- Uptown Players presents “The History Boys”

up_color_logoDALLAS – MARCH 30, 2009 – Uptown Players continues its 2009 season with The History Boys, held April 3 – May 3, 2009, at the KD Studio Theatre. A hugely successful, sold-out hit at the National Theatre of Great Britain and on Broadway, this brilliant comedy follows the senior year of eight history students in the north of England as they try to crack admission to Oxford and Cambridge.

historyboysUnruly, bright, talented and amusing, these boys are in natural pursuit of sex, sport and a place at a good university. In all of their efforts, they are helped, hindered, and enlightened by a maverick English teacher (Bradley Campbell) who seeks to broaden their horizons, and by a young history teacher (David Plunkett) who questions the methods of their schooling. Very funny and deeply moving, The History Boys explores the anarchy of adolescence, the nature of history, and the methods and aim of education.

The History Boys cast includes Blake Blair, Corey Cleary-Stoner, Bradley Campbell, Rick Espaillat, Alan Jackson, David Plunkett, Alex Ross, Aaron Sanchez, Chris LaBove, Brett Thiele, Wendy Welch and Andrew Worley. The production is directed by Bruce Coleman.

The production runs April 3 – May 3, 2009 with performances at 8 pm on Thursday through Saturday and Sunday April 19, 25, and May 3 at 2 pm. Performances take place at the KD Studio Theatre, 2600 N. Stemmons Freeway #180 (I-35 at Medical District Drive), Dallas Texas 75207. Tickets are $25 – $30. Tickets can be purchased online at www.uptownplayers.org or by phone at (214) 219-2718.

About Uptown Players

Now entering its eighth season, Uptown Players has gathered a dedicated following with an annual audience base of nearly 12,000 patrons, including more than 900 season subscribers. The response from the community and critics has been remarkable, including more than 25 Leon Rabin Awards from the Dallas Theatre League, several hundred “The Column” Awards and 14 Theatre Critics Forum Awards in its first seven seasons. Uptown Players has also been named the best theatre company by the Dallas Voice Readers in 2006-2008 and by the Dallas Observer in 2004 and 2005. Uptown Players is a 501 © 3 non-profit organization, presenting plays and musicals that challenge audiences artistically, build cultural bridges and strive to create greater positive public awareness and acceptance through the performing arts. There is no other theater group with this unique mission in the Dallas area.

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Media Contact: Nina Koch
nina@coopersmithagency.com, (214) 329-9191

March 30th, 2009 | Tags: | No Comments »

- Texas Ballet Theater presents the bare-knuckled struggle for power in “Cleopatra”

Enjoy this sweeping epic story of beauty, love and power in the Egyptian Court, as performed by North Texas’ premier resident professional ballet company

Texas Ballet Theater LogoWhat:
“Cleopatra” – Texas Ballet Theater, the premier resident professional ballet company of North Texas, presents “Cleopatra,” the epic story of beauty, love
and power in the Egyptian Court.

Where:
Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth

When:
March 27-29, 2009 (matinee performances starting at 2:00 p.m. and evening performances starting at 8:00 p.m.)

Tickets:

$19 – $99
Available at www.texasballettheater.org or by calling 1-877-828-9200.

cleopatra-app_8131Details:
“Cleopatra” is the story of beautiful Cleopatra, the most powerful woman in the world and the lover of both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.  During her reign, the Roman Empire threatened Egypt with conquest. Her love and alliances with Caesar and Antony helped keep Egypt independent for 20 years. Experience this gripping tale with Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, as performed by Texas Ballet Theater.


About Texas Ballet Theater

Founded in 1961, Texas Ballet Theater is the premier resident professional ballet company of North Texas. Under the direction of artistic director Ben Stevenson, O.B.E., the Ballet brings unprecedented talent, beauty and artistic expression to the stages of Fort Worth’s Bass Performance Hall and Dallas’ Music Hall at Fair Park and Historic Majestic Theatre in downtown Dallas. Texas Ballet Theater will become the resident ballet company for the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts when it opens in 2009. Season sponsors include WRR Radio, TACA, the City of Dallas and Texas Commission on the Arts, American Airlines and The Arts Council of Fort Worth & Tarrant County. For more information, go to www.texasballettheater.org.

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High-resolution images available upon request

Media Contact: Nina Koch
nina@coopersmithagency.com, (214) 329-9191

March 27th, 2009 | Tags: | No Comments »

- TBG Partners adds four new employees to Houston office

TBG Logo.cdrHOUSTON, March 25, 2009 – TBG Partners, one of the top landscape architecture and planning firms in the Southwest, has added four new staff members to its Houston office, including Stan Winter, AICP, as director of planning; Peter Boecher, CRE, AICP, ASLA, as senior associate; Scott Mckinzie as planner; and Lindsay Reyes as associate.

