ARTIST ROSTER 2 OO9-2 O1O The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) has played a crucial role in the state’s cultural development for over 40 years. As a publicly funded agency, MAC works to ensure that Mississippi residents and the public at large is aware of and can access the state’s artistic resources, including artists and arts educators.

The Artist Roster is a valuable tool in this effort, and provides a diverse listing of high quality artists who are available for performances, workshops, and other activities in communities throughout the state. This work can be supported by MAC’s Minigrant program.

2 The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) is a state agency serving more than two million people through grants and special initiatives that enhance communities, assist artists and arts organizations, promote the arts in education and celebrate Mississippi ’s cultural heritage. Established in 1968 by the state Legislature, MAC is the official grants-making and service agency for the arts in Mississippi. Funding for MAC and its programs is provided by the State of Mississippi, the National Endowment for the Arts, and private sources. All eligible candidates are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, physical disability, age, membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors.

For additional information, please contact us at:

501 North West Street Suite 1101A Woolfolk Building Jackson, MS 39201

601-359-6030 Phone 601-359-6008 Fax 800-582-2233 TDD (Mississippi Relay Service)

www.arts.state.ms.us

3 cover photos by Larry Morrisey supportıng and celebratıng mıssıssıppı’s creatıve spirit.

4 Artists must apply to MAC in order to be considered Scheduling an Artist for the Mississippi Artist Roster program. Their Organizations or schools that are interested in presenting a applications go through a thorough review process, Roster Artist must contact the individual or group directly. including an evaluation by a panel of arts While MAC staff can provide some advisory assistance to presenters, educators and fellow artists. There are organizations that are planning an event, all agreements two distinct rosters within the program: between a Roster Artist and a presenting organization are the responsibility of the presenter. The Mississippi Artist Roster is a listing of professional artists living and working in the state who are Grant Support for Presenting Roster Artists available to do performances, workshops, and other MAC supports the presentation of Roster Artists through its presentations in a wide variety of settings. These artists: Minigrant Program. Non-profit organizations (with IRS 501c3 status), schools, and other local government entities • Demonstrate mastery of their artistic discipline and have a can apply for funding to support up to half of a Roster body of high quality work. Artist’s fee (up to $1,000). In addition to the artists on • Are able to demonstrate or interpret their artistic discipline to MAC’s Roster, organizations may also apply for a a variety of audiences. Minigrant to present an artist who is a member of another • Have a history of successful performances or presentations directory of professional artists. The program must have an and can travel to perform at locations throughout the state. adjudication process in place that reviews the artistic quality of it's applicants. Some examples of eligible listings The Teaching Artist Roster features professional artists include the roster programs of other state arts agencies, and arts educators who are available to work with teachers regional arts organizations, or a professional artist and administrators to develop strategies for utilizing the arts organization like the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. beginning at the pre-k level and continuing through college. The Minigrant program has two annual application Teaching artists: deadlines. The full guidelines and application form for the • Provide arts learning opportunities that align with the state- program are available on MAC’s website. level visual and performing arts frameworks • Make connections between work in the arts and the state For more information on MAC grant programs, Department of Education's mandated learning goals please call 601-359-6030, or visit our website • Collaborate with classroom teachers or arts education at www.arts.state.ms.us. committees • Work with both teachers (through professional development) and students (through hands-on lessons) • Support efforts to integrate arts learning with other subject areas • Assist school staff in continuing arts education programs in the absence of a teaching artist through sharing skills, techniques, and curricula

5 Teaching Artist Roster Dance Puppet Arts Theatre ...... 33 Elaine Gelbard ...... 17 Richelle Putnam ...... 33 Tammy Stanford-Williams ...... 38 Visual Arts & Crafts Marcella Kaye Sullivan ...... 39 Janis Anderson ...... 7 Bodine Pottery ...... 10 Dramatic & Literary Arts Tom Harmon ...... 18 Carrie Sue Ayvar ...... 8 Dr. John Hunt ...... 20 Dianne de Las Casas ...... 14 Chandra Williams ...... 41 Rebecca Moore Jernigan ...... 21 Althea Jerome and Kathryn Lewis ...... 21 Music Doris Jones ...... 22 Richard Graham ...... 17 Annie B. McKee ...... 28 Althea Jerome and Katherine Lewis ...... 21 Mississippi Artist Roster Dance Lil McKinnon-Hicks ...... 28 Howard Jones ...... 22 Front Porch Dance ...... 16 George Miles ...... 29 Klasinc-Loncar Guitar Duo ...... 23 Anthony Neumann ...... 31 Harold Wayne Miller ...... 29 Robert William Knupp ...... 23 Priestess Dancers ...... 32 Rosalind Roy ...... 35 Guelel Kumba ...... 23 Dayton Scoggins ...... 36 Lisa Lambert & the Pine Ridge Boys ... 24 Dramatic & Literary Arts Robert & Debra Shinn ...... 37 Legacy ...... 24 June Caldwell ...... 12 R. Adrian Sturdivant ...... 38 Shawn Leopard and John Paul ...... 24 Sarah C. Campbell ...... 13 Pat Walker-Fields ...... 40 Sarah Mabary ...... 25 Steven Wells Hicks ...... 19 Robin Whitfield ...... 41 Randy K. Mapes ...... 26 Alan Huffman ...... 20 Bill Wilson ...... 42 Derrick Martin ...... 26 Imagination Education, Inc...... 20 Lannie Spann McBride ...... 27 Rebecca Moore Jernigan ...... 21 Music Mary Cox McCain ...... 27 Doris Jones ...... 22 Bill Abel ...... 7 Nellie McInnis ...... 28 Philip L. Levin ...... 25 Cadillac John & Bill Abel ...... 7 The Mighty Gospel Warriors ...... 29 Robert Little, CSP ...... 25 Terry “Harmonica” Bean ...... 9 Mississippi Symphony Orchestra ...... 30 John Maxwell ...... 27 Bellescanto ...... 9 M.U.G.A.B.E.E...... 30 Annie B. McKee ...... 28 Eden Brent ...... 10 Rev. Marvin K. Myles Sarah Mutziger ...... 30 ...... 11 & The Myles Family ...... 31 New Stage Theatre ...... 31 Pat Brown ...... 11 John Paul ...... 32 Puppet Arts Theatre ...... 33 Ricky Burkhead ...... 11 Bill “Howl-N-Madd” Perry ...... 32 Richelle Putnam ...... 33 Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm .12 Rhonda Richmond ...... 34 Michael Richardson ...... 33 June Caldwell ...... 12 Connie Roberts ...... 34 Jo Ann Robinson ...... 35 Capital Brass ...... 13 Jesse Robinson ...... 34 Shirley Simpson ...... 37 Patricia Causey ...... 13 Theresa Sanchez ...... 35 John M. Stark ...... 38 Kenneth William Davies ...... 14 Rosangela Yazbec Sebba ...... 36 Eric Deaton ...... 14 Shallow Creek ...... 36 Visual Arts & Crafts Sherman Lee Dillon and the Dillonaires .. 15 “Big” Joe Shelton ...... 37 TomFoolery ...... 39 Rick Anderson ...... 8 The Doctrine Trio ...... 15 Tricia Walker ...... 39 Rachel Ballentine ...... 8 Jackie Edwards-Henry ...... 15 The Larry Wallace Band ...... 40 Cristen Craven Barnard ...... 9 LaTongya Gardner ...... 16 The Wang-Rodgers Piano Duo ...... 40 George Berry ...... 10 Golden Triangle Brass Quintet ...... 17 Baba Melvin “Ola-Tunji” Wheeler ..... 41 Bodine Pottery ...... 10 Thomas Grillo ...... 18 Terry “Big T” Williams ...... 42 Conner Burns ...... 12 Lawrence Gwozdz ...... 18 Wiley & the Checkmates ...... 42 Chuck Galey ...... 16 Jim and Martha Hession ...... 19 Louis Arzo “Gearshifter” Youngblood .43 Bessie Johnson ...... 21 Michael Huff ...... 19 Peter Zapletal ...... 43 Sheri Marshall ...... 26 James “Super Chikan” Johnson ...... 22

6 Bill Abel Cadillac John & Bill Abel Janis Anderson 330 Southern Circle P.O. Box 228 Contact: Bill Abel Gulfport, MS 39507 Duncan MS. 38740 P.O. Box 228 228-896-7233 662-395-2566 Duncan MS. 38740 [email protected] [email protected] 662-395-2566 www.myspace.com/billabel [email protected] Janis Anderson is a visual artist who has had experience as an art teacher in both private and public schools. She has Bill Abel is a Delta guitar player and The Cadillac John and Bill Abel musical worked with all age students as well as singer through and through. Growing up in duo presents an authentic Delta blues adults. She enjoys crafting visual art Belzoni, Mississippi, he befriended a experience for blues fans from around the experiences where participants find neighborhood welder and blues guitarist world. At 80 years old, Delta native meaning and purpose. Her age named Paul “Wine” Jones. The future Fat Cadillac John Nolden sings, plays appropriate lessons draw on students’ Possum Records artist became Abel’s harmonica, and serves as an elder primary real world experience. She mentor. Through the years, Abel has statesman of the blues. Abel, who also expands that knowledge and experience deepened his musical knowledge by grew up in the Delta, learned to play the into studio activities that deepen the accompanying other legends like guitar from local bluesmen. He has also thoughts and feelings to connect with other Honeyboy Edwards, Henry Townsend, developed his own unique style, blending school subjects. Her projects use school- T-Model Ford and many others. Abel has the Delta blues with polyrhythms and deep friendly art materials; paper, glue, scissors, also recorded with Big George Brock, feeling that reflects the style of pre-World paint, air dry and oven baked clays, along Cadillac John Nolden, Sam Carr, Hubert War II blues performers. with ordinary found objects and magazine Sumlin, Odell Harris and others. He’s images to craft both 2D and 3D artworks. played many European shows as well. • Mississippi Artist Roster She encourages reflections on the artwork Often, he plays traditional country blues on to create artist statements, process journals, cigar-box guitars. He makes these and stories about the art work. She often instruments using driftwood from the uses both illustrated books that are readily Mississippi River. He also plays acoustic available in school libraries and visual and electric guitars with a full band, solo, images of master art works to show how or a one-man blues band with foot drums. these works handle similar ideas or themes. His most recent release is “Bill Abel, One-Man-Band” recorded live with no • Teaching Artist Roster overdubs.

• Mississippi Artist Roster www.arts.state.ms 7 Rick Anderson Carrie Sue Ayvar Rachel Ballentine 111 Moss Wood Lane 1829 NE 179th St. 11656A Ballentine Road Clinton, MS 39056 North Miami Beach, FL 33162 Sardis, MS 38666 305-945-4804 601-924-8321 [email protected] 662-934-6864 Day [email protected] www.carriesueayvar.com 662-487-3189 Evening www.rickandersonart.com www.storynet.org/tellers/carriesueayvar.html [email protected] www.writeonspeakers.com/carrie_sue_ayvar.html www.rachelballentine.com As an art educator, Rick’s goal is to touch the lives of his students and help them find Blending traditional, international and Ballentine is a member and serves on the that “magic” to begin their life-long journey personal tales, bilingual storyteller Carrie Board of the Craftsmen’s Guild and the of creating and appreciating art. In his Sue Ayvar takes listeners on a journey into Mississippi Alliance for Arts Education. She visits to elementary schools, he prefers to the imagination, connecting people, is a potter who works with educators, give four presentations with class sizes up languages and cultures through her stories showing them how to incorporate art into to 250 students per session. He uses that flow effortlessly between Spanish and the curriculum. Due to the nature of her magic tricks, plays his trumpet, creates English. With the simplest of phrases, you work, she incorporates many different demonstration drawings, mixes colors, can travel around the world. Her tales materials into her art. Ballentine shapes her draws caricatures, and tells stories. He celebrate both the similarities and the presentation for each and every school encourages students to read, write and differences of culturally diverse group. For example, if a school wants a illustrate their own stories. Middle and high communities. Even if you have never presentation just before a holiday, she will school presentations range from studio type spoken a word of Spanish before, you will use clay materials that call to mind that sessions to teaching techniques of drawing. find yourself doing so within minutes of her particular holiday or event. He offers an intense, power-packed enchanting performances! An award- creative workshop for students who are winning teaching artist, she has been • Mississippi Artist Roster interested in the art of illustrating children’s Kennedy Center trained and her dramatic books. He also offers a workshop for programs range from historical teachers called “Art Across the Curriculum.” presentations that make history jump off the This workshop can be adapted for both page, to participatory multicultural folktales half day and full day sessions. and stories. For over twenty-five years, she has performed at schools, parks, libraries, • Mississippi Artist Roster community festivals and museums. Her standards-based programs and workshops include: ”Cuentame Un Cuento/Tell Me A Story; Lighting the Way To Literacy,” “All Aboard: Traveling the World Through Story” and “Tag You’re It! Teaching Kids To Tell.”

