Supporting an American Legacy Celebrating the Life and Times of Philip Simmons Friends of American History, four decades ago during the month of June more than 100 talented performers, from a lively little girl and a wise patriarch to the strawberry woman and the entire cast, brought to life Gershwin s immortal Folk Opera, PORGY and BESS, on the stage of the Gaillard Auditorium in Charleston, SC. With the precise motion of the conductor s baton, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra s exciting Overture began. In a spectacular moment, the curtains opened to a magical scene of characters dressed in a selected array of brightly colored costumes, performing on the stage that fantastically depicted a crowded tenement in Charleston called Catfish Row. And then, there was the singing of Summertime. At that moment, we all knew that we were part of a history making experience. Performed worldwide for over 35 years, this 1970 Charleston premiere of Porgy and Bess." was finally home in the city of its birth During this year, 2010, one year after the transitioning of Philip Simmons from labor to reward, 45 years after the South Carolina Tricentennial Production of PORGY and BESS, and 75 years after the first production of Porgy and Bess staged at the Alvin Theater in New York City, we celebrate the 98 th year of Mr. Simmons birth. As we honor and celebrate him, we are compelled to reflect and uplift the contributions of this internationally known blacksmith and ornamental iron craftsman whose artistic works embellish Charleston, The Holy City, from north to south and from east to west. These works can be seen at several homes awarded by the Historic Charleston Foundation and in museums all over America. Keeping his legacy alive I believe is a notable Call to Action. You can be a part of this movement by supporting the mission, projects, and events of the Philip Simmons Foundation, Inc. with your 100% tax deductible dollars. Because of his outstanding and unique artistic works, in 1982 the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) awarded Philip Simmons its National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor that the United States can bestow on a traditional artist. At the NEA s 25th Anniversary celebration recognizing the members of the First Class of National Heritage Fellows, this Charlestonian who is considered a National Folk Treasure was there in Washington, DC to receive his well deserved recognition. I, too, was there!! In the same spirit that Philip Simmons supported me in 1970 by watching my performance as BESS in Porgy and Bess, I watched him receive accolades at this 2007 event. An enthusiastic audience from across the nation was there, including Lillian Gilliam, Mr. Simmons beloved daughter, Senator Edward Kennedy and many others, in the Russell Senate Building on Capitol Hill to acknowledge and salute our renowned folk artist, Philip Simmons, and the other National Heritage Fellows folk artists of diverse ethnic backgrounds and a wide variety of artistic forms. Let us then become partners in carrying the glowing torch of knowledge to enlighten present and future generations about the creative talent of Charleston s Master Blacksmith who used his hands to create beauty. Accordingly, it is with heartfelt joy that I invite you to join DIVA Enterprises in actively continuing to preserve the Philip Simmons legacy by supporting and participating in the Philip Simmons Foundation, Inc. Weekend of Artistic Activities Celebrating the 98 th Year of His Birth on June 5 and 6 at 5 PM. Your support will help greatly in uplifting the cause of a Legend Worth Remembering. To preserve a legacy that will be recognized, honored and revered for years to come, please select a tax deductible Donation Partnership Level as indicated on the enclosed order page and send it directly to the Philip Simmons Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 21585, Charleston, SC 29413-1585. We encourage you to send your contribution before Friday, May 27, 2010, so that your name, organization or business will be listed in the Souvenir Journal Celebrating the 98 th Year of His Birth and featuring the program notes of the magnificent 3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1 in performance during the 2010 Piccolo Spoleto Festival. With appreciation and best wishes, Annette McK. Anderson Endorsement for the Annette McKenzie Anderson, Ph.D. Philip Simmons Foundation, Inc. President & CEO DIVA Enterprises Celebrating the 98 th Year of His Birth (Diversified In-Valuable Assistance Enterprises) ~ Weekend of Artistic Activities ~
