CAC ARTS NEWS No. 161

                                    11/02/04

COLORADO ARTS CONSORTIUM

http://www.coloradoartsconsortium.org

And old Santa asked, "do you want a surprise?"

Editorial,

Well the election is almost over and depending on how you voted - or not - you may be saying to yourself "that election was no surprise!" Or was it?

It may be a bit early to bring Santa Claus into the editorial and I won't bring up any religious connotations about Santa in deference to all of you of faiths that have no connection to Santa. However, if you know what I look like, there is a strong resemblance to Santa that I maintain all year. It is my joy because I get to ask the question , "do you want a surprise?",  of children who come to me in high anticipation of something good that is going to come their way. It is amazing to me the power that question has for children and adults alike. It is like they never thought about it before, but when asked, they think that is a wonderful question and can hardly wait to see what the surprise is going to be. Without that optimism, Santa would not exist, religions would not exist, and yes Virginia, the arts would not exist as we know it. How delightful life is for an artist who creates something unexpected, new and wonderful. Would you paint the same picture over and over with no new variation? Would you want to play the same Mozart piano piece note for note and expression every time? Yes, there are disappointments, but giving a surprise or receiving a surprise is what life (and death) is all about and I sincerely hope you got what you wanted. If not, wait for the next surprise! Or go out and give someone a great surprise!

Paul Saunders

and his friend, Santa

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NOW FOR COLORADO ARTS NEWS:

@rts-E

Update from the Colorado Alliance for Arts Education

Colorado School Tops Nation in Arts Education

The Colorado Alliance for Arts Education is pleased to announce that the Aspen Community School, in Woody Creek, CO, has received the Kennedy Center's Creative Ticket National School of Distinction Award for the 2003-2004 school year. This award is given each year to only five schools in the United States. Winning schools demonstrate excellence in making the arts an integral part of their students’ education.

Over the past six years, five schools in Colorado have received this prestigious award from the Kennedy Center. Only California has had an equal number of recognitions.

Way to go, Aspen Community School!! We congratulate you on this outstanding achievement.

Nomination packets for the 2004-05 Schools of Excellence Award will be sent to all Colorado schools in January. Visit www.artsedcolorado.org for more information on this amazing program.

Impact of the Arts

Have you heard the stats about the HUGE economic impact that the arts have on the entire state of Colorado? Here’s a sample:

     * "Metro Denver cultural institutions pumped nearly $500 million in 'new' money into the local economy last year." Denver Post, 10/7/04

     * The arts industry in Chaffee County has nearly a million dollars in direct economic impact on the Western Slope. Arts for Colorado Impact Study, 2003

     * Metro Denver cultural and science facilities employ over 9,000 people and have payrolls of $86 million dollars. Denver Post, 10/7/04

     * More than 2.8 million visitors from outside the Metro area came to arts and cultural events in the area last year. Denver Post, 10/7/04

Do you know how your legislators vote when it comes to the Arts??

A new study released by Americans for the Arts gives each legislator in the country a 'report card' letter grade when it comes to voting on arts-related issues. The Rocky Mountain News recently published the grades for Colorado representatives:

A............   Diana DeGette, D-Denver

A............   Mark Udall, D-Boulder

D............   Scott McInnis, R-Grand Junction

F.............   Marilyn Musgrave, R-Fort Morgan

D............   Joel Hefley, R-Colorado Springs

F.............  Tom Tancredo, R-Littleton

D............   Bob Beauprez, R-Arvada

You can view the entire Congressional Report at: www.artsactionfund.org/pdf/Congressional_Report_Card_10-18.pdf

And you can read the Rocky Mountain news report at: www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/entertainment/article/0,1299,DRMN_6_3267191,00.html

Be SmART. Include the Arts.

The Colorado Alliance for Arts Education (CAAE) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to sequential standards-based arts education programs. CAAE is a member of the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network in Washington, DC, a 40-state network of grassroots alliances focused on furthering arts education.

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From The Nation Federaion of Community Broadcasters:

The IRS is continuing to crack down on 501(c)(3)s for political activities.

You may have heard/read that the NAACP is being audited because Julian Bond

said in a speech that George Bush was bad for African-Americans (or words to

that effect).

      Tax-Exempt Organizations and Political Activities

                  FS-2004-14, October 2004

                Under law, tax-exempt organizations described in section

501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code are prohibited from participating or

intervening in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any

candidate for public office. Charities, educational institutions and

religious organizations, including churches, are among those that are

covered under this code section.

