a
Swannanoa
Solstice
The beloved holiday tradition continues!
December 20 - 31 2020
Click on any playbill ad to visit advertiser’s website.
2020/2021 SEASON
This playbill is clickable! Click on any ad to visit the advertiser’s website. Their participation supports the Wortham Center’s programming; please thank them with your patronage.
You can help the Wortham Center stay strong during this crisis. With thanks to the following Friends and Board Members who comprise the challenge team, your gift will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 and will help the Wortham return, stronger than ever, to bring you world-renowned artists in music, theatre, dance and the special attractions you love.
Joe & Janice Brumit
Steve & Rena Hoffman
Nancy & Don Ackermann Cole
Hardy Holland & John Moody
John Ellis
Nancy Houha
Dr. Alan & Suzanne Escovitz
Henry LaBrun
Mike Figura
Jerry McAninch
Hedy Fischer & Randy Schull
Tina McGuire
Jan & John Getz
Becky Stone
Francee & Richard Healy
Diana Wortham
Please toto bring the Pleasegive givetoday today bring back tomorrow. theperforming performingarts arts back tomorrow. 2
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A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
As co-presidents of the Board of Directors, it is our privilege and pleasure to welcome you to the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Last year, we welcomed you to our two new theatre spaces, as well as a refurbished Diana Wortham Theatre and lobby. We began a rollicking, jam-packed, celebratory season of artists from all over our region and from around the world. Then the pandemic struck. We were forced to a grinding halt. But our creativity was not. We knew that the performing arts must find a way, and it could not be limited to indoor stages. Our reduced staff quickly rescheduled many artists, moved performances into courtyards and parking lots, and created safe spaces for local performing groups to record and stream shows — and, ultimately, built a season of part-live, part-streamed performances from world-class artists in the same high quality you’ve come to expect. Our season is taking on flesh, with an eventual return to our three stages in mind. The Wortham board and staff are still here, continuing the work of serving our community. We are grateful and happy to have you join us for this historic season. Enjoy!
Derek Allen and Becky Stone The program for A Swannanoa Solstice begins on page 53 of this playbill.
For all the latest, connect!
A Swannanoa Solstice cover photo by Camilla Calnan Photography 5
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WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 2020/2021 APPRECIATION AND SUPPORT 2019/2020 SEASON
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Advertisers in the Wortham Center Playbill please give them your patronage Buncombe County and the City of Asheville
ADDITIONAL FUNDING SUPPORT
SOUTH ARTS
A special thank you to our volunteers and ushers!
With Sincere Appreciation It would not be possible to produce the Wortham Center Season and Matinee Series as well as provide first-class performance venues to numerous local arts groups without the generous, annual support of individuals, businesses, foundations, and funders. A listing of these donors can be found beginning on page 27.
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Thanks for putting art in the heart of the community Bank of America recognizes the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts for its success in bringing the arts to performers and audiences throughout the community. We commend you on creating an opportunity for all to enjoy and share a cultural experience. Visit us at bankofamerica.com/local.
Š2020 Bank of America Corporation | 2935478 | ENT-211-AD 17
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SPONSORS THE WORTHAM CENTER GREATLY APPRECIATES THE SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THESE CORPORATE, BUSINESS, MEDIA AND INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS.
SEASON SPONSORS:
CORPORATE & BUSINESS SERIES & PERFORMANCE SPONSORS: Blackledge F o u n dat i o n
JAG CONSTRUCTION
MEDIA SPONSORS:
Special Thanks to our Interactive Virtual Party for Friends Sponsor 20
INDIVIDUAL SERIES & PERFORMANCE SPONSORS: Don & Nancy Ackermann Cole Joel & Marla Adams Derek & Elizabeth Allen Jack & Mary Anderson Michael & Catty Andry Shiner Antiorio & Kathy Robinson Rod & Bess Baird Diana Bilbrey Joel & Deborah Bohan-Berkowitz Lucy & Kirk Borland Joe & Janice Brumit Bill & Clarita Burton Charlie & Patricia Sloan Clogston Patty & Gary Coleman Bob & Carol Deutsch Lynne Courtney Diehl John & Marsha Ellis Dr. Alan & Suzanne Escovitz Hedy Fischer & Randy Shull Craig & Jacqui Friedrich Dan & Anna Garrett Catherine & Will Gay Jan & John Getz David Greiner & James Gray Terrie & Dale Groce Judith Hamill Richard & Francee Healy Steve & Rena Hoffman Susan Holden Hardy Holland & John Moody Nancy Houha Bill & Marilyn Hubbard Ed & Vicki Jenest Sherry Kellet Ann & Jon Kemske MaryAnn Kiefer & David Erwin James King & Jayne Cleveland
Photo by Chris Charles
Mark Kleive & Nicole Groves Henry LaBrun Elaine Lang & Michael Ferguson Joe & Jill Lawrence Joe & Mary Linville Elly Wells and Glen Locascio Amy Loether Rick & Janna Lutovsky Jerry McAninch Gail & Brian McCarthy Kenneth & Chris McClung Hugh & Carol McCollum Tina McGuire Anne McKenzie Karen & Robert Milnes Gay Murrill Alastair McDonald Odom Maureen O’Hallaron Richard Perry Bob & Martha Pierce Bill & Mary Ann Pruehsner Sheila Rains & Marjorie Sullivan Ronna & Rob Resnick Jim Rishebarger & Sue Fernbach Carol & Michael Rosenblum Susan & Charlie Shanor Pat & Becky Stone Charlotte Watson David & Dianne Worley Hank Young Lach Zemp
Sponsors listed are for performances originally dated March 1, 2020 through May 6, 2020, and for the current 2020/2021 Season. 21
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FRIENDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
to Pho St by
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togra phy
Your friends make you laugh. They lend a hand, a hug, and sometimes they help you find your center.
