This page contains past articles and information
GO NEWBIES
Hybrid Performance Group rounds out a successful audition!
Congratulations to all newly inducted HPG members for surviving the
rigorous five-day audition process that ended with a live street
performance of material learned just 30 minutes prior to performing.
"They looked like pros," said Robin Sanders, the organization's
artistic director. "Even the vets were shook up though after having to
learn and perform so quickly, but we have to shake it up a bit!" The
audience was none the wiser as they viewed with excitement and
anticipation. They were not disappointed. HPG along with the newbies
indeed delivered!
Hard RockCayerio livens up the crowd at Beale Street's Hard Rock Cafe.
"Encore," was their request after OLA's Cayerio exited the stage on Monday September 28, 2009 at Beale Street's Hard Rock Cafe . Beforehand, the crowdwas engaged in casual conversation and after hours socializing, but that was short lived once front man Colo took the microphone. A hush came over the room as the audience was immediately engrossed in the Cayerio Experience!
With just one guitar riff, a massive drum kick, a hard hitting bottom supplied by the bass strings, a soulful enlacement of chords from the keys, and the South meets East texture and swagged out tone of the vocals, the crowd was hooked! Cups were up and so were the dancers! If there were any conversation at this point, it was probably about the magnitude of the Experience and the price by which it came- ABSOLUTLEY FREE!
"We love what we do, and we give you a show regardless, we guarantee it," said front man Colo with a playful grin! And it's that same charisma and passion that moved the crowd and even the cooks and the hostess. Everybody in the building from front to back had a chance to "get it in," in the words of Colo. From head nods to lifted hands to buck jumping, the whole place was set ablaze with Cayerio's sound!
Meet Tierinii JacksonOLA's very own dreams big.
Tierinii Jackson came to OLA in November of 2008. The dynamic vocalist
and actress proved to be quite an amazing dancer as well. The epitome
of triple threat, the '07 Collierville High School graduate has taken
her skills on the road where she is a cast member of "Cinderella Rock"
a project written and directed by Todrick D. Hall of Oprah Winfrey's
Broadway hit "The Color Purple.
Jackson returned home for a brief stint in July after finishing out
Hall's "Oz, the Musical". While back in Collierville, Jackson was sure
to stop in Midtown for HPG's rehearsals to hone her dance skills and
share her experiences with the OLA members. Jackson indeed embodies
the OLA mentality of DREAMING BIG and making great choices so that it
becomes reality!
A Long, Intense Summer
OLA closes out an incredible season
While summer officially started in mid June, OLA got off to a fast
start on May 30th kicking off the summer series at Levitt Shell where
Hybrid Performance Group (HPG) performed a high-energy hip-hop piece!
The children flooded the stage as HPG delivered quick fancy footwork to
Watch My Feet. They tutted and sloped with shoes on their
hands, and if that were not enough, they actually ate cake and danced
to the youtube rave, Ice Cream and Cake!
June proved to be a jam packed month for OLA with June 1, 2009 marking
the start of OLA’s first ever Summer Performing Arts Camp. Counselors
and campers embarked on an eight-week artistic endeavor of dance,
drama, art, photography, recording, percussion and creative writing. From June 5-7, 2009, HPG took to Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center’s stage during New Ballet Ensemble and School’s Springloaded. There, the group performed Soul Circus, an original piece choreographed by OLA’s artistic director, Robin Sanders.
July was equally as exciting for OLA campers as they reached the
midpoint of the summer. On July 2, the campers displayed their work at
the Mid-Way Showcase where they gave a sneak peek of what was
to come by camp’s end. The audience was in for a special treat when
campers Joshua Jamison, Marquis McCrary, Kaelan Clark, Mark McGraw, and
Jeremie Lewis performed a special tribute to the late King of Pop,
Michael Jackson. The performance was nothing short of genius and
definitely brought the audience to their feet.
Following the Mid- Way Showcase,
Cayerio traveled to Arkansas during the 4th of July weekend for the
annual Bryant Fest. Families and fans danced to the band’s popular Rep One and Cups Up
just to name a few. But, it was back to work on Monday for Cayerio’s
front man and his wife. Campers and staff spent the next three weeks
in dance, drama, and percussion intensives in preparation for the OLA SLAM, the final show of the summer. Just one day before OLA SLAM, HPG had the honor of performing Soul Circus at the Peabody Place Hotel for the City Commissioner’s Luncheon on July 23. The following day at OLA SLAM,
campers and counselors led the audience on an exodus from status quo
and uniformity to a place where it was cool to be different. OLA
created a beautiful place of originality and personal uniqueness with
its DiverseCiti, a 45 minute production written and directed by
Mrs. Sanders. Campers and counselors literally danced, sang, and
played to the beat of their own drum. OLA SLAM was a success and the students were amazing.
