Kyle: News

Save the date, Tuesday, June 8th, and be sure to attend the party of the year! Kyle and his friend/business partner, Dennis Dunham, will announce the release of their Language & Lyrics French learning system, "Il Fait Beau".

Come and celebrate this revolutionary new program with a performance by Kyle that is sure to amaze. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 8th at the Old Farmer's Market, 311 S. Klein, Oklahoma City. Reception starts at 6:00pm with a fun line-up of original music from "Il Fait Beau" performed by Kyle at 7:00pm.

"Il Fait Beau" is a 10 CD set which simulates the feeling of a Broadway Style musical written in beginning level French. You learn while listening to a romantic and thrilling story, while the songs and music help you use both sides of your brain. You learn twice as fast! Be sure to bring home a copy and experience a new language while enjoying the original music of Kyle Dillingham.

Sign up at www.languageandlyrics.com for your FREE “7 Daily Secrets To Learning French Fast”. For more information: 405.708.5772.

Language and Lyrics is a standalone language learning program grounded in research which supports the theory that second language acquisition is best learned in the same way as the first language. In the first language, the primary skill is listening, which is then followed by speaking, reading and finally writing. The learning is anchored to an exciting story, “Il Fait Beau,” which is intertwined with music and song, stimulating both right and left brain learning. Learn a language while listening to a romantic and thrilling story. While other programs make use of one or two learning methods, Language and Lyrics is the only one to involve all four of the following: 1) listening first, 2) music and song, 3) minimal or no translating and 4) anchored instruction to a story.

Language and Lyrics will be published in Oklahoma under the newly formed publishing company, Dunham and Dillingham Publishing, LLC. Half of the recording is being done in Oklahoma City using Oklahoma French born residents while the other half is recorded in LaRochelle, France. The projected release date is early 2010.

Kyle and Dennis would love your feedback, so log on and post your comments.

Each year Oklahoma Magazine selects a diverse group of 40 young professionals (under 40) who are moving up and giving back. Congratulations to Kyle for being selected in this year’s class of 40 Under 40.

View Kyle’s fascinating insight that garnered him Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40: http://www.tulsamag.com/40under40-2110/Kyle_Dillingham.html.

Congratulations to Kyle! Horseshoe Road's song, "When Tears Won't Fall", was selected in the Top 3 in the Best Bluegrass/Country category of the 6th Annual International Acoustic Music Awards. The judges comments: "possible radio hit song", "sounds like a winner!" & "Wow factor!"

IAMA is the only awards of its kind geared towards performing musicians. IAMA honors singer-songwriters, bands, groups, musicians and are judged based on music performance, songwriting/composition, music productions and originality. Judges are A&R representatives of all major record labels. Kyle is thrilled with the judges comments and honored to be selected from so many entrants from around the world.

If you feel the same, make it a hit song by requesting it at your local country radio station. Kyle and Brad would greatly appreciate it!!

View the 6th Annual IAMA winners: http://www.inacoustic.com/winners.html

Kyle and Callen's collaborations have caught the attention of the local media. Their latest project, "The Mary Rose", was featured on Galen Culver's "Is This a Great State or What". View the video here: http://www.kfor.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=dc3e8de2-901c-418e-b342-86dcce68218a&src=front

On the heels of the sold-out premier of the "Argosy Overture", Kyle and good friend, Callen Clarke, launched a new symphonic work, “The Mary Rose”, a Fantasy-Overture for violin and orchestra which premiered with Dr. John Fletcher conducting the Oklahoma Community Orchestra, November 17th, 2009.

The World Premier of "The Mary Rose" officially launched the Argosy Project, an initiative to revive Symphonic Music in America and the World through the creation and performance of exciting new orchestral repertoire. Representatives of the Mary Rose Trust and the new Mary Rose Museum, currently under construction in the city of Portsmouth, England, were in attendance for the event. It had the full support of Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry, Lt. Governor Jari Askins and Mayor Mick Cornett. Artifacts from the ill-fated ship were on display, such as rare coins and a period violin. Governor Henry and Mayor Cornett proclaimed November 17th, 2009 "The Mary Rose Day". It was an incredible, historic evening, and a symphonic experience like no other, which comanded standing ovations.

