Mélomanie Releases CD, Performs in Rio in November

Photo by David Norbut

Mélomanie, the five-piece chamber ensemble known for provocative pairings of early and contemporary works, celebrated the release of Excursions, their newest new CD — and takes an excursion of their own in November with a performance in Rio de Janeiro. They have been invited to perform at international the four-day festival, Compositores de Hoje (Composers of Today), November 20 through 23, 2014.

Excursions features pieces written for and premiered by the ensemble: Excursions: Fantasie Mélomanie (2009) by Roberto Pace; Pavane-Variations (2009) by Ingrid Arauco; Dumgoyne (2012) by Jennifer Margaret Barker; The Nobility of Women (2011) by Philadelphia-area composer Kile Smith and Angico (2009) by Brazilian composer, Sergio Roberto de Oliveira.

"We chose the title Excursions because the pieces take the listener on different journeys," says Mélomanie Co-Artistic Director Tracy Richardson. Barker's Dumgoyne describes her childhood memories of Scotland. Pace's Excursions explores multiple moods and musical terrain. Arauco's Pavane-Variations and Smith's The Nobility of Women give us a fresh visit to old dance forms, and de Oliveira's Angico tells the story of his family's home in the Brazilian countryside. 

"This trip is an exciting landmark for our ensemble!" Richardson says. "We're thrilled for the opportunity to share our music and serve as Delaware's 'musical ambassadors.'"

Mélomanie is: Donna Fournier, viola da gamba, Douglas McNames, cellos, Kimberly Reighley, flutes, Christof Richter, violins and Tracy Richardson, harpsichords.

The CD, Excursions, and other Mélomanie recordings are available for download at meyer-media.com or your favorite online music outlet.

Mélomanie's participation in Compositores de Hoje is supported by of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation through USArtists International, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; the Delaware State International Trade Commission; Delaware Division of the Arts; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; The Music School of Delaware; and A Casa Produções.

Grammy-Award Winning Vocalist Performs in Benefit for Christina Cultural Arts Center

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Photo courtesy of Gregory Porter

Just before he takes the stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Grammy Award–winning jazz singer, songwriter and actor Gregory Porter makes a rare stop at The Grand Opera House at 7:30pm on Friday, October 17. The one-night-only performance in the Baby Grand Theater is a benefit for Christina Cultural Arts Center.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring an artist of Gregory’s caliber to Wilmington,” said CCAC Executive Director, Raye Jones Avery. “The event is even more meaningful for us because the proceeds benefit Christina Cultural Arts Center — one of our city's celebrated arts organizations helping to elevate WIlmington's vibrant cultural scene and to inspire our children, youth and teens through the arts.”

Special pre- and post-event ticket packages (one including a post-concert dinner with Porter) are still available by contacting The Grand Box Office at 37.800.GRAND. Single concert tickets are $45 and can be purchased online at TicketsAtTheGrand.org or by calling the box office.

This performance is just part of Christina Cultural Arts Center’s focus on presenting intimate live performances by both local and nationally known musicians — both in the Clifford Brown Performance Space of CCAC and other venues in and around downtown Wilmington. Past concerts sponsored by the organization include a sold-out performance by jazz-funk ensemble Snarky Puppy and Esperanza Spalding, as part of the Clifford Brown Year-Round Jazz Series in partnership with the Grand Opera House and the City of Wilmington.

Gregory Porter’s new album, Liquid Spirit, earned him a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Jazz Album in January. The album features three covers and 11 original songs including the title track (Liquid Spirit), Hey Laura, and No Love Dying. Called “the next great male jazz singer,” by NPR Music, Porter made his U.S. television debut last year with an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

This engagement of Gregory Porter is made possible through the Jazz Touring Network program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Christina Cultural Arts Center, Inc. is a premier community school of the arts with a mission to make affordable arts education and live multicultural performances accessible to children, teens and adults in a safe, family environment. CCAC’s leading-edge programs promote self-development, healthy lifestyles, social change, educational success and economic empowerment. CCAC is a partner in Wilmington’s Creative District project and the Center City Wilmington Delaware Readiness Team — a task force aiming to prepare Wilmington’s East Side and Southbridge area children for Kindergarten readiness.

