{"id":7465,"date":"2021-04-01T12:29:34","date_gmt":"2021-04-01T12:29:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/odysseyshowcase.org\/\/?page_id=7465"},"modified":"2024-12-02T20:04:47","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T20:04:47","slug":"in-summary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/odysseyshowcase.org\/about-us\/in-summary\/","title":{"rendered":"In Summary"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
<\/i> The gift of jazz, the gift of culture, the gift of music, and the gift of a live experience, shared by all ages.<\/b><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \u201cThe gift of jazz, the gift of culture, the gift of music, and the gift of a live experience, shared by all ages. About Brad : In addition to extensive touring across Europe, Asia, South America and Australia, including among other tasks, performing in more than 1600 shows with Cirque du Soleil, Brad has been working with Deborah Davis as a performer and consultant since 2014 with \u201cCanada Roars: A Musical Taste of Our Canadian Heritage\u201d, \u201cCanada Speaks\u201d and \u201cThe Gift of Jazz\u201d. <\/i> With song, dance and storytelling, audiences of all ages and especially students have been guided through the importance of Canada\u2019s history and culture. shared by all ages.<\/b><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \u201cFor the past 14 years it has been my pleasure to be a part of Odyssey Showcase\u2019s productions. I wholeheartedly feel that their productions are icons of priceless educational and entertainment value.<\/p> My name is Darin Kyle. I am the first Canadian World Tap Dance Champion. I am a keynote speaker and local \u201ccommunity building\u201d activist in Ottawa. My roots in this city run deep. And I have deep respect for how Deborah Davis, her crew and her cast have made an impact on the lives of students. With song, dance and storytelling, audiences of all ages and especially students have been guided through the importance of Canada\u2019s history and culture.<\/p> Odyssey Showcase is devoted to finding the right talent to do the job and does it extraordinarily well. It is my opinion that if given the opportunity to back the Canada Speaks project, then the only course of action is to throw all of your support behind the initiative and ride the subsequent wave of success. Speaking from experience, it will be a partnership built on mutually assured success. I welcome you to experience this partnership for yourself.\u201d<\/p> Darin David Kyle<\/p> Darin Kyle<\/p><\/div> <\/i> Most of all, Deborah is one of those rare individuals that encompasses musical talent with a deep sense of purpose.<\/b><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \u201cDeborah Davis is someone people respect and admire with great affection. Partly, because of the incredible energy she is prepared to devote to what she believes in, but even more, it is because that is how she feels about all of them. Cast and crew, sponsors, teachers, children, students and everyone associated with anything Deborah touches all support her because she brings to life in ways others can only dream of, so much that is moving, beautiful, inspiring and, quite simply, the best in us. Deborah brings people together through the arts.\u201d Peter Beaudoin<\/p><\/div> <\/i> The Gift of Jazz is an experience that perfectly captures the eclectic journey in North American musical evolution.<\/b><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \u201cThe Gift of Jazz is an experience that perfectly captures the eclectic journey in North American musical evolution. The diverse team are professionals dedicated to disseminating the immense beauty and joy that jazz offers the spirit! It is a privilege to create with this production, and I anticipate to every stage that we have the opportunity to share the story and wonder of jazz.\u201d His topics range from emotional maturity to social justice, from the struggles of everyday living to the human condition. He is a father of five and resides in Ottawa, Canada, using the nation\u2019s capital and his performance studio, THE ORIGIN ARTS & COMMUNITY CENTRE, as his launch pad to practice, teach, mentor and advocate for the arts. <\/i> Odyssey Showcases Ultimate Valentine to Jazz<\/b><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t Jazz music has certainly created enough romantic standards to slip into when making a Valentine\u2019s Day playlist for that candle lit dinner with your sweetheart. Ella and Louis singing \u201cCheek to Cheek\u201d, Miles soothing horn on \u201cStella by Starlight\u201d, the sensual crooning of Holiday singing \u201cLet\u2019s Do It (Let\u2019s Fall In Love)\u201d and, of course, sorrowful Chet and his funny Valentine.<\/p> Read more<\/p> Earth to Andre<\/p><\/div> <\/i> It is always wonderful to witness tribute to an American art form because doing so tips a hat to all of the diversity that contributes to its creation.<\/b><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t It is always wonderful to witness tribute to an American art form because doing so tips a hat to all of the diversity that contributes to its creation. The American experiment, at its very core is a testament to the involvement of so many cultures and backgrounds and the blessings that emerge.