Stories of Impact
Stories of Giving
The following stories come from current supporters of University of Florida Performing Arts and how their gift made a difference in the arts. To tell us your story, click here!
Meeting Michael McDonald
A few years ago Compass Bank was the sponsor of a performance at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts by Michael McDonald. According to Michael Blachly we were “very fortunate to have him in Gainesville” as his popularity had soared with his Motown album and his commercials for one of the phone services. The performance was memorable as we were sitting in the front row and he must have played for about 90 minutes. He sang many of his individual hits, but also his Doobie Brothers gold records and spoke with the audience giving us a history on many of the songs.
However, what I most looked forward to was the opportunity to meet Michael McDonald, but this also was causing some anxiety. He being one of the top selling artist of the day, a former Doobie Brother and known by millions for the past 30 years. Well, he could not have been friendlier! We only had to wait about 10 minutes after the performance, and he came out grabbed a glass of wine, and just chatted with me and my party for about 20 minutes. You know how when you are speaking with some celebrities you just know when your time is up; with him it seemed as if he was actually interested in what we were talking with him about. In addition my wife told him how her deceased brother (had died at 37) was a huge fan of the Doobies and had loved the song “Yah Mo B There”. He said that he was honored that his music had meant something to her and her brother and was sorry about his death. It was also funny when I asked where he lived and he said the Nashville area. I told him I knew Nashville pretty well and he said, “I am pretty certain you have never heard of Lepers Fork.” I said how about, “Sweeney Hollow Road” and the Katie Segall (Married With Children) house on that road. I explained that my aunt had sold her house to Ms. Segall, and he said he had been in the house many times as Ms. Segall’s husband is a studio drummer. All in all it was a magical night for me and my party and one that we will all remember the rest of our lives.
Without the extraordinary timing of Michael Blachly in being able to schedule this mega star that was on the rise again, I would have never had that experience. Magic can happen at University of Florida Performing Arts.
Andrew Hardin
Vice President, Compass Bank
A Few of My Favorite Things
UFPA is the best kept secret in this town with stellar performers and events. Where else could you over the course of a couple of weeks have a conversation with the legendary Carol Burnett, hear violinist Izthak Perlman, experience the silent movie Phantom of the Opera accompanied by well known British organist David Briggs, hear the Ying Quartet, and be home in 10 minutes?
As a long time Board Member, now Emerita, I have experienced the camaraderie and relationships fostered by Director Michael Blachly in the work of the Board and with the UFPA staff. Board Members gladly take Emeritus status, just to be involved and keep working.
Additionally, I have enjoyed the opportunity as a Board Member to assist the ushers at the school performances provided at the Phillips Center. It is exciting to see the young faces eagerly enter the lobby and the hall. One proudly said to me, “I have been here before!” Another said, “This is the first time I have ever seen people in those suits.” He meant the ushers in their tux which always makes events seem special and elegant.
At the risk of sounding like Julie Andrews, these are just a few of my favorite things.
Cecilia A. Caton
UFPA Advisory Board of Directors, Emerita
Stories of Impact
These editorials tell the story of how University of Florida Performing Arts impacts the lives of audience members and the community.
The Beginning of Performing Arts in Gainesville
The performing arts series had, as only a handful of people may know, a predecessor, which was organized by voluntary “town and gown” music lovers of Gainesville and which lasted for 17 seasons until the University took over in a much larger style. The most pleasant experiences were the personal contacts with the artist. After each concert the musicians were invited to a home on a rotating basis and fed a home-cooked dinner. Afterwards they joined the party of selected people (major financial contributors and the organizing committee). In many cases, an encore performance occurred spontaneously after the meals and the musicians told us stories about their lives. I remember in particular the “King’s Singers” who entertained us until midnight. They loosened up after a few glasses of wine and became funnier with each song.
Then I remember Yo-Yo Ma who was, when we engaged him, not as famous as he is today and who was tremendously funny and like a little boy. Because of the warm after-performance reception he returned back to Gainesville many times for concerts. (The same was true for other performers). Yo-Yo Ma told us the story that he always had to buy a second airplane ticket for his cello which he strapped to the seat next to him. After having eaten his meager air-plane meal he insisted to the bewildered stewardesses that he also wanted the dinner for his cello. (After all he paid for that meal). After some negotiations it was given to him.
