Othello heralds new 2 Valleys Stage season

SEELEY LAKE - Alpine Artisans' 2 Valleys Stage Performing Arts Series opens their 2018-19 season with the annual performance by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks at The Double Arrow Lodge Grounds Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. This company hails from Bozeman, Mont. and their mission is to bring professional productions of Shakespeare to both rural and underserved communities through education outreach. Their goal is to inspire creative expression and appreciation of the arts in their audiences.

For the first time in MSIP's 46 years, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will present the tragedy of "Othello" on their summer tour. "Othello" is a story of a highly esteemed general in the Venetian army, whose life and marriage are ruined by a deceitful soldier Iago. Themes of racial prejudice, deceit, love, jealousy and rage make this story eternally contemporary.

Food will be available for purchase courtesy of the Double Arrow Lodge. Bring a blanket or a chair, some warm clothes for once the sun sets and get ready for an exciting night of theater on the grounds of Double Arrow Lodge. We hope to see you there!

We also hope we will see you at the rest of the 2 Valleys Stage 2018-19 performances. Here is this season's guest artist lineup:

Rebecca Folsom – Sunday, Sept. 23 at the Swan Valley Community Hall, 3 p.m.

Rebecca Folsom is a singer and songwriter whose music is about liberation. Her songs crack open hearts, inspire hope and leave listeners with a deeper perspective. Her work has been described as music that will "knock-you-to-your-knees," and has also been described as "shining...with lush harmonies." Her poetic songs open your heart, setting free a vulnerability you didn't realize you had and invites you to embrace life with all its joy, sorrow, passion and love.

The Awea Duo – Sunday, Oct. 21 at Seeley-Swan High School, 3 p.m.

The Awea Duo, Jennifer Brimson Cooper and Mas Sugihara, is committed to promoting music for the flute and saxophone through existing works, contemporary repertoire, as well as expanding available literature for this unique instrumentation. They are recognized for their sensitivity, lyricism, fine balance and their ability to create a variety of tone colors, while having fun and bringing great energy to their performances.

UM Jazz Ensemble – Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019 at Seeley-Swan High School, 3 p.m.

The University of Montana's Jazz Ensemble has entertained in the valley before and always gives a fun and energetic performance! The performing artists are different each visit, but the ensemble always consists of the Department of Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation's finest students.

Men of Worth – Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019 at Seeley-Swan High School, 3 p.m.

Also appearing for a return visit, Scotsman Donnie Macdonald and Irishman James Keigher will perform Irish and Scottish folk music combining traditional and contemporary styles. They are not only professional musicians but are also extremely engaging and humorous. Along with their music, they share wonderfully told tales about their homelands. Together Men of Worth blend their voices with harmony and support their collection of songs with a varied selection of instruments.

Gamelan Manik Harum – Sunday, April 14th at Swan Valley School, 3 p.m.

Gamelan is the traditional ensemble music of Java and Bali. This ensemble is composed of gongs, drums, metallophones, bamboo flutes and other instruments that create a unique, beautiful and meditative sound that you will not soon forget. This Manik Harum Gamelan ensemble hails from Missoula.

In addition to being available at the Shakespeare performance, 2VS season tickets may also be purchased Sundays at the Seeley Lake Farmer's Market or online at http://www.alpineartisans.org/2valleysstage.