K.J. Denhert conducts masterclass for Jasper High School

K.J. Denhert stopped by the Jasper High School this morning to conduct a masterclass for band and choir students. The kids were impressed with her music, especially Lucky 7 which emphasized her message of to never give up. Alway follow your dreams. K.J. led the class in several exercises on timing. Her entire band joined her for a final couple of pieces.

K. J. Denhert plays backstage at Jasper Arts Center

The Backstage audience was delighted with the performance by K. J. Denhert and her band tonight. Her honey-smooth voice and accompanying guitar was a perfect medium for her music which she describes as urban-folk and jazz. Her musicans were fabulous, too! Mamadou Ba on bass, Ray Levier on drums and Etienne on keyboard. Everyone pressed K.J. to play "just one more song" at the end of the concert.

K.J.'s awesome style is so unique that she even had a fan, Marc, drive all the way from Lexington, KY!

Most Valuable Player, the Jackie Robinson Story

The Dallas Children's Theatre production of Most Valuable Player, the Jackie Robinson Story played at the Jasper Arts Center today. Several hundred students from local middle schools were able to enjoy this wonderfully-produced play about baseball great, Jackie Robinson's courage to integrate the sport during difficult times here in the United States. The audience was riveted and the actors were top drawer. I don't think anyone went away from this performance who wasn't affected in some way.

Thank you Dallas Children's Theatre!

PERF meeting at Jasper Arts Center for city and county employees

Mr. Carl Bright, Retirement Services Consultant and Southern Region Rep for PERF, conducted a training seminar for both city and county employees today. We learned that over 200,000 state employees belong to PERF (Public Employees Retirement Fund). Jasper City Mayor, Bill Schmitt, welcomed employees and visitors and introduced Mr. Bright.

Thanks, also, to HR Director Charlie Schneider and his Assistant Cindy Hochgesang for all their help in arranging this informative meeting.

Barbara Cade - Fiber Arts at Krempp Gallery

Arkansas fiber artist, Barbara Cade, is exhibiting this month at the Krempp Gallery. These exquisite original fiber paintings and sculptures are unlike anything you've ever seen. Check them out. I especially love the HUGE felted fiber pansies; they make me think I'm in the Wizard of Oz movie with the dancing flowers. Admission is free!

Project Trio Plays Backstage at Jasper Arts Center

Project Trio played backstage tonight for a nearly sold-out crowd. I've seen them several times before and they get better each time. Loved their updated version of Peter and the Wolf, also some of their original compositions. They stayed afterwards to chat with fans and sign autographs. Don't miss them if they come to your area!

RAP retreat held in Columbus, IN

I just spent two days at the Indiana Arts Commission's Regional Arts Partner retreat in Columbus, IN. Thanks to our hosts, the Columbus Area Arts Council - Region 9 and Jeff Kuehl. It was a great opportunity to discuss the future of the arts in Indiana, exchange ideas, and do some Strategic Planning. Ron Stratten, former IAC commissioner, was our moderator for the event. He did a great job of keeping us on track and focused. As in most strategic planning sessions, we spent quite a bit of time going through our SWOT exercises - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. It was very fruitful to compare issues and challenges with other partners and to build a collective approach to keeping the arts alive in Indiana.

Project Trio visits Jasper High School

As part of our in-school education program, Jasper High School students were entertained today by Project Trio from Brooklyn, NYC. Peter Seymour on bass, Eric Stephenson on cello, and Greg Pattillo on flute performed two shows for JHS students. This lively group plays an eclectic mix of music from classical to jazz to many of their own original compositions. Have you seen Greg Pattillo on YouTube? He's got nearly 20 million hits for his beatbox flute renditions! Check him out.