Issue 18 • August 2019 • Facebook.com/TalkArts
IT’S ALL ABOUT
ARTS
Supporting Local Arts and Culture
Kevin So S.O.U.L.
The ART of Music
by Janice Williams, Editor and Publisher “If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week”. Charles Darwin For the past 35 years I have had the pleasure of living with a talented musician/singer/songwriter, Glenn Williams. I cannot adequately describe in words, the wonderful feeling of watching and hearing the process of a song being born. So many special moments in our kitchen, when guitar comes out, fingers play, and words/music emit the emotions of life. Music not only gives us pleasure via sound, but it is poetry and art all rolled into a neat package. I am a writer and a poet, but I have never felt talented enough to write a song. It takes special people to put words and music all together. For most of my life (60 years plus), I have heard the words and music of so many songs from so many talented musicians/songwriters. The Beatles play big on my mental playlist, as do the Bee Gees. . Their songs tell the story of my growing years. Listen to the words by this month’s feature artist Kevin So on his song Forever For Awhile on his album S.O.U.L, I hope you grab your dreams With both hands hanging on I hope the world out there Is giving you what you want And you throw your arms wide open Embrace it like a child I hope you live Forever for awhile
And so my message to you this month is be
happy. Fill your world with music and poetry as a start. Embrace life like a child.
It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
Available at Low Budget Records
IT’S ALL ABOUT ARTS www.itsallaboutarts.com facebook.com/TalkArts Twitter - @itsallaboutarts Instagram #itsallaboutarts ROSLINDALE ARTS ALLIANCE www.roslindalearts.org facebook.com/Roslindale-Arts-Alliance-129685993761701 ART STUDIO 99 www.artstudio99.com facebook.com/Art-Studio-99-145566388819141 Twitter @artstudio99 Instagram - janice_art_studio_99 Published by It’s All About Arts Copyright 2019 - All Rights Reserved Glenn Williams - 617-543-7443 glennsmusic.williams@gmail.com Janice Williams - 617-710-3811 janice@artfulgift.com TO ADVERTISE - REQUEST OUR MEDIA KIT ALL ADVERTISING REVENUE GOES TO THE IT’S ALL ABOUT ARTS YOUTH ART SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. MORE
Art in the Garden
It’s All About Arts Youth Art Scholarship Fundraiser MIT Endicott House, Dedham Sunday September 8, 2019, 11:30am-2pm
ARTISTS
• • • • • •
Art in Action - plein air painting Buy Art - Silent Art Auction Picnic Lunch Cash Bar - wine, beer, champagne Music Quartet with 2V2 Tickets - roslindalearts.org
RUTH LAGUE, Acrylic laguewax.com
DEB PUTNAM, Oil dputnamart.com
LYASYA SINKOVSKI, Painting instagram.com/lyasya_sinkovski
DAN MCCOLE, Watercolor danmccole.com
WENDI GRAY, Pastels instagram.com/graywendi
YUKO ODA, Sculpture yukooda.com
Questions: Janice 617-710-3811 - janice@artfulgift.com
CAROL SCHWEIGERT, Oil carolschweigert.com
JEFF L. ADAMS, Pottery
Kevin So: Multi-genre singer-songwriter displays heart and “S.O.U.L” on latest release By Mary Ellen Gambon
Kevin So was described on iTunes as, “The best singer/songwriter you (may) have never heard of.” In some ways, this statement is totally correct. You may not know him by name, but he has co-written music
with legendary blues artists such as Keb’ Mo’, Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Baker Brooks and Ana Popovic. His songs have been recorded by Keb’ Mo’ and India.Arie. He has With Keb’ Mo’ / New York October 2011 toured with Keb’ Mo’ as Photo by John Mazlish well as Crystal Bowersox of “American Idol” fame. So’s musical career over the past three decades cannot be put into a neat category. It runs the gamut from blues to folk, smooth jazz to R&B, country to pop in a unique mix that is heartfelt and passionate. Add to that romantic ballads, some politically-charged songs and reflections on his being a first-generation Chinese American, and you have a deeply personal experience that connects with audiences from Boston to Paris. The one thread that weaves all of So’s music together is soul. “S.O.U.L.” is the title of his latest release, which just came out last month. It is an acronym for “Speaking of Universal It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
