One World Theatre: Minutes Away and Worlds Apart

Dr. Moe Anderson, soulciti.com

Austin’s One World Theatre, a top-tier venue

for musicians and music lovers is also one of

the best kept secrets in the Live Music Capitol

of the World.

Visitors flock to the narrow sidewalks of Sixth

Street to hear live music gush through the

shingles of bustling bars and rain on their

eardrums. In contrast, ten miles away, One

World sits on a sun bleached plateau in the

Hill Country overlooking the Wild Basin

Wilderness Preserve.

The architecture of the Tuscan-style Villa,

along with the breathtaking view bring new

meaning to the word “syncopation” as the

quality of this theater’s rhythm is more than a

little unexpected.

One World is not just a concert hall. The

tented Grand Piazza at the entrance of the

building is the wedding site of choice for many

brides-to-be. In fact, the Austin Chronicle named One World as “Austin’s Most Romantic

Venue.” Indoors, Celebration Hall is another large space available for occasions ranging from

corporate events to birthday parties.

In 1999, One World co-founders HARTT and NADA STEARNS opened the 300-seat theater on

the 9-acre property. One World was originally incorporated as a 501 (c)3 with a stated mission to

educate and inspire others through arts and entertainment programs. As part of their ongoing

multi-cultural arts-in-education outreach, they provide free show tickets to child and family

community organizations and host a performing arts summer camp for local students. Pre-

concert live entertainment is provided by local musicians, giving them exposure to a broader

audience.

The Stearns are formally trained musicians who understand the needs of professional artists.

Hartt, a percussionist, toured with an Argentine band for fourteen years. He believes that music

is a universal language saying, “It doesn’t matter what country you come from, what color your

skin is, or what religion you have, we’re all part of one world.”

One World is best known as a jazz venue but their calendar is much more diverse. This season’s

lineup has included concerts by: pop guitarist Jose Feliciano, folk artist Leon Redbone, country

songstress Suzy Bogguss and a capella gospel group Take 6. But jazz is listed first on the calling

card of this Bee Caves gem. Upcoming concerts include jazz recording artists: guitarist Stanley

Jordan, jazz fusion band Hiroshima, and Cuban jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.

Their annual Christmas Concert this year is headlined by saxophonist KIRK WHALUM, along

with LALAH HATHAWAY, KEVIN WHALUM, and GERALD ALBRIGHT.

The Grammy Winner has performed almost everywhere in his 30-year career but One World is

among his favorites. In a telephone interview with soulciti, he said, “It is a singularly unique

venue, not just in Texas, but in the country, because of the way that they value art and music…I

have a special place in my heart for people who are about empowering people. They [the

Stearns] serve an audience who is hungry to experience something off the beaten path.” He refers

to his music as a ministry that is “more balm than barb wire.”

Whalum performed a sold-out Christmas concert at One World last year but he promises this

year will be even better because of the chemistry he’s developed with the other artists through

years of collaborating on projects. Listen to a sample of Whalum’s artistry and Hathaway’s

vocals from the Gospel According to Jazz Chapter 3 on YouTube.

To learn more about One World and purchase tickets - visit their website.

Kirk Whalum, A Gospel According to Jazz Concert, December 21, 2013. Shows at 7 & 9:30 pm.

Monica “Dr. mOe” Anderson is a writer, speaker, and dentist in Austin, Texas.

Originally published by www.soulciti.com December 2013