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The festival, a stop on The Bacon Brothers’ “People In The World Tour"is an all-day, family-friendly, student-run event supporting student programs

 
Evergreen is officially joining the ranks of the “six degrees of Kevin Bacon” this summer, as Mountain Music Fest proudly becomes a stop on The Bacon Brothers’ People In the World Tour featuring Kevin and Michael Bacon, staples in the entertainment industry. This is no ordinary music festival, as it’s presented by the Wooden Hawk Foundation and allows area students to be fully involved as a student-run festival. Attendees are invited to enjoy a full day of festival fun at Evergreen’s picturesque Buchanan Park (32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen, Colorado) this August 16, 2026 from noon to 9 p.m. The event is often described as “one part carnival, one part music festival.”

 
“To say we are thrilled about The Bacon Brothers as our headline act would be an understatement,” said Michele Vanags, Wooden Hawk Foundation Chair. “We are so incredibly proud to be part of the band’s People In The World Tour. Our music festival is deeply rooted in making a true difference in the lives of our community’s youth, as our students take charge of everything from ticketing, stage production, sound, and lighting. All proceeds from this event go right back into our schools to support educational projects. We truly are a festival with a purpose.”

The festival’s mission resonates with The Bacon Brothers’ own commitment to community impact. Kevin Bacon’s organization, SixDegrees, supports initiatives that sustain and enrich local communities, with a focus on youth empowerment, justice, and equality. All values that align perfectly with the student-driven spirit of Mountain Music Fest.
 
The Bacon Brothers have spent over three decades creating their diverse sound, which they call “forosoco” or folk, rock, soul, and country music. Their mutual love of roots music has taken them around the world, from headlining gigs in Japan to American performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, Gruene Hall - and now Evergreen. Building on the festival’s student-driven energy, The Bacon Brothers will light up the stage with their acclaimed repertoire, offering attendees an unforgettable showcase of musical talent and storytelling. 
 
Reflecting on their approach to music, Michael Bacon says, “We’re two musicians who write songs differently, and we’ve grown to really appreciate those differences. Whenever I go see a band play live, I’d much rather see them do a thousand things than just one thing. We take a similar approach to our albums.” This dedication to creativity and collaboration is exactly what attendees can expect from their performance at Mountain Music Fest. 
 
In addition to The Bacon Brothers, Mountain Music 2026 will feature a diverse lineup of regional and national artists, with more performers to be announced in the coming months. The festival showcases a wide range of musical styles, highlighting both established acts and emerging talent.
 
Mountain Music Fest is a true celebration of student talent and diversity. In addition to a star-studded lineup, guests will explore booths featuring student clubs, organizations, arts programs, and sports teams, with interactive experiences throughout the festival grounds. There will be games, contests, and a wide variety of entertainment, along with several delectable food and drink options available on site.
 
About Mountain Music Fest
Mountain Music Fest is a 9-hour celebration of music set against the stunning backdrop of Evergreen, Colorado. Attendees can immerse themselves in the scenic beauty of Evergreen as the outdoor stage transforms into a haven for music enthusiasts. The festival promises an unparalleled experience that goes beyond music. Proceeds from the event support students through the Wooden Hawk Foundation. For more information, please visit https://mountainmusicfest.org/. You can also follow along on social media on Instagram and Facebook. 
 
About Wooden Hawk Foundation
The mission of the Wooden Hawk Foundation is to provide ongoing support to the mountain community school system through charitable and educational initiatives. The organization is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and empowerment by offering mentoring programs, career counseling, and similar opportunities that enrich the lives and educational experiences of students within the area. The foundation is committed to making a positive and lasting impact, nurturing the growth and development of both the community and the school system. For more information, please visit https://woodenhawkfoundation.org/. More details can be found on the organization’s Instagram and Facebook pages.
 
MORE INFORMATION
For additional line-up updates, ticketing, and event information, please visit https://mountainmusicfest.org/. 

This all-day family-friendly festival offers a talented line-up of artists including Sam Grisman Project with the Leslies, Flobots, Christie Huff, YAN YEZ, Hand Turkey Band, and Non-Prophet

Mountain Music Fest is thrilled to announce its second annual family-friendly festival that brings out families from across the state to pull up their lawn chairs among the towering pine trees and majestic mountain views of Evergreen’s Buchanan Park (32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen, Colorado). The festival kicks off on August 16, 2025 from noon to 9 p.m. This toe-tapping festival brings the fun, while all proceeds from this event will benefit the Wooden Hawk Foundation’s educational projects throughout the community. Organizers describe the event as “one part carnival, one part music festival”.