Language,” as music is the one language that can connect people of all generations and backgrounds. “This album explains and describes love, loss, breakup and reconciliation,” So said during a reflective interview on his latest venture and his experiences that have led him to this point. One of his favorite songs on “S.O.U.L” is “Forever For Awhile”: I hope you grab your dreams With both hands hanging on I hope the world out there Is giving you what you want And you throw your arms wide open Embrace it like a child I hope you live Forever for awhile
The Bitter End, NYC 2005 / Photo by John Mazlish
“In a sense, forget about the lyrics for a moment,” So said. “The music I really feel extremely proud of. The music itself is something I work meticulously at, so that, even if you didn’t understand English, I hope people really enjoy the music and the sound and the things I manifest. “I never like to follow any particular formula,” he continued. “I’m really proud of the fact that, like ‘Countryside,’ it’s very organic. All of the instruments are actually played. It’s as honest as possible, and it has a dynamic feel to it.” So described the “four food groups on his albums” as 1. family matters, 2. social commentary, 3. R&B and gospel roots and 4. folk, blues and country influences. The depth of his
Kevin So: Multi-genre singer-songwriter displays heart and “S.O.U.L” on latest release by Mary Ellen Gambon
musical range is why Recording Magazine called him, “the Amy Tan of the singer/songwriter world.” Each of So’s albums has a song about family life, but none has been as moving as “Going Down Swinging,” a tribute to his 80-year-old mother. But it goes so fast Yeah nothing lasts Kids are grown and out the door One’s a preacher man And the other one is Back on tour The highly-charged “American” takes a swipe at the current political culture in a tongue in cheek way. The song was well received at a packed CD release party on June 28 at The Burren in Somerville, as was his two-hour performance of old and new So classics. “This Guitar” and “One and Done” pay tribute to his early roots as well as his Nashville influences. The latter was co-penned by Pam Belford, who has written songs for George Strait. This album is unique because it is a fan-funded project. So started a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo.com, which has earned more than $4,700 so far. He is currently hoping to earn more money to produce t-shirts. He described this recording as the “bookend” to his last release, “Countryside.” So recorded that after he moved to Nashville and immersed himself in the folk and country music scene. Burren Backroom, Somerville, MA June 2019 Photo by Neale Eckstein
“’Countryside’ explored the first four years of my apprenticeship, if you will, in Nashville,” So said. “’S.O.U.L.’ goes into the last four to six It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse, Dallas, TX September 2016
years, with more of an R&B flavor.” So said his earliest musical influences are Motown masters Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie. Their influences are felt in his R&B tracks such as “Improvise,” “Just You Just Me” and “You Keep Running” on “S.O.U.L.” So even plays the harmonica, as well as piano, guitar and banjo. So knows how to touch the heartstrings as well, “I Got Angels” and “Win Back Your Love,” a tribute to the love song genre as well as a ballad, are prime examples of his skill. As a child, Billy Joel was the first person who inspired So to sing, followed by Lionel Richie, with his prowess on the piano and lush balladry. “The earliest recollection I have is hearing ‘Just the Way You Are’ at about age nine or ten years old,” he said. “In my own head, I could follow along and sing it perfectly – everything about the register, the intonation. It was like a secret skill, a superpower. “I knew it was something I could do, and it was fun.” he continued. “I wasn’t thinking about a career then. I was just falling in love with music in general.” Growing up in the era of “Solid Gold” and at the beginning of the music video era, So became impressed with Richie’s style, first on the song “Easy” by The Commodores. “I remember that classic piano intro, and then that voice coming in,” he said. “I connected to his temperament, the way he was conversational.” So also was inspired by singer/songwriters like Elton John and Barry Manilow, who played
Kevin So: Multi-genre singer-songwriter displays heart and “S.O.U.L” on latest release by Mary Ellen Gambon