<\/p> Jazz is an American treasure, a Gift given by its people to the world, musically and rhythmically depicting its pain, joy, energy, youthfulness, recklessness and wonder. This is clearly seen in the presentation by Deborah Davis\u2019 Gift of Jazz, chronicling the birth, resurrection and deployment of this art form on the world stage. All of the \u2018Gift\u2019 performers and musicians are dedicated artisans and lovers of both the arts and their professionalism is evident in this performance.<\/p> It is very clear the Deborah Davis and Segue to Jazz has a winner in the \u2018Gift of Jazz\u2019 as she continues to share this with the Greater Ottawa Community. When presented again it is a must see.\u201d<\/p> Michael Curtis Hanna Michael currently manages Rahanna Music Inc., and has developed over 300 compositions of Sir Roland Hanna. He can also be found on several CD\u2019s in addition to performing in Ottawa and abroad.<\/p> Michael Curtis Hanna<\/p><\/div> <\/i> As an American living in Canada, I was surprised to learn how much of Canada\u2019s musical history added to and changed the world.<\/b><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t I attended this performance and was thoroughly and totally transfixed and transformed by the talent, choreography, content and information in the most enjoyable show I have seen in many years. As an American living in Canada, I was surprised to learn how much of Canada\u2019s musical history added to and changed the world. The school children attending were enthralled and attentive and were a joy to watch as they waved their arms and sang along. I would highly recommend this show to anyone who enjoys music! Deborah Davis was a pure joy and her talent transcends many musical eras. Bravo to a great, great show!<\/p> Alicia Bailey<\/p><\/div> <\/i> The team has consulted with myself and the other First Nations Cultural Ambassadors to make sure the culture, people and history are presented appropriately. These steps are greatly appreciated and therefore has strengthened our participation in the Musical Odyssey.<\/b><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t My name is Jason Gullo Mullins from the Cherokee Nation. I\u2019m a First Nations cultural ambassador, educator, fine artist and performing artist. My roll as a cultural ambassador is to educate and represent First Nations properly.\n\nI\u2019ve been performing with Odyssey Showcase and the Canadian Musical Odyssey ensemble for 12 years. In this time frame we\u2019ve been welcomed with warm arms into the cast as family. The team has consulted with myself and the other First Nations Cultural Ambassadors to make sure the culture, people and history are presented appropriately. These steps are greatly appreciated and therefore has strengthened our participation in the Musical Odyssey.\n\nCanada Roars and Canada Speaks are an awesome layout of Canadian history, the format of teaching through the arts makes it easier for youth to learn especially when you entertain and engage them with mediums they can all relate to: live music, dancing, singing and acting.\n\nI\u2019m looking forward to performing with the cast again soon.\u201d\n\nJason.G.Mullins\n\n<\/div>\n <\/i> a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the many positive contributions the First Peoples have made right here in our traditional territory of Odawa, also known as Ottawa<\/b><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \u201cWorking with Odyssey Showcase on Canada Roars and Canada Speaks has been such a rich experience, not only for me but for the students. I am a part of the same culture as the character I portray; Hiawatha, so I feel such a deep connection with him and this comes across to the audience, no matter the age, because everyone is always eager to know more and surprised when they learn something new. One Mohawk First Nation student who attended Canada Speaks was excited because he was able to share some of his history with his classmates. He thought it was \u201creally cool\u201d that I was Mohawk and portraying an important figure that he knew about and could relate to! <\/i> You can see the change inspired by education through the arts, the evidence is in their eyes and in their smiles!<\/b><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t \u201cWhen I portray the role of Pauline Johnson it is always a blessing to see young people\u2019s minds and curiosities open up when they learn about some of the hidden treasures of Canadian History. Many participants come in not knowing who the characters are, but when they leave you can see the change inspired by education through the arts, the evidence is in their eyes and in their smiles! \u201c\n\nRhonda Doxtator\n\n<\/div>\n <\/i>
I met Deborah Davis and her cast and crew of Odyssey Showcase in 2014, and was immediately intrigued and inspired. I was blown away by so many diverse people gathered together, to bring alive our story, our history. It has shown me the passion of our youth and the strength of our elders. Feeling, like a community of storytellers. The original tale around the evening fire. Odyssey Showcase brings community and fire through music, dance and theater. I am honoured to be a part of this family.