The Mary Rose, legendary Renaissance warship laid down exactly 500 years ago by King Henry VIII, sank tragically in 1545 during the Battle of the Solent and was raised in 1982 by the Alexander McKee and the Mary Rose Trust, the only ship of its kind to be preserved. The music featured themes and instruments from the era that vividly evoked the beautiful and violent world of Renaissance England.

The State Capitol rotunda was a packed house for the 2009 Annual Governor's Arts Awards and Kyle's performance during the ceremony received an exhuberant standing ovation. The main reason he was there was not just to showcase his incredible talents, but to receive the Special Recognition award for his life's work as a violinist, vocalist, ambassador for universities in Oklahoma as well as overseas and for his gift connection with people throughout the world.

The Governor’s Arts Awards recognize and bring honor to individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the arts in Oklahoma. First awarded in 1975, the Governor presents the awards during a special awards ceremony at the Capitol.

On October 20, 2009, Governor Brad Henry honored 16 individuals and five organizations for their contributions to the arts in their communities or throughout the state at the 34th Annual Governor’s Arts Awards. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the ceremony took place on the 4th Floor Rotunda of the State Capitol.

Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Suzanne Tate said “these prestigious awards are an opportunity to celebrate Oklahoma arts and the people that facilitate its success."

The song "Swing" by Horseshoe Road will be featured in a compelling documentary about the country's only Behind the Walls Rodeo.

Since 1940, McAlester, Oklahoma has hosted the Oklahoma State Prison Rodeo, and in 2006 women inmates were allowed for the first time to compete against the male inmates. The film, "Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo", follows these cowgirls on their way to the rodeo.

It ran on Cinemax through October 14th, 2009 and is available on DVD.

Kyle has many stories to tell about his travels around the world, and he shares a few with Doug Warner. Learn more about this interesting and talented musician and his role as a musical ambassador. He has returned from Bangkok where he performed for a birthday celebration for the Queen of Thailand. It is one of many global events he has performed at to promote goodwill.

Kyle shares his stories of his travels as only Kyle can:

http://www.news9.com/Global/category.asp?C=116601&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4078500&flvUri=

Kyle and his good friend, Dennis Dunham, are working on their newest adventure, Language and Lyrics. Check out their blog at www.languageandlyrics.com.

They are uploading little clips of their progress of this exciting project to the site regularly. You will have a chance to see where they are and what they’re up to. Additionally, by just going to their blog and signing up for the "Free Secrets", it will help generate more interest in their site and help them test it as well, even if you have no intention of learning French.

Language and Lyrics is a standalone language learning program grounded in research which supports the theory that second language acquisition is best learned in the same way as the first language. In the first language, the primary skill is listening, which is then followed by speaking, reading and finally writing. The learning is anchored to an exciting story, “Il Fait Beau,” which is intertwined with music and song, stimulating both right and left brain learning. Learn a language while listening to a romantic and thrilling story. While other programs make use of one or two learning methods, Language and Lyrics is the only one to involve all four of the following: 1) listening first, 2) music and song, 3) minimal or no translating and 4) anchored instruction to a story.

Language and Lyrics will be published in Oklahoma under the newly formed publishing company, Dunham and Dillingham Publishing, LLC. Half of the recording is being done in Oklahoma City using Oklahoma French born residents while the other half is recorded in LaRochelle, France. The projected release date is early 2010.

Kyle and Dennis would love your feedback, so log on and post your comments.

With an already impressive resume of performances, Kyle can add another to the list of over 25 countries he’s performed in. Patravadi Theatre in Bangkok, Thailand, is the setting for his newest project, “Phra Lor”, a large-scale musical production which featured him in the lead role. He has completed the last show of the nine-day run of this epic tale, which has garnered rave reviews. The Bangkok Post wrote, "Dillingham can bewitch and conjure a range of emotions from his violin...The music
becomes the most intriguing and seductive aspect of this production."

