OCTOBER 2013
If you would like to submit up to date bios or pictures, or if you have never submitted information, please forward your material to Ron
Mangum at magnumforce89@gmail.com or Russ Link at rclbuffalo@msn.com. This letter is a great way to keep everyone informed about
what’s happening in our lives; please help us to keep it going.
HERE’S THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT OUR ALUMNI:
ALEXIS SPIGHT (2011) was the featured cover story of the September issue of Secdum
Magazine, http://secdummagazine.com/ . She will perform at GGR Entertainment Artist
Showcase at Christ Resurrection Church, 4527 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina,
October 18, 2013 at 8PM. For tickets, go to http://ggr-eorgf.eventbrite.com/ .
TRAVIS HEDLAND (2008) will appear as a prom survivor in the
film remake of the Stephen King’s horror classic, Carrie, opening
October 18: www.carrie-movie.com/.
GRACE STUMBERG (2007) will perform at the Tudor Lounge, 335 Franklin Street, Buffalo October 12 at 10PM : http://gracestumberg.com/ .
STEPHEN PRICE (2005) graduated with a Masters of Music degree in Organ Performance from
Indiana University Jacobs’ School of Music in May, 2012, and is currently enrolled in the
Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in Organ Performance at Indiana University. In September
2012, Stephen competed in the Franz Schmidt 4th International Organ Competition in Kitzbüel,
Austria, and was awarded the Robert Fuchs Prize. He also received a monetary award and was
featured in the final prize winners concert in Hopfgarten, Austria. This month, Stephen will
compete in 14th Annual International Organ Competition in Biarritz, France.
JAMES BRANDON LEWIS (2002) will perform a duet with poet Thomas Sayers Ellis at the University
of MA, October 15, time TBD. For more information, go to http://www.jblewis.com/. He is also featured
in Ebony magazine's October issue as one of seven upcoming Jazz musicians to watch:
www.ebony.com/photos/entertainment-culture/jazz-aint-dead-7-young-players-to-watch-777#photo-2 .
Raices Theatre Co-Founder VICTORIA PEREZ (1996), directed the new play 21 for a
stage reading at the Road Less Traveled Theater inside the Market Arcade Film &
Arts Centre, October 6 at 6PM, http://roadlesstraveledproductions.org. Following the
reading, the cast will join the audience for a Q&A session. For more information,
contact Victoria at raicestheatrecompany@gmail.com . Victoria also directed the
O’Connell & Company’s The Kathy & Mo Show: Parallel Lives/The Dark Side, running
now through October 20. Go to http://oconnellandcompany.com/site/season-20132014/parallel-lives/ for more information.
TILKE HILL (1996) is starring in a lead role of the history-based vampire horror film, Elizabeth Bathory.
The film is now in post-production and needs investors to help finance the project and prepare it for
the premiere at the Market Arcade Film and Arts Movie Centre in Buffalo, New York, October 18.
To contribute, go to the official Elizabeth Bathory web link, http://elizabethbathorymovie.com/.
JENNIFER CIOCCA (1995) was a Theatre major and is the lead singer in WHISPER IN DISTORTION. She also plays keyboard for THE
INDUSTRY OF LIFE DIVINE. TILD's next performance will be at Broadway Joes, 3051 Main Street, Buffalo October 12.
HENRI L. MUHAMMAD’s (1994) School of Music will host Dr. Alim Muhammad and the Abundant Life Health Attainment Center Road Clinic,
October 5. To schedule an appointment, call (240) 245-4147: www.muhammadschoolofmusic.net/muhammadschoolofmusic/Welcome.html .
Listen to SEAN CLEMENTS’s aka DJ CEIBA’s (1992) digital album,
Shaking the Tree of Life: Vol. 2, DUBSTEP: http://djceiba.bandcamp.com/ .
Congratulations go out to Incumbent Erie County Comptroller STEFAN MYCHAJLIW (1992) for winning
the September 10 Primary, www.amherstbee.com/.../Primary_election_results.html . He will now face
Democratic and Working Families candidate, Kevin P. Gaughan, in the November 5 election. Here’s an
Artvoice magazine/Arts Service Initiative interview with Stefan explaining his political platform regarding
and the state of the arts in Erie County:http://artvoice.com/issues/v12n35/news_feature .
SCOTT “GUS” POITRAS (1992) was with the pre-production staff of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,
in San Francisco which is now running on Broadway in previews at Steven Sondheim Theatre:
www.beautifulonbroadway.com/.
KRISTEN CRAGE (1988) is a Djembe drummer of African Ivory Coast rhythms, for West African
Dance classes at Alvin Ailey’s dance school in NYC, www.alvinailey.org/, and a member of
Kotchegna, Ivory Coast Dance and Drum Company: www.kotchegna.com.
