May seem a bit early in the game to announce our Barns season considering we have another seven weeks of shows to go at the Filene Center, but we know a little advance notice goes a long way, especially when it comes to planning your social calendar. On that note, we've announced a large chunk of our 2010/2011 Barns season with a subsequent on-sale date of August 6. Season starts in October, and ends in the spring, albeit a bit earlier in the spring than past years given much needed prep time for our late April/early May run of The Inspector, Wolf Trap's newest opera commission. A few performances that I'd like to put on your radar:
Del McCoury Band - Thursday and Friday, January 6 and 7
Hands down some of the best traditional bluegrass you'll hear anywhere, and we've got them for two straight nights. Del and co. are still regularly seen at some of the top musical festivals in the country, including Delfest in Cumberland, MD which was launched three years ago in honor of his indelible influence on bluegrass. They are still touring strong behind Family Circle, the band's first non-gospel release since 2005.
Paul Thorn - Thursday, February 17
Thorn can be a little vulgar, but if you let your guard down, I promise this will be a live show that will stick with you forever. Thorn is a hilarious, Mississippi born and bred singer/songwriter whose latest album is titled Pimps and Preachers. It's filled with tunes about his childhood experiences influenced by his father (the preacher) and his uncle (the pimp). His storytelling and musicianship is first-rate, and I can't recommend him enough. If you're looking for something a bit edgier at The Barns, this is the show.
Leon Redbone - Thursday, March 3
Redbone is definitely an acquired taste, but he's absolutely perfect for a setting like the Barns with his stripped down acoustic sound, perfectly-pitched whistling, and dead pan wit. He's also a great interpreter of jazz and blues standards and Tin Pan Alley classics.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
What is commissioning and why do we do it?
Guest Post from Terre Jones, Wolf Trap's President & CEO
Commissioning is an act of faith and generosity… it is where an organization like Wolf Trap (or it could be an inspired individual) provides funding to a performing artist and gives them the freedom to create a new work in dance, music or opera (or any other art form for that matter). Faith comes into play because you must trust that the artist you select will deliver something creative and imaginative – and something people will want to see. As a not-for-profit we work hard to generate revenue – whether earned or donated – and as stewards of those funds, we are expected to invest them well.
Commissioning news works has been a critical Wolf Trap goal for many years. It parallels our mission and reflects our commitment to expand the American repertoire and expose diverse audiences to those new works. In other words, commissioning is the “R & D” equivalent in the performing arts. And if not us… then who? So even in economically challenging times, we believe it is important to reserve some “artistic initiative” funds each year so that we can continue to encourage the development of new artistic work.
Of course we hedge our bets with these precious funds… How? We do it by engaging the finest artists available within a particular art form… generally artists that we know personally and artists that will take the artistic challenge and run with it. We provide them with a fair commissioning fee and book them for a performance at Wolf Trap (often providing time and space at Wolf Trap for them to polish the final product before they premiere it). And that where our involvement stops… from the moment we contract the artist… we step aside and give them total artistic freedom and let their creative juices flow… without interference.
We have a long history of commissioning success at Wolf Trap… supporting works in jazz, chamber music, puppetry, dance and opera over the years. Our acclaimed Face of America series has garnered national and international recognition, boasting six installments featuring new work by several of America’s most prominent contemporary choreographers. This work has been seen nationally on the PBS series: Great Performances – Dance in America: Wolf Trap’s Face of America.
We also commissioned Pulitzer Price nominee and award winning composer, John Musto to create an original full length comic opera based on Volpone (2004). A subsequent recording of the work by the Wolf Trap Opera Company was nominated for the 2010 Grammy Award for “Best Opera Recording”.
A full list of Wolf Trap’s commission to date can be found here.
And this Tuesday (July 20, 2010) we are thrilled to present our latest commissioned work. It is a piece created by the iconic choreographer of modern dance, Paul Taylor. He sets his new work, “Phantasmagoria,” on his own Paul Taylor Dance Company (“long established as the Cadillac of dance”). The work was commissioned in celebration of Paul’s 80th birthday… a sure sign that the creative juices can flow regardless of age. I have known Paul and his outstanding company for many years and believe them to be the epitome of what we look for in creative partners. Paul’s enthusiasm and creative spirit are unsurpassed! His genius is exactly what I look for when making a final selection for any commission Wolf Trap. We felt so strongly about this new work that we have also made it our Kay Shouse Great Performance this year… in honor of Wolf Trap’s founder.
I hope you will share my excitement (watching new commissions performed is a little like that anticipation before opening a birthday present… you just can’t wait to see what’s inside)… So I hope you will join us Tuesday evening at 8:30pm to see what’s inside this package!