Friends of the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts also play a vital role — providing arts education for children, and supporting an organization that brings world-class artists to our community for unforgettable performances and serves as a home for local arts groups.
Become a Friend of the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts today and enjoy: • Priority seating • Advance ticket ordering • Invitations to special events and VIP receptions • Access to artists • Discounts on class and workshop fees • Donor recognition • and much more Learn more and become a Friend today at worthamarts.org.
Photo by Camilla Calnan Photography
26
Photos by Camilla Calnan Photography
FRIENDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE The Wortham Center is grateful for the generous support provided by the following individuals and foundations. Lynne Courtney Diehl Jim Rishebarger and Sue Fernbach Craig and Jacqui Friedrich Dan and Anna Garrett Catherine and Will Gay John and Jan Getz David Greiner and James Gray Terrie and Dale Groce Mark Kleive and Nicole Groves Judith Hamill Bill and Marilyn Hubbard Ed and Vicki Jenest Sherry Kellett Ann and Jon Kemske James King and Jayne Cleveland Elaine Lang and Michael Ferguson Joe and Mary Linville Amy Loether Rick and Janna Lutovsky Gail and Brian McCarthy Kenneth and Chris McClung Hugh and Carol McCollum Anne McKenzie Karen and Robert Milnes Gay Murrill Maureen O’Hallaron Richard Perry Bob and Martha Pierce Sheila Rains and Marjorie Sullivan Ronna and Rob Resnick Carol and Michael Rosenblum Susan and Charlie Shanor Pat and Becky Stone Charlotte Watson Hank Young Lach Zemp
LEADERSHIP: $10,000+ Arthur J. Fryar Charitable Remainder Trust Beattie Foundation Hedy Fischer and Randy Shull Richard and Francee Healy Henry LaBrun PACESETTER: $5,000-$9,999 Joel and Deborah Bohan-Berkowitz Blackledge Foundation Joe and Janice Brumit John Ellis Dr. Alan and Suzanne Escovitz Steve and Rena Hoffman Nancy Houha Jill and Joe Lawrence Jerry McAninch Tina McGuire Bill and Mary Ann Pruehsner Elly Wells and Glen Locascio David and Dianne Worley PRODUCER: $2,500-$4,999.99 Lucy and Kirk Borland John and Marsha Ellis Bob and Carol Deutsch Susan Holden Hardy Holland and John Moody MaryAnn Kiefer and David Erwin Alastair McDonald Odom Anonymous Diana Wortham SPONSOR: $1,000-$2,499.99 Don and Nancy Ackermann Cole Joel and Marla Adams Derek and Elizabeth Allen Jack and Mary Anderson Michael and Catty Andry Shiner Antiorio and Kathy Robinson Rod and Bess Baird Diana Bilbrey Bill and Clarita Burton Charlie and Patricia Sloan Clogston Patty and Gary Coleman
ANGEL: $500-$999.99 Myles Alexander Brad and Diane Arnold Linda Bair Bruce and Elizabeth Baker Ann Batchelder and Henri Kieffer Keevon Baten 27
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Friends Make A Difference continued Gretchen Batra Paul and Bonnie Bellows Richard Benonis Steve and Joanne Betso Dwight and Norma Bohm Allan and Jean Brown Steve and Linda Brown Otis Brown and Clara Ferguson Michael and Amy Clarke Bill Cosgrove and Margaret Davis Leslie and Jurgen Dierks Lina Evans and Ira Sloan Bolling Farmer Larry and Marian Fincher Peter and Jasmin Gentling Bill and Nancy Gettys Laurie and Jack Hamilton Maureen and Frank Hantke Susan Hill Robert and Linda Hollis Alberto Colonia and George Hunker Keith Keener David Keller and Nora Murdock Karen and Peter Kennedy Jan and Dennis King Andriette Kinsella Marjorie Locke Todd and Renita McDougal Donna and Fred Meyer Joni Mitchell Janine and Robert Obee Doug and Darcy Orr William and Joyce Ossmann Michael and Marlene Pendley Kathleen Quinlan and Marc Parham Susan and Randy Richardson Shearon Roberts Ken and Betsy Schapira Brad and Margo Searson Ilona and Michael Sena Marsha Shlaer Dr. Albert Siemens Shirley Varela and Witek Siwanowicz Jimmy and Sandi Stringer John and Mary Ann Tiano Mr. and Mrs. Alfred C. Tollison, Jr. Linda Walker Mark and Debbie Ward
John and Edythe Wingerter Pamela Winkler Charles Worley Charles and Patricia Zellerbach BENEFACTOR: $250-$499.99 Lorna and Michael Anderberg Anonymous Charles and Stephanie Baer Susan Bicknell and Hardy LeGwin Jay Blanton and Richard Babb Carol and Morty Blumberg Anne Bonnyman John Bordley and Carolyn Fitz Frank and Jean Bourassa Sandra Bradbury Buck and Nancy Bragg Patrick Cafferty Robert and Ellen Carr Pat and George Collett Brent Coyle Deb Davis Lezli and Johnny Davis Jon Devorkin Melinda and Richard Douglass Karen and Bob Dunn Wendy Feinberg Mike and Rachel Figura Ric and Elizabeth Goodman Michael and Sydney Green Sue and Stan Greenberg Larry and Barbara Griswold Al and Betsy Gumpert Peter Wortham Hawes Cynthia Heitger and Jim Gannam Terry and Joanne Hess Dr. and Mrs. Stace Horine Wanda Hubert Diane and Jeff Hutchins InterPlay Asheville Randy and Mary Johnson Mena Kates Karl Katterjohn David and Angela Kemper Mr. and Mrs. Charles Killian Doris Kistler and Fred Wightman Anna and Bruce Koloseike Bruce and Frances Koran 29
