Juilliard Jazz Announces Its 2012-2013 Performance Season

Juilliard Jazz Welcomes Five Guest Artists in 2012-2013: Drummer Paulo Braga; Saxophonist George Coleman; Clarinetist/Saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera; Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon; and Pianist Harold Mabern

Juilliard Jazz announces its 2012-2013 season of concerts featuring the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra, Juilliard Jazz Ensembles, and Juilliard’s Artist Diploma Ensemble, comprised of Juilliard Jazz’s most advanced musicians. Juilliard Jazz welcomes five special guest performers in 2012-2013: Brazilian drummer Paulo Braga; saxophonist George Coleman, saxophonist/clarinetist Paquito D’Rivera, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, who joins bassist Christian McBride as a Juilliard Jazz artist-in-residence; and pianist Harold Mabern.



All concerts on the Juilliard Jazz 2012-2013 schedule are free; some require tickets, available two weeks prior at the Janet and Leonard Kramer Box Office at Juilliard. For further information, call (212) 769-7406 or go to www.juilliard.edu.



The Juilliard Jazz Orchestra opens its season with “Memphis Jazz” on Tuesday, October 16 at 8 PM in The Peter Jay Sharp Theater with guest artists, saxophonist George Coleman and pianist Harold Mabern. Coleman has performed with the legendary Miles Davis, among others, and Mabern has played with many jazz greats including Wes Montgomery. The evening also features music by other jazz musicians from Memphis, James Williams and Phineaus Newborn. On Tuesday, January 15 at 8 PM in The Peter Jay Sharp Theater, the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra plays classic jazz arrangements by Benny Golson, Thad Jones, Gerry Mulligan, Oliver Nelson, Sammy Nestico, and others. Juilliard Jazz students are required to know many of the traditional jazz standards, and the concert on January 15th gives them the opportunity to perform them in big band arrangements. On Thursday, February 21 at 8 PM in The Peter Jay Sharp Theater, Juilliard Jazz presents “My Point of View” featuring student original compositions for jazz orchestra.

Juilliard Jazz Ensembles perform the “The Music of Cedar Walton” on Monday, October 1 at 8 PM in Paul Hall. They return in “My Point of View” featuring Juilliard Jazz student original compositions on Monday, November 5 at 8 PM in Paul Hall. The Artist Diploma Ensemble is joined by Brazilian drummer Paulo Braga, who was Antonio Carlos Jobim’s drummer for many years, on Tuesday, November 20 at 8 PM in Paul Hall, in a concert presented as part of Carnegie Hall’s “Voices from Latin America” series. Juilliard Jazz musicians will record with Paulo Braga and join him in Brazil on November 30. On Monday, December 10, Juilliard Jazz Ensembles play jazz standards in “Just Jazz!”. On Monday, February 4 at 8 PM in Paul Hall, Juilliard Jazz Ensembles are joined by trombonist and new artist-in-residence, Wycliffe Gordon. On Tuesday, April 2 at 8 PM in Paul Hall, Juilliard Jazz presents “An Evening with Paquito D’Rivera”. The Juilliard Jazz Ensembles conclude their season on Tuesday, April 16 at 8 PM in Paul Hall, with a final installment of “My Point of View” featuring more student original compositions.



Juilliard Jazz musicians also have the opportunity to perform in top jazz clubs in NYC. Next season, they will be appearing at the Blue Note Jazz Club on their New York Sunday Brunch series. (Dates will be announced.) Sets are at 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM. For more information, please visit www.bluenote.net. The Juilliard Jazz Orchestra performs at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola during the season. (Dates will be announced.) For more information, go to www.jalc.org.



ARTISTS’ BIOS



Brazilian-born drummer Paulo Braga is known for his lifelong work with Antonio Carlos Jobim. He has played along with the biggest names associated with Bossa Nova.



Saxophonist George Coleman grew up in Memphis and was self-taught on the alto saxophone. At the age of 17, he was invited to tour with B.B. King after the guitarist heard him in a local club. He then spent three more years on the Memphis scene and writing for popular artists, including the Moonglows and Ray Charles. In 1955, he rejoined B.B. King’s band, but this time on tenor saxophone. In 1956, he moved to Chicago, along with Booker Little, where he joined Walter Perkins’ group, The MJT+3. When Max Roach heard him with this group, he invited him to join his own quartet featuring Kenny Dorham on trumpet. Later that year, Coleman moved to New York and has made his home here ever since. Miles Davis called in 1963 and re-united Coleman with his Manassas High schoolmates, Harold Mabern and Frank Strozier. For two years, Coleman was a member of that quintet along with Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams, recording four classic albums – Seven Steps to Heaven, My Funny Valentine, Four, and Miles Davis in Europe – before departing to pursue other projects. Coleman freelanced from 1964-1974, and then focused on his own groups. He has performed with some of the jazz’s most prominent figures, including Lionel Hampton, Lee Morgan, Elvin Jones, Charles Mingus, Betty Carter, Chet Baker, Shirley Scott, Charles McPherson, Cedar Walton, and others. For the past 30 years, he has been a major force in jazz education. In addition to his private teaching, he has been a consultant and teacher at The New School, Long Island University, NYU, and Mannes College of Music, and has conducted workshops, seminars and master classes at universities all over the United States.


