Piney Woods Live June 2011

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Our First Annual Music Issue!

June 2011

Art... Music of the Soul

The T-Bone Walker Blues Festival African Art The Matthew Davidson Band Jan Statman’s Artist’s World Kurbsyde Paradox Tyler’s Hip-Hop Hot Spot Going Tribal at the Michelson “Repurpose” for a Purpose The Longview Symphony Rosewood Studios Guitar Mosaic by Cassie Edmonds

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Sometime in the 1980’s, I began to find myself increasingly unhappy with the music I loved: Rock. Maybe this was a result of the disco craze. Or music videos. More likely, it was tied to the death of radio as an effective way to deliver fresh new music. Corporate consolidation and the rise of request driven playlists seemed to become stations that played the same 100 tunes of a particular genre over and over again. Were they pandering only to listeners content to hear endless replay of the same six or eight ”favorites” who would also make the effort to call in their requests every day? When the last album rock station (those that played a back-to-back group of songs from a single album) disappeared, I abandoned radio and for a number of years confined myself to acquiring cassette tapes and later CDs. Then a couple of chance occurrences helped me find my way out of the wilderness.

I acquired U2’s Joshua Tree CD which included a track featuring Bono and B. B. King in a rendition of “When Love Comes to Town.” This was the first time I had ever heard B. B., but it was a memorable track on a great album. Then about the same time, while plowing through the $2 CD rack at Half-Price Books, I came across a disc called The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions. I picked it up because it featured Eric Clapton and some members of the Rolling Stones. I had never heard of Howlin’ Wolf. When I listened to it, I was astounded.

Here was everything I loved about rock, without all the clutter, in songs I had never heard of before. I was hooked on the blues.

Imagine my surprise then, when a few years ago I was delighted to discover the T-Bone Walker Blues Fest in nearby Linden only to find out that I had missed the first three years of the event! It was at that time a relatively unknown event, at least locally, and today remains an under-appreciated asset in the Piney Woods even though it has brought topnotch talent to our area. If you have never heard of the Blues Fest, then you have missed the first five years, including Keb Mo, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Delbert McClinton, Marcia Ball, Jimmie Vaughn, and Johnny Winter, to name a few. See what I’m talkin’ about?

Amanda Retallack covers the details of the 2011 event in this issue, but I want to devote a little space to T-Bone Walker and his place in music history.

Although his recording career extended over forty years, Walker did his most significant work in the mid 1940’s. To many modern listeners, even blues fans, T-Bone’s vocals have a suave old-fashioned sound. But his guitar solos are instantly familiar to our ears, because they embody the innovations that he has passed down to the musicians of today.

Having absorbed the blues style of Blind Lemon Jefferson while growing up, Walker also learned and adopted the techniques of the remarkable Lonnie Johnson, known to be the first guitar player to play individual notes with a pick rather than strumming chords. Then, in 1935, shortly after he left Texas for California, Walker became the first blues player to use the electric guitar. His enormous talent, flamboyant stage performances, and work energy drove him to popularity, and his innovations were widely copied and adopted, both in the U. S. and in Europe. For these reasons, he is widely regarded, along with B. B. King, as the creator of modern blues music. In fact, it’s difficult for me to imagine any contemporary music, whether blues, country, folk, or rock, without the influence of his electric sound.

So we celebrate the celebration of T-Bone Walker with our first annual music issue.

In addition to coverage of the Blues Fest, this issue includes Amanda Retallack’s interview with the Matthew Davidson Band, Jim King’s interview with Kurbsyde Paradox, profiles of local musical talent, and our regular musical columnists. Randy Brown’s “B-Side” discusses artists, contests, and losers while Larry Tucker’s “Home Grown” examines blues music and the contributions made by a number of local African-American musical artists.

African art and African-American artists are the subject of two feature articles this month. Retallack examines the collection of African masks and artifacts currently being shown at Marshall’s Michelson Museum, and we catalog the accomplishments of local African-American artists in “Piney Woods Renaissance.”

Longview artist and writer, Jan Statman, joins us as a regular contributor with her column, “Artist’s World,” which will feature commentary on the local art scene. This month, she bridges the gap between art and music by interviewing a number of local artists on their “at work” music listening habits. Jan also contributes a feature on the Longview Symphony.

Emmitte Hall continues his theater coverage with a review of the history and operations of the Tyler Civic Theater. We return to dance coverage with Mike and Kathy Woods’ article on Tyler’s Fly Kids, and our ”Art in the Home” series examines the fascinating apartment of Tyler residents David and Ann Nell Wallace. There is more, of course, but I am out of room!

What’s on your mind? Tell us what you like, or don’t like, about Piney Woods LIVE, or how you feel we can do a better job of promoting the arts. Email publisher@pineywoodslive.com or join the artist community discussions at www.facebook.com/pineywoodslive.

P.S.: Coming in July – Theater coverage including a preview of the Texas Shakespeare Festival!

Gary E. Krell, Publisher

Page 02 - June 2011

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contents Art is defined as a product of deliberately arranging elements in a way that appeals to the senses or emotions.

About the cover:

Piney Woods Live is an expression of the community it serves.

A note about the Blues Guitar on the cover from the artist, Cassie Edmonds: “Among the many surfaces I use to create my mosaics, guitars and violins are some of my favorites.

I like to “transform” inanimate objects and bring them to life with glass. Normally I don’t give any of my pieces a name until I finish them. When I’m done, I can look at the piece and the name for it naturally comes to fruition. For the Blues Guitar, I actually came up with the name first and used it as my inspiration. This was also my first attempt using a monochromatic color as part of my design. The circles and waves represent the sound of the Blues. The reflective nature of the glass seems to move to the beat of the viewer.”

Blues Guitar launches our first annual Music Issue...

If you thought, when you looked at the cover, “This magazine must be about music,” you would have been dead right!

June is the month for music festivals in the Piney Woods, it seems. The month opens with AlleyFest in Longview on June 3-5 and continues with the T-Bone Walker Blues Fest in Linden on June 17-18. If you have energy enough in between those two, you can run on down the road a bit to Nacogdoches and catch music on two stages at the Blueberry Festival on June 11.

AlleyFest began more than 30 years ago as an arts and crafts festival in Longview’s Bank Alley. Today, it features some of the best artisans and crafters that can be found. Each year produces new surprises with new artists and new vendors that produce quality work.

The music component of the festival has grown over the years, and this year on Friday and Saturday night three acts each night will entertain the crowd. Friday night Matthew Davidson Band (about whom we write elsewhere in this issue) opens for headliner Wade Bowen. Saturday night features three rock ‘n’ roll tribute bands: 7 Bridges, Back in Black, and Guns 4 Roses.

In addition to the headliners on the main stage, additional entertainment from local groups will be presented on a second stage. The lineup was incomplete at press time, but it is known that Gypsy Rebel, The Down Home Cloggers, and Wheel’s Off Band will perform.

Complete schedule is at www.alleyfest.org.

The T-Bone Walker Blues Fest is arguably THE premier music event in our area. We also cover it elsewhere in this issue. Those music lovers who have not yet experienced this event should decide to do so without delay. It is an intimate, well-run event staffed by an army of volunteers where musicians mingle and talk with fans and sign CD covers and programs. Admission to the outdoor stage is free on Friday and only $5 on Saturday. Indoor seating starts at $20. Get there if you can.

How to reach us: Call the American Classifieds’ Longview Office at 903-758-6900 or 800-333-3082. info@pineywoodslive.com Fax 903-758-8181 506 N. 2nd St., Longview, TX 75601

Blues Fest returns to educate, entertain ........................ 4 A Piney Woods Renaissance .......................................... 6 Artist Profiles ................................................................ 8 The Matthew Davidson Band ...................................... 10 Crossroad Music Company announces lineup ............. 11 Tyler Civic Theater’s play competition winners............ 11 Mineola Gypsy Market Battle of the Bands ................. 11 A report on the A.C. Gentry Tribute ............................ 12 Main Street Theatre to present children’s workshop .... 12 Artist’s World by Jan Statman........................................... 13 Kurbsyde Paradox........................................................ 14 The “B” Side of Music - “I’m a Loser” by Randy Brown ........ 15 Going tribal at the Michelson Museum ....................... 16 Tyler’s Hip-Hop Spot ................................................... 17 Art in the Home - “Repurpose’ for a Purpose.............. 18 Home Grown .............................................................. 20 Theater Spotlight - The Tyler Civic Theater Center ....... 21 The Longview Symphony............................................. 22 Beyond Mere Thoughts by Karen Dean ............................ 23 Rosewood Studio ........................................................ 23 Publishers / Editors Tracy Magness Krell & Gary Krell Advertising Director Gary Krell Public Relations Randi Garcia Contributing Writers Amanda Retallack, Tom Callens, LaDawn Fletcher, Jan Statman, Jim King, Randy Brown, Larry Tucker, Emmitte Hall, Mike & Kathy Wood, Cassie Edmonds, Karen Dean, Candace Williams Graphic Artists Tracy Krell, Joni Guess, Mary Hernandez Sales: Donna Vincent, April Harlow, Shannon Dykes, Denise Reid, Randi Garcia, Kathy Hollan, Cookie Bias, James Taflinger, Paul Magness

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June 2011 - Page 03

music Blues Fest returns to educate, entertain by Amanda Retallack Get ready to sing the blues, East Texas.