• Teaching Artist Roster 8 Cristen Craven Barnard Terry "Harmonica" Bean Bellescanto 25 Oakley Cove 90 Cruse Drive Maryann Kyle, soprano; Senatobia, MS 38668 Pontotoc, MS 38863 Theresa Sanchez, piano 662-301-1371 662-489-6858 Contact: Theresa Sanchez [email protected] www.myspace.com/terryharmonicabean 907 N. 34th Avenue www.cristencravenbarnard.com Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Terry “Harmonica” Bean is a lifelong 601-271-8700 With more than 20 years of mural resident of Pontotoc, Mississippi, and has [email protected] experience, Barnard offers a unique blend been playing the blues since he was a of painting expertise and public art child. He left music in his teens to experience. Her murals are on display in concentrate on baseball – he was a star Bellescanto members Maryann Kyle, schools, parks, churches, cities, towns and pitcher who threw equally well with both soprano, and Theresa Sanchez, pianist, residences across the Mid-South region. arms. After an accident curtailed his career have performed a wide variety of She can design, collaborate, plan, instruct in professional baseball, Terry returned to American and European art songs, or paint murals with almost any group or music. For three years he drove to spirituals, operatic arias, and solo piano by herself. An award winning artist, Greenville every weekend to play with music of all style periods. Their versatility Barnard works on both interior and exterior veteran bluesmen including T-Model Ford, and elegant presentations have won mural projects. and began performing on his own in the audiences around the country, as well as late 1980’s. He performs as a one-man- internationally. Five programs are offered: • Mississippi Artist Roster band, playing guitar, harmonica and “foot “American Music,” featuring art songs, stomping,” and also plays with the Terry spirituals and solo piano; “A Tribute to “Harmonica” Bean Blues Band. He Leontyne Price,” with narration during the frequently plays clubs and has performed program linking the repertoire to Price’s at many blues festivals in the career; “Music of Luigi Zaninelli,” and Europe. He is committed to “old-time "Wordplay: Songs of Sondheim",and blues” and has recorded eight CDs and a general programs of European art songs DVD. and piano music. Master classes for singers and pianists, including coaching on • Mississippi Artist Roster style and technique are also offered. Dr. Kyle is on faculty at The University of Southern Mississippi and Dr. Sanchez is on faculty at Jones Junior College.

• Mississippi Artist Roster

9 George Berry Bodine Pottery Eden Brent 122 Berry Drive Patrick A. & Dr. Nancilee Bodine 811 Arnold Avenue Pearl, MS 39208 432 West Frontage Drive Greenville, MS 38701 601-260-7749 P.O. Box 336 662-347-2667 Day [email protected] Wiggins, MS 39577 662-335-9118 Evening www.georgeberry.biz (601) 928-4718 [email protected] (228) 806-3153 www.edenbrent.com George Berry, Sr. was an instructor in [email protected] Industrial Arts at the Piney Woods School until he retired in1984 to devote his time to his www.bodinepottery.com Her boogie-woogie piano playing and wood carving. He is a charter member of gutsy style have established Eden Brent as the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi and Patrick and Nancilee Bodine create new a Mississippi favorite. Whether booked as shares his love of the craft by teaching designs in pottery and precious metal clay a solo artist or bandleader, her weekly wood carving classes for the Guild. jewelry, teach classes in their Wiggins, performance is fresh and spontaneous, He is a frequent instructor at the John C. studio, and also in schools, churches, often filled with audience requests and Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North museums, and art centers in Mississippi participation. In 2009 Eden was named Carolina, and taught at the Allison’s Wells and other states. They teach teachers and “Acoustic Artist of the Year“ by The Blues School of Arts and Crafts in Canton. Berry’s students of all ages and abilities. Patrick is works are in private collections and museums considered an “edutainer” who entertains Foundation. Her debut album, Mississippi throughout the midwest and south and have while pointing out the connections Number One was named “Acoustic been featured in books, magazines and between pottery making and other Album of the Year”. This self-described other publications. In 1996 and 1997, he disciplines like history, geography, “song interpreter” is a one-of-a-kind. Her carved the awards sculptures for the geology, chemistry, math, language arts, interpretations of jazz, blues, soul and Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts. and physics. The Bodines, separately or as pop, in addition to her own songs, are He received a Mississippi Arts Commission a team, do lectures, shows, demonstrations, expressive and memorable. Winner of the Artist Fellowship in 1999 and was one of the exhibitions, conference presentations, and recipients of the Governor’s Awards for tile mural design, glaze, and installation. 2006 International Blues Challenge, she Excellence in the Arts in 2001. Berry shows They host special workshops featuring was the student and duo partner of Delta students how to take a simple block of wood other master artists. Groups may visit the boogie-woogie pianist and former and turn it into a work of art. He offers Bodine Pottery studio, or the Bodines can Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the demonstrations, workshops, and classes in travel to provide one of their many Arts recipient, ”Boogaloo“ Ames (1918- wood carving using a hand-held pocket programs. Programs include pottery 2002). Together they starred in two knife. As he works the wood, he describes making by hand building or on the wheel; television documentaries. A masterful pianist carving techniques, the types of wood, the tile painting and glazing; silver jewelry different cuts and how he decides what to making using PMC; Raku kiln building & and vocal stylist, Brent performs classic carve out of each piece. He teaches how to firing; glaze formulation and testing; and blues and jazz as a soloist and bandleader cut with and against the grain and how to week-long clay camps. They provide at festivals, concerts and clubs around the hold the knife while developing strength in consultations and staff development for nation and the world. the hand. teachers in four states. They regularly teach classes at the Mississippi Crafts Center in • Mississippi Artist Roster • Mississippi Artist Roster Ridgeland for the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi.

10 • Teaching Artist Roster • Mississippi Artist Roster Kenny Brown Pat Brown Ricky Burkhead 2080 Lebanon Road 6464 Oak Tree Drive P.O. Box 302 Potts Camp, MS 38659 Jackson, MS 39213 University, MS 38677 662-333-6898 601-982-4495 662-915-5665 [email protected] [email protected] 662-801-4638 www.kennybrown.net [email protected] Known as "Miss Equal Opportunity," singer Ricky Burkhead has a performance Kenny Brown grew up in the hill country of Pat Brown has performed throughout the background in many musical styles and north Mississippi and knows the region's United States and Europe. Growing up in instruments. His musical training began at music well. As a 10 year-old, he learned Meridian, Brown was influenced by other age 12 and has been a life long process. to play guitar from his neighbor, bluesman singers from her hometown, including His performing experience is extensive and Joe Callicott. By the age of 18, Brown David Ruffin of The Temptations. She covers musical styles including orchestral, was playing with north Mississippi blues began winning talent shows with her African, Caribbean, Latin American, and guitarist R.L. Burnside. He played with the singing while still in grade school. Brown other world music. He formed the first steel blues legend over the next 30 years, came into prominence on the blues scene drum band in the state of Mississippi while touring all over the world. Burnside often with her mid '90s hit song, "Miss Equal teaching at Mississippi Valley State referred to Brown as his "adopted son." Opportunity." She has performed with University in 1986. He also formed a When poor health forced the elder many southern blues greats, including second band while teaching at the musician off the road, Brown began Willie Clayton, Johnny Taylor, and Bobby University of Mississippi in 1995. He can recording and touring with his own group. Rush. Her most recent CD, "For Your perform a variety of programs including He tours throughout the world, but still Information Only," was released on Caribbean culture which include a lecture, makes frequent appearances at Mississippi TAPNA Records in 2007. performance and history of the steel drum; festivals and clubs. Brown’s most recent West African culture and the history and album, “Meet Ya In The Bottom,” was • Mississippi Artist Roster performance of the djembe and kalimba; released in 2008 on Funky D Records. or a solo percussion recital featuring Kenny is available for private functions, (marimba, vibraphone, timpani, snare festivals, and community and school drum, drumset orchestral percussion and demonstrations. other ethic percussion instruments). Burkhead’s lectures are informative and • Mississippi Artist Roster audience friendly. Students and teachers are encouraged to participate in African, Caribbean and American (traditional & contemporary) music forms and dance.

• Mississippi Artist Roster

11 Conner Burns Cedric Burnside & June Caldwell 209 Franklin Street Lightnin’ Malcolm 210 South Main Street Pontotoc, MS 38863-3320 Natchez, MS 39120 Contact: Kevin Hopkins 662-419-0764 601-446-6334 1300 Baxter St. Suite 405 [email protected] [email protected] Charlotte, NC 28204 www.connerburns.com 704-358-4777 June Caldwell combines an energetic [email protected] Conner Burns is a studio artist in Natchez, storytelling style, humor, and the magical Mississippi. Conner works with the vessel sounds of the hammered dulcimer, lap form, as well as, large-scale sculptural Cedric Burnside & Lightnin‘ Malcolm play dulcimer, and guitar, to give listeners a total installations. Images of his work can be a rowdy, infectious and hypnotic blend of story experience. Storytelling sessions seen in books about teapots, pitchers, North Mississippi and include original stories written by June, bowls, tumblers and glazes. He teaches rock. Formed in 2007, many musical Native American tales and legends, and workshops to professional and amateur paths brought Cedric and Lightnin‘ together international folktales. Stories emphasize and since that time they have gone on to clay artists across North America and has cooperation, peace, and are non-violent. take the hill country tradition across the received awards from art organizations Hands-on experiences for the audience are planet. Cedric and Malcolm caught the throughout the state and nation. He has a part of most programs. Both children and ear of Delta Groove Music label chief, adults are encouraged to get a close-up worked with adults, high school students Randy Chortkoff, while playing on the look at June’s collection of percussion and children. Conner’s workshops vary outdoor jam stage at Chortkoff’s 3rd instruments, to ask questions, and try out a with the needs of the host facility and vary Annual Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue simple tune. Programs are interactive with from short presentations and demonstrations in Clarksdale, Mississippi. After receiving a (one hour or more) to longer workshops demo from the duo’s manager, Chortkoff audience members playing parts, providing (one day to two weeks). He has presented contacted legendary producer, David Z sound effects and singing along. at book clubs, civic organizations, schools, (who has worked closely with the label, in public studios, museums and universities. addition to a career producing music • Mississippi Artist Roster Conner’s artwork is organic in influence legends such as Prince, Etta James, Buddy and combines a variety of techniques in Guy, BB King and many others) and sent their creation. His artwork can be seen at the duo up to Nashville to record an album his gallery, in other fine galleries and for the label. Chortkoff brought in some museums across the country, and in private very special guests for the session, collections throughout the world. including the innovative harmonica genius, . The end result was such an • Mississippi Artist Roster authentic, swampy, backwoods sound that when you hear it, you’ll have a hard time believing you’re not sitting in a juke joint somewhere in the Mississippi Delta.

• Mississippi Artist Roster

12 www.arts.state.ms Sarah C. Campbell Capital Brass Patricia Causey 4318 Council Cir Contact: Wayne Linehan P.O. Box 2414 Jackson, MS 39206 538 Seneca Avenue Gulfport, MS 39505 601-353-3107 (home and work) Jackson, MS 39216 228-365-2910 601-260-1891 (cell) 601-982-4076 228-831-1003 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.capitalbrass.com www.TrishCausey.com Sarah C. Campbell is an award-winning writer and photographer whose specialty is The brilliance of brass has captivated A performer of musical theatre, opera, and nonfiction for children. Her first book, audiences of all ages and tastes for all things Barbra Streisand, Patricia Causey Wolfsnail: A Backyard Predator (Boyds centuries. This brass quintet with percussion is a multifaceted soloist and composer Mills Press) was named a 2009 Theodor brings to life a diverse repertoire from residing on the Gulf Coast. She has Seuss Geisel Honor Book by the American Renaissance to ragtime. With versatility of performed feature roles in theatre, opera, Library Association. Campbell’s work has styles, Capital Brass can perform in many oratorio, dinner theatre, and competitions appeared in a wide range of publications, different venues, from the casual outdoor in the United States and Korea. She has including The New York Times and setting to the formal recital stage. The stage managed professional plays, Highlights for Children. Campbell has ensemble also offers “informances” and musicals, and an opera, plus worked served as artist in residence at Davis master classes and employs specialties backstage for three USA IBC’s in Jackson, Magnet IB World School in Jackson, such as piccolo trumpet, flugelhorn, Mississippi. A frequent guest vocal coach, leading book publishing and photography alphorn, xylophone and bodhrán. Ms. Causey has produced award-winning projects with first, second, and third voice students. She teaches workshops on graders. As a nonfiction writer, Campbell • Mississippi Artist Roster auditioning, voice, make-up, and stage is as passionate about her subjects as she management at arts venues and schools. is about the writing process. Her multi- Ms. Causey is listed on the Southern Arts media presentation, “Love a Critter? Make Federation’s Southern Artistry web site in a Book!” is popular with children and opera and musical theatre. She was adults alike. She is available for story visits, awarded a Mississippi Arts Commission short residencies, and Artist Fellowship for Music Composition in teacher workshops. 2008. Her new online radio show, “Musical Theatre Talk with Trish Causey”, • Mississippi features professionals in “the biz” from all Artist Roster aspects of musical theatre: MusicalTheatreTalk.com.

