Saturday, May 10, 2014

MOMIX: Alchemia Review

MOMIX: Alchemia Review
By: Lexa D.

On Thursday, May 8, 2014, MOMIX – Alchemia performed at the Annenberg Center for Performing Arts Zellerbach Theatre on 3680 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA. Conceived and directed by Moses Pendleton and Associate Director, Cynthia Quinn, MOMIX was the highlight of the year.

The lighting, by Michael Korsch, and special effects created a gravity defying visual that left the audience speechless. Opening underwater, with nature as the soundtrack, each performer displayed a powerful story of Alchemia. Earth, water, fire and air were brought to life on stage. This magnetic performance created scenes that questioned reality with their amazing costumes, by Phoebe Katzin.   

The very talented dancers featured were Jerrica Blankship, Aaron Canfield, Jennifer Chicheportiche, Eddy Fernandez, Vincent Harris, Catherine Jaeger, Rebecca Rasmussen, Changyoung Sung, Ryan Taylor and Risa Yokoi.



For information on The Annenberg Center for Performing Arts future performances, please go to www.annenbergcenter.org  

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Philadelphia International Children's Festival at the Annenberg



On Saturday, May 3, 2014, I attended the Philadelphia International Children's Festival at The Annenberg Center for Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut Street, Philadelphia PA, with my mother and sister.


This was our first time going to the Children's Festival and it was a blast! The festival activities took place outside and the plays were held in the theaters. There were lots of games for children to play with a super cool juggling show; and plenty of yummy food to eat. 

We had the opportunity to see three plays; "The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise & the Hare", "Simple Gifts" and "Me and My Shadow". Each play was very different and amazingly cool in their own way.



The first play we saw was "The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and the Hare" held in the Zellerbach Theatre. Technology, sculpture, dance and theatre meet in Lightwire Theater's signature electroluminescent puppetry to present two classic stories. This play was funny, heartwarming and exciting; that glowed in the dark the entire time.

Lightwire Theatre
While waiting for the next play, "Simple Gifts" to start, I had the BEST Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich from the Butter Sandwich Truck and enjoyed a juggling show by The Give & Take Jugglers.


Butter Sandwich Truck
The Give & Take Jugglers

The Bruce Montgomery theatre was where Simple Gifts was shown. The internationally-acclaimed Cashore Marionettes redefine the art of puppetry through this series of touching portrayals and poignant scenes from everyday life set to classical music by Vivaldi, Strauss, Beethoven, Copland and more. It was intricate, genius and an uplifting showcase of the art of marionettes.
Cashore Marionettes
With one more show to see, I decided to get my face painted. Since I love super heroes, I got Wonder Woman. My sister choose not to get her face painted and did arts and crafts instead.

The last play was entitled, Me and My Shadow, and was in the Zellerbach Theatre. Me and My Shadow presented by Patch Theatre; depicts the fanciful escapades of a girl who finds a way to be friends with her shadow. Displayed in the form of a visual poem, the show uses the languages of paper, light, shadow, color, water, music, sound and words. It was fun, imaginative and cool. I loved that they used paper bags for so many things; especially the buildings.
Patch Theatre
This was an awesome day and hope to do it again next year!


Sunday, April 13, 2014

Ghost Train Orchestra Performance Review



Ghost Train Orchestra Performance Review 

On Saturday, April 12, 2014, I observed a wonderful sight! The Ghost Train Orchestra performed at The Annenberg Center’s Harold Prince Theatre on 3680 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA.

Ghost Train Orchestra was a powerful and sensational performance. The Conductor, Brian Carpenter, moves ten years ahead from their first album (Hothouse Stomp) to perform his modernistic reimagined arrangements of four unusual ensembles from the late 1930’s.

This amazing orchestra featured a roster of talent: alto saxophonist Andy Laster, clarinetist Dennis Lichtman, tenor saxophonist Petr Cancura, trombonist Curtis Hasselbring, tubist Ron Caswell, violinist Mazz Swift, guitarist Avi Bortnick, bassist Mchael Bates and drummer Rob Garcia.

My favorite musician was Mazz Swift; because of her wonderful singing voice and amazing talent as a violinist. The Ghost Train Orchestra is funky, abstract and experimental and makes it seem very easy. Their music is a superbly robust piece of art that all ages would enjoy.


