LIV MAMMONE'S "ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS SHOWCASE at THE CELL" WRAP-UP

 

LIV MAMMONE’S “ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS SHOWCASE at THE CELL” WRAP-UP

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Niamh Hyland, Sasha Papernik, Anette Homann and Noel Lawlor
Niamh Hyland, Sasha Papernik, Annette Homann and Noel Lawlor

This month’s Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell Theatre really exemplified our organization’s core values of both diversity and community, bringing a set of fresh, new, young artists amidst seasoned veterans of the AWoW stage. The whole evening was filled with the warmth and the welcoming atmosphere we have come to expect from these gatherings. The Cell itself feels as though it’s growing smaller and more intimate with each passing month, as this family of faces come together to support, sustain, and shine. But the circuit never closes, always making room for more.

 

Richard Stillman
Richard Stillman

First up, Richard Stillman gave us all a laugh with two musically accompanied story recitations. One, a comical rhyme about a young highland lad named Angus with a prominent honker he puts to use in a bagpipe band; the other, a Peruvian pied piper tale about a young man who uses the forgotten tradition of pan flute playing to rid his mountain town of a scourge of slimy frogs and finds his place among them. Richard, too, has embraced an art form not seen often these days with his oral storytelling and showed us why it is still vivid and necessary. (How on Earth did he make that bubble sound?)

 

Ed Romanoff and I.S. Jones
Ed Romanoff and I.S. Jones

I.S. Jones shimmered with grace and grit reciting three spoken word poems; a gripping piece about racist language; the sensual “Kingdom of Touching”; and a gloriously uplifting ode to those forces in her life which have tried and tested her. I.S. had worried that her work would be “a little risky” for the audience, but we were jolted and moved by the elegant truth in her work. Her calmness and refined manner acts as a prism through which torrents of feeling are focused. Her risk was rewarded and we would welcome her future work.

 

Noah Hoffeld
Noah Hoffeld

Cellist, pianist, and songwriter Noah Hoffeld demonstrated his incredible range, favoring us with a melodic ballad, a rocking ode to the music that shaped his youth, and an utterly heartrending classically inspired solo to return us to his Juilliard roots. His vocals are reminiscent of Matthew Good, at once tender and rough-edged. It was a roller coaster of feeling to be witness to just a fraction of what he is capable.

 

Eithne Nic An Riogh
Eithne Nic An Riogh

In a happy accident, we were then joined by Eithne Nic An Riogh, just this week transplanted from Ireland. She had reached out to fellow University College Dublin alum Niamh Hyland looking for a cello and we were most fortunate that, instead, she wound up with a slot. Borrowing Noah’s, Eithne treated us to a million dollar smile and two beautiful pieces, a cello standard as well as a deeply moving Irish song about a woman who cannot be buried on the island of her choice. It was heartwarming to see how these fellow performers came together on a spur of the moment to share her talent with us.

 

Nicholas Garr
Nicholas Garr

Have you ever wondered what would happen if the Sopranos’ Chris Moltisanti was given the psychic powers of John Edwards? Character actor Nicholas Garr has finally given us the answer and it is as hilarious as you would expect. Watching how Nick has altered his body language especially is truly evidence of his gift. He left us in stitches. A pilot should be sent to HBO now that its gangster show niche has a void.

 

Alex Shapiro
Alex Shapiro

The second poet of the night, Alex Shapiro, was brand new to the AWoW stage, and brought a bouquet of lively, thought provoking, philosophical musings. These poems as quick and sharp as shots of whiskey. Alex inhabited his whole body for his reading, giving off an air of approachability and an enviable talent for memorization. We are lucky to have caught him before he heads out to the Midwest to continue his writer’s journey.

 

 

Niamh Hyland and Allison Sylvia
Niamh Hyland and Allison Sylvia

Ed Romanoff is never less than awe inspiring and was a perfect closer for our evening. Ed has performed a great deal with AWoW and is an integral part of its nature, but those who were in the audience last night hearing him for the first time are to be envied. He demonstrated his prowess as a lyricist and his signature sound–steady as a train and sharp like a razor–in three tracks. The first was new, the story of a boxer and his shiftless women. His second choice was a deeply personal gesture for fellow member Connie Roberts, a song called “Orphan King.” Niamh and Noah then joined Ed for his song “Two Yellow Roses,” giving an already breathtaking number a level of depth we as audience members were held in thrall by. It is always an indescribable pleasure when showcase performers come together in impromptu collaborations. This is part of the magic of the space and there is nothing else like it.

