FROGTOWN LIVE! Comes To Lakewood Center For The Arts

Lakewood Theatre Company, in association with FROGTOWN, Oregon's Socially Conscious Entertainment Company, will be presenting the musical show FROGTOWN LIVE! on the Headlee Mainstage at Lakewood Center for the Arts in Lake Oswego, Oregon on Saturday, October 13 at 1:00 PM. There will be books and CDs for sale with a meet and greet book signing after the show with the cast.

The show runs a little under an hour, and is directed by Philip Pelletier and produced by Philip Pelletier and Heather Christie. Chuck Baliconis created the props, character designs are by Verne Lindner and video projections by Philip Pelletier.

About the Show: This new high-energy dance party concert takes kids on a musical journey through blues, funk, soul and pop by Emmy-winning writer/composer Philip Pelletier. An acclaimed celebration of cultural diversity, FROGTOWN comes alive through riveting live music performances featuring Portland all-stars LaRhonda Steele (2017 Best Female Vocalist - Cascade Blues Association), acclaimed vocalist Heather Christie, saxophonist Pete Petersen and Emmy award-winning writer/composer Philip Pelletier.

The performance will be on the Headlee Mainstage at Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State St. in Lake Oswego. Ticket prices are $17/adults and $12/students. Other discounts are available for groups. For additional information and tickets, call the Lakewood Box Office at (503) 635-3901 or order online at www.lakewood-center.org.

This special event is sponsored in part by the Oregon Community Foundation, and the Lake Oswego Rotary, whose support has helped Mr. Pelletier and friends share FROGTOWN'S "Diversity Through Music" program with students throughout Oregon. FROGTOWN'S wide-ranging musical canvas exposes kids to different kinds of music, from R&B, to Classical, to Hip-Hop while addressing the important issues of bullying and cultural diversity. The diverse styles of music symbolize the differences between the groups of frogs, while the pond itself acts as a metaphor for the world.

History of the production: Featured on THE GRAMMYS "Education Watch," FROGTOWN LIVE! has received rave national reviews for it's unique musical stories, including the National Gold IPPY (Independent Publisher Book Award), and the National Gold Moonbeam Children's Award, marking the first time a Northwest company has won both these prestigious children's awards. Frogtown also tours across the country, having performed for audiences of all ages.

About the Artists:

LaRhonda Steele - Vocals

LaRhonda is the 2017 and 2016 Muddy Award winner for Best Female Vocalist presented by the Cascade Blues Association. LaRhonda Steele began her musical journey in Jones, Oklahoma at age 13 singing her first solo in church one Sunday morning. She has enjoyed working with many artists, including Curtis Salgado, Norman Sylvester, Janice Marie Scroggins and Gino Vannelli Performing in Porretta Italy at the 30th annual Porretta Soul Festival, Lincoln Center with Obo Addy in 2005 and her yearly appearances at the Waterfront Blues Festivals are just a few of the highlights of her career. LaRhonda currently enjoys directing the Portland Interfaith Gospel Choir, working with B3 organist "King Louis" Pain. http://www.larhondasteele.com

Heather Christie - Vocals

Heather Christie was born singing to a family of artists, musicians & tree farmers in the Pacific Northwest. As a baby she attended her dad's rock shows under her mother's poncho. Early on she began playing in bluegrass jams, country and folk tunes, gospel sing-alongs and radio theater. Heather has written & produced three albums of her own and is a featured performer, vocalist and collaborator in the national award-winning FROGTOWN musical series. A Lilith Fair Finalist, Heather has shared the stage and recorded with A-list talents like Curtis Salgado, Linda Hornbuckle, Fred Eaglesmith, Tracy Grammer & Andy Stokes touring nationwide.

https://www.heatherchristiemusic.com

Pete Petersen - Saxophone

Pete Petersen is a saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist from the Pacific Northwest. His work has been featured on film soundtracks, national touring bands, and recordings. He has arranged and orchestrated horn sections for many musical artists, including Patrick Lamb, Ellen Whyte, Solomon Douglas, and Chris Baum. Peter has played for many nationally touring groups, from Lynyrd Skynyrd to the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra.

http://www.petepetersen.com

Philip Pelletier - Vocals / Writer / Composer

FROGTOWN LIVE! is the latest creation from Emmy Award-winning writer/producer Philip Pelletier. He has composed and directed projects for film and TV studios like Disney, Pixar, and Amblin' Entertainment. Pelletier enjoys collaborating with all kinds of talented folks, from the LA Philharmonic Orchestra to the Wille Nelson Band. His work has been featured in the NY Times, Wired, Premiere, Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and BBC World News.