How often do you hear Grammy winning, musical groups or creative thinkers that have been in the historical eye of the hurricane for over four decades? Now’s your chance. Off the Hook Arts brings these artists and more, shining a spotlight on human rights — through music, films, visual art, workshops, lectures with world-renowned Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble musicians and political cartoonist Kal of The Economist.
Off the Hook Arts (OtHA) returns for an Off the Charts experience in its Sixth Annual SummerFest, June 19 to July 14, in unique venues throughout Fort Collins.
“We recognize that human rights are an urgent issue around the world and here in the United States,” remarks Executive Artistic Director Jephta Bernstein. “We began planning this year’s festival before it became such a heated topic. Music uplifts, unites, heals, and celebrates.”
What better way then presenting the global music authority, Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble.
“At a time when we are so divided here in America, as well as throughout the world, finding commonalities and events that bring us together are exactly what we need — and the arts can help,” states artistic director and NY composer Bruce Adolphe. “We need the arts to focus our attention on our common humanity and to celebrate our diversity while affirming our commitment to American values of freedom, dignity, and equality.”
Throughout the festival you’ll find a wide range of music, including beloved classics, new music, world music, and jazz.
* Opening event (June 19) presents Yo-Yo Ma’s 2017 Grammy winning Silk Road Ensemble musicians at the screening of their documentary, The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble sponsored and presented at New Belgium Brewery. Artists multi-style cellist Mike Block, percussionist Shane Shanahan, and Japanese flutist Kaoru Watanabe will participate in a Q&A following the screening.
* June 21 The Silk Road Ensemble premieres Artistic Director Bruce Adolphe’s “The Four Harmonious Friends” written for their first appearance at Off the Hook Arts SummerFest on at The Music District in an improvisatory concert of music only they can play. Sponsored by The Bohemian Foundation.
* Kevin “KAL” Kallaugher, political cartoonist of The Economist and The Baltimore Sun returns June 24 – July 1 for a week-long series of workshops for adults and kids, Drawing Criticism — an art show of his cartoons, a discussion with local CSU political science faculty, and culminating in a performance event, The Pen and Sword, with composer Bruce Adolphe and South African pianist Justin Krawitz, June 30. Selections from Adolphe’s previously unheard Amandla Awethu (Power to the People) are included, which will be premiered in South Africa in 2018.
* Additional events include: chamber music concerts rich with human rights themes feature world renowned Miami String Quartet; former Shanghai String Quartet cellist Kȁthe Jarka; violinist Harumi Rhodes; a lecture by Dr. Arieh Shalev, expert in traumatic stress disorder; films including Orchestra of Exiles; and a lecture-recital by South African pianist Justin Krawitz; plus the viola da gamba uniquely performing contemporary and baroque music.
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“SummerFest is the primary fundraising event for Off the Hook Arts’ low- and no-cost arts programming for children and their families,” says Executive Artistic Director Jephta Bernstein. “We work collaboratively with scientists and arts organizations to bring the experience of world-class music to new audiences of all ages.”
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