Kyle, who the theater had billed as “A world-famous fiddler from the United States”, teamed up with Thailand’s masters in theatre, music and dance to create this exciting new work. As the main character, “Phra Lor”, he charmed the audience with his bewitching rendering of the violin in eastern tunes. A ticket holder for the invitation-only opening night show, June 19th, was a member of the Thai Royal Family, Princess Maha Chakri Sinrindhorn. “Opening night was a very formal event, and it was a great honor to perform for her as the star of this Thai production”, Dillingham said. “I also had an official picture taken with her by the palace photographer.” Other notables who attended the premiere were the Minister of Finance, Israel’s Ambassador, the U.S. Ambassador, First Secretary and Cultural Affairs Officer to Thailand.

Thailand’s legendary theatre figure, Patravadi Mejudhon, the founder-artistic director of the internationally-renowned Patravadi Theatre, was the director of the production. When she was on the quest to find the perfect lead role for this major theatrical production, she was looking for an expert violinist who could capture the essence of this passionate northern Thai character. After auditioning Thai violinists for over a year, she almost gave up. When she happened to see one of Dillingham’s performances in Thailand last November, she found her prince. “Kyle is exactly what I had been envisioning for this role, but I couldn’t find anyone in Thailand who could do what he does”, says Patravadi. But because Dillingham does not speak Thai, she had the entire script re-written to accommodate his artistry. Patravadi was also part of the cast which boasted a team of Thailand’s most talented musicians and performers.

“Phra Lor” is a literary gem written more than 500 years ago during the Ayutthaya period. It has shocked people with its elegant writing of a love relationship between one prince, played by Dillingham, and two princesses from the North. It tells a powerful story of war, revenge and passion and exemplifies all aspects of the arts.

Music, songs and dance have been dedicated for this rare literary gem since its creation. In 1916, The Association of Thai Literature officially listed it as “The Best Literature in Thailand”.

The 2009 production of “Phra Lor” adapted the beauty of refined literary language to the contemporary world. The play presented the original story in parallel with its contemporary version, unfolding in colorful renditions of drama, music, dance, installation arts and technology.

The songs for this show are as revered as the literature. But this time, the beloved music of “Phra Lor” was interpreted by Oklahoma’s own, Kyle Dillingham. Along with Anant Narkkong, a renowned Thai composer and ethnomusicologist, Dillingham breathed new life into the well-loved traditional tunes by weaving the beauty of the Asian sounds with a variety of western musical influences.
Manop Meejamrat, winner of “Silapathorn” National Award for Contemporary Performing Artists, was the choreographer.

In addition to rehearsing, Dillingham was busy with other theatre-related projects. The week before the premiere, he was in the recording studio for the production of the CD of music from the show, which includes some of his own compositions. He also interviewed with national and international media outlets, one being Music and Art Magazine, where he graces the cover of the June issue.

His Majesty the King of Thailand gave his support and so did the Embassy of the United States. Along with the support from The Crown Property Bureau, Office of the Basic Education Commission, Office of Contemporary Arts and Culture and The Dhamma Foundation, this charitable production raised funds for the Dhamma Foundation that benefits the development of young Thai artists.

“Phra Lor” raised its curtain June 19th with performances that ran daily (except Monday) through June 28th.

View Kyle's interview with Bangkok's Morning Talk TV (June 15th show starting at 11:50):
http://www.maxnettv.tv/module_vdoondemand/vdoondemand_display.php?id=4098&type_webboard=vdoondemand

View a performance of Kyle as Phra Lor crossing the Kalong River:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U92v6Iqbk8o

For more informationa about the Patravadi Theatre, visit www.patravaditheatre.com.