"Mountain Music Fest is so much more than a concert. It's a hands-on learning experience and a community celebration. Through the festival, students take the lead in everything from marketing and ticketing to stage production, sound, and lighting - even performing on stage,” said Michele Vanags, Wooden Hawk Foundation Chair.  “It’s an opportunity for them to gain real-world skills while expressing their creativity and leadership. We also invite student clubs and organizations to host booths on the field, where they can raise funds and awareness through fun, donation-based activities. Best of all, every dollar of net proceeds goes right back into our schools, supporting Wooden Hawk Foundation projects like the Evergreen High School Futures Center and Alumni Center. It’s a festival with purpose, powered by students and supported by the community,” she added.

This year’s Mountain Music lineup showcases a mix of homegrown Colorado talent to nationally touring acts. The 2025 line-up includes:

Sam Grisman Project with the Leslies (7:30-9 p.m.)

Led by bassist Sam Grisman, the Sam Grisman Project (SGP) brings together a talented group of friends to honor the musical legacy of Sam’s father, David “Dawg” Grisman, and his close collaborator, Jerry Garcia. SGP delivers intimate, high-energy acoustic performances around condenser mics, blending Garcia/Hunter classics, Dawg tunes, Dylan deep cuts, traditional folk, and original songs from the ensemble. 

Dominick Leslie & The Leslies (7:30-9 p.m.)

Dominick Leslie and his family band, The Leslies, will be joining the headline act, the Sam Grisman Project, for a special collaborative performance that celebrates the heart of American roots music. A proud Evergreen native, Dominick is the acclaimed mandolinist of the two-time Grammy Award-winning Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway. Raised in a musical household, he carries forward the rich bluegrass tradition of The Leslies, a Colorado family band known for their soulful harmonies and instrumental prowess. This rare appearance promises a powerful blend of legacy, talent, and musical kinship on stage.

Flobots (5:45-6:45 p.m.)

Denver’s own Flobots is an experimental hip-hop band formed in 2005 by Jamie Laurie. The band’s origins date back five years earlier to a similar project by Laurie. Flobots found mainstream success with their major label debut Fight with Tools (2007), featuring the single “Handlebars”, which became a popular hit on Modern Rock radio in April 2008. The band has released four studio albums and one EP, with their latest Noenemies being released in May 2017.

Christie Huff (4:15-5:00 p.m.)

Christie Huff blends heartfelt country songwriting with a pop-soul edge. Raised in Arizona and now based in LA, she maintains strong Nashville ties through frequent co-writing trips. Known across LA and Orange County, Christie performs both solo acoustic and with her band, having graced iconic venues like The Hotel Café, The Mint, and The Viper Room. Christie has opened 

for major acts including Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Kip Moore, Toby Keith, and Bebe Rexha. Splitting her time between LA and Nashville, she’s a regular performer and writer, recently featured on The Ty Bentli Show and Whiskey Jam.

YAN YEZ (2:45-3:30 p.m.)

YAN YEZ is the sound of chaos working in perfect harmony. Raw yet polished. Nostalgic yet forward-thinking. Fun but never frivolous. This Denver-based Indie Post-Pop band has made a name for itself as a genre-defying act.

Hand Turkey Band (1:15-2:00 p.m.)

Formed to stay sane during the 2020 quarantine, Hand Turkey’s ongoing mission is to bring audiences high-energy groove-centered tunes to get people moving. With an eclectic background ranging from jazz composition to musical theater, Hand Turkey’s sound is a fresh take on classic funk, soul, and pop. Hand Turkey released their debut EP in May 2022 and has been playing shows all over the state since. Past performances include packed and sold-out shows at the Lost Lake Lounge, Globe Hall, the Aggie Theatre, and Cervantes Otherside. They just released their debut LP, “Time & Time Again” streaming now on all platforms. Lead singer, Andy Seracuse was an Evergreen High School graduate.

Non-Prophet (12-12:30 p.m.)

