SWSPP PRESENTS: TIDES OF CHANGE 2018 SOLSTICE PARADE
The SWSPP will participate in the 2018 Fremont Solstice Parade, in a presentation that features original music, dance, street theater, costumes and a 36 foot float design. The theme is health of the Oceans and the Female Anima as a source of healing.
SWSPP seeks to create a qualitatively high level work of kinetic mobile art featuring music, dance, theatrical elements, costumes and pageantry by participating in the Fremont Solstice Parade. This is an opportunity to be viewed and enjoyed by approximately 75, 000 people. There is no other art form that combines these disciplines, employs large numbers of non-professional participants, encourages inclusive audience interaction and wraps it all in free, festive public celebration. In this regard, Carnival art is unique
For registration fee: Checks can be made payable directly to: Seattle Women’s Steel Pan Project and mailed to 940 29th ave, Seattle 98122 or via Pay pal at: steelpanproject@gmail.com
EARTHY THINGS MADE EVEN 2017
Please take a moment to read the information on our new upcoming project "Earthy Things Made Even."
The SWSPP will participate in the 2018 Fremont Solstice Parade, in a presentation that features original music, dance, street theater, costumes and a 36 foot float design. The theme is health of the Oceans and the Female Anima as a source of healing.
SWSPP seeks to create a qualitatively high level work of kinetic mobile art featuring music, dance, theatrical elements, costumes and pageantry by participating in the Fremont Solstice Parade. This is an opportunity to be viewed and enjoyed by approximately 75, 000 people. There is no other art form that combines these disciplines, employs large numbers of non-professional participants, encourages inclusive audience interaction and wraps it all in free, festive public celebration. In this regard, Carnival art is unique
PARTICIPANTS NEEDED:
If you have never been in a parade, it's truly a once in a lifetime experience. We expect up to 80 participants and there are plenty of roles/ways to participate. Please read the descriptions of the various sections and roles below and email: steelpanproject@gmail.com to sign up for a section.
There will be one large rehearsal before the parade date TBD for the purpose of organizing the sections.
SEA-CREATURES:
Kids age 4-10 will lead the procession in sea creature/ ocean themed art or costumes of their own creation. Kids will need a chaperone/adult walking with them. It is up to you how simple or elaborate you get with the kids art or costumes
FLOAT PUSHERS:
There are no motorized floats in the Solstice parade so our float must be pushed by 15 float pushers. It's a great way to get a workout and participate in the fun. Pushers will be dressed in simple costumes.
FISH:
30 or more people age 10 to adults to be part of our schools of fish section. You will wear an artistic fish stencil and walk/dance alongside the float as an organized school of fish. You do not need to make your own fish stencil, it will be provided, you will be asked to wear all black to contrast the fish.
OCEAN GODDESS DANCERS:
15 or more women dancers dressed in attractive/mature costumes will dance alongside the float and will contrast a large hazardous materials monster which represents the pollution and destruction of our sacred oceans. Costumes will be made collectively in a costume making party weeks prior to parade. There is no choreography to be learned, just free form dancing and prancing with the ensemble.
MANTA-RAY DANCERS:
Two athletic and energetic individuals to carry/dance a 20 foot manta-ray through the parade. (Similar style to Chinese dragon puppets)
YEMAYA PUPPET CARRIER:
Need one person to walk the parade inside of 8 foot yemaya puppet and two people to walk alongside the person carrying the puppet for support.
JELLY FISH :
6 people to carry a jelly fish umbrella
Registration and Cost:
Please email steelpanproject@gmail.com with the section you would like to participate in. We also ask that participants contribute a $20 participant registration to help cover the expenses of the float and production. If you are unable we will not turn anyone away. If you are able to donate more we will very gratefully accept your contribution and use it to help cover someone who cannot pay.
Fundraising efforts:
We need to raise $9,150 to fund this project.Our commitment is to utilize the funds for
materials, supplies, and labor to construct our float, decor, artistic
design and creation of costumes, sound equipment, generator rental and more. We
are also garnering in-kind donations to help reduce the cost of labor and
production.
Any donation small or large is welcome to help support this important project.
