Marilyn Maye At The Pearson

To Broaden Horizons Through the Arts

PRESS RELEASE

What: Marilyn Maye

When: Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 8pm

Where: Pearson Lakes Art Center Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre

Cost: Members $22, Non-members $26, Students $13

Contact: Andrea Tonsfeldt at 712-332-7013 ext 107

Pictures Available Upon Request

Marilyn Maye Returns to the Pearson Lakes Art Center for one night only!

Internationally acclaimed singer, Marilyn Maye to perform another amazing show. Join us at the Pearson Lakes Art Center on Saturday, August 22, 2009 for a style of musical entertainment which emphasizes the intangible communication between the audience and performer. Marilyn has gained recognition as one who frequently utilizes humor with her artistry personality. Her deep respect for excellence, taste and imagination makes her performances an experience to remember. Marilyn has been performing at New York City’s Metropolitan Room recently and Gregg Culling from Talkin’ Broadway calls Marilyn “A force of nature”. Marc Shiaman, composer of the Broadway musical Hairspray said “Pure Talent wrapped up in a style of showbiz that sadly doesn’t really exist anymore. If you wanna see the real thing…go!”

Don’t miss out on “the real thing”, Miss Marilyn Maye at the Pearson Lakes Art Center, Saturday, August 22, 200 9at 8pm!

Sponsored by the Pomerantz Family and supported by Judy Thoreson Family, Rosemarie & Dennis Ward, John & Linda Hopkins, Al & Delores Maser and our Gold Corporate Partners: Bank Midwest; Signe Kim Lauridsen-Jones; Liberty Bank; & Wells Blue Bunny and Silver Corporate Partners: United Community Bank; Spirit Lake Hy-Vee; Midwest Coca-Cola; Northwest Bank; The Inn at Okoboji; the Bud Pearson Fund for Art Education; Tom Fuhrman’s Edward Jones Investments; Kum & Go; Piccadilly Circus Pizza/LandMark Products, Spirit Lake Silver & Gold, Diamond Vogel Paints, & Gene Krueger Construction

Get your tickets soon as this has been a sold out show for many years running. Call the Pearson Lakes Art Center box office- 712-332-7013, go to www.lakesart.org or stop by to get your tickets today!

Rockin Jake At Okoboji

Rockin Jake will be up at the Iowa Great Lakes performing at the Pearson. Here is the press release

To Broaden Horizons Through the Arts

PRESS RELEASE- For immediate release- pictures on request

What:

When: Date and time

Where: Pearson Lakes Art Center

Cost:

Rockin’ Jake at the Pearson Lakes Art Center

[Okoboji, IA] – Get out of the summer heat for a night and join the Pearson Lakes Art Center crew for an evening of amazing New Orleans music and smoking BBQ with New Orleans’ Rockin’ Jake on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 7:30pm. Jakes’ mix of Zydeco, Blues, Second-Line and funky harmonica riffs will have you dancing all night long. Don’t miss out on a hot night of amazing music!

Spending a sizable chunk of time under that Yellow Moon of New Orleans is bound to throw a kink or two into anyone’s growth pattern, but if you’re a musician with feet firmly planted in the loam of American roots music, it can be like a shot of high-nitrogen fertilizer -- exactly as it’s been for Rockin’ Jake. After a Downeast youth spent following the kindred paths of traditional and contemporary blues, and touring with artists such as Maria Muldaur through the ‘80s, Jake found himself working with the great New Orleans blues belter Marva Wright shortly after his arrival in the Crescent City. He soon formed the Rockin’ Jake Blues Band, featuring such renowned local roots artists as Mem Shannon, Brint Anderson, and Coco Robichaux.

