Second Annual 21c Pajama Party
A Benefit for the 21c Museum Foundation
September 7
21c Museum Foundation is a nonprofit organization that operates the Galleries within
21c Museum Hotel. The Foundation relies on the Annual Pajama Party as its main source
of fundraising for the entire year. Proceeds from the party benefit the Museum's
general operating fund and allow 21c to continue to share its collection and programs
free of charge with the community and beyond.
Since our 2006 Grand Opening, 21c has hosted more than 90,000 visitors and presented
nine different exhibitions, including both regional and internationally known artists.
21c has become synonymous with the place to enjoy a well–rounded cultural
experience. In addition to a rotating exhibition program, 21c has sponsored many
Kentucky artists, including Dan Dutton in his largest exhibition to date. We also
provided a venue for a standing room only debut performance by Empujón, Louisville‘s
own off-season contemporary dance company.
Through our partnerships with other institutions in Louisville, such as the Kentucky
Center for the Arts, we have been successful in welcoming the Merce Cunningham Dance
Company to Louisville for the first time, and John Waters in his first Louisville
appearance last fall. Furthermore, 21c has been proud to become an active member
of the arts community and our neighboring art institutions by collaborating with
programs at the University of Kentucky's College of Design, and Louisville&lsquos
own grassroots programs, such as Blue Apple Players and St. George&lsquos Community
Center.
With your continued support, we hope to continue to offer an exciting program of
special events and dynamic exhibitions free to the public.
Event Activities
The activities will begin with a Sidewalk Sex Clinic from 12:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The clinic is free and open to the public, and it features adult film star and internationally
known multimedia artist Dr. Annie Sprinkle, Ph.D., along with local experts who
will offer advice about love, sex and relationships.
The evening&lsquos festivities will get underway with a cocktail pajama party on
the sidewalk at Seventh and Main beginning at 7:21 p.m., followed by a four-course
dinner created by Chef Michael Paley of Proof on Main. Immediately after dinner,
the entertainment will commence in the 21c Museum Atrium Gallery and features the
following:
- Margie Perez and The Groovy Blues—Recognized in the August
5 edition of The New York Times, the New Orleans–based Perez is a vivacious
singer-songwriter specializing in Blues, Jazz, Pop and Latin music. One of 7,000
musicians forced out of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina, she now resides in the
Musicians&lsquo Village, a cornerstone of the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity
post–Katrina rebuilding effort.
- Annie Sprinkle and Elizabeth Stephens—Annie Sprinkle, Ph.D.,
is the former prostitute/porn star turned internationally acclaimed performance
artist and sexologist. She has a new book, hot off the press; Dr. Sprinkle's Spectacular
Sex—Make Over Your Love Life, (Penguin/ Tarcher), which she dedicated to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Stephens is a trans-media artist and Associate Professor of Art at University
of California Santa Cruz. She makes Sculpture, photography and video installations.
Annie‘s evening performance will be of her Bosom Ballet, photos of which can
be seen on the walls of Proof on Main.
- Aerialist Jonathan Nosan—On fabric or rope, Nosan&lsquos
aerial acts are a vertical drama on 30 feet of fabric exhibiting breathtaking strength
and sensual grace. Powerful climbs, wraps, dynamic drops and extreme aerial contortions
make up this very unique act which finishes with a contortion spin above a "tornado"
of fabric which leaves the audience with a sense of the human potential to soar.
- Rubber Boy—Daniel Browning Smith, known as Rubber Boy, is
known for his world famous contortion act where he bends his body into unthinkable
positions. From dislocating his arms to crawl through a tennis racquet to reversing
Houdini's daring escapes, Rubber Boy presents "The Most Twisted Show on Earth."
- Futureman and the Black Mozart Ensemble—The Black Mozart
Ensemble is composed of young virtuoso violinists and cellists under the direction
of Grammy-winning musician Roy "Futureman" Wooten. The music is complemented
by the addition of hip hop artists and actors/narrators. The music of Black Mozart
has a message for the ears, eyes and moves of today&lsquos;s modern world.
- Duo Design—Dynamic and exciting, Duo Design is a strength
and hand-balancing act from Warsaw, Poland. Jaroslaw Marciniak and Dariusz Wronski
are former Polish National Hand-Balancing Champions who have competed and performed
throughout Europe and the United States.
- Ben Sollee—Born and raised in Kentucky, 23-year-old cellist
and singer Ben Sollee has marinated in traditions of Appalachian, Folk, Rhythm and
Blues and Classical music. A graduate of the University of Louisville (2006, cello
performance), Ben is developing a reputation for his fresh approach to the cello
and exciting performances. Accompanying his soulful singing and original songs is
his unique, three-finger plucking style.
- Pete Lay—Pete is in his first season with the Louisville
Ballet after having danced with the Columbus Dance Theatre, Columbus Opera, Indianapolis
Opera, and performing with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. His repertoire spans
classical ballet, opera, and musical theatre. Previously at 21c, he has been featured
with the contemporary dance group Empujón and would like to thank Kateryna
and David for their support and inspiration.
- Kateryna Sellers—Kateryna was raised in Toronto, Canada,
where she trained at Dance Teq and Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance. She attended
summer intensive programs at renowned institutions such as Juilliard and Boston
Ballet. Kateryna graduated from Butler University (Ind.) in 2005 with a B.F.A. in
dance performance. Her repertoire includes The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Sleeping
Beauty, Giselle, Coppélia, Cinderella, La Fille mal Gardée, Napoli
and Paul Taylor&lsquos Duet. This is Kateryna&lsquos second season with the Louisville
Ballet.
"Jammy" awards will be given for the best dressed pajama ensembles in
several categories. Tickets are $821 per person and may be purchased by calling
Christy Bramble at (502) 582-5000. Proceeds will benefit the 21c Museum Foundation
and its goal to continue bringing different forms of artistic expression to the
public.
In conjunction with the event and continuing through September 15, 21c is also collecting
gently used musical instruments to benefit Tipitina's Foundation based in New Orleans.
The history of the Tipitina&lsquos Foundation originates from the Tipitina&lsquos
music venue, a revered cultural icon that continues to be instrumental in the development
and promotion of New Orleans music around the world. After Hurricane Katrina devastated
the city, the Foundation adjusted its programs to contribute to rebuilding the musical
culture of New Orleans. All musical instruments will be donated to Tipitina&lsquos
Foundation for distribution among schools and musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina.