piano and had showmanship skills. While at the prestigious Boston Latin School, So tried out for the Market Players Cabaret, sponsored by Orangina. He was one of 16 teens chosen for a series of summer performance workshops, which led to the troupe performing in Faneuil Hall and New York City. “Every day we would learn different skills,” he said. “We would have a juggler come in one day, then a slapstick comedian the next. It helped me come out of my shell. Then I went back to school and joined the Show Choir.” At age 17, So recorded his first album in a Brighton studio. “It was in the same room where I recorded the soundtrack album for the Market Players Cabaret,” he said. When he returned from college for a summer break after freshman year, So tried out in a talent competition run by the legendary Maurice Starr, who discovered New Edition and New Kids on the Block. “I got on the show in 1990 at the Strand Theater, at the same time New Kids of the Block was really big,” he said. “I came in second, but I came in second to the one who won the whole contest, so I felt a taste of stardom. The Boston Globe did a write up about it, and there’s a picture of Joey McIntyre on one side of me and Maurice Starr on the other.” But the contest led to another break – an audition on “Big Break” in Los Angeles. “It was like the urban version of ‘Star Search,’” he said. “I got a call-back that I was going to be on the show in Hollywood, and Natalie Cole was going to be the host. That was going to be my two minutes of fame. I came in third. At that point I decided I was not going to do the pop thing.” So juggled performing with his pursuit of a piano degree in jazz studies. “To get my degree, I was in the room eight hours a day practicing, having this other-worldly relationship with chords,” he said. From there, So has been from New York City to Nashville with tours in Europe, expanding his repertoire. He has toured with perhaps his biggest influence, Keb’ Mo’, leading the IMPCE Blues and Brass Band.
It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
He also has written and produced two full-length musicals. The first is the semi-autobiographical “Great Wall,” which saw productions in Seattle, New York and California in recent years. The second is the forthcoming movie/musical “Cooking for Two,” set in Hong Kong. So wants to pass on all that he has learned throughout his music career. He has been invited to speak and perform at Bunker Hill Community College in April 2020. And has received similar invitations from other colleges, including MIT, Harvard, NYU, Babson, Rutgers, Columbia, Fordham and Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, VA. For now, So plans on promoting “S.O.U.L.” – with his heart and soul. For more information, go to www.kevinso.com Here are also some links for folks to check out the new album. iTunes music.apple.com/us/album/s-o-u-l-speaking-ofuniversal-language/1466490973 Amazon amazon.com/gp/product/B07SKQ27T4/ref=dm_ ws_sp_ps_dp Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/349THJMVhFeXrhsVLxGT4B Social media: Facebook.com/KevinSoMusic Instagram.com/KevinSoMonk Twitter.com/TweetKevinSo YouTube.com/KevinSo See Kevin AUGUST 29th at the CONDON BAND SHELL in Medford, MA
https://cacheinmedford.org/event/condon-shell-concert-kevin-so/
It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
Joni Lohr
By www.jonilohr.com
Brought together at Berklee College of Music in the American Roots Program by their passion for bluegrass,
The Ruta Beggars
infuse traditional bluegrass and early swing. Left to Right: Ariel Wyner, Micah Nicol, Sophia Chiarandini, Trevin Nelson
The Squeezebox Stompers play Cajun, Zydeco, New Orleans Mardi Gras Music and tour through New England. Left to right: Ralph Tufo, Stephan Maggs
Corporate Punk is a Boston-based
pop/jam band fronted by singer/drummer Sean Trischka. Left to Right: Sean Trischka, Stash Wyslouch, Kat Mac
It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
Joni Lohr
By www.jonilohr.com
Session Americana “has grown from a rag-tag jam at a local pub to a regional institution, playing gigs from coffee houses to urban nightclubs; regional, national, and international festival tents; and theaters.” Left to Right: Dinty Child, Jim Fitting, Ry Cavanaugh, Jefferson Hamer
Drawing from 50s and 60s pop, American Songbook standards, and much more,
Brad Bensko and Kathleen Parks
channel and fuse these influences with two voices, a guitar, mandolin, and violin to bring you a mixture of original songs and re-imagined covers from the past.
