National Folk Festival Announces Roster of Returning and New Sponsors for 2016

"Greensboro, N.C., August 31, 2016  — The National Folk Festival announced today its entire list of sponsors for 2016. The 2016 Festival will run in downtown Greensboro from 6 – 10:30 pm on Friday, September 9; from noon – 10:30 pm on Saturday, September 10; and from noon – 6:30 pm on Sunday, September 11. More than 100,000 people attended the Festival in 2015 over the course of the three-day weekend.

“We are delighted to have such a robust group of sponsors partnering with us on the National Folk Festival,” said ArtsGreensboro President and CEO Tom Philion, who leads the Festival fundraising efforts. “Not only have many longtime ArtsGreensboro supporters chosen to support the Festival, but many new organizations have also joined in this effort to provide a FREE, three-day weekend celebrating the roots and heritage of all Americans.”

These sponsors are new for 2016:

·      BB&T: Sponsoring the N.C. Folklife Area

·      Duke Energy: Dance Pavilion Co-Sponsor

·      North Carolina Education Lottery: Dance Pavilion Co-Sponsor

·      Downtown Greensboro, Inc.: Festival Trolley Sponsor

·      Mickey Truck Bodies: Volunteer program Sponsor

·      ITG Brands

·      Allen Tate: VIP Viewing Area Sponsor

·      Ben & Jerry’s: Creamy Frozen Dessert Sponsor

·      Kona Ice of Greensboro: Icy Frozen Dessert Sponsor

These sponsors are returning in 2016:

·      VF Corporation: Wrangler Stage

·      Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina: Lawn Stage

·      City of Greensboro

·      Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau

·      Action Greensboro and Its Supporting Foundations, including

o   Joseph M. Bryan Foundation

o   Cemala Foundation

o   Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation

o   Phillips Foundation

·      North Carolina Arts Council: N.C. Folklife Area

·      Cone Health: Wellness Sponsor

·      PNC Bank: N.C. Arts Marketplace Sponsor

·      Guilford County

·      Lincoln Financial Group

·      National Endowment for the Arts: Fabric of Freedom

·      AJ Fletcher Foundation: Fabric of Freedom

·      Deuterman Law Group: Festival Mobile App Sponsor

·      Foothills Brewing Company: Craft Beer Co-Sponsor

·      Natty Greene’s Brewing Co.: Craft Beer Co-Sponsor

·      Lincoln Financial Foundation: Fabric of Freedom

·      McDonald’s: Family Stage Sponsor

·      Weaver Foundation

·      Wells Fargo: Family Area Sponsor

·      The Carroll Companies: Artist Sponsor

·      Guilford Merchants Association: Info Booth Sponsor

·      NC by Train/Amtrak: Transportation Sponsor

·      Pepsi Bottling Ventures: Beverage Sponsor

·      Senn Dunn Insurance & PURE Insurance: Opening Reception Sponsors

·      O.Henry & Proximity Hotels: Hospitality Partners

·      AT&T North Carolina: Artist Sponsor

·      Bank of America: Artist Sponsor

·      Craft Insurance: Artist Sponsor

·      North Carolina Folklife Institute

·      All-State Restaurant Equipment

Media sponsors for 2016 include:

·      News & Record

·      Our State magazine

·      Capitol Broadcasting Company

·      iHeart Media

·      Fox 8

·      WFDD

·      UNC-TV

·      WBRF

·      Guilford County Women’s Journal

In-kind sponsors for 2016 include:

·      All-State Restaurant Equipment

·      Caffey Distributing

·      Carolina Theatre

·      Greensboro Grasshoppers

·      North Carolina Folklife Institute

·      PTI Airport

·      The Printery

·      Replacements, Ltd.

·      R.H. Barringer

·      Tech Triad

Approximately 300 artists—musicians, dancers, storytellers, and craftspeople—will take part in the National Folk Festival, with more than 40 different musical groups performing on eight outdoor performance venues throughout downtown Greensboro.

To learn more about all these artists, their traditions, and their stories, please visit nationalfolkfestival.com/performers and connect with the Festival on social media:

·      #NCFolkFest

·      Twitter: @NtlFolkFestNC

·      Instagram: NationalFolkFestNC

·      YouTube: National Folk Festival NC

# # #

About the 2016 National Folk Festival: Co-produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) and ArtsGreensboro, the National Folk Festival is celebrating the second year of its three-year residency in downtown Greensboro in 2016. The FREE, three-day event is America’s longest-running festival of traditional arts. nationalfolkfestival.com

About the National Folk Festival: Since it was first presented in St. Louis in 1934, the National Folk Festival has celebrated the roots, richness, and variety of American culture. Championed in its early years by Eleanor Roosevelt, it was the first event of national stature to present the arts of many nations, races, and languages on equal footing. An exuberant traveling festival that embraces the diverse cultural expressions of the American people in the 21st century, the National Folk Festival is FREE to the public, and is produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) in partnership with communities around the country.

About the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA): The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) is one of the nation’s premier non-profit cultural organizations dedicated to the presentation and documentation of folk, tribal, and ethnic arts in the United States. Founded in 1933, it is the nation’s oldest producing and presenting organization with such a focus. Its programs celebrate and honor deeply rooted cultural expressions—music, crafts, stories, and dance passed on through time by families and communities as well as by tribal, ethnic, and occupational groups. The NCTA stresses excellence and authenticity in presenting artists to the public in festivals, tours, concerts, media programs, exhibitions, recordings, and other activities, and works in partnership with communities across American to establish new, sustainable traditional arts events that bring lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits. www.ncta-usa.org

About ArtsGreensboro: With an annual budget of approximately $3.5 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

ArtsGreensboro Announces 2016 Fabric of Freedom Series, Presented in Conjunction with the National Folk Festival and 17DAYS

The series celebrates Greensboro’s unique history as a crucible for freedom & social justice

"Greensboro, N.C., August 18, 2016 — ArtsGreensboro President and CEO Tom Philion and Fabric of Freedom Coordinator Katy Clune today announced the schedule of free Fabric of Freedom arts events taking place throughout September during both the National Folk Festival, running September 9 – 11, and the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival running September 9 – 25.