In addition to working with his own band, in the 1990s he made North American and European tours as a featured artist with G. Love & Special Sauce, bluesman T.J. Wheeler, and New Orleans legends Oliver Morgan, Eddie Bo and Tommy Ridgley, as well as old friend Maria Muldaur. And New Orleans noticed: in 1996, the year that saw the appearance of the band’s debut CD, “Let’s Go Get ‘Em”, on Rabadash Records, Rockin’ Jake was named “Best Blues Harmonica” by his music industry peers at the “Best of the Beat” New Orleans music awards, completed successful tours of clubs and festivals in the United States, Scandinavia and the Caribbean, and TV credits that included the soundtracks to “The Big Easy” series, “The Mike Ditka Show”, and commercials for Miller beer and local televisions stations. 1999 saw Jake once again claiming the “Best Blues Harmonica” Award, and also proudly fathering his latest New Orleans offspring: .BADMOUTH., the new CD on Zuluzu records. This acclaimed outing finds Rockin’ Jake stretching out across all that luxuriant musical acreage of Louisiana into zydeco, blues, rock, and the swampy funk that’s nourished by those waters at the mouth of the Mighty Mississippi. And, if all those musical accomplishments weren’t enough, Jake also managed to snare some culinary kudos in his adopted hometown, taking the trophy for “Best Barbequed Brisket” at the 1999 New Orleans Musicians Barbeque Competition, and launching his own line of signature hot sauce: “Badmouth” (the edible version), available through various New Orleans outlets or on Jake’s own Web site, www.rockinjake.com.

Live or on record, you owe it to yourself to check out Rockin’ Jake. As his latest CD declares (and New Orleans has loudly affirmed), “It’s All Good!”

It’s Rockin’ Jake LIVE at the Pearson Lakes Art Center on July 8, 2009 at 7:30PM in the Pomerantz Hall. Tickets are $12-members, $14-non-memebers, $7- students. Call 712-332-7013 or go to lakesart.org for tickets and information

Sponsored by Dan & Jane Hummel. Supported by Fick’s Ace Hardware.

Thanks to our Gold Corporate Partners: Bank Midwest; Signe Kim Lauridsen-Jones; Liberty Bank; & Wells Blue Bunny and Silver Corporate Partners: United Community Bank; Spirit Lake Hy-Vee; Midwest Coca-Cola; Northwest Bank; The Inn at Okoboji; the Bud Pearson Fund for Art Education; Tom Fuhrman’s Edward Jones Investments; Kum & Go; Piccadilly Circus Pizza/LandMark Products, & Gene Krueger Construction

The Headliners At The Pearson Art Center

Lakes Art Center

To Broaden Horizons Through the Arts

PRESS RELEASE- For immediate release- pictures on request

What: The Headliners

When: Wednesday June 17, 2009 at 7:00PM

Where: Pearson Lakes Art Center Pomerantz Hall

Cost: Students $6.00, Members $10.00 and Non-members $12.00

Pictures Available Upon Request

The Pearson Lakes Art Center of Okoboji, Iowa is pleased to announce The Headliners on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 7:00PM in the Pomerantz Hall. The finest jazz you will hear anywhere! The professional staff of the Headliners from the University of Okoboji Jazz Camp is made up of Roger Neumann on saxophones, Tony Gulizia on keyboard and vocals, Joey Gulizia on percussion, Andy Hall on Bass, Kirk Garrison on trumpet, Scott Hesse on guitar and C.J. Kocher on alto saxophone.

Their music will take you from Latin Jazz, straight ahead to jazz-to-jazz standards. These are not just great jazz players, but also great educators. You will not want to miss this outstanding group. Last year was a complete sell out so we recommend you get your tickets early. Ticket prices for the show are $10.00 for Pearson Lakes Art Center Adult Members, $12.00 for Adult Non-Members, and $6.00 for Students. Reserve your tickets now by calling the Pearson Lakes Art Center box office at 712-332-7029

Sponsored by Graham Tire.

Thanks to our Gold Corporate Partners: Bank Midwest; Signe Kim Lauridsen-Jones; Wells Dairy Inc.; & Liberty Bank and Silver Corporate Partners: United Community Bank; Spirit Lake Hy-Vee; Midwest Coca-Cola; Northwest Bank; The Inn at Okoboji; Pearson Art Foundation; Tom Fuhrman’s Edward Jones Investments; Kum & Go; Piccadilly Circus Pizza/LandMark Products; Gene Krueger Construction; and Arrowwood Resort of Okoboji

Delfeayo Marsalis Live At The Pearson Lakes Art Center

Press release from the Pearson Art Center at the Iowa Great Lakes

To Broaden Horizons Through the Arts

PRESS RELEASE- For immediate release- pictures on request

What: An Evening with Delfeayo Marsalis

When: Thursday, May 14, 2009 7:30PM

Where: Pearson Lakes Art Center

Cost: members - $20, non-members - $24, students - $12

The Pearson Lakes Art Center presents An Evening with Delfeayo Marsalis

[Okoboji, IA] – The Pearson Lakes Art Center is privileged to bring Delfeayo Marsalis to the Iowa Great Lakes for one night only: May 14, 2009. We suggest you join us for Dinner is Served prior to the performance. Dinner is Served is a new option with select PLAC performances in which we host a catered meal prior to the performance. This meal will be catered by Minervas Restaurant and begins at 6pm. At 6:45 we will host our Curtain Talk, a pre-show discussion of the genre and band, with the performance to follow at 7:30pm in the Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre. This will be an evening of fine food and music.