The sixth annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest kicks off Friday and continues Saturday, the weekend of June 17 & 18, at Music City Texas Theater in Linden.

Presented by Metro PCS and key sponsors such as Don Henley, MidSouth Engine & Machine, Linden Economic Development Corporations and Good Shepherd Medical Center, this festival will feature some big names in blues. It’s also a fundraiser for two Linden non-profit corporations: Music City Texas Theater and the Fairview Community Center, which offers free literacy and computer training to the community.

Russ Wright, executive director of Linden Economic Development Corporations, said the T-Bone Walker Blues Fest was started not only to boost Linden’s economy and draw people to the small town of 2,200, but to provide an entertaining and educational experience for the place known for its rich musical heritage.

“I’m just blown away with how many musical talents East Texas has produced,” he noted. “So many giants in the music industry are from the area — Don Henley, Tracy Lawrence, Johnny Mathis, Jim Reeves, Tex Ritter …”

As he continued listing accomplished country and blues stars with the enthusiasm and awe of a star struck child, he paused for dramatic effect. He was saving the best for last.

“And, of course,” he smiled, “we had T-Bone Walker.”

Aaron Thibadeaux Walker. Most just knew him as T-Bone. He was a critically acclaimed blues guitarist and singer/songwriter who was one of the most influential pioneers and innovators of the electric blues sound. In September 2003, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him at #47 in their list of “The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” He was just that awesome.

“He was the Daddy of the Blues,” Wright said. “Our festival is a great way to pay homage to such a legend.”

The event will bring in 13 top blues artists from across the nation and will be headlined by its first international blues artist. The headliners are ready to play their hearts out for the crowd that, Wright believes, will top last year’s attendance of 4,000 for the two-day event.

“Attendance has grown every year,” he said. “We have two stages running simultaneously — an indoor and an outdoor stage — so there’s always something happening. With the lineup we have this year, we’re sure to top last year’s event.”

Page 04 - June 2011

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music Friday will feature a free outdoor concert designed to be an educational experience for all who attend.

The show will open with The Matthew Davidson Band – a group whose rising star is a 13-year-old Shreveport guitar prodigy.

Then, the Pleasant Hill Quilting Group will present the history of the Underground Railroad Quilt Code, followed by a great new group – The Ominous Anonymous.

The free concert is headlined by the stellar regional artists – The Alan Fox Band.

Opening indoors in the Music City Texas Theater is Marshall’s Boogie Woogie Ambassador, Omar Sharriff. “I can’t even say enough good things about Omar,” Wright said. “He has been packing the house in weekly concerts since his return to his hometown.”

From Los Angeles, California, Bill Lynch, along with his stellar rhythm section, promises to bring the house down. Lynch has gigged with various artists including Jerry Lee Lewis and Bo Diddley and has been joined on stage by Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Billy Preston and Ike Turner, just to name a few.

David “Honeyboy” Edwards is an icon in the world of blues. A member of the Blues Heritage Hall of Fame, multi-honoree as Blues Acoustic Artist of the Year and multi-Grammy winner, “Honeyboy” represents the best of traditional blues. “This man is a living legend, and he’ll be here,” Wright said. “This may be his last year to tour — he’s turning 96 a week after the show. No one should miss out on this big night in blues!”

Another fave on the list is Brit musician Matt Schofield, a fresh and exciting blues guitarist. He recently joined such luminary names as Buddy Guy, Eric Johnson and Robben Ford, who have DVDs produced by the world’s largest music print publisher, the US-based Hal Leonard organization. Schofield is rated in the top 10 British blues guitarists of all time (Guitar & Bass Magazine) putting him in the company of such iconic names as Eric Clapton and Peter Green. He will headline both nights on the Music City Texas stage. “This guy is just phenomenal,” Wright added. “Watching him is like nothing you’ve seen … he will take off on a musical journey, strumming his guitar, not knowing where he’s going. It’s entertaining and exciting. Such talent!”

The lineup is rounded out by DieDra and the Ruff Pro Band from Birmingham, Alabama, Shreveport’s Buddy Flett, Austin’s rising blues stars – The Peterson Brothers Band, Marshall’s Bobbie Oliver and Jam City Revue, and from New Orlean’s – The Ezra Charles Band.

This year’s festival will be associated with a “Bikers and Blues Run” on Saturday. Bikers are encouraged to bring their motorcycles and participate in biker games Saturday morning, followed by a ride around East Texas throughout the afternoon. The ride will end back at the festival where they’ll attend the blues concert of the night.

There will be vendors and food/drink on-site. Atlanta’s Silver Spur Grill is even sponsoring a beer garden this year.

“Blues is an original American art form, one that inspires, moves and touches souls,” Wright said.

“This festival is a family-friendly environment, and we encourage everyone to come out and hear some good blues music.”

For times and ticket information, please visit:

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June 2011 - Page 05

art A Piney Woods Renaissance

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The marvelous explosion of Black culture and art of the 1920s and 30s known as the Harlem Renaissance birthed now legendary visual artists, poets, and musicians such as Jacob Lawerence, Conutee Cullen, and Duke Ellington. Most of us may not have had the opportunity to experience firsthand that movement of art and expression.

Far removed from New York City, there is one happening in East Texas. Several local black artists are doing their best to share that same air of inspiration and creative genius with the community of East Texas, and ultimately the world.

Self-taught muralist and portrait artist, Wensley Stephens, is a native of Longview whose works of art have been displayed in and around the Piney Woods region for several years. For the past five years, Wensley has been honing his skills, almost oblivious to the art scene around him.

Recently, he discovered Longview’s artistic set and they discovered him. He specializes in water media techniques of acrylic, watercolor, and sculpting out of clay. His mastery of the media makes it hard to pick one as the best. Stephens renders portraits with such realism they seem to capture bits of a person’s essence which he offers as gifts to be appreciated by the masses.

“Seeing the end result of what I create is always what I look forward to most,” he says.

Visual artist and writer, Candace Williams, happened upon East Texas on the winds of a storm. Native to New Orleans, Candace and her family have made East Texas their home since Hurricane Katrina. This modern day folklorist’s art is reflective of her experiences as a woman of color and depicts familiar scenes of motherhood, family and culture. Williams is a student of Fine Art at a local college pursuing a career in the education and instruction of art. Candace is a multimedia artist capable of utilizing the bold tones of pastel or the subtle tones of graphite to emote to her audience.

James McLemore has a traditionalist approach to the creation of his art. It is poignant in subject matter and imagery. His oil on canvas work is stunning - capturing your attention and pleasing the soul. James is prolific in his timeless works. He uses oil on canvas, and his work is stunning; it captures your attention and pleases the soul. McLemore was born and reared in Longview, Texas.

He graduated from Longview public schools and went on to earn a BFA in Industrial Design and Art at the California

College of the Arts in Oakland, California and a masters degree from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978. He has also studied art at Stephen F. Austin University. His varied career includes time as an illustrator in the U.S. Army in Germany and in Vietnam and as a senior designer in engineering for two Fortune 500 companies. For more than 18 years he taught art in public schools. He attended Longview public schools and then went on to earn a BFA in Industrial Design and Art at the California College of the Arts in Oakland, California in 1966. He earned his masters at the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978. He also studied art at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas leading to an MFA. He has won several awards in art competitions.

Talented young graphic artist, Jeremiah Shepherd, uses his understanding of digital media, and his love of fine arts to create masterful displays of visual media, but he is equally fond of the written word.Shepherd is a poet. ”Writing can also be sentimental. When used correctly, it can be extremely expressive. I enjoy and write everything with a purpose, and my goal when writing anything is to affect someone else,” he says.

“For years, I have written whenever I felt inspired, now I write to inspire others.” To see more of his work: shepstyle. com.

Although the Harlem Renaissance is mostly rooted in popular music of that era, had it not been for the cultural emancipation that the Harlem Renaissance allowed, we would not enjoy the cultural diversities in art of all forms today. One of the lasting legacies of the Harlem Renaissance was that it gave African Americans a united culture.

Previously, middle-class black people living in New York had tried to integrate with the local white population. What the literature and music gave them was a cultural heritage to be proud of. It blended the soul and jazz of the southern immigrants with the piano, considered a more middle-class instrument than the brass of the jazz band and a staple of the more affluent New York African Americans.

The artists, both mentioned and unmentioned, offer a multidimensional view of the modern day African American existence in East Texas community.

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June 2011 - Page 07

artists artist profiles

Article submissions: Articles are accepted and reviewed by a panel.

Photos may accompany articles. Space, relevance, writing and appropriateness play a huge part in the decision making process. Individual artists are more likely to have fewer than 100 words plus a photo published. Deadlines are the 5th of the month prior to publication.

Hunnicutt Slim Born on Long Island, Hunnicutt Slim has lived all over the South, and now lives in Nacogdoches County, Texas. His Texas roots go pretty far back to some of the first residents in Dallas County. Relatively new on the Texas music scene, Hunnicutt Slim’s music is soulful with a touch of Folk.

“Hunnicutt Slim’s self penned tunes and catchy melodies should not be missed.” -PineKnot Music Co-op.

And so you’ll know, Hunnicutt Slim is open to collaboration. Learn more about him right here: www.facebook.com/HunnicuttSlim www.youtube.com/hunnicuttslim

Page 08 - June 2011

Karen Crawford Karen Crawford’s musical journey has come full circle, returning once again to her home town of Tyler where her career began, first singing harmony with her father for family and friends and later as a soloist backed by church and school choirs.

