Ticket to Ride

On Feb. 9, 1964, The Beatles made their first live U.S. television appearance. More than 70 million Americans gathered around their televisions to watch four young men from Liverpool make history. Now some 50 years later, the Kate welcomes its first Beatles tribute band to the stage. Four talented musicians recreate the Beatles sound and harmonies in the original key with the Beatles famous guitar and drum arsenal. Sure the wigs look goofy, but so did the boys' haircuts. Get your tickets here and commemorate a television anniversary that changed the world.

Oh, What a Night!

Shoreline Arts Alliance celebrated it's 2nd annual Mardi Gras Gala ~ laissex les bon temps rouler ~ on Saturday night at Saybrook Point Inn.  Guests were masked, bedecked with strands of beads, and strolling through the French Quarter led by our Royal Court. Senator Art Linares performed the duties as the Captain for the night and Jocelyn Maminta, Medical Reporter for WTNH and Kevin Walsh, Vice-President of Development for Yale-New Haven Hospital were the 2014 King and Queen.  In between posing on the red carpet (photos by Judy Barbosa), dancing to Bourbon Street style jazz provided by Galvanized Jazz Band and dining on New Orleans inspired cuising we successfully raised funds to support our scholarships, programs and services.
We want to thank the 125 guests who joined us for the evening to support our mission to educate, encourage, enrich and engage our community through arts, culture and heritage.  Additionally, this evening would not have been possible without our sponsors including: Sennheiser Electronic Corporation who not only proivde Shoreline Arts Alliance major organizational support but also installed the sound system for the evening's festivities.  Other sponsorship support was provided by Guilford Savings Bank, ARIA-Asset & Retirement Investment Associates, Sally Scott Interior Design, Shore Publishing, LLC, The Day, Royal Printing Service, Magenta Simply Brilliant Events, CT Office of the Arts, Vein Centers of Southern Connecticut, Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, Morningside Productions, Paul Cleary, Jacqueline Hubbard and Norman Needleman.  A special thanks to all of our auction donors, who are listed on our web site and to the more than 20 volunteers who organized and oversaw this beautiful, fun-filled evening.  
We look forward to Mardi Gras 2015 and hope to see you there!

Madison Art Society Presents Two Special Programs in February

A critique of artwork in the Madison Art Society Member's exhibit at the Scranton Library, 801 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT will take place on Sunday February 16 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.  The critique will be conducted by award winning artist and distinguished teacher Frank Federico.  Members volunteer works for review and critique thereby offering artists and non artists a unique learning opportunity. As Mr. Federico shares his response to selected works, members and the public gain insight into how a respected artist assesses the artistic elements of composition, color, light, texture and form.

Mr. Federico is the recipient of many well earned honors and awards.  He is a Master Pastelist in the Pastel Society of America and in 2012 was elected to the the PSA Hall of Fame.  He holds signature memberships in numerous art societies including the Connecticut Pastel society, Degas Pastel Society, National Watercolor Society and The National Society of Painters in Casein and Acrylic.  He conducts workshops domestically and abroad and is a sought after instructor. 

The Madison Art Society Member's Show is on exhibit February 2-28 in the community room.

 The Madison Art Society will present a lecture on Robert Henri: Dark Shadows on February 19, 2014, 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT.  The guest lecturer is noted educator at the New Britain Museum of American Art, Fred Biamonte.
Robert Henri, the leader of the "The Eight," was not only a prolific painter but also a highly respected teacher. He taught his students to ignore prevailing styles such as Impressionism and Academism. He preached tonality rather than colorist styles, and a technique of painting quickly, in a slashing manner, to capture the strength of the moment. His personal life was filled with secrets that were not revealed until after his death.  Psychobiographer Fred Biamonte will share with you some of his secrets.
Mr. Biamonte has given talks on more than thirty-five American and European artists, including Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Claude Monet, Norman Rockwell, John Singer Sargent, Henri Toulouse Lautrec, Vincent Van Gogh, and Andrew Wyeth. He previously taught organization behavior at New York University and in the Graduate School at Pace University. He is an educator at the New Britain Museum of American Art.

Call for Photographic Artists

                                                      Posing in Yellow                                         Paul Beckman
Shoreline Arts Alliance will be hosting the 33rd annual IMAGES photography competition and exhibition at the Guilford Art Center, 411 Church Street, Guilford CT.  This is a Call for Photographic Artists to submit portfolios on any of the following dates and times: Friday, March 28, 4pm - 8pm; Saturday and Sunday, March 29 & 30, 10am - 4pm.  Portfolios may also be mailed to Shoreline Arts Alliance but must be received by Thursday, March 27.  Guidelines and submission information and forms may be downloaded from our website.  This year's photograph for posters and other marketing efforts is titled Posing in Yellow by Paul Beckman of Madison, CT.  This was one of the photographs exhibited during IMAGES 2013.  The poster and Call for Entry design for IMAGES 2014 have been generously donated by Chris Hyde and Lane Cooper of Cipher Creative Group.

