Arts on Tour: Florida's State Touring Roster

Artist and Activities

Flamenco is the ultimate Hispanic musical form and Flamenco Puro excels in quality, artistic excellence, and audience excitement. The company is directed by Clarita Filgueiras, who brings a rich background of dance and theatre through years of experience "on the floor" as lead dancer with the New York/Madrid dance company Carlota Santana - Flamenco Vivo, work with the renowned Gypsy Kings, and numerous other companies from Spain.

A full-length performance entails a varied range of dances and musical pieces within the flamenco genre; the dances are solos, duets, and group numbers interspersed with guitar or singing solos. The focus of lecture/demonstrations and workshops can be on dance and technique such as footwork, hand movements, castanets, the manipulation of shawl or fan, styles, and rhythm as well as the history and culture of Andalusia, Spain. Students will have the opportunity to learn and perform short dances. All choreography and instruction are tailored to the specific audience age group.

Artist and Activities

A professional ballet company from Gainesville that lives up to its name – movement is at the heart of everything it does! With an extraordinary roster of international stars and a dynamic leader in Artistic Director Kim Tuttle, Dance Alive has developed into one of the most distinguished and creative ballet companies in the nation. The company has toured extensively in Florida and has appeared in many other states and Costa Rica; it has been featured on the Florida Arts on Tour roster for three decades.

Dance Alive continues to develop innovative arts education programming and is involved in residencies, dance curriculum development, and outreach programs for educational institutions including elementary, middle and high schools, community colleges, and universities. Curriculum is available for school systems and is keyed to Florida Sunshine State Standards; the material uses FCAT-friendly words and prompts. Programs range from 1 - 1 ½ to 2 hours with educational performances at 45-55 minutes. Programs are tailored to suit the presenter. The company provides its own sound system and dance floor.

Artist and Activities

Founded on Miami Beach in 2000, the Dance Now! Ensemble is committed to the development of modern dance-theatre. Under the creative vision of Hannah Baumgarten and Diego Salterini, this 10-member international troupe displays brilliant athleticism and artistry in dances based in modern, jazz, and ballet. Dance Now! has elaborated an emerging international style inspired by western dance traditions, while attracting and reaching younger, multi-national audiences through eclectic choices of music and contemporary themes. The Ensemble’s goals are to choreograph and perform high quality dance, build community, promote diversity, and help audiences gain a deeper understanding of the creative process in dance.

The company is also available for one to ten-day residencies. These are suitable for children and adults. Dance Now! has developed a short study guide that reflects the FCAT and the Sunshine State Standards. The philosophy of the outreach is based on three elements: the Classroom Experience, the Creative Experience, and the Performance Experience. 30-45 minute lecture-demonstrations and short performances are also available.

Artist and Activities

Miami Momentum is an extraordinary contemporary dance company that recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The company excels in presenting both historic modern dance pieces and new works. It offers extensive educational programs and residencies and creates one new children’s program annually. This is an extremely flexible dance company that offers a range of performances and activities.

Site-specific works are available year round and are tailor-made to serve the presenter’s target audience and site. Momentum has created such pieces for public art installations and sculptures, public transportation stations, museums and galleries, settings in nature, and architectural and historic sites.

Artist and Activities

This lively ensemble enthralls audiences with traditional Calypso, contemporary classics, and original compositions for the steel pan and world music. Grounded in classical and jazz traditions combined with years of cultural research of Caribbean rhythms, the ensemble offers students and adults the opportunity to cross cultural barriers and discover the amazing influences from around the world that came together to create the steel pan.

Artist and Activities

Kate Carpenter presents original folk music on her guitar. Her lively and engaging programs combine imaginative storytelling, humor, and puppetry. Mrs. Kate primarily targets elementary school age children, but she also offers programming for ages 2-5, and family programs for K-12.

Also offered is a one-hour teachers workshop that offers instruction on creative communication. For upper elementary school age children, an activity called Performing Songwriter as a Career is also available.

Artist and Activities

Cello, piano, and percussion make up this trio of highly skilled musicians who have traveled nationally to every region of this country and internationally to venues in Australia, Russia, Ukraine, the Caribbean, and England. The award-winning ensemble has produced nine theatre works and has toured for ten years. With the addition of an actor, the CORE Ensemble has conceived and now performs three unique works of Chamber Music Theatre that are distinctly original, educational, and entertaining.