Non-Prophet is a band of students from the local Morrison-Conifer area and winners of Conifer’s Got Talent. The contest, combined with Evergreen’s Got Talent, featured 32 musicians ages 8 to 19 who made up 19 musical acts. They competed to win slots in this summer’s Evergreen area music events, including Mountain Music Fest. 

Beyond the music, Mountain Music Fest focuses on what the event is centered around. The Community. The Mountain Music Fest is a celebration of student talent and diversity. Throughout the festival grounds, attendees will find booths featuring the myriad of student clubs, organizations, arts, and sports teams showcasing interests and engaging in interactive participation. 

There will be games, contests, and a wide variety of entertaining action. This includes an appearance from Mr. Goody Goody, the clown, who will be on hand creating magical balloon sculptures. Face painting from Lamar Lopez, the artist and owner of Fab Faces Entertainment. Guests can cool off with a splash at the Young Rotarians dunk tank. There will also be several delectable food and drink options available on site.

Tickets are currently on sale for this summer's event. General admission tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. Children’s tickets are available for ages 6-18 for $10 (on-site only). Children under 6 years old receive free entrance. Tickets can be purchased here. 

About Mountain Music Fest

Mountain Music Fest is a 9-hour celebration of music set against the stunning backdrop of Evergreen, Colorado. Attendees can immerse themselves in the scenic beauty of Evergreen as the outdoor stage transforms into a haven for music enthusiasts. The festival promises an unparalleled experience that goes beyond music. Proceeds from the event support students through the Wooden Hawk Foundation. For more information, please visit https://mountainmusicfest.org/. You can also follow along on social media on Instagram and Facebook. 

About Wooden Hawk Foundation

The mission of the Wooden Hawk Foundation is to provide ongoing support to the mountain community school system through charitable and educational initiatives. The organization is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and empowerment by offering mentoring programs, career counseling, and similar opportunities that enrich the lives and educational experiences of students within the area. The foundation is committed to making a positive and lasting impact, nurturing the growth and development of both the community and the school system. For more information, please visit https://woodenhawkfoundation.org/. More details can be found on the organization’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

PRO MUSICA COLORADO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA'S SEASON OPENING CONCERT

Celebrating Women Among Men in the Classical Music World with violinist Yumi Hwang-Williams.

Boulder and Denver, Colorado—Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra (PMC) opens their Classical Evolution season with a concert that celebrates the ever-evolving addition of women in classical music, as artists, conductors, and composers.

Women Among Men, takes place on Saturday, September 22nd, 7:30 pm at Central Presbyterian Church (1660 Sherman St, Denver, CO), and on Sunday, September 23^rd, 2:00 pm at Mountain View United Methodist Church (355 Ponca Place, Boulder, CO). The concert features violinist Yumi Hwang-Williams, concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, in Haydn’s Violin Concerto in C Major.

“Yumi Hwang-Williams, concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony, is a musician of perfectly balanced intelligence and passion. This is ideal for Haydn and we look forward to our third collaboration, ” says Cynthia Katsarelis, Music Director and Conductor of PMC, and the only woman conductor of a professional orchestra in the Front Range area.

Also on the program is Bach’s Die Schätzbarkeit der weiten Erde. PMC teams up with Yumi and local favorite, soprano Amanda Balestrieri, for this gorgeous Bach aria for soprano and solo violin. The program opens with Mozart’s Serenade No. 6 for Orchestra in D major K. 239, Serenata notturna, which was written for two orchestras. A quartet of the principal strings joins the PMC smaller string orchestra, along with timpani. To round out the celebration, Polish composer and violin virtuoso Grayżna Bacewicz’s Concerto for String Orchestra (1948) provides a Neo-Classical elements and further recognition of women composers in classical music.

"She wrote this just after World War II as her work was beginning to evolve beyond neoclassicism," says Katsarelis.

Ticket prices for Classical Evolution – 2018-2019 Season: $35 General, $25 Seniors, $5 Students, $55 Supporters. Subscriptions for the three concerts save 20% off the regular prices. Groups save 15% when you purchase 10 or more Adult tickets for the performance. Tickets are available online at: www.promusicacolorado.org. For more information, or to purchase tickets by phone, call: 720-443-0565.

