firehouse arts center - may/june 2011

MAY - JUNE 2011FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTER PRESENTS

FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTER: May - June 2011 3

WELCOME TO THE FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTER

The Firehouse Arts Center is dedicated to inspiring passion through the arts. With world-class performing and visual arts, exciting interactive programs for all ages, and a state-of-the-art venue, we combine the sophistication of the culturally rich Bay Area arts landscape with the hospitality and intimacy of our own hometown.

Come discover everything the Firehouse Arts Center has to offer, and get inspired!

4 FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTER: May - June 2011

WELCOME TO THE FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTER

FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTER CONNECTS

JOIN THE FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTER COMMUNITY

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Join a staff that is passionate about giving our visitors, participants, artists, and partners an exceptional experience from the very first point of contact. For more information and to fill out an application, visit firehousearts.org/volunteer.

GIVE ONLINE

Visit firehousearts.org/donate to give online via our secure server.

GIVE BY MAIL

You can also make a gift to the Firehouse Arts Center by check, money order or credit card by sending your gift to:Firehouse Arts CenterCity of PleasantonP.O. Box 520Pleasanton, CA 94566

FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTER BOX OFFICETickets may be purchased for events scheduled at both the Firehouse Arts Center and the Amador Theater. Group discounts of 15% are offered for most ticket purchases of ten or more made at the same time to the same event.

TICKETS ONLINE

www.firehousearts.org

TICKETS BY PHONE(925) 931-4848

TICKETS AT THE BOX OFFICE4444 Railroad AvenuePleasanton

BOX OFFICE HOURS

Wed-Fri 12-6 p.m.; Sat 10-4 p.m.

2 hours prior to performances

HARRINGTON GALLERY HOURS

Wed-Fri 12-5 p.m.; Sat 11-3 p.m.

1 hour prior to performances

The Firehouse Arts Center programs are produced and distributed by The Pleasanton Weekly. For advertising opportunities, call (925) 600-0840.


CABARETFemme Fatale 14

Motown Madness: A Spectacular Motown and Classic Soul Musical

16

Swingin’ Blue Stars of the USS Hornet

12

CLASSICALFor the Love of Harp 17

Stephen Prutsman 8

HARRINGTON ART GALLERYCall for Art — Fresh Works (Juried Exhibit)

7, 20

A Difference of Perception Exhibit and Reception

16

JAZZMamapalooza 10

LATINRuckatan Latin Tribe 10

LECTUREMuseum on Main Ed Kinney Lecture Series — Bear in Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly

22

Museum on Main Ed Kinney Lecture Series — Ohlone Perspective

22

POETRYPleasanton Teen Poets Laureate Graduation Poetry Blitz

14, 21

REGGAERuckatan Latin Tribe 10

ROCKCalifornia Guitar Trio 15

Mamapalooza 10

The Doors Legacy Band 16

THEATERFemme Fatale 14

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm 7, 18

YOUTHJamfest — Teen Concert in the Park

8

Pleasanton Teen Poets Laureate Graduation Poetry Blitz

14, 21

Tri-Valley High: The Musical 8

EVENT LISTINGS BY GENRE

Discover everything the Firehouse Arts Center has to offer at www.firehousearts.org


THEATER: REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM Adapted from novel by Kate Wiggin and directed by Paula WujekMay 6-15, 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.Price: $6-$18

The Firehouse Arts Center will host the Civic Arts Stage Company production of Kate Wiggin’s classic story. “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” is of local historical interest as the original Mary Pickford silent movie, which also featured a young Milton Berle, was filmed in Pleasanton and Niles, California, in 1917. In the play, Rebecca, a very creative, sometimes unruly young girl, alternately charms and horrifies the residents of Riverboro, Maine, where she comes to stay with her kind Aunt Jane and strict Aunt Miranda. Eventually, Miranda learns to open her heart and Rebecca learns to love her aunt despite their different natures. Over the course of the bittersweet tale, the themes of the importance of a good education, valuing differences between people, and the power of family love prevail.

