2009/10 Season
November 2009
Arts Journalism Getty Fellows from USC Annenberg School for Communications Sasha Anawalt, Director
This residency was a survey of arts and ecology in Joshua Tree, CA
The 2009 Arts Journalism Getty Fellows included: Joshua Samuel Brown, writer and photo-journalist; Barbara Celis, reporter, blogger, and filmmaker; Kelly Klaasmeyer, editor and critic; Neda Ulaby, writer and editor, radio and print; Randall Roberts, editor and critic; and Matthew Westwood, writer and editor. During their 24-hour visit to Harrison House these fellows watched excerpts of Eva Soltes’ film Lou Harrison: A World of Music, were given an ecological tour of Joshua Tree National Park by local Biologist Pat Flannagan, visited the Lost Horse artist residency in Joshua Tree National Park; the assemblage sites of artists Bobby Furst and Noah Purifoy, and lastly introduced to Native American Cuisine with a full indigenous meal, followed by real time projections of stars and galaxies onto the Harrison House by Tom O’Key of the Joshua Tree Astronomy Arts Theater.
December 2009
Marino Formenti, Pianist
was given full access to the Harrison House Archives and coached by Eva Soltes for his performance of Lou Harrison’s ‘Piano Concerto’ with the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Formenti performed Lou Harrison’s ‘Piano Concert’ at Disney Hall with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel, Conductor. Formenti was given full use of the Harrison House Archives to acquaint himself with Harrisons’ background and music. Eva Soltes additionally coached Formenti and Dudamel on the musical interpretation of the ‘Piano Concerto’. Following Formentis’ visit to Harrison House, he wrote, “This project represents the only great marriage I know of between music and architecture since the early Italian Renaissance.”
January 2010
David Arthur Brown, Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist
Residency included a performance of original works
David Arthur Brown is the founder and lead singer and composer of the group, Brazzaville, formed in Los Angeles in 1998. He was formerly a saxophonist with Beck. Since 2003 David has been living in Barcelona, Spain and touring extensively in Europe, Russia, Turkey and beyond. His dreamy, wistful voice soaks through your soul like few can. His songs are soft and sad, and tinged with a weary sort of sex appeal—poetic, evocative and otherworldly. He his poetic output has been compared to that of Leonard Cohen. David’s residency at Harrison House gave him the opportunity to help transition his work from being the leader/composer/instrumentalist of his band Brazzaville to focusing on a solo career as a singer/songwriter. David was able to work on songs he was writing for a new solo release.
March 2010
Keith North, Assemblage Artist
Residency included creating a 10-foot tall Sun Worshipper that welcomes visitors to Harrison House
Keith North is a self-taught outsider artist from the San Francisco Bay Area with Native American roots. Keith’s art is deeply inspired by the works of Alberto Giacometti as well as his native heritage. . Keith North was inspired to create an original work for Harrison House ever since he first visited in 2005. This one-week residency was the culmination of his dream. During his residency Keith created an iconic Sun Worshipper statue for Harrison House using a combination of wood, chicken wire and concrete. It stands at the entrance to greet guests.
May 2010
Arroyo Baroque, Musicians
Residency included a performance of French Baroque music by Couperin, Philidor and Charpentier
Arroyo Baroque performs French Baroque music on replicas of 18th century instruments and strives to perform in a historically informed manner. Their “Tour de France” performance at Harrison House was a celebration of the music and traditions of some of the sites along the route of the famous French cycling competition. The members and their instruments are as follows: Jason Yoshida – Lute; Asuncion Ojeda – Transverso; Paul Sherman – Oboe; Denise Brisee – Viola da Gamba. Based in Los Angeles, the members of Arroyo Baroque teach in universities and perform with renowned early music and contemporary music ensembles nationally.
June 2010
Ted Quinn, Singer/Songwriter
A performance to celebrate the release of his songbook “Things Worth Keeping”
Ted Quinn is a former Hollywood child actor turned singer/songwriter. Ted is a driving force in the local art and music community of Joshua Tree. He is an active member of the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council and the host of “Ted Quinn’s Reality Show and Local Music Radio Program” on Joshua Tree’s 107.7 FM. Ted regularly performs and hosts events at local venues, including his signature Open Mic Night at the Joshua Tree Saloon and at Pappy and Harriett’s in Pioneer Town. Ted Quinn’s invitation to perform at Harrison House was intended to encourage him to focus on his own substantial song writing abilities — to complete his songbook “Things Worth Keeping” This was his first solo performance of his own work.
