Miami University Middletown Fantastic Free Fridays - Cincinnati Event

MIAMI UNIVERSITY MIDDLETOWN FANTASTIC FREE FRIDAYS

Fall 2016

September 16 - 10 am

Lone Raven

Lone Raven performs an eclectic blend of traditional music from the Celtic lands and various areas of the world, as well as their own original compositions.  With over 20 instruments on stage, the band soars through everything from fiery Irish Reels to Gypsy Fiddle Tunes to haunting airs. Their instrumentals are fueled by the twin fiddles of Elizabeth Blickenstaff and Kara Markley, while being driven by an explosive rhythm section consisting of Craig Markley and the award-winning guitar playing of Neil Jacobs.  In addition, Kara's breathtaking and expressive vocals are featured throughout each performance, with Elizabeth and Craig adding the perfect harmony blend.

Recommended for grades K-8.

October 7 - 10 am

Percussion Group Cincinnati

Music from Scratch

Percussion Group Cincinnati was founded in 1979 and consists of members Allen Otte, James Culley, and Russell Burge, all of whom are faculty members and ensemble-in-residence at the College-Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati. Appearances in their national and international touring schedule have included the major cities, festivals, concert halls and schools of America, Europe and Asia. In addition to community concerts, workshops, and masterclasses, the Group regularly appears as concerto soloists with symphony orchestras, and has presented Music from Scratch to hundreds of thousands of children across North America. This program explores different percussion instruments and music compositions from around the world. Percussion instruments were some of the first instruments to be created and most cultures have a style of percussion instrument. Early instruments were made of wood and animal hides or dry vegetation. As the different metals were discovered and humans learned how to smelt and shape metal ore, new instruments were created. Musicians have also used items made for a different purpose as instruments. Some of the music and places of the world that Music from Scratch will cover are Africa, American pop and folk music, Central America/Mexico, China, and South America/Chile.

Recommended for grades K-8.

November 11 - 10 am

 Napoleon Maddox

Finding Your Voice through Hip-Hop

Napoleon Maddox is a true Hip-hop ambassador. Working as a producer, human beatbox artist, vocalist, DJ and leader of a Hip-hop band called ISWHAT?!, he has created and performed music for cable and Public Television programs in the U.S. and for The Arte network in Europe, North Africa and Middle East. He has worked with highly respected Hip-hop, Rock, Jazz and Classical musicians including Chuck D, DJ Spinna, DJ Logic, Archie Shepp, Vernon Reid, and Les Paul. He has worked with the U.S. Embassy and Departments of Cultural Affairs in England, France, Estonia, Serbia, Germany, and Morocco. Finding Your Voice through Hip-hop stimulates the imagination and critical thought in the areas of language, social studies, and history. Napoleon will also share his personal, musical, and professional journey, and explain how being a creative Hip-hop artist and performer has enhanced his critical thinking abilities.

Recommended for grades K-8.

December 2 - 10 am, 12:30 pm

The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati

A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens, adapted by Mary Tensing; Directed by Jay Goodlett

One of the best-loved holiday stories of all time.  Join Ebenezer Scrooge and his harrowing Christmas Eve adventure, as the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future will teach more than just Ebenezer a timeless lesson.

Recommended for grades K-8.