Halloween Showcase Photos!

Photos from the Artists Without Walls October 31, 2018 Showcase:

Niamh Hyland, Serena Jost, Theresa Sareo and Vera Maura
Patrick Bamburak and Marty Plevel
Peter Stoopak and Vera Maura
Stephanie Lowry-Ortega
Charles R. Hale
Terry McCarthy and Serena Jost
Serena Jost
Terry McCarthy
Elizabeth Primamore
Patrick Bamburak
Patrick Bamburak and Conor Peacock
Stephanie Lowry Ortega
Pete Kelly
Vincent Cross
Niamh Hyland and Stephanie Lowry Ortega

 

Photos by Mitch Traphagen and Vera Maura

Niamh Hyland: Co-Founder…and Artist

AWoW Co-Founder Niamh Hyland with Michael Brunnock

Artists Without Walls’ co-founder Niamh Hyland along with longtime collaborator Michael Brunnock, are set to release their first album, entitled “Live to Love.”

Hyland & Brunnock will be holding an album release party at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2, on Oct. 25, 2018. Click here for tickets.

As most artists, with or without walls, know all too well, it isn’t easy nor is it cheap to produce art in this era. Hyland & Brunnock have kicked off a crowdfunding campaign to help offset the significant expense of professionally producing their new album.

For information on how you can help, please visit their Indiegogo page here.

For more, check out the following videos!

SPARKLING DEBUT BY YOUNG POET AT ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS’ SHOWCASE

“Jillian Buckley had us spellbound with her beautiful poems straight from her heart; she delivers with a disarming innocence. Her writing is wise and touchingly emotional far beyond her years. A poet surely on her way to wider and wider acclaim. We can’t wait to have her back.” David Goldman, singer/songwriter

“Listening to Jillian’s poetry was wonderful. We all witnessed the combined power of a young talent emerging with deep vulnerability, truth, and sincerity.” Martha Pinson, Filmmaker/Director

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And we received this from John Buckley, Jillian’s father:

“I can’t express enough my appreciation for the opportunity for Jillian to perform, but even more so the opportunity for her to experience the artistic environment that was provided.    As I’ve mentioned to many people it is one thing for her to hear from Mom & Dad or friends how great we think her writing is, but for her to share it and hear from fellow artists means so much more.

And I could tell (from a distance) that the conversations she had afterwards with fellow performers were not perfunctory “Oh, you were good…” but legitimate feedback and conversation with her.

 

Your website suggested that you had very talented performers, but I must admit I was really impressed with the quality and diversity of talent that performed.   While Jillian probably would have performed the same no matter what, I was happy you placed her second because after your opening act I wondered if any pressure was building up in her to perform at that level.  And then to have Niamh follow her and say “Tough to get up and speak after that performance” brought even more tears to my eyes.

I know Jillian enjoyed the experience and the conversations, and I hope she uses it as a springboard to search out additional artist venues/workshops to continue her development. It is through opportunities like this that she will grow and determine where she wants to go with her writing;   the more exposure to different environments will only help her in her journey.

Thank you again for the opportunity;   greatly appreciated.   Looking forward to the next gathering.

John”

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Photos by Mitch Traphagen

MITCH TRAPHAGEN’S PHOTOS from ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS’ SHOWCASE at THE CELL 6/26/2018

Niamh and Charles,

I just wanted to drop a line to express my sheer joy attending last night’s performances.

I literally laughed & cried.

Every single performance was given & accepted in such a heartfelt manner. I was proud to be part of this nurturing environment.

Thank you,

Debi Javier

—–

Niamh and Charles,

The ART community is so very lucky to have your dedication, passion and energy in their corner…with or without walls.

Thank you for another really special night at AWoW.    And thank you for continuing to provide this incredible platform where artistic gifts, hugs, tears, laughter and hope are shared.   AWoW ….WOW.
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This embracing community of richly talented artists sharing their gifts with us; an appreciative supportive audience , makes Tuesday nights very special indeed.
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Each diverse performer brought something that each of us could hold close.   So happy we could be there last night.
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All the best,
clyde berger
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David Goldman and Niamh Hyland
Peter Nolan and Amanda Mottur
Michael Muller
Jillian Buckley
Charles R. Hale
Niamh Hyland, Cecil Hooker, Charles R. Hale, Michael Muller, Amanda Mottur, Jillian Buckley, Peter Nolan, Sam Adelman, David Goldman, Katrina Crawford and Martha Pinson
Renata Hinrichs
Sam Adelman and Katrina Crawford

Cecil Hooker and Peter Nolan

ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS’ SHOWCASE at THE CELL: WORDS by CLYDE BERGER and the PHOTOS of VERA MAURA

Feeling inspired…the May 2018 Artists Without Walls Showcase!

