Today, Sunday, May 18th, singer/songwriterJenai Huff and fiddler Deni Bonet, will be performing in “Great Strides,”the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event at the Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown, New York 10591. The show day begins at 9am and ends at 2pm. Jenai will be on at 11:15 on the Veranda and Deni is in the Bowling alley at 11:25.
Singer/songwriter Martina Fišerová, from Prague, Czech Republic, will be performing on Sunday, May 18th, 5pm, at Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street, NYC.
On Monday, May 19th there will be a reading of Joe Davidson’s play, “The Rekindling” featuring Mary Tierney as actress Nancy Morris and Ron Ryan as Barney Morris. All are invited to Chelsea Street Studios #5, 151 West 26th St., NYC. Wine will be served.
On Tuesday, May 20 at 7:30 pm AWOW member Kevin Holohan will be at the Irish Arts Center in conversation with Irish author Johanna Lane to celebrate the launch of her haunting and accomplished debut novel “Black Lake,” a compelling study of the importance of place in how we create identity and store memories and history. Irish Arts Center 553 West 51 Street, New York, NY 10019. Tickets $10 member/$12 non-member. Click here for details
“The event last night was replenishing, especially because of AWoW’s spirit and the vibe among the people. They were all so happy to be there.” Justine Blau, author of Scattered: A Mostly True Memoir.
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Afro Peruvian guitarist Yuri Juarez and percussionist Jhair Sala got the evening off to a great start with a song called “Idolatría.” The song is a traditional Peruvian waltz with a free and open interpretation for guitar and cajon. Yuri and Jhair followed with “Arroz Con Concolón,” a Festejo or in English a celebration. “Arroz con concolón is rice with the toasted rice in the botton of the bowl. You can see that in the Spanish paella. It’s delicious,” Yuri explained through his infectious laughter. Great music, a great beginning.
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Nick Garr followed with an outstanding performance from his solo theatre piece, Paper Tigers. Written by Nick, the work is a stunning combination of comedy and drama. Nick meshed his great physicality with piped in sounds as diverse as spraying mouthwash, bullets flying through the air and screams to create an intense piece of theater.
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Actors DJ Sharp and Mary Tierney were splendid in a scene from Joe Davidson’s Looking for Cans. DJ, as the butler Philip, perfectly captured the lubricious behavior of Philip, as he attempts to extort money from his boss, the wealthy socialite Mary Wellsworth. Mary T, as she always does, slipped into her role of “wealthy socialite,” well, as if she were one. Is she? A stirring scene brought alive by two great actors.
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Jim Hawkins, making his first appearance with AWoW, began his presentation by giving the audience a brief background on the life of Eamon Kelly, the great Irish storyteller or seanchai. Jim followed with a wonderful rendition of Eamon’s story, “The White Cat,” and concluded with a spirited version of Tommy Makem’s humorous song, “The Liar. Of Jim’s performance, actor Jack O’Connell said, “I love watching a great pro who’s come prepared.” Well said and right on the mark.
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Actor John Duddy and singer/songwriter Michael Brunnock opened the second half of the show bringing to life the extraordinary character that was Irish Nationalist, Roger Casement. Their passion for telling Roger’s story was palpable and truly compelling in its intensity. If this is a taste of what’s to come , then I believe the audience is hooked. John and Michael aroused the listener’s curiosity through haunting melody and Casement’s own words, telling the story of one of the great humanitarians of this century . “I believe Roger Casement and what he represents is as important today as when he died, one-hundred years ago. I am privileged to tell how I see his story and working with John Duddy on this has been such an inspiration to me ” said Michael. “We are so excited to work together and looking forward to producing the full show in the late spring.” And we’re looking forward to having this dynamic duo return.
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Aedin Moloney, one of NYC’s finest actresses, performed a scene from her award winning performance in A Most Dangerous Woman, a play about writer George Eliot. During this bravura performance, Aedin held the audience captive as she brought to life the disappointments and frustrations of being a great woman writer in a man’s world.
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Mary Lannon charmed the crowd reading from her completed novel An Explanation of the Fundamentals of the Derivation of Dilapidated Brown Station Wagon Theory aka How I Became A Scientist and Discovered the Truth About Getting Stuck in the Wrong Universe by Miranda J. McCleod. (Yes, that’s the title.) She also encouraged everyone to “Facebook Friend” her main character Miranda J. McCleod as she seeks out an agentpublishing opportunities for this terrific young adult novel.
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Actor Andy Baldeschwiler closed the evening by sharing the Tom Robbins’ travel story “Two in the Bush”, depicting a couple’s romantic mis-adventures in the African wild. His animated and hilarious performance elicited many appreciative guffaws from the crowd and was the perfect send off into a chilly New York night.
