The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

[Guest ChgoBoy]

I have always enjoyed a fairly broad spectrum of interests in the arts during my lifetime with a special emphasis in music, film, local theater productions and street performance.

 

The "arts" are so varied and diversified and so fulfilling in and of themselves, that I thought I'd take a broader look at what and how we as an American culture define and place value on them today.

 

I thought to myself - what better place to go to for this than The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Certainly, such a historic and publicly supported institution should be able to assist me in defining art and artists, and what all that really represents and means in the collective and creative world of the arts.

 

This is what they have to say:

 

"Since their inception in 1978, the Kennedy Center Honors have redefined America's perception of its artistic legacy and reinvented the way this nation rewards its artists. The Honors have been compared to a knighthood in Britain, or the French Legion of Honor--the quintessential reward for a lifetime's endeavor.

 

At the same time, the annual addition of new names to the roster of Honors recipients charts the international standard of excellence set by America's artists, as well as the aesthetic inspiration provided by artists of other nations who have achieved prominence on these shores."

 

Wow, that's a pretty impressive view and celebration of art and it's artists.

 

They then continue to define their mission with a quote from John F. Kennedy, himself:

"I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we too, will be remembered not for our victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit."

 

-

President John F. Kennedy

 

President Kennedy’s words resonate more strongly than ever for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the 21st century. The Center, which opened on September 8, 1971, continues its efforts to fulfill President Kennedy's vision by producing and presenting an unmatched variety of theater and musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, pop, world, and folk music, and multi-media performances for all ages.

 

Every year the institution that bears President Kennedy's name brings his dream to fruition, touching the lives of millions of people through thousands of performances by the greatest artists from across America and around the world. The Center also nurtures new works and young artists, creating performances, broadcasts, and touring productions while serving the nation as a leader in arts education.

 

So, there you have it. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts defining art, artists and their collective place and importance in all of our lives.

 

It's difficult to even contemplate - if the The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts limited it's support and recognition of some artists and art forms because of a certain genre an artist might have been associated with during all, or a portion of, their professional career.

 

Using this forums posting restrictions as a guideline for that exercise, The Kennedy Center would never have recognized nor celebrated the art and joy of artists such as these:

 

Lucille Ball

Johnny Carson

Stevie Wonder

Carol Burnett

Michael Jackson

Elton John

Steve Allen

Billy Joel

Elvis Presley

Neal Diamond

Diana Ross

Barbara Streisand

Brian Wilson

The Beatles

Tina Turner

 

And this list could continue on for days on end.

 

I guess my point is, when you begin defining what art is, in an art forum, as one specific form or expression over another - you no longer have a free form discussion of it's celebration - but a suffocation and death of it, because of another's intolerance for the greater expression and celebration of it.

 

RIP Michael Jackson

[+ deej]

Somehow I doubt your dedication to the arts here.

 

As a former professional musician, I share your disdain for the narrow definition of "arts" in this forum.

 

As an admin on this board, I expect you to respect the definition of the forum itself.

 

Should you wish to see a change in the definition, write to [email protected]. Me, it's 5pm somewhere in the world so I'm going to go have a drink and think about something -- ANYTHING -- that matters.

[Guest ChgoBoy]

Somehow I doubt your dedication to the arts here.

 

"Somehow" might reflect your stagnant cyberspace knowledge of whom people on this board might actually really be. Maybe, perhaps, "Steppenwolf" might suggest otherwise to you.

 

As a former professional musician, I share your disdain for the narrow definition of "arts" in this forum.

 

Well thanks at least for that. The horn you just blew up my ass above made me feel as though you we're some sort of desperate and frustrated musician downloading apps to create your own music. Horns, strings, percussion, vocals? Which one are or were you?

 

As an admin on this board, I expect you to respect the definition of the forum itself.

 

I expect you to take care of your end of your presence and responsibility here and I'll certainly take care of mine. I don't believe that this post has caused concern for either one of us.

 

[email protected][/email].

 

The only time I'd bother Daddy with something like this, would be if I was delivering a German chocolate pecan pie to him, after hours.

