Pictures from Opening Night!

Here are some pictures from Opening Night! More to come...

Krannert Center Opening Night! Tonight 5pm-11pm!

Opening Night: Grupo Fantasma



When the doors swing free on opening night, prepare for a convergence of contagious energy, fabulously funky sounds, and widespread glee in a swirling global bazaar. This is the night to slip on your best dancing shoes, because the main event, Grupo Fantasma, will serve up an unclassifiable orchestral fusion of global music with funk roots and infectious Latin rhythms that simply dares you to rush the dance floor. The Village Voicewarns that these musicians will "knock you down with their grooves." But not to worry—as the night jams on, hit the refueling stations inside the tented amphitheatre, where you can refresh in the night air while listening to the I-Pan Steel Drums and choose your favorite savory or sweet treat from a bevy of local vendors, including Moonstruck Chocolates, Blues BBQ, Manolo's, Great Harvest Bread Company, Papa George Restaurant, Siam Terrace, and Biaggi's Restaurant.

Then, head back inside to discover DJ Bris, mendhi art, facepainting, and a huge community mural that will live on in the lobby for weeks after opening night. And don't forget to stop by the 40 North/88 West table to learn about free membership in the Champaign County Arts Council.



Tickets are $5 OR you can always volunteer to work for the event and get in for free! Just email Nicole at nleupp2@illinois.edu to see if there are any spots left.







Picture courtesy of:
www.abctvgorehill.com.au

The Builders Association: Continuous City, World Premiere

The Builders Association: Continuous City, World Premiere

Marianne Weems, director

The Builders Association has twice engaged Krannert Center audiences with its seamless integration of technology in the theatrical performances of Aladeen (2002) and Super Vision (2006). Now, these artists return to ask, “What does it mean to be constantly connected, and how does it alter our sense of distance, intimacy, and the world around us?”

In 2008, Krannert Center is proud to be a lead commissioner and premiere presenter of Continuous City, a provocative piece that explores social networks and the connectivity of our increasingly global society through the lives of one traveling father and his daughter back at home (portrayed by Champaign-Urbana native Caroline O’Neill).

Through electronic connection and with many characters, the father weaves a fanciful bedtime story for his daughter into a cityscape drawn from many corners of the world. The show reaches directly into Champaign-Urbana through a participatory website and on-site filming to create a global and local production. Continuous City is about people far from home. Continuous City is where we live now.


Friday, September 19 at 7:30pm
Colwell Playhouse

Flex: 33 / SC 28 / Stu 23 / UI & Yth 18
Single: 35 / SC 30 / Stu 25 / UI & Yth 20

Remember, you can buy tickets online!www.Krannertcenter.com

Show page and original graphic from website
http://www.krannertcenter.com/performances/details.asp?elementID=22859

Reprinted with permission.

KCSA Dock Party! Maybe not that kind of dock...

KCSA just wanted to stress what a great opportunity it is for you to meet KCPA staff and mingle. Plus, it's a cook out with FREE food and is always quite tasty. See you there!

Next Wednesday, September 10 is our annual fall Dock Party - a chance to meet, great, and eat on the loading dock. Come hungry and meet other folks who work or play in our Krannert Center community. Please spread the word. All faculty, staff, and students are welcome.

Dock Party
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Loading Dock
3:30-5:30 p.m.

Hope to see you there!

Info and location of the Loading Dock:

Level 2 provides backstage access to all four theatres. It is also where you'll find our loading dock, which can accommodate two 45-foot semi-trailers inside the building.


Image credit:
http://www.rg-inc.com/Images/loading%20dock.jpg

Happy Labor Day from KCSA!

Welcome back to school! Everyone from KCSA's Administrative Board hopes everyone had a good first week and is enjoying the end of their Labor Day weekend!

You are now viewing our online blog/newsletter known as Callboard! My name is Eric Gordon and I help to update this page with the most up to date information, pictures and video. My concern is also to make sure your voice as a member is important to us. We value your time and love that you have considered be a part of KCSA. Our wonderful secretary Vanessa Bordo has information below that you should definately read. There is info on our upcoming meetings, social events and volunteer opportunities with many of them starting this week. Take a break and watch a movie with us tomorrow night at 7pm at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts!