IMAGES celebrates the art of photography in its man aspects, formats and technologies and encourages excellence among photographic artists. IMAGES is the oldest annual, statewide, professionally juried competition and exhibition open to all Connecticut photographers. All photographers with a passion and dedication to photography as an art form are invited to submit work for consideration by a distinguished panel of professionals. Judges for this annual competition bring varying areas of expertise to the review of photography and have included educators, curators, photographers, critics and gallery owners.

This year's panel of distinguished jurors include: Adriana Teresa Letourney, Co-founder and Creative Director of FotoVisura, Inc.; William Meyers, Photographer and Writer on Photography who has regularly written for The Wall Street Journal; and Steve Smith, Associate Professor of Photography at Rhode Island School of Design.  Jurying Day is March 31 and the panel of judges will spend the entire day carefully reviewing and discussing the works of art submitted for this competition and selecting the works that will be on display and selecting the award winners for IMAGES 2014.  Four First Honors winners are selected and receive a $500 cash award.  Jurors may also choose to recognize other photographers with Honorable Mention.  One photographer is awarded the Ann Christensen cash prize of $250.

Ann Christensen (1925-2010) was Executive Director of Shoreline Arts Alliance from 1982 – 1994. Through IMAGES, which she was involved with from its inception and oversaw during her tenure, she became a true aficionado of fine art photography.  The only thing that Ann loved more than the photographs in IMAGES was the photographers that she came to know and nurture over the years.  Through her influence, photography throughout Connecticut was deeply enhanced.  In fact, many photographers since the early years have worked on and participated in IMAGES, in no small measure because of their fondness for Ann.  She knew the power of photography and specified that she would like this award to be given for a photograph that has lasting impact on the viewer.
For Guidelines and Call for Entry click here.  For questions email donita@shorelinearts.org.

Try Something New!

Neighborhood Music School (NMS) invites individuals and families throughout Greater New Haven to its annual Spring Open House on Sunday, January 26, from 12 - 3 p.m. at 100 Audubon St. in New Haven.

The free event includes an "instrument petting zoo," where children can try playing real musical instruments, assisted by older students and teachers. There will be special interactive activities at the Open House, including Project Discovery, where kids and adults can play recorders and rhythm instruments together, a "drop-in" drum circle for all ages and a kids' Discover Modern Dance class where participants explore the elements of dance. Kids will use their skills for hopping, skipping, jumping and galloping with and without music.

There will be other free "drop-in" classes, including dance and early childhood music and movement, which explores rhythm, motor, aural and social skills for children six and under. For those interested in private music lessons, there will be placement consultations and free mini-lessons at the event for children ages five and up. Financial aid information will be available as well.

"We want people of all ages and experience levels to feel welcome at NMS. There's no audition required to take lessons here, and many people are pleasantly surprised to learn about our dance and drama programs," said Larry Zukof, NMS executive director.  "We have highly experienced faculty members and there are many opportunities to play music with other students. You may find yourself wanting to learn more than one instrument at a time!"

Open House
Interactive activities include:
12:15 p.m.   Project Discovery - Learn how to play the recorder!
1 p.m.           Afro-Caribbean drumming?for all
1:45 p.m.     Discover Modern Dance
No music or dance experience needed!

Early childhood classes:
12:30 p.m.   Making Music (age 12-24 months)
1 p.m.          Music in Motion (age 3-5)
1:30 p.m.     Yoga Musical Adventures (age 3-5)
2 p.m.           Music in Motion (age 2-3)
Dance classes:
12:30 p.m.   Creative dance (age 4-5)
1 p.m.          Modern dance (age 6-12)
1:30 p.m.     Ballet (age 6-12)
2 p.m.          Tap (age 6-12)
2:30 p.m.     Hip-hop (age 6-12)
No dance experience needed!

Spring private lessons, classes and ensembles begin the week of Monday, Feb. 3.

Neighborhood Music School, established in 1911, is one of the 10 largest community arts schools in the country. NMS offers private music lessons on more than 30 instruments; group music classes; classical, rock and jazz ensembles; and a Suzuki program. The school's dance program offers classes for adults and children in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, hip-hop and yoga.
NMS also offers a state-licensed, arts-based preschool for two, three and four year olds.

For more information please call Neighborhood Music School at 203-624-5189 or visit neighborhoodmusicschool.org.

