By Walter Rutledge
Jamel Gaines’ Creative Outlet will celebrate 20 years of artistic excellence in a retrospective of the Company’s most acclaimed work on Friday, May 15, 7:30pm, Saturday, May 16, 7:30pm, and Sunday, May 17, 3pm at Kumble Theater at LIU Brooklyn, One University Plaza, Brooklyn.
Works to be presented include, Forces (2006), an all male quartet featuring movement inspired by the natural elements of Hurricane Katrina, Cutting Edge (1995) set the music of Pat Metheny, a tribute to President Obama entitle, Prize, a guest appearance by master artist and guest teacher, Shirley Black Brown, and the premiere of the 651 ARTS’ commissioned work, Bitter Sweet set to the music of Roberta Flack. The cast will include present company member and returning alumnus from the entire performance/dance spectrum.
The three-day engagement begins on Friday, May 15, with a pre-show reception honoring supporters and friends. The reception, with live entertainment, wine and cheese, and remarks, begins at 6pm in the theater lobby. Seventeen individuals who have contributed to the success of the company will be recognized during the reception.
Honorees include:
Vivian Phillips & Vicky Lee | Seattle Theatre Group
TransCanada Corporation
Frances Bell-Henry | Frank R. Bell Funeral
Phyllis Frempong | Phyl’s Academy
Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood | Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church
Stephen and Ruth Hendel | Broadway Producers
Rachel Neville | Rachel Neville Photography
A. Lewis Cunningham | Visual Artist
Greg and Beth Wolpert | Real-Estate
Dr. Katherine Corbett | Arts-In-Education
Deb Howard | Pratt Area Community Council
Jamel Gaines’ Creative Outlet is a professional dance company that merges rigorous classical and modern technique with African-American soul and spirit. The company has been hailed for its “richness of dance tone” and “contagious vitality” and is comprised of unique performing artists whose talents include theatre, spoken word, live music, and visuals in the form of video and photographic art.
Tickets for all performances are $20 general admission, $15 students and seniors. Friday evening Gala and performance tickets are $120 and a portion directly supports the company. Tickets can be purchased at Kumble Theater box office and by calling (718) 488 – 1624.