• Mississippi Artist Roster

13 Ken Davies Dianne de Las Casas Eric Deaton 1418 Louis Alexis Trail P.O. Box 2656 129 CR 422 Gautier, MS 39553 Harvey, LA 70059 Water Valley, MS 38965 228-522-0028 504-368-1831 662-513-5219 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.kendavies.net www.storyconnection.net Eric can also be booked through Stacy DeHart at 541-206-4686 Ken Davies has worked all his life as a Dianne de Las Casas brings to the stage composer, performer, conductor and "traditional folklore gone fun!" Her debut Eric Deaton is a blues guitarist, singer and teacher. His compositions range from song CD, “Jambalaya–Stories with Louisiana songwriter, specializing in the North to electronic soundscape in the world of Flavor,” won three national awards. In Mississippi hill country style. As a teenager new music and they are heard at new addition, “Jambalaya” received rave Eric apprenticed under blues legends R.L. music festivals across the country. His reviews in School Library Journal and Burnside and Junior Kimbrough. Constantly formal education includes studying at Yale, AudioFile Magazine. Her second CD, touring, Eric plays original music, as well Middle Tennessee State University (M.A. in “World Fiesta,” received a rave review in as traditional hill country blues songs and Trombone) and the University of Colorado ALA Booklist and was selected by School down home standards. Eric was featured at Boulder (M.M. in Composition), where Library Journal as "Audio of the Week." in Living Blues magazine for his debut he was awarded the prestigious Cecil She performs arts-in-education programs album “Gonna Be Trouble Here.” His latest Effinger Composition Fellowship. He has and residencies at schools, libraries, and album, “Smile At Trouble,” was released in experience in studio production for also preforms at festivals, museums, and 2009. Eric’s musical repertoire offers many commercial recordings and operates special events. She is an enthusiastic options to presenters, including solo Kenvad Music Publishing and Pattisan advocate of literacy and arts-in-education performances, performances with his band Records. He is listed on the Southern Arts programming. The Eric Deaton Trio or as part of a full Federations’ Southern Artistry website. Ken band. He has performed as both a lead can work with and create musical works • Teaching Artist Roster guitarist and bass player with well-known for community ensembles, dance Mississippi musicians such as Jimbo ensembles, churches and schools. He Mathus, Guelel Kumba, Sam Carr, T- offers workshops and masterclasses in Model Ford and Paul “Wine” Jones. songwriting, legal matters for music creators, and working with MIDI music • Mississippi Artist Roster and computers.

• Mississippi Artist Roster

14 Sherman Lee Dillon The Doctrine Trio Jackie Edwards-Henry and the Dillonaires Contact: Will Thompson P.O. Box 5354 342 Cotton Wood Drive Mississippi State, MS 39762 2365 Glenn Street Ridgeland, MS 39157 662-312-7301 Jackson, MS 39204-5508 601-983-9179 [email protected] 601-371-3861 Day [email protected] 601-209-1772 Evening Jackie Edwards-Henry is Professor of Piano [email protected] The Doctrine Trio is the union of three very at Mississippi State University, where she has been a faculty member since 1991. www.dillonaires.com different yet kindred spirits in the world of As a performer, she is a musical jazz. The chief goal of the group is to chameleon, comfortable with a wide Sherman Lee Dillon performs with Anna perform music that is eternal in the jazz variety of musical styles as a soloist or Lee Dillon and Andrew John Dillon who tradition while incorporating original music collaborative musician on piano or her make up the Dillonaires. This family band composed by its members. The combined own French double-manual Houben harpsichord. She holds degrees in gears their performances and classes knowledge of Alvin Fielder (drums) and performance and piano pedagogy from toward the audience, whether it’s London Branch (bass) is unfathomable. William Jewell College (Missouri), the preschoolers, seniors or gifted children. Forty-three years their junior, William University of Illinois, the University of Performances include some fiddlin’ songs, Thompson’s (piano) alliance with these two Oklahoma, and received additional banjo pickin’, old time shape note singing masters makes for an original jazz piano training at the Conservatoire Nationale de Region, Bordeaux, France, through a and even originals. Sherman Lee plays the trio that defies many boundaries yet never Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. Dr. banjo, harmonica and guitar and has strays from its jazz heritage. The Doctrine Edwards is available for solo programs on been performing for over 30 years. Anna Trio is available for master classes to piano, harpsichord, or a combination of plays guitar and Andrew plays the fiddle. students of all ages and abilities. They the two; and vocal or instrumental They each sing, taking turns with melody perform in “concert-like” environments such collaborative programs with piano, harpsichord, or a combination. She is also and harmony. as libraries, museums, churches, as well as available for hire as an accompanist schools. (piano or harpsichord continuo) for vocal, • Mississippi Artist Roster instrumental, choral programs, or as a • Mississippi Artist Roster pianist or harpsichord continuo for orchestral programs. Dr. Edwards welcomes the opportunity to serve as a master class clinician for pianists of all ages and ability levels, to teach demonstration group piano classes, to give workshops, or to perform lecture-recitals.

• Mississippi Artist Roster

www.arts.state.ms 15 Front Porch Dance Chuck Galey Latongya Garner Contact: Krista Bower 5443 Hartsdale Drive 3749 Newman Avenue 910 Morningside Street Jackson, MS 39211 Jackson, MS 39206 Apartment B Jackson, MS 39202 601-955-6430 601-212-7887 810-623-4695 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.chuckgaley.com www.frontporchdance.com Singer-songwriter Latongya Garner offers The magic begins when Chuck Galey concerts that encompass jazz, blues and Front Porch Dance is a Mississippi-based introduces the creativity of picture book soul. Her performances demonstrate the dance collective comprised of local artists illustration. Leading his audience along the interwoven blend of spirituals and who collaborate to produce innovative path of the creative process, Galey traditional blues adorned with stylistic choreographic works. Its aim is to introduces the drawing pad. Here, he interpretations and phrasings of vocal jazz. foster appreciation of contemporary dance demonstrates how a character can show She is available to perform in concert by engaging audiences through approach- emotions simply by adjusting the lines of settings, in entertainment venues, museums, able dance art. Front Porch Dance the face. A popular segment of Galey’s festivals, at social/cultural events, as well practices an American-born dance form, presentation is “Animal Parts,” for grades as in schools. Her concert and festival cultivated and shaped by artists as diverse K-6. Working with Galey, the students band is of a quintet, keyboard, bass and as America itself. To this medium, the suggest different animal parts: head, body, lead guitar, percussion and saxophone. dancers bring formal training in classical legs and tails from animals that fly, swim, Her repertoire consists of jazz standards, ballet and modern techniques to create a run or crawl. Bizarre and humorous traditional blues and original material blend of quality, detail and freedom of animals emerge from the blank page. For catering to seated or interactive audiences exploration. Front Porch Dance offers grades 7-12, Galey presents an in-depth with roots stemming from the Baptist church. workshops in dance technique, view of creating an illustration from She presents soul-stirring interpretations of improvisation and composition and is beginning to end with a slide presentation jazz, along with bursts of cleverly phrased available for performances in theaters, as showing his technique. A typical school- vocal improvisations and storytelling. well as non-traditional performance day visit includes one assembly; three one- Throughout her performances she pays venues. hour classroom sessions and one evening special tribute to the vocal stylists that she PTO-style assembly presentation. Teacher admires by telling their story and presenting • Mississippi Artist Roster in-service programs are also available. their music as a special highlight within her Please call or email for fee information. concert. She has paid special homage to Ella Fitzgerald, performing one of her • Mississippi Artist Roster popular scat solos, “Airmail Special,” along with a haunting retrospective ballad, of Shirley Horn‘s “Here’s to Life.” Garner is currently preparing for the recording of her first CD.

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16 Elaine Gelbard Golden Triangle Brass Quintet Richard Graham 309 Philip Road Contact: Michael Huff 19 Clairmont Avenue Oxford, MS 38655 P.O. Box 6240 Asheville, NC 28804 662-236-2545 Mississippi State, MS 39762 828-450-9026 [email protected] 662-325-9374 Day [email protected] [email protected] 662-325-3070 Evening [email protected] Richard Graham offers educators three Veteran arts educator Elaine Gelbard holds separate programs in world music and folklore. Each of these interactive, a PhD in Dance and Related Arts. Her The Golden Triangle Brass Quintet is a multicultural programs is designed to workshops and demonstration classes brass quintet made up of two trumpets, show how dance can joyfully integrate horn, trombone and tuba. The GTBQ enhance students’ skills in math, science, artistic, physical and academic skills. performs a wide range of music comprised geography, history and the arts. Graham Participants will learn why kinesthetic of everything from light classical and jazz performs songs and stories from around the lessons are important in developing arrangements to ceremonial music to world with some of his 400 different students’ full academic and human standard brass quintet repertoire and is instruments including the Appalachian potential. They will learn the basic skills capable of performing formal and informal dulcimer, Brazilian berimbau, Japanese necessary for incorporating movement into recitals, ceremonies and educational shakuhaci, Italian scacciapensieri and the classroom and gain a repertoire of programs for all ages as well as master African talking drum. The students learn to movement activities for each curriculum classes and demonstrations. sing along in several languages on this area, as well as resources for further musical trip around the globe. Workshops information. Dr. Gelbard is available for The five members of the quintet are on the and residencies, which may be scheduled short projects throughout the state and for faculty of the Music Department at year-round, focus on the blues, African longer projects within 90 miles of Oxford. Mississippi State University and frequently music or Brazilian music. Students will learn perform with the Mississippi, Tupelo, • Teaching Artist Roster to make their own one-string blues guitar, Meridian and Starkville Symphony African shaker or Brazilian rainstick. Orchestras. Graham is available for workshops, residencies and demonstrations. Teacher Dr. Michael Huff, guidebooks are available for each event. Assistant Professor of Trumpet (trumpet) Dr. Michael Brown, • Teaching Artist Roster Chair / Department of Music (trumpet) Ms. Scottye Rackley, Adjunct Instructor of Horn (horn) Dr. Richard Human, Associate Professor of Trombone (trombone) Mr. Wade Rackley, Adjunct Instructor of Tuba (tuba)

• Mississippi Artist Roster 17 Thomas Grillo Lawrence Gwozdz Tom Harmon 510 Lorenz Blvd 1201 Windsor 8995 Spring Ridge Rd Jackson, MS 39216-3907 Hattiesburg, MS 39402-2850 Terry, MS 39170 601-713-3594 601-266-6934 601-214-4016 601-983-8909 601-264-5575 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ocean.otr.usm.edu/~w300121 Tired of the same presentations, year after A self-taught thereminist, Thomas Grillo www.southernartistry.org/lawrence_gwozdz year? Why not think about using the art enjoys playing the instrument in a classical and craft of papermaking to give a fresh style, but also enjoys other genres. He Lawrence Gwozdz is an internationally look to your curriculum. Are you looking for recently attended a theremin workshop known inspiring artist. Born with spina exciting experiments in science, given by Pamelia Kurstin, hosted by Moog bifida, he has been an ambassador for the challenging assignments in social studies Music at their plant in Asheville, North arts for people living with disabilities and geography, interesting ways to entice Carolina. He purchased his first theremin throughout his career. His debut in New English students, or puzzles for the from an online shop and as he put it, “it York’s Weill (Carnegie) Recital Hall was mathematicians? Tom Harmon has the took a week to go from sounding like a described in Musical America as an skills, resources and supplies to work with cat-fight in a sewer pipe, to just being able “extraordinary performance of teachers and students in exploring the to play scales.” Within less than a year, contemporary music” with “the kind of many ways paper influences our society. he was able to play with a high degree of timbre Adolphe Sax most likely had in His workshops consist of a study of the accuracy and expression. In 2004, he mind...always with subtlety and taste.” His history of papermaking, the methods used, started singing first tenor with the Jackson CDs have all won high praise, and, in and the resources required. Students will Choral Society. He has performed with addition to his solo concerts, audiences experience the hands-on excitement in the Magnolia Chorus, Jackson Chapter of delight in The Sax-Chamber Orchestra making their own paper from a variety of Society for Preservation and under his direction. The ensemble consists items. After the paper is made, then Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet of 12 players on virtually all members of academic projects relating to the curriculum Singing in America, as well as the the saxophone family. Having performed will determine how the paper will be used. Mississippi Opera Chorus since the mid at the International Very Special Arts Successful workshops have been 1980s. He studied music at Hinds Festival, Gwozdz is now offering a conducted in as little as two 50-minute Community College in 1986 and program of music by composers with class periods as well as multiple sessions performed with the Biloxi Opera Theater disabilities in addition to an inspiring conducted over several weeks. Teachers until the early 80s. spiritual program entitled "Holy and classroom assistants are encouraged Saxophone.” to participate. Students are always excited • Mississippi Artist Roster to see their teachers participating in the • Mississippi Artist Roster papermaking experience.