HOW TO DONATE:
For registration fee: Checks can be made payable directly to: Seattle Women’s Steel Pan Project and mailed to 940 29th ave, Seattle 98122 or via Pay pal at: steelpanproject@gmail.com
For
tax deductible donations:
The SWSPP is an associated program of Shunpike a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency that provides independent arts groups in Washington State with the services, resources, and opportunities they need to forge their own paths to sustainable success.
https://poweredbyshunpike.org/
Or by mailing a check made out to SWSPP c/o Shunpike
The SWSPP is an associated program of Shunpike a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency that provides independent arts groups in Washington State with the services, resources, and opportunities they need to forge their own paths to sustainable success.
You may donate online at:
https://poweredbyshunpike.org/
Or by mailing a check made out to SWSPP c/o Shunpike
Shunpike: 815
Seattle Boulevard S, Suite 215, Seattle, WA 98134
EARTHY THINGS MADE EVEN 2017
Please take a moment to read the information on our new upcoming project "Earthy Things Made Even."
We hope you will take
the time to read this letter thru to the end, and even if you are not able to
make a donation gift to our cause, your understanding of our efforts is also of
great value. This is a project for and about women, young and old, that seeks
to explore thru artistic expression and creativity fresh ways of defining
female identity at this very critical historical point in our social and
cultural evolution.
Who
We Are
The SWSPP was formed in
2013 by Oriana Estrada, Administrative Director and Michael Shantz, Artistic
Director and is based out of the Martin Luther King FAME Community Center in
the Madison Valley neighborhood. It is a 15 member all Women music ensemble
centered on the Caribbean steel pan (steel drum) and dedicated to creating
music that is joyous, rhythmic, danceable and widely appealing to a variety of
musical tastes. The group features the original work of women composers
and musicians, particularly those from the Pacific Northwest, and regularly collaborate
with local dancers and choreographers.
Current and past members
of this group are the epitome of American diversity, multi-ethnic,
multi-national and all Seattle residents. They are women of different races,
cultural backgrounds and ages. They or their immediate families come from
Trinidad, Japan, the Philippines, St. Lucia, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Peru, Vietnam,
Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Hawaii and…. Seattle.
Our mission statement is
to inspire and offer opportunity to women and girls to engage in creating music
and dance as part of the ongoing struggle of women to assert their own reality,
and self-defined identity, and, in doing so, to help turn the balance of power
and consciousness towards a better world, one that is broadly inclusive of all
people. Now, more than ever, inspired women of conviction, and those who
support them, must bear down on the work that needs to be done to promote
positive health and balance in our society. We are especially mindful of the
precious value of our young Women and daughters and the impact their leadership
will have on our shared future.
The SWSPP is dedicating
their efforts to providing engaging and provocative free public
performance art to our Seattle community as we enter a critical period
of transformation and change. We believe that art is activism. On January 12,
2017 the group performed for 5 hours non-stop as 175,000 people walked, and
danced, past them as part of the Seattle Women’s March, a global event.
Following these links
for more information about the group and to view a short performance video:
About the Project
The SWSPP has been
awarded a City Arts Grant by the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture to create a
30-40 minute suite of original music and dance with over 25 participating women
musicians, dancers and other artists. The grant amount is for $5600 and while
generous, it is not enough to meet our budget of $15,000. Our fundraising goal
now is $10,000. We need proper funding to cover production costs for sets,
costumes, construction of an 8’ tall carnival puppet, transportation,
promotions and fair compensation for all participating artists.
The project is entitled
“Earthy Things Made Even”, taken from a line in Shakespeare’s comedy As You
Like It: “Then is mirth in Heaven, When Earthy things made even,
atone together”.
The work is to be
presented as a suite framed in three parts, each modeled after one of three
traditional mythic Yoruba (Nigerian) archetypes of female identity.
Each of the three sections features an original musical composition
performed on steel pans and percussion, and features a recognized guest soloist,
and accompanies original dance pieces by three different choreographers and 12
dancers.
The role models defined by the Yoruba myths are:
Yemanja - representing the Oceans and Seas (71% of the
earth’s surface and 96.5% of all water), she is the Mother of All Life, human
and otherwise. Her colors are blue and white.
Osun - representing fresh water (3.5% of all water)
essential to all terrestrial life, she is the personification of Female Beauty,
one of the very highest human values found in all societies. Osun nurtures
small children, her symbol is a mirror and her colors are gold and yellow.
