Issue 11 • January 2019 • Facebook.com/TalkArts
IT’S ALL ABOUT
ARTS
Supporting Local Arts and Culture
Photo by Joni Lohr
It’s All About Arts Magazine January 2019
In this Issue • Our Animal Friends at BNN Neighborhood Art Gallery Exhibit • Children Need Art Every Day by Janice Williams • Joni Lohr - Full of Stories (cover feature) by Janice Williams • Art of Cooking by Kelly McKeeney • Gabriel Paradis - Media Intern by Janice Williams • Testament - Poems and Collages by Ed Morneau • The Poetry Page - Myopia by Curt Naihersey and Squirrel by Jennifer Lewis Bennett • A New Resonance (Part 1) by Curt Naihersey • Tess’s January To Do List by Tess McColgan Thank You Advertisers • Donahue Real Estate - https://donahuere.com • Centre Cuts Spa and Salon - http://www.centrecuts.com • Linda Burnett Realtor® - https://insightrealtygroup.com/employees/linda-burnett • Dan McCole Watercolors - http://danmccole.com • Gallery Sitka - http://www.gallerysitka.com • A Little Help - http://www.janicebiz.com It’s All About Arts Magazine January 2019
It’s All About Arts Magazine January 2019
From the Editor: Children Need Art Every Day This month’s poignant cover image “Wee the People” by photographer Joni Lohr prompts my thoughts about children and art. In the cover image young children of different ethnicities hold signs advocating for freedom. The signs, art themselves, also carry a multitude of messages and feelings. Take a moment and look at each child’s expression and the sign they are holding. My favorite is the young girl with the yellow shirt holding the sign “Freedom is No Cars on the Sidewalk”. She has a very serious and determined look in her eyes. She is holding the sign as high as she can. I wish I could sit down with her and learn more about her and her statement. There are so many reasons that art is a practical tool in a child’s development. Children acquire fine motor skills in manipulating paper, paint, brushes, pencils, etc. They learn how to look at the world with a vision that is their own while subsequently seeing the world through the eyes of other children and artists. Art activities give children the ability to express emotions to help process the many emotions (good and bad) that face them every day. I always have and always will strongly advocate that art in all its forms be an essential part of each child’s day whether at home or at school. The graphic shown in the right hand column by artist Fred Babb says it all very artfully. 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 It’s All About Arts Magazine January 2019
IT’S ALL ABOUT ARTS watch on www.bnntv.org www.itsallaboutarts.com facebook.com/TalkArts Twitter - @itsallaboutarts Instagram #itsallaboutarts BEYOND THE PALETTE RADIO SHOW AND PODCAST www.wbcaradio.org facebook.com/glennspalette Podcast can be heard on www.podbean.com or ITunes 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
Joni Lohr - Full of Stories by Janice Williams
for twenty years and has worked in customer When Jamaica Plain photographer Joni Lohr relations in both the software and financial intells you, “ I don’t have dustries. Here in Boston she has volunteered the ability to tell stories in many organizations such as: Loring-Greenough House, Jamaica Plain Porchfest, Wee the with words, so I crePeople, Friendship Works for Elders, the South ate them with photoStreet Youth Center and recently with Ethos. She graphs”, one only has also uses her camera skills to do photographs to see her image Wee for numerous bands, dance and theatre groups the People to appreciate her masterful story throughout the Boston area. telling ability. This candid photograph (shown on our cover) is a smorgasbord of social innuendos. The Wee the People organization is an artsbased series of programming and events for kids exploring social justice and the power of protest. Co-founder Francie LaTour led the organization’s first freedom march in Mattapan. Children and parents met at the Mattapan Library to create signs expressing what freedom meant to them, to Talking Turkey discover books about equality and justice, ending Her love of photography has been a lifewith a march down Blue Hill Avenue carrying their signs. Lohr so expertly and passionately captured long pursuit, having been offered the use of her this momentous and poignant event. Read about father’s Kodak Brownie Hawkeye camera when she was young girl. In her 20’s a friend introthe