Terry McCarthy

TERRY McCARTHY COMMENTING on ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS

As Artists Without Walls celebrates its fourth anniversary this month, we’ve asked members to share a few thoughts about their experience with the group. Here’s what singer/songwriter Terry McCarthy wrote:

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A great mistake!

Vera Hoar contacted me and asked if I would like to attend a showcase and have dancers perform some of my work. I quickly realized that she had mistaken me for my old friend and renowned choreographer Tere O’Connor. I clarified that I was Terry McCarthy the singer/songwriter. We had all attended SUNY Purchase together so it was an honest mistake. Vera then asked me if I would like to come and sing some of my songs and I gladly accepted.

Coming to the first showcase was a remarkable event. The space, The Cell Theatre, was excellent. It’s open and clean and nestled in the neighborhood of my birthplace, Chelsea, NYC. The audience was excited and familial and best of all, quiet as the lights went down. I felt I had traveled back in time to a more sophisticated time, where I was taking part in an honest to goodness “arts salon.”

There were writers and actors and musicians performing their hearts out to an audience who delighted in what they brought forth. I couldn’t wait for my chance to play, which came the following month. Gratefully, the same audience embraced me as well. I have performed there a number of times since and I’ve loved every chance to play I was given.

Artists Without Walls saved it’s best gift for last as they helped me produce my show “Words in Music” at The Cell, which featured spoken word artists—all AWoW members—my band and videos I’ve produced. I can’t wait to do it again this coming spring. I can’t thank Charles and Niamh for their tireless work in creating the beautiful environment that is Artists without Walls

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Here’s what Jack Silbert, DJWriter at satin wound.com said about singer/songwriter Terry McCarthy. “Terry really turns on the charm on his album, The Charm, with a warm strum and even warmer vocals throughout. With tremendous backing musicians, the record presents a wide variety of sounds, never falling into a folky funk….but the secret weapon is McCarthy’s sharp, melodic songwriting, on Beatlesque tracks such as “Loneliest Boy” and the should-be-a-hit “Just Today.”

BRILLIANT PERFORMANCES at ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' SHOWCASE at THE CELL THEATRE, SEPTEMBER 22, 2015

“Artists Without Walls creates the space—literally and figuratively—for artists of all stripes to be their best selves, to push boundaries, to experiment, to collaborate in a safe, nurturing environment.” Connie Roberts, poet and author of Little Witness.

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Singer/songwriter Terry McCarthy got the evening got off to rocking start. Performing solo for the first time at The Cell, Terry opened the show with two songs from his latest CD The Charm, and followed those with two tunes from his new EP Go Fourth. We’re looking forward to Terry’s upcoming show, Words in Music: An Artists Without Walls Presentation at The Cell Theatre, Nov 15th, which will feature a number of AWoW’s members, including Jack O’Connell, Connie Roberts, Noah Hoffeld, Liv Mammone and Cecil Hooker.

Kathleen Frazier read from her recently released memoir, SLEEPWALKER: The Mysterious Makings and Recovery of a Somnambulist accompanied by cellist and vocalist Serena Jost. Their collaboration was hauntingly beautiful and emotionally stirring. Kathleen is a Norman Mailer Fellow, member of The Actors Studio and envisions a reality show in which Serena plays alongside her day and night:) For more on her memoir visit www.kathleenfrazier.com and for more on Serena’s otherworldly music: www.serenajost.com

Maeve Price debuted a very charming performance piece based on a singing engagement at Maple Grove Cemetery. Looking splendid in her very own civil war era dress, she regaled a delighted AWoW audience with a pithy and charming true tale that included music blowing in a ghostly wind, a chat over champagne with Frederick Douglass and a cameo appearance by a local Raccoon. Clearly everything that could have gone wrong at this gig, did go wrong – but Maeve lived to tell the tale with a little singing and a dash of graveyard humor! Connie Roberts summed up Maeve’s performance perfectly, “H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S. Brilliant Maeve.”

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Jim Hawkins brought to life the wit, humor and wisdom of Frank O’Connor’s story, “My First Confession.” He built layers of humor clearly segueing through the plots of the story and the characters as they were introduced. He demonstrated his acting skills bringing to life the characters with a variety of facial expressions and vocal intonations. There were moments in Jim’s telling when the audience were in howls of laughter. Great showcase Tuesday night. Mark Donnelly commented, “Wonderful performance! And Jim even got me examining my conscience about Bad Confessions I’d made, oh so many years ago.”

