Villainous Heroes and Heroic Villains at The Sherman and More

The Sherman Community Gallery located within The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Thursday October 7th for their “Heroes and Villains” Art Show. The exhibit was organized by The Stroudsburg Area Art Alliance (SAAA) and the works presented were as varied in styles and techniques as were the artists who participated. The evening included musical performances by You and Charlie and The Eric J. Becker Experimental Experience Project Tour: Business Edition. The event also presented offerings from vendors “Give Headwear” which is a charity based headwear company and “Creature Cards.”

The artists who participated in the exhibit included Adam Kuder, Rebecca Crockett, Chris Francz, Josh Bodwell, Myke Maldonado, Michael Hendra, Alison Gray, Thomas Dillon, David Ohlerking, Michael Parsons, Mark Purcell, Anna Marie Hendricks, Arielle Sekula, Camilla Brecheen, Mike Strunk, and Judyta Zarach. The pieces in the show ranged from unique visual interpretations of classic comic book characters like Superman and The Joker to original personages of imagined entities as well as those existing in their circle of friends. A modest number of art and music lovers attended the reception and the outstanding qualities of the overall work was well received as was the musical performances which complimented the exhibit quite well. The exhibition continues until December 1st and you’ll find more Photographs of the reception in The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The Sherman Theatre was built in the 1920s and now is equipped to present many of today’s biggest shows offering a full bar along with the sound, comfort, and historic feel of their incredible performance venue. Their next presentations include Action Item on Saturday October 16th beginning at 6pm as part of their Independent Rock Series, 311 on Wednesday October 20th at 8pm, Shawn Colvin on Friday October 22nd at 8pm, Ke$ha on Thursday October 28th, another installment of their Severed Sinema Series on Friday October 29th, and a Pre-Party featuring a Midnight Screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” beginning at 10pm. Please Contact The Sherman Theatre at 570-420-2808 or Explore their Website at www.shermantheatre.com for more information.

The Stroudsburg Area Art Alliance (SAAA) offers an opportunity for all creative people to explore, enhance, and share their talents. They offer weekly Artist Socials beginning 5pm held at The Starbucks Coffeehouse located in Stroudsburg, PA in which artists, photographers, musicians, and other at all skill levels are welcomed. The next exhibition scheduled for The Shawnee Gallery will be their “Bedtime Stories Show” whose Artists’ Reception is Thursday December 9th featuring musicals performances by Billy Mack Collector and David Ohlerking. Please Contact The Stroudsburg Area Art Alliance (SAAA) at StroudsburgAreaArtAlliance@yahoo.com or explore their website at www.facebook.com/StroudsburgAreaArtAlliance for more information.

My visitation to the Artists’ Reception was preceded by The Forwardian Arts Society very first Performing Arts Gathering outside the Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse in Stroudsburg, PA while guitarist Derek Tucker performed inside. It was a seasonable October evening in which many ideas on what this new aspect of our fellowship focusing on the arts of Theatre and Dance can explore for the coming Spring. These included holding a monthly evening of 10 minute plays presented in collaboration with local theatrical groups including ESU, hosting Play Reading Parties in which participants agree on a play to read, bring their copy of it, choose a part to portray, and simply read it to one another, hosting evenings filled with drumming and dance, and an evening of free style dancing. You’ll find more Photographs taken during the Gathering in The Forwardian Arts Society Performing Arts Lovers’ Gathering Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The Forwardian Arts Society is a fellowship for people who love the arts seeking to enhance the creative community by encouraging those interested in the arts to go forward toward their dreams, by supporting those groups and individuals who are manifesting their dreams through performances and/or presentations, and by loving them and all they do. The next gathering will take place on Wednesday October 20th at 7pm and all those who love Theatre and Dance are invited to attend to lend their ideas, talents, and organizational skills as we go forward together. Other future Gatherings to be held at The Cheeky Monky Coffeehouse include a Literary Lovers‘ Gathering on Thursday October 21st at 6pm and a Film Lovers‘ Gathering on Friday November 5th. Please Explore The Forwardian Arts Society Website at www.theforwardianartssociety.com or call 570-269-3348 for mote information.