A trailer for the Goonies from Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWgc8Ute2tU



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Hello interested KCSAers!
I know, I can't believe our first week has gone by already, but it's time for another KCSA Notes installment! The beginning of the email will be almost the same as last week's; I'm including it for the new members. HOWEVER, there are great new opportunities, so keep scrolling!


Included info:
This week KCSA events
Movie night Sept 2, Frisbee Sept 3
Murder Mystery Auditions-Sept 3, 5
General Meeting-Sept 4
Volunteer Info
Tour Guide Training Sept 8, Certification Sept 14 and Scheduling
Costume Shop Sale-Sept 13
Opening Night-Sept 18
Join our administrative board!


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KCSA will be holding a movie night on Sept 2 at 7pm in the Festival Green Room (look for KCSA members in the lobby to direct you). Come to see "The Goonies," relax after your first few days of class, meet other KCSAers, or just gorge yourself on the popcorn!


On Sept 3 at 7pm, you can join current KCSA members on the quad for a little Frisbee. We'll meet outside Foellinger Auditorium on the Quad, bring a friend and enjoy!


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Come audition for our first Murder Mystery Party!


Unlike past years that used the traditional dinner-theater format, this event will feature guests mingling in cocktail-party style, then interrupted by a shocking murder. Our actors will be among them planting hints and guiding the plot. We'd love for you to be one of them!


Auditions are from 6-8p on both Sept 3 and Sept 5
Only pick ONE of these nights to audition, come any time, and plan to stay for about 30 min. Bring something to write with and anyone else you can convince to audition with you! We'll be asking you improv questions in character (we'll provide details from the play), so don't worry about a monologue etc. Hope to see you there!


We're also accepting applications for tech directing, producing, and other behind-the-scenes positions. Feel free to visit our website and apply, we'd love to have you! Yet another wonderful way to get experience or stay involved in the arts at school.


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Review of General Meeting Info for those new to our listserv:

The First General Meeting of the year will be Sept 4 at 6pm in the Great Hall
We'll provide you with more info on how to register if you'd like to become a member AND there will be your first chance to sign up to usher some of the amazing shows at Krannert. That said, here're the details from our lovely ushering ladies:


Ushering Opportunities
There will be manual sign ups at the General Meeting on Sept. 4. The manual sign ups will be for the shows from Sept. 19 - Oct. 5. It's first come, first serve so come early if you really want to see certain shows. The performance list should be up on the KCSA website soon athttp://kcsawww.kcpa.uiuc.edu/Ushering/Shows/ or you can look at the calendar at kcpa.uiuc.edu. After the General Meeting, registration will open up for the remaining shows. We will have a training session for new ushers immediately after the General Meeting. YOU MUST BE TRAINED BEFORE YOU CAN USHER ANY OF THE SHOWS AT KRANNERT.

If you are a supervisor (have over 25 points, been trained already), we will have our Supervisor Meeting on Tuesday Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. Location is TBA for now. This is ONLY for existing supervisors.


If you have ushered before, please check your points, http://kcsawww.kcpa.uiuc.edu/Ushering/Assignments/. If you see a mistake, please send us an email to kcsa-ushering@kcpa.uiuc.edu


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List of manual sign up shows:


Day Date Venue Call Time Event (Start Time) R/G Number


Fri 9/19 CPH 6:30 PM MARQUEE: The Builders Association: Continuous City (7:30 pm) R 8001
Fri 9/19 FGH 6:30 PM SOM: U. of I. Symphony Orchestra (7:30 pm) G 8003
Sat 9/20 FGH 6:30 PM CUSO: Schubert: The Great C Major (7:30 pm) R 8006
Sat 9/20 TFT 6:30 PM MARQUEE: Pygmalion Music Festival: Yo La Tengo (7:30 pm) R 8009 Tue 9/23 FGH 6:15 PM MARQUEE: Chicago Symphony Orchestra (7:30 pm) R 8012
Thu 9/25 STH 6:45 PM THEATRE: Well (7:30 pm) R 8015
Fri 9/26 TFT 6:30 PM MARQUEE: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (7:30 pm) R 8021
Fri 9/26 STH 6:45 PM THEATRE: Well (7:30 pm) R 8024
Sat 9/27 CPH 11:00 AM MARQUEE: Bang on a Can Marathon (12:00 pm) R 8027
first shift: 11am-2pm
second shift: 2pm - 5pm
third shift: 5pm - 8pm
fourth shift: 8pm - 11pm
Sat 9/27 STH 6:45 PM THEATRE: Well (7:30 pm) R 8030
Sat 9/27 FGH 2:00 PM SOM: Concert Band 1 and Symphonic Band 2 (3:00 pm) G 8033
Sun 9/28 FGH 2:00 PM SOM: Concert Band 1 and Symphonic Band 2 (3:00 pm) G 8036
Wed 10/1 STH 6:45 PM THEATRE: Well (7:30 pm) R 8039
Thu 10/2 FGH 6:15 PM MARQUEE: Sphinx Chamber Orchestra (7:30 pm) R 8042
Thu 10/2 STH 6:45 PM THEATRE: Well (7:30 pm) R 8045
Fri 10/3 TFT 6:30 PM MARQUEE: Druid Theatre Company (7:30 pm) R 8048
Fri 10/3 STH 6:45 PM THEATRE: Well (7:30 pm) R 8051
Sat 10/4 FGH 6:30 PM SOM: Sinfonia da Camera (7:30 pm) G 8054
Sat 10/4 TFT 6:30 PM MARQUEE: Druid Theatre Company (7:30 pm) R 8057
Sat 10/4 STH 6:45 PM THEATRE: Well (7:30 pm) R 8060
Sun 10/5 STH 2:15 PM THEATRE: Well (3:00 pm)




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Our First Volunteer Opportunities of the Season!


Become a tour guide!


Info from our very own Tours Director Steve:
The tours department needs your help! We need tour guides for this upcoming semester. And therefore, there will be a TOURS TRAINING NIGHT on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH AT 7pm. This should take about an hour, and you will learn everything you need to know to be a tour guide. Then for a follow-up to the training night, there will be a TOURS CERTIFICATION night, on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 AT 4 pm. The certification night is so that the new tour guides can show that they indeed can give a tour and to make sure that they are comfortable in doing so. If you would like to be a tour guide but can't make one of those dates, email the tours department and arrangements can be made to find a time to get you trained.

For the already certified tour guides, we need your help too! If you would like to give the daily tour on pretty much any day of the week, email the tours department and we can get that arranged.

The following is a list of tours that are currently scheduled and are somewhat on the radar.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, DAILY TOUR. Need one tour guide.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16. The School of Music has its open house on this day and there will be a couple of tours throughout the day.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18. OPENING NIGHT!!! The Krannert Center would like to offer tours to the patrons attending the opening night festivities, and so we need one or two tour guides for this night. There will most likely be two tours, one at 6 pm and one at 8 pm, but those times have yet to be finalized.

And remember, for every 4 daily tours that you give, and every 2 special tours, you earn a pair of complimentary tickets to pretty much any show of your choice. See everyone on September 8th for tours training!

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If you are interested in volunteering at any of the times listed below, please email Courtney Egg at cegg@illinois.edu. She is the Krannert Center Patron Services Director and will be compiling the volunteer lists and needs your info. And of course, don't hesitate to email me (or Courtney) with any questions. Also, if you could copy me in your email so I'm up-to-date with the volunteers, I'd appreciate it!


The Krannert Costume Shop Sale-Sept 13
In the Studio Theater from 8a to 5p. 2 comp tickets will be given to each volunteer.


9a to 12n (2 ticket takers and 3 floaters)-5 volunteers
12:30p to 4p (3 floaters)-3 volunteers


The morning portion of the sale is TICKETED at $3 per ticket, one as a fundraiser and two as incentive to shop early. The afternoon portion is free and open to the public. Volunteers are also welcome to shop beginning at 8a as an added bonus... shop before the sale is open to the public! This will involve a lot of standing and walking and not much downtime. The sale is quite popular. OR, if you can't devote the volunteer time, just come and shop with us. The Krannert Center costume shop creates world-class costumes that you could own!