Brian Carbee is a choreographer, dancer, writer & performer who began his dance career in Cambridge, and has since performed all over the world. Brian performed a scene from a play he and Sarah Carradine wrote called Perch, in which Perch answers an ad to watch over Susan while she sleeps, and arrives dressed as an owl. Of Brian’s performance, Richard Stillman said, “His sense of mimetic movement was impeccable.” Perfect description.

Flutist Sean Schulich heralded in Autumn with the opening few notes from Johnny Mercer’s “Autumn Leaves.” The audience at times was enraptured and at others hypnotized by the Sean’s fluid sounds, which were the perfect denouement to an evening filled with performance art, singer-songwriter music and theatrical scenes. Sean will be appearing at Carnegie Hall, Sunday, Nov. 1st as part of the The Phantom and the Illharmonic Orchestra.

The next Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell Theatre will be on October 27.

Photos by David Goldman.

DAVID GOLDMAN'S PHOTOS from ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' SEPTEMBER SHOWCASE at THE CELL THEATRE

David Goldman’s photos from AWoW’s Showcase at The Cell Theatre, September 22, 2015

Serena Jost and Kathleen Frazier

Terry McCarthy

Jim Hawkins

Sean Schulich

Brian Carbee

Niamh Hyland

Maeve Price

Charles R. Hale

WONDERFUL COLLECTION of TALENT for ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' SEPTEMBER SHOWCASE at THE CELL THEATRE

“Performing at Artists Without Walls is a deep privilege and a pleasure. To appear as part of a lineup of such talented artists is simultaneously thrilling and humbling. I always leave AWoW with a soaring spirit, full of gratitude for the gifts of my fellow artists, and newly energized and encouraged in my own work. Mille Grazie to Charles Hale and Niamh Hyland for creating this warm, welcoming community.” Angela Alaimo O’Donnell, poet/author

Jim Hawkins has spent decades telling stories. He combines story and song–both American and Irish–to tell folksy and witty tales. Just like the seanchaís of old, Jim tells with a gentle easy-going manner and warmth, which he says is his contribution to keeping this wonderful art-form alive and well. You can hear and meet Jim tomorrow, September 22nd at The Cell Theatre when Jim tells a story of one of the great Irish writers and storytellers of the 20th century, Frank O’Connor. If you haven’t heard Jim, you’re in for a great treat.

Here’s what actress Ellen Burstyn said about Kathleen Frazier’s book “Sleepwalker.” “Frazier has a story to tell and she knows how to tell it. I read it in one day…just couldn’t put it down. It’s a terrifying, compelling and fascinating tale that takes us deep into the horrors of sleepwalking and then reveals to us how she managed to end a twenty year nightmare.”
You meet and hear Kathleen read a passage from her book at AWoW’s Showcase. Kathleen will be accompanied by cellist, Serena Jost.

Here’s what Jack Silbert, DJWriter at satin wound.com said about singer/songwriter Terry McCarthy. “Terry really turns on the charm on his album, The Charm, with a warm strum and even warmer vocals throughout. With tremendous backing musicians, the record presents a wide variety of sounds, never falling into a folky funk….but the secret weapon is McCarthy’s sharp, melodic songwriting, on Beatlesque tracks such as “Loneliest Boy” and the should-be-a-hit “Just Today.”

Jazz Review. com calls Sean Schulich’s flute playing “staggering,” and it’s one of the reasons we’re really excited that Sean will be performing for us at AWoW’s September Showcase Sean hails from Woodstock, NY, and after earning his Masters from Yale, he won Artists International, selling out his debut at Carnegie’s Weill Hall. Being a multi-genre musician, he then went on to co-found the fusion group Alpha Mosaic, winning a Sony Jazz Competition. Sean has played with the Funky Meters, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the New Orleans Suspects, Bernie Worrell, Meshell Ndegeocello and Zigaboo Modeliste. He’s played Jazz Fest in New Orleans, at The Mint in LA, and at BAM, BB King’s, Webster Hall, Brooklyn Bowl and the Bowery Ballroom here in New York City. Sean’s packed the house several times at The Blue Note’s Late Night Groove Series.

**Brian Carbee and Mildred, the barn owl.**

Brian Carbee is a choreographer, dancer, writer & performer who began his dance career in Cambridge, and has since performed all over the world. His debut feature film script was Accidents Happen, starring Geena Davis. Sarah Carradine is a write & director for theatre & opera, with works ranging from dirty underground cabaret to the stage of the Sydney Opera House. Brian and Sarah will be performing from their play, Perch, in which Perch answers an ad to watch over Susan while she sleeps, and arrives dressed as an owl.

