Friday, May 31, 2019

Letter from Home - 2019 Judy Garland Festival News!



Hello Everyone!

It looks like summer is finally about to begin with warmer temperatures and lots of greenery everywhere. We are hoping the sunshine and warmth will hold out through the Festivals, but it’s always a good idea to come prepared with a jacket.  That said, we look forward to seeing all of you who can attend these wonderful events. So here we go!

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
·         The Children’s Wizard of Oz Festival
·         A Fiftieth Anniversary Message from John Fricke
·         From Gershwin to Garland: Interviews with:
-          Richard Glazier
-          Joan Ellison
·         A Message from John Fricke – Remembering Judy
·         Schedules & Links
·         The Judy Garland Birthplace Fundraiser



 The Children’s Wizard of Oz Festival – June 7th – 8th



The Children’s Wizard of Oz Festival is now a week away – Friday, June 7th and Saturday, June 8th. For further information on this event, please scroll down to our previous newsletter or visit the Children’s Discovery Museum Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/309422509763078/





From Gershwin to Garland

This program on Friday, June 21st will bring Grand Rapids two very distinguished and talented performers, whom we are honored to welcome.

RICHARD GLAZIER

Richard Glazier is an award-winning pianist, narrator, and documentary film maker. He is one of the leading authorities on American Popular Song.

Richard has visited Grand Rapids on previous occasions, always moving people with his stories and beautiful music. In between, he has had three award-winning national PBS specials and traveled the country performing with numerous symphony orchestras. His passion is, of course, the great American Songbook – songs from Broadway and films of the 20th Century.

We thought it would be nice to know more about Richard Glazier. Luckily, despite his busy schedule, yesterday he had some time and we were able to become better acquainted with this very talented man.

Judy Garland Museum:   Hello, Richard. Thank you for agreeing to “speak” with us. Our first question is where did you grow up and at what age did you begin studying piano? 
Richard Glazier:   I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana.  I have an older brother who was taking piano lessons and when I was 4 or 5, I started listening to him and watching him practice. When he finished I’d go to the piano and play what he played!  I enjoyed it so much my mother and father gave me lessons too.  I wasn’t a prodigy, just a kid who loved to play.  I remember I started playing my brother’s pieces including Beethoven’s Für Elise.

JGM:  That is fascinating. So I’d presume your early love for playing stayed with you?
Richard Glazier:  Yes. I studied from the age of 6, graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington with bachelor and master degrees in music and got my doctorate in piano performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music. 
Someone once told me, “If there’s anything other than music that you’d be happy doing as a profession, do it because music is hard and it requires a lifetime of dedication.”  Music is my life.  I’ve never done anything else.

JGM:  There are so many stories about people struggling to be artists. Your story is very inspiring. We have read that it was after watching the film "Girl Crazy" that your interest in the Gershwins first occurred. What do you think it was about George Gershwin's music that first sparked this interest?  
Richard Glazier:  It was 1971, I was 9, and I stumbled on the movie “Girl Crazy” on television.  It was the first time I’d ever seen Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney in a movie or heard Gershwin songs.  When you have stars as great as they were, singing songs as great as George and Ira Gershwin wrote, a strong impression is made!  I started asking everyone about them.  My aunt took me to the public library where I checked out every book I could find about the Gershwins and a passion grew that’s with me still, all these years later. 

JGM:   I understand you got to meet Ira Gershwin.  How did that happen?
Richard Glazier:  I learned that George had been dead for decades, but Ira was living in Beverly Hills.  My aunt suggested I write him a fan letter and I did.   I could hardly believe that he answered me.  We started writing back and forth. He was always encouraging me to keep studying and playing.  When I was 12, he invited me to come visit him in Beverly Hills.  Our meeting was wonderful and has inspired me to this day.

JG: I can only imagine what an amazing moment that must have been.  Since that time, how many people have you been able to meet related to the Gershwin legacy and Judy Garland's career?
Richard Glazier: I’ve produced and starred in three nationally broadcast PBS specials.  For them I interviewed Mickey Rooney (Judy’s co-star in 10 films); Steve Allen, a friend of Judy’s, who also appeared on her television show; David Newman (son of Alfred Newman); Lalo Schifrin, (composer of the Mission Impossible theme); Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., (actor and son of the great violinist), who was also a friend of Ira and Leonore Gershwin, and Daniel Mayer Selznick, grandson of Louis B. Mayer and son of David O. Selznick. And, there are many more.