Opening Night -Sept 18
As a thank you, volunteers will receive 5 FREE food/drink tickets, redeemable at Intermezzo.


Our volunteer needs include:


Ticket Table volunteers - 8 volunteers per shift
Shift 1: 5p - 8:30p
Shift 2: 8:30p - 11:30p


Tour Guides - 2 TRAINED guides per tour
6p tour
8p tour


"Bootie Call"/Interactive Paint Project - 2 to 4 volunteers per shift
Shift 1: 5:30p - 7p
Shift 2: 7p - 8:30p
Shift 3: 8:30p - 10p


Name Writers - 2 volunteers per shift
Shift 1: 5:30p - 7p
Shift 2: 7p - 8:30p
Shift 3: 8:30p - 10p


Face Painting/Mendhi - 2 volunteers per shift
Shift 1: 5:30p - 7p
Shift 2: 7p - 8:30p
Shift 3: 8:30p - 10p


40 North/88 West photo booth - 2 volunteers per shift
Shift 1: 5:30p - 7p
Shift 2: 7p - 8:30p
Shift 3: 8:30p - 10p


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Adboard Elections:


All of the departments I have mentioned throughout the email (and more!), such as Tours, Tech, Community Outreach, Marketing, Computers, Activities have openings in our administrative board. It's a great way to get more involved in the management side of KCSA, work with the Krannert Center staff, and meet some new friends! Applications for all of these positions can be found on the KCSA website at http://kcsawww.kcpa.uiuc.edu/. Just email it to me by Sept 11 with the completed application and we'll contact you with an interview time for Sept 14. Again we'd like to stress, no experience necessary!
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Okay, I promise that these emails will get shorter at one point. At least the info is all-in-one to avoid inbox clogging. Thanks for the enthusiasm and interest!


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_______________________________________

Vanessa Bordo, University of Illinois
Senior: International Studies, French
Krannert Center Student Association Secretary
Global Studies & French Film Festival Intern

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Krannert Center Student Association
Room 2-402, Production Level
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Phone: 217-333-3550
Email: kcsa@uiuc.edu
http://www.kcsa.uiuc.edu/

WIMSE at FAR 8/20, from 1-4 pm

Come stop by Florida Ave Residence Halls today (8/20) until 4pm where WIMSE will be going on and you will be able to meet members of KCSA!

Krannert Uncorked!

We're listening...
Call to Musicians

Krannert Uncorked wine tastings
in Krannert Center’s lobby—for
consideration to perform between
October 2008 and August 2009,
send a CD with at least three
selections and group description
by September 2 to:

Tammey Kikta
Krannert Center
500 S Goodwin Ave
Urbana, IL 61801
Acts should be acoustic or low-tech.
Music will be featured at the first
and third tastings of each month, on
Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm.
Please include your name, day
and evening phone numbers, and
e-mail address.
Payment of $75 for first musician,
$50 each additional musician.
Thanks for your interest!

For More Fun at Research Park...

Here's a link for pictures at research park:

http://www.researchpark.uiuc.edu/uploads/gallery/gallery1/

Press Release from Krannert Center

KRANNERT CENTER AND FOX/ATKINS PRESENT
OUTSIDE AT THE RESEARCH PARK
July 11 and 25, August 8 at 7:30pm


Krannert Center for the Performing Arts again joins forces with Fox/Atkins Development LLC for a three-show series of summer concerts at the U of I Research Park. All three concerts are free and open to the public. OUTSIDE at the Research Park is a joint project that plays upon a simple concept: great music, fresh food, a green state of mind, and an open, relaxed environment. The performance space and seating area are located just south of the building at the corner of First Street and St. Mary’s Road in Champaign. The tree-lined, grassy space hosted thousands of audience members during the inaugural 2007 series, which featured Funkadesi, Patty Larkin, and The Greencards. The 2008 series will welcome Rosie Ledet and The Zydeco Playboys (July 11), global fusion artists Bandoleros (July 25), and bluegrass rockers the South Austin Jug Band (August 8).


Come Together
Laura Frerichs of Fox/Atkins Development remarks that the concert series is a wonderful opportunity to share the amenities of the Research Park with the greater community and also provides a diverse cultural outlet for those who work within the facilities. Professionals and entrepreneurs in the technology community are innovators and appreciate the arts as another outlet for creativity.

