Sunday, March 29, 2009

A Tour of Sounds

The South Ridge Community Church in Clinton, NJ presented The Lebanon Valley College Concert Choir as conducted by Mark Mecham on Saturday March 28th as part of their 73rd Annual Spring Tour along with The Madrigal Singers as conducted by Katie Meo and The Chamber Choir as conducted by David Lockard both of The North Hunterdon High School. The evening consisted of numerous pieces ranging from the sacred to folk along with some classical renditions. All had a calming yet enticing appeal to those who experienced the performances.

Thomas D. Busteed* was among those who lent their voices in The Lebanon Valley College Concert Choir while Anna*, Donald*, and Rose Busteed* along with Arline M. Smeltz* were among those who enjoyed the program.

The next concerts at The South Ridge Community Church will feature Choral Concert with The Penn State Chorale on May 11th and some Spring Concerts on May 14th and 21st. The Final Concert in The Lebanon Valley College Concert Choir 73rd Annual Spring Tour will be held at The Miller Chapel on The Lebanon Valley College campus on Sunday April 5th. Please Explore The Lebanon Valley College Website for more information. You’ll find more photographs on The Forwardian Arts Society Music 2009 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Saturday, March 28, 2009

A Bookhouse Full of Musical Theatre

The Eastern Monroe Public Library* in Stroudsburg, PA presented A Musical Theatre Evening with Keith Herrmann* on Friday March 27th as part of their popular Bookhouse concert series featuring the Broadway Musical Composer Keith Herrmann who is the composer of the Broadway musical “Romance/Romance” for which he received a Tony Award nomination and won an Outer Critics Circle Award. Keith was accompanied by his wife Georgia Didion who lent her voice to the many wonderful Broadway tunes of which he wrote.

After a brief introduction by Rob Ramos*, the musical evening commenced. The selections performed came from memorable musicals such as “Starting Here, Starting Now” and “CATS” along with those Mr. Herrmann composed such as “Two,” Onward Victoria,” Lucky Lindy,” “Amazing Sex,” and “Romance/Romance.” The numbers were enhanced by some reflective recollections provide by the composer which gave insight to not only the piece but the nature of musical theatre as a whole.

The show was as enjoyable as it was informative. Afterwards, a videographer recorded reactions to the performance for prosperity’s sake. Among the full house attending the show were Linnae Cintron* of The Eastern Monroe Public Library*, Anna Adam*, and Arline M. Smeltz*.

Please Explore The Eastern Monroe Public Library* Website for more information regarding future Bookhouse Concerts and what the Library offers those who visit it. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Music 2009 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Lenten Organ Recital

The First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA presented a Lenten Organ Recital on Tuesday March 24th featuring Thomas D. Busteed*. The evening featured a number of religious pieces along with an except from an original composition by Thomas D. Busteed* entitled, “Everything Fades.” The entire program was aligned with the Lenten Season many Christian Celebrate this time of year as a sign of atonement for regrettable incidents of the past while looking forward to a new future without such defects. Or, something like that.

Among those who enjoyed the program were Anna*, Donald*, and Rose Busteed* along with Arline M. Smeltz*.

The next concerts at The First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA will feature Organist Stephen Williams on Tuesday March 31st, Organist Russell Jackson on Tuesday April 7th, and a Young Artists Concert on Sunday April 19th. You’ll find more photographs on the slide show on The Forwardian Arts Society profile on Myspace at myspace.com/forwardian_arts. Please Explore The First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA Website for more information.

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

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Creativity Shared at ESU

East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* in East Stroudsburg, PA held an opening reception on Wednesday March 18th in honor of whose participating in their Annual Art Association Juried Student Art Exhibition presented in The Madelon Powers Gallery located in the campus’ Fine and Performing Arts Center. A wide variety of styles and themes were presented in the works which enhanced everyone who experienced them.

