“A New City” the New 5 Song EP from Eddy Yang

Infectious. That’s the best way to describe the Indie Rock hooks on Eddy Yang’s 5-song EP, A New City. That’s all too apparent from the start with the title track. eddy master’s a roots style, with an unpretentious and straight forward sound. The vocals have, dare I say, a bit of a very young Johnny Cash with a hint of the Kinks’ Ray Davies…

Eddy Yang is an Asian American indie rock artist based in the Los Angeles area. “A New City EP was inspired by a trip to NYC,” he says,” though it was recorded in Los Angeles, my hometown. Eddy was inspired to write the EP while walking through NYC at night. “A New City EP is about the feeling of being young and alive, when the world is still innocent and full of possibilities. It’s also about finding yourself – who you’re meant to be.”

Eddy Yang’s unique and raw rock sound consists of energetic guitar riffs over electronic beats. Split the Night showcases Eddy’s song writing with some terrific guitar work.

His influences are diverse, pulling from classic rock artists like The Velvet Underground, Television, and Bruce Springsteen to modern artists like Kanye West, Beach House, and Chvrches, a Synth-pop band out of Scotland. Although Eddy’s feet are planted solidly in an Indie-Rock sound, he embraces the production styles of contemporary pop music. His unique style combines rock n roll mythology with his Asian American perspective.

Watch this space. Eddy Yang is just starting out upon a long road. The journey begins with A New City, but doesn’t it always?

Like Eddy Yang on Facebook and Instagram. Follow him on Twitter, and download A New City by Eddy Yang at Bandcamp, Soundcloud, and subscribe to his Youtube Channel

The Sound of Snow: The New EP from award winning GEA

Snow the debut single off award winning Finnish Artist GEA’s new EP Time could hardly be more appropriately named. It is the strength in subtly that helps define this artist. Snow is richly textured and dramatic right to the finish(No pun intended). Shades of Frida’s There’s Something Going On through an electronic prism.

 

GEA says that she “wrote the title song Snow after getting to know Agnes Obel’s music. Her music exploded in my heart into millions of beams of energy, making me want to improve as a songwriter. That led me to my piano, to write Snow. I have never watched the series Game of Thrones. But when I started to ask feedback about this song, everyone said that it should be in it. It is part of the story. Following the light of Agnes Obel, I was apparently led to drink from the same spring of inspiration as the writers of the series. Which was my first thought. But while the EP carries the mystique and drama of GOT, there is a depth here that feels far more personal.

At her core GEA is pure storyteller, harkening to the gentler moments of Kate Bush or Tori Amos. GEA is an adept lyricist, and an innate ability to fuse acoustic and electronic musical worlds together creates undiscovered musical experiences.  GEA sounds like a Nordic folk saga rendered with modern electro-acoustic production and glass-like vocals. Behind her unique nordic sound is the fact that her music falls into multiple categories, such as EDM, Art Pop, Indie Pop, Folk-pop, Dream Pop and more. Her angelic voice is healing and soothing, but with a playfulness underlying introspective compositions. Like Snow on a quiet Winter’s morning GEA’s music makes you forget your worries and brings you light.

GEA stunned Europe with the release of her debut album in September 2017. The album won accolades aroundthe world. The album topped the radio charts in the USA. The Hungton Post quoted, “Laura Avonius, who records under the moniker GEA, creates the kind of ethereal pop that draws comparisons to Sigur Ros. “Critics hailed the rst singles “Pink” and “Alone” as a cross between Bjork and Tori Amos. GEA’s songs are in a category all their own. NBT Music Radio in Germany nominated the her debut among “the best albums 2017”. GEA’s music video “Alone” won the “Hollywood Intl Golden Film Award” for best editing. “Pink” won “Best Soundtrack Award” at the Social Machinery Film Festival in Italy.

Visit GEA’s Website, like her on Facebook Instagram and Twitter. Download the EP and Album at Soundcloud and subscribe to GEA’s Youtube Channel

GHOST QUARTET July 12 – August 17, 2019 at at Stage 773

Black Button Eyes Productions

Announces Casting for Chicago Premiere of

GHOST QUARTET

Book, Music & Lyrics by Dave Malloy

Directed by Ed Rutherford

Music Direction by Nick Sula

Choreography by Derek Van Barham

July 12 – August 17, 2019 at Stage 773

 

CHICAGO (April 24, 2019) – Black Button Eyes Productions is pleased to announce casting for its Chicago premiere of GHOST QUARTET, an intriguing and entertaining song cycle by Dave Malloy, directed by Artistic Director Ed Rutherford, with music direction by Nick Sula and choreography by Derek Van Barham.