organization at weethepeopleboston.org. duced her to a more sophisticated A talented photographer of camera and the rest is history, “I live performance, portraits, street loved the clarity of the photos, disphotography, and abandonment, covered I had an eye for composiLohr sees herself as a documentarition, and fell in love with capturing an capturing the multitude of stories the world around me, especially that surround her. According to Lohr, the people. Fifty years later, I’m “ Photographs capture moments that still indulging that passion, alpass quickly; as an artist, I want to though with more sophisticated preserve those moments for history”. equipment and a better eye”. Originally from Detroit Michi Lohr’s work has been exhibgan, Lohr has occupied her life with ited at the Morini Gallery, a multitude of expressive experi(continued) ences. She taught ballroom dancing Dancer’s Hat It’s All About Arts Magazine January 2019
Joni Lohr - Full of Stories by Janice Williams (continued)
Time in a Bottle the Charles Fine Arts Gallery, JP Open Studios’ Art Projections (Juror’s Choice Award), Unlimited Sotheby’s International Jamaica Plain, Menino Art Center, TILL Wave Gallery, Gallery 160, UForge Gallery, Amazing Things Art Center, Fusco & Four Modern, the South Shore Art Center, and the Griffin Museum of Photography. Lohr shares her passion as a member of the Boston Camera Club, the Jamaica Plain Artists Association, the Hyde Park Artists Association, the Cambridge Art Association and the Griffin Museum of Photography.
It’s All About Arts Magazine January 2019
Blue Windows Lohr has been chosen to exhibit with the Cambridge Art Association in Art, Grief, and the Land, presented in conjunction with the January 2019 Curatorial Exhibit, Material Lamentations: Art, Grief, and the Land, presented at our Kathryn Schultz Gallery, January 8 – February 2, 2019 at University Place. More cambridgeart.org More about Lohr: www.jonilohr.com .facebook.com/jonilohrphotography jonilohr@gmail.com
Linda Burnett, Realtor
ÂŽ
Helping build our communities through the arts for 30 years.
Insight Realty Group 617-335-2824 linda.realty@gmail.com
It’s All About Arts Magazine December 2018
ART of Cooking by Kelly McKeeney
Food has always been an intricate part of my life. Just thinking about my favorites right now, I can feel my mouth watering. Issues? Nope. I just love me some good pickings. Anything and everything about food is how I describe my hungry hobby. Eating, cooking, sharing recipes, taking shots of delectable dishes, blogging about my love of food on http://rozziefoodie.blogspot.com, food trucks, family gatherings, restaurants, I can go on and on. Food is fabulous. It’s what brings people together. A wonderful conversation starter. From appetizers to desserts and to all the courses and various cuisines in between… YES PLEASE! I love to cook. Trying out new foods and cooking for others fills my soul. It soothes my nerves. It makes me happy and recharges my batteries. Put me in the kitchen with all of my ingredients, turn the stereo loud and watch the magic begin to happen. People say if one loves to cook, it shows in their creations. And I believe it does. My personality sometimes chimes through in some of my rich recipes. Sweet, spicy, and a bit feisty. A little bit of this and a little of that is what I will say when asked for a recipe of mine. Rarely do I ‘write’ a recipe down. I keep it in my middle-aged vault. Probably not the best idea when I can barely remember where my phone is while I’m actually on it at times. Ha. But seriously, my creations are derived from family recipes that have been passed down and/or on. Also, from the interwebs where I peruse hundreds of on-line recipes and always seem to come up with my very own tasty treasure. It is what works for me. For some reason, I just can’t seem to follow a recipe as it is written right before my eyes. Measuring and sifting and following all the rules is not my cup of Tequila…I mean tea. Yup, Lyons Irish Tea is my fave! Perhaps this is why I am a cook not a baker. Though, I have made some killer, from scratch baked goods in my time. My homemade tomato sauce which I learned from mi madre who was taught by one of her It’s All About Arts Magazine January 2019
younger sisters is what is on the agenda. We may be Irish but my version of this sauce has even made a Sicilian woman drool. I would call that a score for sure.
