Mr Sun records and performs a new interpretation of Ellington’s legendary Nutcracker Suite.
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite contains some of the most beloved and familiar melodies in the Western world.
Mr Sun has seized upon the inspiration of Duke Ellington’s brilliant, sly, & urbane re-interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Suite as an opportunity to salute and re-invent this wildly multi-faceted work anew through the lens of the American String Band, a musical form which contains myriad styles and is presently engaged in a marathon upheaval of innovation and expansion.
On Mr Sun’s new recording, the pieces of the Suite range from close interpretations of Billy Strayhorn’s original charts to intense extrapolations based on the spirit of the material.
On the recording, Mr Sun generally played original improvised solos, though some crucial musical statements by giants such as Johnny Hodges and Paul Gonsalves were transcribed directly and played in their spirit. Most of Strayhorn’s startling original horn voicings have been preserved in bowed strings, with multi-mandolin parts adding a punchy edge.
There is one new additional piece, drawn directly from Tchaikovsky’s Ballet, setting three themes in classic “Dawg Music” format. The Russian Dance is now hilariously full-on Bluegrass with banjo guest Alison Brown while still using the spy-movie intros, outros, and background lines of Strayhorn’s original. Dobro King Jerry Douglas interprets an iconic Lawrence Brown trombone solo on Dance Of The Floreadores, now re-titled “(don’t) Walk On The Flowers”.
Adventure is for everyone – you don’t have to be a cyclist to enjoy these journeys featuring people young and old, in the USA and abroad! We’ll be sharing an evening of short films and good company that will delight and inspire any attendee.
6:00 PM Social Hour
7:00 PM films begin
Show information link: https://ciclismoclassico.com/filmfest
Each ticket includes one free entry into our fantastic prize drawing of gift certificates, bike jerseys, and more!
This show is a benefit for One Longfellow Square. A portion of festival proceeds also goes to the nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association.
Additional sponsorship support proudly added by Cyclemania
Our 2023 Featured Films!
- Kanymda Kuniss (Jérémie Reuiller, France, 29 min) They say the biking is just a pretext. An excuse to open doors and open minds. Following Fred Horny through Kyrgyzstan from Bishkek to Lenin Peak, Kanymda Kumiss is more than a mountain bike movie. It’s an adventure. While descending rapid rivers in his pack raft, sharing times with nomads, and observing the 30th anniversary of Kyrgyz independence, Fred does much more than ride.
- The Mountains Do Not Care (Nate Northey, Massachusetts, 4 min) The story of two friends who turned a far-off dream into reality: to cycle the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. They hope this short film inspires you to go on an adventure, no matter how big or small. It’s not about comparing, it’s about experiencing it for yourself.
- The Film You Wanted Me To Make (Anja Masling, The Netherlands, 4 min) A short portrait of Konrad, an elderly man who suffers from Parkinson’s disease. Although the filmmaker wanted to make a film about his condition, he gets carried away by his love for cycling, realizing that this passion matters much more to him than talking about his disease.
- The Heart of Scotland (Rachel Sarah & Stephen Reid, United Kingdom, 24 min) This film gives an insight into Andrew Paddison’s life and his experiences both off and on the bike as we follow Andrew and his team as they tackle 1,000 miles in just 10 days around the Highlands of Scotland. With mechanicals, wrong turns, classic Scottish rain (it’s wetter than normal rain), and 60,000 feet of climbing, this challenge tests Andrew’s determination and his capacity for hard riding day after day.
- Annapurna: Not as Planned (Mick Turnbull, Australia, 13 min) GRAND JURY AWARD WINNER. In October 2022, Mick Turnbull and Danielle O’Hara set off to ride their bikes around the Annapurna Circuit in Central Nepal. But despite all the planning and preparation, things didn’t go according to plan!
- The Delight Alone (Hannah Griggs, Georgia, USA, 3 min) This expressive piece touches on the sense of vulnerability, aloneness, and delight that Hannah experiences while bikepacking in the woods of rural South Carolina with two friends.
- Generational Tales: A Daughter’s Father (Marvin Beranek, Germany, 22 min) Ulirch Wernsing hadn’t slept in a tent since his teenage years but was inspired to give bikepacking a try after hearing the adventures of his daughter Franzi’s extensive bicycle travels throughout the world. Lured by promises of pizza, wine, and ice cream along the way, Ulrich set off from the starting line with Franzi as his coach, full of nervous excitement.
- The Truth and Dignity Project (Will Truettner, California, USA, 7 min) On July 24th, Erick Cedeño, aka Bicycle Nomad, crossed into St. Louis, Missouri, after spending 41 days in the saddle: The 1900-mile journey born of a commitment to bring truth and dignity to an oft-forgotten part of history. Erick’s ride serves as not only an invitation to learn the story but also a means of paying homage to the Buffalo Soldiers’ 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps by reliving their history.
“I look forward to these films almost more than any other event I attend. What people accomplish on their bikes is incredible and inspiring! The first one was literally unbelievable. Beyond breathtaking. Just the kind I’ve come to count on you to show. Will start bringing friends! The father daughter one was so sweet. You made great choices. I’ve been biking every day since. That’s why I come – to get me back out in Spring. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into it!”