 

We hope that you could be present and that you’ll join us for the next Showcase on August 25th, at The Cell Theatre. 

MULTI-TALENTED LINE UP ON TAP at AWOW'S SHOWCASE at THE CELL, TUESDAY, JULY 28th.

“We are given the opportunity to share our creative work and be received by a truly supportive and empathetic audience of fellow AWoW members and their guests. AWoW’s talented artists revitalize my spirit giving me strength and passion as I pursue my craft.” Michelle Macau

 

Noah Hoffeld
Noah Hoffeld

A great lineup of talent has been assembled for Artists Without Walls’ July Showcase at The Cell Theatre beginning with cellist Noah Hoffeld.  The soulful maturity of Noah’s new album Play Human belies the fact that Noah comes from a life in Classical Music. But playing Classical was never everything to Noah. Before graduating from Juilliard, he began pushing the limits by improvising, bringing rock and pop to the cello, and asking questions that would push his career beyond the ordinary. Cellist Noah has played for the likes of Renee Fleming, Philip Glass, Bebel Gilberto, and Brad Mehldau and records solos for films and television such as The Skeleton Twins (starring Kristin Wiig and Bill Hader), and Showtime’s Happyish. Noah will be singing a few songs from his new album and accompanying himself on piano and cello.

 

Richard Stillman
Richard Stillman

Richard Stillman is an all around performer. As an actor he has performed on Broadway, the Kennedy Center and in regional theater. These days he is mostly performing his own shows in schools, libraries and care centers. He will be telling at the New Jersey Storytelling Festival on Sept. 20th and will be performing his Spirit of Vaudeville show in Summit, NJ on Sept. 27th. During Tuesday,’s Showcase Richard will be telling two of his own stories. One is from the highlands of Scotland and the other is from the highlands of Peru.  

 

 

I.S. Jones
I.S. Jones

With a commanding stage presence and stirring poems of triumph, tribute, and forgiveness, I.S. Jones’s poetry stunned the audience into roaring “amens” at AWoW’s March Showcase. If you missed her you have a chance to meet her and hear her work at this Tuesday’s Showcase at The Cell.  I.S. is recent transplant from Southern California, is currently a graduate candidate at Hofstra University and she is a teaching colleague of Connie Roberts. I.S. was recently asked to come onboard as an editor-in-chief at Encore Radio Show, a show that delves into the culture and history of hip-hop. She is the winner of the Power Poetry Scholarship and publishes in several other literary magazines such as Harpoon Review, Chaparral, and Fat City Review.

 

Nick Garr (center)
Nick Garr (center)

 

Nick Garr, whose photo left was taken while performing Jerome Robbins” “Broadway” will be presenting  a character from his show “The Mob Psychic” and presenting it in a way that will be completely new and original to an AWoW Showcase.  Sam Adelman has been working with Nick on his web series, and will be shooting Nick’s scene for his series. Get ready for some real excitement. 

 

Ed Romanoff
Ed Romanoff

Ed Romanoff, whose song “St Vincent de Paul” won Song of the Year from the Nashville Songwriters Association, and whose  self-titled debut was a Roots Radio Top 100 for 2012, and ranked as high as number 12 on the European Americana Charts.  Ed will be performing a not yet recorded “old tune” about the claddagh ring (might Niamh Hyland join him?) and possibly a song he recently wrote which “…was inspired by Connie Robert’s moving book launch,” said Ed.

 

Alex Shapiro
Alex Shapiro

And rounding out the evening’s entertainment is first time AWoW presenter, Alex Shapiro. Alex is a poet born and raised in Beacon, New York. Having completed his undergraduate studies at Northeastern University this past May, he will be moving to the Midwest this Fall to pursue his MFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

 

Join emcees Niamh Hyland and Charles R. Hale for a great night of fun an entertainment The Cell Theatre, Tuesday, July 28th, 338 W23rd St. The doors open at 6:45pm.

 

 

 

 

AWoW MEMBERS AROUND TOWN THIS WEEK

Jim Hawkins
Jim Hawkins

Jim Hawkins will be presenting a program of “Stories and Songs from the Irish Tradition” today, Sunday, 2pm at the Glen Cove Gold Coast Library, Glen Cove, LI. 