Cuban-born Paquito D’Rivera Clarinetist/Saxophonist (Photo by Alberto Romeu) began his career as a child prodigy. During his teen years, he created various original and groundbreaking musical ensembles. As a founding member of the Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna, he directed that group for two years, while at the same time playing both the clarinet and saxophone with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra. He went on to premiere several works by notable Cuban composers with the same orchestra. D’Rivera was a founding member and co-director of the innovative musical ensemble, Irakere. With its mixture of jazz, rock, classical and traditional Cuban music never heard before, Irakere toured extensively throughout America and Europe, won several Grammy nominations (1979, 1980) and a Grammy (1979). D’Rivera is the first artist to win Latin Grammy’s in both Classical and Latin Jazz categories (2003) for Stravinsky’s Historia del Soldado (L’Histoire du Soldat) and Brazilian Dreams with the New York Voices. (Juilliard alumnus Wynton Marsalis is the only other historic recipient to win in both classical and jazz categories.) D’Rivera is a recipient of the National Medal for the Arts, presented at the White House by President George W. Bush in 2005 and was named one of the 2005 NEA Jazz Masters. His discography includes more than 30 solo albums in jazz, bebop, and Latin music. His contributions to classical music are notable. They include solo appearances with the London Philharmonic, London Symphony, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, among others. D’Rivera also has performed with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, the Costa Rica National Symphony, the Simón Bolivar Symphony Orchestra. He tours worldwide with his ensembles, the Chamber Jazz Ensemble, the Paquito D’Rivera Big Band, and the Paquito D’Rivera Quintet. In addition to his performance career, D’Rivera is a composer, and his music is published by Boosey & Hawkes. Artist-in-residence at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, he serves as a member of the board of directors of many influential artistic organizations in the United States, impacting both classical and jazz musical idioms.

Musical ambassador and interpreter of America’s music, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon experiences an extraordinary career touring the world performing hard-swinging, straight-ahead jazz receiving acclaim from audiences and critics alike. His unmatched modern mastery of the plunger mute and his prodigious technique and signature sound has solidified Gordon in a place in musical history as one of the top trombonists of his generation. In addition to a successful solo career, Gordon regularly tours leading the Wycliffe Gordon Quartet, headlining at legendary jazz venues and performing arts centers throughout the world. He is a former veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet and Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. His numerous recordings include thirteen solo CDs and seven co-leader CDs. Wycliffe Gordon is a gifted composer and arranger. A committed music educator, he serves on the faculty of the Jazz Arts Program at Manhattan School of Music. He becomes an artist-in-residence at Juilliard Jazz this fall.

Release Photo Credit  Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon


Enlarge Photo



Jazz pianist Harold Mabern was born in Memphis, Tennessee and attended Manassas High School like other Memphis jazz artists George Coleman, Booker Little, and Frank Strozier. He taught himself piano and was influenced by pianist Phineas Newborn. He has worked with Lionel Hampton, Donald Byrd, Miles Davis, J.J. Johnson, Lee Morgan, Sonny Rollins, Freddie Hubbard, Wes Montgomery, Joe Williams, and Sarah Vaughan. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Mabern led four albums for Prestige Records, performed with Lee Morgan, and recorded with Stanley Cowell’s Piano Choir. He recorded as a leader for DIW/Columbia and Sackville and toured with the Contemporary Piano Ensemble (1993-1995). Mabern is a longtime faculty member of William Paterson College and a frequent instructor at Stanford Jazz Workshop.



About Juilliard Jazz



Juilliard Jazz is one of the newest programs of performance education inaugurated by The Juilliard School. Founded in 2001 and having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, Juilliard Jazz offers degrees at bachelor, master, and artist diploma levels. The curriculum combines tailored studio and coursework with professional performance opportunities designed to successfully integrate students into a thriving jazz environment. In addition, its faculty and students conduct national and international master classes and clinics.



Highlights from the 2011-2012 season include a tribute concert to legendary bassist Ron Carter in March 2012 with guest artists Benny Golson, Herbie Hancock, Jim Hall, Hubert Laws, and Christian McBride; and concerts during the season with guest artists, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon; singer Jane Monheit with the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra performing music from the American Songbook; saxophonist Joe Lovano with the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra; and Gary Smulyan in “The Music of Gerry Mulligan” with the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra.



Summer 2012 takes Juilliard Jazz to West Palm Beach, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Melbourne, Australia; and Ephraim, Utah at Snow College for summer jazz camps.



Today, the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra and its ensembles play more than 50 performances annually including appearances at the Detroit Jazz Festival and New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and tour to destinations, such as Costa Rica, Colombia, Japan, and Brazil. Juilliard Jazz Ensembles perform regularly at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and the world-renowned Blue Note in New York City. For the past several seasons they also have enjoyed week-long runs at Jazz at Lincoln Center with guest artists such as Ernie Andrews, Kenny Barron, Tom Harrell, Sean Jones, Lew Tabackin, Gerald Wilson, Bobby Watson, Frank Wess, and others.



