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Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Cirque du Soleil : Alegria | Jacksonville, Fla.

June 27, 2011 by Susanne Talentino

Alegría is a classic Cirque du Soleil production that has received international acclaim and wowed over 10 million people worldwide since it premiered in 1994 in Montreal. After 15 years performing under the big top, Alegría embarked on a new journey in May 2009 and is now presented in arenas throughout the United States and Canada.

Alegría means “jubilation” in Spanish. Power and the handing down of power over time, the evolution from ancient monarchies to modern democracies, old age, youth—it is against this backdrop that the characters of Alegría play out their lives. Kings’ fools, minstrels, beggars, old aristocrats and children make up its universe, along with the clowns, who alone are able to resist the passing of time and the social transformations that accompany it.

The performance features an international cast consisting of 55 performers and musicians from 15 countries. Alegría combines a baroque style with colorful, flamboyant costumes. Original music is performed live and an elaborate set is used as backdrop to the astonishing spectacle of athleticism and artistry.

The 2½ hour spectacle (with intermission) showcases breathtaking acrobatics including the dramatically sensuous Synchro Trapeze and the high-energy Aerial High Bars where daring aerialists fly to catchers swinging more than 40 feet above the stage. Imagine two agile performers who bring alive the Mongolian art of contortion and artists manipulating flaming knives around their bodies in the rhythmic and dangerous Fire-Knife Dance.

The vibrancy of youth is alive in fast-paced Power Track, a brilliant display of synchronized choreography and tumbling on a trampoline system that is magically revealed under the stage floor. In Russian Bars, artists fly through the air with spectacular somersaults and mid-air twists, landing on 4-inch wide bars perched on the sturdy shoulders of the catchers.

Now Alegria and Cirque du Soleil is coming to Jacksonville and performing at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on June 29 & 30, and also July 1, 2, 3.

Don’t miss this exciting performance – click here to reserve your tickets now!

McIntosh County Shouters Raise the Roof – Savannah, GA

July 9, 2010 by Susanne Talentino

McIntosh County Shouters
McIntosh County Shouters

The McIntosh County Shouters are making a special appearance on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at Second African Baptist Church, 123 Houston Street in Savannah.

The McIntosh County Shouters have been bringing folks to their feet with their unique “shouting” performance for over 30 years. A mesmerizing blend of circling dance movements, call-and-response singing and percussive handclaps, modern “shouting” derives from the communication used by African slaves working in rice fields in the 18th- and 19th centuries. It is thought to be one of the oldest surviving forms of African American cultural and spiritual expression, and its influences can be heard in later musical genres including jubilee, gospel, and even jazz.

McIntosh County ShoutersThe ring shout tradition was for the most part forgotten by the world until it was discovered that a small community had been passing down this joyful practice for generations. The group began performing as the McIntosh County Ring Shouters in 1980 and has held audiences spellbound ever since. Unchanged for hundreds of years, today’s ring shout both pays homage to the community’s ancestors and contributes to a greater understanding of early African American culture.

The Shouters have been featured in a Georgia Public Broadcasting documentary, performed at Lincoln Center in New York City, and are a recipient of the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.

McIntosh County ShoutersThis event is brought to you by the Georgia Historical Society and is free and open to the public. For more information, www.GeorgiaHistory.com

The McIntosh County Shouters presented by The Georgia Historical Society on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
Second African Baptist Church, 123 Houston St., Savannah, GA
Cost: FREE

View Map of the Location here

From Nashville to Treehill Music Festival – Jacksonville, Fl

October 14, 2009 by Susanne Talentino

On Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, it’s time for the Songwriter Contest at Tree Hill Nature Center. This will be a full day of music and live performances by the winners of the Songwriter’s Contest and the winners of the Artist/Performance Contest.

Michael Knox

Successful Nashville producer Michael Knox will judge the winning Festival entries. Knox will present awards to winners in both contests during the Festival.

Michael Knox
Michael Knox, Music Producer

Currently Michael Knox produced the new Jason Aldean GOLD Record “Wide Open”, with sales of more than 100,000 copies in its first week to debut at No. 2 on the Billboard Country chart and No. 4 on the all-genre Billboard 200. The first single “She’s Country” which was performed on the 42nd CMA Awards, reached the Number #1 spot on the Billboard and R&R Country Music Chart in May of 2009 and was certified GOLD with more than 900,000 singles sold.

Music Festival Schedule

October 24 Festival Schedule – 10 am – 6 pm:

10 am – Doors open

10:15 – 10:45 am – Welcome by Tree Hill ED, VI Productions and Michael Knox.

10:45 – 11 am – Mike Shackleford performs.

11 am – 12:30 pm – Top 3 Songwriters perform 2 songs in the amphitheater. Michael Knox will award winner prizes.

12:45 – 1:45 pm – Michael Knox Q & A in the amphitheater.

2 – 3:30 pm – Top 3 Artist Performance winners will perform 2 songs each. Michael Knox will award winner prizes.

3:30 – 5 pm – Open mike for contest participants

5 – 5:15 pm – Honorable Mention for Up & Coming Artist awarded by Michael Knox.

5:15 – 5:30 pm – Tamera Grigsby and Terry Whitehead perform.

5:30 – 6 pm – Media Meet & Greet.

$5 General Admission to Festival on October 24 for ages 6 and up.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the festival. Festival entrants will have their CD’s available for purchase.
For more info call Treehill Nature Center at (904) 724-4646
For directions click here

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