(This column appeared in the 9.5.07 edition of the Tribune & Georgian newspaper, and in the 9.06.07 edition of The Kings Bay Periscope.)
In the August 21 issue of Sports Illustrated, Alexander Wolff’s story about the plight of New Orleans schools two years post-Katrina, looked at a clearly difficult and tragic scenario, focusing on the problems of a reduced population in key parts of the city and the problems of building infrastructure – schools, businesses, roads, buildings – without tax revenue or population to use, work in and support the facilities. In his piece, Wolff notes that one of the areas lost to the city is the community and educational sports programs.
One of the persons Wolff talked to for his essay was Ron Gearing, athletic director of the Orleans Parish public schools. Gearing, Wolff says, looks at the emptiness of the neighborhoods today and wants to weep. His concern? That his community is losing kids that should be in school in their neighborhood and that they won’t return because there is nothing there for them.
“It’s a proven fact that those who participate in extracurricular activities graduate at a higher rate,” Gearing said. “Take a trumpet and give it to a kid, and that kid will graduate because he played in the band. Or we can [give him] a jersey, and he’ll graduate because he was on a team. A cheerleader, a majorette, a dancer—those are the kids who make it. The kids who don’t embrace those things [or who don’t have the chance to embrace them] are the ones we lose.”
How fitting is it that, facing the difficulties they face in New Orleans, that school officials recognize that all the buildings and repaired homes in the world cannot attract children back to their neighborhoods. But programs will. “When we open schools and start sports and arts programs,” Gearing said, “kids show up. We are not sure where they were, but they find us.” What else needs to be said about how important such programs are for attracting and educating the whole child?
Locally, in the following weeks, commitment and dedication will take on new meaning, as your neighbors and friends will undertake a reprise of Crooked Rivers’ spring cultural heritage production, “Fightin’, Faith and Family.” Starting with rehearsals this week, the Crooked Rivers volunteers will put a new spin on great stories about our community, dating back to the 19th century and peering into more recent history. This production, which is the second annual full-length Crooked Rivers offering, looks at stories and history that surround common experiences, particularly those related to the spiritual, to war and to family.
“Fightin’, Faith and Family” looks at relationships between husband and wives, society’s tendency to pick fights, and the important role that faith plays in our coastal Georgia past. The cast of “Fightin’, Faith and Family” is comprised of local community members devoted to providing you with an evening of historical and humorous entertainment filled with stories and music about the region’s cultural and historical heritage. Your tour guides, as you traverse through that heritage, are the three sisters (Kingsley, Woodenia, and Mary), that represent the major cities of Camden County (Woodbine, Kingsland, and St. Marys). Just as in “Sisters’ Three,” Crooked Rivers 2006 production, these ladies help guide you through the years, gently jibing each other along the way.
The Crooked Rivers’ reprisal production of “Fightin’, Faith, and Family” will take the stage on Friday (Sept. 21) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (Sept. 22) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the high school Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior adults. Tickets will be available at Sheila’s Hallmark, the St. Mary’s Tourism Office, Kingsland Tourism Office and the CCHS Auditorium in advance. They will also be available at the door day of show.
If you have ideas or events you want me to share with readers, send me a note at pkraack1@tds.net.
9.5.07
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Fall is Entertainment Rich on First Coast
(This column appeared in the Tribune & Georgian on 8.29.07 and The Kings Bay Periscope on 8.30.07.)
The next few months are filled with the promise of great entertainment in our community and beyond. Whether you are an art aficionado, a music concert rocker, or if theatre going thrills you, there are many offerings pending for each of your personalities. So make plans now to get out of the house and attend an arts event, scheduled just with you in mind.
For those that like cultural heritage events, check out the 442nd birthday in St. Augustine next weekend. From demonstrations of the lifestyle of area natives to demonstrations celebrating the women of the 16th century, the birthday party eventually leads on Sunday to a re-enactment of Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles’ landing and a special Mass from Bishop Robert Baker at the mission of Nombre de Dios. Call (904) 824-6830 for information.