18 • Teaching Artist Roster Jim & Martha Hession Stephen Wells Hicks Michael Huff 1303 34th Avenue P.O. Box 13958 223 John Wesley Road Gulfport, MS 39501 Jackson, MS 39236-3958 Starkville, MS 39759 228-863-6608 601-977-0111 662-325-9374 [email protected] [email protected] 662-323-4327 [email protected] Jim and Martha Hession offer programs Steven Wells Hicks writes for money, and and concerts, from a piano/vocal duo, he can teach people how to do the same. Michael Huff is Assistant Professor of up to a six-piece band. They include The author of three published novels ( The Trumpet at Mississippi State University. He American jazz and popular music history Gleaner, The Fall of Adam and Horizontal is also Principal Trumpeter of the Starkville and styles in a combined entertainment Adjustment ), Hicks has also worked as a Symphony and a member of the Golden and educational format. Their sportswriter, a restaurant critic, and a Triangle Brass Quintet. He has earned performances can be presented in both movie reviewer. He is best known, degrees in music from the University of formal and casual settings, anywhere from however, as Mississippi’s most honored Massachusetts, the Eastman School of concert halls to classrooms to private advertising writer, with over a 35-year Music, and received his doctorate from the locations. They have over 40 years career. When not working on novels or Catholic University of America. He is performing experience ranging from freelance assignments, Hicks conducts a available for formal and informal trumpet television, radio, concerts, jazz festivals, fast-paced writing seminar for would-be recitals, ceremonies and educational nightclubs and 36 years on the performing writers of all disciplines entitled, “How to programs for all ages, as well as master staff of Disneyland/Walt Disney World. Get Out of Your Own Way and Get Your classes, demonstrations and artist-in- Services offered include concerts, Best Ideas on Paper.” Appropriate for residence programs. His repertoire spans workshops and master classes in jazz groups of high school students on up to from the Renaissance and Baroque to history, piano styles and improvisation. senior citizens, the one, two or three-hour standard classical concerti, from cornet workshop is designed to help attendees solos to modern day works involving • Mississippi Artist Roster break through the psychological barriers interesting 20th century compositional that prevent most people from achieving techniques. Some repertoire is available to their potential. The only materials required be performed on period instruments such of participants are a pencil, a piece of as the baroque trumpet and cornetto. paper and a wide-open mind. • Mississippi Artist Roster • Mississippi Artist Roster

19 Alan Huffman Dr. John Hunt Imagination Education, Inc 1056 Old Bridgeport Road Contact: Catherine Hunt 279 S. Perkins St. Bolton, MS 39041 732 Spring Lake Drive Ridgeland, MS 39157 601-866-2659 Pearl, MS 39208 601-853-7270 [email protected] 601-925-3427 Day [email protected] 601-664-1201 Evening www.imaginationeducation.org Having researched stories in both the U.S. 769-232-1976 Cell and North and West Africa, published two [email protected] Imagination Education, Inc (ie) offers a nonfiction books and contributed to variety of programs, including edutainment” magazines and newspapers including [email protected] performances; classes/workshops for Smithsonian and The New York Times , [email protected] students; and classes/workshops for Alan Huffman is available to share his teachers. Believing that interactive, creative, experience and expertise with students at www.geocities.com/scifun04 and media-savvy experiences are the best workshops, correctional facilities, public way to teach young audiences, all ie schools and colleges. He is the author of Dr. Hunt is a science educator who has programs are dynamic, inclusive, and speak Mississippi in Africa (Gotham, 2004; lived and worked all over the world. He selected a “Best Books of 2004” by the to today’s learners. ie performances are also has taught in K-12 schools, as well as at San Francisco Chronicle ) and the photo- rooted in theatrical arts, including essay book Ten Point (University Press of the university level for 47 years. He offers improvisational and sketch comedy. Comedy, Mississippi, 1997), and has spoken at educators two separate programs. The drama, technology and interactive games diverse venues across the U.S., including “Color and Sound” workshop shows are all tools the ie performance troupe uses to teach a variety of topics, such as literacy and appearances on National Public Radio. teachers learn “hands-on, minds on” He offers his observations, advice and language arts skills, theater, creative thinking, lessons that they can use to get their editing services relevant to the craft of communication skills, and financial literacy. narrative nonfiction writing and publication, students hooked and engaged in learning. Some of ie’s flagship programs include with emphasis on helping disadvantaged These Understanding by Design (UbD) “Yeah, Write Whatever: LIVE!”(a language students find their literary voice. lessons, based on counterintuitive events, arts interactive performance), “CSI [Credit are enthusiastically accepted by both Scene Investigators]: LIVE!” (a financial • Mississippi literacy interactive performance), and “Acting Artist Roster educators and students in grades 3-8. The Up” (an introductory theater class). ie has second program, “A Science Fun Day,” taught acting summer camps at Millsaps involves parents, teachers, and students in College, filmmaking workshops for the an all-day, interactive experience. At the Canton Young Filmmakers Institute, and end of the day, students take away new partnered with groups such as Fondren concepts as well as items they have Theatre Workshop. made. Both of these programs may be scheduled year-round. • Mississippi Artist Roster

• Teaching Artist Roster 20 Rebecca Moore Jernigan Althea Jerome Bessie Johnson Post Office Box 8116 and Kathryn Lewis 2681 E. Tibbee Road University, MS 38677 3307 Southaven Drive West Point, MS 39773 662-234-0550 Hattiesburg, MS 39402 601-801-6736 cell 601-268-6906 662-494-2813 [email protected] 601-928-4344 [email protected] [email protected] www.ebicom.net/~bbj1/ Rebecca Jernigan is a storyteller who uses [email protected] her experience as an actress and playwright to bring to life classical and Using uncommon materials, Bessie Johnson , original literature. She designs perform- Althea Jerome and Kathryn Lewis are creates decidedly uncommon works of art. ances, residencies and workshops to meet teaching artists who travel throughout the She is a pine needle basket weaver and a state of Mississippi to work in Pre-K through the needs of presenters. An award winning charter member of the Craftsmen’s Guild of 12th grade settings. They tailor arts storyteller, she has traveled around the Mississippi. Johnson teaches workshops to world, sharing her collection of stories and education experiences and professional development training to the specific needs both professional and amateur basket folklore and gathering new ones in of schools and other audiences. makers across the nation and her local exchange. She now entertains and instructs Separately, or as a team, they offer audiences of all ages, recounting new and community. She works with adults, high research-based, discipline-specific school students and children. Her ageless stories, and emphasizing the workshops in music and theatre; importance of the oral tradition in all demonstration lessons for students and workshops vary with the needs of each cultures. A former teacher of English, teachers; arts integration training for group. She can do short presentations and Speech, and Theatre, Dr. Jernigan’s story- teachers; and arts focused professional demonstrations as well as longer teaching in the upper grades spans literary development for teachers and workshops. She will focus the content on masterpieces from Chaucer to Faulkner. For administrators. Lessons and workshops topics that relate to the group she is incorporate framework connections across elementary students she offers unique working with. She has presented her works retellings of literary gems and original multiple disciplines. The artists specialize in at major art festivals, book clubs, civic stories. She has enjoyed six tours of DDS arts integration and interdisciplinary schools in Europe and the Middle East instruction that taps into multiple organizations, school systems, public where her work has received acclaim. She intelligences and utilizes learning strategies museums and universities. Her work is is the story half of the popular duo “Dance based on brain research. As career based on traditional coiling and wrapping educators and performing artists, Althea a Story,” melding the arts of dramatic techniques common to many cultures, but and Kathryn emphasize active student storytelling and dance into lively engagement and participation by using her forms and designs are hers alone. performances often coupled with teacher music, theatre and visual art strategies that Some of her pieces begin with gourds, workshops. An accomplished actress, some enhance retention of content and which serve as a link to her childhood and of her film credits include The Client, Elvis, encourage individual creativity. The duo her African heritage. Johnson’s goal is to the Early Years, Black Beauty, and Ode to has developed a series of interdisciplinary touch the lives of her students and help Billy Joe . She has been a member of the units focused on Mississippi and has them find that “magic” to begin their life Oxford/University Shakespeare Festival for recently revised a unit on the Harlem two seasons, delighting audiences with her Renaissance. The units are offered as journey with a deeper understanding of interpretation of the nurse in Romeo and model arts integration lessons for groups of themselves. Juliet. Her plays have been produced in students or as demonstration lessons in a regional, community, and academic professional development setting. The artists • Mississippi Artist Roster theatres. are available to work with teachers and students throughout the school year and during the summer. • Teaching Artist Roster 21 • Mississippi Artist Roster • Teaching Artist Roster James “Super Chikan” Doris Jones Howard Jones Johnson 16 Peach Tree Lane 1233 Saint Ann Street Madison, MS 39110 Jackson, MS 39202-2149 Contact: Charley Burch 601-856-3440 601-927-0987 7657 Spirit Lake Cv. [email protected] [email protected] Cordova, TN 38016 www.dorisfjones.com www.howardjonesjazz.com 901-335-3152 [email protected] Doris Jones has opened the world of Howard Jones offers an extensive storytelling and reading to thousands of repertoire of jazz music for concerts, James “Super Chikan” Johnson is today’s children through her performances. receptions, dancing or any occasion. He Delta Bluesman, hatched in Clarksdale, Drawing from a wide range of classroom plays music from pre-1960’s, including just like the blues itself. He has released and library experiences, she teaches and jazz, blues, standards, ballads, swing, five acclaimed albums and his newest, promotes reading while keeping the Latin and even a little rock. His Sum Mo Chikan reveals both the traditions audience engaged with her animated, performances run the gamut from dignified he learned and his own distinctive interactive style. From the lively antics of the jazz funerals to concerts designed and personality. Super Chikan is recognized ladybug to the “gotcha” ending of a scary written with commentary to expose and worldwide as one of today’s most story, children discover the fun that stories educate people about the history of jazz entertaining and authentic blues and reading can bring to their lives. As a and its relevance to daily life. He is performers. He was nominated for a Best teaching artist, Doris Jones uses both committed to the preservation of jazz, and New Artist W.C. Handy Award in 1998, folktales and original stories as offers jazz workshops to those interested in received five Living Blues Awards, an springboards for meeting curriculum learning more about how to create ad lib Excellence in Performance Governor’s objectives. Caught up in the sounds and “rides” and play chord progressions. Award from Mexico City, and a movements of stories, children are unaware Mississippi Governor’s Award for that they are learning but very much aware • Mississippi Artist Roster Excellence in the Arts. A Super Chikan that they are having fun. trademark is his “chik-can-tars” – he crafts ornate, funky gas can and broomstick • Teaching Artist Roster stringed instruments on which he paints • Mississippi Artist Roster scenes from the Delta. They are symbols of a life of “making do with what he had” in order to give voice to his talent. When he was a boy, he tried to talk to chickens and understand their fascinating sounds, which was the origin of the "Chikan" name.

