Performing Arts Festival & Open House

Thursday, September 10th, 2009
Noon-10 pm FREE COMMUNITY EVENT

The Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts invites the public to a free Performing Arts

Festival and Open House on September 10 from noon until 10 p.m. to learn about upcoming

events during the 2009-2010 Season and sample the performing arts. A variety of arts performances featuring area artists will be showcased for entertainment. More than 16 acts are scheduled throughout the day and evening for audiences to experience talented artists from the community on stage, in the lobby and Deco Lounge.

The Princess Theatre will provide information on the upcoming Professional Series and assist with season ticket sales. The six-event series features the National Tour of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, 100 Years of Broadway, Marty Stuart, rising jazz star Sophie Milman and southern comedian James Gregory.

DECATUR CIVIC CHORUS
"SOUTH PACIFIC IN CONCERT" NOON-12:30 PM

Directed by Betty RochaBased on the novel “Tales of the South Pacific” by James Michener, few Broadway musicals can match the songs of “South Pacific.” Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. The music of South Pacific presents the finest kind of balance between story and song, hilarity and heartbreak.
Musical highlights include, “There is Nothing Like a Dame” and “Younger Than Springtime.”

BARNSTORMERS STRING BAND
BLUEGRASS & FOLK MUSIC 12:45-1:30 PM

Barnstormers is the long-time collaboration between singer/songwriter Ronald Moore with multi-instrumentalist Chris Wilson featuring a revolving cast of musicians and producers.Based out of the suburbs of North Alabama, Barnstormers was started in 2002 as the brainchild of singer/songwriter and then actor Ronald Moore to explore new styles of folk music through a long-time solo project. During that time he met Chris Wilson who was a music student at the same community college.In 2007, the band released their first independent release entitled “Switchblade Serenades”The band is currently in the studio finishing their sophomore project “Graveyard Town”.

TIFFANY WOODARD & 7 LABEL BAND
COUNTRY & FOLK MUSIC 2-2:45 PM Alabama native Tiffany Woodard is a 2! year old country music Singer/Songwriter. She has been singing and performing ever since she was 3years old. Music has always been a huge part of her life and this modern day country girl is committed to pursing it full time.. She has traveled all around the South East for many years singing gospel with her family, but now she has spread her wings and is flying solo to pursue her country dreams!! Tiffany has been playing guitar for almost 1year and it is an integral part of her music. She picked it right up and hasnt put it down since.At the age of 4 she won her very first talent competition and she has been entering any competition she can ever since. Recently Tiffany placed 2nd in the Billy Lawson Songwriting Contest held at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Tiffany has appeared on many tv and internet based shows such as ZTV11 Cooper and Company, and her most recent ,Nashville Spotlight in Music City Usa.

CHENAULT PRO-DEFENSE MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY
KARATE DEMO 3-3:30 PM

Jerry Chenault from Chenault Pro-Defense Karate will be performing karate moves and talking the importance of teaching children the importance of how karate helps mold children on respect, goal setting, self disciple. Prizes will be given in this interactive lecture and demonstration.
http://princess.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=JCINQwBzABAAAAFAAAMXlg

TANGERINE TAMBOURINE
CHILDREN'S MUSIC 3:30-4:15 PM

Children's music that won't make you want to drive your car off of a cliff! The Decatur, Alabama-based band started in 2008 and the core members are Jeff Sharp (guitar/vocals), Joshua Lovvorn (bass), Bobby Blount (guitar, keys, vocals), James Pressnell (drums) and Whitney Inscho (vocals/percussion). Influences include everything from The Beatles and Stevie Wonder to Parliament-Funkadelic and Weird Al Yankovich......and EVERYTHING in-between. Enjoy!

AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA DEPARTMENT
"Dorothy Meets Alice or the Wizard of Wonderland" 4:30-5 pm
Austin High School Drama will be performing scenes from this magical play on the Princess Theatre Stage from 4:30-5 pm.
Judson Watson has put his book report off until the last minute, and suddenly finds himself in a strange place somewhere between Oz and Wonderland. With a host of familiar characters, including Dorothy, Alice, the Cowardly Lion, the Mad Hatter, Scarecrow, and the White Rabbit, among others, Judson must unscramble the two familiar stories and steer the characters to their ultimate destinations. All along, he and the others must avoid the Wicked Witch and Red Queen. This hilarious, adventuresome romp is filled with laughter and surprises at every turn. And a couple of lessons emerge along the way as well.
AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL Ticket information: 552-3060 extention 251
Sunday, September 27th, 2009 2 pm
Monday, September 28th, 2009 7 pm