See www.ccacde.org.

Fringe Wilmo Gets Frightening Every Weekend in October!

Join WILMINGTON FRINGE FANS every Saturday night in October for Midnight Musicals at Theatre N at Nemours to support the Fringe Wilmington festival. Admission is only $5! Sing-a-alongs, themed cocktails, giveaways, props, local actors, 50/50 raffle and more! Costumes strongly encouraged.

Schedule and details:
October 4: Sweeney Todd
October 11: Little Shop of Horrors
October 18: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Sponsored by Delaware Theatre Company
 October 25: Young Frankenstein
Sponsored by Oddity Bar

Oddity Bar hosts a pre-game party before each main event, from 9:00-11:00pm.

The Fringe Wilmington Festival is a five-day celebration of unconventional and experimental art held three times annually as Live Fringe, Film Fringe and Visual Fringe. 2014 Live Fringe Wilmington Festival runs November 19-23, 2014.

Live Fringe presents Delaware’s most outrageous and edgy live performances by local, regional and national artists. Improv, dance, comedy, clowns, magic, drama, musical theater and the indescribable can be experienced in local theaters, vacant storefronts and unexpected spaces.  The Live Fringe Preview Party kicks-off the festival with three-minute “samples” by each of the performing artists at World Café Live at the Queen.

Bravo to the 'Heroes and Heroines' of the DSO!

By Guest Blogger, Chuck Holdeman
Chuck is a regional composer of lyrical, contemporary classical music, including opera, orchestral music, songs, chamber music, and music for film.


The Delaware Symphony kicked off its 2014-15 season Friday evening at Wilmington's Grand Opera House. Board chair Charles Babcock — thrust into his role by the sudden death last summer of then chairman Bruce Kallos — gave a light-hearted (if lengthy) welcome to the near full house.

Music Director David Amado led the orchestra and audience in an enthusiastic rendition of our national anthem. Those of us who attended the pre-concert lecture had already met the soloist for Beethoven's 5th piano concerto — Venezuelan Gabriela Martinez, a charming and lovely young woman, is a graduate of Juilliard and winner of the Anton Rubenstein competition. Her conversation with Amado revealed her strong feelings for the music of Beethoven and her ability to learn concertos quickly — her budding career has included filling in for indisposed soloists.

While their discussion prepared us for a concerto of heroic dimension, the performance by Martinez and the DSO seemed to be propelled instead by lyrical sweep. Martinez plays with a clarity that communicates with great immediacy to an audience. I also enjoyed her use of the pedals, which colorized her sensitive phrasing. While she could always be heard over the orchestra, she nevertheless finessed her approach with daring pianissimos. She and Amado suggested that the second movement was the opposite of the first, introspective as opposed to heroic, yet they chose a tempo a little quicker than some, emphasizing the congenial rather than the mystical. Martinez had spoken of the chamber music implication of Beethoven's detailed writing for the orchestral instruments. Her obvious intense listening to those voices produced a beautiful unanimity, also enhanced by the sensitivity of conductor Amado, himself a pianist. The brilliance of the finale was as much due to Beethoven's witty side as to the composer's heroic strokes. I much preferred to take this concerto on its own terms, rather than be put in the frame of mind of Beethoven's publisher, who dubbed the piece "Emperor." I think for Beethoven, it was just music.

The second half gave us Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov's suite Scheherazade, based on this heroine's endless spinning of tales during 1,001 nights, successfully fending off the threat of the murderous Sultan. As a musician myself (a former bassoonist in the DSO), I realized I had performed this piece much more often than I had actually heard it from the audience. What a brilliant masterpiece it is! Most of the piece plays itself: the rich Arab-tinged harmonies, the memorable tunes, the rhythmic propulsiveness, the striking instrumental solos.