22 Klasinc-Loncar Robert Knupp Guelel Kumba Guitar Duo 104 Burnt Leaf Way Contact: Stacy DeHart Clinton, MS 39056 15 Herman Dr. Contact: Miroslav Loncar 601-925-3977 Day Oxford, MS 38655 1107 Velma Street 601-488-4639 Evening 541-206-4686 Hattiesburg, MS 39402 [email protected] [email protected] 601-318-6417 www.bobknupp.com Guelel Kumba is a guitarist, singer and After more than 10 years of duo songwriter of Fulani (African) heritage. He performances, this husband and wife team Robert Knupp presents recitals, workshops, grew up in the Futa Toro region in the is one of the most experienced small and demonstrations of the “King of Senegal River Valley, which includes areas ensembles in the region. Highly praised for Instruments: the pipe organ.” Using music of northern Senegal and southern their intimate expression and tight carefully selected to have a broad appeal Mauritania. As a child, he participated in ensemble, Klasinc-Loncar Guitar Duo and represent the finest compositions group singing and dancing but didn’t performs classic and contemporary music written for the instrument, the programs are actively pursue music. After moving to Paris from around the world. In addition to Bach, designed to broaden the appreciation of to pursue college studies, Kumba began Handel, Schumann and Gershwin, the duo the organ, and to inspire the next studying and performing traditional Fulani plays music by East European, Greek, generation of organists. Knupp is an music. Kumba first came to the U.S. in Spanish, Brazilian and Argentinean Associate Professor of Music at Mississippi 2001 and settled in Oxford in early composers. Klasinc and Loncar also offer College, and the organist of Galloway 2003. Once there, he discovered the educational demonstrations. Memorial United Methodist Church. close ties between North Mississippi blues • Mississippi Artist Roster traditions and Fulani music. Kumba • Mississippi Artist Roster performs solo, accompanying himself on guitar, as well as with his band Afrissippi. His performances include a mix of orginal and traditional Fulani songs and originals. The group’s second CD, Alliance , has received critical acclaim in Living Blues and other music magazines.

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23 Lisa Lambert & Legacy Shawn Leopard and the Pine Ridge Boys Contact: Valerie Plested John Paul: Music for P.O. Box 4772 Contact: Scott Nunley Jackson, MS 39296-4772 Two Harpsichords P.O. Box 389 601-454-5581 Contact: John Paul Dennis, MS 38838 601-454-5573 P.O. Box 1366 Phone: 662-293-0136 [email protected] Jackson, MS 39205 Fax: 866-501-1213 www.LegacyIrishMusic.com 601-354-1537 ext. 136, [email protected] [email protected] www.myspace.com/ Legacy has drawn the enthusiastic attention lisalambertandthepineridgeboys of Celtic (Irish traditional) music fans across Shawn Leopard and John Paul: Music for the South and Southwest. Their skill is Two Harpsichords travel with instruments Lisa Lambert & The Pine Ridge Boys undeniable; their arrangements complex made by Anden Houben of Northport, perform string-band “roots” music and challenging; and their performances Alabama. They make a special effort to dedicated to preserving Southern musical are tight and energetic. To enhance reach all types of audiences by including heritage. Their twist on forgotten bluegrass, understanding of their music, band their own transcriptions of popular pieces old-time, country, blues, and gospel members Valerie Plested, Don Penzien, in addition to all the classics of the two- classics takes the audience on a roller- and Justin Murphy inform the audience harpsichord literature. Master classes, coaster ride of emotions. Soulful gospel about their Celtic instruments (tin whistle, workshops, and informances for school and country numbers bring a tear to the bodhrán, fiddle, wooden flute, etc.) children of all ages are a specialty, where eye; foot-stomping bluegrass and old-time Configurations of two to four musicians the audience members are invited to play tunes will have your toes tapping; and can be booked, and Legacy can arrange the instruments and examine them. The good-natured band antics are sure to make to have an Irish step dancer if desired. instruments can be taken apart with you smile. You never know what you’ll instruction in their construction and history. hear next, but you’re guaranteed to have a • Mississippi Artist Roster The duo has performed extensively good time! Available for a variety of throughout the United States. venues including: churches, parties, festivals, workshops, demonstrations, and • Mississippi Artist Roster schools.

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24 Philip L. Levin Robert Little, CSP Sarah Mabary 710 W. Beach Blvd. P.O. Box 21304 801 Duane Street Long Beach, MS 39560 Jackson, MS 39289 Hattiesburg, MS 39401-4833 228-239-3575 601-968-9052 812-391-3337 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.gcwriters.org/inheritance.htm [email protected] www.robertlittlespeaker.com Sarah Mabary, Mezzo-Soprano and Lois Philip L. Levin provides lectures and Leventhal, Pianist, offer an interactive seminars on writing. His courses include program, “The Beauty of 20th Century Robert Litte, CSP, is an award-winning “The Short Story,” “Writing Your First Song.” Featuring songs from the United motivational speaker and author, with 24 Novel,” and “Self Publishing.” The son of States, England, Germany, France, Spain, years of training and public speaking an author and an editor, Philip has been and the Czech Republic sung in English, experience. Presenting over 100 speeches writing all his life. His first novel, Old English, German, French, Italian, and training programs each year, his life- Inheritance , sold out its first edition in three Spanish and Czech. This program can be changing principles add to the personal months. His children’s fable, Consuto and adapted to a variety of performance and professional growth of others. As a the Rain God , includes photos shot on site venues. While appropriate for traditional professional speaker, Little is a Certified in China and illustrates a tale based on recital and festival settings, the program Speaking Professional (CSP) with the Buddhist folklore. His short stories have also can be adapted for use in high-school National Speakers Association (NSA). been published in several anthologies, music, English, and foreign language Little travels the country presenting including the Red Dog Writers in Jackson, classes. “The Beauty of 20th Century motivational speeches at schools, college the Gulf Coast Writer Association Song” can also be used as a masterclass campuses, churches, not-for-profits and (GCWA) anthologies, and online or workshop for upper-level music students. professional development conferences. magazines. As editor of the GCWA’s Mabary currently works as a free-lance Little is the author of the highly acclaimed magazine, the Magnolia Quarterly , he musician and voice teacher; she has made book, Spoken Success . His motivational provides editing tips and publishing recent concert appearances with book, Breakthrough Thinking: Discovering contacts for hundreds of writers. He also Mississippi Chorus, Mississippi Vocal Arts New Ways to Win in Your Personal and serves on the board of the state-wide Ensemble, and The Meistersingers. Professional Life , is scheduled for release Mississippi Writers Guild. Leventhal is Professor of Piano at the soon. All of his children's picture books are University of Southern Mississippi; she is a being used in schools nationwide in the • Mississippi Artist Roster frequent performer with the Mississippi Accelerated Reader (AR) program. Symphony and Trio Mississippi. Leventhal is recorded on the Albany label. Technical • Mississippi Artist Roster requirements include one piano.

• Mississippi Artist Roster 25 Randy K. Mapes Sheri Marshall Derrick Martin Music Department 3472 Hernando Road 123-A Hwy. 80 East #131 Hinds Community College Holly Springs, MS 38635 Clinton, MS 39056 P.O. Box 1100 901-619-0055 601-454-3745 Raymond, MS 39154-1100 [email protected] [email protected] 601-857-3639 www.sherimarshall.com www.myspace.com/derrickdmarmartin 601-878-5421 [email protected] Marshall’s “Magic of Clay” workshops Derrick “D’MAR” Martin is a drummer, explore the wonders of clay as an artistic producer, recording artist and songwriter. medium, emphasizing visualization, hand- He has been performing internationally for Randy K. Mapes, saxophonist and eye coordination and science, specifically the past twenty years. He has worked in woodwind specialist, has a performance physics, chemistry, earth science, studios from Los Angeles to New York and background on all five major woodwind engineering and anatomy. Workshops can has been a member of the legendary Little instruments (saxophone, oboe, clarinet, be tailored to an ongoing classroom Richard’s Band for fifteen years. Martin has flute and bassoon). His repertoire contains curriculum segment. Workshops are appeared on the Tonight Show, American works from both the "classical" and offered for up to seven sessions for Music Awards, and David Letterman. His "popular" idioms. Mr. Mapes can perform (preferably, but not limited to) elementary workshop focuses on the drum set and its’ a wide variety of programs including a age children (able-bodied or disabled). history in American music. He offers a very solo saxophone recital, and he can Marshall is an exhibiting member of the informative and energetic program. He perform as a soloist with a band or Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, the demonstrates drum set mastery in all orchestra, or present a demonstration Oxford Artist Guild and an artist in genres of music from jazz to hip hop. The recital featuring all five major woodwind residence for VSA arts. workshop parallels successes at a instruments. He offers master classes and professional level and how that success workshops for all levels of woodwind • Mississippi Artist Roster starts in the classroom. students. Master classes and workshops can cover subjects such as pedagogical • Mississippi Artist Roster techniques, literature, equipment, and performance techniques on one or more members of the woodwind family. One of his performance goals is to promote music education and music appreciation to the general public. Another is to provide the audience on opportunity to learn about the history, literature and workings of woodwind instruments.

• Mississippi Artist Roster

26 John Maxwell Lannie Spann McBride Mary Cox McCain 3525 Hawthorn Drive 1902 Queensroad Avenue 125 Berry Street Jackson, MS 39216 Jackson, MS 39213 New Hebron, MS 39140 601-720-4778 Day 601-982-5243 601-694-2373 601-981-0777 Evening [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] lanniespannmcbride.com Mary Cox McCain is a gospel singer and John Maxwell has been touring with his One of the most respected musical talents songwriter. She has performed throughout one-man show, “Oh, Mr. Faulkner, Do You and electrifying voices of religious music, Mississippi, Louisiana and Memphis. Write?” for twenty-five years. This Lannie Spann McBride continues on a McCain performs original as well as internationally acclaimed play based on national path of service to inspire, traditional music and has three CDs to her the life of Nobel Prize winning author, empower, and unify others. Lannie is a credit. In 2001, one of her original William Faulkner, first premiered at New vocal recording artist, published composer, recordings made number 45 on the Stage Theatre in Jackson, MS in 1981. It and teacher with ‘a heart for children’. She “Circuit Rider” countdown of the top 100 is full of wonderfully rich storytelling that is is prepared to provide solo lecture recital played recordings across the country. entertaining and provocative. The programs, sing-along assemblies, choir Mary has written and composed over 47 production, labeled a “must see” by the workshop clinics, and numerous songs and recently received several Atlanta Constitution , begins as the author supplemental musical experiences for both awards and honors including the 2003 begrudgingly refuses to go to Stockholm to children and adults. Presentations can be Golden Harp Award from the Country accept the Nobel Prize because he “has adjusted to teach, enrich, practice, and Gospel Guild. She has performed at the too much work to do on the farm.” It inform. Lannie has developed a collection Gospel Music Showcase, on Gospel concludes with his decision to go, and the of ‘hands on’ original songs, piggyback Music Television and was awarded the audience is treated to a presentation of the songs, enrichment games, jive raps, 2004 Country Gospel Songwriter of the acceptance speech itself, widely poems, mini skits, and music integrating Year Award. acknowledged as the finest of its kind. As worksheets. All these activities build of fifteen years ago, John has been writing confidence for success in a holistic inter- • Mississippi Artist Roster and presenting his religious monologues disciplinary setting. Activities are designed throughout the south. These monologues to meet the high academic standards include: St. Peter (Fish Tale), St. Paul (The outlined in the competencies of the Last Epistle), John the Baptist (Flower Child), Mississippi Framework. Cultural Barnabas (Giving, and The Son Of Joy!), enrichment, ethnic appreciation, and Judas (Me And My Shadow), and Joseph musical enjoyment of her presentations will (Father To The Step-son). build musical literacy and enhance positive character excellence in your clientele. • Mississippi Artist Roster Envision the service needed, partner with Lannie, and empower your constituents for a life-time. She is available for school, church, and community projects.

• Mississippi Artist Roster 27 Nellie McInnis Annie B. McKee Lil McKinnon-Hicks 759 Glencross Drive, #25-303 5891 Windsor Circle 2204 Heritage Hill Drive Jackson, MS 39206 Meridian, MS 39305 Jackson, MS 39211 601/991-2102 601-681-8525 Home 601-259-6461 [email protected] 601-479-2483 Cell [email protected] [email protected] www.lilmckhjewelry.com Commonly referred to as Mack, Nellie McInnis is a professional bass player. She Annie B. McKee represents the heritage of Lil McKinnon-Hicks spent 20 years has opened shows and performed with Mississippi in her role as storyteller, author, promoting and publicizing the artistic some of the best in the music industry. humorist, public speaker, and creator of endeavors of others before allowing her Mack has performed with legendary jazz historic literary performance events. In own inner-artist the freedom to create. No greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Henry addition, she serves as a teacher for longer described as ‘an artist in search of Mancini, Ellis Marsallis, The Bar-Kays, The creative writing workshops, guest her own media,’ Lil now shares her Delfonics, Bobby Bland, Little Milton, playwright for several community theatres, enthusiasm for jewelry-making with anyone Denise LaSalle, Tyrone Davis, Shirley and presenter of dramatic readings, interested in learning. From high school Brown, Johnny Taylor, Dorothy Moore and especially those of Eudora Welty -- along students to senior citizens, those who Cassandra Wilson. Often working with a with a monologue detailing the life of that watch her demonstrations find themselves traditional or contemporary group of great literary voice from Mississippi. caught up in her excitement and fast-paced musicians, she presents jazz, blues, gospel Humor is a large part of her creativity, as presentation as they learn all about jewelry and music for most any occasion. Mack well as her Mississippi heritage. Both creation. Lil’s small group demonstrations also presents a workshop to youth and areas come to life through her fictional and hands-on workshops can encompass preschoolers entitled “Catch Them While characters, Mrs. Mockingbird and the various aspects of jewelry-making, such as They’re Young.” She has presented talking cats, Brutus and Felix. Her creative beading, wire-wrapping, silversmithing workshops for gifted and physically writing sessions offer an emphasis on life and kiln-firing of enamel onto metal. Every challenged students and has been lessons, family values, and the integrity of demonstration and workshop includes a awarded by the National Committee Arts true friendships. discussion on natural science concepts with the Handicapped, an educational such as metals, minerals and lapidary arts, affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for • Teaching Artist Roster material resources, jewelry-making pointers the performing Arts. McInnis has received • Mississippi Artist Roster and professional bench tips. The workshop numerous awards, certificates and also focuses on the creative concept of recognitions. Mack is available for ‘don’t just think and talk about making performances, workshops and lectures. art….get started now’.

