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2012 Entertainment Calendar

April 25, 2012 By No Comments

4/28/2012 – A Night at the Kotton Klub. The Mansfield-Cedar Hill alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi presents The 2nd Annual White Affair at Bacara in Addison. For more information go to www.SwaggerKhapterNupes.com

  *Latrisha’s Pick  – Hypnotic Donuts – I got an e-mail from one of my best gal pals asking if I was up for an adventure.  I was so I went to check out Hypnotic Donuts on Garland Road in Dallas right by White Rock Lake. They have a glazed donut topped with bacon…need I say more? If you have a need for something more daring then try the Hypnotic donut. It is a chocolate, caramel, peanut butter donut topped with peanut butter Captain Crunch and pretzels. And for the scaredy cat of the group they have biscuits. www.hypnoticdonuts.com

5/2/2012 – Deitrick Haddon – A Beautiful Soul Experience- Award winning and popular gospel artist Deitrick Haddon’s give a fan appreciation concert at Johnson Chapel in Desoto. Free admission. www.abeautifulsoulmovie.com

04/9/12 – 9/23/2012 – Sandy Lake Amusement Park in Carrollton. Sandy Lake Amusement Park in Carrollton offers 19 rides, miniature golf, paddle boats, a C.P. Huntington train, an All Sports Arcade and the Sandy Lake Barn Yard. Kids can ride on Shetland ponies. Parents are encouraged to bring their own food to eat on picnic grounds. Admission is $2.00 children under 3 years old are free (see family coupon for free admission online) and coupons for rides are $.50. More information available online atwww.sandylake.com

05/04/2012- 6/3/2012 – Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly at Dallas Children’s Theater. Children everywhere fell in love with Doreen Cronin’s Click, Clack Moo: Cows that Type and Giggle, Giggle, Quack picture books. Now they can see the professional southwest musical premiere of her Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly. On opening night, kids get free ice cream with gummy worms from the Purple Cow and one free poster per family. Ticket prices are $14 – $26; some discounts available. You can purchase tickets by calling 214-740-0051 or online at www.DCT.org

05/9/2012 – 05/12/2012 – 2012 Women’s Conference “Renewing My Passion” presented byDayspringFamilyChurch inIrving,TX.  This amazing conference is filled with powerful, dynamic, and anointed speakers.

Original Pancake House in Plano – On your way to the Allen Outlet Mall to find that perfect Coach Purse stop by the Original Pancake House in Plano just off Central Expressway. You must have the oven baked fiesta omelet. You just haven’t lived until you have tasted the Dutch Baby, an oven baked pancake cloud of heavenly perfection and served with whipped butter, lemon, and powdered sugar to create a mouthwatering dream that will have you flying. www.originalpancakehouse.com

05/11/2012 – 06/17/2012 – God of Carnage at Kalita Humphreys Theater. The play is about two 11-year-old boys have had a run-in on the playground, and some very bad behavior ensues… by their parents. When two supposedly civilized, supposedly adult middle-class couples meet to discuss their sons’ little dust-up, they raise smugness, pettiness, and meanness to heady new heights of hilarity, You’ll have endless fun repeating their deliciously snarky remarks. After its sold-out run on Broadway, this Tony Award-winning comedy makes its regional debut. Tickets are available at www.DallasTheaterCenter.org

*Latrisha’s Pick  5/26/2012 – Old School Summer Jam at Gexa Energy Amphitheater with Charlie Wilson, Babyface, Dazz Band, Envogue, and Don Diego. www.LiveNation.com

5/25/2012 – Artfest –Returning Memorial Day weekend CityArts Festival will offer activities and entertainment for families, staycationers, and art aficionados alike to enjoy against the backdrop of historic Fair Park. Fair Park’s six museums will offer reduced admission at select times during the festival. For more information go towww.cityartsfestival.com

Café Silva – I was trying to avoid 5 o’clock traffic when I found this cozy, relaxed, coffee aroma-infused lounge southwest corner of Royal Lane and Greenville Avenue in Dallas.  Not your ordinary coffee bar, Café Silva has interesting house coffee blends, Cuban espresso, Mexican hot chocolate, hand mixed Italian sodas, and Tazo teas.  And you must try the unique homemade baked goods. I love the coconut zucchini mini bunt cake, but you should also try the puffed pastry pound cake muffin. You and your girl friends can listen to a diverse and fabulous playlist with artists like Astrud Gilberto, Otis Redding, Bob and Ziggy Marley, Irma Thomas as you go on and on about the new guy in your life. www.cafesilva.com