Commissioning news works has been a critical Wolf Trap goal for many years. It parallels our mission and reflects our commitment to expand the American repertoire and expose diverse audiences to those new works. In other words, commissioning is the “R & D” equivalent in the performing arts. And if not us… then who? So even in economically challenging times, we believe it is important to reserve some “artistic initiative” funds each year so that we can continue to encourage the development of new artistic work.
Of course we hedge our bets with these precious funds… How? We do it by engaging the finest artists available within a particular art form… generally artists that we know personally and artists that will take the artistic challenge and run with it. We provide them with a fair commissioning fee and book them for a performance at Wolf Trap (often providing time and space at Wolf Trap for them to polish the final product before they premiere it). And that where our involvement stops… from the moment we contract the artist… we step aside and give them total artistic freedom and let their creative juices flow… without interference.
We have a long history of commissioning success at Wolf Trap… supporting works in jazz, chamber music, puppetry, dance and opera over the years. Our acclaimed Face of America series has garnered national and international recognition, boasting six installments featuring new work by several of America’s most prominent contemporary choreographers. This work has been seen nationally on the PBS series: Great Performances – Dance in America: Wolf Trap’s Face of America.
We also commissioned Pulitzer Price nominee and award winning composer, John Musto to create an original full length comic opera based on Volpone (2004). A subsequent recording of the work by the Wolf Trap Opera Company was nominated for the 2010 Grammy Award for “Best Opera Recording”.
A full list of Wolf Trap’s commission to date can be found here.
And this Tuesday (July 20, 2010) we are thrilled to present our latest commissioned work. It is a piece created by the iconic choreographer of modern dance, Paul Taylor. He sets his new work, “Phantasmagoria,” on his own Paul Taylor Dance Company (“long established as the Cadillac of dance”). The work was commissioned in celebration of Paul’s 80th birthday… a sure sign that the creative juices can flow regardless of age. I have known Paul and his outstanding company for many years and believe them to be the epitome of what we look for in creative partners. Paul’s enthusiasm and creative spirit are unsurpassed! His genius is exactly what I look for when making a final selection for any commission Wolf Trap. We felt so strongly about this new work that we have also made it our Kay Shouse Great Performance this year… in honor of Wolf Trap’s founder.
I hope you will share my excitement (watching new commissions performed is a little like that anticipation before opening a birthday present… you just can’t wait to see what’s inside)… So I hope you will join us Tuesday evening at 8:30pm to see what’s inside this package!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
My Morning Jacket To Perform with the Louisville Youth Orchestra at the KFC YUM! Center
And my buddy Jason is the orchestra conductor! It's a huge coup for the organization and a huge press opportunity for his kids, classical music, and for the city of Louisville. There's a pretty cool back story surrounding this event. Conductor Jason Seber, moved to Louisville in 2005 after graduating from Baldwin Wallace University to conduct the youth orchestra. At the time he listened almost exclusively to classical music, UNTIL he was introduced to My Morning Jacket, the groundbreaking band of Kentucky musicians that, along with groups like The Flaming Lips and Arcade Fire, is helping shift the art of rock music towards diverse new audiences. Come 2010, with five solid years of ardent MMJ worship under his belt, Seber finds himself walking through the KFC YUM! arena alongside front man Jim James discussing show logistics and which songs in the MMJ catalogue might work best for this type of unique collaboration. Talking about playing out one of your all time greatest musical fantasy scenarios. Guest list passes, Jason?
Check out this link for the press conference featuring members of My Morning Jacket, and my friend Jason Seber.
I'm sure most of you are aware that the National Symphony Orchestra takes up summer residency here at Wolf Trap. Tonight, in fact, we are presenting West Side Story & More! conducted by Emil de Cou, featuring members of the Wolf Trap Opera Company. It's no secret that symphonic expression is an art form beloved primarily by an "older" demographic, but as time moves forth, it's important to find creative ways to expose younger folk to classical music, in order to prevent obsolescence. I was just talking with Karen Pittleman, Director of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, about this very topic. I think it'd be great to see more symphony collaborations with bands like My Morning Jacket. And what better place to start this trend than with the NSO at Wolf Trap.
Check out this link for the press conference featuring members of My Morning Jacket, and my friend Jason Seber.
