If you're a fan of modern dance, you'll want to catch Decidedly Jazz Danceworks new piece, Evanescence, at the Banff Centre tonight and in Edmonton later this week.

The concept for the work was born when the DJD's artistic director took a trip to the edges of Costa Rica's rain forest. Vicki Adams Willis was fascinated by the impact of the primal elements. Earth, wind, fire and water joined together in a rhythmic dance. "The constant overturning and renewal of life in this lush climate turned her focus towards the ancient beliefs that the first principles and primary forces of life are earth, water, fire and air." Willis married this natural experience with the notion of evanescence as it relates to Buddhism.

Buddhists believe that nature, like life is a fleeting, ephemeral experience. The trick is to be mindful of each moment as you experience it. "We are meant to honour and acknowledge everything that comes to us, and then let it go," Vicki stated. "It's about the acceptance of life, the ability to enjoy and laugh at it, and it's in keeping with DJD's general philosophy - a continuing celebration of life."

Evanescence features 12 dancers integrated with real fire, water, wind and air. The dancers will leap, twist and tumble with the elements, personifying the primal forces of nature. The original score is composed of everything from jazz to African funk to swing.

Evanescence
June 20/2000
Eric Harvie Theatre
at the Banff Centre

June 22-24/2000
at the Edmonton Jazz City Festival

More News From the Iron Road
In our efforts to keep you on track with the building of the Iron Road (okay so it's a lame pun but I couldn't resist), I've just received this update from the Tapestry New Opera folks. Here's what artistic director Wayne Strongman and his creative gang have been up to:

Chan Ka Nin is hard at work on the final leg of his epic composition. Anna Camara's been hired as Communications Coordinator for the Iron Road Education Program. In addition to liasing with two schools, Tapestry has approached the heads of music and drama in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as partnering with the Young People's Theatre to cross promote both the Iron Road and YPT's Ghost Train. Clearly Tapestry is taking the Iron Road across the generational divide, getting both the young and the old interested in the fate of our latest national opera. This makes a lot of sense to me. What better way to encourage a love and appreciation for the arts, than to get the kids involved at a grass roots level? Keep your eye out for articles in Canadian Family.

Dany Lyne, hot off the stage of the COC's highly acclaimed production of Pelleas and Melisande, has been hired to design the sets and costumes. Auditions are continuing for all roles as well as chorus. Posters and other promotional materials are being designed. And the drive for funding continues.

We'll be back with more updates on the Iron Road as they come in. Check back later. And check out my full interview with Wayne Strongman.

Fine Tuning
Bravo TV is offering up a couple of musical treats tonight. Fans of swing will want to catch The Glenn Miller Story at 9 p.m. The flick, directed by Anthony Mann, stars Jimmy Stewart as the big band leader. And at 1 a.m., Danny Thomas is The Jazz Singer. Thomas plays a rebellious Jewish kid who breaks with tradition and gets into the entertainment game. Michael Curtiz directs.

Drop me a line.