                These organizations cannot endorse any candidates, make

donations to their campaigns, engage in fund raising, distribute statements,

or become involved in any other activities that may be beneficial or

detrimental to any particular candidate. Even activities that encourage

people to vote for or against a particular candidate on the basis of

nonpartisan criteria violate the political campaign prohibition of section

501(c)(3).

                  As it has in recent presidential election cycles, the Internal

Revenue Service has taken steps to educate such organizations about their

responsibilities, including:

a.. On April 28, 2004, the IRS issued an advisory to charities

that they should be careful that their efforts to educate voters comply with

federal requirements concerning political campaign activities.

b.. On June 10, 2004, the IRS sent a letter to the nation's

political parties reminding them about the guidelines for political

activities by charitable organizations.

            Over the course of the year, the IRS has reviewed information

alleging improper political intervention by more than 100 charities,

churches and other tax-exempt groups.

Because of heightened concerns about improper political

activities during the election season, the IRS created a committee of career

civil servants who are experts in the tax-exempt area to review the

allegations. This team selected more than 60 cases that merited examination.

Over the last several months, the IRS has been contacting these

organizations asking for information about alleged improper political

activities.

While under law the IRS cannot disclose the names of these

groups, the organizations being examined represent a broad cross-section of

the tax-exempt community and a wide range of viewpoints. About a third of

the groups are churches, with the remainder being other types of charitable

organizations.

            Under the law, political intervention by a tax-exempt

organization carries a variety of possible consequences. It can result in

the organization losing its tax-exempt status or paying a tax. In less

serious situations, the IRS may require corrective actions from the group.

            "Our obligation is to enforce the law, which prohibits all

charities from engaging in political activities," said IRS Commissioner Mark

W. Everson.

            "By law, the Internal Revenue Service cannot comment regarding

any compliance activities involving specific tax-exempt organizations.

Law-enforcement decisions at the IRS are made without regard to political

considerations," Everson said.

            "The IRS follows strict procedures involving the selection of

tax-exempt organizations for audit and resolution of any complaints about

such groups. Career civil servants, not political appointees, make these

decisions in a fair, impartial manner," Everson said. "Any suggestion that

the IRS has tilted its audit activities for political purposes is repugnant

and groundless."

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Arts Alive was asked to share the following information. For a detailed list

of what's going on in Fort Collins, click on the calendar section of our

website, www.artsalivefc.org

Thanks.

Myra Benson

Arts Alive

FORT COLLINS

DRUM AND DANCE CLASSES OFFERED

Fall has come and winter is on the way!

With that it is time to start grooving again! I am happy to announce that

Fara Tolno from Guinea, West Africa is going to teach 4 weeks of drum and

classes in Ft. Collins!

I want these classes to offer what you all expect from them...so please

email me your feedback as to what you would like from a drum and/or dance

class from Fara.

We are customizing these sessions for you! Do you want 4 different rhythms

and dances each week? Or should we learn thoroughly the choreography of one

or two pieces and the corresponding drum rhythms?

Fara generally teaches intermediate to advanced level classes, but there is

always room for beginners!

The classes are set for Monday evenings Nov. 29 thru Dec. 20.

The classes will be held in the banquet hall above the Rio Grande

restaurant.

Drum class will be from 6:15-7:30 p.m. and Dance class from 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Cost will vary depending the package you choose.

8 classes- 4 drum, 4 dance.......$86

4 classes- drum or dance..........$48

1 class only or drop-in rate........$15

The drum class really needs at least 6 people committed to all 4 sessions to

be successful, so please let me know if you are interested!!!!

This email is from JJ Odell (formerly Masenthin). My number is 970-690-2773,

please call or write if you have any questions or comments!!

I am looking foward to seeing everybody again!

Be Well! J

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I just wanted to send you all a quick note to introduce the Denver A

Cappella Project. We have a couple of reasons for contacting you. First, I

don't know your plans for guest groups on upcoming concert series, but I

wanted to throw our hat in the ring as an exciting ensemble that would

welcome an opportunity to be on your next show. Formed in 1999, our group

has been busy performing for audiences throughout Colorado, the United

States and Canada. I think you'll find our shows entertaining, our

repertoire varied, and a very happy audience when we're through. We offer an

excellent show - see the attached document for more information.