• Mississippi Artist Roster • Mississippi Artist Roster

28 The Mighty Gospel George Miles Jr. Harold Wayne Miller Warriors 509 Lorenz Blvd. Apt A 101 Apple Blossom Drive Jackson, MS 39216 Brandon, MS 39047 Contact: Homer Judon 662-418-0164 601-919-1301 P.O. Box 704 [email protected] 601-400-0032 Pontotoc, MS 38863 [email protected] 662-321-5175 Day George Miles Jr., is a visual artist who 662-489-8582 Evening specializes in photography, collage, mix Harold Wayne Miller has been sculpting [email protected] media and graphic design. He offers a since the age of six. Now a potter-sculptor, wide range of arts and cultural workshops. Miller enjoys working with all ages. He The Mighty Gospel Warriors are a Miles teaches classes on drawing, practices professional standards as he dynamic traditional quartet founded in painting, collage, photography, computer teaches step-by-step educational programs 1987 by brothers Homer and Sammy graphics, and more. He is a native of that enhance the participants’ knowledge Judon from Bruce, Mississippi. The group Starkville and a resident of Jackson. He of the history of pottery, sculpting, types also includes David Welch, C.W. Vance, graduated from Jackson State University and properties of clay, modeling forms, and the brothers’ father, veteran gospel with honors with a B.A. in Graphic Design types of glazes, glazing effects, and the singer Hulet Judon. The Mighty Gospel and a minor in Fine Arts. Miles won process of firing clay. Miller hopes that Warriors have released five CDs. They several awards for his visual arts. His work participants in his workshops find relief also have produced a video version of has been exhibited in numerous of places from their concerns, create legacies for their most recent recording, What a throughout the United States. Miles enjoys their families, and simply enjoy the art of Reunion . They are regular performers at working with individuals from various walks working with clay. gospel concerts around the state and have of life. "I try to inspire and have an impact traveled extensively, performing around the on communities. My work is like a mirror • Mississippi Artist Roster country. The group was judged “Overall that reflects light toward social change." Winner” in the Doc McKenzie New Artist Miles is a leading pioneer in bridging the Showcase (a gospel showcase) in 2005. gap between art and community.

• Mississippi Artist Roster • Mississippi Artist Roster

29 Mississippi Symphony M.U.G.A.B.E.E. Sarah Mutziger Orchestra 23710 Highway 18 5503 13th Place Raymond, MS 39154-9002 Meridian, MS 39305 P.O. Box 2052 601-885-8926 601-485-7778 Jackson, MS 39225 601-934-3550 (cell) 601-960-1565 M.U.G.A.B.E.E. (pronounced “moo-gah- [email protected] www.msorchestra.com bee”) is an acronym meaning “Men Under Guidance Acting Before Early Extinction” Sarah is a seasoned storyteller with Because of the variety of ensembles and describes Maurice and Carlton Turner. something for all ages. She began telling available for touring, thousands of The brothers are spoken word artists, who while she was a therapist and quickly Mississippians enjoy Mississippi Symphony are musicians, singers, lyricists, Songwriters, discovered that stories offered metaphors Orchestra performances each year. producers, engineers, poets, arrangers and and maps for the healing process. She Presenters may choose the Brass Quintet, performers. They offer creative writing and teaches others about telling stories and Woodwind Quintet, String Quartet, songwriting workshops and lead audiences using stories for healing and transformation Chamber Orchestra, Pops Orchestra or in putting their creative writing to music. The in workshops, seminars and classes. She full Orchestra. Programs can be designed brothers also offer community and school also offers storytelling skills classes and from a large repertoire of classical and performances and are available for concert workshops for all levels of telling. Sarah’s contemporary music, and popular and festival performances. repertoire includes worldwide folklore, Broadway tunes. mythology, legends, and unusual ghost • Mississippi Artist Roster stories. Some of her true historical tales • Mississippi Artist Roster include Deborah Sampson: A Revolutionary War Soldier You Don’t Know About , The Evacuation of Dunkirk in WWII through the eyes of a snow goose, Holocaust survivor tales, slave stories, and a Native American wolf story. She worked as an assistant children’s librarian and developed a passion for working with infants and toddlers. She stresses making regular bonding rituals involving stories, books, magazines and the sounds of language using rhyme, singing, and naming of body parts. Sarah tells stories in schools, libraries, museums, universities, civic clubs, retirement communities, nursing homes, churches, and organizations.

• Mississippi Artist Roster

30 Reverend New Stage Theatre Anthony Neumann Marvin K. Myles Contact: Chris Robuck 709 State Street 1100 Carlisle Street Natchez, MS 39120 & the Myles Family Jackson, MS 39202 601-446-5482 Home 207 East South Street 601-948-3533 ext. 232 318-573-2276 Cell Kosciusko, MS 39090 [email protected] [email protected] 662-289-3548 www.newstagetheatre.com [email protected] A professional dancer since 1980, New Stage Theatre brings literature to life Anthony Neumann brings a unique blend The Myles Family hails from Kosciusko. through its educational tours. Each show is of enthusiasm and professionalism to his Singing as a family since 1986, they have formatted for flexible staging and is work with both children and adults. graced the stage in many areas of the adaptable to a number of performance Anthony brings his years of expertise and world. They have performed throughout the spaces. Workshops help students learn to experience with Ballet Mississippi, the south and in Washington, D.C. at the tell stories through improvisation and Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Dance Congressional Gospel Breakfast during the scripted plays. They can also enhance Theater, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet to annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival. The verbal and non-verbal communication dance schools, theaters and school Myles family has three recordings to their skills, emphasize the collaborative nature systems. Anthony is available as guest artist credit: “Why I Sing,” “On God’s Word” of theatre, and provide new avenues to and choreographer for local theater, ballet and recently released, “Mylestone.” Their help teachers across the curriculum. and dance schools in staging full length songs go straight to the heart of each ballets, musicals, ballet partnering, jazz, individual in the audience. Their • Mississippi Artist Roster tap, and ensemble pieces. He offers engagements include churches, festivals, workshops and master classes to dance concerts, schools, parks, and other sites. schools throughout the state, and a wide range of courses and services in musical • Mississippi Artist Roster theater, ballet, tap and jazz ranging from beginning to advanced classes. With over 12 years experience in public schools in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana, Anthony has worked with students of all ages and abilities, and specializes in curriculum for underprivileged and special needs children, including autistic and learning disabled.

• Mississippi Artist Roster

31 John Paul Bill “Howl-N-Madd” Perry Priestess Dancers P.O. Box 1366 P.0.Box 171 Contact: Myra Ancheta Jackson, MS 39205 Abbeville, MS 38601 193 Keesler Circle 601-354-1537, ext. 136 662-832-0504 Biloxi, MS 39530 [email protected] [email protected] 228-860-3606 [email protected] John Paul presents concert programs Bill writes and performs original music, www.priestessdancers.com selected from the entire harpsichord producing CDs which are played repertoire. His specialties are the 17th and throughout the world. He performs in clubs, 18th century French School and the suites festivals, and for private parties. He The Priestess Dancers are a tribal belly of J.S. Bach. His preferred format is the performs with his full band and also as a dance troupe located in Biloxi, Mississippi. informance, in which both the instruments solo acoustic performer. He also does The director of the troupe, Myra Ancheta, and the music are discussed to maximise blues education workshops, having has taught at various locations along the the engagement of the audience. He has worked with B.B. King at his workshop at Gulf Coast. The group is made up of six completed more than five hundred Mississippi Valley State University. He members with various dance backgrounds. appearance and school residencies over recently was cast in scenes with Cuba The dancers are committed to sharing with the past 20 years, and has released Gooding, Jr. in the movie Way of War . the public, this elegant and graceful form several critically-acclaimed recordings from He has been hired as a musician and of dance. The dancers’ eclectic style fuses labels which include Lyrichord and actor for a segment of the top-rated Middle Eastern and Western dance Centaur. One or more harpsichords are television series, Gene Simmons Family moves. brought to your location where good Jewels . Perry has been playing his music • Mississippi Artist Roster lighting and a stable temperature control is for over 40 years. He has played in essential. Fees begin at $500.00 and are festivals and in clubs all over the country, adjusted on the basis of program content and internationally with his band. He is and distance traveled. accustomed to performing for a small group or in front of thousands. • Mississippi Artist Roster • Mississippi Artist Roster support enrich inspire 32 Puppet Arts Theatre Richelle Putnam Michael Richardson Contact: Peter Zapletal 600 Old Country Club Road 621 McIntosh Street 1927 Springridge Drive Meridian, MS 39305 Gulfport, MS 39507-1306 Jackson, MS 39211 601-482-4121 228-248-0013 601-956-3414 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.richelleputnam.net www.mspuppetry.com www.myspace.com/ Michael Richardson created Red String www.mrzpuppets.com richellesongwritermusician Wayang Theatre to perform and promote the art of shadow puppetry or WAYANG. Puppet Arts Theatre is a professional With awards, publishing credits, and After seven years as a marionette player, touring theatre company under the writing certificates in poetry, fiction, non- Michael was sent to Indonesia by the direction of Peter Zapletal, a five-time fiction, and songwriting, Richelle instructs United States Government’s Fulbright Emmy Award winning puppeteer. The all ages on the craft of writing through one- program to learn about this famous form of company makes its own puppets and day workshops and four to six-week Asian theatre. From that experience, he has travels with flexible staging, sound and courses. Her writing workshops include: developed original shadow puppet lights. They offer a complete theatre Creating Unforgettable Characters, performances, using spectacular full color experience in any setting, which at times Writing From Personal Experience, allows children from the audience to Learning from the Movies, Solving Story transparent puppets, from fairy tales for perform with the cast on stage. The Puzzles, Poetry to Song, Writing the Blues, young children to experimental productions repertoire includes “The Toad Prince,” a Building Bridges from Verse to Chorus, for universities. With more than 2000, Chinese retelling of “Beauty & the Beast,” History through Ballads, From the Villain’s performances to date, and years of both “Carnival of the Animals,” “Peter & the Point-of-View, Conflict to Resolution, and studying and living in several Asian Wolf,” "Pinocchio" and “The Fisherman & more. She has been an artist-in-residence countries, Michael is a recognized resource His Wife.” Caldecott Award winning at schools and Girls Scouts of America, in the field of puppet theatre. Red String "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters,” an African facilitated journaling sessions in prison tale or “Sahara Zoo,” a celebration of settings with incarcerated women, worked Wayang Theatre offers performances, African folk tales. in libraries, community centers, Headstart residency packages, and teacher training Programs, and Boys and Girls Clubs. Her sessions that celebrate this fascinating • Teaching Artist Roster original songs have been played on many artform. • Mississippi Artist Roster radio stations, including Iradio LA, Skope Magazine Radio, Acoustic Fuel, • Mississippi Artist Roster WomensRadio, Women of Substance, Band Radio, Banana Peel, Midnight Special Blues Hour, and Dr. Lou’s Blues Radio. She has performed her music all over the state.

