STELLAR PERFORMANCES at ARTIST WITHOUT WALLS’ SHOWCASE at THE CELL, APRIL 22, 2014

“I’m always amazed at the talent AWoW gathers, and I’m  honored to share the same stage with such talented artists.” Jim Rodgers

 

Michelle Macau and Ron Ryan
Michelle Macau and Ron Ryan

The Showcase opened with Michelle Macau and Ron Ryan bringing to life a slice of Joe Davidson’s new play, The Rekindling.  In the scene, Michelle ‘s Jean Thompson manipulated, seduced and cajoled Ron’s paranoid and confused Barney Morris to agree to murder his wife. Great scene, well served. 

 

Two core members of Church Point Riot, Charles Perkalis, accordion, and Michel Henry, vocals and guitar, joined by Deborah Monlux on the ‘tit – fer, (triangle), gave a snippet of what it would be like sitting on a Louisiana front porch playing Cajun Country and Blues music of Southern Louisiana. They played four traditional French Cajun Music pieces, swinging deflty between two high-energy two-steps, a sultry waltz and a blues. Church Point Riot Kicks off its 4th Annual Bayou ‘n Brooklyn Music Festival at 8:30PM on May 9th, produced by AWOW member Deborah Monlux.

 

Matt Turk
Matt Turk

Unplugged and acoustic Matt Turk opened his performance with the chicken picking country blues original “Hobo Boy.”  Matt got the crowd joyfully scat singing in “call and response. ” Next he brought his friend and fiddler Deni Bonet to the stage to join him on fiddle in performances of “Cold Revival” and “When a Boy.”  “Cold Revival” featured Matt on the mandolin and “When A Boy” had an uplifting audience singing the chorus to round out the showcase. 

 

Jim Rodgers returned to The Cell and read from his novel, “Long Night’s End.”  Jim read the opening chapter of the novel, which, in a very fast-paced and visceral manner, illustrates the origins of the demons that haunt the protagonist, Johnny Gunn. The scene, which takes place in a downtown club as Johnny performs his guitar solo, sets the stage for the moral and emotional battles that Johnny must endure in the months to come. Switching from humor to heartbreaking tragedy without allowing the listeners to catch their breath, the narration left no doubt that Johnny Gunn is steaming through some very dark and dangerous waters. The only question that remains is whether or not Johnny will survive those waters. Jim has a way of getting the audience involved in his readings. That’s a talent. Great read, as always. 

 

Charles R. Hale
Charles R. Hale

Violinist Annette Homann, who has performed from the classical repertory a number of times at The Cell, took a different performing route. Annette performed two songs for solo violin/voice. She opened with a humorous version of “When I’m Sixty-Four,” during which the audience hummed and sang along.  Her second tune was “If We Go” by the band Youth in a Roman Field. The second tune, a love song, was accompanied by a strummed violin, a unique and unusual way of using the violin. Everyone loves Annette. 

 

First time presenter Richard Deane read a scene from his novel-in-progress “When Yesterday Comes”. The scene poignantly explores the existential conflict between a cabdriver’s skittish trepidations and the allurement of his prurient desires as he drives two menacing street pimps uptown to Harlem on Christmas Day.

 

Sasha Papernik
Sasha Papernik

Sasha Papernik, classical pianist, singer, and songwriter closed the evening performing two original songs: “Carolina” from her sophomore album, Love in a Box, and a brand new song called “Not The One in the Footage that You See.” She was thrilled to play on the Cell’s beautiful piano, which was moved onto the stage just for the event.  Sasha will be appearing next at Carnegie Hall for eight shows the week of May 5th as part of their popular school series, Musical Explorers. For more music and information about future performances, you can find her on facebook at facebook.com/sashatheband or on her official site sashatheband.com

 

The next Showcase at The Cell will be on Tuesday, May 27th, 7pm. For more information about Artists Without Walls contact info@artistswithoutwalls.com.

 

All photos were taken by Vera Hoar except Sasha Papernik’s, which was taken by Richard Velasco. 

