I have realized through my life that in order to be the best “Natalie” I can be, I need to do what I love each day. This love is for the simple things in my life such as a good cup of coffee, eating food, and looking at the stars. It’s the simple things that help define an experience. I have been learning to love and live my life with noticing the simple things, the things that get overlooked by the big picture. My love list is constantly growing with each new experience I take part in. Thanks to Britt Festivals, I will be adding to my love list.
It’s unbelievable that Britt Festivals is celebrating its 50th year but what is even more unbelievable is how Britt Festivals first began 50 years ago. Every organization likes to share the background story on why and how they began, but here at Britt we keep in mind that our background story has created relationships that never would have existed had it not been for certain events that unfolded the way they did. Going back and learning the background story behind Britt Festivals will enhance your Britt Experience because you will be able to see a clearer picture of what is at our core that makes Britt Festivals so unique.
When you get ready for a fun night at Britt, your preparations might include scheduling a baby sitter, packing just the right balance of food that will match the particular show, throwing in some blankets, and layering upon layering clothes (after all it is Oregon weather). For Mike Sturgill, Britt’s Director of Programming, the preparations start much earlier.
This informative Blog will require some note taking. Not to worry
because all you will need is your smart phone, planner, calendar, or
sticky note, and either a pen, pencil, or marker of your choice.
The best part about starting this 2012 New Year? Britt Festivals gets to celebrate its 50th year! With this being our 50th year, we have much to celebrate and one of these things is the gift of our new orchestra chairs!
New board members and officers were elected at last night's Annual Membership meeting at the Pallet Wine Company in Medford. In anticipation of Britt's 50th season, the evening also included memories of Britt over the years by former board leaders. New Executive Director Donna Briggs was also introduced to the membership in this night of memories and celebration. Photos by Vicki Rosette.
As a photography intern at Britt, I usually just take photos and sometimes I don't know what to expect. However, one particular evening this summer I was expecting some very important people.
I kept checking my watch. Seven o'clock, no bus. Seven fifteen, no bus. Seven twenty, no bus. The August 19th, "Festival Favorites" classical concert didn't begin until 8 o'clock, but I didn't want to miss their arrival.
Singer-songwriter Meg Hutchinson performed in our first-ever concert with the audience seated on the Britt stage. The large stage doors were closed to create a cozy, intimate venue with this wonderful artist.
Local high school choir students participated in a Britt educational event on Friday, when they came out to Straight No Chaser's afternoon sound check. After the sound check, Straight No Chaser took questions from the students, and they talked about song choice, how they arrange songs, and a little about life on the road. Photos by Vicki Rosette.
Musician's Friend and Fender donated an American Standard Stratocaster to Britt, which Britt had signed by members of The Black Crowes, and then gave away to a lucky Britt patron at The Black Crowes concert on July 2. That lucky patron was Alex Benavides of Medford. Here's a photo of the guitar, with a rare purple finish:
Britt Festivals presents “Growing Up Brubeck,” a talk with Chris and Dan Brubeck, on Thursday, June 24 at Artistic Piano Gallery in Medford. The brothers, sons of living legend Dave Brubeck, will talk about their experience growing up in one of America’s most accomplished musical families.
The first Britt 2010 performance took place this morning (May 27), when Jacksonville Elementary performed the musical Mulan Junior for about 1600 school kids from all over the valley. Don't miss the encore performance of Mulan Junior tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $3 per person, or $8 per family. It's a fun night for all ages!
This Monday, April 6, Britt partnered with Southern Oregon Public Television on their pledge drive. SOPTV aired two specials that featured upcoming Britt artists – Tommy Emmanuel's Center Stage special, and the Rounder Records special that featured Steve Martin, Béla Fleck and many others. Britt's Executive Director Jim Fredericks encouraged viewer support of the station, and Britt staff took pledge calls from viewers. It was a great night in support of two community non-profits! Here are a few behind-the-scene shots:
We had an enthusiastic crowd of media, sponsors, board, staff and Benefactor, Gold Circle and Leadership members at last week's Season Announcment Party on the Britt stage last week. Take a look at a few highlights:
Britt volunteers rock! About 20 volunteers donated their Tuesday evenings to call Britt patrons and encourage them to renew their memberships, or become new members. The cheerful crew was able to secure several memberships last night, and calls continue tonight. Thanks to all!
CALLING ALL ARTISTS...Britt Festivals is giving aspiring artists (professional, amateur and
student) the opportunity to leave a mark on the 2010 Festival by
designing this season's t-shirt.
Several members of the Britt staff took to the Britt hill last week to shape up the hill. With rakes and leaf blowers in hand, we cleaned up leaves and pine needles, filling the biggest dumpster we'd ever seen. Here are a few before/after photos, along with shots of the hard-working crew:
Britt's new Executive Director Jim Fredericks was announced today in a press conference at the Britt office today. Read about Jim in the press release and take a look at his message on our web site: http://www.brittfest.org/meetjimfredericks
Take a look at these photos from the press conference today:
If you've been reading Britt communications through the last several
months, or tuned in to local media, you know that we're facing a time
of change and adaptation, and there are many questions about what the
organization needs to do to succeed. The just-released Britt Backstage newsletter features a Q&A with Britt Interim Executive Director Angela Warren, tackling such questions as:
What aspects of the business is Britt evaluating?
How does Britt need to change in order to succeed?
Britt's hard-working volunteers were honored at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Party last Sunday, September 27, on the Britt hill. Dinner was provided, followed by an awards ceremony, and a performance by the Hamazons. Several volunteers were honored:
Photos by Mike Sturgill.
Britt Society President Brian McCormick presents a check for $34,000 to Britt's Interim Executive Director Angela Warren:
George Relles has been managing the sound at Britt since 1981. In this article in the Medford Mail Tribune, Relles talks about the nature of managing sound at the outdoor amphitheater, how he first entered the fine art of sound engineering and some of his favorite moments at Britt over the years:
The winning ticket for the 2009 Britt raffle was drawn last Saturday, September 12, right before the Gov't Mule concert on the Britt hill. Will Larson of Eugene won a pair of reserved tickets and reserved parking for every concert in the 2010 Britt season. More than 11,000 raffle tickets were sold this summer, with all proceeds benefitting Britt programs.
Britt Assistant House Manager Megan Burr announces the winning entry, with House Manager Cil Stengel and Director of Programming & Production Mike Sturgill looking on. Photo by Scott Cole.
A brief description of the film All Together Now: The Making of "Love", that will be featured at our Britt Movie Night on August 27th, as well a link to trailers of the film.
Taken by our very own Mike Sturgill (our production director), these
pictures feature some behind-the-scene looks of the stage and amazing live
photographs of our featured artist, Trace Adkins!
A sudden downpour made for a memorable night on the Britt hill this past Saturday. Soloist Anton Nel and the Britt Orchestra were in the early moments of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 25 when the rain started falling hard. This YouTube video shows the story.
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This week two of the Britt Institute's summer programs are happening simultaneously: the Saxophone Workshop and the String Quartet Academy. Students are learning from top-notch faculty, performing in small quartets and larger ensembles. Both students and faculty will perform throughout the valley. Take a look at our list of recitals for a full schedule.
To see the inside scoop of the Sax Workshop, take a look at the blog of Dr. Rhett Bender, the Camp Director.
Also, see what the String Quartet Academy students are up to on the Britt Institute blog.
