AWoW

ERIN LAYTON COMMENTING on ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS

As Artists Without Walls celebrates its fourth anniversary this month, we’ve asked members to share a few thoughts about their experience with the group. Here’s what actor and playwright Erin Layton wrote:

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“April 2015. New York City: I need to raise $15K to bring my one-woman play to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. This feels insurmountable. I have a few ideas aside from crowd-funding in order to raise what I perceive as a struggling artist to be above and beyond any appropriate ask for a solo show. One of my ideas is to throw a benefit. I write an email to Charles Hale, co-founder of Artists Without Walls in a panic and suggest that maybe somehow could I possibly ask for Charles and Niamh to assist me with potentially putting on this benefit and kindly pool interest from the AWoW community… I’m sweating:

“Sure, Erin. What are you thinking?” Charles writes back.

Loyalty. This is word that most prominently comes to mind when I think of AWoW. No other community and its founders that I’ve ever encountered in my eleven year track as a struggling city theatre artist, have so championed, so supported, so stood behind and held up as a presence of strength, warmth, humility and perseverance as AWoW. I am honored to stand as one among a line of artists – musicians, poets, writers, singers, solo performers, dancers – who truly represent the cream of the crop. Bravo, Charles and Niamh. And thank you for making all of us feel like heroes.”

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Erin Layton, originally from St. Louis, MO, is a writer and sole performer of a one woman play, MAGDALEN about the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland. MAGDALEN premiered at the New York City International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC) in August 2012 and was listed as top FringeNYC reviewer pic in nytheatre.com’s Indie Theater Now. MAGDALEN was also the recipient of the Best Documentary Script from The 2013 United Solo Festival. This past summer Erin’s performance of MAGDALEN received rave reviews at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe: “The highest level of performance” – The Public Reviews and “A well crafted, sympathetic piece of theatre” – The Scotsman.

TALENT GALORE at AWoW's SHOWCASE at THE CELL THEATRE, TUESDAY 4/28

“This is a note of thanks to Artists Without Walls for supporting my efforts through pictures and words these past months. I’ve been working as an actor for at least twenty five years now and I’ve never before been involved in anything quite like this. AWoW is a unique blessing. So happy to be a member.” Jack O’Connell, actor, New York

Here’s the lineup for AWoW’s April Showcase:

Vincent Cross, who first performed with AWoW in its show “Rise Up Singing: Women in the Labor Movment,” will be performing at his first Showcase. Vincent will be drawing from the purist of mountains springs to present original urban Americana stories. Said, Vincent, “These will be performed in the high lonesome sound on guitar/banjo.”

Connie Roberts, a County Offaly native, emigrated from Ireland to the U.S. in 1983. She has won many awards for her poetry including the Patrick Kavanagh and the Listowel Writers’ Week awards. She will be reading from her just released debut volume, Little Witness, a collection of poetry inspired by her experiences growing up in an industrial school (orphanage) in Ireland.

Here’s what Jack Silbert, DJWriter at satin wound.com said about singer/songwriter Terry McCarthy. “Terry really turns on the charm on his album, The Charm, with a warm strum and even warmer vocals throughout. With tremendous backing musicians, the record presents a wide variety of sounds, never falling into a folky funk….but the secret weapon is McCarthy’s sharp, melodic songwriting, on Beatlesque tracks such as “Loneliest Boy” and the should-be-a-hit “Just Today.” Terry will be joined by Andy Sandel , Gerry Griffen and Tom Monaghan.

Richard Stillman and guitarist Flip Peters will be performing numbers from Richard’s show,”The Spirit of Vaudeville,” including a tap dancing Charleston played on tenor banjo, a short story that finishes with Richard tap dancing while playing the harmonica & bones while juggling and a novelty ukulele routine. “The Spirit of Vaudeville” won a Best Concert Award at the 2014 United Solo Theater Festival.

Toby Tobias was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. Toby has immersed himself in all genres of American Music of the last fifty years. His interest in African Rhythms & World Music, coupled with his keen ear for highly intuitive arrangements, has been the hallmark of his writing and performance styles, and he has garnered a strong following of listeners on Long Island and beyond. He will be performing a song called ‘Madiba’, dedicated to the life of Nelson Mandela.

