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Winners and Finalists in Music Conservatory ‘Colors of Music’ Mural Art Contest!

June 18, 2018 by The Inside Press

‘COLORS OF MUSIC’ STUDENT MURAL CONTEST WINNERS!

Local Student Artwork to Be Painted As Community Mural in White Plains

White Plains, NY– The Music Conservatory of Westchester is proud to announce that both Mya Madison Davis, 9^th grader at Pelham Memorial High School, and Ciara Sergi, 9^th grader at White Plains High School, are winners of the “Colors of Music” Student Mural Contest! Additional finalists were Emma Farley, of New Rochelle, grade 7, Albert Leonard Middle Schoo and Lucy Schwartzreich, of Chappaqua, grade 11, Horace Greeley High School.

Numerous entries were submitted by middle and high school students around Westchester County with the hope that their artwork would be chosen as the basis for a mural to be painted on the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s building on Central Avenue in White Plains. Four finalists were selected by an adjudication panel of art experts and creative community leaders from New York City and Westchester County.

In a tie, based on scores from all eight members of the adjudication panel, both Mya Madison Davis and Ciara Sergi were chosen as winners of the contest. They will collaborate with professional mural artist, Jonathan Villoch, to adapt their winning designs as a large-scale mural representing the theme of “Multi-Cultural Music.” Runners-up in the contest, Emma Farley of New Rochelle, 7^th grader at Albert Leonard Middle School and Lucy Schwartzreich, of Chappaqua, 11^th grader at Horace Greely High School will attend a mural art workshop over the summer with all four finalists. A new mural will be developed based on the winners’ designs under Jonathan Villoch’s guidance.

“Giving and getting feedback is so important to collaboration and having an open dialogue is essential for artists to communicate productively on any project,” Mr. Villoch said of this once-in-a-lifetime artistic experience.

Finalists in the contest are (in alphabetical order by last name):

Mya Madison Davis, of Pelham, grade 9, Pelham Memorial High School
Emma Farley, of New Rochelle, grade 7, Albert Leonard Middle School
Lucy Schwartzreich, of Chappaqua, grade 11, Horace Greeley High School
Ciara Sergi, of White Plains, grade 9, White Plains High School

Mya Madison Davis described her winning contest submission titled “Rainbow Rhapsody” as, “The bright colors represent diversity of people. The instruments I used are from all over the world. For example, I included a Djembe which is a drum from Africa. I also included a pan flute which originates from Colombia. I also depicted instruments that would not usually go together like a piano and an electric guitar. An important part of my painting is the silhouette of the conductor’s arms because it shows everyone from all different cultural backgrounds coming together, united in one harmony, all with a common goal.”

Ciara Sergi described her worldly entry titled “Musical Pangea”: I drew the characteristic instruments from each of the continents as a product of their traditional culture, and used their instruments to depict each continent.”

The Music Conservatory of Westchester thanks all of the talented student artist entrants in the “Colors of Music” Student Mural Contest for their exceptional creative ideas, colors, mediums, and musical and multi-cultural elements that were demonstrated to illustrate the theme.

“Each artist brought his or her creative point of view. Some artists were quite literal in their interpretation; others took the theme to another level of graphic abstraction and conceptualization,” Lynn Honeysett, former Executive Director of the Pelham Art Center said of the art entries submitted by local students for the contest. “I appreciated that all the student artists brought heart and soul to their work.”

Submissions for the “Colors of Music” Student Mural Contest, supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, were judged in two rounds by eight panelists with art expertise as well as Westchester County community leaders:

Margaret Adasko, Curator of Education, Katonah Museum of Art
Samantha De Tillio, Assistant Curator, Museum of Arts and Design
Michael Dweck, Treasurer and Board Trustee, Museum of Arts and Design
Jimmy Fink, Radio Personality and Producer at 107.1 The Peak
Lynn Honeysett, Former Executive Director of the Pelham Art Center
Kimberlyn V. McKoy, Gallery Associate, ArtsWestchester
Amy R. Paulin, Assemblymember for the 88^th District
Jonathan Villoch, Professional Mural Artist, Collaborating Artist for “Colors of Music” Student Mural Contest

Conservatory Executive Director Jean Newton said, “We are very excited to unveil the finished mural, celebrate and share it with the entire community. Music and art brings people together in a way that nothing else can.”