Concert at a Glance - Photos and Full Bios available upon request

Photos and bios of guest artists provided at: http://www.promusicacolorado.org/press-kit/

Women Among Men
Saturday, September 22, 7:30 pm – Central Presbyterian Church, 1660 Sherman St, Denver, CO 80203

Sunday, September 23, 2:00 pm – Mountain View United Methodist Church, 355 Ponca Place, Boulder, CO 80303

Yumi Hwang-Williams, violinist
Amanda Balestrieri, soprano
Cynthia Katsarelis, conductor

Program:
Wolfgang A. Mozart Serenade No. 6 for Orchestra in D major K. 239, Serenata notturna

Grażyna Bacewicz Concerto for String Orchestra

Franz Joseph Haydn Violin Concerto in C Major

Johann Sebastian Bach Die Schätzbarkeit der weiten Erde

Ticket prices to for the Classical Evolution - 2018-2019 Season: $35 General, $5 Students, $55 (supporter ticket). Subscriptions for the three concerts save 20% off the regular prices. Groups save 15% when you purchase 10 or more Adult tickets for the performance. Tickets and subscriptions are available online at: www.promusicacolorado.org. For more information, or to purchase tickets by phone, call: 720-443-0565.

About Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra and Cynthia Katsarelis, Music Director and Conductor

Now in its sixth season, Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra has many of Colorado’s finest musicians, and is committed to impassioned performances of repertoire ranging from the classic to the cutting edge.

Cynthia Katsarelis has conducted with the Cincinnati Symphony, Pops and May Festival, the Greensboro (N.C.) Symphony, and many professional, college, and youth orchestras. She has assisted James Conlon, Keith Lockhart, Erich Kunzel and Michael Christie. Most recently she conducted the Colorado Music Festival’s Young People’s Concerts. Katsarelis is a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University, with degrees in both violin and conducting. READ MORE

About Yumi Hwang-Williams, violin

Yumi Hwang-Williams made her debut at the age of fifteen as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, six years after emigrating from South Korea. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, she is known today both for her stylish performances of the classics and her commitment to the works of present-day composers. STRINGS magazine calls her ‘a modern Prometheus’ who has ‘emerged as a fiery champion of contemporary classical music.’ Her interpretations of concertos by Tomas Adès, Aaron Jay Kernis, Michael Daugherty, and Christopher Rouse have earned critical acclaim as well as enthusiastic approval from the composers. Yumi is a frequent soloist with the Colorado Symphony… READ MORE

About Amanda Balestrieri, soprano

Born in Harrogate, England, Amanda has an illustrious performance background in London, Europe and the United States, where her singing has been described in the press as “unusually versatile,” “gorgeous,” and “absolutely divine” (Washington Post, Times Union Saratoga NY, Washington Review). She began her music studies at the age of four, and enjoyed early success as a pianist, violinist, and soprano soloist. Balestrieri received her B.A./M.A. in Modern Languages from Oxford University and studied voice in London and Milan. She sang with the Academy Chorus of St. Martin in the Fields under Sir Neville Marriner and was a regular soloist in contemporary music with James Wood’s New London Chamber Choir… READ MORE

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WHEN: THIS Saturday, July 9, 2022 

6:00pm MTN

WHERE: Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary

3470 County Road 7, Erie, CO 80516 USA

WHAT: The Luvin Arms Compassion Carnival will be a unique experience allowing the community to  enjoy an incredible array of fun-filled activities around animals. Community members will enjoy carnival rides, games, and snuggles with the beloved animal residents of Luvin Arms. There will be food trucks, live music, glass blowing demos, and much more.

WHO: Community members of all walks of life

LEARN Press Release

MORE: About the Luvin Arms Carnival

CONTACT: Juli Arnold

Marketing and Communications Manager

juli@luvinarms.org

720-515-8577

This past weekend, Boulder based bluegrass band Bowregard took first place in the Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Contest. They were selected out of hundreds of interested bands from around the country to play in a preliminary round of 12 bands and became 1 of 4 bands to make it to the finals where they performed for a panel of judges on the Main Stage at the festival this past weekend. At the end of the finals, they came out on top and won $750, a set on the Main Stage at Telluride Bluegrass Festival in 2020 and an EP recording package from eTown Hall and mastering from Airshow Boulder. Past winners of the contest include The Dixie Chicks, Greensky Bluegrass, Front Country and many more well known bands.