These talented Juilliard young artists are taught by today’s most active, innovative, and respected jazz musicians. The experienced Juilliard Jazz faculty combines a remarkable variety of technical and musical skill, as demonstrated on stages and in recording studios worldwide. The Juilliard Jazz Quartet, its faculty ensemble, features Juilliard Jazz Artistic Director, drummer Carl Allen, saxophonist, Ron Blake, bassist Ron Carter, and pianist Frank Kimbrough.



About Carl Allen, Artistic Director of Juilliard Jazz



With more than 200 recordings to his credit, the gifted Milwaukee-born, New York-based drummer, sideman, bandleader, entrepreneur, and educator, Carl Allen’s profound and propulsive percolations provided soulful and syncopated support for more than three decades.



Born in 1961, Mr. Allen grew up on gospel, R&B, and funk, but later turned to jazz after hearing an LP by saxophonist Benny Carter. He studied with drum instructor Roy Sneider and band director

Robert Siemele. His first hometown gigs were with sax greats Sonny Stitt and James Moody. He studied at the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay from 1979 to 1981, and transferred to William Paterson College in New Jersey, where he graduated in 1983 with a bachelor of music degree in Jazz Studies and Performance. Mr. Allen joined trumpeter Freddie Hubbard a year before his graduation, served as his Musical Director for eight years, and made many recordings with the trumpeter including Double Take and Life Flight.



Mr. Allen also played with Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Jennifer Holliday, J.J. Johnson, Sammy Davis Jr., Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett, Lena Horne, Ruth Brown, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson, Mike Stern, Nellie McKay, Phil Woods, Benny Green, Cyrus Chestnut, Joe Henderson, Billy Childs, and many others. Mr. Allen’s sideman discography also includes Jackie McLean (Dynasty), Donald Harrison (Indian Blues, Noveau Swing), Donald Byrd (A City Called Heaven), and Art Farmer (The Company I Keep).



Dreamboat, released in 1988, was Mr. Allen’s first CD as leader, followed by Piccadilly Square, The Pursuer, Testimonial, and Get Ready, his 2007 Mack Avenue debut release with bassist Rodney Whitaker. Mr. Allen was again joined by Mr. Whitaker for a second album, Work to Do.

JUILLIARD JAZZ



2012-2013 Calendar of Events



Monday, October 1, 8 PM, Paul Hall



“The Music of Cedar Walton”



Juilliard Jazz Ensembles perform music by Cedar Walton.



Free tickets available September 18.



Tuesday, October 16, 8 PM, The Peter Jay Sharp Theater



“Memphis Jazz”



George Coleman, saxophone



Harold Mabern, piano



The Juilliard Jazz Orchestra performs the music of Memphis jazz musicians featuring



saxophonist George Coleman and pianist Harold Mabern.



Free tickets available October 2.



Monday, November 5, 8 PM, Paul Hall



“My Point of View”



Juilliard Jazz Ensembles perform student original compositions.



Free tickets available October 22.



Tuesday, November 20, 8 PM, Paul Hall



Carnegie Hall’s “Voices from Latin America” series



Paulo Braga, drummer



The Artist Diploma Ensemble performs Brazilian jazz with drummer Paulo Braga, presented as part of Carnegie Hall’s “Voices from Latin America” series.



Free tickets available November 7.



Monday, December 10, 8 PM, Paul Hall



“Just Jazz”



Juilliard Jazz Ensembles play jazz standards.



Free tickets available November 26.



Tuesday, January 15, 8 PM, The Peter Jay Sharp Theater



Juilliard Jazz Orchestra



The Juilliard Jazz Orchestra plays classic jazz standards by Benny Golson, Thad Jones, Gerry Mulligan, Sammy Nestico, Oliver Nelson, and others.



Free tickets available January 3.



Monday, February 4, 8 PM, Paul Hall



Wycliffe Gordon, trombone



Juilliard Jazz Ensembles are joined by trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, artist-in-residence at Juilliard Jazz.



Free tickets available January 22.



Thursday, February 21, 8 PM, The Peter Jay Sharp Theater



“My Point of View”



The Juilliard Jazz Orchestra performs student original compositions.



Free tickets available February 7.



Tuesday, April 2, 8 PM, Paul Hall



“An Evening with Paquito D’Rivera”



Juilliard Jazz Ensembles are joined by saxophonist/clarinetist Paquito D’Rivera.



Free tickets available March 19.



Tuesday, April 16, 8 PM, Paul Hall



“My Point of View”



Juilliard Jazz Ensembles perform student original compositions.



Free tickets available April 2.



Free tickets to concerts in Juilliard’s Peter Jay Sharp Theater and Alice Tully Hall, and limited free tickets for Paul Hall concerts will be available at the Janet and Leonard Kramer Box Office at Juilliard. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 11 AM – 6 PM. For further information, call (212) 769-7406 or go to www.juilliard.edu.

The Best Practice Award finalists

New York, NY August 13, 2013 – For the past seven years, the New York Enterprise Report has been recognizing the tri-state areas top small businesses for their accomplishments. This year, the New York Enterprise Report is proud to announce Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) from New York City as a finalist in the Customer Service Best Practice category.




