PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE September 16, 2017 · 7:30 PM
TICKETS Tickets range from $14.00 – $24.00
PRESENTED BY Tosco Music Parties, Inc.
BUY TICKETS

“Think of it as the musical equivalent of walking into Ben & Jerry’s and saying: ‘I’d like a spoonful of everything, please.’ ” -CREATIVE LOAFING. Two decades ago, John Tosco invited a few of his musician friends for an informal song circle/jam session in his living room. These “Music Parties” became a way to gather with friends and fellow musicians to create an evening of acoustic music. What began in Tosco’s living room soon moved on to larger venues. Now the Tosco Music Party is a quarterly concert series and is the premier family musical event in the Charlotte area. The format still retains the original “living room” feeling and is a performance of one or two songs by each of a variety of approximately 15 scheduled acts. The evening offers an eclectic mix of all styles of music and includes Tosco’s trademark sing-alongs. Tosco Music is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been enhancing Charlotte’s community through music for over 25 years. In addition to the family-friendly musical events, Tosco Music coordinates outreach that includes fundraising for youth music scholarships.

A 10% discount is available for students, groups of 10 or more, or when purchasing tickets to 2 or more shows at once.

Group pricing is available for groups of 10+.  Please call 704-348-5752 for more information.

Please visit the Blumenthal for more general information or call the box office at (704) 372-1000.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE 

Please visit the Blumenthal for more information or call the box office at (704) 372-1000.

When: July 1 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM     Ages: 21+     Cost:$10 for members, $20 general admission

RSVP: Buy Tickets

This community-centered evening program is geared towards lovers of Hip Hop music and culture. This one-of-a-kind event includes a special performance from JAHI of Public Enemy 2.0! Watch as the lyrics from Hip Hop classics come to life right in front of your eyes. During the evening presentation of The Intersection, JAHI will broaden the conversation around how we can preserve and elevate Hip Hop for the culture!

Hip Hop culture continues to be the dominating energy around the world through the four founding elements (MC, DJ, Graffiti Art, and Breakin’). With the emergence of strides in fashion, new forms of language, street knowledge and entrepreneurialism increasingly prevalent in all areas of global culture, Hip Hop needs to be in constant dialogue, critique, redefinition and refinement as it continues to expand and grow. Hip Hop culture creates art. Hip Hop is art. But all too often it is only appreciated in club or performance atmospheres.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

JAHI, PE 2.0

JAHI’S career began after being the first local Cleveland Hip Hop artist to perform at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 as a result of winning a competition. At sound check, JAHI met Public Enemy and connected with Chuck D backstage. JAHI went on to release underground solo projects and one album, Soulhop The Breakthru, on EMI Denmark with the Danish super group Nobody Beats the Beats in 2006. Sharing the same stages with Yasiin Bey, Blackalicious, Common, Talib Kweli, The Black Eyed Peas, Jay Z, The Roots, Mary J. Blige, Chuck Brown, Chaka Khan, Floetry, Raheem DeVaughn, Ab-Soul, Dead Prez, Jennifer Johns, Snoop Dogg, Zion I, KRS-One, Outkast, Goodie Mob, Public Enemy and many more. As an independent artist, JAHI, was provided opportunities to find his voice and hone in his craft

The third installment from PE 2.0 In The Tradition was released in December 2016 on SpitSlam Recordings. This 5 track EP which was written, arranged and produced by JAHI is an amalgamation of emotions and deep lyricism over straight ahead beats. JAHI is a leader in his community and serves as Program Manager for The Office of African American Male Achievement at the Oakland Unified School District. As the first program in the nation to serve African American boys in a public school district, JAHI manages the Manhood Development program in 16 school sites in Oakland, California.