GWEN MCQUILLER's (1988) husband, Shawn McQuiller is the lead singer of the R&B/Pop band KOOL & THE GANG. They will perform
at the UB Game Day Experience/Bulls Tailgate Concert Series, October 5 at 9:45AM, free admission.
www.buffalo.edu/calendar/calendar?action=describe&which=0FA79658-0381-11E3-BA9C-9633C87A2B0C .
ROBERT PATERSON’s (1988) composition will be featured in an AME and Manzzini Dance
Collective performance at Roulette, 509 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, October 16 at 8PM:
www.robpaterson.com/.
LISA VITRANO (1988) will perform in the The Road Less Traveled Productions’ developmental stage reading play, The Apology, Sept. 30
at 7:30 PM, http://roadlesstraveledproductions.org/programs/new-play-workshop/ . She will also perform in the WNY premiere of Clybourne
Park at Road Less Traveled Productions this fall at the new 710 Main Street Theatre, opening November 8, running through December 1.
For tickets, go to www.sheas.org/710main/710main_2013_14.asp. In other news, she, along with RON MANGUM (1988) will appear in the
cancer themed drama film, Bubble Girl, directed by Buffalo’s own Queen City director Peter McGennis slated for 2014 release.
Congratulations go out to JAY INGERSON (1987). He was appointed as Producer of Theatrical Performances and Winter and Spring Dance
Celebrations at BAVPA.
JESSE L. MARTIN (1987) will participate in the 2nd annual Paul Rudd All-Star Bowling Benefit at
Lucky Strikes Lanes, the gala event benefiting Our Time, a nonprofit organization offering arts
programs and summer camp for children who stutter, October 21. For tickets and information,
go to http://www.ourtimestutter.org/paul-rudd-s-2nd-annual-all-star-bowling-benefit/ . Jesse will
be featured in the Theatre of Youth (TOY) documentary, Long Live Toy. It will be the closing
film at the 2013 Buffalo International Film Festival, October 5. For tickets, www.longlivetoymovie.com/ .
He is also portraying Marvin Gaye in the biopic, Sexual Healing; here’s a sneak peek trailer:
www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/18/marvin-gayes-biopic-sexual-healing-teaser-clip-_n_3950355.html
The slated release date is April 1, 2014, to coincide with Marvin Gaye’s birthday and the 30th
anniversary of his death. In other news, Smash: Season 2 is now available on DVD; here’s a sneak
peek: www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/19/smash-gag-reel-season-2- bloopers_n_3780421.html. In
addition, Law & Order’s 13th season will be available in November,
www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Law-Order-Season-13/18842 .
ANI DIFRANCO (1986) will perform at the Boulder Theatre in Boulder Colorado on October 13.
Go to http://bouldertheater.frontgatesolutions.com/choose.php?a=1&lid=81684&eid=92018:
www.righteousbabe.com/ for information.
PHIL DAVIS attended BAVPA from 5th grade to 8th grade (1993-1997) and is the Founder and CEO of Alemaedae Theater. He’s employed with
the Buffalo Board of Education as a Substitute Teacher and is a Math Tutor at Canisius College Academic Talent Search. His company will
have two past productions available on DVD for sale this fall, A Lost Cause and Touched By an Angel. For more information, go to
www.webjam.com/atp200 .
LUCKY PETERSON attended BAVPA from 1978-1979. He will perform on the Holland Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, departing Fort
Lauderdale, October 18. For tickets, go to www.songkick.com/festivals/20451-legendary-rhythm-blues-cruise/id/17739554-legendary-rhythm-blues-cruise-2013.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED
Congratulations go out to BAVPA freshman Heaven Richardson for winning 3rd place in the If I Were the Mayor of Buffalo Essay Contest.
BAVPA Senior EMILY MONTES commented in the Buffalo News/Next section about what high school students think about who is
considered to be “The Voice of Their Generation” in their lives: www.buffalonews.com/life-arts/next/next-area-teens-chime-in-on-who-orwhat-they-believe-will-define-their-generation-20130919.
ZURI APPLEBY performed in the R&B and Soul concert, Momma's Biscuits, at the Tralf Music Hall September 6.
Raices Theatre Co-Founder VICTORIA PEREZ (1996) and company members MECEDES PEREZ (1992) and SARIELYS MATOS (2000)
had a fundraiser to help raise money to mount their first production La Gringa. The event entitled La Gran Fiesta was held at the Pucho
Olivencia Center in Buffalo, New York, August 31.
JENNIFER CIOCCA (1995) performed with The Industry of Life Divine at Broadway Joe’s September 7.
