Friday, May 15, 2009

Pics!

We finally got the photos up from Sip.Savor.Soothe. Enjoy!

Click here

Thursday, May 14, 2009

With every end comes a new beginning...

Apologies for the cheesy title, but it really is true. As the 2008/2009 Bravo Season comes to a close, we can't help but be excited for the next one to start.

Thanks to everyone for a FABULOUS event this Tuesday at Napa Cafe! It was really outstanding. Glenda and all of the crew at Napa created a beautiful atmosphere and I can't even begin to describe the food in words: delicious, mouth-watering, tasty, succulent...that doesn't even do it justice.

The team from Victor L. Robilio Co., Inc. gave us some outstanding Chilean wines to taste. I, for one, have a new favorite in Natura'a sauvignon blanc! Whether you prefer red or white, bold or sweet, there was something for everyone.

And the mini-massages by Chris Blancett's team and Natural Body Spa...oh good grief. I haven't had 15 minutes of that much relaxation in a very long time.

Yes, there is more. Myla Smith, local musician in her own right and with the band The Outliers, immersed us in fun, flirty, and whimsical tunes with just her magical voice and her guitar.

It could not have been a better night to sit outside, mingle with friends, and enjoy the season that has just closed while looking forward to another year of great events. Stay tuned for memberships going on sale and our summer Bravo Kick Off...you made it a great success last year so let's keep it up!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Sip. Savor. Soothe.

When was the last time you sipped great wine, noshed on great food, had a mini-massage, and heard great music at the same time?

Probably never if you are like me, but now you can! Bravo Memphis is hosting its final event of the season on Tuesday, May 12 at Napa Cafe and it is going to be outstanding. Napa Cafe will provide the eats, Victor Robilio will serve up a Chilean wine tasting, Chris Blancett and his team will be on site with mini-spa services, and Myla Smith will be playing and singing her favorites.

You would probably spend at least $40 just on drinks and food during a night out...but you can get the drinks, food, massages, and music at Bravo for $40 per ticket or $75 for two tickets!

This is a great way to start off the summer and your vacation right here in Memphis.

Visit www.artsmemphis.org/bravo to get your tickets today!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Thanks, Bravo Memphis!

We just can't help but give Bravo members and guests a resounding standing ovation for an amazing event last Thursday! We had a great turnout, a jaw-dropping performance, and a lot of fun. Christiana Leibovich did a great Opera make up demonstration, Just Catering provided delicious food, and everyone mixed and mingled while reading the newly released ArtsMemphis magazine featuring Memphis in May 2009.

Click here to see pictures from the event.

While this event was the last one of the regular Bravo season, Bravo isn't over yet! We have a great fundraiser coming up on Tuesday, May 12 at 6 pm at the Napa Cafe on Sanderlin. The evening will feature a wine tasting with Chilean wines (courtesy of Victor Robilio), mini-spa services (courtesy of Chris Blancett), food from Napa Cafe, music by Myla Smith, and some silent auction surprises. Tickets are just $40 (that includes everything!) per person or $75 for any pair (friend/date/spouse/sibling/whatever). Proceeds benefit Bravo Memphis programming for next year's season, so get your friends together and come enjoy a relaxing night out while you Sip Savor and Soothe! Visit www.artsmemphis.org/bravo to get your tickets.

Want to get more involved? We are also accepting applications for new Bravo Leadership Council members. The Leadership Council meets throughout the year to organize, plan, and execute Bravo programming, introduce more members, and share ideas for a great season. It is a great way to meet people and get involved in Memphis. Visit www.artsmemphis.org/bravo for an application.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Today is the BIG Bravo day!

Well, it is Thursday, April 23 which means the biggest Bravo event of the year is here!

Tonight we will celebrate the arts in style at the Orpheum with champagne, wine, and beer in the Broadway Room, get a sneak peak of the 09/10 season (not yet released!), and be able to purchase next year's memberships at a GREAT discount. After all of that, we all go into the Orpheum for the final dress rehearsal performance of FAUST with Opera Memphis. It's not just any FAUST, either. It is the steampunk version...very cool!