Rosalyn Tureck was another story. The piano which Bernice Maskin rented for her from a Jacksonville music store was not good enough for her. She insisted on seeing all grand pianos in Gainesville and eventually settled for a private piano from one of the professors in the Music Department. She travelled with a secretary who, in the intermission asked me (the stage manager) if I had an oil can with me to lubricate the hinges of the stage door whose squeaking noise did not have the right pitch compared to the piece she intended to play. I remember that she dusted off the keyboard shortly before she started to play, even though she most have rehearsed on that piano all afternoon.
There were plenty of individual, sometimes crazy requests by the artists such as height of chairs, material of the chairs (wood instead of metal,) special lighting during the concert, or no carpet on the stage. I could go on and on with recounting all the experiences which we had with artists but most of all, I remember the personal contacts in a small circle and our personal taking care of famous musicians which made their stay rewarding for us and for them.
Rolf E. Hummel, Ph.D.
Pamphalon Professor emeritus
Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Florida
A Future Performer
I saw a young man and his parents entering the Phillips Center for the January 4th performance by Itzhak Perlman. I remembered his father from years ago when he would hold Stefan on his lap – first for Gainesville Chamber Orchestra concerts and then for performances in the Phillips Center. As he grew older I have observed this young man at various concerts but did not keep up.
I discovered that Stefan is now a student of violin performance at Indiana University, and I feel certain he would say that his love of music and the violin came from exposure to available musical performances at University of Florida Performing Arts and the encouragement he received from his parents.
Shelley Melvin
UFPA Advisory Board of Directors
Seeing Ravi Shankar
Last October 2008, the acknowledged master of traditional Indian music, Ravi Shankar, gave an exhilarating performance. Accompanied by four other musicians, one being his daughter, Anoushka, performed for an hour and a half to a full house.
The brilliant harmonies and intricate melodies gladdened the heart and stirred the soul of all.
Connie Brown
Senior Vice President, Wachovia
Sharing the Arts with Children
Recently I took my 9 year old daughter, Riley to the Phillips Center to see The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. I was a bit apprehensive about taking her, but after she laughed constantly for the first five minutes of the show I knew it was fine! Luckily there were two levels of humor in the play. I enjoyed both levels. My daughter was delighted by her level and oblivious to the other. We both laughed out loud most of the time along with everyone around us.
On the way home we talked about our favorite characters and we agreed that more than one of the spelling bee contestants reminded us of people we know. The audience participation was fun too! We both thoroughly enjoyed this funny and thoughtful show
Jeanie Blitch Sabback
Teacher, J.J. Finley Elementary School
Experiencing Other Cultures
I work with the Rotary Exchange students and my best experiences have been taking the student from Japan to see Yamato the Drummers of Japan, and a young man from Croatia to see Young Concert Artist, Robert Belinic on guitar.
Ann Marie Rogers
UFPA Advisory Board of Directors
Soweto Gospel Choir
One of the absolute best performances I attended at the UFPA was the Soweto Gospel Choir. By becoming involved with the UFPA, whether it be through Affiliate membership or attendance at the spectacular performances by the wide variety of artists the UFPA attracts, you can give yourself, your family, and your friends or colleagues the gift of truly remarkable art. I did this by attending the Soweto Gospel Choir performance with my three year old daughter. Initially, I had not planned on attending this performance at all. I attended by myself one evening, and was absolutely amazed and enthralled with their performance, that I then decided to take my daughter to their second performance.
The music and dancing was inspirational, emotionally uplifting and profound, and the costumes were colorful and breathtaking. Through their voices and music, I came to appreciate a culture for which I had minimal knowledge. I was able to get a sense, through their actions and music, of what they were trying to convey, even though I may not have understood their spiritual message.
The Soweto Gospel Choir’s performances clearly exceeded my expectations. My daughter still talks about them today. She has already had exposition to such a variety of culture which she would not otherwise have had if the UFPA were not in existence. I am grateful that I live in a community that is able to attract such a wide variety of well respected performers as well as types of performances.
Tania Alavi
UFPA Advisory Board of Directors
To tell us your story, click here!