Krannert Center director Mike Ross calls Fox/Atkins Development, which has been a longtime sponsor of the Center, “a valued partner” who “understands the importance of collaborative enterprises across community sectors.” Ross adds that the Center is “pleased to be continuing this relationship by providing programming and marketing support in order to share the communal experience of live, outdoor music with others.”


Krannert Center’s senior associate director Rebecca McBride notes that an important facet of the OUTSIDE at the Research Park series is to “celebrate the unique and rich community in which we live and to bring attention to the amazing people and organizations that collectively make Central Illinois such a special place." The 2008 OUTSIDE series will introduce a new initiative in which attention is focused on a community service group. This year, the Eastern Illinois Foodbank will receive proceeds from the sales of eco-friendly, 100% recycled cotton bags. Krannert Center’s commitment to community can also be seen in its ongoing efforts to reduce waste, decrease energy consumption, and provide environmentally friendly services to patrons. McBride observes that “these vital initiatives have been furthered at OUTSIDE, where we’ll again offer biodegradable containers and utensils, easy-to-access recycling bins, and marketing materials printed on recycled paper.”





Performances

Friday, July 11 at 7:30pm
Rosie Ledet and The Zydeco Playboys
This Church Point, Louisiana, native is the real deal when it comes to the southern Louisiana tradition of zydeco music, but she’s not afraid to throw in a good dose of R&B and a dash of country to mix with her soulfully husky voice and her impressive accordion chops. Ledet’s warm stage presence and infectious Creole-tinged beats have earned her one of the few female spots on the crawfish circuit, and along with that spot have come many accolades, including those from Offbeat Magazine’s “Best of the Best,” as Best Zydeco Performer, Best New Zydeco Performer, and Best Vocalist.
Opening act John Hoeffler begins at 6:30pm



Friday, July 25 at 7:30pm
Bandoleros
So you think you’re not a dancer? When the Bandoleros open up their trove of flamenco rhythms, Middle Eastern melodies, and Latin fire, you’ll want to change your ways and let the music sweep you up into the night air. The quartet has opened for such diverse greats as Tito Puente and Liquid Soul and claims their own divergent roots in Assyria, Venezuela, Cuba, Ecuador, and Russia. Though at times you’ll swear you’re hearing the Gipsy Kings (the Kings’ Patchai is a frequent collaborator), Bandoleros offer up a not-so-subtle blend of cultural influences as they perform in a sextet of languages that evoke warm nights, lively cafes, far-flung destinations, and the allure of an evening spent under the stars.
Opening act Brandon T. Washington begins at 6:30pm



Friday, August 8 at 7:30pm
South Austin Jug Band
The South Austin Jug Band has a sound that melds finger-picking bluegrass with a bit of rock bass, some driving electric guitar, the occasional surprise of digital looping—and no jug player. The dueling fiddles on sweet melancholy ballads like “Come to Me” season saucier instrumentals like “Po’ Boys in the Glovebox,” and you’re sure to love the upbeat covers from diverse artists like Beck, from whom the band’s gleaned the title for its latest release, Strange Invitation.
Opening act Kayla Brown begins at 6:30pm



Location, Parking, and Services

These concerts will be held just southwest of Assembly Hall on First Street in the Research Park. Free parking is available in the lot south of the Caterpillar/SAIC Building at 1901 South First Street.

All concerts begin at 7:30pm (headline band) with a 6:30pm start time for the opening acts and all performances are free.

Beverages, wine, and food are available from the Biaggi’s Restaurant concession located at the northwest corner of the Caterpillar/SAIC Building.

Restrooms are available inside the Caterpillar/SAIC Building at 1901 South First Street.


Sponsors
Presented by Krannert Center, in association with Fox/Atkins Development LLC, the University of Illinois Research Park, and the Illinois Natural History Survey.


Additional Information
Visit KrannertCenter.com or call 217/333-6280 or 800/KCPATIX (527-2849).
Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired may also contact Krannert Center via TTY at 217/333-9714.

This Summer at Krannert!