• Teaching Artist Roster • Mississippi Artist Roster 33 Rhonda Richmond Connie Roberts Jesse Robinson 1626 Schoolview Drive 405 Bay Street 3914 Slayton Avenue Jackson, MS 39213 Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Jackson, MS 39213 601-497-1234 601-318-6180 Day 601-362-8019 [email protected] 601-544-4316 Evening [email protected] [email protected] Rhonda Richmond’s new CD, R hythm & Jesse Robinson has been a leading force Strings , showcases her musical talents as a Connie Roberts has over twenty years of on the Jackson blues and jazz scenes since singer and songwriter. Historically, song performing and teaching experience with the early 1960s. A native of the Delta, writing has been used as a coping high school, university and adult students. Robinson is equally adept at performing mechanism and a communication tool. She is a soprano who sings art songs, down home blues as he is with jazz Richmond will use creative writing through opera, oratorio, and music theatre works, classics and pop standards. He has song as a tool to help stimulate positive with an emphasis on American music. She performed as a guitarist in the bands of thinking and build self-esteem. This performs as a recital soloist and with several blues legends, including Z.Z. Hill, approach teaches the importance of instrumental ensembles and has sung in the Little Milton Campbell, and Bobby Rush. silence and stillness in order to learn to United States, Europe and the People’s He appeared in the 2003 documentary, love. In addition to workshops, Richmond Republic of China. The current Southern “The Last of the Mississippi Jukes,” which offers performances of original works and Region Governor of the National chronicled the late night blues tradition at arranged standards throughout the country. Association of Teachers of Singing, she Jackson’s Subway Lounge. Robinson offers She performs in communities and cultural teaches voice and directs the opera a wide range of musical programs to venues such as museums, secondary and program at William Carey University. Dr. presenters, including solo performances, post secondary educational institutions and Roberts is available as a performer or as a guitar duos, and full bands. He has art and cultural festivals. Her music is a teacher of voice master classes for choral conducted educational programs in k-12 variety of fusion between world jazz, groups or for young singers. She teaches schools and university settings. Robinson blues, and world rhythems. healthy voice principles designed to help also regularly represents the Mississippi class participants avoid vocal damage. Development Authority at performances • Mississippi Artist Roster around the country. • Mississippi Artist Roster • Mississippi Artist Roster

34 Jo Ann Robinson Rosalind Roy Theresa Sanchez 683 Spring Lake Drive 6671 Presidential Drive 907 N. 34th Avenue Pearl, MS 39208-6646 Jackson, MS 39213 Hattiesburg, MS 39401 601-932-9749 601-981-1022 601-271-8700 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Jo Ann Robinson has been acting Rosalind is a visual artist who works in Pianist Theresa Sanchez pursues a varied professionally for over 30 years in multiple mediums, including clay sculpture, career as a soloist and collaborative television, film, regional theatre, voice over paper collage and computer illustration. musician. She has presented recitals in the work, and corporate training films. Based She studied art at Jackson State University United States, Canada, and Europe and out of Los Angeles from 1978-1989, her and Tougaloo College. Her work has has been soloist with the Mississippi credits include co-starring roles in “The been exhibited in numerous places around Symphony Orchestra, the Mississippi New Love American Style” and the central Mississippi, including the Attic Wind Symphony, The University of nationally syndicated “Comedy of Gallery in Vicksburg, VSA arts Gallery in Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Comedies.” She has also appeared as a Jackson, and with the Vicksburg Arts (including the CD Southern Nights) and stand-up comedienne at Hollywood’s Association. Roy offers programs for school The Wind Ensemble. Dr. Sanchez was the Laugh Factory and The Ice House, famous groups that are focused on polymer clay founding artistic administrator for the for headliners such as Jay Leno and Joan sculpting or paper collage art. The clay Vicksburg International Chamber Music Rivers. Robinson was a founding member workshop can be used to help reinforce Festival and performed in each series with and writer for the L.A. based comedy curriculum concepts in different subject various outstanding artists. She is a faculty group Half-a-Deck, which was named a areas, including science, geography, and member at Jones County Junior College in ‘Best Bet’ by the L.A. Times. She has been history. The paper collage workshop Ellisville, where she received the 2004 a regular at New Stage Theatre in Jackson focuses on the principles of color and HEADWAE Award and 2007 Humanities for nearly twenty years, and travels around design. award. She formerly taught at William the U.S. performing in regional theatre. Carey University, the Mississippi Keyboard Ms. Robinson is now presenting Eudora • Mississippi Artist Roster Camp and the Okanagon Summer School Welty’s “Why I Live at the P.O.” as a one of the Arts in British Columbia. From 2003 person show for schools and special to 2006, she performed in the interest groups across Mississippi. Most International Music Institute in Pontlevoy, technical elements are provided including France. She is featured on the Southern a portable set and sound. Arts Federation’s online registry, Southern Artistry and has performed on Mississippi • Mississippi Artist Roster Public Broadcasting’s “Mississippi Concert” Hall, “High Notes” on WMSV Radio and WQXR of New York, on the acclaimed program “Reflections from the Keyboard” with David Dubal.

• Mississippi Artist Roster 35 Dayton Scoggins Rosangela Yazbec Sebba Shallow Creek 211 Highway 11 N. Sandersville 1212 Louisville Street, Apt #1 Contact: Farron Moeller Heidelberg, MS 39439-3009 Starkville, MS 39759 116 Moeller Road 601-649-6054 662-325-2854 Day Picayune, MS 39466-7576 [email protected] 662-312-7384 Evening 601/798-3933 [email protected] [email protected] Dayton Scoggins was born and raised in www.music.msstate.edu/faculty/ Greene County and now resides in staff.php?id=rys3 Shallow Creek is a bluegrass and country Sandersville, with his wife Michelle. He is gospel band comprised of five professional recognized as a world class chainsaw men living in Pearl River County, Mississippi. artist. His art is exhibited in both private Rosangela Yazbec Sebba is a Brazilian The band’s goal is to promote the gospel in and public collections in every state and pianist who offers a variety of programs: song, in an entertaining, uplifting, and several countries. Dayton has attended chamber music with vocal and instrumental respectful manner. Three brothers, Farron, and won several international and national partners, concerto for orchestras and wind Brent and Jonathan Moeller, produce invitational competitions. Most recently, he ensembles, solo recitals, lecture/recitals unmatched vocal harmony along with the won first place for the World Cup at the and/or lectures of Brazilian music, master amazing instru-mental talents of Kenny HuskyCup in Mulda, Germany. In past classes and workshops. She is the founder Dawsey and Greg Stone. A young fiddle years, he has been one of less than a and coordinator of the "Brazilian Music player, Jake Moeller, is the most recent handful of Americans invited to carve in Festival" at Mississippi State University addition to the group. Their performances places such as Toei, Japan and where she is part of the music faculty. Her consist of vocal and instrumental material Sandringham, England. Dayton repertoire ranges from classical to twentieth presented in a professional but interesting participates and enjoys giving back such century music, especially Spanish and Latin style, using a variety of acoustic string as his "Art in Public Places" projects for American music. instruments and some light comedic parks, museums and even with the famous narrative. Whether in a church service, "Hurricane Katrina Beautification Project" in • Mississippi Artist Roster festival, club, organization, or other venue, several cities along the Mississippi Gulf Shallow Creek can easily adjust Coast, including Biloxi and Gulfport on performances to fit any audience or time Highway 90. Dayton's appeal to the requirement. general public and critics alike is balanced and widespread. He has been featured on • Mississippi Artist Roster local, national and international television and in newspapers and magazines across the country.

• Mississippi Artist Roster

36 “Big” Joe Shelton Robert & Debra Shinn Shirley Simpson 1177 West Plymouth Road 591 Hwy 41 East 1426 Bay Vista Columbus, MS 39701 Okolona, MS 38860 Brandon, MS 39047 662-243-7076 662-447-0134 601-573-9904 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.bigjoeshelton.com www.brigidsforge.com www.myspace.com/bigjoeshelton Shirley Simpson is a member of Actor’s Silversmiths and artists, Robert and Debra Equity and works professionally as an Shinn train students of all ages to actress, director and writer. At New Stage “Big” Joe Shelton performs traditional Theatre in Jackson, MS she starred as Carrie standards, contemporary and original manipulate metal into wearable works of art. They offer demonstrations and Watts in “The Trip to Bountiful,” played the blues compositions as a solo artist, as well title role in “Shirley Valentine,” Hannah in as with various combinations of supporting workshops; individual classes are also available. Taking a step-by-step approach, “The Spitfire Grill,” plus leading roles in musicians. He is a master of the “Grace & Glory,” “The Exact Center of the “Mississippi Saxophone,” also known as they acquaint the student with the basic tools for working metal, moving from saw Universe”, and “Impossible Marriage”. the blues harmonica. He was born in Other regional theatre roles include “The Columbus and as a young man befriended and files to hammers and stamps, and eventually to the open-flame torch for Gin Game,” “Forty Carats,” “Brighton blues legend “Big” Joe Williams of Beach Memoirs,” “Broadway Bound” and Crawford, Mississippi, who greatly fabrication and casting. Members of the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi, they have “The Lion in Winter”. Off-Broadway she influenced his musical sensibilities. Shelton played Laurette Taylor in “Laurette”. The has performed his powerful vocal stylings replicated historic silver pieces for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. owner of Magna Carta Productions, she and haunting harmonica harmonies for conducts workshops and provides keynote audiences throughout the Southeastern They have helped people learn to express their creativity in sterling silver since 1992, speeches on communication, “What to Say United States, as well as in Canada, & How to Say It,” on boundary setting, England, France, Belgium, Bulgaria and first on the Gulf Coast and currently in north Mississippi. “When to say Yes, when to say No,” and the Netherlands. He presents an on “Creativity, Celebrate your Gifts.” She educational program, “Coming Together in • Mississippi Artist Roster conducts a master class in acting, and the Blues,” for communities throughout presents programs of comedy and drama Mississippi as a representative of the Jazz for civic, professional and church Foundation of America and the Howlin’ organizations. Currently, she is touring with Wolf Blues Society of West Point, her new comedy/drama series, “Women Mississippi. Shelton has recorded three of influence,” featuring one-woman albums. performances as Katherine Hepburn, Erma Bombeck, Sarah Cannon (aka • Mississippi Artist Roster Minnie Pearl!).

• Mississippi Artist Roster

37 Tammy Stanford-Williams John M. Stark R. Adrian Sturdivant 422 W. Chickasaw Street 1044 Bayridge Drive 224 Bay Park Drive Brookhaven, MS 39601 Jackson, MS 39211 Brandon, MS 39047 601-325-5275 -cell 601-214-7426 601-954-2117 Day 601-823-1333 -office [email protected] 601-992-9847 Evenings [email protected] [email protected] John Stark brings a wealth of imagination Tammy Stanford is Dance and Movement to audiences young and old through his Hours at the lathe and tutoring by world Specialist for Theatre, Voice, and Visual song and story performances. His class turners have taught Adrian Sturdivant inspirations range from childhood Arts at the Mississippi School for the Arts in the techniques of faceplate woodturning. experiences with African-American Brookhaven. She has designed, taught, Through years of applying these storyteller Arthur “Pipe” Montgomery, to his and implemented dance education techniques, he has become accomplished days as a mountain travel and sea- programs for public schools in Hazlehurst, at turning open and closed faced bowls kayaking instructor with the National Lamar County, Hattiesburg, Petal, Laurel (with and without natural edges) and City Schools, the University of Southern Outdoor Leadership School. John hollow form art. He also creates beautiful Mississippi and William Carey University. developed his repertoire while teaching Christmas ornaments and wooden pens. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance environmental science to 5th graders. His His focus is to display the natural beauty of Performance and Choreography from the song and story CD, Sister Water, Brother University of Southern Mississippi. She also Sun: Songs and Stories of Nature for all highly figured hardwood. He seals the end holds Mississippi teacher licensure in Ages is a sure hit with children twelve and grain and air dries wood stock to minimize Dance and Theatre, University of Southern younger! In his work with the Children and distortion. His preference is burl, Mississippi clinical teacher certification, Nature Network, he works to provide stumpwood and crotchwood. He strives to and graduate training in Process better access to safe nature play make his work visually pleasing and Pedagogy, the acclaimed teaching opportunities. John’s children’s picture creates it to be handled and displayed. methodology by Jacque d’Amboise of book, Read This Book Outside , extols the He is involved with the Magnolia New York’s National Dance Institute. In importance of outside play in nature for Woodturners and serves on the board of 2004, she was named “Thad Cochran children’s health and their desire as adults directors of the American Association of Distinguished Arts Educator” in dance from to preserve our environment. The book is Woodturners. the Mississippi Alliance for Arts Education. recommended as a way for families to emphasize a balance between outside She has created, choreographed, directed, • Mississippi Artist Roster and produced concert stage performances play and television and video game time. with visual art, theatre, music and dance John has worked with schools to improve for over eighteen years. Her latest works science-testing scores by bringing natural include co-authoring a four-part children’s science alive! Topics also include cultural series on space, time, energy and shape diversity, geography with map and designed for elementary educators to teach compass, seasonal topics such as the creative processes to students. Thanksgiving and Halloween, tall tales and action songs. John has toured • Teaching Artist Roster extensively with the youth library summer reading program series. He is a sought- after speaker for Rotary, Lions and other 38 community service groups. • Mississippi Artist Roster Marcella Kaye Sullivan TomFoolery Tricia Walker 4112 Brenmar Lane 6389 Hwy. 342 P.O. Box 552 Durham, NC 27713 Pontotoc, MS 38863 Cleveland, MS 38732 919-450-0811 662-377-4283 Day 662-846-5270 [email protected] 662-489-1069 Evening [email protected] [email protected] www.bigfrontporch.com For Marcella Kaye Sullivan, dance is www.myspace.com/tomfooleryinfo composed of creative expression, Tricia Walker is a singer and songwriter mathematic structure, language arts skills, TomFoolery is an acoustic music trio from whose songs are steeped in the passion, cultural diversity, scientific kinetic study, North Mississippi who have been playing pain and grace of the American South. historic concept, problem solving, critical together for twenty-five years. During that Born and raised in Mississippi, Walker has thinking, teamwork orientation and time, they have played many festivals, become one of the clearest voices of her personal responsibilities, which are clubs and gathering in the finest establish- own time and place. Her music has been essential to academic achievement. ments and locations in the Southeast. recorded by Faith Hill, Patty Loveless and Appropriate for short term projects, Among these are The GumTree Festival in Alison Krauss, whose performance of Sullivan’s “Dance Across the Curriculum” Tupelo, The Red River Revel in Shreveport, Tricia’s “Looking in the Eyes of Love” uses dance techniques and Papa’s Place at Vanelli’s in Tupelo and the earned a Grammy. Tricia’s one-woman interdisciplinary dance activities designed Rum Boogie Café on Beale Street in show, “The Heart of Dixie,” is a multimedia for teachers and students to use in the Memphis. The group’s playlist includes the presentation of original songs and stories classroom daily. Staff development and best known names in the history of popular that offers the personal reflections of a teacher training are offered for all grade music, including Bob Dylan, James Taylor, white Southerner growing up in small-town levels. Ray Charles, John Prine and Neil Young. (Fayette) Mississippi in the 1960s during They also perform original acoustic/folk the civil rights movement. A recording artist • Teaching Artist Roster material. The group consists of acoustic herself, Tricia’s songs thoughtfully capture guitars, mandolin and stand-up bass. the songwriter’s view of the South with well- placed lyrics and music reflecting her folk, • Mississippi Artist Roster R&B and storytelling influences. Walker offers an entertaining slice of her places and times, delivered with a beautiful voice, strong musicianship and the ease of a veteran entertainer.