During the announcement, gospel singer Mary D. Williams of Garner, N.C., who will lead a Fabric of Freedom event, “Music from the Movement,” on Sunday, September 18, at the O.Henry Hotel, provided a preview of her performance.

In its second year, the Fabric of Freedom series celebrates Greensboro’s history as a crucible for freedom and social justice. It is presented by ArtsGreensboro and funded by a National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant, with major support from the AJ Fletcher Foundation and Lincoln Financial Foundation.  

“Freedom movements and social justice activism are as integral to Greensboro as its railroads,” explained Philion. “Fabric of Freedom is a series of arts programs that celebrate the diversity and cultural history of Greensboro. We are thrilled to be able to present Fabric of Freedom events in association with the National Folk Festival, which showcases the rich traditions of all Americans, and 17DAYS, which shines a light on our city’s diverse art organizations.”

Even before Greensboro was founded in 1808, freedom was a rallying cry for its residents. Greensboro is named for Revolutionary War Major General Nathanael Greene, a “fighting Quaker” who led American troops against the British at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in 1781. In the early 1800s, Quakers established the southern-most point of the Underground Railroad on the campus of present-day Guilford College. On February 1, 1960, four North Carolina A&T students asked to be served at the downtown Woolworth’s whites-only lunch counter. Since the 1970s, the city has welcomed new immigrants and refugees. In 2014, the Greensboro City Council passed a resolution naming Greensboro a Welcoming City “that celebrates the growing diversity of its residents.”

Upcoming Fabric of Freedom programs include:

Fabric of Freedom First Friday Kickoff

Fri., Sept. 2, 5 – 9:30 pm

Tour the International Civil Rights Museum for free from 5 – 6:30 pm. Then head over to Government Plaza at 7 pm for a one-night-only throwback concert by N.C. soul legends from Odyssey 5 and The Eliminators.

ON SITE AT THE NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL

Freedom in the Gate City Timeline

See key moments in Greensboro’s history of social justice.

#WeaveTheTent Hands-on Activity

Sat., Sept. 10 & Sun., Sept. 11, 12 – 5 pm

N.C. Folklife Area

Lend a hand and help weave a “Fabric of Freedom” for Greensboro. No skills or materials required. Community weavings will become part of Welcoming the Stranger, an exhibit opening at Guilford College, on September 14.

What’s Your North Carolina Story?

Sat., Sept. 10 & Sun., Sept. 11, 12 – 5 pm

N.C. Folklife Area

Step into our storytelling Airstream trailer and share your N.C. experience. The photos and stories collected will be added to the collection of the Greensboro Historical Museum.

THROUGHOUT 17DAYS

Objects from the Borderlands: The U.S.-Mexico Border Anti-Archive

Fri., Sept. 2 – Sat., Oct. 1

Reception: Sat., Sept. 17, 5 – 8 pm

Since 2007, artist Susan Harbage Page has walked the Texas-Mexico border, collecting the ordinary objects people leave behind on their journey into the U.S.

Greensboro Project Space | 219 W Lewis Street

Traditions of Protest in North Carolina

Fri., Sept. 2 – Sun., Oct. 2

This exhibit places Greensboro’s protest history into a larger state context. Organized by the North Carolina Folklore Society.

PB & Java | 616 North Elm Street

Greensboro is Our Home: Storytelling

Tues., Sept. 13, 7 – 9 pm

Several of the city’s voices for freedom—from the 1960s to now—reveal the true tales of triumph and danger they faced.

Gibb’s Hundred | 117 W Lewis Street

Welcoming the Stranger

Wed., Sept. 14 – Sun., Oct 30

Opening reception: Wed., Sept. 14, 5:30 – 7 pm

Inspired by the parable of Abraham welcoming strangers into his home, artist Jo Israelson seeks to turn strangers into friends.

Hege Library, Guilford College | 5800 W Friendly Ave.

Artist Talk: Hank Willis Thomas

Thurs., Sept. 15, 7 pm

The artist discusses his current exhibition, Unbranded, A Century of White Women, 1915 – 2015. RSVP: weatherspoon.uncg.edu.

Weatherspoon Art Museum | 500 Tate Street

The Allen Boys: Sacred Steel of North Carolina

Fri., Sept. 16, 6 – 8 pm

The Allen Boys, our state’s only touring sacred steel guitar band, bring their rollicking sound to Greensboro.

Lawn, Greensboro Historical Museum| 130 Summit Ave.

Underground Railroad Walking Tour

Sat., Sept. 17, 11 am

The southern terminus of the Underground Railroad was established in the forests of present-day Guilford College. RSVP: nationalfolkfestival.com/fabric-of-freedom.

Guilford College | 5800 W Friendly Ave

“Stacked” ACTIVIST Art Receptions

Sat., Sept. 17, 5 – 8 pm

See Peace and Restoration for Self-Determination at Bennett (artist remarks at 6 pm), then take a complimentary shuttle to GPS to view Objects from the Borderlands (artist remarks at 7 pm).

Bennett College and Greensboro Project Space

Peace and Restoration for Self-Determination

Sat., Sept. 17 – Sun., Oct. 30

Opening reception: Sat., Sept. 17, 5 – 8 pm

Through photo collage and installations, artist Shani Peters honors past social resistance and motivates today’s activists.

Steele Hall Gallery, Bennett College

900 E. Washington St.  | Open by appt. | 845-405-9159

Music from the Movement

Sun., Sept. 18, 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Join singer Mary D. Williams on a journey through the songs of the Civil Rights era. RSVP: NationalFolkFestival.com/fabric-of-freedom

O.Henry Hotel | 624 Green Valley Road

Curator Talk: Media and Message

Fri., Sept. 23, 12:15 pm

Weatherspoon curator Emily Stamey places Hank Williams Thomas’ artwork in the context of other artists who use media images to address social activist themes.