See page 18 for more information.

HARRINGTON ART GALLERY: CALL FOR ART — FRESH WORKS (JURIED EXHIBIT)May 14-26

Gallery Reception and Awards: May 14, 4-6 p.m.

Gallery Hours: Wed-Fri 12-5, Sat 11-3, and 1 hour prior to performances and during intermission

In collaboration with Pleasanton Art League, the Harrington Gallery is offering a juried exhibit for all Bay Area artists. The theme, Fresh Works, suggests the newness and regeneration of springtime, the excitement of new beginnings as a springboard for creating something new, different and suggestive of growth in the natural, physical, spiritual and artistic sense.



YOUTH: TRI-VALLEY HIGH: THE MUSICALJoin Creatures of Impulse for the Tri-Valley’s first ever improvised teen musicalMay 19-21, 7:30 p.m. Price: Students — $8 Advance/Door; General — $10 Advance, $15 Door

What’s better than a Broadway musical? A musical where the actors make up all the songs, stories and characters on the spot based on your suggestions! See what happens when Broadway, the average teen soap opera and improv collide on stage at the Firehouse Arts Center. This is improv that will blow your mind!

CLASSICAL: STEPHEN PRUTSMANClassical PianistMay 22, 3 p.m.Price: $12-$24

San Francisco pianist-composer Stephen Prutsman takes the audience on a fantastical musical voyage with his unique program BACH AND FORTH. He literally travels back and forth between selected preludes and fugues from The Well-Tempered Clavier (Book II) and classical works from Rameau to Schoenberg in the first half, and jazz, Indian ragas, gospel, Latin American and African songs in the second half. To each piece, he applies the wizard’s touch, celebrating the common ground within the wonderful diversity of human expression in the past and present world. A tour de force not to be missed!

YOUTH: JAMFEST — TEEN CONCERT IN THE PARK AT LIONS WAYSIDE PARKMay 27, 7-8:30 p.m.Free Event

It’s your turn to hear your music played by local teen bands! For one night only, Lions Wayside Park will welcome local teen bands to the stage.


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LATIN/REGGAE: RUCKATAN LATIN TRIBERuckatan CD Release Party and ConcertMay 27, 8:30 p.m.Price: $15-$20

Ruckatan is a group of musicians that came together from diverse backgrounds and found a common strength. That strength was a deep love for Latin music and a need to reflect musically on what was happening in the world. The group has created a sound that mixes Latin and Reggae, with other influences.

Ruckatan Latin Tribe is composed of seven players who have all contributed to the local Latin Rock scene in the Bay Area and internationally. Members hail from three different continents and infuse their culture into Ruckatan. The band includes Carlos Elizalde on vocals, Jose Angel Amador on vocals and keys, Blaine Hoopes on keys and various woodwinds, Derek Rolando on congas and timbales, Ernesto “Matute” Lopez on drums and percussions, Ray Uribes on bass, and Ed “Loveletter” Elizalde on guitar. The music is very dance oriented with many Latin and Caribbean flavors. It’s a celebration of life and music.

ROCK/JAZZ: MAMAPALOOZAMamapalooza Comes to Pleasanton to Celebrate Mothers in the Arts!May 28, 7:30 p.m.Price: $10-$18

The Mamapalooza Festival is a celebration of mothers who are artists! During the month of May, Mamapalooza concerts are held across the nation that offer inspirational and energetic performances, inviting each community to recognize, take part and embrace the creativity in mothers and women. The Mamapalooza show here in Pleasanton will include a variety of rock, swing, jazz, songwriting, poetry and film making.


Following is the line-up of regional artists performing at this festival:

Debra Knox and the Go Dogs is a successful 6-piece rock and swing band that has opened for Joe Satriani, Herbie Hancock, the Go-Go’s and The Temptations.

The Kelly Fasman Trio will perform, with Kelly on drums, award-winning jazz guitarist Terence Brewer on guitar, and Las Positas College Jazz Department Head Cindy Browne Rosefield on bass.

