Alive and Kicking on Broadway

Just returned from the APAP conference in NYC, where approx 4,000 people from all over the world gathered to see new work, engage in commerce and develop professional skills. Of course, the Broadway community was there in force and I’m happy to report that this unique American performing arts genre will not only endure the tough economy but will come out of it stronger.

So have a laugh with this video, but understand that Broadway will be alive and well in NYC and across the country.

- JOSH LABELLE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Surviving APAP '09

It was a crazy few days in New York. Members of our Programming and Education departments traveled to the Arts Presenters conference (lovingly referred to as APAP '09) once again. It was snowing, because apparently we could not get away from the snow (oh, and people in New York use umbrellas in the snow too). We arrived on Thursday, 1/8 and it was non-stop once we landed there. The first night in town, we went to a performance at the Chelsea Art Museum entitled England - it was really good, but I must admit I was a little tired from the early morning flight. The performance was followed by a wonderful dinner at a great Chinese restaurant in Chelsea with Linda and Alisa from Pomegranate Arts (the people who bring us shows like Dan Zanes and Goran Bregovic). After Chinese, it was finally time for some much needed sleep.

Friday was another busy day with some more meetings with agents, and then we were off to the Pomegranate Arts 10th anniversary party, where Liz and I were sitting about 3 feet from Lou Reed. We were completely in awe! Afterwards we went to a great show called Addicted to Bad Ideas, which is about the life and times of Peter Lorre.

Saturday was, yet again, a day filled with meetings with agents, a quick run for the best hot chocolate I have ever had at a chocolate shop called Jaques Torres, and a few forums at the conference. This was all followed by Jason and I going to see Mary Poppins on Broadway – since I have never actually seen the movie (I know, it is a little odd), I really didn’t know what to expect.

Sunday: more and more meetings. It was quite the busy day, but I luckily managed to get about 2.5 hours off to go for a walk to Central Park and to the Upper West Side. It was a bit brisk out – there was still snow in the park - but a walk was the best thing and was definitely needed.


After a few more meetings, Liz and I got to go to the Blender Theater to see John Hammond and Bettye LaVette...it was a fantastic show!

John Hammond

Betty LaVette

Monday was filled with still more meetings, the Arts Presenters awards luncheon, a short break to take a really quick walk and stretch my legs a little, then some MORE meetings, the William Morris Agency annual party at their New York offices and finally dinner and bed around 1am...it was a really long week filled with some great shows and meetings, but I am really ready to head home to Seattle and get some much needed sleep.


- VICKI INFINITO PROGRAMMING & BOOKING ASSOCIATE

Hey Look! New Shows!

Elvis Perkins in Dearland

Wow.

Another Monday, another round of shows to announce:

* Elvis Perkins in Dearland - March 9th at Tractor Tavern, 21+
Simply gorgeous songs, sung by an intelligent man and backed by a multi-instrumentalist band. Watch Elvis stroll and sing in the streets of Paris here.

* Ten Out of Tenn Tour - March 27th at The Triple Door
Featuring Erin McCarley, Matthew Perryman Jones, Griffin House, Katie Herzig, Trent Dabbs, Andy Davis, Butterfly Boucher, Jeremy Lister, KS Rhodes, and Tyler James.

* Cold War Kids - April 22nd at Showbox at The Market
These guys keep a tour journal - check it out.

* Stephen Lynch - May 15th at The Moore Theatre
Nominated for a Tony for The Wedding Singer on Broadway, he's also had his own special on Comedy Central and is darn good looking to boot.

As always, ticket and presale info will be in our weekly eNews, coming out this Wednesday. Sign up now. You know, if you like presales and fun things like that.