VERA HOAR’S PHOTOS from ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS’ SHOWCASE at THE CELL THEATRE 4/22/14

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

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Michelle Macau and Ron Ryan

Ron in Play

Michel Henry and Charlie Perkalis

Michel&Charles

Sam Adelman and Ron Vazzano

ron&Sam

Deni Bonet and Matt Turk

Deni&Matt

Annette Homann

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Jim Rodgers

Jim2

Richard Deane

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Sasha Papernik

SP

Intermission: Where the collaborations begin

Intermission crowd

ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS SHOWCASE at THE CELL, TUESDAY, 4/22, 7PM

Join Artists Without Walls for its next Showcase at The Cell Theatre, 338 W. 23rd St, NYC, on Tues, April 22nd, 7pm. A great night is planned including violinist Annette Homann, recording artist and multi-instrumentalist Matt Turk, actress and playwright Michelle Macau, singer and pianist Sasha Papernik, the “Cajun Duo” Charles Perkalis and Michel Henry, actress and playwright Michelle Macau, and writers Ron Vazzano, Jim Rodgers and Richard Deane. Charles R. Hale, emcee. Matt Turk photo by John Kramer. Jim Rodgers photo by Cat Dwyer. Photo montage by Vera Hoar.

 

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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

BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS from ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' SHOWCASE: 9/30/13

 

Vera Hoar’s photos from the Artist Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell Theatre, 9/30/13, which featured one brilliant performance after another. 

 

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AWoW favorite, actor Jack O’Connell.

 

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Harry Domenici and Michele Cetera

 

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Jason Kirk and John Moran in a scene from Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons.”

 

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Niall McKay, director of Irish Film New York

 

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Harry and Michele dancing to the soulful sounds of MbiraNYC.

 

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Tara O’Grady listening to Sasha Papernik

 

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Sasha Papernick and Tara O’Grady

 

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 Nancy Oda in a scene from Anna Christie

 

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Richard III’s soliloquy as performed by Ray Lindie.

 

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Kathleen Frazier reading from her memoir “Somniloquies.”

 

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Jack O’Connell in a scene from from Eugene O’Neill’s “Anna Christie.”

 

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The soulful sounds of Zimbabwe from MribaNYC.

 

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Honor Molloy and Caroline Winterson.

 

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Mary Tierney and Ron Ryan in a scene from Joe Davidson’s “Rekindling.”

 

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AWoW ROCKS THE LIVING ROOM: THE WRAP-UP

“A muggy summer evening on Ludlow Street, a packed house, and a serving of artistic delights–what you get when you mix AWoW with the Lower East Side.” said Jim Rodgers, as the crowd from the Living Room spilled onto the street. 

 

Billy Barrett
Billy Barrett

Sarah Fearon kicked off the successful evening of performers with a funny set of stand up. She offered her theories, with a twist, on the subjects of the economy, yoga, being a people person, optimism, hoarders, why she can’t read the newspaper, and why she will be shopping for a “smart clone.”

 

As the crowd filled to standing room only, the cocky slink of Curtis Mayfield’s Superfly rumbled through the crowd. It was Billy Barrett time. Highway Star’s his anthem and he loves to sing it. Last night he tracked the bloated stretch of an LA Superfly. “Coulda killed him, didn’t…” so now in the May swelter of a New York City nightclub, we can all have a good laugh about it.

 

Tara O'Grady, Niamh Hyland, Tami Lynn, Sasha Papernik and Jack O'Connell
Tara O’Grady, Niamh Hyland, Tami Lynn, Sasha Papernik and Jack O’Connell

Singers/songwriters Tara O’Grady and Sasha Papernik collaborated on vocals and piano. These songbirds have modernized the music of their cultures and given them new life. Sasha joined Tara in beautiful harmony on a soulful version of “The Water is Wide,” from Tara’s first album Black Irish. Pianist Sasha, whose parents were born in Moscow, Russia, then treated the audience to a song from the famous Russian cartoon, “Cheburashka.”  You can hear Sasha live with her ensemble at Cornelia Street Cafe on July 8th at 8:30pm and Tara with her full band at Swing 46 Jazz & Supper Club on June 19. 

 

Koro Koroye
Koro Koroye

Three unscheduled guests added spice to the event: Karyn Oliver–part Joan Osborne, a touch of Janis Joplin and a bit of EmmyLou Harris – effortlessly oscillated from bluesy to country with two songs, “Candy Dish” and “Right Now.” Her musical inspiration comes primarily from the eclectic mix of music to which she was exposed while growing up in the musically diverse culture of Washington.  Tami Lynn, who scored a big hit in the seventies with the song “I’m Gonna Run Away From You,” sang a soulful, “Smile,” while AWoW favorite and spoken word artist Koro Koroye performed two of her poems, “Michele” and “What’s In A Name.”