Brad Denys<\/p>
Brad Denys<\/p><\/div>
\u201c\u2026Most of all, Deborah is one of those rare individuals that encompasses musical talent with a deep sense of purpose. Her strong beliefs in supporting Canadian culture have given her a \u201craison d\u2019\u00eatre\u201d She is very generous with sharing a stage with all performers and unwavering in getting the best quality to any project she initiates. My association as musical director for her many endeavors has been a great journey that goes back twenty years including projects such as A Musical Taste of our Canadian Heritage, Satin Dolls, What is this Thing called Jazz, Choonga Changa and various other musical performances.
I would be remiss if I did not mention her generosity to bring out and personally pay for hundreds of economically disadvantaged local children over the past nineteen years to have the opportunity to see the productions\u2026\u2026Deborah is very deserving and long overdue for any awards in the arts.\u201d
Peter Beaudoin, Musical Director and Musician
About Peter: Peter has over thirty years of experience as a musician, drummer and band leader. He has also completed nine Canadian Forces world show tours, to Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Dubai. He has had an impressive career as a respected and well sought after performer and recording musician with numerous world class Canadian and international artists including Harry Chapin, Petula Clark, Rita Coolidge and Rob McConnell (Boss Brass) to name a few. Peter has been working with Deborah Davis since 1997 on a number of projects as Musical Director includingSatin Dolls, What is this Thing Called Jazz, Canada Roars and the Canadian Musical Odyssey Ensemble.<\/p>
Jamall Jackson Rogers (Just Jamaal)
Just Jamaal YouTube Link
About Jamaal : Jamaal Jackson Rogers is an award winning poet, hiphop artists, arts educator, and creative entrepreneur. He is currently Ottawa\u2019s English Poet Laureate and has brought his work to audiences nationally and abroad. His defining moments are when he makes intimate connections with his participants during his performances and workshop exchanges.<\/p>
Jamaal Jackson Rogers<\/p><\/div>
At the core of this performance we see and feel the soul of the African Diaspora. We hear the agony of the middle passage and hope of a people newly freed from bondage. As the scenery and century turns and America begins to flex we witness the influences of the European classics and modernity on the presentation of jazz into the mainstream of culture. The \u2018Gift\u2019 presentation gives homage to the great performers of Bessie Smith, Louis \u2018Satchmo\u2018 Armstrong, Fats Waller and many more.<\/p>
About Michael: Michael was blessed with the unique life experience of living in a community with Sarah Vaughn, Al Hibler, Thad Jones, Nat Adderly and a host of noted musicians around the corner from his home. Born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey he was immersed in much of the changing musical landscape of the past 50 years.
Finding Jesus and Gospel music Michael sang in church choirs from Detroit to Ottawa. As a solo vocalist, Michael toured with and for his father, the late Sir Roland Hanna in the United States and Japan. Having a fondness for male vocal harmony, Michael nurtured this love of singing with male a cappella groups including the Canadian Men\u2019s Chorus of Toronto.<\/p>
Being able to showcase this important figure in a way that is free of stereotypes and assumptions is exactly what the youth of Canada needs. Canada Speaks is the perfect platform for this.\u201d
Will Lafrance<\/p><\/div>