Saturday, January 31, 2009

Stasis Rocks The Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA hosted The Stasis* Concert on Friday January 30th as part of its Independent Rock Series. Although the audience began as a very small group of friends, the soon grew in their number and appreciation of the music being presented as the night moved on. The bands that preceded Stasis* www.myspace.com/stasisrocks were Holding Higher* www.myspace.com/holdinghigher, Solace* www.myspace.com/solacepa, and The Gentlemen’s Club* each of whom prepared the audience for rocking sounds that were waiting to entreat them. Among those enjoying the show included Rich Berkowitz*, Bill Kelly* and Cheryl Yost* of The Sherman Theatre*.

The next events taking place at The Sherman Theatre will include their participation in the 3 day Winterfest 09 Celebration in Blue Grass music on Saturday January 31st from 11am until 12am (Note: The entire festival takes place from January 30th to February 1st. Please Call 570-424-2937 for details.), The Gallagher full Sledge-O-Matic Show on Friday February 6th at 8pm, The Natural Breakdown Concert with special guests Big Boss Sausage and The Big Dirty on Saturday February 7th at 8pm, and another night of horrors in The Sherman Theatre* Severed Sinema Series on Friday February 10th beginning at 7pm a Zombie Fest double feature presenting the films “Let Sleeping Corpses Lie” and the original “Night of the Living Dead.”

Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Stasis Rocks The Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Monday, January 26, 2009

The 2009 Mountain Dance Concert

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA hosted The 2009 Mountain Dance Concert on Sunday January 25th featuring performances by numerous regional dance companies who meet annually to demonstrate their love for the art form and to help benefit The Fine Arts Discovery Series and The Mountain Dance Scholarship Fund with the proceeds collected at the event. The afternoon treated the audience with a variety of dance styles which included Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern. The movement of the performances were not contained with the motions of the dancers but were continued to inspire the souls of all who experienced them as memories of the event lingered long afterwards.

The dance Companies who participated included The Without Walls Dance Company www.artist.to/withoutwalls from Wilkes Barre, PA, PA Dance Vision (PAVD) of The PA Dance Network* www.padancenetwork.com (which included a performance from the PAVD yoUthDANCE Company) located in Monroe County, PA, The Beledi Dance Theatre www.beledidancetheatre.org from Stroudsburg, PA, The Serendipity Dance Ensemble www.serendipitydance.tripod.com from the Lehigh Valley Area in PA, The Jazz Performance Company from Bethlehem, PA, Tap Ties www.tapties.com, The Alchemy Dance Company www.alchemydance.org, The East Stroudsburg University of PA Dance Company* www.esu.edu/dance, and The Eng and Friends Dance Company www.engandfriendsdancecompany.googlepages.com. Michael Abate served the event as its Technical and Lighting Director while Eileen Tobin designed The Mountain Dance Logo. Maria Triano* Produced and Directed the event as well as choreographing many of the pieces performed.

Among those who shared their talent onstage were Caitlin Taylor*, Rachel Hettinger*, and Caroline Swanson*. Among the many of those who enjoyed the show included Bill Kelly* and Cheryl Yost* of The Sherman Theatre* along with Philbert Robertson*, Arline M. Smeltz*, Maria Gerena, and Diane Verdi*.

The next shows at The Sherman Theatre* will include The Stasis* CD Release Party on Friday January 30th at 6pm as part of their Independent Rock Series featuring Lights Over Ashfield*, Kelsey and The Chaos*, The Gentlemen’s Club, and more, their participation in the 3 day Winterfest 09 Celebration in Blue Grass music on Saturday January 31st from 11am until 11pm (Note: The entire festival takes place from January 30th to February 1st. Please Call 570-424-2937 for details.), The Gallagher full Sledge-O-Matic Show on Friday February 6th at 8pm, The Natural Breakdown Concert with special guests Big Boss Sausage and The Big Dirty on Saturday February 7th at 8pm, and another night of horrors in The Sherman Theatre* Severed Sinema Series on Friday February 10th beginning at 7pm with a Zombie Fest double feature presenting the films “Let Sleeping Corpses Lie” and the original “Night of the Living Dead.” Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society The 2009 Mountain Dance Concert Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

The Methodical CD Release Party

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA hosted The Methodical CD Release Show on Saturday January 24th as part of its Independent Rock Series. A huge gathering of fans came out to celebrate the new CD’s arrival as did other bands who shared similar musical styles. The entire show had people slam-dancing, showing signs, and creating memories which will last into their later years.