 

Awow co-founder and Irish born singer/songwriter Niamh Hyland, beat-boxer Anand Gan and guitarist Art Lamonica followed. Demonstrating her versatility and wide range, Niamh sang the blues, stylizing two tunes with smoky overtones and emotional punch. The songs “When the Moon Hangs Low” and “Ray Anne” were co-written by Niamh, Anand and Arthur.

  

Silbin Sandovar
Silbin Sandovar

Singer/songwriter Silbin Sandovar performed “Loving In The Worst Way” and “Beggars” The first tune is newly written and has not been recorded yet. The second is on my album “Brian & Silbin and Friends”  “Good times, very cool event,” said Silbin and the end of the evening.

 

 

Jim Rodgers read from his novel Long Night’s End, where Johnny Gunn is back playing with his band on the Bowery, drinking heavily and trying miserably to forget the recent tragedies visited upon the good people of Sunnyside, Queens. It appears, however, that Johnny’s own self-destructive behavior is the real threat to his survival and that of his family.  Another slice of the dark side from the urbane Mr. Rodgers. 

  

Liam O'Connell and Henry O'Connell
Liam O’Connell and Henry O’Connell

 The O’Connells, no strangers to AWoW Showcases, closed out the show. Henry hammered out some piano loops while his brother Liam beat-boxed and rapped “If Your Mother Only Knew.” Film and television actor Jack, O’Connell—Henry and Liam’s father—got into the act, performing a monologue from the Lyle Kessler play “Orphans” which just completed a shortrun on Broadway, while Henry knocked out Paul Desmond’s “Take Five” on the piano.  Jack’s character, Harold, tries to explain the dangers of going too far for financial gain. It’s a  story about his orphaned protege who dies from pneumonia after selling his last two newspapers that he wore for insulation during the winter.  Later in the evening Jack said, “As a father I thought the use of this metaphor could also be applied to the music industry and the “Rap” world that my sons have flirted with. 

 

Charles R. Hale and Tara O'Grady
Charles R. Hale and Tara O’Grady

With that, the evening, which Liam O’Connell called, “high energy, high attitude,” came to a close.  Future AWoW events include “The Ethiopian Street Children’s Benefit” a collaboration with the HOpe Charity at the Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel on June 19, 6pm–Niamh, Koro and Honor Finnegan will be performing–and an AWoW Showcase on June 25th, 7pm at The Cell Theatre. 

 

 

 

PHOTOS from "AWoW ROCKS THE LIVING ROOM" 5/24/13

A great time was had by all at AWoW’s Friday night event at the Living Room. Thanks to Vera Hoar who stepped up at the last minute to take all these great photos.  There’ll be more photos tomorrow, as well as a wrap-up of the evening’s events.  Names appear above the photos.

 

Karyn Oliver

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Jim Rodgers

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Sasha Papernik

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Jack O’Connell

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Anand Gan, Niamh Hyland, Art Lamonica

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Tami Lynn, Sasha Papernik,  Tara O’Grady

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In “The Living Room”

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AWoW MEMBERS and FRIENDS' UPCOMING EVENTS: WEEK of 5/26

Honor Finnegan
Honor Finnegan

Honor Finnegan, conducting a seminar and performing in an evening concert, Friday, May 31, at the NY Uke Fest. Check the Uke Fest website for details. 

 

 

 

Jack O'Connell
Jack O’Connell

“AWoW Rocks” at “The Living Room,” with Jack O’Connell and his sons, Henry and Liam, Niamh Hyland, Tara O’Grady, Sasha Papernik and others.  Friday 6:30 to 9:00 at the Living Room, 154 Ludlow Street, NYC. 

 

 

 

 

Sasha Papernik
Sasha Papernik

Honor Finnegan at “Joni Mitchell’s Blue: A 40th Anniversary Celebration.” First Unitarian Church, Pierrepont St. at Monroe Pl., Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn. Saturday, June 1,  8pm. $20 Order tickets here: Joni Mitchell’s Blue