“Barbara Furtuna combined with the instrumental group Constantinople performing a concert of music inspired by music of the Mediterranean, the classical Persian tradition, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.”
The Dennos Museum Center is pleased to announce the 2015-2016 Dennos Performance Season in Milliken Auditorium.
This coming season features a unique set of offerings that will showcase great performers from the region and around the world with a mix of jazz, blues, Cajun, folk, classical, comedy and hip hop assuring an opportunity for everyone to find performances they will enjoy.
Special on the season this year are two collaborative projects. Locally we join with the Interlochen Center for the Arts to bring a spectacular evening of music with the polyphonic Corsican vocal quartet Barbara Furtuna combined with the instrumental group Constantinople performing a concert of music inspired by music of the Mediterranean, the classical Persian tradition, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. “We are excited to be able to join forces with the Interlochen Center for the Arts to bring this amazing production to Milliken,” says Gene Jenneman, Executive Director of the Dennos, “It has been some time since we last worked together and I look forward to a successful effort that can bring more of the great offerings of Interlochen into Traverse City.”
The second collaborative project called Caravanserai is with Arts Midwest, which will involve two week- long residencies in Traverse City with Muslim American musicians, hip-hop dancers and DJs who will be offering programs for schools and the public the first week of February and third week of April 2016. This project is made possible via Arts Midwest with support from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. This groundbreaking initiative intends to open and expand the dialogue between American communities and contemporary Muslim societies and Muslim Americans using the arts as a point of entry.
The 2015-2016 kicks off with a celebratory CD release concert with Traverse City’s own jazz vocalist Janice Keegan with her new album Firedance. The concert will feature a who’s who of great regional musicianship backing up Janice’s performance. This will be followed by the Barbara Furtuna and Constantinople project, both in October. November brings the ever popular blues artist Billy Branch who returns for a week long Blues in the Schools residency and a public show followed later in the month by the Canadian Indie folk group Great Lake Swimmers and ending with the return of An Irish Christmas, which we expect will be another sellout on Thanksgiving weekend. If you are overwhelmed by all the Christmas concert offerings to come in December, you can have a night of relief on December 5 as the Grammy winners BeauSoliel make their debut performance on the Milliken stage. They have been called “the best Cajun band in the world,” by Garrison Keillor.
January 2016 will be a month of laughter as The Second City returns for what is sure to be another sold out event followed by the musical comedy of Christine Lavin and Don White later in the month.
February brings the first of the Caravanserai residencies along with the great blues and roots musician Rev. Robert Jones from Detroit.
March of course brings a Celtic moment as the great Irish band Dervish takes the stage followed by the dynamic Brazilian inspired group Matuto who left everybody dancing in their seats and on stage in their last performance here.
The season wraps up in April with the one and only Rory Block, followed by the return of the great touring bands from China, Hanggai, that has been making fans around the world in recent years. The season closes with the final Caravanserai residency.
The Dennos concert season has numerous collaborative partners for some of these productions including the Interlochen Center for the Arts, NMC Global Opportunities, The Osterlin Performance Endowment, The Hughes Family Trust, Arts Midwest, and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts provide financial support. Media support is provided by WNMC, TV 7&4 – 29&8 and Northern Express. Housing for performers is provided by the Cambria Suites.
In addition to offering public performances some of the performers will have educational offerings with special concert/workshops for schools. Educators wanting information on these performances should contact the Dennos Curator of Education at 231-995-1029.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.dennosmuseum.org, www.MyNorthTickets.com, and 1-800-836-0717 or at the Dennos Museum Center ticket kiosk. Tickets are also available at the Milliken box office, 231-995-1553 beginning September 23, 2015. Box office hours are 3-5 PM Wed – Sat.
The Dennos Museum Center is open daily 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursdays until 8 pm and Sundays 1-5 PM. For more information on the Museum and it programs, go to www.dennosmuseum.org or call 231-995-1055. The Dennos Museum Center is located at 1410 College Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686, at the entrance to the campus of Northwestern Michigan College.
