Gotta Have Arts

A Community Focus at the Jacob Burns Film Center

February 18, 2021 by Christine Pasqueralle

Margo Amgott, Interim Executive Director, Jacob Burns Film Center

How a Cherished Movie House and Cultural Center is Staying the Course

Situated in the heart of Pleasantville’s vibrant downtown, the Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) is a beloved institution in the community, as well as a destination for film lovers from all over Westchester and beyond. Since opening in 2001, the JBFC has welcomed over 3,000,000 people to its five-screen theater complex to enjoy the best of American and foreign film, unique film series and special events. Forced to keep its physical doors closed due to COVID, the JBFC is still going strong, producing a variety of virtual content that lets patrons interact from the comforts of home.

Speaking with Margo Amgott, JBFC’s Interim Executive Director, one really understands the love and respect between the community and the JBFC. “The community has been so warm and wonderful, so thoughtful. I haven’t worked in a community that works to support an institution as much as the JBFC community has. From the founding board members, founding staff and staff today, they have built relationships–a wonderful example of community-based work.”

Still from the film COLLECTIVE, which will be part of the JBFC Romanian series.

Virtual Screening Room

The JBFC has found a number of alternative ways to engage patrons through a wide variety of content including new releases and curated film lists to stream from home, family-friendly activities and resources to help make life at home more enjoyable. One of its most popular services is the JBFC’s Virtual Screening Room.

The JBFC works with film distributors to offer a curated selection of new and classic films to the community. Each screening purchased helps to support the JBFC as well as independent distributors. Recently, the JBFC has started streaming on their own platform, Eventive, which allows viewers a more streamlined way to engage virtually. Its first events held on Eventive were the Romanian Film Festival in late February and the Arab Film Festival in early March.

Free live-streamed events are another popular offering of the JBFC. Past events have included live virtual Q&A’s with filmmaker and JBFC Board member Ron Howard and another with Viggo Mortensen, director/writer/star of Falling. Upcoming events are always in the works so be sure to check JBFC’s website.

The popular What We’re Watching is an ongoing series where members of the JBFC Programming team casually chat about what recent films and other content they’ve liked, disliked and why. Anything goes in this popular streaming series. The JBFC Education blog is filled with family-friendly activities, how-to videos, streaming content and more.

Classroom To Screening Room

The JBFC is also fully committed to the education of children. The recently-launched virtual Classroom to Screening Room program allows students in grades 3 through 12 to explore social, economic and cultural forces all through the power of film. The program, which has been offered throughout Westchester for nearly 20 years has now been made available online locally and on a national level at no cost for the 2020-21 school year.

Amgott is hopeful that the JBFC can re-open its doors for its 20th anniversary celebration this summer. But even if that doesn’t happen, the JBFC has big plans in the works which includes retrospectives from the past 20 years. “We would love to be open by summer but plan for both ways. We miss our community.” She does say that once the theater re-opens, the idea of having the diverse experience of in-person and virtual offerings is very appealing. “Customers can do it both ways–curl up in pj’s at home or come in person and see friends. It has pushed us to think more broadly on how we provide entertainment to those who support movies.”

Bruni Burres and JBFC Founding Director of Film Programming Brian Ackerman

In addition to making many necessary improvements including state-of-the-art air handling, an outdoor box office and sanitizing procedures, the JBFC is refreshing and improving the theater as a whole, to make it an even more welcoming, attractive and comfortable customer experience.

One of those improvements is the re-lamping of the theater marquee, with help from a generous donor. The theater wants to take a more sustainable approach and the beautiful marquee will be one of the first things people see when they arrive. “We feel an obligation to the community to do this and bring light to the building. It can really bring life to the theater which has been dark these months,” says Amgott. In the coming months, look for a rotating art exhibition on-hand as well.

When the JBFC is ready to re-open its doors, the community is sure to be out in full force, embracing it with open arms. But for now, patrons both near and far can enjoy all the JBFC has to offer from the comforts of home. And that is a pretty incredible thing.

What We’re Watching members of the JBFC Programming team sit down to chat about what they’ve had their eyes on recently. In this casual discussion series, anything goes: from film festival highlights and movies in our Virtual Screening Room, to worthwhile television programs and yes, even purchased disc media! Each discussion starts at 7 pm–every other Tuesday night and will go for about an hour. Founding Director of Film Programming Brian Ackerman, Senior Film Programmer Andrew Jupin, Programmer Saidah Russell, Film Programming Coordinator Adrienne Frank.

