Calling Seattle
Disney fans can be found around the globe … and we bloggers here at the Mousekingdom Blog love to believe that there are readers from around the globe as well … so today a short post for all our readers and Disney fans living in or close by Seattle (or visiting Seattle at certain dates). Still reading? Ok, so I assume you are either totally bored, really love this blog (THANKS!) or are actually living in the area / visiting the area. 
Maybe you already now that the EMP (Experience Music Project) is currently (till September 9, 2007) running the special exhibition “Disney: The Music behind the Magic 1928 – today“. If not: there is a great website for that exhibit with plenty of audio clips that is worth visiting also (or: especially?) for those of us who can’t make it to the exhibit. E.g. one can listen to Tom Schumacher, President of Disney Theatrical, talking about the origins of the company’s Broadway productions. Anyway, back to the topic. In connection with this special exhibit a series of three great lectures in February, March and April has been announced.
The first event is scheduled already for next week, Wednesday February 14, and is part of the series “Pop Culture Talks”: “An Evening with Joe Herrington”. Joe Herrington is the Principal Media Designer with Disney Imagineering, has been with The Walt Disney Company for 26 years after joing in 1981 as a Sound Designer creating soundtracks for EPCOT. For the past 15 years, he has created the soundtracks for Disney’s theme parks nationally and internationally. He will speak about the evolution of technology and how these changes have affected the use of sound and music in Disney’s theme parks.
Date.
On March 14 (another Wednesday) the next Disney related event comes up in the “Pop Culture Talks” series: “An Evening with Bruce Botnick”. Bruce Botnick will discuss his work at Sunset Records as well as his subsequent work in sound and film, including the soundtrack for four Star Trek movies. Sunset Records produced music for famous stars such as Jim Morrison or The Beach Boys as well for Disney. Take a look at the liner notes of some official albums or other CD releases of the Disney theme parks and you are sure to come across the name of Bruce Botnick sooner or later.
Finally on April 11 there is the really big treat for Disney fans as the “Pop Culture Talks” series presents “An Evening with Richard Sherman”! No need to say anything about the grand master of Disney songs – or take a look at our recent post about a new Disney song by him for a short excerpt out of his long list of Disney-hits. Guests can not only look forward to a unique insight into the works of Richard Sherman and his brother but also some musical excerpts after all, the event is announced by EPM with the line “Join us for a special evening of music and stories with this legendary songwriter”!
All three events take place at 7.00 pm on the respective date in the JBL Theater, attendance is free for “EMP” and “SFM” members otherwise will cost $5, advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 206.770.2702.
If you are going to attend any of these events it would be great if you could provide us with a little report – we would be glad to post it here on the Mousekingdom Blog as none of our regular contributors will be able to make it, just as the majority of our guests (I assume!). The same also applies regarding the exhibition – come on, anyone out there who already visited it?
And finally: Thanks to makeminemusic to pointing these events out on the MagicMusic boards – the place to go to if you are looking for any information about Disney music!