Philip Simmons Foundation, Inc. Celebrating the 98 th Year of His Birth A 2010 Souvenir Journal Commemorating this very special weekend of artistic activities in celebration of the Life and Legacy of a Charleston Legend, Philip Simmons, Master Blacksmith, Please unite with the Philip Simmons Foundation, Inc. by making a submission to our Souvenir Journal. I/We authorize the Philip Simmons Foundation, Inc. to publish the Partnership Donation indicated below in its 2010 Souvenir Journal. Donation amounts that are eligible for complimentary seats at 3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1 Performances must select a date. Seats may be claimed starting 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the concert: Saturday - 5:00 P.M., June 5, 2010 or Sunday - 5:00 P.M., June 6, 2010 2010 Souvenir Journal Partnership Levels (Choose One or More) DIAMOND DUET PARTNERS $ 5,000 & Beyond Twelve Complimentary Concert Seats (Copy Delivered) Verbal recognition at podium PLATINUM MAESTRO PARTNERS $ 3,000 $ 4,999 Ten Complimentary Concert Seats (Copy Delivered) GOLDEN GATE BENEFACTORS $ 2,000 $ 2,999 Eight Complimentary Concert Seats SILVER SERENADE SUPPORTERS $ 1,000 - $ 1,999 Six Complimentary Concert Seats BLACKSMITH ENCORE FRIENDS $ 500 - $ 999 Four Complimentary Concert Seats IRON INTERMEZZO ASSOCIATES $ 100 - $ 499 Two Complimentary Concert Seats STEEL SYMPHONIC PATRONS $ 20 - $ 99 NAME/ORGANIZATION/BUSINESS: ADDRESS: CITY STATE ZIP CONTACT PERSON: TELEPHONE: EMAIL: SIGNATURE: Charge my credit card # Exp. Date Amount $ Check or Money Order enclosed payable to Philip Simmons Foundation, Inc. in the amount of $ This covers the cost of the Partnership Donation based on the levels listed above. We respectfully request that all submissions be received no later than Friday, May 27, 2010 MAIL SUBMISSIONS & REMITTANCE TO: PHILIP SIMMONS FOUNDATION, INC. P.O. Box 21585, Charleston, SC 29413-1585 ~ Phone 843.571.6445 ~ Fax 843.571.6435 ~ www.philipsimmons.us 2010 DIVA Enterprises
Philip Simmons Foundation Letter P.O. Box 21585 Charleston, SC 29413-1585 Dear Supporters of Artistic Works & Events, Since the year 2005, 3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1 and Company have been performing in Charleston, The Holy City, during the Spoleto Season as part of the birthday celebration for one of the world s most famous Master Blacksmiths, Philip Simmons. We are proud to announce that for the sixth year 3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1" A DIVA Enterprises Production will appear in performance. The 2010 concerts are Saturday, June 5 th and Sunday, June 6 th from 5:00-6:00 PM at St. John s Reformed Episcopal Church, 91 Anson Street, Charleston, SC. These performances are both in collaboration with the Philip Simmons Foundations Celebration of the 98 th Year of Mr. Simmons Birth. This ensemble of lovely sopranos, Annette McKenzie Anderson, Marilyn Etheridge Gross, Gwendolyn Hines Jenifer, Latonya Gayle Wrenn, along with Kathleen Wilson, harpist, James Parker, percussionist, Ken Kuhn, bass guitarist, and Charles Acree, moderator, render a lively blend of musical styles from grand opera to pop, from bel canto and gospel to patriotic, show tunes, spirituals and jazz. The Hallmark of the magnificent 3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1 and Company has been their standing ovation performances before enthusiastic, multi-cultural, diverse audiences of music lovers who return from year to year to see and hear a unique and splendid musical dramatic performance. This year s production will feature Music For All Seasons, involving young Charleston performers such as the wonderfully talented musician, Jada Evan Cecile Orr, a young gifted Diva. Also, we will honor two Charleston Legends Worth Remembering, Mr. Philip Simmons, National Heritage Fellow, and the Honorable Rev. Frank McKenzie, former City Councilman and pastor of Progressive Community Church. We are delighted to invite you to attend 3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1 2010 performances. The admission for this event is $20.00. Also, you may participate as a tax deductible Donor; use the enclosed form to become a Partner in this year s exciting program celebrating the 98 th year of Philip Simmons birth. We ask that you promote The Divas presentation to your church congregation, organizations, business associates and friends. Proceeds raised from the two performances will benefit the projects of the Philip Simmons Foundation, Inc. Enclosed is information about the multitalented ladies who sing like angels and the Philip Simmons Foundation Projects for your enlightment. We sincerely thank you for your time and consideration in joining this effort to support the Foundation in celebrating Mr. Simmons birth, 98 years ago. With best wishes, Charles Acree Charles Acree, Business Manager 3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1 E-mail: charlesacree@gmail.com