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Friends Make A Difference continued Michael and Caprice Krout Eleanor and Robert Lane Stephen and Barbara Lehrer Keith Levi and Patricia Cameron Theodore Luckman Andy MacPhillimy and Lois Sutton Bill and Janice Maddox David and Madeleine Maxwell Lamar Noriega Larry and Pat Notestine Alice Io Oglesby Katharine O’Neal Patti and Cal Oppenheim Tommy and Donna Orr Maryann Parish Jack Parsons Jennifer Pasternack Narendra Patel, MD Clara Prado Jane and John Reeves Nancy and Robert Rietz Stanley Ingber and Laura Robbins Patricia Robertson and Curry First Judy Rose David Russell Cherry and Paul Lentz Saenger Pat Scherer and Sylvia Pardo Babbie and Waid Shelton Mark and Barbara Shevory Mary Kay and Jim Smith Hans and Janet Somey Howard and Juanita Spanogle Heather Spencer and Charles Murray Mara Sprain and John Bates Robert and Patricia Stackman Martine Stolk Tami and John Summerour Dr. Shirley Taffel and George LeRoy Kathy and John Tempelaar-Lietz Fran and Doug Thigpen Cathey Turbyfill James Vaughn and Kevin Broadwater Rich Wasch and Karen Ziff Dr. and Mrs. John and Heather Whitmire George Wilds and Steve Connell William Winkler Frank Wolf and Sandra Lance
Drs. Emily and Jonathan Wood Sherrill and Ted Zoller STAR: $125-$249.99 Mr. and Mrs. Max Alexander Carl Alguire Mary Alm and Darrell Russell Sheldon and Juli Altschul Robert L. Anoff Anonymous Joy and Bob Appleton Bruce Armstrong William and Judy Arrants Bill and Sally Atkins Laura Austin Michelle and Bob Austin George Awad Kathleen Ayres Lisa Bailey Ken and Karen Bain Ann and Iain Baird Charles Baker Frederick Baker Patricia Baker Viva Banzon and Robert Evans Stan Baranowski Cynthia Barrager Barrie Barton Sylvia Bassett in Honor of Tom Tracy Barbara Bassler David Bate and Elli Schmeltekopf Tom and Kay Beardsley Barbara and Martin Beckerman Howard and Sandra Belfor Sandra and John Bell Linda Beltran Barbara Benisch and Jacque Allen Lyn Benjamin Joan Berk Elynn Bernstein Janet Bertinuson and Bridget Dunford Anny Bestel David and Pamela Beyer Martha and Julian Biller Stephanie Biziewski Don and Judith Bliss Ronna Bloom 31
WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 2020/2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ile Adaramola
Proudly supporting the arts
Myles Alexander Derek Allen, Co-Chair Mary Anderson Darius Keevon Baten
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Suzanne Escovitz, Treasurer Daniel Garrett, Past President Jan Getz, Vice-Chair Jaime Graeber Frances Healy Stephen Hoffman, Secretary MaryAnn Kiefer Tina McGuire Peter Pollay Becky Stone, Co-Chair 32
Friends Make A Difference continued Rhea Bockhorst David and Abigail Doggett Bordeaux Belinda Boscardin Drs. Greg and Susan Braunstein Carl Bredahl Anita McCurley and Sandra Bromble Bill and Marilyn Brown Dr. Steve Brown David and Lin Brown Michael McCallion and Mary Byrd Buchanan Clinton Bugg and Jeff Nucey Bill and Lee Burdett Eve Burton Bonnie and Bob Busby Robin Byrne and Adam Thanz James Cahill M. Regina Cameron Susan Campbell Brad and Judy Campbell Jeannette and Robert Cannon David and Margaret Carle Michael Carroll and Glenda Overbeck Donald and Cynthia Carson Peggy Carson Georgia Case Phil and Laura Casey Jay Casselberry Louise Cate Robert Chapin John Chapman Mary Daniels and Jess Chapman Gene and Maggie Charleton Peter Chaveas Dr. Kenneth P. Chepenik Don and Sharon Christensen Sharon Cohen Sarah Corley and Neil Peterson Mary and Keith Costello Thelma and Roland Cousins Ann Cowden Julie Cowden Bray Creech Stan Cross Beverly Wright Cutter Jon Daggerhart Donald Dahms and Lani Ray Philip C. Davis, MD
Libby and Michael de Caetani in honor of Dorothy Westly Skip and Fran Dederick Betty Dickson John Donahoe Marta Donahoe Cynthia Donahue Richard and Leslie Dressler Robert DuBrul and Judith Hoy Jan Duwelius Mary Edwards Laurie and Rudolf Ekstein Dreamwind Flutes David and Ellen Feingold Fred and Lynda Feldman Anita Feldman Patti and Rich Fertel David and Susan Feuer Carol Fisk Tom and Joy Flora Kevin Foley Ellen Foltz Priestley and Brent Ford Jean and Don Forrister Les and Jennifer Foss Joan Foster Patrick Fox Charles and Tricia Franck Mindi Friedwald Linda and Jeffrey Fromson Stephen Frost William Fryar James Gallagher Gertrude Galynker Linda and Dan Gilbert Marty and Carol Gillen Benevity Community Impact Fund Jan Gnadt Daniel Goddard Sid and Jane Goehring Rebecca Goggans Ellen Golden Mary Goodkind and Lindley Garner Joen and William Goodman Tom and Linda Goodwin Barbara and Jeff Gould Ted Graczyk and Paul Gusmerotti 33
