Video Gallery
CROSSTOWN ARTS - JAMIE HARMON / MEMPHIS QUARANTINE
crosstownarts.org/calendar/memphis-quarantine/
Music in this video licensed through Blue Dot Sessions
https://www.sessions.blue
"Again in the Spring" by BLUE DOT SESSIONS
"Pintle" by BLUE DOT SESSIONS
The Moonpie Project Presents: SYDNEY JAMES
CROSSTOWN ARTS - STUDIOS - KEIKO GONZALEZ
CROSSTOWN ARTS - HERE IS WHERE WE MEET with SUSAN LICHTMAN
CROSSTOWN ARTS - HERE IS WHERE WE MEET with DENNIS CONGDON
CROSSTOWN ARTS FILM SERIES: "A TRIP TO THE MOON & ALITA" w/ LIVE SCORE BY Alex Greene & The Rolling Head Orchestra
Alex Greene & the Rolling Head Orchestra present new musical scores for two silent science-fiction
classics — A Trip to the Moon (Le Voyage dans la Lune), France, 1902, directed by Georges Méliès
and based on the novel by Jules Verne AND Aelita: Queen of Mars (Аэли́та), Soviet Union, 1924,
directed by Yakov Protazanov, based on the novel by Aleksey Nikolayevich Tolstoy.
Considered by many to be one of the greatest and most influential silent-era films ever made, A TRIP
TO THE MOON has turn-of-the-20th-century astronomers taking a proto-rocket to the moon and back
to Earth. While on the moon, they are attacked and captured by moon natives who turn out to be
surprisingly easy to kill and out-maneuver. In a similar tale of Earthmen hurling themselves into the
void of space, AELITA: QUEEN OF MARS is a Russian silent film about a man who leaves his boring
Earth wife behind to go to Mars and lead a revolution with the help of a Martian Queen named Aelita.
These two silent-era classics were live-scored by Alex Greene and The Rolling Head Orchestra at the
Crosstown Theater on January 23, 2020.
Alex Greene was 2019 resident composer at Crosstown Arts, where he also created soundscapes for
visual artists' installations and performed with his electronic music trio, The E.G.G.G. This soundtrack
was performed live by the Rolling Head Orchestra: Carl Caspersen, bass; Alex Greene, keyboards and
guitar; Tom Lonardo, drums; Jim Spake, clarinets and saxophones; John Whittemore, pedal steel and
guitar; Johnny Yancey, trumpet. The ensemble also included members of Blueshift Ensemble (Jessie
Munson [violin], Josh Muzzi [viola], Jonathan Kirkscey [cello], Jenny Davis [flute], and Susanna
Whitney [bassoon]), with Kate Tayler Hunt, theremin and synthesizer.
The Crosstown Arthouse Film Series showcases a diverse collection of independent, international,
historically significant, artistic, experimental, cult, underground and documentary features.
CROSSTOWN ARTS PRESENTS: MELLOTRON VARIATIONS
Mellotron Variations was the brainchild of Robby Grant & Jonathan Kirkscey. Given unlimited access to Memphian Winston Eggleston’s collection of expertly restored vintage Mellotrons and original tape banks, Grant and Kirkscey composed and performed a complete body of work using the exceptionally rare and finicky instrument. The 2016 concert was recorded and subsequently released on vinyl as Duets for Mellotron.
Seeking to continue their Mellotron experiments, Grant and Kirkscey put together a new set of work with the addition of keyboard giants John Medeski (Medeski Martin & Wood) and Pat Sansone (The Autumn Defense, Wilco). This 2018 concert was recorded and released as a record; Mellotron Variations and was also filmed. The Mellotron Variations concert film captures the excitement of this rare event as well as featuring behind-the-scenes footage of how the music was created.
Mellotron Variations concert film featuring the music and compositions of Robby Grant, Jonathan Kirkscey, John Medeski and Pat Sansone.
Shot, directed and edited by Justin Elliott Thompson.
Additional concert cinematography by Kevin Brooks and Edward Valibus Phillips.
Produced by Robby Grant and Crosstown Arts.
Surround mix by Daniel Lynn.
Concert visuals and projections by Winston Eggleston and John Markham.
CROSSTOWN ARTS PRESENTS: Mellotron Variations Pt. 1
In April of 2016, Memphis musicians and composers Robby Grant & Jonathan Kirkscey wrote and performed a series of songs for the Mellotron. The result of that performance was the release of an album, “Duets for Mellotron." In 2017, Messrs. Grant & Kirkscey again collaborated with Crosstown Arts to create a multi-day Mellotron music festival, Mellotron Variations. With assistance from a National Endowment for the Arts grant, Mellotron Variations presented two concerts. Mellotron Variations Pt. 2 featured Robby, Jonathan, John Medeski and Pat Sansone. Mellotron Variations Pt. 1 featured works by composer Robert G. Patterson performed by a chamber ensemble, followed by music from Ross Rice, accompanied by the dancers of the Memphis-based New Ballet Ensemble (the concert featured in this video). Stay tuned for the Mellotron Variations Pt. 2 concert with Robby, Jonathan, John Medeski and Pat Sansone to be released in early 2019.