Bowregard consists of Max Kabat (guitar, vocals), James Armington (banjo, vocals), Colleen Heine (fiddle, vocals), Zach Smith (upright bass, vocals) and Justin Konrad (resophonic guitar).

She was supposed to be a biomedical engineer, and by some twisted tragedy, Meghan became a singer/songwriter. How did this happen? She only knew a G chord on the guitar, yet the music and lyrics came in between the space of the sorrow she was experiencing.  She wasn't a musician.  Was she?

On the Way to the Waterfall is Meghan Cary's personal story.  She is a Billboard Magazine Newcomer pick and her debut album made it in the top 10 along with John Hiatt's that year.

You can check out all about Meghan via her website: http://www.meghancary.com

Back to my review.  Please suspend your judgement.  In all honesty, I am helping out this show at the 2014 Fringe Festival.  I will say that I am an avid arts fan just like anyone else, and I have been Fringing since 2006.  I have to say that this was one of the best Fringe shows I have experienced.  Maybe it is because, this time, it was personal.

My family went through a similar tragedy.  I got the call, I remember it being at around two in the afternoon, that my sister was in a car accident. I was hoping beyond hope that they were not riding their motorcycles that day. I barely got out the words to ask if she was okay, and the officer knew I was having trouble. He said she is going to be okay. My sister was in intensive care. I asked about her significant other, the officer quietly said, he didn't make it.

During the show, there was a scene that was extremely raw and powerful.  It was in that moment I was hit with all the emotion I know my sister had gone through.  It was anger at experiencing a loss when no loved one was around to help support the intense heavy load, and I lost it.  I knew in that moment what my sister had gone through. I never truly got it, what it was like before I could get to the hospital, until Meghan acted out her personal experience.  I am thankful I brought some tissues.

Another moment that had me breathe in, the grasping at the reason why this happened.  In a simple instant, "Oh."

The ending got me as well.  This show was well acted, professionally directed, fast flowing, and the music is demonstratively healing, as the part of the music truly was in Meghan's life.  

So please, suspend judgement.  Of course I want this show to succeed.  I will say as the role of another arts attendee, this show is a must see.  At least give yourself the opportunity to witness a gifted talent, Meghan Cary, while you have this chance.  

SCHEDULE: Thu, Sep 18 @2PM; Fri, Sep 19 @8:30PM; Sun, Sep 21 @4PM; Tue, Sep 23 @7:30PM; Wed, Sep 24 @5:30PM; Sat, Sep 27 @4PM
VENUE: Carsen Theater at The Dairy Center for the Arts (2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO)
TICKETS: $12/$10 general/students & seniors
TICKET DEALS: 2-for-1 discount, Bring 4 Friends get your ticket FREE, Group Rate - $2 off each ticket for 10+!

For information and to purchase tickets: http://bit.ly/hypotheticaltheatre

YouTube: http://youtu.be/9g2i9IVtVRc

Violinist Vadim Gluzman will be joined by Boulder piano virtuoso David Korevaar for “Italian Influences,” part of the Presenting Series on Tuesday, July 19th. Gluzman and Korevaar will team up to perform César Franck’s familiar, canonic Violin Sonata – a prayerful, passionate tribute to love. In Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’sPiedigrotta 1924 for solo piano, Korevaar goes it alone to reveal the rhapsodic nuances of Neapolitan folk music. In turn, a sextet of Colorado Music Festival string players come together to show off the contrapuntal prowess of Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in his “Souvenir de Florence,” initially sketched by the composer while visiting Florence.

Zeitouni's thoughts, “ Let’s not forget that Vadim Gluzman is a Russian trained musician. He’s actually Ukrainian, but the music of Tchaikovsky that’s he’s going to play in this program is the music that is his bones, in his DNA. I think the program itself is very well balanced with the two of them performing the Franck, which is a short sonata but really poetic, really pure. It’s a true dialogue between two souls.”

Program: Franck Violin Sonata in A Major, Castelnuovo-Tedesco Piedigrotta 1924, Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence

Tickets for this concert are $12.00 - $45.00 ($9.00 - $42.00 Concert Member) for 7/19 and can be purchased online at www.comusic.org or www.chautauqua.com, in person at the Chautauqua Box Office (900 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO) or over the phone by calling 303-440-7666. Free Hop 2 Chautauqua shuttle is available for this concert.