JGM:  That’s amazing!  For those interested in attending your concert-- "From Gershwin to Garland" --- at the Reif, what should they expect?
Richard Glazier:  It’s a dazzling show with fascinating stories, sensational videos, rare home movies, film clips, great Gershwin songs and songs made famous by Judy Garland.  You’ll hear Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the Judy Garland classic, “The Man That Got Away” and many, many more wonderful songs.  There will be plenty of laughs and even a tear or two.  It has something for everyone.
I’d also like to say about the show, “Joan Ellison has Judy Garland in her heart.”  Joan, our singer has been invited by Michael Feinstein to head up the Judy Garland Carnegie Hall Concert Restoration Project. She is reconstructing all the original orchestrations that Judy sang on that historic evening in April of 1961. It’s going to be a great evening so come and celebrate Gershwin and Garland with us!

JGM:  Thank Richard. This has been a wonderful interview. We look forward to seeing you, and we’d like to add that critics have said about you, “Richard Glazier has Gershwin in his soul!”  Safe travels and we’ll see you soon!

You can learn more about Richard Glazier at:  http://www.RichardGlazier.com


JOAN ELLISON

Vocalist Joan Ellison has appeared in her one-woman Judy Garland show in theaters and with symphony orchestras across the United States. Critics have given her rave reviews. Michael Feinstein calls her a “rare combination of artist, archivist, and arranger…”
Recently, Joan took time out of her very busy schedule to chat with us.

Judy Garland Museum:   At what age did you begin singing?  And when did you know that you wanted to be a professional performer?
Joan Ellison:  By age 2 I knew I wanted to be a singer, and it was because I fell in love with Judy’s singing on The Wizard of Oz album. 

JGM:   So it seems you were led to sing Judy Garland's songs at a very early age.
Joan Ellison:    Yes!

JGM:   Where did you grow up and where do you begin your formal music education?
Joan Ellison:    I was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. College and grad school were at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio.

JGM:   Has your background been mainly in theatre, or music?
Joan Ellison:    Both, but I have more formal training in music.

JGM:   We see from your website that you are very much a musician and have transcribed more than 250 piano and vocal arrangements “note for note.” That is quite amazing.
In addition, the biography on your website (http://www.joanellison.com/about) states that you played Judy Garland in “The Boy From Oz” (a musical biography of singer/songwriter Peter Allen, Judy’s son-in-law).
 Joan Ellison:   Yes, it was at TheatreZone in Naples, Florida.

JGM:    Can you explain a bit about the work you’ve been doing to “restore” Judy’s Carnegie Hall arrangements to their former glory?
Joan Ellison:   For a couple of years now I’ve been serving as the editor of the Judy Garland Carnegie Hall Concert Restoration Project, with the Judy Garland Heirs Trust and Michael Feinstein. The goal of the project is to make all the orchestral arrangements from the concert playable again, using the original parts and manuscripts that the Trust and friends of the Trust have. Most didn’t have full conductor scores, many parts are illegible in spots, and quite a few had gone missing over the years.
The short blog post which I wrote when first asked to take on the project probably best explains the process and why the arrangements needed restoring.  http://www.joanellison.com/blog/2017/10/17/restoring-judys-carnegie-hall-concert 
These arrangements are going to get their first airing on June 23rd in New Jersey in a recreation of Judy’s 1961 Carnegie Hall Concert.  I’ll be singing in it with Lorna Luft hosting, Michael Berkowitz (Liza Minnelli’s former conductor) conducting, and three other singers:  Debbie Gravitte, Karen Mason and Gabrielle Stravelli. So it’s going to be a Judy! Judy! Judy! weekend.

JGM:   Wow! It seems like you have many careers in one, and are accomplishing so much! What are your future goals?
Joan Ellison:    To keep getting to sing the music I love for as long as possible and as often as possible!  Singing Judy Garland’s original arrangements with a full symphony orchestra is particularly thrilling. And even though Judy’s Carnegie Hall Concert arrangements are mostly restored as of last week, I hope to keep working on restoring many others that the Judy Garland Heirs Trust has original parts for and bringing them back to life.

JGM:   As your time approaches to visit Grand Rapids, what are you hoping for on this upcoming visit?
Joan Ellison:   I’m excited to meet the fellow fans who’ll be there and to visit Judy’s birthplace! I also spent summers on Lake Vermilion near Tower, Minnesota when I was a kid, and then lived in Hopkins, a suburb of Minneapolis, in the late 1990s, so it will be wonderful to return to beautiful Minnesota.

JGM:    Thank you so much, Joan, for taking time to talk with us. You certainly are amazingly multi-talented and we look forward to seeing your performance in “From Gershwin to Garland” at the Reif Performing Arts Center with the amazing Richard Glazier. It’s going to be quite a program!  We also want to thank you for all you are doing to preserve Judy’s legacy.  We’ll see you soon!