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The next Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell will be on March 3, 7pm at The Cell Theater, 338 W23rd St., NYC. For more info on Artists Without Walls contact info@artistswithoutwalls.com
Honor Finnegan will be performing Sunday, November 17th, at Music at Lily Pads @ UUCSC. Joni Mitchell’s Blue: A 40th Anniversary Celebration, 3:00pm, 27 North Road, Peace Dale, Rhode Island. $15. Honor will also be performing at The Underground, Sunset Rodeo Wednesday, Nov. 20th, 7:00 – 9:00, 955 West End Ave New York NY. In the round with Sharon Goldman, Fred Arcoleo, and Mangus Ferguson. 2-drink minimum per person
Tara O’Grady will be performing at the Mercy Centre Bangkok Concert at the Irish Repertory Theatre, Monday, November 18 at 8:00pm with a cocktail reception at 6:45pm. $50 donation to Mercy Centre USA includes reception and a concert with some of the top Irish musicians including Joanie Madden, Martin O’Connell and Tony Demarco. All proceeds go directly to orphanage. Tara will also be appearing with her jazz trio on Wednesday, November 20, 6-9pm at Winnie’s Lounge in the Refinery Hotel, 63 W. 38th St.
Peter Quinn returns to theIrish Arts Center Tuesday, November 19, 7:30pm, to read from his recently released novel Dry Bones. This is the final installment of the detective Fintan Dunne series, which centers around an ill-fated OSS mission on the Eastern front during WWII and its consequences more than a decade later. Joining Peter will be Tara O’Grady, Mary Tierney, Honor Molloy and Dan Barry. Peter will follow with a Q&A during which you are sure to learn about his exhaustive research on World War II and the liberties a writer sometimes has to take with history. Call 212-757-3318 and ask for the Artists Without Walls discounted tickets $8.
Darrah Carr Dance and ModErin: The 15th Anniversary Season. The Irish Arts Center, 553, W. 51st St., Nov. 22-Nov 24., Fri and Sat 8pm, Sat and Sun Family Shows 11am. Sunday 3pm . ADMISSION: $25 non-member / $20 member / $15 family show / Use code DCD20 and pay the IAC member rate – while supplies last! TICKETS: www.irishartscenter.org or 866-811-4111
“No question, if you weren’t there, you missed out on the wonderful and talented performances of a fine group of artists.” Vin Nauheimer
Kathleen Frazier opened the AWoW Showcase with a riveting reading from her memoir in progress, Somniloquies: The Mysterious Makings and Recovery of a Sleepwalker. Kathleen described how her somnambulism turned dangerous at adolescence when her oldest brother first attempted suicide – a sort of nighttime mirroring of his waking pain – and her failed efforts to self-medicate with alcohol. Kathleen’s proposal is currently being shopped to publishing houses… fingers crossed.
In the words of playwright Arthur Miller, “The audience sat in silence before the unwinding of All My Sons and gasped when they should have…” John Moran and Jason Kirk gave excellent performances as a father and son, bravely grabbing this American classic and wrestling it to the ground. John and Jason asked that we express their gratitude to Artists Without Walls for providing a forum for their development. They said they feel honored to be working with the group’s incredible talent.
Michele Cetera read from “Mickey’s Girl” a section from her monologue memoir. “Mickey’s Girl” is the poignant story of the night Michele’s father was mugged and murdered in May 1975. Michele searches for closure, left with the feeling she did not have a chance to say a proper goodnight to her father. On Monday night she said it in a very special way, through dance, a gift she received from her mother and father. “Dancing celebrates life and the passion to live it.” Michele said, “On the dance floor, there is always a center and light and its one of the happiest places to be.” With her dance partner, Harry Dominicci, Michele celebrated her father’s life and finally got to say “I love you and goodnight” to her father through the rhythms and energy of a salsa dance.
A few months ago, Nancy Oda was part of a scene study group conducted by veteran actor Jack O’Connell. On Monday night Nancy and Jack gave a reading from Eugene O’Neill’s Anna Christie, which they had worked on in the study group. In the scene they chose, Matt tells Anna he has signed onto another ship that will take him far from her, setting off a near deadly confrontation. A dynamic performance by two very talented actors.
First time performers MbiraNYC enlivened the Showcase and delighted the audience with their soulful harmonies, beautiful melodies and complex polyrhythms. The traditional songs of the shona people from Zimbabwe, played on the metallic prongs of mbira, accompanied by rocking percussion, brought people to their feet in dance. It was a wonderful taste of Zimbabwe in Chelsea.
Honor Molloy, author of Smarty Girl – Dublin Savage, and marvelous actor Caroline Winterson read “The Deadevens” in which Noleen O’Feeney waits in the Rotunda Maternity Hospital for her mammy to come out from a visit to the doctor. It’s there in the waiting room that a roadwoman shares an Aerobar and tells her an ancient tale Irish endurance. Wonderfully spirited performance by two great talents.
A scene from Joe Davidson’s play the Rekindling drew plenty of laughs as the foul mouthed Nancy Morris threatened to have her husband Barney Morris incarcerated by exposing an old secret in a game of emotional ping pong. Nancy Morris was performed by Mary Tierney and her husband Barney Morris was played by actor Ron Ryan. Both actor’s performed brilliantly bringing an unmistakable chemistry and energy to this comical yet tragic marriage.