As in their lyrical approach to Beethoven, Amado and the orchestra relished the sweeping melodies, the swells of Rimsky's ocean. The only place that may not have worked quite so well was in the second movement, The Kalendar Prince, which is highly sectionalized. Yes, a good story has many fascinating episodes, but there must be a dramatic tension binding them — as with comedy, it's in the timing, which might have been more dramatically satisfying in this performance. I cannot fail to mention many of the featured musicians, quite a few of whom were my colleagues when I was in the orchestra. One who came after me is the youthfully ebullient concertmaster David Southorn, who shown brightly in Rimsky's numerous violin cadenzas, representing the storyteller, also functioning as a unifying motif. An older musician might display a broader range of expression, especially in the intimate direction, but the audience responded to Southorn's drama, command, and beauty of tone with hearty shouts of 'bravo' during the concertmaster's many bows at the conclusion.

Similar command was shown by my longtime colleague, bassoonist Jon Gaarder, whose pacing and virtuosity were just terrific. Charles Salinger's clarinet and Kim Reighley's flute sounded as lovely and apt as they always do, and Stephanie Wilson, taking the principal oboe role, made a strong impression every time she entered. I can tell you that for double reed players, who generally make their own reeds, the mark of having a good night on stage is having a good reed. Stephanie, nice reed!! Trumpeter Brian Kuszyk, wow, what triple tonguing. And those solos for second trombone, bravo Richard Linn. There was plenty for both first and second horn, bravi Karen Schubert and Lisa Dunham. And thank you, Doug McNames, for those particularly generous glissandos on the 'cello.

Amado and all the strings deserve high praise for the third movement, The Young Prince and Princess. The sound was lush and the ultra-romantic interpretation was remarkably complex, and everyone managed to do it together! One colleague I missed is cymbal-player Tom Blanchard. Rimsky, like many Russian composers, wrote a lot for the cymbals, and Blanchard is a player who can actually build a phrase with this crashing instrument. I like a loud cymbal, but the substitute last night tended to just play loud.

It was indeed a very beautiful concert with an especially large and vocal audience, a terrific launch to the new season by The Delaware Symphony Orchestra! The next program will be given on October 17 & 19 at The Tatnall School.

See www.delawaresymphony.org.

Love is in the Air at The Delaware Theatre Company!

Michael Learned and Daniel Davis in Love Letters. Photo by Joe del Tufo, Mobius New Media. 

You can take a trip to New York City to see the latest starry Broadway revival of Love Letters, but there is no need to travel to the Big Apple when we have our very own starry production right here in the First State! Last night the Delaware Theatre Company opened its 36th season - with A.R. Gurney's sentimental two-character play starring Michael Learned and Daniel Davis - to a standing ovation.

Love Letters is a unique play because the two actors never physically interact; instead, they sit at separate desks reading letters their characters have written to each other over the course of about 50 years. Since there is no blocking, sets or props, the play depends solely on the strength of the actors. Thankfully, we have two veterans in the roles who can certainly handle the challenge.

The two characters come from waspy New York families. They both spent their formative years in boarding schools and summer camps, but the families couldn't be more different. Melissa Gardner (Ms. Learned) grew up with divorced parents who used their wealth to keep their daughter happy rather than give her the attention she longed for, while Andrew Makepeace Ladd III (Mr. Davis) grew up in a conservative household with loving, supportive parents. The play begins in the 1930s when they meet in second grade, and thus starts their lifelong love affair. We learn about each character's personal and professional successes and failures through the letters they write to each other as they attend out-of-state schools and continue their very different lives.

They both journey into adulthood in separate directions. Andrew becomes a Washington, DC lawyer and later a republican New York senator, while Melissa becomes a free-spirited artist who uses her family's money to travel the world. Although both have multiple relationships and marry others, with whom they have families, they never stop corresponding.

The beauty of the play is that it comes to life through Mr. Gurney's words. The audience gets an opportunity to mentally visualize the action rather than have it played out for them. It's a play about these two people, but it's also about the art of letter writing, which today has been mostly replaced by technology - emails, texts, social networks, etc. As Melissa becomes dissatisfied with writing, Andrew reminds her of the beauty of it and how it's an extension of him. He feels that his letters are gifts. The two do correspond at times by phone, which we learn of their conversations through their letters, but they always return to the art of letter writing.