When: July 1 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM   Ages: All ages     Cost: Museum admission, free for members     RSVP: Click Here

The Intersection explores the relationship between Hip Hop and education. Utilizing a variety of media tools in this interactive workshop, JAHI will begin with a performance, then demonstrate how to blend culturally responsive, family-friendly and life-affirming elements of Hip Hop culture in the community, the classroom and your home. This youth-oriented program plays upon the “call and response” tradition and requires audience participation to enjoy the full experience. As an added bonus, Kia O. Moore, of local non-profit Digi-Bridge, will lead participants in learning the basic fundamentals of pulse, beat and composition to create unique and distinctly mixed songs of their own.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

JAHI, PE 2.0

JAHI’S career began after being the first local Cleveland Hip Hop artist to perform at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 as a result of winning a competition. At sound check, JAHI met Public Enemy and connected with Chuck D backstage. JAHI went on to release underground solo projects and one album, Soulhop The Breakthru, on EMI Denmark with the Danish super group Nobody Beats the Beats in 2006. Sharing the same stages with Yasiin Bey, Blackalicious, Common, Talib Kweli, The Black Eyed Peas, Jay Z, The Roots, Mary J. Blige, Chuck Brown, Chaka Khan, Floetry, Raheem DeVaughn, Ab-Soul, Dead Prez, Jennifer Johns, Snoop Dogg, Zion I, KRS-One, Outkast, Goodie Mob, Public Enemy and many more. As an independent artist, JAHI, was provided opportunities to find his voice and hone in his craft.

The third installment from PE 2.0 In The Tradition was released in December 2016 on SpitSlam Recordings. This 5 track EP which was written, arranged and produced by JAHI is an amalgamation of emotions and deep lyricism over straight ahead beats. JAHI is a leader in his community and serves as Program Manager for The Office of African American Male Achievement at the Oakland Unified School District. As the first program in the nation to serve African American boys in a public school district, JAHI manages the Manhood Development program in 16 school sites in Oakland, California.

Kia O. Moore, Digi-Bridge

Kia O. Moore is the Creative Director of Hip Hop University, a non-profit mentoring organization focused on uplifting at-opportunity students (i.e. at-risk students) and the communities in which they dwell through academic tutoring, life coaching, and community outreach through the lens of Hip Hop culture. Moore holds a B.A. in Communication Studies with a Certificate in International Public Relations and a minor in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She also holds an Associate in Arts degree from Central Piedmont Community College. Moore has worked in advertising for a well-known local magazine for the past two years. However, her need to create pushed her to leave her stable job with the magazine to pursue her true life’s passion–Hip Hop Education. Now with her life’s work aligned with her inner “WHY” she is working toward becoming the change she wants to see in the world.

Family First is generously sponsored by:

JUNE 17, 2017 · KNIGHT THEATER AT LEVINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

TICKET PRICES $18 – $31    |    PERFORMANCE TIME 7:30 PM

PRESENTED BY: TOSCO MUSIC PARTIES, INC.

JUN 7, 2017 · KNIGHT THEATER AT LEVINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

PRICES BEGIN AT $34.50 · PERFORMANCE TIME: 7:30pm

PRESENTED BY: BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS

April 20-23, Tickets on Sale Now

Charlotte, NC – Blumenthal Performing Arts’ hit jazz festival returns to the Queen City this spring, once again featuring the critically acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under the leadership of musical director Wynton Marsalis. Sponsored by The Leon Levine Foundation, Charlotte Jazz Festival 2017 will take place April 20-23 at Levine Center for the Arts and Romare Bearden Park, with even more to offer than the inaugural sellout year.

“The idea of a jazz festival of this magnitude was a longtime dream for many in our city. The huge success of the first year was proof that Charlotte jazz fans were eager and ready for this,” said Blumenthal President and CEO Tom Gabbard. “With Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on board again, along with the exciting new plans for this second year, we are confident it will be an unforgettable event for our region.”

One of the most exciting new elements is the addition of several tented events at Romare Bearden Park. High-quality talent will entertain audiences beginning Thursday, April 20, through Sunday, April 23. The full schedule is available at CharlotteJazzFestival.com. You can also visit the Levine Center for the Arts’ facebook page for event listings.  The final event at the park is free fun for the whole family, as the community is invited to a picnic to celebrate the closing of Charlotte Jazz Festival 2017.