For more information, merchandise and email subscription, please go to www.ghosttrainorchestra.com




Lexa D.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Soweto Gospel Choir Performance Review


On Sunday, February 16, 2014 I witnessed the sensational Soweto Gospel Choir at The Annenberg Center’s Zellerbach Theatre on 3680 Walnut Street.

The stage had colors of red, orange, yellow and gold; that reminded me of a sunset. There were lots of instruments, but my favorite was the rainmaker. When the show started, the room turned dark and a powerful voice filled the air. The lights slowly came up and the Soweto Gospel Choir had taken the stage.

This show was dedicated to Nelson Mandela. The choir’s high energy and fast paced movements made me feel happy and joyful. My favorite song was Eli, because its robust African sounds made me want to sing and dance.

I think all ages would be delighted to experience the Soweto Gospel Choir and I’m sure they would certainly appreciate your presence.


For more information and merchandise, please go to www.sowetogospelchoir.com.


Saturday, February 15, 2014

Martha Redbone Performance Review



On Friday, February, 14, 2014, I had the honor to see Martha Redbone perform at The Annenberg Center’s Harold Prince Theatre. The performance was AMAZING!

As I got settled in my seat, the stage felt calm and inviting. The blue lighting above the stage enhanced the tranquil energy that surrounded the room. The piano, banjo, guitar, tambourine, and shaker were waiting to be played. It is almost time for the show to start and more people are beginning to fill the seats. The lights dimmed and the audience became silent; as the musicians (Aaron Whitby keys, melodica; Alan Burroughs guitar, vocals; Teddy Kumpel guitar, banjo, vocals; George Rush upright bass, vocals) made their way to the stage. Everyone cheered when Martha Redbone came on stage! She was wearing a red dress and a very cool beaded necklace for Valentines Day. Before Martha Redbone began to sing, she spoke to the audience about the meaning of her music. She is an Independent Music Award Wining Musician of Cherokee, Choctaw, Shawnee and African-American descent. Since 2002, Martha Redbone has been performing, educating and mentoring across Native North America and abroad. Her recent album, The Garden of Love is a tribute to William Blake; an English poet, painter and printmaker.

All ages would enjoy listening to Martha Redbone. She combines folk, country, piedmont blues, gospel, honkytonk, bluegrass, soul and traditional Native American sounds in her music. Her lyrics are touching, joyful and funny. During the performance, the audience had the opportunity to sing a long, clap and dance. One of the lessons that I learned, was that, we should all know our history and children should be able to stand up for themselves.

One of my favorite songs was, The Fly; because her vocals were raw, raspy and strong.

We had a ten minute intermission and I rushed to get her new album. This was my very first cd EVER! I was really excited to listen and get it signed by Martha Redbone, herself!

By the end of the show, the entire audience stood up, clapped and yelled “GOOD JOB”!

Everyone wanted to meet her and a after a long wait, I finally got the chance and she signed my cd. She said to always, keep smilingJ.

For more information on Martha Redbone and upcoming performances, go to www.martharedbone.com



 -Lexa D.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Poems

Hello, Lexa here!

I would like to introduce you to some poetry of mine.  When I write poetry, it makes me feel good, happy and calm.

This is my first piece and I plan on posting more soon.

Enjoy!



How I See the Sky

When I see the glaring
Yellow sun
It reminds me of the burning flame
Of a stove
When I see the clear blue sky
It reminds me of the beautiful blue sea
The fluffy, soft, white clouds
Remind me of yummy, whipped cream
Cumulonimbus clouds remind me of crying
But, the burning flame of the sun,
The clear blue sky,
And the white, fluffy, soft clouds
Is the sky I like


-Lexa D

Pros and Cons

Some humans
Are Not
Fair
Mean
Ignorant
Not Very
Nice

Just Because
Some Are
Unfair
Doesn't mean
Some are not
Nice
Kind
Generous

The Pros and Cons

They Bully
Tell People what
To do
Steal
Laugh at others
Getting in trouble
Makes humans mean

Helping others to
Stand up
For
Themselves
Tell The
Truth
Support
Giving
Kindness
Makes Humans
Nice

The Pros and Cons
Some
People Say
You are ugly
And fat

You are nothing
You are a no good
Person

You are stupid
And dumb

I do not
Care about
You
I care about
Me

I hate you
You disgust
Me

You are no
Family
Of mine

For those
Who experience
This
I say

You ARE
Beautiful

You ARE
Worth it

You ARE
A friend
Of mine
You ARE intelligent
I love you

I care about
Everyone
I LOVE YOU

You bring joy
To my heart

You ARE family

You ARE a
Wonderful
Awesome
Cool
Person

Who I
Happily
Hug

The Pros and Cons

Stop

What if
Someone
Said that
To you?