Weatherspoon Art Museum | 500 Tate Street

Hidden Histories of Greensboro

Sat., Sept. 24, 1– 5 pm

Take tours of the South Elm Street neighborhood created by artists Chloë Bass and Samara Smith (1 – 3 pm). At 3 pm, return to Elsewhere for an artist presentation and a neighborhood reception.

Elsewhere | 606 South Elm Street

Dislocate: Contemporary Dance and Conversation

Sat., Sept. 24, 7 pm

Sarah Council’s Dislocate is a physical inquiry into stories of courage, expectation, disappointment, and sacrifice.

Little Theatre, Bennett College | 900 E. Washington St.

Asian Pacific American Celebration

Sun., Sept. 25, 2 – 5 pm

Celebrate the Smithsonian traveling exhibition, I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story.

Greensboro Historical Museum | 130 Summit Avenue

For more information, visit NationalFolkFestival.com/fabric-of-freedom

### 

About ArtsGreensboro: With an annual budget of approximately $3.5 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival and the soon-to-be-opened Van Dyke Performance Space, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org

About the 2016 National Folk Festival: Co-produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) and ArtsGreensboro, the National Folk Festival is celebrating the second year of its three-year residency in downtown Greensboro in 2016. The FREE, three-day event is America’s longest-running festival of traditional arts. nationalfolkfestival.com

About 17DAYS: Hosted by ArtsGreensboro, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival is a public-service, collaborative listing of fall arts and cultural events produced by dozens of independent organizations, artists, and presenters. Now entering its sixth year, 17DAYS has become North Carolina’s largest collaborative festival, featuring more than 100 events, exhibitions, and performances each year. The 2016 festival will take place from September 9 through September 25. For more information, visit 17DAYSGreensboro.org or call Kaitlin Smith at 336-373-7523, x246."

- A Press Release

National Folk Festival Adds Six Artists to Lineup; 29 Performers Announced to Date

Free Festival runs in downtown

Greensboro from Sept. 9 – 11, 2016

Greensboro, N.C., June 30, 2016 — Today the National Folk Festival announced six additional artists who will perform in downtown Greensboro from Sept.9 – 11, 2016. The 76^th National Folk Festival in 2016 marks the event’s second year of its three-year residency in Greensboro.

Last fall, the 75^th National Folk Festival attracted more than 102,000 attendees to downtown Greensboro for the FREE, three-day weekend. Based on survey data, organizers expect attendance to grow substantially in 2016—by as much as 30% or more.

Approximately 300 artists—musicians, dancers, storytellers, and craftspeople—will take part in the National Folk Festival, with more than 30 different musical groups performing on as many as seven outdoor performance venues throughout downtown Greensboro. The four artists announced today are:

·      Alberti Flea Circus – Flea Circus: Third-generation flea circus impresario Jim Alberti and his talented troupe of charismatic performers have been entertaining audiences with their astonishing acrobatic feats for nearly 30 years. Based in Winston-Salem, N.C., the Alberti Flea Circus was brought to the United States in the 1880s by Jim’s great-great uncle, but the tradition is much older, first documented in 16^th-century Europe. Jim delights in introducing this age-old art to new generations of children, who cheer for the fleas, help with their props, and even provide musical cues for their incredible feats.

·      Bouncing Bulldogs – Precision Jump Rope: Be inspired by the boundless creativity and intense athleticism of North Carolina’s own Bouncing Bulldogs, who have been crowned the top international jump rope team for the past five consecutive years at the World Jump Rope Championships! Founded by Coach Ray Fredrick in 1986 and based in Chapel Hill and Durham, the Bouncing Bulldogs field a competitive team of 140 girls and boy ages 7-19, with 200 other jumpers ages 4 and older participating in a club program. Fresh off defending their title at the 2016 World Championships in Portugal in July, 15 jumpers will perform at the National Folk Festival, amazing audiences with their skills in Double Dutch, speed jumping, and freestyle.

·      Chico Simões – Brazilian Mamulengo: “I don’t speak Portuguese, I don’t speak English; I speak puppet,” says mamulengueiro Chico Simões, who began studying this Brazilian puppet tradition in 1981. Since founding his own puppet theater in 1985, Simões has become an international ambassador for this Brazilian tradition, which has connections to the English Punch and Judy shows, the Italian pulcinella, and the French guignol—all rooted in the Italian 16^th-century commedia dell’arte. Simões has performed thousands of puppet plays around the world, from street corners to prestigious puppetry festivals, using his performances—many featuring trickster Benedito the Vaquiero, a cowboy, who bests a series of mythological and human opponents—to “hold up a mirror to the public.” His raucous performances delight children and adults alike.

·      Dancing On Air Crew – B-boying: Gravity-defying head spins, twirling windmills, and rapid-fire footwork are hallmarks of breaking, an urban dance style that—along with graffiti, MC-ing, and DJ-ing—is the expressive core of hip-hop culture. Dancers are called breakers, b-boys, or b-girls, and they prefer the terms “breaking” or “b-boying” to “breakdancing.” The members of the Dancing On Air Crew (DOA) live in Charleston, S.C., where they have been friends since middle school. Inspired by popular movies and the moves of older b-boys, they formed DOA in 2010. DOA’s current roster of eight b-boys, ages 17-26, travels to competitions around the Southeast and beyond, dazzling crowds, sharing a message of “hope, perseverance, and teamwork,” and inspiring the next generation of b-boys and b-girls.

·      Joe Bruchac – Abenaki Storytelling: With a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature, Joe Bruchac is an award-winning author of more than 120 fictional and non-fictional works, most featuring Native American protagonists, history, and values. Descended on his mother’s side from the Abenaki, an Algonquian-speaking Native people living in New England and Eastern Canada, Bruchac has dedicated himself to partnering with Native elders to collect stories from Abenaki and other Native cultures. “When a good story is told, it goes into a person’s heart, and it remains there,” Bruchac says. His stories inspire audiences to appreciate and protect the earth and all who dwell upon it.

