Choreographing in the Rain

Well the weather did seem to reflect Merce Cunningham's ascent into the heavens on Sunday...There was a constant questioning of what kind of rain gear would be needed, if any, throughout the day... complete with magnificent sunshine, winds with racing clouds, torrential downpour, and a beautiful calm and clarity when it all ended. Will leave it to Alastair Macaulay to fill you in on my favorite master of the New York School.

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/27/merce-cunningham-dies/

Savion Glover shares baton with Jason Samuel Smith

On the Hoofer front: As Gregory Hines before him, Savion Glover, the man I indignantly defended to a dance critic in the Green Room at the Met many years ago and remain fervently loyal to has done his share as colleague-mentor extraordinaire. Jason Samuel Smith appears to be the next generation's tap guru. Glover is on tour in Vail and Birmingham this month and Smith's company A.C.G.I. will be doing their thing at Jacob's Pillow. July 22-Aug 2.

Verbier Festival Fellows

Ankush Bahl conducting Verbier Festival Orchestra fellows in New York's Nabi Gallery. 

If you're heading out to France or Switzerland this month. The Verbier Festival begins tomorrow July 17-August 2. It's a pleasant way to support the next generation of classical musicians!

www.verbierfestival.com

Muslim Voices: Parissa Sings Rumi

Persian vocalist, Parissa, eloquently delivers  music and poetry that transcends.

Muslim Voices: Parissa Sings Rumi

Photo: Ostad Parissa and Dara Afraz. Muslim Voices Festival. New York.  July 2009.

The Jazz Foundation of America

The world Terence and Judith Conley chose to live in is a true testament to love, faith, and family.

http://www.jazzfoundation.org/

Goldie Locks and the Three Humors

Humor is always darkest when transitioning into the light. Ask the executive producers of a documentary film aiming to enlighten the general populous of what our troops can anticipate in Iraq, illustrator of a missed New Yorker cover, and photographer documenting the injustices
the average citizen is subjected to while the American flag flies high।

1. "Full Battle Rattle," Britton Fisher, Executive Producer

2. "Car Zsar," Christoph Hitz, Illustrator

3. "Glory," Roberto D'Alessandro, Photographer