As director of planning, Stan Winter leads TBG’s planning studio in Houston, managing the studio’s staff, generating proposals for planning projects, and overseeing project management and design. Current Houston-area planning projects include multiple community developments, such as Auburn Lakes in north Houston, Graystone Hills in Conroe, Oakhurst in northeast Houston, Bridgeland in west Houston, and Canyon Gate Communities in Houston. Stan holds a bachelor’s degree in Design from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston.

As a senior associate, Peter Boecher will also help lead TBG’s planning studio in Houston, assisting in managing studio staff, generating proposals for planning projects, and also serve as the firm’s leader on eminent domain and as an expert witness on land planning matters. Current project work includes evaluating the METRORail light rail line corridors in Houston and its impacts of proposed right-of-way acquisitions on individual properties, serving as the planning consultant for Harris County’s City of Southside Place, evaluating Houston’s South Main Baptist Church’s street right-of-way abandonments within the church campus,  providing state-required land use analysis for Harris County’s Atascocita Recycling and Disposal Facility, and serving as a land planning expert witness for the Walker Place development in Bossier City, Louisiana. Peter holds a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech University.

As a planner, Scott Mckinzie provides research and design development, vehicle movement analysis, and computer-aided design (CAD) and graphic services for TBG. An expert in both urban and regional planning, Scott is currently designing the redevelopment of Inwood Forest Golf Course in northwest Houston, is involved in several Houston-based eminent domain cases, and is an analyzer for Houston’s new METRORail light rail lines. Scott is a graduate of Texas State University.

As an associate, Lindsay Reyes manages all plat submittals to the City of Houston and any other municipalities that TBG provides services for, transforms schematic plans into CAD drawings, and creates exhibits to present to clients or planning commissions. Lindsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from Texas A&M University.

About TBG Partners

As one of the top landscape architecture and planning firms in the Southwest, TBG Partners designs mixed-use and residential communities, corporate campuses, civic buildings, resorts, healthcare and educational facilities, city parks and historic sites.  With a strong commitment to the advancement of sustainable design principles, TBG encourages its employees to become LEED Accredited Professionals and its clients to utilize green building practices for their projects.  Established in 1987, TBG has offices in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.   For more information, please visit www.tbg-inc.com.

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Media Contact: Claire Bloxom
claire@coopersmithagency.com, (214) 329-9191

March 25th, 2009 | Tags: | No Comments »

- TBG Partners promotes Mark Meyer to Managing Principal at Dallas/Fort Worth office

TBG Logo.cdrDALLAS, March 19, 2009 – TBG Partners, Texas’ largest landscape architecture and planning firm, has promoted Mark Meyer, RLA, ASLA, to managing principal at the firm’s Dallas/Fort Worth office. An integral member of the firm for the past 10 years, Mark has nearly 12 years of extensive experience developing master plans and detailed designs for city parks and recreational systems, mixed-use developments and urban revitalization districts.

As managing principal, Mark will oversee design and planning for numerous TBG DFW-area projects, including the future Dallas Design District, a 160-acre bustling trades district in downtown; the City of Coppell’s trail master plan; Hometown, a 700-acre, neoclassical traditional neighborhood development (TND) in North Richland Hills; Cappella Park, a multi-generational traditional neighborhood in Dallas; the new healing and children’s garden at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas; and The Tribute in The Colony, a 635-acre residential community on the shores of Lake Lewisville.

From high-density urban mixed-use projects to entire communities, Mark employs traditional design standards while focusing on connecting people with built and natural environments. Mark emphasizes the marriage between planning and landscape architecture to substantiate this approach, ensuring the creation of meaningful places.

Mark holds his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Texas A&M University and is involved in several professional organizations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), and the Urban Land Institute (ULI), for which he sits on the Community Development Council.

About TBG Partners

As Texas’ leading landscape architecture and planning firm, TBG Partners designs mixed-use and residential communities, corporate campuses, civic buildings, resorts, healthcare and educational facilities, city parks and historic sites. With a strong commitment to the advancement of sustainable design principles, TBG encourages its employees to become LEED Accredited Professionals and its clients to utilize green building practices for their projects. Established in 1987, TBG has offices in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. For more information, please visit www.tbg-inc.com.