For Christmas of 1999 my brother and I were blessed with hand written recipe books completed by my momma. All of her recipes that we grew up on, all in one cursive scribed catalog!! To say I cherish this book of love is an understatement. Each time I cook my sauce or any other shared recipe I refer to this special book. Always double checking her words just to make sure I’m on the right track and not forgetting certain necessary instructions. This is instead of calling her on the phone with the same questions every single time. “Hi Ma! How much of this or that again?” We all fancy our own tastes when it comes to cooking with the wide variety of brands to choose from. My brand usually consists of the one which is on ever-loving SALE. In the past, I have listed specific brands in my blogs and recipes. No preocupadas! Substitutions are welcome. I will definitely let you know otherwise. But I am a big supporter of following the sales in the flyer and mixing it up a bit.
ONION GARLIC TOMATO DELISH!
ONION GARLIC TOMATO DELISH!
ONION GARLIC TOMATO DELISH!
The Recipe - My Homemade Sauce! 2 28oz cans ‘kitchen ready’ tomatoes 1 6oz can tomato paste 1/4 cup olive oil minced garlic-huge tablespoon basil-teaspoon + oregano-teaspoon ++ salt-teaspoon + pepper-teaspoon sugar-one heaping tablespoon bay leaves -1 red pepper flakes-heaping teaspoon or to your liking garlic powder-teaspoon ++ (I LOVE garlic) (and it’s very good for you) one whole yellow onion-peeled grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Sauté’ minced garlic, tomato paste, and olive oil for about ten minutes in a small pan over low to medium heat. Add all other ingredients to your medium sized crock and stir. Then toss in the delish garlic, oil, and tomato paste concoction. Stir. Cover. Now just sit back and relax, stirring occasionally, and wait for that luscious aroma to fill your home. Yeah baby. Optional-sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and cover. I wait for the full spread and then add fresh grated cheese when serving. Cook on low for five to six hours or high for three to four hours. Remove whole onion and bay leaf before serving. ++Just use your judgment on how much of each spice, etc. you add. Don’t be crazy but don’t be stingy. I heart garlic, so I use tons!! Make sure to pick up some fresh bread for dipping. Definitely plan to boil up some pasta or ravioli of your choice. You can also toss in some cooked meatballs, sausages, or a couple of bone in pork chops. And let simmer for a bit. Or just keep it vegetarian. To each their own. I toss the pasta with a little butter first. It holds the fantastic thick sauce better. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy!!
Contact Me Kelly McKeeney Email: rozziefoodie@gmail.com Blog: http://rozziefoodie.blogspot.com Website: https://rozziefoodie.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rozziefoodie
It’s All About Arts Magazine January 2019
Gabriel Paradis - Media Intern By Janice Williams
What makes an internship at BNN Media in Boston a unique experience? I sat down and talked with Gabriel Paradis recently to find out about his experience as an intern at BNN Media and here is what I found out. Some background on Paradis - he is a student (Senior) at UMASS Lowell studying Music with a focus in Sound Recording Technology. He is from Hyde Park, MA. He is pursuing a career in audio engineering. He likes to play “Magic the Gathering” trading card game. He also likes playing video games including DOTA2, Starcraft, and 4-player chess. And he helps out with setting up and mixing the audio for his church, the Boston Church of Christ.