The OLA crew took a few days off then on July 31st Cayerio and HPG
headed to Little Rock’s Wild River Country for an in-park concert
series entitled, Deep Water, where Cayerio headlined the
event. HPG led the crowd participation endeavor with their lively
presence and buoyant movement that caused the park’s swimmers and
floaters to vacate the water and join the party! Both the concert and
OLA's summer undertakings closed with a remarkable finish.
Never A Dull Moment
The OLA Crew keeps moving full speed
August was not lacking things to do for the OLA bunch. HPG dashed
from the waters of Wild River Country in Little Rock, back to Memphis'
Euphoria for a Michael Jackson tribute on August 1, 2009.
OLA directors Corey and Robin Sanders took a break from performing and
spent August 5-9 teaching and sharing with inner city youth at the
place where it all started for them, Kids Across America in Golden, MO.
Meanwhile, HPG stayed back in Memphis to deliver a stellar performance
at The Prince Tribute held at the historic New Daisy on August 8th.
The crew danced to a medley that included: Lets Go Crazy, Raspberry Baret, When Doves Cry, and I Would Die For You.
Cayerio’s front man left Golden for a brief stop in Memphis where he
scooped up the band and dropped off the family. The band then headed
towards Orlando to play YFC’s one-week camp. Cayerio had an incredible
week of worship and rocking out!
HPG did some rocking out of their own at Memphis' own Udig Jooking
Academy's Retro '80s Party held at Martial Arts on August 16, 2009.
With just drums and no track, HPG brought a different flavor to the all
jooking circle with their fused African and hip hop style. HPG was
joined by Sankofa Drum-Dance members Marcus Hurt and Sarah Generette.
The performance ended with jookers and freestylers alike blessing the
circle with innovative and astonishing movement.
Great Finish at Promise Academy
Promise
Academy students did their own rendition of Memphis music classics at
their end of the year Spring Concert. Hybrid Dance participants were
amped to be the final act of the program. "They saved the best for
last!" explained an emphatic Jasmine Bradshaw, dancer and student, to
another dancer who complained that it was "taking too long!" But,
their time finally came and they were awesome! If that were not
enough, a few of the older HPG members along with group founder,Robin
Sanders, accompanied the Promise students as they danced to a medley of
songs from Justin Timberlake and local Memphis artist, Zephaniah. The
room was charged with the energy and excitement delivered by the
group! It was a stellar performance by all of the students! We love
you Promise Academy! See you next year!
LOST
Cayerio's directions were slighty off
After
driving around Uvalde, Tx. (population 338) for over an hour, the band
finally realized the MapQuest directions were inaccurate. Actually
they should have been in Leakey, Tx which was several miles away.
After
over 14 hours of travel, Cayerio finally made it to the H. E. Butt
Foundation Campsite on May 1st where they actually drove through a
river to Singing Hills. All in all, Cayerio's time at YFC San Antonio
Camp was filled with good music, good food, and good times! The trip
was well worth the drive!
Hybrid Performance Group at the Girls Inc. SummitGroup
member Courtney Milton was in a frenzy the night of May 1, 2009, the
eve of the Girls Inc Summit, because she had yet to receive an
itinerary for the event. "Has anybody heard from Robin (OLA Artistic
director and co-founder)? She is not answering her phone and neither
is Corey(OLA Program Director and Founder)," was what the text message
read that Milton sent to out to the group. She had no clue that Corey
and Robin both members of Cayerio and Out Loud Artistry Founders had
been lost in Uvalde with no phone service-- there was no signal! Did I
mention the camp was in a valley--no coverage! Thank God for a great
lady named Angela and a $5 phone card that made it possible for Robin
to call group contact and member Quida Norris, who had it all worked
out before dawn. The group was superb and actually two hours and 45
minutes early for the show! Way to go HPG!
To find out more about Girls Inc. contact Netisha Burnett or Ariane Arnold @ 90.523.0217
Downtown Alive with Downtown Memphis Rocked!Out
Loud's Hybrid Performance Group (HPG) took to the streets of downtown
Memphis during Downtown Alive on April 23rd, 2009. Downtown's
mid-day strollers and lunch breakers, had a little curbside
entertainment where HPG performed A Story of a People a hip hop
and African fused story of tenacity, fortitude, triumph and
transformation despite adverse times. In addition, onlookers enjoyed
amazing freestyle performances.
Meet Tierinii Jackson OLA's very own dreams big.
Tierinii Jackson came to OLA in November of 2008. The dynamic vocalist
and actress proved to be quite an amazing dancer as well. The epitome
of triple threat, the '07 Collierville High School graduate has taken
her skills on the road where she is a cast member of "Cinderella Rock"
a project written and directed by Todrick D. Hall of Oprah Winfrey's
Broadway hit "The Color Purple.
Jackson returned home for a brief stint in July after finishing out
Hall's "Oz, the Musical". While back in Collierville, Jackson was sure
to stop in Midtown for HPG's rehearsals to hone her dance skills and
share her experiences with the OLA members. Jackson indeed embodies
the OLA mentality of DREAMING BIG and making great choices so that it
becomes reality!