As previously mentioned, The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse presented the music of Guitarist Derek Tucker who played a series of cover tunes to delight those who were in attendance. It was a nice set to listen to prior to going next door to the Sherman Theatre to enjoy the “Villains and Heroes Show” previously written about in this article. You’ll find more Photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Cheeky Monkey 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

In addition to events like this one and The Forwardian Arts Society Gatherings, The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse hosts a number of events including poetry readings, film nights, and more. They also offer a variety of coffee, drinks, and culinary treats. Please Explore The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse Website at www.cheekymonkeycoffee.com or call 570-420-8222 for more information

Sankofa at The Bookhouse

The Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg PA present Maxwell Kofi Donkor and his Sankofa African Drum and Dance Ensemble on Friday February 5th as part of the library’s Bookhouse Series and in celebration of African American History Month. The many who attended the event were treated to an evening filled with joyous and high energy celebration of the African culture regardless of their cultural or ethnic background. This was especially true of the children who were present as their dancing and drumming added to the excitement inspired by the ensemble. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society EMPL Bookhouse 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg PA has many services and events to enhance community growth and involvement. Their next event will be The 21st National African American Dead-Inn on Sunday February 21st at 2pm which is sponsored by The Black Caucus of The National Council of Teacher of English and the NCTE. The event will feature Book Displays and Special Guest Presenter Liz Pemberton who will read from her book entitled, “An Autumn Sunrise” and discuss her fiber artwork which will be on display. Please Contact The Eastern Monroe Public Library at 570-421-0800 for more information regarding this event and all they have to offer the community.

Websites mention in this article are The Eastern Monroe Public Library at www.monroepl.org, Maxwell Kofi Donkor and his Sankofa African Drum and Dance Ensemble at www.bak2roots.com and Liz Pemberton at www.wix.com/lizpemberton/textiles.

Dancing in the Streets

The Argentine Tango in the Poconos shared demonstrations and taught the finer points of the Tango to many eager and intrigued passersbys of the Brite Lite Laundry Services Parking Lot in Stroudsburg, PA on Saturday August 1st. Although the music could be heard only a few feet away due to the moving traffic, the intoxicating and sensual energies could be felt throughout the town. Those who ventured to the paved dance floor eschewed with buckets of candles adding to the romantic atmosphere were provided with an opportunity to allow the sensations encouraged by the music and movement to become manifested in their introduction to the dance form.

The Argentine Tango in the Poconos holds their classes at The School of Visual and Performing Arts* in Stroudsburg, PA every Tuesday evening beginning at 6:30pm. Please Contact The Argentine Tango in the Poconos at 570-476-7663 or awfran@ptd.net for more information and to register.

Here are links to some groups mentioned in the article. The School of Visual and Performing Arts* www.schoolofvisualandperformingarts.org and The Argentine Tango in the Poconos www.poconotango.com.

You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Dance 2009 Gallery. www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts

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

Lifted Toward Wellness

The Wellspring Holistic Center* in Stroudsburg, PA presented an original performance in Dance entitled, “Lifted” on Saturday April 18th which was choreographed by Heidi Minich* who also performed alongside Stacy Nonnemacher*,Anita Bondi*, and others which also included Stan Stewart Sawyer* who provided the piece with some incredibly moving sounds cape. Others who participated in the presentation were Marlene' Druhan* and Susan Bradford*.

The work was publicized as "the journey from oppression to liberation" and begun its presentation with an enclosure being opened as a litany of statistics were recited depicting the horrors of abuse so prevalent in many homes and relationship around the world. The red bands of cloth the dancers wrapped themselves in seemed to symbolize how some may isolate themselves from the overwhelming nature of these statistics and therefore enabling them to be partially ignored.

Yet, in the midst of the dancers, a red cloth was hung containing yet another dancer who seemed to embody all of the suffering recited and was able to be born to give more awareness of the nature of its pain. Throughout the course of the presentation, this pain was confronted and later embraced until it became possible to (as a chant worded it” to lay their burdens down. In doing so, the suffering soul which was born among them as well as within them was able to become lighter and eventually was able to be lifted up into a serene place which many may refer to Heaven.

The performance was followed by a question and discussion period which inspired many insightful and meaningful dialogue along with providing those who aren’t that familiar with the art of dance a further appreciation of it. Numerous people experienced the event which was enhanced by several drawings along the wall provided by a number of schools. Their images touched upon many aspects of suffering which in their creation helped alleviate some of its effects for the artists. At least, this is what is hoped for.

As mentioned, there were a great number of people present and it would be impossible to name some without neglecting to name others. So, if you were there, please feel free to share your thoughts and reflections of the evening. The Wellspring Holistic Center* has much to offer the creative community with its varied offerings of workshops and performances. includes musical performances and art receptions. Please feel free to Explore The Wellspring Holistic Center* Website for more information.

You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Dance 2009 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

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 Carnival of Animals

The School of Visual and Performing Arts (SVPA)* in Stroudsburg, PA presented “The Carnival of Animals” on Saturday October 4th featuring a variety of SVPA* dance students and animals from various area shelters. The event was accompanied by a special carnival which also served to support the shelters. It was an enjoyable afternoon filled with fun, dance, and the satisfaction of supporting a worthy cause.