‘Halloweekend’ Event at the Irvington Theater Promises a Livestream of Spooky Surprises

October 13, 2020 by Inside Press

It started on Halloween six years ago…

That’s when Douglas McClure, John Malone, and a few of their friends dressed up as the Ramones and performed on North Dutcher Street where they live. Since then, the ritual has joyfully multiplied into a treasured Irvington tradition: community bands providing their neighbors with a rock and roll soundtrack (and the accompanying light show) while trick-or-treaters and their families crowd the Village side streets to sing and dance along.

“We’ve got architects, psychologists, veterinarians, teachers, and technology professionals,” said McClure of the musicians who comprise each act. “It runs the gamut.”

Half Halloween concert finale at Irvington Theater on April 26, 2019, featuring local bands Wild Thyme, Lennon + Friends, Evil Eckar with special guest the Dirty Irv Horns, and the North Dutcher All Stars.

“The Cure” performing on North Dutcher Street, Halloween 2018.

The audience was captivated by “Tom Tom Club” and “Talking Heads” at Irvington Theater’s Half Halloween Concert.

“Devo” (fronted by Doug McClure) at Irvington Theater’s Half Halloween Concert.

Downtown Irvington, just before Halloween’s musical magic begins.

The Halloween Bands (as they’ve been collectively dubbed) don’t let their moniker dictate their performance schedule; last spring, they came together for “Half Halloween,” a spectacular concert fundraiser on the Irvington Theater stage that thoroughly enchanted audience members of all ages. For the first time, four beloved bands were all in one place: Lennon + Friends, Wild Thyme, Evil Eckar, and the North Dutcher All-Stars. Local resident Rich Lobel made a wildly entertaining Master of Ceremonies, and the whole evening was replete with uncanny impersonations, impromptu aisle dancing, spooky surprises, and a karaoke contest that brought down the house. The Village of Irvington was abuzz for weeks, basking in the afterglow of such palpable community spiritedness and intergenerational celebration.

“Ever since that magical night, people always ask us if we made a movie of the show,” said participating musician Miyuki Furtado, who also serves on the Irvington Theater Commission. “Folks who missed it were so disappointed, and anyone who was there wishes they could see it again.”

That wish is about to come true. For the first time ever, Irvington Theater will stream this legendary concert for a one-night-only Halloweekend event – from their stoops to our stage, and now directly to you! Costumes, candy, and household watch parties are strongly encouraged.

Furtado says it’s the perfect time to revisit such a cathartic, live event: “Especially now, with so much uncertainty in the air, that night takes us back to a feeling not so long ago… when we could all gather together and share an incredible, creative community bond that made everyone on the stage and in the audience feel so welcomed, close, and inspired.”

This world premiere concert film will stream at 7:30pm on Friday, October 30. Purchase your ticket ($12 per household) to receive the viewing link and password at irvingtontheater.com/irvingtonanywhere.

Irvington Theater is home to a diverse range of innovative programming that entertains, enlightens, and inspires, establishing itself over its 118-year history as the cultural heart of the Rivertowns. The theater continues its tradition with unprecedented reach with “Irvington Anywhere,” their entirely virtual fall season of short films, lively concerts, and classic celebrations. Irvington Anywhere is made possible thanks to the generous support of Eric Bernstein of Compass, Dobbs Ferry.

PHOTOS BY Paula Romanow Etzel

Through January 26: Enjoy ‘Lend Me a Tenor’ and all the Laughs at Westchester Broadway Theater

January 19, 2020 by Inside Press

J.D. Daw (as Max) and Molly McCaskill (as Maggie).

By Kenneth Mighty

Lend me a Tenor at the Westchester Broadway Theater is a comedic play by Ken Ludwig. The play first premiered at the West End Theater in 1986 and later came to the Broadway Theater in 1989. Lend me a Tenor has had nine Tony Award nominations and has won Best Actor (Phillip Bosco) and Best Director (Jerry Zaks). Directed by Harry Bouvy, The Westchester Broadway Theater offers theatergoers plenty of laughs and an overall fantastic dinner theater experience.