BOOCHIE SHEPERD
CHRISTIAN MUSIC 5:15-6 PM
Boochie Shepherd comes rippin’ out of the gate with rapid-fire lyrics and heavy guitar riffs on opener “Vertical,” but it’s the rock beats that first turn your head. The melodic chaser, “Perfect Little World,” grabs you with its bounce, but it’s the slow-burning “All is Forgiven” that seals the deal, as frontman Brandon McCaghren’s warm tones soar over the old school rock chord changes in recognition of the cross and its hard-won gifts. McCaghren’s vocals are easy to listen to, clear and warm, moving easily from fun (electrified opener “Vertical”), to fierce (“Brighten Your Eyes”), to quietly worshipful (with the sparkling Jennifer Hubbard on “I Am Safe”). The strong melody line of standout track “All the King’s Horses” is putty in his hands, the well-crafted song packing a poignant punch both lyrically and vocally.


LUMANI : WORLD FUSION PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE
MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE 6:15-7 PM
North Alabama's premiere World Fusion Performance Ensemble - group of musicians and dancers specializing in Middle Eastern dance and rhythms. We are a caravan of dancers and musicians dedicated to preserving the ancient art of Belly Dance and its musical accompaniment. Not only classical Egyptian and Turkish Cabaret, but Middle Eastern/Balkan/Romani Folkloric styles as well as different evolving forms of American Belly Dance, such as American Tribal Style (ATS) and Tribal Fusion.

LANCE
ACCOUSTIC POP 7:30-8:15 PM

LANCE music is filled with melodic energy and flows with rhythm and intensity. Each song is original, written by Lance, and is inspired by life’s day-to-day experiences, people and dreams. His music is a blend of numerous styles such as pop, rock, alternative and indie and covers diverse topics. Lance is pushing the envelope in creative sound, expanding the boundaries of music. A part of that creativity is pushing beyond your limits, stumbling along the way, and discovering something beautiful. His songs speak and relate to people in a genuine way, revealing imperfections, but offering hope to overcome.

PHIL WEAVER
ACOUSTIC CLASSICAL GUITAR 8:30-9 PM

Classical guitarist Phil Weaver has been performing for over 30 years, in the United States and abroad. He was the first guitarist to be awarded an individual artist's fellowship from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, and is one of the few classical musicians on the Music Achievers roster at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. He performed his European debut with solo concerts for the Nonsuch Guitar Society in London and the Old Malthouse Music Society in Sawbridgeworth. His collaborations with pianist Ingrid von Spakovsky include a CD on ACA Digital that received rave reviews in Fanfare and 20th Century Guitar magazines, interviews on BBC York and Temple Public Radio, a tour of England, a New York City recital debut, and performances throughout the U.S. including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Hofstra University's prestigious International Concert Series. Their CD Consonare has been broadcast on New York City's NPR affiliate WNYC, WABE Atlanta, and WLRH Huntsville.
With the goal of making classical music accessible to an ever-widening audience, Phil has created a series of acoustic, cabaret-style concerts in collaboration with a variety of artists from dancers to visual artists to fellow musicians steeped in different musical genres. These concerts pack the house at Huntsville’s Flying Monkey Arts Center. The Alabama Film Co-op produced a DVD of one of these concerts, a classical/blues cabaret performed with critically acclaimed blues guitarist Microwave Dave Gallaher. Recently Phil Weaver and Microwave Dave have performed the Classical-Blues Cabaret at the W.C. Handy Festival, Gorham's Bluff Institute, and at Birmingham City Stages.

HEADLINING THE EVENING!
SHAWNA P & EARTHFUNK TRIBE 9-10 PM

Heralded by George Clinton as “The Long Lost Queen of Funk”, Shawna P is blazing a funky trail with her unique and powerful sound. Recently she and her tribe have been making waves in the music world and appear to be bringing back a bonafide FUNK revolution. She is the real deal.
To witness Shawna P’s EarthFunk is an experience that can be intensely spiritual and fun all at the same time. Whether singing to 50 people or 5,000 people, her stage presence is consistently filled with raw emotion and heart wrenching soul as her powerful voice commands the attention of any audience, of any age, race or background. She is gifted with the ability to reach anyone as her talent is undeniable.
Shawna’s current work is deep and thought provoking, yet catchy and rhythmic enough for the masses. She describes her original material as EarthFunk Muzik. The EarthFunk sound incorporates digital tracks with live instrumentation to create an ethereal blend of all of her influences, yet having one main element- an undeniable FUNKY vibe. It is, without question, a sound of it’s own, refreshingly unique, leaving no one to compare her to-which is a good thing.


