WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT "ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS"

 Why become an Artists Without Walls’ member? Here’s what some of our friends are saying:

 

Eimear O'Connor
Eimear O’Connor

“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 Artist’s Without Walls.” Eimear O’Connor, Ireland, author, Sean Keating: Art, Politics and Building the Irish Nation.

 

Jack O'Connell
Jack O’Connell

“This is a note of thanks 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

Koro Koroye
Koro Koroye

 

“Artists Without Walls feels like home to me. I just feel like I belong there.” Koro Koroye, poet and spoken word artist, Nigeria.

 

Jim Rodgers
Jim Rodgers

“I’m always amazed at the talent AWoW gathers, and I’m  honored to share the same stage with such talented artists. Once again AWoW proved they are the United Nations of the NYC cultural scene at NYC’s “Living Room.” The performers and audience included folks from Germany, Israel, Egypt, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Ireland and the United States.  Great night!” Jim Rodgers, writer and attorney, New York

 

Carl Capotorto
Carl Capotorto

“Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to present to the group, last night.  And I was delighted to read a few pages from my book Twisted Head for the wonderfully diverse and highly sophisticated audience. It’s great work that AWoW is doing!” Carl Caportorto, “Little Paulie” in the Sopranos, New York

 

Colin Broderick
Colin Broderick

“It was a privilege to read for a packed house at the Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell Theatre. It feels like home to be in the midst of such talent and support. Artists Without Walls is a family that I’m extremely grateful to be a part of.” Colin Broderick, author That’s That, Belfast, Ireland and New York.

 

Barbara Rick
Barbara Rick

“It was great to see AWoW in action once again at Lehman College doing what it does so beautifully – making great art accessible and connecting artists with each other and with new audiences.” Barbara Rick, filmmaker, New York.  

 

Tzila Levy
Tzila Levy

“I was very impressed by the talented individuals I met when I attended one of your “Showcases.” I would love to become a member and participate in the upcoming showcases. I am a screenwriter and playwright from Israel, with professional experience in the Israeli film and theater industry.” Tzila Levy, filmmaker, Israel. 

 

Ed McCann
Ed McCann

“An enthusiastic, standing-room-only crowd filled the Cell Theater last night — an evening showcase of writing, acting, music, and dance. Founders Charles R. Hale and Niamh Hyland’s focus on the interests of the group’s membership suggests that members will shape AWoW’s development — an “open source” approach that foreshadows a future of diverse and experimental performances spanning multiple artistic disciplines.” Ed McCann, writer/producer/editor, New York

 

DAZZLING TALENT at the ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS’ SHOWCASE, 6/25/2013

“I thought this kind of free flowing music, spoken word, anything goes evening, went out years ago. Terrific night at the ‘Artists Without Wall Showcase’ at The Cell Theater in Chelsea.” Marion Stein, attendee at Tuesday night’s “Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell.”

 

Navid Kandelousi and Mehdi Darvishi
Navid Kandelousi and Mehdi Darvishi

Iranians Navid Kandeousi and Mehdi Darvishi began the evening with a rhythmic improvisation. Navid wrote the work for an ensemble but for this performance it was arranged for the “kamancheh,” played by Navid, and the “daf,” a percussion instrument and the most common instrument in Iran, played by Mehdi.  The work, calling on traditional Persian folk tunes, included complex passages and difficult bowing techniques, which were perfomred by Navid with dazzling results.  Mehdi’s accompaniment was perfect, calling upon subtle forces to transmit great energy. A dynamic opening to the evening. 

 

Carl Capotorto, “Little Paulie” Germani in the Sopranos, expressed his gratitude to the group for allowing him a few moments to honor and remember his friend and colleague, James Gandolfini. “Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity.  And I was delighted to read a few pages from my book for the wonderfully diverse and highly sophisticated audience. It’s great work that AWoW is doing!” And thank you to Carl for sharing this thoughts on the Soparanos and James Gandolfini, and for his witty reading from his memoir Twisted Head

 

Leni Stern Trio
Leni Stern Trio

The Leni Stern Trio, which includes bass player Mamadou Ba, percussionist Alioune Faye and jazz guitarist Leni Stern, has recently written a set of ten songs that are based on old traditional Senegalese rhythms, blended with sounds of blues and jazz from America.  The songs they played on Tuesday were from that project, one of them performed for the very first time in public.  The trio will soon be traveling to Senegal to record their next album with a group of local percussionists, but they can be heard next Tuesday night, July 2,10pm, at 55 Bar on Christopher Street in New York.  Commenting on the diverse mix of talent that was presented throughout the evening Leni said “I was especially moved by the two young poets, Koro and Ciara.  What spirit!”