Ms. Learned and Mr. Davis both give exceptional performances. Their delivery is captivating and engaging. They have the difficult task of bringing these characters alive through only their vocal and facial expressions.

Stay in our great state to see this wonderful production. Love Letters runs through October 5. For information and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.delawaretheatre.org or call 302.594.1100.  

Auditions, Auditions!

It's audition time in Delaware ArtLand, folks!  Here are a few auditions happening in and around the Wilmington area. 

The Rainbow Chorale of Delaware: Open Call
Monday, Sept 15, 2014 • 6:00–7:00 pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church • Pennsylvania Avenue & Rodney Street • Wilmington DE
Friendly Joining Process & No formal audition. Non-Singers & Volunteers welcome!
Visit the RCD's website for more details, or send an email to the Artistic Director.

Wilmington Drama League: Auditions for Waterspout Hero
Chrysalis, Youth Theater at the Wilmington Drama League, will hold auditions Monday, September 15, 2014, 4:30–6:30pm & Tuesday, September 16, 2014, 4:30–6:30pm for this Pillow Play that will run November 1-9, 2014 at WDL. Age range is 7 to 12 years old.  Auditions are cold reading from the script. Get more information about our free Pillow Play shows by kids for kids.

Wilmington Drama League: Auditions for Big, The Musical
Auditions Sunday, September 14, 2014, 7:00–10:00pm & Tuesday, September 16, 2014, 7:00–10:00pm. Callbacks, if needed, will be on September 29, 2014, 1:00-4:00pm. 

All auditions will be at the Drama League. All roles are open, no appointments are necessary.

See www.therainbowchorale.org. 
See www.wilmingtondramaleague.org.

CheckIN’ Out the Brandywine Festival of the Arts

The full article can be found on INWilmingtonDE.com's blog HERE...

By Tee Alexander, Wilmington INBassador

Fly Home Birdhouses

It was 85 degrees at 10:00am, but that didn’t stop thousands of visitors from attending the annual event that is the Brandywine Arts Festival. In Brandywine Park, at the bottom of Monkey Hill, over 250 artists put up tents and tables in order to showcase their unique talents. They come from different locations across the country, and so do the patrons who travel to the festival to find that perfect “one of a kind” item for their home, or that special gift for someone else.

The variety of art is impressive. There are paintings, photographic works, sculptures, metal art, hand-crafted jewelry, personalized art, clothing, woodworking, blown glass, and so much more.

Wine Barrel Designs offers one-of-a-kind furniture made from recycled wine barrels. Some items displayed were a bistro table with stools and a wine rack in the base, as well as a coffee table with a wine rack in the middle.

Fly Home Birdhouses caught my attention with their bright colors, whimsical designs, and copper roofs atop their hand-crafted creations. Artist Clark Hansberger traveled 4 hours for the festival and shared that “Wilmington is a nice little town.”

READ MORE>>>

Governor Markell Announces 2014 Govenor's Awards for the Arts

Article originates from content borrowed from Delaware.gov. The full article can be seen here.

The Governor's Award, created by Michael Quattrociocchi of Milford

Governor Jack A. Markell will honor the recipients of the 2014 Governor’s Awards for the Arts at a presentation starting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2014 at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington, Delaware. The event, co-chaired by First Lady Carla Markell and Delaware State Arts Council Chair Lise Monty, will include videos celebrating the work of the winners, as well as performances by two young professional Delaware musicians: 2014 Emerging Artist Fellow Matthew Smith (guitar) and 15-year-old Pyerce Lateef Oates (piano). The event is free and open to the public. RSVP required: delarts@state.de.us or 302.577.8278.

“I’m thrilled to join with the Delaware State Arts Council in recognizing the outstanding work of these eight Delaware artists and arts organizations,” said Governor Markell. “Through their art as well as their leadership, education, innovation and advocacy they have had a significant and profound impact on the artistic and cultural life of Delaware.”

