Celebration of Detroit
L.M. Productions presents… CELEBRATION OF DETROIT
A Musical Tribute to Detroit’s Finest Entertainers!
An exclusive two day performance:
Virgil H. Carr Cultural Art Center
311 E. Grand River Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48226
Friday April 8th, and Saturday April 9th,
7:30 p.m. show.
CELEBRATION OF DETROIT takes you on a journey which explores and celebrates the artistic vision of famed producer, choreographer, and director Lisa McCall -- featuring Detroit’s finest singers, dancers, musicians, and spoken word artists.
Join us for Ms. McCall's 8th historic season as Artistic Director of the Iyawo Dance Theater and Consortium Dance Department. We will celebrate 8 years of excellence. The Iyawo Dance Theater will premiere its new work Natural Woman a dance tribute in honor of Aretha Franklin. This year’s production will feature guest artists Paul Dean acclaimed actor just recently seen in the hit stage play The Sam Cook Story, Hip Hop choreographer Kevin Carter Jr., Singers Charnissa Butts, Tamika Gaines, and Michele Shelden just to name a few. We are also honored to have Master Dancer choreographer Karen Prall professor of Wayne State University dance department, doing a special performance with her Congolese Dance Company accompanied by live African drummers taking us back to the Congo.
For Lisa McCall, her original concept was a simple one: bring together artists from various disciplines and use their vibrant interaction as a springboard for innovative and inspired creativity. With an all-star cast, the show is set in Detroit one of the world’s most vital centers for the furthering of celebrated African American culture.
Lisa McCall’s reputation as choreographer, dancer, teacher and producer has taken her around the world working with some of the most talented performers. Her professional career in dance includes performances with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater student company, Katherine Dunham seminar workshop, appearances at the White House, Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. She has performed with such legendary greats such as Lena Horne, Aretha Franklin, Debbie Allen, George Faison, Pattie Labelle, Peabo Bryson, the late great Gerald Lavert, just to name a few. Some of Lisa’s Broadway and stage credits include: "The Wiz," "Dream Girls," "Black and Blue," "Selma," and the 1995 revival "Your Arms Are Too Short to Box with God." Some of Lisa’s film credits include Spike Lee’s "School Daze," "Malcolm X," and Oliver Stone’s "Zebra Head."
Ms. McCall is a native Detroiter and is the head of the Dance and Theater Department at Consortium College Preparatory High School. She established the I’YAWO Dance Theatre, LLC in 2000. The foundation presents a series of cultural social and educational programs designed for young people of diverse backgrounds with an opportunity to receive training in all areas of ballet, modern jazz, hip-hop, and African dance; to instill self discipline and build self esteem through cultural arts and dance education.
For nineteen years, The Arts League of Michigan has been dedicated to the preservation, presentation, development and promotion of the African and African-American cultural arts traditions within our multicultural community. In establishing The Carr Center, ALM now has a permanent home where we can successfully support our mission and the community 365 days a year: www.artsleague.com
CELEBRATION OF DETROIT… A tribute to Detroit Artists is the show you can’t miss bring the whole family. Seating is limited; tickets $20 and are available at the Carr Center Box Office.
For additional information, please contact:
Oliver Ragsdale
Carr Center Box Office
313.865-8430
or
Lisa McCall
248.254-2352