 

Ciara Thompson
Ciara Thompson

Back from a trip to Ireland where she was awarded the Poetry Award at the prestigious Listowel Writer’s Week, Connie Roberts introduced the two young poets, Koro Koroye and Ciara Thompson. Connie, while a professor at Hofstra University, was instrumental in shaping the paths of each of these rising stars. Spoken word artist Koro Koroye, who has dazzled the Showcase audiences in the past, performed her poem “My Name,” with power and verve, while Ciara Thompson read five soulful poems, which reflected on her life and her experiences. Two great young talents. 

 

Michele Cetera and Jack O'Connelll
Michele Cetera and Jack O’Connell

Michele Cetera and Jack O’Connell acted the closing scene of “Frankie and Johnny In The Clair DeLune. “ “What made this exercise very special was that it was the first time Michele had ever tried this off book,” Jack said.  “We practiced this scene many times outdoors in parks from Greenpoint to Central Park. Michele translated her personal life right into the shoes of her character “Frankie” with brilliant results.”  And, as always, Jack who played Johnny, was perfect in his role. Ray Lindie handled the music in this wonderful scene from Terrence McNally’s play. 

 

Catahoula Cajun Band played rocking two steps and a sweet waltz, which enticed audience members to jump up and dance.  Catahoula is a New York-based group that plays Cajun dance music of Southern Louisiana. While all the band members hail from north of the Mason-Dixon line, their love of the rocking two-steps, sweet waltzes, and soulful blues of Acadiana inspired them to bring their Northern take on this Southern sound to the parks, streets, and subway platforms of New York. They delighted the audience with toe-tapping, infectious rhythms, perhaps inspiring a pop-up Louisiana dancehall on a street corner or two.  Great music.

 

Matt Keating
Matt Keating

Matt Keating ended the evening with a few of what TimeOut London calls his “beautiful and honest songs of substance and melancholy”.  His first song, “Maker of Carousels,” from his most recent album, Wrong Way Home (Sojourn Records) was a moving tribute written after Matt read an obituary about the man who designed the Bryant Park carousel.  Matt followed “Carousels” with some amusing banter about nitrous oxide abuse as he finished the evening with his Willie Nelson-esque ode to summer jobs and un-requited love, “Between Customers.”  Time ran out on the evening–it felt like we were just getting warmed up–and Matt left the crowd wanting more. You can hear this outstanding musician and his band playing these tunes and others on July 10th, 8pm, at The Living Room in New York City. 

 

The next “Showcase at The Cell” will be held on July 31, 7pm. For more information on becoming a member click on “Membership” above or write to info@artistswithoutwalls.com 

 

 

 

CAT DWYER'S PHOTOS: "AWoW'S SHOWCASE AT THE CELL THEATRE," 6/25/13

Cat Dwyer’s photos of the Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell Theatre, June 25, 2013. The names of the artists appear above the pictures.

 

Navid Kandelousi and Mehdi Darvishi

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Carl Capotorto

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Mamadou Ba, Alioune Faye and Leni Stern

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Koro Koroye

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Michele Cetera and Jack O’Connell

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Catahoula Cajun Band

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Connie Roberts

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Ciara Thompson

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Matt Keating

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JOIN ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS: "SHOWCASE AT THE CELL THEATER" ON TUESDAY, JUNE 25

Cahoulas Cajun Band
Catahoula Cajun Band

Come on out to the “AWoW Showcase at The Cell” for a taste of “Northern Fried” Cajun music of Southwest Louisiana: Upbeat, danceable roots music, spirited two-steps and beautifully heartwarming, bittersweet waltzes. The Catahoula Cajun Band is a New York based group and while all the band members hail from north of the Mason-Dixon line, their love of toe-tappin’ dance and traditional music inspired them to tackle the two-steps, waltzes, and Cajun-French lyrics of Acadiana.

 

Here’s the rest of the evening’s line-up:

 

Matt Keating
Matt Keating

Timeout London said of singer/songwriter Matt Keating “Beautiful and honest songs of substance and melancholy.” Matt’s newest album, Wrong Way Home, a 16 song emotional piece, is his tenth release. Matt’s music is tinged by nostalgia while being entirely modern. It is contemplation on life’s narrative, offering moments of joy and melancholy, epiphany and regret.

 

Leni Stern
Leni Stern

Leni Stern, who was born in Munich, Germany, and educated at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, is a New York based guitarist whose recent recordings are lush, deeply felt explorations of the sound of Africa colored by Stern’s soulful lyrics, lightly sanded voice and dazzling instrumental prowess. Leni will be joined by one of her fine musicians, bassist Mamadou Ba. 

