Montalvo Announces Its 2008-09 Performing Arts And Family Theatre Series

For Immediate Release Sept. 2, 2008

Contact: Becki Fowler Gervin, 408.961.5814 [email protected]

Montalvo Announces its 2008-09 Performing Arts and Family Theatre Series Blues music, return of the Cypress Quartet Salon Series, and repeat performances from Carriage House favorites highlight this season, along with the U.S. Poet Laureate and popular family-oriented events such as Pippi Longstocking, Beatrix Potter and more

SARATOGA, Calif. – Montalvo Arts Center announces today the lineup for the 2008-09 Performing Arts Series, including the return of the Cypress String Quartet Salon Series in its historic Villa, and returns from popular Montalvo artists The Bad Plus and Richard Thompson, as well as an influx of new performers, included noted artists in their musical genre, blues. The season kicks off on Oct. 2, with Charlie Musselwhite, who has 22 Blues Music Awards and eight Grammy nominations to his credit, and continues with the previously announced Gala Benefit featuring David Benoit on Oct. 3. Montalvo invites visitors to enjoy classical music Sundays at Montalvo, with the return of the Cypress String Quartet. The group continues its acclaimed exploration of Beethoven's quartets with the "Late Beethoven Continued" series and looks at how visual art has inspired composers with the "From the Artists Studio" series. The arts center is also thrilled to bring another genre to its audiences – blues. It has been called the essential foundation of jazz and rock 'n roll, which is why Montalvo brings so many heavy-hitters to its Carriage House Theatre this season, including JC Smith, 13-year-old guitar phenomenon “Little Chris,” and Pinetop Perkins. A notable performer born in 1913 and still going strong, Perkins may be the only blues artist alive today who can claim heritage to the direct lineage of Mississippi and Chicago blues. Like Otis Spann, whom he replaced in the Muddy Waters band in 1969, Perkins takes that most European of instruments, the piano, and turns it on its head making it growl and moan as deeply as any guitar or blues harp. Montalvo’s family theatre series continues this season as well, with six shows taking place in the Carriage House Theatre. Visitors are invited to bring their children to hear the adventures of Pippi Longstocking, see exciting puppetry in The Hungry Caterpillar, and hear tales from Beyond the Beanstalk. 2008-09 Performing Arts Series Charlie Musselwhite Thu, Oct 2, 7:30 pm, Carriage House $35/25; Members $28/20 With 22 Blues Music Awards to his credit and eight Grammy nominations, harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite has truly earned legendary status as one of blues music’s most important artists. Over the years, Musselwhite has released dozens of albums and has contributed to countless others including guesting on Bonnie Raitt's Grammy award-winning Longing In Their Hearts, The Blind Boys of Alabama's Grammy-winning Spirit of the Century, Tom Waits' Mule Variations and even playing the driving harmonica on INXS' Suicide Blonde. His brash, blues/rock rebel vibe was Dan Aykroyd's inspiration for his Elwood Blues persona, and has earned him the admiration and respect of his own heroes: Howlin' Wolf, John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters. Benefit! David Benoit Celebrates Montalvo w/ Opener Dan St. Paul Fri, Oct 3, 6:30 pm dinner & live auction, Villa Concert 8:30 pm, Carriage House $250 ($200 tax-deductible)