Women in World Jazz presents an
educational performance for the whole family featuring an international ensemble of all-female performers showcasing music from around the world. Left to Right: Ririka Takushige, Laurie Goldsmith, Candida Rose, Diane Gately, Tal Shalom-Kobi
It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
Joni Lohr
By www.jonilohr.com
Pretty Saro is an acoustic roots quartet
from Boston who fuse traditional styles such as bluegrass, old-time, and Celtic with modern ideas from genres including jazz, funk, & Latin music, to create a unique and exciting musical experience.
Twisted Pine brings a unique, infectious, sound to
acoustic music and has quickly become one of the most acclaimed young string bands in the Northeast. “Audiences across the US and the UK have been drawn to their forthright songwriting, lush harmonies, musical daring, and charismatic appeal.” Pictured: Kathleen Parks
Billy Wylder features Avi Salloway joined by an inspired cast of singular artists who have performed across five continents including concerts at the Coachella, Newport Folk Festival, New Orleans Jazz Fest, Montreal Jazz Fest, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center. Left to Right: Zamar Odongo, Krista Speroni, Avi Salloway, Rob Flax
It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
HOLLYHOCKS PAS DE DEUX I Can I send you some hollyhock seeds? If they grow this year, you can think of me They might return biannually, so now and then you can think of me They grow on a stalk several feet high They need little care but some shelter nearby Near a wall, or a fence away from the wind Good in the background and otherwise shy
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Can I send you my hollyhock seeds? Maybe a place in your garden has a particular need A spot that is sunny six hours a day For a bloom that will mark my passing your way - Steven Levin II I am beginning to start my seeds indoors. I planted the hollyhocks first, A mixture of yours and mine. One type tall, one type dwarf. Can't wait to see them sprout to leaf to bloom their colors in the Alaskan sun bridging the miles between us. - Leah Aronow-Brown
photo: S. L.
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photo: Tommey
JOHNETTA TINKER: Paper Illuminations by Curt Naihersey
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Ever thought of making your own paper and then patiently creating gorgeous designs - floral amoeba, explosive colors, and serene impressionism? Currently, SPRING COLLECTION SERIES, an exhibit @ the Hyde Park Library through July & August, curated by Tommey of Artist-at-Large, focuses on the intricate paper-art musings of the lovely Johnetta Tinker.
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A resident of Dorchester, she graduated from Texas Southern University with a Bachelor of Education degree and from Boston University with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Art Education. She is a creative entrepreneur and more.
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Tinker has painted murals in Houston, Te x a s a n d B o s t o n , M A , d e s i g n e d interactive exhibits with the Boston C h i l d r e n ’s M u s e u m , B o s t o n B l a c k Exhibition, and has co-ordinated several mural art projects with neighborhood community centers in the Boston area. She has illustrated brochures and books including, This Bridge Called My Back, (Persephone Press, 1981). She has participated in several artist-in-residency and art exchange programs including the Indian Arts Institute Museum, Santa Fe, NM, the Massachusetts Guangdong China Art Exchange, and Artpark, Lewiston, NY., as well as participating on many panel discussions and lectures with special attention to Ancient Nubia and to the master artist John Biggers, with whom she studied.
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Tinker’s work has been shown in numerous art exhibits and traveling art exhibitions throughout the United States and abroad. In addition to the HP Library, recent exhibitions include: Northeastern Crossing, Northeastern City and Community Affairs, 2018-to-present. Past presentations include: the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, Spiritual Longing in the Aftermath of Violence, 2017, one person show, Boston, MA; Medicine Wheel, Spoke Gallery, Mapping The Dorchesterway, Boston, MA, 2015; Gallery Z, Artists-at-Large, AFROCENTRIC!; The Perspective of Black Women Artist, Providence, RI, 2012.
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To quote her artist statement: “I am ancient and contemporary. My influences are strongly rooted in the symbols, rhythms, and movements of nature’s surrealistic patterns. Visions from dreams and personal life experiences provide an outlet for my imaginative and spiritual growth. This allows me to build truth in the hidden memories. My art is an extension of my
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ancestry, which deeply guides and directs my artistic expression.”