The event also hosted a One Night Only Art Opening featuring the works created by area artists who are a bit beyond the mainstream of the Pocono Creative Community. Their perspectives provided a more enhanced element to the evening as those who experienced the work partook of a visual party for the mind‘s eye which complimented the musical party being presented that night. These artist included Brian Murphy* of Third Dimension Tattoos* www.thirddimensiontattoos.com, Ainslie Heilich* of Vintage Karma Tattoo and Art Studio* www.myspace.com/vintagekarmatattoos, Chris Francz* of The Stroudsburg Area Art Alliance* www.myspace.com/sbgartalliance, and Myke Maldonado* of Dreamland Creations* www.myspace.com/dreamlandcreations.

The Musical Party began with the bands playing 30 - 40 minute sets. The first band was new comers to The Sherman Theatre* The Shipyard* www.myspace.com/shipyardmetal whose hard core performance set the mood for the remainder of the evening. They were followed the mind bending sounds of The Vivid Twisted* www.myspace.com/tvtwisted followed by Birth by the Grind* www.myspace.com/vaginalworms who concluded these sets. An Hour long set by Heavy Metalist Vengeful Oath* www.myspace.com/vengefuloath was presented to the head banging delight of the audience while the party concluded with another Hour long set by the industrial rock of The Methodical* www.myspace.com/methodical themselves. The entire show had people slam-dancing, showing signs, and creating memories which will last into their later years.

Among the many of those enjoying the show included Rich Berkowitz*, Bill Kelly*, and Cheryl Yost* of The Sherman Theatre* along with Philbert Robertson*, artist Will Mohlenhoff* www.myspace.com/wilbium, and representatives of The Valor Clothing Company* www.myspace.com/valorclothingcompany located in East Stroudsburg, PA.

The next show in The Sherman Theatre’s* Independent Rock Series will be The Stasis* CD Release Party on Friday January 30th at 6pm featuring Lights Over Ashfield*, Kelsey and The Chaos*, The Gentlemen’s Club, and more. Other Upcoming Events at The Sherman Theatre* include their participation in the 3 day Winterfest 09 Celebration in Blue Grass music on Saturday January 31st from 11am until 11pm (Note: The entire festival takes place from January 30th to February 1st. Please Call 570-424-2937 for details.), The Gallagher full Sledge-O-Matic Show on Friday February 6th at 8pm, The Natural Breakdown Concert with special guests Big Boss Sausage and The Big Dirty on Saturday February 7th at 8pm, and another night of horrors in The Sherman Theatre* Severed Sinema Series on Friday February 10th beginning at 7pm with a Zombie Fest double feature presenting the films “Let Sleeping Corpses Lie” and the original “Night of the Living Dead.” Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society The Methodical CD Release Party Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

A Severed Night at The Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented the first of their Severed Cinema series on Friday January 23rd hosted by its founder Earl Kessler. The films featured that evening were “Demons” directed by Lamberto Bava and “Blood and Black Lace” directed by Lamberto‘s father Mario Bava. The films were shown in the theatre’s lobby which served as a perfect setting for the relatively sizable audience to experience this Double Feature of Golden Era Cult, Horror, and Bizarre Cinema.

After a viewing of trailers from other cult classics, the film “Demons” was shown. The majority of the film took place inside a movie theatre in which members of the audience turned into demons one after another. In spite of the gore peppered throughout the film, “Demons” was had more (unintentional) comedic elements to it than the horrific ones. The 1980’s wardrobe alone kept the audience from taking anything in the film seriously enough to become involved to the point of sharing their horror as they encountered one grotesque creature after another.