Ray Lindie followed with a stirring performance of the opening soliloquy of Richard III. Ray said, “I think it was probably my best presentation of the piece and I credit the ambiance of the theatre, created by our members and friends, for allowing all presenters the latitude needed for their best performances.” Actress Mary Tierney said, “Best Richard I’ve seen, including some prime-time actors.” Great work.
Singers/songwriters Tara O’Grady and Sasha Papernik, who recently tourned together in Montana, closed the show. Sasha, accompanying herself on the piano, sang “Kiss Me Faster” from her upcoming album. Sasha and Tara then sang a beautiful duet, “Black is the Color” off of Tara’s Celt in the Cotton Club album. And thus, an evening filled with diverse and eclectic talent, ended on the perfect note.
The next Showcase will be at The Cell Theatre, 338 W 23rd St, October 22, 7pm. For more information about Artists Without Walls write to info@artistswithoutwalls.com
Mary Tierney is performing in the the Theater of the New City’s production of Tom Jones at 155 First Avenue Sunday at 3pm. All Seats $18/TDF Vouchers For Tickets click here.
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Antoinette Montague will be performing on Sunday Sept 22, 4pm – 6pm, at the H. Boo Wilson Park at the corner of Runyon Avenue and Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers, NY. On Monday, September 23rd, 6pm, Antoinette will be performing with the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts at a book warming for the Honorable David Dinkins’ 86th Birthday. The Friars Club, 57 East 55th St., NYC.
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Brendan Connellan’s play KILL THE BID! will be running from Tuesday, September 24th to Sunday, September 29. Evening shows on Tuesday at 7pm and Wed-Sat 8pm. Afternoon matinees Wed and Sat at 2pm and Sunday at 3pm. Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street. Tickets are $21.25 (including Theatre Restoration fee) but AWoW members and friends can go to www.broadwayoffers.com and punch in the code TRAWOW and pay $18.25in the box. Phone 212-239 6200 or 800-432 7250.
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Wednesday you can celebrate Half-Way to St. Patrick’s Day with Tara O’Grady and her trio at Mary O’s located at 32 Avenue A. Shepards Pie, Guinness and live music. Wednesday, September 25 from 7-10pm. No cover, just craic.
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Violinist Annette Homann will be performing as concertmaster with the Saint Vartan Chamber Orchestra on September 25th at 7:30, Saint Vartan Armenian Cathedral, 630 Second Ave, NYC. The program, which features pianist Karine Poghosyan includes works of Schubert, J.S. Bach and Liszt. Tickets $10, $5 senior/students.
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Spoken word artist Koro Koroye will be performing at FEMI Magazine’s “The 2013 Purple Ribbon Affair” on September 28th, 8pm to midnight, the American Legion Hall, 51 Roosevelt Avenue, Valley Stream, NY. The tickets are $45 but for AWoW/Koro guests there is a $10 discount. The price includes dinner and Koro will be opening the show. Send payment through paypal to femimedia@gmail.com
Antoinette Montague will be performing this afternoon Sunday, September 15 with Band of Bones and King Solomon Hicks at the Ridgewoood NJ, Jazz and Blues Festival, Van Nes Park, Ridgewood, NJ
Mary Tierney is performing in the the Theater of the New City’s production of Tom Jones at 155 First Avenue Thursday – Sunday, September 15 – 22, Thursday – Saturday at 8pm. Sunday at 3pm. All Seats $18/TDF Vouchers For Tickets click here.
Tara O’ Grady will be performing at Winnie’s Lounge at the Refinery Hotel, 63 West 38th St. Tuesday, September 17th, from 6-9pm.
Mary Tierney is performing in the the Theater of the New City’s production of Tom Jones at 155 First Avenue Thursday – Sunday, September 8 – 22, Thursday – Saturday at 8pm. Sunday at 3pm. All Seats $18/TDF Vouchers For Tickets click here.
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Tara O’ Grady will be singing at Winnie’s Lounge at the Refinery Hotel, 63 West 38th St. Tuesday, September 10th, from 6-9pm.
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Colin Broderick has two events this week; one with the Irish Society Garden City, New York on Wednesday Sept 11, the other at The American Irish Historical Society on Thursday, Sept 12 with Michael Patrick MacDonald at 991 Fifth Avenue. New York, NY 10028. T: 212.288.2263.
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Samara Adell’s New Friday Evening Dance Class begins on September 13th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Nola Studios 250 West 54th Street
Between Broadway and 8th Ave on the 11th floor. This is a Technique Class that will focus on Break down of Body Movements, Arms, Hip Work, Traveling Steps, Veils and Finger Cymbals. Samara also works on combinations and choreography. You can email Samara at samaradance@ecoisp.com
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Antoinette Montague will be performing with Dave Chamberlain’s Band of Bones at the Ridgewood, NJ Jazz Festival, Van Ness Park, Ridgefield, NJ. Sunday September 15, 2013, 1:30-3:00