Mellotron Variations Pt. 1 Concert Film directed/edited/shot by Justin Elliott Thompson
additional concert cinematography by Kevin Brooks & Edward Valibus Phillips
Mellotron Variations graphics created by Josh Breeden
Robert G. Patterson is a resident composer with the Luna Nova Ensemble. Recent accomplishments include commissions from Opera Memphis, the One Coin Concert series in Osaka, Japan, and First Prize in the NATS Art Song Composition Award. In addition to his musical activities, Patterson also has been a professional software developer, and his interest in computers led him to become an expert in musical engraving using a computer.
Ross Rice might be best known as the lead singer/writer/keyboardist for Human Radio, who hit Billboard Top Forty in 1990 with “Me & Elvis” (Columbia), but has also appeared frequently on Memphis stages with Big Ass Truck, The Coolers, Riverbluff Clan, The Mudflaps, and Ross Rice Group. Rice has produced, toured, and recorded with Peter Frampton, George Clinton, Todd Snider, Adrian Belew, Stephen Perkins (Janes Addiction), and Susannah Hoffs (Bangles), to name but a few. Presently residing in Murfreesboro, Rice is enrolled in the MFA program in Recording Arts at MTSU, and is working on a documentary comparing Memphis and Nashville recording styles.
New Ballet Ensemble and School is a thriving after school dance program in the heart of Midtown Memphis, founded in 2001. Dancers from all over the Mid-South fill their studios six days a week, training and exploring cultural forms of dance alongside a strong classical ballet curriculum. New Ballet Ensemble was awarded the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award in 2014, recognizing the country’s best creative youth development programs for using engagement in the arts and the humanities to increase self-direction, academic achievement, graduation rates, and college enrollment.
crosstownarts.org
RECORDED LIVE AT KAFE KIRK IN THE CROSSTOWN ARTS THEATER - FOREST FLOWER (CHARLES LLOYD COVER)
CROSSTOWN ARTS: CROWN, TEETH & TEARS
crosstownarts.org/calendar/crown-tear-and-tears/
A unique experience of experimental chamber music curated by Terri Phillips featuring the Blueshift Ensemble.
CROSSTOWN ARTS EXHIBITIONS - Jia Wang: Residual Imprint
crosstownarts.org/calendar/jia-wang-residual-imprint/
Join us for an exhibition of new work by Jia Wang. Jia’s work explores the traumatic memories that are prevalent in a family. Examining and displaying how trauma is revealed through complex family relationships and how it alters an individual and a family’s identity when visualized. Her work addresses both a personal and cultural perspectives, through site-specific installation comprised of video, collage, and photographic images.
In Jia’s work, she exploring domestic violence and sharing her visual inquiry into trauma through personal storytelling. These stories are both past’s future and future’s past, physically and psychologically speaking. In traditional Chinese culture, the family is the most basic unit and many aspects of Chinese life can be tied to honoring one’s parents or ancestors. Family practices, such as interactions between family members and disciplinary actions, are passed down from one generation to another. Family is the most intimate relationship but also the most confusing as love and hostility can be difficult to separate.
About Jia Wang:
Jia Wang was born in Lanzhou, Gnasu Province, China. She holds a BFA in Photography from the Beijing Film Academy, Beijing, China and an MFA in Imaging Arts from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY. Jia has exhibited internationally including in the Three Shadows Photography Art Center, Beijing, China, the Yeiser Art Center, Pauducah, KY, and the PH21 Gallery in Budapest, Hungary. Her art work has published in Art Maze Mag, UK, ArtAscent Magazine, USA, and the PhotoWorld magazine, China. Residences include the Chanorth Residency Program and the Crosstown Arts Residency Program. In Fall 2019, Jia will participate in the Bronx Museum’s AIM (Artist in the Marketplace) Program.
The Moonpie Project Presents: TAJ FRANCIS
Jamaican born visual artist Taj Francis, has a diverse interest of expression. His work is produced in several forms, such as: paintings, digital art, murals and video art or animation. His pieces explore the subtle nuances of human behavior and identity, specifically relating to African ancestry.
crosstownarts.org/calendar/the-moonpie-project-presents-taj-francis/
The Moonpie Project is an ongoing, rotating mural series curated by Michael Roy in memory of muralist Brad Wells
Music "Damaged Soundmachine (Kielokaz ID 152) by KieLoKaz
Available on the Free Music Archive : freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Walker_Traffic/Damaged_Soundmachine_Kielokaz_ID_152
Under CC License : creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode
Music "Elmore Heights" by Blue Dot Sessions
Available on the Free Music Archive : freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Skittle/Elmore_Heights
Under CC License : creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
CROSSTOWN ARTS: HUMES MIDDLE SCHOOL MURAL PROJECT WITH TEACHING ARTIST KALEOB ELKINS
Crosstown Arts & Teaching Artist Kaleob Elkins teamed up with the students of Humes Middle School to create a mural for one of their school hall ways.