Delfeayo Marsalis was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 28, 1965. He began studying trombone at age 13, and attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts high school. He was classically trained at the Eastern Music Festival and Tanglewood Institute. In 1983, Delfeayo performed Gordon Jacob’s Trombone Concerto with the New Orleans Philharmonic and received the Outstanding Performance Award from the Jefferson Performing Arts Society for his presentation of Marcello’s Sonata #6.

Delfeayo attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music, majoring in both performance and audio production. He has since produced over 75 major-label recordings-several of which have received Grammy awards and nominations-including works by: Harry Connick, Jr., Marcus Roberts, Spike Lee, Ellis, Branford and Wynton Marsalis. His production skills earned a 3M Visionary Award in 1996 and a cover article for the industry source, Mix magazine in 1997.

As a trombonist, Delfeayo has toured internationally with legendary jazz artists Art Blakey, Abdullah Ibrahim, Elvin Jones, Slide Hampton and Max Roach, as well as touring with his own modern jazz ensemble. During a tour with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, he was filmed as part of the Ken Burns documentary,” Jazz.” A mainstay on the New Orleans modern jazz scene, he has released three solo albums to critical acclaim, Pontius Pilate’s Decision in 1992, Musashi in 1997, and Minions Dominion in September 2006. Along with late trombone master J.J. Johnson, several music reviewers have labeled Mr. Marsalis as one of the freshest modern voices on the instrument to arrive in the 90’s.

If you enjoy Jazz music you will LOVE this evening of music. The name says it all! Marsalis! Call the Pearson Lakes Art Center at 712-332-7013 or go to www.lakesart.org for tickets and information. Tickets are $20 for members, $24 for non-members and $12 for students. Dinner is an additional $18.95 and reservations are required by May 12^th at 4pm.

Sponsored by the Goodenow Foundation

Thanks to our Gold Corporate Partners: Bank Midwest; Signe Kim Lauridsen-Jones; Liberty Bank; & Wells Blue Bunny and Silver Corporate Partners: United Community Bank; Spirit Lake Hy-Vee; Midwest Coca-Cola; Northwest Federal Savings Bank; The Inn at Okoboji; the Bud Pearson Fund for Art Education; Tom Fuhrman’s Edward Jones Investments; Kum & Go; Piccadilly Circus Pizza/LandMark Products, & Gene Krueger Construction

For questions please call Andrea at 712-332-7013 x 107 or andrea@lakesart.org

Terrance Simien And The Zydeco Experience At The Pearson

To Broaden Horizons Through the Arts

PRESS RELEASE- For immediate release- pictures on request

What: Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience

When: Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Where: Pearson Lakes Art Center Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre

Cost: Members - $18.00, Non-members - $22.00, Students - $11.00

TERRANCE SIMIEN & THE ZYDECO EXPERIENCE

The Pearson Lakes Art Center is proud to present the 2008 Grammy Award winner for BEST ZYDECO, Terrance Simien to the Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre stage on Wednesday, March 11, 2009. The evening will begin at 6:00pm with a Mardi gras dinner provided by Remington’s Restaurant in the Pomerantz Hall. At 7pm we will host a Curtain Talk; a pre-show discussion about the history of the group and the show will begin at 7:30 in the Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre.

Terrance Simien, born Sept. 3, 1965 grew up at the crossroads of State Highway 190 and Rural Route 103 in Mallet, Louisiana in St. Landry Parish, the heart of French speaking Creole country. He hails from one of the earliest families documented to have settled that rural area of SW Louisiana. At the crossroads where he grew up sits the building that anchors the small parish community, St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church. Inside that church Terrance learned to love the spiritual side of making music. Today he still lends that soulful voice and his deep spirituality to St. Ann's for a funeral of a family member or friend from that same prairie village.