A remarkable collection of American art is in exhibition now through January 2008 at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville that reveals more than 70 years of artists’ endeavors, dating back to the 19th century and early 20th century. “Oh Say, Can You See: Art from the West Foundation Collection” contains more than 50 oil paintings and genres ranging from portraits and still lifes, to landscape sketches and finished marine and figurative paintings. The exhibit documents landscapes and scenes around the world that have mostly now disappeared. Commonly, the pieces are renowned for their use of light and color, as well as their depiction of ways of live that have long since faded from existence (if it ever existed at all). This exhibit will broadly satisfy lovers of nature, nostalgia, history, and art.
For those that eagerly anticipate the fall concert schedule, you will not be disappointed. The Dave Matthews Band will rock the O’Connell Center in Gainesville on Sept. 11, while calmer sorts can anticipate Acoustic Alchemy at The Florida Theatre on Oct. 23. Looking into the concert crystal ball even deeper reveals that post-modern bluegrass rockers Nickel Creek will be at The Florida Theatre on Nov. 12 for a pre-Thanksgiving concert, followed closely by those Australian Pied Pipers, The Wiggles, in “Racing to the Rainbow Live” at Veteran’s Memorial Arena on Nov. 15.
Theatregoers will face even more choices. Alhambra Dinner Theatre will close “Smokey Joe’s Café” on September 2 and follow it up with “Steel Magnolias” opening Sept. 5. The FCCJ Artist Series kicks off with “Shout: A Celebration of the ‘60s” on Sept. 12-16 at the Wilson Center and follows up with “Almost Heaven, The Songs of John Denver” on Oct. 12-14. The Broadway in Jacksonville season opens with “The Wedding Singer” on Nov. 6-11, which is followed by “Spelling Bee” on Dec. 21-23 at the Times Union Center.
Finally, don’t forget that September promises to be “must see theatre” month in Camden County. Crooked Rivers’ reprisal production of “Fightin’, Faith, and Family” will take the stage on Friday (Sept. 21) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (Sept. 22) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the high school Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior adults. Tickets will be available at Sheila’s Hallmark, the St. Mary’s Tourism Office, Kingsland Tourism Office and the CCHS Auditorium in advance. They will also be available at the door day of show.
The following weekend, Camden County High School’s Advanced Drama will offer “Love Comics,” on the Auditorium stage Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Sept. 27, 28 and 29) at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Auditorium box office or by calling 912-729-7463.
8.29.07
The next few months are filled with the promise of great entertainment in our community and beyond. Whether you are an art aficionado, a music concert rocker, or if theatre going thrills you, there are many offerings pending for each of your personalities. So make plans now to get out of the house and attend an arts event, scheduled just with you in mind.
For those that like cultural heritage events, check out the 442nd birthday in St. Augustine next weekend. From demonstrations of the lifestyle of area natives to demonstrations celebrating the women of the 16th century, the birthday party eventually leads on Sunday to a re-enactment of Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles’ landing and a special Mass from Bishop Robert Baker at the mission of Nombre de Dios. Call (904) 824-6830 for information.
A remarkable collection of American art is in exhibition now through January 2008 at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville that reveals more than 70 years of artists’ endeavors, dating back to the 19th century and early 20th century. “Oh Say, Can You See: Art from the West Foundation Collection” contains more than 50 oil paintings and genres ranging from portraits and still lifes, to landscape sketches and finished marine and figurative paintings. The exhibit documents landscapes and scenes around the world that have mostly now disappeared. Commonly, the pieces are renowned for their use of light and color, as well as their depiction of ways of live that have long since faded from existence (if it ever existed at all). This exhibit will broadly satisfy lovers of nature, nostalgia, history, and art.
For those that eagerly anticipate the fall concert schedule, you will not be disappointed. The Dave Matthews Band will rock the O’Connell Center in Gainesville on Sept. 11, while calmer sorts can anticipate Acoustic Alchemy at The Florida Theatre on Oct. 23. Looking into the concert crystal ball even deeper reveals that post-modern bluegrass rockers Nickel Creek will be at The Florida Theatre on Nov. 12 for a pre-Thanksgiving concert, followed closely by those Australian Pied Pipers, The Wiggles, in “Racing to the Rainbow Live” at Veteran’s Memorial Arena on Nov. 15.
Theatregoers will face even more choices. Alhambra Dinner Theatre will close “Smokey Joe’s Café” on September 2 and follow it up with “Steel Magnolias” opening Sept. 5. The FCCJ Artist Series kicks off with “Shout: A Celebration of the ‘60s” on Sept. 12-16 at the Wilson Center and follows up with “Almost Heaven, The Songs of John Denver” on Oct. 12-14. The Broadway in Jacksonville season opens with “The Wedding Singer” on Nov. 6-11, which is followed by “Spelling Bee” on Dec. 21-23 at the Times Union Center.