Maeve Price originates from Dublin, Ireland but now lives in NYC. She has performed in many theaters in Dublin and around Ireland, including its National Theatre, The Abbey. She has performed in plays all over NY and toured the U.S. with a children’s musical theatre company. Recent roles include “Jenny Lind” in the musical Barnum in CO, and “Grainne” in “Devine Intervention,” which debuted at AWoW’s salon last November and was part of a short play series in An Béal Bocht in The Bronx this past April. We’re thrilled that she will be sharing a short piece, she likes to call “Rocky and Me at Maple Grove”.

The Cell Theatre is located at 338 W23rd St., NYC. The doors open at 6:45pm. Hope to see you there.

"GREAT, POSITIVE RECEPTION" at an ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' SHOWCASE

“I’ve just come back from one of the coolest gigs I have had the pleasure of performing. It’s called Artists Without Walls. What an excellent, upbeat, positive group of individuals. Thanks Clyde Berger for turning me onto them. Great positive reception to my music too.” Toby Tobias

And upbeat it was. The evening began in rocking style with Terry McCarthy and his new acoustic band featuring Gerry Griffen, Andy Sandel and Tom Monaghan. Terry played three songs from his latest release The Charm: “By Any Chance,” “Sorrow Salsa” and “Just Today.” As an encore Terry debuted “Anything to Have You Here.” Click here to listen to Terry’s music.

Connie Roberts read three poems from her newly released collection Little Witness. “This is the poetry of rock-hard experience. It will skin your soul,” New York Times journalist Dan Barry wrote. Her first poem, “Inheritance,” memorialized 35 children and one old woman who perished in an orphanage fire in Cavan town in 1943. Her poem “For the Love of God” was an homage to an orphanage housemother, Miss Winifred Carberry, who took care of her as a child. And, just to prove that there are in fact a few happy poems, alongside the Irish-miserable-childhood ones in Little Witness, Connie finished with a life-affirming piece entitled “Campground: The Adirondacks.” Little Witness is available by clicking here.

“Well done to you and your team of volunteers. Community! I really enjoyed performing, and was mighty impressed with the talent. Such a diverse group of artists displaying their multi-talents,” Vincent Cross said.

Vincent, mixing guitar and harmonica, performed his sombre songs of jealousy, murder and biblical redemption, “Childish Things,” “Cursed,” and “Bowed Down” with a voice both high of tenor and plaintive in tone. Picking the guitar with melody, chords and bass lines, the hard knock songs of the wayfarer came to life.

“Spirit of Vaudeville,” performed by Richard Stillman and Flip Peters, captivated the AWoW audience. Richard is a entertainer in the style of the jazz age performers of the 1920’s. His combination of banjo playing, tap dancing, singing, ukulele strumming, storytelling, harmonica & bones playing and juggling is a joy to watch. Flip Peters is an excellent jazz guitarist and accompanies the show with great skill. We look forward to the full show on June 11th at the Concert Space at Beethoven Pianos, which Project 142 is sponsoring.

First time AWoW performer South African-born singer-songwriter and musician Toby Tobias followed with and a performance style that could be described as a colorful combination of African rhythms interspersed with American country, folk and jazz, with lyrics that are both thought-provoking and uplifting. His music was thoroughly enjoyed by an appreciative audience, especially ‘Madiba’, a song Toby wrote in dedication to Nelson Mandela. Toby has been living in the United States for 27 years and performs his brand of music throughout Long Island, Brooklyn and the tri-state area. Click here to check out his music.

**Shu Nakamura, John Liam Shea and Jenny Evans**

John Shea read a short story “The Guilt and the Ghosts” from a new collection of the same title with accompaniment from fiddler Jenny Evans. “John’s short story was pure poetry! Simply brilliant. I loved the rhythm, the wit, the pathos–it had it all going on. And I loved Jenny’s accompaniment on the fiddle. It reinforced all of the aforementioned. Fantastic collaboration.” Connie Roberts

Shu Nakamura performs solo with his band “the Ninja Orchestra” and collaborates with other artists regularly in NY area and Japan. Shu plays what he calls “folk-root” music, as well as rock material such as the two songs that rocked the house, “Train Song” and “Rain Dance. ” Shu was then joined by AWoW’s cofounder Niamh Hyland who sang a stirring version of the Irish classic, “Wild Mountain Thyme” and closed with a rousing rendition of “Resurrection.”

All photos by Vera Hoar. AWoW’s next Showcase will be at The Cell Theatre on Tuesday, May 26th, 6:45pm.