The University’s Society for the Arts* awarded scholarships to those exceptional artists who were selected as such by the exhibition’s jurors. The ESU Art Association awarded prizes to those selected as Honorable mentioned. There was also an additional exhibition entitled, “Food for Thought” featuring the work of the Design II Students taking place on the Gallery’s Balcony.

Among the many artists presenting their work were Nicole Hammond* and Anthony Garbarino* while the awards were presented by Prof. Darlene Farris LaBar*. Among those present to be transcended by the creativity included Dr. Peter Hawk*, Professor Erma Duriko*, Professor Susan O Hearn*, Professor Margaret Ball*, Professor Miharu Lane*, Dave Asum*, Christie Berlane*, and Arline M. Smeltz*. I’m sure many of you reading this were there and not mentioned in this article. I apologize for this oversight, but please feel free to let yourself be known by adding a comment sharing your perceptions of the event.

The ESU* Annual Art Association Juried Art Exhibition will continue until April 10th. Please Contact Dr. Rita Plotnicki at 570-422-3695 for more information. You’ll find more pictures in The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts 2009 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Monday, March 16, 2009

Organist Past and Present

The St. John's United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg, PA presented “St. John's UCC Organists (Past and Present) in Concert” as part of their 270th Anniversary Celebrations on Sunday March 15th featuring performances by previous organists of the church who included Louise Walmer, Nick Basehore, and Nancy Moyer as well as by their current organist Thomas D. Busteed*.

After a brief interlude performed by Thomas D. Busteed* and some opening remarks which included a liturgical responsive reading led by the Reverend Christopher Rankin, the music performed consisted of classical and spiritual pieces. Each work filled the room and the souls of each attendee. This was especially true of the original composition created by Thomas D. Busteed entitled, “Requiem for Organ III: Everything Fades.”

Among those who enjoyed the program were Arline M. Smeltz* along with Donald, Anna, Rose, and Loren Busteed*. Please Contact The St. John's United Church of Christ 717-865-7222 for more information about their Anniversary Celebration and all they have to offer. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Music 2009 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Theatrical Review: A Life in the Theatre

A LIFE IN THE THEATRE
Written by: David Mamet
Directed by: Chris Centrella*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Worthington Players* production of “A Life in the Theatre” by David Mamet. The play is about an older, experienced actor taking a young, enthusiastic actor under his wings. However, as with many mentoring relationships, the growth of the one being taught begins to diminish the need to be taught and thereby eventually displaces whose desire to help is transformed into a power play by his pompous sense of self importance which is merely a recognition he is not all he pretends to be.

This production of David Mamet’s “A Life in the Theatre” is the epitome example of what The Shawnee Playhouse* has to offer those in the community who love great theatre. To say this production was well directed and acted would be a gross understatement. This is especially true when one considers another actor had to discontinue his work in the production due to health reasons and needed to be replaced just 10 days prior to opening night.

The play is presented in s series of vignettes with some lasting a few minute while other only consist of uttering a line or two. Just as each moment lived defines the dynamics of any relationship, each vignette serves to enhance not only our understanding the dynamics of the characters’ development, but increases the awareness of how we relate to ourselves and each other. This is often the goal of the theatrical arts (as well as other art forms) and this goal is reached in this exceedingly well done production.

There are many aspects of this play in which an audience member can relate to the occurrences in their life. There is one that holds a special poignancy for me. It is the aspect of the mentoring relationship I mentioned earlier in this review. There were many times throughout my life I soon dismissed those I earlier looked up to as I began to see their valued insights as pompous and out of touch ramblings. I know see my words being dismissed by those who once hung on each one for the very same reason. It saddens my heart. And, I often wonder how many hearts I have saddened; and still do.