Skye the Soul Poet brings her soulful Spoken Word to music from her CD “Skye the Soul Poet.”

Co-owner of Neon Sky Films in Berkeley, Jennifer Juelich will talk about her role as writer, director and the art of managing her own company. She will also discuss the details of creating independent films in the Bay Area.

Kim Krenik, singer, songwriter and worship leader at Calvary Chapel in Tracy, will perform her ever-popular original music at the festival.

Joy Rose will join the festival as emcee. Joy is the president and founder of Mamapalooza, Inc., a company of women promoting mothers for social, cultural and economic benefit. She has been honored with the Susan B. Anthony Award from NOW-NYC for her grassroots activism and dedication to advancing equality and improving the lives of women.

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CABARET: SWINGIN’ BLUE STARS OF THE USS HORNETMay 29, 3 p.m.Price: $15-$25

Swingin’ Blue Stars of the USS Hornet (originally called The Singing Blue Star Moms) is comprised of five talented East Bay vocalists who perform the swing style music made popular in the 1940s by groups such as the Andrews Sisters. No matter your age, the “people-pleasing” music that mixes saucy with romantic WWII tunes will delight you and lift your spirits. And if you learned to jitterbug, you probably learned with Blue Star favorites like “In the Mood” and “The Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B.” Join us for a “swingin’” Memorial Day celebration!

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YOUTH: PLEASANTON TEEN POETS LAUREATE GRADUATION POETRY BLITZ AT CENTURY HOUSE June 3, 6:30-9 p.m.Price: Students — Free; Adults — $5 at door

Celebrate the end of the school year at the Graduation Poetry Blitz led by the Pleasanton Teen Poets Laureate! The teens — Noelle Malindzak, Mitch Grimes and Vivian Tsai — will kick off the evening with a reading of their poems. During intermission, “The Unholy Grail” band led by Mitch Grimes and “The Front Porch” led by Karl Wente will play while free refreshments are served. At the Open Mic, teen and youth poets from the Tri-Valley and beyond are welcome to read one of their original poems, two pages or less, to an audience of family and friends. Free soft drinks and snacks. No alcoholic beverages will be served or allowed at the event.


THEATRICAL CABARET: FEMME FATALELaura Ellis, Sultry and SmoothJune 4, 8 p.m.Price: $12-$30

Laura Ellis brings Femme Fatale, a multimedia stage show combining song, dance and vintage Film Noir clips, to the Firehouse Theater. Using her smooth, sensual voice and stage presence to play the temptress, Ellis personifies the dangerously seductive woman seen in the Hollywood crime dramas of yesteryear. Remember the dark, menacing mood, two-bit gangsters, detectives who can’t pay the rent, and women who spell trouble? Alan Paul of The Manhattan Transfer produced Ellis’ first solo album, “Here Lies Love,” featuring mesmerizing tango-like music. He calls Femme Fatale “a wonderfully entertaining theatrical experience truly worth seeing.” Come see for yourself!


GUITAR ROCK: CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIOMost Amazing Guitar Playing Ever!June 5, 7:30 p.m.Price: $12-$24

Celebrating their 20th anniversary as a performing guitar group, the California Guitar Trio is composed of Bert Lams from Brussels, Belgium; Paul Richards of Salt Lake City; and Hideyo Moriya of Japan. They met in England while studying with Robert Fripp and joined Fripp’s League of Crafty Guitarists for a European tour, becoming part of a guitar orchestra. Unique for guitarists, the three share a common interest in classical re-working of jazz, blues and surf tunes as well as their own original compositions. “Different venues make our lives interesting,” says Lams. We know their concert will add a new level of interest to the Firehouse.

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HARRINGTON ART GALLERY: A DIFFERENCE OF PERCEPTIONJune 9-July 7 Gallery Hours: Wed-Fri 12-5, Sat 11-3, and 1 hour prior to performances and during intermission

The strange, precise and imaginative artwork of noted surrealists Bill Weber, Bill Sala and other artists, along with a new collection of hyper-realistic renderings by Ron Norman.