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Friends Make A Difference continued Jaime Graeber Bill and Deborah Graham Betsy Gray and Ed Lunow Lisa Green Ray Green and Cathy Rezak Ron and Jane Greene Drs. Mary Ellen Griffin and Wendy Coin Raymond and Deborah Gurriere Ellen Guthrie Jean and Allen Haggar Cliff Hall Kay Hall Iris Hardin William Harding Patrick Hardy Crystal Harmon Melissa and Jerry Harrelson Gibbie and Chuck Harris Tom and Marie Hartye Ernie and Barb Harwig Rabbi Patti Haskell Philip and Sylvia Hawkins Debra Hawley Mary Beth Hayes Rebecca Heartz Barbara Heller Roger Helm and Deborah Freeman Alice Helms Hal and Constance Hemme Jim and Betty Henderson Marilynne Herbert Lyndi Hewitt John Hicks Ben and Martha Hill Dan and Linda Hinchliffe Alan Baumgarten and Judy Hoffman Michael Hofman Tonya Hogan Jo Hogan Sandra Holden Greg and Mary Howell Sam and Ann Hubbard Jim and Bonnie Hull David Hurand and Martha Salyers Richard Hurley In Honor of Jim Trantham Mary Hutchison and Catherine Quinn Toby Ives and Sally Broughton-Ives
Susan Posey and Bill Jacobs David Janson Jeanne Jeffrey Susan Jenkins David Jenkins Susan Jensen Cheryl Johnson Sally Jones John Ellery and Elizabeth Jones Robert Jordan and Martha Oatway Dr. Andrew Jurik Kate and Kevin Justus Charis and Bruce Kabat Charlotte and Harold Kaplan Jean and Joe Karpen Leah Karpen Ed and Carol Kaufmann Jess and Phyllis Key John King and Peggy Clark Richard and Linda Kirkendall Caroline Knox Susan Koenig and Tim Arem Drs. Louis and Marilyn Kolton Dwarshuis Helen and Matthew Kraus Mr. and Mrs. Michael Krimmelbein Diane Kyker Theresa and Gary Landwirth Thomas Lang and Deborah Lewis Ginger Lang Marc Langweiler Stephen LaPointe and Claudia Jimenez Jonathon Lawrie Lynn Lederer and Leslie Long Walter Leginski Nan Leininger Rose Levering and William Abbuehl Robert Levin Becky Lewis Bill and Susan Loftis James Losse and Ellen Haack Paula O’Hara and Joe Luna Bonnie Luria and Kelly Gloger Mary Lynn David Mackel InterPlay Asheville Susan Macy Judy Major 35
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Friends Make A Difference continued Howard Malovany Mr. and Mrs. William W. Mance Martin and Kathryn Mann Ernest Marshall Millie Massey Kate Mathews Michael Maxwell Judith McAfee Richard and Joy McConnell John and Jansen McCreary Kelly McEnany Fred McKinney Dr. Darryl McLeod Terry and Alexandra McPherson Gail Meadows Bob and Ulana Mellor Dr. Roger A. Miller and Judith Mishkin Miller Thomas and Martha Mills Nick Mimken Michelle Minks Elizabeth Minor Glen and Hanne Miska Jean Moburg David Moore Pattie Moore and Lea Stoll Aaron and Anna Morris Jann Nance and Chester Pankowski Joanne Neary and Les Dunne Kirk Avent and Nancee Neel Steve and Wendy Newman Cathy Nichols Priscilla Nullet Susan Oliver Rhea Ormond John Orr Marsha Ott Judy and Rick Ott Theresa Oursler Bradford and Deenie Owen Dana Owen Robert Pace Cindy Page Danna and Bob Park Valerie and Ron Patton Rose and Fred Patz Jim and Carolyn Payton
Lita Perkins in Memory of John E. Perkins and Quita B. Foster Vicki Phillips Kaye Phillips Elizabeth and William Phoenix Lawrence Pierce Dan and Gloria Pincu Brayden Pitcairn Jane Pitt Peggy and John Ponak Elizabeth Pou Mary L. Powell Morris Letsinger and Liz Preyer Amira and Thomas Ranney Pamela Reid Jonathan Reily Heather Hartley and Phil Reynolds Brook Reynolds David and Karen Reynolds Gail Rhodes Jennifer Rish and Constance Lofton John and Pam Roeth Alan Rosenthal Susan and Lewis Rothlein Rhonda Sachais Celeste Sandridge Betsy and Jimmy Savely Charlene Scharf and Sophie Steinberg Elizabeth and Gary Schenk Barry and Jackie Schieb Steve Schimmel Connie Schrader and Clay Rowan Lizz and Frie Schulz Donald and Jonel Schuster Tom and Jean Schwandes Leigh Schwietz Jill and Bill Scobie Todd Seeleman Leslie Shaw Peter Shell Anita Shields Cynthia Shilkret Ellen Silver Janise and Rick Silverman Ernest and Vicki Skidmore Hope Skilling