Shu Nakamura, a Japan born – Brooklyn based musician, guitar player, multi-instrument player, composer, singer-song-writer, music producer. Shu moved to NY in 1999, has been a NY music scene layer. He just returned from his 2015 Japan tour with his rock band called “the Ninja Orchestra”. Shu will be performing his original material, as well as teaming up with Niamh Hyland for a tune or two.

The bar opens at 6:45, the show begins around 7:15. Hope to see you at The Cell Theatre, located at 338 W23rd St.

VERA HOAR and MITCH TRAPHAGEN'S PHOTOS from AWoW'S HOLIDAY SHOWCASE at THE CELL THEATRE

Vera Hoar and Mitch Traphagen took some wonderful photos of the Tuesday night Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell Theatre. The first grouping were taken by Vera and the second by Mitch. The names appear below each photo.

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Joanne Cunningham, Tom Myles, Connie Roberts, Ron Vazzano, Joanna Migdal — **Joanne Cunningham, Tom Myles, Connie Roberts, Ron Vazzano, and Joanna Migdal**

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**Dan Yurkofsky, Terry McCarthy and Noah Hoffeld**

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Nicole Wilson, Yevgeniy Skroznikov, Grainne Duddy, Maureen Farrell, Maire Clements — **Nicole Wilson, Holt McCallany, Grainne Duddy, Maureen Farrell, Maire Clements**

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The following photos were taken by Mitch Traphagen

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**Cara De Silva, Kevin Murphy, Vera Hoar, Michele Traphagen and Joanne Cunningham**

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THIS WEEK'S ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' EVENTS

From "Breathing of an Ancestor's Space and Time" — **From “Breathing of an Ancestor’s Space and Time”**

Charles R. Hale will be presenting “Breathing from an Ancestor’s Space and Time,” a series of short films that combine family stories and historical events, including his latest film, which tells the story of his family’s sixteen year old neighbor who was sentenced to die in the electric chair. Lehman College, The Studio Theater, 250 Bedford Blvd, West. Bronx, NY. Thursday, 11/6, 12:30-2.

Serena Jost will be performing at Rockwood Music Hall, 185 Orchard Street, on Nov 6th at 8 pm. Get your tickets asap, just $10 (less than your lunch) and help her pack the joint. For ticket info click here

Niamh Hyland and "Lily Sparks" — **Niamh Hyland and “Lily Sparks”**

Niamh Hyland’s band Lily Sparks will be doing a very special live show for the New York, International Pop Overthrow festival at Bar Matchless (557 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn), thisThursday Nov 6th, 9:15pm. Have a listen to some tunes www.lilysparks.com

You’re invited into Deni Bonet neighbor’s living room in Uptown NYC for her second International online streaming concert, coming to you LIVE over the Internet via Concert Window. Deni had such a great response last month that she’s doing it again THIS THURSDAY at 9:30 PM! Tune in to to hear brand new tunes from her upcoming instrumental CD, as well as a few old favorites. She might even take requests. Robin Pahlman will be joining her on guitar & it’s just like you’re there in the room with them! Sign up now and get an online reminder when it’s close to showtime. PAY WHAT YOU WANT. You can even wear your pajamas! For details click here.

Irish Arts Center "PoetryFest" — **Irish Arts Center “PoetryFest”**

And beginning next weekend, November 7-9 there’s this special event: In association with Glucksman Ireland House Nyu – and Poetry Ireland, the Irish Arts Center’s sixth annual PoetryFest, which celebrates Ireland and America’s great literary connection by showcasing an unparalleled array of much-published and award-winning poets. The event takes place next weekend, November 7-9th.   The only New York festival of its kind, PoetryFest immerses participants in an intimate and creative atmosphere filled with readings, storytelling, book signings, conversations, and more.

Jenai Huff and Eugene Ruffolo in concert, Friday, November 7 at 7:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. It is in Jersey City and only 5 minutes walk away from the PATH train. It is located in the prestigious Paulus Hook area of Jersey City. (Contact Jenai Huff at jenaihuff@hotmail.com or spiralsoundconcert@gmail.com for information or reservations. ) Eugene and Jenai will be performing two sets and introducing new songs there. There will be plenty of delicious treats and wine to accompany the harmonies, the stories and the laughter. Eugene is a highly acclaimed singer/songwriter and session singer from NYC and Jenai who hails from CA, but is now a NYC resident, is an AWOW favorite. There is a lot of information on the Facebook event about the each of them or on the host’s website

Connie Roberts invites all to The 39th Annual National Conference of the American Irish Teachers Association’s Well Versed: A Celebration of Poetry from Ireland and America. With poets Terence Winch, Sean Nevin, and Connie Roberts, musicians Jerry O’Sullivan and Niamh Hyland, and arts journalist Earle Hitchner. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2014 Liederkranz, 6 East 87th Street (between Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue) Special guests include (visiting from Ireland) the Minister for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan, NY Consul General, Barbara Jones and Deputy Consul General, Anna McGillicuddy.