The cast includes TJ Anderson, Alexander Ellsworth, Rachel Guth and Amanda Raquel Martinez.

GHOST QUARTET will play July 12 – August 17, 2019 at at Stage 773 (The Box), 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.stage773.com, in person at the Stage 773 box office or by calling (773) 327-5252. The press opening is Friday, July 19, 2019 at 7:30 pm.

From the mind of Broadway composer Dave Malloy (Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812) comes a musical ghost story of four friends who love each other, kill each other, and drink whiskey across centuries and lifetimes. GHOST QUARTET delightfully mashes up Grimms’ fairy tales, Edgar Allan Poe, Arabian Nights, Sondheim, Thelonious Monk and more.

The production team for GHOST QUARTET includes Jeremy Hollis (scenic design), Beth Laske-Miller (costume design), Liz Cooper (lighting design), Robert Hornbostel (sound design), G. Max Maxin IV (projections design) and Alexa Berkowitz (stage manager).

 

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

 

Title: GHOST QUARTET

Book, Lyrics and Music: Dave Malloy

Director: Producing Artistic Director Ed Rutherford

Music Director: Nick Sula

Choreographer: Derek Van Barham

Cast (in alphabetical order): TJ Anderson, Alexander Ellsworth, Rachel Guth and Amanda Raquel Martinez.

Location: Stage 773 (The Box), 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago

Dates: Previews: Friday, July 12 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, July 13 at 7:30 pm, Sunday, July 14 at 2 pm and Thursday, July 18 at 7:30 pm

Press performance: Friday, July 19, 2019 at 7:30 pm

Regular run: Saturday, July 20 – Saturday, August 17, 2019

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2 pm.

Tickets: $30. Tickets are currently available at www.stage773.com, in person at the Stage 773 box office or by calling (773) 327-5252.

About the Artists:

 

Ed Rutherford (Director) Directing credits for Black Button Eyes include Evil Dead the Musical, Nightmares & Nightcaps: The Stories of John Collier, Nevermore, Shockheaded Peter, Amour, Goblin Market, and Coraline. He is an artistic associate with Promethean Theatre Ensemble, where he directed The Liar, his own adaptation of Peter S. Beagle’s The Last Unicorn, Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle and the company’s inaugural production, Christopher Durang’s Beyond Therapy. Directing with Brown Paper Box Co: The Baltimore Waltz. As an actor, he’s performed with Drury Lane Oakbrook, Porchlight, Theater Wit and many others. A graduate of Northwestern’s theater program, he recently completed his MBA at Kellogg.

Nick Sula (Music Director) Nick is a pianist, arranger and award-winning music director for theater and cabaret. He is proud to return to Black Button Eyes Productions, where he was music director for Coraline, Amour and Nevermore. Other music direction credits include productions with Porchlight Music Theatre, Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, Pride Films and Plays, Chicago Theatre Workshop, Chicago Musical Theatre Festival. Nick performs with vocalists at theaters and cabaret venues such as Davenport’s, Petterino’s, Drew’s on Halsted, Stage 773, Victory Gardens, and the Park West. He is an instructor, music director and vocal coach at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

Derek Van Barham (Choreographer) is the Producing Artistic Director of Kokandy Productions, and a member of the Red Tape Theatre ensemble. He previously served as Associate Artistic Director of Pride Films & Plays. For PFP, he directed Perfect Arrangement, Angry Fags (Steppenwolf Garage), Songs from an Unmade Bed (Jeff nomination), and (co-directing) PRISCILLA, Queen of the Desert. Choreography credits include The CiviliTy of Albert Cashier and BITE (PFP), all Black Button Eyes productions, and Salonathon. Other directing credits include The View Upstairs (Circle Theatre), Three Days of Rain (Boho), and Miracle!by Dan Savage and Poseidon (Hell in a Handbag). He was named one of Windy City Times 30 Under 30, recognizing Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community.