The Music Conservatory of Westchester will celebrate the unveiling of the final mural on Sunday, September 30^th, 2018 with a block party on the Conservatory’s grounds. The entire community is invited to enjoy live music, food trucks, and family fun! The Conservatory encourages all students who entered the contest to attend and share in recognizing their fellow students whose creative vision of the vibrant diversity of Westchester County and beyond will be featured as public art for the community.

The Music Conservatory of Westchester was founded in 1929 by a group of community members and renowned artists. Today, the Conservatory provides the extraordinary benefits of music to all in our community, from absolute beginners to advanced artists, with one-on-one instruction, performing ensembles, theory, composition, early childhood classes, lifelong learning for adults, and free community performances, serving 2,900 students each year from 4 months to over 80 years old. As a not-for-profit organization, the Conservatory is dedicated to serving the community and reaching out to those who would not otherwise have access. Our Scholarship Program provides tuition assistance for financially deserving students. The Music Therapy Institute brings music into the lives of 1,900 children and adults with disabilities each year through on-site and outreach programs. Healing Our Heroes offers military veterans a specialized music therapy program to help with recovery after their service. The Conservatory has inspired generations of students, and contributed to a vibrant musical life in the county, the region, and beyond.

Visit musicconservatory.org.

Next to Normal: A True Family Affair, and Then Some!

June 5, 2018 by Inside Press

By Kathryn Kitt

There have been a number of productions of “Next to Normal” since its Tony Award/Pulitzer prize winning moment in 2009 that have been wondrous. The Armonk Players version is no exception, except, for me, the experience has come full circle. I am Tom Kitt’s Sister, who is the composer and creator of “Next to Normal’ and have experienced the workshop process at the BMI Music Festival back in 1996 with the original title “Feeling Electric – Up the Dose.” It was the brainstorm of Tom and his college friend/lyricist Brian Yorkey who had the assignment to present a 10 minute musical idea to their BMI musical theatre class.

The cast of Next to Normal in rehearsal. Photo by is Lauren Oliviero

Thomas, as I called him, and I were both living in New York City at the time and it was quite a special time for us while we were trying to work in the music business. I trained as an Opera singer, so I went to auditions and sang in performances around the city. Tom, in addition to being at BMI, played at a piano bar on the East Side where my extended family would gather on weekends – complete with me singing Puccini and Andrea Boccelli. Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jenn Colella (“Come from Away”) would show up and soon it would become open mic in the Murray Hill section of Manhattan.

While Tom worked on the musical, he recruited me to sing some of the songs from “Next to Normal” in his class. I was skeptical – who writes this type of musical, about mental health and depression? I know “Rent” was a big hit, but it dealt with younger people who could wear tight clothes and do high kicks in platform shoes. “Next to Normal” dealt with family and the dynamics that go along with it. Needless to say, I eventually was proven wrong, for the show was picked up by David Stone – producer of “Wicked” after he saw a workshop of it in the New York Music Festival.

The show culminated in Tom and Brian winning the Tony for Best score, beating out Elton John and Dolly Parton, Tom winning for best Orchestrations and then the Pulitzer. This has resulted in quite a whirlwind for our family. Tom has gone on to have quite a robust musical career in composing and orchestrating and is up for a Tony for orchestrations for the “Spongebob Musical on Broadway.”

When Christine DiTota and Pia Haas mentioned how they wanted to bring “Next to Normal” to the Tom’s hometown, I was completely on board! I know that a show like this would bring the community together, be it teachers at Byram Hills (Adam Welsh, John Anthony Lopez), local performers (Christine Gavin, Anthony Malchar, Jess Bulzzaccheli, Jesse Herman), plus Phyllis Padow –Sederbaum and Vivien Bonnist Cord on props! Everyone was so excited to bring this experience to Whipporwill and I could not be more proud! Christine DiTota has kept the heart and staging of the story intact while Adam Welsh’s lighting captures the excitement of the Booth Theatre in NYC.

