Nigerian born, Spoken Word artist Koromone “Koro” Koroye” presenting her poem “My Name” at an Artists Without Walls’ Showcase.
For more information on Artists Without Walls contact info@artistswithoutwalls.com
Why become an Artists Without Walls’ member? Here’s what some of our friends are saying:
“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.
“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
“Artists Without Walls feels like home to me. I just feel like I belong there.” Koro Koroye, poet and spoken word artist, Nigeria.
“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
“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
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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
“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.”
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.
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!”
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’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 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 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
Carl Capotorto
Mamadou Ba, Alioune Faye and Leni Stern
Koro Koroye
Michele Cetera and Jack O’Connell
Catahoula Cajun Band
Connie Roberts
Ciara Thompson
Matt Keating
Photos from Wednesday night’s “Ethiopia’s Street Children Benefit.
For more info on HOPe click here.
Photos by Vera Hoar.
Honor Finnegan, Niamh Hyland, Koro Koroye
Niamh Hyland
Honor Finnegan
Mary Ann Pierce, Anita Daly, Charles R. Hale
Maura Kelly
Honor Finnegan, Niamh Hyland, Koro Koroye, Maura Kelly, Charles R. Hale
The folks from “HOpe”
Koro Koroye
Kathy Quinn, Charles R. Hale
Aedin Moloney reading “Molly” from Joyce’s Ulysses, today, “Bloomsday Sunday” at the Ulysses Folk House, 2pm. 95 Pearl Street, NYC.
George Heslin presents Stop The Tempo today, Sunday, at 4pm and 7pm, Tuesday at 7pm. Arlene’s Grocery 95 Stanton Street, NYC. For tickets click here. Use the AWoW code AWW18 for a $7 discount.
Ethiopian Street Children’s Benefit. Join Artists Without Walls and the HOpe Charity for an evening of cocktails, entertainment and philanthropy. Entertainment by Niamh Hyland, Honor Finnegan and Koro Koroye. Events begin at 6pm at Fitzpatrick’s Grand Central Hotel, 141 E. 44th St., NYC. Click here for ticket information
Tara O’Grady performing at Swing 46 Jazz and Supper Club, Wed. 8:30pm. 349 W. 46th St. For reservations click here
Join ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS
for Cocktails and Philanthropy
on June 19th – 6pm to 9pm
to support the
ETHIOPIA STREET CHILDREN’S PROJECT
$20 reunites one street child with their family in Ethiopia. Help us save 1,000 children from homelessness.
~~~~
Appetizers will be served courtesy of FitzPatrick’s Grand Central Hotel
Cash Bar
MUSIC by “ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS’ – HONOR FINNEGAN,KORO KOROYE and NIAMH HYLAND.
From more information & tickets, go to – http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6726752899/es2/?rank=5
100% of Proceeds go to the Ethiopia Street Children’s Project
ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS is proud to support HOPe (Helping Other People) a tax exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization working in the developing world.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Niamh Hyland will be singing at the Irish Arts Center’s “Sunday at Seven.” Tonight, May 19, 7pm at the Irish Arts Center, 553 West 51st, NYC. Tickets $10. Ticket Information
Violinist Annette Homann will be appearing in “What I’m Failing to Learn.” Wed., May 22, 7pm at the 13th Street Repertory Theatre, 50 W. 13th St., NYC. Tickets $25. Ticket Information
Tara O’Grady will be launching her CD “A Celt in the Cotton Club” and performing at Mary O’s, 32 Avenue A, NYC. Thursday, May 23, 7pm. Tara O’Grady Music
Singer/songwriter Mary McPartlan and pianist Bertha Hope will be performing at ZirZamin, 90 West Houston Street, Friday, May 24, 7:30pm. Tickets $20.
Koro Koroye and Owen and Moley O’Suilleabhain will be performing at the “LES Festival of the Arts,” in the Johnson Theater, The Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue, NYC. Friday,
May 24, 11pm. Free event