Oya - the Female warrior, her symbol is the sword,
her values are truth and justice. Her natural element is the wind in all
its forms. Her color is red.
The themes are:
- Redefining women’s identities following non-European models
- Redefining women’s identities following non-European models
- Illuminating surviving Africanisms in contemporary American culture
- Immigration, race and gender equality
- Art as social and political activism
- The vital relationship between natural forces (water) and human life
The finished work will
be presented in the spring/summer of 2017 in 3-4 free open-air public
performances. There are theatrical elements, including masquerade and
puppets, props and sets in the production that are linked to street theater.
The venues will be NW Folklife Festival (Memorial Weekend), West Lake Park (TBA
scheduled Saturdays in June) and the Othello Park Festival in mid-summer.
HELPING
This Project - GIFTING a Donation
The success of our
performance project begins with sufficient funding. We need your
financial support, and are asking for gifts of an amount that is manageable for
you. At the least, we ask that you pass this letter on to someone that
might be interested to participate and join us in our efforts, or simply
someone you know who would be interested to hear about signs of life in our
City!
To make a gift:
1..SWSPP posting at gofundme
https://www.gofundme.com/swspp-2017-earthly-things-made-even?ssid=842708052&pos=1
2.PAYPAL to Oriana Estrada account Oristrada@hotmail.com
3. CHECK:
Michael Shantz
MLK Community Center
3201 E Republican Street Room # 2
Seattle WA 98112
2.PAYPAL to Oriana Estrada account Oristrada@hotmail.com
3. CHECK:
Michael Shantz
MLK Community Center
3201 E Republican Street Room # 2
Seattle WA 98112
Why
Art, why Women, why Now?
The outcome of our
recent national election is a call for Women, for artists and activists, for
conscientious communities to lead and stand up for their belief in the ideals
and intentions upon which this country was built. Social justice, to paraphrase
our former Vice-President, Joe Biden, does not come from national movements or
politics: “it comes from people making changes in their communities, in their
day to day lives. It comes from people demanding change and creating change,
every day.” There is, despite what currently appears to be an ominous period of
backlash, a thriving multi-racial nation of immigrant peoples and their
descendants characterized by a belief in progressive humane beliefs and
conduct, and proud of a tradition of continuous striving to uphold our founding
principles of liberty and justice for all.
There are no mainstream
feminist-leaning organizations that appear to support our new administration.
And as Harry Belafonte, a true Elder voice, said at a recent lunch time chat at
the Gates Foundation “Women have the best view of the horizon.” In these
times, women must lead. It is in the strength of women that our national leadership,
predominantly wealthy white men, will find a resistance that is not so much
“against” any specific thing but is clearly “for” a certain set of actions and
values, that is built on an understanding that now is not the time to be
building walls as a goal or expenditure, but a time to be learning to take
better care of one another. An understanding that acts of love and hope are the
actions, small as they may seem, that can prevail and make a difference, as
they always have.
Our project is a collaborative
venture, thus a challenging undertaking for individuals of different
backgrounds, perspectives and resources to work together to create something of
meaning and beauty. The lesson of collaboration is to demonstrate by example
the possible, what can be accomplished when people of talent and conviction,
who hold beliefs in purposes outside of themselves, come together. At the
core of our efforts is the desire to exemplify a model of unity for Women - the
performance ensemble - that can demonstrate a microcosm of effective,
functioning solidarity. Artistic creation is our means of expression and
activism.
Paul Robeson once said
that “artists are the gatekeepers of truth” and “the moral compass for
societies in transition”. In Vanessa Villalobos’ words “Art is an advancement
tool to bring people together to…. envision and co-create the future.
It’s a vehicle to engage others in political discourse.” Our expressive
capabilities are in music, dance, and theatrical works and our intentions are
to create engaging and entertaining energy that excites the spirit, provokes
the mind and inspires elements of courage and conviction in our audience, in
our community.
Why
You?
