Tag Archive for: NEA

It’s Black History Month

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Oh Happy Day! 

It’s Black History Month. 

There are so many events celebrating “black excellence” in all genres of music.  I’ve only mentioned a few, including the Colour of Music Festival.  See more links below. 

There’s a new audio edition of the Harry Potter books. 

Believe it or not, the National Endowment for the Arts is offering Challenge Grants.

The Cliburn ends its piano competition for Amateurs.  There are plenty of other piano competitions for amateurs, like this one in Paris.

Then there’s the closing of the Kennedy Center, ordered by the President.

Here are more links to Black History Month events:

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir

The Oakland Symphony

The Indianapolis Symphony

They’re Tapping Their Feet, Anyway. 

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Another Austin, Texas arts organization has lost its NEA grant.

However, the Tapestry Dance Company is taking it, in as much stride as possible.

Instead of their annual 3 day tap extravaganza, the Soul 2 Sole Festival, they are holding a one-day event.   

 

Acia Gray, the Executive Artistic Director and Co-Founder of the Tapestry Dance Company, says they are treating the Tap Jam as a fundraiser for 2026 including their silent auction. 

They are also hoping the event on June 18th will act as a salve for the tap-dancing community.   

Music About The Fallen.  More Firings and Resignations While Promotions Abound.   

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The firings and resignations continue in all parts of the American universe.  National Endowment for the Arts grants have been slashed, leaving arts and music organizations scrambling for funds.   

With memories of Memorial Day still with us, two new albums have been released honoring the fallen. A Symphony For Vietnam Veterans tells the musical tale about the trauma and some joy in that war.  The opera An American Soldier spotlights the suicide of a Chinese American soldier after weeks of daily beatings by members of his own unit.

There’s a quick reminder to all professional women conductors to apply for a competition that’s already considered prestigious:  The La Maestra International Competition for Women Conductors.