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61st Annual 3-Day Clark College Jazz Festival Coming January 30

VANCOUVER, WA — Clark College hosts the 61st Annual Clark College Jazz Festival in three full days of big band jazz on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, January 30 – February 1, 2025 in the Gaiser Student Center, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver WA 98663. Admission is $10 per day.  Clark College students and children under 12 accompanied by an adult will be admitted free of charge.

Sixty middle and high school jazz ensembles from throughout Washington and Oregon are scheduled to perform in this year’s competition with trophies presented to the top three jazz ensembles for middle schools and A through AAAA division high schools.  Individual outstanding musician awards will also be presented at the end of each division’s preliminary competitions.  At the end of Saturday evening, the Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes Award will be presented to one outstanding band selected from the entire festival. 

Preliminary competitions for the 2025 festival will begin on Thursday (Jan 30) with middle schools performing from 8 am to noon and the Division A high school bands competing from 1:45-4:45 pm. The Finals competition for Middle School and Division A begins at 7:00 p.m. The AA Division competition runs from 9 am – 4:30 pm on Friday (Jan 31) and the AAA and AAAA jazz bands take the stage on Saturday (Feb 1) beginning at 8:00 a.m. Finals competitions will begin at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings ending with the trophy presentations.

The Clark College Jazz Bands, under the direction of Festival Director Dr. Doug Harris, will perform at following times:

Jazz Band II – Thursday, Jan 30, 4:40 pm

Jazz Band I – Thursday, Jan 30, 8:30 pm

Jazz Band I – Friday, Jan 31, 7:45 pm

Jazz Band I – Saturday, Feb 1, 12:20 pm

The 2024 Sweepstakes Band, Bothell High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Phil Dean, will hold the spotlight on Saturday evening at 8:30 pm. 

A special ticketed fundraising concert by the Portland based JUJUBA (jujuba.org) will be on Wednesday, (Jan 29) at 7:30 pm to kick off the 61st Festival celebration.  The Clark College Jazz Band I opens the performance.  Only 400 seats.  Tickets $20 at the door (cash, check, cc).  more info at 360-992-2662 or sjwilliams@clark.edu.

Jujuba is a 10-piece Afrobeat and Juju band features Nigerian Master Talking Drum Legen, Nojeem Lasisi, a world-class West African and Cuban percussion section, a blazing horn section, and a funky electric rhythm section. Lasisi ranks among the world’s elite talking drum players. Nojeem was given his first drum at age four by his father, also a master drummer, who handed down to Nojeem its powerful language. As a member of Nigerian superstar King Sunny Ade’s group, the African Beats, Nojeem toured the world and appears on numerous recordings with King Sunny, including “Seven Degrees North” and “Odu”. Marc Silverman (keys) and Ethan Flaherty (guitar) moved to Portland in 1999 with a driven focus to start a band built on a foundation of West African drumming. Their studies of Ghanaian drumming, and Marc’s travels in Africa listening to and learning rhythms in Tanzania and Ghana, inspired an idea in Marc to apply these rhythms to bass, keyboard, and guitar parts in an electric rhythm section. After playing with hundreds of musicians during their first few years in Portland, Marc and Ethan met percussionist Tobias Manthey, who brought them together with his teacher, Nojeem Lasisi, for the first rehearsal of what would become Jujuba.

For complete information about the Clark College Music Department concerts featuring the orchestra, band, jazz ensemble, and choirs, please see http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/jazz_festival/index.php.