This is great way to get your friends together and enjoy a night of festive creativity, especially if you have never been to the opera or the Orpheum before and you are not quite sure what it's about. Guests join us for free tonight (we want to see you back next year!) and dress is come as you are...jeans from home or suits from work. It all works at Bravo!

If you have not made your reservations yet, email Elizabeth at erouse@artsmemphis.org or call 901-578-2787. If you need more info on this event or the fundraiser we are hosting on May 12, visit www.artsmemphis.org/bravo. If you want a text reminder, text BRAVO to 79704. And you can always find Bravo Memphis on Facebook and MySpace. You can even find us on Twitter @livingarts. We have your Bravo info where you communicate most!

We can't wait to see you all tonight...you can't afford to miss it!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Have you had your arts this week?




Now that Spring has come back to Memphis, I can't help but be excited about all the amazing things there are to do, see, and experience in this remarkable city. We get a lot of negative press, which is sad. Here is one example: Last week alone the downtown Memphis Farmers' Market opened, Mud Island River Park opened, the downtown Alive! series hosted some great events in the squares along Main, a Peabody Rooftop party, events all along Cooper Young, two crawfish boils, a celebration of the earth, and more arts and cultural events than I can even count. I have never been happier to be a Memphis native-"returnee".

One of the outstanding, free events last week was an open rehearsal for Ballet Memphis' performance of Cinderella, which was performed at the Orpheum Saturday and Sunday. I grabbed a sandwich at Lenny's and head over to the newly renovated Lowenstein building at Main and Jefferson and I was just blown away. The dancers had transformed the empty building space into a dance studio and tons of people brought their children, strollers, colleagues, and friends to see the Ballet Memphis dancers warm up and rehearse dances for the weekend's show.

It was exhilarating and soothing at the same time! We are so fortunate to live in a city that continues to support a world-class ballet company.

This free rehearsal was part of the Downtown Alive! series, presented by the Center City Commission. They have a great line-up for April, including a demonstration by the Metal Museum on Wednesday, April 29 in Court Square!

Be sure to go enjoy your arts this week...we will have more on the biggest BRAVO event of the season that is taking place this Thursday, April 23 at 6 pm at the Orpheum. Stay tuned!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

a BIG Bravo update

It's been a while since our last post and I apologize for the dead space. There is just so much great stuff going on in the arts right now! Our biggest Bravo event of the season is next Thursday (and you can come in for free), but we will get to that soon...

Have you heard the buzz about ArtsMemphisTV v2.0, Artafactor, the May ArtsMemphis magazine, and JamJam? I hope so, because that would mean we are doing our jobs, but in case you have been on internet-rest, let me give you a brief update on each.

ArtsMemphisTV is a free web-based series that spotlights a different artist or performer in the Memphis arts community each week. We teamed up again with our pals at Live from Memphis to bring you the best in backstage passes. What is even better is you, the arts patrons, nominated the featured artists! We have aired two episodes already at www.artsmemphis.org and they are picking up speed. We will feature a new artist every Monday, so be sure to tune in, tweet, update your facebook page...you know the drill.

On to Artafactor. It is truly an affair of the arts! Do you remember your first experience with a breathtaking dance, a moving visual work, or a performance that just took you to another realm? That is what we are celebrating on May 1 with Artafactor, An Affair of the Arts. This is one of ArtsMemphis' largest fundraisers and we have A LOT of fun doing it. Keeping the arts alive in Memphis is up to you, the ones who love the art produced. Help us keep the vibe alive and come experience your own nigh mysterious on Friday, May 1 at Artafactor. Visit www.anaffairofthearts.com for more details.

Be on the lookout for the next issue of ArtsMemphis magazine. I will drop some hints...Pigs, rock, and Chilean rock stars. It just doesn't get more entertaining than that!