For those members still on campus, here are some of the exciting events going on for Summer 2008!

Krannert Center Community Volunteers – Volunteer Update for June 9

Summer Solstice Event – Friday, June 20 at 5p

Summer Outreach Events – schedule confirmation

Outside at the Research Park announced!

Additional ushering opportunity – A Night at the Alhambra Café

Upcoming Tours

New at the Center

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Summer Solstice Event – Friday, June 20 at 5p

Krannert Center is again partnering with Astronomy Professor Emeritus Jim Kaler, the CU Astronomical Society, NCSA, and musical guests the Woody Woodward Trio with Rachael Lee for this second annual event that celebrates the longest day of the year with jazz renditions of tunes related to summer and the heavens (sun, moon, stars, sunrise, sunset, twilight) and engaging commentaries by Professor Kaler, one of the country's leading public educators in his field.

Back by popular demand— Wayne James and Dave Leake are bringing the incredible indoor planetarium called Starlab. The large screen displays in the lobby will feature striking visual images from satellite sources and breathtaking scenes of solar sites from around the globe and new this year, audiences can view extraordinary graphic visualizations of astronomical phenomenon created by the Advanced Visualization Laboratory of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA).

The schedule is as follows:

Starlab will open at 4:30pm (with demonstrations happening on the half hour)

Krannert Uncorked begins at 5pm

Solstice at 6:59pm

Musical Performance at about 9:30pm (following the Summer Studio theatre performance)

We need volunteers to help with the Starlab and NCSA installation. Volunteers working the Starlab will help distribute tickets for each scheduled showing. Volunteers will also help receive tickets and usher groups in and out of the indoor planetarium. Volunteers working the NCSA installation will help distribute 3D glasses and usher groups through the exhibit.

We would like 6 volunteers to split between the two activities. Volunteers are needed from 4p to 11p. Dress is casual.

Please let Nicole know which shift you are available for at nleupp2@uiuc.edu or 244-6290:

Shift One: 4p – 8:30p

Shift Two: 8:30p – 11p

Even if you don’t work the event, we hope to see you there!

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Summer Outreach Events – schedule confirmation

As promised, here is the schedule confirmation for our summer outreach events!

For the Taste of Champaign-Urbana in West Side Park (Downtown Champaign):

Please let us know if your availability has changed.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Shift One: 5p-7p Marge Stillwell, Millie Sims, Jayne Myers, Roberta Lindstrand (includes some set up)

Shift Three: 7p-9p Don Garrett, Linda Garrett and Vivian Larson

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Shift One: 11a-1p Dawn Schultz

Shift Two: 1p-3p Debbie Karplus, Jean Weigel and Becky Ryherd

Shift Three: 3p-5p Millie Sims and Barb Nelson

Shift Four: 5p-7p Don Garrett, Linda Garrett, Marilyn Querry and Marsha Lerner

Shift Five: 7p-9p Diane Wilhite and Ed Wilhite

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Shift One: 11a-1p Dawn Schultz and Jean Weigel

Shift Two: 1p-3p Marge Stilwell

Shift Three: 3p-6p Millie Sims and Cherry Ma (includes boxing left over materials)

For Downtown Festival of the Arts, in Downtown Champaign (Neil Street and Main Street):

Saturday, August 16, 2008

11:00am-8:00pm

Please let us know if your availability has changed.

Shift One: 11a-1p Don Garrett, Linda Garrett and Marge Stillwell (includes some set up)

Shift Two: 1p-3p Millie Sims, Jolene McGrogan and Becky Ryherd

Shift Three: 3p-5p Chery Ma, Marsha Lerner, Franck Modica and Marilyn Querry

Shift Four: 5p-8p Alice Taylor, Noo Vidhayasirinun and Susan Yorde (includes boxing left over materials)

To sign up for any of the shifts listed above or to change your schedule, please contact Joe (Crystal’s Intern) at jsmyth2@uiuc.edu or 244-2690.

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Outside at the Research Park announced!

Outside at the Research Park is returning for 2008 with three more great concerts. The performance days and artists are as follows; the performers for the final date have not yet been determined, nor have the potential opening acts for all three shows, so stay tuned for more information coming soon!