About Black Button Eyes Productions

 

The 2019-20 season continues Black Button Eyes Productions’ mission to bring to Chicago premieres and seldom-seen works containing elements of fantasy, in which the magical and surreal invade reality. The company was founded in 2014 with the acclaimed Midwest premiere of the musical Coraline, followed by Goblin Market, Amour, Shockheaded Peter, Nevermore-The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, and the world premiere Nightmares and Nightcaps: The Stories of John Collier. Most recently the company presented the smash hit Chicago Storefront Premiere of Evil Dead the Musical.

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MANDALA FESTIVAL, Saturday, May 18 at 4:30pm and 7:30pm

MANDALA PRESENTS MAKERS FESTIVAL

New Southside Theater Space Host South Asian Festival

(Chicago, IL)—  Saturday, May 18 at 4:30pm and 7:30pm, Mandala Arts presents Mandala Makers Festival at the Green Line Performing Arts Center (329 E Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL) Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for seniors and children and can be purchased online at www.MandalaArts.org.

The festival is an opportunity to witness three emerging South Asian movement artists present three distinctly bold and very personal works. Each piece reflects responses to socio-political issues effecting the South Asian diaspora and beyond; the artists are working in collaboration with other local artists to innovate and push cultural traditions and perspectives.

LOCATION

Green Line Performing Arts Center is a brand new state-of-the-art black box theatre in the Washington Park neighborhood. Created by UChicago’s Arts + Public Life, the center establishes another much-needed professional theater venue on Chicago’s South Side for incubating and supporting South Side performing artists and theater ensembles, along with programming to train residents with interests in theater design and production. 

ARTIST LINE UP 

Natalia Neha Khosla: exploring overlaps in between cultures and diasporas, from South Asian to Dominican. She illustrates stories of immigration and identity by fusing hip hop, contemporary, Indian classical, Latin, and Caribbean styles.

Ashwaty Chennat: drawing from histories and reflections upon mental health within communities of color, she collaborates with jazz percussionist, Alvin Cobb Jr., to reflect through rhythm and narrative. Classical Indian dance, contemporary movement and jazz intersect.

Laksha Dantran: creating dance theatre involving classical Indian and folk forms to make powerful and positive messages from and for the trans community. She reimagines the story of “Mohini,” a gender-fluid heroine, to empower and find endless relevance in trans narratives

Interviews, photos, and additional information available by request.  

* * *

—

Scott Anderson
847-337-2111 mobile phone

ScottAndersonMarketing

The Black Hole Image is All Wrong.

This week humanity saw for the first time in history the event horizon of a Black Hole. Scientists have named the Black Hole, located in the M87 galaxy nearly 54 million light-years from Earth,  Powehi, a Hawaiian word meaning ‘the adorned fathomless dark creation’.

Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled at the news and breathlessly anticipated the image. And I should backtrack a little bit. I believe the image is real, it is just that there is something curious about it, which hasn’t been discussed yet. That is the blackhole, or at least the event horizon isn’t round.. Instead it is elliptical, which begs the same sort of question posed by smart-assed boys in catechism, and I speak from experience. That is, if God is all powerful can he made a rock so big he can’t lift it? If the blackhole is all powerful gravitationally shouldn’t the event horizon be perfectly round rather than elliptical?

Moreover, the debris cloud is not circular and is rather oddly shaped. There are probably a number of explanations, including completeness of data to the algorithm, galactic gas clouds to the immense distance. All that I am saying is that this magnificent image creates many more questions and shows that the reality of blackholes is different than anything that we imagined, except in one way. the egg-shape of the hole might indicate that Hawking was correct when he talked about the inherent instability of blackholes.

Features appear within and outside the event horizon on closer examination. Even more there is this ghastly realization, that outside the blackhole there is for tens of thousands of light years in all directions a desolate, lifeless superheated haze and then…nothingness.

Clearly the debris around the blackhole, as well as the massive galaxy surrounding it seems to be pulling on the blackhole, as the planets in our solar system pull the sun off its axis just a little to cause a so-called wobble. I find that immensely interesting that the greatest monster in  the Universe is just as subservient to the laws of nature as the rest of us!.

 

Legends In Their Own Minds, the Second Album from Seattle’s Sundogs

Oh, yeah, there is something about good old fashioned Rock music without pretension. That is exactly what you get with Seattle-based Sundogs’ new album, Legends in Their Own Minds. Twelve solid classic Rock tunes released in March as an audio and video album.