Patrick Bamburak and Chris Kudela

By Clyde Berger

What a really special night at Artists Without Walls.
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An apt mention by Charles R. Hale: Everyone always leaves feeling good, feeling inspired and buoyed up by the performances and by the people in attendance. Last night I found that to be especially true.‎  I thoroughly enjoyed each performance; and Niamh Hyland and Michael Brunnock are doing such amazing new work!   Love the sound they are creating with the depth of the lyrics and the power of the harmonies and melodies.   Wow.  
   
Thank you to Charles and Niamh for making last night so special.
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And Theresa Sareo…
We have been lucky to see her perform several times in a variety of venues and have had the pleasure of getting to know her at social settings as well… and her story and her strength of character is always riveting.  Add Liv, Patrick, Chris and Brian to the mix and it was one special evening. 
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It is the work that you do, and the shows you put on, that keep us always wanting more.‎    And isn’t that what artistic expression is really all about; passing forth a message… and wanting it to not stop there… but to linger on… and want more.
Theresa Sareo

 

Liv Mammone
Brian Nemiroff
Photos by Vera Maura. The next Artists Without Walls’ Showcase is June 26th, 7:30pm at The Cell Theatre in the Chelsea section of New York City

“WOMEN WHO HAVE OVERCOME” at LEHMAN COLLEGE, MAY 10, 2018

On Thursday, May 10th, 12:30pm, Artists Without Walls, in conjunction with Lehman College’s City and Humanities Program, presents “Women Who Have Overcome,” a discussion with three women who, despite being presented with major obstacles at different points during their lives, have gone onto successful careers in the arts and education. 

Jazz pianist/vocalist Mala Waldron, poet Connie Roberts and singer/songwriter Theresa Sareo will be discussing their lives as well as sharing their talents with the audience. Charles R. Hale will moderate the event. Special thanks to Professor Joseph McElligott for sponsoring this program. 

The event will be held in the Lovinger Theatre at Lehman College. For directions to Lehman, click here

Photo montage by Mitch Traphagen. 

Theresa Sareo, Connie Roberts and Mala Waldron

ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS PRESENTS YURI JUAREZ AND HIS AFROPERUANO BAND AT LEHMAN COLLEGE

Yuri Juarez and his Afroperuano band are proof that the music of Peru is fast occupying a prominent part of the world stage. If you haven’t heard these musicians perform you are in for a great treat. Yuri and the members of his band are internationally acclaimed and their shows are nothing short of fabulous.

Come hear Yuri and the Afroperuano group at Lehman College, May 3, 12:30pm at the Studio Theatre. There is no charge for this event, which is co-sponsored by Artists Without Walls and the City and Humanities Program at Lehman College…thanks to Professor Joseph McElligott. Charles R. Hale emcees the program.

Yuri Juarez

MITCH TRAPHAGEN’S PHOTOS from ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS’ SHOWCASE at THE CELL 04/2018

Mitch Traphagen captured another great night of entertainment at Tuesday’s Artists Without Walls’ Showcase. The next Showcase is on Tuesday, May 22nd, 7:30pm at The Cell, 338 West 23rd St., NYC. 

Deni Bonet and Chris Flynn

 

Niamh Hyland and David S. Goldman

 

Joanne Shea and Maeve

 

Deborah Lohse

 

John Moran, Deborah Lohse and Joanne Shea

 

John L Payne and Chima Chikazunga

 

Charles R. Hale

“CROSSING BOROUGHS” WRITE-UP by VINNIE NAUHEIMER

“CROSSING BOROUGHS”

by VINNIE NAUHEIMER

The audience at the Artists Without Walls’ presentation of “Crossing Boroughs” was treated to a scrumptious mix of singing, dancing, music, and history last Sunday afternoon at the Museum of the City of New York. Weaving together the intricate blend of the music, dance, history and culture that defined each of New York City’s boroughs, “Crossing Boroughs” showcased the magnificent tapestry that defines New York City. Combining a superb narrative, slideshows, singing, dancing and monologues, the show transported the older members in the audience back to the days of their youth, while giving the younger folk a glimpse into New York City’s past.

Vocalists David Raleigh and Niamh Hyland

The opening slideshow presented visual snippets of New York City, which provided the backdrop for Niamh Hyland who sang “Midnight in Harlem” with enough soul to rock a congregation. Charles R. Hale picked up from there, narrating a brief history of Manhattan and its past, his words accenting and explaining the slides flashing across the screen. This background material led to a duet, “Manhattan,” a song written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart and performed by Niamh and David Raleigh.

Jack O’Connell, while holding a Spalding, known as a “spaldeen,” recounted Brooklyn born Pete Hamill’s description of “stickball” as he knew it growing up in Brooklyn, including the fact that Spaldings were not manufactured during WWII because of the rubber shortage caused by the war effort. Growing up in the Bronx, I can attest to the fact that stickball was played with the same rules across boroughs.