How long have you been creating your handmade paper? What inspired it? This is my first exhibition showcasing handmade paper. I dabbled in it before, but not to this extent. I love experimenting with different mediums and handmade paper was one that I never pushed in any direction. I have always been a fan of Georgia O’Keeffe, Frida Kahlo and Loïs Mailou Jone and the way they depict nature in a uniquely artistic way. During the 2017 eclipse, I observed my neighbors beautiful flower garden illuminate with a colorful brilliance I had never seen before. The idea just came to me that I should try something new to capture what I saw and I just decided to try making handmade paper to express my ideas.
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At her opening reception, she was surrounded by family and friends who marveled at her intricate works. We briefly chatted about her efforts:
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How do you perceive inspiration & creativity? What other styles have you worked in? I always look to nature for inspiration and creativity. Nature can be very realistic and abstract at the same time. It depends on your perception and the lens you view the objects through. A magnifying glass will allow you to discover infinite layers of color, shapes patterns and textures, a panoramic view will make objects visible over a wide area with the same results. I have used this process in painting, printmaking, sculpture and textile art just to name a few. At this point, I am enjoying working in mixed media where I can combine different mediums together to create a work of art.
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Can you tell us how you do it? What are the ingredients for such beautiful works? (The shredded bills & dyeing techniques were totally cool.) The detail and precision is quite admirable. I first shred my paper bills and combined it with water to make a pulp. In some cases I
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use an old blender to combine everything together along with dyes for color and poured it onto a screen that is then transferred onto a flat surface to dry and in other cases I mix the pulp together with my hands added color and pressed it into a square pan for a thicker consistency. I also learned from YouTube that adding calcium carbonate to the pulp can neutralize the acidity of the paper. To complete the final process, I added raffia grass, semi precious stones, gold leaf, some of my own recycled mono prints and other elements for a relief and textured finish.
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Will you continue in this vein? Is this a new step or another variation of your artistic endeavors? I will always continue experimenting with different art medium. As an artist I love to immerse myself in creating new artistic expressions that determines my growth into a new journey of discovery and ideas. Sometimes I have an idea of what I would like to create and other times the textures, shapes, and patterns reveals images I did not imagine. I have learned to go with the flow and give life to what the process allows me to create.
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The Little Lending Art Library at Art Studio 99 in Roslindale Looking for donations of art books (especially for kids), art magazines, poetry, etc. Drop by at 99 Belgrade Ave., Roslindale or email: decoupagejan@gmail.com for pickup.
ROSLINDALE PORCH FEST Saturday September 14, 2019 - 1:30-5:30pm Fun, family friendly event!
Get Involved http://www.roslindalearts.org/porchfest/index.html It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
The Local Music Corner
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- Perry Persoff
End of an era… For the last three years, Greg Klyma has hosted and/or booked Americana Sundays at Thunder Road in Union Square, Somerville. And for three years before that, it was his Americana Mondays at PA’s Lounge just a few doors down (PA’s is now The Union Tavern). As of this writing, it seems this has come to an end. According to Greg, Thunder Road was thinking about possibly reducing it to two Sundays a month, and otherwise nothing was booked beyond July 28th for Americana Sundays. And since this has been Greg’s baby…it looks like Americana Sundays may have reached its end. And if so, Greg has said “it’s been a good run.” >> Sometimes it is time to move on. Greg is doing a rambunctious amount of touring this summer. He won’t have to divide that time with keeping up with booking Americana Sundays (especially for the Sundays he would be out of town on tour). And we will see what Thunder Road may do differently. >> Kudo’s to Greg for keeping up a weekly showcase not just for himself and his music, but for quite the variety of other musicians. He would have a different collection of musicians play behind him. He would book a variety of other artists or bands to host and play when he was out of town on tour. And they all did this under the banner of promoting some of their favorite Country/Americana songs along with their own. Some would play more originals than covers. Greg himself typically played more covers of his favorites. I would sometimes tell him that I wanted to hear more of his own songs. This was especially true around 2017 when he released his album Never Knew
Caroline. I really wanted him to give those songs the push they deserved to his regulars. >> And regulars he has had between both clubs of his “Americana” showcases over the last six years. Between them and the musicians he’s had play, Americana Sundays/Mondays has built up its own community. That is what Greg seems most proud of, and he is hoping that sense of Community can continue. >> As for his own music, Greg has two new albums you can access digitally. For all things Greg Klyma, you can find him standing on the edge of the Information Super Highway - guitar in hand - at www.Klyma.com.