You are not receiving
this letter by way of a random email list. You are receiving this because
someone directly involved in this project knows you, or knows someone else who
knows you, who is involved in your life, or the life your friend, partner,
child. There is a narrow window of separation between us and you and this
is intentional, because we are seeking the support of our inter-related
community: of friends, family, like-minded neighbors and co-workers who share
our sense of commitment and urgency. We are appealing to those of you who
have the desire to participate in creating the best possible community and city
that we can manage in our time. We are especially appealing to women, and those
men who are able to support the choices and leadership of women, and understand
the need for intentional inspirations for our young women and daughters.
Making a Gift:
You can contribute thru
our posting on the gofundme site, following this link
Please note! We
will sending Gifts of Appreciation to our 5 top donors!!!
-Two reproductions of
the original “Yemanja Mask”, a 12” high bust of the original work produced by
Brooklyn-based sculptor, Charlie Mostow. This is a work in progress. You
can view a preliminary sketch at the SWSPP blogspot (www.panwoman.blogspot.com) and photos of the piece
will be posted as the work continues. To view the beautiful work of sculptor
Charlie Mostow (www.charliemostow.com).
-Three color prints of
the background set paintings, murals by Tenold Sundberg
(www.tenoldsundberg.com) will also be given away. Professional printing on
canvas by Tod Gangler of Art and Soul in Ballard, 27”x34”
Thank you for your
generosity, support for the arts and your faith in Women as Visionary Leaders!
Sincerely,
Oriana Estrada, Administrative Director
Michael Shantz, Artistic Director
Complacency is
dangerous.
Silence is consent.
Believing in and
supporting action is a choice, and…..
Art is activism!
About the Collaborating Artists
ORIANA ESTRADA, choreographer
Founder and co-director of SWSPP, Oriana is also manager and director of TUDO BELEZA Brazilian dance company. She was born in Nicaragua and raised in Seattle and has an extensive performance history as a musician, dancer and choreographer. She is an administrator and faculty member at Bellevue College. www.tudobeleza.com
Founder and co-director of SWSPP, Oriana is also manager and director of TUDO BELEZA Brazilian dance company. She was born in Nicaragua and raised in Seattle and has an extensive performance history as a musician, dancer and choreographer. She is an administrator and faculty member at Bellevue College. www.tudobeleza.com
CONSUELO PALMER, choreographer
Consuelo was born in Jamaica and moved to Seattle with her family when she was a young girl. She has studied dance formally and performed for most of her life. Consuelo currently teaches dance at the MLK Community Center. Consuelo lived for many years in Germany and speaks fluent German. She is also a certificated teacher and teaches in the Edmonds School District.
Consuelo was born in Jamaica and moved to Seattle with her family when she was a young girl. She has studied dance formally and performed for most of her life. Consuelo currently teaches dance at the MLK Community Center. Consuelo lived for many years in Germany and speaks fluent German. She is also a certificated teacher and teaches in the Edmonds School District.
VANESSA VILLALOBOS, choreographer
A performing artist,
instructor, and choreographer from Lima, Peru. She received her Dance and
Theatre degree from the U.W., has a M.F.A. in Arts Leadership from Seattle
University and worked in NY for 7 years as an actress and professional dancer,
specializing in Dancesport's Theatre Arts division. Locally Vanessa teaches
Salsa, Ballroom and Afro Peruvian dance to adults and youth at West Seattle's
Kenyon Hall. She has an arts & entertainment business, Balorico LLC, and is
an active board member of La Sala, a Latinx artist network. http://balorico.blogspot.com/
KATE OLSON, guest soloist
Kate an
improvising saxophonist and woodwind teacher based in Seattle, WA. Since moving
to Seattle in 2010, she has done her best to infiltrate the local, regional and
international improvised music scenes. She can be heard performing with her own
projects Syrinx Effect, KO SOLO, and the KO Ensemble and as a collaborator with
Ask the Ages, Only Trio, the Seattle Rock Orchestra, the Royal Room Collective
Music Ensemble (led by Wayne Horvitz), and the Seattle Jazz Composer's Ensemble.