Since returning to Tyler, she’s sung “The National Anthem” at Lonestar Speedway and played with well known Tyler musicians such as John Simmons, Lynn Groom and Rusty Honeycutt.

In the interim, she performed in a number of groups, including the trio of Scott Nienhaus and Pat Liston (from their home base of St. Louis), as a duo with pianist Michael Perrine, and with Peggy Taylor in a duo called Pretty Lies. She has opened for national acts in venues such as the Hard Rock Cafe and places as distant as the Virgin Islands, including a 1993 gig as a supporting act for Chicago at Starplex in Dallas.

Currently, Karen is playing solo and duo shows and is available for private bookings. She can be reached at 903-882-3580 (after 2 PM please.)

Michael Todd STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Michael has been divided between the worlds of high school band and theatre for four years. In theatre, he has participated in shows, both on stage and technical crew. After years of internal struggle and endless nights pondering his future, he has come to peace with the fact Photo by Jim King Photography that his place is behind the stage/ camera. “I would rather produce the light than stand in it,” Michael says. He also plays percussion in the Pine Tree High School band, both marching and concert. His musical talents extend to concert piano. His inspiration for continuing his piano studies has been Jon Schmidt.

Michael plans to attend the University of North Texas to pursue a degree in RTVF (radio/television/ film). His studies will take place in the Honor’s College at UNT with his best friend, Jared Smart.

Michael is excited about his new independent life at UNT and hopes to make lots of new friends.

Ann Armstrong “Ann Armstrong’s music runs the gamut from love songs to deep blues. If you’re looking for a peg on which to hang the music of Ann Armstrong and her band, here’s a clue - you’ll need more than one.” said the San Antonio Express-News. Austin American - Statesman said, “Her talents, both as a songwriter and blues performer, are deep and diverse.

Her constant companion and musical partner, Steve Hughes, spices up the proceedings with fine harmonica and flute work. If you haven’t caught her act (check out her blazing bottle-neck guitar work), you’re way behind the times in keeping up with the Texas blues scene.” www.myspace.com/345089006 Scan this code to see Ann and Steve performing in Deep Ellum, 2009.

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artists Diana Hector-Norwood Diana Hector-Norwood has been in the music circle of the Ark-La-Tex area for twenty years. She received her B.A. in 2005 under the instruction of Dr. Isador Saslav, and her M.A. in 2006 under Dr. Jennifer Dalmas from SFA. Both degrees are in music performance. She has studied with world renowned violinists such as Emanuel Borok, Julia Bushkova, and Dr. Igor Borodin.

In her concert career, Diana has played concerts throughout the Ark-La-Tex tristate area and Europe. She was also soloist for the East Texas Honors Orchestra and a winner in the 2005-2006 Concerto Competition at SFA. Diana has played in the North East Texas Symphony, Lake Charles Symphony, Shreveport Opera (as principal), Shreveport Symphony (as principal), Longview Opera, and SFA Opera (as principal).

As an active community member, Diana was a founding member of the ‘Music in the Schools’ (in the Tyler Independent School District), of the SFA chamber strings camp, as well as a founding member of the Colore Ensemble. Currently, Diana is principal of the South Arkansas Symphony, member of the Longview Symphony, assistant concertmaster in Texarkana Symphony, Symphony of the Pines, Marshall Symphony, and substitutes in the East Texas, Shreveport and Arkansas symphonies, as well as Shreveport Opera. She is also a sought after violinist and contractor for different community functions including Green Acres Baptist Church, First Baptist of Frankston, Marvin Methodist, Grace Community, Heart Ball of East Texas, and The El Dorado Casino of Bossier City among many other venues.

Along with playing in these different ensembles, Diana is the Head of Strings at Kilgore College and on the faculty of University of Texas at Tyler. She also has a private studio and enjoys teaching at different public and private schools.

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Gary York “Born in San Antonio in 1951, I was an Army brat who picked up playing piano by ear around age six. I soon moved on to a few other instruments. I played my first pro gig on bass guitar for the All American Boys at 17.

After that, I served in Vietnam. Then I met John Lennon and David Peel in Washington Square Park in NYC, joined the Yippies and was sent to Austin to help organize protests, discovered the music scene, dropped out of politics and started writing songs. I caught the eye of Sonobeat Records’ owner Bill Josey Sr. who trained me to engineer recordings. I then went on to help build a few studios, worked as an engineer and studio musician, and toured with some bands as a back up musician.

I moved to Tyler in 2004, played keyboards for the great jazz fusion guitarist, David McCoy, and started work on opening a music venue in downtown Tyler along with a music school. I had congestive heart failure early in 2006, so I slowed down to just write and record songs in my home project studio. I sell my music in online marketplaces around the world. Google all things Audiogonzo (the name of my one man rock & roll band) for more detailed information. The only local venues I play are charity events or special occasions in which I play classic country hits in salute to the many stars of old that helped me along the way. I enjoy helping young talent get started in the business.”

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music Get ready, East Texas, for the Matthew Davidson Band by Amanda Retallack At an age when most young guys are figuring out how to be a teenager, Shreveport’s Matthew Davidson was up on stage trading hot licks with blues great Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

The then 11-year-old was one of eight student guitarists selected to play alongside Shepherd at Shreveport’s 2009 Artbreak Concert, the largest children’s festival in Louisiana. Nine electric guitars simultaneously wailed the sounds of “Ledbetter Heights,” one of Shepherd’s well-known instrumental blues jams. The crowd, Davidson recalled, went wild.

“It was a complete honor to be part of that experience,” Davidson said. “It was a packed house; the crowd was excited and responsive. Everyone came out to see Kenny Wayne Shepherd.”

Today, two years later, Davidson and his band, The Matthew Davidson Band, play to a packed house — and everyone comes out to see him and his band members. Greg Clifford on drums and Bruce Flett on bass/vocals jam out to some serious blues and rock music.

The Matthew Davidson Band made their debut on June 25, 2010 at the Madison Park El Chico.

Since then, they have played at numerous festivals, restaurants, biker rallies, state fairs, and private parties. They’ve made their electric rounds all across Louisiana, and now they’re headed to Texas. The band has a packed calendar, and East Texas is a big part of their tour.

The band will be playing at Longview’s AlleyFest on Friday, June 3; at Linden’s T-Bone Walker Blues Fest on Friday, June 17; and at Crossroads in Winnsboro on July 30.

Spend any time with Davidson, and you’ll immediately pick up on the fact that he’s friendly, he has a fun sense of humor, and he loves his guitar.

“Guitar is my main thing – sometimes I like to hang out with friends and watch TV, but I love playing guitar,” he said. “When I hold my guitar, I get energy. Once I plug in and get going, it’s a great feeling.”

Page 10 - June 2011

Nothing about Davidson suggests precociousness or preternatural musical skills. But Davidson is — by definition and demeanor — a child prodigy. In any case, he has a neat little story that adds color to his musically inclined city.

He’s from Shreveport, and he grew up listening to his dad’s CD collection ranging from CCR to The Doobie Brothers.

“When I was six, I started listening to Dad’s Beatles’ collection,” Davidson recalled. “That’s still my favorite band to date.”

The more he listened, the more he wanted to sink his teeth into the music world. His parents bought him an acoustic guitar, and he started weekly lessons when he was only seven years old. (Today at 13 years old, his inspirations are listed as The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and his guitar instructor Jerry Beach).

He has barely stopped strumming since he began his lessons! He won his first electric guitar in the 2007 James Burton Guitar Showdown, and he has played at the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, MS and the Delta Blues Fest in Greenville, MS, where in addition to his own set, he sat in with Honeyboy Edwards for a few songs. He’s also shared the stage with greats such as Bugs Henderson, Buddy Flett, Joe Osborn, Maggie Warwick, Brady Blade, Dan Garner and Kenny Bill Stinson.

But he hasn’t let it go to his head, and his modesty is one thing that makes you like him so much. “Each day, I feel very blessed,” the small superstar said.

In fact, all the band members come from music-infused backgrounds.

Fifteen-year-old Clifford has been playing drums since he was two and has been taking lessons since he was four. He studied for five years under the direction of Eddy Kozak, is currently taking symphonic percussion lessons, and he plays in his school concert and jazz band. He has won several awards at regional competitions in his school bands. Clifford has performed with Kozak and Buddy Flett, as well as performing regular shows in the Shreveport-Bossier and surrounding

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music & news area with River Breezes and Sky Eyes. His musical interests range from classic rock and blues, progressive/alternative rock, to early and modern Jazz. In addition to drums, Clifford plays keyboard/piano, bass guitar, other percussion instruments (djembe, timbales, vibraharp, timpani, marimba, congas, bongos), and is learning guitar.

“When it comes to music, I am most inspired by my fellow musicians,” Greg noted. “I hope to study music in the future at Berklee School of Music or The Julliard School.” A highlight of every band gig is Clifford’s drum solo on Led Zeppelin’s “Moby Dick”, which features him playing the drums with his bare hands and gradually accelerating his speed to a break-neck pace, amazing the audience every time!

And as for the third member of the trio, Flett: Music has been his full-time occupation for more than 35 years. He is the bass player/second lead vocalist for the band, and he also serves as the booking agent. Flett has been a founding member/bandleader/business manager for many of the more popular bands in the ArkLaTex, including “A” Train, The Bluebirds, The Voodudes and Robin & The Bluebirds.

