PARTNERS IN ART - SEPTEMBER AT THE WHITNEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

I, as usual have had a pretty interesting week. I am not even sure where I last left off  and have to admit I just had to look back.  So much has happened.  The Art Opening at the Whit where I am pleased to say all of the Artists were happy with my latest layout and display of their works.

I once again surprised myself by working withing the "theme" aspect of the Shows at the Whitney Center for the Arts.  This latest one was a couples themed art show since there is to be some sort of wedding party booked and I decided that a couples art show would be just the ticket for some diversity of work.

I got diversity.  Everything from Abstract Oils, Colored Pencil, Mixed Media College, Oil Land capes, Watercolor Landscapes, and oil Seascapes. Each artist's work as diverse from each other as the couples were.

As usual I questioned what was going through my mind and wondered whether I would be able to pull it off.  I didn't group each couples work next to each other and someone suggested I have a contest to see who could guess who was with whom, but that was an idea not thought up in enough time to pull off.

I worry for nothing each and every time so far, knock on wood!  The show was well attended and Paul Hergenrother brought me flowers and a card thanking me, the card from one of the pieces in the show, which I will frame and treasure as a reminder of the fun I have doing these art shows.

GALLERY W -Right inside door and around the gallery.

COLT GALLERY Left of door and around room

Friday was a great evening!  It was so much fun sharing some great art with some great art appreciators!  I know all of the artists had a great time and I appreciate Morris Bennett, Anne Roland, Anne Pasko, Walt Pasko, Paul Hergenrother and Rob Martin for participating in my September "Partners In Art" Art Show at the Whitney Center for the Arts -

Can you tell who's with who?  Bet you can't - cheating allowed and one of the reasons I did not mark the pictures with the Artists names and titles (one of my pet peeves is unmarked art !)   I will update in a week and you can see if you guessed correctly - post your responses in the comments if you dare!  

BUSY DECEMBER ALREADY!!! UPCOMING EVENTS

Time is just flying since I last wrote before Thanksgiving and it is now just a scant 19 days until my birthday and 24 days until Christmas.  If these past weeks and months are any indicator then it will be here in two blinks!

I did not get my Thanksgiving miracle that I was praying for.  I was sad, but not bothered when my son declined my invitation to dinner marking it as the first time we have not spent a holiday meal together.

It was bound to happen.  I know his father wishes that he had come, but Tom's Dad came and Richard and I had our first Thanksgiving together.  The food was plentiful and the company good.  We all feasted on Turkey and all of the fixings and the only mishap was the turkey was ready an hour and a half earlier than it should have been!

The Whimsey Show at the Whitney Center for the Arts is on for Friday and I have been observing and helping along the way.  It has been a learning experience.

Today I went along to pick out and pick up Art Work at Lauren Clark Fine Arts in Great Barrington, completely forgetting it was Monday and I had an appointment at 2:00.  When the phone rang and I was on my way back to town to eat some lunch and go at a later time.

Lauren has a fine show of small works going on right now and has some amazing art on the walls, along with pottery, glass, sculpture and jewelry.  I was at the Opening for the Small Works show last week and it was a great crowd.  I can recommend it if you have any art lovers in your family to make sure you stop in and take a look.

Between getting ready for the Art Opening on Friday and all that entails along with the rest of ArtWalk to participate in one would think that that would be enough for one week, not so with me.  A few of my favourite artists will be showing this week with Sally Tiska Rice at Unusual Wedding Rings and Morris Bennett and Anne Roland at Stephen Valenti's Clothing for Men just to name a few. 

Saturday I will be checking out the second Talking Books with Stephanie Abrams, who sent me a note back when I sent her my review of the first program which I will share with you here.

It!s my special pleasure,Jennifer, to spearhead the creation of Talking Books and to encourage my author friends to participate bringing their unique talents from near and far together with local residents and Berkshire Co. Visitors. I envision cresting such buzz-worthy programs that people will cone to Pittsfield and The Whit just to attend another Stephanie Abrams Presents Talking Books at The Whit event. The next "happening" is scheduled for Dec. 6th starting at 2pm. Wonderful authors will share their books and inspirations and mingle with participants including doing book signings! We'll be doing something groundbreaking as well as we talk with, live by SKYPE, globally known Greek master chef, Maria Loi, Food Network star & author of over 30 cookbooks including the Greek Government's Official Cookbook for the 2004 Olympics on Greece & her newest cookbook , "The Greek Diet." Maria's newest restaurant, Loi Seasonal," will open tomorrow on 58th St. between 6th and 7th Aves. In NYC. In addition to her ability to interact with participants at The Whit by SKYPE in Dec 6th, Maria will appear in person on January 17th at the third "Stephanie Abrams Presents Talking Books at The Whit" starting at 2pm. More info to follow about other authors appearing at Dec. & Jan. Programs! Hope to see you there ( mor we'll start RUMORS about you! (shameful plug go my novel!)