*Latrisha’s Pick 06/01/12 – 06/10/12 The 2012 Desoto SolJazz Festival will showcase nightly SolJazz Happy Hour events June 1st through June 6th. Starting June 3rd through June 6th, SolJazz Karaoke Contests will also take place. June 4th through June 7th The DSJF will host free SolJazz Spotlight Concerts. June 8th there will be a Celebrity & Partner Golf Scramble at Cedar Crest Golf Course and a Comedy & Casino Night. June 9th will highlight an All-Star lineup including Cameo, Rachelle Ferrell, Pieces Of A Dream, Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte and more! To close the celebration, there will be an Official Soljazz Brunch to celebrate Rejoice Sunday on June 10th.

06/09/2012 - Bill Cosby at the Winspear Opera House. Bill Cosby has been making America laugh for decades. And for ONE NIGHT ONLY, one of the most prolific comedians of all time, Bill Cosby, will dazzle the Dallas audience of fans with his comedy that transcends age, gender, and cultural barrier. Tickets start at $45 and are available at www.attpac.org

06/22/2012 – 8/12/2012 – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, at Wyly Theater. For two generations, this joyful, family-friendly musical has been giving audiences a new appreciation of the Old Testament story of Joseph, the boy dreamer. Sold into slavery by his brothers, he became the ruler of Egypt. In DTC’s tuneful telling of this ancient story, practically every line is sung by the actors and a kids’ chorus, in styles from rock to western to a1920s Charleston. Pay-What-You-Can allows patrons to purchase ANY seat in the house for ANY amount they choose. Pay-What-You-Can tickets go on-sale online one week before the performance and may also be purchased in person at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre Box Office beginning at 5:30pm on the day of the performance. More information is available at www.DallasTheaterCenter.org

06/26/12 – 06/27/2012 – Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour with Cirque du Soleil at American Airlines Center. This once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production combines Michael Jackson music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture. Tickets are $50 – $150 and are available online at www.ticketmaster.com

 

08/1/2012 – 08/12/2012 Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Fully Charged at American Airlines Center. This beloved circus is sure to be a hit with the entire family. Ticket prices are $15 – $100 and are available at www.Ticketmaster.com

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Paul Quinn wins top honors at annual HBCU awards

April 24, 2012 By No Comments

College celebrates the win of 2012 Student Government Association and Male College President of the Year

Paul Quinn College claimed top honors at the annual HBCU Digest and the Center for HBCU Media Advocacy Awards held in Bowie, Maryland, last weekend. Paul Quinn, which was the reigning 2011 HBCU of the Year going into Friday’s ceremony, can now lay claim to the 2012 awards of HBCU Male College President of the Year and Student Government Association of the Year.

The earning of the awards comes after a rousing year that forged a new path in servant leadership in the city of Dallas. PQC President Michael J. Sorrell and student leader Dexter Evans, who attended the awards ceremony, led the Quinnite Nation on a continued quest to better the landscape and level the playing field for all citizens of Dallas. The year began with trumping a proposal to turn a neighboring landfill into the largest garbage dump in the southwest and is ending with a fight for justice against castle law injustices that affect the nation as seen in the Trayvon Martin tragedy. These recent awards speak to the culture and ethos of the Quinnite Nation, a call to choose the harder right over the easier wrong, and has awakened a spirit of unity and community in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

“I am so proud of our students,” President Sorrell said. “Their win as HBCU SGA of the year confirms that there is a national audience for the students of Paul Quinn College and our institutional mission of servant leadership.

“Personally, I am humbled by my selection as the male HBCU president of the year. It represents the payoff of five years of collective hard work and faith, by my staff and our students, in the belief that we can become one of America’s great small colleges.”

The good news doesn’t stop at these awards. The Quinnite Nation is coming off of the heels of the most successful College fundraiser to date in “A Community Cooks,” held the day before the awards were announced. The College will also host the entire Dallas Symphony Orchestra by kicking off the 2012 DSO Community Concerts series on May 23. For more information on events at Paul Quinn College visit www.pqc.edu.