I'm sure most of you are aware that the National Symphony Orchestra takes up summer residency here at Wolf Trap. Tonight, in fact, we are presenting West Side Story & More! conducted by Emil de Cou, featuring members of the Wolf Trap Opera Company. It's no secret that symphonic expression is an art form beloved primarily by an "older" demographic, but as time moves forth, it's important to find creative ways to expose younger folk to classical music, in order to prevent obsolescence. I was just talking with Karen Pittleman, Director of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, about this very topic. I think it'd be great to see more symphony collaborations with bands like My Morning Jacket. And what better place to start this trend than with the NSO at Wolf Trap.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
#1 Way to Distinguish Wolf Trap from Other Venues + Promoters
Guest Post from Terre Jones, Wolf Trap's President & CEO
Wolf Trap vs. the others…well there are the obvious differentiators; the ability to bring food/drink into the park, a show almost every single day, free parking, accessible public transportation and one of the lowest ticket service charges in the area. These are recognized and celebrated (by our patrons) on a pretty widespread basis. What many of you probably don't know since it's not widely publicized is that Wolf Trap is its own promoter, meaning we don't work in conjunction with any external entity to book our acts and set our ticket prices. We negotiate directly with the artists and come to terms on a deal that mutually benefits each party.
In other words… our independent promoter status allows us the opportunity to keep ticket prices at a reasonable level for our patrons, and we PRIDE ourselves on this commitment to affordability. If you've been reading the papers lately, you can't help but run across articles like this one in the Wall Street Journal, drawing attention to slumping ticket sales, cancelled tours, and rampant ill-timed discounts that don't seem to serve much of a purpose other than angering loyal fans and training the casual ticket buyer to wait until the last minute for a less expensive purchase.
Wolf Trap has been able to avoid these issues by simply pricing tickets affordably at the on-set. Granted, we don't have the seating capacity to book the U2's, Lady Gaga’s and The Eagles of the world, but if you want to enjoy acts like James Taylor (2008), Jackson Browne (2010), Wilco (2009), or Aretha Franklin (2010), who are all musical giants in their respective genre, you can nab some generous lawn real estate for between $20 and $30 PLUS free parking, and the luxury of bringing in your own picnic! Bottom line… we're on your side. Our reasonable ticket price policy has always been and will continue to be an important part of this organization. There's a reason why our current ticket sales are far ahead of 2009. Jason Garner, Live Nation's chief executive of the company's concerts division rationalized sluggish ticket sales and cancelled tours by saying, "When 40% of tickets across the industry are going unsold, you have to have an honest talk about ticket prices."
In Wolf Trap's case, we had that “honest talk” years ago and continue to be honest with our concert goers. That’s one reason why people love the “Wolf Trap Experience”!
Wolf Trap vs. the others…well there are the obvious differentiators; the ability to bring food/drink into the park, a show almost every single day, free parking, accessible public transportation and one of the lowest ticket service charges in the area. These are recognized and celebrated (by our patrons) on a pretty widespread basis. What many of you probably don't know since it's not widely publicized is that Wolf Trap is its own promoter, meaning we don't work in conjunction with any external entity to book our acts and set our ticket prices. We negotiate directly with the artists and come to terms on a deal that mutually benefits each party.
In other words… our independent promoter status allows us the opportunity to keep ticket prices at a reasonable level for our patrons, and we PRIDE ourselves on this commitment to affordability. If you've been reading the papers lately, you can't help but run across articles like this one in the Wall Street Journal, drawing attention to slumping ticket sales, cancelled tours, and rampant ill-timed discounts that don't seem to serve much of a purpose other than angering loyal fans and training the casual ticket buyer to wait until the last minute for a less expensive purchase.
Wolf Trap has been able to avoid these issues by simply pricing tickets affordably at the on-set. Granted, we don't have the seating capacity to book the U2's, Lady Gaga’s and The Eagles of the world, but if you want to enjoy acts like James Taylor (2008), Jackson Browne (2010), Wilco (2009), or Aretha Franklin (2010), who are all musical giants in their respective genre, you can nab some generous lawn real estate for between $20 and $30 PLUS free parking, and the luxury of bringing in your own picnic! Bottom line… we're on your side. Our reasonable ticket price policy has always been and will continue to be an important part of this organization. There's a reason why our current ticket sales are far ahead of 2009. Jason Garner, Live Nation's chief executive of the company's concerts division rationalized sluggish ticket sales and cancelled tours by saying, "When 40% of tickets across the industry are going unsold, you have to have an honest talk about ticket prices."
In Wolf Trap's case, we had that “honest talk” years ago and continue to be honest with our concert goers. That’s one reason why people love the “Wolf Trap Experience”!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Wolf Trap Highlights from June
June was a great month for us here at Wolf Trap. Sales were very strong, the weather was beautiful, and we featured a world-class performance on ALL but four days. We also hosted several debuts in CATS, State Radio, REO Speedwagon, Cirque Dreams - Illumination, and bid adieu to Riverdance in its farewell tour. With multiple opportunities for video capture on the forefront of my PR oriented brain, I prepped my resident videographer and sent her down to the front lines to build June's Wolf Trap: At A Glance.