SEXTON LOBBY


Alaina Wiley 3-3:30 PM
Alaina sings country, bluegrass & gospel. She plays the mandolin and is learning the guitar. Often times in her act she will incorporate a little buck dance and comedy. There is only one thing Alaina loves more than performing and that is helping others. Alaina has performed at many Charity events and Benefits. Her most recent event was a special Huntsville Stars Baseball Game held to benefit the ST. Jude's Children's where she sang the National Anthem.

ANNA BROOKE
COUNTRY & POP MUSIC 4-5 PM

Anna Brooke loves theatre and music, and in her lifetime, so far, she has been a dancer, an actor, a drama student, a piano & guitar player, community volunteer, and a People to People ambassador to China. Anna Brooke's main ambition is to be a singer, mostly of the country genre. Her repertoire includes songs by various artists such as Adele, Sara Evans, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Natalie Maines, Shania Twain, Alison Krauss, LeAnn Rhimes, Jennifer Nettles, Sara Barielles, and Christina Aguilera. Anna Brooke also performs Italian opera and Broadway-style music. She prefers performing arts, but is also interested in writing and traveling, and aspires to become a country music or Broadway performer. Anna Brooke is close to her family and friends, and loves meeting new people. She has always been optimistic and friendly, enjoying life to a maximum with the gratification and pleasure of music. She is a enjoys French, world history, astronomy, political science, and international relations. Anna Brooke has always lived in Alabama, but travels often, and has been to France, China, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, and the UK. She is a student of La Bella Voce, Red Mountain Theatre Company, and Brett Manning.

DAVE NELSON
ACOUSTIC GUITAR 5-7PM

Muscle Shoals area musician Dave Nelson will be performing in the Sexton Lobby from 5-7 pm. Acoustic guitar of jazz, blues, & r&b will makes it way through the lobby as people are entering the newly renovated lobby space.

DECO LOUNGE
COUNTRY LINE DANCE LESSONS 2:30-3:30 PM
Decatur City School Community Education will be teaching country line dancing lessons by instructors Dottie White & Jimmy Speegle. Lessons are for all levels of experience of dancing and great fun for all ages.
The Decatur City Schools' Community Education program provides learning opportunities for people of all ages. By extending school services around the clock and throughout the year, the school system makes maximum use of school facilities, thereby providing to the community maximum benefit from every tax dollar. The community and the school are inseparable.
Community Education offers a variety of classes in its Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer brochures. The classes are on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evenings, with a limited number of classes offered during the day.
http://princess.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=JCINQwBzAA8AAANxAAMXlg information on taking classes or call Rebecca Hoover 552-3067 email Becky.hoover@dcs.edu
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STORYTELLING HOUR 4-5 PM
Backstage Theatre Company one of Decatur's finest resident arts groups will be providing story telling in the Deco Lounge from 4-5pm.
The stories read that hour is "The Masterpiece" from a novel and several short stories.
To check out Backstage Theatre Company 20th 2009-2010 season go to the website at
http://princess.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=JCINQwBzAA8AAAdfAAMXlg

MADISON BALLROOM DANCE STUDIO 5-7 PM
BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS

Madison Ballroom Dance Studio will be with the Princess offering Ballroom Dance Lessons for the evening in the Deco Lounge from 5-7 pm. Lessons of difference dance such as the Waltz, Foxtrot, and Mererengue will be demostrated and taught by the most skilled instructors in North Alabama.

Madison Ballroom Dance Studio
9076 Madison Blvd Suites C/D
Madison, AL 35758
http://princess.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=JCINQwBzAA0AAAVMAAMXlg Group and private lessons will be offered for future lessons

Pine Needle Basketry Classes

Classes Starting September 14, 2009

Basic Pine Needle Basketry classes – Join local Basket Maker - Artist Michelle Drake to learn the basic steps to making a coiled basket from longleaf pine needles. Each participant will learn the basic skills of pine needle basketry and take home their very own creation.
Class seating is limited, pre-registration is required.
A new class will start every Monday & Friday @ 9:30a.m. – 12:30p.m.
Call 341-4940 to register.
Where: Fort Decatur / (Decatur Parks & Recreation) 341-4940

Dates: Starting Sept. 14 - ongoing - every Monday and Friday
Time: 9:30a.m.–12:30p.m / per class - (3hrs. instruction)
Cost: $35.00 class fee / per class - due at registration
$10.00 supply fee / per class - payable to instructor

Pre-registration required for each class

ArtWalk Festival and Event Details

Decatur, AL – August 20, 2009 – The Carnegie Visual Arts Center will host a super day of art, music and fun on Saturday, August 29th from 8 AM - 4 PM.

