Programs A to Z
WTTW Productions
The Artist Toolbox
Arts Across Illinois
BBC World News
CARRIER
CEO Exchange
Check, Please!
Chicago Matters
Chicago Stories
Chicago Tonight
Chicago's Lakefront
David Broza
Ebert Presents At the Movies
Foods of Chicago
Frontline
Geoffrey Baer Tours
The Golden Apple Awards
Health Secrets
Hidden Chicago
Hidden Chicago 2
Irish Chicago
Image Union
Mexico–One Plate
McLaughlin Group
National Parks
Out and Proud in Chicago
PBS Arts from Chicago
Power of the Poor
Retirement Revolution
Ride of Our Lives
Soundstage
Wild Chicago
WordWorld
The War

Made possible with generous support from

Arts Across Illinois

Current Show

Centerstage 2005

Featuring emerging musicians, dancers and one storyteller from across Illinois.

Tom Sharpe
Luna Negra Dance Theater
Maggie Brown
Joni Laurence
JASC Tsukasa Taiko
Randy Erwin
Jeff Midkiff & Ashley Lewis
Orbert Davis


 

Tom Sharpe — Classically trained Oswego musician Tom Sharpe dramatically blends his orchestral background with world music instrumentation, creating music that is both wildly emotional and technically precise.

Performers
Tom Sharpe
Kevin Jocius, Percussion
Paul G. Ross, Percussion
Jennifer Silverstone, Violinist

Song Performed
Like Setting Myself on Fire

Website
www.tomsharpe.com


 

Luna Negra Dance Theater — Chicago troupe Luna Negra Dance Theater creates modern, contemporary dances that express and celebrate the rich diversity of Latino cultures today.

Dancers
Jorge Quintero
Veronica Guadalupe
Founder & Artistic Director
Edwardo Vilaro

Dance Performed
Sonnetos

Website
www.lunanegra.org


 

Maggie Brown — Chicago's own Maggie Brown carries on the family tradition of telling stories and singing jazz-influenced songs that explain and enrich our collective human experience.

Performers
Maggie Brown
Keith M. Kelley, Drummer
Kevin Patrick, Drummer

Maggie Brown Presents Excerpts From Legacy:Our Wealth of Music

"I dedicate this performance to my father Oscar Brown Jr."


 

Joni Laurence — "Not just another girl with a guitar," Joni Laurence of Champaign delivers thoughtful folk/pop songs that flow from the pen of an artist who loves and understands her native Illinois.

Performers
Joni Laurence, Acoustic Guitar and Vocals
Matt Stewart, Electric Guitar
Ryan Groff, Vocalist
Josh Quirk, Drummer

Songs Performed
I Will Not Forget
Trashbag Birdie


Website
www.jonilaurence.com


 

JASC Tsukasa Taiko — Passing on the legacy of the rich heritage of Japanese drumming, while evolving the taiko art form.

Performers
Hide Yoshihashi, drummer
Kioto Aoki, drummer
Eigen Aoki, drummer

Songs Performed
Yamabiko (Echo)

Founder
Hide Yoshihashi

Artistic Director
Tatsu Aoki

Website
www.tsukasadaiko.com

JASC Tsukasa Taiko is a program of Asian Improv aRts Midwest and the Japanese American Service Committee.


 

Randy Erwin — Downstate cowboy yodeler Randy Erwin travels the globe from his Springfield home, celebrating the tradition of cowboy folklore through singing and trick roping.

Performers
Tom Sharpe and Ensemble:
Tom Sharpe
Kevin Jocius, Percussion
Paul G. Ross, Percussion
Jennifer Silverstone, Violinist

Songs Performed
Coyboy Rhythm
Back in the Saddle Again


Website
web2.airmail.net/a0027072/


 
 

Jeff Midkiff & Ashley Lewis — Master mandolinist Jeff Midkiff of Carpentersville and 18-year old bluegrass artist Ashley Lewis of Sandwich combine their unique and diverse styles to create their own exhilarating brand of string music.

Performers
Jeff Midkiff, Mandolin
Ashley Lewis, Mandolin
Jim Cox, Bass
Don Stiernberg, Guitar

Songs Performed
Partners in Time/Old Joe Clark
Sterett's Last Run


Websites
www.jeffmidkiff.com
www.ashtongap.com


 

Orbert Davis — As one of Chicago's most sought-after musicians, inventive trumpeter and composer Orbert Davis is at the forefront of Chicago's burgeoning jazz scene.

Performers
Orbert Davis, Trumpet
Ari Brown, Saxophone
Ryan Cohan, Piano
Lorin Cohen, Bass
Tracy Kirk, Trombone
Kobie Watkins, Drums

Songs Performed
Miles Ahead
Priority


Website
www.orbertdavis.com


   
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Centerstage 2005Immigrant ExperienceAt The MoviesThe Art of SummerPlaces and SpacesLet's DanceGetting Youngsters Excited (May 2007)Centerstage 2007Centerstage 2008Blacksmiths of Illinois 2007Arts Across Illinois 2008You Should See YourselfLooking for LincolnInspired by NatureSpring 2010Arts Arcross Illinois | Southern HospitalityThe Write StuffArts Across Illinois | 2006Contact UsSite MapPressroomWTTW Digital ArchivesProduction ServicesCorporate SponsorshipHomeSchedulesProgramsWTTW KidsWTTW ArtsWTTW EventsSupport WTTWAbout UsMembers OnlyGeoffrey Baer Tours - Seven Wonders of ChicagoArchitect Robert A.M. Stern: Presence of the PastArchitect Michael Graves: A Grand TourArchitect Thomas Beeby10 Buildings that Changed AmericaCatholicismProhibitionAmerican Graduate