'Fantastic Rhythm 2004'; Historic Gathering at an Historic Place

Summary

---

Despite hard times and recent headlines, the Pittsburgh region has always been especially nourishing to it's artists. At the center of East Liberty's current arts revival is the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, which was the scene of "Celebrate East Liberty II: Fantastic Rhythm," a "historic gathering of East Liberty performers," Aug. 6 and 7. The innovative project was named after the hit 1930's musical review by Duke Ellington's right hand man, Billy Strayhorn, an East Liberty native. The Pittsburgh Courier hailed the original show as a collection of "now, snappy, lively tunes, from fox trots to rumbas by budding musical genius, Strayhorn." The new production evoked a golden time when East Liberty's seven theaters drew diverse, musicians, artists, performers and audiences from every corner of the city. However, it also put front and center the creative visions of current spoken word artists, dancers, painters, singers and filmmakers who reflected gritty, but hopeful, contemporary realities.

See the full content of this document

Extract

---

'Fantastic Rhythm 2004'; Historic Gathering at an Historic Place

Despite hard times and recent headlines, the Pittsburgh region has always been especially nourishing to it's artists. At the center of East Liberty's current arts revival is the Ke...

See the full content of this document

---