He played a key role in bringing together the talents of “the kids” and booking their first professional gig.

Flett enjoys telling the audiences that he learned all of the songs on the band’s set list when they were first recorded! “Playing in a band with two teenagers keeps me young and on my toes,” he smiled. “It’s earned me the title of ‘World’s Oldest Teenager’.”

For more information or to book The Matthew Davidson Band, visit www.matthewdavidson.net.

There you’ll find a calendar of events, special MDB merchandise and an extensive song list.

Crossroads Music Company announces lineup Gus Gustafson at Crossroad Music Company in Winnsboro has announced their upcoming performance schedule. Austin singer/songwriter Jimmy LaFave returns to Texas from a series of California appearances and makes a stop at Crossroads on June 25. The East Texas band, Slightly Tilted, fills the bill July 2. Hubert Sumlin is tentatively booked for July 9, and Shreveport’s Matthew Davidson band will round out the month of July on the 30th. We also found out that Gus and Lindy Hearne will will be playing at Brewbaker’s Pub on June 10. Catch them if you can. Details available online at www.CrossroadsMusicCompany.com.

Tyler Civic Theatre to present winners of new play competition The Tyler Civic Theatre Center has announced the names of four winning playwrights of the Sixth Annual New Play Festival 2011 competition. Playwrights from all over the country were invited to submit a one-act play or short portions of a larger work. The four plays will be presented in the Rogers Theatre at Tyler Civic Theatre Center on Saturday, June 18, at 1:00 PM. Each play will be a maximum of 40 minutes in length and will be presented in a “readers” format by real actors but without sets, costumes or props.

The winning playwrights are Elissa Thompson, Helen Jameson, Josie Rasberry and Mike Hargrove.

Elissa Thompson of Tyler is a sophomore at TJC, transferring to Mary-Harden-Baylor in the fall to major in journalism. She is a former TCTC student of the Actor’s Conservatory and S.T.A.R. Her play is titled Journey for Trust.

Aunt Maxine was written by Josie Rasberry, a freshman at Troup High School. She loves acting and writing and hopes to be an author someday. She particularly enjoys writing fictional short stories and participates in cheerleading, volleyball and basketball at school.

Helen Jameson is a playwright/instructor at TCTC’s Actors Conservatory. She explained that the students acted as a “creative pool, offering ideas, phrases, story lines and character points” for their collective play, Sonia White And The 7th Dwarf. Will Bass, Marie Bowen, Bethany Earls, Emily Johnson, Karah Nance, Lexie Rains, Hannah Root and Thomas Shelmire comprise the Act III Spring 2011 class.

Mike Hargrove’s play, Hitler’s Olympics, expresses his avid interest in history. “There’s always a story within the story.... after all, history is about people, not about stuff!” Mike is in sales and began writing five years ago, with the encouragement of his wife. He and his family live in the Lindale area.

The public is invited to attend some or all of the plays, and admission is free. Tyler Civic Theatre Center is located at 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler.

Mineola Gypsy Market Battle of the Bands slated for October Mineola Gypsy Market in October is having a Battle of the Bands. Prize money is $2,000.00. Winner takes all.

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news A tribute to A.C. Gentry by Tom Callens East Texas art lovers converged on the Tyler Rose Garden May 4 at 6:30pm to honor distinguished Tyler artist A.C. Gentry. The evening included several pieces of Gentry’s work and was organized by the group, Tyler’s Own Fine Artists. Many pieces were privately held, brought in by their owners for the tribute.

The Garden’s Blue Bonnet room also featured art from other prominent area artists.

Art by David Ackerson, Gaylon Dingler, Cassie Edmonds and Robert Morris surrounded Gentry’s scene-scapes of East Texas’ past and present.

Tyler councilman, Martin Hines, stated that Gentry’s art adds to the understanding of the beauty of East Texas and has long contributed to the preservation of its history. Hines was proud to pronounce May 4, 2011 as A.C. Gentry Day, on behalf of Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. The room was full of representations of historic East Texas, set in both past and present form. Gentry’s art centers on timeless concepts and places that played a pivotal role in the area.

In fact, Gentry’s work is considered so important that an art scholarship bearing his name was created for art students at Tyler Junior College. The scholarship is managed by the Art Scholarship Fund in Tyler.

The event served as a perfect opportunity for Tyler’s art community to meet some outstanding artists and get in touch with the tone of the city’s artistic side.

Tyler’s art community is a group of people who not only recognize Gentry for his talent, but his reputation in the community.

His son, Bob Gentry, professed pride in his father’s reputation among members of the community. “My father is known for his honesty and dedication to values,” Bob Gentry said. He went on to describe his father as a self-made artist who pursued his love of art beyond a hobby and, against the odds, made it a profitable venture.

A. C. Gentry is an artist, a historian and a prominent member of the Tyler community. Gentry’s dedication to art has been recognized by his peers. The scholarship inspired by his achievements will undoubtedly aid future local artists in developing into prominent members of the art community.

Main Street Theatre to present Children’s Workshop The Main Street Theatre in Sulphur Springs will present a children’s workshop featuring a production of Aladdin July 28th through August 6th. All acting, directing, lights, sound, stage management and sets will be done by children with adult guidance. Registration for children aged 7 – 17 will be at 7:00 PM May 31st, June 1st and June 2nd at the Main Street Theatre, 227 Main Street, Sulphur Springs. Please call 903-885-0107 for more information.

Page 12 - June 2011

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art & music

Lock

Artist’s World

by Jan Statman Both art and music express

Stacy Deslatte: “The music I listen to while carving is blues

what is basic and fundamental to

music and blues rock like John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, B.B.

our shared experience of being

King, the Traveling Wilburys, Blues Traveller, Joe Cocker,

human. Artists and musicians com-

Black Crows, Bonnie Raitt. Then I often morph into more

municate important emotions and

contemporary stuff like the Dave Matthews Band, Jack John-

ideas without actually using words.

son, Widespread Panic, Black Keys. I am a child of the late

Paintings and sculpture can draw

sixties, but I am very much moved and motivated by the new

the viewer into the artist’s world. Music can cause those

alternative rock. - The music does sometimes affect the work

toes to tap. It is not surprising that art and music often

and sometimes it helps with the rhythm of the work. Good

have a direct relationship to each another.

thing no one can see me while I’m working - they would see

The clearest way to see this is in Modest Mussorgsky’s famous composition, “Pictures at an Exhibition.” In 1863,

a woman jamming out, dancing, with hammer and chisel in hand and headphones turned to max!”

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the composer visited the Academy of Fine Arts in Saint Petersburg, Russia for an exhibit of paintings and drawings

Mary Jo Beswick: “For me painting is more like going to a

by his friend Viktor Hartmann who had died suddenly.

party than a spa. I like to listen to exotic music with a strong

The composer was so moved by the exhibit that he went home and began to write.

The ten pictures Mussorgsky turned into music include

beat like the African and Caribbean Islands. This kind of music encourages my imagination to play and take a journey of discovery.”

a gnome-shaped nutcracker, a troubadour singing outside an ancient castle, children in a park, a Polish ox-cart, a bal-

Dennis O’Bryant: “I have a fairly extensive playlist on my

let of hatching chicks, an argument between two Jewish

computer - classical, jazz, blues, roots, world - some eastern

citizens of Warsaw, people in a crowded marketplace, the

yoga music, the Tibetan bells ... it all depends on my mood

eerie catacombs of Paris, the hut of the witch Babi Yar, and

or maybe time of day. I can listen to all of one genre or

a design for an entrance gate to the city of Kiev.

shuffle the whole list. The medium doesn’t change the mu-

While these paintings inspired the musician, it is mu-

sic, the mood does.”

sic that often inspires artists.

Music encourages us as we work. My father, Saul Berliner, was fond of violin music. My earliest memories are

SHINE . . . or RAIN . . .

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Cece Alexander Bode: “My music preference ranges from La

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Boheme to Van Morrison, mixed with blues in between.”

of my mother playing her violin while my father painted.

Later, when we got The Big Upright Piano, the mood, as

Erin Lambers: “Typically I listen to music that has a beat of

well as the music, changed to the hot jazz she liked best.

the sort that my body can move to.... Tom Petty, Chris Issac,

As a matter of research, I asked several other artist to share

Jewel is most common in my studio. If it is slower paced

their musical moments.

than what I am doing, like trimming my pieces or handbuilding, Norah Jones will sing in the background while the work

Paul Anderson: “The genre that I listen to most is jazz, but if

resonates through my hands.”

I want lyrics, I listen to Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. Sometimes I just put on the radio to the Oldies Station.”

Jill Nonemacher: “I do my best painting to my favorite rock ‘n roll. I love the energy and sound of bands like the Eagles,

Joshua Richardson Kight: “When I need guts, I go for

Moody Blues, Crosby Stills, Nash and Young, Steve Win-

the Rolling Stones! When I need calm and mental clarity,

wood, the Beatles, Dave Mason. I also listen to my favorite

Mozart. When I need boundless creative joy, the Beatles.

women musicians like Carole King.”

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When I need defiance, Bob Dylan. When I need perspective, I Listen to C.S. Lewis... Bach for flight feathers!”