Throughout the weekend, festival-goers can also catch intimate club performances at the Harvey B. Gantt Center and Mint Museum. Plus, a jazz brunch at Wells Fargo Atrium and late night jams at the Westin Hotel. The jazz pavilion outside of Knight Theater will offer free lunchtime jazz hours and evening happy hours. Other events include the second line parade, youth jazz competition, workshops where kids can get hands-on instruction and much more!

The main stage shows at Knight Theater, featuring Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, are sure to delight audiences with Celebrating Dizzy Gillespie on Friday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. and The Jazz Age: Untamed Elegance onSaturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for Charlotte Jazz Festival 2017 are on sale now. Visit CharlotteJazzFestival.com, BlumenthalArts.org or call 704-372-1000 for complete details and pricing.

The Leon Levine Foundation has signed on for a second consecutive year as a presenting sponsor of the Charlotte Jazz Festival 2017. Executive Director, Tom Lawrence, says, “We are delighted to partner once again with Blumenthal Performing Arts on this project. The multi-day community event led by the vision of Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will have it all: concerts, classes, exhibits, panel discussions, free performances and more. Its cultural programs like the Charlotte Jazz Festival that help brighten our city and make it such a special place.”

Free Fun on the Plaza, the free programming presented at the pavilion at Levine Center for the Arts throughout the week, is presented by Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation, an affiliate of Foundation For The Carolinas. Foundation For The Carolinas Executive Vice President Brian Collier says, “Foundation For The Carolinas and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation are excited to be a part of this incredibly successful event.  We are strong believers in the power of music to bridge differences and build the social capital that is so vital to the success of everyone in our community.

 ABOUT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS
Blumenthal Performing Arts serves the Carolinas as a leading cultural, entertainment and education provider. For more information, call (704) 372-1000 or visit BlumenthalArts.org. Blumenthal Performing Arts receives operating support from the Arts & Science Council and North Carolina Arts Council. Blumenthal Performing Arts is also supported by PNC Bank, sponsor of the PNC Broadway Lights.

ABOUT THE LEON LEVINE FOUNDATION

Founded by entrepreneur and businessman, Leon Levine, The Leon Levine Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to improving the human condition in the areas of education, healthcare, and human services as well as building Jewish identity and strengthening Jewish communities.  The Foundation seeks to create permanent, measurable, life-changing impact by investing in organizations with highly effective leadership, a track record of success and a focus on sustainability.

# # #

PRICES BEGIN AT $20.00

PRESENTED BY: BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS

An exciting new line-up of international acts is headed to Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts for Breakin’ Convention, the international festival of hip hop dance theatre created by London’s Sadler’s Wells, returning to Blumenthal Performing Arts Sept. 30 – Oct. 1.

“The return of Breakin’ Convention to Charlotte is incredibly exciting after the premiere event brought such an entirely new energy, and new audiences, to our theater,” said Blumenthal Performing Arts President and CEO Tom Gabbard. “Not only do families have the opportunity to experience performances from some of the most notable hip hop artists from around the world and from right here in the Queen City at Knight Theater, but this year we’re also inviting the public to enjoy free activities all week long on the plaza at Levine Center for the Arts.”

This year’s international line-up features Just Dance (Korea), Tentacle Tribe (Canada), Jane Sekonya (South Africa), Pro-Motion (UK), and Jonzi D (UK). Biographies can be found below.

Breakin’ Convention, sponsored by Sprite in Charlotte, has been produced and presented annually at Sadler’s Wells London since 2004.

“We are pleased that Sprite is returning to Breakin’ Convention CLT 2016 as the presenting sponsor,” said Reginald Bean, Multicultural Marketing Director for Charlotte-based Coca-Cola Consolidated. “This exciting event is not only a showcase of some of the best talent in hip hop dance culture, but also an incredibly fun night for families to enjoy together.”

The festival comprises stage performances of the very best in hip hop dance theatre from around the world and around the corner. Breakin’ Convention is a true celebration of hip hop culture. It is regarded as one of the defining new stories of dance in the UK and beyond in the past decade. This two-day celebration of hip hop culture will feature Friday and Saturday night shows at Knight Theater showcasing some of the world’s great hip hop dance stars. During the day on Saturday, enjoy free activities and performances at the Street Jam.  This event at Spirit Square is sponsored by the ASC and will include live DJ’s, graffiti, and even hip hop dance workshops where you can test your skills.