The Best Practice Award finalists were chosen based on their ability to demonstrate the use of a best practice to generate competitive advantages, revenue profits and/or long-term value.



Seven companies based in the NY metro area, were selected as finalists out of dozens of qualified applicants for each category and will be recognized at the event.



“We are proud to recognize the achievements and accomplishments of Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY)” said Robert Levin, Editor-in-Chief & Publisher of The New York Enterprise Report. “The use of their unique best practice customer service has given them a distinct competitive advantage over their competitors and we congratulate them for their initiatives and innovative thinking.”



The Best Practice and Best of the Year winners will be announced at the Small Business Awards Gala on Wednesday, October 10th from 6 p.m.- 10 p.m. at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.



Founded by Iris Derke (General Director) and Jonathan Griffith (Artistic Director and Principal Conductor) Distinguished Concerts International is driven by passion, innovative vision, a total belief in its artists, and unwavering commitment to bringing forth unforgettable audience experiences. DCINY is a creative producing entity with unmatched integrity that is a talent incubator, a star-maker, and a presenter of broadly accessible, world-class musical entertainment.



At The New York Enterprise Report (www.nyreport.com), we believe that people should have access to the expertise to help them grow their businesses. We have built a peer-to-peer community of entrepreneurs and executives who constantly seek better ways to operate and grow. Through our multi-media platforms, we provide this community with access to knowledge from experts and inspiration from successful entrepreneurs.



For more information about the New York Enterprise Report, visit www.nyreport.com/awards or call 631-393-0220, or email elisa@hjmt.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY)

New York, NY .... Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) is delighted to welcome Matthew Oltman to the company's Program Development team.




Throughout his career as a singer, conductor and educator, and as Music Director Emeritus of the Grammy award-winning male vocal ensemble Chanticleer, Matthew Oltman has experienced the profound impact of music on both performer and listener. During his tenure, Mr. Oltman led Chanticleer through three-critically acclaimed seasons, which included over 300 concerts in more than a dozen countries. He helped launch the Chanticleer Live in Concert or "CLIC" recording label, and was the editor of the Chanticleer Choral Series, published by Hinshaw Music. He also conducted over 450 high school choral and orchestral students from across the country in Chanticleer's first National Youth Choral Festival, The Singing Life, and led numerous day-long Youth Choral Festivals in communities in several states.



"DCINY is thrilled to have Matt on board," says Iris Derke, General Director and Co-Founder, "He is uniquely positioned to connect with fine programs from around the world and to further DCINY's mission of quality programming, education and exquisite memories for all involved."



"DCINY is a company whose core values I have long admired," says Oltman, continuing, "DCINY concerts are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for singers. In addition to being a part of a spectacular performance, they get to meet other talented musicians from across the globe who share their passion for singing and making music. I know first-hand how life changing this can be, and I am thrilled that I will get to spend my time enabling highly dedicated and motivated choirs to experience something unforgettable."



Oltman will join DCINY starting immediately from his current home in San Francisco and will relocate to New York City in September.



Matthew Oltman first joined Chanticleer in 1999 as a tenor and in 2004 was named Assistant Music Director under Joseph Jennings, a post which he held until his appointment to Music Director in 2009. During his decade singing with the ensemble, he appeared on twelve albums and toured extensively throughout North America, Europe and Asia. During the 2011-2012 academic year, Mr. Oltman served as Guest Director of Choral Activities at UC Berkeley where he conducted the University Choir and the University Chamber Singers. Recently, he was a featured clinician at the first Anuna International Choral Summer School (Ireland) and has led countless clinics and master classes with choirs from across the globe. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Matthew Oltman earned a B.M. in Vocal Performance from Simpson College and an M.A. in Music from the University of York in England with the aid of a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. Before joining Chanticleer, Mr. Oltman sang with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and was on the faculty of Simpson College where he taught harmony, French diction, choral techniques and voice.



Founded by Iris Derke (General Director) and Jonathan Griffith (Artistic Director and Principal Conductor) Distinguished Concerts International New York is driven by passion, innovative vision, a total belief in its artists, and unwavering commitment to bringing forth unforgettable audience experiences. DCINY is a creative producing entity with unmatched integrity that is a talent incubator, a star-maker, and a presenter of broadly accessible, world-class musical entertainment.

New York City Entertainment Concert Tour News

Contact: Salim EZER - Tel 1: 3474437335, Tel 2: 90 532 687 33 57,


Email: s.ezer@turksoy.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it



New York -- In April 2012, the metropolitan communities of New York City and Washington, D.C., will celebrate Turkic music and culture through a symphony orchestra and choral performance entitled "TURKSOY Presents: Symphony of Voices from Turkic Lands." The International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) proudly presents the celebrated Turkish composer Ahmed Adnan Saygun's (1907-1991) magnum opus "Yunus Emre Oratorio" under the name of Symphny of Voices from Turkic Lands. Turkish modes and folk melodies are both incorporated into Saygun's masterful oratorio, which was inspired by the thirteenth-century Turkish poet Yunus Emre.



