Episode 144 Alvin Ailey's Revelations at 60!

In today's episode I pay tribute to Alvin Ailey's iconic masterpiece "Revelations", celebrating its 60th anniversary. I reminisce about the 50 years this dance has been in my life: as an audience member since I was 12, a teen dancer that learned excerpts of the choreography, a passionate facilitator to introduce "Revelations" to newbies, an enthusiast who delighted in sharing these performances with many friends and family, to the proud wife of the bass player in Ailey's wonderful band that accompanies a glorious gospel choir. I miss seeing the live performance this year and particularly miss the extended family of all involved in this production. As we mourn the loss of people, places and performances that can't be experienced in person, I am focused on the hope, inspiration and joy captured  in "Revelations". I appreciate all that the magnificent Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater stands for and embodies. I am deeply grateful for the warm, inclusive, loving embrace I experience when in the presence of Ailey's band, spirited choir and exquisite dancers. I'll let that sustain me till we meet again in person. Checkout the links below to watch the Opening Night Virtual Benefit and links to my previous podcast guests representing a musician, 2 choir members and a dancer/Associate Artistic director of the company.  Enjoy the podcast! Thanks to everyone who supported and donated to the MADE fundraiser we launched last week. Tarik Greene and Toney Earl, Jr. co-founded MADE, a grassroots organization to address the needs of formerly incarcerated people. MADE stands for Making A Difference Everyday. Please join us in making a difference for an easily forgotten, marginalized group of people. Our bass playing daughter, her drummer husband and a circle of their talented musician friends recorded an album last year, thanks to the generosity of Matt and Margaret Balitsaris, to raise money for Tarik and Toney's program.  We're happy to announce that along with the digital downloads that are available at TheMadeProject.BandCamp.com, MADE-transitions.org is offering physical CDs for purchase. The CDs contain 3 additional bonus tracks not available at bandcamp.com. Thanks for your continued support. Links: Alvin Ailey Opening Night Virtual Benefit Enlighten Podcast Episodes featuring: Gary Fritz (Ailey percussionist) Roosevelt Credit (choir member) Gail Blache-Gill (choir member) Matthew Rushing (Alvin Ailey Associate Artistic Director) The MADE Project/GLOW album: themadeproject.bandcamp.com (Digital Downloads) GLOW Music Videos/YouTube channel M.A.D.E. Transitions (Glow CD orders)