The deadCENTER Film Festival, designed to inspire growth in the local film industry and energize visiting film professionals, will be premiering the film, "Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo", June 10th as part of their extensive schedule of screenings by local talent.

The song "Swing" by Horseshoe Road will be featured in this compelling documentary about the country's only Behind the Walls Rodeo.

Since 1940, McAlester, Oklahoma has hosted the Oklahoma State Prison Rodeo, and in 2006 women inmates were allowed for the first time to compete against the male inmates. This film follows these cowgirls on their way to the rodeo.

For a preview, scheduled viewings and more information:
http://deadcenter.bside.com/2009/films/sweetheartsoftheprisonrodeo_deadcenter2009;jsessionid=E843D6066A603E3C4478C5A9789BD8DE

This film will also be showing on HBO sometime in September.

The mission of Creative Oklahoma, Inc. is to establish Oklahoma as a world-renowned center of creativity and innovation in commerce, culture and education. Click HERE to read Kyle's press packet and see why they're so excited about having him as an ambassador.

Oklahoma is the only North American state recognized by The Creativity World Forum as one of 12 Creative Districts worldwide, a distinction sought by cities and regions around the world. Districts include Baden-Wurttemberg, Flanders, Quebec, Scotland, Shanghai and others.

Oklahoma will be on the world stage in 2010 when it hosts the annual World Creativity Forum, a global conference focused entirely on creativity and innovation. As one of COI's new Creative Ambassadors, Kyle has been participating in the Cultural Committee meetings for the forum and plans to attend the 2009 Creativity World Forum in Germany the end of this year.

To read more about the 2010 World Creativity Forum: http://www.prwebdirect.com/releases/2008/11/prweb1674404.htm

Phra Lor is a moving musical of a noble, northern Thai Prince, played by Kyle, put under a spell and lured by two beautiful princesses from another city. His ego leads him to make bad decisions and causes conflict between the families. The end result is death. It is a story of love, decisions, their consequences and forgiveness amongst people.

Patravadi Mejudhon, famous actress, director and founder of the world renowned Patravadi Theatre in Bangkok, was on a quest to find the perfect lead role for this major theatrical production. She was looking for an expert violinist who could capture the essence of this passionate character. After auditioning for over a year, she almost gave up. When she happens to see one of Kyle’s performances, she found her Prince. Kyle was exactly what she envisioned. Because Kyle could not speak the language, she rewrote the entire script with a narrator to interpret Kyle’s part.

This is the only production that has the full support of His Majesty, the King of Thailand. The U.S. Government is also supporting Kyle’s role to promote goodwill in Thailand.

Phra Lor runs everyday through June 28th, except Mondays.

To view more about this stunning production from Patravadi Theatre's website (scroll down to read in English):
http://www.patravaditheatre.com/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=98&year=2009&month=06&day=19&Itemid=0

To listen to a few of the studio recordings from Phra Lor:
http://web.me.com/horseshoeroad/Phra_Lor/Podcast/Podcast.html

Read what the Bangkok Post had to say about Phra Lor:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/entertainment/music/18621/new-voices-of-phra-lor

Rich Lenz, co-host of Tulsa's KOTV Six in the Morning Show, talks with Kyle and Callen about their project, "Argosy Overture", a romance composition commissioned by the University of Central of Oklahoma.

View the video:
http://www.newson6.com/Global/category.asp?C=121535&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3518020

"To play with an orchestra has been something I've always dreamed about", Kyle said to the Oklahoman.Read more about Kyle's gift of music and his gift of connecting with people through his music, such as performing Callen Clarke's "Argosy Overture".http://newsok.com/violinist-kyle-dillingham-tries-to-connect-musical-passion-to-listeners/article/3351053

UCO Ambassador in Residence, Kyle Dillingham, joins UCO Symphony Orchestra to premiere original composition.

The University of Central Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra takes a musical voyage with UCO Ambassador in Residence Kyle Dillingham for the premiere performance of the original composition, "Argosy Overture" at 7:30pm, March 10th at the Oak Tree Country Club, 700 W. Country Club Drive, in Edmond.