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Friends Make A Difference continued Anna Skinner Sarah Slechta Bret Sleight Mr. Cameron Smail and Dr. Wendy Willoughby Penny Smith and Margaret Bray Ann and James Smith Howard and Honey Solomon Sandra Sonner Karen Spacek Elke and Ted Spirakis Barbara Stalzer Peter and Melissa Stanz Amy Star and Robert Falanga Louis and Sally Stein George and Leslie Stephens Bonnie Stewart Nancy Stewart Marty and Barbara Stickle Jeff Stillson Stewart Stokes Robert and Pat Stolz Dr. Shelley Stone Hank and Maria Strauss Darrell and Caroline Strong Cathy Stryker Susan Swiger Bob and Christine Swoap Margery Tabankin Lee and Kate Thayer Deborah Thompson Richard and Katherine Thornburgh Claire Tiernan
Bruce Black and Helen Toms Lorili Toth Katherine Triplett John and Lori Turk Steven Turner and Charlotte Kassab Terry Van Buren Charles and Joanna Vanderkolk William Swarts and Susan Waldman Deb Walker Timothy Warner and Barb McCampbell Hope Warshaw and Don Kraus Harold and Anita Watsky Michael Way Philip Weast and Keith Bramlett Virginia Weiler Marilyn and Mark Weinstein Dr. Gretchen Whipple Dave Nelson and Margo White Cliff and Lisa Whitfield Guy and Linda Wierman Paul Wilczynski and Joan Brasier William and Gail Wiley Karen Wilkinson Steve WItherspoon Anne Wolf Sherry Wothke Michael Wrenn Lynn Wright and Sybil Adcock Carroll Ann Wykoff Michelle Yanik Gregory and Marjorie Zack Michael Ziecheck and Debra Bowen
This listing reflects membership donations between March 1, 2019 and November 30, 2020. Thank you!
FOUNDATION SUPPORT Arthur J. Charitable Remainder Trust of the CFWNC Asheville Area Arts Council The Beattie Foundation Blackledge Foundation Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
Eaton Charitable Foundation Hamill Family Endowment Fund of the CFWNC National Endowment for the Arts New England Foundation for the Arts North Carolina Arts Council The Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation SouthArts 39
We’re behind the arts in Asheville.
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At the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, you’ll find inspiration, education, and joy.
This is your center.
Come in and build your legacy. You have experienced the magic of dance, music, and theatre in the Diana Wortham Theatre, the Tina McGuire Theatre, and the Henry LaBrun Studio. You’ve supported performing arts through your contributions and membership. You are a passionate patron. Continue your commitment to the Wortham Center with a legacy gift. It is as simple as including the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in your estate plans. Your gift will have a lasting impact on the future of performing arts at the Wortham Center.
This is your center. Let it be part of your legacy.
For more information about planned gift to the Wortham Center, please contact Jennifer Hampton, Development Director, at jennifer@worthamarts.org or 828-210-9849. 41
Elevate Your Perspective
Blue Ridge Public Radio is everything you love about public radio. BPR News offers NPR and local news coverage. BPR Classic provides classical music, NPR news and entertainment.
BPR.org
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Youth Education Scholarship FUND
Children from economically challenged families are used to hearing the word “no.” At the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, we believe that all children should have access to the arts – regardless of their economic status.
With your help, we say “YES.”
YES to field trips.
For many children in Western North Carolina, a field trip to the Wortham Center is their first exposure to a live performing arts event. Unfortunately, school funding for activities is increasingly limited. Most teachers must ask students to bring money from home to attend a performance with their class. For some students, this is simply not an option. No child should miss the opportunity to learn through the arts. Donors to the Y.E.S. Fund make it possible for thousands of children in Western North Carolina to experience the arts every year regardless of economic circumstances. All it takes is $10 to ensure that a child is not left behind. For only $250 you can send an entire classroom of children to the theatre.
YES to artists in schools and community. The Y.E.S. Fund sends nationally recognized artists into local classrooms and community centers, and makes possible to access virtual experiences in order to deepen learning, provide students with positive role models and expand the arts experiences beyond the walls of the theatre.
YES to emerging artists.
You can open doors for the next generation of performing artists through a new scholarship program for promising high school seniors. The Emerging Artists Fund supports students pursuing a career in the performing arts by providing scholarships to further their professional studies.