·      Mangum & Company – Gospel Brass “Shout Band”: The United House of Prayer for All People congregations take to heart these words from Psalm 150:3-6: “Praise him with the sound of the trumpet…Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.” Mangum & Company, a group of outstanding musicians representing many United House of Prayer congregations from Charlotte, N.C., brings the unique African American sacred “shout band” tradition to the National Folk Festival. Charlotte-based shout trombonist Cedric Mangum joined his congregation’s band at age 7, learning to play all the shout instruments before becoming lead trombonist of the Charlotte Mother House’s legendary Bailey Clouds of Heaven at age 13, a position he continues to hold today at age 55. “Our music feeds the soul,” Mangum says. “…That’s what draws the people.”

  

These outstanding artists join the following performers, who have already been announced:

·      The Alt – Irih

·      Bahamas Junkanoo Revue ­– Bahamian Parade

·      Balsam Range – Bluegrass

·      Bill Kirchen  – Master of the Telecaster

·      Chaksam-pa – Tibetan Opera, Folk Song, and Dance

·      The Chankas of Peru – Andean Danza de las Tijeras (Scissors Dance):

·      Clinton Fearon & the Boogie Brown Band – Reggae

·      DJ Grandmaster Flash – Hip Hop

·      Grupo Rebolú – Afro-Colombian

·      Hula Halau ‘O Lilinoe – Hawai’ian Hula

·      Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys – Zydeco

·      The Jerry Grcevich Tamburitza Orchestra – Tamburitza

·      Joshua Nelson ­­– Kosher Gospel

·      Leonardo Sandoval – Tap

·      Le Vent du Nord – Québécois

·      Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano – Mariachi

·      Paperhand Puppet Intervention – Giant Puppet Pageants and Parades

·      Nathalie Pires – Portuguese Fado

·      The Quebe Sisters – Texas Fiddling & Western Swing

·      Sahba Motallebi – Persian Tar

·      Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga – East African Rumba, Soukous, and Benga

·      Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks – Delta Blues

·      Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band ­– New Orleans Jazz

To learn more about all these artists, their traditions, and their stories, please visit nationalfolkfestival.com/performers. Throughout the summer, the National Folk Festival will feature individual artists on its Facebook page (Facebook.com/NationalFolkFestivalNC) and on social media:

·      #NCFolkFest  #WeAreFolk

·      Twitter: @NtlFolkFestNC

·      Instagram: NationalFolkFestNC

·      YouTube: National Folk Festival NC

More performers will be announced as they are confirmed."

- A Press Release

Eastern Music Festival faculty artists kick off 2016 chamber series on June 27

EMF EASTERN CHAMBER PLAYERS

"(GREENSBORO, NC) – Eastern Music Festival’s faculty artists kick off the 2016 Eastern Chamber Players series on Mon., June 27 at the UNC Greensboro School of Music, Theatre and Dance Recital Hall at 8 p.m. The program, containing works by Mozart, Debussy and Dvořák, highlights the core of the series: an opportunity to present masterful classical repertoire composed for small ensembles.

The Eastern Chamber Players are made up of EMF’s dedicated and talented faculty teaching-artists and friends. During this season’s series, EMF’s faculty will be joined by notable performing artists such as pianist Marika Bournaki, violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and New York Philharmonic principal violist Cynthia Phelps.

EMF concertmaster and 20-year veteran of the Festival Jeffrey Multer and EMF principal flutist Les Roettges curate the 10-concert run. Highlights of the series include performances of J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 (July 5), Nos. 4 and 6 (July 12), and No. 5 (July 19); the Fauré Piano Quartet in C minor with guest artist Cynthia Phelps, viola (July 18); Suite for Saxophone and Guitar by Alan Hovhaness (July 19); and the Brahms Piano Quintet in F minor featuring Awadagin Pratt, piano (July 25).

Concerts are scheduled for four Monday performances in UNCG’s Recital Hall (June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25) and five Tuesday performances at Guilford College’s Dana Auditorium (June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26). In lieu of a Monday night performance on July 4, there will be a special Sunday matinee on July 3.

About Eastern Music Festival:

Eastern Music Festival stands among the country's premier summer music educational programs and most imaginative performance festivals. With a 55-year history of both artistic and educational excellence, EMF attracts artists, students and audiences from around the globe to Greensboro each summer during its five week festival. EMF’s 2016 performances begin on Monday, June 27 and continue through Saturday, July 30. Concerts are presented at Guilford College, UNCG, High Point University, Appalachian State University and in venues throughout the community such as Temple Emanuel, Greensboro’s First Presbyterian Church and in public libraries. Over 65 performances, workshops, seminars and master classes will be presented.

Beyond the Festival, EMF produces and presents Fringe series and other programming throughout the year.

For more information about Eastern Chamber Players and the 2016 EMF season,

visit http://www.easternmusicfestival.org/festival/calendar

To purchase tickets or for ticket information visit our website

or call Triad Stage at 336-272-0160."

- A Press Release

Bill PorterBill Porter Elected ArtsGreensboro Board Chair, Succeeding Florence Gatten

Bill Porter

ArtsGreensboro Board elects full slate of officers

and several Board members at its June meeting

"Greensboro, N.C., June 28, 2016 —The ArtsGreensboro Board elected a new slate of officers at its June meeting for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

Bill Porter, who recently retired from Cone Health, was elected to a two-year term as Board Chair. Porter spent more than 40 years in senior advancement roles in Washington, D.C., and North Carolina, and established the first organized fundraising program and the first permanent endowment for Cone’s six-hospital system. Before that, Porter served as Vice Chancellor for Development and Public Relations for the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Porter succeeds Florence Gatten, who served as Board Chair for nearly three years. During that time, ArtsGreensboro—as part of a consortium including the City of Greensboro, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Action Greensboro—was awarded the National Folk Festival’s first-ever three-year residency in North Carolina. Gatten also was instrumental in bringing the vision of local choreographer Jan Van Dyke to fruition by overseeing the creation and construction of the Van Dyke Performance Space, which will open at the Greensboro Cultural Center in the fall of 2016.