As for me? I would like to tell you I listen exclusively to Bach and Palestrina when I paint, but the truth is I am addicted

Celie Bothwell Hester: “I usually put my iPod on shuffle... I

to Country - ear-splitting loud and twangy. Also, when

like classical when I’m painting... I listen to everything from

my kids were small, I would send them to Sesame Street

metal to swing!”

while I painted, so if I should hear Kermit the Frog or Miss Piggy I would instantly make a bee-line for the studio. All it

aj Melnick: “Some good pop or classical are my choices,

takes are the joyful strains of “Sunny Day, taking our cares

perhaps a little jazz. “

away….”

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Mary Norvell: “I am transported by opera, instrumental, and pop that somehow connect with my soul. I have always used music to tune out other distractions so that it’s just me and my paint brush touching and feeling the painting

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June 2011 - Page 13

music Kurbsyde Paradox by Jim King Mike Congdon and Jason Templeton are as unlikely a pair as you will ever find. They are unique individuals in every way and completely different from one another in both looks and personality. Like so many others though, they share a common bond, and that bond is their love of music! Together they have begun performing around Longview as a duo known as “Kurbsyde Paradox”. No, I didn’t misspell it and can assure you that their music is as distinctive as their name. A combination of jazz, blues & folk music, they pride themselves with the claim that 95% of everything they play are original compositions they have written. Using real life experiences, they believe it makes the lyrics personal to their audience and people relate better to that. In a day and age where so many local bands mainly perform “cover” songs, a lot of people find this refreshing.

The two of them have been playing together for 1 ½ years, first meeting as students at LeTourneau College through mutual friends. Mike, a 20 year old from Fairbanks, Alaska, came to Longview to study Electrical Engineering. Jason, on the other hand, who at 25 professes to be a “drifter,” is originally from Riverside, Cali-

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fornia. He has traveled extensively around the United States as well as England and Scotland. He enrolled at LeTourneau as an English Major and states that he would someday like to become a paramedic.

Both of these guys are multi-talented when it comes to musical instruments.

Mike plays the acoustic guitar, bass guitar and piano in addition to his vocals and songwriting skills. Jason’s list of musical instruments reads like an inventory list.

When I first met these guys, Jason had a harmonica around his neck and was playing a Djembe (pronounced dee-jim-bay). That seemed impressive enough, but he also plays the saxophone, piano, mandolin, violin and guitar.

Their music style is different, to say the least, but there is no denying that it is soulful, and it comes from the heart. They try to play at least once or twice a week and are each quick to point out that they play weekly whether they get paid or not. I actually met them when I was photographing a wedding where they had been hired to provide the music. I asked them how is it I had never seen or heard of them before? After all, I photograph a lot of musicians and they are a pretty close group. They looked at one another and laughed. “We are different, we are new, and we play anywhere people will let us”.

It seems that Kurbsyde Paradox sing and perform when and wherever the mood strikes them. In an effort to get exposure, Mike said they perform at “open mic” nights around East Texas and have been known to walk through shopping centers and simply ask people if they can play for them. Jason said they once sat at the front doors of a Wal-Mart. “We just want to play our music and will do it anywhere we can for anyone who will listen to it.” Sounds simple enough. Their style of just sitting down in front of businesses and begin playing is reminiscent of what I see around Austin and other areas that cater to musicians and artists.

They are people who have a passion for what they do and share it with whomever are interested. They credit “Fast Freddies” in Longview as their first paid job and play there whenever possible. When they have no place to be, they can usually be found at Hastings Music Store on Loop 281 in Longview where they play each week, usually on Thursdays.

For more information about these guys, where and when they are playing or to book them for a gig, you can contact them at kurbsydeparadox@gmail.com or call at 434.558.8267 or 951.275.3300. They also have a fan page on Facebook.

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Page 14 - June 2011

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music The “B” Side of

by Randy Brown

I’m a loser

Music

I’m a loser I’m a loser And I’m not what I appear to be” “I’m A Loser”, Lennon/McCartney This month’s lyric comes from the Beatles’ “’I’m a Loser,” a song originally released on Beatles for Sale in the United Kingdom and on Beatles ’66 in the United States.

Written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon/McCartney, Lennon said he was influenced by Bob Dylan in the writing of the song. Many think its sound and subject matter was the precursor and partially responsible for the folk/rock explosion which began in 1967 with Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds and others. I just think it sets up this month’s column quite well.

This is not my favorite time of year. Yeah, I know it’s springtime and everything is blooming and all that stuff but, for me, it’s “losing time”. I know that art is not about competition, and I know that doing your best work and saying what you mean is all that really matters. I know that, I really, really do. However, this is also the time of year I get emails and letters from various important (to me) songwriting contests, telling me that the competition was tough, perhaps the toughest ever, and the judges job was so hard this year they almost came to blows, and I should be proud to have simply entered in such an auspicious line up, but unfortunately I was “not selected” as a finalist. Sorry guys, all my brain thinks when I see those dreaded words, “not selected” is L-O-S-E-R in flashing red neon 50 feet tall. I walk around in a funk for days, amazed and embarrassed to think I had the nerve to enter the crap I entered in the contests this year. Wondering why I continue to torture myself, knowing full well it wasn’t good enough this year to be “selected” in that particular contest and that I am never going to be “good enough” to be “selected” ever again for anything anywhere. Who the heck am I kidding?

So enough of the poor me already, let’s talk about this honestly. I have never discussed this with any other artist, but I don’t think I am that different from everybody else. I do art for public consumption, and while it is true I would do a certain amount anyway, one of the driving factors for me and, I think, most artists is to be appreciated for their work. Art shows, songwriting competitions and other similar competitive functions are very much a part of the current art scene and often an important stepping stone to greater things including greater appreciation and acceptance. But I, for one, have never been comfortable with competitions and the reason might just be that I am not a good loser. Oh, I congratulate the winners and sincerely mean it. But, all the time, all I can think is, “Hey, this guy is better than me; maybe I should find another line of work”.

Fact of the matter is that most folks, myself included, don’t always know what is good or bad as far as art goes unless someone else tells them that it is or isn’t good. That is why critics, including contest judges, are so important to any art scene. They tell us, the consumers, what is good and what isn’t - what is old versus what is new and in style. They don’t create art; they criticize it. Some critics even make more than those they criticize. Now, it sounds

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like I am coming down on critics, but I am most certainly not. I have judged a couple of such contests myself, and it is very difficult. I had an opinion about the songs I heard and attempted to be fair and honest in my judging. I did my best, took it seriously, and even though I rated some higher and some lower than others, I wasn’t saying any were bad. I was only saying that what they were doing didn’t appeal to “me” at that moment as much as others did. It’s almost never a good idea for any of us to judge art solely by someone else’s opinion. In fact, I believe it is dangerous and does not serve to expand the experience of art but rather to shrink that experience to only go by what the judges or the critics say. Remember that bias is at the core of almost every decision, no matter how hard we try to be unbiased. How well you slept last night, your current personal situation, background and many other factors can and do bias one direction or another. This isn’t bad or good, it is simply the way the world works.

So take the critics, art jurors, and contest judges’ opinions of what is better with a grain of salt. Keep striving to be better than you were yesterday and keep entering those contests. Keep right on losing, and maybe, just maybe, the stars will align and the judges will think that you got it right and you will get the notice that you were selected. It could happen. But it won’t unless you keep on at your art.

I am glad we had this talk; I feel a little better, thanks.

Right now I am still totally disgusted with all these contests, upset that I waste so much time writing, editing, and perfecting every word, every note and every subtle nuance.

But nine months from now I can guarantee you that I will be entering them again and, just like always, expecting something great to happen. You know the old saying, “Hope springs eternal,” and it certainly does, especially for us losers.

By the way, if you have comments, suggestions or criticisms about this or any of my columns, feel free to send them to me: randy@brownrandy.com If you ever simply get curious about what the heck this rambling old man does then go to www.brownrandy.com. Listen to a few songs and let me know what you think. This article and all the past B-Sides are archived at my website.

See you next issue.

Randy Brown is a small business owner and singer/songwriter living in East Texas and has been involved with many sides of the music business over the years, from being a sideman, a sound man, touring songwriter, operating a venue, and a recording studio owner/engineer.

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June 2011 - Page 15

art Going tribal at the Michelson Museum

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It’s about three feet long, and it’s staring at you from narrow eye slits.

This grand, highly stylized face mask from the Mossi people of West Africa is part of a permanent collection of more than 60 masks and other African artifacts on view at the Michelson Museum of Art in Marshall.

To spend an afternoon immersed among these fierce images and the mesmerizing artistry of carving and weaving from so many different tribes is a rare lesson in history.

“Each piece is dynamic and moving in some way,” said Susan Spears, executive director at the museum. “Each one has a story to tell.”

The Ramona and Jay Ward Collection ranges from a wide wooden face mask surrounded by cowrie shells and accented with camel teeth in its mouth to a balaphone, an instrument similar to a xylophone that consists of wooden bars seated on a series of hollow gourds with the gourds generating the resonating notes.

Such an unusual collection came from one very eccentric individual from Hollywood, California: Jay Ward, creator of cartoon giants such as Rocky and Bullwinkle, George of the Jungle and Dudley Do-Right.

“Jay was quite a character himself, and he was very grand in his plans,” Spears said. “For instance, he would throw lavish parties. Once, he rented a space in the Plaza Hotel in New York and had sod hauled in to the huge room for a picnic-themed event. He was that grand.”

He was also a collector of many things — one thing in particular: African objects. For years, he collected artifacts of the Yoruba, Senufo and other West African peoples.

