ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' MEMBERS "ON THE TOWN" WEEK OF 8/24

 

Artists Without Walls
Artists Without Walls

Artists Without Walls Showcase at The Cell Theatre, 338 W23rd St. Tuesday, August 26, 7-9:30pm. A great lineup of artists including, Honor Finnegan, Warren Malone, Renata Hinrichs, Niamh Hyland, Mark Donnelly, Nick Garr, Martin Kleinman and Steve Simring

 

 

 

Honor Molloy
Honor Molloy

 

Samuel Barclay Beckett meets Honor Molloy, Kevin Holohan and Maeve Price. Four Dubliners in one hypnotic, obsessive swoon of lingo . . . BECKETT IN THE BINGO LOUNGE  Friday, August, 29th, 7:30-10:00pm, 161 Chrystie Street

 

 

 

 

Honor Finnegan
Honor Finnegan

 

Honor Finnegan will be performing at the Uke New Jersey Too! Ukulele Festival. August 30th, 7:30pm show. Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ.

 
Honor will also be teaching a songwriting class during the day. Saturday all day and night $65, Saturday night concert only $20, Full Event $75

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Hawkins
Jim Hawkins

 

Jim Hawkins will be telling at the “Hooley on the Hudson” Irish festival in Kingston, New York on Sunday, August 31 at 2 P. M.  The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Fr. Con Colbert Woulfe Division 1, Ulster County, and the City of Kingston invite all to the annual “Hooley on the Hudson XIII™” from 11:30 AM until 9:00 PM at the beautiful waterfront at the T.R. Gallo Memorial Park on the Rondout Creek in historic Kingston, New York.

ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' SHOWCASE WRAP UP, JANUARY 28, 2014

“The event last night was replenishing, especially because of AWoW’s spirit and the vibe among the people. They were all so happy to be there.” Justine Blau, author of Scattered: A Mostly True Memoir. 

Jhair Sala and Yuri Juarez
Jhair Sala and Yuri Juarez

———- 

Afro Peruvian guitarist Yuri Juarez and percussionist Jhair Sala got the evening off to a great start with a song called “Idolatría.” The song is a traditional Peruvian waltz with a free and open interpretation for guitar and cajon.  Yuri and Jhair followed with “Arroz Con Concolón,” a Festejo or in English a celebration. “Arroz con concolón is rice with the toasted rice in the botton of the bowl. You can see that in the Spanish paella. It’s delicious,” Yuri explained through his infectious laughter.   Great music, a great beginning. 

———-
Nick Garr followed with an outstanding performance from his solo theatre piece, Paper Tigers. Written by Nick, the work is a stunning combination of comedy and drama. Nick meshed his great physicality with piped in sounds as diverse as spraying mouthwash, bullets flying through the air and screams to create an intense piece of theater. 
———-
Photographer Vera Hoar and Noel Lawlor
Photographer Vera Hoar and Noel Lawlor

Actors DJ Sharp and Mary Tierney were splendid in a scene from Joe Davidson’s Looking for Cans. DJ, as the butler Philip, perfectly captured the lubricious behavior of Philip, as he attempts to extort money from his boss, the wealthy socialite Mary Wellsworth. Mary T, as she always does, slipped into her role of “wealthy socialite,” well, as if she were one. Is she?  A stirring scene brought alive by two great actors. 

———-
Jim Hawkins, making his first appearance with AWoW, began his presentation by giving the audience a brief background on the life of Eamon Kelly, the great Irish storyteller or seanchai.  Jim followed with a wonderful rendition of Eamon’s story, “The White Cat,” and concluded with a spirited version of Tommy Makem’s humorous song, “The Liar. Of Jim’s performance, actor Jack O’Connell said, “I love watching a great pro who’s come prepared.”  Well said and right on the mark. 
———-
Michael Brunnock and John Duddy
Michael Brunnock and John Duddy

Actor John Duddy and singer/songwriter Michael Brunnock opened the second half of the show bringing to life the extraordinary character that was Irish Nationalist, Roger Casement. Their passion for telling Roger’s story was palpable and truly compelling in its intensity. If this is a taste of what’s to come , then I believe the audience is hooked.  John and Michael aroused the listener’s curiosity through haunting melody and Casement’s own words, telling the story of one of the great humanitarians of this century . “I believe Roger Casement and what he represents is as important today as when he died, one-hundred years ago. I am privileged to tell how I see his story and working with John Duddy on this has been such an inspiration to me ” said Michael. “We are so excited to work together and looking forward to producing the full show in the late spring.”  And we’re looking forward to having this dynamic duo return. 