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Arts & Entertainment Calendar

April 12, 2012 By No Comments

 

Think Like a Man Red Carpet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Something  Special

*Latrisha’s Pick 06/01/12 – 06/10/12 The 2012 Desoto SolJazz Festival will showcase nightly SolJazz Happy Hour events June 1st through June 6th. Starting June 3rd through June 6th, SolJazz Karaoke Contests will also take place. June 4th through June 7th The DSJF will host free SolJazz Spotlight Concerts. June 8th there will be a Celebrity & Partner Golf Scramble at Cedar Crest Golf Course and a Comedy & Casino Night. June 9th will highlight an All-Star lineup including Cameo, Rachelle Ferrell, Pieces Of A Dream, Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte and more! To close the celebration, there will be an Official Soljazz Brunch to celebrate Rejoice Sunday on June 10th.

06/09/2012 - Bill Cosby at the Winspear Opera House. Bill Cosby has been making America laugh for decades. And for ONE NIGHT ONLY, one of the most prolific comedians of all time, Bill Cosby, will dazzle the Dallas audience of fans with his comedy that transcends age, gender, and cultural barrier. Tickets start at $45 and are available at www.attpac.org 

 04/19/12 – Jazz in the Atrium at a the Dallas Museum of Art located at 1717 Harwood Street in the Art’s District downtown. The performance starts at 6:00 pm and general admission is $10. For more information go to www.dallasmuseumofart.org  

 

Happy Hour at Cheddars

 For Happy Hour that is truly happy try Cheddars on Greenville. The bar is never empty and the atmosphere is wonderful. It helps that that the drinks are fabulous! The Painkiller is to die for. Also, Cheddars has the best spinach dip. www.cheddars.com

 

 

 

 

06/26/12 – 06/27/2012 – Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour with Cirque du Soleil at American Airlines Center. This once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production combines Michael Jackson music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture. Tickets are $50 – $150 and are available online at www.ticketmaster.com  

Good Eats and a Movie

Movie: Think Like a Man opens April 20, 2012

Chef at Breadwinners Cafe

  Dinner:  Breadwinners Café in Uptown brings ‘Nawlins to Dallas.  You can hang out on the rooftop deck overlooking McKinney Avenue. Chef Jeff makes a great pulled pork taco that will make you close your eyes and sing. I love this place. And the Drunken Grilled Cheese is sexy comfort food. Also, let me say Snickers Cheesecake! Yes, a cheesecake made with Snickers. And you can find the best muffins in Dallas. You must try the Lemon Berry.  www.breadwinnerscafe.com

 

 

 

Spiritual

* Latrisha’s pick 05/11/2012 – 06/17/2012 – God of Carnage at Kalita Humphreys Theater. The play is about two 11-year-old boys have had a run-in on the playground, and some very bad behavior ensues… by their parents. When two supposedly civilized, supposedly adult middle-class couples meet to discuss their sons’ little dust-up, they raise smugness, pettiness, and meanness to heady new heights of hilarity, You’ll have endless fun repeating their deliciously snarky remarks. After its sold-out run on Broadway, this Tony Award-winning comedy makes its regional debut. Tickets are available at www.DallasTheaterCenter.org

  After the show try stopping by The Original Cupcakery. They make a lemon pound cake cupcake that is edible sunshine. You can even get a cupcake with beer butter. www.originalcupcakery.com   Mona at The Original Cupcakery

 

 

 

06/22/2012 – 8/12/2012 – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, at Wyly Theater. For two generations, this joyful, family-friendly musical has been giving audiences a new appreciation of the Old Testament story of Joseph, the boy dreamer. Sold into slavery by his brothers, he became the ruler of Egypt. In DTC’s tuneful telling of this ancient story, practically every line is sung by the actors and a kids’ chorus, in styles from rock to western to a1920s Charleston. Pay-What-You-Can allows patrons to purchase ANY seat in the house for ANY amount they choose. Pay-What-You-Can tickets go on-sale online one week before the performance and may also be purchased in person at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre Box Office beginning at 5:30pm on the day of the performance. More information is available at www.DallasTheaterCenter.org  

Family Fun

Mechille's on Skillman

  If you don’t want to want to cook on Sunday try picking up a meal at Michelle’s on Skillman. Hands down this is the best Soul Food in North Dallas. Don’t forget the hot water cornbread!