When Jay passed away in 1989, his wife wanted to find a home for her husband’s treasured pieces. It just so happened that her sister, Virginia Cope, was working at Marshall’s Michelson Museum. And so, the late Jay Ward’s beloved African items traveled more than 1,500 miles to find their permanent place of residence.

The pieces come in all shapes and sizes. They all have a purpose, as well — from ceremonial masks to slit gongs, each has their own message to share with visitors.

One, with its large wooden face, a blood red tongue and lightly colored lips, is thought to repel evil spirits and harmful influences. Spears insists that she always hangs this artifact of the Ibibio people across the hallway from a window.

“When we first received this mask, the card that came along with it said that it repels harmful influences, and we

by Amanda Retallack

were to hang it where it would always face toward the outside so negative vibrations don’t bounce off another wall and cause disturbance,” she said.

“People ask if I’m superstitious.

I’m not … but I’m not going to take any chances, either!”

A stylized wooden monkey crowns the top of another boxshaped mask in the collection.

This is is known as a Kanaga mask of the Dogon people.

Kanaga masks were used during several rituals after which the people would leave them on the ground, exposed to elements which would cause a quick deterioration. This mostly intact mask on display was saved before serious damage occurred and is an amazing piece of artistry and creativity.

Not all artifacts are carved wood. Some masks are accented by intricately woven cloth, while others have bits of metal melded to the faces. Then there are the musical instruments that are made from part wood, part leather, part resilience. A drum from the Yoruba people is made of wood and topped with cowhide. The carved frieze depicts village life as well as objects of divination.

Next to the instruments are the weapons, including ceremonial swords used by chiefs in various rituals in order to show their status. Even further down the line are the African puddle casts. These copper alloy crosses were used as currency in the Katanga region in what is now Zaire. They were called “handa,” and were indicators of wealth, used as bride price and traded for goods.

“It’s quite a collection,” Spears reflected.

Take a walk on the wild side at the Michelson Museum.

The Ramona and Jay Ward exhibit is not only a great lesson in history, but also a moving shock to the artistic senses.

“There is beauty in all things,” Spears added. “The masks may look scary at first, but they’re quite fascinating pieces.”

The Michelson Museum of Art 216 North Bolivar, Marshall, Texas.

Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10 to 4 Saturday 1 to 4 For more information : Contact Susan Spears 903-935-9480 or www.michelsonmuseum.org

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dance Tyler’s Hip-Hop Hot Spot by Mike & Kathy Wood Tyler, a hip hop center? It will be for five days starting on July 25th when FLY KiDS imports three world class Breakers and Hip-Hop dancers for a summer camp workshop that packs a colossal amount of dance in each seven-hour day. Our instructors will be Chris “Colcutz” Gamez, Corey “Spidmon” Greene, and Armando “Boy” Alejandro—all professional instructors and former or current members of the world-famous Havikoro crew and Urgeworks.

Hosted by Tyler’s Glass Recreation Center, this camp is open to the public for advanced, intermediate, and beginner dancers, ages eight and older. It’s an opportunity for East Texas dancers as well as dance teachers from studios, public and private schools, colleges, and universities to get intensive instruction from Hip-Hop dancers who have traveled, performed and taught extensively throughout the world.

Chris and Corey, our returning instructors from the 2010 camp, are known as All Styles dancers and choreographers, meaning that they can do many different forms of Hip-Hop movement and can create complete dance pieces.

Both have excellent people skills with upbeat teaching styles making them effective and popular instructors. Last year, every student went home with many new breaking skills, two pieces of choreography and a new respect for learning.

New this year is the amazing Armando “Boy” Alejandro, a break dancing and power move specialist. Power moves combine acrobatics, strength, force, and momentum.

All you Breakers who want to move from beginners to intermediate level or intermediate level to advanced, this is your chance.

Conducting the camp is Kathy Wood, the driving force behind FLY KiDS and creator of FLY Dance Company, a Hip-Hop based act that toured throughout the U.S. and Europe for five years averaging sixty concerts each year for performing arts venues including the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Center, and the Bob Hope Theater. She is one of the founders of the Texas Dance Educators Association and a member of its Hall of Fame.

Chris, an original FLY Dance Company member, has also danced with Planet Funk, Sandra Organ Dance Co., the Houston Rockets, Destiny’s Child, Coolio, Common, Biz Markie and, of course, his Havikoro crew, which has traveled to over 40 countries performing and teaching. At Houston’s Lamar High School, Chris was a full-time HipHop dance teacher. He recorded a rap album with Much Luvv Records. Working for American Voices (a U.S. government agency), his Urgeworks organization took American Hip-Hop culture to Third World countries. Two years ago, Chris started his own church, The Worship Experience.

Corey’s career started with martial arts and gymnastics which he immediately adapted to Hip-Hop dancing that, he says, was “love at first sight.” Still in high school, he was recruited by Dance Force Productions and began performing at both private and large corporate parties.

After graduation, while stationed in San Diego with the U.S. Navy, Corey joined and battled with the Bang Uh Rang crew which introduced him to his specialty, House Dancing (a fusion of R&B, Jazz, and Hip-Hop.) In 2008, he was ranked in the top 16 out of 50+ of the world’s best dancers at House Dance International New York City. In Houston, he won the first Ritual Grand Prix, a compilation of House Dance Competitions.

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Armando has been break dancing and teaching dancers around the world for over fifteen years. From London to Denmark, Japan to France, and all over the U.S., Armando has entertained many thousands of people worldwide. He is known for creating some of the most difficult power moves in the break dance world. Now, Armando is focused on teaching and training dancers who are eager to learn the fundamentals and techniques he used to get to the top. He’s got an App for that. Really.

Camp classes will begin at 9:00 a.m. and go until 3:30 p.m. with thirty minutes off for lunch. A 30-minute demonstration will end the day at 4:00 p.m. On Friday, there will be a public student concert where camp dancers will show what they have learned and instructors will showcase their Breaking and Hip-Hop skills.

This camp is not to be missed by dance teachers, dancers, cheerleaders or anyone wanting to add some new and very cool movement to their dance repertoire.

Tyler, a hip hop center? Well, the FLY KiDS Hip-Hop Summer Dance Camp will be making sure it is—at least for one week every summer.

For more about the summer camp, fees, housing for outof-town students, registration, the instructors (with photos, videos, and biographies), and Kathy Wood, please go to www.flykids.net then click on Summer Camp. Contact Mike Wood at 713-419-4611 or flykids@suddenlink.net.

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It is unique to find a city such as Longview, that has such a vibrant arts community – a ballet, opera, symphony orchestra, symphonic band, art museum, historical museum, and a children’s theatre group! With such widespread support and dreams for the future, the arts in Longview continue to flourish and it is by working together to promote our creative resources that will enhance the arts community for everyone.

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art in the home “Repurpose” for a purpose: David & Ann Nell Wallace

Downtown Tyler ArtWalk June 2 • 4-8pm Great Art 2 Live Music Art Demonstrations 2 Dance Film 2 Public Art Mural Downtown Tyler ArtWalk sponsored by: Hall Buick GMC, Tyler Junior College, Austin Bank, East Texas Radio Group & Piney Woods Live Magazine As you meander through the city streets of downtown Tyler during one of the art walk events, you may encounter an “open house” sign in front of a basement apartment underneath the Downtown Coffee Lounge.

If the sign says “living art exhibit,” you will have found the home of David and Ann Nell Wallace. Do not miss the opportunity to take a peek inside.

On a recent day, David and Ann Nell conducted a tour for us.

David, the resident chef, and now featured artist of the Downtown Coffee Lounge, and his wife of 25 years inhabit this metro chic, ultra modern home that might well be found in upscale areas of cities much larger than Tyler. Everything inside is well arranged and appears to be meticulously designed to fit within the limited space available. Art objects complement the walls.

Sculptures occupy strategic floor locations. An elegant

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Page 18 - June 2011

theme runs through the urban basement home.

The secret this apartment holds is that nearly all of the furnishings inside, including all of the art, resided for a time at Goodwill, Habitat Restore or the Salvation Army Thrift Store. That is, if David himself has not previously used it to the end of its useful life, received it as a cast-off, or pulled it from a dumpster.

The Wallaces sold their conventional country home a year ago and moved into the apartment. “The first time I showed the space to Ann Nell she took one look and said, ‘No way!’” says David. Nonetheless, David managed to convince her that the space had potential.

Soon they found that they could not use most of the items from their old home because they were unable to fit them through the door at the bottom of the entry stairs. Suddenly they were faced with the need to furnish and decorate 2,500 square feet of space.

“We needed lots of interesting new things that would brighten up an underground apartment. And it had to be inexpensive. That was my motivation to start producing art.”

Old keyboards, cigarette packs, plastic cake molds, toys, computer fans with moving parts, and many other items have been precisely arranged in pleasing compositions and Gorilla Glued in place. A computer desk has risen out of the ashes like a phoenix and now resides center stage as the faux marble formal dining table, hand-painted and etched with a Sharpie; a piece that might be mistaken for an item purchased from the finest of furniture stores.

A visitor favorite in the home is a pasteboard carton, formerly holding a flat screen TV, painted black, covered with white ovals of various sizes, and so transformed into an art piece so versatile that it can be mounted in any orientation and still captivate the viewer.

Viewed at various angles, it’s feng shui, bubbles, eggs, stones, but always random and beautiful.

Another of David’s impressive industrial works is electrical conduit pipe cut at different lengths and then planted inside two contemporary black planters. A sensational impression of technology meeting nature.

