ever

productions

p.o. box 18175, cleveland heights, ohio 44118 (216) 321-0692

Celebrate spring this year on Saturday, April 14, as Oven Productions brings to Cleveland Holly Near and J.T. Thomas. Two performances-one ut 7:00 p.m. (open to the public) and one at 10:00 p.m. (women only)-will be held in Kulus Hall at the Cleveland Institute of Music, 11021 East Boulevard.

There are many ways to describe Holly Near. She is a cultural worker, singer, songwriter, storyteller and a powerful performer who has on two previous occasions provided Cleveland audiences with concerts of the finest quality, both musically and politically.

The dynamic quality of Holly's concerts is a result of a broad range of performing experience. After a

HOLLY NEAR

few years of doing films, television and Broadway, Holly joined the FTA (Free the Army) Show, travelling with Jane Fonda to entertain Gl's and servicewomen who were against war and racism. Returning from that tour, Holly then began her work with the Indochina Peace Campaign where she continued to use her music to make political statements on such issues as race, class and other topics of global political focus.

Holly Near continued to grow as an artist and cultural worker, so that by November 1976 another major influence in the growth of her music was revealed when Holly and Meg Christian appeared together in Cleveland. Holly's music reflected a new consciousness-around such issues as feminism and

lesbianism.

Since that concert, Holly Near has continued to use her ever-growing politicul consciousness and excellent musical ability to support groups that do progressive political work. Recently her concerts have been sponsored by groups such as anti-nuke organizations, lesbian mother defense funds, lesbiun/guy rights groups and Native American support committees.

Obviously Holly has chosen to remain outside the mainstream music industry. Her reasons? " like working with people and learning from them. That tukes time. I don't want to be pushed around like a sponge soaking up money that is then unequally

J.T. THOMAS

distributed between all promoters. I work full time, i don't have any trouble getting a job, I make a living and enough to support other artists who have chosen to work honestly and simply and politically. I do work in the industry sometimes, but I'm not owned by it. I like doing music that speaks to our very special lives as we struggle on this earth. I don't get very excited by songs on AM radio. I like being part of building an alternative network...one that is respectful of the needs of the producers, the artists, the audience and the environment. I think it is a good way to spend my life."

Currently Holly is travelling with J. T. Thomas, talented pianist/composer and recipient of an ASCAP award for her outstanding musicals written

for children and teenagers to perform. In the last three years, J.T. has been composer-in-residence at The First All Children's Theatre in New York City and hopes one day to compose for Broadway. The brilliance of J.T.'s ability as accompanist and interpreter of other composers' music is being discovered by many audiences on this 50-city tour. Holly herself has said, "No matter where the moment takes me in the song, J.T. is always right there by my side moving with the mood. I love working with her because of her commitment to the music and the moment."

Holly's fourth album, Imagine My Surprise, released on the Redwood label, will be the source of many such moments. When Holly and J.T. combine their talents to bring us songs that talk about an older woman's life raising 13 sons, about Karen Silkwood who was fighting the nuclear plants for workers' health rights, about growing up in Potter Valley and about women who were pirates off the castern coast in the 18th Century, you can count on a full evening of music, laughter and political message.

Tickets for this event are $5.00; over 60 or under 12, $1.00. Get your tickets carly. There are no reserved seats.

Ticket Outlets:

Coventry Books, 1824 Coventry Rape Crisis Center, 3201 Euclid WomenSpace, 1258 Euclid

Tish's Shoe Repair & Emporium, 15603 Madison Food Communities, 11628 Euclid

Child care and work exchange for this event can be arranged by calling 321-1587 or 932-0977 by April 7.

Variety Show A Smash

Needless to say, Oven Productions' 4th Annual Variety Show was a smashing success. From the spectacular patriotic opening, through the chic red hot momma number, to the debut of The Cleavage Women's Choir, our girls showed their stuff as they dazzled us with such talent, such originality...oh, it can hardly be put into words! All in all, it was a wellpaced, creative mixture of music, song, dance, and notable performances from the cast of thousands (or so it seemed). Also the technical crew, stage manager, and Oven Productions' staff did an outstanding job in producing the show.

The Variety Show began a la americana, with majorettes, dancing girls, basketball players, and of course a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Next there came Dr. Grinn Ann Barrett to deliver us from our planters warts-amen, sister! The multi-talented Ms. Hayes was also emcee for the evening along with the short but sweet Char Clemson. They did a fabulous job of entertaining the audience between acts. Those chocolate kisses will do it every time!

Other humorous highlights included a demonstration from the Ad Nauseam Beauty School with Wegi Louise, Susan Woodward, Smokey Robinson and Sharon Owens' hands. Disco beasties danced their way through "Outer Dimensions" with an array of original costumes, including some designed by Cleveland's own, Beth Hofer. The Cleveland Feminist Theatre Collective presented yet another typical scene from the women's community, "The House Meeting." Finally the super red hot momma Rosaline (Iris Bishop) and her A-Cups (Blackberry, Oale Moore, Sharon Owens) strutted their stuff on stage and brought the house down with their sultry rendition of "Gimme A Pigfoot." Give us an encore, girls!

Comedy was not the only area where performers' excelled. The musical pace was set with several original songs and vocal arrangements. First, June Adams, Lisa Broberg and Betsy Reeves combined talents to bring us "Goldflower" and "Mayaka,' two songs written and arranged by Adams. Later a

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