Other officers were elected to one-year terms, including:

·      Lawrence Czarda, Ph.D., President – Greensboro College: Vice Chair

·      Barbara Ruby, Partner – Smith Moore Leatherwood: Treasurer

·      Jill White, Associate – Womble Carlyle: Secretary

The Board elected a new member, Madison Carroll – Project Engineer for The Carroll Companies’ mixed-used Bellemeade Village project, which is being built downtown across from NewBridge Bank Park. Carroll will serve a three-year term as part of the Class of 2019, which also includes four returning Board members:

·      Rebecca Buffington, Board of Education member – Guilford County Schools

·      Laura Collins, Senior Manager – KPMG

·      Simonne Ritchy McClinton, Owner – M’Coul’s Public House

·      Denise Sumner, Financial Controller – VF Corporation

###

About ArtsGreensboro

With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

SYNERG YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, DOWNTOWN GREENSBORO INCORPORATED & ARTSGREENSBORO CONTINUE WITH FIRST FRIDAY ON THE BLOCK PROGRAMMING

"GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 31, 2016) The second in the First Friday On The Block series will continue on June 3^rd from 6-9pm. Elm Street from MLK to Lewis St. will be closed to traffic to make room for pop up music, interactive arts programming, food trucks, and beer and wine. 

Pedestrians will have full access to the area to enjoy programming coordinated synerG young Professionals, Downtown Greensboro, Inc. and ArtsGreensboro.

Other entertainment? We have plenty. The organizations are collaborating with Funky Funk NC - North Carolina's B-Boy talent that will showcase their skills and teach you a few in various short programs during First Friday; The Artist Bloc will be hosting art battles throughout the evening for kids,  Ambleside Gallery will be hosting a street gallery, the UNCG Art Truck will be out, there will be free cornhole and more. And of course, many of the Downtown businesses will be open late during the event!

Getting hungry and thirsty?  In the pedestrian area, we will have brews served by Gibbs Hundred, Natty Greene’s and Preyer Brewing and wine from The Grove Winery. Food trucks for the event include Chirba Chirba, Hickory Tree BBQ and Gnam Gnam Gelato. You can also check out any of the great downtown restaurants, bars and breweries!

Want to volunteer to help make these events a success through helping set up, check ids, serve beer and help with programming? Email hmeredith@actiongreensboro.org.

Next First Friday On The Blocks will be held July 1 and August 5.

Other First Friday Happenings:

·         GreenHill: Mary D. Williams performance

·         The Shop at GreenHill: Influence opening

·         CVA: 100 for 100

·         Urban Grinders: Chris Reeves’ Magnum Opus

·         Int’l Civil Rights Msm.: Urban line-dancing

·         Blue Denim: Artist Denise Landi

·         Chakras Spa: Artist Sarah McClinton w/ Kim Kennedy

·         Fahrenheit Kollectiv: Artist Ashley Vanore

·         Fire Salon: Bonnie and Chris Reed

·         Natty Greene’s: NEW limited-release draft & PupUP dog park

·         Elm Street (MLK to Lewis): First Friday on the Block

·         Artist Bloc: Art Battles for kids

·         UNCG Art Truck: Julia Caston’s Manifesto of Small Works

·         Vivid Interiors: Art Exhibit

·         CTG: Cinderella Kids

·         Elements Gallery: 5th-Anniversary celebration

·         Ambleside Gallery: Street gallery

·         ReAligned: More Cowbell

·         HQ Greensboro: Local painters & photographers

·         Urban Gardener: Flowers, Art & Music

·         The Forge: Makers in Action"

- A Press Release

ArtsGreensboro Presents the 2016 Arts in Business Award to The View on Elm

Owner Becky Causey accepted the award

at Small Business Awards Luncheon

"Greensboro, N.C., May 5, 2016 — Today, ArtsGreensboro—in partnership with the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, the Greensboro Merchants Association, and the North Carolina Entrepreneurship Center at UNCG—presented the 2016 Arts in Business Award to The View on Elm during the Chamber’s Small Business Awards Luncheon.

The Arts in Business Award recognizes a Greensboro small business for its leadership and commitment to the arts and its impact on the arts over the past year, as measured by activities, projects, or events in support of any aspect of the arts.

With its exciting series of gallery events and art shows, The View on Elm has become a fixture of the downtown arts scene since relocating from State Street to South Elm in 2004. Sophisticated and worldly, The View is a downtown environment where people see cutting-edge eyewear together with amazing art and exquisite handmade jewelry.

The View is the brainchild—and the passion—of owner Becky Causey. With The View, Causey has created a space that showcases the arts in Greensboro, a focal point for arts and community events that are diverse and welcoming. The paintings on the walls, the artists in the room, and the people who attend events become “social art.” New artists, experienced artists—all find a welcoming place at The View in which to introduce their art to a wide range of arts lovers and potential buyers.

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About ArtsGreensboro

With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

synerG Young Professionals, downtown Greensboro Incorporated. & ArtsGreensboro Partner in First Friday Programming

"GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 4, 2016) The community has asked for it and synerG young professionals, Downtown Greensboro Incorporated and ArtsGreensboro have partnered to make it happen. May 6 will kick off a four event series of additional community programming to enhance the already stellar programming at First Fridays. Portions of downtown streets will be closed to traffic to make room for pop up music, interactive arts programming, food trucks, and beer and wine. 

May 6 First Friday’s event will close down South Elm St. from Friendly Ave. to Market St. and from Market St. to Washington Street. Pedestrians will have full access to the area to enjoy Open Streets and Bike Month programming coordinated by Bicycling in Greensboro including a bike safety rodeo, temporary bike lanes, bike limbo and skatepark demos. 

Other entertainment? We have plenty. The organizations are collaborating with the Carolina Blues Festival to bring in Allison King and The Bitter 3 to perform on the street at Market St. & Elm St at 6:30 - 7:30 pm and 8:00 – 9:00 pm. February One will be taken over by yogis with their mats for two yoga classes – 6:30 - 7:00 pm with Downtown Yoga and 7:30 - 8:00 pm with Free Spirits Yoga. The Center For Visual Artists and Urban Grinders are also partnering on an interactive art project in the street in front of Urban Grinders. And of course, many of the Downtown businesses will be open late during the event!