Ok, I know we all used to call JamJam1 back in the day but this isn't your grandma's weather report anymore! Now you can get up-to-date arts listings by dialing 526-5261 while you are sitting behind a car on Poplar Ave and figuring out what you want to do tonight. Choose option 3 and you are on track to hear what's coming up this week in the arts. Just another free service we use to keep you connected when and where you need it.

AND NOW FOR THE BIG BRAVO EVENT! You just can't afford to miss the soirée of the season on Thursday, April 23 at the Orpheum Theatre with Bravo Memphis and Opera Memphis...now let me tell you why. We will start in the Broadway Room (yes, that big snazzy one) with champagne, wine, beer, good eats and a glimpse of the 09/10 Bravo season. You can be the first to know not only what we are doing next year, but get your membership at a great discount! After the pre-party, we will see the final dress rehearsal of FAUST by Opera Memphis. That means you see this great performance (that has a lot of buzz around town) before any of the ticket holders do.

That is all good fun, but here is the kicker. As a Bravo member, you get to bring two friends for FREE to this event! We are already thinking bigger and better for next year, and we are starting early by showing everyone just how Bravo throws down. So, Bravo members make sure you get your friends' names to Elizabeth at erouse@artsmemphis.org so they can get in. Not a Bravo member? We are still going to let you preview this event for free because, honestly, we want to see you at every event next year. All of the deets are at www.artsmemphis.org/bravo or you can shoot us an email anytime.

Phew, that was a big update. We like to stay busy so that you have plenty of things to do in this amazing city we call Memphis.

PS: Don't forget we can send you Bravo text updates! Don't worry, we won't flood your phone. We just send a reminder one week out and the day of so you don't miss the hottest ticket in town. Just text BRAVO to 79704.

Have a GREAT week and we will see you soon!

Monday, April 6, 2009

New ArtsMemphis TV is here!


Have you tuned in? The new ArtsMemphis TV 2.0 is here and you will not want to miss it! This week's episode features Amber Snyder, an associate company member at Playhouse on the Square. Amber gives us a very behind-the-scenes look at what it is like to work in the theatre and experience the life of a Memphis actress. She fills many roles both on stage and off, and you will not want to miss the insight she offers!

Visit www.artsmemphis.org to see new episodes every Monday from ArtsMemphis TV, a partnership between ArtsMemphis and Live from Memphis.

Don't miss our final soiree of the season! Complete with champagne, wine, beer, and delicious food in the Broadway Room, this will be an insider's view of the opera, a glimpse at the 2009-2010 season, and your chance to get your membership for next year at a great discount. You can't afford to miss it! Reserve your seat today by emailing Elizabeth at erouse@artsmemphis.org.This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it



Each Bravo member is invited to bring 2 guests to this event. Not a Bravo member? Come experience a Bravo event and be the first to hear what's in store for next year. We invite you to be our guest on April 23. Just email erouse@artsmemphis.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve your spot!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The affair is getting hotter...

Have you ever thought about an intimate affair? Experience the most exquisite evening of the year and fall in love with the arts at the same time...

Visit www.anaffairofthearts.com to begin a romance with no regrets...

Monday, March 16, 2009

Bravo goes VIP

We could not be more excited about the turnout for the Bravo event this past Friday with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra!

Not only was the turnout great, but the performance and the VIP-esque reception knocked our socks off. The Cannon Center pulled out the stops and pianist Awadagin Pratt tickled the ivories for one amazing evening. Composer Joel Hoffman shared his own insights and expertise with us firsthand and the laid-back atmosphere of a final rehearsal made us feel right at home with the Symphony. It was like a private concert just for Bravo!

If you missed out on this performance, do not fear! Bravo is back next month at the Orpheum Theatre with the Opera Memphis' Steampunk version of Faust.
April 23, 7:30 pm (we will start with a special reception in the Broadway Room)

Don't forget...you can text with Bravo to stay up to date...just text Bravo to 79704 or click here.

Stay in the loop and let everyone know you are a fan of Bravo on Facebook, too!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Times are tough...