Of course, I had to get someone in the family involved and thanks to the brilliant musical director Ricky Romano, he took a chance and recruited my son Andrew Aldous (Byram Hills Junior) to play guitar in the band. This has truly been the most exciting experience of all, and I am convinced that Andrew is channeling my brother up there.

“Next to Normal” is surely a family affair, but this production goes beyond our little town. It is a story about everyone’s family and how we all try to navigate challenges whether it be mental illness, teenage angst and loss. I encourage anyone who feels deeply to see this show and prepare to be brought to a transformative place. I thank the Armonk Players for their commitment and thoughtful production and I know we will never forget this moment!

Next to Normal, sponsored by the Friends of the North Castle Public Library, is playing at Whippoorwill Hall, 19 Whipporwill Road E., Armonk, NY 10504 Remaining Performance dates below.

Caramoor’s Summer Schedule Spans Musical Genres & Delights Audiences

June 1, 2018 by Amy Kelley

While Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in nearby Katonah needn’t be compared to anywhere else, some visitors do see favorable similarities between Caramoor and a certain other renowned site for music in the Berkshires. Does Tanglewood come to mind?

But music aficionados need not battle traffic to the Berkshires. Caramoor, located on an historic estate owned by Walter and Lucie Rosen, is one of northern Westchester’s great cultural treasures.

A look at the summer calendar–available at Caramoor.org–reveals a tremendously wide selection of musical events. From Mozart’s The Secret Gardener, which will be performed in Caramoor’s Sunken Garden, to American Songbook, classical and world music and even sound art installations, there’s a summer full of music planned from many eras and genres.

Family-Friendly Fun

Caramoor’s schedule includes, as always, many events for families that are truly kid-friendly and a perfect introduction to music for little ones. One perennial favorite is Dancing At Dusk. “It’s a really lovely family program,” Barbara Prisament, who handles outreach for Caramoor, said of the program, now in its 10th year. “It’s from late afternoon to early evening and it’s very reasonably priced.” This summer, favorites from other years will be featured. Dancing At Dusk will be held on Wednesdays, June 27, July 18 and July 25 at 5 p.m., and includes music and dancing; tickets are $14 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under.

The Knights, an orchestral collective from Brooklyn, will perform a family concert at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 17. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. “That’s going to be great,” Prisament said. The group includes a “steel pan virtuoso.”

July 14 brings another family concert, at 11 a.m.: Bridge to Broadway, a journey from the music of Mozart through today’s Broadway musicals that will include the work of Schubert and Cole Porter, Verdi and Irving Berlin. Tickets are $14 for adults and $7 for children.

On July 1, Caramoor will host a free slate of activities, including, at 4 p.m., a performance of an outdoor percussion work called Inuksuit by prize-winning composer John Luther Adams. The work will include more than 60 percussionists, and promises to be interesting to all ages.

“It’s meant to be performed outside–it has been performed on a mountaintop, and on the border between the US and Mexico,” Prisament explained recently. “You can come and walk through the grounds and hear the sounds of the percussionists mixed with the sounds of nature.” Children can also take advantage of a special percussion activity at 2 p.m. that day.

The event is free with reservations.

New Programming Director This Season

Adams is only one of 22 living composers whose work will be performed at Caramoor this summer under the new head of programming, Kathy Schuman, who is vice president, artistic programming and executive producer.

Schuman has said she intends to take advantage of the beautiful grounds at the 90-acre estate by featuring more “site-specific outdoor work” as well as more early music, world music and new music–as well as continuing to offer opera, jazz (in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center) and also sound art. “It’s her first season and we’re really excited about that,” Prisament said.

The new is well-balanced with the classics, though, and visitors can come for a performance of Handel’s Atalanta by the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra or hear Tchaikovsky performed by the Orchestra of Saint Luke’s.

This season also features an American Roots Music Festival on June 23 and a Jazz Festival on July 21, both of which feature multiple performances. “It’s such a pleasant place to be with ample free parking, and you can bring food for a picnic or order ahead from our caterer,” Prisament said. “It’s a lovely way to spend a summer day or evening.”

