

Sunday, November 25, 2012 at 3pm

at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in suburban Detroit

44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, Michigan

 

and

 

Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 3pm

the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in suburban Chicago

9501 Skokie Boulevard in Skokie, Illinois

 

This Christmas concert is also a celebration of Polish and Polish-American culture. The Lira Singers, Dancers, and Symphony will perform some of the most beloved and most popular Polish holiday music. This concert offers the rare opportunity to hear Polish carols in arrangement for symphony orchestra. The Lira Ensemble will also perform works by Polish master composers such as Frederic Chopin, Stanislaw Moniuszko and Witold Lutoslawski, one of the most respected Polish composers of the 20^th century. The concert includes folk song and dance from various regions of Poland in colorful, authentic folk costumes. Some American carols and folk songs complete the program.

 

The Chicago Tribune is among the many metropolitan newspapers that have given high praise to the Lira company. The Tribune wrote: “Chicago’s Lira Ensemble…gorgeous music and sharply choreographed folk dance.”

 

The concerts feature 13-year-old Daniel Szefer – a piano prodigy who will perform music of Frederic Chopin including the Andante Spianato and Grand Polonaise Brillante. Earlier this year, this young Polish-American was the youngest finalist in one of the most challenging youth piano competitions in the United States – the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Youth Auditions. Daniel played Beethoven’s Concerto Nr. 5 and placed second (1st Alternate). Despite his young age, he has already performed around the US.

Both concerts will be conducted by Lira resident conductor Mina Zikri who was born in Cairo, Egypt and came to the United States in 1999. In addition to his duties with Lira, he is a guest conductor for the Cairo Symphony Orchestra in Egypt and is founder and music director of the Oistrach Symphony Orchestra of Chicago. Mr. Zikri, who is also a violinist, has performed with the Lira Symphony for the past 5 years and has been a member of Daniel Barenboim’s West Eastern Divan orchestra since 1999.

 

As with all Lira performances, the concerts will be narrated in English by Lucyna Migala of WCEV/1450am, who is artistic director and general manager of the Lira Ensemble. Ms. Migala will share some Polish holiday traditions and will offer a bit of the history and tradition behind the music and dance performed.

 

The Lira company is artist-in-residence at Loyola University Chicago and is the nation’s only professional performing arts company specializing in Polish music, song and dance. The mission of the company is to bring the best of Polish culture into American life.

 

Both concerts are co-sponsored by the Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Chicago and by the Lira Society-Group 816 of the Polish Women’s Alliance of America. The Skokie concert is funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council – a state agency. The work of the Lira Ensemble also supported by grants from the Alphawood Foundation, the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Richard H. Dreihaus Foundation and the MAcArthur Foundation.

 

Both theaters open at 2:30pm for the concerts. Lira recordings will be available for purchase in the two lobbies.

Tickets for “Polish Carols, Song & Dance” are very reasonably priced so that families can attend – from $35 to $55, with discounts for groups of 20 or more and half price tickets for children under age 16 in all price ranges. All seats are reserved. Tickets can be ordered by calling the Lira Ensemble at 773-508-7040 or 1-800-547-5472.

The Music Institute of Chicago honors the extraordinary legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. at its ninth annual celebration of the legendary civil rights leader, featuring the renowned Brotherhood Chorale of the Apostolic Church of God. This free concert takes place Sunday, January 20 at 5 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston.

The 180-member male choral group, led by conductor Brian C. Rice, will again perform an electrifying program of repertoire offering traditional and contemporary gospel and jazz arrangements. This annual performance by the Brotherhood Chorale has become one of Chicago’s most inspiring annual tributes to Dr. King.

Admission is free; all contributions that evening benefit the William Warfield Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Music Institute of Chicago, which annually offers need-based financial assistance for minority students. William Warfield, famed operatic baritone, was a longstanding member of the Music Institute’s board of trustees. This concert is generously sponsored by Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits.

