2016-2017 McCain Conversations

A Brief History of the American Musical

6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 14, Kirmser Hall, McCain Auditorium

Host: Assistant Professor Jerry Jay Cranford, Broadway performer, 30-year Actor’s Equity member and K-State Theatre faculty

This purely American art form originated in New York City and has traveled the world as has this special concert of eclectic musical pieces by some of Broadway’s most talented performers.

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway.

TAP!

6:30 p.m. Monday, May 8, Kirmser Hall, McCain Auditorium

Host: Julie Pentz, Associate Director of Dance and Associate Professor of Music, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Kansas State University

We will explore the styles of tap dance and specifically learn about the Broadway style of tap that will be featured in the performance of of 42nd Street. This conversation conversation will also feature student members of the K-State Tap Dance Ensemble. Join us to learn about the many tap dance opportunities that K-State has to offer and enjoy tap dance live.

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of 42nd Street.

The Three B's of humor in music: Bach, Borge and Bugs Bunny

3 p.m. Sunday, April 2, Chapman Theatre

Host: Paul Hunt, Ph.D., Professor of Music, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Kansas State University

Parody and satire have long been associated as a natural part of artistic expression. Paul Hunt’s pre-concert presentation will address this tradition in music and how The Mnozil Brass is following in the footsteps trod by many serious performing artists.

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of Mnozil Brass.

Pilobolus: Invention and Surprise in the Choreographic Process

6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, Kirmser Hall, McCain Auditorium

Host: Kate Digby, Assistant Professor of Music, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Kansas State University

Started by three self-identified “jocks” who met in a dance class at Dartmouth College in 1971, Pilobolus Dance Theater has become one of the most widely renowned dance companies in the world. Join us to find out what the company’s name means, how it has inspired their evolution over the last 45 years, and how “not knowing” can create a space for invention to flourish.

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of Pilobolus: Shadowland.

This is Hip!!

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, Kirmser Hall, McCain Auditorium

Host: Steven Maxwell, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Music, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Kansas State University

Whether the music from Tower of Power is described as soul, funk, rock, or anything in between, the band certainly helped us answer the question, "What is Hip?" Join us for this presentation as we discover how a horn-driven band has rocked the charts and backed countless musicians over the years, creating an impressive impact on the world of rock 'n' roll!

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of Tower of Power.

Pippin and Fosse's Broadway Legacy

6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, Kirmser Hall, McCain Auditorium

Host: Assistant Professor Jerry Jay Cranford, Broadway performer, 30 year Actors' Equity member and K-State theatre faculty

The renowned choreographer saved this and many musicals with his irreverent, sexualized dancing. Learn more about his body of work and maybe even a move or two.

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of Pippin.

Storytelling Through Movement and Ballet

6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, Kirmser Hall, McCain Auditorium

Host: Stephen Loch, Instructor of Dance, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Kansas State University

The Russian National Ballet Theatre is known for its dedication to classical ballet and bringing this tradition to audiences around the world. Cinderella is a familiar story and masterfully crafted for the stage by the RNBT. This conversation will examine the tradition of storytelling, the unique challenges behind storytelling through movement, and how the ballet has its own specific way of telling a story. You might even learn a conversation through ballet mime.

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of Cinderella: Russian National Ballet Theatre.

How Many Tenors Does It Take To...

6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, Kirmser Hall, McCain Auditorium

Host: Reginald Pittman, Ph.D., Professor of Music and Director of Opera, Kansas State University

Starting with the success of the Three Tenors (Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras), many vocal ensembles have emerged. What is unique about these "Ten Tenors" from Australia?

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of The Ten Tenors.

Empty Eyes and ‘Leapin’ Lizards’: The Politics and Transmediality of Little Orphan Annie

6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, Kirmser Hall, McCain Auditorium

Host: Shannon Skelton, Ph.D., Instructor of Music, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Kansas State University

This presentation will explore the politics of Little Orphan Annie and its creator Harold Gray. It will also consider Little Orphan Annie’s presence across a spectrum of media, from comic strips and radio to stage and film. The presentation, featuring extensive images and clips from radio, will examine how Little Orphan Annie has altered and evolved through its almost 100 years of existence.