The CORE Ensemble’s programs are suitable for adults and college and high school students, with residencies for middle school students.

Artist and Activities

Edward Cotton is a blues musician who is well known for his solo performances of finger style and bottleneck guitar and harmonica. His programs provide an interactive introduction to the blues that feature multiple musical instruments and engaging historical insight and filled with timeless songs about dogs, cows, working, laziness, money, and crazy adventures all taken from pre-WWII artists and delivered in an authentic and age-appropriate fashion. The show culminates in an audience-inspired grade-specific, humorous blues song written on the spot. Older students (above 8th grade) can attend the same program, but the social and historical issues discussed will be about racism, economics, and the Great Depression.

Artist and Activities

Multi-award winning jazz duo Davis and Dow have chemistry; they are soulmates that are two strong halves of one big sound. Davis and Dow tackle jazz and pop standards with a daring sense of abandon. Their style is deeply rooted in the classic jazz tradition but with a playfulness that keeps the music fresh and fun. Their arrangements are unique and inventive. Julie Davis is everything from scat-singer to balladeer; Kelly Dow is a world-class guitarist whose primary influences are Joe Pass, Jimmy Bruno, Django Reinhardt, and the modern day European gypsy jazz virtuosos. He blends be-bop, blues, flamenco, and classical styles to create his own strong individual sound.

Davis and Dow offer a show for schools called Cooking with Jazz which combines jazz styles, scat singing, jazz history, and lots of interactive participation. The program is 45-minutes long and suitable for K-8.

Artist and Activities

In the hands of modern masters, the saxophone and cello yield a tremendous palette of colors and a wide variety of musical styles. This combination results in a chamber music experience of unparalleled power and beauty.

Saxophonist Jonathan Helton is an active solo recitalist and chamber musician who has appeared in concerts worldwide. He is currently on the faculty of the School of Music at the University of Florida where he teaches saxophone, chamber music, and conducts the New Music Ensemble. Dr. Helton is a Selmer Artist/Clinician. Cellist Steven Thomas was appointed to the University of Florida’s School of Music in 2007, following a 13-year tenure at the Hartt School, University of Hartford, where he chaired both the String and Chamber Music departments.

The duo offers in-school concerts and demonstrations of 50 minutes for K-12 audiences including cello and saxophone history; cello and saxophone master classes of 60 -120 minutes; and a 50-minute demonstration of musical acoustics, sound production, and playing techniques for high school and college students and adults.

Artist and Activities

The Jacksonville Symphony Association offers a wide variety of programming “to present classical and other orchestral performances of artistic excellence.” JSA is a full-time professional organization with a 37-week season. JSA’s reputation for excellence has allowed it to host some of the most renowned artists of the past century including Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Arthur Fiedler, Ray Charles, Luciano Pavarotti, Kathleen Battle, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, and Midori.

JSA programming can be offered in a variety of venues from in-door settings such as auditoriums to informal outdoor settings such as parks. Program length can vary from 1.5 hours (primary school settings) to a possible 3 hours (classical music with multiple intermissions).

Educational and residency activities are available.

Artist and Activities

Chris is a solo musician and songwriter who presents musical performances in a folk style that highlight Florida’s history through songs and storytelling, and is suitable for all ages.

The hour-long presentation takes the audience on a journey through the state, featuring songs that cover a wealth of history, characters, and folklore. A Power Point slideshow supports the program.

Presentations are also available for K-12 audiences including residencies. Subjects covered include the playing of guitar, harmonica, and mandolin, the process of songwriting; and careers in music. The residency program can be expanded into an interactive, cross-curricular learning experience. Lesson plans include the programs Lyric Detective and Songwriting Using 12 Powerful Words for Improving Learning.