Baubles & Beads & Masks...Oh My!!

Hooray! It's Mardi Gras time and you're invited!

On February 8 gather your Krewe and join Shoreline Arts Alliance for their 2nd annual Mardi Gras Gala at Saybrook Point Inn, 2 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook.  The festivities begin at 6pm with a signature drink and cocktails at an open bar, Cajun inspired hors d'oeuvres, Lucky Loot bags, an incredible silent auction and a photo op on the Red Carpet.  Dress for the evening is Mardi Gras formal, Black tie optional and Masks encouraged!
Following the cocktail hour we invite you to follow the Galvanized Jazz Band, in a traditional  Mardi Gras parade down Bourbon Street and into the main ballroom. The parade will be lead by the evening's King, Queen and Captain as they toss beads to guests along the route.  Dinner will feature delectable Louisiana cuisine specially prepared by Saybrook Point Inn Executive Chef Leslie Tripp.  First course is a Fried Green Tomato layered salad.  Entree choices include Daube de Boeuf-braised short ribs with creamy potatoes and collard greens or Creole style vegetarian Jambalaya with Cajun blackened butternut squash and Chocolate Pecan Pie with Bourbon whipped cream for dessert.  Along with the fabulous menu the main ballroom will feature a festive decor, more dancing to the Dixieland style music of Galvanized Jazz Band, the crowning of the King and Queen and a live auction to fund a need.  There will also be lagniappes and Aunt Sally's pralines for the ride home.
For 34 years Shoreline Arts Alliance has been a premier source of cultural events and competitions for people of all ages and the proceeds from the Gala will enable us to continue our mission to educate, encourage, enrich and engage the community-at-large through arts, culture and heritage.  The King, Queen and Captain are prominent business or community leaders who join us to celebrate our accomplishments and to ensure that the arts a part of the daily fabric of our community. These honorees are recognized for their embodiment of the spirit of philanthropy and support throughout the region.
We are anticipating another sellout crowd so if you are interested in being a sponsor or purchasing a table and/or tickets click here.  If you are interested in donating an item for our auction please contact Shoreline Arts Alliance at 203-453-3890.  Your attendance at the Gala makes a bold statement of your support for the arts and for artists of all ages.
Let's join together to keep our region a vibrant, arts-filled, thriving community...even if it takes all night!
For more information click here.  Saybrook Point Inn is offering a special overnight package for our guests.  Please contact them directly at 860-395-2000 to make arrangements. 

Think Spring

Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring was very controversial piece at its premier 100 years ago.  Stravinsky created this piece in collaboration with Serge Diaghilev, director of the Ballets Russes.  The ballet was choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky and the production included outrageous costumes, unnatural choreography and told the story of pagan sacrifice.  It nearly caused a riot at its inaugural performance.  However, since that debut, the music has achieved greater recognition as a concert piece and is now considered one of the most influential musical works of the 20th century.

On Sunday, January 12, Essex Winter Series opens its 36th season with a performance of this great work.  The choreography, however, will be in the four hands playing this piece on piano.  Essex Winter Series Artistic Director, Mihae Lee, will be joined by her renowned colleague Randall Hodgkinson in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Rite of Spring.  They will also perform  Debussy’s Le Mer and Gershwin’s most popular large-scale piece, Rhapsody in Blue.

The entire 36th season of Essex Winter Series will be a tribute to its beloved Trustee Emeritus, Fenton Brown, who sadly passed away on September 2.  In celebration of his legacy EWS will present a series of five extraordinary concerts-offering world-class performances in a wonderful variety of music-from solo guitar to full orchestra and from Bach’s sacred music to red hot jazz.  This season is arranged by Mihae Lee and the newly-appointed Jazz Impresario Jeff Barnhart.  According to Mihae, who became not only a business partner of Mr. Brown but also a friend says about this season’s series, "It was a way to honor him and honoring a legacy that will live beyond his lifetime.  He was like a figure you would see in the movies. It is amazing that he was a real person."

Series tickets or individual concert tickets may be purchased at http://www.essexwinterseries.com/tickets.html.  Tickets are $125 each for the series of 5 concerts or $30/adult, $12/student for single concerts.   Performances are held at Valley Regional High School in Deep River (except for the performance on March 2 which will be held at John Winthrop Middle School, Deep River).

It promises to be a great season in celebration of the life of a great man!  Don't miss this Sunday's opener.

Other Concerts in the Series:
February 9- Jason Vieaux, Guitar
March 2-Stu Ingersoll Jazz Concert
March 30-Fenton Brown Emerging Artist with New Haven Symphony Orchestra
April 13-All Bach Palm Sunday Concert