 

Carl Capotorto
Carl Capotorto

Carl Capotorto, born and raised in the Bronx, is a playwright, screenwriter and actor, well known for his six seasons in the role of “Little Paulie” Germani in the Sopranos.  Carl will be performing a work from his book, Twisted Head, a darkly comic memoir of growing up in the Bronx in the 60s and 70s.

 

Jack O’Connell, Michele Cetera and Ray Lindie, Showcases regulars, will be performing a scene from Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune by Terrence McNally. This two character play focuses on two lonely middle aged people who work in a Diner, he as a cook, she as a waitress.  Johnny is certain that he’s found his soulmate in Frankie.  She, on the other hand is far more cautious and disinclined to jump to conclusions.

Navid Kandelos
Navid Kandelousi

 

Classical musicians Navid Kandelousi and Ava Nazar not only perform classical music but Persian traditional music as well.  Navid, a violinist will be playing the Kamancheh, a traditional Persian instrument, and Ava will be playing the piano during their performance of Persian music.

 

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Stephanie Silber will be reading from her short story The Lemon Tree, which follows a little girl through an eventful day with her grandmother in a 1960’s cityscape both alluring and menacing.  This excerpt finds the duo visiting the grandmother’s stricken friend in a New York hospital for rehabilitation.
Stephanie Silber
Stephanie Silber

Artists Without Walls was created to provide artists of all disciplines an opportunity to experiment with new ideas in front of a live audience; create an environment that fosters collaborative and creative effort and  promote members’ careers in the arts, whether they have already established themselves or are at the beginning of their artistic career.  We’re looking forward to a great night. Hope you can join us. 

 

 

AWoW MEMBERS and FRIENDS UPCOMING EVENTS: WEEK OF 6/23/13

UnknownBarbara Rick’s award winning films “Girls of Daraja” and “School of My Dreams” air tomorrow, Monday, June 24th at 8:00pm ET on DIRECTV Channel 375 and DISH Network Ch. 9410,  and anytime on this link when you click on the shows —  http://www.linktv.org/documentaries

 

 

 

 

 

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Artists Without Walls “Showcase at The Cell Theater,” Tuesday 7pm, 338 W23rd St. Free event

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PeterWendy-300x242Peter/Wendy at The Cell Theater, Thursday, June 27, 28, 29, 8pm. Tickets $10-15. Click here for ticket information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marni-Rice-300x187Marni Rice’s composition for solo accordion is featured in a short film called “Subterranean Love” by Robert Haufrecht,  Friday, June 28th, 3:45pm at The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival. Here is a short video trailer link: Click here for a short video trailer

 

 

 

_DSC8928Honor Finnegan performing at the Soulful Sundown Coffeehouse Series, The Unitarian Universalists Church at Shelter Rock. 48 Shelter Rock Road Manhasset, NY, Friday, 7:30pm.  Free event

 

 

 

 

 

 

92027_broderick_colin1Colin Broderick, author of “That’s That,” reading at An Beal Bocht Cafe, 445 W 238th St, Bronx, NY 10463, Friday, 8pm. Phone:(718) 884-7127. Free event

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

ACTOR and AWoW MEMBER JACK O'CONNELL with MICHAEL CERA and CHARLES GRODIN in "BRAZZAVILLE TEEN-AGER"

 

BRAZZAVILLE TEEN-AGER directed by MICHAEL CERA

 

Jack O’Connell is a frequent presenter at AWoW Showcases and a valued member of Artists Without Walls. He has appeared in many popular television series including Law and Order, Blue Bloods and Boardwalk Empire and in films such as Doubt, with Meryl Streep, and Men in Black 3.  

 

Brazzaville Teen-Ager is a short film adapted from a Bruce Jay Friedman short story and is directed by Michael Cera.  Cera is part of the film’s cast, which includes, Jack, who plays Cera’s boss, and veteran actor Charles Grodin, who plays Cera’s father.

 

The film is produced by JASH which is kicking off a web-based comedy youtube channel created by Michael Cera, Sarah Silverman, Tim and Eric, and Reggie Watts.  JASH‘s intention is to create and produce a new video to the JASH channel every Monday. Late Night host Jimmy Kimmel is one of JASH’s producers. 

 

According to Jack, “We filmed in five days in early March in Manhattan and Greenwich Connecticut. How do you like my Greenwich digs, Charles? Quite a cozy little shack, don’t you think?”  Check out Jack’s shack, but better yet, check out his wonderful performance. Bravo, Jack.

 

Photo of Jack O’Connell by Cat Dwyer

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