Artist and Activities

The Lee Boys are one of the best known sacred steel gospel ensembles in the world. This musical style was founded at the House of God Pentecostal Church in Perrine, Florida; the band members are all descendants of Lorenzo Harrison and Rev. Robert E. Lee, both important figures in the development of this indigenous and unique Florida music form, which features the pedal steel guitar. Sacred steel is music described as an inspired unique form of Gospel with a hard-driving, blues-based beat; the genre includes strong elements of gospel, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock, funk, hip-hop, country, and ideas from other nations. The Lee Boys bring a joyful spiritual sound to their audiences who recognize that this is not “sitting and listening” music; dancing, shouting out, and having fun are all part of the Lee Boys experience. The show’s music is mostly original with a few hymns and standards that the group “blueses up a little.”

These engaging artists work well in a variety of venues ranging from intimate club settings to performing arts centers to large festival stages. A 50-minute lecture/demonstration on the history of sacred steel music are available as well as master classes for guitar and pedal steel guitar.

Artist and Activities

David Manson is a trombonist, composer, improviser, music technologist, concert presenter, and educator well-known in the Tampa Bay area. He has been soloist and composer with BONK, Subtropics New Music Festival, SCI, SEAMUS, and has performed with Cecil Taylor, Sam Rivers, Eugene Chadbourne, and Davey Williams.

David’s many recordings include the electro-acoustic trombone CD Beast, Infinita Bossa with Brazilian group O Som Do Jazz, Particle Zoo with SHIM, and Fluid Motion, selected by Jazz Times critic Duck Baker as “best jazz album of 2003.” David also composes for and performs with avant-jazz groups SHIM, O Som Do Jazz, and Zappa repertoire band Bogus Pomp. He directs the Helios Jazz Orchestra and teaches music at St. Petersburg College and Eckerd College.

Workshops are available in music, trombone, improvisation, composition, and big band coaching; all presentations can be oriented toward grades 6-12, college students, and the general public.

Artist and Activities

Stephen Robinson performs an eclectic and educational solo guitar program created to develop and cultivate audiences of all ages. With his unique ability to communicate with all ages and a diverse multicultural program, Robinson’s performances are a vibrant part of today’s world mirroring Florida’s wide range of inhabitants. His recitals include folkloric works by the Mexican composer Julio Cesar Oliva and Cuban composer Leo Brouwer, works exhibiting rock/jazz influences by American guitarist/composer Frederic Hand, the Brazilian music of Marco Pereira, the Japanese piece Sakura, Italian composer Carlo Domeniconi’s Koyunbaba with its Turkish regional folk flavor, and pieces by the French Canadian Pierre Tremblay. Works for guitar and orchestra will include Spaniard Joaquin Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, Concierto Antillano for guitar and orchestra by Puerto Rican composer Ernesto Cordero, Concierto del Sur by Manuel Ponce, and Concerto in D Major by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco.

Stephen Robinson began his guitar studies in 1976 and worked closely with Andres Segovia who called him “one of the most brilliant guitarists of our times.” In 1987, Florida State University awarded him its first Doctor of Music in Guitar Performance. Robinson has appeared with the Cincinnati Symphony and Boston Pops Orchestras, and performs recitals and conducts master classes at leading musical institutions and festivals worldwide.

Residency activities include lecture demonstrations and master classes for college and university students as well as informal mini-performances for community organizations, elementary through high school students, and retirement and assisted-living communities.

Artist and Activities

The St. Johns River City Band is the “Official Band of the City of Jacksonville” and an “Official Band of the State of Florida.” Comprised of a highly skilled group of musicians, The Band offers a diverse repertoire of material that is always expanding through the work of its nationally known musicians who regularly contribute arrangements, transcriptions, and original compositions. Performances have been held in such venues as Carnegie Hall, outdoors at Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville, on board the USS Kennedy aircraft carrier, center stage at the historic Florida Theatre, and on the steps of the State Capitol.

Kool Jazz for Kids is a school-based program consisting of dynamic music medleys that trace the history of jazz. This program is targeted to Sunshine State Standards for elementary school students and helps students recognize how American music, particularly jazz, flavors our entire culture and takes many forms. The Band offers 60 or 90-minute master classes for high school band members including instrument mastership (bass trombone, saxophone, flute, clarinet, trumpet, piano, drums, percussion, bassoon, guitar, bass guitar, upright bass, and banjo) and instruction in arranging and improvisation.