 

 

 

 

*Latrisha’s Pick 04/9/12 – 9/23/2012 – Sandy Lake Amusement Park in Carrollton. Sandy Lake Amusement Park in Carrollton offers 19 rides, miniature golf, paddle boats, a C.P. Huntington train, an All Sports Arcade and the Sandy Lake Barn Yard. Kids can ride on Shetland ponies. Parents are encouraged to bring their own food to eat on picnic grounds. Admission is $2.00 children under 3 years old are free (see family coupon for free admission online) and coupons for rides are $.50. More information available online at www.sandylake.com  

05/04/2012- 6/3/2012 – Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly at Dallas Children’s Theater. Children everywhere fell in love with Doreen Cronin’s Click, Clack Moo: Cows that Type and Giggle, Giggle, Quack picture books. Now they can see the professional southwest musical premiere of her Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly. On opening night, kids get free ice cream with gummy worms from the Purple Cow and one free poster per family. Ticket prices are $14 – $26; some discounts available. You can purchase tickets by calling 214-740-0051 or online at www.DCT.org

08/1/2012 – 08/12/2012 Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Fully Charged at American Airlines Center. This beloved circus is sure to be a hit with the entire family. Ticket prices are $15 – $100 and are available at www.Ticketmaster.com

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Dallas Children’s Theater presents ANNE OF GREEN GABLES for a limited two-week run and OPENING NIGHT TEA PARTY!

March 27, 2012 By No Comments

 

Photo by Karen Almond Shown here, left to right: Brad M. Jackson (Matthew), Zoë Kerr (Anne), Emily Gray (Marilla)

 

Travel northeast to Prince Edward Island and fall in love with one of literature’s most unforgettable young heroines, the spirited Anne Shirley. Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT) presents the perfect way to spend a spring day with ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, playing March 23 through April 1, 2012 at DCT’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts.

Bestselling novel ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery was published in 1908 and has sold millions of copies worldwide, capturing the hearts of young and old for generations.Adapted for the stage by Seattle Children’s Theater, the play is a faithful dramatization of the beloved book. DCT presented the show in 1993 and is proud to reinvent literature’s most loveable dreamer and her search for a home.

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES is a classic example of an experience that can be enjoyed by children as well as adults. Montgomery intended the book for readers of all ages, and its themes of family and kindred spirits are universal. It is a perfect fit for DCT’s mission to inspire young people to lead productive, imaginative lives. “I love this story because it appeals to a multigenerational audience, and that has always been my guide for choosing material for DCT,” says Robyn Flatt, DCT’s Executive Artistic Director, founder and director of the play.

She continues, “Montgomery had a very isolated, lonely childhood which resulted in a vivid inner life and an intense need for family and close friends. She wrote Anne based on her own childhood experiences, and every age can relate to the need for love and true acceptance.”

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES is a heartwarming and unforgettable shared family experience.

Another theme in the story is the conflict between imagination and social expectations. Anne acts according to her instincts, and lives in daydreams and fantasy. Much of the humor of the play occurs when Anne unknowingly defies social graces, manners and ladylike behavior.

The Victorian age is waning and with it many traditions, particularly for girls and women. Marilla represents the past, while Anne’s ambition and originality symbolize the dawn of a fresh, new era.

In the quiet Canadian town of Avonlea in Prince Edward Island is Green Gables, the ancestral farm of unmarried siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. When they request an orphan boy to help on the farm, they receive the vivacious, redheaded Anne Shirley by mistake. Anne’s talkativeness and flare for the melodramatic immediately enchants Matthew, but Marilla only reluctantly decides to give Anne a try.

The tribulations Marilla fears come to pass as Anne insults Marilla’s best friend, “loses” Marilla’s most cherished brooch, smacks the school’s prize pupil with a slate, and inadvertently gets her best friend Diana drunk on cherry cordial. She also turns out to be extremely bright, charming, resourceful and bursting with irrepressible creativity and passion. Marilla and Matthew realize she is the best thing that has ever happened to them, and Anne comes to understand that she is a truly loved and cherished person.

Randel Wright’s set design captures the nature motifs in the book, accentuating the lush beauty of “the Island” and creating the pastoral heaven Anne describes in her flowery, dramatic fashion.  Costume design by Barbara Cox draws inspiration from countryside living in the late Victorian era with a few Gibson Girl elements that Anne so admires.

Experience all the trials and triumphs of Canada’s enduring family classic! Enjoyed by ages 10 and up.

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN PREVIEW NIGHT

Attend the final dress rehearsal on Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 pm and pay-what-you-can! A suggested donation is $10 per person.