Conducted by Professor Rengim Gökmen,"Symphony of Voices from Turkic Lands" will bring the sounds Ahmed Adnan Saygun's masterful "Yunus Emre Oratorio" to life on the impressive stages of the Avery Fisher Hall and the Strathmore Music Center on April 23 and 25 respectively. The concert will feature the TURKSOY Symphony Orchestra, which is composed of 80 distinguished performers from several Turkic nations, and the New-York based Jonathan Griffith Singers. The performance is approximately an hour in length.



To purchase tickets for the New York performance visit lincolncenter.org, for the D.C. performance visit Strathmore.org.



Masterpiece of Turkish Culture: The "Yunus Emre Oratorio" of Ahmed Adnan Saygun



One of the most important representatives of early Turkish mysticism, 13th-century poet Yunus Emre devoted himself to the themes of divine love and human destiny.



20th-century musician Ahmed Adnan Saygun's interpretation of Emre's work incorporates Turkish modes and folk melodies into a post-romantic-style oratorio.



One of the most famous Turkish musicians, Ahmed Adnan Saygun's international acclaim flourished from the "Yunus Emre Oratorio." Composed in 1946, the oratorio has been translated into five languages and performed worldwide, including an English-language performance at the United Nations in 1958.



TURKSOY Presents: Symphony of Voices from Turkic Lands is a response to popular demand. In March 2011,TURKSOY presented performances of Turkic songs and dances to more than 1,300 theater-goers at Washington, D.C.'s historic Lincoln Theatre.



Concert Credits



TURKSOY Presents: Symphony of Voices from Turkic Lands is sponsored by the Promotion Fund of the Prime Ministry of Turkey and co-sponsored by the U.S. Azeris Network, the U.S. Turkic Network, the Governorship of Eskisehir, the Greater Municipality of Eskisehir, and the embassies of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkey. Also co-produced by Vokaliz Management, the Karabakh Foundation and New York based DCINY.



TURKSOY -- International Organization of Turkic Culture



TURKSOY is an international organization, which was established in 1993 with the objective to strengthen cooperation between Turkic peoples. With its focus on culture and the arts for the past 20 years, the organization consists of 6 founding members, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and and 8 observer members including Altay (RF), Bashkortostan (RF), Gagauzia (Moldavia), Hakasia (RF), Northern Cyprus of the Turkish Republic, Saha-Yakut (RF), Tataristan (RF), Tıva (RF).



In 1992, the Ministers of Culture from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey convened in Istanbul and 
Baku, and agreed upon a joint initiative aiming to establish cultural
cooperation. Later, in the meeting held in Almaty on July 12, 1993, "Agreement on the Principles of the Foundation
and Activities of TURKSOY" was signed and the "Joint Administration
 of Turkic Culture and Art" which is presently named as "The
 International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY)" was established.



As one of the leading voices in its field, TURKSOY aims at the preservation, revitalization and development of Turkic culture around the world. Through such cooperation, the organization seeks to forge close links among its Member States and other countries in order to establish greater understanding between peoples and thus contribute to the consolidation of international peace and security.



In order to achieve its objectives, TURKSOY has, since its founding, collaborated with influential international bodies with shared interests such as UNESCO and ISESCO.



The headquarters of TURKSOY is in Ankara, Turkey and the official language is Turkish. The Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture is the highest body of the organization, which is followed by the Term Coordinator, General Secretariat and the representatives of the member states.



Dusen Kaseinov, currently serving as Secretary General, was unanimously elected in the 24th term of the Permanent Council of TURKSOY in 2008. He is the former Minister of Culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Special Mission Ambassador of the Kazakhstan Republic Ministry of Culture, and former president of Kurmangazi State Conservatory.



The Goals



The principle goals of TURKSOY are:



•To establish friendly relations among the Turkic language speaking nations and to explore, protect, improve and spread knowledge of common Turkic culture, literature, history, arts, customs and traditions

•To transfer the knowledge of common Turkic culture to future generations through campaigns and joint initiatives

•To support scientific research envisaging the common history of the Turkic World, as well as the languages, literature, culture and arts.

•To provide support for new cultural initiatives while considering new trends in cultural movements and international relations.



Fields of Study



Some of the most notable activities that TURKSOY carries out each year include the traditional Nevruz celebrations, gatherings of artists and writers, organization of opera days, exhibitions, scientific research, festivals and concerts.



Some other activities include:



•Producing radio and television programmes, documentaries and films which aim at illuminating the shared cultural and artistic treasure among Turkic countries.

•Organizing performances and festivals including operas, ballets, concerts and folk dances.

Publishing periodicals and other literary materials.

•Organizing commemoration ceremonies in the name of the people who have exerted tremendous effort in improving the studies in the fields of Turkic language, history, culture and arts.

•Holding scientific meetings, namely conferences, symposia and panels that address the goals of TURKSOY.

•Establishing cooperation in the fields of culture, education and arts.

Free Modeling Registry

Caitlin Melanie joins Free Modeling Registry. She's beautiful.