VERA HOAR'S PHOTOS CAPTURE AWoW's APRIL SHOWCASE at THE CELL

Vera Hoar’s photos from Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at The Cell Theatre, April 28, 2015

**Terry McCarthy, Andy Sandel, Gerry Griffen and Tom Monaghan**

TALENT GALORE at AWoW's SHOWCASE at THE CELL THEATRE, TUESDAY 4/28

“This is a note of thanks to Artists Without Walls 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

Here’s the lineup for AWoW’s April Showcase:

Vincent Cross, who first performed with AWoW in its show “Rise Up Singing: Women in the Labor Movment,” will be performing at his first Showcase. Vincent will be drawing from the purist of mountains springs to present original urban Americana stories. Said, Vincent, “These will be performed in the high lonesome sound on guitar/banjo.”

Connie Roberts, a County Offaly native, emigrated from Ireland to the U.S. in 1983. She has won many awards for her poetry including the Patrick Kavanagh and the Listowel Writers’ Week awards. She will be reading from her just released debut volume, Little Witness, a collection of poetry inspired by her experiences growing up in an industrial school (orphanage) in Ireland.

Here’s what Jack Silbert, DJWriter at satin wound.com said about singer/songwriter Terry McCarthy. “Terry really turns on the charm on his album, The Charm, with a warm strum and even warmer vocals throughout. With tremendous backing musicians, the record presents a wide variety of sounds, never falling into a folky funk….but the secret weapon is McCarthy’s sharp, melodic songwriting, on Beatlesque tracks such as “Loneliest Boy” and the should-be-a-hit “Just Today.” Terry will be joined by Andy Sandel , Gerry Griffen and Tom Monaghan.

Richard Stillman and guitarist Flip Peters will be performing numbers from Richard’s show,”The Spirit of Vaudeville,” including a tap dancing Charleston played on tenor banjo, a short story that finishes with Richard tap dancing while playing the harmonica & bones while juggling and a novelty ukulele routine. “The Spirit of Vaudeville” won a Best Concert Award at the 2014 United Solo Theater Festival.

Toby Tobias was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. Toby has immersed himself in all genres of American Music of the last fifty years. His interest in African Rhythms & World Music, coupled with his keen ear for highly intuitive arrangements, has been the hallmark of his writing and performance styles, and he has garnered a strong following of listeners on Long Island and beyond. He will be performing a song called ‘Madiba’, dedicated to the life of Nelson Mandela.

Shu Nakamura, a Japan born – Brooklyn based musician, guitar player, multi-instrument player, composer, singer-song-writer, music producer. Shu moved to NY in 1999, has been a NY music scene layer. He just returned from his 2015 Japan tour with his rock band called “the Ninja Orchestra”. Shu will be performing his original material, as well as teaming up with Niamh Hyland for a tune or two.

The bar opens at 6:45, the show begins around 7:15. Hope to see you at The Cell Theatre, located at 338 W23rd St.

AWoW MEMBERS in the "NEWS"

Nice article about upcoming AWoW events in today’s Irish Echo. Come on out and see some great performers including Brona Crehan, Grainne Duddy, Annette Homann, Jim Hawkins and Terry McCarthy.

ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS' MEMBERS "AROUND TOWN"

If you missed Grainne Duddy at Artists Without Walls’ Holiday Showcase on December 23rd, here is your chance to see her perform again. An extract from Moonlight Sonata, written and directed by Brona Crehan, will be part of Manhattan Repertory Theater’s Winter One Act Competition.

Show dates are, Tuesday January 13 at 6:30 pm, Wednesday January 14 at 6:30 pm, Thursday January 15 at 6:30 pm and Friday January 16 at 6:30 pm.

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Manhattan Repertory Theater is located at: 303 W. 42nd St. Suite 614, right past Duane Reade on 42nd St. Enter Right Door to Elevator – go to 6th floor – Suite 614 – You will see signs. Tickets are $20 and reservations are made by email at: mrtreserve@gmail.com

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Join Annette Homann for her CD release at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre, 61 Christopher St, January 15th, 9:30pm. Tickets are officially on sale now. “I Would love to share my excitement with all of you!” says Annette. For tickets click here

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Jim Hawkins will be telling Frank O’Connor Stories on Friday, January 16 at 7pm, at the Inquiring Mind Book Store and Gallery, 200 Main Street, Saugerties, New York. Storyteller Janet Carter who runs this monthly event will also tell Irish stories. Admission is free. Donations are gratefully accepted.

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Terry McCarthy premieres his new five piece electric band on Friday, January 16th, at Tierney’s, 136-138 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ. Terry will be joined by the fantastic Bern and the Brights. $10 cover.