Paradis chose BNN Media because he wanted to experience in-studio camera work as well as lighting. He wanted to know what it is like to work in a television studio versus a music studio. His favorite part of the internship at BNN has been the diversity of the hands on experience: being part of the crew on TV shows; assisting with productions for the radio station and field work via the BNN Media on-location truck. BNN Media’s long-time integrated intern program works with all area colleges and universities. Students come to learn television and radio media both non credit and for credit. BE A MEDIA MAKER BNN Media located at 3025 Washington Street in Egleston Square, is Boston’s community access organization that funnels television (Community TV and News and Info) and radio (WBCA102FM), programming by Boston residents and nonprofit organizations servicing Boston. In addition, BNN Media has a mobile production truck that covers community events; the Timothy Smith Network Media Lab with state of the art technology and BNN News coverage of Boston neighborhoods. Members have access to programming as well as training. More about BNN Media at bnnmedia.org. To find out more about being an intern at BNN Media, contact Mike Foley at mfoley@bnnmedia.org
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Janice Williams
Twirling Circles of Color 40” x 30” x 2” Mixed Media (colored pencil on paper cut into circles and decoupaged on canvas all - sides) $450 plus shipping
617-710-3811 - janice@artfulgift.com - artstudio99.com
MYOPIA
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With my nose so close to my canvas Monitoring each and very move I step into a discriminatory listening The dream madness begins Back to the process - an evolution Instinct and awareness finely-tuned Necessary blind spots in place Frequently sidetracked in Life and work Trapped in the access of everything at once All is contemporaneous…
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The multiplicity of availability The adventurous bravado of youth The comfort zone of my aging twilight The extended technique of real challenge The resonance of change…
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Mentors move me forward past the frame Expanding the excavations and experiences A kaleidoscope of apertures A new negotiation of affections Absorption, ambiguity, anxiety, Illusion in osmosis… Understanding the aesthetic Anticipating the clues of subterfuge The jigsaw puzzle of heart and mind The therapy of maturity and motivation A bias of personal investigations…
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Each day starts from scratch: The danger of hubris is sabotage The currency of arrogance The ephemera of periphery The path without reference The random and the senseless All awaiting the final transition… Witness and participant Almighty and small The world is everything. Curt Naihersey ________________________________________________________________________________!
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SQUIRREL
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Squirrel sits atop the sweet Buddha’s head. He seeks all the wisdom he has not yet read. He’s foraged and scampered and whiled away time. He’s observed all his thoughts, then put them in rhyme. He knows he is part of a Universal One. But something is missing, something undone.
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His friends are the birds and the bugs and the land, The creek and the fish and the soft open hand. There’s much to belabor, so very much to do. Winter is coming, that means hunger is too.
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But this is the time. He takes stock of the world, Of his own place within it, and ideas unfurl. He’ll gather provisions to share with his pals. He’ll help spread the word of real needs, whens and hows. He’ll make himself useful, he’ll make others laugh. He’ll savor each moment, he’ll give more than half.
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He’ll get down to basics, he’ll help others see That our world is a-changin’ for you and for me. We can each make a difference, one upon one. Small things do matter, and there’s time to have fun.
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There’s still joy and beauty, there’s truth and there’s light. There’s brilliance and promise and visions in sight. Let’s gather together, let’s build what we can, In love and in honor. It’s the start of a plan.
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Squirrel sits atop the sweet Buddha’s head. He’s found some new wisdom he may not have read. Sometimes answers are right in plain sight. Blessings abound each day ‘til good night.
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Jennifer Lewis Bennett
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A New Resonance - Part 1 !
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by Curt Naihersey!