The event celebrates the one-year anniversary of the UCO Centre for Global Competency, a certification program recognizing students who have studied abroad, studied international subjects or foreign languages and met other requirements headed by Dennis Dunham, UCO executive director of international affairs.

The original piece, "Argosy Overture", composed by Callen Clarke, an Edmond resident and professional musician, depicts the travels of a global explorer. An argosy is a large merchant ship, which Dunham said is used as a metaphor for travelers in the composition.

The composition will begin with a violin solo by Dilllingham. He represents the adventurer, who begins by asking questions - with his music - and providing his own answers.

"Pretty soon, he asks a question and the world answers - that's the orchestra. But it's not what he expected," Dunham said.

"The highlight for me is when he is going to China, the sound of his violin changes into that of an erhu."

An erhu is a Chinese instrument with two strings.

"This music was written for a special purpose and written to tell a story. It is about a transforming experience of a global experience. And you experience that transformation in about 11 minutes," Dillingham said.

Last fall, Dillingham played his violin for audiences in Thailand and Korea when he and Dunham traveled there for UCO.

"Musical diplomacy brings people together and pretty quickly, too. Music is the universal language", Dillingham said.

Another "fitting" selection for the global theme of the concert is an Austrian composition, Haydn's "Farewell Symphony", conducted by Dr. Ralph Morris, director of the UCO symphony orchestra.

"It is interesting that 2009 is the 200th year of Haydn's death, so this is the year to be doing lots of Haydn", said Morris, who earlier studied and played music for eight years in Austria.

The event also will feature the performance of Hanson's Symphony #2 Romantic. Though the 20th century American composer produced some avant-garde pieces, Morris describes it as a romantic, beautiful work.

Tickets are $10 per person or $5 for UCO faculty, staff and students and may be reserved by calling (405) 974-3375. "Argosy Overture" CDs will be available for sale.

Kyle and his mom, Diane Dillingham, discuss with the Oklahoman about her solo exhibition, 14 Songs 14 Paintings. Check out a sneak peak of what's in store at the intimate Opening Reception, Thursday, March 5th. Kyle, Brad & Brent perform "The Love I Use to Give" for the Oklahoman.

Kyle and his mom, Diane Dillingham, discuss with the Oklahoman about her solo exhibition, 14 Songs 14 Paintings. View the video of what inspired Diane to paint the songs of Horseshoe Road, along with a performance by Kyle, Brad & Brent:
http://newsok.com/oklahomans-kyle-diane-dillingham-collaborate-for-exhibit/article/3350128?custom_click=lead_story_photo

Seating is limited to the Opening Night Performance, Thursday, March 5th. Reserve your seats now! 405-808-8804.

Kyle performed with other great performers at the Tim Gillum Memorial Foundation Benefit Concert at Heritage Hall.

Check out the video of Kyle and Peter Markes, Edmond North Orchestra Director and good friend, "Those Were the Days".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY1MWzEwSoU&feature=related

Shirley Mears of the Gospel Station talks with Kyle about his music, his life and his ministry. An intimate look into Kyle's life that you might not have known, but glad you did.

Listen here : http://www.thegospelstation.com/dyn/showpage.php?id=93

Gypsy Jazz is a unique melding of French folk music and jazz that came together among working musicians in 1930's Paris.

Listen to what Joe Wertz (music writer for the Oklahoma Gazette) had to say about Kyle and NYC's Stephane Wrembel's take on Gypsy Jazz.

http://www.kgou.org/content/mp3/wertz_2-11-09_web.mp3

Kyle and Brad currently going through the footage of the "Reel To Reel" recording sessions. New videos will be posted regularly. They are planning on releasing a DVD containing all fourteen songs from the album.

View a "behind the scenes" look at the recording process:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb2-qD-3dK8&fmt=22

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaRAjnJsq20&fmt=22