A DIFFERENCE OF PERCEPTION GALLERY RECEPTIONJune 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Donations Appreciated

ROCK: THE DOORS LEGACY BANDJune 9, 8 p.m.Price: $16-$24

Blending vintage instruments, costumes, presence and swagger with an authentic sound and uncanny accuracy in content, performance and energy, The Doors Legacy Band guides audiences on a spiritually hypnotic journey of music, theater and poetry, recreating the late-sixties sound and feel of Jim Morrison’s Doors in a vintage rock concert experience.

CABARET: MOTOWN MADNESS: A SPECTACULAR MOTOWN AND CLASSIC SOUL MUSICALTop Shelf Back by Popular DemandJune 11, 8 p.m.Price: $15-$25

When the talented vocalists of J’LaChic Productions perform the music of Motown, audiences embark on a power-packed journey of songs made popular by Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Diana Ross and more. The talented male trio, Top Shelf, joined by female vocalists and dancers, brings together soul-stirring vocals, a pulsating beat, vibrant costumes and clever choreography. Their whimsical antics and


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CLASSICAL: FOR THE LOVE OF HARPA Harp ExtravaganzaJune 12, 3 p.m.Price: $12-$24

Major symphony orchestras usually have one harpist. Our “For the Love of Harp” program does better. First, charismatic harpist Celia Chan Valerio will play the music of Felix and Jules Godefroid, brothers who were pioneers both as players and composers for the harp during the nineteenth century. Their music is distinguished by its ability to showcase technical brilliance with a melodic warmth that pleases the ear and satisfies the heart. Then, join Ms. Chan Valerio in welcoming the yet-to-be-identified winner of a prestigious harp competition held a few weeks prior to this performance. Treat yourself — come witness the best of the best.


THEATER

REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM HISTORICAL CONNECTION TO PLEASANTON

The Firehouse Arts Center will host the Civic Arts Stage Company production of Kate Wiggin’s classic story. “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” is of local historical interest as the original Mary Pickford silent movie, which also featured a young Milton Berle, was filmed in Pleasanton and Niles, California, in 1917. Mary Pickford was one of the most famous Hollywood actresses of her time, and although originally a stage actress, she made a total of 52 films in her career. Pleasanton and Niles were known as the “Hollywood of the north” because so many silent films were made here. Many of the locations seen in the movie are still on our streets today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Douglas Wiggin was born in 1856 in Philadelphia and had a sister named Nora. When she was young, her father died, and her family moved to Maine, where “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” takes place. Her mother remarried and Kate had a baby brother named Philip. In those days, girls rarely had formal education (meaning they did not go to school); most were just taught at home in between household chores. Kate had more schooling than most girls her age, even though it was sporadic. She did graduate, however, and became a kindergarten teacher. She loved children and loved to write. A very interesting fact is that Kate started the very first kindergarten in San Francisco! It was in 1878, and it served very poor children. Kate and her sister also started a training school for kindergarten teachers. When Kate got married in 1881, she had to stop working because that was the custom. She remained devoted to children and raised money for children’s charities by writing. It wasn’t until after her first husband died, and she was married again and living in New York City, that she wrote “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm,” an instant success. She went back to Maine often because she had a summer home there, and she opened a library around the corner from her house. She died of pneumonia in 1923 while traveling in England. Her ashes were scattered in the Saco River in Maine.


THEATER

ABOUT THE BOOKThe book was written by Kate Douglas Wiggin and published in 1903. Although our play is much shorter than the book, which is 327 pages, it contains many, although not all of the events. The book goes into much more detail and sees Rebecca through her high school years and even to her first job and romance.

Of course we always recommend that you read the book from which our plays are based, but until you get the chance (maybe this summer?) here is a fun fact: Mr. Ladd bought both Rebecca and her best friend, Emma Jane, a banquet lamp as a present and as a thank you for helping the Simpson family raise money by selling soap.

ABOUT THE PLAY“Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” was first produced as an American play on Broadway, in New York City, in 1909. Wiggin co-wrote the play with Charlotte Thompson. Before opening on Broadway, it toured Boston and New England where it was warmly received.

