Instant Recap: Sunday's (3/28) performance by Jane Monheit, the first event in our Talkin' 'Bout Jazz series was a smash success. The musicians enjoyed themselves, the audience (of about 75) certainly did as well, and the stretch - of having a top-shelf star come to our small venue - did us good! Thanks to all of our excellent volunteers who helped it to happen, and to John Piazza, Jr., who brought it together.
Also, Monday's (3/29) showing of All the King's Men, the third and last in the Power, Politics and Popcorn film series co-curated by Ira Cooperman and Tim Fahey, convinced me that these two should continue with further film series featuring classic films. The two manage to provide excellent and well informed "color commentary" and to create a comfortable space for discussing the films and reactions/responses to them on the part of the audience. No small gift! .And not to mention Cindy Fahey's fine popcorn-making abilities! (All events are free unless otherwise indicated. Donations welcome. For more information on any event, call Kim at 735-4825 or email at kodomenico@verizon.net )
Monday April 5, 2010 7:00 p.m. Climate Crisis Action group meets tonight at Ken Mazlen's home, 2003 Baker Ave (upstairs). Focus will be on planning for the May 1 celebration/action event. Call 734-9076 for directions/more information.
Monday, April 5, 2010 7-9 p.m. Shamanic Drumming Circle
Please note the change in our procedure: "Our shamanic drumming circle, which meets on the first Monday of the month from 7-9pm, will be adjusting its format a bit. The first hour will be devoted solely to drumming. Participants need to bring their own drums, rattles, and/or other percussion instruments. The second hour, for those who choose to stay, will take us into the practice of the shamanic journey. This practice focuses on healing - healing for self, others, community, place and planet. To participate in the shamanic journeying, you should bring a blanket and some sort of eye covering (a bandana, a scarf, etc.). Pen and paper to record your experiences are also recommended.
Notes: Please bring a donation for the space. Timeliness is appreciated." Jonathan Barns
Wednesday April 7, 2010 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Natural Solutions to Allergy Problems a talk by Dr. Keith Keenan, D.C. in his monthly series addressing "Advanced Health and Wellness." These talks are free, donations welcome.
Are you one of the 50 million Americans dealing with allergies? Allergic conditions have been increasing dramatically in industrialized countries around the world; and in this country, treating people for allergies costs the healthcare system $18 billion annually. Allergies weaken the immune system and can lead to serious problems such as migraines, diabetes II, rheumatoid arthritis, and colitis. In this lecture, you will learn what causes the body to develop an allergic response and how to help strengthen your body's natural resistance to irritants without using drugs
Wednesday, April 14, 7:30 p.m. Imagining America presents: a talk by "Doc" Woods, professor of Music at Hamilton College, called America's Music: A Return to Skill and Culture. No need for much introduction to this famed local teacher and musician. You can expect a topnotch evening combining excellent musical entertainment with worthwhile insight into the meaning and the way of jazz.
Thursday, April 15, 7-9 p.m. Third Thursday Salon Focus is "Musical Shares"
This month, we will make a slight departure from our usual format in order to make some space in our conversation to listen to some music. Each of us will bring a short (no more than 5 minutes) piece of music to play for everyone. It may be your favorite song or simply a piece of music that you find meaningful. We will each introduce that piece of music and say something about why we chose it and what it means to us. Music needs to be on a cd (compact disc), but we may be able to accommodate other formats, so please be in touch with Celeste (celestefriend@gmail.com) if you have any technical worries or need help. (And because Salon attendance has been very unpredictable these last few months, please drop Celeste a line if you think you are going to be able to come to this Salon.) Salon, though an event of The Other Side, is held at the home of Celeste Friend, at 37 Emerson Avenue. Bring nothing but yourself, a willingness to listen carefully to others, and a desire to contribute to our ongoing discussion. Wine and refreshments will be provided. Donations to cover our costs and to support The Other Side will be gladly accepted.
Wednesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. Rebounding from Rust: The Future of Utica and Other Manufacturing Cities A special presentation from The Other Side addressing a creative approach to a future for the city of Utica. All of you interested in the future of our city are encouraged to attend. In Professor Hobor's own words:
This month, we will make a slight departure from our usual format in order to make some space in our conversation to listen to some music. Each of us will bring a short (no more than 5 minutes) piece of music to play for everyone. It may be your favorite song or simply a piece of music that you find meaningful. We will each introduce that piece of music and say something about why we chose it and what it means to us. Music needs to be on a cd (compact disc), but we may be able to accommodate other formats, so please be in touch with Celeste (celestefriend@gmail.com) if you have any technical worries or need help. (And because Salon attendance has been very unpredictable these last few months, please drop Celeste a line if you think you are going to be able to come to this Salon.) Salon, though an event of The Other Side, is held at the home of Celeste Friend, at 37 Emerson Avenue. Bring nothing but yourself, a willingness to listen carefully to others, and a desire to contribute to our ongoing discussion. Wine and refreshments will be provided. Donations to cover our costs and to support The Other Side will be gladly accepted.
Wednesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. Rebounding from Rust: The Future of Utica and Other Manufacturing Cities A special presentation from The Other Side addressing a creative approach to a future for the city of Utica. All of you interested in the future of our city are encouraged to attend. In Professor Hobor's own words:
"Cities in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States have experienced a steady exodus of manufacturing establishments since the 1970s. As a result, they have been dubbed an urban “Rust Belt,” composed of decaying relics of an industrial past. However, these cities vary in how they have experienced this long stretch of economic restructuring. In this talk I identify this variation, which is almost completely overlooked by scholars and policymakers, showing that some cities have survived the collapse of old manufacturing industries. I address the question of how they have managed to do so, speaking to the substantial debate among scholars and policymakers about why some cities might rebound from rust. Some argue that cities must take on beautification projects to lure new capital and even a “creative class” (i.e., destiny USA). Others suggest efforts be made to replicate unique features of successful regions, like Silicon Valley. Some even argue that cities in the region should accept decline and actively try to shrink. I draw from the experiences of survivors to evaluate these strategies and offer my own ideas for change. In the talk, I will apply my ideas to the specific case of Utica, NY.
Saturday, April 24, 7:30 p.m. Rag and Bone Shop Poetry Theater presents Hear the Voice of the Bard, an offering of poems of "twofold consciousness" in honor of Earth Day 2010. If you attended the last poetry reading by this group, which featured the poetry of W.B. Yeats, you know what a treat it is to be transported to the world of poetry and metaphor in the comfort and familiarity of our little space on Genesee St. in Utica. This promises to be a special reading aimed at deepening consciousness of the relationship to Nature. Readers are Adam Spiridilozzi, Rob Lecher, Marshall Williams, David Dancy and Orin Domenico
Sunday, April 28, 2:30-4:00 p.m. 'Talkin 'Bout Jazz presents guest musician Joe Magnarelli from NYC, on trumpet, backed by John Piazza Jr., also on trumpet, .Rick Montalbano on keyboards and Rick Montalbano Jr. on drums. To the non-aficionado Joe's name may not be as familiar as last month's guest artist, Jane Monheit, but in the jazz world, Joe is a rising star or similiar magnitude. He is one of the most in demand trumpeters in NYC. But, don't take our word for it, check out his website from the link provided below and give him a listen. Then, do your self a favor and reserve a seat for the show. This will be another very special opportunity to hear high level live jazz and to learn more about what goes on in the musician's minds who are playing jazz. $10 for adults, $5 students. http://www.joemagnarelli.com/