ArtWalk Festival
Formally called the Artist Sidewalk Sale, this street festival, over the past 6 years, has progressed to so much more. The event includes the 5K Brook Hill Run for Ovarian Cancer Awareness and 1 mile Fun Run, live music, featuring The Westbound Rangers from Nashville, food and drink vendors and children’s art activities. And, of course, an amazing variety of artists will be displaying, demonstrating, and selling their art.

The Westbound Rangers
The Westbound Rangers will perform free to the public from 2 PM - 4 PM on Saturday August 29th. The varied musical talents of Wes Burkhart on bass, Read Davis on guitar and vocals, Graham Sherrill on banjo and vocals and Mike Walker on mandolin and vocals, are what gives the group its unique sound. Mike Walker is origially from Hartselle, Alabama. All four of the members are students at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. The group was in the top five of the annual Belmont Country Showcase in February 2009 and are currently doing performances all over the Southeast. They are technically bluegrass but with a blues-y and rock infl uence, and have great audience rapport and interaction. For more info on the Westbound Rangers see www.myspace.com/thewestboundrangers
Brook Hill Run for Ovarian Cancer Awareness
In 2001 Brook Hill was a civic-minded wife, mother of two, a business woman, and the president of the Decatur Arts Council raising funds for the planned Carnegie Visual Arts Center. Tragedy struck when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She fought a brave battle with the disease, and prior to her passing in 2004, she asked her family and friends to bring awareness to and raise funds for ovarian cancer research. Participation in the annual Brook Hill Run for Awareness helps this cause and keeps Brook’s vibrant spirit alive. The 5K and 1 mile courses are both certified. The 5K start time is 8 AM followed by the 1 mile at 9 AM. Race day registration is from 6:30 AM -7:45 AM for the 5K and until 8:45 AM for the 1 mile. Registration form is available for download at www. rivercityrunners.com and online registration is available at www.active.com. Cost for the events are $12 for the 5K and $10 for the 1 mile if you register before August 27th.
Both the 5K and the 1 mile are $15 each on race day. Pre-registration packets will be available at the Carnegie on Friday , August 28 from 5:30 PM - 7 PM. Contact Jon Elmore at 351-7426 or jklca5@charter.net for more race information.

Faith Rising and The Terry McNeal Band

August 31, 2009 Concerts by the River in Decatur

Let the spirit move you with music from two amazing bands who will redefine your view of contemporary Christian rock. The City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Department proudly welcomes Faith Rising and The Terry McNeal Band in their debut performances at Concerts by the River on Monday, August 31, 2009. Bridging generations, this is a concert for the entire family that is designed to reconnect family members to each other and their faith through a shared love and experience of great rock music! Concerts are free and are held at Rhodes Ferry Park with music beginning at 6:00 PM and usually concluding by 8:15 PM. For updated schedule information, please call 341-4818 or visit http://www.decaturparks.com/. In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be made after 4:00 PM.

Faith Rising was established as a power-focused rock band to spread its inspirational message through a hard-charging and dynamic sound that drives a positive path. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, this band features the talents of compelling frontsman Jamie Cooper, the earth-shattering drums of Gregg Taylor, the crunching guitar of George Buffington and the thundering bass of Norman Duffell. For more information on Faith Rising or to listen to a sound sample, please visit www.shoutlife.com/faithrising or www.myspace.com/faithrisingband. From power chords to powerful lyrics, Faith Rising rocks!

More than “another 3 chord praise band,” The Terry McNeal Band is composed of talented musicians whose musical gifts allow them to change lives with their fresh sound and thought-provoking message. Their unique sound and original Christian music is focused not only on youth, but also is directed to the “forgotten generation” who grew up listening to music from Pearl Jam, The Who and The Police. The musically-accomplished line-up of The Terry McNeal Band includes Terry McNeal (singer, songwriter, guitar), Bobby Hendricks (bass, vocals), Scott Owens (guitar, vocals) and Bryan Williams (drums, percussion and vocals.) To learn more about The Terry McNeal Band and to enjoy a music sample, please visit http://www.terrymcneal.com/ or www.myspace.com/terrymcneal. The power of their music and message will lift you!

Concert-goers are invited to bring their picnic baskets, lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy an evening of free entertainment on the banks of the beautiful Tennessee River. For more information, please call 341-4818.

SlipJig and Judge and Jury

SlipJig and Judge and Jury to perform at the
August 24, 2009 Concerts by the River in Decatur

Come out to Concerts by the River on Monday, August 24, 2009 and you will return a verdict of guilty…of a good time had by all! The City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Department invites everyone to enjoy music from SlipJig and Judge and Jury in this free concert to be held at Rhodes Ferry Park. Concerts begin at 6:00 PM and usually conclude by 8:00 PM. For updated schedule information, please call 341-4818 or visit http://www.decaturparks.com/. In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be made after 4:00 PM.

