Uptown Music Theatre Summer Season Begins

NEW ORLEANS -- Uptown Music Theatre (UMT) founded by Delfeayo Marsalis is holding its 2015 summer theatre camp between June 8th and July 24th, 2015 with performances set for July 25th and 26th, 2015.  

A theatrical training program, which prepares aspiring young actors and actresses for the professional world of theatre.  Attendees receive vocal, acting and dance training by top-notch industry veterans, emerging as seasoned performers with discipline, confidence and production skills. 

Great training and lots of fun --  it's not too late! Enrollment is still open; see below for more information:

New Orleans Cultural Icon: Big Chief "Bo" Dies at 71

Hundreds gather to pay tribute and honor the legend.

New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian nations assemble outside Xavier University's Convocation Center, the site of
Wild Magnolias Big Chief Theodore "Bo" Dollis' funeral on Saturday,  February 31, 2015.

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By Rhodesia J. Douglas,

Writer

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Voice as smooth as Sam Cooke, but rough and streetwise with a signature edge that came from the depths of his soul. 

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XAVIER UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS -- That's what was said in the program obituary of Big Chief Theodore "Bo" Dollis who led the Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indian Tribe for 50 years.

His tribe produced such classic carnival hits as "Handa Wanda," "Hey Pocky Way," "Fire Water" and "New Suit." 

By the mammoth size of his funeral, anyone present could tell that he was a great man: the mayor, U.S. congressman, council and jazz & heritage festival producer attesting to his importance.  

Three white doves were released at start of the second-line procession.  

Experiencing the feathers is a moving experience.  

Indians, all nations, all colors, mourned.

A pink spy boy clearing openings through the crowd, made way for Big Chief's soul to go forth.  

Karen Celestan, fellow writer, journalist, communications practitioner, teacher, described it best:

 "This is spiritual."

Razzle and dazzle. 

The observer is just smitten by the craftsmanship --and then, moved by the chants, tambourine and drums.  

Indians are undeniably the most beautiful sight to behold. Long live the tradition; and so, too, the spirit of Big Chief "Bo" Dollis.

Below is a link to some of the great music:

http://youtu.be/CHCKAKoA4Ys