 

On March 17 and 21, Jim AND Greg Ryan will be playing traditional Irish music and singing Irish ballads at the MacArthur Park Restaurant on Park Ave in Rockvile Center, LI. They will be playing from 5-9 on the 17th and from 1-4 on the 21st, after the Rockville Center St. Patrick’s day parade.

 

Richard Stillman
Richard Stillman

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Singer, storyteller & musician, Richard Stillman will be performing his Irish Balladeer show at 3pm at the Verona NJ Library. For info call 973 857-4848. The family show combines traditional and original Irish music, storytelling and step dancing accompanied on cittern guitar, banjo, mandolin, bagpipes, concertina, pennywhistle, bones, bodhran and harmonica. 

 

 

Mary Tierney in "Sacred Sow"
Mary Tierney in “Sacred Sow”

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Mary Tierney will be appearing today, Sunday March 15, 1:30 pm in the Poor Mouth Theatre company presentation of A Night of Irish Storytelling” “Sacred Sow” written and directed by  Ellie Cummings.

 

 Located at 445 W238th St., Bronx, NY. Admission $18 available at the bar

 

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Nancy Redman
Nancy Redman

 

Nancy Redman won Best Comedian Award United Solo 2014 for her one woman play “THE DOCTOR IS NOT IN” directed by Austin Pendleton. She will be performing “THE DOCTOR IS NOT IN” Sunday, March 15, 2015 at 7pm at Abingdon Theatre Company Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W36th St. 1st Fl., NYC

 

Nancy recently performed “The Doctor Is Not In” at the United Solo Theatre Festival 2014 and received the award for “Best Comedian.”

 

Tickets are $20.00 Use Code Doc315 for a $15.00 ticket. Click here for tickets

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Vincent Cross
Vincent Cross

Singer/songwriter Vincent Cross will be at Scratcher Cafe, 209 E.5th St., Sunday night, March 15, 7:15

 

From Vincent: “Traditionally, St Patrick’s Day would be just the day of March 17th, but living here in the US, there seems no end to the various celebratory parades. I’m not complaining of course, as I can claim that my upcoming show at the Scratcher is to commemorate the Saintly man himself; however, I would like to invite folks out to hear some newly written tunes at the one and only Scratcher Bar on the Lower East Side. That day being March the 15th at 7:15pm on the dash. There are usually two acts split over two hrs with fifteen minutes between each. I’m not sure who will be sharing the stage with me, but be sure to catch both sets. Oh…and if you join the Facebook invite here, I’ll be eternally grateful.”

 

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Ed Romanoff
Ed Romanoff

Singer/songwriter Ed Romanoff, who recently concluded his tour of Germany and Ireland now wraps up in NY next week. He’s bringing along one of his favorite players, Clive Barnes from Kilkenny Ireland. Clive’s a blues powerhouse and has played with many legends. Join them for some new songs and some new sounds.

 

16th March Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3-NYC 7pm
17th March Parkside Lounge -NYC 8pm
18th March Bearsville Theatre – Woodstock New York 9pm

 

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Cajun Music
Brooklyn Cajun Jam Session

 

Whatta Weekend! Saturday March 21st, 3PM -12midnight

 

The next session of the traditional Brooklyn Cajun Jam Session at the fabulous Jalopy Theatre in Brooklyn, will be lead by Tim Kness and open to all musicians at the Jalopy Theatre and School of Music, Brooklyn, NY (Red Hook Neighborhood) 315 Columbia Street (Between Hamilton & Woodhull) Brooklyn, NY, 11231.

 

Jam at 3PM, Eat at 6PM and Dance at 8PM!

 

 

 

 

WALL-TO-WALL TALENT at AWoW's HOLIDAY SHOWCASE at THE CELL

Niamh Hyland and Honor Molloy
Niamh Hyland and Honor Molloy

“What a great night of talent…and Niamh Hyland’s voice is stunning. I literally get goosebumps. Amazing. ” Mitch Traphagen

 

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Joseph Goodrich started things off with “The New Boy”—a poignant and humorous look at Christmas in a small Minnesota town. Goodrich’s story skillfully conveyed the turbulent emotions of its main character, a seven-year-old boy whose life has been touched with loss. Sensitive writing and a bravura performance by Goodrich made “The New Boy” a welcome guest.