Help students dream BIG. Make a donation to the Y.E.S. Fund today. For more information or to make a donation, call 828-210-9849 or visit worthamarts.org. 46
Y.E.S. Fund Supporters Thanks to the generosity of the following donors, thousands of children attended a live performance at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts free of charge in the past ten seasons. Donors to the Y.E.S. (Youth Education Scholarship) Fund make it possible for children to deepen their learning by sponsoring artists in schools and providing scholarships to promising high school seniors to pursue a career in the arts. The following list reflects donations received to the Y.E.S. Fund between March 1, 2019 and November 30, 2020. Ruth Planey Bobbi Powers Kathryn Ramirez Susan and Lewis Rothlein Mara Sprain and John Bates James Vaughn and Kevin Broadwater Lynn and Stephen Weinrib
Program Sponsors: $1,000+ Joel and Marla Adams Arby’s Joel and Deborah Bohan-Berkowitz Lyn Dunn Eaton Charitable Foundation The Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation Huisking Foundation Sherry Kellett Ann and Jon Kemske Downtown Asheville Residential Neighbors (DARN) Henry LaBrun Jill and Joe Lawrence Bob and Martha Pierce PNC Holly and Greg Pollock Dianne and David Worley
Student Sponsors: Up to $249.99 Deborah and JosĂŠ Alvarez Shiner Antiorio and Kathy Robinson Kathleen Ayres Ken and Karen Bain Linda Bair Frederick Baker Sylvia Bassett in Honor of Tom Tracy Gretchen Batra Janet Bertinuson and Bridget Dunford Susan Bicknell and Hardy LeGwin Martha and Julian Biller Walter Brewer Lana S. Burns M. Regina Cameron Susan Campbell Jeannette and Robert Cannon Joshua Canter Don and Sharon Christensen Gracemarie Cirino Madelon and Scott Clark Michael and Amy Clarke Patty and Gary Coleman Bill Cosgrove and Margaret Davis Bob and Carol Deutsch Melinda and Richard Douglass Richard and Leslie Dressler Robert DuBrul and Judith Hoy Karen and Bob Dunn John and Marsha Ellis Lina Evans and Ira Sloan Wendy Feinberg Fred and Lynda Feldman Marshall and Heidi Fields Joan Foster
Classroom Sponsors: $250-$999.99 Mary and Jack Anderson Rod and Bess Baird Diana Bilbrey Anne Bonnyman Steve and Linda Brown David and Margaret Carle Deb Davis Lynne Courtney Diehl Larry and Marian Fincher Hedy Fischer and Randy Shull Jan and John Getz Terry and Joanne Hess Susan Holden Nancy Houha Bill and Marilyn Hubbard Alberto Colonia and George Hunker Suzanne Jones Sally Jones Becky Lewis Ann and Bob Lewis Tina McGuire Jim and Pat Morris Janine and Robert Obee 47
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Y.E.S. Fund Supporters continued Charles and Tricia Franck Jonas Gerard Fine Art, Inc Mary Goodkind and Lindley Garner Barbara and Jeffrey Gould Lisa Green Sue and Stan Greenberg Larry and Barbara Griswold Al and Betsy Gumpert Kay Hall Laurie and Jack Hamilton Maureen and Frank Hantke Pilar Hartman Ernie and Barb Harwig Sam and Pamela Hausfather Cynthia Heitger and Jim Gannam Hal and Constance Hemme Susan Hill Dan and Linda Hinchliffe Steve and Rena Hoffman Alan Baumgarten and Judy Hoffman Sandra Holden Diane and Jeff Hutchins Susan Posey and Bill Jacobs Ed and Vicki Jenest Susan Jensen Randy and Mary Johnson Kate Justus Ellen Kaczmarek and Gary MacPeek Jean and Joe Karpen Leah Karpen Jess and Phyllis Key John King and Peggy Clark Anna and Bruce Koloseike Michael and Caprice Krout Janet Laube Stephen and Barbara Lehrer Susan and Jeremy Lerner James Losse and Ellen Haack Paula O’Hara and Joe Luna InterPlay Asheville Kathryn and Martin Mann Marilynn Mattox Pat McCauley Hugh and Carol McCollum Susan McDaniel James and Linda McDonald Thomas and Martha Mills Susan Minkler Glen and Hanne Miska David Moore
Aaron and Anna Morris Marianne Newman Patti and Cal Oppenheim John Orr Bradford and Deenie Owen Dana Owen Rose and Fred Patz Jim and Carolyn Payton Lita Perkins in Memory of Quita B. Foster Mary L. Powell Morris Letsinger and Liz Preyer Kathleen Quinlan and Marc Parham Anna Reese Frank Reynolds Gail Rhodes Patricia Robertson and Curry First Penny Rose Betsy and Jimmy Savely Ken and Betsy Schapira Tom and Jean Schwandes Todd Seeleman Anita Shields Barry Silverstein and Sharon Wood Ernest and Vicki Skidmore Sarah Slechta Barbara Sloss Ann and James Smith Brian Smith Howard and Honey Solomon Sandra Sonner Robert and Patricia Stackman Mary Stair Pat and Becky Stone Darrell and Caroline Strong Kathy and John Tempelaar-Lietz Shirley H. Tenney and Paul Merriken Fran and Doug Thigpen Charles Throckmorton Mark and Debbie Ward Timothy Warner and Barb McCampbell Virginia Weiler Guy and Linda Wierman Karen Wilkinson John and Edythe Wingerter Pamela Winkler Drs. Emily and Jonathan Wood Sherry Wothke Lynn Wright and Sybil Adcock Hank Young Sherrill and Ted Zoller 49
WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
2020/2021 STAFF Proudly supporting the Managing Director Rae Geoffrey
of communities across the mountains for more than 17 years!
Finance Director Anne Wolf Development Director Jennifer Hampton Community Engagement Director Jared McEntire Patron Services Manager Coco Palmer Dolce Technical Director Sylvia Pierce Production Manager Michael Lowery Facilities Manager Jeanette Houston Development Associate Haylee Wilkie Marketing Director Elly Wells
The Laurel of Asheville thelaurelofasheville AshevilleLaurel The Laurel of Asheville
Marketing Project Manager Kate Justus Creative Services Leslie Shaw Design
TheLaurelofAsheville.com 50
• Account Management
• Bookkeeping
• Business Consulting
• Back Office Support
• Human Resource Consulting • Strategic Planning • QuickBooks Training
• Money Management
• Personal, Business, & Estate Tax Prep
New Starts to Fresh Starts. We are here to help.
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SHANA TUCKER
January 14, 2021 at 8pm
Photo by Chris Charles for Creative Silence
Diana Wortham Theatre Limited in-person audience + virtual tickets
TICKETS:
wo r t h a m a r t s . o r g (828)257-4530
YOUR DREAMS. OUR MISSION.
