Ray Smith News

The third day of the WOMADelaide Festival opened to a threatening sky.

The second day saw another warm but rather humid afternoon.

A beautiful sunny afternoon greeted the excited crowd attending the 25th WOMADelaide.

Catherine Blanch packed the German Club Lounge to capacity

On Thursday, February 16th, the Lyle O. Reitzel Contemporary Art Gallery, founded in Santo Domingo in 1995, celebrated the opening of New Yok City-based Dominican artist Scherezade Garcia's new series Memories Afloat with a private reception at its new location in the heart of the Lower East Side in Manhattan.

Many fine songs, each with a strong story line and great arrangements.

SAVOY is a live electronic rock trio from Boulder, now living in Brooklyn, consisting of DJ Gray Smith, DJ/guitarist Ben Eberdt, and drummer Mike Kelly. Their distinctive style incorporates the classic sound of rock 'n' roll into techno, dance, and bass music. Featuring live instrumentation (drums and guitar), as well as vocals from GRAMMY-nominated artist Heather Bright, SAVOY's legendary live performances have been referred to as 'one of a kind' and 'the best [show] around.'

Celebrated artists James & Jamesy reach new heights of hilarity and depths of profundity with their newest production James & Jamesy in the Dark, October 5 - 16, 2016 at the Waterfront Theatre.

Priscilla Costa is bringing her edgy, and unconventional one-woman hit, Mona Monae to the Montreal Clown Festival (Les Festival des Clowns de Montreal). This shameless and hilarious romp was a hit of the 2015 Vancouver Fringe Festival and is a brave and courageous solo bouffon show that tackles gritty material in a playful way. It's a full plate of sass with an extra side of ass.  A maniacal dance on a tightrope balanced between perversion and ecstasy, this wild ride has made past audiences howl with pleasure! Mona Monae shows October 1 and 2 at the Mainline Theatre.

Celebrated artists James & Jamesy reach new heights of hilarity and depths of profundity with their newest production James & Jamesy in the Dark, October 5 - 16, 2016 at the Waterfront Theatre.

Lycos displayed a relaxed and easy stage presence.

The main trouble with Dreamland is that it doesn't know what it wants to be. Billed as the tale of a Midwestern girl who aspires to become an actress and ends up mixing with sordid Hollywood types who show her that dreams shouldn't always come true - what happens on stage only supports this in theory.

Dreamland, a new musical conceived, written, composed by 14-time Emmy Award winner John Francis Smith with daughter Asia Ray Smith, will have its first ever "off-book" staged performances at the NoHo Arts Center Friday, June 17 at 8:00 pm; and Saturday, June 18 at 2:00 and 8:00 pm.  The production is also produced by Smith.  Robert Arnold directs, with musical direction by Christian Regul and Jake Anthony (who also serves as vocal director).

The Self-help Book, 'Daily Insights of a Change Agent' Now Available. Kirk Smith Unlimited & Associates announces the release of 'Daily Insights of a Change Agent,' the first book of the 'Change Agent Insight Series.' This is not a chapter book, it is a quick-read (60-pages), but extensive on substance and impact. Ideal for those who aspire to make positive change in the world and those engaged in social change. Helpful insights for committed and skilled teachers, leaders, executives and consultants who desire to help individuals, couples, families and organizations become stronger and of even greater value to the world. This book will help people become unlimited in their ability to realize their vision, purpose and full potential holistically. These insights will inspire learning individuals to unlock their potential and dedicate themselves to energize innovative institutions and organizations. Using the author's holistic insight and innovative principles, change agents can help their colleagues and constituents realize their tangible and intangible dreams. 'This is a self-help for individuals, couples, families, and organizations to maximize their potential. We are in need of straight shooters who aren't afraid to have the tough conversations. We have to believe that people are more capable and valuable than they're given credit for. These insights marry the sublime with the systematic, allowing for creativity and change, with a strong focus on foundation and calls to action,' says the author, Kirk Ray Smith. Copies are available on Amazon.com in paperback ($9.99 USD), and electronic versions ($6.99 USD). About the Author, Kirk Ray Smith Sr. Kirk is a published author and op-ed columnist. He serves as an Adjunct Professor for various Colleges and Universities. Specializing in leadership development, social justice, community engagement, marketing for nonprofits, organizational change, and public policy advocacy within both undergraduate and graduate studies programs. Kirk holds a Bachelor of Science of Human Services and a Master of Science of Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College. He is a nationally certified Nonprofit Organizational Leader & Leadership Development Professional. Kirk has been a senior executive level leader of non-profit organizations, motivational speaker and lecturer for over 20 years. He has been featured on numerous national and local television shows and in news publications and magazines discussing self-improvement and social change.

Daily Insights of a Change Agent; Answer the call to the cause Book Release. Kirk Smith Unlimited & Associates announces the release of Daily Insights of a Change Agent, the first book of the 'Change Agent Insight Series'. This book is a quick-read, but extensive on substance and impact. Ideal for those who aspire to make positive change in the world and those engaged in social change. Helpful insights for committed and skilled teachers, leaders, executives and consultants who desire to help individuals, families and organizations become stronger and of even greater value to the world. This book will help all people become unlimited in their ability to realize their vision, purpose and full potential holistically. These insights will inspire learning individuals to unlock their potential and dedicate themselves to energize innovative institutions and organizations. Using the author's holistic insight and innovative principles, change agents can help their colleagues and constituents realize their tangible and intangible dreams. 'This is a self-help for individuals, families, and organizations to maximize their potential. We are in need of straight shooters who aren't afraid to have the tough conversations. We have to believe that people are more capable and valuable than they're given credit for. These insights marry the sublime with the systematic, allowing for creativity and change, with a strong focus on foundation and calls to action,' says the author, Kirk Ray Smith. Copies are available on Amazon.com in paperback ($9.99 USD), and electronic versions ($6.99 USD). About the Author, Kirk Ray Smith Sr. Kirk is a published author and op-ed columnist. He serves as an Adjunct Professor for various Colleges and Universities. Specializing in leadership development, social justice, community engagement, marketing for nonprofits, organizational change, and public policy advocacy within both undergraduate and graduate studies programs. Kirk holds a Bachelor of Science of Human Services and a Master of Science of Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College. He is a certified Nonprofit Organizational Leader & Leadership Development Professional. Kirk has been a senior executive level leader of non-profit organizations, motivational speaker and lecturer for over 20 years. He has been featured on numerous national and local television shows and in news publications and magazines discussing self-improvement and social change. For more information about how to obtain a copy of Daily Insights of a Change Agent, please visit www.amazon.com (search book title w/Kirk Ray Smith). Contact Jennifer Maceo Hernandez, Publicist, at 813 397-7301, jenniferunlimited@gmail.com or Marland McWilson, Manager at 513 800-9261, marlandunlimited@gmail.com for booking, special offers and interviews with the author. Additional information about Kirk Smith Unlimited & Associates can be found on social media at www.facebook.com/kirksmithunlimited and www.twitter.com/ksunlimited.

The final day of WOMADelaide 2016 started with cooler weather, much to everyone's delight.

"There are just too many great things to see here!" complained a punter. What a wonderful problem to have.

The extraordinary diversity of music, information, play and entertainment can be quite overwhelming.

As opening nights go this was a big one and if this level of artistry, diversity and energy is going to be maintained, we are in for quite a weekend.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor is an experience rather than a band.