Storyteller, folk singer, author, painter, producer, arts supporter...
Raised in Pasadena, Branson has now fulfilled a life-long dream of creating an arts center with the construction and development of Boston Court. He was honored with the Pasadena Arts Council's 2005 Gold Crown Award, for recognition of excellence in and support of the arts.
Perhaps best known for his folk singing and storytelling, Branson has earned rave reviews over the years. Performing with Appalachian dulcimer, concertina, as well as a cappella, he has entertained children and adults alike with intimate concerts of traditional ballads from Britain, Ireland and North America, and with world folktales and stories, all from one of the largest repertoires of its kind. He continues to perform throughout California.
Branson co-published “The Los Angeles Theatre Book, 1984”, as well as “Garland-Clarke Editions,” a series on theatre arts, plays, contemporary literature, and film. He authored a well-received critical study of the films of Howard Hawks (“Howard Hawks: A Jungian Study”), co-published with Capra Press.
A longtime supporter and board member of The Globe Playhouse/Shakespeare Society of America, he produced several productions there, including Steve Allen’s “Shakespeare In Love” and Mary Mann’s “ANZAC” (Drama-Logue Award).
Branson’s production company, Z. Clark Branson Projects, in association with Paula Randol-Smith’s The Venue/A Theatrical Space in the Brewery arts complex, produced concerts, world premiere plays and musicals. They also co-produced the annual Celtic Holiday Concert with the L.A. Celtic Arts Center, folk music events at the Sepulveda Unitarian-Universalist Society’s popular “Onion” Auditorium, and the annual Mountain Lion Folk Weekend held at Camp deBenneville Pines above Redlands, CA.
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