Nationally recognized excellence with an Asheville vibe A SHEVI L L E • M A D I S O N • E N KA • SO U T H • W O O D FIN • (8 2 8 ) 3 9 8 - 7 9 0 0 • A B T E C H . E D U
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Swannanoa Solstice
The beloved holiday tradition continues! Presented in partnership with at Warren Wilson College
Sunday, December 20
Sponsored by
Photo by Camilla Calnan Photography
7pm virtual performance (and available through Dec. 31) Very limited in-person seating for 2pm performance on Dec. 20
with Robin Bullock • David Holt • EJ Jones Phil Jamison • Ellie Grace • Doug Orr • Josh Goforth Derek & Elizabeth Allen Dan & Anna Garrett Henry LaBrun
Joe & Janice Brumit
Richard & Francee Healy
Joe & Mary Linville
James King & Jayne Cleveland Bill & Marilyn Hubbard
Maureen O’Hallaron
Pat & Becky Stone 53
WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 2020/2021 SEASON
a
Swannanoa Solstice
Sunday, December 20, 2020
A SWANNANOA SOLSTICE ORIGINS We are proud to welcome you to the 18th anniversary of A Swannanoa Solstice, and are pleased to offer this festive event as an annual tradition of the sounds and images of the season. Thank you from all of us as cast members for supporting A Swannanoa Solstice with your presence. A Swannanoa Solstice was conceived when Doug Orr was president at Warren Wilson College. It was created as an outgrowth of the college’s Swannanoa Gathering, which he founded in 1992, with his belief that by drawing upon the kinds of programming and instructors featured each summer during the Swannanoa Gathering, a local version of the nationally known English “Christmas Revels” might be offered as an annual holiday season event at Diana Wortham Theatre. However, it was determined more appropriate to create an event especially reflecting the Appalachian and Celtic origins of the area, something unique to the setting and its history. Meanwhile, Al Petteway, Amy White and Robin Bullock had performed at Diana Wortham Theatre the previous year. Petteway also was coordinator and instructor for the Swannanoa Gathering Guitar Week, and Bullock was an instructor for that week as well as the Celtic themed week. Orr approached Petteway about helping to put together a Swannanoa Solstice event that would celebrate the season and offer a combination of music, dance, storytelling, poetry and visual images that could become a holiday season tradition at Diana Wortham Theatre and for the Asheville area. Orr would serve as host and emcee and Petteway would be music director and performer. Consequently the Swannanoa Solstice debuted on the evening of December 14, 2003. It was so well attended in subsequent years that a matinee performance was added in 2007.
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PERFORMER BIOS Doug Orr is host and emcee of A Swannanoa Solstice. He served as president of Warren Wilson College from 1991 to 2006 and recently as interim chancellor of UNC Asheville. While at Warren Wilson College he founded the Swannanoa Gathering summer music program, which has become one of the most popular events of its kind in the country, each summer attracting approximately 1500 participants, families and guests from throughout the United States and abroad to its five themed weeks. As an extension of the Swannanoa Gathering, Doug initiated A Swannanoa Solstice in 2003 as an annual holiday season event. With his wife Darcy, he is a traditional musician and for many years they performed in a Charlotte based folk band, Maggie’s Fancy, with Doug providing lead vocals and guitar and Darcy on mountain dulcimer and vocals. Today they perform with another Black Mountain couple, Joe and Karen Holbert, as the Southern Highlanders, offering Appalachian and Celtic music and stories. Doug is co-author of the award-winning book Wayfaring Strangers: The Musical Voyage from Scotland and Ulster to Appalachia, a New York Times best seller. His co-author is Fiona Ritchie, host of NPR’s Thistle & Shamrock, which is broadcast to 150 public radio stations throughout the country. Darcy is art editor of the richly illustrated book, published by the UNC Press. Robin Bullock is ranked among the “100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists” by DigitalDreamDoor.com, and has been hailed as “one of the best folk instrumentalists in the business” by Sing Out! Magazine, “breathtaking” by Guitar Player Magazine and a “Celtic guitar god” by Baltimore City Paper. Robin’s many honors include Editor’s Pick and Player’s Choice Awards from Acoustic Guitar Magazine, multiple Washington Area Music Association WAMMIE Awards, a Governor’s Award from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Swannanoa Gathering’s Master Music Maker Award for lifetime achievement in musicianship and teaching. His seventeen solo and collaborative recordings include the holiday CDs Christmas Eve is Here and A Guitar for Christmas; volume one of the first-ever complete recording of the Bach Cello Suites on solo mandolin; The Carolan Collection, a compilation of the legendary Irish bard’s compositions, sales of which benefit North Carolina animal rescue organizations; and his most recent, An American Guitar Album, focusing on classic American folk songs interpreted on guitar. Robin performs solo and in Celtic duos with guitarist Steve Baughman and four-time National Scottish Harp Champion Sue Richards; he’s also played several hundred concerts as sideman with Grammy Award-winning folk icon Tom Paxton, including four “Together at Last” tours with Tom’s fellow Grammy winner Janis Ian. An experienced and respected instructor, Robin has taught at the Swannanoa Gathering for twenty-four straight