It all began for the young Simien in the early 1980’s during a time when the indigenous music of the Creoles was really just considered the music of the ”old folks”, with only 2 young emerging bands performing the music of their zydeco forefathers.

The music was in great jeopardy of dying out at this pivotal point in its history. It was simply Terrance Simien and the Sam Brothers. Buckwheat had already been touring and recording. While Simien’s friends were all listening to the popular music of that time, (he was as well) but he was also busy searching out his musical roots in Zydeco music: a bold choice for any teenager.

He left home to tour the world. In the process he has become one of the most internationally recognized artists in the genre. Now a “Living Legend:” his conscious choice as a young artist to preserve his indigenous music makes him an important cultural asset and ambassador for the state of Louisiana. Simien has gone on to share studio stage with Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Robert Palmer, Los Lobos and Dave Matthews Band to name a few.

He has conquered film and records with the same intensity he brings to the stage. He dots the soundtrack and appears in the film "The Big Easy". Paul Simon discovered the young Simien when he came to Louisiana to research music for his “Graceland” CD. They recorded a Chenier standard with Simon harmonizing on "You Used to Call Me". It was released on a 45 in 1987 and re-released on Simien’s "Across The Parish Line” CD.

He continues to expand his creative vision and increase the awareness of his native Creole culture with a collection of mostly original songs for family listening, “Creole for Kidz and the History of Zydeco.” The CD (w/5 pg. study guide is now housed in about 200 libraries around the country. Since its debut in 2001 this arts-in-education “informance” (informational performance), has reached over 200,000 K-12 students and teachers at schools and art centers in 20 states, Canada, Australia, Paraguay and Mali, West Africa. Audiences are treated to a dynamic multicultural music experience where Simien offers a bit of history recalling the early days of Zydeco music and its pioneers. The students are navigated by with stories taking the, into the rural community where the Creoles settled 300 years ago as some of the first families of Louisiana. They learn the origins of the word zydeco, the meaning of Mardi gras and that Gumbo is Creole from the African word for okra. The audiences gain appreciation for the simplicity of life and the colorful celebrations of the Creoles who are said to be one of the most complex rural sub-cultures in North America.

In the spring of 2001 Simien was invited to tour with the Dave Matthews Band on multiple arena/shed dates. Dave introduced the band each night urging his audience to “take notice” of his friends from Louisiana and then later joined Terrance for a duet. This was yet another nod to Simien’s level of artistry.

His latest release (06) “Across The Parish Line” once again gained accolades from music critics. Billboard, No Depression, Amazon and Blues Review all giving it high marks for outstanding vocals and diversity. Amazon declared that “This CD cements Simien's standing as the most creative, diverse musician in modern Zydeco.” Offbeat Magazine calls it a “crowning achievement.” and voted it one of the 50 Best CD’s in 2006 and The Edmonton Sun says “Simien’s biggest asset is his phenomenal set of pipes.”

He furthers his mission with the formation of his non-profit MusicMatters, artist advocacy and education organization for the advancement of music artists in his community. His work emphasizes the responsibility of all to address and invest in infrastructure building, professional development and advocate for artists rights for increased economic benefits to Louisiana’s indigenous music artists who are valuable cultural assets.

Join the PLAC and Terrance Simien on March 11^th for a thrilling evening of Creole and New Orleans music. Call 712-332-7029 or go to www.lakesart.org for tickets and information. Tickets are $18- for members, $22- for non-members, $11 – for students. Dinner is $14.95 and reservations are required prior to the event.

Supported by: the Bud Pearson Fund for Arts Education and the Dickinson County Endowment Fund.

Thanks to our Gold Corporate Partners: Bank Midwest; Signe Kim Lauridsen-Jones; Pure Fishing; Liberty Bank; & Wells Blue Bunny and Silver Corporate Partners: United Community Bank; Central Bank; Spirit Lake Hy-Vee; Midwest Coca-Cola; Northwest Federal Savings Bank; The Inn at Okoboji; the Bud Pearson Fund for Art Education; Tom Fuhrman’s Edward Jones Investments; Kum & Go; & Piccadilly Circus Pizza/LandMark Products

Straighten Up And Fly Right, At The Iowa Great Lakes

If you love Nat King Cole, then you want to check out this show up in at the Iowa great lakes!!