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ABOUT WILLIAM RUSHTON

William Rushton began his artistic career creating large environmental sculptures, transitioning to painting after a number of years. He has taught plein air painting through the University of California and spent 37 years teaching drawing and painting at Cupertino High School. William is now retired and painting full time, as well as conducting workshops and teaching privately. His work can be viewed at the Charles Campbell Gallery in San Francisco, the William Lester Gallery in Pt. Reyes, and the Donna Seager Gallery in San Rafael. His work will also be featured in an upcoming exhibit at the Harrington Gallery this summer.

Visit www.williamrushton.com

CALL FOR ART — FRESH WORKS (JURIED EXHIBIT)May 14-26Gallery Reception and Awards: Saturday, May 14, 4-6 p.m.

This is a juried exhibit at the Firehouse Art Center’s Harrington Gallery in collaboration with Pleasanton Art League. It was open to Bay Area artists and has been juried by William Rushton.

The theme, Fresh Works, suggests the newness and regeneration of springtime, the excitement of new beginnings as a springboard for creating something new, different and suggestive of growth in the natural, physical, spiritual and artistic sense.

For more information about this event visit www.firehousearts.org/harrington-gallery/gallery-upcomingexhibits.

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THE PLEASANTON TEEN POETS LAUREATE PRESENT THE GRADUATION POETRY BLITZ!Friday, June 3, 6:30-9 p.m.Century House 2401 Santa Rita Road PleasantonAdmission is free for students with ID; Adults, $5.

Celebrate the end of the school year at the Graduation Poetry Blitz led by the Pleasanton Teen Poets Laureate! The teens — Noelle Malindzak, Mitch Grimes and Vivian Tsai — will kick off the evening with a reading of their poems. During intermission, “The Unholy Grail” band led by Mitch Grimes and “The Front Porch” led by Karl Wente will play while free refreshments are served.

At the Open Mic, teen and youth poets from the Tri-Valley and beyond are welcome to read one of their original poems, two pages or less, to an audience of family and friends. Free soft drinks and snacks. No alcoholic beverages will be served or allowed at the event.

Karl Wente pursues a broad range of interests to sustain a balanced lifestyle in addition to being a winemaker at Wente Vineyards. That’s why he plays guitar in his band, “The Front Porch,” skis with friends, practices yoga, and gets involved with local community causes. “These creative pursuits may not seem to have anything to do with my work, but they all help me stay inspired and grow in all that I do,” he says.

For Information, contact Michelle Russo, City of Pleasanton, at [email protected], (925) 931-4847; or Deborah Grossman, City of Pleasanton Poet Laureate, at [email protected] or www.facebook.com/PleasantonPoetry.

POETRY


MUSEUM EVENTS AT THE FIREHOUSE ARTS CENTER

LECTURE: MUSEUM ON MAIN ED KINNEY LECTURE SERIES — OHLONE PERSPECTIVEMay 18, 7 p.m.Price: $10 General Admission; $5 Members and Seniors; $3 Students and Teachers with ID

Beverly Ortiz, Naturalist for East Bay Regional Park District and renowned Ohlone specialist, speaks about the historical and modern practices of the local Native American tribe.

LECTURE: MUSEUM ON MAIN ED KINNEY LECTURE SERIES — BEAR IN MIND: THE STORY OF THE CALIFORNIA GRIZZLYJune 15, 7 p.m.Price: $10 General Admission; $5 Members and Seniors; $3 Students and Teachers with ID

Once arguably the most powerful animal in the California landscape, the grizzly is now a disembodied symbol of the West. Susan Snyder, author of “Bear in Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly,” discusses her research.

For more information about these events please visit www.museumonmain.org

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firehouse arts center - may/june 2011

Documents

visual arts

rich bay area arts landscape

rebecca of sunnybrook

youthjamfest teen concert

reggaeruckatan latin

latinruckatan latin

harrington art gallerycall

spectacular motown