The second film, “Blood and Black Lace” was by far the better of the two shown that evening. It began as “slasher” film (which I’m told was the influence of later films such as (dare I say it?) the original “Friday the 13th”) but became a suspense film as it progressed. The entire film seemed to have the aspirations of being a Federico Fellini Film with a healthy mixing of Alfred Hitchcock. However, there were times when the mixture didn’t come out as the director intended. But it was a good film.

With all this said, to approach these or any films contained in the Severed Sinema Series with expectations of witnessing the high quality of film making seen in films like “The Others” or “The Shining” would lead to a devastating feeling of disappointment. These films were made on a small budget and (in many cases) by directors with little experience in the art. Therefore, many mistakes in plot continuity and editing are there for the whole world to see. This is exactly what makes these film favorites of those who attended the Severed Sinema Double Feature. They are fun to watch because of their lack of quality; not in spite of it.

Among those who were brave enough to be in attendance included Rich Berkowitz*, Bill Kelly* and Theresa Woehrel* of The Sherman Theatre* along with Merrill McGuiness* and Dave Morton*. The next presentation in The Severed Sinema Series will be a Zombie Fest on Friday February 20th featuring the films “Let Sleeping Corpses Lie” and the original “Night of the Living Dead” beginning at 7pm. The next shows at The Sherman Theatre* will be The Methodical* CD Release Show at 6pm on Saturday January 24th as part of The Sherman Theatre’s Independent Rock Series featuring The Vivid Twisted*, Vengeful Oath*, Birth by the Grind*, and more, The Annual Mountain Dance Concert at 2pm on Sunday January 25th featuring a gorgeous display of dance-art performances, and Winterfest on Saturday January 31st from 11am until 11pm.

Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society A Severed Night at The Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

All Glorias to The Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA hosted The Pocono Choral Society* presentation of "Gloria! Gloria!" Concert on Sunday January 11th in celebration of this holiday season. The concert was originally scheduled to take place Sunday December 21st, but a wintry storm caused it to be delayed until now. Unfortunately, a very recent winter storm kept the audience to a minimum size but those who did attend the event was treated to a wonderful afternoon of choral music sung with melodically which delighted the hearts of all who experienced it.

The afternoon featured performances of both the John Rutter “Gloria” with solo performances by Sarah Ferguson* and the Francis Polenc “Gloria” presented with a small but lively orchestra. The afternoon concluded with an audience sing-a-long of some favorite Christmas Carols. This signaled to many the Holiday Season was finally at an end.

The Choir and Orchestra was conducted by Jerrold Fisher. Those who lent their voices to the musical endeavor included Victoria Doney*, Marina Lovell*, and Bob Hartman*. Those in attendance included Bill Kelly* and Theresa Woehrel* of The Sherman Theatre.

The Pocono Choral Society* always welcomes singers who would like to participate in their programs and they hold auditions ever Tuesday Night during January. Please Explore their website at www.poconochoralsociety.org for more information. The next shows at The Sherman Theatre* will be The Severed Cinema presentation featuring a Double Feature of Golden Era Cult, Horror, and Bizarre Cinema beginning at 7pm on Friday January 23rd, The Methodical* CD Release Show at 6pm on Saturday January 24th as part of The Sherman Theatre’s Independent Rock Series featuring The Vivid Twisted*, Vengeful Oath*, Birth by the Grind*, and more, The Annual Mountain Dance Concert at 2pm on Sunday January 25th featuring a gorgeous display of dance-art performances, and Winterfest on Saturday January 31st from 11am until 11pm.

Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find several photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society All Glorias to The Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Bands for Bren Gather at The Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Bands for Bren Benefit Concert on Friday January 9th as part of The Sherman Theatre’s Independent Rock Series. The evening’s proceeds went to benefit the Family of Brendan Kiser who grieves the lost of this young man whose love for music transcended his years. The sizable audience paid tribute to their late friend and his surviving family were treated to the sounds of the many bands who also honored Brendan and his love for music. They included Geronimo*, Belladonna, World Wide Hero* www.myspace.com/worldwideheros, Pearl Heart, No Comment Necessary* www.myspace.com/nocommentnecessary, Kings of Misfortune* www.myspace.com/thekingsofmisfortune, and Terror on the Screen* www.myspace.com/terroronthescreen. Richard Berkowitz*, Billy Kelly*, Theresa Woehrel*, Sean Montrose*, and Cheryl Yost* of The Sherman Theatre* were among the many who enjoyed the four hour show.