To Broaden Horizons Through the Arts

PRESS RELEASE- For immediate release- pictures on request

What: Straighten Up and Fly Right: An Unforgettable Tribute to Nat King Cole

When: Friday, February 13, 2009 7:30PM

Where: Pearson Lakes Art Center Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre

Cost: Advance: $22.50, At the Door: $24.00

The Pearson Lakes Art Center and Bob Pontius are thrilled to bring to Okoboji an unforgettable tribute to Nat King Cole, “Straighten Up & Fly Right” featuring Minneapolis’ Maurice Jacox on Friday, February 13, 2009 at 7:30PM in the Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre.

This one-of-a-kind production explores the genius of this unique entertainer and a hit-filled career spanning the decades from 1939 to 1962. This thoroughly researched production and its meticulous arrangements accurately convey the sound and stylings of Nat King Cole, his musicians, and his arrangers. But Straighten up and Fly Right looks at more than music. In song and narration, it captures a tumultuous and transformative period in America and the career of a creative and influential musician who helped shape, and was shaped by, the times.

The show stars award-winning vocalist Maurice Jacox, supported by 5 talented instrumentalists, and a vocal duo, who assist as narrators. The instrumental ensemble –guitar, bass guitar, drums, saxophone and piano/electronic keyboard – recreate the full spectrum of Cole’s group sound, from jazz trio to big band, treating the audience to 19 beloved hits, from Route 66 and Ramblin Rose to Mona Lisa, Unforgettable, and many more.

The production evokes that mood of the time with a vintage 1950's baby grand piano and furniture and costumes of the time, immersing the audience in the images of a distant-yet-warmly-remembered era. For a fast-moving 75 minutes, this lively show entertains, enlightens, and transports the audience to another time.

Maurice Jacox, lead vocal, is the winner of Minnesota Music Academy Jazz Award; Twin City Pages Best Male Vocalist; and the Blues Society Best Blues Artist. He is a former cast member of Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop, and has acted in productions and played at the Guthrie, Southern and Children's theaters. Original member of Willie and the Bees, the Butane Soul Review and Soul Tight Committee. He has worked with Bonnie Raitt, Dr. John and the Funk Brothers to name just a few.

Don’t miss the remarkable performance of “Straighten Up & Fly Right” that you don’t have to drive hours to see…come to the Pearson Lakes Art Center right next door on Friday, February 13^th at 7:30PM. Go to www.lakesart.org or call 712/332-7029 for tickets.

For questions please call Andrea at 712-332-7013 x 107 or andrea@lakesart.org

2nd Annual Big Blues Night, Pearson Lakes Art Center, Okoboji Iowa, October 16th

Press release from Pearson Lakes Art Center and reminder that the big show is coming up next week! If you are in the area check it out.

To Broaden Horizons Through the Arts

PRESS RELEASE- For immediate release- pictures on request

What: 2^nd Annual Big Blues Night with Bryan Lee and Mississippi Heat featuring Carl Weathersby

When: October 16, 2008 at 7:30PM

Where: Pearson Lakes Art Center Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre

Cost: Students $11.00, Members $18.00 and Non-members $22.00

Pictures Available Upon Request

[Okoboji, IA] – The Pearson Lakes Art Center announces the 2^nd Annual BIG BLUES NIGHT, part of the Frederick Brown Jazz & Blues Series at the PLAC sponsored by Brown Medical and Blue Monday Monthly on Thursday, October 16^th. Blues expert, Tom Tourville will conduct a Curtain Talk beginning at 6:45PM and the show will start at 7:30PM in the Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre. This year’s BIG BLUES NIGHT will feature the Blind Braille Blues Daddy of Bourbon Street, Mr. Bryan Lee and Chicago’s Traditional Blues Band, Mississippi Heat featuring guitar legend Carl Weathersby.

Bryan Lee was a nominee at the 2007 Blues Music Awards for "Best Contemporary Blues Album" with his new release "Katrina Was Her Name" on Justin Time Records. A bona fide New Orleans blues guitar hero and longtime staple on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, Bryan Lee is a natural born houserocker with a whole lot of soul that he brings to the bandstand night after night. Coming off a highly successful whirlwind tour with Kenny Wayne Shepherd's blues revue, Lee is primed and ready to unleash his own intensely passionate brand of blues power on tour this summer in the wake of his recent Justin Time release, Katrina Was Her Name. Bryan performed 2/14/07 on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno with Kenny Wayne Sheppard and Hubert Sumlin. The song played was "Tina Marie" written by Bryan which has become one of the top radio hits in the country. Bryan Lee is a true New Orleans name with over 30 years performing on Bourbon Street. Blind since birth, Bryan is a unique presence in the blues touring circuit.

