Studio at Colton Theatre

[Candy Girl]

Hello,

I've never been to this venue before. Has anyone been there?
How's the venue and the neighborhood?

Thanks!

CG

[Belle]

Hello,

I've never been to this venue before. Has anyone been there?
How's the venue and the neighborhood?

Thanks!

CG

Brand new. Some members have been there and posted their glowing recommendations but I dont do searches well to show it.

[Belle]

Candy Girl

Found this discussion

http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/showthread.php?p=232568&highlight=colton+theater#post232568

[papafrog]

Default COLTON
I just came from a poetry slam at colton...i spend alot of time
there,ad i teach african drumming to kids there after school as well..
there will be at least 2 rooms of music,...the main auditorium,
which seats about 1,000, and in front of the stage about 200 seats
have been removed for dancing space...its an old funky school...
in a smaller room next to the stage there will be 2 or 3 other bands
per nite as well...there will be bars with alcohol in several places..
food...etc......i think its the best place in town for live music...
its also an artist colony so there will be alot of art work, sculture,
etc....and we are talking about very new orleans , bohemian art work...
backbeat is producing all of the jazzfest shows...however after jazzfest
we will be doing alot of our own shows.......
theres a chance i might be performing second saturday around 9:30
with a great african artist Morikeba Kouyate in the smaller room..
also that nite Paul Sanchez is performing...in the main room
its Medeski, Martin and Wood.....and since John Scofield is in town
you never know...he might show up....all six nites look great...
http://www.backbeatpresents.com/artist_info.htm


Studio at Colton Theater: 2300 Saint Claude Avenue New Orleans, LA www.studioatcolton.org

Thur. Apr. 23
$25/7:30pm

Roots of Music All Star Benefit featuring Roots of Music Crusaders
Big Sam, Troy Andrews and many special guests to be announced! The Roots of Music is a music education program for middle-school students in New Orleans. The program is run by Program Director Derrick Tabb of The Rebirth Brass Band, Band Director Lawrence Rawlins, and Instructors Shoan Ruffin, Allen Dejan, and Edward Lee. Derrick Tabb, The Rebirth Brass Band, and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews are founders. This benefit featuring the Roots of Music Crusaders marching band is sure to bring out local artists and performers to support this incredible cause – and what better way to show your support than by getting down to some uniquely New Orleans funk!


Sat. Apr. 25
$20/9pm

Big Sam’s Funky Nation / Grupo Fantasma / Brownout! / Soul Rebels Brass Band This lineup at the Colton represents an almost unprecedented combination of earth-shaking grooves, blaring horns, and raw funk power. – Presiding over his Funky Nation is Big Sam, a big man who blows the funk out of his trombone and refuses to let the audience sit still; and a talented group of jazz-trained musicians makes up the Funky Nation themselves, bringing with them the improv-style associated with jazz and the horn-heavy front section that's the hallmark of big band funk. Grupo Fantasma are undoubtedly the finest and funkiest latin orchestra to come out of the United States in the last decade, so says no less than The Purple One himself, Prince. The band has served as Prince’s backup band at several high profile events, including the CBS Superbowl Bash, and with each of their releases they have become even more adventurous, mixing styles in ways that are unexpected but ruled by the groove. Brownout!, a band of "party rocking legends," originates from the same tequila soaked border town explosion that originated the highly acclaimed latin powerhouse Grupo Fantasma, and they are known for performing the nastiest latin funk music out today. Now, imagine blending the sounds of Mardi Gras funk, soft rock, and reggae so seemingly it defies category. Shrink that idea into a seven-piece ensemble, add a hip hop sensibility plus a hundred years of New Orleans jazz tradition, and you’ll get the Louisiana sound known as the Soul Rebels.