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*************************** Congratulations to the local musicians playing “The Rooftop Sessions” at Fenway Park prior to various Red Sox games (I only discovered this in mid-July). Among the list of performers, there was Jesse Dee on July 14th and Will Daily on July 28th. Session Americana and Ali McGuirk are slated for the Sept 8th game. For more information, check https:// www.mlb.com/redsox/tickets/events/ fenway-rooftop-sessions.
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*************************** Last month I mentioned that Kevin So was about to release his first album in four years, S.O.U.L (Speaking of Universal Language). Kevin played a CD release show at the end of June at The Burren back room. The crowd included many of his friends from the Boston music community of the late ‘90’s and early 2000’s when he got his start. But what you really need to know is that as a live performer, Kevin So’s still got it. He was clearly happy to be playing the show. The joy in his voice rang out like a clear bell. Kevin live is a good example of a
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“performance” as contrasted with simply “playing.” Whether solo or doing a few songs with Richard Gates on bass or three of his musical friends from the old days on vocal harmonies, Kevin’s playing was…a celebration! The musical playing, the humorous stories to set up the songs, the jokes along the way, the reminiscing of songs created here in Boston over twenty years ago. It was all a celebration. Welcome back again, Kevin So!!
Until next time, get out and see live & local music whenever you can. After all - let’s say this together again - when you support live music, it supports you. >> Thanks for reading and we’ll see you out in the venues.
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*************************** There is exciting news from the Liz Frame & The Kickers camp. They are working on a new full-length album at Wooly Mammoth Sound. Look for it late this year or in early 2020. To whet your whistle for their music, you can catch them live on August 22nd in the Haymarket Lounge at City Winery in Boston.
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*************************** I have just received the new Deb Cowan six-song EP, Greening The Dark. Even without hearing it, the cover art has me curious. On the cover is an intriguing photo of a full moon with a slight pink tint, rising through bare tree branches. Photographer Lisa Deupree designed the cover. Dave Mattacks produced the EP. He introduced Deb to Lisa. >> Deb has a strong, oldschool folk singer voice. It’s a perfect match for story songs. Dave Mattacks has crafted arrangements that add a little flourish and shine to go with Deb’s voice. They compliment each other nicely. >> Duke Levine, Joyce Andersen, Mike Barry, John Roberts, Richard Gates, Billy Novick, Tom Palance and Bob Nieske also play on the album. https://debracowan.com/2019/07/greeningthe-dark-has-arrived/
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ARTof Food White Mountain Region, New Hampshire
By Kelly McKeeney At the end of May, my main squeeze and I began our splendid summer up in the White Mountain area of New Hampshire. Where the Kangamangus Highway weaves through the valleys and the Pemigewasset River flows swiftly along the rocks. Small lakes, ponds, and “secret” watering holes to swim are in plenty. Everywhere you gaze, there’s beauty. Live Free or Die, Man! We stayed at the Woodstock Station Inn and Brewery a couple miles down the road from the infamous Loon Mountain. The quaint, adorable accommodations, picturesque views, and cozy company were wonderful. This area of the world to say the least is one that is very close to my heart. My family owned an amazing condo in North Woodstock way back when. I’ve always loved the vibe and will continue to vacation there as I grow old. Storefronts and business names may change, though the welcoming feeling and gorgeous sights will preside. But onto what I’m usually rambling on about...FOOD. There is no lack of deliciousness to choose from in my happy place. From candy, homemade fudge, cookies, and old school sweets at Chutters which holds the Guinness World Record for the World’s longest candy It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