Brotherhood Chorale

The nationally recognized Brotherhood Chorale was founded in Chicago in 1969 with less than 30 members. Under the guidance of its current and visionary director, Brian Rice, the Brotherhood Chorale has built an impressive repertoire and grown to approximately 180 members. In addition to performing every fourth Sunday for service, the choir sings outside the church and has been featured at the South Shore Cultural Center and the Chicago Civic Orchestra, among others.

Music Institute of Chicago

The Music Institute of Chicago believes that music has the power to sustain and nourish the human spirit; therefore, our mission is to provide the foundation for lifelong engagement with music. As one of the three largest and most respected community music schools in the nation, the Music Institute offers musical excellence built on the strength of its distinguished faculty, commitment to quality, and breadth of programs and services. Founded in 1931 and one of the oldest community music schools in Illinois, the Music Institute is a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Each year, the Music Institute’s world-class music teachers and arts therapists provide the highest quality arts education, reaching more than 10,000 students of all ability levels, from birth to 102 years of age, at campuses in Evanston, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Winnetka, and Downers Grove and through its longstanding partnership with the Chicago Public Schools. The Music Institute also offers lessons and programs at early childhood and community engagement programs throughout the Chicago area and the North Shore. The Music Institute offers lessons, classes, and programs through four distinct areas: Community School, The Academy, Creative Arts Therapy (Institute for Therapy through the Arts), and Nichols Concert Hall. 

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration will be held on Sunday, January 20 at 5 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, is free.

For more information,  visit musicinst.org or call 847.905.1500 ext. 108.            

Wilton Banks Is Best Known For His Appearance on “The Cosby Show” and “Entertainment Tonight”

Nationwide (BlackNews.com) — Recording artist, Wilton Banks has released a single in honor of First Lady Michelle Obama. His song entitled “First Lady”, respectively mentions her charm, elegance, intellect, and states that she is the standard for the world, the pride of man, woman, boy and girl. In addition to honoring the First Lady in Chief, Wilton says that this song celebrates women everywhere.

“Singing and songwriting are my gifts,” says Banks who started singing in church at age three. He penned his song after the election of President Obama and decided to release it on a national scale at this time. He states, “Recently I read a letter written to the First Lady by Beyonce` Knowles. I am amazed that many of the comments she made are similar to the words in my song. I would love to hear her sing it.”

As to whether First Lady Michelle Obama has heard the song Banks states, “I’m not sure, but I do have a note from Secretary of Education, Ernie Duncan stating that he passed on a copy of the song to the White House.” The education tie-in seems fitting in that Wilton has a degree in education from Grambling State University, and his father, the late Rev. Henry Banks Sr. received an award for sending the most students from one family through Grambling. A total of (9) children attended, with (7) graduating with degrees in education. In addition, Rev. Banks is responsible for getting the first school bus running for blacks in Northern Louisiana. Wilton plans to use proceeds from the song to help establish The Henry Banks Sr. Scholarship Fund in honor of his father.

A trailblazer, Wilton also wrote, “Rap the Facts”, a musical educational series that teaches math through singing, rapping, rhythm and rhyme. His innovative method of teaching math netted “Uncle” Wilton, an appearance on The Cosby Show. Banks states, “As a teacher, I noticed that my students really enjoyed the catchy rhythms and rhymes that I would come up with on the spot to help them learn. I decided to set them to music and students are able to learn the multiplication facts/times tables, in a fun way.”

To see The Cosby Show (Episode Title- Live and Learn) featuring Wilton Banks along with legendary drummer Max Roach, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTuZFNRbFX4.

To hear the song “First Lady”, visit www.wiltonbanks.com.

Follow Wilton Banks on Twitter @wiltonbanks

Photo Caption: Wilton Banks

When I See America, I See Love – Urban Soul Singer John Butler announces Tribute to America

 

Proving that America is all about love, John Butler announces a new chapter in his music career, with a special focus on ‘Cause Music’.

 

Chantilly, VA – For over twenty five years, Urban Soul Music has been dominated by the name John Butler. Following a multi-award winning career, the acclaimed singer/songwriter is today announcing the reinvention of himself, with a stronger focus on the concept of ‘Cause Music’.

