Songs from Holding the Torch for Liberty was performed at the Hartung Theater at the University of Idaho in Moscow on February 23, 2013 as part of the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival .
Holding the Torch for Liberty Performance at Lionel Hampton Jazz Fest
March 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment
More Photos from Durham High’s Production of Nora’s Ark in UK
March 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Here are more photos from the production of Nora’s Ark, the jazz musical, performed by Durham High School in the UK in cooperation with a few other schools on January 28, 2013.
Arts are Basic Residencey at Doane College
February 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Eli Yamin and Evan Christopher just completed a week-long residency at Doane College in Nebraska as part of their Arts Are Basic program. The two jazz musicians gave a seminar to 150 music majors from Doane College. Pictured above are several students who boldly joined Eli onstage to sing songs from Holding the Torch for Liberty, the jazz musical, about women’s suffrage. Eli and Evan also presented a premiere concert of “Heroes of Jazz” at Doane College’s Heckman Auditorium on February 7th and February 8th.
Nora’s Ark performed in Durham City, UK
February 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Seven schools took to the stage to perform Nora’s Ark, the jazz musical, at the Gala Theatre, in Durham City in the UK on January 28, 2013. The schools involved were: Durham High School for Girls, Howletch Lane Primary, Ouston Junior, Finchale Primary, Bowburn Junior, Shincliffe CofE Primary and Acre Rigg Junior.
More than 100 youngsters were part of a one-night only production. The show was staged following just two days of large-scale rehearsals.
High School headmistress Lynne Renwick said: “Nora’s Ark is a marvellous opportunity for Durham High School for Girls to work in partnership with local primary schools and give young people the opportunity to perform in a professional theatre.”
Summer Gala a Great Success!
June 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our Gala Chair, Kristy Nguyen, and everyone supporting her, the Summer Gala, held at Urban Stages on June 3, was a great success. We raised close to seven thousand dollars for the cause and more importantly had a great celebration and gathering with all generations in celebration of Holding the Torch for Liberty and energizing everyone with the possibilities for the future.
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- From L to R: Eli Yamin, Mercedes Ellington, Dr. Willie Rodriguez, Roberta Flack
The students gave a magnificent performance, showing even more progress and growth since they participated in the CD recording session. We heard words of great eloquence from our special guest Mercedes Ellington, a gracious and inspiring acceptance from our Jazz Masters Award recipient, Dr. Rodriguez, and were joined by the incomparable Roberta Flack! What an amazing afternoon it was.
Again, thank you everyone for your support for our cause. Let’s keep this ball rolling–more kids — more jazz — more stories — stronger communities.
Holding the Torch for Liberty Sessions: Before and After
December 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
We began rehearsals at Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music on October 24th and continued weekly for seven weeks leading up to the recording session at Avatar on December 11.
It was amazing to watch the transformation of the students. They went from talented youngsters to poised pros in such a short span of time. Teacher Lisa Gwasda writes, “We all had such an amazing experience, and I thank you for choosing my students and for giving us this rare opportunity! We are all still raving about it! I look forward to working together in the future!!”
This is the Jazz Drama Program in action. Creativity, opportunity, jazz!
Video from Montenegro Production of Nora’s Ark
June 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment
The Montenegro production of Nora’s Ark was videotaped and performance footage is now available to view. Check out scenes from the production where main numbers from the play are performed.
Montenegro Premiere of Nora’s Ark
May 5, 2011 by Leave a Comment
What an unbelievable week we had in Montenegro at Jazz Art Jam, celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month, a co-production with Jazz Art Montenegro and The Jazz Drama Program with support from the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro, the municipality and Porto Montenegro. I never dreamed that this production of Nora’s Ark could take off the way it did. The kids were fantastic! 40 students from the Middle School for Music, 20 students from the High School for Music and 8 ballet dancers made the show come alive. When I arrived all the kids were singing the songs from memory with great gusto and spirit. We spent the days staging and refining the music while integrating ballet dancers into the instrumental solo breaks and narration in English and Montenegrin. The spirit of jazz is alive and well in Montenegro!
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A Healing Song Single Now Available
January 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment
“A Healing Song” has been the anthem for Eli Yamin’s workshops and one of the main songs from The Jazz Drama Program’s jazz musical, Message from Saturn. A version of the song as performed by Eli Yamin Blues Band is now available from CD Baby as a single. Check it out and purchase it from here.
Nora’s Ark CD Release Party
November 13, 2010 by Leave a Comment
On November 10, 2010, we held a Nora’s Ark CD Release Party at the Bank Street College Auditorium. Over 50 of our friends, family and supporters came to celebrate with us.
Eli Yamin warmed up the crowd with a few exercises and Clifford Carlson prepared the audience for some audience participation. Selected scenes from Nora’s Ark was enacted live with music provided by Eli Yamin on piano, Zaid Nasser on alto sax and singers from the Brooklyn Youth Chorus.
After the performance, the making of the CD documentary, “Nora’s Ark, Enriching Children’s Lives” was screened. Kirk Imamura, writer and producer of the film was presented with a framed photo from the recording session which was autographed by all the participants.
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- Bolivia, Raquel, Jake, Isaac, Talia, Daniel, Anna, Ariella
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- Clifford Carlson
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- Jeannette LoVetri, Eli Yamin, Dianne Berkun
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- Clifford Carlson, Kirk Imamura, Jake Montagnino, Eli Yamin
A survey was handed out for comments. There were many helpful suggestions.
Thank you very much to all of the attendees and for your continued support. We look forward to reporting back to you on future progress we make of our efforts.