The awards are being created by Milford, Delaware artist Michael Quattrociocchi, an award-winning wood craft artisan. “Treasure Box” is an Asian design made of wood with applied panels on front and back. The front and back panels are made of spalted maple in a “Landscape” design reminiscent of the Delaware shore. Landscapes may be a shoreline with fog, marshland scene, or estuary.

Individual Award Winners (alphabetical order):
David Amado • leader
Sharon Baker • independent filmmaker Xiang Gao • innovator
Eunice LaFate • advocate
Evelyn Swensson • lifetime achievement - Peggy Amsterdam Outstanding Achievement Award
Billie Travalini • educator
Organization Award Winners (alphabetical order):
Joshua M. Freeman Foundation • presenting
VSA Delaware • inclusion

The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support artists and arts organizations, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware State Legislature, and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

See www.artsdel.org. 

Fall Arts in the Park

Wilmington and Alapocas Run State Parks are brimming with arts programs this month, so we thought we'd share their excitement with you! Coming up in September at the Blue Ball Barn:
 

"Two Wine Bottles" Eunice LaFate

Eunice LaFate Workshop
Saturday, September 6, 1:00-3:00pm | Admission free with paid park admission
Local folk artist Eunice LaFate* talks about her work and leads participants in creating their own piece of artwork.  Pre-registration required by noon on September 5.
Call 302.577.7020.
*Eunice is truly one of Delaware's treasures as an artist and community educator — even more evident by her recent recognition as a recipient of the 2014 Governor’s Awards for the Arts. Delaware Arts Info sends our love & congratulations to you, Eunice!
 
Green Willow Folk Club Concert Series at the Blue Ball Barn, Featuring Cantrip  
Tuesday, September 9, 7:30pm | $25 Reserved/$28 Door • 17 & under free with adult
This trio of traditional Scottish musicians has been stunning audiences with its driving blend of fiddle, bagpipes and guitar. Reserve seats at 302.456.3242 or reservations@greenwillow.org.

This Old Quilt
Sunday, September 21, 1:00-3:00pm | Admission free with paid park admission
Learn about the care, cleaning, repair and storage of old and new quilts in the home.
Madge Ziegler, quilt specialist, will help identify information about your quilt such as age, technique and fabrics, so bring them along! Examples from Madge’s collection will be used to illustrate theories and controversies of collecting and repairs. Space is limited.  Pre-registration required by noon on Thursday, September 18. Call 302.577.7020.

NWAA Fall Call for Artists!

Jazz IN the Riverfront 'Yard

By Guest Blogger, Tee Alexander*
Tee is a longtime member of the Wilmington INBassadors, helping to support and promote Wilmington's wealth of arts, businesses, causes and events.

*This post can also be found on the new blog site at INWILMINGTONDE.COM.

Warm weather, a light breeze and a clear sky were the perfect accompaniment to this week’s Shipyard Summer Concert at Dravo Plaza on the Wilmington Riverfront. For this, the sixth week of the eight-week series, the theme was Latin music, and the musical guests definitely brought hot rhythmic grooves.

Karen Rodriguez Latin Jazz Ensemble is a quartet that delivers a unique yet authentic sound with keyboard, bass and percussion. The lead singer, Karen Rodriguez, is passionate and expressive as she brings the music to life through her smooth vocals. In addition to Latin jazz, the group also performs Salsa, Cha Cha, Bossa Nova, Samba, Mambo, Tango, Rumba and Cuban music, as well as the sweet and romantic Bolero. The set included fun, upbeat songs like "Marie LaVeaux," and "Pa Gozar," which means “to have fun." It wasn’t long before concertgoers left their seats to dance Salsa, Bachata, and Cha Cha to the music.  Karen then slowed things down with the jazzy "Autumn Leaves" and "Adoro," which is a sweet ballad about love. The group also performed some cover hits: "Body & Soul" by Esperanza Spalding, "Peel Me a Grape" by Diana Krall, "It’s Too Late" by Carole King and "Killing Me Softly" by Roberta Flack — all of which were beautifully performed by Rodriguez. After this, it was time to get up and dance some more, as they played Salsa, Samba and Brazilian music. The children in the audience especially had fun dancing to a song about pollo ("chicken" in Spanish). Bailar!