Kate has a BA in Music (Jazz Emphasis) from the University of Wyoming and an MM
in Improvisation from the University of Michigan. Kate’s international resume
continues to grow, including performances in Russia, Latvia, Turkey,
Switzerland and Slovakia. http://www.kateplayssax.com/music/
MIHO
TAKEKAWA, guest
soloist
Miho is
from Japan, but has lived in Seattle for many years. She graduated from
Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo and holds a doctorate in percussion
performance from the University of Washington. She is on the faculty of Pacific
Lutheran University and directs the school’s steel band program. Miho is
an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and plays piano, vibraphone, marimba, steel
pan and percussion. She performs professionally in the Pacific Northwest
and in Japan. She has a unique perspective on culture and music and often
focuses on blending the musics that have shaped her experience in the world:
Japanese folkloric, classical European and Latin American music. http://www.mihodiego.com/
ANN
REYNOLDS,
composer and guest soloist
Ann is
the founder and director of “Clave Gringa” a Seattle-based Latin Jazz ensemble
that has released one CD featuring her original compositions and is in the
process of working on a second recording. Ann has studied and played
music her entire life, beginning with classical piano training as a youth.
She holds a degree in music from Mt Holyoke College, and has studied jazz
and Latin music, with extended studies and performance in Cuba, for many years.
She is a member of the Seattle Women’s Jazz ensemble. http://www.clavegringa.com/
TENOLD
SUNDBERG, Set
design and painting
Tenold
is a painter currently living in Oakland, but born and raised in Seattle.
He has studied and taught at Gage Academy as well as Emily Carr in
Vancouver, BC. Please visit his website to view some of his work at www.tenoldsundberg.com
CHARLIE
MOSTOW,
sculptor
Charlie
is a Seattle native, now residing in Brooklyn, NY. He is an accomplished
sculptor teaching and working in the New York area and shortly to relocate to
Paris. Charlie is contributing design and sculptural work to some of the
theatrical elements in this project. His work can be seen at www.charliemostow.com
MICHAEL
SHANTZ, Artistic
Director
Michael
Shantz has been playing steel pans for about 40 years and pursuing his interest
in
Carnival Arts, street performance, and trans-Atlantic New World cultures for about the same amount of time. His group, Bakra Bata’ Music and Dance, was started in 1985 and originally based for 13 years out of his non-profit organization The Aluja Center for Community Development in downtown Seattle. Bakra Bata’ toured nationally and internationally for over 25 years. Michael has taught steel pan to youths and adults throughout the country and has conducted programs in many Seattle schools over the years.
Carnival Arts, street performance, and trans-Atlantic New World cultures for about the same amount of time. His group, Bakra Bata’ Music and Dance, was started in 1985 and originally based for 13 years out of his non-profit organization The Aluja Center for Community Development in downtown Seattle. Bakra Bata’ toured nationally and internationally for over 25 years. Michael has taught steel pan to youths and adults throughout the country and has conducted programs in many Seattle schools over the years.
ADDITIONAL
MUSICIANS
Performances
for this project will include an ensemble of supporting drummers and
percussionists, all male. We refer to these men as our supporters and
allies. They are our friends. All are highly skilled musicians, performers and
artists in their own rights and all are well known in the Pacific Northwest
community and to audiences throughout the region. They include Teo
Shantz, Jeff Busch, Thione Diop, Obe Quarles and Loren Boley.
SWSPP
Performances and Clients
The Royal
Room: Afro-Rhythms and Sounds of Steel
Bellevue
College International Night
Global
Party - the Moore Theater, Seattle Theater Group
Live At
Lunch Summer Concerts, Bellevue, Wa.
CHOMP,
Marymoor Park, Redmond
Out To
Lunch Concert Series, Seattle
Family Fun
Days, Occidental Park
Edmonds
Center for the Performing Arts
Soul
Jambalaya, Chief Sealth HS
MLK
Celebration King County, 5th Ave. Theater
Student of
Color Conference, Yakima, Wa.
Arts Corp
Fundraiser, Showbox, Seattle
Facebook,
Corporate Offices, Seattle
Seattle
Theater Group, Fundraiser, BMW
Northwest
Folklife Festival
Womxn Who
Rock Conference
Boeing Family Day
Othello Park Music Festival
Afro-Latino Music Festival
Rainier Community Center Day of
Play
KBCS Commuter Dispatches
Burien Summer Music Festival
Madison Valley Business Association
Caribbean Festival, Seward Park
Umpgua Bank, Hyatt Regency,
Bellevue
Black History Celebration, Seattle
University
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