OPENING NIGHT COSTUME CONTEST, POETRY READINGS & TEA PARTY

Attend the show on Friday, March 23 for extra fun prior to the show and at intermission. From 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm, stroll the lobby dressed up as Anne and her friends! Enjoy poetry readings by the Teen Scene Players from DCT’s Classical Acting Workshop! Costume contest participants will be invited to the stage for voting and a photo op. Enjoy FREE tea and crumpets at intermission! One FREE show poster per family.

DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER, ROSEWOOD CENTER FOR FAMILY ARTS 5938 Skillman Street, Dallas, Texas 75231 DCT Box Office: 214-740-0051 Tickets also available on-line! www.dct.org

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NAACP hosting Job Fair on March 27

March 24, 2012 By No Comments

If you are unemployed or interested in a new career the NAACP Regional Diversity Job Fair is coming to Dallas next week. This event provides an opportunity to meet face-to-face with companies that are hiring and looking for experienced candidates.

Employers are seeking candidates with experience and interest in sales, engineering, government, security, education, military, medical, banking, financial services, and more. The Regional Diversity Job Fair is free and open to everyone.

Tuesday, March 27
10:00AM – 3:00PM

Embassy Suites Market Center
2727 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75207

Job seekers are invited to bring copies of their latest resume and get ready to jump into the search for a new career.

For more information call (952) 595-4496, ext. 112.

Filed Under: Business, Community Calendar, Latest News Tagged With: , ,

UNCF 13th Annual Red Hot & Snazzy Benefit

February 8, 2012 By No Comments

Editor’s Note: In our eblast on Thursday, Feb. 15 we listed the wrong location for this week’s gala. It is Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Dallas. Apologies for any confusion.

The United Negro College Fund – proudly presents its 13th Annual Red Hot & Snazzy Benefit Gala – Saturday February 18th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Dallas. Red, Hot & Snazzy is an elegant black-tie gala and popular Dallas/Fort Worth signature black history month event, designed to provide philanthropic support for UNCF’s higher education mission.

This year’s benefit features a VIP awards reception, live and silent auctions, Excellence in Education Award, fine dining dancing and entertainment by the legendary recording group Morris Day & The Time.

Net proceeds will provide operating resources for UNCF’s Texas member private historically black colleges & universities and scholarships for low-income college students.

 

Hyatt Regency – Downtown Dallas in Dallas , Texas  will be the location of this event.

 

Sponsor Information:
Sponsorship Options
* $50,000 – Presenting Sponsor
* $35,000 – Entertainment Sponsor – *Exclusive*
* $25,000 – Doctorate Sponsor
* $15,000 – Masters Sponsor
* $10,000 – Bachelors Sponsor
* $5,000 — Associates Sponsor

F0rm more information call (972) 234-1007 or e-mail dallasinfo@uncf.org

Filed Under: Community Calendar, Community Spotlight, Entertainment, Latest News

Colonel Ralph Hodge speaking in Allen

February 4, 2012 By No Comments

By Tom Keener

NDG Special Contributor

Allen Public LibraryA 33-year U.S. Army and Navy veteran, Col. Ralph Hodge’s assignments included tours of duty in the Korean and Viet Nam conflicts and he served with a number of other esteemed military notables.  He will discuss his role in those wars and his military career at the Allen Public Library, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 9. A recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, Col. Hodge will be escorted to the podium by Boy Scout Troop 328.

A descendant of Captain Thomas Nelson and his mulatto servant Jenny, Col. Hodge has had a life-long fascination with his family genealogy.  Captain Nelson served with General George Washington in the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolution.  Nelson and Jenny had six children, one being Harry Spurlock from whom Col. Hodge’s family descended.  Because interracial marriage was prohibited at that time, the children could not carry their father’s name.

“My grandmother was mulatto who appeared white and married Roger Hodge, a black man,” Col. Hodge notes. “My family is comprised of red heads, blue-eyed whites and blacks.”

Sponsored by Bach to Books, Adult Services and VFW 2195, this program is free. For information, call 214-509-4911.

 

Filed Under: Community Calendar, Community Spotlight, Education, People in the News

Sweetheart Dance in Garland on Saturday

January 31, 2012 By No Comments

Sugar and spice and everything nice!  Dads, granddads, and uncles, catch a shooting star with your little angel to a night of heavenly fun.  This special evening inlcudes dinner, dancing, a professional 5″x7″ photo, and each little angel will receive her very own ribbon halo.  Be a part of her dream come true.

