PROFESSOR RANY J. GIBSON/ NEW CD PROJECT/ TACONY CREEK SUITE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Chamor Thomas

Olney Culture Lab

chamorthomas@gmail.com

267-968-3752

PROFESSOR RANDY GIBSON’S MONUMENTAL TACONY CREEK SUITE DEBUTS IN CONCERT FILM AND ALBUM RECORDING

Olney Culture Lab of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia Partners with Local Music Producer to Bring Live Music Into Homes

Philadelphia, PA (November 12, 2020) – The songs of Tacony Creek Suite are the monumental creative reflections of Olney-based composer, performer and educator, Professor Randy J. Gibson. They are compositions that reflect on his deepening awareness and exposure to the beauty and travails of an under-appreciated urban green space that comprises Tacony Creek Park. The artistic work began under a seed grant from the Tookany/Tacony- Frankford Watershed Partnership, courtesy of the Joseph Robert Foundation. Expansion of that work into a complete song cycle has been manifested through The Olney Embrace Project, underwritten by Olney Culture Lab with support from the William Penn Foundation.

Tacony Creek Suite will be released as a concert film featuring Professor Gibson and Double Portion, his ensemble of all-star Philadelphia-based musicians. The concert broadcast will feature Craig McIver (Drums), Lee Smith (Bass), Joe Harrison (Congas & Percussion), Leon Jordan Jr. (Trumpet), Hiruy Tirfe (Saxophone), Michael Spearman (Trombone), and Eunice China (Violin). It will debut during the upcoming holiday season through social media and public television airwaves. Tentative broadcast air date is December 19, 2020.

“It was during my walk with Olney Culture Lab that I was able to reflect on Tacony Creek. I saw the good and it’s potential. That’s when the music began to take shape. The music shows the transition through its challenges and ultimately the beauty of the creek.”, said Professor Gibson.

“We are thrilled to be able to share this unique cross-sector collaboration between a neighborhood-based triumvirate - an artist such as Professor Randy Gibson, a cultural organization such as ourselves (Olney Culture Lab) and an environmental steward like Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership. The Tacony Creek Suite recording and

concert film are a culmination of this effort to broaden the awareness of the plight and splendor of this park.”, said Ambrose Liu, Founder, Olney Culture.

“Working with Olney Culture Lab has been a really valuable partnership. We like working with arts groups that enable us to connect people to the creek. Nature and jazz have a lot in common. Professor Gibson’s “Tacony Creek” piece raises up how beautiful and musical the park is.”, said Julie Slavet, Executive Director, Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership.

The studio recordings of the whole Tacony Creek Suite will be available for purchase on Olney Culture Lab’s website olneyculturelab.org in early December. There will be a zoom listening party of the album on Saturday, December 5, 2020.

About Olney Culture Lab

Olney Culture Lab of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia was founded in January 2014 by Ambrose Liu, after the conclusion of ArtsRising, the initiative that served as an incubator for what would become Olney Culture Lab. Its mission is to celebrate cultural assets by designing and producing events and programs that showcase the multitude of diverse cultural expressions found in the greater Olney neighborhood of Philadelphia. The Olney Embrace Project (TOEP), is a multi-disciplinary, multi-site exploration of the Olney neighborhood, its residents, diverse cultures, and stories. Through this project, Olney Culture Lab aims to permeate a variety of civic spaces with meaningful arts and cultural engagements from now until the end of 2021.

Lead support of The Olney Embrace Project is provided by William Penn Foundation. Additional support provided by Einstein Medical Network, Philadelphia Activities Fund, PECO and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Special support for Tacony Creek Suite concert film provided by Jazz Foundation of America.

About Gibson School of Music and Arts

Founded in 1995 by Professor Randy Gibson and his wife Wilhemina, the Gibsons have offered private music lessons and classes on virtually every instrument including voice, dance, and art. They also have a music retail store selling new and used instruments along with accessories, books, sheet music, and CD's. Every year they facilitate recitals, concerts, conferences, and seminars. The school has nurtured several generations of talent including the likes of Kamal Gray (of the Roots) and Jazmine Sullivan. Professor Gibson also scores music, and produces artists, groups, bands, and choirs. He is a prolific pianist, composer, and recording artist who has performed throughout the world. As an educator, Professor Gibson has over 25 years of teaching experience including universities, colleges, and private schools. Professor Randy Gibson studied music at Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, Temple University and Combs College of Music. He holds a Masters degree in Music.

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Professor Randy Gibson’s Monumental Tacony Creek Suite Debuts In Concert Film And Album Recording