 

Me, it's 5pm somewhere in the world so I'm going to go have a drink and think about something -- ANYTHING -- that matters.

 

Obviously, the free expression of art doesn't. Matter, that is.

[+ deej]

Thank you for playing.

 

If it wasn't too much of a pop reference I'd say "bye, bye, bye"

[+ nycman]

Thank you for playing.

 

If it wasn't too much of a pop reference I'd say "bye, bye, bye"

 

That "time out" button is getting an awful lot of use lately....

 

Seems like all you have to do is disagree with deej to get a "time out" these days....

 

I'm just sayin'.....maybe it's not the members who need a "time out"....

[+ deej]

That "time out" button is getting an awful lot of use lately....

 

Seems like all you have to do is disagree with deej to get a "time out" these days....

 

Really? A quick look at the timeout list reveals a whopping THREE names, two of them granted by Daddy.

 

I'm just sayin'.....maybe it's not the members who need a "time out"....

Noted. Do you really want to have this discussion in this forum?

[NYTomcat]

Agreed this is not the place for this discussion its more a lounge question.

 

Thanks for the move Deej. from arts to lounge

 

Just trying to digest the infraction that leads to the "time out". chgo can be abrasive but what was over the line? Not questioning the result or your decision, you take the burden you make the call.... but what was that, pushing deliberately outside the boundary of the topic? Sometimes that line gets pretty hazy. Both Tristan and CHGO just trying to get a handle on it.

[Guest alanm]

 

Using this forums posting restrictions as a guideline for that exercise, The Kennedy Center would never have recognized nor celebrated the art and joy of artists such as these:

 

Lucille Ball

Johnny Carson

Stevie Wonder

Carol Burnett

Michael Jackson

Elton John

Steve Allen

Billy Joel

Elvis Presley

Neal Diamond

Diana Ross

Barbara Streisand

Brian Wilson

The Beatles

Tina Turner

 

 

I understand your point, but do you realize that several performers on your list first became famous as Broadway stars (Carol Burnett, Barbra Streisand)? Lucille Ball turned to Broadway after "I Love Lucy," and might have stayed there if she had starred in a better musical and enjoyed the experience more. Elton John has written songs for several Broadway shows. I could go on, but I think you understand my point.

 

You did not do much research in puting together your list.

[+ deej]

Just trying to digest the infraction that leads to the "time out".

 

We don't discuss reasons, but it's a good bet that a "piss off" response to a direct request from management won't end well.

[NYTomcat]

We don't discuss reasons, but it's a good bet that a "piss off" response to a direct request from management won't end well.

 

Got it .... Thanks

[MsGuy]

Deej gently draws our attention to the error of our ways:

 

http://www.picdescrip.com/media/pics/pdimg_251.jpg

[+ purplekow]

Many refer to the art and science of medicine. God knows insurance companies have tried to make that art paint by numbers rather than daVinci, but I digress. While medicine may be an art, few would see a post concerning my surgeon's technique on my appendectomy as appropriately posted in the Arts Forum. That does not preclude an open and honest discussion of my appendix's exit from my abdominal cavity, but it is probably better served in the new medical forum of Daddy's message board.

[orbital sander]

I am confused...time for bed.

 

Have a nice weekend folks!!

[Guest greatness]

Have a good night sleep~~

 

U too~~~

 

I am confused...time for bed.

 

Have a nice weekend folks!!

[Guest alanm]

Thanks for moving this 'discussion' to the appropriate forum.

 

The Kennedy Center Honors have been discussed endlessly on other Internet sites. But usually the people who discuss the Kennedy Center Honors at least know who has and who has not been honored.

 

The first clue (you do not need any more clues) that ChgoBoy had a particular purpose in posting is the fact that at least three people on his list did not receive the Kennedy Center Honors.

[MsGuy]

Ouch!

 

...at least three people on his list did not receive the Kennedy Center Honors.

 

I think the soccer guys call that an "own goal."

 

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44968000/jpg/_44968178_joehart416.jpg

[+ deej]

http://www.picdescrip.com/media/pics/pdimg_251.jpg

 

I see you've been talking to some of the programmers who have worked for me over the years.