Directing oneself in a play is always a challenging endeavor. The person doing so has to be careful not to be the center of the theatrical attention and yet be so when the play calls for it. It is also difficult to focus on the other actors performances while maintaining a quality of your own. The role of Robert was portrayed by the production’s director Chris Centrella* who proved his ability to more than adept in his portrayal of the character he embodied and his ability to serve as the productions’ “Audience of One” which is one of the fundamental functions of a director. The role of John was equally well done by Matt Christie* whose ability to make the transition from a wide eyed fan thrilled to be even noticed by the more experienced actor to becoming someone wary of the seemingly frivolous nature of the man is very impressive in its believability. A great deal of praise is deserved by both actors who brought life and a great deal of depth to their characters.

The Worthington Players* production of “A Life in the Theatre” by David Mamet was Directed by Chris Centrella* and Stage Managed by Robin A. Kessler who also served as the Light Board Operator. The Sound Operator was Leah Rosengarten while the productions Property Mistress was Christina McManus. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse* is Midge McClosky* while the producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood. Group Sales of their productions are handled by Mary Horn* (who also served as a member of the Box Office Staff) while The Shawnee Playhouse publicity is handled by Amy Cramer*. The Box office staff includes Becky Haskell. Barbara Ross, and Lillian Gonzalez*.

This production of “A Life in the Theatre” by David Mamet will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until March 22nd and is wholeheartedly recommended for those who enjoy great theatre. The next Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presentations will be “A Walk In The Woods” presented March 27th through April 5th “The Purgatory Diaries” on Saturday April 18th, “Move Over Mrs. Markham April 25th - May 3rd, and “Snapshots” May 15th - 24th. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee of The Shawnee Playhouse* Productions (excluding Children Theatrical Productions and those presented by non Shawnee Production Companies). Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 or Explore their website for more information and to reserve your ticket.

Photograph provided by The Shawnee Playhouse depicting Chris Centrella* and Matt Christie*.

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

Saturday, March 14, 2009

A Community Theater Meeting

The Pocono Community Theater* in East Stroudsburg, PA held an task oriented meeting on Saturday March 14th in preparation of their upcoming “Jazz It Up” event to be held on Friday June 19th at The Stroudsmoore Country Inn in Stroudsburg, PA in their newly created Terraview facilities cinematic season. Those present folded literature as well as stuffed and address envelopes to get the word out about the event.

Among those present was Dan Dunn* of The Pocono Community Theater*, Richard Rose* of The Shakespeare Society, and Arline M. Smeltz*. The next meeting is yet to be announced. Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater* Website for more information about the meeting and all they have to offer.

There were no Photographs taken during the meeting.

Frighteningly Original Film at The Sherman Theatre

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented the films “Hell's Half Acre” www.myspace.com/hellshalfacremovie and “Brutal Massacre: A Comedy” www.myspace.com/brutalmassacremovie on Friday March 13th as part of their Severed Sinema Series*. The evening was hosted by the Severed Sinema’s Founder Earl Kessler* and featured an opportunity to meet with members of the cast and crew of both films as they were recently shot in the Lehigh Valley PA Area. A display of macabre artifacts from the films featured that evening along with other films the filmmakers are associated with were there provided those who attended the event much pleasure.

After a brief chat by the film’s producers/Directors Scott Krycia and Sean Tiedeman of K Studios and the showing a short film parody about a citizen group’s endeavors to ban the film, “Hell's Half Acre” was shown. While it had many of the elements of an average “slasher film,” it was unique in this regard. The protagonist had guns. How he got most of these guns remains a mystery, but he got them.

The film itself had some problems with its continuity which I’ve found made the film very confusing and difficult to follow, but I’ve heard some members of the audience comment this effect placed the film in the popular category of being so bad it was good. I tend to agree with these audience members and my agreement made the film a bit more enjoyable in retrospect.

The film began with the discovery of some people being held and tortured by a serial killer by their friends and those very same friends attack the killer burning him and his son alive in their home. Years later, the son returns from the dead and begins a killing spree starting with the boyfriend of Nicole Becker as portrayed by Tesia Nicoli while they’re “parking.” The killer kills a whole bunch of people until Nicole has had enough and begins hunting him down. After explaining to him how his father was evil and got what he deserved, the killer’s ghost fades away but only to return long enough to fall off the roof and become impaled by a no parking sign. Nicole ends the film by setting him afire. Yes, I know.