 

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Vera Hoar
Vera Hoar

 

Ron Vazzano’s poem “Trains: A Christmas Story,” suggested paradoxically, the joy and peril of getting what you wish for, in that it can come at a cost of a loss of innocence and humiliation in the process.  Beautifully done.

 

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Award winning singer/songwriter/author Michael Sheahan opened his performance with “Jingle Jangle Jingle All Night Long” from his award winning Christmas Book, CD and Dance DVD, Mr. Holidays Presents The Roof Top Hop. This up-beat, joyful Christmas song had the audience smiling, laughing, and tapping their feet to it’s wonderful Christmas spirit.  His second song “Some

Jim Hawkins and Maeve Price
Jim Hawkins and Maeve Price

Things Never Change,” the title track from Michaels Christmas CD, touched the audience’s heart with it’s loving sentiment for Mom and Dad as they physically change over the years. Michael finished his set, appropriately ringing in the New Year, with “Year Out…Year In.”  You can hear all the above mentioned songs on Michael’s latest  Christmas CD Some Things Never Change. 

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Grainne Duddy and Brona Crehan
Grainne Duddy and Brona Crehan

Here’s what the audience had to say about playwright Brona Crehan and actress Grainne Duddy:

Moonlight Sonata – a roller coaster of a ride. “

“Beautifully written and wonderfully told.”  

“We felt like we were eavesdropping on something deeply personal and could have listened all night.” 

 

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Singer/songwriter Ed Romanoff began his performance sharing the ironic discovery of his own Irish heritage and being welcomed to Ireland by Phillip King on the RTE program, “Where The South Wind Blows.”  Ed then continued his engaging rootsy storytelling with an Irish twist by becoming the voice of Willie Sutton in a ballad about the famed Irish bank robber, paroled on Christmas Eve by Governor Rockefeller.  Ed also played a crowd pleasing new song, “A Golden Crown,” about a boxer and a claddagh ring.   

 

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Admiring Vera's 2014 AWoW Poster
Admiring Vera’s 2014 AWoW Poster

Nicholas Garr gave a wonderfully moving, and hysterically funny performance, from his solo theatre piece Paper Tigers, which explores our shared issues of love, sex, ambition, and self image, in a world where things are often not as they appear. In the scene Nick performed, Father Rodney, a teacher at an all boys Catholic school, gives his final religion class, to a group of graduating seniors.  In Nicholas’ Paper Tigers, a Mafia psychic, channels a variety of characters from the underbelly of the familar, in order to help his audience find “spiritual understanding and their true inner selves.”

 

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Guess Who?
Guess Who?

What if 19th century Paris’ most infamous party-girl were undead and on the loose in the Big Apple? Marion Stein read from her new novel Blood Diva (published under the pen name VM Gautier) which reimagines the heroine of Camille and La Traviata as a vampire-about-town enjoying the human smorgasbord that is New York.  Blood Diva is available in paper book and as an ebook at Amazon and other fine booksellers.  Click here for a link to the Blood Diva blog.

 

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Charles R. Hale
Charles R. Hale

Honor Molloy and Niamh Hyland brought the evening to a close with “Christmas on an Island.” Adapted from a Radio Eireann script written by Honor’s mother Yvonne Voight, this selection from Smarty Girl – Dublin Savage is set in the wilds of Inish Maan during the last days of 1954. Honor played the mother and the mischievous Noleen O’Feeney. Niamh played a handful of Island Women, including the Mighty Spirit, Bridgie Flaherty. There was a song—miracle a song–as Niamh sang the first verse of “Silent Night” in Irish. Then the whole crowd joined in to celebrate the season and send each other home (with a quick stop at the Westside Tavern first.)

 

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The next Artists Without Walls’ Showcase is on January 27th, 7pm at The Cell Theatre, 338 W23rd St., NYC

 

All photos by Vera Hoar and Mitch Traphagen.

 

 

 

ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' HOLIDAY SHOWCASE at THE CELL THEATRE, TUESDAY, 12/23, 6:45PM

Jack O'Connell
Jack O’Connell

“This is a note of thanks for supporting my efforts through pictures and words these past two years. 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 

 

 

Ron Vazzano
Ron Vazzano

Ron Vazzano is a writer/poet who has read his work at The Cell on a number of occasions since becoming a member of AWoW. As an actor, at a recent Showcase, Ron performed at a monologue he’d written called, “Ten Totems of Obsolescence in Passing.” Tuesday night he will be reading one, as he says, “Seasonally appropriate, poem.” No doubt, humor will abound. 