Musically the Sundogs touch on blues, jazz and pop rock of the late 70’s and 80’s reminding you of a time when groups like Steely Dan and Tom Petty ruled the Billboard charts. This is Rock for a smoky bar circa 1985 between 10 and midnight on a Saturday with a cold mug of beer. This is Rock out the back of a car with big speakers and a pick up football game. The opening track, Fallen Hero, is an ode to the late Tom Petty

Sundogs is Stan Snow, Songwriter and Producer on Vocals and Guitars, and Jed Moffitt: Songwriter, Co-Producer, also on lead vocals and Keyboards. Snow and Moffitt’s diverse writing styles approach their songwriting from different angles. They typically alternate vocal tracks throughout the album broadening the album’s gritty texture. Moffitt’s Alive Tonight is the epitome of the classic Rock ballad channeling a hint of Randy Newman accompanied by Snow’s blistering Rock guitar chops.

 

Their approach is simple. “Sundogs music is inspired by the days of Classic Rock and Jazz Fusion. It is written to satisfy the music fan within. If it sounds good to us, and we like listening to it over and over again, then that is the driving force behind whatever we decide to release. We are doing it for the pure joy of it, and because of that, the music and the videos are authentic.”

The musicianship, production and engineering on the entire album are exceptional. The album is both presented in audio and visual form with video footage shot in the studio using a green screen and put together post recording along with the collection of songs mixed for the album. Snow and Moffitt’s primary goal in music is to satisfy the music fan within.   “If it sounds good to us and it’s something that we like listening to over and over, that is the driving force in how we write, arrange, produce and record. We are doing it for the pure joy of it”.

Stan Snow and Jed Moffitt lived a storied music career. Growing up in Fremont, California, they honed their songwriting, production and musicianship, releasing their second album – “Legends In Their Own Minds” – produced at Magellan Creek Studios in Seattle, WA. Stan Snow’s guitar playing has been influenced by Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Pat Metheny, Steve Morse, Lee Ritenour, Steve Howe, Carlos Santana, Chuck Berry, BB King and Eric Clapton. Jed Moffitt’s keyboard playing has been influenced by Bill Evans, Bruce Hornsby, Keith Jarrett, McCoy Tyner, Oscar Peterson, Lyle Mays, Bud Powell, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Benmont Tench and Roy Bittan.

Johnny is the  stand out on the album, a natural classic Rock bad boy tale of woe. The Sundogs’ own “I fought the Law and the Law Won”:

Johnny, you’re lookin’ for trouble
Dumber than a bag of hammers, you got a heart made of lead
You drive down to the local church
All riled up, you’re gonna blow it up instead

There’s something, twisted in your head
You think you’re preachin’ righteousness, but that ain’t what you’ve been fed
Burnin’ down a house of faith
You’ve been seriously misled

 For those of you who grew up scouring the back of LPs for their liner notes take heed.Liner notes, lyrics, credits, videos and tracks are all posted on their website
http://sundogsmusic.com. No pretense here. Just good old fashioned Rock and Roll, and that’s a good thing.

Stream “Legends In Their Own Minds” via their website

Like Sundogs on Facebook and down load the album on Spotify, iTunes,Amazon and CDBaby. Also, find them on their Youtube Channel

 

“Catching Me in Stride” The debut album from Voyce Memo.

Voyce Memo’s debut album, Catching Me in Stride is more than a lesson on synth-indie Pop. outstanding as a debut venture, this Texas trio delivers 13 tight compositions. Fans of Broken Bells, The Whitest Boy You Know and Death Cab For Cutie will appreciate Voyce Memo energy and addicting hooks. That’s apparent from the start with the album’s opening track and first video, Division.

Voyce Memos is Richard Borger,  the lead producer/audio engineer and originally from Florida. Borger transplanted to Houston, building his own home studio (Meraki Recordings) where he worked for a time as a solo artist before meeting drummer, Stephen Mokulis, and multi-instrumentalist/producer, Akash Gupta. Gupta delivers some great work on Horns, helping to make Division a stand-out on the album.

Hard Knot comfortably finds it’s hip hop soul, while the instrumental, Benova, is  light and jazzy. Indifferent is pure funk, driven by a great R&B baseline and Mokulis’ frenetic drums. Lazy Radio, about regret and remorse is  pure pop gold and would have been my pick for single off the album, showcasing what this band is capable of. The song builds like a storm and holds that great energy right through to a blistering guitar solo.