Regardless of all this, it was great seeing scenes set in familiar localities upon the screen. As mentioned before, the film was shot in the Lehigh Valley Area which includes the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, PA. Many of the audience recalled playing in the playground shown in the film as well as walking down many of the streets. I include myself among those who have been to these locations and found the photogenic aspects of the places I’ve roamed to be more appealing than remembered.

After an intermission, the Second film of the evening entitled, “Brutal Massacre: A Comedy” was shown which was also filmed in the Lehigh Valley area. The director Stevan Mena introduced the film mentioning his only regret was hold cold the temperatures were during its production. However, the chilling experience did not take away the fact this film had higher production values than the precious one shown that evening.

“Brutal Massacre: A Comedy” style was very much in the same comedic vein as the films “This Is Spinal Tap” and “A Mighty Wind” and proved to be just as funny. It starred David Naughton who has been seen in some Dr. Pepper Commercials along with the Television Show “Making It” and the classic horror film “An American Werewolf In London” as a once famous horror film director who is seeking a comeback film.

The film follows the cast and crew of this comeback film during all aspects of its making. It’s an amusing adventure from obtaining financing for the project, to scouting locations, auditioning actors, filming it, and finally receiving acclaim for the work. This film was a treat sweetened by the appearance of the scenes of places everyone in the audience have been to.

Among those who were brave enough to be in attendance included Rich Berkowitz* and Bill Kelly* along with Arline M. Smeltz*. I’m sure there were many of you there as well and I invite you to share your experiences of these two film with me. I would be eager to learn your thoughts as I’m sure others who read this would be as well.

The next presentation in The Severed Sinema Series* will feature films selected from ballots cast during previous events becoming audience favorites. They will be “2000 Maniacs” (Rated R) and “Bad Taste” (Rated R) and shown on Friday April 10th beginning at 7pm.

Other events at The Sherman Theatre* include The Pocono Arts Council’s* “Youth in Music” Scholarship Awards Ceremonies will take place at The Sherman Theatre* on Saturday March 14th beginning at 8am celebrating and honoring the musical achievements of area students while later that day “Who Loves You: A Musical Retrospective” featuring a variety-style musical retrospective presented by some of the Pocono’s most talented teens will be presented at 8pm. Nine Time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul will be presented Saturday March 15th at 7:30pm changing the way you think about the violin. The FuSia Pre-Professional Dance Company will present their production entitled, “Array” on Sunday March 22nd at 6pm featuring an evening of artistic exploration consisting of various dance genres where movement truths coexist to include modern, tap, jazz, and hip-hop pieces and The up and coming hip hop artist Asher Roth on Thursday March 26th at 8pm, and The Geronimo EP Release Show Friday March 27th at 6pm as part of their Independent Rock Series with performances by City Confessions www.myspace.com/cityconfessions, Slightly Askew* www.myspace.com/slightlyaskew, Stasis* www.myspace.com/stasisrocks, Rosary Ligature* www.myspace.com/rosaryligature, and Tugga War while the month of March will conclude with The Pocono Choral Society* presentation of their “Bluegrass and Gospel” Concert on Sunday March 29th raising the roof with bluegrass favorites and gospel featuring special guests The Cold Springs Bluegrass Band.

Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Film/Video 2009 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The First COTA Meeting for 2009

The Celebration of the Arts (COTA)* held their first monthly General Meeting to plan for this year’s Arts and Jazz Festival on Tuesday March 10th at the Sycamore Grill in Delaware Water Gap, PA. The 32nd Annual Three Day is scheduled to be held September 11th - 13th, but there is a lot of tasks to perform before that much anticipated date.

