Jump to: site navigation, content.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Celebrity alumni celebrate the newly renovated Arts Magnet in Dallas’ Arts District

By Amy Seslowsky

Email Print Tell us your story Comments (2)

DALLAS — After the first day of its official grand opening on Friday June 5th, Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts (BTWHSPVA) christened its new building with a program called “HomeComing: Arts Magnet Returns” featuring performances by students and well-known alumni.

Donors, staff, and past and present students filled the angular monochrome hallways, specially designed by Brad Cloepfil, during the pre-performance reception. As mini sandwiches, lemonade, and other gourmet cafeteria items were being served, visitors were encouraged to explore the new facility, peek in at a dance rehearsal through one of the many large windows or watch students miming in a conference room.

The performances took place outside in the Bank of America Green Room amphitheatre. Lost actress and notable alum Elizabeth Mitchell introduced and hosted the event, which included performances by Shaun Martin, Frank LoCrasto, Edie Brickell and Kenny Withrow, Norah Jones and Roy Hargrove. Unfortunately, Erykah Badu was forced to cancel due to an injury.

Standout moments included Edie Brickell singing her former New Bohemians hit “What I Am” and Norah Jones sharing a new song about her dog after admitting to the audience, “It’s great and weird to be here tonight.” Like Jones’ sentiment, the overall atmosphere was nostalgic and a little awkward, but undeniably inspirational as a sold-out crowd watched successful Arts Magnet alumni in a space built to nurture and inspire present students and those to come.

Related stories

See more stories in:

Comments

Catherine Cuellar

Catherine Cuellar Verified

KERA video of the performances is here.

1 year, 5 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Mike Orren

Mike Orren Staff

And DO audio here:

http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2...

1 year, 5 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )

Post a comment

(Requires free PegasusNews.com account.)


(Forgotten your password?)

:

:

Find...

an event a Pegasus Pick
a restaurant a garage sale
a drink special a movie showtime
local music an organization
a job a political contribution
a house a deal
a pet photos

Add...

an event a garage sale
a lost pet a band
a story a photo

Today

The Wonderful Sounds of Music With the Von Trapp Children Bass Performance Hall will be alive with The Sound of Music! The actual great-grandchildren of Maria and Captain von Trapp give their last performance today. More info

Blogs

See more

Latest comments

See more recent comments

Latest reviews

  • Billusa99 on Pappas Bros. Steak House: Agent 99 and I had dinner here last week for our anniversary and it was stellar! The somm. we had re...
  • Colby Walton on El Taco H (Grapevine): Tried this Grapevine strip center taqueria for the first time tonight, after seeing it mentioned in ...
  • lindabear1 on Banana Leaf Thai Cuisine: We live in Garland and this is “way up there”, but we had a coupon! Now we will go back again becaus...

See more recent reviews


Quantcast