The History of the Clark College Jazz Festival

The heritage of the Clark College Jazz Festival dates back to 1962 when Hud­son’s Bay H.S. band director, Don Cammack, began organizing a one-day high school stage band invitational for schools from Clark and Skamania coun­ties. Organized by the Vancouver and Evergreen public schools, Fort Vancou­ver H.S. and Evergreen H.S took turns hosting the festival each year. Sponsors of the festival included Southwest Washington Music Association and Lower Columbia River Music Educators Association. In the early years, the trophies were made by middle school band director, Jack Ager, creatively construct­ing musician figures from miscellaneous hardware and car parts! In 1970, Dale Beacock, then the band director at both Fort Vancouver H.S. and Clark Col­lege, held the invitational “Clark Stage Band Contest” for the first time at its current home, Clark College. This inaugural event hosted 17 high school jazz bands with preliminary competitions held in what was then known as the Gaiser Hall dining area, with finals in the gymnasium. Dale’s vision of a competitive jazz showcase for schools throughout Washington and greater Portland pro­moted the growth of the festival and in 1971 the festival grew to 32 bands held over two days on Friday and Saturday. In 1976 the number of participating bands grew to 52, welcoming bands from Oregon and Idaho. In 1985, Chuck Ramsey took over the reigns as Festival Coordinator successfully organizing the festival for the next 22 years. Chuck’s achievements bringing consistency in the operations of the festival and increased student involvement set the ground­work for the educational enhancement, leadership, teamwork, and a sense of ownership the Clark student volunteers experience today. In 2008, Richard Inouye came onboard as Festival Director. His professional and educational experience has brought a new dynamic to the festival by encouraging a focus on jazz education and utilizing technology to promote community awareness, public support, and streamline festival operations. In 2012, the Clark College Jazz Festival celebrated its 50th Golden Anniversary. Highlights of this milestone included the Clark College Alumni Band directed by Chuck Ramsey which fea­tured Clark band alumni from three generations of Clark band directors. Dale Beacock and Chuck were also presented Legacy Sweepstakes Awards for their historic contributions to the festival. In 2013, the festival went international welcoming two bands from Tsawwassen, British Columbia! Today the Annual Clark College Jazz Fes­tival welcomes 60 middle and high school jazz ensembles, over 1,200 student jazz musicians to the campus, and over 3,000 people to the Vancouver com­munity throughout the three-day event.

Dr. Doug Harris is the Director of Bands at Clark College since Fall 2018, after serving as Assistant Director of Bands at Western Kentucky University, and Director of Bands at Santa Clara University and Southern Utah University. He also enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a high school band director in Florida. Dr. Harris received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Florida, his Master of Arts and Doctor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. Doug is active clinician and adjudicator in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Colorado, Utah, California and Washington, is a freelance trumpet player and has worked on the brass staff of the Madison Scouts, Sacramento Mandarins, Teal Sound and Suncoast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps. He is active as a composer, arranger and transcriber and is published in the Grand Mesa Music catalog.

Jazz
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The ARTS: 2nd Annual HeART Fest Coming on February 8

The Artisans’ Guild of Camas is once again proud to host HeART Fest, our own local Fine Art Market. It’s happening just in time for Valentine’s Day shopping, on Saturday February 8, from 10 am to 5 pm. The market venue will once again be held at the beautiful Lacamas Lake Lodge. If you’ve never seen this special building by the lake, this is a great opportunity.

This 2nd annual fine art market promises a captivating showcase of creativity, featuring a diverse array of artistic expressions by local area guild members. Shoppers and art enthusiasts attending the event can explore a curated selection of fused glass, textiles, jewelry, acrylics, ceramics, gifts, and many other astonishing pieces of art.

“This is a rare opportunity for the community to witness the talent of 24 local artists gathered in one place,” said Jacqui Dowsett, HeART Fest Chairperson, of the Artisans’ Guild of Camas. “Our members are excited to share their unique creations and engage with the community in this vibrant celebration of art.”

The Artisans’ Guild of Camas, established in January 2022, serves as a hub for artists, artisans, and art enthusiasts in the greater Clark County area. As an unincorporated association or “club,” AGC is dedicated to inspiring enthusiasm for the visual arts and crafts through education and exhibition opportunities. The guild welcomes artists at all levels, art enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in supporting the arts or being a part of the thriving local art community.

For more information, please contact: https://www.artisansguildcamas.org/

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New Military Art Exhibition at Columbia Gorge Museum Opens Nov. 23

The Columbia Gorge Museum is excited to unveil its new art exhibition, WALKING IN MY SHOES: A Perspective on Military Service by Charles Burt, opening on November 23, 2024. This exhibition will allow its viewers to experience a unique perspective on the military and the lives of its members. 

After 20 years of active-duty service Burt retired from the Army but had a tough time adjusting to civilian culture. Seeking a way to connect with other disciplined and dedicated people, he met artists who shared his work ethic and a strong drive to succeed.

From this spark, he started taking art courses at the local community college and completed five years of intensive fine art atelier training at Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. During his last two years of atelier training, Burt began a series of paintings titled Seven Army Values. These are invitations for civilians to find new ways of thinking about military service.