Many of our friends were at the meeting but there’s always room for more. Volunteers are always welcomed in Security, Stage Crew, Gate Workers, and other areas as are opinions on how to make this year’s festival even more wonderful than those who came before.

The Next COTA* General Meeting is scheduled to take place Tuesday April 14th at The Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA at 7:30pm. All are invited to attend and I encourage all art and jazz lovers to do so. Please Explore The COTA* Website for more information.

There were no photographs taken during the meeting.

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

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Skitzo Art and music at The Main Street Jukebox


The Main Street Jukebox* in Stroudsburg, PA presented an Opening Reception on Saturday March 7th featuring the work of Chris Francz* www.chrisfrancz.com in an Exhibition entitled, “Skitzo.” The opening was accompanied by the music of The Patchwork Quilt Fallacy* www.myspace.com/thepatchworkquiltfallacy in their final performance ion the East Coast. A sizable crowd attended the Opening which inspired many in depth conversations.

Although I arrived too late to experience the music of The Patchwork Quilt Fallacy*, I’m certain from previous mind bending performances it complimented the work and the event quite well. The exhibition itself seemed to live up to the name of “Skitzo” given to it as it’s deceptively simple comic book like renderings moved those who experienced each work into the nether regions of their consciousness embarking on a somewhat schizophrenic journey. At least, this was my impression of the collection of the apparently unconnected pieces resembling the thoughts of those affected by the mental illness seem to demonstrate. Yet, upon further contemplation of the exhibition, the pieces come together in a theme as unexplainable as those thoughts woven by an inmate. This challenges not only our own thoughts but the nature in which they exist as well.

Among those who gathered to share their love for the art and music included Photographer Lulu* of Love N' Music Live Photography* myspace.com/lovenmusiclive, Artist SueBdynamo* www.suebdynamo.com, Will Mohlenhoff* www.myspace.com/wilbium, and Myke Maldonado of Dreamland Creations www.myspace.com/dreamlandcreations along with Musicians Eric Becker* www.myspace.com/ericjbecker and Abby* of Friday Night Parking Lots* www.myspace.com/fnpl were among the many who . I’m sure many of you were there and I’m sorry about not including you in this article. However, I would really like to learn of your experiences that night. So, please feel free to share them by leaving a comment as I’m sure others would like to read them as well.

The Chris Francz* “Skitzo.” Exhibition will continue to be displayed until April 3rd. The Next events at The Main Street Jukebox* will be an Opening Reception featuring the work of Kevin Croughn along with a performance by Nicole Erin Carey on Saturday April 4th at 7pm and their Record Store Day on Saturday April 18th beginning at 10am with a performance by Strand of Oaks www.myspace.com/strandofoaks at 6pm.

Please Explore The Main St Jukebox Website for more information. You’ll find a few more pictures in the slide show located on The Forwardian Arts Society Profile at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Splitting Rocks at The Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented another in their Independent Rock Series on Saturday March 7th. This installment of the series featured Bound by Split Fifty* www.myspace.com/splitfifty along with their special guests Survey Says* www.myspace.com/survaysaysska, Kelsey and the Chaos* www.myspace.com/KELSEYANDTHECHAOS, Pull the Pin* www.myspace.com/pullthepinpa, and Patent Pending* www.myspace.com/patentpending. The huge crowd of fans were treated with a variety of music ranging from Ska to Punk to Hard Core energizing them through the overwhelming effects of the music.

After attending several of The Sherman Theatre* Independent rock Series, I’ve grown accustomed to the varied styles of music presented through. They were not really my cup of tea in the beginning but I eventually began to appreciate the music as I began to understand the many genres embodied in the songs. So, it was not surprising to find myself at the age of 49 among those effected as the energy of the music and the ground quaking dancing and jumping moved through me.

