THE SNOWCAT
Critics' Pick:
TOP TEN ARTS PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES
Arizona Republic | AZ Central
“In this spellbinding performance, jazz flugelhornist and composer Dmitri Matheny and his band weave a magical, musical tale of a little girl searching for her missing white cat on a chilly afternoon. Based on a medieval parable, THE SNOWCAT reveals the spirit of sharing and gratitude that makes the holiday season such a wonderful time of year.”—Town & Country
Each year, Dmitri Matheny and friends bring THE SNOWCAT to life in a popular series of performances for families, combining singing, storytelling, live music, and visual art.
“I was born on Christmas Day, and I love the traditional songs and stories of the holiday season,” says Matheny. “THE SNOWCAT, however, is our own creation — a modern spin on a very old story.”
Dmitri Matheny's THE SNOWCAT is based on the ancient Asian parable of The Oxherder in which a herdboy's quest to find his missing ox is likened to an individual's journey through life.
With origins in India, The Oxherder became popular in medieval Japan where it was depicted on 13th century hand scrolls. The parable divides the mythical Hero's Journey into ten stages, each illustrated by a circularly framed image and a simple verse. Rendered in a bold, graphic style, the ancient tale is as simple as a modern day comic book, yet offers profound lessons of spiritual beauty which still resonate today.
As in the ancient parable, the hero of THE SNOWCAT finds her companion and returns home to appreciate the beauty of nature, play music, and have fun with friends. She maintains hope, optimism and determination in the face of adversity, discovers the gentle power of sitting quietly, and inspires us by embracing the holiday spirit of sharing and gratitude.
Holly Pyle vocals
Andrew Gross saxophones
Nick Manson keyboard
T-Bone Sistrunk bass
Dom Moio drums
Dmitri Matheny flugelhorn and storyteller
Run time approximately 45 minutes
Includes FREE coloring book
All ages, 3 and up recommended
Andrew Gross saxophones
Nick Manson keyboard
T-Bone Sistrunk bass
Dom Moio drums
Dmitri Matheny flugelhorn and storyteller
Run time approximately 45 minutes
Includes FREE coloring book
All ages, 3 and up recommended
REVIEWS
9/10/15 Arizona Republic | AZ Central
Top Ten Arts Programs for Families
12/6/14 San Tan Sun News
Matheny Brings The SnowCat To Chandler
11/29/14 Raising Arizona Kids Magazine
The SnowCat Is A Family-Friendly Alternative to Holiday Shows
11/13/14 Arizona Republic
2014-15 Scottsdale Jazz In Concert Series Announced
Top Ten Arts Programs for Families
12/6/14 San Tan Sun News
Matheny Brings The SnowCat To Chandler
11/29/14 Raising Arizona Kids Magazine
The SnowCat Is A Family-Friendly Alternative to Holiday Shows
11/13/14 Arizona Republic
2014-15 Scottsdale Jazz In Concert Series Announced