After retiring from the Army, he developed a tremor in his dominant hand and was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Painting fine art pieces while battling a tremor is another challenge that he faces head-on.

He hopes his art and his life story inspire other veterans to work toward their own goals even after they leave the supportive structures of the military.

A special public opening will be at 2 pm on November 23 where Charles Burt will be in attendance. For more details on the exhibition and to RSVP, please visit the Columbia Gorge Museum’s website.

The Columbia Gorge Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Stevenson, WA. It is known for collections honoring the tribal communities from the region, past and present, the largest rosary collection, as well as art and artifacts from industry and families throughout our history. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Every first Saturday of the month is free for Skamania County residents.

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Clark College Orchestra Fall Concert Celebrates 35th Season with Appert

Vancouver, WA — The award-winning Clark College Orchestra performs their Fall Concert of the 2024-2025 Grand Finale season under the baton of Music Director/Conductor Dr. Donald Appert on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 7:30 pm at Skyview High School, 81300 NW 139th St. Vancouver, WA. 

The program features works by Coleridge-Taylor, Harty, and Chadwick as well as one of Dr. Appert’s compositions, “Vignette for String Orchestra.” The admission is free and open to the public.  

For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and choirs, please see http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

Donald Appert has appeared as a guest conductor in Japan, Australia, Central America, and throughout Europe.  In Italy La’ovadese wrote, “…the performance of the ‘Serenade in C Major’ of Tchaikovsky, under the exceptional direction of Appert, was in such a style that it brought out the elegance and grace of the melodic lines with Mozartian inspiration.  …The L’Orchestra Sinfonica Città di Grosseto… performed the Barber ‘Adagio’ with rare effectiveness, emphasizing its intrinsically rich melody.”  Giornale di Sicilla praised his interpretation of Nielsen’s First Symphony as “lyrical with an airy freshness,” and his conducting as “precise, painstakingly accurate, and diligent.” He has guest conducted orchestras in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Russia, El Salvador, and Japan.He currently serves as the Music Director/Conductor of the Oregon Sinfonietta and the Jewish Community Orchestra of Portland.

Dr. Appert was awarded the 2020 Winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Programming. He won this same award in 2011 and in 2015 was named an Honored Artist by The American Prize Competition.  He is a recipient of the 2019 – 2020 Clark College Exceptional Faculty Awards, several ASCAPLUS Awards in recognition of his performances of his own compositions in Italy, Qatar, Europe, Central America, Japan, and the United States.  In 2014, Dr. Appert received the Clark County Arts Commission Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award, and in 2009, he received the Washington Community College Humanities Association Exemplary Status Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Humanities. 2024-2025 marks Dr. Appert’s 35th year of teaching at Clark College and of conducting the college orchestra. Under his leadership, the orchestra has grown from 15 to over 80 musicians and the orchestra library has grown from 100 titles to over 470.

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Clark College Fall Jazz Band Concert: Introducing Jazz Band II

Vancouver, WA —  The Clark College Jazz Bands, under the direction of Dr. Doug Harris present their Fall Concert on Saturday, November 23, 2024, 7:30 pm in the Gaiser Student Center, Clark College Campus. Admission to the performance free and open to the public. Donations to the Clark College Music Department are welcome at the door.

 “How often do you have a chance to witness history? Well, on November 23rd, 2024, you have the opportunity to do so! I am proud to introduce the newest ensemble at Clark College: our second Jazz Band! The growth of the program at Clark has been amazing and we are so excited to share it with you,” said Harris. “Our first concert this year showcases both Jazz I and II and we will present the music of a wide range of composers, to include Count Basie, Tom Kubis, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gordon Goodwin and Mercer Ellington, among others. Along with the first performance of Jazz II, Jazz has begun its preparations for our upcoming trip to Cuba in the Spring of 2025…sure to be a life-changing experience for all of us. We look forward to seeing you there.”

For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz band, and choirs, please see http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

Bio

Dr. Doug Harris is the Director of Bands at Clark College since 2018 after serving as Assistant Director of Bands at Western Kentucky University, and Director of Bands at both Santa Clara University and Southern Utah University. He also enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a high school band director in Florida. Dr. Harris received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Florida, his Master of Arts and Doctor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. 