Artist and Activities

Since 1992, Lee Hunter and Arvid Smith, Tammerlin, have been placing their own stamp on folk/roots music. They present exceptional guitar work accompanying well-crafted original songs and traditional tunes pulled from the heart of American music - a little bit pop, country, old time, British Isles, and blues - with some world music flavorings. Tammerlin’s diverse style reflects each member’s background and interest in all kinds of music with the central theme of the stories that connect us all. Innovative guitarist Arvid Smith provides the fretwork, creating the sonic backdrop for Lee Hunter’s clear voice. The sound is often filled out with additional players on mandolin, fiddle, bass, and drums. Together, they create something magical that is both grounded in the past and looking firmly toward the future.

Living Folk Culture Workshops are available for K-12, college groups, community groups, and senior centers. This workshop engages participants in the music and the stories behind the music; traditional and modern folk songs reflect shared ideas and memories that are important to communities. Participants are also encouraged to express their own stories. The workshops can be tailored to the needs of the instructor, the age group of the participants, and the size of the group. Tammerlin’s presentations are suitable for small settings or for large gatherings, and can address specific areas of the curriculum as needed.

Artist and Activities

Kirk Whipple & Marilyn Morales are a concert duo that performs music for two pianos, one piano/four hands, and solo piano. Known for their positive joyous attitudes and the accessibility of their performances, programs include works from Renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, French impressionists, 20th and 21st century contemporary, Broadway, jazz, and rock plus original works and arrangements. Venue and format are flexible and the duo offers formal concerts, recitals, master classes and lectures, and informal “club-style” events. Performances are suitable for audiences of all ages and musical backgrounds.

Residency and educational activities include master classes, ensemble classes, lectures, private lessons, and teacher workshops. Online support is available for these activities.

Artist and Activities

Flutist Donna Wissinger performs informance style recital programs that entertain, educate, stimulate imagination, and dazzle audiences of all ages. She has performed internationally for over 27 years and encourages communities to avail themselves of her virtuosity both in concert and in her award winning educational outreach. Donna has the ability “to make every audience feel a part of the performance.”

Donna has performed solo recitals on five continents, has written and directed plays for at-risk students, contributed articles to arts newsletters on the role of the artist in community, and has served as an arts consultant and keynote speaker on such topics as leadership, habits of excellence, and identity and belonging. Her CDs are in multiple pressings and played internationally.

Among Donna’s ARTZ OUT LOUD educational programs are The Pied Piper and Other Fantastic Tales, The World Turned Upside Down: Music and Stories of the American Revolution, and Beowulf: A tale of Courage and Honor. Donna’s educational activities provide programming for preK-12 students. Each program  includes several strands of the Sunshine State Standards. “The best educational programs we have ever had,” Evan Gould, Arts Specialist, Clay County, FL.

Artist and Activities

Born and raised in Japan, Ayako Yonetani offers classical music through violin performance. Ayako has appeared extensively both in the U.S. and internationally and strongly believes in the value of live performance.

Her repertoire includes Baroque to contemporary western music and contemporary Japanese music. Lecture and residency offerings give her the opportunity to discuss traditional Japanese music and current music education, conduct master classes with violin students, coach chamber music groups, and perform orchestra sectional work. Now a music professor at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Ayako holds academic degrees, including a doctorate, from the Julliard School where she studied with Hyo Kang and the late Dorothy DeLay.

Ayako is currently a full professor of violin and viola at UCF and is also a member of Japan’s premier chamber ensemble Kioi Sinfonietta Tokyo.

Artist and Activities

This is not your typical children’s theatre, but rather a dynamic duo of theatre artists whose shows encourage students and their families to think about themselves and the world around them. Don Gruel and Noel Holland creatively adapt their scripts from literature, history, and legend and also offer original pieces; their performances are enthusiastic, entertaining, and thought- provoking.

Classroom theatre workshops are available on Tools of the Actor, Auditioning, Musical Theatre, Playwriting, Stage Movement, and Stage Combat. A Conflict Resolution workshop is also available and Don and Noel will also custom design a workshop for specific classes and topics. Workshops last 45 minutes.