Register per person by February 3 at any Garland recreation center.  Save $2 per person when you register online at garlandparks.com.

For more information, please contact Audubon Recreation Center, 972-205-3991 or Fields Recreation Center, 972-205-3090.

 

Saturday, February 4

The Atrium at the Granville Arts Center

330 North Fifth Street

                           Ages 4 – 7 Yrs                 Ages 8 – 12 Yrs

                           5 p.m - 7 p.m.                 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

                           $14 per person               $14 per person

 

Sponsored by Garland Parks and Recreation, Garland Power and Light, and Sweet and Sassy

Filed Under: Community Calendar, Community Spotlight, Entertainment, Latest News

Sassy Soulstress Andrea Dawson

January 29, 2012 By No Comments

by Tom Keener

Andrea Dawson, the Sassy Soulstress of Blues, performs at the Allen Public Library at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 12.  Offering a mixture of smooth blues and rocking jazz, Andrea’s venues range from juke joints to prestigious blues festivals to the Dallas Museum of Art.   She lives by the adage that if there’s music to be made and lives to touch, what better place to be?

Andrea’s began singing at home where her mother gave her vocal lessons.  She later sang in churches and community choirs, but it was the Richtone Chorus, an all-female barbershop chorus that launched her professional career.   Along with tours to Portugal with the Lucky Peterson Band and headlining in Santiago, Chile, Andrea’s most recent tour was in Shangai, China, where her music was hugely popular.  “My visit to Shanghai China has been thrilling!” Andrea recalls.  “When I was invited there, I was puzzled about why folks in China would want to hear blues and jazz from a middle-aged black woman in the U.S.  However, once there I learned that not only do they want to hear traditional American music, but they also revere middle-aged black women who sing blues!”

Andre declares, “My desire is to move people through music, much like a writer does with words.  I think music has the opportunity to open up the intellect on several levels and that is what I am looking to do.  There are many messages and stories that can be exchanged through song, a remarkable tool in my opinion.  There are many messages from the past and even more in the future waiting to be told.”

Sponsored by Bach to Books and Adult services, this program is free.

The Allen Public Library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr., 75013.  For information, call 214-509-4911.

Filed Under: Community Calendar, Community Spotlight, Entertainment, Latest News

McKinney High School Theatre Department to Perform “Finian’s Rainbow”

January 19, 2012 By No Comments

The theatre department of McKinney High School brings a pot of gold, a leprechaun and a social conscience to the stage this month with their production of “Finian’s Rainbow,” a magical tale with something to say — and sing — about the real world.

The show, directed by McKinney High School Theatre Director Denise Tooch, is a considerable undertaking. In production and rehearsals since October, the musical includes 48 cast members, a live student orchestra and an elaborate student-created forest featuring a large, central tree substantial enough to accommodate characters who climb into it.

“Finian’s Rainbow” first appeared on Broadway in 1947 and tells the story of Finian McLonergan, his daughter Sharon and a leprechaun named Og who travel from Ireland to Missitucky, USA. There, they encounter sharecroppers and the corrupt senator who oppresses them. With a pot of gold, a bit of magic and plenty of singing, they offer hope to a land in desperate need of it.

Although it is not as well known as other Broadway shows, Tooch thinks “Finian’s Rainbow” is a good fit for her students. “It’s sometimes more challenging to find musicals that provide opportunities for many performers that include elements of both fun and social change,” she says. “Even though it was written in 1947, ‘Finian’s Rainbow’ has all three, and we are so privileged to be able to share this rarely performed piece with our students and the community.”

Tooch and her students may have another opportunity to share “Finian’s Rainbow” later this spring. The show has been entered in this year’s inaugural Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards and will be evaluated in 12 categories by 3 judges. If nominated for Best Musical, Best Actor or Best Actress, McKinney High School will be invited to perform live at the May 5 awards show with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

“Finian’s Rainbow” can be seen January 19-21 at 7 p.m. and January 22 at 2 p.m. in the McKinney High School Auditorium. Admission is $8 for students and $10 for adults. The box office will open one hour before curtain — cash or check will be accepted.

Filed Under: Community Calendar, Community Spotlight, Education, Entertainment, Latest News
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