Did all this excitement work up an appetite?  In the pedestrian area, we will have brews served by Gibbs Hundred, Natty Greene’s and Preyer Brewing. Food trucks for the event include Zeko’s, Mystical Sunshine and Tony’s Italian Ice. You can also walk a block away to Center City Park and check out the Porter House Food Truck. You can also check out any of the great downtown restaurants, bars and breweries!

Want to volunteer to help make these events a success through helping set up, check ids, serve beer and help with programming? Email hmeredith@actiongreensboro.org. 

Next special First Friday events will include June 3, July 1 and August 5. 

Other May 6 First Friday Happenings:

Elm Street: Bicycling in Gso (BIG) demos

GreenHill: Dance Project performance

Cultural Center Atrium: Jay Squid’s The Box of Dreams

CVA: Material Fact opening

Urban Grinders: Color Me Bad opening

Southeastern Building: Pop-up Gallery & Tours

Blue Denim: Artist Denise Landi

Mack & Mack: Walker Family Band

Chakras Spa: Artist Morganne Radziewicz w/ Blue Sands

Triad Stage: Don Juan Love Booth

Fire Salon: Band Abe Reid & Blind Dog Gatewood

Natty Greene’s: NEW limited-release draft & PupUP Dog Park

CTG: Gypsy

ReAligned: Bring Your Own Vinyl!

HQ Greensboro: Tours

GPS @ The Forge: Artist Andrew Dunnill

Elsewhere: Garden Party

PB & Java: Electric violinist Marta Richardson & friends

Gibb’s Hundred: Merle Haggard tribute

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Media Inquiries Contact

Hillary Meredith, synerG Young Professionals Director

Action Greensboro

336-387-8350

hmeredith@actiongreensboro.org

About synerG

synerG, under the umbrella of Action Greensboro, is an active organization of young adults who lead initiatives with the mission to attract, engage and connect young professionals to Greensboro, North Carolina. Through our projects, synerG promotes social and professional networking, leadership opportunities and serves as a clearinghouse for information for young adults in the 21-39 year-old age demographic. synerG values the creation of opportunities and atmospheres that promote connectedness, diversity/inclusiveness and accessibility.

About Downtown GReensboro Incorporated

Downtown Greensboro Incorporated (DGI) is an economic development organization focused on stimulating investment and activity in the center city. DGI’s primary focus is to lead the development of Downtown Greensboro as a prosperous and vibrant urban center, memorable and meaningful for those who choose to live, work, play and invest here.

About ArtsGReensboro

With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

ArtsGreensboro and City Announce Concert Lineup For Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, Running May 1 - July 9

Ten free, family-friendly outdoor concerts in

Barber Park will feature a tremendous variety of artists

"The countdown for an unforgettable series of free evening concerts has begun! Today ArtsGreensboro and the City of Greensboro announced the schedule and lineup for the new Levitt AMP Music Series, which will run at Jimmie I. Barber Park in East Greensboro from May 1 through July 9, 2016.

Sponsored in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a private family foundation that empowers communities to shine a light on public spaces through the power of free, live music, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series will feature a diverse lineup of high-caliber artists spanning genres including blues, Latin, spoken word, gospel, R&B, jazz, country, West African, soul, hip hop, funk, rock 'n roll, and more.

The concerts on June 12 and June 19 are presented in partnership with Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park (MUSEP).

Share this exciting news with your friends on Facebook by liking and sharing this post: Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series Facebook post

Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series Concert dates and artists 

Sunday, May 1 

• Gate City Divas (funk, R&B, and blues) at 7 pm, with
• The Bailey Heavenly Sounds Shout Band from United House of Prayer for All People opening at 6 pm

Sunday, May 8

• Bio Ritmo (Latin dance) at 7 pm, with
• Africa Unplugged (West African) opening at 6 pm

Sunday, May 15

• Tom Principato (blues) at 7 pm, with
• The Healing Blues Project opening at 6 pm

Saturday, May 28

• The Poetry Café featuring Abyss and UpRite Lions (spoken word and hip hop) at 6 pm

Sunday, May 29

• Carolyn Malachi (R&B) at 7 pm, with
• the Larry Draughn Music Group featuring Vanessa Ferguson (North Carolina jazz, gospel, and blues) opening at 6 pm

Saturday, June 4

• Greensboro's Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe, hosted by Logie Meachum with Lalenja Harrington, Leeda Lyric Jones, and Jasmé Kelly (gospel, R&B, and blues) at 6 pm

Sunday, June 12 

Presented in partnership with Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park (MUSEP)

• Piedmont Triad Jazz Orchestra, with featured vocalist Nishah Dimeo at 6 pm

Sunday, June 19 

Presented in partnership with Music for a Sunday Evening in the Park (MUSEP)

• The Suffers (Gulf Coast soul) at 7 pm, with
• Caleb Caudle (traditional country) opening at 6 pm

Thursday, June 30

• Diali Cissokho & KairaBa (West African dance) at 7 pm, with
• Super Yamba Band (West African Afrobeat, and psychedelic funk) opening at 6 pm

Saturday, July 9

• The Broadcast (rock 'n roll and Americana) at 7 pm, with
• Molly McGinn & Quilla (Americana and electronic) opening at 6 pm

Barber Park is located at 1500 Dans Road in Greensboro. For all concerts, grounds will open at 5 pm, with the opening act starting at 6 pm and the headliner starting at 7 pm. All concerts should end by 8:30 pm.

The public is encouraged to bring picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs to sit on the grass at Barber Park. Food trucks will also be available.

The public is encouraged to bring picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs to sit on the grass at Barber Park. Food trucks will also be available.

District 1 Council Member Sharon Hightower, whose district includes Barber Park, said, "I'm so excited about this concert series in beautiful Barber Park, which is located in East Greensboro and is one of the premier parks in our region. By introducing new audiences to the park through the concert series, the park will become even more of a destination for people across the city and throughout the Triad."  