A Long, Intense Summer
OLA closes out an incredible season
While summer officially started in mid June, OLA got off to a fast
start on May 30th kicking off the summer series at Levitt Shell where
Hybrid Performance Group (HPG) performed a high-energy hip-hop piece!
The children flooded the stage as HPG delivered quick fancy footwork to
Watch My Feet. They tutted and sloped with shoes on their
hands, and if that were not enough, they actually ate cake and danced
to the youtube rave, Ice Cream and Cake!
June proved to be a jam packed month for OLA with June 1, 2009 marking
the start of OLA’s first ever Summer Performing Arts Camp. Counselors
and campers embarked on an eight-week artistic endeavor of dance,
drama, art, photography, recording, percussion and creative writing. From June 5-7, 2009, HPG took to Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center’s stage during New Ballet Ensemble and School’s Springloaded. There, the group performed Soul Circus, an original piece choreographed by OLA’s artistic director, Robin Sanders.
July was equally as exciting for OLA campers as they reached the
midpoint of the summer. On July 2, the campers displayed their work at
the Mid-Way Showcase where they gave a sneak peek of what was
to come by camp’s end. The audience was in for a special treat when
campers Joshua Jamison, Marquis McCrary, Kaelan Clark, Mark McGraw, and
Jeremie Lewis performed a special tribute to the late King of Pop,
Michael Jackson. The performance was nothing short of genius and
definitely brought the audience to their feet.
Following the Mid- Way Showcase,
Cayerio traveled to Arkansas during the 4th of July weekend for the
annual Bryant Fest. Families and fans danced to the band’s popular Rep One and Cups Up
just to name a few. But, it was back to work on Monday for Cayerio’s
front man and his wife. Campers and staff spent the next three weeks
in dance, drama, and percussion intensives in preparation for the OLA SLAM, the final show of the summer. Just one day before OLA SLAM, HPG had the honor of performing Soul Circus at the Peabody Place Hotel for the City Commissioner’s Luncheon on July 23. The following day at OLA SLAM,
campers and counselors led the audience on an exodus from status quo
and uniformity to a place where it was cool to be different. OLA
created a beautiful place of originality and personal uniqueness with
its DiverseCiti, a 45 minute production written and directed by
Mrs. Sanders. Campers and counselors literally danced, sang, and
played to the beat of their own drum. OLA SLAM was a success and the students were amazing.
The OLA crew took a few days off then on July 31st Cayerio and HPG
headed to Little Rock’s Wild River Country for an in-park concert
series entitled, Deep Water, where Cayerio headlined the
event. HPG led the crowd participation endeavor with their lively
presence and buoyant movement that caused the park’s swimmers and
floaters to vacate the water and join the party! Both the concert and
OLA's summer undertakings closed with a remarkable finish.
Never A Dull Moment
The OLA Crew keeps moving full speed
August was not lacking things to do for the OLA bunch. HPG dashed
from the waters of Wild River Country in Little Rock, back to Memphis'
Euphoria for a Michael Jackson tribute on August 1, 2009.
OLA directors Corey and Robin Sanders took a break from performing and
spent August 5-9 teaching and sharing with inner city youth at the
place where it all started for them, Kids Across America in Golden, MO.
Meanwhile, HPG stayed back in Memphis to deliver a stellar performance
at The Prince Tribute held at the historic New Daisy on August 8th.
The crew danced to a medley that included: Lets Go Crazy, Raspberry Baret, When Doves Cry, and I Would Die For You.
Cayerio’s front man left Golden for a brief stop in Memphis where he
scooped up the band and dropped off the family. The band then headed
towards Orlando to play YFC’s one-week camp. Cayerio had an incredible
week of worship and rocking out!
HPG did some rocking out of their own at Memphis' own Udig Jooking
Academy's Retro '80s Party held at Martial Arts on August 16, 2009.
With just drums and no track, HPG brought a different flavor to the all
jooking circle with their fused African and hip hop style. HPG was
joined by Sankofa Drum-Dance members Marcus Hurt and Sarah Generette.
The performance ended with jookers and freestylers alike blessing the
circle with innovative and astonishing movement.
Past Events:
Aug. 8, 7pm; HPG @ New Daisy for PRinc Tribute
Aug. 10-15, Cayerio @ Orlando for YFC
Aug. 21st, Cayerio @ University of Arkansas at Conway
Aug. 22nd, Cayerio @ University of Georgia
Aug. 28th, Cayerio @ 5 Points in Birmingham, AL.
Aug. 29th, Cayerio @ Supper Club in Auburn, AL.
Aug. 27th, 8pm; HPG @ Euphoria
Aug. 29th, 7pm; HPG @ New Daisy for Official Michael Jackson Tribute
Sept. 6th, 8pm; Cayerio @ New Daisy for PK's All White Party
Sept. 12, Cayerio @ LSU