! Music is my tabernacle. How is it shaped by the architectures and geographies we hear it in? What are the resonances between the politics, acoustics, memories, and publics that constitute aural spaces, and the music that is composed for them? As a stylistic example, classical music has co-evolved with the infrastructures for its dissemination – the church, the chamber, the concert hall, radio, and digital recording. Now, in the search for new audiences and ways of listening, the classical tradition is increasingly being taken beyond chambers and concert halls into spaces not designed for it, and locations it was previously absent from. Can this older music be transformed by bringing it into new settings with rituals that disrupt the concert format, or do these places require radical new sounds that respond to their own resonances? We attended a recent performance at a dance studio by the young modernimprov classical trio Thread Ensemble that breaks boundaries and involved audience interaction. Thrilling, sophisticated, and fun.! ! When and how does the composer, performer, or audience introduce new directions? We debate and experiment with the ways that music resonates to discuss the potentials and problems in new geographies of music. Throughout his career, theorist and nonmusician, Brian Eno, has helped introduce a variety of conceptual approaches and recording techniques to contemporary music which have reflected changes in social life and theory in urban culture over the course of the last five
decades. For me and most of my contemporaries during the past sixty years, that is the expansive arena called “rock & roll”. The natural state of its Creativity is change! No great art is born fully realized, but is the result of the timely processes of careful thought and creative exploration.! ! Perhaps if there is a secret to artist longevity, it is that they are constantly busy, looking ahead, never permitting themselves to rest on the laurels of retrospection. As a contrast to classical music precepts, Hans JoachimRoedelius, one of the originators of Krautrock, a classic Germanic mode of techno space-music that slowly emerged from the waters onto land into the stratosphere, comments on this p h e n o m e n o n . “ We w e r e a l l n o n musicians. None of us knew how to structure or compose. You could say we were music action-ists. We had to do all that we were able to do to see if it worked or not. And after a while, it did work. These days I have very little time to listen back to my old work, I am too busy doing what I am doing in the present, whether creating film music or running a festival. I feel very glad - my old catalogue has been reissued and we are getting a newer, younger audience. The audiences I played to last time in America were young, not old. It makes me glad I always stuck to my beliefs. But I have no choice I have to do what I do.”! ! All of this introspection has led me to the crossroads of personal culture and direct appreciation. Do we hear what we want or need or is it merely fol-de-rol? Do we keep looking for new tomorrows or is past development sufficient for internal growth? I recently felt compelled to ask many of my musical compatriots these questions to elucidate some amusing and
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earnest observations: WHAT NEW MUSIC ARE YOU LISTENING TO? and WHERE DO THINK MUSIC IS HEADING? The thoughtful responses I received will be split into two issues. Here’s the first - the beat goes on…..!
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Erik Lindgren [composer, pianist, producer]: Thanks so much for reaching out with your fascinating two questions. It was personally kind of a reality check since pretty much all I listen to is ‘60s garage/psych rock and contemporary classical music. Last weekend I picked up a 2-CD set by Elena Ruehr which contains her six string quartets. Both Elena and composer John Harbison had a work performed at an MIT concert last week that also included a very "modern” third quartet by Ruth Crawford Seeger from 1931 (note: she was mother of troubadour Pete Seeger). Elena’s release came out in 2018, so I can add that to my list, which was the only “new” release that I purchased this year. So there’s my very “short” shortlist. (FYI, I’d also include The Real Kids package, but suspect that would qualify as a retrospective, despite being previously unreleased material). >> As for question #2, I have to say that I have no idea nor clue. But I am sure there are many valid works being created by active artists in every musical genre. Happy Holidays … and stay progressive!
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Dennis Brennan [singer/songwriter guitarist]: My concerns are not with the commercial mass market. The only new music I listen to is from friends and artists I know who are constantly being creative. Two examples are the new a l b u m s b y M a r k E re l l i a n d D i d i Stewart…..both great.
Diane Andronica [media production assistant]: People that I listen to for new music are Laurie Anderson, David Byrne, Paul Stookey, and locally, Peter Bufano or Bird Mancini. The future of music will be more self-containing multimedia presentations, a la OK GO.
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Ray Mason [iconic singer/songwriter guitarist]: New music I've been listening to: The Crossing (Alejandro Escovedo), Game Day (Peter Holsapple), The Magic Tree (Steve Forbert), The Old Guys (Amy Rigby), Nature (Paul Kelly), The Prophet Speaks (Van Morrison), The Eclipse Sessions (John Hiatt), 13 Rivers (Richard Thompson), My Way (Willie Nelson), Bit Logic (Bottle Rockets), Look Now (Elvis Costello & The Imposters), Cloud Symbols (Graham Parker), If It Ain't Fixed, Don't Break It (James Maddock), Children Of Paradise (Willie Nile), Christmas Everywhere (Rodney Crowell).......the list goes on & on. >> As far as where music is heading - music is always heading somewhere true, beautiful and exciting. Seeking it out is the key. Remain a fan - don't lose that and you'll be rewarded in your search. Happy Holidays!