Pianist and composer David Benoit, who has been called a “passionate musical innovator,” performs a gala benefit concert at Montalvo in support of its arts and education programs. His latest record, Heroes, pays tribute to those who have inspired him, and Montalvo announces this performance as a way to pay tribute to its heroes – the longtime supporters of the organization. The program features fresh, exuberant spins on classic songs by legendary pop, rock and jazz artists and original compositions. Benoit is a friend of the arts center – he has performed here numerous times and is a fellow of the organization’s artist residency, including its education program. Comedian Dan St. Paul opens. Poetry Center San Jose & Montalvo present Poet Laureate Kay Ryan Thu, Oct 23, 7:30 pm, Carriage House Free, reservations required through Montalvo Box Office ($10 suggested donation at the door.) Montalvo welcomes the Library of Congress' 16th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry Kay Ryan to its Carriage House Theatre for an evening of poetry readings, a question and answer session, and book signing. Ryan was born in California in 1945 and obtained degrees from UCLA. She has published several collections of poetry including The Niagara River (Grove Press, 2005); Say Uncle (2000); and Flamingo Watching (1994), a finalist for the Lamont Poetry Selection and the Lenore Marshall Prize. Her awards include the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, a Guggenheim fellowship, and four Pushcart Prizes, among others. Her work has been selected four times for The Best American Poetry and she was elected a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets in 2006. The Cypress String Quartet Sundays, 3 pm, Historic Villa $40/32 members/each recital or receive 20% off the non-member price for entire series (sold through the Montalvo Box Office). LATE BEETHOVEN CONTINUED Oct 26 - Beethoven and his epic will: Beethoven Quartet Opus 130 with Grosse Fuga March 15 - Returning to Beethoven’s roots: Mozart Quartet K 575 May 17 - Freemasonry and the political ideals of Beethoven: Beethoven Quartet Opus 127 June 7 - Ending the comedy of life: Beethoven’s final quartet, Opus 135 FROM THE ARTISTS STUDIO Nov 16 - Intersection of Music and Visual Art: Debussy String Quartet and Jennifer Higdon Impressions Dec 7 - Musical Landscapes: Block Landscapes and Lees Quartet No 6 Jan 25 - Montalvo’s January Composer-in-Residence: George Tsontakis Quartet No 5 April 5 - South Bay Premiere: Kevin Puts’ newly commissioned work for the Cypress Quartet May 17 – Beethoven Quartet Opus 127 The Cypress String Quartet returns to Montalvo for its popular Salon Series. Since its inception in 1996, the Cypress has performed to great acclaim worldwide. Their repertoire ranges from the familiar masterpieces of the Baroque and classical periods to recent works by contemporary composers. The Cypress continues its acclaimed exploration of Beethoven's quartets with the "Late Beethoven Continued" series and looks at how visual art has inspired composers with the "From the Artists Studio" series. The Cypress honors the rich tradition of chamber music by embodying the idealism, integrity and dedication from which the art form was born. Join musicians Cecily Ward and Tom Stone (violins), Ethan Filner (viola), and Jennifer Kloetzel (cello) in this interactive concert. Special Performance Series: Work, Worries and Revolution Work, Worries and Revolution is an ongoing series of concerts and outreach exploring the role of music historically and culturally in the labor movement and other progressive movements. The series explores the intersection of American Music, be it blues, songwriters, jazz, classical or experimental, with stories of every day life and the

history of American politics. The following three shows are part of this series, with more shows expected to be announced in the coming months. •

JC Smith presents The Young Guns featuring Chico Banks, Michael Wheeler and 13 year-old guitar phenomenon “Little Chris” Fri, Nov 14, 8 pm, Carriage House $35/25; Members $28/20 2006 Bay Area Blues Society West Coast Blues Band of the Year award-winner JC Smith is an outstanding performer noted for his energy and charisma. Prior to playing guitar, he was the drummer for the Back to Back Blues Band. In 2000, he emerged from behind his drums, armed with a Gibson 335 and has been a force in the Blues world ever since. Guitarist, singer and songwriter Chico Banks is part of the new generation of Chicago blues players who are expanding the boundaries of this often maligned, misunderstood music. For the past decade Michael Wheeler has been making a serious mark in Chicago and the international blues scene. Whether he's playing in Chicago, on television or in Europe, Wheeler plays his heart felt music to the crowd with raw enthusiasm. “Little Chris,” 13 year-old guitar phenomenon, has already shared the stage with legendary performers including Buddy Guy, Ronnie Baker Brooks, The Kinsey Report, Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues - Steepwater Band, Howard and the White Boys, and Funky MojoDaddy. He has performed at the Blues Festival in Chicago, Rosas lounge in Chicago, Leroys Bar and Grill in Porter, Indiana, Buddy Guys Legends in Chicago, and the Shoreline Brewery in Michigan City, Indiana.

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JC Smith presents the Legends of Chicago Blues featuring Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, James Wheeler and Pinetop Perkins Sat, Nov 15, 8 pm, Q&A 6:30 pm, Carriage House $40/30; Members $32/24 2006 Bay Area Blues Society West Coast Blues Band of the Year award-winner JC Smith is an outstanding performer noted for his energy and charisma. Prior to playing guitar, he was the drummer for the Back to Back Blues Band. The Back to Back Blues Band released two CDs that were well received by Blues lovers and critics alike. In 2000, he emerged from behind his drums, armed with a Gibson 335. At the tender age of 17, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith ventured to Chicago where he heard Muddy Waters for the first time. Willie was hooked on the blues and the attraction to the music persuaded him to stay in Chicago. Since then he has established his own niche within the tradition of the Delta Blues Sound by co-founding the Legendary Blues Band with Pinetop Perkins, Louis Myers, Calvin Jones, and Jerry Portnoy. James Wheeler never even played an instrument until he moved to Chicago in 1956 at the age of 19, and since then has become a force in the Chicago blues genre, playing with the likes of Otis Clay, the Impressions and Buddy Scott. Pinetop Perkins may be the only blues artist alive today who can claim heritage to the direct lineage of Mississippi and Chicago blues. Like Otis Spann, whom he replaced in the Muddy Waters band in 1969, Pinetop take the most European of instruments, the piano, and turns it on its head making it growl and moan as deeply as any guitar or blues harp.