———-
Emcee Caroline Winterson and AWoW Cofounder Charles R. Hale
Emcee Caroline Winterson and AWoW Cofounder Charles R. Hale

Aedin Moloney, one of NYC’s finest actresses, performed a scene from her award winning performance in A Most Dangerous Woman, a play about writer George Eliot. During this bravura performance, Aedin held the audience captive as she brought to life the disappointments and frustrations of being a great woman writer in a man’s world. 

———-

Mary Lannon charmed the crowd reading from her completed novel An Explanation of the Fundamentals of the Derivation of Dilapidated Brown Station Wagon Theory aka How I Became A Scientist and Discovered the Truth About Getting Stuck in the Wrong Universe by Miranda J. McCleod.  (Yes, that’s the title.) She also encouraged everyone to “Facebook Friend” her main character Miranda J. McCleod as she seeks out an agentpublishing opportunities for this terrific young adult novel.

———-
Intermission
Intermission

Actor Andy Baldeschwiler closed the evening by sharing the Tom Robbins’ travel story “Two in the Bush”, depicting a couple’s romantic mis-adventures in the African wild. His animated and hilarious performance elicited many appreciative guffaws from the crowd and was the perfect send off into a chilly New York night. 

———-
The next Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell will be on March 3, 7pm at The Cell Theater, 338 W23rd St., NYC. For more info on Artists Without Walls contact info@artistswithoutwalls.com
 ———-

 Photos by Cat Dwyer and Vera Hoar.

ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' MEMBERS on the TOWN: WEEK of 12/15/13

 

Honor Finnegan
Honor Finnegan

Honor Finnegan will be performing on Sunday December 15th, 4:30 at the Tribes Hill’s Twelfth Annual Winter Solstice Celebration Concert, Common Ground Community Concerts. First Unitarian Society of Westchester, 25 Old Jackson Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY

——-
Honor will also be performing, Sunday December 15th, 9:30 in “Lord, Let the Angels Sing: A Holiday Gift of Song,” at 54 Below – 254 W. 54th St., New York, NY. Her song, “Snow Day,” will be featured in the review and sung by Jennie Litt.  For Tickets visit TicketWeb.com or call (866) 468 – 7619
——-

Tara O'Grady
Tara O’Grady

Tara O’Grady is performing at the Refinery Hotel twice this week. Sunday, Dec 15 on the rooftop and Tuesday December 17 in the lobby lounge. Both nights 6-9pm. No Cover. Just jazz and holiday tunes. 63 West 38th Street Refinery Hotel.

——-
Tara will also be performing on Monday, December 16, 6-9pm at Arlene’s Grocery, 95 Stanton St., NYC. Together for Christmas: A Christmas Music Fundraiser for the people of the Philippines in partnership with the Irish Charity CONCERN WORLDWIDE.  Featuring artists from the Christmas CD, including Tara- Together for Christmas A Contemporary Celtic Christmas Collection.  $20 at the door only & cds for sale. 
——–
Angela Alaimo O'Donnell
Angela Alaimo O’Donnell

Angela Alaimo O’Donnell will be doing a poetry reading on Monday, December 16, 2013, 6PM at the Mark Murray Gallery 39 E. 72nd St., 5th Floor, New York, NY

Angela will also be participating in  A Celebration of New York City in Poetry, Music, and Photographs. “New York City from Skin to Core : Poetic Images of the Big Apple”  Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 7pm, Fordham University, Pope Auditorium, 116 W. 60th St. at Columbus Ave, New York, NY
——–

Artists Without Walls
Artists Without Walls

Artists Without Walls will be presenting its “Holiday Showcase” on Thursday, December 19th, 7pm, at The Cell Theater, 338 W 23rd St. NYC.

——–

Annette Homann
Annette Homann

Violinist Annette Homann will be performing with the Bergen Sinfonia Orchestra, Friday, Dec 20, 7:30pm, in selections of J.S. Bach’s Suite No. 3, Emperor Waltzes by Johann Strauss, Jr. and Stille Nacht as recorded by Manheim Steamroller. Hear a symphonic medley of holiday carols from around the world and more! The Ciccione Theatre, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ. Tickets $25, BCC staff, faculty and seniors $20, BCC students $10. tickets.bergen.edu

"LIFE AFFIRMING NIGHT"–COMMENTS AFTER AWoW'S SHOWCASE at the CELL THEATER

Normally we post photos from an Artists Without Walls’ Showcase, followed by a wrap up of the evening’s events. But following Tuesday night’s Showcase we received so many comments we thought we’d publish a few of them first.  Cat Dwyer’s photos and a written review will follow shortly.