Boulder High Presents an Evening of Art and Music May 5th

Additional Music Preformances on May 3, 10 & 12

Visual Arts

The Boulder High School 2011 Spring Art Show will be on display at the school Thursday, May 5, from 4:30 p.m.  – 7:00.  The public is invited to this display of drawing, painting, photography and pottery.  Boulder High School is located at 1604 Arapahoe Avenue in Boulder, just east of Broadway.  Admission is free.

Boulder High School’s Visual Arts Department has been recognized both locally and nationally as training students to produce a wide variety of both skillful and innovative art.  Boulder High School students won fourteen awards encompassing 42 pieces of art in the 2010 Regional Scholastic Art Awards, a state and national art competition that was established in 1923 to foster the creative development of teens across the country.  Recent shows of the students’ art have been in the Denver Art Museum (sponsored by the Rotary Club of Denver), the Boulder Public Library Teen Art Space and A Collaborative Exhibition by BVSD Art Teachers and High School Students at the Dairy.

At the BHS Art Show, there will be student artists demonstrating their art--throwing pots, drawing caricatures, and doing serious drawing as well.  They will share their enthusiasm and passion for art with budding elementary and middle-school aged artists. 

Teachers in the Visual Arts Department are Virginia Schick (Painting and Drawing), Kate Villarreal (Pottery) and David Blessing (Photography).  They can be reached at 720-561- 2216, 2316 or 2217, respectively.

Music

In addition to Visual Arts, the Boulder High School Music Department will present a concert featuring its Bands and Wind Ensembles beginning at 7 pm on May 5th in the Auditorium.  This is a great opportunity for the community to see art and hear amazing music performed by very talented students.  All are welcome to attend the concert.  Admission is free. 

As a means of encouraging 5^th Grade Instrumental Music students to continue playing, BHS will also be hosting the Elementary Orchestra and Band Festivals on May 3 & 5.  “By getting students to experience the musical culture at Boulder High we hope they are inspired to continue playing through high school and beyond” noted Dr. Katharine Mason, BHS Orchestra Director.  “This is a great opportunity for Art and Music to come together and inspire both young and older community members”, noted Tom Horst. BHS  Band Director. 

Boulder High School Music Department will feature performances by the following groups on the following dates in the BHS Auditorium.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Admission is free but donations for the BHS Music Education Scholarship fund are graciously accepted.

May 3              Elementary Orchestra Festival Concert             6:00pm            Auditorium

                       BHS Orchestra Concert                                   7:00pm            Auditorium

May 5              Student Art Show                                            4:30-7pm         BHS Library

                       Elementary Band Festival Concert                    6:00 pm           Auditorium    

                       Band Concert                                                  7:00pm            Auditorium

May 10            Jazz Band Concert                                          7:00pm            Court Yard

May 12            Choir Concert                                                  7:00pm            Court Yard

Teachers in the Boulder High Music Program are Tom Horst (Jazz), Beau Bryson (Band) Dr. Katherine Mason (Orchestra) and Su

Tom Horst (Jazz) 720-561-2227 tom.horst@bvsd.org, Beau Bryson (Band)720-561-2299 beau.bryson@bvsd.org  Dr. Katharine Mason (Orchestra) 720-561-2212 kipmason89@aol.com,  Susan Kullman (Choir) 720-561-2230 susan.kullman@bvsd.org  

Submitted by

Cathy Faughnan  cathyfaughnan@gmail.com  music

Tamah Matejka  tamah.matejka@qwest.com art

Please call for questions.  See attached photos

Action Theater creator Ruth Zaporah to teach at Boulder International Fringe Festival

The Boulder International Fringe Festival is right around the corner, and along with hundreds of performances in theatre, music, dance, film, and poetry, the Fringe is bringing innovative arts education to the Front Range. Headlining this year’s workshop lineup is Ruth Zaporah, who is best known as the creator of Action Theater, an improvisational physical theater training and performance method.  She is also a performer, teacher, author, and Cultural Envoy for the U.S.State Department.

Zaporah’s workshop for the Boulder Fringe Festival, “A Splendid Moment,” teaches the fundamentals of Action Theater, which Zaporah describes as a “disciplined exploration of embodied exercises that lead to increased skills of strong, clear, spontaneous, and artful communication.”  Although Action Theater is often employed by professional theater artists, Zaporah emphasizes that the practice is equally valuable for anyone who wishes to experience greater self-awareness and sense of playfulness.