Finally, don’t forget that September promises to be “must see theatre” month in Camden County. Crooked Rivers’ reprisal production of “Fightin’, Faith, and Family” will take the stage on Friday (Sept. 21) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (Sept. 22) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the high school Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior adults. Tickets will be available at Sheila’s Hallmark, the St. Mary’s Tourism Office, Kingsland Tourism Office and the CCHS Auditorium in advance. They will also be available at the door day of show.
The following weekend, Camden County High School’s Advanced Drama will offer “Love Comics,” on the Auditorium stage Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Sept. 27, 28 and 29) at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Auditorium box office or by calling 912-729-7463.
8.29.07
Dance Dream Comes True for High School Dance Students
(This column appeared in the Tribune & Georgian newspaper on 8.22.07 and The Kings Bay Periscope on 8.23.07)
About two months ago in this column, I wrote this line: “imagine what a remarkable thing it would be if Camden High students could experience the training and commitment that a full-fledged dance instruction program might offer them.” I went on to reveal that data released in the 2005 College Bound Seniors Profile by The College Board suggests that students learn substantial positive lessons about time organization, focus and commitment in arts classes, which leads to improved academic performance and higher SAT scores. When I offered that information, I had hope in my heart and a dream in my head.
It was a dream inspired by students. Students came to Principal Dr. John Tucker’s Council meetings and asked for our high school to start a dance program. They wanted to dance; they wanted to perform. Those requests were heard by the principal and Fine Arts Director, Dean Slusser, and they went to work convincing others that starting such a program would be good for a diverse student population and for our burgeoning arts programs. Other arts teachers worked with the faculty and wrote a remarkable curriculum proposal and placed it in the school’s course selection guide. Within a few months, and after more than 140 students said they wanted to take a dance class at the high school, Superintendent Dr. Hardin agreed and, with our Board of Education, supported their request to add the program to the curriculum.
When you look at the reasons why such a program is good for students, you don’t have to look far. In Georgia, and across the nation, dance education is a part of the heath, recreation, physical education, and dance curriculum, offering participants both learning and exercise in good measure. Like all sports and arts programs, these programs focus on fitness, mental and physical wellness, and quality performance. As our nation struggles to encourage young people to become less obese and more fit, programs that head that direction are important.
Besides the health-related, physical aspects of dance, however, there are other, less tangible reasons for Camden County to support a school-based dance program. In our student body we have many students that already love and participate in dance in a variety of forms. We have students that are of Native American descent that practice and perform in indigenous dance troupes. Some of our students take dance at local studios and perform in regional and national competitions. And some students are regulars in contemporary dance programs across the southeast. Those students, until now, have not been a part of our school’s curricular arts programs. If this new dance program franchises them and gives them a new way to attach themselves to education, then we have created an important foothold for them to be successful both in the dance studio and in the classroom.
There are many things that schools struggle to do excellently, for lots of reasons. Right now, every day at Camden County High School, there are classes full of dance students that are a testament to how we get it right very often, especially when we act in the best interest of students. I will make sure you know how you can see them perform in the future.
Don’t forget that September promises to be “must see theatre” month in Camden County. Crooked Rivers will offer its reprisal production of “Fightin’, Faith, and Family” on Friday (Sept. 21) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (Sept. 22) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the high school Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior adults. Tickets will be available at Sheila’s Hallmark, the St. Mary’s Tourism Office, Kingsland Tourism Office and the CCHS Auditorium in advance. They will also be available at the door day of show.
Next up for audiences will be the Camden County High School’s Advance Drama class production of “Love Comics,” scheduled on the Auditorium stage on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Sept. 27, 28 and 29) at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Auditorium box office or by calling 912-729-7463.
8.22.07
About two months ago in this column, I wrote this line: “imagine what a remarkable thing it would be if Camden High students could experience the training and commitment that a full-fledged dance instruction program might offer them.” I went on to reveal that data released in the 2005 College Bound Seniors Profile by The College Board suggests that students learn substantial positive lessons about time organization, focus and commitment in arts classes, which leads to improved academic performance and higher SAT scores. When I offered that information, I had hope in my heart and a dream in my head.
