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| Damon's 2002 scrapbook (click on the images to open each photo) | |||||||||||||
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| Mora's Modern Rhythmists Maxwell's at the Argyle Hotel - Fenix Lounge May 2002 |
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"... Mora and his Rhythmists deserve an enormous amount of credit for reminding us that classic 20th century jazz and swing deserve to be heard, appreciated and preserved with the same care and consideration accorded to three centuries of European classical music."
- Don Heckman, L.A. Times |
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| photos by Joya Balfour (original source www.maxwelldemille.com) | |||||||||
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The beautiful Argyle hotel is an art deco gem located on the Sunset strip. Every Monday night producer Maxwell Demille fills the Fenix Lounge with swinging dance bands and vaudevillian delights (the burlesque of Dita Von Teese and Catherine Delish, pictured above) that keep the lindy hoppers a-jumpin'. Led by Dean Mora, MORA'S MODERN RHYTHMISTS is a thirteen-piece ensemble devoted to swing tunes of the 1920s and early 1930s. Using period arrangements and transcriptions from the original recordings, this band has established itself as one of the foremost interpreters of early big-band music and has garnered a loyal following around the world. Kayre Morrison, "Canary of Song" and Damon Kirsche, "Rooster of Rhythm" sing for the packed houses. To find out more about the band and similar upcoming appearances at the Argyle hotel, check out the following links: www.maxwelldemille.com |
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Triumph of Love International City Theatre - Long Beach Performing Arts Center/Center Theatre May 2002 |
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| In a secluded garden, philosopher Hermocrates and his sister Hesione raise their nephew and heir to the throne of Sparta, Agis, played by Damon. They keep the young prince shut off from the outside world, raising him to reclaim his throne and teaching him that love is the enemy of logic. Rational though prevails until Princess Leonide (current ruler of Sparta) sees Agis from afar and falls in love with him at once, vowing to win him over by any means necessary. With faithful and wisecracking maid, Corine and two eager henchmen, Leonide assumes several identities and genders and breaks a few hearts in the process, to prove that love won't take no for an answer. | |||||||||
| Misty Cotton as Princess Leonide Damon Kirsche as Agis Michael Kostroff as Dimas Teri Ralston as Hesione Lisa Richard as Corine Wayne Scherzer as Harlequin Michael Zemenick as Hermocrates Music Director, Dan Redfeld Choreographer, Kay Cole Director, Jules Aaron |
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| Mora's Modern Rhythmists The Orpheum Theatre May 2002 |
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| photos by Rusty Frank | |||||||||
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The breathtaking Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles was the venue for this year's final presentation of the "Last Remaining Seats" Concert series, produced by the LA Conservancy, featuring the Harold Lloyd film "Girl Shy". During the pre-movie enterntainment, Impresario Maxwell Demille held an open audition for the crowd, chosing talent for the night's big show. Damon appeared as "Jerome Purcell" DeMille's protege and debonair crooner. All goes awry when Jerome is bumped on the head, reverting to his hillbilly persona, "Jethro Perkins", just in time to ruin things for the big show. Great music with Dean Mora and his Mora's Modern Rhythmist's at the ready. Click here to learn more about the LA Conservancy and the Last Remaining Seats Series. |
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| My Fair Lady Austin Music Theatre - Paramount Theatre September and October 2002 |
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| Egotistical linguist Professor Henry Higgins bets his friend, Colonel Pickering, that he can transform Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle in time for an important society ball. But the spirited Eliza proves more of a handful for the Professor. Damon portrayed the love-lorn Freddy Eynsford-Hill who, completely infatuated with Eliza, sings "On the Street Where You Live". | |||||||||
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George McDaniel as Henry Higgins LuAnn Aronson as Eliza Dolittle Michael G. Hawkins as Alfred P. Doolittle Damon Kirsche as Freddy Eynsford-Hill Bob Dorian as Colonel Pickering Sheila Smith as Mrs. Higgins Sandy Walper as Mrs. Pearce Greg Holt as Zoltan Kaparthy Kelly Bales, Christopher Blessit, Sandy Blue, Chad Boardman, James Vinson Chapmann II, Tommie Crutcher, Jan Davidson, Brian Keith Davis, Allison Doyle, Kasey Eggleston, Demond Green, Nicole Gehring, Dustin Gooch, Heather Huggins, Stacey Huston, Stephanie Joiner, Annette Jurcevic, Melody Long, Ann Richards-McKelvey, Taylor McPhail, Jay Michael, Christopher Michaels, Greg Mills, Chase Newell, David Ponton, Scotty Roberts, Beverly Robinson, Jason Seagraves, Virginia Seigler, Blake Simmon, Rick Stockwell Music Director: Fred Barton Choreographer/Director: Scott Thompson Choreographer/Director: Richard Byron |
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| Visit the clips page for video and sound clips from this production. | |||||||||
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| Mora's Modern Rhythmists Halloween Masked Ball - Maxwell's at the Argyle October 2002 |
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| photos by Maxwell Demille | |||||||||
| The band was up to its usual high jinks led by Dean Mora in his "Harelquin" persona and featuring Canary of Song, Kayre Morrison in her "Louise Brooks" look and Rooster of Rhythm, Damon in swashbuckler "Douglas Fairbanks" attire. | |||||||||
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