To kick-off this new chapter, Butler has recently announced his own special tribute to America, titled ‘When I See America, I See Love’.

“My new composition reminds us all of what America is really about – Love,” says Butler, whose new song conveys the rich urban texture and styling of Stevie Wonder and the late Donnie Hathaway.

He continues, “It has been composed and arranged with choir harmonies and musical inflections that intend to touch the heart and soul of every listener.”

The original composition was composed and produced as a partnership between John Butler and Antonio Girley.

“Being a citizen of America is an honor. My new song implies that America is a place with flowers on the trees, beauty, peace and love. It doesn’t matter how we differ in our beliefs; we still come together as one to love one another,” Butler adds.

Those looking to see Butler perform live can catch him on one of the following dates:

• October 6^th, Spirit of Washington, 10:30AM cruise
• October 20^th, Spirit of Washington, 10:30Am cruise

For more information, please visit Butler’s official website: http://www.johnbutler.us

He can also be found on social media.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/John–Butler–of–US/453693804682954

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/johnbutlerofus

About John Butler

Born with the name of John Alvin Butler in the United States of America. A native of New Orleans, LA. A multi-award winning international recording artist.

John Butler has built a worldwide fan base thanks to phenomenal live performances, national television exposure, loyal enthusiastic fans and aggressive marketing and merchandising campaigns.

His masterful vocal work has been the driving forces behind his successful career. He has won numerous industry awards.

Dr. John Butler actively tours the US and abroad speaking on topics to enhance the mindsets of millions on winning in life.

Contact

John Butler

571-277-3354

drbutler2012@gmail.com

In conjunction with its October 26–28 Billy Strayhorn Festival, the Music Institute of Chicago Jazz Studies Program is holding a Billy Strayhorn Songwriting Contest for high school students in Cook, Lake and DuPage Counties. The submission deadline is Monday, October 15 at 11:59 p.m.

Billy Strayhorn (1915–67) is acknowledged as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. As Duke Ellington’s primary collaborative partner for 28 years, Strayhorn created a compelling musical language that transcended Ellington. His innumerable contributions to the jazz canon built a formidable legacy for musicians from all genres. Strayhorn’s deep knowledge of both classical and popular music manifested itself in a unique approach to songwriting. Elements of his harmonic sophistication and voicing techniques have become emblematic of excellence in the jazz repertoire. In addition to his musical achievements, Strayhorn has become identified with the struggle for civil rights. Throughout his career, he overcame several stigmas, not the least of which was being an African-American artist in a society dominated by whites and a gay man in a culture that considered homosexuality a crime. In 1963, Strayhorn came to Chicago to serve as music director of  Ellington’s My People, a work composed on the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and performed as part of “A Century of Negro Progress Exposition” at the Arie Crown Theater at McCormick Place. In tribute to Strayhorn and the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Music Institute is proud to present the Billy Strayhorn Songwriting Contest.

Music Institute of Chicago

The Music Institute of Chicago believes that music has the power to sustain and nourish the human spirit; therefore, our mission is to provide the foundation for lifelong engagement with music. As one of the three largest and most respected community music schools in the nation, the Music Institute offers musical excellence built on the strength of its distinguished faculty, commitment to quality, and breadth of programs and services. Founded in 1931 and one of the oldest community music schools in Illinois, the Music Institute is a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Each year, the Music Institute’s world-class music teachers and arts therapists provide the highest quality arts education, reaching more than 10,000 students of all ability levels, from birth to 102 years of age, at campuses in Evanston, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Winnetka, and Downers Grove and through its longstanding partnership with the Chicago Public Schools. The Music Institute also offers lessons and programs at the Steinway of Chicago store in Northbrook and early childhood and community engagement programs throughout the Chicago area and the North Shore. The Music Institute offers lessons, classes, and programs through four distinct areas: Community School, The Academy, Creative Arts Therapy (Institute for Therapy through the Arts), and Nichols Concert Hall.