And your wallet is probably tight, so why not escape to the world of Awadagin Pratt this Friday night? Give his name a Google search and you will find he is no stuffy performer. Bravo Memphis wants to bring you straight into the world premiere at the last rehearsal of Pratt's remarkable performance of Brahm's 4.

Where else could you get a backstage reception (yes, drinks included), food, great company, and an unforgettable performance for just $10 (or FREE for Bravo members!)?

Email Elizabeth today at erouse@artsmemphis.org to reserve your spot. You will NOT want to miss this!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Get the details...

I realize that while the image for the upcoming event is very attractive, the deets are hard to read. So let me get you up to speed!

Don't miss an outstanding dress rehearsal with Bravo and the WORLD PREMIERE of Awadagin Pratt performing Brahms 4 and a special composition by Joel Hoffman.

6:30 Backstage reception and conversations with the composer
7:30 Special dress rehearsal performance

FREE for Bravo members, just $10 for guests (yup, that includes your drinks, food, and the performance!)

Here is how you get your spot:
Email Elizabeth at erouse@artsmemphis.org
Call Elizabeth at 901-578-2787
Text BRAVO to 79704 to get in the loop

Don't miss a WORLD PREMIERE!!!



Friday, February 20, 2009

Tech up and text with Bravo!


Bravo Memphis is keeping up with the times to keep you up to date!

Visit http://www.moptin.com/?BRAVO to opt in to the Bravo Wireless Network. We will send a very limited amount of messages straight to your phone or PDA to remind you of upcoming events, notify you of any changes, and let you know about contests and voting as well.

We are offering this service free of charge, but your plan's standard texting rates apply.

Happy texting!

Monday, February 16, 2009

Check out our friends at Minglewood Hall!

I went to see Old Crow Medicine Show at MingleWood Hall last night and all I can say is "FINALLY!". Memphis is long overdue for a venue like this and I had a blast. While the will-call line was long and cold (next time I'll just pick up my tix early), everything moved very smoothly. Beer lines weren't frustrating, the crowd was laid back and friendly, and we all were able to enjoy the sites and sounds of The Felice Brothers and Old Crow made for one outstanding evening.

I NEVER stood in line for the bathroom (and for a girl that is huge) and every aspect of the evening was just seamless.

Congrats to Mike Smith, Leia Walsh and the team at Minglewood for putting on a great show and and running such a great venue. I can't wait to see more shows here! http://www.minglewoodhall.com/





Thursday, February 12, 2009

Leaders of the Pack

Hi Bravo Fans,

We had a great leadership meeting last night. Thanks to all the Leadership Council members who came out! Even though there are only a few events left in the season, there are still some very exciting things going on with Bravo that you won't want to miss!

I can't reveal all of our surprises and good news just yet, but you can be assured that the Leadership Council is working hard and coming up with some great ideas for more exciting Bravo events!

Stay tuned for more details and don't forget to reserve your spot for the March World Premier event with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. Email Elizabeth at erouse@artsmemphis.org today to reserve your spot.

Not a Bravo member yet? Join today for just $20 for the rest of the season! Visit www.artsmemphis.org/bravo and don't miss out anymore!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

You make the call!

The Arts DO matter, and that’s the main focus of all our efforts at ArtsMemphisTV.

Each episode of ArtsMemphisTV showcases a nominated individual who is passionate about their work and wants to share their passion with others.

The Memphis area holds a rich abundance of artistic diversity, and ArtsMemphisTV shares that diversity with the world through interviews with an array of individuals and themes including visual art, music, film, dance and theatre.

If there is someone you know who should be a part of this program, please fill out the nomination form and let us know all about them!


http://media. livefrommemphis. com/projects/artsmemphistv


Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Memphis is far from Miserable

So, as you all may know, Memphis was just listed as the second most miserable city to live in by Forbes.

First of all, Memphis is not miserable. Have you been here? Yes, we have a high crime rate and no effective public transportation, but let's look at the positives here:

- Music just don't get much better then Memphis music
- What other city can you walk through downtown at 8 in the morning on a weekday and hear jazz, blues, and smell bbq?
- Memphis. Tiger. Basketball. Period.

