Learning from the Masters, Part I
Students from the ComedySportz teams at Greenfield-Central High School and Westfield High School enjoyed a masterclass in laughs Jan. 7 when comedian Jeff Allen kindly agreed to participate in the Center’s FrontRow program.
Along with complimentary dinner and tickets to Allen’s show at the Tarkington, the students were able to chat casually with Allen about his life and work, which has been featured on America’s Got Talent, Dry Bar Comedy, HBO, Comedy Central and Showtime, among other places. With a little time to kill that evening, the students also joined in some comedy improv games in the adjacent Studio Theater.
Learning from the Masters, Part II
Viewers from more than 20 states coast to coast tuned in for the Jan. 10 episode of JazzTalk, when host Todd Williams spoke live with smooth jazz saxophonist Boney James. Zooming in from his Los Angeles home studio for nearly an hour, James discussed his multiplatinum, multi-Grammy-nominated career and graciously fielded questions from the virtual audience. Watch the Boney James JazzTalk interview here.
Even better than watching an artist talk online is seeing them perform in person. Grab tickets now for Boney James’ Feb. 18 return to the Palladium.
February is our dinosaur month
Who doesn’t dig dinosaurs, but could this be any more confusing? International Dinosaur Month is October, but National Dinosaur Day is June 1 and also the third Tuesday in May. (Google it if you don’t believe it.) In an effort to bring some order to this chaos, the Center has conveniently consolidated the best of its dinosaur-related educational programs into the month of February.
The Center Presents National Geographic Live Series continues Feb. 21 with the multimedia presentation T. Rex Rises by paleontologist Dr. Lindsay Zanno. Taking a break from her digs across North America, Zanno will explain how a global climate crisis during the Cretaceous Period affected the evolution of the GOAT apex predator. Like the rest of the Nat Geo Live Series, Zanno’s visit to the Palladium includes a 7:30 p.m. presentation for all ages as well as a free morning matinee for school groups. Your school can even get help in covering the field trip expenses with the Center’s Transportation Grant Program.
Sing. Sing a song. Sing out loud, etc.
Tired of hiding your vocal talents in the shower or your motor vehicle? Learn how to share them with the world when the Group Vocal Coaching class returns March 15. Instructor Todd Neal is back for another round of sessions at 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays, March 15 through April 5 at the Palladium.
Amateurs, professionals, and total beginners alike can pick up tips on vocal technique, song interpretation, stage presence and other aspects of the art form. Many participants gain enough confidence to perform publicly in the annual World Voice Day celebration on the Palladium stage, which this year takes place April 11. Click here to sign up for Group Vocal Coaching.
Coal Miner’s Daughter
The Palladium Bookies reading club for grownups meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13 to discuss country music legend Loretta Lynn’s memoir, Coal Miner’s Daughter. For information and to RSVP, email Outreach@TheCenterPresents.org.