JULIAN MONTAGUE (1991) is a member of the Allen St. Street Artists
Collective. He, along with other members of the group, unveiled
several works throughout the Allentown area September 6, 7 and 9.
http://artvoice.com/issues/v12n35/the_back_page .
MICHELLE HARE (1993) was a guest speaker at Fascinating African Committed to Excellence (FACE) Awards event in NYC, June 15.The black
tie event honored men and women of color who excelled in their respective businesses. She was also the mistress of ceremonies at the
National Organization of Black Law Enforcements Executives’ (NOBLE) Region One Annual Awards Dinner and Awards Ceremony, June
21.The purpose of the organization is to unify Black law enforcement officers at the executive and command levels, as well as evaluating and
recommending legislation relating to the criminal justice system.
JON CESAR (1989) met comedian and former NBC-TV's 30 Rock star Tracy Morgan
at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, August 10. They are collaborating and writing a
screenplay, title, TBD.
Hope Productions Co-Founders RON MANGUM (1988) and Willie Faulkner had its 2nd Annual WNY Community Talent Showcase, September
14.
JESSE L. MARTIN (1987) portrayed the role of Lyons in the reading of August Wilson's Fences as part of the historic readings and recording
session of all 10 plays in front of a live studio audience on August 26. The event was held at The Greene Space, 44 Charlton Street (at Varick
Street), downtown Manhattan and is running through September 28. Tickets are $40.00 and may be purchased at www.thegreenespace.org/ .
There are also two other prominent WNY born Broadway actors who are participating in the readings: Lackawanna, New York, native and
BAVPA friend REUBEN SANTIAGO-HUDSON of HBO-TV's Lackawanna Blues fame; and Buffalo native Roslyn Ruff, who co-starred in the
motion picture, The Help. Here’s a Playbill magazine article featuring Reuben and Buffalo native Stephen McKinley Henderson:
www.playbill.com/news/article/182047-August-Wilsons-American-Century-Cycle-Comes-to-Life-With-Ruben-Santiago-Hudson-Leslie-Uggamsand-Stephen-McKinley-Henderson/pg1?tsrc=hpt2.
THE FOLLOWING ALUMNI’S GRADUATION YEARS ARE UNKNOWN
(If anyone knows the graduation dates of these alumni or if they attended BAVPA, please let us know)
KEITH WHITE JR. and his sons Collin and Andrew wrote the short chaptered coloring and reading books, Andrew and the Pirates, Big Top
Andrew and Andrew and the Main Event. He will have a book signing of his five books from the Color-With-Me series for children at Dog Ears
Books, http://dogearsbookstore.org/ , October 29 at noon.
FACULTY, STAFF & FRIENDS
MARVIN ASKEW is the Executive Director of the Buffalo City Ballet. The BCB will present The Nutcracker at BAVPA in December. For more
information, go to http://www.buffalocityballet.org/
KELLY BEUTH will perform in the Brazened Faced Varlets of Some Wicked This Way Comes, opening October 10-26. For tickets and show
times, go to http://varlets.org/Current_Season.html .
SAUL ELKIN is the founder of Shakespeare in Delaware Park, http://shakespeareindelawarepark.org/, and the Jewish Repertory Theatre
of Western New York. The JRT of WNY presents A Life in the Theatre, running through October 13, www.buffalonews.com/gusto/theaterreviews/jewish-repertory-actors-are-in-great-form-but-need-more-from-mamet-in-a-life-in-theatre-20130926. For tickets and show times, go to
http://www.jewishrepertorytheatre.com/.
LORNA C. HILL is a full-time Theatre and Musical Theatre teacher at BAVPA and is the founder of UjimaTheatre. The company will present
The Gospel at Colonus, running through October 13. Here’s a Buffalo News review: http://www.buffalonews.com/gusto/theater-reviews/thegospel-at-colonus-is-a-jubilant-celebration-of-hope-faith-and-forgiveness-20130926. For tickets and show times, http://ujimatheatre.org/ .
SANDRA LEE HITCHCOCK (FOLEY) was a parent volunteer in many of the BAVPA productions during the 1980's in the Costume Department.
She is the creator of the new BAVPA Beacon newsletter header. Sandra designs graphics and websites; for more information, go to
www.warandra-productions.com/Website_Hosting_and_Design.html .
JON LEHRER is a choreographer and founder of LehrerDance. His company will perform in LehrerDance Home Season at the UB Center for
the Arts, Mainstage Theatre, October 5, 2013 at 8pm (Pre-performance talk at 7:15pm). For tickets, go to www.lehrerdance.org/ .