As band leader and composer for MISSISSIPPI HEAT, Pierre Lacocque’s vision has never wavered since he founded his band in 1991 at Café Lura in Chicago. His mantra is clear and focused. The band has always had an ensemble sound: all musicians are featured and welcome to contribute on stage and on recordings. His music is traditional because it is steeped in Chicago’s golden sounds of the 1950’s, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimmy Reed, Jimmy Rogers, all the great harp players... Big and Little Walter, The Sonny Boy Williamsons, Junior Wells, George Smith, and many extraordinary contemporaries such as Kim Wilson, Rod Piazza and Paul deLay. On the other hand, Pierre’s blues is unique because he dislikes treading on old beaten paths. He always writes new stuff.

Mississippi Heat has now finished 7 CDs (as well as a DVD for Delmark Records in 2005). Some of their recordings have won awards such as “BEST CHICAGO BLUES CD OF THE YEAR” and “BEST BLUES PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR”

Over the years. MISSISSIPPI HEAT has been the subject of several TV and movie features.

French TV has released a documentary on Blues featuring the band and vocalist Inetta Visor has been featured on a prestigious program called ARTE. MISSISSIPPI HEAT has also been featured in countless trade magazines such as Living Blues and Blues Review. They are a remarkable group to hear. “One of the most exciting blues ensemble performing today. . .

MISSISSIPPI HEAT is one of those bands that defies clichés because each CD is better than the last. . . Pierre Lacocque’s harmonica technique and musical imagination is superlative. He plays with the finesse and golden tone. Horn players could take lessons from him from the lines he uses.” PHIL LLOYD (AMERICAN HARMONICA NEWSLETTER)

This amazing TRIPLE BILL performance will rock your Fall Blues away. Don’t miss this amazing night of fun music. Call 712.332.7029 or go to www.lakesart.org to buy your tickets. Sponsored by Brown Medical and Blue Monday Monthly

Thanks to our Gold Corporate Partners: Bank Midwest; Signe Kim Lauridsen-Jones; Wells Dairy Inc.; Pure Fishing; & Liberty Bank and Silver Corporate Partners: United Community Bank; Central Bank; Spirit Lake Hy-Vee; Midwest Coca-Cola; Northwest Bank; The Inn at Okoboji; the Bud Pearson Fund for Art Education; Tom Fuhrman’s Edward Jones Investments; Kum & Go; Piccadilly Circus Pizza/LandMark Products; and Arrowwood Resort of Okoboji

For questions please call Andrea at 712-332-7013 x 107 or andrea@lakesart.org

Press Release: Pearson Lakes Art Center

This is Arts and Humanities Month. Part of the celebration is the big blues show at the art center up at the lakes. Just goes to show that Iowa's great lakes region does not close its doors after labor day! We have stuff going on all year long!

For Immediate Release

Contact Person: Andrea Tonsfeldt
Phone: 712.332.7013
E-mail: andrea@lakesart.org

National Arts and Humanities Month, October 2008
Pearson Lakes Art Center Celebrates the Arts and Humanities in the Iowa Great Lakes

[Okoboji, IA]—The Pearson Lakes Art Center joins thousands of arts organizations and communities across the nation in celebrating National Arts and Humanities Month throughout October. PLAC will carry this message to the people of the Iowa Great Lakes through activities that honor the efforts of artists, historians, teachers, and cultural groups working to make the arts and humanities a part of everyone’s life.

Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts and national coordinator of Arts and Humanities month, says, “Everyone recognizes the creative and cultural value of the arts and humanities. National Arts and Humanities Month offers us a chance to celebrate the often overlooked economic, educational, and civic engagement values that the arts impart in our daily lives.”

Everyone in the community is encouraged to participate in what has become this country’s largest annual collective celebration of the arts and humanities. Attached is a list of some of special events planned for National Arts and Humanities Month in Okoboji.

· October 6,13,20,27 – Kids Acting Class

· October 7,14,21,28 – Afterschool Art Club

· October 8 – Luncheon with Instruction

· October 9, 16, 23, 30 – Mini Michelangelos Pre-school Art

· October 10 Go Figure Exhibit Opening

· October 16 – Big Blues Night performance

· October 9, 16, 23, 30 – Free Thursday’s – Free studio time, gallery time, films, book club, artist guild, etc.