In addition to Zaporah’s workshop, this year’s Learning Fringe offers workshops in physical comedy, self-scripting, and music, including “Embodying Rhythm,” a body percussion workshop with Jim Santi Owen, the director of the San Francisco World Music Festival.  Local teachers are represented as well, including Boulder favorite square product theatre, with a workshop on crafting personal stories.  Several of the workshops are appropriate for teens and kids, including “Using All Our Voices”, a multi-generational workshop that invites kids and grandparents alike to come and play, offering improvisation and theatre games, movement and music.

While most workshops take place on Naropa University’s campus in downtown Boulder, the Learning Fringe also extends to the University of Colorado, in a collaboration with CU’s theatre and dance department.

According to Cynthia Ward, the Fringe Festival’s workshops coordinator, “the Fringe Festival is great, because it’s an opportunity to see a wide variety of theatre, music, and dance professionals from around the U.S. and the world, right here in Boulder.  But, the Learning Fringe is special because it’s a chance for folks who are usually in the audience to participate and be creative themselves.  We strive to create a line-up of workshops that are appropriate for all levels of experience, from the curious beginner to professional artists.”

All Fringe Workshops:

Aug 18-21 A Splendid Moment – Action Theater with Ruth Zaporah

Aug 20 Embodying Rhythm – Body Percussion with Jim Santi Owen

Aug 22 The Art of Clowning Around – Physical Comedy with Jenn Zuko Boughn

Aug 27 Using All Our Voices – Multi-generational Creativity with The Catamounts Performance Group

Aug 27 Your Own, Glorious Life – Personal storytelling with square product theatre

Registration and Information: For full descriptions of the workshops and other Festival events, visit www.boulderfringe.com, and to register for the workshops contact workshops@boulderfringe.com or call 303-803-5643.

Registration fees for the workshops vary, with sliding scale, suggested donation, or scholarship options available for most workshops.

PRO MUSICA COLORADO and ST. MARTIN'S CHAMBER CHOIR - THE CHRISTMAS ORATORIO

Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra and St. Martin's Chamber Choir collaborate
Critically acclaimed soloists for J.S.Bach's rarely performed Christmas Oratorio

Boulder, Colo.— Pro Musica Colorado Chamber Orchestra and St. Martin’s Chamber Choir are excited to present two rare performances of one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s greatest masterpieces, The Christmas Oratorio. The concerts take place on December 2 at the Saint Paul Lutheran Church (1600 Grant Street, Denver) and December 3 at the First United Methodist Church (1421 Spruce Street, Boulder), both starting at 7:30 pm (pre-concert talk at 6:30 pm).

“Bach's Christmas Oratorio is as popular in Germany as Handel’s Messiah is here. It is the least heard of Bach's 4-5 great choral/orchestral masterpieces,” said Timothy Krueger, Artistic Director of St. Martin's Chamber Choir. Bach's Christmas Oratorio tells the whole Nativity Story. Although most performances only include segments of this piece, this time the Oratorio will be performed in its entirety (only repeats are cut) by two of the region's finest professional ensembles.

“It’s a work with significant virtuoso and stylistic demands of the choir, soloists, and orchestra, said Cynthia Katsarelis, Music Director and Conductor of Pro Musica Colorado. “Bach used every resource at his disposal to convey the drama of story, along with personal responses and reflections on the ‘action.’” The work features an astonishing variety of styles, sometimes combining elements of the Italian concerto (like Vivaldi) and Italian opera. The story is told from various points of view, including that of the shepherds. “The music is truly awesome, and it is especially delightful to present it in the holiday season.”

The last complete performance in this region was 18 years ago. “We are very excited about this great masterpiece and the wonderful team of collaborators,” said Katsarelis. Both of the directors will share the podium. The two ensembles are pleased to present solo singers with national reputations in the performance of the music of Bach: Amanda Balestrieri, soprano; Marjorie Bunday, alto; Jacob Sentgeorge, tenor; Robert W. Tudor, bass.

Ticket prices to The Christmas Oratorio: $35 Premium (sold out in Denver), $24 General Admission, $5 Student. Tickets are available online at: www.promusicacolorado.org, or www.StMartinsChamberChoir.org. For further information, or to purchase tickets by phone, call: 720-443-0565.