In January, Greensboro was named one of 15 small to mid-sized towns and cities across the country to win a Levitt AMP Grant Award of $25,000 in matching funds to present a free concert series. In an effort to inspire and engage communities across the country around the power of creative placemaking, the Levitt Foundation invited the public to choose the Top 25 Finalists through online voting.

ArtsGreensboro encourages supporters to share the news about the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series by using the hashtags #LevittAMPgso and #getAMPedgso on social media.

For more information, visit artsgreensboro.org/levitt-amp. "

- A Press Release

ArtsGreensboro Accepting Nominations for 2016 Arts in Business Award

Nominations recognizing small businesses

must be submitted by April 12, 2016

"Greensboro, N.C., March 23, 2016 — ArtsGreensboro, in partnership with the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Guilford Merchants Association, and the North Carolina Entrepreneurship Center at UNCG, is accepting nominations for the 2016 Arts in Business Award. This annual award recognizes a Greensboro small business for its leadership and commitment to the arts and its impact on the arts over the past year, as measured by activities, projects, and/or events in support of any aspect of the arts.

To be eligible, a nominee must be a Greensboro business with 100 or fewer employees. Foundations, individual philanthropists, government agencies, and arts organizations are not eligible.

Last year’s award recognized Tate Street Coffee for serving as a collaborative meeting space for artists; welcoming artists, musicians, poets, and writers to exhibit and perform their works; and hosting a variety of arts-related events every year.

This year’s recipient will be honored at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards Luncheon at the Greensboro Coliseum on Thursday, May 5, 2016.

Nominations for the 2015 Arts in Business Award are due to ArtsGreensboro no later than 5 pm on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to nominated their own businesses or another that fulfills the criteria. Nomination forms are available at artsgreensboro.org.

About ArtsGreensboro

With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

National Folk Festival Announces Call for Artisans and Craftspeople to Participate in North Carolina Arts Marketplace, presented by PNC

Building on 2015 success, Marketplace will be expanded for

2016 Festival, in downtown Greensboro Sept. 9-11, 2016

To be considered by the Marketplace jury, prospective vendors’ applications must be received by April 11, 2016

"Greensboro, N.C., March 10, 2016 — Artisans and craftspeople who can provide a unique shopping experience for thousands of National Folk Festival attendees are invited to submit applications to participate in the North Carolina Arts Marketplace, presented by PNC, at the 2016 Festival. In 2015, the 75^th National Folk Festival attracted more than 102,000 attendees to downtown Greensboro for the FREE, three-day weekend. Organizers expect attendance to increase by as much as 30% or more in 2016.

Based on the success of the North Carolina Arts Marketplace at the 2015 National Folk Festival, organizers plan to expand the marketplace in 2016.

In keeping with the National Folk Festival’s overarching focus on the traditional arts, culture, and heritage of North Carolinians and all Americans, the Arts Marketplace will feature the juried, handmade creations of the finest artists and craftspeople from the North Carolina region. Local Festival Director Amy Grossmann said, “The Arts Marketplace has two goals: 1) to provide our region’s most talented artists with an outlet to exhibit and sell their creations; and, 2) to provide festival-goers with an opportunity to take home truly unique, hand-crafted mementos.”

Online applications are preferred and must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Monday, April 11, 2016. Hard-copy applications will be accepted if postmarked by April 11, 2016. A panel comprised of North Carolina artists and arts leaders will evaluate all applications.

Applications and Marketplace Vendor Guidelines are available at nationalfolkfestival.com/marketplace. Application packages should include the completed application, four to six images of the work the vendor intends to sell, a booth image (if available), and a non-refundable $30 application fee.

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About the 2016 National Folk Festival: Co-produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) and ArtsGreensboro, the National Folk Festival is celebrating the second year of its three-year residency in downtown Greensboro in 2016. The FREE, three-day event is America’s longest-running festival of traditional arts. nationalfolkfestival.com

About the National Folk Festival: Since it was first presented in St. Louis in 1934, the National Folk Festival has celebrated the roots, richness, and variety of American culture. Championed in its early years by Eleanor Roosevelt, it was the first event of national stature to present the arts of many nations, races, and languages on equal footing. An exuberant traveling festival that embraces the diverse cultural expressions of the American people in the 21st century, the National Folk Festival is FREE to the public, and is produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) in partnership with communities around the country.

About the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA): The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) is one of the nation’s premier non-profit cultural organizations dedicated to the presentation and documentation of folk, tribal, and ethnic arts in the United States. Founded in 1933, it is the nation’s oldest producing and presenting organization with such a focus. Its programs celebrate and honor deeply rooted cultural expressions—music, crafts, stories, and dance passed on through time by families and communities as well as by tribal, ethnic, and occupational groups. The NCTA stresses excellence and authenticity in presenting artists to the public in festivals, tours, concerts, media programs, exhibitions, recordings, and other activities, and works in partnership with communities across American to establish new, sustainable traditional arts events that bring lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits. www.ncta-usa.org

About ArtsGreensboro: With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

ArtsGreensboro Announces 2016 Regional Artist Grant Recipients

Fifteen artists from Guilford, Alamance, Randolph, and Rockingham Counties receive funds to further their development as professional artists

Greensboro, N.C., January 14, 2016 — ArtsGreensboro announced today the recipients of its 2016 Regional Artist Grants.

The Regional Artist Grant program is designed to support exceptionally talented visual, performing, literary, and interdisciplinary artists at all stages of their careers. Funding allows the recipients to pursue projects that will further their professional artistic development. ArtsGreensboro coordinates the Regional Artists Grant program on behalf of a consortium of five counties: Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Randolph, and Rockingham. Funding is provided by the North Carolina Arts Council and matched locally by participating Arts Councils.

This year ArtsGreensboro received 41 applications—a record for this program—with requests for more than $78,000 in funding.

After an in-depth review and selection process, 15 artists received a total of $18,000 in funding for projects that will take place throughout 2016.

“ArtsGreensboro is privileged to coordinate the Regional Artist Grant program for five counties,” said Tom Philion, ArtsGreensboro President and CEO. “Funding from these grants gives artists the opportunity to focus on their own professional development—something that is often too expensive for artists to undertake on their own.”