Thur. Apr. 30
$20/10pm

Bonerama / The Midnite Disturbers featuring Stanton Moore & Ben Ellman;
Troy Andrews; Big Sam; Mark Mullins; Shamar Allen; Matt Perrine; Kevin O'day
When Bonerama struts onstage with its four-trombone frontline, you can guess it’s not quite like any rock ’n’ roll band you’ve seen. And when they tear into some vintage New Orleans funk, there’s no questioning from which city these guys hail. They can evoke vintage funk, classic rock and free improvisation in the same set; maybe even the same song, and Bonerama has been repeatedly recognized by Rolling Stone, hailed as “the ultimate in brass balls” (2005) and praised for their “…crushing ensemble riffing, human-feedback shrieks and wah-wah growls.” The Midnite Disturbers are an all-star brass band assembled by drummers Stanton Moore of Galactic and Kevin O'Day – and what an all-star lineup it is. The sprawling ensemble boasts the most diverse and unlikely resume of any brass band in town, yet their authenticity is indisputable. From the incredible names on the roster to the chants of "oo-na-nay" and "handa wanda yo mama," the Midnite Disturbers are true down and dirty New Orleans.

Fri. May 1
$25/10pm

Soulive with the Shady Horns & Russell Gunn and special guest Nigel Hall, plus
The Benevento/Russo Duo with Special Guests TBA
Since forming Soulive in 1999, guitarist Eric Krasno, organist Neal Evans and drummer Alan Evans have developed a reputation as one of the most sought after instrumental soul-funk trios around, a hard-touring live act that's thrown down everywhere from small rock clubs to opening arena shows for the Rolling Stones. The Benevento/Russo Duo formed in 2002 when Russo was offered a Thursday night residency at New York City's Knitting Factory. He enlisted childhood chum Marco Benevento and the two performed as an organ and drum combo for $50 each. With hardly any written material at first, the band made a virtue out of necessity by converting loose sketches into 20-minute improvisations. From the very beginning, the group proved that they could also handle instrumental revisions of Led Zeppelin or Radiohead songs with equal skill and audacity. They are an indie-rock band that jams. They are a jazz-combo that rocks.


Sat. May 2
$35/10pm

Medeski Martin and Wood w/ DJ Logic
Keyboardist John Medeski, drummer Billy Martin, and bassist Chris Wood have made improvisation their language – how they communicate with one another and how they communicate with an audience. Their genius for making even the most sophisticated rhythmic and harmonic ideas instantly relatable to their listeners, via long-honed group empathy and individual precision, is balanced by an uncanny knack for imparting the simplest statements with a profound resonance and clarity. In concert they spontaneously shape ideas, each performance marking the start of a journey whose destination is unknown even to them.


Sat. May 2
$20/2am
(Late Show)
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue w/ DJ Logic
Orleans Avenue is Troy “Trombone Short” Andrews’ funk/pop/hip-hop project alongside musicians who, like Andrews, are young in years only. A junior virtuoso and popular entertainer by the time he entered grade school, Troy was honored by having a Treme´ neighborhood club named “Trombone Shorty's” when he was only eight years old. Timeless virtuosity and youthful exuberance, Orleans Avenue effortlessly combines both.

[swag]

On the map, it's only about 7 blocks to Frenchmen St, along Elysian Fields & St Claude. Walkable distance-wise, but Papafrog & other locals, would that be safe?

[marignygreg]

On the map, it's only about 7 blocks to Frenchmen St, along Elysian Fields & St Claude. Walkable distance-wise, but Papafrog & other locals, would that be safe?

I would cab it, unless you are with a group. If you do walk, I would take Elysian Fields. ( Did I just answer a question for Swag ?? ):)

[BigDag]

You sold me, Papafrog. I'll be there for at least a couple of nights.

(Drive, or cab. Too late at night, no matter where you are in New Orleans. The news continues to get worse.)

[papafrog]

i wouldnt walk alone for sure....a group should be fine...
cabbing is better...there is a chance there will be a shuttle bus
from the fr. quarter to colton...nothing definite yet tho....

[stlbarb]

i wouldnt walk alone for sure....a group should be fine...
cabbing is better...there is a chance there will be a shuttle bus
from the fr. quarter to colton...nothing definite yet tho....

i would define a safe group as MORE than 3 people.