And in the following week, AWoW is happy to announce its first evening at Rockwood Music Hall, Wed, 11/12, 7pm. We’ve assembled a great array of talent: Deni Bonet, Warren Malone, Aisha Badru, Jack O’Connell, Tara O’Grady and Sasha Papernik. Please come out and support these terrific artists. Our goal is to sell out the room and recognize our very talented members. Tickets are $20 but $15 for AWoW members using the code…awwmember. Click here for tickets

VERA HOAR'S PHOTOS from ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' SHOWCASE at THE CELL: 7/22/14

Vera Hoar’s photos from Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell Theatre, July 22, 2014. The names of those photographed appear above each photo.

“Thank you, Vera! The visual poet of AWOW!” Playwright Joseph Goodrich

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David Sharp in Steven Silver’s movie, “The Watchtower.”

Jack O’Connell, Maura Knowles and Luis Villabon

Serena Jost

Alessia Sushko and Sedly Bloomfeld

Vince Nauheimer

Connie Roberts, Hanora Kilkenny and Niamh Hyland

Jack Feldstein and Brendan Connellan

Alessia Sushko

John Moran, Lorin Partalis and Larry Fleischman

Steve Silver and David Sharp

Joseph Goodrich and Honor Molloy

Intermission

AWoW'S SHOWCASE at THE CELL THEATRE, TUESDAY, JULY 22, 7PM.

Why are the Artists Without Walls’ Showcases so popular? Take a look at what members and performers have to say:

“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.” Connie Roberts, poet.

“If you were to put Ed Sullivan, Oscar Wilde and TEDTalks into a blender you’d get Artist Without Walls.” Ed Romanoff, singer/songwriter.

“What was needed so desperately is what AWOW has given us, 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, actress

“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, playwright.

We have a great night lined up on Tuesday, July 22nd, 7pm at The Cell Theatre. Performers include: Top Row: Maura Knowles, Alessia Sushko, Charles R. Hale. Bottom row: Vinnie Nauheimer, Jack Feldstein, Sedly Bloomsfeld, Steve Silver and John Moran.

Photo montage by Vera Hoar.

JACK O'CONNELL in the DEREK JETER "RE2PECT" COMMERCIAL

Who’s the doorman in the Jordan/Derek Jeter “Re2pect” commercial? None other than friend and Artists Without Walls’ member Jack O’Connell.

BRILLIANT EVENING OF PERFORMANCES at AWoW's SHOWCASE at THE CELL 6/24/14

“How many more amazing things can I say about Artists Without Walls? It’s an amazing community and an incredible lineup of diverse artists. Thank you for the plug on my show and for the major hugs of support. I love these people.” Erin Layton

“Yes! Last night’s Artists Without Walls Showcase was exhilarating as was evidenced by the energy and smiles at The Cell . Thanks for putting together another evening of performances for the memory book.” Marty Plevel

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Honor Molloy began the evening by reading “What’s Taken,” an expressionistic segment that was dropped from her novel Smarty Girl – Dublin Savage. This piece features Noleen O’Feeney and her father trapped in the ruins of her childhood home. Afterwards, someone asked Honor why it was taken out of the book. “Because it was far too abstract for the audience I wanted…but not too abstract for the gang at AWoW.”

: Honor Molloy

The silvery voice of Jenai Huff combined with the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Eugene Ruffolo in a performance of two original tunes written by Jenai and one by Eugene. Eugene followed with a song written in Italian, which will be part of his next CD scheduled to be released in the fall. His beautiful timbre and romantic language delighted the audience.