The grant recipients and their projects include:

·      Emily Brenner, Guilford County: Somatics in Practice: The Fully Embodied Dancer

·      Kathryn Gauldin, Rockingham County: Multiple-Harness Computer-Interface Loom

·      Stephanie D. Gray, Guilford County: “Black and Blue Boys/Broken Men”

·      Lynette James, Guilford County: T.J. Weyler Author Platform

·      Daniel Johnston, Randolph County: “821-835” Installation

·      Suellen McCrary, Guilford County: Contemporary Life Studies

·      Ron Rozzelle, Alamance County: “Elements: Fire”

·      Joseph Sand, Randolph County: Kiln Shelves for New Sculpture Line

·      Julia Ridley Smith, Guilford County: Writing Residency

·      Kelly L. Taylor, Guilford County: New Studio Equipment and Supplies

·      Barbara Campbell Thomas, Guilford County: “The Climax Home Project”

·      Ed Walker, Randolph County: Sculpture Workshop

·      Alexandra Joye Warren, Guilford County: “Uplift Girls”

·      Lynn C. Willis, Randolph County: “Hush Now: An Ava Logan Mystery”

·      Stephanie J. Woods, Guilford County: “When You Look at Me”

For more information about ArtsGreensboro’s Regional Artist Grant program and other grant programs, please contact Development Manager Chip Berry at 333-373-7523, x243, or visit artsgreensboro.org. The deadline for the next round of Regional Artist Grants will be November 2016.

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About ArtsGreensboro

With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release

ArtsGreensboro and City Partner on Winning Grant to Present Free Summer Music Series

$25K Levitt AMP grant will be matched to bring 10 free outdoor concerts to Barber Park in 2016

"Greensboro, N.C., January 5, 2016 — The Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation announced today that Greensboro is one of 15 American towns and cities to win a Levitt AMP Grant award of $25,000 in matching funds to present a series of 10 free concerts in 2016. The concerts will be held at Jimmie I. Barber Park in East Greensboro.

In July, the Levitt Foundation invited nonprofits, and municipalities partnering with a nonprofit, to submit proposals that would reflect the three goals of the Levitt AMP awards: Amplify community pride and the city’s unique character; enrich lives through the power of free, live Music; and illustrate the importance of vibrant public Places. In an effort to inspire and engage communities across the country around the power of creative placemaking, the Levitt Foundation opened the selection process to the public to choose the Top 25 Finalists.

ArtsGreensboro and the City of Greensboro joined forces to apply for the grant, as did 39 other nonprofits and cities. The public voted on the submitted proposals throughout the month of November, selecting their favorite projects online at http://grant.levittamp.org.

“Following the success of the 2015 National Folk Festival and with Greensboro’s long history of supporting MUSEP (Music for a Sunday evening in the Park) concerts, we realized that Greensboro was ripe for more free, high-quality concerts highlighting a variety of performers and musical genres,” said Tom Philion, ArtsGreensboro President and CEO. “We knew we could engage the community to vote online for our proposal and propel us to win this grant.”

“Everything we do is about building better lives to build a better community. The public/private partnership with ArtsGreensboro and winning the Levitt AMP grant allows us to do just that, through enhancing quality of life for our residents,” said Wade Walcutt, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Greensboro. “The arts are very important to us, and for years we’ve been proud to produce the MUSEP program for our community. We’re thrilled to provide another free opportunity for our residents to listen to great music and connect with the outdoors in one of the best parks in the City!”

Greensboro elected officials expressed their delight about the grant. “This is another significant win for our city and our residents,” said Mayor Nancy Vaughan. “Greensboro is a city that supports—and celebrates—cultural activities.”

District 1 Council Member Sharon Hightower, whose district includes Barber Park, said, “Barber Park is an absolutely beautiful site, one of the top parks in our region. It’s in an area that will benefit from the increased attention that will come as a result of this new concert series. I’m so excited about these concerts, and I look forward to hosting them.”

Mayor Pro Tem Yvonne Johnson continued, “What a great and well-deserved win for our city! I’m absolutely thrilled about these concerts. In fact, I plan to be right there in the front row for every one of them.”

“The newly renovated Barber Park is the ideal place for the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series, showcasing a range of high-caliber talent in a new citywide destination for everyone in Greensboro to enjoy,” said Sharon Yazowski, Executive Director of the Levitt Foundation.

The 15 Levitt AMP winners hail from small towns including Asbury Park, N.J.; North Adams, Mass.; Cleveland, Miss.; Middlesboro, Ky.; Midvale, Utah; Jacksonville, Ill.; New Albany, Miss.; and Denison, Texas; to mid-sized cities spanning the country including Greensboro; Trenton, N.J.; Carson City, Nev.; Sheboygan, Wis.; Charlottesville, Va.; Utica, N.Y.; and Frederick, Md. Each winner will present 10 free concerts featuring a diverse lineup of high caliber entertainment in 2016 as part of the Levitt AMP Music Series, for a total of 150 free Levitt AMP concerts.

ArtsGreensboro encourages supporters to share the news about the Levitt AMP Greensboro Music Series by using the hashtags #LevittAMPgso and #getAMPedgso on social media.

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About Levitt AMP Awards

The Levitt AMP Grant Awards is an exciting matching grant program made possible by Levitt Pavilions, a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of America through the power of free, live music. The Levitt AMP Music Series was created in 2014 Levitt AMP to bring the joy of free, live music to people of all ages and backgrounds living in small-to-mid-sized towns and cities, transforming neglected public spaces into thriving community destinations. levittamp.org

About ArtsGreensboro

With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, ArtsGreensboro is a catalyst for innovation to build recognition and support for the arts. Through its ArtsFund-supported grant programs, the 17DAYS Arts & Culture Festival, I HEART ARTS Month, and other opportunities including the National Folk Festival, ArtsGreensboro is driving the health and vitality of our community by supporting arts education, celebrating the diversity of Greensboro, and driving economic impact through excellence in arts programming. artsgreensboro.org"

- A Press Release