The full performance season is listed below:
Janice Keegan
Saturday, October 10, 2015 8:00 PM
A “CD Release” Concert Event!
In this performance from her new album, Firedance, jazz vocalist and songwriter Janice Keegan presents music and lyrics that reference poignant vignettes from her personal journey. The music is an eclectic mix of styles, tempos, and subject matter, with many pieces influenced by her explorations in jazz and blues. Keegan’s melodic and dynamic range, expressive phrasing, and sensuous sound, coupled with her band’s artistry and energy, deliver a colorful and evocative experience.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Janice-Keegan-Music/1519793288241014?sk=info&tab=page_info
Barbara Furtuna and Constantinople
Wednesday, October 28, 2015 7:30 PM
Barbara Furtuna is a polyphonic Corsican group of four men whose music finds inspiration in the island’s oldest traditions, yet is distinguished by contemporary creations. The group has been acclaimed on the international scene for over a decade in Europe, North America, and Australia often appearing in collaborations with the ancient music Constantinople, a group inspired by the music of the Mediterranean, the classical Persian tradition, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance
A Collaborative Production with the Interlochen Center for the Arts
http://constantinople.ca/?lang=en
Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues
Saturday, November 7, 2015 8:00 PM
Three time Grammy nominee Billy Branch was discovered by Willie Dixon, the “father of modern Chicago Blues,” while Billy was still in college. Willie encouraged Billy to finish his college education, which he did, but instead of going to law school after receiving his political science degree, Billy began touring with the Willie Dixon Chicago All-Stars. Billy Branch and his band, the Sons of Blues, deliver the cultural legacy of the blues around the world, having made over 70 international tours.
Great Lake Swimmers
Saturday, November 21, 2015 8:00 PM
With a surging rhythm section, razor sharp violin, and flourishing banjo and guitars, Tony Dekker and band mates push the folk/roots sound significantly, creating some of the most dynamic songs of the genre. Since The Great Lake Swimmers debuted over a decade ago they’ve released four albums, taken home a Canadian Indie Award, a Juno Award for roots and traditional album of the year, and a Canadian Folk Music Award.
An Irish Christmas
Sunday, November 29, 2015 7:00 PM
The hugely popular Irish Christmas in America show, now in its 10th season, features top Irish music, song and dance in an engaging performance rich in history, humor and boundless energy. This family-friendly performance features evocatively-sung Irish ballads, lively instrumental tunes and thrilling Irish dancing, while evocative photographic images provide a backdrop to some of the rich historical traditions. Take a memorable glimpse into the enchanting spirit of Christmas, as the finest traditional artists from Ireland bring you on a fun-filled start to the holiday season of 2015.
BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
Saturday, December 5, 2015 8:00 PM
Since forming in 1975, Grammy winners BeauSoleil have claimed their undisputed role as the most esteemed Cajun group in music. BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet take the rich Cajun traditions of Louisiana and artfully blend elements of zydeco, New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country, blues and more into a satisfying musical recipe. From The Grand Ole Opry to Newport Folk, from concert hall to dance floor, the music of BeauSoleil continues to captivate audiences the world over. “The best Cajun band in the world,” Garrison Keillor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBwRddleQJ8&feature=player_embedded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPCFiWKewL0
Hooking Up With The Second City
January 9, 2016 8:00 PM
The Second City knows a few things about love – we’ve been looking at and laughing about relationships for over 55 years. Hooking Up With The Second City makes mirth out of missed connections, girls’ night out adventures and all the crazy things we do for love. This gaspingly funny revue is a modern mix of romance, rancor and everything in between.