You
May
Start
To
Believe
It

The Pros and Cons

Try your best
If you really
Want to
Do something
Work hard
Toward
Your dream

If you want
More
Do more

Give people
A chance
It’s not
Their
Fault
They are
Having

A
Bad
Moment

 -Lexa D











Thursday, January 23, 2014

Education For ALL

Hello Everyone!

My name is Lexa and I am 8 years old. A few months ago, I asked my mom if I could start my own blog, because I have a lot of thoughts and want to help people as much as I can.

So, with a little help from my mom; I came up with Little Hands Preserve Our World. I thought this title was perfect because
"Happiness comes from little hands"

This first post of many is addressing education. I think their should be more schools around the world. People should not be charged a lot of money to get an education. It is a right for each an everyone of us.

Below, I have listed tips to help people find affordable ways to educate themselves.

Tip 1: Go to your local Library: The library is full of knowledge for children and adults. Some libraries have computers for you to use and you can also make copies (for a small fee). You can also rent movies and music to watch and enjoy at home! They also offer extra programs and shows for all ages. I love going to story-time and meeting other kids. In order to bring this knowledge home, you need a library card. I have had my library card since I was 5 years old. You do not have to worry about the price, because it  is ABSOLUTELY FREE! But don't forget to share. You can borrow books, music and movies, but you have to give them back. If not, you will not be able to take out any more cool stuff until it's returned. Also, no one else will be able to use it.

Tip 2: The Internet: The internet has lots of links for education. You can look up anything from, Where does butter come from? to What are Nanomites? LOL. But, we must be very cautious and careful when looking up information. Sometimes, your computer could get sick and that's scary. Sometimes, the links have inappropriate words and pictures. DO NOT GO THERE! Here are some sites that are appropriate, fun, educational and free/low cost.
www.pbskids.org
www.starfall.com
www.abcya.com
www.bizkids.com
www.primary.games
www.crayola.com (registration required)
www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise
www.ixl.com (registration required after so many lessons)
www.readingegss.com (membership required)
www.mensaforkids.org
www.educationcity.com (membership required)
www.studyisland.com (This one has fees based on what you need)

Tip 3: The Bookstore: You can find all sorts of information at the bookstore. My favorite bookstore is Barnes N Noble. They have decent prices and cool books and board games. You can look through any book you want. I like to sit in the kids section and look at different types of books; especially Magic Tree House books. You could also, go sit in the cafe. My mother lets me have tea or hot chocolate (LOVE HOT CHOCOLATE) and a small snack. The other cool thing about BnN is the Kids Club. I have a kids club card and it keeps track of every thing I buy and gives discounts throughout the year.

Tip 4: Speak to Friends, Family and Community: Your family and friends may know more information on what you are interested in, then you think. It never hurts to ask. The worse they could say is, "I do not know". That's completely FREE!

Tip 5: Visit a Museum/Zoo: You can learn a lot of information and experience something new face to face. Interaction helps me learn a lot. Though school is cool, going on field trips to museums or zoos is very fun. My top three museums are The Please Touch Museum, The Franklin Institute and The Academy of Natural Sciences.

Tip 6: Nature Hikes: This is one of my favorite things to do! I get to go rock climbing, see animals and insects. Their is also a water fall and geese that I love to watch. You could also become a collector of rocks, bugs, twigs from different types of trees, leaves and even a photographer. It's always nice to take a picture of nature. It doesn't hurt the environment. If you have an arts and crafts projects, this is a great place to get some materials.

These tips can help everyone. As I explore, I'm sure I'll find more ways and can't wait to share them with you.

Happy Learning,
Lexa