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T Max [former editor of The Noise, troubadour]: WHAT NEW MUSIC ARE YOU LISTENING TO? Finding new interesting music is always a happy challenge and most of the time it finds me. My latest ear-catcher was the band PINTO LOCO from Lowell. A big grin grew on my face when I heard what they call their feel good hit of the summer of 2018 - "Dune Buggy." It's a rollicking surf instrumental that crashes through beach fences for an exciting ride - think The Surfaris' "Wipe Out" with extra added kick! This mindless "fun" music may be
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just what the doctor ordered in these oppressing political times. Then on the other hand, I'm listening to Didi Stewart's No Love Songs, a compelling political sample of seeds to a future Broadway musical. It takes a lot more focus on my part to listen to this over the previous mentioned Pinto Loco, but the rewards are different. It's like I'm my own musical doctor, prescribing the necessary lift or drop from where ever my spirit may be floating. >> To be honest, most of the time I'm listening to what I'm working on. Last week is was "Litter Bug" a catchy sing-a-long written exclusively for the PAL (People Against Litter) organization in Gloucester. This week I'm playing with a Steely Dan sound-alike song, "Cool Down," composed strictly to offset the nasty ear worm that "Litter Bug" left in my engineer's head. >> WHERE DO THINK MUSIC IS HEADING? It's not so much where music is heading, as it is where are you going with it. There is so much available music, you can choose which arm of the octopus to follow. Mind you, I don't pay much attention to the saccharin pop or latest hip hop that is dealt to the masses - not that it's all bad - there are just more choices. I still watch Saturday Night Live, and if I wanted to know which way popular music is headed, they are presenting a pretty good sample of what is in the forefront of popular music. I may not be their perfect consumer, but hip hop seems to have a hold on the masses. For a local opinion, I see/hear more acoustic-based music that speaks to people, be it politically, musically, or in a plain, fun, catchy song way.
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Ruby Bird [singer/songwriter keyboardist]: [* NPR recently released a list of their top 50 albums of 2018. To
my older ears, very little is identifiable with my own personal tastes, which precipitated this article. - C.N.] >> Of everyone on this list*, the few I recognize other than John Prine are mostly the classical artists - the composers, not the individuals doing the re-do of these famous works. On quick listen, much of this music is too techno and pitchcontrolled for my taste and doesn't interest me. But somebody likes this stuff, so good for them! I rarely hear anything new these days that makes me go "Wow, I'd love to hear more of that!" And when I do, come to find out it was done maybe 20 or 25 years ago and just stayed under the radar all those years. Even so, if you've never heard it before, it's new to you. So I'm content to find "new" music to my ear, no matter how long it's been around. >> The most impressive "new" music I've heard lately is by Steven Wilson, including a 2016 album called Blackfield V, by the group Blackfield, produced by Steven Wilson, Alan Parsons and Aviv Geffen. We recently discovered Jason Faulkner's ironically titled Author Unknown, produced in 1996 and it's fantastic. Who knew? Nobody. Another artist we discovered fairly recently is Will Owsley. Also genius level, but further investigation revealed that he ended up killing himself, likely because nobody knew. There is a world of undiscovered great music out there. So my feeling is that "new" as well as "good" and "interesting" is in the ear of the beholder.
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Billy Carl Mancini [singer/songwriter guitarist, recording studio owner]:
[** Rolling Stone recently released a list of their top 50 albums of 2018. To my older ears, even less is identifiable with my own personal tastes, etc. etc. - C.N.] >>
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I also knew almost none of these**, and the ones I did know didn't intrigue me. It is an interesting list though. What does it mean? It means there's too much music out there to possibly digest. More than ever before because of new technologies. Plus, not all music is digestible to all people. For example: I don't like onions and fish but many people do. [insert joke = btw, have you heard the new Fish & Onions CD?] So...listen to what you like, whether it's new or old, and forget the rest.