Those among the multitude were Cheryl Yost*, Bill Kelly*, and Richard Berkowitz* of The Sherman Theatre*. Band members of No Comment Necessary* www.myspace.com/nocommentnecessary were also on hand to enjoy the show and to invite fans to their upcoming performance on Friday April 17th. I’m sure many of you were there and I’m sorry about not including you in this article. However, I would really like to learn of your experiences that night. So, please feel free to share them by leaving a comment as I’m sure others would like to read them as well.

The next events Independent Rock Series taking place at The Sherman Theatre* will be The Geronimo EP Release Show Friday March 27th at 6pm with performances by City Confessions www.myspace.com/cityconfessions, Slightly Askew* www.myspace.com/slightlyaskew, Stasis* www.myspace.com/stasisrocks, Rosary Ligature* www.myspace.com/rosaryligature, and Tugga War along with North of the City* www.Myspace.com/northofthecityofficial on Friday April 3rd at 6pm with guests World Wide Hero* www.myspace.com/worldwideheros , Beside the Throne* www.myspace.com/besidethethrone , Hearts in Hands* myspace.com/heartsinhandsmusic, Suicideyes, and Life Beyond Reason* www.myspace.com/lifebeyondreason in addition to The Throw The Fight concert on Friday April 17th at 6pm featuring No Comment Necessary*www.myspace.com/nocommentnecessary, Freshman Sunday, Skye is Falling, Belladonna*www.myspace.com/belladonnanyc, Demolition Stereo, and Five Cases of Tragedy.

Other events at The Sherman Theatre* include another installment in their Severed Sinema Series* will be held on Friday March 13th beginning at 7pm featuring works by filmmakers from the Lehigh Valley PA Area entitled “Hell's Half Acre” and “Brutal Massacre: A Comedy.” An opportunity to meet with members of the cast and crew of both films will be provided. The Pocono Arts Council’s* “Youth in Music” Scholarship Awards Ceremonies will take place at The Sherman Theatre* on Saturday March 14th beginning at 8am celebrating and honoring the musical achievements of area students while later that day “Who Loves You: A Musical Retrospective” featuring a variety-style musical retrospective presented by some of the Pocono’s most talented teens will be presented at 8pm. Nine Time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul will be presented Saturday March 15th at 7:30pm changing the way you think about the violin. The FuSia Pre-Professional Dance Company will present their production entitled, “Array” on Sunday March 22nd at 6pm featuring an evening of artistic exploration consisting of various dance genres where movement truths coexist to include modern, tap, jazz, and hip-hop pieces and The up and coming hip hop artist Asher Roth on Thursday March 26th at 8pm while the month of March will conclude with The Pocono Choral Society* presentation of their “Bluegrass and Gospel” Concert on Sunday March 29th raising the roof with bluegrass favorites and gospel featuring special guests The Cold Springs Bluegrass Band.

Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Music 2009 at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Monday, March 02, 2009

Starbucks Open Mic Night


Starbucks in Stroudsburg, PA held their weekly Open Mic Night on Sunday March 1st 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 on guitar and was accompanied by Amy of Friday Night Parking Lots* www.myspace.com/fnpl on harmonica. Among the many who also shared their talents were Denise McKellick www.myspace.com/spokensideproject on Guitar, Walter, Mike, and Justin with Justin performing solo on Drums and Keyboard. The patchwork Quilt Fallacy www.myspace.com/thepatchworkquiltfallacy came by to present their second to last in Monroe County, PA before moving to Los Angeles, CA. Their final concert will be at The Main St Jukebox* www.myspace.com/mainstjukebox in Stroudsburg, PA on Saturday March 7th at 7pm as part of an Art Opening featuring the works of Chris Francz* www.chrisfrancz.com.

The evening was enhanced further by the exhibition of art works created Photographer Thomas LeFevre* t.Lefebvre@mac.com and the graphic designs of Andrew Deihl www.myspace.com/andrewdeihl. An Opening Reception is scheduled to be held Saturday March 7th. Their Exhibition will continue until March 31st.

