Press release from the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts:
The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is inviting the public to its updated facility for a community open house filled with free family fun, on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Welcome Day at the Wortham begins at 10 a.m. with a free movie screening (Disney Pixar-animated film “Coco”), and continues with events throughout the day, including a raffle, two guided tours of the facility, outdoor music and kids’ crafts, yoga and theatre games — closing out at 4 p.m. with a free concert from the U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors.
One of the finest big bands in the world today, the Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, D.C., tours thousands of miles each year to promote patriotism and good will for the U.S. Army through free public concerts.
The Army’s official touring big band has appeared in a variety of high profile contexts, including performances with Ohio’s Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Syracuse Symphony. During a joint performance with the National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Marvin Hamlisch declared, “I can’t think of better ambassadors for our country.”
A highly competitive audition process draws candidates from leading conservatories, universities, and the professional ranks. Many members of the Jazz Ambassadors have extensive civilian performance experience, and some arrange and compose music highlighting the group’s creative talent and gifted soloists. Their diverse repertoire includes big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, bebop, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland and patriotic selections. Wherever they travel, the Jazz Ambassadors proudly carry the message of patriotism and goodwill to audiences worldwide.
Welcome Day at the Wortham Schedule
All Day — Raffle, tickets in the lobby
10 a.m. — Disney Pixar’s “Coco,” in the Diana Wortham Theatre
10:30 a.m. — Wortham Center Tour; meet at the Box Office in the lobby
10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Outdoor music in the Explore Asheville Courtyard
12-3 p.m. — Hola Community Arts’ Kids Craft Station and Dia de Muertos exhibit, in the lobby
1-1:45 p.m. — Kids Yoga Class with Miranda Watson, in the Henry LaBrun Studio
1:15 p.m. — Wortham Center Tour; meet at the Box Office in the lobby
2-3 p.m. — Theatre Games for Kids & their Grown-Ups with Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective, in the Henry LaBrun Studio
4-5 p.m. — The Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field Band, in the Diana Wortham Theatre (Free; requires ticket for admission)The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is located at 18 Biltmore Ave. The three-venue performing arts complex includes the 500-seat Diana Wortham Theatre, as well as the new Tina McGuire Theatre, a black box theatre seating up to 100 people, and the new Henry LaBrun Studio, seating up to 80 people. To obtain more information about Welcome Day at the Wortham or about the Wortham Center’s 2019/2020 Season, call the Wortham Center Box Office at 828-257-4530 or visit worthamarts.org.
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