There’s a theme here. Voyce Memo’s music captures the ideas of human changes and the decisions we make, especially in relationships, love, and self-understanding. ““This album, and musical endeavor in general, stems from much introspection and self (and non-self) awareness. Sometimes a moment or series of events comes along in life that changes a lot of what you thought to be “true”, like the way things are supposed to be, or how you’re supposed to love, or where you’re supposed to work and live…There are moments scattered throughout the album that bring out strong emotions, whether that be longing, confusion, sadness, anger, or understanding, and we believe it finally arrives at acceptance with the crescendo at the very end of the album on “Argentine.” 

With a potent mix of various electronic, rock, dance and indie influences, Borger, Gupta and Mokulis solidified their unique backgrounds blending Voyce Memo into a style all its own. The group turned casual jam sessions into basis for songs and eventually recordings what would later become their first album. The result is “Catching me in Stride” due out April 19th- a solid first offering that hints of more great things to come.

Visit Voyce Memo at Website, like them on Facebook and Instagram and download at Spotify, Google Play and iTunes
Youtube Channel

The Debut Album from Annamay

Euro-folk, Neo-hippie, Post-punk, alt-country, Gaelic-rock. Annamay fits all of those and more. Hard to put your finger exactly on Swedish songstress Annamay. Just when you think you’ve defined this artist, born at the footsteps of the mountains in Åre, she goes and changes, as if reinventing herself in every new song.

Interestingly, the album, demurely titled “Fuck You,” is cleverly paced. Fans of the Norwegian Indie-pop trio The Whitest Boy Alive will take to Annamay right away. There are hints of the Cranberries Celtic soul, moments of The Mamas and the Papas.  “I’m Gonna Wake up One Day,” an anthem of self determination, featuring songwriting legend and poet Tom Kimmel,  drips with alt-country themes driven by a smoking slide guitar.

“See Me Now” is deep and resonant with the spirit of early Jefferson Airplane. Truly inspired songwriting, and luscious production work by Awesound Studio.

Annamay began learning music and songwriting when she was just 10. Still not impressed? This alt-rocker boasts an expert level in engineering, underground infrastructure and urban planning. That dichotomy helps Annamay find balance in an otherwise chaotic world. “Music inspires me to live life to its full potential and I hope to encourage my listeners to do the same,” she says.

For the last several years she’s re-immersed herself in her art, releasing a few great singles like, “Grab the Moon” a song professing encouragement and hope, with Annika Olsson Ennart’s sorrowful piano and lamenting strings juxtaposed against Annamay’s vocals. “Torn Between Two Suns” is every bit as rich and inspired as anything by the late Dolores O’Riordan. Annamay picks up that torch and carries it forward with this album.

 

“Torn Between Two Suns” tenderly explores meeting your soulmate as circumstances force you apart:

A heart cracks of life
Dried rock endless emotions One smile, one joke of love
Our instrument was sold
I’m torn between two suns

Annamay’s music communicates feelings of truth, freedom and female empowerment driven by her evocative and captivating vocals and keen social and environmental conscience. This is music making at its finest.

For more on this amazing artists checkout her Website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram,Twitter, and download the album on Spotify and iTunes,and watch her l  attest videos on Annamay’s Youtube Channel

HEAD OVER HEELS

Kokandy Productions Announces the Chicago Premiere of

HEAD OVER HEELS

Songs by The Go-Go’s

Based on The Arcadia by Sir Phillip Sidney

Conceived & Original Book by Jeff Whitty

Adapted by James Magruder

Co-Directed by Derek Van Barham & Elizabeth Swanson

Music Direction by Kyra Leigh

Choreography by Breon Arzell

July 1 – August 25, 2019 at Theater Wit

 Plus: WE GOT THE BEAT: A Totally Kokandy Cabaret

CHICAGO (April 2, 2019) – Kokandy Productions is pleased to announce the Chicago premiere of the bold new musical comedy HEAD OVER HEELS, featuring songs by The Go-Go’s, based on The Arcadia by Sir Phillip Sidney, conceived and original book by Jeff Whitty and adapted by James Magruder. Making its Chicago debut just six months after concluding its Broadway run, HEAD OVER HEELS is co-directed by Kokandy’s new Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham and Elizabeth Swanson, with music direction by Kyra Leigh and choreography by Breon Arzell. Casting will be announced shortly. HEAD OVER HEELS will play July 1 – August 25, 2019 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.kokandyproductions.com, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office. The press opening is Saturday, July 6 at 8 pm.