Second, we are excited to announce the completion of our third CD, Please

Have Snow... just in time for the holiday season -- a combination of

traditional holiday music with a bit of jazz, pop and classical thrown in

for fun! Available November 1, be sure to check our web site to listen to

some of the selections - we are eager to show folks what we are all about.

Your Friend In Music,

Dianne Zenk

The Denver A Cappella Project

www.dap-online.com <http://www.dap-online.com/>

info@dap-online.com <mailto:info@dap-online.com>

"Music... gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the

imagination, a charm to sadness, and life to everything." Plato

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CONTRA DANCE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6

The monthly Contra Dance will be held Saturday evening November 6 at the

Veterans of Foreign Wars dance hall at 1515 Main Avenue.  Beginner

instruction is at 7 p.m.  Dancing is from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Lauzanne Allen from New Mexico will call the dance, and the band Loose Ends

from Flagstaff will provide live music. All dances are taught and called.

No partner is necessary, and people of all ages are welcome.  Admission is

$6. Students and members are $5. Additional donations are encouraged.

These smoke- and alcohol-free dances are a project of the Durango Arts

Center, with support from Durango Friends of the Arts.

For further information or to get on our e-mail reminder list call 259-6820.

Lanette Hartman

Administrative Assistant/Gallery Shop Manager

Durango Arts Center

970-259-2606

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COLORADO MUSIC INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

PO BOX 12592

DENVER, CO  80212

The Colorado Music Industry Associations' purpose is to promote the benefits of music, music performance, and music education to all citizens of Colorado without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or race.   CMIA emphasizes the positive social and economic impact of the music industry and music consumers throughout our communities and state.    This is our Mission Statement.  

The organization came about as a result of a discussion between professional musicians, music educators and leading business people in music.   While the various Colorado Music Educator associations do a wonderful job, they are restricted in their activities by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.    The goal of CMIA is to bring together aspects of all parts of the music community and promote and lobby as needed with local and state officials.   We have filed with the Internal Revenue Service to become a 501(c)(6) "professional organization" and expect to have that status soon.   As a professional organization, we are able to do many of the activities not allowed by the nonprofit associations. 

We were very involved with the recent passage of the Denver Public Schools mil-levy to hire new music and art teachers.   We are presenting two advocacy sessions at the January Clinic/Conference of Colorado Music Educators Association.   As our membership grows, we will become even more vocal and more involved.   If you need our assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.   We should have a web site soon.   Below is a list of current members.   We have three levels:   Industry ($50.00), Association ($30.00) and Individual ($20.00).   To obtain a membership form, please contact me at  303-433-8891 (office), 303-438-0364 (home) or e-mail kanderson@flesherhinton.com  

INDUSTRY MEMBERS

Flesher-Hinton Music, Ken Anderson, Denver/Aurora

               Kolacny Music, David Kolacny, Denver

            Roper Music, John Handley, Grand Junction

               Joy of Music, Nancy & George Dunkin, Evergreen

          Marck Time Music, Karin Marck, Pueblo

           Joe Onofrio Piano Company, Joe Onofrio, Denver

          D.J.'s Music Box, Ltd., David & Jackie Garner, Denver

           Lafayette Music, Jim Dages, Lafayette

           Colorado Jazz Workshop, Edd Nichols, Denver

             Verisma, Inc. dba H.B. Woodsongs, Dana Flitcraft, Boulder

               Grand Mesa Music Publishers, Walter Cummings, Grand Junction

            Boomer Music, Jerry Bremer, Fort Collins

                Rockley Music Center, Michael Gathings, Lakewood

ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

             Denver Musicians Association, Pete Vriesenga, Denver

            Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, Mark Arnold, Denver

            Colorado Wind Ensemble, Richard Gabriel, Denver

        P'Zazz, Jeanne Card, Broomfield

        Lone Tree Symphony, Russell Weber, Arvada

               Arapahoe HS Band Boosters, Michelle Keichman, Littleton

        Pomona HS Band Boosters, W.L. Whaley, Arvada

            Colorado Honor Band Association, Susan Smith, Denver

            Dakota Ridge HS Instrumental Music Boosters, Caryn Boddie, Littleton

            Colorado Music Educators' Association,  William Kohut, Denver

           Cortez Band Boosters, Ed Greene, Cortez

        Winter Park Ski-Music Festival, Jae Jones, Winter Park

          Colorado Bandmasters' Association, Doug Dalton, Various Locations

               Canon CIty Music & Blossom Festival, Inc, Canon City

            Adams State College, Charles Boyer, Alamosa

             Heritage HS Patrons of Fine Arts, Maura Zazenski, Littleton

             Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, Paul Romaine, Denver

           American School Band Directors Association-Colorado, Dr. Ed Cannava

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

C. Wayne Manzanares, Castle Rock

                Ken Anderson, Westminster

               Dr. Kenneth Singleton, Evans

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COLORADO THEATRE GUILD

P.O. Box 8625

Denver, CO 80201-8625

Save the Date for Mayor's Awards--February 9, 2005

The Mayor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts will take place on Wednesday, February 9th, 2005 from 5:30-7:30pm.  This celebration honors significant and lasting