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Media Contact: Claire Bloxom
claire@coopersmithagency.com, 214-329-9191

March 19th, 2009 | Tags: | No Comments »

- Ben E. Keith Beverages introduces three wine labels from Chateau Diana, a Sonoma Valley Winery, to Texas

Chateau Diana Is Ben E. Keith Beverages’ 2nd Winery to bring into Texas

updated-logo-march-20082DALLAS, March 16, 2009 – Dallas-based Ben E. Keith Beverages, one of the largest beverage distributors in the United States, has begun distributing three wine labels from the Chateau Diana winery, located in Sonoma County, throughout the state of Texas. Chateau Diana offers a diverse selection of both table and premium wines under the brand names of Black Oak, Le Baron Ranch, and 1221. Chateau Diana is Ben E. Keith Beverages’ second entry into the Texas wine market, after the successful launch of its private-label wine, Solemar, in 2007.

Chateau Diana rests along Dry Creek Road amidst one of the premier growing regions of California – the Dry Creek Valley.  Much of the appeal of this picturesque valley has long been the synthesis between soil and the temperance of nature, which provides the most perfect ripening conditions. Simply, the grapes thrive here.

“We are deeply honored that Ben E. Keith, a company with such a long and successful history, has selected our wine portfolio for distribution in Texas,” said Corey Manning, president of Chateau Diana. “I believe that this partnership illustrates the continued efforts by both companies to develop alternative distribution avenues. Traditionally, most wine brands are sold through Wine & Spirit Distributors, but today’s reality is much different than the past and requires companies to now rethink and change their business models.”

  • Black Oak – These wines are incredibly aromatic with a fruit forward profile. Each wine has excellent balance, structure and pleasant finish. The philosophy behind these California quick to market wines is quality and value-driven. Basically, these are great tasting wines that are affordable for everyday purposes. Black Oak wines’ steady growth year after year proves that the value consumer continues to seek out affordable, quality wines.

o    Merlot – This wine was harvested from two Central Valley locations near Santa Barbara, California. It was fermented in Stainless Steel tanks, and then a large portion was transferred to barrels for aging. This is a very fruit-forward wine. In fact it is so fruity that it imparts sweetness that is not present. With a fine tannin structure, this wine is consistently smooth, all the way through to the finish. Overall, Black Oak Merlot is a very popular wine that “over-delivers” on taste.

o    Cabernet Sauvignon – The grapes for the Black Oak Cabernet Sauvignon come mostly from the Lodi area of California.  Cabernet Sauvignon likes the sandy soils and hot summer temperatures.  This wine was fermented in Stainless Steel tanks, and then a portion was barreled down for aging.   A very bright, yet subtle wine with easy, red berry fruit characteristics.  The tannins are mild, warm and pleasant.  This Black Oak Cabernet Sauvignon is one of our strongest sellers.

o    Chardonnay – The grapes for the Black Oak Chardonnay come from the Lodi area of California. Fermented mostly in Stainless Steel tanks, a 12% portion was fermented and aged in American oak barrels. An added touch of Semillion enhances the aromas and develops more floral integration.

o    Riesling – The grapes for the Black Oak Riesling come from the warmer Central Valley of California. Fermented in entirely in Stainless Steel tanks, the fermentation was stopped early to preserve the natural grape sugars to impart sweetness. A very light, floral and yet complex wine. A great wine for a hot day, and a very popular selection among Black Oak wine drinkers.

  • Le Baron Ranch -The newest addition to the Chateau Diana portfolio is Le Baron Ranch. This brand represents the rich history of the Dry Creek Valley and was selected from some of Sonoma County’s best vineyard offerings. A Russian River Valley Petite Syrah, with its intense purple color, brambly dark fruit nose, cherry and chocolate flavors will complement food exceptionally well. Low alcohol showcases the fruit flavors even more. Also available is the Le Baron Ranch “Hop Station” Chardonnay. Fermented entirely in Stainless Steel and then barrel-aged for 9 months, the wine undergoes a partial secondary fermentation. A true Chardonnay-lovers delight, the wine is very well-balanced, with a pleasing citrus acidity that nicely complements the buttery, toasted oak.
  • 1221 – Both 1221 wines are a blending of distinguished Sonoma and Napa county wines. The Cabernet Cuvee is an ultra premium wine with sophisticated, intricate layers and superior-integrated oak flavors that are, without question, a wine lovers wine. The resulting wine is fruit-dominant on the nose, ripe and brambly, and its taste profiles include bold, vibrant, fleshy Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics. The wine is rich in texture, layered and full bodied. Also under the 1221 label is the Fleur de Lys. The grapes for the 1221 Fleur de Lys are picked in mid-late September, from some of the most sought-after vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties. The taste profiles include luscious ripe fruit flavors, a lively acidity and a harmonic finish that is intricate and refined. Full-bodied and rich in texture, Fleur de Lys will pair exceedingly well with a variety of dining selections. From a light luncheon to a swanky upscale dinner party, surprise your special guests with this unusual, refreshing offering.

