The Sierra Madre Playhouse is a tiny gem in the middle of downtown Sierra Madre. It is an intimate theatre that is home to affordable and accessible performances, that highlight a “rich diversity of cultures and genres.” The staff is warm, welcoming, and clearly connected to the community as they meet and greet everyone upon their arrival at will-call or the ticket booth. It is special place that makes you feel welcome! Each time I attend an event or performance there my heart is touched, and I find myself learning something I did not know. Today we desperately need places like Sierra Madre Playhouse that believe in “the transformative power of the arts to offer comfort, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.”
Del Atkins and his band, featuring tap dancer Channing Holmes was part of Jazz at the Playhouse, a series of evenings featuring jazz virtuosos. The program opened with Mr. Holmes on percussion. The sound of the Djembe resonated through the theatre and the crisp, clear tone of the trumpet had a plaintive quality to it. The music made me close my eyes and relax into the sound. Mongo Santamaria’s “Afro Blue” took the audience away to another place and time. At the close of the piece Del provided the context and talked about Willie Bobo motifs and influences. It was apparent that this would be a unique evening of storytelling through music and dance. We were about to embark on a journey that would take us across time, countries, and cultures.
Del Atkins – Photo courtesy of the artist.
Next stop New Orleans and Del introduced “Saints Go Marching” with a story about Louis Armstrong. Channing played tambourine, and the drummer, Stephen Theard added vocals. Every head in the audience was bobbing and weaving with the lively rhythmic feel of the song. Had there been space I think people would have jumped from their seats to dance.
“Sweet Home Chicago” found Del sharing historical information about Robert Johnson, a legendary Delta blues singer who, despite participating in only 2 recording sessions in his life, is considered one of the most influential blues artists of the 20th century. At intermission I overheard several audience members talking about Robert Johnson and the story about him selling his soul to the devil in return for his ability to play the guitar. Mr. Atkins, with his historical anecdotes made people want to know more.
Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” filled the room and the audience was finally able to see Mr. Holmes dance. The stage is small and the band, Del Atkins, Bass/Music Director, Stephen Theard, Drums/Vocals, Ricky Zahariades, Guitar/Vocals, Adam Ledbetter, Piano, Scott Mayo, Woodwinds, and Tatiana Tate, Trumpet take up most of the space. A small tap board is at the front of the stage, and it is here the Mr. Holmes creates magic. This first dance was an introduction to his movement. He pranced, posed, and turned with swagger and style. His hands caught every nuance and accent in the music. This was followed by a beautiful rendition of “La Vie En Rose” featuring the trumpet player and vocalist.
The signature hit of the Duke Ellington orchestra by Billy Strayhorn, “Take The A Train,” was next up and, no surprise, Channing was featured. This song is a staple in the tap dance community and the tap skills of Channing took off. The swagger and style remained but it was all about those fast rhythmical feet. Clean, clean, clean sounds punctuated the accents and captured the essence of the well-known A train that goes to Harlem. Paddle and roll was fast and furious chugging along like the subway. There were times when it was difficult to hear Channing’s taps because the band was so loud. I was longing for more rhythmical breaks in the music to enable every shuffle, flap, tap, heel and toe to be heard, however, both the band and the dancer were truly fierce!!!!!!
Channing Cook Holmes – Photo courtesy of Sierra Madre Playhouse.
Opening the second act was “Caldonia” a Louis Jordan hit penned in 1946, followed by “Oleo” a 1954 composition by Sonny Rollins and a short historical tale opened both numbers. “Seven Steps to Heaven,” a Miles Davis hit, was perfect for Channing to show off his musicality and tap skills. The orchestration is designed with short breaks throughout and amid each break Channing’s rapid-fire feet sounded like machine guns. It was a perfect marriage of music and dance. His upper body remained calm and cool while his feet were furiously tapping and then come to an immediate halt often complimenting the starts and stops in the music.
Next came two Del Atkins’ compositions, “Cool Man Cool” and “Peace of Mind” with continued storytelling and a revitalized, funkified version of John Coltrane’s “Equinox.” It was wonderful to see Del Atkins take center stage playing a funky bass line reminiscent of Bootsy Collins and Larry Graham. The versatility of the entire band is truly remarkable and the way they move among a multitude of musical genres is amazing. They inhabit the music with nuance and flavor and bring each genre to life. What they can do with music is what vocalist, Louis Price can do with a song, and it was a fabulous surprise for him to join the band for a song A surprise guest, he stopped the show with his rendition of the Sam Cooke classic, “A Change is Gonna Come.” Poignant, heartfelt, and moving it brought the audience to its feet in a thunderous round of applause.
The show ended with the Del Atkins composition “Grape Street” complete with a story and then an opportunity to see Channing and Del “speak” to one another in a series of improvisations with Del on bass and Channing tap, tap, tapping. It was here that the audience could really experience the relationship between these two musicians. It was akin to a vocalist creating the sounds of an instrument by scatting. Del would play a rhythm or riff, and Channing would immulate it with his feet. This was the perfect ending to a great show!
The Sierra Madre Playhouse has something for everyone. The calendar is filled with performances and events featuring an eclectic and diverse world-class artistry in an intimate setting. I encourage you to visit the website www.sierramadreplayhouse.org to see the extensive calendar that features Theatre, Music @the Playhouse, Dance @ the Playhouse, Family @ the Playhouse, and Film @ the Playhouse and select a few events to attend. You won’t regret it!
Written by Leah Bass-Baylis for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Channing Cook Holmes – Photo courtesy of Sierra Madre Playhouse.
