Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Spring Music

More or less recovered from the Bao Bao Festival - I must say I was touched deeply by the effort and performance of "my" class, Afropop Ensemble, who in 6 weeks transformed themselves from a bunch of Naropa University undergrads, mostly freshmen, into a high energy performing unit at Boulder Theater for a standing room only Bao Bao Fest. The Bao Bao, it has been said, was better than ever, and the Ensemble rose to the occasion and really topped off the evening. I stand in awe of their performance and offer my gratitude for their sacrifice and supreme effort.

Bao Bao in all its joy was followed by Samba Night at the Fox Theater: Ginga, Capoeira and Samba Dende (with a 3-piece horn section).

Celebration of spring continues with Playback Theater West on FRI, Apr 3 8pm at the Dairy Center: improvisational theater at its best. I am the instant music score – and YOU write the screenplay, so come on down. Playback is a well loved Boulder staple, and I totally enjoy being in the rotation with these talented spirits.

Be sure to catch Beco Do Choro Quartet SAT Apr 4th, 8 pm in an intimate house concert of Brazilian music in South Boulder. Once again you have a part in the creation - potluck at 6 and then samba and foro the night away to the authentic sounds of Brazil, traditional and original. Beco is in full force: Joao Junquiera, Francisco Marques, Kailin Yong, Dexter Payne.
Suggested $15 donation, RSVP for directions: dhf2000@comcast.net

The Judy Roderick CD When Im Gone with special guest Dr John (as well as Boulder legends Washboard Chaz and Don BBQ DeBacker) is starting to get some great reviews, airplay in spots all over the country (spots that have great radio stations like we do) and some sales in the UK and Japan. Get yours from www.dexofon.com ... or from a certain roaming horn player at various mysterious venues. Its like an easter egg hunt. First clue: Go to the top of the page and read carefully for the next clue. And for heavens sake dont step on the eggs! Other Dexofon CDs also available. If you happen to like relaxed Brazilian music you are in luck. Music is stress relief medicine – sow the seeds of peace.

Enjoy!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Flash: BaoBao Update

The Afropop Ensemble will perform for the BaoBao ONLY IN BOULDER. Technical limitations will prevent playing with the DSA show.

Flash: BaoBao Update

The Afropop Ensemble will perform for the BaoBao ONLY IN BOULDER. Technical limitations will prevent playing with the DSA show.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Beco & BaoBao

I am correcting my error on location for BaoBao Fest in Denver, Thurs: Its at Den School of the Arts (see below for full details). Meanwhile, remember:

Beco Do Choro Wed (tonight) 6:30-9:30 @ St Julien Hotel (9th&Walnut, Bldr)
Francisco Marques, Joao Junquiera, Kailin Yong, Dexter Payne. Brazilian all the way.

After 9:30 I will join my students (Naropa Afropop Ensemble) backing Ghanain singer/writer/drummer Kofi Mawuko at the free BaoBao event at the Broker (30th&Baseline,Bldr) They made me very proud with their live radio performance just last Saturday at KGNU, and will also perform Thurs and Sat. Come to the Broker, or visit www.baobaofest.org to find out what the 6th annual festival is all about.

Thurs, March 5, 2009, 7pm Denver School of the Arts
7111 Montview Blvd. Denver, CO 80220 (303-882-0602)
$15; $8 students & seniors (children under 10 free)
(tickets available only at the door)

Saturday, March 7, 2009, 7pm Boulder Theater
(2032 14th Street, Boulder) Box Office: 303-786-7030
$19; $15 students & seniors (children under 10 free)
(tickets available in advance and at door)

I cannot say enough about the spirit and excellence these Naropa undergraduates have captured in a few short weeks - come see them perform. Im very proud!