[papafrog]

just finished a meeting there...nothing definite yet on the shuttle...
on saturday nite april 2nd Madeski, Martin and Wood in the main
room...
there was a mardi gras injun fashion show that rocked Colton today...
lots of drummers, etc...loads of fun...
and glen david andrews outside also put on a great show...
said he wants to do more records with Theads...he loves the Theads..

[FrankMusicfan]

hey guys, it looks like you're already well on your way to finding out plenty about the Studio at Colton (thanks papafrog! even i didn't have all that info!), so i was just dropping by to point out the Backbeat Jazzfest Concert Series thread, with tons of night shows both 1st and 2nd weekend this year and more information about the venue.

here's a link so you don't have to go diggin' ;)

http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/showthread.php?t=8871

in case you haven't checked out the Backbeat lineup lately, i suggest you take another look. they're adding shows faster than i can keep up. as i said in another thread, at this point it's getting REDONKULOUS! :D

if anybody has any questions, hit me up!

[FrankMusicfan]

oh yeah, and a link to www.backbeatpresents.com for artist info, show grids, and ticket links :)

[Candy Girl]

As always questions get answered so thoroughly and timely on this board! thank you! is there parking at the colton school or is it all neighborhood street parking?

[FrankMusicfan]

As always questions get answered so thoroughly and timely on this board! thank you! is there parking at the colton school or is it all neighborhood street parking?

i'll look into that, Candy Girl. i don't have the information on hand, but seeing as how the space is a former school, i'd certainly think there must be some parking nearby, no?

[Phatpapa]

All I know, is I'm PUMPED for the Bonerama/Midnight Distrubers iieeeeeeeeeee

[FrankMusicfan]

All I know, is I'm PUMPED for the Bonerama/Midnight Distrubers iieeeeeeeeeee

this is a smart man :)

can anyone say groovemonster?

[FrankMusicfan]

just another quick reminder:

if you're in NOLA and want to make sure you have up to the minute info on Backbeat events on your mobile device, follow us on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/backbeatNOLA)!

already we've been receiving last minute information about artist additions, secret special guests, and surprise sit-ins and have been giving out hints and locations on our Twitter stream (http://www.twitter.com/backbeatNOLA) at www.twitter.com/BackbeatNOLA!

follow us so you'll be in the know for the rest of the festival!

and HAVE FUN!!! :D

[FrankMusicfan]

Hey Guys! Another important update about a MAJOR CONTEST and TICKET GIVEAWAY for the Backbeat night shows this weekend!!!

If you are already in NOLA at Jazz Fest, you MUST click the following link and enter the contest!

Here's the link: www.tr.im/jWsr

And here are the official rules and the shows you will be entered to win tickets to:

Provide your full name and email below to enter to win a pair of free tickets for each of the shows listed below at the Colton Theater:

Thursday April 30th 10pm
BONERAMA / MIDNITE DISTURBERS feat. Kevin O'Day, Stanton Moore & Ben Ellman (Galactic), Big Sam,
Troy Andrews (Trombone Shorty), Mark Mullins (Bonerama)

Friday May 1st 10pm
Icons Among Us Tour
SOULIVE w/ The Shady Horns & Russel Gunn plus special guest Nigel Hall + BENEVENTO/RUSSO DUO
Presented by Don Q and Rums of Puerto Rico

Saturday May 2nd 2am
Late Show
TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE
w/ DJ LOGIC

Winners will be selected starting at 5pm on Thursday the 30th. If you enter to win after that time, you can still win tickets for Friday’s and Saturday’s shows. Additional winners will be selected by 5pm Friday May 1st and 5pm on Saturday May 2nd.
All winners will be put on the guest list which will be at the Studio At Colton Theater Box Office.

Now, the word on the streets is that there will be multiple winners chosen and that if you enter your odds of winning tickets to one, two, or even ALL THREE SHOWS are VERY, VERY GOOD!