contributions to the arts in Denver and features the Mayor presenting awards, video

profiles and remarks by the honorees, and a great coming together of the cultural

community.  We hope that you will mark your calendars and be in attendance.  The

location is to be finalized, but we will be onstage at either Boettcher Concert Hall

or at the new Colorado Convention Center lecture hall.  We look forward to celebrating with you in February.

Also, we are still actively seeking nominations.  Please encourage nominations of

organizations and individuals whom you think merit this recognition.

Thanks,

Denise

Denise Montgomery

Director, Denver Office of Art, Culture and Film

1380 Lawrence Street, Suite 790

Denver, CO 80204

(303) 640-6940  ph

(303) 640-6960  fx

denise.montgomery@ci.denver.co.us

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WHO WANTS TO PUT ON A SHOW IN PARKER?

The Town of Parker is looking for a theatre group to put on a performance in January or February.  Our local group has backed out and we would like to fill the gap!

If you have any recommendations, please contact me at 303.805.3261 or

rgarrick@ci.parker.co.us at your earliest convenience.

Thanks so much in advance for your help.

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There is a new store in the Denver Pavilions called Things That Glow.

This store is filled with theatrical lighting and specialty items.

Things That Glow

Denver Pavilions

303-751-GLOW

800-886-5886

500 16th Street, Suite 254

Denver, Colorado  80202

www.thingsthatglow.com

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 OPENINGS - NEW THATRE COMPANY IN FORT COLLINS

"The new Nonesuch Theater presents the hit comedy NUNSENSE starting October 29th" As someone interested in theater, I thought you might want to know about exciting times. The highly respected Bas Bleu theater company recently moved to a new space and their former "jewelry box" space became available. Even if we hadn't been lucky enough to become the new residents, I'd encourage you stop by 216 Pine Street to see the beauty and uniqueness of this space and the amazing work building owner Les Sunde and associates have done in there. Stunning. But, we were lucky enough.

Peter Muller, Troy Schuh, Gina Schuh-Turner and me are the new occupants and the

owners of the Nonesuch Theater. You know Peter from years of directing for Front Range Music Guild and numerous other prestigious groups. Gina just finished the record breaking four and half year run of "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" in Denver and will be appearing in our opening show. You probably know Troy and me from la-de-da and other groups and productions including "A Christmas Carol" at the Lincoln Center.

Our goal is simple - to become an addition to great theater in Fort Collins and on the

Front Range - presenting high quality, entertaining productions, providing

opportunities for Colorado based actors and artists, and being a destination for

future generations of actors and audience members.

Sounds like fun.

Other cast members include hugely accomplished and popular performers who share an encyclopedia of experiences with regional theaters; Amy Madden, Rich Hicks, Rachel McGaha Miller, Melanie Sheets and Ann Forman.

Live actors. Live Music. A magical theater on a truly unique street in Old Town Fort

Collins - on a crisp autumn night. Not much can be better.

See you soon,

Nick Turner

The Nonesuch Theater

800-819-8839

970-224-0444 (activated Friday 10/21)

nonesuchtheater@aol.com

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Hawkins Preserve Thursday, November 4  ~  7:30 pm at the Cortez Cultural Center  565-1151

  A public presentation to initiate a public awareness program for Hawkins Preserve. The presentation will bring to the public an appreciation of the conservation values of the Preserve, its cultural and biological resources, a history of the Cortez Cultural Center involvement, the resource studies conducted, the recent establishment of a Conservation Easement and the future of the Preserve.

Patrick Colton is a British Born, retired Canadian architect who has lived in the area for 2 years, has enjoyed the opportunity to travel and live in Africa, Europe and Central America. He is currently VP of the Colorado Archaeology Society Hisatsinom Chapter here in Cortez and is a Rotarian living in Dolores.