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**Noah Hoffeld, Dan Yurkofsky and Melissa Sytlianou**

Singer, composer, and songwriter Dan Yurkofsky will perform songs from Hoverhill, his recent album on Sunday, January 18th, 4pm, at The Cell Theatre, 338 West 23rd St., NYC. This will be a full group show and the first ever performance of all the songs from the record.

With Anna Dagmar – piano and keyboard, Thad Debrock – guitar, Noah Hoffeld – cello, and Melissa Stylianou – voice. Click here for tickets, which are $10

**Artists Without Walls Montage by Vera Hoar**

Artists Without Walls Showcase at The Cell Theatre, 338 W23rd St. Tuesday, January 27th, 6:45 pm.

"UNBRIDLED SPIRIT and JOY" at AWOW's LATEST SHOWCASE

“I am always so impressed by the level of talent I witness at any Artist Without Walls’ event. It is rare to witness a room filled with that kind of unbridled spirit, charisma and joy even in NYC. An incredible ensemble of artists are represented at an AWoW showcase!” Erin Layton, actress/playwright

Gregory Harrington began the evening with a stirring performance of the Prelude from the Cello Suite by J.S. Bach, which he arranged for violin and is on his upcoming CD – Bach: Transcriptions and Variations on CDBaby. Greg was then joined by Leon Boykins on double bass and for a virtuosic performance of U2’s “With or Without You. “Had a great time and really loved the space,” Greg added.

DJ Sharp took us back to Tennessee Williams’ days at New York City’s historic Elysee Hotel with a scene from his one man show, “Tennessee Williams.” Here’s what an audience member said, “Tonight I saw D J Sharp knock it out of the park–no, much farther than that. He knocked it out beyond the parking lot, past the interstate and well into the corn fields of Nebraska. A performance to be seen.” I’m flattered,” DJ said. “Thanks again to Artists Without Walls for creating a evening with great performers and a wonderful audience!”

**Devon McCarthy, Terry McCarthy and Andy Sandel**

Terry McCarthy tore into the room with four of his brashly melodic original songs. In honor of his wife’s first attendance at an AWoW Showcase, he opened with “Queen of the World” a tune recounting the second time they met and marking the thirty years they’ve been together. He then performed “And a Little Girl Closes Her Eyes” an anti-war song in the Celtic folk tradition. Next was a rocking version of “Down For The Day” a tribute to the people of the Rockaways who are rebuilding their lives after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. He closed with a fan favorite “Sorrow Salsa,” a Tejano flavored tune of triumph over depression. Terry was joined by the brilliant guitarisist, his nephew Devon McCarthy who wowed the audience with his talent and a special guest, Andy Sandel, who proved why he is known as the “Master of the Squeezebox.” All of these songs and many more are available @ TerryMcCarthymusic.com as well as ITunes and Cdbaby.com

Irish playwright, director and actor, Don Creedon, presented his very funny short play “Divine Intervention.” In this charming, revelatory, two-hander, we meet Grainne, a woman with an extremely colorful past, who goes to Confession for the first time in thirty-one years. Maeve Price was both hilarious and touching as Grainne, a woman with a delightfully anarchic sense of what’s right. Don did a wonderful job as Father Divine, a priest caught between following his true heart’s desire and the dictates of the Catholic Church.

Singer/songwriter Robin Pahlman played three original songs “Miss Lonelyhearts,” which is the first single off his debut solo EP, out on Monkey Records click for video, “Man Overboard,” also on the EP and a previously unreleased song called “Rain Clouds”. Robin’s been moving around a great deal in the past few years–he’s lived in Seattle, WA; Helsinki, Finland; Vienna, Austria; and now New York City), and he tends to write songs about how places and memory define us, and what “home” really means. Musically, Robin owes a lot to the American folk/country/roots tradition, even though as he says, “A certain element of melancholy probably comes from my Finnish heritage, as Finnish music traditionally is very sad and minor-key. Click here for Robin’s Facebook band page.

Jim Hawkins has spent decades telling stories. On this night, Jim combined story and song–both American and Irish–to tell a folksy and witty tale of two young men–Jim and his friend Billy–coming of age in the early 1970s. Just like the seanchaís of old, Jim told the story, “Driving Across America with Billy Zuckerman” with a gentle, easy-going manner and warmth, which he says is his contribution to keeping this wonderful art-form alive and well.

For more information about Artists Without Walls contact info@artistswithoutwalls.com. AWoW’s next Showcase will be at The Cell Theatre, 338 W23rd St., December 23rd, 7pm.

All photos by Vera Hoar.