Theater, Concerts and More…

June 1, 2018 by The Inside Press

If you have followed the Inside Press long enough, you know that we love the arts. For this special arts edition, we also went out of our way to round up some highlights in and around town that have come to our attention. We encourage you to reserve tickets to your favorite theater company–or discover some new ones here, and the stellar productions and/or lectures and readings planned. For a family bonding experience like no other, don’t forget to take in a Summer Concert too on your favorite town green. So, for a fine afternnoon or evening out, here are some exemplary suggestions we gathered for our June ‘arts’ focus:

Don’t see a production here you’d like us to include? Send a note to grace@insidepress.com with your suggestion for adding in!

‘Anything Goes’

Bon voyage! Anything Goes, showing at the Westchester Broadway Theater from July 5- September 9, is the winner of three 2011 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and considered one of the greatest Tap Dancing musicals of all time. A brassy nightclub singer, a starry-eyed stowaway and Public Enemy No. 13 are booked on a transatlantic luxury liner bound for romance and laughter. Cole Porter’s delightful, delicious, “De-Lovely” first-class score includes some of the musical theatre’s most memorable standards, including “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” “It’s De-Lovely,” and many more! Visit Westchester’s premier dinner/theater: BroadwayTheatre.com

‘The Dog in the Dressing Room’

The Schoolhouse Theater & Arts Center presents The Dog in the Dressing Room by Deborah Savadge June 14th through July 1st. Get ready for a romantic comedy where jealousies, games and secrets are uncorked along with the champagne! Starring Estelle Bajou, Gregory Perri and Jack Utrata. Savadge is the winner of the Playwrights First Award and the Golden Prize for her play, DARK AT THE CENTER. The play is being directed by Schoolhouse Theater’s Artistic Director Bram Lewis. For more information and tickets, visit: schoolhousetheater.org

Summer Concerts in Armonk

At beautiful Wampus Pond, the whole family is invited to come to one or all of the four free, Saturday (8 p.m.) concerts planned by The Small Town Theater Company. The line-up is as follows:

July 14 Soul: 3D Rhythm of Life
July 28 Jazz: Charlie Lagond
August 11 Rock: 1 Stop Pony Band
August 25 Broadway: Mew Rochelle Opera

In the event of inclement weather, concerts will move to Whippoorwill Hall, adjacent to the North Castle Public Library. Visit smalltowntheater.com

‘Right to Harm’

At the Clive Davis Arts Center at the New Bedford Playhouse, on June 14, there will be a special screening and Q&A event with legendary New York Times food author, activist and personality, Mark Bittman. Documentary Right to Harm, produced by Hourglass Films, takes a provocative look at the massive and secretive industrial farming business in rural America–and poses the question, “Are the economic rights of agri-businesses more of a priority than the very basic human rights of individual Americans?” Tickets limited; on sale May 21 at Bedfordplayhouse.org

Looking Ahead: Screening and Q&A Event with Glenn Close, July 30.

‘Annie’

Summer Musical Theater and Arts Day Camp will be doing a production of Annie on Friday, July 13 at 7 p.m. at Whippoorwill Hall, Armonk Library. Tickets are available at the door or by advance reservation, 914 238 0388. Adults are $15, Children 12 and under are $10. The camp runs from June 25-July 13 in Chappaqua from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. The kids will study two instruments, make sets, do fine art, singing, acting, and dancing and have a blast performing the show.

More information: amadeusconservatory.com

No Spring Chicken’

Staged Reading of ‘No Spring Chicken’

By Ginna Hoben With Ginna Hoben and Sheffield Chastain

Friday June 15, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

Q&A immediately following. At the Whippoorwill Theatre, North Castle Public Library Kent Place, Armonk hudsonstage.com

“No Spring Chicken’ is a refreshing and heartfelt comedy about one 40-year-old’s effort to achieve, survive, and (without medication) complete a healthy pregnancy, to fulfill her life’s wish to have a child.” Broadway World

And at ‘ChappPac’…

Friends of Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, a New York non-profit (with federal status pending), is working with the Town and community to help create a live cultural arts center in Chappaqua. Friends of ChappPAC will kick off a number of programs and initiatives later this year. Stay tuned for ways to get involved. Or, email Michele Gregson at michelegregson@me.com for information on how to become involved or learn about opportunities to support it.