The video is below, so please take a few minutes to watch, Facebook, and tweet this to your friends. It will be hosted here, on Wolf Trap's Fan Page, and on our YouTube page. HD digital footage features Pat Benatar, REO Speedwagon, Mozart's Zaide, the farewell tour of Riverdance, and RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles. Enjoy!
The video is below, so please take a few minutes to watch, Facebook, and tweet this to your friends. It will be hosted here, on Wolf Trap's Fan Page, and on our YouTube page. HD digital footage features Pat Benatar, REO Speedwagon, Mozart's Zaide, the farewell tour of Riverdance, and RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles. Enjoy!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
A Little Pat McGee Pre-Show Press
A guest post from Kim Rottschaefer, Wolf Trap's public relations intern -
I’ve been working with Graham as the PR intern at Wolf Trap for just over two weeks now. When I took on this job, I expected to write press releases, coordinate press interviews, and do some social media outreach. One of the perks of this job, however, is when I get to go on-site and see an artist working directly with the press. Yesterday morning I had my first opportunity to do just that. Coffee in hand, I made my way to the Fox 5 news station at 8:45 am. Pat McGee and his bassist Patrick Thorton were recording a spot for the Fox 5 Morning News to promote tonight’s performance at Wolf Trap.
Graham and I arrived before the musicians and spoke to the editorial assistant about the spot. Really, Graham was there to be an ambassador for Wolf Trap, and I was there to help him and observe. Pat showed up ready to rock and roll shortly after us. He even brought some family members to watch!
Pat and Patrick warmed up, checked the sound levels, and made sure to have everything in place for the spot. When they were done, there were a few minutes left to wait before they went live. Pat spent that time with his family, showing his daughters around the station, and introducing them to people. You can tell that he’s a family man!
Truth time: I had not heard much about the Pat McGee Band prior to my time here at Wolf Trap. I know… shame on me. I realized shortly after I started here how much I had been missing out, though. Their music is addicting, with their melodic rock and sweet themes on love and family. I enjoy music that plucks at the heartstrings, and resonates with lots of people. Pat’s music does just that.
I first heard their music on the Wolf Trap Radio Station as I was familiarizing myself with all the artists for the summer season. After listening to just a few seconds of their music, I made a mental note to look up more when I got home. I’m a huge fan of the soulful guitarist rock/pop music. Some of my favorites are Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Matt Nathanson, and Eric Hutchinson. It’s a surprise, with that taste in music, that I’d never listened to The Pat McGee Band.
You can bet that I’ve added him into my playlists, and I am so excited that I have the chance to see him live again tonight. A good number of tickets are still left for purchase, so put a plan into action and head out to Wolf Trap for a night of homegrown pop-rock.
I’ve been working with Graham as the PR intern at Wolf Trap for just over two weeks now. When I took on this job, I expected to write press releases, coordinate press interviews, and do some social media outreach. One of the perks of this job, however, is when I get to go on-site and see an artist working directly with the press. Yesterday morning I had my first opportunity to do just that. Coffee in hand, I made my way to the Fox 5 news station at 8:45 am. Pat McGee and his bassist Patrick Thorton were recording a spot for the Fox 5 Morning News to promote tonight’s performance at Wolf Trap.
Graham and I arrived before the musicians and spoke to the editorial assistant about the spot. Really, Graham was there to be an ambassador for Wolf Trap, and I was there to help him and observe. Pat showed up ready to rock and roll shortly after us. He even brought some family members to watch!
Pat and Patrick warmed up, checked the sound levels, and made sure to have everything in place for the spot. When they were done, there were a few minutes left to wait before they went live. Pat spent that time with his family, showing his daughters around the station, and introducing them to people. You can tell that he’s a family man!
Truth time: I had not heard much about the Pat McGee Band prior to my time here at Wolf Trap. I know… shame on me. I realized shortly after I started here how much I had been missing out, though. Their music is addicting, with their melodic rock and sweet themes on love and family. I enjoy music that plucks at the heartstrings, and resonates with lots of people. Pat’s music does just that.
I first heard their music on the Wolf Trap Radio Station as I was familiarizing myself with all the artists for the summer season. After listening to just a few seconds of their music, I made a mental note to look up more when I got home. I’m a huge fan of the soulful guitarist rock/pop music. Some of my favorites are Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Matt Nathanson, and Eric Hutchinson. It’s a surprise, with that taste in music, that I’d never listened to The Pat McGee Band.
You can bet that I’ve added him into my playlists, and I am so excited that I have the chance to see him live again tonight. A good number of tickets are still left for purchase, so put a plan into action and head out to Wolf Trap for a night of homegrown pop-rock.
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