counter. To Greek pizza and wings, to sit down suppers at Public House with tons of options for all, to chilling outside on the patio with a view of the mountains, the area will deliver! We arrived early so we hit the restaurant/ pub/brewery. Our server was super cool and informative. We decided on the small portion of the loaded, cheesy potato skins. The half portion was ridiculously large and oh so scrumptious. From there, we split the soup and sangie. An adult grilled cheese sandwich loaded with various cheeses grilled to perfection accompanied by a bowl of French onion soup. MMM. Let’s just say, my man did not get much of that liquid tastiness because YUMMY. After checking in, we opted to chill by the river in our newly purchased large foldable chairs, enjoying the view, tranquil sounds and a couple of pops from the Brewery. The Lost River Light is my new favorite. It’s light with an actual taste. Me amo mucho. All of their beers that we sampled were delish. You can pick and choose what you’d like to form a sixer and then reuse the beer rack holder thingy. That evening, supper Al Fresco was a no brainer. We ordered a large, crispy pepperoni pizza pie and wings from GH Pizza. A place
ART of Food by Kelly McKeeney (continued) make it a point to frequent for a quick bite when in town. They have appetizers, salads, subs, you name it. Breakfast for both mornings was included in the price of the room. Anything on the menu you would like. The staff are friendly, efficient, and genuine. Pecan sticky buns and coffee are quickly served and inhaled. The bread, pancakes, French toast, and meats were fresh and delicious. They even make their own sausage patties. A bit spicy but I was impressed. The next day I decided to conquer a bit of my fear of heights so we ventured off in a gondola to view the top of Loon Mountain. We tracked along the trails and enjoyed the magnificent views. Amazing! The weather was spectacular and the sun was beaming. We could not have asked for a better day. Our last evening we went to a relaxing dinner with a view of the mountains and a drizzle in the air on the patio of the Public House. Great menu featuring starters, soups, flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, meals, kids entrees with lots of choices for various diets. Many gluten free and gluten sensitive plates. We started with Pemi Dip, a bacon and cheese concoction with caramelized onions and scallions served with warm pretzel bits. OMG! The drinks were strong and gone. I decided on the Pemi Sliders and oh so happy I did. Angus beef on a grilled brioche, topped with cheddar, bacon, garlic aioli, lettuce and tomato served with hand cut fries. Tender and cooked to order. Delicious. My man ordered the pan seared scallops over mashed sweet potatoes, bacon tomato jam and white wine butter sauce with a veggies. Fantastic. If you are looking for a wonderful getaway for yourself, your partner, or the whole family, check out the Loon Mountain area of New Hampshire. All four seasons of the year. It will be the best decision you make!
It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
Contact Me Kelly McKeeney Email: rozziefoodie@gmail.com Blog: http://rozziefoodie.blogspot.com Website: https://rozziefoodie.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Rozziefoodie
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ess’s August To-Do List Do Something Artful Today
Latino Family Festival at Fenway Wednesday, August 7th from 11:00am-7:00pm Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA 02215 The El Mundo Boston Latino Family Festival at Fenway Park is the largest of its kind in New England! This family event is regularly attended by over 10,000 people. There will be more than 70 exhibitors, interactive games, family activities, and a full concert! The event is brought to you by El Mundo Boston. Learn more and buy tickets here : www.mlb.com/redsox/tickets/events/latino-family-festival
RVMS Farmers Market Open Mic Saturday, August 10 from 11:00am-1:00pm Adams Park, Roslindale, MA 02131 The RVMS Summer Farmers Market is in full swing on Saturdays in Adams Park from 9:00am-1:30pm now through mid-November. Saturday, August 10th is the third of Roslindale Village Main Street’s Open Mic opportunities at the RVMS Summer Farmers Market! This opportunity is open to solo musicians or duos and is brought to you by Roslindale Open Mike & Roslindale Arts Alliance. Sign up in person at the market on Saturday to perform. There will be a featured performer each month during the Farmers Market Open Mic who will play from 11:30am-12:00pm. Learn more about the RVMS Farmers Market here: roslindale.net/rvms-farmers-market
August Teen Night at the Institute of Contemporary Art Wednesday, August 7th from 6:00-9:00pm Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, MA 02210 Join the ICA Teen Arts Council—15 students from Boston-area high schools—for an unforgettable Teen Night! Organized by teens for teens, this evening features teen-led art tours, art-making activities, and youth performances. Learn more here: https://www.icaboston.org/events/august-teen-night