Chateau Diana has been owned and operated by the Manning Family for nearly 30 years and is currently in its second generation of management. Dawn Manning currently heads all US and Global Sales and Corey Manning is President and CEO.

About Ben E. Keith Beverage Distributors

Ben E. Keith Company, established in 1906, began selling Anheuser-Busch products in 1933. Today, Ben E. Keith Company – Beverage Distributors is one of the largest independent Anheuser-Busch wholesalers in the country. The company also distributes import beers, craft beers, wine products and nonalcoholic beverages. With ten regional branches in Texas including Abilene, Austin, Commerce, Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, Houston, Llano, Palestine and Waco, the company operates throughout the state of Texas. For more information, please visit http://www.benekeith.com/beverage.

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Media Contact: Claire Bloxom
claire@coopersmithagency.com, (214) 329-9191

March 16th, 2009 | Tags: | No Comments »

- Brookhaven College breaks ground on new sustainable Workforce and Continuing Education building

SHW Group designed the 28,500-square-foot facility to be a flexible, multi-purpose building

shwlogo-h-stnd-gg-cmykDALLAS, March 7, 2009 – Ground has been broken at the site of the future 28,500-square-foot Workforce and Continuing Education Building at Brookhaven College, part of the Dallas County Community College District.  Located near Dallas in Farmers Branch, Texas, it was designed to be a sustainable, flexible, multi-purpose building, housing corporate and continuing education programs, general classrooms and support space. The $6 million facility is slated to open in January 2010.

Dallas-based SHW Group, one of the world’s largest educational architecture and design firms, designed the building with the goal of providing a home for programs that have been displaced from the main campus due to lack of classroom space. Located across a major street, these programs were previously unable to offer late night coursework for their students and lacked areas where families can wait while a parent is in class.

Once complete, the new Workforce and Continuing Education Building will be Brookhaven College’s “home-base,” where it will serve its business and industry clients, housing the college’s Corporate and Community Programming and Workforce Grant Research and Support Center. More than 15 new classrooms will be included, all of which will have laptop carts so they can be used as either a traditional classroom or a computer lab.  In addition, a separate computer/information technology lab, four multipurpose rooms, two conference rooms, a lobby area, break stations, departmental offices, and outdoor patios and gardens are all included in the building’s design.

“The new facility will give the college more flexibility in planning course offerings, responding to local business and industry needs with a corporate services department to develop training programs,” said Eric Miller, project architect at SHW Group. “These programs, located both off-site and on-campus, will fuel the local market and bring great success to both Brookhaven College and its students.”

“We  also designed the building so the interior environment can be adjusted and changed over the course of a day, a month, a semester or over the years to afford the users the greatest opportunity to manipulate that space and then form the learning environment inside those classrooms to the best of their ability,” added Miller.

In the design process, the project team paid attention to environmental stewardship, incorporating numerous sustainable amenities and technologies. In addition to buying all construction materials locally, the building’s polished concrete floor and low VOC paints and sealants will not release gas volatile organic components into the building, significantly improving indoor air quality. Furthermore, expanses of north-facing glass will allow ample indirect cool natural light into the building, which will improve the human experience inside the building without requiring an expanded mechanical system. A highly-reflective roof was designed to minimize heat gain and in turn reduce mechanical system requirements. Additionally, the project team improved the existing site drainage in order to reduce the amount of run-off once the building is complete.  Finally, the use of a grass pave system for the required fire lane will further reduce run-off and visually improve the north court of the building.

In addition to SHW Group as the lead architect, other project team members include DMJM Management as the project manager; Phillips May as the construction manager; Reed Wells Benson as the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineer; Charles Gojer & Associates as the civil engineer and the structural engineer; Carolyn Kelley as the landscape architect; and Datacom Technology Group as the information technology consulting firm.

For more information about SHW Group, please visit www.shwgroup.com. For more information on Brookhaven College, please visit www.brookhavencollege.edu.

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Media Contact: Claire Bloxom
claire@coopersmithagency.com, (214) 329-9191

March 7th, 2009 | Tags: | No Comments »