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

A Family Affair

Explore the world of music with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concert series!  NHSO Family Concerts provide a lively introduction to the instruments of the orchestra through 60-minute interactive programs designed just for children and families.

Tickets are on sale now at www.NewHavenSymphony.org - adult tickets are $15 and include one free child’s ticket (each additional child ticket is $5).

The Family Concert series begins in January, when the NHSO Woodwind Quintet introduces children to their instruments with Sergei Prokofiev’s timeless classic Peter and the Wolf.  Hosted and narrated by Yale’s Tom Duffy, this afternoon concert will delight children of all ages.  Other selections include a musical telling of the famous story Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, set to music by Mr. Duffy, and a special swingin’ version of Edvard Grieg’s In The Hall of the Mountain King.  Saturday, January 11 at 2:00pm at Davis Street School, and Sunday, January 12 at 2:00pm at Shelton Intermediate School.

Continuing in February, the NHSO Jazz Quartet and renowned Connecticut storyteller Tom Lee bring Tales and Tunes to life in a charming family program.  With rhythm as the focus of an interactive concert, all can join in on the telling of pattern stories and the singing of familiar songs.  This enchanting event promises to engage the whole family in the wonderful world of musical stories with foot-stomping tunes from your NHSO!  Saturday, February 8 at 2:00pm at Davis Street School, and Sunday, February 9 at 2:00pm at Shelton Intermediate School.  Read more

Finally, the Family series concludes in March, as the violin, viola, and cello introduce you to the string family with a Simply Strings program that explores the wonderful world of chamber music.  Learn how the instruments work together – hands, body, and feet!  Through excerpts of many classical pieces, everyone will see and hear how the NHSO String Trio makes music together as a team!  Saturday, March 1 at 2:00pm at Davis Street School, and Sunday, March 2 at 2:00 at Shelton Intermediate School.

Starting at 1:30pm before each concert, the NHSO will offer an Instrument Discovery Zone where children can tap, tickle, and toot real orchestral instruments before the 2:00 pm performance.  Following the concert, families are invited to stay for an afternoon snack and meet the performers.

Come to all three Family Concerts and, through the Symphony’s Passport to Music program, your child will win a prize!

Guilford Generations Jubilee Kick Off December 31

On Tuesday, December 31, Guilford Generations Jubilee launches a year of signature celebrations marking the founding of Guilford in 1639. The day-long event (12-8 p.m.) takes place at several venues on and around the Guilford Green.

The day opens in front of Guilford Town Hall, where Katharine Kiernan Photography will take an aerial photo of all gathered below from the bucket of a firetruck. Following the photo, Grand Marshal Sam Allery, the Guilford student who came up with the name Guilford Generations Jubilee, will lead a band of pot-banging, horn-blowing noisemakers in a discordant gig around the Green.
During the afternoon, young and old can participate in varied activities and games, such as glitter tattoos at the Guilford Free Library, and the following at the Community Center:

    Face painting by “Z” Face Painting
    Photo-taking in the Studio 99 Productions photo booth
    Dance lessons – hula, Latin, aerobic, Tai Chi, ballroom line dancing – from groups taught by
    Joanne  Wilder, Christine Reasks, Barbara Corso,   Martin Reichgut, and Karen Pfrommer
    Browsing of Arts & Crafts handmade by senior citizen students Emer Gearhart, Carlotte DeGrado,
    Loise Terrible, and Juliet Calabrese
    Kids Arts & Crafts activities, including snow globes, masks, and mural drawing/painting
    A hands-on, interactive presentation of exotic and unusual animals
    A pool tournament
    Carnival-type games

Not enough to pique your interest? There’s more!
Stop in at the meet-and-greet reception for Anne Kubitsky, creator of the “Look for the Good” Project. Share your own good things 2013 has brought by adding them to the “door,” and learn how you can spread the message in 2014.

Join in on the Bubble Wrap Stomp, courtesy of the Guilford UPS Store and DJ Ron Glick from Studio 99 Productions. Stomp to your heart’s content – all ages welcome!

Also in the afternoon, nearly 20 musical groups will present concerts at Christ Episcopal Church, Christian Science Church, First Congregational Church, and St. George Church (wristbands needed-click here for cost and information). The music and dance festival will provide nonstop musical entertainment – Broadway, classical, jazz – by 16 individual artists and groups. Coordinated by Kevin Buno, they will include:

    Schuyler Beeman
    Bravura Strings
    Kevin Buno
    Joe Cardinale
    Diana Dart Harris
    Brian Gillie
    Guilford Brass Ensemble with Joe Boughton, Dan Fisher, Jeff Tucker and Brian Wolek
    Chad Hardin and Michael Gracco
    Lara Herscovitch
    Keely Baisden Knudsen and Stephanie Stiefel Williams
    Emily Pecoraro
    Apollo Smile
    Mark Sullivan
    The Conn Artists
    GHS Voices and the Student Coffee House Showcase

At twilight, a bonfire will be lit at the northern end of the Green for all the vexations of 2013 to make way for a fresh beginning in 2014. All are invited to watch, get warm, or help fan the flames with bad paperwork, including report cards and “Dear John” letters you’ve received throughout the year.