His conducting teachers include Richard W. Bowles, Dr. Raymond Chobaz, Dr. German Gutierez, Dr. Richard Mayne and Dr. Kenneth Singleton, and has studied with Douglas Akey, Stanley Derusha, John Paynter and Frank Batiste. At his most recent high school, Palm Bay High School in Melbourne, FL., his concert and jazz bands were recognized as being among the elite in the state, regularly receiving highest marks at district and state festivals. The Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the University of Florida Invitational Concert Band Festival as well as the prestigious Bands of America National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis. The top jazz band performed at, and won, jazz festivals in Florida, Georgia and Virginia, and has earned praise while performing with jazz notables such as Ira Sullivan, Bill Prince, Marc Dickman, Christian Tamburr, Maynard Ferguson, David Steinmeyer, Bobby Shew and Portland’s own Charlie Porter.

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Journey Theater Presents ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’ Beginning Nov. 23

Vancouver, WA — The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Journey Theater is thrilled to provide family-friendly musical theater, featuring a cast of talented, local youth, to the greater community! Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550. Adult tickets are $19. Youth and senior tickets are $17. Tickets are be $2 more at the door.

Performances at Fort Vancouver High School

  • Saturday, November 23rd at 2 pm and @ 7 pm
  • Sunday, November 24th at 2 pm
  • Saturday, November 30th at 2 pm and 7 pm
  • Sunday, December 1st at 2 pm

Journey is a Jesus-centered theater arts program that exists to grow youth and their families in character and purpose to be difference-makers in their world.

Serving Clark County since 2002, Journey is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684. Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org 

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Artists Snyder, Burmaster and Harrington Join RedDoor Gallery 

Camas, WA — RedDoor Gallery downtown Camas is proud to announce three new artists whose work is now on exhibit for show and sale. Area residents are invited to view original pastels by Catherine Snyder, original oils by Kimmie Burmaster and original acrylics by Gail Harrington at a special First Friday Art Walk reception in their honor on Friday, November 1st from 5-8 pm. The reception features complimentary refreshments, delicious charcuterie and RedDoor Gallery’s signature chocolate truffles.

Since opening in May, the art gallery, located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas, has featured new work each month by artists Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Matthew Clarkson, Heidi Curley, Cheryl  Folkers, Dave Garbot, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike and Tamra Sheline.  With the recent remodel of RedDoor’s new Mezzanine Gallery exhibition space, RedDoor Gallery is also representing acrylic artist George Throop and oil paint artist Wendy Davis. A reception for Throop and Davis will take place at First Friday on December 6th. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 7 pm and by special appointment.

Pastel artist Catherine Snyder is inspired by music, beautiful settings, loving acts of kindness and extraordinary courage.

“I have a passion for color and love to experiment with pastels,” said Snyder. 

Her work has garnered many first place awards in shows around the region. See it now in the mezzanine level at RedDoor Gallery.

Kimmie Burmaster paints in oils on canvas and appreciates the rich texture and flexibility of working in oils. 

“People are among my favorite subjects to  paint,” says Burmaster. 

She also enjoys painting still life and landscape paintings. A variety of her work is now on exhibit in the mezzanine level at RedDoor Gallery.

Lastly, Camas artists Gail Harrington has also joined RedDoor Gallery. She works primarily with acrylic and mixed media. 

“I’m inspired by nature, music, scripture and other artists’ work,” said Harrington. 

Her work illuminates, with a quiet yet expressive freedom. See her large format works of art at RedDoor Gallery for the first time on Friday, November 1st.

Quickly becoming the “art hub of Camas,” RDG invites visitors to experience the joy and transformative power of art inside its red door! The gallery’s mission is to provide a vibrant art space open to the public and foster a creative art-making community. In addition to a gallery of fine art, quality art instructional classes are offered in RDG’s professionally equipped studio. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail RedDoorGalleryCamas@gmail.com

RedDoor
“Misty River” original pastel by Catherine Snyder

RedDoor
“Green Vase” original oil on canvas by Kimmie Burmaster
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Journey Theater Presents: Finding Nemo, Jr. Beginning Nov. 7

Battle Ground, WA — Journey Theater is bringing “Finding Nemo, Jr.” on stage beginning November 7. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

Tickets on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550. Youth and senior tickets are $13. Adult tickets are $16. Tickets for all performances will be $2 more at the door. School day performances take place on November 14 and tickets start at $7.