 

———-

 

Connie Roberts
Connie Roberts

“It was a thrilling, life affirming night—life-affirming in the sense that an Artist Without Walls’ showcase highlights beautifully, often spectacularly, our shared humanity.  In our fast-paced, rat-race lives, it is easy to feel disconnected from the world, from our fellow man/woman.  But then you have a space like AWoW has created, where people bring their stories and share them—their hurts, betrayals and joys—in various mediums, with a bunch of other folks, who have their own stories, it’s as if by magic, the whole room experiences a sense of connectedness, real-time affirmation that we’re all part of a rich and complex tapestry.  

 

Just look at a sample of the marvelous stories told through word and song last night alone:  a middle-aged man who finds out that he’s not of Russian descent, but of Irish heritage; how witnessing the effects of genital mutilation in Africa shaped an American artist’s work; Native American assimilation; a family’s tradition of belting out an Irish ballad in a convoy of cars en route to their Granny’s house; the fraught mother-daughter relationship in a woman’s poems; and even though the other performances weren’t explicitly drawn from the artists’ own lives, there’s more than a sprinkling of themselves in their respective pieces.  And there’s more than a sprinkling of ourselves in all of the performances last night.  That’s what draws us from our suburban houses, our uptown apartments and our downtown offices on a Tuesday night.

 

As you said, Charles, all you need do is get up there and give it all you’ve got.  When you’re passionate about what you do, it shines through. 

 

Honor Finnegan (foreground) Vincent Nauheimer and Tom Myles (background)
Honor Finnegan (foreground) Vincent Nauheimer and Tom Myles (background)

Artists Without Walls has created such a unique space for artists of all stripes. I’m so happy and proud to be a part of this organization.  Each showcase I attend costs me $100 in babysitting fees–I can’t think of a better way to spend my money.” Connie Roberts

 

“If you were to put Ed Sullivan, Oscar Wilde and TEDTalks into a blender you’d get Artist Without Walls. The Showcase is a friendly environment for artists to share their work and start unique collaborations in a remarkably intimate setting.  One of the most receptive and fun shows I’ve been a part of…” Ed Romanoff

 

“Incredibly moving performances from beginning to end! Transforming life’s experiences into art is a “Saintly” calling and we had a taste of heaven last evening, thanks to all the performers.” Vincent Nauheimer

 

“Oh my God, Charles and Niamh, you must be bursting with what you’ve created. It’s growing because it’s calling people, really.  I feel such a community there, a home. David’s been working on his Tennessee William’s play for so long. What was needed, so desperately was what AWOW gave it, a loving ear to witness. That room, that audience of art friends, people that really understand and want to see you express it. Wonderful!” Mary Tierney

 

“Brilliant! Somehow egos are left at the door and you sit there absorbing these wonderful performances. And by the end of the evening you find yourself connected to your soul.” Ray Lindie

 

“What an extraordinary night. I feel blessed to have been a witness and a participant to the magic.” Jenai Huff

 

“I watched, listened, smiled, laughed, applauded, cheered, hummed, moved, cried, connected, and thought.  Vinnie and I kept elbowing each other with the remark, “This is amazing”.  Niamh and Charles deserve praise and encouragement to do more.” Tom Myles

 

“AWOW is a wonderful thing you’ve got going. So much talent in a packed room – you have to think about taking it on tour!”  Alan McMonagle

 

Sana Musasama
Sana Musasama

“Superb. People are proud to be part of AWoW and that includes me!” Billy Barrett

 

“The diversity of presenters was brilliant.” Jack Lamplough

 

“It was a delight and a privilege to be part of last night’s amazing lineup! Thank you, Niamh and Charles, for making The Magic happen!” Angela Alaimo O’Donnell

 

“Wow, what a night!  This is really turning into something.  I am on my way home on the LIRR and just ‘over the moon.’ Great job Niamh and Charles.” Jack O’Connell

 

 

 

COMING UP ON TUESDAY, 10/22: ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS’ SHOWCASE at THE CELL THEATER

Deni Bonet
Deni Bonet

“The atmosphere is electric; it encourages creativity, imagination, and very importantly, friendship and discussion between like minds amongst the audience and the performers. Everybody is welcome at Artists Without Walls.” Eimear O’Connor, Ireland, author, Sean Keating: Art, Politics and Building the Irish Nation.

