This year, the art world’s ability to rally and produce engaging and vital works has been a constant glimmer of hope amidst global turmoil. With the revived Friday Five, we bring you our weekly choice of the top five things to check out in the near future—highlights from all over, as well as from the Flynn. And as you enjoy, please consider supporting these artists and arts organizations. Every donation counts. We hope these diverse works from all corners of the art world ignite your curiosity, fuel your imagination, and help strengthen and energize our community.
In addition to these weekly selections, we also keep a more comprehensive rolling list of ongoing and upcoming happenings at our ONLINE ARTS GUIDE.
Vermont Tourism and Higher Ground will present a five-part virtual concert series featuring local Vermont musicians, as well as regional and national acts who have an affinity for the state. The series is called Forevergreen: A Vermont Adventure in Music and continues through January 16, 2021. The next episode on January 2 features Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Grace Potter at Mad River Glen, and Dwight and Nicole.
To see the rest of the lineup and dates, watch a preview, visit the Vermont Vacation website. All shows will stream live at 7 pm on Vermont Tourism YouTube and Facebook pages.
Bring the magic of theater home for the holidays, and let faith, trust, and a little pixie dust sweep you off to Neverland. Now through January 1, enjoy FREE access to a newly re-mastered, 80-minute feature film of Chicago Shakespeare Theater's acclaimed 2018 production, recorded by multiple cameras in front of a live audience. Family members of all ages from around the world can join the fun from their front-row seats—in the comfort of their own homes.
Based on J.M. Barrie’s beloved tale about the boy who wouldn’t grow up, this heartwarming musical dazzles with a score written by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe—the award-winning songwriting duo behind Broadway’s smash hit Mary Poppins. Sail away on a high-flying journey with Peter, Wendy, John, and Michael to the enchanted world of Neverland—but beware of Captain Hook and the ticking crocodile.
Leading his trio—Russell Hall on bass and Kyle Poole on drums—with a command that belies his relative youth, 2019 American Pianists Awards-winner Emmet Cohen is one of the hottest jazz pianists and composers to come on the scene in the past five years. Listen for traditional jazz sounds with a thoroughly modern flavor.
Mr. Cohen has appeared at the Gilmore Festival, as well as the Newport, Monterey, North Sea, Bern, Edinburgh, Detroit, and Jerusalem Jazz festivals, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia. He is committed to the intergenerational transfer of the knowledge, history, and traditions of jazz. His signature undertaking is the Masters Legacy Series, a set of recordings and interviews honoring legendary jazz musicians that will allow musicians of multiple generations to share the unwritten folklore of America’s unique musical idiom.
Cliburn Kids is a (growing!) collection of wonderfully entertaining seven to 10-minute videos designed to introduce children to the fun of classical music. How does music paint pictures, tell stories, express feelings? Host Buddy Bray and guest artists use individual pieces to explore topics that delve into the way music is organized and structured, counting and rhythm, expressive elements, and sometimes just lighthearted enjoyment!
Programs are geared towards elementary-aged children, and activities are provided for each episode that are perfect for in-classroom or at-home studies. More than 30 episodes are currently available by clicking through the scroller, or exploring the categories, and a new episode will be added weekly on Tuesdays. Each episode page has links to the supplemental activities, as well as TEKS objectives for each.
More than two dozen world-renowned artists assemble for an extraordinary International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert in Melbourne, Australia. Herbie Hancock, Ledisi, Kurt Elling and many more join forces to celebrate jazz for peace. Featuring performances by jazz masters from six continents.
*VTPBS Passport is an added member benefit that gives you extended access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming, using your computer, smartphone or tablet. Enjoy access to more than 1,500 episodes including International Jazz Day (three seasons) with a sustainer gift of $5 or more monthly, or a one-time gift of at least $60. Become a VTPBS member here.
Previous Article
The Friday FiveNext Article
The Friday Five