In this article, Dr. mOe interviews Grammy award winning saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, and reveals the best kept secret in the live music capitol of Texas. For more, visit Dr. mOe's website at www.drmoeanderson.com, follow her on Twitter @drmoeanderson or visit her YouTube channel drmoeutube.

1. 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. Preconcert 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

2. 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