 

 

Ed Romanoff and Niamh Hyland
Ed Romanoff and Niamh Hyland

 

Ed Romanoff’s debut album was a Roots Radio Top 100, number 12 in Europe, and its opening song was voted Song of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters Association. Recently, at fifty years of age, Ed discovered that he’s not Russian as he’d always believed, but Irish. Ed is writing a book about uncovering his true identity as well as recording a followup CD.  He will be performing a few of his tunes with, we’re sure, a story or two thrown in.

 

  

Michael Sheahan
Michael Sheahan

Singer/songwriter/producer Michael Sheahan will be performing Christmas songs from his three-time award winning Christmas Book, CD and Dance DVD “Mr. Holidays Presents The Roof Top Hop,” as well as songs from his latest Christmas CD, “Some Things Never Change.” Looking for some additional holiday music? Look no further. 

 

 

 

Nicholas Garr
Nicholas Garr

 

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“Paper Tigers” is a solo theatrical piece, which is currently being developed by Nick Garr. In “Paper Tigers”, Nick creates, or rather, “recreates,” a variety of characters from the underbelly of the familiar. With them, he explores our shared issues of love, sex, ambition, and self-image, in a world where things are often not as they appear. Nick will be performing a segment that shows Father Rodney, a teacher at an all boys Catholic high school, presenting his final religion class to a group of graduating seniors.

 

 

 

Joe Goodrich
Joe Goodrich

 

Playwright and writer Joseph Goodrich will present “The New Boy”—-a holiday reminiscence set in Minnesota, where Goodrich grew up. In “The New Boy,” Christmas 1970 is fraught with loss, anxiety, and an unexpected guest. We heard Joe present this piece at Ed McCann’s “Writers Read” recently. Brilliant. 

 

 

Honor Molloy
Honor Molloy

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Honor Molloy and Niamh Hyland will present “Christmas on an Island”–adapted from a Radio Eireann script written by Honor’s mother Yvonne Voight. This selection from “Smarty Girl – Dublin Savage” is set in the last days of 1954 when Noleen’s mother heads out to the wilds of Inish Maan for Christmas. Might this include a tune from Ms. Hyland as well?

 

 

Marion Stein
Marion Stein

 

Marion Stein is a graduate of the Sarah Lawrence MFA program. Her work appeared in Gordon Lish’s legendery Quarterly Magazine. You can catch her snarky television recaps at Happy Nice Time People. Marion’s available fiction includes “Loisaida” – a novel of gentrification and its discontents – as well as the new work she will be reading from at the Showcase. 

 

 

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Grainne Duddy
Grainne Duddy

And rounding out the evening’s performances will be a scene from Brona Crehan’s “Moonlight Sonata,” which will be performed by Grainne Duddy.

 

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Brona Crehan
Brona Crehan

A number of artists will have CD’s and books for sale, so if you’re looking for last minute stocking stuffers you’ll find them at The Cell Theatre, 338 W23rd St, tomorrow night,Tuesday, December 23rd, 6:45pm 

 

We hope to see you then. 

 

ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS’ SHOWCASE at THE CELL THEATRE: 10/22/13

Singer/songwriter Ed Romanoff said, “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…”

 

Angela Alaimo O'Donnell
Angela Alaimo O’Donnell

Poet Angela Alaimo O’Donnell offered a powerful reading of selections from her books Moving House, Saint Sinatra, and Waking My Mother. Hers are fierce, finely-wrought poems that embrace unlovely realities–the hard life of “Coal Town,” the families that labor beneath its ashen skies, the death of a father, the loves of a mother, spiritual hope dogged by spiritual despair.  O’Donnell’s superb, inspired language and forgiving imagination have somehow survived the “slag heaps” of home.  Her passionate performance offered public witness to the power of poetry to speak the unspeakable, to articulate for us all what we cannot, and to redeem our lives and losses through beauty. 

 

 

Sana Musasama
Sana Musasama

Ceramic artist Sana Musasama began her compelling performance, which included a filmed photo-journey of her art and travels, stating that as a world traveler she seeks out the comfort and protection of women in traditional cultures She visits markets that are dominated by women who invite her into their lives, guide her and teach her; they feed her passion.   Sana’s work is about an experience that triggers an emotion , sometimes a place or a  time.  She then submerges herself with information that informs these ideas and concepts. As she said, “When I feel this overwhelming presence I poetically call my  extra heart beat.  I then pick up my clay and begin to build.”  

