Casii Stephan and The Midnight Sun: The "Trapeze Artist" Experience
The Philbrook Museum of Art is known for having twenty-five acres of gardens and art. On March 6th, 2020, the Museum hosted a magical night of art in the form of music. In a city filled with musically talented artists, Casii Stephan and The Midnight Sun are one of the best acts that the city has to offer. In celebration of the bands newest single, “Trapeze Artist, Casii Stephan and The Midnight Sun took the audience for an experience and an emotional journey by way of song.
The evening began in the Great Hall of the Villa Philbrook where Casii Stephan greeted her fans that purchased a VIP ticket for the evening. Stephan spoke to the attendees in an intimate setting and then played a brand-new tune titled, “This City.” The song was played on the museum’s 1926 Aeolian pipe organ that was installed when the home was built in 1926-27. Casii moved to Tulsa about five years ago, and described “This City” as “…almost like a romantic comedy. The city is the guy and he is slowly winning you over.” Through her time here, Casii has fallen in love with the people of Tulsa, thus she has fallen in love with “This City.”
As fans began to enter the Patti Johnson Wilson Hall at the Philbrook Museum of Art, guitarist Tye Slagle greeted them with the soothing sound of jazz guitar that filled the theatre. Slagle played his mesmerizing and hypnotizing instrumentals on the electric guitar for about thirty minutes leading up to the show.
Tye Slagle
The “Trapeze Artist” Experience was just that. An artistic expression via way of music that provided a dynamic experience. Casii Stephan designed a set that elevated the experience of the concert goer to another level. A very high standard of precision in the creation and execution of this event could be seen and felt from the band throughout the entire show. The set was divided into four parts that took the listener through a different emotion that was based off of the bands newest single, “Trapeze Artist.” Casii wrote “Trapeze Artist” from the experience of feeling the emotional ups and downs of life, and yet, choosing to hope. “Overall, my hope as a songwriter is that you can connect with at least one song, and realize that you are not alone. We all feel the lows, we all feel the highs, and we all have to choose to hold on to hope.”
Casii Stephan
The Emotional Journey:
NEVER ENOUGH
· Flames – The relationship was good. It ran its course. Now there’s nothing left but bitter words and watching it all burn down.
· Already Gone – An anthem against domestic abuse – against the feeling that you’ll never be enough for someone else.
· GhostShips – (released in August 2017) – Life isn’t going your way, and you can’t remember what it felt like to have passion or energy. You’re just coasting through life like a ghost in the night.
LOVE
· Take a Breath (Fall) – This is the turning point; when you choose to take that step and trust that someone will catch you as you fall (in love).
· Don’t Let Me Go – You’re-amazing-and-I-never-want-to-leave-your-side Love
· Wine + Gold – Fully-gone-shout-to-the-stars Love
· I Like the Way – (released in March 2016) – My-soul-is-completely-enraptured-with-who-you-are-and-everything-you-do Love
HEARTBREAK/LOSS
· Too Late – Another turning point. You know the relationship needs to end, but you just can’t let it go
· Yo-Yo – The realization that this wasn’t love. It was manipulation.
· Can’t Handle Me – The claws are out. Playfully of course. But you’re stronger, know who you are and aren’t willing to compromise.
· Letters – (released in November 2018) - A song for those people that find online dating just plain sucks.
LIGHT/HOPE
· Trapeze Artist –The last part of this song is a melodic build with no words, because sometimes when you’re struggling to hope and you feel like you have nothing left to give, all you can give is a melody. Or a groan. Or a shout. And sometimes that’s enough to take the next step, to get out of bed, or to smile again.
CREDITS:
Opening music:
Tye Slagle
Casii Stephan and The Midnight Sun:
Casii Stephan - Songwriter, Lead Vocals, Keyboard/Piano
Tye Slagle - Guitar
Sean Ammons - Bass
Ryan Graham - Drums
Amira Al-Jiboori – Aux percussion
Special guest musicians:
Tea Rush – Background vocals
Rain Clark – Background vocals
Christina Wortham – Background vocals
Drew Thomas of Weston Horn and the Hush - Saxophone
Nathan Hairston of Weston Horn and the Hush – Trumpet
Alex Price of Weston Horn and the Hush – Trombone
Technical Crew:
Sound Engineer - Scott Bell
Lighting Design – Logan Sours
AV technician – Randy Kouns
Video and Editing – Brian Hicks