 

Ed Romanoff
Ed Romanoff

And this promises to be another great evening, which will include a number of first time presenters. 

 

 

A number of months ago singer/songwriter Ed Romanoff attended a Showcase at which fiddler Deni Bonet wowed the audience. They struck up a conversation and within a short period of time Deni was signed onto Ed’s tour of Ireland. On Tuesday they will be joined by singer and Artists Without Walls’ co-founder, Niamh Hyland. This promises to be a killer session.

 

Sana Musasama
Sana Musasama

Ceramic artist Sana Musasama will speak about her world travels, what she has seen, experienced and learned and how that translates into her work. “I really see no separation between my life, my travels, my objects, and my interaction with my community,” Musasama said. “The artwork that I make is full of cries, it’s full of tears, it’s full of stories. But when I’m making it and putting it in this object and handing it to you, you are sharing my burden when you take it away and share that story with someone else.”

 

 

Diana Jones
Diana Jones

Singer/songwriter Diana Jones will be making her debut at an Artists Without Walls’ Showcase. Diana has won a number of songwriting competitions including the venerable “New Folk” competition at the 2006 Kerrville Folk Festival. Her song “Pony” was nominated as “Song of the Year” by the North American Folk Alliance, and Jones herself was nominated as “Emerging Artist of the Year” for 2006.  Joan Baez released a recording of Diana’s “Henry Russell’s Last Words” on her album Day After Tomorrow, which was nominated for a Grammy.

 

Angela Alaimo O'Donnell
Angela Alaimo O’Donnell

Angela Alaimo O’Donnell will be reading selections from her books Moving House, Saint Sinatra and Waking My Mother.  These are poems that engage in myth-making, explore the darkness & complexities of family life, and honor the power of art to redeem our fraught and fractured histories. A species of sacrament, poetry celebrates mystery.

 

And there’ll be plenty more:  Back for her second Showcase appearance will be Jenai Huff.  Jenai, with her clear and soulful voice, will be singing songs from her new CD Grace and Elbow Grease.  Visiting Irish writer Alan McMonagle will be reading from his newly published short story collection Psychotic Episodes, described by novelist Patrick McCabe as being precise, tender and glitteringly compelling. Ron Vazzano, a poet whose work has appeared in a number of literary journals, will be reading a few poems 

Jenai Huff
Jenai Huff

from his book Shots from a Passing Car.  And rounding out the evening will be playwright and actor DJ Sharp performing a scene from his play “Return to Tennessee.” The play takes place during the last three days of Tennessee Williams” life in his suite at the Hotel Elysee in NYC. 

 

Join the members and friends of Artists Without Walls, Tuesday, October 22, 7pm, at The Cell Theater, 338 W. 23rd Street, NYC. There is no charge. 

 

 

 

ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' MEMBERS and FRIENDS on THE TOWN: WEEK of 10/20/13

 

Michele Forbes
Michele Forbes

Author/actress Michele Forbes will reading from her novel Ghost Moth, which will be followed by a Q&A at Book Court, 163 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY, Monday, October 21, 7pm. 718 875-3677

 

Michele will also be part of a panel discussion for “Reading Group Month” at Strand & The Women’s National Book Association, 12th Street and Broadway, NYWednesday October 23rd, 7.00pm – 9.00pm. $15 Strand Gift Card required for admission

 

 

 

 

 

Sasha Papernik
Sasha Papernik

Sasha Papernik will be performing a piano four hand duo with Alexander A. Wu at Cornelia Street Cafe, 29 Cornelia Street, NYC, Monday, October 21, 8pm.  Join Sasha for an hour long show of  jazz, classical, tango, modern music, and some vocals from the NYC and DC concerts that she performed with Alexander in July.

 

 

Diana Jones
Diana Jones

Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell  Tuesday, October 22, 7pm at the Cell Theatre, 338 West 23rd St. NYC. Hear Diana Jones, Ed Romanoff, Deni Bonet and many others. Free event

 

 

 

 

 

Honor Finnegan
Honor Finnegan

Honor Finnegan will be opening for John Gorka at the Sanctuary Concerts, Saturday, October 26, 240 Southern Boulevard Chatham NJTickets $25