Trey McIntyre Project and Preservation Hall Jazz Band Reunite Through NOBA, 2/4
By: Kelsey Denette Jan. 07, 2011
The New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) is thrilled to reunite two remarkable creative forces, Trey McIntyre Project (TMP) and Preservation Hall Jazz Band (PHJB), in an extraordinary world premiere event on February 4 at 8pm at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. This exclusive one-night only performance marks the second time that NOBA, TMP and PHJB have teamed up to create a shared evening of music and dance.
When TMP blasted onto the international dance scene in 2008, NOBA engaged the company's trailblazing choreographer, Trey McIntyre, to create a new work set to New Orleans jazz music. The result was Ma Maison, the critically-acclaimed piece with PHJB that has since toured the world to rave reviews, including a recent special appearance at a New Orleans jazz event at the Hollywood Bowl for 7,000 people that was hailed as "shockingly powerful" and "one of the most stunning performances all year" by The LAist.
As an encore to this triumphant debut, McIntyre and PHJB Creative Director Ben Jaffe partner once more to produce a new work that will personify the iconic culture of New Orleans. The creative duo has spent the past year selecting music and producing new arrangements that explore the countless musical influences of New Orleans, including the French West Indies, Blues, and Creole music. The outcome is a hand-crafted soundtrack of signature jazz styles featuring the debut of newly-composed music by PHJB, as well as a re-mix of legendary hip-hop DJ King Britt's version of the classic American folksong, St. James Infirmary.
"For me, it has been special to work with Trey," said Jaffe. "He has an open mind and open heart to explore and truly sees what the possibilities are. Trey is a huge fan of music and a fan of PHJB."
TMP is a prolific American company on the international dance scene. PHJB, currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary, is the legendary champion of New Orleans jazz. Together, and for one night only, ten phenomenal dancers will unite with seven illustrious musicians on stage in a world premiere experience that will include an exclusive encore main stage presentation of Ma Maison.
"I am looking at the idea of pleasure in New Orleans culture," said McIntyre. "Pleasure is given more credence and importance here than in other places in America. Everywhere you go people want to welcome you into their world and make you feel comfortable and good."
"NOBA remains dedicated to perpetuating and strengthening the performing arts with important commissions of new work. We are honored to bring these two creative geniuses back together for a second world premiere that showcases our very own Preservation Hall Jazz Band with one of the hottest and most acclaimed dance makers in the world today," said NOBA Executive Director, Jenny Hamilton.
The new work also features costumes by acclaimed costume designer Andrea Lauer. Following her recent success on Broadway's megahit American Idiot, Lauer fashions both contemporary and period costumes of custom-made denim, courtesy of the pioneering LEVI STRAUSS & CO. Lauer deconstructs this signature American fabric and uses special silk screening and paint treatments inspired by the colors and textures of the city, to incorporate images that echo the unique street signs, tiles, and graffiti of New Orleans. "I came to love the diversity of Levi Strauss & Co. through my experience on American Idiot," said Lauer. "I am constantly exploring denim that people cannot only look and feel great in, but that you can also DANCE in!"
McIntyre has been creating fresh and innovative works for over 20 years. With the dance world hungry for new voices, McIntyre's career has sky-rocketed. Rooted in classical ballet, his in-demand dances are hip, contemporary and set to a brilliant variety of music from Brubeck and The Beatles to Beethoven and Beck. Since the debut of his first work in 1990 for Houston Ballet, he has created over 70 ballets for more than 30 prestigious companies, including American Ballet Theatre, Stuttgart Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. In December 2010, McIntyre was selected as one of 50 artists to receive the prestigious 2010 United States Artists Wynn Fellowship.
Tickets for the performance range from $20 to $80. Students and seniors (65 and older) receive a $6 discount off the regular ticket prices. Group discounts also are available. For tickets or information, call the New Orleans Ballet Association Box Office at (504) 522-0996. Tickets may be purchased online through www.nobadance.com, or via Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
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