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Paul Speidel [composer, guitarist]: Thanks for your interest in my musical opinions. Our culture has quite moved on from music played by human fingers in real time, and the financial opportunities of the previous century are not there any more for most new music of any kind. People try to tell me about live bands they’ve heard, or someone with a CD out, or people taking guitar lessons — I don’t have the heart to argue that I used to teach up to 50 people a week and played in five bands at the same time back in the day! >> Of newer groups, maybe The Foo Fighters catch my attention. Even Brian Eno through the years with his constant use of synthetics and virtual instruments. Having said that, here are two artists I had the honor of working with 10-20 years ago who are now in middle of their careers in NYC, and they have a much closer ear to the ground than me. Not a bird’s eye view of new music, but two specific examples: Tom Tierney was a student of mine as he grew up in Newton and was one of the best I ever had, at many levels. He now runs a successful studio, plays in a bunch of bands, produces and engineers bunches more, and has done awardwinning sound work. Another incredible
talent is Adam Schatz, who also grew up in Newton. I taught his brother for years and I had the privilege to play with Adam on a jazz demo for college, and also taught two guitar players in a band he ended up touring with.
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Madison Stockwell [high school student, singer]: I like pop, rap, hiphop, soul, R&B - there is no limit as long as it has a good beat and motivational words. I really appreciate artists that do that. When you ask me where it’s going, all I can see is that a lot of current music is becoming lost in its social media, wherein it’s based on its popularity rather than the talents or basic skills of artists who express themselves through their choice of tones, notes, and emotions. It’s what should be strived for because music doesn’t have to be perfect to capture that honesty. It’s taking away the purpose of being a musician with skill sets if you need something like auto-tune to just to become famous or popular on the internet. All the hard work that musicians have to go through is being minimized. But hey, the world is not fair…not everyone is going to have their shot. But this doesn’t mean we have to give up on our dreams.
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F r a n k R o s s a n o [ r a d i o d e e j a y, songwriter drummer]:
1. What kinds of new music have you been listening to? Well, my taste in music varies from mellow, to heavy metal, to mainstream pop/rock/alternative, and indie. I really enjoy listening to catchy songs with great hooks, and that's mainly what I've been spinning on my radio show. I also love YouTube for music videos. I'm a little behind on the local music scene but would like to try and feature more great
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local music on my show at some point on a regular basis. But at the moment I'm just going with set formats that I like because I'm still new at this deejay thing. I'm always open to listening to new music when I have the time, and if I like it, I’ll play it on my show.
2. Where do you think music is headed? Hmmm…honestly, if I had to pick a direction on where music might be headed in the future, I'd have to say more toward a mellow, calm, and healing direction. More electronics, more calmness, and less distortions - a soothing level. Again, this is only my humble opinion. It's just something I'm feeling with all that's happening in the world. >> Hey, I grew up on hard rock, heavy metal pop, power pop, indie etc. It was my outlet and I'll always like those genres, but now that I'm older I can really appreciate a lot of other music styles too. Songs I wouldn't listen to or buy when I was a kid, I listen to now and really enjoy them. I appreciate great talent. Music I play on my radio show are songs with hooks and hit music from major labels. I also plan spinning some local music once in a while in the near future. >> Unfortunately I don't have the time to look or search for great local music, so it has to be sent to me via a link so I can just click and listen when I have time, and if I like what I hear, I'll play it on my show. Another option is sending a CD to WMFO, Attn: Frank Rossano. One thing for sure, I'm really enjoying this new deejaying adventure in my life and hope to continue with it for a long time. To sum up: I can feel and envision exciting new opportunities and creations for new generations in regards to music. Music is good for the mind, body, and soul, and that’s what it’ll be used for. Rock on…
Rick Berlin [iconic singer/songwriter/ keyboardist]:
1. What new music have you been listening to?
Not much, to tell the truth. I’m a lazy listener. NPR perpetually on in my car. ‘New’est might be (tho pushing it): Video of Aretha Franklin singing in church as a teenager. Seeing her on Carson as a kid, and then later, this video…life changing for me. At least as much as Nina Simone, John Lennon, Dylan et al had hit me in the heart as a kid. Yup. Older gen, chez moi. Thing is, I’m pretty sure it’s kids, teens and younger, for whom music matters, really speaks and liberates. I ain’t that kid anymore. And it takes a LOT for me to be moved outside of my critical head by a live performer or something heard on radio.