An integral part of Breakin’ Convention is the inclusion of local acts. Several b-boy, b-girl, and other hip hop style dance crews and artists will come from Charlotte and the surrounding areas. The aim is to unearth emerging artists and give them a unique opportunity to perform at a major venue and be inspired by the other artists with whom they are performing alongside.

Just Dance (Korea)
Just Dance Productions presents a seven strong crew comprising some of Korea’s most notorious bboys including Bboy Pocket and Bboy Ducky, fusing traditional Korean music and culture with high energy breaking. Just Dance Productions work in cooperation with the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, Korea Tourism Organization, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Korea Foundation.

Tentacle Tribe (Canada)
Tentacle Tribe is a Canadian-Swedish creative alliance between Emmanuelle LêPhan and Elon Höglund. Although having worked together since 2005, Tentacle Tribe was founded in 2012 while the two artists were performing their first official collaboration, a duet tailored for the Cirque Du Soleil stage in Québec City. The Montreal-based dance company creates uncommon dance works with a contemporary twist using conceptual hip hop and influences from all types of earthly creatures. As practitioners of different dance and movement techniques, active participants in the street dance scene, and as stage performers, they approach choreography through a wide variety of movement philosophies. They wish to create work that transcends the boundaries separating movement styles and that express the embodiment of music beyond technique. The work experiments with intricate partnering, refined musicality and a saturated dose of physical choreography.

Jane Sekonya (South Africa)
Born and bred in Kathlehong-Johannesburg Jane began her career training at the Johannesburg Dance Foundation in 1988 before gaining a scholarship at Ballet Rambert School of Dance in London during 1994. Jane has performed with Jonzi D Productions and been directed by Jonzi D as a solo artist since 1999. Collaborations include: Aeroplane Man national tour from 1999-2004; Spoti, a solo piece directed by Jonzi D premiered at The Place theatre, London in 2001; Period Piece, an ensemble piece directed by Jonzi D premiered at The Place Theatre, London in 2005; Ivan – a duet produced by Jonzi D Productions and premiered at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in 2006; Untitled solo directed by Jonzi D and produced by Jonzi D Productions performed as part of Lyrikal Fearta and Other Works at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in 2012.

Pro-Motion (UK)
Pro-Motion, formed in 2015, is the brand-new animation dance concept from the internationally renowned streetdance company, Plague. With the popularity of dubstep and electronic music, Pro-Motion was created to showcase futuristic choreography and features an elite collective of the UK’s very best popping and animation dancers. Having already performed alongside music legend, George Clinton, as well as performances at the inaugural Baku European Games Ceremony 2015 and the 2016 Olivier Awards, Pro-Motion is already building a strong reputation on the global dance scene. Founded by Rob Pountney of ProDance and headed up by Plague choreographer, Brooke Milliner, Pro-Motion is a six strong team of unique streetdancers who all specialize in different aspects of the popping dance umbrella in styles such as waving, tutting, robot and boogaloo. Much of the choreography features illusionistic movements and intricate musicality and it is easy to appreciate the high level of skill and technical ability within the group.

Jonzi D (UK)
As the Artistic Director of Breakin’ Convention and Jonzi D Projects, Jonzi D has been actively involved in British hip hop culture, rapping and b-boying since its genesis in the early 80s. Since graduating from the London Contemporary Dance School, Jonzi has been committed to the development of hip hop theatre, creating Lyrikal Fearta in 1995 and Aeroplane Manin 1999. He was an Associate Artist at The Place Theatre and has performed and created dance theatre pieces all over Europe, North America, Russia, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, Uganda and Southern Africa. As an MC/poet, Jonzi D has worked with The Roots, Steve Williamson, Mannafest, Lenny Henry, MC Mell ‘O’ and toured with Gangstarr.  He is currently a Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist.

For more information about Breakin’ Convention, visit BlumenthalArts.org.

Image credits: Tentacle Tribe – Place des Arts, October 2014 – Vintage; Just Dance – Jason Halayko; Pro-Motion – Paul Hampartsoumian.