Mark Litchy*, Diane Verdi*, Kathy Kroll*, and many others attended the event. Please Explore The School of Visual and Performing Arts* Website for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society The Carnival of Animals Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Artbeat 08

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA hosted Art Beat 08 on Sunday June 15th featuring numerous dancers from schools associated with The PA Dance Network (PADN)* (www.myspace.com/padn) throughout Monroe County and beyond. The talent and choreography surpassed previous Annual Dance Concerts which never failed to be impressive experiences enchanting the souls of all who are touched by the exquisite movement upon the stage and within their hearts. The exciting event served as a fundraiser for The Fine Arts Discover Series* as well as The PA Dance Vision, Inc. (PADV)*. The revenues they received were well deserved.

The shear number of friends of The Forwardian Arts Society who were participants and audience members are too many to attempt to mention without risking forgetting several. So, since I wish to avoid as many of my senior moments as I can, I won’t mention any names here. However, I would love for those of you who are reading this to share your thoughts and recollections. So, please feel free to share them here as I’m sure those who visit this article will be enhanced by your words.

The Next Show at the Sherman Theatre* will be their “Rock Around The Clock” show featuring Bill Haley's Comets, The Vogues, and The Main Street Cruisers at 8pm on Saturday June 21st. Please Explore The Sherman Theatre* Website for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Artbeat 08 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

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

Mountain Dancing at the Sherman

The Sherman Theatre* (www.shermantheatre.com) in Stroudsburg, PA hosted The PA Dance Vision, Inc. (PADV) presentation of their annual Mountain Dance Concert featuring Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, and Modern dance from a variety of dance companies residing in the tri-state areas and beyond on Saturday January 26th. It was a great afternoon filled with the movements that inspire the soul to explore the boundaries of the human form. Richard Berkowitz*, Cheryl Yost*, (both of the Sherman) were there along with Arline M. Smeltz*. The next show at The Sherman Theatre* will be Invinciblefest featuring Liferuiner, Ambush, Double XL, Addisen, To Outlive the Beginning, Neveragainforyou, and As life ends as part of their Independent Rock Series on Saturday February 2nd. Please contact at The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Mountain Dancing 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.

ArtBeat the Sherman

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented “The Artbeat Dance Concert” featuring works choreographed by members of the PA Dance Network on Sunday June 17th. The proceeds of this great show benefited PA Dance Vision, Inc and Our Good Friends at The Fine Arts Discovery Series. Our Good Friends Richard Berkowitz and Theresa (both of the Sherman) were there along with Our Good Friend Arline M. Smeltz to enjoy the performance during the entrancing afternoon. The next show at Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre will be Our Good Friends at The Pocono Lively Arts production of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” taking place June 22nd - 24th. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Artbeat Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Slavic Saturday at the Sherman 02-03-04

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA hosted Our Good Friends The Fine Arts Discovery Series (FADS) presentation of The Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA Tamburitzans ensemble which performed music, songs, and dances of Eastern Europe and neighboring folk cultures throughout the evening. The show was highly entertaining and it delighted those who were in attendance. Our Good Friends Richard Berkowitz (of The Sherman Theatre), Fran Henry, Arline M. Smeltz, Barbara Wetmore, and Steve Krawitz (of WVIA FM) were part of a small but enthusiastic audience who attended the event. The Sherman Theatre’s next show will be The Legendary Lead Singers of the Temptations and the Sultry Sounds of the Supremes on February 10th at 8pm. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Dance Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Mountain Dancing at The Sherman 1-28-07

Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg, PA presented The 10th Anniversary Mountain Dance Concert. The afternoon was filled with some wonderfully entertaining dance presentations by The Performing Arts Center of Conyungham, PA, The Re-cored Dance Company, The Tap Ties Company, The PA Dance Network, The PADV Repertory Ensemble, The University Dance Company of ESU, and What’s on Tap of Sparta, NJ. The pieces were engaging to the eye and proved to be very powerful on the intellect. Our Good Friends Cheryl Yost and Richard Berkowitz (of The Sherman Theatre), Fran Henry, Arline M. Smeltz, and Pat Gaughan were part of a small but delighted audience who attended the event. The Sherman Theatre’s next show will be The David Bromberg Big Band Show on January 31st, 2007. Please contact Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre at 570-420-2808 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Dance Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

Enchanting Evening 12-09-06

Our Good Friends at The School of Visual and Performing Arts (SVPA) in Stroudsburg, PA held their Annual Night of Art, Song, and Spirit featuring a Pulse with Our Good Friends Anita Bondi and Stan Stewart, Visual Art by Our Good Friends at Art Amalgamation (as represented by Our Good Friends Sean Turrell and C. M. Foggio), and Belly dancing by our New Friends at Healing Belly Dance who are also selling calendars for 2007 featuring photographs of their members to raise funds to support endeavors relating to the curing of breast cancer. It was an enjoyable evening filled with many delights. Please contact Our Good Friends at Art Amalgamation at 561-251-6992 Healing Belly Dance at 570-646-7351 for more information. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts OND 06 and Dance Galleries at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.