Choreographer Ronald K. Brown and jazz pianist Jason Moran bring present collaborative project to VaTech
BLACKSBURG, VA, Oct. 6, 2015 – A fusion of African dance and contemporary choreography meets the musical energy of a live jazz trio performance when Ronald K. Brown’s Evidence, A Dance Company is joined onstage with Jason Moran and the Bandwagon at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23.
The performance is presented by the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech and will be held in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Moss Arts Center’s Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall.
Celebrated choreographer Brown and acclaimed pianist Moran bring together their respective ensembles in “The Subtle One” Set to a musical suite of the same name, the work reflects on the presence of ancestors in the world and the profound impact this has on people’s lives. “The Subtle One” is paired with selections from Brown’s dance piece “One Shot.
Set to music by Ahmad Jamal and Lena Horne, “One Shot” was inspired by the life and work of photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris, who documented black life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1936 to 1975. Harris created one of the most detailed and intimate records of the black urban experience known today, including the spirit of childhood, indulgences of decadence, and the soul of jazz. “One Shot” uses the idea of looking to the legacy of community and its echoing effect on other communities in their distinct definition and evolution.
Opening the evening is Brown’s iconic “Grace,” which weaves the story of a goddess’ journey to earth to spread grace among humans, ultimately welcoming them to heaven. “Grace” is set to recordings by Duke Ellington, Roy Davis, and Fela Kuti
The Center for the Arts is hosting several engagement activities, offering ways to create deeper connections with the artists and their work. Brown, the dance company’s founder and artistic director, will lead a workshop on art and spirituality at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22. Utilizing tenents from his signature text and movement workshop, Brown will highlight the role spirituality plays in his own work and show participants how they can express spiritual influence on their own journey, through a safe exploration of storytelling movement expression. Held in the Moss Arts Center Cube, the event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Call the Moss Arts Center’s box office at 540-231-5300 or register online (https://www.artscenter.vt.edu/Online/article/artandspirituality).
Virginia Tech theatre and cinema students and faculty will participate in a “Meet the Makers” event with Arcell Cabuag, associate artistic director, company manager, and dancer with Evidence. Cabuag will lead an intimate conversation with the group about the ensemble’s work and touring.
Jazz pianist Jason Moran will meet with students in the Virginia Tech Jazz Ensemble during a special event hosted by Jason Crafton, assistant professor of trumpet and jazz studies in Virginia Tech’s School of Performing Arts.
Founded by Brown in 1985 and based in Brooklyn, New York, Evidence, A Dance Company focuses on the fusion of African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word. This work provides a unique view of human struggles, tragedies, and triumphs. Brown uses movement as a way to reinforce the importance of community in African American culture and to acquaint audiences with the beauty of African forms and rhythms.
This performance was made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Tickets are $25-55 for general public and $10 for students and youth 18 years old and under. Tickets can be purchased online (https://www.artscenter.vt.edu/Online/article/allperformancesonsale); at the Moss Arts Center’s box office (https://www.artscenter.vt.edu/online/article/boxoffice), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon. through Friday and 10a.m. to 4p.m. on Sat; or by calling 540-231-5300 during box office hours.
