A WFDD Original
Jazz Guitar, Handel's Messiah, Another Holiday Film Classic, and More on Triad Arts Weekend
Russell Thomas
Jazz musician Russell Thomas fell in love with the electric guitar as a boy growing up in the Kimberly projects in Winston-Salem, and listening to local bands like Ghetto Soul. By the age of 6 he Russell was performing with local Rhythm & Blues bands of is own and a move to Detroit and a brush with greatness ultimately set him on his life's quest. His new CD is titled Morning Train, and David Ford recently caught up with Russell in between gigs at his home in Winston-Salem.
The 2013 release is out on the Tate Music Group label. Russell recently performed live at the Muddy Creek Cafe, in Winston-Salem, and you can hear him periodically at the Bojangles restaurants on Stratford and Reynolda roads.
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Bob Moody
There are many great holiday traditions here in the Piedmont Triad. One of them involves the Winston-Salem Symphony and one of classical music's most powerful messages of faith: Handel's Messiah. This year once again Maestro Robert Moody conducts the Winston-Salem Symphony and Chorale for two dynamic performances.
He'll lead the orchestra and Chorale in two performances of Handel's Messiah: Tuesday night, December 17th, and Wednesday night the 18th at 7:30 in Centenary United Methodist Church. Tickets range from 10 bucks to 45 dollars.
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Behind the Scenes with Mary Dalton
It's time to go Behind the Scenes with guest commentator Wake Forest University Professor of Communication, Film Studies, and Women's and Gender Studies Mary Dalton. This week, Mary Dalton brings us a Frank Capra Christmas classic - no, its not "Its A Wonderful Life," but it does evoke the Christmas spirit while being just a little outside the holiday norm.
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Watercolor Artist William Mangum and Hampton House Gallery's Mark Hampton
William Mangum has been a professional artist for 36 years, selling his art all over the world, running his own gallery and giving back to the community.
Bill has provided original art to the Honor Card program for 25 years, raising awareness about the homeless in our state. Bill's involvement sprang from a chance meeting he had years ago with a homeless man named Mike Saavedra who was unable to care for himself. Bill ultimately became Mike's caretaker, and he credits Mike for teaching him many life lessons. Bill's new book “Michael's Gift: An Artist's Journey to the True Meaning of Life” is his personal tribute.
“Michael's Gift: An Artist's Journey to the True Meaning of Life” contains all 25 paintings of the annual Honor Card. 100% of all contributions support the agency, and so far they've raised $4.5 million to support the homeless. This year's card is Fall Into Me. Bill's new book is “Michael's Gift”, and his new Home Collection is titled “Carolina Preserves”. You'll find links to all three at wfdd.org and click on triad arts weekend.
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For Mark Hampton, framing is in his blood. His parents opened Hampton House Gallery back in 1977, and Mark's been involved in the business in one way or the other ever since. Hampton House Art and Framing offers paintings, three dimensional art, and digital photographic restoration services, but it's the framing that has captured Mark's imagination the most. He's attended several seminars and taken numerous framing courses, and beginning in January, he'll be teaching PRESENTATION AND CARE OF ARTWORK at Sawtooth School for Visual Art.
It begins Saturday, January 11th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, and the second class will meet the following Saturday from 10-noon at the Sawtooth School in Winston-Salem. Hampton House Art and Framing is now in their new location 720 Coliseum Drive. Join Mark and his family there Saturday, December 7th for their Holiday Open House from 10-5.
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