Smithsonian Week Headliners Feature Wheels, Reels and High Steppin' Heels in Weeklong "On the Move" Events

Long Beach, CA, February 14, 2006 --(PR.com)-- During Smithsonian Week in Long Beach, now in its seventh year, three renowned Smithsonian Institute Scholars will be featured guests of the Arts Council for Long Beach. The week-long celebration of in-school presentations, free community events, lectures, workshops, receptions and activities will focus on sharing the wonders of the 2006 scholars’ expertise in film, dance and car culture.

The City of Long Beach is the only city in the nation to be a Smithsonian Affiliate. In 2005 more than 3,000 children at 23 Long Beach-area schools enjoyed scholar presentations, and thousands of people attended day and evening community events—free of charge.

The following events will be held during Smithsonian Week in Long Beach:

Swing Time
Sunday, March 5, 2006, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Martha B. Knoebel Dance Theatre, CSULB

Film historian Max Alvarez and actors from Musical Theatre West will lead a “tour” of Hollywood musical history. Mr. Alvarez will enlighten the audience with a discussion of the genre’s history and clips from some of Hollywood’s most important and enduring musicals.

Grand Exits: Gala Reception and Dinner
Monday, March 6, 2006, 5:30 pm,VIP Reception;
6:30 pm, Ballroom Doors Open
Renaissance Long Beach Hotel Ballroom

Honor outgoing Mayor Beverly O’Neill (Mayor of Long Beach and President of the U.S. Council of Mayors) in Smithsonian Week’s only fee-based event. This black-tie gala celebrates Mayor O’Neill’s contributions to the city’s arts and culture. The scene is set in the elegant Renaissance Hotel Ballroom on historic Ocean Boulevard, where eminent film scholar Max Alvarez will present a unique collage of grand exits from film archives and contemporary notables.

Percussive Dance Master Class presented by Footworks
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
Location TBD

The internationally renowned Footworks troupe of dancers take 50 fortunate dance students and puts them through the paces of percussive dance. A master class that both serious and recreational dancers will not want to miss!

Animation Exposed
Wednesday, March 8, 2006, 6:30-8:30 pm
Long Beach Performing Arts Center, Center Theater

Animation secrets exposed from the creation of Mickey Mouse to the unlikely contemporary hero, Homer Simpson. The revelations of animation will be exposed by Smithsonian Film Scholar Max Alvarez.

Incredible Feets Dance Revue
Thursday, March 9, 2006,
Long Beach Scottish Rite Cathedral

Incredible Feets celebrates the world of percussive dance in a music and dance revue. Featured are traditional step dances from Ireland, England, South Africa, Canada and the American South. This full-scale production also includes hamboning, hoofin’ and early jazz tap.

CarARTS: America’s Love Affair with Cars, and
“CART” Public Arts performance
Saturday, March 11, programs at 2 pm and 4 pm, Westin Hotel
Public Art and “CART” performance from 6 to 8 pm,
On First and Linden in downtown Long Beach.

Downtown Long Beach vibrates with the sights, sounds and excitement surrounding the Arts Council’s Smithsonian Week car culture event, CarARTS—America’s Love Affair with Cars. William Withuhn, car culture and transportation scholar will showcase two car culture programs followed by guided tours of the “tricked out” cars on display.

CarARTS is followed by a temporary public arts performance event in collaboration with FLOOD producing a two hour temporary public art installation combining cars, sound, and music composed exclusively for this event, and performance art/theater to tell a story of the unexpected ways cars have become a personal part of our lives through the decades. The finale will present a composition of lights and sound coming from car stereos that will create the world’s largest car stereo. This collaborative artwork will utilize up to 60 cars and include six 15 minute performances featuring Renaissance High School dancers, Garage Theater, and Long Beach artists.

All events, except Monday evening’s Gala, are free to the public! Reservations are requested for all events! Call 562-432-5100, ext. 230 or visit www.smithsonianweek.com for details.

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