Among the multitude who enjoyed the music and good conversation were Erik A. Knoll* www.myspace.com/eakrollproducitons of E.A. Kroll Productions and Promotions, Lulu* of Love N' Music Live Photography www.myspace.com/lovenmusiclive, and Arline M. Smeltz*. 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 next weekly Open Mic Night is scheduled to take place Sunday March 8th beginning at 6:30pm. Please contact Eric Becker* at 570-872-7896 for more information. You’ll find more 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, March 01, 2009

Art on The Wall at The Sherman Theatre

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented the first event in their Rock N' Art Series on Saturday February 28th featuring an Opening Gallery Reception exhibiting the works of Bill Kelley* of The Sherman Theatre* and Chris Francz* www.myspace.com/chrisfrancz followed by the showing of the film “Pink Floyd's The Wall.” A number of people attended the event enjoying to good conversation with the artists and each other while awaiting the first cinematic scenes of the film depicting the Pink Floyd Classic Album to be shown. The atmosphere created by the Opening Reception enhanced the viewing of this film by inviting the attendees to open their minds to the alternative forms of art Chris Francz* and Bill Kelly* are know for and thereby allowing the mind of each individual to remain open to the further psychedelic influences of the film.

An audience of one hundred or so fans of the artists and film were there to enjoy the experience as several could be heard singing along with the songs touching their memories. For my experience of the evening, the film reminded me why I kept replaying the album over and over when it first came out. It was like listening to my auto biography and seeing the film helped me to realize how much my life has improved since then while letting me see how much of it remained the same. Among those who enjoyed the evening were Rich Berkowitz* and Theresa Woehrel* of The Sherman Theatre* while Philbert Robertson*, Arline M. Smeltz*, and Gary Lambert* were among those who served The Sherman Theatre* as Ushers.

The next Rock N' Art Event will take place is scheduled to take place around April 18th featuring the film, “The Who’s Tommy” along with artist yet to be announced. Other events taking place at The Sherman Theatre* will include a Split Fifty www.myspace.com/splitfifty Concert at 6pm on Friday March 7th as part of their Independent Rock Series with special guests Pull the Pin www.myspace.com/pullthepinpa, Red Car Wire www.myspace.com/redcarwire, Kelsey and the Chaos www.myspace.com/KELSEYANDTHECHAOS, and more. Another installment in their Severed Sinema Series* will be held on Friday March 13th beginning at 7pm featuring works by filmmakers from the Lehigh Valley PA Area entitled “Hell's Half Acre” and “Brutal Massacre: A Comedy.” An opportunity to meet with members of the cast and crew of both films will be provided.

The Pocono Arts Council’s* www.poconoarts.org “Youth in Music” Scholarship Awards Ceremonies will take place at The Sherman Theatre* on Saturday March 14th beginning at 8am celebrating and honoring the musical achievements of area students while later that day “Who Loves You: A Musical Retrospective” featuring a variety-style musical retrospective presented by some of the Pocono’s most talented teens will be presented at 8pm. Nine Time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul will be presented Saturday March 15th at 7:30pm changing the way you think about the violin. The FuSia Pre-Professional Dance Company will present their production entitled, “Array” on Sunday March 22nd at 6pm featuring an evening of artistic exploration consisting of various dance genres where movement truths coexist to include modern, tap, jazz, and hip-hop pieces

An additional installment of The Sherman Theatre Independent Rock Series will feature The Geronimo* EP Release Show Friday March 27th at 6pm with performances by City Confessions www.myspace.com/cityconfessions, Slightly Askew* www.myspace.com/slightlyaskew, Stasis* www.myspace.com/stasisrocks, Rosary Ligature* www.myspace.com/rosaryligature, and Tugga War while the month of March will conclude with The Pocono Choral Society* presentation of their “Bluegrass and Gospel” Concert on Sunday March 29th raising the roof with bluegrass favorites and gospel featuring special guests The Cold Springs Bluegrass Band.

Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts 2009 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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