2. Where do you think music is heading? Never sure music actually heads anywhere. It has it’s own river to run, it’s own universe subjectively/personally felt/ designed by whomever tunes in. So yeah. Too much of a philosophical answer. Meanwhile, money and free music and no far reaching local radio playing the unknowns changes what you hear and who hears it. But still, music, songs, art of any kind finds you. It always has. Always will. The business is crazy. Always has been. If there is a cliff to fall off, the business end of music will find it. I will add that home studio recording is now so advanced that truly great stuff can be recorded at home. On the cheap. With a super hi-end result. For all artists, this is awesome. Even if only your Mom hears what you do, at least it’s delivered in a Great Studio Result, without overspending.
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! ________________________________________________________________________________! ! It’s All About Arts Magazine
January 2019
T
ess’s JANUARY To-Do List
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Saturday Open Studio: Saturday, January 5th 11:00am - 4:00pm https://www.gardnermuseum.org/calendar/event/open-studio-20190105 Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for a Satuday workshop to work with yarn and play around with creating your own tapestry! These workshops are developed in collaboration with Polly Thayer Starr Artist Series visiting artist Shane Maxwell. The workshop is included in museum admission, so be sure to make a day of it and take in all if the Museum’s wonders.
Namaste Saturdays at the MFA: Saturday, January 12th, 9:00 - 10:00am https://www.mfa.org/programs/special-event/namaste-saturday-with-heidi-seely The Museum of Fine Arts is famous for many things, now including their Saturday morning yoga classes. Join for January’s class on January 12th from 9:00 - 10:00am with Heidi Seely. Visit the link to learn more and buy tickets before they sell out. If you can’t make it this month, there will be another class February 2nd. It’s a great way to start the weekend and after class you are free to explore the Museum!
FREE Community Chamber Concert Curtis Hall Community Center: Sunday, January 13th at 3:00pm https://www.bso.org/Performance/Detail/99333 Community Chamber Concerts build personal connections to the BSO and orchestral music, allowing community members to become more deeply engaged with the BSO over time. Each concert program lasts approximately one hour and is followed by a coffee and dessert reception for the audience and musicians. RSVP at the link and claim your ticket!
It’s All About Arts Magazine January 2019
Tess’s January To-Do List (continued) Well presented by Wellesley Repertory Theatre at Ruth Nagel Jones Theatre January 17 - February 10, 2019 https://www.wellesleyrepertorytheatre.org/shows/well
Experience this thought-provoking, Tony-nominated play exploring issues of wellness, health, illness, and more written by Lisa Kron. Contemplate wellness in communities, interpersonally, and personally as you enjoy this thoughtful performance. Get your tickets at the link listed.
DORRANCE DANCE at Emerson/Cutler Majestic Theatre:
Friday, January 18th & Saturday, January 19th at 8:00pm https://worldmusic.org/content/event_page/7251/dorrance-dance Tap dancer and choreographer Michelle Dorrance honors tap dance’s unique American tradition while pushing the form rhythmically, aesthetically, and conceptually. Her iconic tap company, Dorrance Dance, includes 12 dancers and a live band performing Myelination and the Boston premieres of Jungle Blues, and Three to One.
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Boston Opera House: January 8th - 20th https://boston.broadway.com/shows/charlie-and-chocolate-factory-baa
Get your “Golden Ticket” to this Broadway musical in Boston this month to follow young Charlie Bucket as he embarks on his adventure to meet other golden ticket winners, Willy Wonka, Oompa Loompas, and learns some valuable lessons along the way. This performance is sure to knock your socks off. Try not to lose them in the great glass elevator or the everlasting gobstopper machine!
It’s All About Arts Magazine January 2019
Tess’s January To-Do List (continued) 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 is the new Co-host for It’s All About Arts TV Show that promotes local arts and culture on cable TV.
More about Roslindale Village Main Street: roslindale.net
Host Glenn Williams Co-host Tess McColgan
facebook.com/TalkArts itsallaboutarts.com/cableshow.htm Sponsored by Boston Main Streets bostonmainstreets.org
It’s All About Arts Magazine January 2019
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