From the visionaries that rocked Broadway with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q and Spring Awakening, HEAD OVER HEELS is a laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the iconic 1980’s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s, featuring the hit songs, “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You.”

A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, HEAD OVER HEELS follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction – only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts.

Comments Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, “A celebratory pop musical about self-love and acceptance? I can’t imagine a better way to spend the summer!  Whether you’re looking for escape or sanctuary, the world of Head Over Heels has something for everyone. There’s a universal journey of self-discovery at the pulse of this show, and I am so proud to be able to share it with Chicago!”

Kokandy Productions celebrates the launch of its new season with WE GOT THE BEAT: A Totally Kokandy Cabaret on Monday, April 29 at 8 pm at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. The musical benefit will showcase new songs from the upcoming season and celebrate some of the company’s greatest hits, including The Wiz, Grand Hotel, Bonnie & Clyde and Heathers. Tickets: $20 general admission; $35 Totally Very admission (Includes reserved seating and 6 raffle tickets). Tickets are available at www.kokandyproductions.com.

Board President Scot Kokandy comments, “I also wanted to take this opportunity to share some updates to our staff and board. In January, we welcomed new board member Katherine Smith to fill the vacancy that occurred due to the passing of Gitta Jacobs. We know Gitta will always be with us in spirit cheering us on and we thank her for her wisdom and guidance while working with us. Nik Whitcomb has left as one of our Artistic Associate – we wish him well on all his artistic endeavors. Lastly, founding member John D. Glover retired from the organization last year and I want to acknowledge his contributions. Not only did John contribute to the artistic formation and ongoing vision of the company by directing sixs shows over six years, but he made significant contributions financially, both personally and through his fundraising efforts. If it wasn’t for John’s efforts and support early on, the company wouldn’t be here today.”

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

 Title: HEAD OVER HEELS

Songs: The Go-Go’s

Based on: The Arcadia by Sir Phillip Sidney

Conceived and Original Book by: Jeff Whitty

Adapted by: James Magruder

Co-Directors: Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham and Elizabeth Swanson

Music Director: Kyra Leigh

Choreographer: Breon Arzell

Cast: to be announced shortly.

Location: Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago

Dates: Previews: Monday, July 1 at 7 pm, Tuesday, July 2 at 7 pm, Wednesday, July 3 at 7 pm and Friday, July 5 at 8 pm

Press performance: Saturday, July 6 at 8 pm

Regular run: Sunday, July 7 – Sunday, August 25, 2019

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will be added performances on Saturday, July 27 at 3 pm, Saturday, August 10 at 3 pm and Saturday, August 24 at 3 pm.

Tickets: Previews $25. Regular run $40. Students/seniors $35. Tickets are available at www.kokandyproductions.com, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office.

About the Artists

 Derek Van Barham (Co-Director) is the Producing Artistic Director of Kokandy Productions, and a member of the Red Tape Theatre ensemble. He previously served as Associate Artistic Director of Pride Films & Plays. For PFP, he directed Perfect Arrangement, Angry Fags (Steppenwolf Garage), Songs from an Unmade Bed (Jeff nomination), and (co-directing) PRISCILLA, Queen of the Desert. Choreography credits include The CiviliTy of Albert Cashier and BITE (PFP), all Black Button Eyes productions, and Salonathon. Other directing credits include The View Upstairs (Circle Theatre), Three Days of Rain (Boho) and Miracle! by Dan Savage and Skooby Don’t! (Hell in a Handbag). He was named one of Windy City Times 30 Under 30, recognizing Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community.

