An Emmy-winning local jazz vocalist is committed to ensuring students have the opportunity to follow paths in the performing arts, regardless of medium.
Now 11 years after it began, an annual summer program still offers musical exposure for all ages, with an opportunity for students to test out what they’ve learned in two public concerts.
Art Correspondent Angel Idowu takes us to the West Loop for “Timeless Gifts: A Musical Revue.”
“It’s a reminder, a re-image, a tribute to some of the great iconic pieces in African American musical theater, film and TV that have appeared,” said Joan Collaso, the founder of Timeless Gifts. You’ll see excerpts from “Sarafina!”, “Porgy and Bess,” “The Wiz,” “Dream Girls,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” a Motown medley … ”
Made up of students aged 3 to 24, Timeless Gifts is a non-profit organization created by Collaso.
“It’s just that outlet,” Collaso says. “Being able to express yourself in a different way. Being able to be who you really are at some point in your life is very important. “
While the seven-week summer program offers voice and performance lessons, it also emphasizes the importance of behind-the-scenes work, while reinforcing the idea that performing arts it can be pursued both passionately and practically.
“As you get older, it’s less about fame, but more about living a living and being realistic about what life is leading us to,” says Collaso. “And yes, some people will be stars, but many earn a great living.”
Timeless Gifts participants practice musical numbers for the upcoming shows. (WTTW News)
This commitment to practicality in the performing arts extends to the relationships created as well. Christian Williams, eight years old, has been part of the program for the past five years and has found a mentor in his percussion teacher, Tony Carpenter.
“He could be the best percussion teacher I could ever have,” says Christian.
“As children learn the different parts of the instruments correctly, put them together to make a rhythm,” percussion teacher Tony Carpenter said. “I rely on Christian because he will show parties for the other students.”
It was through this understanding of rhythm through the teaching of percussion that Christian was able to apply it in his first solo to the musical experience. It was before Christian joined the program that he realized he even wanted to sing. Collaso says this is just one of the many success stories Timeless Gifts has to offer.
“Our young people, all they want to do is play music, dance, play the piano and that’s important and they can be successful,” Collaso said. “But those on the fence, it’s important for them to know that there’s a place for them as well.”
You can watch “Timeless Gifts: A Musical Revue” on Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave.
If you can’t make that show, they will have the end-of-summer showcase on August 7 at the DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th Place.
Follow Angel Idowu on Twitter: @ angelidowu3
Angel Idowu is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Correspondent for the Arts.