Find more photos like this on National Modeling Registry

New York City Cultural Affairs Offerings:

Fiscal 2009 Cultural Development Fund Applications Now Available Online
The Department of Cultural Affairs is pleased to announce its annual solicitation of public service proposals from New York City’s arts and cultural organizations. We invite participation in our process by the widest possible representation of the City’s diverse cultural constituencies. Eligible organizations are those that are located within the five boroughs of New York City, incorporated under New York State law, certified tax exempt under Internal Revenue Service Code Section 501(c)(3), and have as a primary mission the provision of cultural services. Eligible organizations must meet other criteria stipulated in the guidelines.
Learn about DCLA’s Programs funding process and to download the Fiscal 2009 Guidelines and Application.

We strongly encourage organizations interested in funding to participate in one of DCLA’s application seminars prior to the February 4th deadline.
Please download the Schedule of Seminars and RSVP here. Space is limited.

Open Call to Participate in Make Music New York 2008
Last year, New York joined more than 340 cities around the world in the first annual Make Music New York, a one-day summer music festival that featured individual musicians, cultural organizations and 560 free outdoor concerts across the five boroughs. Organizations are invited to participate in Make Music New York 2008, taking place on Saturday, June 21. Performances must be outdoors, feature live music and be free and open to the public. If needed, participating organizations will receive assistance securing permits for sidewalk, park or street performances. The deadline to sign up is March 3, 2008.

Find out more information

Request for Proposals for Underground Railroad Commemoration in Brooklyn
New York City Economic Development Corporation has issue a Request for Proposal to select an existing New York City-based Section 501(c)(3) arts, cultural, educational, or historical organization to develop and manage a commemoration program dedicated to the ‘historical friendships’ among people of different backgrounds created during the 19th century Abolitionist Movement, with particular attention paid to the Underground Railroad and its ties to the Borough of Brooklyn.

Find out more information

Open Call to Cultural Organizations
The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership is announcing an Open Call to cultural organizations interested in submitting ideas for the BAM Cultural District.

Learn more about the open callVisit the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership Web site

New York City Department for the Aging Announces Senior Arts Programming
DCLA-funded cultural organizations (i.e. organizations that received an FY2008 Public Service Award through DCLA's Programs Unit, and organizations that are members of the Cultural Institutions Group) are invited to apply for funding through an exciting new initiative that our colleagues at the Department for the Aging (DFTA) have developed in partnership with the City Council to encourage the participation of older New Yorkers in the cultural life of our City.

Learn more about the Senior Arts Programming initiative

"CMA Music Festival: Country's Night To Rock"

More Artists Announced For "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night To Rock" On the ABC Television Network Monday, July 23

Additional Performers Include Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, and Taylor Swift
Two-Time “Dancing with the Stars” Champion Cheryl Burke, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, George Jones, and Kellie Pickler Appear in Story Segments

NASHVILLE – The Country Music Association turns up the heat this summer with sizzling concert performances and heart-warming stories featuring some of Country Music’s hottest stars on “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” – a two-hour network primetime special airing Monday, July 23 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET), on the ABC Television Network.
Filmed in Nashville during the legendary CMA Music Festival, which began as Fan Fair® in 1972, the special features performances by Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town and Taylor Swift. Previously announced performers include Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Sara Evans, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, Sugarland, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire in a duet with “American Idol” Kelly Clarkson.

“The artist lineup at this year’s CMA Music Festival was amazing and the TV special captures the diversity, talent and top-notch concert production that have made these artists fan favorites from coast-to-coast,” said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer. “This time, everyone has a front row seat for some of the hottest performances of the summer!”
In addition, the special captures the heart of CMA Music Festival, which is the unique bond between Country Music artists and their fans. Taped exclusively for the special, the cameras follow the stories of several Festival attendees who had their dreams realized when they were granted surprise, personal encounters with their favorite Country Music stars.

A former “American Idol” finalist who is now one of Country Music’s fastest rising stars, Kellie Pickler knows what it’s like to have a dream come true and she shared that experience with Kellie McFarland, 19, a diehard Country Music fan who has dreams of running her own record label. Pickler paid a surprise visit at McFarland’s Nashville home and took the aspiring record executive on a tour of her record label. The uber fan got the star treatment and experienced what it is like to live like a Country Music star as she and two friends, Tyler Rider, 20, and Melissa Montgomery, 21, hung out with Pickler and were granted an all-access pass to the event.

Nashville media were buzzing when word leaked during the Festival that Brooks & Dunn would take it back to their road-house roots with an unannounced club concert for their grittiest fans at The Stage. The story began with a local radio DJ announcing the news of the impromptu honky tonk concert and the result was pandemonium as 3,000 fans clogged the streets for a glimpse of the most awarded duo in CMA Awards history. Overwhelmed and moved by their loyal fan base, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks returned the devotion, performing for the packed house, posing for photos and signing autographs well into the night.