You can learn more about Joan, her work and upcoming concerts at: http://www.joanellison.com





From Gershwin to Garland
In Concert with Richard Glazier
        and Joan Ellison

Place: The Reif Performing Arts Center,
           720 NW Conifer Drive, Grand Rapids, MN
Date:  Friday, June 21, 2019
Time:  7:30 p.m.
Tickets:  $20**

** To purchase tickets, please visit the Reif website or purchase tickets directly at the box office.   https://www.reifcenter.org/event/from-gershwin-to-garland/

In addition, Richard will also be playing for the event, “Sing in Judy’s House” on Saturday, June 22nd, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.



A Message from John Fricke – Remembering Judy 50 Years Later



As I write this, it's only a couple of weeks before Judy Garland's ninety-seventh birthday anniversary on June 10th. What seems more important this year, of course, is that June 22nd marks the fiftieth anniversary of her passing – and how nice it is to be able to say that many of us will be happily celebrating her on that date . . . in her birthplace! (Please see the festival schedule below.)

Across these five decades, it’s true that no one could be more “missed” than Judy Garland, on so many levels -- and all of them uniquely her own. Yet the joyous bottom line is the fact that, for countless millions of people, Judy has never really gone away. How much she would enjoy the fact that she remains an omnipresent force (only journalistic caution prevents me from saying “THE omnipresent force”) in the history and ongoing impact of traditional, classic entertainment. Of course, she deserves no less, given the manner in which she ceaselessly and profligately shared her blessed gifts, personally and professionally. Those gifts amount to a singular amalgam of “artless artistry,” quite possibly possessed and communicated by only Judy Garland.

Countless statements and reflections about Judy, onstage and off, could be quoted here. One of the presentations in Grand Rapids in June, however, will consist of such comments and anecdotes, detailing Judy’s impact on coworkers, friends, fans, and strangers – both during her lifetime and since then.


Thus, it’s with great pleasure that we will gather next month to herald someone who was chronologically acknowledged – across her brief lifetime – as “the little girl with the big voice,” “MGM’s greatest asset,” “Miss Show Business,” and finally, the “world’s greatest entertainer.” How perfect it is that, in retrospect, we may proudly recognize that she has relinquished none of those titles; that no one has come to take her place. 

To reiterate some of the foregoing verbiage: It’s a joyous, happy, celebratory, blessed emotion to respond to, enjoy, and cherish Judy Garland.

The following is a list events that will be presented by John Fricke at the 2019 Judy Garland Festival.  For a complete list of events, please visit our website: http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com/festivals/judy-garland-festival-2019



Thursday, June 20th
3:00-4:00 p.m. – With a Laugh and a Smile and a Song: Judy and Jack Paar
                           Introduction by John Fricke

Friday, June 21st
1:00-2:45 p.m. – Judy in the Movies by John Fricke
3:30–4:45 p.m. – Powerful, Sincere, Fragile, Triumphant, Joyous, Iconic,
                            Legendary – by John Fricke

Saturday, June 22nd
10:30–11:45 a.m. – Judy in Concert
     
Purchase your tickets from our website, by phone or in person.


Rescuing the Judy Garland Birthplace

As most of you know, we have set up a GoFundMePage in order to raise money for Judy Garland Birthplace repairs. With the melting of the snow, we’ve been able to get in closer to inspect outside conditions and are aware that the situation is urgent. The home simply cannot wait another winter for repairs.

Our fundraising has stalled at $437. But with our situation urgent we are searching for other ways to raise money. We posted some of our best pictures of the house but will be posting more recent ones soon. Please keep us in mind for donations, spreading the word and any other ideas you may have, including donated labor.




Monday, May 13, 2019

Judy Garland Letter from Home - Children's Oz Fest & Grand Rapids News


Happy spring! It’s finally warming up and now there’s only ONE MONTH until our first of two June Festivals. It’s time to get the news out to you.

In addition, of late Grand Rapids is bustling with activity, so we thought we’d catch up with some of the news for when you come to town.

This issue contains:

·           *  Fundraiser to Preserve the Judy Garland House
·            * The Children’s Wizard of Oz Festival
·           * The Sawmill Lot
·          *  New Brew Pub Next to the Former Grand
·          *  Grand Rapids Mall
·          *  The Judy Garland Festival


Fundraiser to Preserve the Judy Garland House

Storm window in need of replacing

Our fundraiser on the GoFundMe page continues. Recently we did some research on costs. The replacement of storm windows will cost between $150 and $300 per window. As of now we have raised $437 on the GoFundMe page. Other funds may be coming in the form of checks. During the next month we will continue to advertise our fundraising efforts. Please spread the word.

https://www.gofundme.com/zqfgx-a-cause-i-care-about-needs-help/?viewcontent=201467610&utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&utm_content=cta_button&utm_campaign=upd_n

















The Children’s Wizard of Oz Festival



The Children’s Wizard of Oz Festival is slated for Friday, June 7th from 5:30 –  8:30pm and Saturday, June 8th, 2019 from 10:30 am – 8:30 pm.