Friday, July 11 at 7:30pm

Rosie Ledet

This Church Point, Louisiana, native is the real deal when it comes to the Southern Louisiana tradition of zydeco music, but she’s not afraid to throw in a good dose of R&B and dash of country to mix with her soulfully husky voice and her impressive accordion chops. Names like Queen Ida and Ann Goodley may be known across the zydeco scene, but Ledet’s warm stage presence and infectious Creole-tinged beats have earned her one of the few female spots on the craw fish circuit. And along with that spot has come many accolades, including those from Offbeat Magazine’s “Best of the Best,” including Best Zydeco Performers, Best New Zydeco Performers, and Best Vocalist.

Friday, July 25 at 7:30pm

Bandoleros

Not much of a dancer? When the Bandoleros open up their trove of flamenco rhythms, Middle Eastern melodies, and Latin fire, you’ll want to change your ways and let the music sweep you up into the night air. The quartet has opened for such diverse greats as Tito Puente and Liquid Soul and claims their own divergent roots in Assyria, Venezuela, Cuba, Ecuador, and Russia. Though at times you’ll swear you’re hearing the Gipsy Kings (the Kings' Patchai is a frequent collaborator), Bandoleros come through with their own unique blend of cultural influences as they perform in a sextet of languages that easily evoke warm nights, lively cafes, exotic destinations, and the allure of a evening spent under the stars.

Friday, August 8 at 7:30pm

Artist TBA

These concerts will be held in the outdoor space on the southwest corner of First Street and St. Mary's Road, south of the former Motorola building. Free parking is available in research park lots (not on First Street). All performances are free.

We need 4 volunteers for each performance to help answer questions about the Center and welcome concertgoers. Call time is 7pm and dress is casual. To sign up for any of the performances listed above, please contact Joe (Crystal’s Intern) at jsmyth2@uiuc.edu or 244-2690.

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Additional ushering opportunity – A Night at the Alhambra Café

A Night at the Alhambra Café is a musical fable that mingles classical and contemporary sounds with an ages-old story told in a compelling new way. Three men—Mr. C, Arthur, and Cosimo—live and work alongside one another in an urban cabaret, the Alhambra Café. Amidst the scent of pastries and spices, they center their lives around Mr C’s daughter, Mira. Much like the princess in the tower, the passionate, young Mira discovers she must leave the safety of the palace—the café, the only home she has ever known—to seek her own identity. Will the men be able to let their beloved princess out of the tower? This late night adventure in the Alhambra Café will enchant audiences with inviting characters, modern legends, and extraordinary music. Selections by Taj Mahal and John Lee Hooker blend easily with Paganini, Sarasate, and newly commissioned works from Gabriela Frank, Jon Jang, Mayru, Nate Shaw, and Paul Moravec.

Krannert Center is hosting this production in residency all through July. As a part of this residency, there will be a performance on Monday, July 21 at 7:30pm in the Playhouse. Ushers are needed to support this performance. Call time is 6:45pm. To sign up to usher, please let Nicole know at nleupp2@uiuc.edu or 244-2690.

For more production information, please visit http://alhambracafe.com/index.html

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Upcoming Tours

Please contact Nicole at nleupp2@uiuc.edu or 244-2690 to sign up for tours.

Upcoming Special Tours:

Date: July 9, 2008

Time: 2:30pm

Group: Metropolitan Family Services

Approximate Number Attending: ~50 high school students plus parents

Meeting Location: Lobby

Tour Guide(s): 2 needed

Special Instructions: Standard tour, as building activity allows. This group will be having a box lunch in the lobby prior to the tour.

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New at the Center

Afterglow: Geoff Poor and David Thies

Grab a martini and get ready to swoon as Urbana natives and U of I alums Geoff Poor and David Thies charm audiences with a delightful mix of favorites from the American song book spanning over five decades. Poor croons away on sentimental favorites like “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” and “My Funny Valetine,” but the piano/vocal duo surprises too, with superb nods to Bobby Darin, Delbert McClinton, and The Drifters sprinkled amongst timeless Gershwin, Mercer, and Porter tunes. Join them Friday, June 27 at 9:30pm in the Krannert Center Lobby, Stage 5.

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