 So, I hope to see you all there at the Whitney Center for the Arts for another fine experience!

I am off to relax, have a great day everyone!!!

TUTTO ITALIANO AT THE WHITNEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

I attended Opera Notte at the Whitney Center for the Arts on Sunday afternoon.  The room was filled with fellow Opera fans for an afternoon of Italian Arias.  Kara Delmer put together a wonderful show

along with Ron Ramsey on piano,  Courtney Clark on Violin, and Jessica Passetto, John Delmer, Joe Sicotte and Kara Delmer singing.

As the guests were seated and ordering from the Bistro Menu in preparation for the show I noticed John with an apron on, pouring wine and serving guests. knowing he usually sings I asked him if he was  singing today?  He replied "Not today".  I was amazed when he began singing "Bella Notte" as a waiter.

Ghazi Kazmi came out and introduced John Delmer after his performance, welcomed the audience and thanked them for being there and announced upcoming shows.  He then introduced Kara Delmer who spoke about the book "24 Italian Songs" leading into a performance of "Nel Cor piu Non Mi Sento" where she involved an audience member as she sang as she often does.

Tenor Joseph Sicotte then performed "Sebben Crudele" accompanied by Ron Ramsey on Piano and Courtney Clark on Violin after which he introduced guest singer Jessica Passetto who sang "Se Tu M'ami". It was really an enjoyable day for Italian speakers and non speakers alike.

The newest addition to the Whitney Center family ~ Courtney Clark from New Hampshire, played Verdi's  "Va Pensiero" on Violin accompanied by Ron Ramsey on Piano.  This piece of course wasn't vocal but Courtney made her instrument sing!

Jess Passetto followed by introducing four Mozart Arias.  She began with "Voi che Sapete" followed by Joe singing "Un Aura Amorosa".  John Delmer then came out and spoke about Don Giovanni, giving us background before entertaining us.

Singing to Elvira as Leporello, he exposes his masters numerous conquests.  As he sings he coyly  shows images from his tablet  of various women to the audience from Marilyn Monroe, to Paula Dean and Betty White to name a few, which got roars of laughter.

Jess and Kara followed with "Duet of Sull Aria" from Figaro. Accompanied by Courtney and Ron on violin and piano after which Kara introduced the next phase of the show which was a series of popular Neopolitan Songs.

Ron Ramsey delighted the audience with various renditions of songs from "The GodFather" from his seat at the Piano singing "Promise Me You'll Remember" and sharing little tidbits of information about the songs.

Kara and Joe followed Ron with a Duet from the movie "The Quest for Camelot" which was just spectacular!  John Delmer was very theatrical with his rendition of "That's Amore" once again engaging the audience before all of the members gathered to sing "Finiculi, Finicula".

What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon for Opera Fans old and new!

AN EVENING AT THE WHITNEY WITH RON RAMSAY AND SAMANTHA TALORA & SPECIAL GUESTS

I had the pleasure of catching Samantha Talora & Ron Ramsay with Special Guest Michael Gillespie featuring the Brightest Young Talent of the Berkshires on Saturday, September 20th at the Whitney Center for the Performing Arts.

                                     
There was quite a crowd when I arrived, the people engaged in friendly conversation as waitstaff came around to take orders for wine and morsels to nibble on during the show.  Ghazi Khami greeting guests as we all prepared ourselves for a highly anticipated evening of Show Tunes from Oliver, Bye, Bye Birdie, Follies, Charlie Brown and The Secret Garden.


                                   

Ron Ramsey, Music Director at the Whitney Center for the Arts as well as St. Ann's Church in Lenox, MA. and  Samantha Talora, a local singer,  did a wonderful job entertaining the  guests with their banter.  The addition of    Michael Gillespie on Sax and Flute, Hannah Morley,15, Allysa Morley, 13, along with Maxine Leger, 12 and Lelia Gillespie 8, were a wonderful combination for a great evening at the Whit!

Sam and Ron have a great energy both musically and socially ~ and did a great job of engaging the audience throughout the evening.  They began the evening with "Something's Coming" and broke into "Isn't It Romantic".

Once we were warmed up a bit Michael Gillespie joined them on Sax for an awesome rendition of Alright, Okay, You Win, which was my all time favorite of the evening.  Alyssa and Maxine hit the stage with both feet with a very theatrical duet, followed by Samantha doing a beautiful ballad "I Think It is Going to Rain Today".

I was absolutely blown away when 8 year old Lelia Gillespie, daughter of Michael, the Sax/Flute player came out, just a head higher than the piano to perform "The Girl I Mean to Be" from the Secret Garden.  She sang like an angel, engaged the entire room and was rewarded with a soda for a job well done at the end of the evening.

The evening continued to be a wonderful way to spend a night the finale was amazing with everyone joining in with "Consider Yourself" from Oliver.  Following the performance delicious cake was served to the audience and I caught up with the amazing guest performers.