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years, runs his own Robinwood Guitar Retreat in Sharpsburg, Maryland, and teaches guitar and mandolin anywhere in the world via Skype and Zoom. In March of 2020 he and Sue Richards began hosting the monthly Carolina Celtic concert series at White Horse Black Mountain, and they look forward to restarting the series as soon as it’s safe to do so. robinbullock.com David Holt is a four-time Grammy Award winning musician, storyteller, artist, historian, and radio and television host. For more than forty years, he has collected and performed the songs and stories of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He learned this treasure trove of music directly from musical greats including Doc Watson, Roy Acuff, Tommy Jarrell, Etta Baker, and Grandpa Jones. In addition to making numerous critically acclaimed recordings, Holt is host of popular television programs including the PBS series David Holt’s State of Music, Folkways, and Great Scenic Railway Journeys. He was featured in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou and was host of the Nashville Network’s Fire On the Mountain and American Music Shop. From 1998-2012, David performed with Doc Watson. “A highlight of my career,” says Holt. He currently tours the country performing solo and with Josh Goforth. In 2016 David was inducted into the NC Musicians Hall of Fame. In spring of 2021, David Holt’s State of Music on PBS begins its fifth season. davidholt.com EJ Jones is a classically trained piper on the Great Highland Bagpipes, and has spent his life studying the pipe music of Scotland. He is ranked “Professional” by the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association (EUSPBA) and is a member of the Grandfather Mountain Highlanders Pipe Band based here in Asheville. Jones is also the Music Director at the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in Linville, NC each July. Frances Cunningham is an Irish Bouzouki and Tenor Banjo player based in Nashville, TN. She has won the Midwest fleadh on both the bouzouki and banjo and spent 5 years playing weekly on the Grand Ole Opry in the Mike Snider String Band. In addition to touring with EJ she teaches workshops on accompaniment in her unique chord style. Jason Higgins has a background in music education and percussion performance and having played in the U.S. Marine Band, has since focused on pipe band drumming and Celtic percussion for many years. He is the lead drummer for the Grandfather Mountain Highlanders pipe band and is a drumming instructor at the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming.
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The Piper Jones Band celebrates Celtic dance music with piper EJ Jones, bouzouki player Frances Cunningham, and a roster of percussionists. The band’s discography is played regularly on WNCW’s Celtic Winds each Sunday and has been played on NPR’s Thistle and Shamrock as well as the BBC’s Pipeline programs. piperjonesband.com Phil Jamison is nationally-known as a dance caller, oldtime musician, and flatfoot dancer. He has called dances, performed, and taught at music festivals and dance events throughout the U.S. and overseas since the early 1970s, including close to forty years as a member of the Green Grass Cloggers. His flatfoot dancing was featured in the film, Songcatcher, for which he also served as Traditional Dance consultant. From 1982 through 2004, he played guitar and toured with Tennessee master fiddler Ralph Blizard, as part of his band, the New Southern Ramblers. Phil also plays old-time fiddle and banjo. Over the last thirty years, Phil has done extensive research in the area of Appalachian dance, and his recently-published book, Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance (University of Illinois Press, 2015) tells the story behind the square dances, step dances, reels, and other forms of dance practiced in southern Appalachia. A 2017 inductee to the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, Phil teaches traditional Appalachian music and dance at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, where for twentyfive years he served as the coordinator of the Old-Time Music and Dance Week at the Swannanoa Gathering. philjamison.com Ellie Grace was born into a deep musical tradition and began her life-long love affair with dance at the ripe old age of five when she slipped on her first pair of tiny clogging shoes. She is a percussive dancer, multiinstrumentalist, choreographer, songwriter, and singer who has spent her life sharing the music and dance she loves with others. She first took to the stage as a young member of her family band and now tours internationally as an independent artist and a member of multiple dance companies and bands (including Leela and Ellie Grace, Blue Eyed Girl, and Claflin & Grace). In addition to her time on dance faculty at Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of North Carolina, Ellie has directed schools of music and dance in Missouri and North Carolina and had the honor of being a master teacher at camps and festivals across the continent. In the culmination a lifetime of performing and teaching, Ellie received an MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Smith College in May
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of 2015. Ellie approaches music and dance with a joyful spirit, a driving rhythm in her step, and an undying commitment to using the performing arts as a conduit for human connection and building community. At the end of 2019, after recording many collaborative albums, Ellie released her first solo CD of all original music, On the Side of Love. elliegracearts.com Josh Goforth must have been born musical—he was already playing piano in church at the age of four—but it was an experience he had in the sixth grade that really lit the fuse of his precocious musical career. A performance at Goforth’s middle school by Sheila Kay Adams caused him to start thinking about the musical heritage and stories of his native Madison County, NC. Josh was able to listen to and learn from local masters like Gordon and Arvil Freeman and Jerry Adams. Goforth is a highly accomplished storyteller and acoustic musician, playing close to 20 different instruments. After high school he went to East Tennessee State University to study music education with a Euphonium concentration, and to be a part of ETSU’s famous Bluegrass and Country Music Program. In 2000, he played fiddle for the movie Songcatcher, both onscreen and on the soundtrack. He has toured extensively with a variety of ensembles, including the ETSU Bluegrass band, David Holt, Laura Boosinger, and with several bluegrass bands like Appalachian Trail, the Josh Goforth Trio, the Steep Canyon Rangers and Open Road. He has performed in all 50 U.S. states, all over Europe, Asia, and Australia. In 2000, 2003, and 2005, he was named Fiddler of the Festival at Fiddler’s Grove and, after winning the third title, was designated “Master Fiddler” and retired from that competition. He has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, the Lincoln Center, as well as Carnegie Hall. In 2009 he was nominated for a Grammy for his album with David Holt entitled Cutting Loose. He is currently on faculty at the Academy for the Arts in Asheville, and performs all over the world. www.blueridgeheritage.com/artist/josh-goforth
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