I would highly suggest y'all get over to that page and ENTER!!!

That link one more time is www.tr.im/jWsr. CLICK IT!!!!

And as always, have fun at the show! :D

[gumbohead1]

I was there first weekend to see Seth Walker, the Iguanas and 007. They were onstage in a huge former school auditorium, and the crowd probably never got much above 20 people. Big room, small crowd. The sound for Seth Walker (who's a very good blues guitarist/singer from Austin, check him out) was great; the sound for the Iguanas, not so much. We found out why as we walked out to the lobby -- the soundguy was locked in fond embrace with his girlfriend.

Anyway, when the word gets out, it'll probably be a cool place. But the whole thing was a little bit David Lynch last weekend.

Hello,

I've never been to this venue before. Has anyone been there?
How's the venue and the neighborhood?

Thanks!

CG

[ChiTownHuck]

So this was the most surreal place. It was a cool place to see a show and to experience.

[swag]

From the current Offbeat (bolding mine)

The Once and Future Studio

by Bethany Garfield

This Jazz Fest, the Charles J. Colton Middle School's auditorium was host to something far different than the school plays and third period assemblies it held in the past. Bands including Bonerama, Trombone Shorty, Medeski, Martin and Wood, Big Samís Funky Nation and the Soul Rebels rocked the 80-year-old auditorium, which not too long ago was dim and dormant.

The school, which had about 600 students in its halls prior to Hurricane Katrina, had been forced to close its doors in 2007 due to low enrollment. It remained empty and unused until the Creative Alliance of New Orleans (CANO) saw a chance to make something new out of the dusty classrooms and silent hallways.

On November 1, 2008, the Colton Middle School reopened as the Studio at Colton, a place where local artists could create and exhibit their work. Classrooms became studios, stairwells had pianos in them and during Prospect.1, the auditorium became home to a light sculpture titled Black Fireworks, by the famed artist Cai Guo-Qiang.

Guo-Qiang was just one of the many artists on display in New Orleans during the city-wide Prospect.1 exhibition that began last November, and the event was one of the catalysts for CANO's co-founder Jeanne Nathan to open the Studio at Colton. ìIt became clear that most of the artists were from around the world but not from here,î said Nathan, we felt that it was important for there to be an opportunity to show off local talent.

Luckily, Donna Santiago, executive director of the Backbeat Organization, attended Prospect.1 at Colton with Hypersoul president Tony Ciaccio. As we laid in the massage chairs watching the light display, we both had the same light bulb go off, We can do shows here! Santiago says.

While the space seemed promising, a barrage of concerns about the auditorium's capability as a Jazz Fest venue followed the initial spark. Sound quality, necessary improvements for the space and the ultimate question: Would the people come? It was a legitimate concern. The Studio at Colton resides on St. Claude Avenue in the Bywater, off the beaten path for most Jazz Fest attendees. Santiago was convinced that the space would work

It took a few days for taxis to know where people were asking to go, Santiago says. But, by the second weekend, taxis were lining up outside the school to pick up and drop off audience members. In fact, about 4,400 people attended the shows, which were held nightly during Jazz Fest.

With such a successful concert series, many people are wondering if the Studio at Colton will become a replacement for lost venues such as the Saenger Theatre or State Palace. It doesn't look likely; the Recovery School District recently announced plans to reinstate the space as a middle school.

Fortunately, there is talk of gaining another vacant school for CANO's vision and that's a good thing. The Studio at Colton is now home to more than 100 artists of all disciplines, musicians including Charmaine Neville, community education programs, Cajun dance classes and African drum lessons. And if nothing is found, at least the venue had one good Jazz Fest.

I guess it'd be really selfish to hope that the school doesn't reopen, just so I can attend a gig or two during Jazzfest. So I hope that the school reopens and that they do find a replacement space for the Arts that's there now.

[funkkjunkie]

Huh. I read that article but not very closely, I guess. Thanks for the info, swag. Hoping the new space is as close to the action as Colton.