It has been pure pleasure writing this column for the summer. Special thanks to the Aspen Daily News for understanding that there's an entire life backstage.
And, thanks to all who shared their stories:
Katie Dehler and Sam Chittenden from Aspen Santa Fe Ballet were the stars of the first column, "A Dancer's Day." Their love of ballet, the fabulous choreographers whose works they bring to life on stage and their joy of being true Aspenites who love to perform is a real cultural contribution.
Next I learned how Bobby Mason, the voice of Audrey II in Theatre Aspen's "Little Shop of Horrors," has added theater to his resume. What a man of many talents. Aspen is so fortunate to have Bobby has one of its terrific musicians who has now branched out to theater.
Aspen Historical Society's new faces Nina Gabianelli and Michael Monroney explained their love of sharing Aspen History with our guests as well as some exciting new opportunities. The History Coach is a welcome addition to share Aspen's rich history with our guests. So keep your eyes open for some exciting new endeavors at the Aspen Historical Society.
In "Where Does the Music Come From," we learned how the Aspen Music Festival librarians keep track of all the music for those outstanding concerts we've all enjoyed this summer. With more than 750 students who all require the use of the librarians, this is a very busy part of the Aspen Music Festival and School.
So you think you might want to be a writer? If so, consider spending an evening with the Aspen Writers' Foundation's Tuesday writers' group. This collection of aspiring and accomplished writers are a terrific resource. When the group meets each Tuesday evening, they all provide feedback to writers who present portions of their writings.
The famous Snowmass Thursday Night Fanny Hill Concerts provided the next story. Josh Berhman, and his hippie-style green room, is an interesting guy and lover of music. His crew keeps all the performers relaxed and returning to Snowmass to thrill the crowds. Ask him about being paid to wear a suit in New York.
The "Music Movers" (my favorite title) was about the 100-person stage crew that is responsible for the set-up of some 2,000 weekly Aspen Music Festival and School events. In addition to the students and outstanding faculty, terrific management opportunities and hands-on experience in producing concerts, makes Aspen a real learning summer for these stage crew personnel.
Spellbinders shared the art of storytelling with us. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, 27 trained storytellers made 5,500 valley school children smile this year.
Hopefully "Backstage" will return in the winter sharing some more interesting stories of our fabulously talented valley. Thanks for the opportunity.
