Rat Pack music and the Big Band era will come back to life in Auburn Thursday during the New York Dance Festival's Thommie Walsh Song and Dance Man Gala.
Sean McLeod, executive producer for the New York Institute of Dance and Education, which hosts the three-week festival, said the audience will get a chance to see world-class talent that would traditionally be reserved for a large city venue.
Alexander Cowings will display the tap dancing skills that made him stand out as a child prodigy; Jerami Kipp, an Auburn native, will show his dance and drum talent; and vocal artist Brian Morey, who has toured in Asia, Africa and Europe, will share his music.
“The song and dance gala brings that kind of world class experience to Auburn,” McLeod said. “Between everyone involved, they have probably traveled to almost every country and every continent.”
The gala will also honor former Auburn resident and Broadway star, Thommie Walsh, who passed away June 16, 2007.
“He showed that a person from a little-known town named Auburn could actually grow up and have an impact on Broadway,” McLeod said. “The community that bore such a talented and charitable individual will be able to pay homage to his legacy.”
Jacob Mora, who will be performing at the event, said Thommie's desire to connect with his audience will be the main theme throughout the night.
“The connection between a performer and the audience is an earned response,” Mora said. “The performer has a responsibility to excel and provide that kind of experience. Many performers seem to think the audience owes us something, but that's not true.”
In addition to providing entertainment, proceeds from the gala will be used to fund scholarships through NYIDE, McLeod said.
Many of the performers from the song and dance gala will also be on hand for Night of 1,000 Drums on Saturday.
Brian Morey, director of production and multimedia NYIDE, said the event will feature Adanfo, a family drum group from Ghana, gospel music from Frank Jones Instruments of Praise and McLeod's Music from a Black Man's Song Book.
“The show ends with a combined set from all three in addition to anyone else who wants to join in,” Morey said. “Its just one gigantic explosion of music. It encourages audience participation and creates a wonderful sense of community. It will be the perfect event for the entire family, a date or a night out.”
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
Festival Week 1 events
What: Thommie Walsh Song and Dance Man Gala
When: 7 p.m., Thursday, July 10
Where: Holiday Inn, 75 North St., Auburn
Cost: $100 a ticket
What: Night of 1,000 Drums
When: 8 p.m., Saturday, July 12
Where: NYIDE, 93 North St.
Cost: $20 a ticket
For tickets or information, call 252-4420
Alexander Cowings will display the tap dancing skills that made him stand out as a child prodigy; Jerami Kipp, an Auburn native, will show his dance and drum talent; and vocal artist Brian Morey, who has toured in Asia, Africa and Europe, will share his music.
“The song and dance gala brings that kind of world class experience to Auburn,” McLeod said. “Between everyone involved, they have probably traveled to almost every country and every continent.”
The gala will also honor former Auburn resident and Broadway star, Thommie Walsh, who passed away June 16, 2007.
“He showed that a person from a little-known town named Auburn could actually grow up and have an impact on Broadway,” McLeod said. “The community that bore such a talented and charitable individual will be able to pay homage to his legacy.”
Jacob Mora, who will be performing at the event, said Thommie's desire to connect with his audience will be the main theme throughout the night.
“The connection between a performer and the audience is an earned response,” Mora said. “The performer has a responsibility to excel and provide that kind of experience. Many performers seem to think the audience owes us something, but that's not true.”
In addition to providing entertainment, proceeds from the gala will be used to fund scholarships through NYIDE, McLeod said.
Many of the performers from the song and dance gala will also be on hand for Night of 1,000 Drums on Saturday.
Brian Morey, director of production and multimedia NYIDE, said the event will feature Adanfo, a family drum group from Ghana, gospel music from Frank Jones Instruments of Praise and McLeod's Music from a Black Man's Song Book.
“The show ends with a combined set from all three in addition to anyone else who wants to join in,” Morey said. “Its just one gigantic explosion of music. It encourages audience participation and creates a wonderful sense of community. It will be the perfect event for the entire family, a date or a night out.”
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
Festival Week 1 events
What: Thommie Walsh Song and Dance Man Gala
When: 7 p.m., Thursday, July 10
Where: Holiday Inn, 75 North St., Auburn
Cost: $100 a ticket
What: Night of 1,000 Drums
When: 8 p.m., Saturday, July 12
Where: NYIDE, 93 North St.
Cost: $20 a ticket
For tickets or information, call 252-4420
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