“Crossing Boroughs” creator Charles R. Hale

Stickball transitioned to baseball when Charles shared a personal story…his father taking him to his first baseball game at Ebbets Field. It was his first chance to see the Dodgers and Charles recounted the game and the chance meeting with Jackie Robinson at a stoplight as Charles and his dad drove home from the game. This personal touch, acknowledging the importance of the father-son bonds that were formed over the game of baseball, drew the audience in as they reflected on their ties to baseball. To add to the realism of the baseball moment, midway through Charles’ story, Jack O’Connell, to the sounds of a ballpark crowd, walked down the aisles dressed as a ballpark vendor: “Peanuts, popcorn, cracker-jacks….getcha cold beer…cold beer here….soodaaa, soodaa.”

Actor Jack O’Connell

From Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field, we were transported to Coney Island when Jack O’Connell (Man of a Thousand Faces) appeared as a carnival barker from the Midway where he pitched the various sideshows that were flashing on the screen behind him. This seamlessly transitioned into the story of another carnival barker, Billy Bigelow, from the 1945 Broadway show “Carousel.” Niamh Hyland once again wowed the audience with her rendition of “If I loved You,” Julie Jordan’s thoughts on her relationship with Billie

Moving from Brooklyn to Queens, Charles took the audience to the 1939 World’s Fair and the introduction of nylon stockings, which led to the opening dance number, “Nylon Stockings.”  David Raleigh sang the song, which featured  the very talented young dance duo, Laura Neese and Johnathan Matthews.

Dancers Laura Neese and Jonathan Matthews

Continuing through Queens, Charles once again brought the audience into his early life as he recounted his fond memories of Saturdays at one of the five New York Metro “Loew’s Wonder Theaters.” A short video depicted the grandeur of those theaters, which struck a solid chord with all who had the opportunity to spend time at those theaters, regardless of which borough they hailed from.

From Queens, the show moved over to the Bronx where once again, Laura and Johnathan traversed the floor in magnificent style, dancing the Lindy Hop to Dion and the Belmonts, “I Wonder Why.” The dance scene was followed by a fascinating narrative in which Charles combined the opening of the Triborough Bridge with the concurrent history of the Randall’s Island stadium, located beneath the Triborough, and the part it played in selecting the runners who represented the United States at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

Every show has its highlight: This shows highlight was Niamh Hyland’s performance of the Etta James’ song “I’d Rather Go Blind.” Niamh nailed it, boxed it and delivered it to an audience that devoured every note. At the end of her song, thunderous applause spontaneously erupted as several members audience jumped to their feet paying tribute to the superb performance they had just witnessed.

Vocalist and music director Niamh Hyland, guitarist Shu Nakamura and bassist Mary Ann McSweeney

Once again, back in Manhattan at McHale’s Bar, Jack O’Connell took the stage to give us a sobering portrayal of a bartender speaking to an invisible customer (or the audience?) while reciting Bob Dylan’s “Desolation Row.” A poem that perfectly describes the seedier side of life–desolation–in New York.

As we headed out to the final borough, Staten Island, footage from the Staten Island Ferry with the Manhattan skyline in the background filled the screen. Accompanying the visual, David and Niamh sang “Leaving New York.” The entire experience was made complete by the accomplished musicians who provided the musical accompaniment led by renowned guitarist Shu Nakamura, drummer Shirazette Tinnin, keyboardist Steve Okonski and bassist Mary Ann McSweeney.

The Band for Crossing Boroughs

For this Bronx boy, who has lived and worked in New York City most of his life, this was a terrific afternoon. It is not very often you see a show that skillfully combines New York City nostalgia, song, dance, music, and fun into one package. Kudos to Charles Hale Productions and everyone that contributed to making “Crossing Boroughs” a most enjoyable show.

Crossing Boroughs was created and written by Charles R. Hale. Charmaine Broad directs the show and Niamh Hyland, in addition to being the show’s lead vocalist, is its musical director.

Photos by Mitch Traphagen

JOHN MORAN and ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS PRESENTS “ANCIENT HISTORY” at THE CELL

John Moran and Artists Without Walls are pleased to present a staged reading of Ancient History, by David Ives featuring Stephanie Linas and Daniel Schwait,* January 12, 7:30pm, at The Cell Theatre. 

Jack and Ruth, a seemingly perfect match, are suddenly faced with the question of marriage. In this smart and spirited play, serious differences, previously swept under the rug, are now forced into the light. She is culturally Jewish and her parents reject her dating outside the faith; he is a lapsed Catholic who scorns organized religion. She enjoys the finer things in life while he is happy to live with little means. She wants to get married and have a family. He has been married before and vows never to do so again. They make their cases with razor sharp wit and poignant pleas, but is staying together the right thing to do?

The Cell Theatre
338 W 23rd St New York, NY 10011
Door opens at 7 pm, curtain at 7:30, free admission, no reservations required.

*Appears courtesy of Actors Equity Association