Hannah, Maxime, Allysa and Lelia, guest performers at the Whitney Center for Performing Arts

Sisters Allysa and Hannah Morley  have been singing together for six years. Maxime Leger  has been singing with the sisters in the Church Choir at St. Anne's Church for a number of years.  Lelia Gillespie, daughter of Michael (Sax and Flute), has a wonderful time singing as well as is evident by the twinkle in her eye and the smile on her face!

It delights me to see the Whitney Center for the Performing Arts benefiting our community through Art and Music by bringing such a diverse range of Talent to our attention.  I look forward to seeing future Musical Events at the Whitney as each one unfolds.

The Whitney Center For the Arts is located at 42 Wendell Avenue in Pittsfield and I recommend you make your reservations early to ensure a seat for these very entertaining events!  Hope to see you there!

OPERA NIGHT AT THE WHITNEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

On Friday evening I was invited to attend my first Opera Notte at the Whit.  I was excited to
be attending and eager to see what a night of Opera would be like.  I am a fan of many
styles of music and enjoy Classical and Opera although I am not educated and
knowledgeable about composers, songs and such, I got a bit of an education that
evening, along with  wonderful memories!

I walked into the Whitney Center of the Arts which I am used to going to Art Shows and
Receptions in the recently converted Women's Club.  A project co-created by Lisa
Whitney and Ghazi Kazmi with a main Gallery and a smaller Colt Gallery with an office or
two thrown in upstairs, which was transformed that evening into a nice little Cafe with
round tables set up, the piano pulled out into the room  and people getting settled in with
their wine and munchies awaiting the performance.

The building in itself is charming and beautiful and with the hustle and bustle of activity
and people it felt very comfortable and welcoming.  The crowd was there and I was seated
with two people I didn't know and the wonderful Rudy Sacco ~ so I felt I was in excellent
company for a wonderful night!

They have a nice little menu which was on the table with food and beverages ranging from
an Italian Specialty Plate, Mediterranean Platter, Chips and Salsa and even a dessert of the
day and Coffee, Tea(s), Cava and White and Red Wines by the glass or bottle depending
upon your needs and a selection of Domestic and Imported Beers and a non Alcoholic
beer as well as Perrier and various Soft Drinks.

The servers flitted around getting the crowd set before the performance.  The wine flowed
and the conversations were plentiful as we all waited for the show to begin.  Lillian Strums
Collection was adorning the walls and the lady herself was also in the house!!!

 
We were treated to a wonderful and eye opening performance by Amber Naramore, Kara
Demler, John Demler, Joseph Sicotte, and Ron Ramsay.  Joe and Ron were on Piano as
well as singing during the evening.

Ron began the evening by instructing us on the correct responses for Opera Etiquette for
showing our appreciation for the performers and encouraged responses followed by a sip
of wine to show our love!

• bravo! - Bravo is the Italian word for expressing appreciation to a male performer.
• 
  
• brava! -  Bravo is the Italian word for expressing appreciation to a female performer
• 
  
• bravi! -  Bravo is the Italian word for expressing appreciation to two or more performers.

I was mesmerized by a wide range of music from Carmen by John Delmer, followed by
Daughter of the Regiment by Amber who is amazing and, sadly leaving for Hawaii after a
wonderful season at the Whit which began in February.

Kara and John Delmer sang a beautiful Romantic Duet followed by an Aria by Joseph
Sicotte.  Kara and Amber followed with a beautiful Duet   I sat back and enjoyed every
note!

Amber Star Naramore

Kara and John Delmer

Amber performing

 I think my ultimate favourite performance during the evening was an Aria from La Boheme
by Kara Demler who really included the audience including one of my table mates!  As she
scolded him in Italian I was really taken in by the powerful song and her rendition!

There was a special guest performer as well.  Lily Lothrop a 15 year old Sophomore from
Taconic High School made her debut at the Whit.  She has a beautiful voice and a wide
range and she delighted the audience.

They switched from Opera and broke into a series of different songs including one of my
favourites by George Gershwin "Summertime" sung by Amber which was amazing!  Joe
sang Adolpho   which required audience participation and I do believe everyone got into it!

Time flew and before I knew it Amber, Kara, John, Ron, Joe and Lily were singing the finale
from La Traviata and people took their leave.  I took the opportunity to introduce myself to
Lillian Sturm whose amazing Art Collection adorned the walls all month long, in order to
thank her for sharing!

She surprised me by telling me that she had noticed me during the show and could tell I
loved every minute of it.  I had to agree!  My first Opera Night was an amazing experience
which I hope to repeat!  Lillian was warm and friendly and has amazing taste in art so I was
amazed that she had noticed me at all!

I spoke with Lily Lathrop's Dad as I was heading for the door who told me that Lily will be
singing at The Colonial Theatre in the near future!  I cannot wait to see how this your
performer will develop over time!

One of the goals of the Whitney Center for the Arts is to bring Opera to the masses and
for everyone to have a great time!  I can agree that the masses got together indeed, on
Friday evening and everyone left after having a great time!