Experience St. Patrick’s Day in August as North Alabama’s own Celtic band, SlipJig, make their Concerts by the River debut! The name “SlipJig” comes from a traditional Irish dance with the band offering a wild ride through the best of traditional and Celtic music. The five talented multi-instrumentalists combine tight melodies and rhythms with rich vocal harmonies to make the music of Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton come alive. The group is composed of seasoned musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds including Classical, Folk, Rock, Blues and Jazz who have found their true passion in the Celtic music tradition that tells the stories of the joys and sorrows of a simpler life. Though the members have been performing together since 2004, they have a combined 150 years of performance experience! Band members include: Mike Clem (mandolin, tenor banjo, whistles, guitar, bodhran), Stephenie Holtkamp (fiddle, mandolin, vocals), Mike Lyon (whistles, bagpipes, vocals), Garrett Smith (mandolin, fiddle, guitar) and Phil Williamson (fiddle, bones, vocals.) Stomp your feet to high-energy jigs and reels, sing along with pub songs, or just close your eyes and listen to ancient airs and ballads. For more information on SlipJig, please visit http://www.slipjigband.com/.

Local favorites Judge and Jury will sentence the concert crowd to an evening of great music and entertainment, performing a fun blend of classic oldies and folk rock from the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. The group’s acoustic blend of mandolin, guitar, harmonica and bass and appealing mix of music from artists such as the Drifters, CCR, Van Morrison, Otis Redding and others will take you back in time, and is the perfect accompaniment to a southern summer evening on the river. Judge and Jury performs at area festivals and special events, and band members include retired Lawrence County Circuit Judge Philip Reich, “the Judge, ” and “Jury” members Mitch Mardis, Don Shelton and Richard Thompson.

Concert-goers are invited to bring their picnic baskets, lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy an evening of free entertainment on the banks of the beautiful Tennessee River. For more information, please call Melinda at 341-4818.

Back-to-school block party for 3rd Friday on Bank

From: The Decatur Daily

A back-to-school block party is the theme for the 3rd Friday on Bank event this week in downtown Decatur.
Several Bank Street shops will offer discounts if you donate school supplies, which will be given to Decatur City Schools — for example, bring $15 worth of supplies, get 15 percent off your purchase.
At 5 p.m., members of the Decatur High School chorus will perform. At 6, Taylor McLain, the Kojaks and Lori Lanier with David Higginbotham will play at various spots on Bank Street.
Local cheerleaders and football players will helm food vendors Domino’s Pizza, Brain Freeze Shaved Ice, Chick-fil-A and Pepsi.
Got the back-to-school blues? Then bring a pair of new or gently used jeans to Bungalow Home to receive 15 percent off your purchase. Donated jeans will go to the Neighborhood Christian Center.
A coin appraiser will be avaliable at Bank Street Antique Mall. You can also receive 20 percent off at Memi’s Pottery.
Others participating include Bank Street Uniques, Glee Interiors: Leslie Adair Photography, Little Feet Boutique, Sam Frank & Moore, Simp McGhee’s and The Paper Chase.
On the Net
bankstreet3rdfriday.com

Ingalls Harbor a boon thanks largley to Parks

8/13/09
EDITORIAL from The Decatur Daily

City leaders made the right move when they unveiled a new plaque at Ingalls Harbor on Tuesday naming the boat launch for David Parks.

Tourism leaders credit Parks as the “driving force” to create a first-class boat launch capable of serving major fishing tournaments. It instantly earned an outstanding reputation.

Fishing tournament organizers say Ingalls is second to none, and they’ve backed their words by scheduling more tournaments here. The Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau reports Ingalls generated a $3.9 million economic impact in less than two years since it opened.

Parks humbly said a team effort made Ingalls possible, and that’s true. Local hotels in particular deserve thanks for imposing a $2-per-night fee on themselves. This spared local residents from the tax burden of generating revenue to pay for projects like Ingalls.

But history shows great endeavors often succeed because one individual shows dogged determination to carry a project from conception to completion. Parks was that man for Ingalls.

Parks did everything from carrying civic leaders in his boat to scout locations to helping architects design Ingalls. When the city rejected early site suggestions — including one at Point Mallard — Parks never lost heart and continued searching for a suitable site.

Today, Decatur can boast of a facility that gives local boaters free access to the Tennessee River, puts out-of-town dollars into the local economy and provides the annual Riverfest with an ideal location to grow.

Well done, Mr. Parks.