Grammy®-nominated string orchestra A Far Cry has developed a distinct approach to music-making, with playing and programming that encourage risk-taking and exploration for both player and audience. Known for its high energy, the ensemble “brims with personality or, better, personalities, many and varied” (The New York Times). The self-conducted orchestra is a democracy in which decisions are made collectively which has led to consistently thoughtful, innovative, and unpredictable programming.

BACH: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048 
GLASS: Symphony No. 3 
BARTÓK: Divertimento for string orchestra, Sz. 113, BB 118 
Osvaldo GOLIJOV: Tenebrae

In The World According to Fannie Davis, Bridgett M. Davis shares a singular memoir that tells the story of one unforgettable mother, her devoted daughter, and the life they lead running the numbers in the Detroit of the 1960s and 1970s. 

Davis will be in conversation with Atlanta's own Tayari Jones RAE '12, RF '12, New York Times bestselling author of An American Marriage.

Bridgett M. Davis is Professor of Journalism and the Writing Professions at Baruch College, CUNY, where she teaches creative, film and narrative writing and is Director of the Sidney Harman Writer-in-Residence Program. A graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, and Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, she is the director of the award-winning feature film "Naked Acts," as well as the author of two novels, "Into the Go-Slow" and "Shifting Through Neutral." She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her family.

Tayari Jones is the author of four novels, including "An American Marriage," "Silver Sparrow," "The Untelling," and "Leaving Atlanta." Jones holds degrees from Spelman College, Arizona State University, and the University of Iowa. A winner of numerous literary awards, she is a professor of creative writing at Emory University.

Check out Tayari's Harvardwood profile!

Carr Center announcement

One hundred years of American history told through the life of one extraordinary ordinary man: centenarian Isaac Pope. Spellbinding storyteller, grandson of enslaved people, son of sharecroppers, and unsung hero, the lifelong resident of Kinston, NC was eyewitness to the devastation wrought by both the Nightriders and the Nazis. Sustained by faith, family, music, and friendships, he fought and overcame the 20th century’s stiffest challenges, including the Battle of the Bulge, institutionalized racism, and workers’ oppression, modeling the way forward through his humble but powerful example. 

Discussion with audience will follow, led by panel including Tim McCarthy from Carr Center, NAACP National Board member Michael Curry, and film producer Paula J. Caplan.

The film is an Official Selection for four film festivals, will have a special screening at the NAACP National Board meeting, and on Feb. 4 will have its LA premiere (see Harvardwood listing for details).

A tribute by saxophonist Don Braden (HC '85) to Earth, Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder. This multiple-Grammy-award-winning quartet includes Billy Childs, Ben Shepherd, and Cecil Brooks III. At the Moss Theater in Santa Monica, one set at 8pm. 

Don Braden -tenor sax, flute and alto flute

Billy Childs -piano

Ben Shepherd -bass

Cecil Brooks III -drums

Join Marc and Maria Unger, co-creators of  THESPIAN (now available on Amazon and Amazon Prime), along with THESPIAN cast members including Sasha Carrera EDM ‘00 for this one-day comprehensive workshop. They’ll tell you what you need to know to create your own DIY indie episodic series, feature or short film, and provide practical advice and an overview of the entire process. Learn from their triumphs and mistakes. The workshop will use examples from THESPIAN’s eight-episode first season, and will cover the following:

• Creating a compelling story arc
• Writing unique characters with a specific “voice”
• Pre-production - Storyboards, planning a shot list to get the proper coverage, set design, creating a shooting schedule to maximize efficiency, etc.
• How to find the essential crew needed to realize your vision (and how to keep them happy)
• The audition process and what you should look for when putting together a cast
• Shot composition, camera movement and lighting- what will make your work stand out from all the rest
• Finding interesting locations
• Directing actors
• Tips on directing yourself as an actor (while dealing with issues like lighting, too much traffic noise and lunch)
• How to avoid “on set” chaos
• The importance of good sound and tricks for getting it in unfavorable conditions
• Understanding how operating under a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) New Media contract is beneficial and how to handle the paperwork.
• Post-Production - Understanding the challenges you’ll encounter and how to get your work out of the camera and onto the screen.
• Marketing techniques to maximize the size of your audience (and how to attract funding through crowd-sourced platforms)

SIGN UP BEFORE FEB 1^stand RECEIVE A 15% DISCOUNT. SPACE IS LIMITED

For more information email thespianseries@gmail.com or call Marc at 443-630-4022.

If you’d like to check out THESPIAN, here’s the link to Amazon: http://a.co/d/flrxGWp.(Free for Amazon Prime members. If you don’t have Prime and would like to watch the series just sign up for the workshop and we’ll send you links to view all eight first season episodes.)

The Ivy Plus Society wants 2019 to be the year that you are prosperous. We're taking you down the yellow brick road to Fig & Olive's West Coast flagship location for a night of networking! This luxurious escape from the everyday is worthy of sharing with LA's finest and brightest achievers. Whether you're new to the society or one of our regulars, our Fig & Olive & Networking event will be a night that you flourish.

• Attire: Smart Casual
• Must be 21+ with valid I.D.
• 20% Off Promo Code: 2019ALUMNI

This calendar features all member-submitted events!

You can invite the Harvardwood community to your upcoming stand-up show, concert, screening, art gallery launch, and more. Events can only be submitted by dues-current members.