Still basking in the awe and excitement that was the Czech and Slovakia presidential visit to Cedar Rapids and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, museum president and CEO Cecilia Rokusek gives us the breakdown of the museum’s 50th anniversary celebratory programing.
“Czech & Slovak Echoes in the USA” is a two-week-long festival (10/28-11/4) described as a “multi-genre immersion in Czech and Slovak culture.” Events range from an upscale fashion show featuring traditional and modern designs by celebrated Czech designer Beata Rajská, a concert version of Dvořák’s opera Rusalka, kid-friendly art projects, and Kolache baking with Czech bake-off winner Petra Burianová.
To see the full list of events and to register (everything is free and open to the public), visit ncsml.org.
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Many people don’t know that in addition to being one of Iowa’s most popular jazz performers, Eddie Piccard also drives a bus for College Community Schools. One of the many students he’s struck up a friendship with is Riley Kruse, who rode Eddie’s bus from the time he was in elementary school.
34-year-old Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka has called New York City home since 2012 and in the past decade has wasted no time establishing herself as one of the leading personalities of her generation on the piano and beyond. Critics laud her “light, expressive touch and solidly crafted mainstream approach,” while audiences delight in not only her playing, but her vibrant personality as well. Yamanaka has gained international recognition from her albums as a leader. Her new release, “Chance,” is her first classic piano trio disc. It was recorded at the historic Van Gelder studios with her working trio of Tyrone Allen on bass and Jimmy Macbride on drums.
Guitarist Peter Bernstein has become an expert in crafting remarkable music from the bonds he’s forged over his three-and-a-half-decade career. His own mastery is reflected in the hall-of-fame roster for whom he’s been the guitarist of choice over the years, from legends like Sonny Rollins, Lou Donaldson, Jim Hall and Dr. Lonnie Smith to peers including Christian McBride, Joshua Redman, Eric Alexander and Nicholas Payton. His new project, “Better Angels,” is a once-in-a-lifetime summit of four revered artist: Bernstein, pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Al Foster.
