Auditions for THE BALLAD OF DOWNTOWN JAKE

Auditions will be held January 22nd-24th for the new contemporary music drama, THE BALLAD OF DOWNTOWN JAKE, created by PVCC Fine Arts Faculty Dr. Christopher Scinto (music) and Dr. Lois Roma-Deeley (book & lyrics).

Synopsis: Against the backdrop of the 1950s Civil Rights Movement, an interracial love story unfolds. THE BALLAD OF DOWNTOWN JAKE, a contemporary music drama, explores four character’s struggles with addiction, redemption, hope and one last shot at fame.

Character Breakdown:

HARRY JONES—age 45 hustler, drug dealer and addicted to power and control, Tenor.

JAKE DELMONICO—age 34 jazz saxophone great, addicted to heroin, Baritone.

JASMINE JUNE—age 52 sometime blues singer, waitress, civil rights, Mezzo-Soprano.

SUGAR BABY HAYES—Age 27 blues singer, common-law wife to Jake addicted to alcohol, heroin and grief, Soprano.

ANGEL/Woman in Red—spirit of grace and redemption, addicted to hope, Soprano.

Other speaking roles include: RICHIE—Club Owner, PAWNBROKER, CUSTOMERS IN CLUB and MUSICIANS.

Auditions are by appointment only. Please call (602) 787-6595 to schedule an audition.

 

Chance Procedures

"In the nature of the use of chance operations is the belief that all answers answer all questions." -John Cage
John Cage (right) with David Tudor at Shiraz Arts Festival 

John Cage (right) with David Tudor at Shiraz Arts Festival 

Chance procedures use accident as the avenue of expression in art-making. In 1952, John Cage played 12 live radio broadcasts simultaneously, resulting in his piece "Imaginary Landscape No 4". Around the same time, Jackson Pollock tacked unstretched canvas to the floor and used sticks, towels and knives to create his well-known abstract paintings.

Working in collaboration is one step toward dismantling artistic autonomy and welcoming accident. Pictured below, students in Adria Pecora's art class use chance procedures to create visual art. 


Faculty Visual Arts Showcase

The Center for Performing Arts Gallery at Paradise Valley Community College is pleased to announce The Faculty, artwork by the visual arts instructors at Paradise Valley Community College. Their work illustrates the distinct individual imagery of each instructor and the roll that it has within the art and academic communities. The works of art span from traditional to non-traditional media, from abstract to realism. Their media extends from painting, to drawing, ceramics, printmaking, photography, sculpture and technology.

The artwork will be on view November 12, to January 16, 2015. The reception is Wednesday, November 19, at 6:30pm. The reception is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. The CPA Gallery will be closed for Winter Break during December 23, 2014 - January 4, 2015.

The CPA Gallery is open and free to the public, Monday through Friday, 8am – 6pm. Parking is available on the NE side of the CPA.

2014-2015 Battle of the Bands at PVCC

The Music Department and the Commercial Music Program are pleased to announce the thirteenth edition of the Battle of the Bands. Area bands of all genres that write original music are encouraged to apply. Download an application here.  See competition guidelines here. The deadline for submissions is September 24th, 2014.

Application materials can be submitted in person to the Fine & Performing Arts division secretary, located on the first floor of M-East Building, by fax at 602-787-6674, or via e-mail to Dr. Brett Reed.

For additional information about the Battle of the Bands, contact Dr. Brett Reed or by phone at 602-787-6554.

 

SCHEDULE FOR 2014-2015 BATTLE OF THE BANDS

September 24, 2014: Application materials due

October 4, 2014 at 12:00pm: Live Audition Round 1, CPA Outdoor Amphitheater

November - December 2014 (Date/Time TBD): Pre-production meetings with selected bands, including songwriting workshops,
copyright and publishing workshops, band photoshoot, recording studio tour and practice suggestions.

February - April 2015: Recording sessions

May 8, 2015 at 7:30pm: Battle of the Bands Winners Concert at PVCC, Center for the Performing Arts Mainstage Theater