Karla Grotting and The Eclectic Edge Ensemble present Lost Voices in Jazz: The Choreographers of the
CONTACT:
Karla Grotting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Karla Grotting and The Eclectic Edge Ensemble present Lost Voices in Jazz: The Choreographers of the Minnesota Jazz Dance Company
(Minneapolis, MN) Lost Voices in Jazz: The Choreographers of the Minnesota Jazz Dance Company is a project to reconstruct and present select works by four MJDC choreographers lost to AIDS; William Harren, Jeffrey Mildenstein, Clarence Teeters, Jr. and David Voss. MJDC (1975-1988) was Minnesota's first jazz dance company; founded and directed by Zoe Sealy, who was a major force in local jazz training for over 30 years. Former MJDC company member, Karla Grotting and local jazz dance company, Eclectic Edge Ensemble, directed by Karis Sloss have reconstructed select dances for the purposes of recognizing this rare body of work, to research the impact of these losses on the development of the American concert jazz dance form and to honor and remember these unique and individual artistic voices and their enduring influences on our dance community. These works also represent a last breath of life as it was in the early 1980s as these pieces were created before these artists were ill and before any of us understood the way AIDS would change our world. Lost Voices in Jazz is working in partnership with Open Arms MN and The Aliveness Project in making efforts to improve HIV/AIDS awareness, education, outreach and in increasing support for those living with HIV/AIDS.
The Lost Voices in Jazz performances will include a solo performance by special guest, jazz great, Danny Buraczeski; the only living male choreographer to have set work on MJDC and the most recent dance work created by local jazz legend, Zoe Sealy and commissioned by the Eclectic Edge Ensemble, At the End of the Day.
MJDC (1975-1988) was Minnesota's first repertory jazz dance company; founded by Zoe Sealy. During its 13 year run, five male choreographers created original works on the dancers. By 1991, four were dead of AIDS. Former company member, Karla Grotting and the Eclectic Edge Ensemble are reconstructing select works by these remarkable artists; William Harren, Jeffrey Mildenstein, Clarence Teeters and David Voss to honor and remember their contributions to the American concert jazz dance form. The program also features a solo performed by jazz great, Danny Buraczeski and the latest work by jazz legend, Zoe Sealy.
Tickets: Reserved Seating, Adult $26, Student $20, St Kates Community $20, Groups
of 10+ receive 15% off tickets, *prices include $2 restoration fee. Ordering online avoids the $5 phone order fee.
Reservations: The OShaughnessy, http://oshag.stkate.edu/event/lost-voices,
Box Office: 651-690-6700
Dates: Friday, July 24 @ 7:30 p.m. & Saturday, July 25 @ 7:30 p.m.
Venue: The OShaughnessy, St Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Ave, St Paul, MN, 55105