This comedy takes place in a two- room Cleveland hotel suite in 1934 where Henry Saunders (Philip Hoffman), stage manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, and his assistant Max (J.D. Daw) awaits the arrival of renowned Italian opera tenor, Tito Merelli (Joey Sorge). Merelli is supposed to play the lead role in Giuseppe Verdi’s Otello. Merelli is fashionable late nearly giving Saunders one of several heart attacks. When Merelli arrives with his wife, Mira (Kathy Voytko) he has a server stomach ache from over eating and request he takes a nap before going to the theater, skipping rehearsal. Saunders puts Max in charge of seeing to Merelli and all of his needs while he gets everyone else ready for the show. Max helps Merrelli get comfortable and so he can sleep giving him a tranquilizer laced glass of wine. During their brief conversation Merelli learns that Max is an aspiring singer and proceeds to give him pointers and boost his confidence by singing a duet with him.

When Merelli goes into the bedroom, he discovers a letter written by his wife telling him that she is leaving him. Devastated, Merelli throws a fit and attempts to kill himself with various objects like a wine bottle and fork. Max was able to calm Merelli down and get him into bed. Moments later Max is unable to awaken Merelli from his nap and notices an empty bottle of medicine and Maria’s letter to Merelli. Max believes Merelli wrote the letter and is convinced Merelli has taken his own life. Heartbroken, Max has to tell Saunders what has happened since he left nearly giving Saunders his second heart attack of the evening. Through all the commotion Saunders and Max come up with a plan to have Max play the lead role so the show can go on without Merelli. All seemed well until Merelli awakens from his slumber causing a whole lot of confusion amongst everybody.

The Westchester Broadway Theater is the longest- running year- round Equity Theater in the state of New York. The theater has been open for 45 years and has had over 200 main stage productions. The experience The Westchester Broadway Theaters gives its audience is one like no other. One does not simply go and watch a show. Dinner is also provided with drinks, appetizers, and dessert. The seating arrangement of the theater is fabulous. Each table can seat four people comfortably and there is virtually no “bad Seat” in the house. The stage is nearly in the center of the room with seats and tables on all three sides of it giving everyone a clear view of the show. The waiters, waitresses and staff were very attentive and accommodating.

The cast of Lend Me a Tenor did a fantastic job and I really enjoyed myself. The show was hilarious, in fact, and on its last stretch with performances until the 26^th of January. Coming soon to WBT too: Five Guys Named Moe in honor of Black History Month.

Kenneth Mighty, a 26-year-old freelance writer residing in Peekskill, NY, studied Communications and Media Studies and minored in Journalism. He has attended Morgan State University, Westchester Community College and SUNY Purchase. With a combined passion for the arts, sports, and the auto industry, Ken runs his own blog titled Mighty Entertainment.

The Beatles vs The Rolling Stones: A Showdown in Peekskill

December 16, 2019 by Kenneth Mighty

December 7, Peekskill, NY– A large crowd of eager ladies and gentlemen gathered outside of The Paramount Theater in Peekskill, NY, patiently waiting to see a battle between tribute artists for two of the most renowned bands known to rock and roll. The heavyweight, 25-time Grammy Award winning band, The Beatles, took on the rebellious multi-million album selling band The Rolling Stones. It is safe to say both bands have their fair share of fans as they sold out nearly 1000 seats in Peekskill’s iconic musical theater venue this past weekend. From the dancing in the aisles an at your seat, it was a show that will not be forgotten anytime soon by so many attending.

The Beatles, portrayed by the cover band Abbey Road started the show, opened with the Ed Sullivan show performance from 1964. After costume changes between sets, they offered two additional acts: the Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, ’67, and the ’69 Rooftop Concert. Abbey Road really wowed the audience with the perfect renditions of the monumental performances. Personally, I thought their Sgt. Pepper costumes were perfectly executed.

The Rolling stones were portrayed by the cover band, Satisfaction. This internationally touring tribute band has performed over 3,500 times in the past 19 years. This band came off as surprisingly authentic. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are most certainly not two people who are easily impersonated. It was clear to me that this group did their homework and studied The Rolling Stones intensely. Not only did they perform the most memorable songs from The Rolling Stones but their costumes were also well thought out and almost identical to the wild fashion styles The Stones gave us at the height of their popularity. From the red scarf to the football pants, Chris LeGrand really had the moves like Jagger.