 Elizabeth Swanson (Co-Director) is a Chicago-based theater director. Recent credits include I Know My Own Heart (Pride Films & Plays), Hildegard: A New Musical (With a Machete Productions), Where All the White Sneakers At? (Second City) and Lungs (Granary Theatre, Cork, Ireland). Assistant directing credits include Fun Home (Victory Gardens Theater), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Chicago Shakespeare Theater) and Vardo for the Dublin Theatre Festival (Anu Productions). Elizabeth has also directed for Stage 773’s Artists Lab, as well as festival shows and readings with About Face Theater, Chicago Dramatists, Chicago Theater Marathon, The New Colony and Waltzing Mechanics, among others. Elizabeth holds an MFA from the Lir National Academy of Dramatic Arts at the University of Dublin. elizabethswansondirector.com

Kyra Leigh (Music Director, she/her/hers) is active as both a musician and actor. She’s composed and performed for the prestigious Stewart Ostrow Musical Theatre Lab, Prop Thtr, and released a full length album, “Transfigure.” She’s acted with the Jeff Award-winning Theo Ubique, The National Pastime Theatre, and is making her debut with Pride Films & Plays. She’s performed as a solo artist at venues such at Mary’s Attic, Park West, The Abbey Pub and Davenport’s. She also directs shows at the Chicago School of Rock and is an active church musician with North Shore Baptist. She is a passionate advocate for trans visibility in the worlds of pop music, classical music and theatre. She is currently represented by DDO Artists.

Breon Arzell (Choreographer) Most commonly known as an actor, Arzell’s breakout, and award-winning, premiere as a Chicago choreographer came with Oracle Productions’ The Hairy Ape. The Detroit native received his first training while at Miami University. In Chicago, he has worked as a dancer, choreographer and instructor at Joel Hall Dancers & Center, Porchlight Music Theatre, Vagabond School and The Goodman Theatre (for their Musical Theater Program). Developing his own style of dance (hip-hop, jazz, modern, lyrical, contemporary and body percussion) and storytelling, movement credits include: We Are Proud to Present (Steppenwolf Theatre), Poseidon! (Hell in a Handbag), The Total Bent (Haven Theatre/About Face), Rightlynd, The House That Will Not Stand (Victory Gardens Theater), Night Runner, Wig Out (DePaul University); Julius Caesar (Writers Theatre), Marie Christine  (BoHo Theatre), The Wiz  (Kokandy), Scottsboro Boys (Porchlight Music Theatre), and more. His talents have allowed him to work all across the U.S., Canada, England, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Singapore and Malaysia.

About Kokandy Productions

Founded in 2010, Kokandy Productions seeks to leverage the heightened reality of musical theater to tell complex and challenging stories, with a focus on contributing to the development of Chicago-based musical theater artists, and raising the profile of Chicago’s non-Equity musical theater community.

The company’s artistic staff is comprised of John D. Glover (Artistic Producer), Allison Hendrix (Producing Artistic Director), Scot T. Kokandy (Executive Producer) and Kory Danielson (Resident Music Director).

For additional information, visit www.kokandyproductions.com.

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David Rosenberg

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Erich Mrak’s new single-Fake It : The Future of Hip Hop

Ladies and gentlemen, I come before you to announce that the State of Hip Hop is strong. As proof, I submit, from Toronto “Fake It”, the new single by Erich Mrak, produced by, Bento.

 

“Fake It” is the third of 6 singles Erich is working to release each month between January to June of 2019, that will comprise a currently untitled EP. what emerges is an ice cold mix of rich melded and layered pop, R&B, electronic and experimental hip hop with dark undertones. Fans of Macklemore, KREAM, Chet Faker and Asher Roth will dig Mrak’s music. Listen close, you’ll hear moments of Childish Gambino. “Fake It” takes things to a deeper, moodier level.

Growing up in Ottowa, Canada, Erich Mrak began writing his own music at the age of 7. He now calls Toronto home. Erich’s in-house producer is Bento, another Toronto native. His signature sound is characterized by down-tempo beats, melancholy vocals and atmospheric melodies. His lyrics and visuals reflect the every day.
Float, Think About It, Summer Dealer & Navigate all represent an ever-evolving and strengthening Artist with something to say. “Fake It” takes that all to the next level. Three down and three to go. Stay tuned for the release of a top-notch EP, if the first three pieces are any indication Erich’s music has earned acclaim from Earmilk, Noiseprn,Indie Shuffle, Paste Magazine, YourEDM, Addicted Magazine, Ride the Tempo, Canadian Beats, and hosts of others. Visit Erich Mrak’s Website : www.erichmrakmusic.com,  Youtube : www.youtube.com/ErichMrakMusic,  Like him on Facebook : www.facebook.com/ErichMrakMusic, on
Twitter : twitter.com/ErichMrakMusic and download his latest music at Soundcloud: erichmrakmusic