12TH ANNUAL STG’S MORE MUSIC @ THE MOORE
12TH ANNUAL STG’S MORE MUSIC @ THE MOORE
Featuring Music Director and guest artist, bassist & singer-songwriter
Meshell Ndegeocello
Monday, March 11, 2013- Seattle, WA – The Seattle Theatre Group (STG) is pleased to announce that this year’s More Music @ The Moore’s Music Director and guest artist will be bassist & singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello.
MORE MUSIC @ THE MOORE (MM@M), produced by STG’s Education and Community Programs, is a young artist development program that provides talented young artists (ages 14-21) with the tools and setting to rehearse and perform music under the direction of industry mentors and professionals. The program culminates with two performances at The Moore Theatre, an 11am student matinee and 7:30pm public performance (May 10, 2013).
After 20 years in the industry, the 10x Grammy-nominated Ndegeocello remains to be a fearsome bassist, prolific songwriter and composer, earning her global critical acclaim. Meshell has appeared alongside the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Alanis Morrisette, Chaka Khan and John Mellencamp, to name a few of the artists with whom she has collaborated, making her an exceptional musical director and mentor to the young musicians, who represent many diverse music backgrounds.
This year, over 200 musicians auditioned to be part of the program, the standard was higher than ever. The 40 selected musicians will come together for a week of rehearsals at the Moore Theatre to create an innovative, dynamic group performance under the artistic direction of Ndegeocello, who will join the musicians for a collaborative number. This year’s lineup includes Japanese taiko, hip-hop, Indie rock, Irish folk, a singer-songwriter, and more. MM@M is one of a number of STG programs that invests in the creative development of the next generation of Seattle artists.
“I am flattered to think I might have something to offer another generation of visionary musical minds, of players, and writers. When I choose to teach it is not so much to pass on what I do, or think I know, but to pass on the possibility of music, the opportunity to be, make, hear something new, unique and individual, said Ndegeocello. “At the same time, I always say that music is a fellowship, not a competition, though the industry doesn’t foster that much. I love the idea of facilitating one person’s sound and encouraging the support of their band, community, the fellowship,” she added.
This invaluable experience can be summed up best by young artists form previous years whose comments have ranged from the appreciation for the value of having concentrated time with professional artists, to the bond that is formed between all the participants and the artistic insight that results.
“More Music @ The Moore has been an effective and memorable way to bring young music artists together with seasoned professionals in ways that go beyond a guest performance or attendance at a sound check,” said Vicky Lee, STG’s Education & Performance Programs Director. “Through this program we have the real ability to change lives and know that this experience will live in the hearts and minds of all the participants forever, ” she added.
Tickets for More Music @ The Moore are $15.00/$10.00 (Students), not including fees, and are ON SALE NOW! All tickets can be purchased online at STGpresents.org, Paramount Theatre box office, 24-hour kiosks at The Paramount and Moore Theatres, or at Sonic Boom Records in Ballard.
SUMMARY OF YOUNG ARTISTS & STYLES
- A Cappella Vocal Group – The 007ths – 8-piece a cappella vocal group made up of Seattle Pacific University (SPU) students. Arrangements of popular songs created by Scott Nellesen, group director and composition major at SPU.
- Indie Rock – The Union Street Orchestra– 11-piece indie rock group; IndiaLee – 17-year old vocalist with a distinctive indie style.
- Taiko Group – Kaze Daiko – Youth taiko group directed by Stan Shikuma of Seattle Kokon Taiko.
- Jazz/Funk Band – Contempo – Jazz-funk quintet.
- Indie Folk Trio – The Onlies – a trio of talented 14-year olds who perform Irish, Celtic, bluegrass and old-time tunes and songs.
- RnB Singer-Songwriter – Otieno Terry – R&B singer-songwriter.
- Country Singer-Songwriter – Emily Randolph – 14-year old country singer performing her original work.
- Hip-Hop Artist – Ksneak (aka Akeda Jones) – 16-year old female rapper who is brewing up a storm at her school, Garfield High School.
- Beatboxer – CDQ– 20-year old beatboxer.
| John Mellencamp, Meshell Ndegeocello – Wild Night |