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Richard Thompson – A special evening of work songs, ballads and rallying cries Sun, Dec 14, 7:30 pm, Carriage House $40/30; Members $32/24 Richard Thompson presents a program of contemporary and historical songs about the working man and woman, social injustice, and political unrest. This show is unlike anything Richard has ever done anywhere before, anywhere in the world! Wayne Horvitz, Montalvo's Guest Music Curator says, "Richard performs at Montalvo tonight as part of Montalvo's Work, Worries & Revolution series, which explores the intersection of American music - be it blues, songwriters, jazz, classical or experimental forms - with the stories of everyday life and the history of American politics."

Richard Thompson – Very Special All-Request Evenings Fri, Dec 12, 8 pm; Sat, Dec 13, 8 pm, Carriage House $40/30; Members $32/24 Named one of the top 20 guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine, this British folk-rock legend has been an innovative musical force for over 40 years. USA Today called his songs “emotionally complex” noting “[his] guitar work is even more so, by turns sharp and tender, subtle and direct.” Thompson's body of work includes over 60 albums that combine musical virtuosity with poignant, award-winning songwriting. “On electric guitar he's merely brilliant; on acoustic he does things that don't seem humanly possible,” says the San Francisco Chronicle. The Bad Plus Thu, March 5, 2009, 7:30 pm, Carriage House $35/25; Members $28/20 This critically acclaimed jazz trio returns to Montalvo with their intrepid explorations and penchant for humor that defy conventional notions of what jazz should sound like: SF Gate calls the trio “one of the few modern music groups that digs deep beneath the surface of idioms and styles and taps into core aesthetics of both jazz and rock, eschewing ‘fusion’ in favor of something more fundamental and organic.” Rolling Stone magazine noted of their music: "By any standard, jazz or otherwise, it is moving, mighty music...bad to the bone, hot players with hard-rock hearts." Leo Kottke Thu, March 26, 7:30 pm $40/30; Members $32/24 Try and Stop Me. The title of Leo Kottke’s most recent album encapsulates the spirit of the man himself — profoundly original, a little cantankerous, a deep talking Midwestern raconteur whose quick wit is matched by his astounding virtuosity on the six and 12 string guitars. For the past three decades, Kottke has been indefatigable in his pursuit of a unique musical vision that has placed him among the foremost acoustic guitar stylists of our time. The Los Angeles Times said, “The never-complacent acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke has been a work in progress for 30 years.” Tim O’Brien Fri, May 1, 8 pm, Carriage House $35/25; Members $28/20 Tim O’Brien is a Grammy Award-winning American country and bluegrass musician. As co-founder and lead vocalist of Hot Rize, O'Brien served as a bridge between the traditional sounds-of-the-hill country and the modern styles of bluegrass in the 1980s. Since the band's breakup, O'Brien has continued to expand the music's borders as a soloist, a duo partner with his sister Mollie, and with his band, the O'Boys. In addition to singing, he plays guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki and mandocello. To date, he has released more than 10 studio albums and Billboard Magazine calls him “one of the spearheads of contemporary bluegrass.” Eric Bibb Thu, May 14, 7:30 pm, Carriage House $40/30; Members $32/24 Already enjoying success in Europe, Grammy nominee Eric Bibb is becoming a familiar face - and voice - in the U.S. Nominated for nine W.C. Handy Blues Music Awards and winner of the Best Newcomer title in the British Blues Awards, Bibb has been appropriately described as “discreetly awesome” and “a total original.” As his popularity