And let's talk about the arts...in a time when most places are weeding out their symphonies, ballets, and operas, we have all of that and more! Did you go to Treemonisha or AbunDANCE? The arts scene in Memphis is hot, juicy, and sweet.

We just saw weekend packed with people in town for UPTA auditions, The International Blues Challenge, and much more.

Miserable? Forbes better check its list again.

And YOU, yes YOU, can get in on the action.

Bravo Memphis is helping you take advantage of all of this with amazing events each month across a variety of arts genres.

Let's show the rest of the country how non-miserable Memphis is.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Looking forward...

We are still pumped from the most recent Bravo event and are receiving great feedback from everyone who was there...we want to hear from you, too! Comment here, visit us on Facebook, MySpace, or Tweet on Twitter. You can find us anywhere!

The March event is sure to be a hit. There will be a backstage reception at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts before Awadagin Pratt performs Brahms 4 and an original composition by
Joel Hoffman.

Friday, March 13
Bravo Memphis and Memphis Symphony Orchestra present Brahms 4 with Awadagin Pratt
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
6:30 backstage reception and conversations with the composer
7:30 performance

You will not want to miss this!

As always, this event is free for Bravo members and just $10 for guests. That includes all of your drinks, food, and the show! Reserve your spot with Elizabeth at erouse@artsmemphis.org or visit www.artsmemphis.org/bravo for more deets.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

We all got the Blues with Bravo last night!

WOW! Is all we have to say about the Bravo event last night at the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art and the Center for Southern Folklore. The exhibits were outstanding, the crowd was phenomenal, and there aren't even words to describe the performance by Blind Mississippi Morris and Brad Webb.

Were you there? We would love to hear from you. Review this event by visiting http://www.artsmemphis.org/event/detail/30409.

Don't miss our next event:

Friday, March 13
WORLD PREMIER of Brahms 4 with Awadagin Pratt and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra
at the Cannon Center for Performing Arts

More details to come...stay tuned!

Here are some pics from last night's event:











Monday, February 2, 2009

Tomorrow's the day...don't miss it!


Don't be the one to miss out on the cultural event of the season!

Tuesday, February 3
6 - 8 pm
119 South Main
Bravo Memphis Presents:
Blind Mississippi Morris and Brad Webb at the Center for Southern Folklore and Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art

FREE for Bravo members
$10 for guests
Drinks, food, and performance included!

Reserve your spot today by emailing Elizabeth Rouse at erouse@artsmemphis.org.

Not a Bravo Member yet? Visit www.artsmemphis.org/bravo. Deeply discounted memberships for the rest of the season are still available!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Arts and Athletes

Who says arts and athletics don't mix? Join us for a very special night at the FedEx Forum this month and enjoy half-price tickets to a Grizzlies game!

ArtsMemphis and the Memphis Grizzlies are pleased to offer our supporters significant savings to the Memphis Grizzlies game on Saturday, February 28th at 7:00 pm. Come see rookie sensation O.J. Mayo and the Memphis Grizzlies as they take on Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder.



Ticket prices:


Section ArtsMemphis Price Regular Price

Plaza IV $35 $62
First Tennessee Club $50 $99
Terrace II $15 $35

Just click here or on the Grizzly image above and select the February 28th game. Enter your our password (Memphis) in the special offer code. Set up an account and purchase your tickets. Your tickets will be emailed to you.

See you at the game!

Friday, January 23, 2009

BIG news from Bravo!

Hey Bravo Fans -

We have BIG news about our February event! Not only is there a tour of the Belz Museum of Asian and Judiac Art and the Center for Southern Folklore but now there is...

A surprise performance by Blind Mississippi Morris and Brad Webb! This has to be the biggest cultural collaboration of the year...two great museums, two outstanding performers, one UNFORGETTABLE night!

And here is the best part...this event is FREE for Bravo members and just $10 for guests. That is all your drinks, your food, the performance, and the museum tours for free or $10. WOW.