Do Something Artful Today It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
Tess’s August To-Do List (continued)
Do Something Artful Today
FREE Flick Fridays & Concerts at the Boston Esplanade Hatch Shell Throughout August Hatch Memorial Shell, 47 David G Mugar Wa, Boston, MA 02108
The Hatch Shell has all kinds of fun, family-friendly, free events coming up this month including movies on Friday nights and concerts by local orchestras! Learn more about upcoming events here: www.hatchshell.com/events.php
Border Crossing Music Mashup Sundays in August Adams Park, Roslindale, MA 02131 Sundays throughout August for community music and jam sessions with various artists playing swing, folk, jazz, blues, Latin, R&B, and world music on guitar, piano, drums, bass, and vocals. The scheduled performers will go on for an hour and then you can join in the jam! Learn more on the event page: www.facebook.com/events/422150698375178/
Butterfly Discovery Walk at the Arnold Arboretum Sunday, August 25th from 6:00-7:15pm Hunnewell Building and Landscape in the Arnold Arboretum Among the events at the Arnold Arboretum this month are those at the Caterpillar Lab which is visiting the Arboretum from August 22nd through August 26th. Join Sam Jaffe, Founder and Executive Director of The Caterpillar Lab and venture into the Arboretum landscape! Sam will wander the landscape highlighting host plants and the insects they support, focusing his attention on caterpillars, moths, and butterflies. Bring a camera to document your discoveries and a notebook to record identification tips and plant suggestions for expanding the array of butterflies your garden or park can support. Dress for outdoor learning. For adults and children ages 12 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Register for this event and learn more about upcoming events at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University here: https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Info.aspx?EventID=1
Boston Jazz fest Friday, August 30th & Saturday, August 31st South Boston Maritime Park, Boston, MA 02210 Attend the 9th Annual Boston Jazz Fest event to enjoy great jazz music performed by local musicians, not to mention yummy food & other vendors! The event is free. Learn more here: www.bostonjazzfest.org
Do Something Artful Today It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
ABOUT Tess McColgan comes from a big family full of artists and has always enjoyed embracing local talent. She’s lived in many places throughout New England including York, ME and Dover, NH, and moved to Boston at age 14. In 2015 she moved to Roslindale where she found a sense of community that resonated with her. She started as the Program Manager for Roslindale Village Main Street in April 2018 and loves being a part of the volunteer-driven organization that works so hard to support local businesses and to make Roslindale Village a destination where everyone wants to eat, shop, play and collaborate. Tess’s background includes customer service, clinical research, volunteer management & recruitment and Human Resources. In her free time, she doodles and plays with acrylic paints on canvases, writes in her journal, attends yoga classes, and gets out in nature as often as possible. Tess was the co-host for It’s All About Arts TV Show that had its final episode after 22 years in July 2019. Photo: Bruce Spero Photography at brucespero.smugmug.com
Roslindale Village Main Street www.roslindale.net
RVMS was established in 1985 as one of the first urban Main Street Programs in the nation, with the help of then City Councilor Thomas M. Menino and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Today, Roslindale Village is a thriving commercial hub, with free public wifi in Adams Park, and a fabulous Farmers Market. And, there are now 20 Main Street Districts in the City of Boston. We are proud to have been the first one!
ARTIST RUTH LAGUE Exhibit Fountain Street Gallery, SoWa Reception on Friday September 6 from 6-8pm More about LaGue at her website http://www.laguewax.com
It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
FACING
AN EXHIBIT AT SQUARE ROOT, ROSLINDALE
Cara Beaudette
Stan Eichner
Lyasya Sinkovski
Diana Lemieux August 1 through September 15 Reception on Tuesday August 20 from 6-7:30pm Square Root 2A Corinth Street Roslindale, MA 02131
ALSO ON THE COLUMNS Roslindale photos by Bob Ward
It’s All About Arts Magazine August 2019
Heather Classen Rachel Goldberg PRESENTED BY IT’S ALL ABOUT ARTS https://www.facebook.com/TalkArts