It was a dream inspired by students. Students came to Principal Dr. John Tucker’s Council meetings and asked for our high school to start a dance program. They wanted to dance; they wanted to perform. Those requests were heard by the principal and Fine Arts Director, Dean Slusser, and they went to work convincing others that starting such a program would be good for a diverse student population and for our burgeoning arts programs. Other arts teachers worked with the faculty and wrote a remarkable curriculum proposal and placed it in the school’s course selection guide. Within a few months, and after more than 140 students said they wanted to take a dance class at the high school, Superintendent Dr. Hardin agreed and, with our Board of Education, supported their request to add the program to the curriculum.
When you look at the reasons why such a program is good for students, you don’t have to look far. In Georgia, and across the nation, dance education is a part of the heath, recreation, physical education, and dance curriculum, offering participants both learning and exercise in good measure. Like all sports and arts programs, these programs focus on fitness, mental and physical wellness, and quality performance. As our nation struggles to encourage young people to become less obese and more fit, programs that head that direction are important.
Besides the health-related, physical aspects of dance, however, there are other, less tangible reasons for Camden County to support a school-based dance program. In our student body we have many students that already love and participate in dance in a variety of forms. We have students that are of Native American descent that practice and perform in indigenous dance troupes. Some of our students take dance at local studios and perform in regional and national competitions. And some students are regulars in contemporary dance programs across the southeast. Those students, until now, have not been a part of our school’s curricular arts programs. If this new dance program franchises them and gives them a new way to attach themselves to education, then we have created an important foothold for them to be successful both in the dance studio and in the classroom.
There are many things that schools struggle to do excellently, for lots of reasons. Right now, every day at Camden County High School, there are classes full of dance students that are a testament to how we get it right very often, especially when we act in the best interest of students. I will make sure you know how you can see them perform in the future.
Don’t forget that September promises to be “must see theatre” month in Camden County. Crooked Rivers will offer its reprisal production of “Fightin’, Faith, and Family” on Friday (Sept. 21) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (Sept. 22) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the high school Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior adults. Tickets will be available at Sheila’s Hallmark, the St. Mary’s Tourism Office, Kingsland Tourism Office and the CCHS Auditorium in advance. They will also be available at the door day of show.
Next up for audiences will be the Camden County High School’s Advance Drama class production of “Love Comics,” scheduled on the Auditorium stage on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Sept. 27, 28 and 29) at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Auditorium box office or by calling 912-729-7463.
8.22.07
Local Theatre Productions Promise Entertainment in September
(This column appeared in the Tribune & Georgian on 8.15.07 and The Kings Bay Periscope on 8.16.07)
With school back in session and fall routines being established, it is time to make entertainment and theatre-going plans. There are several of what promise to be excellent opportunities for you to enjoy local and regional talent in a nice selection of theatrical genres.
September will be a busy month for those who enjoy musical theatre. On September 21st and 22nd, at the Camden County High School Auditorium, you have the opportunity to see a reprisal and restaging of Crooked Rivers’ spring production, “Fightin’, Faith, and Family.” The play, an in-depth look at our coastal region’s historical roots, including the influence of war, slavery, and religion on our historical antecedents, features original music by local composer Jim Bryant and stage performances by local residents. Guiding you through the scenes will be the three “sisters” of Camden County, Mary, Kingsley and Woodenia, representing the three cities of our community. Their friendly rivalry and heartfelt remembrances will entertain and amuse audiences.
For those that saw the original Spring 2007 production in Woodbine, this performance will have some moments in common, but expect a streamlined production with, perhaps, more production values added since the show will be the high school Auditorium. For those that missed the spring performances, take this opportunity to see what is part of a growing local tradition of cultural heritage performance.
“Fightin’, Faith and Family” will be Friday (Sept. 21) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (Sept. 22) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior adults. Tickets will be available at Sheila’s Hallmark, the St. Mary’s Tourism Office, Kingsland Tourism Office and the CCHS Auditorium in advance. They will also be available at the door day of show.
