Memphis Downtowner September 2011 : Page 10
OPEN DAILY courtesy Memphis Black Arts Alliance Grandmother Crystal Cater (playing keyboard) takes piano lessons from renowned jazz artist Naomi Moody, one of several accomplished Memphis artists who teach at the FireHouse. Arts-A-F!re Youth Theater Troupe, FireHouse Little Theater, Jazz-A-F!re jam sessions, youth ensemble programs, and jazzercise for seniors were added to the mix. ArtsReach began off-site presentations at daycares, schools, businesses, and community centers. Students across the region were acting, creating costumes, dancing, singing, playing instruments, and becoming artists while learning collaboration. “Our faculty are successful artists who just want to give back,” says West. That includes renowned jazz artist Naomi Moody, who lights up the stage at the FireHouse’s monthly Jazz-a-F!re jazz sessions, which are open to all — and their instruments. Dance celebrity Dorsey Brown, who performed on Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance and later signed with a national dance troupe, leads the way on the dance floor. One of the multimedia artist instructors was West’s late husband, Leonard. THE FUTURE BURNS BRIGHT Seniors rediscover creativity and mobility; children’s classes are held after school; private lessons are available by appointment; and Saturday classes are open to all ages. These programs — and many sponsors — are the primary funding for MBAA. The alliance also hosts fundraisers, such 10 MEMPHIS DOWNTOWNER SEPTEMBER 2011 memphisdowntowner.com