Artist and Activities

Bits ‘N Pieces is a nationally recognized touring children’s theatre known for their nine-foot tall puppets! Original performances are fully staged in the American Musical Theatre style. Classic and familiar fairytales are the subject of these productions with original music by Bits ‘N Pieces founder Jerry Bickel, and puppet and costume design by Holli Rubin.

In addition to the musical productions, the company offers arts-in-education puppet making and performance workshops for children, teachers, and youth leaders. The Giant Puppet Exhibition (giant puppets, costumes, and stage settings) is also available. Educational programs are based on Sunshine State Standards and the FCAT; workshops and residencies are tailored to the presenter.

Artist and Activities

The professional theatre company of Ruth Eckerd Hall, ETC is a young dynamic troupe of 5 actors who create work that affirms the value of the individual and the beauty of the human spirit. Their goal is to ignite creativity in young people and to inspire audiences of all ages to a greater understanding of the human condition. The Company strives to make a personal and individual impact on every person it encounters, instilling respect for the theatrical profession and an appreciation of the unique communication between actor and audience.

Post-performance workshops, talk-backs, and residencies are all available and meet Sunshine State Standards. Theatre games are often introduced to familiarize students with movement and expression through performance. In workshops, students receive hands-on training in creative problem-solving and team-building while improving communication skills.

Artist and Activities

Fantasy Theatre Factory is a touring children’s theatre company – it’s all they do and their tours have reached over 1,000,000 families and students since 1985. In fact, they have traveled the world to expand international awareness and appreciation of Florida’s performing artists. The company works with writers, directors, choreographers, musicians, and a core group of actors that revolve in and out of each show. Themes include children’s literature, the environment, and ecology.

Educational outreach is of primary importance to FTF. Their Artist-in-Education Program features shows and workshops for children and in-service training for teachers. The company also has a strong commitment to special-needs children and their families.

Artist and Activities

One of the finest resident theatres in the state, Florida Studio Theatre has an amazing outreach program that’s all about playwriting, Write A Play. It is an arts-in-education initiative that provides thousands of children with the skills and motivation to write plays. Using high-energy, interactive performances, the program promotes literacy, language, and communication skills. These shows use both scripted performance and improvisational techniques to teach students the basics of setting, character, conflict, and dialogue. Using these elements as a starting point, the FST team of four actors/teaching artists lead students in the creation of an original play. Since 1991, this program has reached over 1,000,000 school children! At the end of every Playmaker’s Tour, students are encouraged to complete and submit their plays to the theatre’s annual Young Playwrights Festival.

Artist and Activities

This is a vibrant young company of actors, dancers, and clowns that produces Bilibambom, an educational bilingual musical play. It’s an entertaining story that takes children to the magic world of theatre with music, color, and laughter where children sing, dance, play, and have fun with robots, firefighters, astronauts, policemen, dancers, and chiquilinas. Lessons learned are all about saving energy, conserving water, planting trees, and recycling. The goal is to form Bilibambom Conservation Teams and “Save our Mother Earth.” This show varies from five to eight performers.

Artist and Activities

Kuniko presents a dramatic Japanese storytelling performance of myths and fables. The combination of Japanese music, handcrafted masks, highly-stylized movement, origami paper folding, and a touch of magic makes this appealing to all grade levels. Kuniko uses folktales and folksongs that describe Japanese traditions. Her origami presentations feature mythological character masks and puppets, flowers, and a six-foot long dragon! Reflecting the Sunshine State Standards, Kuniko’s program complements the Multi-Culture Study, Visual Arts, Language Arts, Theatre, and Social Studies components. 45 – 90 minute  workshop topics include Math Lessons with Origami, Origami Connection to Visual Arts and Social Studies, Origami for Teachers, and Theater Workshop. Puppetry, storymaking, dance, mask-making, and movement are all subject areas that can be covered.

Artist and Activities

David presents a show of acoustic instrumental guitar performance that is a hybrid of American Bluegrass, Celtic, Blues, Classical, and Flamenco styles. Workshops are also offered.

Artist and Activities

Del sings of life and love on the coast, bluewater sailing, and beach party bonfires all through his acoustic guitar performance. His songs are original, humorous stories and suitable for all ages.

Artist and Activities

Butch is a saxophone artist who specializes in jazz improvisation, style, composition, and music all as a positive force in life. He offers solo concerts and workshops.