Karmela Kondra, 21, Andy Dufort, 23, and Stacey Zurburg, 27, from Calgary, Alberta, and Mike Boyenko, 27, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, were a group of friends that journeyed to Music City for four days of music and fun, but they got a whole lot more when Dierks Bentley greeted them outside their hotel. Bentley ended up taking them on a tour of Nashville including the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall and the Country Music Hall of Fame, where they met Hall of Fame legend George Jones, and experienced a day in the life of a busy Country star.
Two-time winner of ABC TV’s “Dancing with the Stars” Cheryl Burke had a tough assignment – search through 50,000 screaming, singing, dance-till-dawn concert goers to find the biggest Country Music fans at CMA Music Festival. Once she zeroed in on her picks, she sprung the news that this was they “Lucky Day” and they would be granted backstage meet and greets with their favorite stars.

Sisters Alexa, 13, and Hannah Borroel, 17, of Santa Ynez, Calif., and Melissa Greenfield, 17, of Nashville, Tenn., met on Sugarland’s fan web site and then met in person at the Festival, where Burke found them and introduced them to their idols before the duo performed at LP Field. Anna Menghart, 23, and Crystal Cobb, 22, both of Little Rock, Ark., had a backstage meeting with Rascal Flatts. And singer LeAnn Rimes was delighted to meet three of her biggest fans, Tyler Anderson, 19, of Lafayette, La., Claire Gremillion, 18, of Youngsville, La., and Jewel Hicks, 17, of Welsh, La., at her tour bus.

“The relationship between the artists and their fans has been the cornerstone of this event for 36 years,” said Genovese. “The story segments in the special communicate the loyalty, admiration and dedication between them.”

The CMA Music Festival network television special first aired in 2004. This marks the third consecutive year the special will air on ABC. “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” is a CMA production. Robert Deaton is the executive producer, and Gary Halvorson is the director. The special was shot in high definition and will be broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

The annual CMA Music Festival is unlike any other, taking place over four days and featuring more than 100 hours of concert performances, 30 hours of autograph signings with more than 400 artists and celebrities participating. The 2007 CMA Music Festival was the biggest in history with more than 191,000 attendees representing every state and 21 foreign countries.
2008 CMA Music Festival will take place Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville, and tickets are selling fast. Music enthusiasts, who want to experience the excitement of the Festival firsthand, can order tickets by calling 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visiting http://www.cmafest.com/ to download an order form to fax or mail; or visiting http://www.ticketmaster.com/ to buy online or charge-by-phone at (615) 255-9600. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are final and non-refundable. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artists appearing at 2008 CMA Music Festival and more, visit http://www.cmafest.com/ and sign up for CMA Exclusive, a periodic e-newsletter with exciting artist features and Country Music news.

CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. CMA Board member Tony Conway is the Executive Producer of CMA Music Festival. Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio broadcaster. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA.

MAYOR BLOOMBERG PRESENTS $57.1 BILLION FY 2008

MAYOR BLOOMBERG PRESENTS $57.1 BILLION FY 2008 PRELIMINARY BUDGET Plan Would Deliver $1 Billion in Tax Cuts While Putting Aside $500 Million for Retiree Health Benefits and $1.4 Billion to Help Reduce FY 2009 Budget Gap

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced his Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Preliminary Budget and presented the four-year financial plan for New York City. The $57.1 billion budget delivers $1 billion in tax relief to New Yorkers while maintaining the City’s firm financial footing in the near-term, puts aside an additional $500 million in the Retiree Health Benefits Trust Fund created last January, and uses $1.4 billion in one-time resources to help reduce the FY 2009 budget gap. The Preliminary Ten-Year Capital Plan accompanying the budget identifies critical investments which the City must make to remain the best place in the world to live, work and do business. It extends the five-year, $13 billion school capital construction plan, for which the City won $6.5 billion from Albany last spring, at the same level of annual commitment through 2017.

“Because of our strong economy, tax revenues are running higher than expected this year. That’s good budgetary news, including $1 billion in tax cuts for the people of New York City,” Mayor Bloomberg said. “If conditions permit, we’ll propose extending that tax cut in the future. But with slower job growth and other indications of economic uncertainty on the horizon, it’s wiser to take a wait-and-see approach, while also putting $500 million more into our Retiree Health Benefits Trust Fund and using $1.4 billion to close the expected budget deficit in 2009.”
Continued Economic Growth:New York City’s economy continues to strengthen in the near term and jobs are being created throughout the City. The Administration’s Five Borough economic development strategy has helped push unemployment to its lowest levels ever in 2006, with an annual unemployment rate of 5.0%. New York City has added 124,00 private sector jobs since 2003; the City’s leisure and hospitality sectors alone created 8,000 new jobs in 2006, and are expected to continue expanding. In 2006, wage earnings far exceeded those of the 2001 peak and the securities sector bonus pool topped $25 billion in 2006, by far the highest level ever. But while Wall Street profits are estimated at $16.8 billion in 2006, forecasts predict profits closer to $14 billion in 2007, with significant softening in 2008.

Tax Relief:Because of New York City’s strong economy, tax revenues are running higher than expected, with an anticipated surplus of $3.9 billion in FY 2007. As the Mayor first announced in last week’s State of the City address, he intends to return $1 billion to the people of New York City in cuts to business, sales, and property taxes. Some $750 million of this tax relief will come as a temporary, one-year property tax rate reduction, which would come in addition to the extended $400 property tax rebates for homeowners (which total $256 million a year). In addition, the Mayor outlined $250 million in proposed permanent tax cuts for families and small businesses: $140 million in sales tax relief by eliminating City sales taxes on all clothing and shoes, and $110 million in five job-creating tax breaks for small businesses and S-corporations in New York City.