Add These Local Music Festivals to Your Summer To-Do List

June 1, 2018 by Ella Ilan

Hudson stage at Clearwater Music Festival
PHOTO BY ECONOSMITH.COM

Couldn’t get to Coachella? Westchester has two great festivals coming your way this summer. The Clearwater Festival and the Pleasantville Music Festival are both top-notch events right in your backyard.

The Clearwater Festival

The Clearwater Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17 on the banks of the Hudson River at Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson. Performers will include Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, The Mavericks, Ani DiFranco, They Might Be Giants, Rhiannon Giddens, and hundreds more.

An Environmental Twist

This two-day event, founded by the late folk legend Pete Seeger and his wife Toshi, combines musical performances and green activism. In 1966, recognizing that the Hudson River had been devastated due to years of pollution, Seeger decided “to build a boat to save the river.” He hosted small local concerts where he opened his banjo case to collect donations to build the Clearwater, a tall ship that would be a symbol of environmental advocacy.

The festival’s parent organization, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater (“Clearwater”), pursues Seeger’s mission to protect the river. Clearwater’s grassroots efforts have resulted in the passing of landmark legislation including The Clean Water Act. Funds raised at the festival will go directly to Clearwater.

“My hope is if you’re coming for the music because you love the lineup, you check out the Clearwater information and discover that because of Clearwater’s efforts, you could swim in the Hudson now,” says festival director Steve Lurie. “Maybe you even become a member and maybe you sign a petition and maybe you also walk away as a supporter.”

Blues Traveler plays at last year’s Pleasantville Music Festival
PHOTO BY JONATHAN CUNNINGHAM

Fun for the Whole family

Catering to families, a special stage will host performances for kids, juggling and roving artists, storytelling, and more. Festival-goers can visit the “Working Waterfront” and take free rides on small boats or purchase sail tickets for the tall ships.

Guests can explore the Handcrafter’s Village, the Green Living Expo, and visit the many tents and exhibitors. An Artisanal Food and Farm Market will sell food sourced from the Hudson Valley.

About twenty thousand people are expected over the course of the weekend. Ticket prices through June 15 are $68-$280 depending on whether they are day passes or weekend plus camping passes. Prices are higher at the gate. Clearwater Members receive a 20% discount off the non-member prices. Kids 11 & under are free.

The Pleasantville Music Festival is New York’s Backyard Jam

Less than a month after the Clearwater Festival, the Pleasantville Music Festival will take place on Saturday July 14th at Parkway Field in Pleasantville. Artists will include The Psychedelic Furs, The Lone Bellow, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Cracker, John Hall, Lizzie and the Makers, and many more.

This event has grown considerably since it began fourteen years ago as a small folk festival attracting about five hundred people. Upwards of 5,000 people are expected to descend upon Parkway field, setting up chairs, blankets and tents for the day.

Winners of the Battle of the Bands, a competition amongst Westchester residents 26 or younger, will perform original songs on stage and open the festival. Last year, Byram Hills High School graduate Ari Perakis and his band Riiza won and opened atthe festival.

Who is in the Crowd

“We are a music festival for people who like the idea of a music festival more so than the actual reality of a music festival,” says Pleasantville Music Festival director Bruce Figler. Mr. Figler is referring to the manageability of the festival for a family. “It’s just one day, you can park at Pace University, take the shuttle over, enjoy the music, bring your kids, and then go home. You don’t even need a babysitter.”

This contemporary rock music festival aims to appeal to the average Westchester homeowner, likely in their forties or fifties. Festival organizers strive to satisfy different elements within that demographic, whether it be people who like jam bands, acoustic music, top 40 hits, or hard rock.

“We try to arrange the lineup in such a way that everyone who comes will be able to see someone they know and like,” says Mr. Figler.

To entertain the children, there will be a kid zone with face-painting, rides and amusements. There will also be a vendor village with various merchants and a food court. Beer garden sponsor Captain Lawrence Brewing Company will serve beer to adults.

Tickets are $45; $30 for students or seniors; free for children 12 and under.

Both festivals are zero-waste events, using sustainable practices to reduce waste and protect the environment.

For more information, to volunteer or to order tickets, go to www.clearwaterfestival.org for the Clearwater Festival and to www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com for the Pleasantville Music Festival.