And you can join Bravo for the rest of the season for just $30...
Membership includes this event, a Memphis Symphony Orchestra concert at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, and Opera Memphis’ production of Faust - plus drinks and hors’ d’oeuvres at each event.

Parking for this event is available in the Tower Garage for $1.00 (on Peabody between Second and Main). Bring your ticket inside to be stamped.

You really can't afford to miss this. So email your reservation to Elizabeth at erouse@artsmemphis.org, tell your friends, and get to 119 South Main at 6pm on Tuesday, February 3.

Here are some details on the museums:
The Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art hosts a vast array of Eastern art along with many other artistic treasures. The museum, now a cultural staple, has quickly become a premiere organization essential to the vibrant scene in the downtown area and beyond.
www.belzmuseum.org

The Center for Southern Folklore’s mission is documenting and presenting the people, music and traditions of the region. The work with many local artists including Blind Mississippi Morris & Brad Webb who will share their real and raw Memphis blues. www.southernfolklore.com

Friday, January 16, 2009

Put some hip in your hop...

Hey Bravo fans! Did you like the event at New Ballet Ensemble last month?

New Ballet is also a dance school that provides classes to the community at VERY reasonable rates. They just released their new schedule and we hope to see you in some of the classes! I for one have signed up for Afrobics and am trying to get to Hip Hop classes. What a great way to have a blast and get in shape at the same time!

Here is the info and the schedule...See you on the dance floor!

NEW Community Classes at New Ballet Ensemble and School. Sign up TODAY! (901)726-9225

or visit www.newballet.org

ADULT Beginning BALLET
Mon & Wed 6:15 - 7:30PM (begins January 12)

HIP HOP
Children (boys & girls) ages 8 - 11: Monday 5 - 6PM
Children (boys & girls) ages 12 +: Monday 6 - 7PM
Adults: Thursday 6 - 7PM

AFRICAN TECHNIQUE
Children (ages 6 - 12): Saturday Noon - 1:15PM
Adults (ages 12 and up): Saturday 1:30 - 2:45PM

Call for pricing. Discounts offered to U of M students and enrolled NBE students and siblings.

Bantaba presents AFROBICS (families welcome)
Sundays 3 - 4PM at New Ballet studios
$10 per class, pay at the door

UrbanArt was a hit!

Thanks to everyone for an outstanding event at the UrbanArt Commission last night! We had a blast visiting the new office space on Broad and learning even more about the outstanding work John Weeden and his team are accomplishing through out the city.

We wined, dined, mixed, mingled and saw some amazing examples of UrbanArt's projects around the city. John gave a passionate and thorough explanation of why this organization does what it does and how Memphis can grow with it. We can't wait to see what they do next!

Were you at the event last night? Review and comment on it and let your voice be heard! Visit http://www.artsmemphis.org/event/detail/30303 and click on Review/Comment. Tell us what you think - we love to hear from you!

Our next exciting event is on Tuesday, February 3 at the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art and the Center for Southern Folklore. This will be a great night on S. Main downtown!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Seconds, anyone?

The second half of the smash-hit Bravo season kicks off this Thursday and we can't wait!

Bravo Memphis will be visiting the UrbanArt Commission in the up-and-coming Broad Arts District. This will be an outstanding opportunity to see this organization in action and how it is literally changing the face of Memphis, one public art project at a time. As always with Bravo events, drinks, food and great company are included with your membership so don't miss out!

This event is free for Bravo Members and $10 for guests. Please RSVP to Elizabeth Rouse ( erouse@artsmemphis.org). Not a member yet? Join today at www.artsmemphis.org/bravo. Special mid season rates are available ($50 single, $90 double - includes 4 great arts events with food and drinks).

UrbanArt has overseen the creation and implementation of public art in Memphis for over 10 years. Venues such as the new Memphis/Shelby County Public Library, the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, five Memphis City Schools and two Shelby County Schools are home to UrbanArt creations that unify and beautify the Memphis community through original works of art. For more information, visit www.urbanartcommission.org.This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it