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art in the home Ann Nell is amazed and delighted that visitors are taken aback, sometimes stunned, even giddy by the art in their home. In her wonderful southern drawl, she says, ”It still blows my mind that people are envious of where I live.”

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The mind of David is perpetually nonstop, and there is a spark in his eyes as he talks about his creations taking regular, ordinary objects and combining them into arrangements that yearn to be touched. “Art can be simple and inexpensive. You don’t need a lot of money.

You just need to be a little more creative in your thinking about what your tools and materials can be,” he says.

The Wallace’s continue to take pleasure showing off their work. “We love to show it to folks. I especially enjoy watching each person’s reaction as they explore my different pieces and what they are made of.” So really, if you have the opportunity, don’t miss this.

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Art in the Park deemed a success by Tom Callens More than 50 artists and hundreds of visitors enjoyed perfect weather and beautifully crafted pieces by local artists April 16 at Tyler’s second annual Art in the Park at the Goodman-LeGrande House.

Bracketed by periods of severe weather, including extreme wind, the Goodman’s visitors enjoyed a rather peaceful, temperate day. Goodman curator, Patricia Heaton, expressed worry about wind gust causing exhibitors problems but was delighted by the excellent weather.

Booths were arranged in the front yard of the historic home. Exhibits ranged from pieces on canvas, sculptures and carvings, to large tapestries. Children enjoyed the opportunity to finger-paint on the shells

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of large tortoises, and visitors were given morning and afternoon tours of the house.

Student art organizations from The University of Texas at Tyler displayed members’ work along with amateur, professional, and student artists. UT Tyler instructor, Merrie Wright, gave a morning and afternoon lecture about her experiences as an art student, teacher and artist. She also discussed methods for developing concepts and expressing artistic ideas.

Tyler art consultant, Nora Roberts, described the event as a complete success. The Goodman plans to continue Art in the Park and using the grounds for similar programs in the future.

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June 2011 - Page 19

music

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Page 20 - June 2011

I am not a musician. I can’t play a lick of anything and I sure can’t sing, but I love music. My first memories of music are from Bruton Road Baptist Church in the Pleasant Grove area of southeast Dallas. Songs such as “Amazing Grace”, “Jesus Loves the Little Children”, “Love Lifted Me” and “How Great Thou Art” are forever entrenched in my memory.

As I have grown through the teenage, young adult, middle age and soon to be senior citizen eras of my life, my musical tastes have changed. But my roots go back to 1950’s with early rock ‘n roll and the soul music that turned to blues.

The African-American East Texas Blues experience has left a profound effect on the world of music and on those of us who have become immersed in it. I love the Mississippi Delta Blues, which some say is at the root of all other blues.

The Delta Blues sound found its way through the cotton fields, farms, oil fields and lumber camps of East Texas.

I once took a journey to Clarksdale, Mississippi with long time friend Wild Bill Sanderson. Bill is a writer and was doing research on the blues, so I went with him.

We made the trip to the legendary Crossroads, at the intersection of Highways 61 and 49, where Robert Johnson allegedly sold his soul to the devil in exchange for the ability to play the blues guitar. There I became captured by the spirit of the blues.

East Texas contributions to the world of blues came from many sources, and I know of a few. Most historians trace the Texas version of the genre to Blind Lemmon Jefferson who was the first recorded artist in the field. Jefferson is known as the “Father of Texas Blues” and is revered by many of today’s blues artists. His recordings were said to have influenced B.B. King, T-Bone Walker, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Son House and boogie rockers Canned Heat.

In 1920, Blind Lemmon Jefferson is recorded as living in Freestone County between Wortham and Streetman. He was a street musician who played in East Texas towns at barber shops and on street corners.

Jefferson frequented Dallas and was a prominent force behind the development of Deep Ellum, a place where he met the young Aaron Thibeaux Walker who was to be known as T-Bone Walker. Walker would become the eyes of Jefferson in Dallas, and collected his tips for him as he performed on corners and in bars. In return, Jefferson taught Walker the blues guitar.

Jefferson died in Chicago in December of 1929. Legend says he died from freezing after suffering a heart attack. It has also been claimed in Frank X. Tolbert’s column, “Tolbert’s Texas”, in the Dallas Morning News that he was killed carrying a large amount of royalty money while trying to catch a train home to Texas.

Paramount Records paid to have his body returned to Texas where he was buried in Wortham Cemetery. His grave was left unmarked until 1967. In 2007, the cemetery was named Blind Lemmon Memorial Cemetery.

Walker was born in Linden, Cass County. He was one of the first to record blues standard “Call it Stormy Monday” in the late 1940’s. He once recorded under the name Oak Cliff

by Larry Tucker T-Bone in the late 1920‘s.

Linden honors Walker with the annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest, and it is coming up this month, June 17-18, at Music City Texas, one of the southwest’s premier sites for live music.

This year the lineup includes Honeyboy Edwards, Omar Shariff, Robin and The Bluebirds and a favorite of mine, the Ezra Charles Band. That is just a few of the bands who will play on two stages. It is a must attend affair for any blues lover that can get to Linden.

The roots of the African-American musical influence go very deep in East Texas.

Mance Lipscomb was born in Navasota, but his real name was Berau De Glen Lipscomb. “Mance” was short for emancipation. He played in and around the Brenham area and spent most of his life as a tenant farmer before being “discovered” by Mack McCormick and Chris Strachwitz in 1960 during the Country Blues Revival. In 1963, Lipscomb appeared at the Monterey Folk Festival in California with Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger and Peter, Paul and Mary. He died in 1979 in Navasota after having a late, but successful career.

Then there is gospel great Willie Neal Johnson. Known as “Country Boy,” he was born and raised in Tyler. He was a member of the early Five Ways of Joy Gospel Singers formed by Rev. C.W. Jackson. He later formed his famous Willie Neal Johnson and the Gospel Keynotes. The gospel master recorded the 1980 Grammy nominated “Ain’t Stoppin’ Us Now.” The group was inducted to the Gospel Hall of Fame in Detroit and the American Gospel Quartet Hall of Fame in Birmingham, Alabama. Johnson died of a stroke January 10, 1991 at the age of 65 in Tyler.

There are others with Texas connections that we could tell you about: Albert Collins, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Big Mama Thornton, Blind Willie Johnson and even Johnny Guitar Watson, but I will leave that for you to discover.

The African-American influence on today’s Texas music and its place in history are vital and should be revered today and in the future. These pioneers paved the way for Johnny and Edgar Winter, Bugs Henderson, ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughn and the remarkable Wes Jeans from Marshall.

I feel I have been blessed to just be able to listen to these masters. It’s all about being Homegrown.

Until next time, keep Texas Music in your heart and Texas Blues in your soul.

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theater

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Theater Spotlight: Tyler Civic Theater Center

By Emmitte Hall Tyler Civic Theater Center in Tyler is one of the oldest community theaters in Texas and begins their 63rd season in July with the musical presentation of Always, Patsy Cline. Dating back BEFORE World War II, the Tyler Civic Theater Center (TCTC) began as Tyler Little Theater in 1927 with a speaker’s platform and performances at Tyler High School and the Women’s Building on South Broadway. In 1939, the theater built their own theater on the corner of Houston and Glenwood streets but shuttered it during the war.

In 1949, the citizens of Tyler decided the city needed a community theater. According to DeAnna Hargrove, the managing director of TCTC, “Al Gilliam literally drew out the plans for a theater-in- theround on a paper napkin.” That theater opened in 1951. It became one of the first, and now, one of the oldest theaters-in-the-round in the nation. Mr. Gilliam was the resident director until his death in 1988.

In 2000, TCTC opened a brand new complex with twice the capacity of the original theater, seating over 350 people and providing more flexible stagings. The original theater was renovated and became the Rogers Children’s Theater and is currently used primarily for the many education programs and workshops the theater hosts. Tyler Civic Theater Center complex overlooks the famous Tyler Rose Gardens on Front Street.

Each year, TCTC presents popular musicals, children’s shows, mysteries, comedies and dramas all performed by talented local actors and production volunteers. During the summer, students from preschool to 12th grade can participate in the Summer Theater Arts Review or S.T.A.R Program for intensive drama workshops and theater camp. Students take lessons in acting, voice, movement, filmmaking, directing and playwriting. Students interested in musical theater can attend the musical theater camp and will perform in a full musical production at the end of the class. This year they will perform Annie Jr. Other students may choose specialty instruction; this summer’s class is on stage combat where stu-

dents will learn how to perform realistic fight scenes on stage.

This year also marks the Sixth Annual New Play Festival. Playwrights from all over the country compete for inclusion in the annual play festival.

Playwrights submit one act plays or portions of a full length play for adult or children/teen audiences.

Junior Playwrights from 12-18 years of age compete in their own category. This year’s winning plays will be presented on Saturday, June 11 in the Rogers Children’s Theater and is free to the community.

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Theater-in-the-round is a more classic form of theater dating back to the days of the coliseum when there were no walls. “Theatre is like watching television. It’s a picture box, and you see things from one perspective only,” according to Ms. Hargrove, “Inthe-round the movement is more natural, and actors don’t have to play to that ‘fourth wall.’ Theater-in-theround gets back to the “roots” of theater”.

Community Theater allows people of all ages, experience and skill levels to participate in live theater and perform in front of a live audience. Audition dates for the 2011-2012 season have already been scheduled, and anyone interested should plan on coming or at least observing the auditions.