Many came out for the concert and to enjoy a warm evening on the bustling Riverfront. People of different ages and backgrounds were brought together by the music, and they danced together to the rhythm. It was a peaceful gathering, which added to the beautiful evening in Wilmington.

Be sure to catch the last two weeks of the Shipyard Summer Concert Series, which will include reggae music by Jah Works on August 21 and New Orleans jazz with the Barbone Street Band on August 28.
 
See www.riverfrontwilm.com.

A Song for a Boy's Dog

A Concert for Charlie's Service Dog
Sunday, August 17, 2014 | 4:00pm
The Independence School

1300 Paper Mill Road, Newark, DE 19711
Join this fun-filled musical evening in hopes of raising funds to get an allergy-alert dog for Charlie, a 5-year-old boy with multiple severe food allergies.

Recently, Charlie went into anaphylaxis by accidentally ingesting peanut residue. A service dog would be able to detect even the smallest, invisible residue which could prevent another (possibly fatal) reaction.

Featuring: Anna Evans, soprano; Augustine Mercante, countertenor, Simeone Tartaglione and members of the Newark Symphony Orchestra, plus many more wonderful musical surprises.

Tickets are $10. For more details and to purchase tickets, click HERE.

August 'ArtStuff' #INWilm

This blog post also available on the NEW INWilmingtonde.com blog site...
 
IN the final sweltering days of summer, beat the heat #INWilm with sizzling ArtStuff! Vacation — OUT! Stay IN and join the fun…

Art is After Dark: Doggy Days of Summer at Delaware Art Museum

Friday, August 8, 6:00 -10:00pm | 2301 Kentmere Parkway

Art goes to the dogs this weekend…and this FREE event comes with an enthusiastic “four paws up” endorsement from Dewey the Art Dog! In partnership with Delaware Humane Association, this free event includes dog portraits by caricaturist Sam Mylin in the Copeland Sculpture Garden, plenty of treats for four-legged friends and drinks for you.  P.S. While you’re here, also check out Transitions: The Brandywine Photo Collective, an exhibit featuring works of 20 local artists, located in the Outlooks Gallery.

Always...Patsy Cline at New Candlelight Theatre

Running now through August 24 | 2208 Miller Road, Arden

Showtimes vary; visit nctstage.org for tickets & info

More than just a musical (BONUS: you get dinner, too), the show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with Houston fan Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961.  All the favorite and memorable songs you love of Cline’s are here: Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and more. It’s a nostalgic journey back in time and a timeless tribute to one of country’s most beloved and best singers. 

Need more #ALLINFUN and #INbudget ArtStuff? Check out these ongoing programs…

Summer in the Parks throughout City Parks in Wilmington

Running now through August 15 | Varying locations throughout Wilmington

Visit thegrandwilmington.org/parks for complete info

For the second summer, Wilmington’s parks are alive with all manner of arts and culture, thanks to Summer in the Parks.  The FREE programs found everywhere from Titlon, Haynes, Kosciusko and Holloway Parks feature live, interactive performances of music, dance, theater, visual arts and crafts. Bring the entire family and experience the Arts in Wilmington’s green spaces.

Cool Spring Farmers’ Market (with live music)

Every Thursday through October 16 | 10^th & Van Buren Streets

Thursdays in Cool Spring Park are the place to find fresh local veggies, delicious food truck options and plenty of great music, thanks to the partnership with Gable Music Ventures. Free live music livens up the park from 6:00-8:00pm ‘til Labor Day, and 5:00-7:00pm after Labor Day. The market itself opens at 4:00pm — get there early, buy some delicious snacks and stake out a prime spot to enjoy the likes of Nik Everett, Nature Jams and more!

Summer Under the Stars Rooftop Movie Series at ShopRite

Tuesdays through September 16 | ShopRite Christina Crossing

Another successful Year 2 event is this movie series, sponsored by The Kenny Family Foundation.  For only $6, you can enjoy big screen features on the rooftop of, with selections chosen by YOU! Many of Wilmo’s popular food trucks are also on hand to offer delicious snacks. Movies start at sundown and will be moved to Theatre N in case of rain. Showings of “Marley & Me,” “Frozen” and “The Blind Side” complete the month. 