From the moment Yvonne Cassidy began to read from her latest novel How Many Letters Are in Goodbye? she held the audience spellbound. Cassidy read the first letter from the novel title, a letter from seventeen-year old Rhea Farrell to her mother, Allison who died when Rhea was only three. Writing from Penn Station, Rhea begins to share with her mother her homeless experience but quickly lapses into questions she has always had, questions she wants her mother to answer. Judging by the book sales at the intermission, the audience members too, were keen to find out the answers to these questions! For anyone who didn’t get their hands on a copy, click here.

A delightful new presence on the music scene in New York has arrived from the heart of Europe, the city of Prague. Martina Fiserova’s humor and energy shone through her music and lit up the room. Her soulful authentic approach delivered an emotional urgency; even a melancholic story felt uplifting. The exciting chord work she does sets her apart from being “just another girl with a guitar.” We need more of these European invasions.

: Martina Fiserova

Dan Yurkofsky premiered two song compositions from his new CD, Hoverhill. The songs, titled “The Time Zone” and “Walking” featured Mr. Yurkofsky’s melodic singing voice and contemplative lyrics. He was deftly accompanied by two fine musicians, Matt Turk on acoustic guitar and Noah Hoffeld on cello . To learn more about Hoverhill, and to hear listening examples from the CD you can click here.

First time performer, Kathleen Bennett Bastis’, opened the second half of the show with an hilarious and “spot on” perspective of internet dating. Kathleen claimed that this was the first time she had been on stage since she performed in Scheherazade in fifth grade; hard to believe given her poise, charm and insouciance. “As always, a terrific evening of great entertainment and talent,” Kathleen said after the show.

Ashley Bell was next and she dazzled all with a stirring rendition of the opera staple, “O Mio Babbino Caro.” She followed up the showstopper with an original composition, which showcased her lower register and displayed another level of her vocal instrument.

: Ashley Bell

Digital poet and recent NYU grad, Allison Fichtelberg dazzled the audience with a spellbinding performance of her epic poem “Scroll.” I am honored to have performed for such a receptive audience and to share the space with such talented artists. That was the first performance I’ve done where I summoned the appropriate chutzpah to make the concluding sword trick work.” (You’ll have to see her perform live to understand that comment.) An absolutely mesmerizing performance.

But Allison wasn’t done for the night. Lyndon Achee, steel drummer and percussionist began with a piece dedicated to his sister Beatrice who died of breast cancer. Lyndon than circulated a bag of instruments—tambourines, maracas, drumsticks and bells–through the audience who accompanied Lyndon in an upbeat tune, which ended with Allison coming back on stage and dancing to the sweet sounds of a steel drum. A wonderful, highly spirited, ending to a great night.

The next Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell will be on July 22nd at The Cell Theatre, 338 W 23rd St., NYC. For more info on Artists Without Walls write to info@artistswithoutwalls.com

Photos by Mitch Traphagen.

"ON THE TOWN" with ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' FRIENDS and MEMBERS: WEEK of 3/23/2014

The Antoinette Montague Quartet with Bobby Sanabria, drums and vocals, Danny Mixon, piano and Lisle Atkinson bass, are appearing today, Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 11am and 1pm at Dorthaan’s Place – Sunday Brunch. New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102 973-642-8989Purchase Tickets at www.njpac.org UPDATE: As of Sunday, 8:20am, there are 1o seats remaining for the 11am show and the 1pm show is sold out.

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Artists Without Walls Showcase at The Cell Theatre, 338 W 23rd St., NYC, Wednesday, March 26, 7pm.

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Nadia P Mansoor stars in Burq Off!, an autobiographical one-woman show written and performed by Nadia beginning on March 27, 8pm for four nights, Wednesday through Saturday, at Walker Space, 46 Walker Space, NYC. Click here for tickets

Tara O’Grady, presented by Artists Without Walls, at Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street, NYC. March 28, 8pm. Doors open at 7:30. For tickets to Tara at Rockwood: event http://www.ticketfly.com/event/478055

ONE BIG REASON for the SUCCESS of AWoW'S SHOWCASES at THE CELL: SULEY LY

It takes lots of talent to put on a successful Showcase each month. But just as importantly, it takes a highly organized, skilled and competent person to handle the lighting, computer technology, the digital equipment, setting up the theater, scheduling, and Lord knows what else. We are fortunate to have just the right person working with us, Suley Ly. And if that isn’t enough he does everything with a great smile and a kind word. Artists Without Walls thanks you for all you do for us, Sir Suley. You really are a gem. Photo by Vera Hoar.

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