Thanks to Dr. Lakisha Robinson and Humes Middle School for allowing Crosstown Arts to collaborate on this great project.
Music "Junca" by Blue Dot Sessions
Licensed through Blue Dot Sessions
https://www.sessions.blue
CROSSTOWN ARTS: A QUILT STORY
As part of the exhibit STITCHED: CELEBRATING THE ART OF QUILTING, Crosstown Arts visited several quilters in the community to discuss the art and the craft of quilting.
crosstownarts.org/calendar/stitched/
Crosstown Arts welcomes Stitched: Celebrating the Art of Quilting from May 10-July 28, 2019. This festival will feature two art exhibitions, public quilting workshops, and a Gathering of the Guilds showcase.
CROSSTOWN ARTS THEATER: BEN BUTLER
Artist Ben Butler was commissioned by Crosstown Arts to create sculptural wall treatments for the Crosstown Arts Theater.
MUSIC
"Algea Tender" by Blue Dot Sessions
Available @ freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Algea_Fields/Algea_Tender
Under CC License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
"Collecting Samples" by Blue Dot Sessions
Available @ freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Algea_Fields/Collecting_Samples
Under CC License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
VIDEO
PRODUCED BY CROSSTOWN ARTS
SHOT & EDITED BY JUSTIN ELLIOTT THOMPSON
CROSSTOWN ARTS: SHELBY COUNTY JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITY MURAL PROJECT
Youth detained at the Shelby County Juvenile Court spent the past few weeks working with teaching artist Terry Lynn to create this mural at their facility on Adams Ave. Crosstown Arts was honored to partner with the Shelby County Juvenile Detention Center on this inspiring project.
Special Thanks to Joyce Anderson & Terry Lynn
"Tessalit" by Blue Dot Sessions
Available on the Free Music Archive: freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Azalai/Tessalit
Under CC License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
"Toothless Slope" by Blue Dot Sessions
Available on the Free Music Archive: freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/Azalai/Toothless_Slope
Under CC License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode
CROSSTOWN ARTS: PINKNEY HERBERT
Crosstown Arts visited with artist Pinkney Herbert on the occasion of his 30 year retrospective exhibition at Crosstown Arts.
crosstownarts.org/calendar/pinkney-herbert-distilled-the-narrative-transformed/
Pinkney Herbert — Distilled: The Narrative Transformed
A 30-year survey of Pinkney Herbert’s vibrant body of work.
This exhibition tracks Herbert’s transition from his narrative beginnings through the development of a personal abstract vocabulary that both thrills and seduces the viewer.
MUSIC
"The Father The Son and The Harold Rubin"
by Ehran Elisha, Harold Rubin and Haim Elisha
"They Enter Through The Ear"
by Ehran Elisha and Roy Campbell
"Come Sunday"
by Assif Tsahar and Tatsuya Nakatani
"Part 1"
by Assif Tsahar
"Grey Grey Joe"
by Blue Dot Sessions
attribution license / Creative Commons
available on the Free Music Archive
CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE
crosstownconcourse.com
a film by
Justin Elliott Thompson
produced by
Crosstown Arts
score by
Jonathan Kirkscey
narrative & editorial assistance by
Savannah Bearden
Gayla Burkes
Benjamin Rednour
Edward Valibus
Brighid Wheeler
animations by
K Brandon Bell
Benjamin Ardon
Kaitlyn Hoover
Catherine Knowles
special thanks to
G. Wayne Dowdy
The Memphis & Shelby County Room
Memphis Public Library & Information Center
The Preservation & Special Collections Department
University Libraries
University of Memphis
Frank Stewart
Shelby County Register & Archives
additional cinematography & photography by
Kenneth Burnett
Buck Billings
John Paul Clark with Dragonfly Support
Terry Christian
Kevin Brooks
Brandon Dill
Seth Evans with Dragonfly Support
Courtney Fly
Ryan Goble with Running Pony Productions
Jamie Harmon
Heath Lail
Jason Allen Lee
Joey Miller
Kyungchan Min
Yasmine Omari
Benjamin Rednour
Amanda Rohde
Ryan Steed
Louis "Ziggy" Tucker
Edward Valibus
Olivia Wall
Chris Wieland
scenes of live music from
Sketches of Crosstown &
Breaking Ground
feature
Sean Murphy & The Mighty Souls Brass Band
thanks to the staff of
Crosstown Arts &
Crosstown Development