· October 24,25,26,30, 31 – Lakes Community Theatre’s Twelve Angry Jurors

· October 25 – Fall Family Workshop

· October 28 – Knitting/Felting Workshop

· Throughout the month of October, come view our outstanding exhibits: En Plein Air: Painting the Iowa Great Lakes Region, The Paterson Colt Gun Collection of Dennis A. LeVett, and the Russian and Soviet Impressionism Collection.

National Arts and Humanities Month is coordinated by Americans for the Arts, the national organization working to empower communities with the resources and support necessary to provide access to all of the arts for all of the people. This month-long celebration grew out of National Arts Week, which was begun in 1985 by the National Endowment for the Arts and Americans for the Arts. With 48 years of service, Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts.

More information about National Arts and Humanities Month is available online at www.AmericansForTheArts.org/nahm.

2nd Annual Big Blues Night, Pearson Lakes Art Center, Okoboji Iowa, October 16th

Press release from Pearson Lakes Art Center

To Broaden Horizons Through the Arts

PRESS RELEASE- For immediate release- pictures on request

What: 2^nd Annual Big Blues Night with Bryan Lee and Mississippi Heat featuring Carl Weathersby

When: October 16, 2008 at 7:30PM

Where: Pearson Lakes Art Center Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre

Cost: Students $11.00, Members $18.00 and Non-members $22.00

Pictures Available Upon Request

[Okoboji, IA] – The Pearson Lakes Art Center announces the 2^nd Annual BIG BLUES NIGHT, part of the Frederick Brown Jazz & Blues Series at the PLAC sponsored by Brown Medical and Blue Monday Monthly on Thursday, October 16^th. Blues expert, Tom Tourville will conduct a Curtain Talk beginning at 6:45PM and the show will start at 7:30PM in the Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre. This year’s BIG BLUES NIGHT will feature the Blind Braille Blues Daddy of Bourbon Street, Mr. Bryan Lee and Chicago’s Traditional Blues Band, Mississippi Heat featuring guitar legend Carl Weathersby.

Bryan Lee was a nominee at the 2007 Blues Music Awards for "Best Contemporary Blues Album" with his new release "Katrina Was Her Name" on Justin Time Records. A bona fide New Orleans blues guitar hero and longtime staple on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, Bryan Lee is a natural born houserocker with a whole lot of soul that he brings to the bandstand night after night. Coming off a highly successful whirlwind tour with Kenny Wayne Shepherd's blues revue, Lee is primed and ready to unleash his own intensely passionate brand of blues power on tour this summer in the wake of his recent Justin Time release, Katrina Was Her Name. Bryan performed 2/14/07 on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno with Kenny Wayne Sheppard and Hubert Sumlin. The song played was "Tina Marie" written by Bryan which has become one of the top radio hits in the country. Bryan Lee is a true New Orleans name with over 30 years performing on Bourbon Street. Blind since birth, Bryan is a unique presence in the blues touring circuit.

As band leader and composer for MISSISSIPPI HEAT, Pierre Lacocque’s vision has never wavered since he founded his band in 1991 at Café Lura in Chicago. His mantra is clear and focused. The band has always had an ensemble sound: all musicians are featured and welcome to contribute on stage and on recordings. His music is traditional because it is steeped in Chicago’s golden sounds of the 1950’s, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimmy Reed, Jimmy Rogers, all the great harp players... Big and Little Walter, The Sonny Boy Williamsons, Junior Wells, George Smith, and many extraordinary contemporaries such as Kim Wilson, Rod Piazza and Paul deLay. On the other hand, Pierre’s blues is unique because he dislikes treading on old beaten paths. He always writes new stuff.

Mississippi Heat has now finished 7 CDs (as well as a DVD for Delmark Records in 2005). Some of their recordings have won awards such as “BEST CHICAGO BLUES CD OF THE YEAR” and “BEST BLUES PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR”

Over the years. MISSISSIPPI HEAT has been the subject of several TV and movie features.

French TV has released a documentary on Blues featuring the band and vocalist Inetta Visor has been featured on a prestigious program called ARTE. MISSISSIPPI HEAT has also been featured in countless trade magazines such as Living Blues and Blues Review. They are a remarkable group to hear. “One of the most exciting blues ensemble performing today. . .