Please note: Some of these events are taking place at different locations.

Friday, June 7, 2019
The Reif Center, 720 NW Conifer Drive, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

5:30pm – 6:50 pm - Wash N Brush Up Salon

Get “gussied up” for The Wizard of Oz play – with face painting, hair braiding & Oz glitter tattoos. For TICKET HOLDERS ONLY.


7:00 – 8:30 - The Wizard of Oz Young Performers Edition  
See The Wizard of Oz play LIVE – performed by Young at Art students! Last year’s shows got rave reviews. This year they will be performed on the big stage! Don't miss it!


Saturday, June 8, 2019

10:30 am - Grand Rapids Public Library – FREE!
Join the Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion for a reading of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” from the Commemorative Pop-Up Book! Lots of fun and laughs!


Judy Garland/Children’s Discovery Museum
11:00 am – 2:00 pm – Kids Activity Day

Lots of fun things to do...
Games & Crafts! 
Take you picture with Oz characters!
Visit the garden turned into The Land of Oz!

2:00 pm – SHOWING of the Classic Movie - “The Wizard of Oz” staring Judy Garland

Art Room – Bring a blanket or pillow to get comfy.

FREE popcorn and lemonade!


The Reif Center (same as Friday)
5:30pm – 6:50 pm - Wash N Brush Up Salon

Get “gussied up” for The Wizard of Oz play – with face painting, hair braiding & Oz glitter tattoos. For TICKET HOLDERS ONLY.

7:00 – 8:30 - The Wizard of Oz Young Performers Edition  
See The Wizard of Oz play LIVE – performed by Young at Art students! Last year’s shows got rave reviews. This year the performances will take place on the big stage! Don't miss it!

 For further information, please visit the Children's Discovery Museum site. 

http://www.cdmkids.org/wizard_of_oz_festival.html


The Sawmill Lot

April saw the razing of the old Sawmill Hotel and Restaurant and the clearing of all, including the historic sign.  It appears that in the next few weeks they may start building. We expect by the end of June, passersby may get some glimpse of the front layout. Now there is simply a curved green hill.



First building down-
the original New Grand
The New Brew Pub by the Former New Grand

As many of you know, two years ago there was quite a stir when it was announced that some of the buildings   and site of Judy Garland, aka Baby Gumm’s stage debut in 1924).

In 1931, the New Grand – then considered too small and old for the area – was closed and the new Rialto Theatre next door opened. Since that time, the New Grand has been used as an office building. The Rialto stopped showing movies some the 1980s.

In 1938, when Judy and her mother Ethel Gumm came to town, Judy appeared on the Rialto stage and spoke to the locals. MGM would not allow her to sing at that time.
The old Rialto Theatre - soon to be the Rapids Brew Pub
will have a side entrance and outdoor summer seating.
There will also be a back entry
off the parking lot. See the
former New Grand to the left.
With three buildings torn down to make way for new brew pub, in the last months the theater has been secured and sealed on Pokegama Avenue. A new entry with overhang has been built as a side entrance into the theatre which will now serve as a dining room and bar.

The back of the building will have a kitchen with pizza ovens and an additional entrance. We are told that inside there is an older mural of Marilyn Monroe which is being restored and preserved. In the area between the theatre site and the Pokegama Hotel (now apartments and Saw Florist), there will be outdoor seating.

It should be a very nice place which some historic significance preserved for atmosphere.


The Grand Rapids Mall

The Central Square Mall, opposite the Old Central School, has recently undergone a revitalization with some shops that may be of interest to our visitors.

The book/gift store is always good to explore. Clara’s Cupboard has recently relocated to the mall. Clara’s is an antique store with a wide variety of unique items. Recently, we were informed by a visitor that they found some rare movie collectibles there, so be sure to explore it.

Another new addition you won’t want to miss is Sweet Amelia’s Cupcakery. Local business owner has shops in a number of locations but recently decided she’d like to have a shop close to home.

The Mall, which was nearly empty, is now nearly full, so there should be plenty of unique places to explore in between spending time at the Judy Garland Museum!

In addition, we just receive news that the old K-Mart building on Pokegama Avenue is being torn down, so who knows what other surprising stores may pop up in our area!


Judy Garland Festival Coming Up

Just a reminder – the Judy Garland Festival will take place this year from Thursday, June 20 thru Saturday, June 22, 2019.

The schedule is posted on previous Letters from Home as well as the Judy Garland Museum site where you can purchase tickets. http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com  You may also purchase tickets over the phone: 218-326-1900 or by mail: Judy Garland Museum, P.O. Box 724, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.

We’ll see you soon!

Fred Astaire, Peter Lawford and Judy in Easter Parade