Lighting up the darkened sky and capping the Guilford Generations Jubilee will be a high-shoot fireworks display visible from the Green and surrounding streets.

Are you ready now to join us? It’s a party for all Guilford Generations and visitors, family and friends and will be remembered by Generations to come!

Ordinary Materials Extraordinary Message

A favorite holiday excursion for my family has been our visit to the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven.  Since 2004 the Museum has featured an exhibition of crèches from around the world.  Some have been very rustic made of simple materials and small in size while others have been more elaborate, made with beautiful materials and life-size.  But regardless of size or craftmanship all have been accompanied by the history of the region/country that they represented, which was fascinating and educational.

The Knights of Columbus Museum’s annual crèche exhibition for this season, Ordinary Materials, Extraordinary Message: Christmas Nativities in Paper, is open to the public now through Feb. 2, 2014.

Designed in cooperation with Italy’s Friends of the Crèche Association, the display includes 39 Nativity Scenes from throughout Europe and the United States, ranging from small and simple depictions of the Holy Family to large, multifaceted visuals.

The Nativity scene or Christmas crèche has been an important part of Western Christianity for more than 600 years. The tradition’s roots are traced to St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) who devised a living crèche in a stable setting, with actual people and animals, as a visual reminder of the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. This led to the annual practice of using figurines to portray the Nativity scene in villages, churches and homes. During the centuries, crèches have developed into both ornate works of art as well as simple folk pieces.

“The message of the crèche is profound,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “Through these Nativity scenes we recall and represent the extraordinary gift that God gave us in his son. This exhibition also demonstrates the depth and breadth of Christian devotion across the world.” Read more

The Knights of Columbus Museum has featured crèches as the centerpiece of its yearly Christmas exhibition to show the popularity of the custom and the vastness of cultural expression for several years. Previous exhibitions included collections from Canada, Africa, Asia, Latin America, Poland, Italy and other locations across the world.

The Knights of Columbus Museum has been ranked by USA Today as one of the “10 great places to explore religion in artistic detail.”

Parking and admission to the Museum are free.

So Many Nutcrackers, So Little Time

One holiday event that is always looked forward to is Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.  This imaginative tale has delighted millions since its inaugural performance in 1892.  The story of a Christmas toy coming to life, leading an army of Gingerbread Men and Tin Soldiers against the Mouse King; dancing with the Snowflakes in the Pine Forest; and finally landing in the Land of Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy is reenacted over and over again during the Christmas season.  The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It was adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.  It premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, on December 18, 1892.  From a historical perspective, the original production was not a huge success, but since the 1960s, it has enjoyed enormous popularity, especially in the U.S., and is now performed by countless ballet companies, primarily during the Christmas season.

For Connecticut residents this coming weekend will provide many opportunities to experience this wonderful ballet.  New York City Ballet’s sensations, Sara Mearns and Amar Ramasar will leave audiences spellbound at Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s 12th Captivating Season of The Nutcracker!  Share Clara’s adventure and be transported by magical sailing vessel to an enchanted seaport in 1850’s New London.  Along the way, shimmering snowflakes dance for Clara and the sparkling Sugar Plum Fairy eagerly awaits her arrival.  Children of all ages will love the opening party scene filled with laughter and surprises as well as the thrill of battle on the high seas between the brave Nutcracker, Sailors, Pirate Rats and the dreaded Rat King.  Enjoy the legendary music of Tchaikovsky performed live by Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and the energetic dancing of more than 100 professionally-trained Eastern Connecticut Ballet dancers.  Bring family and friends to the Nutcracker of Choice and follow Clara’s journey that takes her around the world in one spectacular night! It all takes place in our own backyard at the historic Garde Arts Center, 325 State Street in New London.  Performances are December 14 at 1:30 pm & 7:00 pm and December 15 at 1:30 pm.  For tickets, call The Garde at (860) 444-7373 or online at gardearts.org.  SPECIAL Military, senior, and group discounts available.

New Haven Ballet performs the holiday classic with a beautiful production that includes all the costumes, scenery, and magic to bring Clara’s dream to life. Performed in the historic Shubert Theater in downtown New Haven, the 2013 production will feature Maria Kowroski, principal dancer with New York City Ballet and Charles Askegard, former principal dancer at New York City Ballet and the New Haven Ballet Orchestra conducted by Richard Gard.  Performances are Friday, December 13 at7pm, Saturday, December 14 at 1 & 5:30pm, and Sunday, December 15 at 1pm.  For tickets click here.

The Nutcracker Spectacular performed by Mystic Ballet follows the enchanting adventures of Clara, through two acts, with a time travel twist.  You will be caught up in the magic, the excitement, the experience of dance, special effects and interactive sets as the artists dive into, leap from and get “crushed” under. Get ready to expect the unexpected.  Performances are at Foxwoods Resort Casino on Saturday, December 14 & 21 at 7pm; and on Sunday, December 15 & 22 at 2pm.  For tickets click here.

Connecticut Ballet will bring its outstanding performance to the Palace Theatre in Stamford.  Performances will feature American Ballet dancers Veronika Part and Alexandre Hammoudi in the December 14 and 22 program and Julie Kent and Jared Matthews (also from ABT) on the 15 & 21.  All performances are at 2pm.  For tickets click here.

Enjoy!