Overall it was a great show and everyone in attendance seemed to really enjoy themselves. Both bands were in the lobby afterwards actively engaging with the crowd, answering questions, sharing photo ops and selling merchandise. During the show’s one intermission I got the chance to speak with a couple of people and ask them what they thought of the show, and who they believed was winning this epic showdown. Rocco D. from Valhalla, NY said, “I love this show. I love cover bands. There is nothing better than grabbing dinner and getting out of the house and enjoying good music.”

When asked who he thought was winning the battle, he stated, “I think both bands are doing great, but I am more on The Stones side.” I also got the chance to speak with Lisa from White Plains who was sporting a white Beatles t-shirt and sitting in the front row. When asked about the show she said, “I think the show is awesome, I think both bands are doing well. I am obviously a Beatles fan but both bands are doing great.”

Hopefully both Abbey Road and Satisfaction can find their way back to Peekskill this spring or summer to perform outside, perhaps at Riverfront Green Park. I think that would be something the town would enjoy especially during one of the classic car shows held at the park.

Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Showdown at the Paramount–December 7

December 3, 2019 by Inside Press

“Beatles Chase” (l-r) shows Chris Paul Overall (“Paul”), Nate Bott (“John”), Axel Clarke (“Ringo”) and Jesse Wilder (“George”)

Chris Legrand (“Mick”), John Wade (“Billl Wyman”) and Trey Garitty (“Keith Richards”)

PHOTOS BY Michelle Fairless

PEEKSKILL, NY– For decades, the battle has raged: Beatles or Stones? Through their heyday, fans accused London’s Rolling Stones of stealing ideas — even entire albums – from their Liverpool counterparts. At the same time, the Beatles secretly envied the Stones’ “bad boy” image and attitude, often copying their style. Both bands are unmistakably great, scoring an array of hits that changed musical history, but only one can be the best. The most infamous rivalry in rock and roll never played out in a public arena until now as Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown returns to the Paramount Theater on Saturday, December 7. The show played to a capacity audience two years ago at the Paramount Theater. The show is appropriate for all ages.

Will the Stones be yelling for “Help” to fight the songwriting prowess of Lennon/McCartney? Or will the Beatles cry “Gimme Shelter” from the relentless sonic barrage of Jagger/Richards classics?

While fierce competition fueled the creative output of both bands during the 1960’s, tension between the tribute performers is equally palpable.

“The Beatles cornered the rock market on cute suits and fluffy hairdos, but then they stood still on stage and modeled them,” that according to Chris LeGrand, who plays a dead ringer for Mick Jagger in both swagger and ability.

“The Stones rocked the stage, and worked as hard as the bluesmen they modeled their stage show after, generating the smoldering sexuality that came to be a hallmark of great rock-n-roll acts. The Beatles? Well, they were cute! The Stones were the original punks, outsiders at best. Beatles took tea with the bloody Queen–how rock-n-roll is that?!”

As for the Beatle response? “We got our Sgt. Pepper jackets made a little long so the Stones would have no problem riding our coattails!” Mocks drummer Axel Clarke as Ringo. “That Mick Jagger sure can move! It’s a shame he has to work twice as hard to be half as good!”

Would you let your daughter marry a Rolling Stone, or your son come home with a Beatle haircut? This ultimate battle of the bands pits the mop tops against the bad boys. London against Liverpool. Guitars will weep and dice will tumble, and in the end, when the whip comes down, only one band shall emerge victorious. Whoever wins, the audience is sure to be dazzled by an “electrifying show” (O.C Register), with fantastic music, iconic wardrobe and spot on performances down to the onstage banter, missed notes and flubs heard on the original records.

Members of both nationally touring tribute bands, Abbey Road and Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show, have taken great care to recreate the experience of seeing these incredible bands live so as to please casual fans and purists alike. That ‘All You Need is Love’ spirit appears to be lost on Messrs. Legrand and Clarke, who continue trading barbs. “The Beatles wrote Let It Be, but the Stones countered with Let It Bleed!” snarls Chris.

“Listen, mate,” counters Axel. “The song John and Paul gave to the Stones (‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ in 1963) was one they let Ringo sing…that says it all!” Ouch.

Beatles or Stones? You decide!