Gettin' Shady IN the Grove

CONTENT COURTESY OF INWILMINGTONDE.COM
by Joe del Tufo, Chief Creative Officer, Mobius New Media.

Perfect weather and an energetic crowd helped make the 2014 Shady Grove Fest a big success on Saturday, July 19. It was a great mix of diverse musical acts, dancing, delicious food and mediocre beer.  

As is the tradition...

CONTINUE to the entire article here>>>

Show Off the Art You Love at Newark Arts Alliance

The Newark Arts Alliance (NAA) is presenting its “Community Art Gallery” for the second year, on view Tuesday, August 5 to Saturday, August 23.  For this exhibition, the community is invited to drop off artwork they own and love for display in the NAA gallery.  Participants will be asked to write a brief statement (max 200 words) on why they chose their piece.  Works can be submitted from Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3, from 11:00am–3:00pm daily.

Works of art need not be original.  This exhibition offers a chance for art lovers and collectors who are not necessarily artists themselves to participate in an exhibition.  However, artists are welcome to submit their own creations.  Only one work can be submitted per participant.  Submitting a work is free, and works will not be offered for sale.

Hanging works should have a tight hanging wire across the back.  Central hanging devices (e.g., rings and saw-tooth hangers) do not work with the NAA’s hanging system.  The NAA’s Exhibition Committee will select as many works for display as space will allow.  The Exhibition Committee reserves the right to decline works, including works that are not properly prepared for hanging or display.

The Newark Arts Alliance will celebrate the “Community Art Gallery” with a reception on Friday, August 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  This event will be free and open to the public.  Drinks and light refreshments will be served.

See www.newarkartsalliance.org. 

Get Thee to Delaware Shakespeare Festival’s Exhilarating Production of Hamlet!

There is nothing like spending a gorgeous summer night with friends, wine, nosh and one of The Bard’s most famous plays performed live outside. Thankfully the Delaware Shakespeare Festival (DSF) provides this opportunity in Rockwood Park! Regardless if you are a Shakespeare aficionado or novice, you will have a delightful evening at DSF.

This year’s DSF production is Hamlet. Of course, most of us have read Hamlet and/or seen a production of the play or a film version. We know Hamlet, but director David Stradley breathes new life into this iconic piece. His sophisticated production ignites the enchanting grounds of Rockwood Park and makes the material fresh and exciting.

The multi-level stage by Scenic Designer Oona Curley with the park as its backdrop is enthralling. The cutout quasi-square–shaped back wall not only makes it convenient for the actors to enter and exit the stage, but it also frames the scenes with the lush green field in the distance. It’s as if each scene begins as a picture that comes to life.

And, bringing the play to life is a stellar cast led by Griffin Stanton-Ameisen as Prince Hamlet. Mr. Stanton-Ameisen’s Hamlet has an emo rock star look, which is fitting for a character that is quite expressive with his thoughts and feelings. Mr. Stanton-Ameisen’s dynamic performance conveys the depths of anger and pain his character feels once finding out his uncle (Claudius, the now King of Denmark) has married his mother (Gertrude) after killing his father. Carl Granieri and Caroline Crocker give magnificent performances as the devious Claudius and weary Gertrude.

Clare Mahoney as the lovelorn Ophelia— who is told by Hamlet to go to a nunnery when she professes her love for him — and James Kassees as Opheila’s father Polonius, are both compelling and remarkable in their roles.  

As most know, Hamlet doesn't end well for its leading characters, but that doesn't dampen the lovely evening only DSF can provide in a charming atmosphere.  Don’t delay; get your tickets today before this production closes!

Hamlet plays at Rockwood Park until July 27. Purchase tickets at the door or visit www.delshakes.org. Don’t forget to bring your own chairs, drinks and food! If you don't want to pack food, the Wandering Chef Catering Cart is in the park selling delicious fare!