Retiree Health Benefits Trust Fund:Last January, the Mayor announced that New York City will set aside $1 billion in both FY ’06 and ’07 to establish a trust to fund a portion of its liability for the benefits of its current and future retirees. Today, he announced that he will place another $500 million in this trust fund, for a total of $2.5 billion. The fund will provide long-term budget stability for the City. Government Accounting Standards Board rules require state and local governments to report their obligations on retiree health insurance. New York has exceeded that standard by not only reporting the total liability it faces, but also putting funds aside toward this future liability. Deposits into the trust are irrevocable and all money deposited into the trust must be used to pay the costs of retiree health care benefits in future years.

Out-Year Gaps - $1.4 Billion to Reduce FY 2009 Gap:While the City’s economy is booming today, good times do not last forever, and New York City is familiar with the negative effects of fiscal downturns. Facing multi-billion dollar budget gaps in the out-years of the plan (FY2009 – FY2011), Mayor Bloomberg emphasized that this is no time to be squandering our good fortune on unsustainable spending increases. The FY 2008 Preliminary Budget therefore uses $1.4 billion in one-time resources to help reduce the FY 2009 budget gap.

Ten-Year Capital Plan – Expansion of School Capital Program and Lower Manhattan Security Initiative:The City’s preliminary ten-year capital strategy is focused on education and economic development. Over 37% of the $77 billion capital plan between FY2008 and FY2017 will be spent on educational facilities. The Administration’s plan assumes that New York State continues to fund 50% of the capital plan of the Department of Education, as it currently does. In addition, the City is making vital economic development investments in the Hudson Yards area of Manhattan, the Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn, and in projects large and small Citywide. The capital plan also includes an initial City investment of $15 million in the Lower Manhattan Security Initiative that will help safeguard bridges, tunnels, and infrastructure as well as everyone who lives, works, and does business downtown. The Administration expects the Federal government to invest $10 million in the first stages of this project, which is essential to protecting our nation’s financial center.

State and Federal Aid:While New York City is not specifically requesting budget gap closing items from the State or Federal governments for FY 2008 in this plan, the Administration does still have important fiscal issues and budget gaps in future years that require State and Federal assistance to close. This budget plan relies on significant State funding for education. At the Federal level, the City would greatly benefit from additional flexibility in many areas, including community development and homeland security, as well as more funding for World Trade Center health and compensation programs.MEDIA CONTACT: Stu Loeser / John Gallagher (212) 788-2958

Where New York City gets its water from.

Roger M. Christian at 27/07/06 4:36 PM Comments (0)

27/07/06


The Ashokan Reservoir is a source of drinking water for residents of New York City.
AP/WWP Photo by Jim McKnight

The United States is engaged in international assistance programs that aim to provide individuals with cleaner drinking water and, by so doing, improve health. These efforts strive to involve local communities in making decisions about their water use, promoting democracy, and improving environmental resource management at the same time.

Jonathan A. Margolis is special representative for sustainable development at the U.S. Department of State.

Jazz in " The Big Apple ."

JVC began its jazz festival sponsorship in 1984.

In its inaugural year, JVC sponsored festivals in Bad Segeburg, Germany, Nice, France, London, England and of course the legendary Newport Jazz Festival which was rechristened the JVC Jazz Festival Newport. Over the past 20 years, the JVC Jazz Festivals have been held all over the world and have presented over 47,000 individual musicians including some of the most legendary performers of the 20th century.

These names include:

Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Ray Charles Wayne Shorter, B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Nancy Wilson, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, Ornette Coleman, David Sanborn, Sonny Rollins, Diana Krall, Earth, Wind & Fire, Cassandra Wilson, Chick Corea, Sting and many more.

Today, the JVC Jazz Festival continues to produce thriving live music events that maintain the musical heritage of jazz and presents many of the new directions in which jazz is headed in the 21 st century. JVC Jazz Festivals are currently held in the most exquisite concert halls, scenic outdoor venues and hippest clubs in cities all around the globe including New York, Miami Beach, Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris, Den Hague, Warsaw and Tokyo.

New York City ( A Poem )

At Ground Zero


Matthew Lee, 11/7/01

We who fluctuate between the weather and Dow Jones We who pull democracy's lever while holding our noses We still drawn to the cold beer and hair-trigger Jeremiads Neither cops nor tourists, we ghoulishly peruse the ruins--
A million vagabond minds blown like leaves down Wall Street Wooden-teethed nation-builders rant on marble stairs We calculate the cubic feet of terrorists' self-expression Seek to secede from a band of mud hut video gamers--
In whose name does this aluminum powder burn? Who counts white powder grains and proclaims their origin? News anchors parse the tyrant's indictment Today's accuser tomorrow sees his assets froze--
While warrantless searches replicate Pawnshops of Columbus relentlessly pounded By corn-fed special agents, with vacuum and badge They siphon our minds, cleansing all treasonous doubts...
* * *