FORTUNATO PEZZIMENTI directed the Irish Classical Theatre Company’s Moliere comedy, School for Husbands, running through October 6.
For tickets and show times, go to http://irishclassicaltheatre.com/ . Here’s a Buffalo News review: www.buffalonews.com/gusto/theaterreviews/irish-classical-delights-with-school-for-husbands-20130919 .
JESSE SWIMM is an actor/musical theatre performer who held a musical theatre workshop at BAVPA. He’s performing in Mary Poppins at the
Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah, running through October 25. For tickets, go to https://www.tuacahn.org/online/ .
UPCOMING BAVPA EVENTS AND HIGH SCHOOL REUNION NEWS
VELMA J. COTTON (1987) is planning a reunion for 2014 and is looking for volunteers. Please contact Velma at cottonvelma@gmail if you are
interested in being a member of the committee board.
SHEILA JONES and JAY INGERSON (1987) are requesting inspirational quotes from BAVPA alumni to create a banner to display to motivate
and encourage current BAVPA students to stay in school and graduate. Send your quotes to Jay at jingerson@buffaloschools.org.
Call (716) 816-4220 or go to http://www.buffaloschools.org/Visual_PerformingArts.cfm for information regarding any of the above events. If
you would like to unsubscribe the BAVPA newsletter, please contact Ron Mangum or Russell Link at the emails in the opening paragraph
above.
The mission of the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts Foundation (BAVPA Foundation) is to enhance and to enrich student
learning opportunities by providing additional financial support to the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts High School (“Arts
Academy”). Its singular goal is to facilitate the successful transition of Arts Academy students from high school to college. The BAVPA
Foundation Board of Directors meets regularly to plan and to implement programs designed to realize this goal. BAVPA Foundation is a 501©
3 not-for-profit organization incorporated in February 2010 and it solicits contributions from the public, individuals, alumni and the business
community to fund programs at the Arts Academy. These student academic opportunities and expanding performance opportunities for
artistically gifted students are designed to give students better opportunities to pursue their music and art studies in college. For further
information about the BAVPA Foundation, please e-mail questions or comments to info@bavpa.org. The official link to the foundation is
http://bavpa.org/. The BAVPA Foundation is creating a home address mailing list for BAVPA alumni. Please email your home addresses to
KATE SULLIVAN at info@bavpa.org. They are trying to expand their database to inform more people about their accomplishments and
upcoming events.
BAVPA ALUMNI & EDUCATORS
STEVE APPLER
1981
Visual Art Teacher, Amherst High School
KAREN TOMZAK
1981
Program Director of Dance at Western Carolina
University, Cullowhee, North Carolina
DEBORAH LIPA-CIOTTA
1982
Tapestry Charter School, K-4 Dance Teacher
CAITLIN BAUMLER-COLEMAN
1984
Tapestry Charter School, K-8, Grade ½ Teacher
OMAR CARTER
1984
Arts Teacher, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
TRACEY HOLT COFIELD
1984
Principal, Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo
DONNA KERR
1984
City Honors Music, Buffalo
ARTHUR PERRY
1984
Crossing Guard and Volunteer Librarian Aid at
Clear Creek Elementary School, Kileen/Temple,
Texas
GEORGE DAVIS
1986
BAVPA Arts Vocal and Music Teacher
JAY INGERSON
1987
BAVPA Arts Theater
ROMONA THOMAS-REYNOLDS
1987
Principal, Martin Luther King, School #39
JODY COVINGTON
1988
BAVPA Principal
JOSEPH MICHAEL MAHFOUD
1989
Tapestry Charter High School, Music Teacher
ORNIECE HILL
1990
Assistant Principal, South Park High School, Buffalo
SEAN CLEMENTS
1992
Bronx, New York
DAVID PATERSON
1992
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, P.S. #22,
Queens, New York
JESSE MANK
1994
Tapestry Charter High School, English Teacher
PATRICIA ENFIELD
1996
Elementary Education
TAMMY GAGOLA
1996
Elementary Education
NICOLE JONES
1996
BAVPA Dance
ERNEST KEEN
1996
Physical Education, Rochester
LISA SANTIAGO
1996
Vocal Music
LUCY ALTIERI
1997
Visual Arts
MICHEL DEVANS
1997
Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo
TANDY GREEN
1997
Elementary Education
MATTHEW HURLEY
1998
5th Grade Teacher, Raleigh, North Carolina
MINDY LUCAS
1998
PAUL SIEKIERSKI
1999
Music
MARIA INTORRE
2000
Elementary Charter School
DENNIS YACOBUCCI
2001
Brooklyn Special Education
CHRISTOPHER RUDROFF
2002
Music