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of Annie.

The Language of Afro-Cuban Music

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, Kirmser Hall, McCain Auditorium

Host: Kurt Gartner, Professor of Percussion, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Kansas State University

How can the music of Cuba — the island nation found approximately 90 miles from our own shores — be at the same time so familiar and also so exotic? Like North American jazz, the music of Cuba represents the igneous combination of African and European cultures, forged from the sweetness of sugar cane and the bitterness of slavery. In this McCain Conversation, Kurt Gartner, professor of music, will discuss the roots of popular Cuban music, including the rhythms called son, danzón and rumba. The musical discussion will be brought to life by members of the K-State Latin Jazz Ensemble, which Gartner directs. Together, they will demonstrate rhythms and styles, and give the audience a sort of "listener's guide" in anticipation of the concert.

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of Havana Cuba All-Stars.

Good Stuff at the Nexus

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, Kirmser Hall, McCain Auditorium

Host: Alfred Cochran, Professor of Music, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Kansas State University

This innovative and intriguing Canadian group has an apropos mission statement focusing upon “the goal of attracting new and diverse audiences to the performing arts.” Wow! What a laudable and much needed thing! And how do they do this? They, like musicians from centuries past, have discovered that the “good stuff” often lies at the nexus of contrasting, even conflicting, styles. And in that heady and roiling environment, they craft a new way of looking at things artistic that is invigorating, captivating and ultimately very appealing, pulling together styles and performance practices from a variety of sources. Classical music, poetry, jazz, blues, rock and pop all converge in new and exciting ways at the hands of these masterful musicians. Though you may not know the Art of Time Ensemble, this concert is one not to be missed! Join me for a brief exploration of their music before the show begins. We’ll have a great time — promise!

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band — Art of Time Ensemble.

From the Outer Hebrides to Home: Julie Fowlis and Music of the Scottish Isles

3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 All Faiths Chapel

Elizabeth Robinson, Instructor of Music, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Kansas State University

Enrich your McCain performance experience with this Conversation about nationalism and the folk music revival. With an emphasis on traditional music of Scotland and Gaelic singing, we'll explore how one of the world's richest musical traditions impacts — and is impacted by — culture, politics, and national borders.

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of Julie Fowlis: Music of the Scottish Isles.

The Politics of Parody

6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, Kirmser Hall, McCain Auditorium

Host: David Mackay, Assistant Professor of Acting/Directing, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Kansas State University

For over 30 years, the Capitol Steps have been poking fun at politics through song and parody. The troupe has recorded a multitude of hilarious albums, and have been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS, and can be heard four times a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their "Politics Takes a Holiday" radio specials. Many cast members have worked on Capitol Hill, serving for both Democrats or Republicans. No matter who holds office, there is never a shortage of material. This discussion will focus on the creation of parody from news story to performance.

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of Capitol Steps: What to Expect When You're Electing.

Pat Metheny: Trio In Transition!

6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, Kirmser Hall, McCain Auditorium

Host: Wayne Goins, Director of Jazz Studies, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Kansas State University

Don't miss the opportunity to see the 20-time Grammy-winning guitarist Pat Metheny in a rare moment — he's taking a break from his regular rigorous routine! In Pat's own words, "This past year is the first time I have taken any real time off since 1994." As the newest and youngest member of the Downbeat Hall of Fame, he's performing on tour with his longtime drummer Antonio Sanchez and two new talents, Malaysian/Australian bassist Linda Oh and British Pianist Gwilym Simcock. What music should we expect? Pat says, "It could really be anything and everything!"

Coffee and light desserts provided. Free to all ticket holders of An Evening With Pat Metheny.