escalates, earlier comparisons to legendary greats Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal are being replaced by quotes that speak to Bibb's ability to “use standard blues ingredients to cook up something all his own.” 2008-09 Family Theatre Series Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia: The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favourites Sun, Nov 2, 1 pm & 3 pm, Carriage House $20/10 students; members $16/8 students Closely following the books from which they were adapted, these charming vignettes tell the tale of Eric Carle’s most beloved characters, including the wonderful story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly; the fanciful account of Little Cloud’s travels through the sky; and the Mixed-up Chameleon’s discovery of his own unique nature. Enchanting readers for generations, these whimsical tales combine Eric Carle’s colorful collages with masterful puppetry and music, creating a truly memorable event for audience members of all ages. All ages, especially recommended for ages 4-7. The Velveteen Rabbit Sun, Nov 30, 1 pm & 3 pm, Carriage House $20/10 students; members $16/8 students "When a child loves you for a long, long time...then you become real." So says the Horse to the Velveteen Rabbit in Margery Williams' famous and much-loved literary classic. A plush rabbit, given as a gift to a young boy, yearns for the day the boy will choose him as his special playmate so that he can become real. This innovative production combines the theatrical magic and signature style of Enchantment Theatre with the musical magic of Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-Winning Composer/Arranger Don Sebesky. With an original musical score, life-sized puppets, masks and magic, Enchantment Theatre Company brings to life this charming tale of love and devotion, creating an unforgettable theatrical experience for the whole family. Trout Fishing in America Sat, Feb 7, 2009 11 am & 1 pm, Carriage House Theatre $20/10 students; members $16/8 students Trout Fishing in America’s sophisticated and infectious mix of folk/pop and family music is tempered by the diverse influences of reggae, Latin, blues, jazz and classical music. Inspired by daily occurrences – from an ice-cream man who will “fill the cup all the way to the bottom,” to the similarities between playing at a day-care center and a prison, from odes to friends whom we love despite the fact they talk to much, to alien nose invasions – Keith Grimwood (bass) and Ezra Idlet (guitar) use humor to animate the acoustic folk tradition, creating songs “so fresh they practically wiggle.” – Disney’s Family Fun magazine Two Tales of Beatrix Potter: Jemima Puddle-Duck and The Story of a Fierce Bad Rabbit Sun, March 8, 1 pm & 3 pm, Carriage House Theatre $20/10 students; members $16/8 students Absent-minded Jemima Puddle-Duck takes flight on a fine spring day in search of a place to lay her eggs, and meets a handsome foxy-whiskered gentleman who invites her to lay her eggs in his shed. She travels back and forth for many days and nights, laying eggs in the gentleman's hovel. One day, the foxy-whiskered gentleman suggests that they should have dinner together and sends her shopping for some herbs and an onion. Little does she know he is planning to have duck soup for dinner! In The Story of A Fierce Bad Rabbit, the Fierce Bad Rabbit and the Nice Gentle Rabbit argue over the ownership of a carrot. The Fierce Bad Rabbit takes the carrot without even saying please! After a brief skirmish with a Hunter, the Fierce Bad Rabbit lives to regret his bad manners. Hudson

Vagabond Puppets uses larger-than-life bunraku-style puppets to bring to life these cherished tales by Beatrix Potter. American Family Theater: Pippi Longstocking Sun, March 29, 1 pm & 3 pm, Carriage House Theatre $20/10 students; members $16/8 students Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Macrelmint Ephraim’s Daughter Longstocking – or Pippi for short – lives by herself with a horse and a monkey in an old abandoned villa. Her father is a pirate, her mother is in heaven, and she is the strongest girl in the world. Pippi’s life is full of adventure: exploring the carnival, defending her home from thieves, and eluding Mrs. Prysselius and the Child Welfare Board. But, when her father Captain Longstocking returns from his voyage, will Pippi choose to stay in the villa alone, or to join her father on the pirate ship? American Family Theater’s production of Astrid Lindren’s popular children’s story brings this most outrageous redhead to life in an enjoyable performance for the whole family. Das Puppenspiel Puppet Theatre: Beyond the Beanstalk (The Jack Tales) Sun, Apr 26, 1 pm & 3 pm, Carriage House Theatre $20/10 students; members $16/8 students Das Puppenspiel takes a step beyond the familiar Jack and the Beanstalk to present a series of tales handed down by storytellers over many years. Originating in England and later coming to the Appalachian region of America, The Jack Tales feature simple but clever Jack, who lands himself into all kinds of adventures in his travels. Large, beautifully crafted bunraku-style puppets and traditional folk music by professional folk musician and musicologist John Kirk combine to bring new life to this storytelling tradition. Come and be a part of the magic and fun as Beyond the Beanstalk re-introduces audiences to the American folk tradition. Ticket Information Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, Sep 5 at 10 am. Montalvo Members (Villa, Artists & Creative Circle levels): Thursday, Sep 4, 10 am. Montalvo Members (all levels): Wednesday, Sep 3, 10 am. For information on tickets, please call Montalvo’s box office at 408-961-5858 or www.montalvoarts.org. Most tickets also are available at www.ticketmaster.com. About Montalvo Arts Center Montalvo Arts Center is a member-supported, nonprofit organization dedicated tocapturing the innovative and diverse spirit of Silicon Valley and engaging people in contemporary concerns through the arts. Located in Silicon Valley's Saratoga hills, Montalvo Arts Center rests on 175 stunning acres, including the Sally and Don Lucas Artist Programs, an international artist residency; a historic Mediterranean villa, two theatres, a gallery and 2.5 miles of hiking trails. The historic villa and grounds were left to the people of California in 1930 by Senator James Phelan for the encouragement of art, music, literature and architecture. ###