3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1 "3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1" is a multi-talented quartette from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area that includes Annette McKenzie Anderson, a dramatic lyric soprano, Marilyn Etheridge Gross, a lyric coloratura soprano, Gwendolyn Hines Jenifer, a mezzo-soprano/composer, and Latonya Wrenn, a spinto soprano, accompanist and composer. This ensemble's debut performance, June 5, 2005, at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC marked the beginning of a wonderful musical experience and sisterhood for each of the Divas. 3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1 and Company have gone on to perform at a variety of venues including the college campus, public and private schools, church and historic halls. Music lovers of all ages have commented with delight and excitement about the Divas' lively blend of special combinations of musical styles from grand opera to pop, from bel canto to gospel and jazz, from patriotic to show tunes to American folk music and spirituals. The primary goal of "3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1 and Company is to present a performance of high quality that will entertain and impart a message of hope, peace and love through vocal expressions, organ and piano presentations, and dramatic staging. The Divas endeavor to preserve legacy African-American music, including works of past and present composers and arrangers, and to provide and encourage support for youth to pursue careers in the performing arts. May 2009, 3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1 celebrated its fourth anniversary as a performing ensemble. This anniversary occurred in The Holy City, Charleston, South Carolina, where The Divas fifth consecutive triumphant performance, wowed the audience at the 2009 Piccolo-Spoleto Festival, USA. Members of the Company include Charles Acree, moderator and coordinator, The Honorable Kathleen Wilson, harpist, Ken Kuhn, bass guitarist, James Parker, percussionist, Charlia A. Acree and Theodore Gross II, special assistants. Talented guest artists including singers, instrumentalists and dancers have performed with The Divas and Company. 3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1 is a DIVA Enterprises Production (Diversified In-Valuable Assistance), Dr. Annette McKenzie Anderson, President & CEO and Mr. Charles Acree, COO. For additional information relative to sponsoring The Divas in your hometown or purchasing their DVDs, please send an email to charlesacree@gmail.com. Also, you may contact DIVA Enterprises by telephone at 301.587.7813.
The Philip Simmons Foundation, Inc. Presents In Concert During the Piccolo Spoleto Festival 2010 Music for All Seasons Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Legends Worth Remembering A DIVA Enterprises Production Featuring "3 Mo~La~Dic Divas + 1" Starring Annette McKenzie Anderson Dramatic Lyric Soprano Marilyn Etheridge Gross Lyric Coloratura Soprano Gwendolyn Hines Jenifer Mezzo-Soprano & Composer With Latonya Wrenn Spinto Soprano, Accompanist & Composer Kathleen Wilson, Harpist Ken Kuhn, Bass Guitarist James Parker, Jr. Percussionist Jada Evan Cecile Orr, Young Diva Charles Acree, Moderator and Coordinator Saturday June 5 & Sunday June 6, 2010 ~ 5:00 P.M. St John s Reformed Episcopal Church 91 Anson Street, Charleston, SC Tickets Available - $20.00 See the www.philipsimmons.us Web Page for additional information or Email: DoctorDiva1@yahoo.com or CharlesAcree@gmail.com You will want to be a part of this exciting performance of high quality that will entertain and impart a message of hope, peace and love, through vocal expressions, piano presentations and dramatic staging. See you there!!!