Performances at Manor Evangelical Church 17913 NE 72nd Ave., Battle Ground

  • Thursday, Nov 7-6 pm
  • Friday, Nov 8-7 pm
  • Saturday, Nov 9-2 & 7 pm
  • Friday, Nov 15 – 7 pm
  • Saturday, Nov 16 – 2 & 7 pm

About Journey Theater 

Journey is a Jesus-centered, nonprofit theater arts program that exists to grow youth and their families in character and purpose to be difference-makers in their world. Journey has been serving Clark County families and patrons since 2002. Offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684. Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org

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9th Annual Clark College Fall Choral Festival Coming Nov. 15

Vancouver, WA — The Clark College Music Department is hosting the 9th Annual Fall Choral Festival on Friday, November 15, 2024 in Gaiser Student Center on the campus of Clark College. A total of 18 area middle and high school chamber and concert choirs will sing in this non-competitive festival which runs from 8 am to 4 pm.  Tickets are $5/person for the day.

Clinicians for this festival include: Dr. Katy Green, Dr. John Guarente, Dr. Shohei Kobayashi, and Dr. Tiffany Walker.

“I’m thrilled that we’ll have so many choirs visiting campus for our festival and I’m excited to hear the great work they are doing,” says Festival Director Dr. Jacob Funk, who is also the Director of Choirs at Clark College. “Participating choirs get the chance to work with some highly skilled clinicians and receive written feedback on their performance. Each choir will also get to have a mini-clinic onstage, allowing for the other schools to see how a different choir learns new ways to succeed. Two of the Clark College Choirs will perform for all the participating choirs in the middle of the festival. It will be a wonderful time of music making, learning, and supporting each other in song.”

For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and choirs, please see http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

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Washougal Studio Artists to Host Holiday Art Market Tour Nov. 16

Washougal Studio Artists proudly presents their 4th Annual Holiday Art Market Tour, Saturday and Sunday, November 16th and 17th, 10 am-4 pm.

This is your opportunity to visit 13 artists’ studios and enjoy the work of 25 talented local artists. Come learn what inspires the artists and learn how they have developed their processes. Ask questions and experience the creative studio environment where art is being made. The Washougal Studio Artists Tour is a biannual event that draws visitors from all over the region, and we are excited to share it with you. Explore an amazing array of works in fused glass, textiles, bronze sculpture, painting, jewelry, mixed media, collage, ceramics and photography.

Participating artists include the following:

  • Studio #1: Trish Johnson (studio owner), watercolors; Keith Russell, painting and drawing.
  • Studio #2: Sandy Moore (studio owner), mixed media fabric collage and home decor; Sharon Buckmaster, mixed media wearable art; Jeanine Clark, painting, drawing, wearables.
  • Studio #3: Tamara Dinius (studio owner), mixed media; Phyllis Carter, fused glass; Toni McCarthy, beaded and metal jewelry.
  • Studio #4: Liz Nye, mixed media, photography, textiles.
  • Studio #5: Regina Westmoreland, mixed media.
  • Studio #6: Debbie Nagano, mixed media.
  • Studio #7: Judi Clark, painting, drawing.
  • Studio #8: Ellen Nordgren, mixed media.
  • Studio #9: Shirley Bishop (studio owner), fused glass & home décor; Kathy Marty; hand-woven rugs and home décor; Marina Pearson, acrylic painting and drawing; John Relyea, woodworking.
  • Studio #10: /Susan Fronckowiak (studio owner), painting, photography; Anna Norris, painting, ceramics; Blythe Ayne, photography.
  • Studio#11: LesleyAnne Ezelle (studio owner), ceramics and alpaca fiber;
  • Studio #12: David Van Zandt (studio owner) bronze sculpture & acrylic painting; Charlene Hale, glass.
  • Studio #13: Mica Wilson (studio owner), painting, drawing; Elaine Lim, painting, drawing.
  • The Washougal Studio Artists Tour is a wonderful way to spend the day. There is a great joy in experiencing art firsthand, buying local and giving your special friends and loved ones original pieces of art. Here is your chance to meet the makers, to

learn about their processes, and to find truly special holiday or birthday gifts. Or maybe you’ll be inspired to sign up for a class. 

Many of these artists also offer classes from their studios. For further information: Shirley Bishop 360-991-3081 —

– https://www.washougalstudioartists.org/

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