Emmitte Hall’s articles and photographs have appeared in Southwest Blues magazine, E-Guide, Options, Vim and Vigor, East Texas Magazine, e-pinions and others. He has published four books of short stories and an illustrated children’s book. His work is available from Amazon.com, Xlibris Press and for Kindle e-books. His plays have been presented in Texas, Florida, Ohio and California.

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June 2011 - Page 21

music The Longview Symphony by Jan Statman The Longview Symphony has come a long way since 1968 when Dr. James Snowden, Don Lawler, Helen Bannister, Mrs. B.F. Martin and a group of dedicated area musicians came together to organize a symphony orchestra. They believed Longview needed and deserved the opportunity to enjoy symphonic music that was performed live and vital right here at home. Until that time, Longview residents had to go to Tonu Kalam Tyler or travel to Dallas or other large cities to enjoy live performances of symphonic music. If not, they had to wait until the popular Civic Music program brought their yearly Symphony.

“We did it all backwards,” Dr. James Snowden explained. “Our symphony had one of the most unusual beginnings of any orchestra in America. In most situations, symphonies begin in large cities where moneyed people join committees to form a board of directors,

Page 22 - June 2011

which then hire a conductor and a series of musicians.

We started with a group of volunteer musicians who were encouraged by the enthusiasm the community showed for music. People like Franklin Martin, Jack Buchanan and Wells Burton went out of their way to help us.” “Our Board of Directors didn’t come along until much later,” Snowden added, “The first Symphony Board included Dr. Colquitt as President, attorney Herb Boyland as Vice-President and Mrs. Paul Young as Secretary-Treasurer.”

The pioneering musicians volunteered their time, not only in performances, but also in the long hours of rigorous rehearsal needed to perfect the orchestral music they would perform under the direction of Dr. Snowden. That first concert was held on February 8, 1969. The program included the “Grand March from Aida”, Music from the Royal Fireworks, Dvorak’s “Slavonik Dances,Opus 6 and 8”, Handel’s “Song of Jupiter” and “The Emperor Waltz.” It was a monumental beginning.

Today, the Longview Symphony orchestra is composed entirely of professional musicians from across the greater East Texas area as well as Shreveport and the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

Since its earliest days, the Longview symphony has been fortunate to have such superlative conductors beginning with Dr. James Snowden, who earned his doctorate at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Snowden was Founder and Director of the Torchlight Music Festival in Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado, Adjunct Prof. of Music at the University of Texas at Tyler and Artist in Residence at East Texas Baptist University. Snowden founded and con-

ducted a special joint concert with the University of Tulsa Orchestra, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, and the University Chorale. He is Founder and Music Director of the East Texas Symphonic Band. The next conductor, Dr. Frank Carrol, was Dean of Music at Centenary College.

The present music director and conductor, Tonu Kalam, joined the Longview Symphony in 1988. Kalam commutes to Longview from Chapel Hill, North Carolina where he is a professor of music and is Music Director and Conductor of the University of North Carolina Symphony. He was trained as a composer and pianist at Harvard University, the University of California at Berkeley, and the Curtis Institute of Music. His credits include fellowships at Tanglewood and Aspen as well as years at the Marlboro Music Festival. A prizewinner in the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Young Conductor’s Competition, he has been a faculty member at the University of Illinois and was an administrator and artistfaculty member at the Kneisel Hall summer chamber music festival in Blue Hill, Maine. He performs as a pianist and chamber musician and is Past President of the Conductors Guild. He often appears as guest conductor throughout the United States and Europe. He conducted the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra in Tallinn and was guest conductor for Finland’s Oulu Symphony Orchestra. He has led over 135 performances of opera. In 2005, in recognition of his contributions to the Longview Symphony, the Texas Legislature officially declared Kalam to be an “Honorary Texan.”

The orchestra is also fortunate to have Dr. Isidor Saslav as its concertmaster since 1999. Saslav served various orchestras as concertmaster under the batons of Pablo Casals, Aaron Copland and Sir Neville Mariner. He also worked with Isaac Stern, Itzhak Perlman, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yo-Yo Ma, Arthur Rubinstein and many of the world’s greatest musicians. Saslav came to East Texas because his wife, noted pianist Anne Saslav, is a native of this area.

For the past nineteen years, The Longview Symphony has held the “Sounds of Music” Children’s Concerts, making it possible for fourth grade students to attend free concerts. The Symphony also sponsors the Longview Area Preparatory Strings (LAPS) composed of string students, and the Longview Area Youth Symphony Orchestra (LAYSO) featuring the most outstanding string, brass, and woodwind and percussion students in East Texas. In 2003, the annual Guest Artist Master Classes were introduced in which guest artists provide a teaching forum for area high school and college music students. The Symphony’s popular Bach’s Lunches are free lunchtime recitals celebrating the music of Bach.

Symphony Board President, Randy Maines, outlined the coming season’s events. The October concert will feature Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony as well as percussionist Chan Teague performing a percussion concerto.

December will see the Annual Christmas Concert. In February, Dr. Isadore Saslov and his wife. Anne Saslav, will take the stage together to perform a dual concerto by Felix Mendelssohn. The last concert of the year will feature a full orchestra and will highlight the return to East Texas of the Van Cliburn Competition Gold Medalist Haochen Zhang. A musical prodigy, Zhang was the youngest participant in the 2009 Van Cliburn Competition. He gave his debut recital at the Shanghai Music Hall at the age of five and performed with orchestras at age six. First-prize winner of the 2007 China International Piano Competition, Zhang has performed in concerts throughout Asia, Europe and the United States.

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writing & music Beyond Mere Thoughts by Karen Dean

Getting motivated and into the creative flow can challenge even the most seasoned author. There’s so much information bombarding our thoughts from every direction, whether electronic or within the various relationships of our lives. Let’s face it, life is full of interruptions which seem to increase when we’re just itching to create something profound.

Just when you feel like the next great novel could flow straight from your heart and through the pen, your fountain of creative juice has an abrupt shutdown. All of a sudden, there’s some emergency that someone thinks only you can handle.

The key here is, as soon as possible, get right back to what you were thinking. Start by jotting down some notes on your topic, just to prime your pump of words. You don’t have to start in paragraphs at first. That can be way too intimidating. When you have bits and pieces of ideas to pull from, then it’s easier to focus on formulating the bigger concept. Rather than getting upset each time you have to stop, make a conscious decision to get back to it quickly, without complaining, because that could keep your ideas stopped up.

Try different motivators, such as reading from your favorite author’s book, listening to classical music or visiting an art gallery. Try to imagine what an artist was thinking during the painting process. Take a walk by a peaceful lake, being especially mindful of rippling water, gentle breezes, or the patterns of shade cast by the sun. Pay close attention to what surrounds you - in quietness, on a deeper level of observation, because that can help to take your mind to a different place.

You may decide what works best for you is to set aside a certain time of day to write. Maybe it’s after you are done with your morning routine and cup of coffee or tea. For some people, the best time is after work or when the kids are in bed. Maybe you’ll be a Sunday only writer. Anyways, it’s always subject to change, because life is ever changing.

For me, I write whenever I feel a story coming on and can hardly contain it anymore. It rolls around inside my mind and wants to get out. I’ve learned to act on a concept I can barely grasp from the atmosphere. When I jot down random words or phrases, then the bigger ideas formulate. I’m sure if those random pieces were ignored, then I’d miss out on what could have been.

Reading what other writers say is motivating, inspiring and very helpful. I suggest reading Writing in Flow, by Susan K. Perry, Ph.D. If you can’t find that particular book, try another one about motivators that jump start your writing dreams and keep them flowing.

Stop by next month for a few more writing tips.

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Rosewood Studio by Tom Callens Greg Hunt started recording in 1976 with a $300 loan for equipment and a small rented room in Nacogdoches. He could not possibly have imagined he would go on to record award winning artists like Leanne Rimes and Randy Travis in a state of the art studio.

Rosewood Studios is just that, state of the art. Top notch recording equipment, coupled with recording rooms that can be changed to suit the needs of any artist, make Rosewood on par with studios in New York or Los Angeles.

“Our production etiquette and final work on projects make us hands down better than anything else in the area,” Hunt said, owner of Rosewood Studios.

Hunt recalled a time that the band, New Found Glory, had to make a recording for MTV. They were in Dallas, so the band decided to use Rosewood because the quality had to be perfect. The studio recorded music for major motion pictures, such as Warner Brothers’ animated Quest for Camelot, Coyote Ugly, and Angel Eyes. The song recorded for Angel Eyes titled “Good Morning Beautiful” hit number one on the country charts and was ranked as one of the top songs of the decade.

Rosewood also handles a high volume of Christian and gospel recording. Billy Graham Ministries has produced through Rosewood, and many gospel singers frequently make use of the studio. Gospel singers often choose the

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Rosewood because of local backup singing talent in the East Texas area.

Billboard Magazine elected Rosewood Studio as the #3 studio in the nation, but Greg Hunt wants to make sure people don’t mistake a quality studio for an expensive studio.

“Many of our clients are from out of town,” Hunt explained.

“We would really like to see more local people come in for recording.”

Rosewood studios offers discounted block rates for 8 hour recording sessions, and they offer beginning to end production services. Whether someone wants to record samples, a few songs, or produce an entire album, Rosewood has the facility, equipment and staff to handle anything.

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