• Mississippi Artist Roster

39 Pat Walker-Fields The Larry Wallace Band The Wang-Rodgers 14 South First Street P.O. Box 714 Piano Duo Rolling Fork, MS 39159-5155 Starkville, MS 39760 Contact: Stacy Rodgers 662/873-4003 662-323-9264 325 Ridgewood Manor Drive [email protected] [email protected] Oxford, MS 38655 www.larrywallaceband.com 662-915-7027 Pat is recognized as a gifted contemp- 662-236-3020 orary Southern painter. Her highly The Larry Wallace Band of Starkville, representational works are masterful has been busy traveling and performing [email protected] exercises of chiaroscuro...the manipulation for fans of traditional bluegrass music in [email protected] of light and dark. Pat has honed her talent Mississippi and all across the country. Their from which her particular “language of art” highlight performance has to be their The husband and wife team of Diane has emerged. The contrast of light and its 2002 appearance at The Country Music Wang and Stacy Rodgers has been absence, evocative of Rembrandt’s use of Hall of Fame in Nashville. In 2003, the performing together since 1983. They chiaroscuro, is the defining component of band was honored to be chosen as the have presented recitals throughout the her style. By means of it, she aims “to featured entertainment for Vice-President Midwest, South, and Southwest. A create mystery and emotion.” These Dick Cheney’s visit to Mississippi. In 2005, perennial favorite of Oxford audiences, elements are the real subjects of her work. the band performed on the award-winning their programs offer an intriguing blend of The views evoke tales of life in imagined “Thacker Mountain Radio” on Mississippi standard four-hand and two-piano homes and times. Her representation of the Public Radio. They have appeared at repertoire, daring new works by human face is a view to the inner world of Mississippi State University, The University contemporary composers, ballets by Aaron the subject’s personality; the unarticulated of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi Copland, Latin-American dances, ragtime, life-quest, heroic, tragic, wise, at-risk, on the University for Women, Blue Mountain and music by jazz giant Dave Brubeck. A cusp of accepting inevitable challenges College, and have also made television favorite program for children is "Cartoon and the resigned contentment of latter appearances on RFD-TV and the CBS Classics," featuring works made famous in years. Pat was in the Oil Painters of Evening News . The Larry Wallace Band the animated films featuring Bugs Bunny, America and Richeson 75/Still Life show. plays bluegrass music in the traditional Tom and Jerry, and Walt Disney’s Awards include Joan Mitchell Foundation; style, with a rock-solid presentation of "Fantasia." The Andy Warhol Foundation, Visual Arts heart-felt singing and tasteful Contemporary Arts Center, PBS, and VAA. instrumentation, along with a very • Mississippi Artist Roster Pat has been featured in Southwest Art, professional and high-energy stage show. Gallery’s & Artists of the South, Delta Magazine , American Art Collector and in • Mississippi Artist Roster the hardback issue of Jack Richeson, International Richeson Still Life 2008 .

• Mississippi Artist Roster

40 Baba Melvin Robin Whitfield Chandra Williams “Ola-Tunji” Wheeler 125 Green Street 207 Herman Drive Grenada, MS 38901 Oxford, MS 38655 1636 Raymond Road 662-230-0368 662-232-8749 Apartment 12-E [email protected] [email protected] Jackson, MS 39204-4290 www.robinwhitfield.com 601-376-4108 Chandra Williams is an all-around resource [email protected] Robin Whitfield is a painter, teacher, and for teachers wishing to incorporate art into naturalist. She offers a variety of other academic areas. She has a large Wheeler is a master drummer who has workshops, classroom projects, and master repertoire of visual art applications in been playing percussion instruments for classes, including "The Art of Seeing," an science, history, reading and math. Some over 40 years. His drumming and outdoor workshop for advanced painters of her projects include paper-making, percussions accentuate any program from that explores painting the color of light in painting, drawing, origami, pinhole cultural, heritage to traditional. Ola-Tunji nature; "Earth Stories," a workshop for cameras, clay animation, mobiles, creating has been the opening act for many events nature enthusiasts using art techniques to kaleidoscopes, candle-making and much and functions. He has performed all over observe and record the specifics of more. She trains teachers how to apply the country and throughout Mississippi. His ecological systems; "The Art of Ecology," a visual art in their classrooms and works with presentations enhance community efforts presentation that looks at the natural world school administrators on creative ways to and strengthen the bond between music through the work of artists and writers; "The engage students, through hands-on and the listener’s ear. He can work solo or Final Step," a step-by-step workshop on learning. She offers one-time workshops or with other musicians to create a well- matting, framing and presenting two is available for multiple visits or residencies. rounded program. dimensional artwork; and "Learning About Nature Through Art," a classroom program • Teaching Artist Roster • Mississippi Artist Roster for grades 4-12 that works to enhance natural science concepts.

• Mississippi Artist Roster

41 Terry "Big T" Williams Wiley & the Checkmates Bill Wilson 634 Cherry Street P.O.Box 552 533 Choctaw Road Clarksdale, MS 38614 Oxford, MS 38655 Jackson, MS 39206 662-302-4979 662-513-5286 601-982-9394 www.wileyandthecheckmates.com www.billwilsonstudio.com Born in Farrell, just outside Clarksdale, www.myspace.com/wileyandthecheckmates www.pippinandmaxx.com Terry “Big T” Williams has been playing [email protected] the blues for over two decades. Early on, Wiley and the Checkmates is a seven- he studied with local blues guitar legend piece horn-driven soul band that draws on Johnnie Billington who taught him the Bill Wilson has worked and supported his the sound of ‘60s. Lifelong Oxford, family as a professional artist for over basics. “Big T” also learned on the road Mississippi resident Herbert Wiley formed twenty years. He is a portrait painter, but with blues bands like the Jelly Roll Kings, the Checkmates with a group of high his experience is broad and extensive – Welsey Jefferson Band, Little Jeno’s All-Stars school friends in 1960. The original and the Stone Gas Band. Through the Checkmates were regulars on the campus from portraits and gallery work, to years, he has sat in or backed musicians of Ole Miss and played around the illustration and movie storyboarding. He like Albert King, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Southeast and Midwest backing up soul has a way of making the worlds of CeDell Davis, Robert Belfour, Big George legends like Otis Clay, Percy Sledge, and drawing, painting, anatomy and color Brock, Nora Jean Bruso and Jimbo Mathus. Syl Johnson. After a dozen years with the theory fun and inviting. His belief is that the His biggest influence is Clarksdale’s “Big Checkmates, Wiley quit music to run the technical components of creating a Jack” Johnson, who “Big T” played with for family business and raise a family. In painting or drawing need not be confusing several years in the Delta and on tour. His 2002, Wiley brought together local or intimidating. In a smooth easy going recorded legacy includes sessions with gospel, jazz, and rock musicians and style, a whole new world opens up to his blues legends and Lonnie fashioned a modern take on the sound of students. The one comment he hears Pitchford as well as albums under his own the original Checkmates. Wiley began consistently from his students is “that is the name, including “Meet me in the Cotton crisscrossing the Southeast playing venues first time I really understood how to make Field” (2007) which was featured on XM ranging from Alabama to the annual the paint do what I want it to do.” Ponderosa Stomp festival in New Orleans, Satellite Radio’s “Bluesville.” He has played where the Checkmates played their own at the Chicago Blues Festival, St. Louis’ Big • Mississippi Artist Roster set and were the backing band for a half Muddy Blues Festival, Helena’s King Biscuit dozen soul legends. Wiley and the Blues Festival and Clarksdale’s Juke Joint Checkmates released their debut CD, Festival. When not playing, “Big T” spends Introducing, in 2004 and their second his time teaching students the art of Delta record, We Call It Soul, on Chicago’s blues guitar. Rabbit Factory Records in 2008. Wiley and the Checkmates are available to play • Mississippi Artist Roster club shows, festivals, parties, or community events.

• Mississippi Artist Roster 42 www.arts.state.ms Louis Arzo Peter Zapletal "Gearshifter" 1927 Springridge Drive Jackson, MS 39211 Youngblood 601-956-3414 P.O. Box 209 [email protected] Crystal Springs, MS 39059 www.mspuppetry.com 601-540-0642 www.mrzpuppets.com [email protected] www.myspace.com/gearshifterblues Enhance your students speaking abilities, thinking skills and appreciation of literature and music through creative puppetry Louis Arzo Youngblood, aka “Gearshifter” activities that delight and captivate. Using has been playing the blues since he was a either well-known Aesop’s Fables or musical child in south Mississippi. While growing story of “Peter & the Wolf,” this project will up in Walthall County, he learned to play engage students in expressive reading and the guitar from his great aunt, Essie May movement. In a workshop for the teachers, Youngblood, and his grandfather, Arzo he will demonstrate many different kinds of Youngblood. They both learned directly puppets, fairly simple to make either by the from pioneering bluesman, Tommy Johnson. teachers or the students, and if time permits, In addition to performing several Johnson he will lead the teachers through a puppet- songs and other pre-World War II material, making session. He is the Artistic Director Louis is fluent in modern blues and is unique for Puppet Arts Theatre, recipient of three in the blues field by playing contemporary Artist Fellowship Awards from MAC, Jim soul/blues hits on acoustic guitar. He has Henson Foundation grant for his production been playing in bands as both a vocalist of “The Golem” and recipient of five Emmy and guitarist since his teens and several Awards for his television work, will lead the years ago he began performing as a solo teachers or students through what was acoustic act. described as “This was best use of time and talent I have ever seen” by a teacher • Mississippi Artist Roster from Charleston Upper Elementary. Peter Zapletal, who recently participated in Kennedy Center’s Seminar, Artists as Educators: “Planning Effective Workshops for Teachers,” is available for short and longer term residencies throughout the year.

• Teaching Artist Roster • Mississippi Artist Roster 43 Pine Needle Baskets by Bessie Johnson

Mississippi Arts Commission 501 North West Street Suite 1101A Woolfolk Building Jackson, MS 39201 601-359-6030 Phone 601-359-6008 Fax 800-582-2233 TDD (Mississippi Relay Service)

www.arts.state.ms.us