 

 

1385133_10201179193214780_1915011513_nVisiting Irish writer Alan McMonagle read from his newly published collection, Psychotic Episodes. In ten captive minutes he excerpted a story that manages to accommodate a six-hundred-year-old woman, a talking cat, a marijuana grower, a pair of deaf and blind philosophers, a notorious womanizer, and a Yoga Master become property developer.  We hope to see Alan back in the States soon. A most welcome addition to the AWoW lineup of talent. 

 

Diana Jones
Diana Jones

Singer/songwriter Diana Jones made a dazzling Showcase debut singing three songs. She opened with “Henry Russell’s Last Words,” a song she wrote, based on a letter a dying miner scratched on a piece of paper while trapped in a mine. Diana followed with “Pony” a song told from the viewpoint of a young Native American girl in the 1920s who is forced to assimilate to a life and culture that is not her own. She ended her set with a song from her brand new release Museum of Appalachia Recordings. Diana combines traditional mountain and old-time sounds with a literate, character-driven brand of storytelling. She will be appearing in NYC at Hill Country NY on Monday, November 4th. I highly recommend getting tickets to hear this great talent. Click here for ticket info

  

Deni Bonet, Ed Romanoff and Niamh Hyland
Deni Bonet, Ed Romanoff and Niamh Hyland

Fiddler Deni Bonet and singer and AWoW cofounder Niamh Hyland accompanied Ed Romanoff on four tunes.  Mixing humor and warmth with darker tones, aided by two very accomplished musicians, Ed’s songs,  stories of the human condition, captivated the audience. Niamh closed out the set with a touching, soulful tribute to her mother Margaret and grandmother Sarah by performing the old Irish ballad: “The Parish of Knockmore.” She followed it with a haunting and powerful version of Alanis Morissette’s tune “Uninvited”.  Beautiful singing and a voice that can go from zero-to-sixty in a heartbeat. 

 

 

Ron Vazzano
Ron Vazzano

Ron Vazzano read from his books of poems Shots from a Passing Car, in a an exuberant and energetic manner, in the best tradition of spoken word performance. His satiric and cutting edge style was most evident in “Blue Sky Session At Morning,” which recounts moments in time from his previous life as an advertising executive. This piece especially elicited an hilarious response from an audience, obviously attuned to the “Mad Man” culture.

 

 

 

Jenai Huff
Jenai Huff

We were pleased to have Jenai Huff join us again last night.  Jenai played three songs from her new EP Grace and Elbow Grease.  The first song was the title track, followed by “Make This Be” and closing with with “Come Home.”  Jenai’s songs are about life, love and loss and she clearly has a reverence for them.  Her pure and soulful voice and big smile coax the listener to relax.

 

 

DJ Sharp
DJ Sharp

 

 

The evening concluded with a tour-de-force performance from a work written by the very talented actor D.J. Sharp. His portrayal of Tennessee Williams in his final three days of his life at New York’s Hotel Elysee was spellbinding and brought down the house. A brilliant end to a night filled with one great performance after another.  

 

At the end of the evening AWoW member Ray Lindie said, “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.” 

 

The next Artists Without Walls Showcase will be on November 26th at The Cell Theater, 338 W. 23rd St., NYC. For more information on Artists Without Walls contact info@artistswithoutwalls.com

 

Photos by Cat Dwyer and Vera Hoar

 

 

 

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

NIAMH HYLAND at ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL TONIGHT with SINGER/SONGWRITER ED ROMANOFF

 

As the audience was making its way to their seats at a recent AWoW Showcase, AWoW cofounder Niamh Hyland got everyone’s attention when she stepped on stage and, unannounced, belted out a few lines from “You Have No Idea Who I Am,” which opens Brendan Connellan’s comedy Pompa Pompa. Niamh co-starred in a New York City production of Connellan’s play earlier this year. 

 

Niamh will be appearing with singer/songwriter Ed Romanoff tonight, Tuesday, August 20, at Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street, NYC, 7pm. Poet Liv Mammone will be joining Niamh and Ed as well. 

 

 

Niamh Hyland
Niamh Hyland