- ADVANCE PURCHASE: $20
- AT THE DOOR: $25, $15 seniors & students
- All tickets will incur an additional $4.50 surcharge.
- MEMBERS: Please click here to ensure you are logged in so your discount is reflected above and applied at checkout.
- All surcharges and member discounts will be calculated at checkout.
- Click Here to learn how our ticket surcharge supports OLS.
This year the Portland Jazz Orchestra’s Holiday Show promises to be a swinging time! Reinterpreted from Tchaikovsky’s ballet, The Nutcracker, the PJO will be performing the classic Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn composition, The Nutcracker Suite. In addition to this wonderful holiday composition, the PJO will also be performing more contemporary holiday big band classics while featuring powerhouse vocalist, Katie Oberholtzer! This annual beloved holiday show at One Longfellow Square promises to be a fun-filled, swinging affair!
- ADVANCE PURCHASE: $20
- AT THE DOOR: $25, $15 seniors & students
- All tickets will incur an additional $4.50 surcharge.
- MEMBERS: Please click here to ensure you are logged in so your discount is reflected above and applied at checkout.
- All surcharges and member discounts will be calculated at checkout.
- Click Here to learn how our ticket surcharge supports OLS.
This year the Portland Jazz Orchestra’s Holiday Show promises to be a swinging time! Reinterpreted from Tchaikovsky’s ballet, The Nutcracker, the PJO will be performing the classic Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn composition, The Nutcracker Suite. In addition to this wonderful holiday composition, the PJO will also be performing more contemporary holiday big band classics while featuring powerhouse vocalist, Katie Oberholtzer! This annual beloved holiday show at One Longfellow Square promises to be a fun-filled, swinging affair!
Join the Rock My Soul choir and band (complete with horns!) for a spirit-soaring evening of R&B, pop, soul, and doo-wop flavored arrangements of Christmas carols and popular holiday favorites. Numbers range from high-energy, emotionally charged arrangements of familiar songs such as “Joy to the World” and “Jesus, O What a Wonderful Child” to the less familiar but no less inspiring “Hey, Skinny Santa” and “Behold That Star.” In contrast, introspective carols such as “O Holy Night” and a Temptations arrangement of “Silent Night,” along with an Eartha Kitt-influenced version of “Santa Baby” will also be performed. A magical and uplifting night for the entire family!
Hailing from southern Maine, Rock My Soul has performed to packed venues in New England since 2004. They’ve performed on TV shows such as NH Chronicle and 207, on radio programs such as Maine Things Considered, and one of their songs was featured in a PBS documentary entitled Freedom Songs: Music of the Civil Rights Movement. Their holiday shows have become such an audience favorite that families make it a tradition to come year after year. This is not one to miss!
Please note: This show is standing room only for dancing. Coat check will be available.
CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE IN HAVANA-STYLE!
Join us for a sizzling New Year’s Eve Dance Party featuring the vibrant rhythms of Primo Cubano, masters of traditional Cuban dance music. Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying sounds of Cuba right here at One Longfellow Square!
The Evening will include:
Live Performance by Primo Cubano: Let the pulsating beats transport you to the heart of Havana as Primo Cubano takes the stage, promising an unforgettable night of music and dancing. Primo Cubano have the honor of being invited to the 2024 Havana Jazz Festival. It is a recognition of their exceptional talent and contribution to traditional Cuban music.
Dance Lesson: Don’t worry if you’re not a salsa pro! We’ve got you covered with a pre-party dance lesson to get your feet moving to the sultry Cuban sounds.
Chocolate Fountain and Dessert Delights: Satisfy your sweet tooth with our exquisite dessert spread featuring a decadent chocolate fountain and a variety of delectable treats for dipping.
Bubbly Toast: Raise your glass and toast to the new year as the clock strikes midnight. Our bubbly toast promises to add a touch of elegance and festivity to the night.
Complimentary Parking: Your convenience matters to us. We’re offering parking so you can arrive stress-free and enjoy the evening without any hassle.
Bring your dancing shoes and your best moves as we bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new one with a night of lively music, dance, and joy. This is a party you won’t want to miss!
Dress Code: Cuban-inspired attire. Get your tickets now for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience. Let’s ring in the New Year with a salsa beat and the spirit of Havana. See you there!
Primo Cubano plays traditional Cuban dance music called “SON” dating back to the turn of the 20th Century.
The band was formed in 2007 by founder, Paul D’Alessio after an inspiring artist exchange trip to Trinidad De Cuba run by Brunswick/Trinidad Sister City Association first brought him into contact with the Son music and the local Cuban musicians who still play it.
Son is the most popular style to come out of Cuba and is the primary contributor to the blend of Latin styles today known as Salsa. It was first a music of the country people and eventually migrated to Havana, where it was urbanized and began to draw a wider audience.
Primo Cubano consists of Paul D’Alessio on Tres Cubano and vocals, Marc Chillemi on Trumpet, percussion and vocals, Lenny Hatch on Congas, Bongo and Bell, Duane Edwards on Upright Bass, and Eric Winter on Timbales, percussion and vocals.
Primo Cubano interprets the classic Son Cubano with affinity, appreciation and inspiration bringing this vibrant music to life for audiences in Maine and beyond.