Christine Lavin and Don White
Saturday, January 30, 2016 8:00 PM
Leave your worries at the doorstep and join Christine Lavin and Don White as they present a night of comedy unlike any other, The Funny Side of the Street: A Night of Brighter Laughter. Since 2008 these two veteran performers have brought their unique brand of clean and hilarious musical comedy to audiences across the US proving night after night that comedy can be smart, friendly, and breathtakingly funny without being vulgar or pejorative. This is a show for anyone who wants to laugh, whether it’s a group of friends or a family gathering, and feel good on their way out of the venue.
http://www.donwhite.net/christine/
Caravanserai I – A Project of Arts Midwest
Saturday, February 6, 2016 8:00 PM
Caravanserai’s 2015-16 season launches with a first-ever paring of the unique sounds of genre defying Palestinian-American multi-instrumentalist Ronnie Malley, and celebrated Indian-American virtuoso vocalist Zeshan Bagewadi. Their innovative, cross-cultural musical styles reflect the diversity of influences, languages and cultures that infuse the American immigrant experience.
http://ronniemalley.com/ronniemalley.com/ABOUT.html
http://www.zeshanbagewadi.com/
http://www.caravanserai-arts.org/
Reverend Robert Jones and Matt Watroba
Friday, February 19, 2016 8:00 PM
Reverend Robert Jones, Sr. is a singer, storyteller and multi-instrumentalist. He uses folk, blues, spirituals and other American Roots music to champion the beauty and power of our shared culture. A lifelong Detroiter, Robert says, “As much as I love this music for the way that it sounds, I love, even more, what this music can do. At its best, Roots music tells the truth, and it gives a voice to those who struggle to be heard otherwise. He will be joined by Matt Watroba in a performance of what they call music that matters.
Dervish
Saturday, March 5, 2016 8:00 PM
Dervish are one of the most respected acts of modern time in World/Roots music worldwide. Their musical genius and innovative approach will ensure that they will be always be a leading force in Irish music bringing the world the joy and excitement and fun that is, traditional Irish music. Dervish concert performances are a myriad of tones and moods ranging from high energy tunes, played with fluidity and intuitiveness, to beautifully measured songs, from charming lyrics of life and love, to inspiring melodies that lift audiences from their seats.
Matuto
Friday, March 18, 2016 8:00 PM
Matuto’s songs can sway hips just as easily as spark insights. On stage, instruments (accordion, guitar, bass, drums, cavaquinho, zabumba, and triangle) whirl around the core of Matuto’s sound: the syncopations of Brazilian music and the folk traditions of the American South. Its Bluegrass meets Brazil. It’s an unlikely combination on paper, but on the dance floor, it just feels right.
Rory Block
Saturday April 2, 2016 8:00 PM
Heralded as “a living landmark” (Berkeley Express), “a national treasure” (Guitar Extra), and “one of the greatest living acoustic blues artists” (Blues Revue), Rory Block has committed her life and her career to preserving the Delta blues tradition and bringing it to life for 21st century audiences around the world. A traditionalist and an innovator at the same time, she wields a fiery and haunting guitar and vocal style that redefines the boundaries of acoustic blues and folk.
http://www.roryblock.com/
Hanggai
April 2016 Final date TBA (US tour in development)
Since first appearing here in 2009 and again in 2012 Hanggai has emerged on the international stage as one of the outstanding touring bands from China. They have performed at The Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center among other prestigious venues. Hanggai is a Beijing based group of musicians who left the Punk Rock clubs of Beijing to re-discover their roots in Inner Mongolia. They now perform Mongolian folk music with traditional and western instruments combined with raspy deep throat singing and a loosely rock-based structure, creating music that will make you “homesick for a place you’ve never been.” (Rhapsody)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNJ_FtYbTtc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjRskDUq_eM
Caravanserai II – A Project of Arts Midwest
Saturday, April 23, 2016 8:00 PM
The second tour of the Caravanserai’s 2015-16 season will feature Colorado-based hip-hop/soul duo The Reminders joined by a female hip-hop dance troupe led by choreographer Amirah Sackett. The tour will be emceed by Caravanserai’s Artistic Director, Asad Ali Jafri, performing under his stage moniker, DJ Man-O-Wax.
http://www.sonicbids.com/band/the-reminders/