MISSISSIPPI HEAT is one of those bands that defies clichés because each CD is better than the last. . . Pierre Lacocque’s harmonica technique and musical imagination is superlative. He plays with the finesse and golden tone. Horn players could take lessons from him from the lines he uses.” PHIL LLOYD (AMERICAN HARMONICA NEWSLETTER)

This amazing TRIPLE BILL performance will rock your Fall Blues away. Don’t miss this amazing night of fun music. Call 712.332.7029 or go to www.lakesart.org to buy your tickets. Sponsored by Brown Medical and Blue Monday Monthly

Thanks to our Gold Corporate Partners: Bank Midwest; Signe Kim Lauridsen-Jones; Wells Dairy Inc.; Pure Fishing; & Liberty Bank and Silver Corporate Partners: United Community Bank; Central Bank; Spirit Lake Hy-Vee; Midwest Coca-Cola; Northwest Bank; The Inn at Okoboji; the Bud Pearson Fund for Art Education; Tom Fuhrman’s Edward Jones Investments; Kum & Go; Piccadilly Circus Pizza/LandMark Products; and Arrowwood Resort of Okoboji

For questions please call Andrea at 712-332-7013 x 107 or andrea@lakesart.org

Pearson Lakes Art Center Cool Show Alert

Cool showing coming up at the Iowa Great Lakes. Check it out if you are in the area.

Pearson Lakes Art Center

To Broaden Horizons Through the Arts

PRESS RELEASE

What: A Prairie Home Companion’s Peter Ostroushko

When: Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 7:30PM

Where: Pearson Lakes Art Center Pomerantz Hall

Cost: $20.00 for Adult Members - $24.00 for Adult Non-Members, $12 for Students

712-332-7029 for tickets or www.lakeart.org

The Pearson Lakes Art Center is pleased to bring the past musical director for “A Prairie Home Companion”, Mr. Peter Ostroushko and accompanist to the Iowa Great Lakes on Saturday, September 20, 2008. Peter has come to be regarded as one of the finest mandolin and fiddle

players in acoustic music. His tours have taken him to the stages of clubs, performing arts centers, music festivals and theatres across North America and Europe, and he has earned an international reputation as a versatile and dazzling master of instrumentation and composition.

His recording contributions stand favorably alongside great Nashville session men of his generation. He’s played with Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, but his hometown Minneapolis music scene has provided a fabulous variety of musical styles in which Peter remains unequaled: folk with Greg Brown, John Hartford, Taj Mahal, Robin & Linda Williams, bluegrass with Norman and Nancy Blake, Tim O’Brien and Hot Rize, jazz, classical, and even rock. Peter’s first recording session was an uncredited mandolin set on Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks, and his work is featured on Robin Holcomb’s 1992 release Rockabye.

Not surprisingly, Peter’s resume is dizzying in size and scope. He’s played lead ukulele with the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sir Neville Mariner. He’s barked like a dog on The David Lettermen Show. He’s appeared on Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. He’s composed and performed scores for a number of theatrical productions including The Children’s Theater in Minneapolis He’s appeared on radio and television music shows including Mountain Stage, Good Evening, Prairie Home Companion, Nashville Network, Lonesome Pine Special and Austin City Limits.

Don’t miss this seasoned and remarkable performer, Peter Ostroushko, on Saturday, September 20^, 2008. Cocktails hour begins at 6:30 and the performance at 7:30PM. It’s “A Prairie Home Companion’s” Musical Director for over 20 years in the Iowa Great Lakes!

Sponsored by Perry & Teresa Pearson and Corporate Partners: Bank Midwest; Pure Fishing; Signe Kim Lauridsen-Jones; Liberty Bank; Wells Dairy Inc. and our Silver Level Corporate Sponsors: United Community Bank; Central Bank; Spirit Lake Hy-Vee; Midwest Coca-Cola; The Inn at Okoboji; Northwest Bank; Bud Pearson Fund For Art Education; Kum & Go; Piccadilly Circus Pizza/Land Mark Products, Tom Fuhrman’s Edward Jones, Arrowwood Resort

Reserve your tickets today at the Pearson Lakes Art Center box office- 712-332-7029 or www.lakesart.org. Tickets are $20 for members, $24 for non-members and $12 for students.