Next up for audiences will be the Camden County High School’s Advance Drama class production of “Love Comics,” scheduled on the Auditorium stage on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Sept. 27, 28 and 29) at 7 p.m. This show features lively songs, entertaining banter between couples and a unique take on relationships. The sets and production features will bring to mind a “comic book” feel designed to invoke the old time comic strips that centered on serial love stories. This show is currently in production and will be performed at the Georgia Theatre Conference in October and again at the region One Act Play competition. Tickets are available at the Auditorium box office or by calling 912-729-7463.
The next fall treat for theatre audiences is in November, when the Camden County High School Drama Department presents “Inherit the Wind,” a sweeping American drama about a great clash of ideas. “Inherit the Wind” will take the stage on Friday (Nov. 2) and Saturday (Nov. 3) at 7 p.m. and Sunday (Nov. 4) at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the Auditorium box office or by calling 912-729-7463.
“Inherit the Wind,” which is currently on Broadway featuring Tony Award-winning actors Christopher Plummer and Brian Dennehy, centers on two men with gigantic egos and conflicting purposes, who do court room battle in the nexus of a small town’s struggles to come to terms with the impact of science on their religious beliefs.
This play, originally written to capture the drama surrounding a 1925 court case in Dayton, TN, highlights the speeches and characters of two of the original representatives in the case, William Jennings Bryan (for the prosecution) and Clarence Darrow (for the defense). “Inherit the Wind” has been produced widely as a play and as a movie, including an annual interpretation performed by residents of Dayton, TN in the same courtroom as the original case.
8.15.07
With school back in session and fall routines being established, it is time to make entertainment and theatre-going plans. There are several of what promise to be excellent opportunities for you to enjoy local and regional talent in a nice selection of theatrical genres.
September will be a busy month for those who enjoy musical theatre. On September 21st and 22nd, at the Camden County High School Auditorium, you have the opportunity to see a reprisal and restaging of Crooked Rivers’ spring production, “Fightin’, Faith, and Family.” The play, an in-depth look at our coastal region’s historical roots, including the influence of war, slavery, and religion on our historical antecedents, features original music by local composer Jim Bryant and stage performances by local residents. Guiding you through the scenes will be the three “sisters” of Camden County, Mary, Kingsley and Woodenia, representing the three cities of our community. Their friendly rivalry and heartfelt remembrances will entertain and amuse audiences.
For those that saw the original Spring 2007 production in Woodbine, this performance will have some moments in common, but expect a streamlined production with, perhaps, more production values added since the show will be the high school Auditorium. For those that missed the spring performances, take this opportunity to see what is part of a growing local tradition of cultural heritage performance.
“Fightin’, Faith and Family” will be Friday (Sept. 21) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (Sept. 22) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior adults. Tickets will be available at Sheila’s Hallmark, the St. Mary’s Tourism Office, Kingsland Tourism Office and the CCHS Auditorium in advance. They will also be available at the door day of show.
Next up for audiences will be the Camden County High School’s Advance Drama class production of “Love Comics,” scheduled on the Auditorium stage on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Sept. 27, 28 and 29) at 7 p.m. This show features lively songs, entertaining banter between couples and a unique take on relationships. The sets and production features will bring to mind a “comic book” feel designed to invoke the old time comic strips that centered on serial love stories. This show is currently in production and will be performed at the Georgia Theatre Conference in October and again at the region One Act Play competition. Tickets are available at the Auditorium box office or by calling 912-729-7463.
The next fall treat for theatre audiences is in November, when the Camden County High School Drama Department presents “Inherit the Wind,” a sweeping American drama about a great clash of ideas. “Inherit the Wind” will take the stage on Friday (Nov. 2) and Saturday (Nov. 3) at 7 p.m. and Sunday (Nov. 4) at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the Auditorium box office or by calling 912-729-7463.
“Inherit the Wind,” which is currently on Broadway featuring Tony Award-winning actors Christopher Plummer and Brian Dennehy, centers on two men with gigantic egos and conflicting purposes, who do court room battle in the nexus of a small town’s struggles to come to terms with the impact of science on their religious beliefs.
This play, originally written to capture the drama surrounding a 1925 court case in Dayton, TN, highlights the speeches and characters of two of the original representatives in the case, William Jennings Bryan (for the prosecution) and Clarence Darrow (for the defense). “Inherit the Wind” has been produced widely as a play and as a movie, including an annual interpretation performed by residents of Dayton, TN in the same courtroom as the original case.
8.15.07
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