TEF expands offerings with new series

Published 2:48 pm Monday, October 3, 2016

Thomasville Entertainment Foundation is embarking on an effort to expand its performing arts programming with the creation of a new family-oriented series.

During a 2015 planning session, TEF Artistic Director Janice Faircloth shared an idea for a supplementary season of diverse performances, distinct and separate from the group’s longstanding annual concert series, that would not only attract and engage young families, but also appeal to older families who are young at heart.

The organization’s trustees endorsed the plan, and, in collaboration with the Thomasville Center for the Arts, the inaugural TEF Family Series is ready to take the stage.

On three Saturdays during the 2016-17 season, the TEF Family Series will present a carefully curated slate of performances that are more accessible to younger audiences, including the children and grandchildren of the evening concert series patrons.

“Through this new series of lively and interactive programs, we hope to stimulate emotion, imagination and creativity among an expanded audience,” Faircloth explained. “And we are optimistically working to build our audiences of the future.”

The debut series kicks off with a special community event — entitled Music @ the MAC — on October 22, as Garnet and Brass brings the fanfare and excitement of a brass quintet to a picnic setting in MacIntyre Park. Based in Tallahassee, the ensemble is comprised of FSU doctoral students who deliver an unforgettable experience for all ages. Local band Bleu Burden will perform as an opening act for Garnet and Brass. The community is invited to bring a picnic, spread a blanket and enjoy a free concert that will range from favorite classics to pops and jazz.

On February 18, the internationally acclaimed Cashore Marionettes will present “Simple Gifts,” a series of touching portrayals and poignant scenes from everyday life set to the classical music of Vivaldi, Strauss, Beethoven and Copland. The puppeteer uses various creations — a homeless person, a mother playing with her newborn baby or a young boy flying a kite — to portray his themes. The marionettes’ performance will be followed by a residency for middle and high school students, teachers, college students and arts professionals.

The beloved children’s icon, Lamb Chop, comes to Thomasville on March 11. Several generations have grown up with Lamb Chop — the sassy sock puppet who debuted on “Captain Kangaroo” in 1957, coming to life on the hand of ventriloquist Shari Lewis. Lewis died in 1998, and after a brief career hiatus, Lamb Chop went back to work, this time sharing the spotlight with Shari’s daughter, Mallory Lewis.  The high-energy show, filled with music, comedy and audience participation, resonates with audiences from toddlers to seniors who grew up watching Lamb Chop on television. In a workshop following the performance, children may make their own sock puppets to take home.

“Imagination transports us to unexplored places and wonderful new experiences,” Faircloth said, “and we are very excited to invite the community to take part in each of these special Saturdays and bring their children and grandchildren to experience both the magical and the real.”

Details on the TEF Family Series and ticket information can be found at www.TEFconcerts.com. Music @ the MAC is sponsored by the City of Thomasville and CNS. Mallory and Lamb Chop are presented in part by a grant from Georgia Presenters and Fox Theatre Institute.