Artifacts 9/12/03

Auditions for 'Nutcracker' today at Southeast

Auditions for "The Nutcracker" ballet to be presented in December by the Minnesota Ballet will be held today at the Student Recreation Center Dance Room at Southeast Missouri State University.

Auditions for dancers ages 8 to 11 will be held at 5 p.m. Auditions for dancers ages 12 to 19 will be held at 6 p.m.

More than 80 parts are available for local dancers who want to participate in the performances of "The Nutcracker" by the Minnesota Ballet. Parts are available for boys and girls ages 8 to 19 with advanced, intermediate and beginning experience.

The ballet will present two school performances and three public performances between Dec. 18 and 20.

The first rehearsals for the ballet will be Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. at the rec center.

The Minnesota Ballet's "The Nutcracker" is a benefit for the Community Counseling Center Foundation. For more information about auditions, call Larry Essner at 334-1100.

Southeast Baroque Trio in Thursday concert

The Southeast Baroque Trio will perform Thursday as part of the new Faculty Showcase Series presented by the Department of Music at Southeast Missouri State University.

The trio consists of Paul Thompson on flute, Dr. Sara Edgerton on cello and Dr. Gary Miller on harpsichord. They will play music by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel and other Baroque masters.

The concert at Old St. Vincent's Church will begin at 8 p.m.

Advance tickets are $7 for the general public, $6 for faculty, staff and senior citizens, and $5 for Southeast students with an ID. All tickets are $7 at the door. Phone 651-2265 for tickets.

Toucan Jam to give children's performance

Children's performers Toucan Jam will perform Saturday at the University Center Ballroom at Southeast Missouri State University.

The duo take the audience on an imaginary voyage through six continents. Kelly Muhollan and Donna Henschell demonstrate exotic instruments, relate exciting legends and have fun with a singing snake and other puppets.

The primary mission of Toucan Jam is to encourage children to take notice of their own culture.

The 10 a.m. event is free and open to the public. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, phone 334-7692.

Workshops on herbal teas Sept. 20

WICKLIFFE, Ky. -- Master gardener Denise Berryhill will present two workshops titled "Herbal Teas: A Step Back in Thyme" Sept. 20 at Wickliffe Mounds Research Center.

Berryhill will teach participants about the heritage of growing and harvesting herbs for teas and blending teas.

The morning workshop will be from 10 a.m.. to noon, with the afternoon workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. Enrollment is limited to 12 in each workshop. The fee is $10.

To register, send check to Wickliffe Mounds Research Center, P.O. Box 155, Wickliffe, Ky., 42087. Phone (270) 335-3681 for information.

The center is located on highways 51/60/62 West in Wickliffe.

Southeast professors in two book signings

Book signings for Southeast faculty members Dr. Kenn Stilson and Dr. Marc Strauss, both associate professors of theater and dance, will be held Sept. 25 and 26 in Cape Girardeau.

Stilson's book, "Acting is Believing," has been studied by serious acting students since the 1950s. It is based on the teachings of Konstantin Stanislavski, the father of modern acting theory. Stilson has co-authored the eighth edition of the text.

The first signing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Mollie's Cafe. The second singing will be at Touch of Grace Cafe Sept. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Strauss has co-authored "The Dance Experience: Insights into History, Culture and Creativity." This is the book's second edition.

Saxophonist to perform in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS -- Saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman will make his first performance at Jazz at the Bistro Oct. 8 to 11.

Known for a style that jumps between R&B and jazz, Newman started out as a member or the Ray Charles Band and in 1959 began his solo career. He has played with such stars as Herbie Mann, Aretha Franklin, Ellis Marsalis and Natalie Cole.

Tickets for Newman's shows are $23 and $28. Phone (314) 534-1111 for information.

Jazz at the Bistro is a listening room located at 3536 Washington Ave. For information, visit www.jatb.com.

Americana singer to perform at parks

Americana singer Charlie Groth will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at Trail of Tears State Park and at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site.

-- From staff reports