Auditions will be held January 22nd-24th for the new contemporary music drama, THE BALLAD OF DOWNTOWN JAKE, created by PVCC Fine Arts Faculty Dr. Christopher Scinto (music) and Dr. Lois Roma-Deeley (book & lyrics).

Synopsis: Against the backdrop of the 1950s Civil Rights Movement, an interracial love story unfolds. THE BALLAD OF DOWNTOWN JAKE, a contemporary music drama, explores four character’s struggles with addiction, redemption, hope and one last shot at fame.

Character Breakdown:

HARRY JONES—age 45 hustler, drug dealer and addicted to power and control, Tenor.

JAKE DELMONICO—age 34 jazz saxophone great, addicted to heroin, Baritone.

JASMINE JUNE—age 52 sometime blues singer, waitress, civil rights, Mezzo-Soprano.

SUGAR BABY HAYES—Age 27 blues singer, common-law wife to Jake addicted to alcohol, heroin and grief, Soprano.

ANGEL/Woman in Red—spirit of grace and redemption, addicted to hope, Soprano.

Other speaking roles include: RICHIE—Club Owner, PAWNBROKER, CUSTOMERS IN CLUB and MUSICIANS.

Auditions are by appointment only. Please call (602) 787-6595 to schedule an audition.

The Music Department and the Commercial Music Program are pleased to announce the thirteenth edition of the Battle of the Bands. Area bands of all genres that write original music are encouraged to apply. Download an application here. See competition guidelines here. The deadline for submissions is September 24th, 2014.

Application materials can be submitted in person to the Fine & Performing Arts division secretary, located on the first floor of M-East Building, by fax at 602-787-6674, or via e-mail to Dr. Brett Reed.

For additional information about the Battle of the Bands, contact Dr. Brett Reed or by phone at 602-787-6554.

SCHEDULE FOR 2014-2015 BATTLE OF THE BANDS

September 24, 2014: Application materials due

October 4, 2014 at 12:00pm: Live Audition Round 1, CPA Outdoor Amphitheater

November - December 2014 (Date/Time TBD): Pre-production meetings with selected bands, including songwriting workshops,
copyright and publishing workshops, band photoshoot, recording studio tour and practice suggestions.

February - April 2015: Recording sessions

May 8, 2015 at 7:30pm: Battle of the Bands Winners Concert at PVCC, Center for the Performing Arts Mainstage Theater