The Arts Connection for April 3, 2008 Learn more about Central Florida's arts community at The Red Chair Project, Central Florida's official guide to arts and culture. Also, follow the link above for Cultural Links to many arts organizations and county arts councils.
ART NEWS Arts supporters from across the state gathered in Tallahassee Wednesday for "Arts Day", hoping to persuade lawmakers to continue funding for the Division of Cultural Affairs, a state agency that makes grants to artists and cultural organizations. After a 62% cut in DCA's budget last year, the Senate wants to make another 34% cut, while the House version of the state budget would eliminate almost three-quarters of arts funding. We speak to Minda Logan of United Arts of Central Florida. The Florida Cultural Alliance is also working on state funding issues.
For national art news, see ArtsJournal.com
The Grand Bohemian 2008 Orlando International Piano Competition debuts this September, offering $40,000 in cash prizes and concert engagements. Internationally acclaimed piano virtuoso and UCF faculty member, Laurent Boukobza, will bring his expertise as Artistic Director of the competition.
The Youth Brass Band of Central Florida The internationally-renowned Brass Band of Central Florida is undertaking a new educational endeavor for young musicians. It has organized the Youth Brass Band of Central Florida, which provides an opportunity for talented high school brass and percussion players to supplement their experiences playing in a wind band by performing in a British-style brass band. The repertoire of the Youth Brass Band of Central Florida will include contemporary pieces written for the brass band, as well as orchestral, band transcriptions, and also chamber music performed in small quartet and quintets. Future highlights for this band will include master classes and workshops, as well as guest featured artists and conductors.
Orlando Shakespeare Theatre presents Macbeth, now through April 27. For the first time, a play will be presented in the round at the Lowdnes Shakespeare Center; the butoh-style dance was choreographed by New York dancer Chris Odo, who is the company manager for Maureen Fleming Dance.
Kathleen Radebaugh's Walker's Island
Irene Zabytko, our literary contributor, talks to Kathleen Radebaugh, a 6th generation Floridian and author of Walker's Island. It's Radebaugh's debut novel, set in Central Florida's cattle industry of the late 1800's. Radebaugh will be at two events this weekend. The first will be Cracker Day Festival at the Kissimmee Sports Arena on April 5 - Saturday morning (stay for lunch and the rodeo!); and the second will be a book signing at UrbanThink! Bookstore on Sunday, April 6, from 1 to 3.
The cattle industry is still a part of Florida's economy today and Bill Dudley talks to cowboy poet, Doyle Rigdon. The website CowboyPoetry.com includes some of Doyle's work.
CASTING CALL - Auditions are also listed on Elizabeth Maupin's blog, Attention Must Be Paid. Elizabeth is the theatre critic for the Orlando Sentinel.
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benefit events, including a recital 