The next shows at The Sherman Theatre* will be The Pocono Choral Society presentation of "Gloria! Gloria!" Concert at 3pm on Sunday January 11th, The Severed Cinema presentation of a Double Feature of Golden Era Cult, Horror, and Bizarre Cinema beginning at 7pm on Friday January 23rd, The Methodical* CD Release Show at 6pm on Saturday January 24th as part of The Sherman Theatre’s Independent Rock Series featuring The Vivid Twisted*, Vengeful Oath*, Birth by the Grind*, and more, The Annual Mountain Dance Concert at 2pm on Sunday January 25th featuring a gorgeous display of dance-art performances, The Stasis Concert at 6pm on Friday January 30th as part of The Sherman Theatre’s Independent Rock Series featuring Lights Over Ashfield*, Kelsey and The Chaos*, The Gentlemen’s Club, and more, and Winterfest 2009 on Saturday January 31st from 11am until 11pm featuring the best of Blue Grass Music.

Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Bands for Bren Gather at The Sherman Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Monday, January 05, 2009

Starbucks Open Mic Night

Starbucks in Stroudsburg, PA held their weekly Open Mic Night on Sunday January 4th featuring musicians and singers throughout the area performing original material along with some cover tunes enchanting all who experienced them. The event was hosted by Eric Becker* www.myspace.com/ericjbecker who also performs much of his work. Kevin Dwyer*, Michael Kessler* of The North East Music Organization (NEMO) Magazine www.nemusic.org, Friday Night Parking Lots* www.myspace.com/fnpl, and Christopher Connors* were among the many who performed. The evening was enhanced further by the exhibition of art works created by Kayla O'Connor and Will Mohlenhoff* www.newmusic.wilbium.com of The Stroudsburg Area Art Alliance www.myspace.com/sbgartalliance.

Among the multitude who enjoyed the music and good conversation were Anthony* www.anthonyfreda.com and Amber Freda* www.amberfreda.com along with their son Antonio. I’m sure there were many of you there who I have not mentioned. I apologize for the oversight, but please feel free to remedy this by sharing your comments and making them know to everyone of whom I’m sure would delight in learning them.

The Kayla O'Connor and Will Mohlenhoff* Exhibition will continue until January 31st. The next weekly Open Mic Night is scheduled to take place Sunday January 11th beginning at 6:30pm. Please contact Eric Becker* at 570-872-7896 for more information. You’ll find numerous pictures in the Starbucks Open Mic Night Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Musical Art at The Jukebox

The Main Street Jukebox* in Stroudsburg, PA presented the music of Friday Night Parking Lots* www.myspace.com/fnpl preceded by Eric Becker* on Saturday January 3rd while featuring the paintings of Laura Below in their in store gallery. Chris Francz* www.chrisfrancz.com of The Stroudsburg Area Art Alliance* www.myspace.com/sbgartalliance held a Live painting Event during the concert in which he recorded the experiences on canvas as they took place.

There were a sizable crowd who gathered to enjoy the art and music. They included Poet Denise McKellick* www.myspace.com/spokensideproject, Photographer Lulu* of Love N' Music Live Photography* myspace.com/lovenmusiclive, members of The Patchwork Quilt Fallacy* www.myspace.com/thepatchworkquiltfallacy who will be performing at The Main Street Jukebox* in March, and Arline M. Smeltz*.

The Laura Below Exhibition will continue to be displayed until January 31st. The Next Art Opening scheduled at The Main St Jukebox* is Saturday February 7th at 5pm featuring the works of SueBdynamo* www.suebdynamo.com of The Stroudsburg Area Art Alliance* www.myspace.com/sbgartalliance. Please Explore The Main St Jukebox Website for more information. You’ll find numerous pictures in the Musical Art at The Jukebox Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.