February 2010 NOW@The Music Hall

NOW

@

T h e M u s i c H a l l ’s M o n t h l y M a g a z i n e

Fetehle ! e v o L

February 2010

ELIANE ELIAS A Bossa Nova

Valentine’s Day Cupid Recommends: Best Bets for a Lovely February Photo: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo

Everybody loves Carmen: The Jan. 16 Met @ The Music Hall set record attendance!

Photo: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo

Eliane Elias Sunday, February 14, 2010 • 8pm • Tickets: $30; $25

Love those t-shirts! Get yours at upcoming Kids RULE! live shows and films...only $10!

Celebrate a Bossa Nova Valentine’s Day with the sensual Brazilian jazz pianist, singer-songwriter whose distinctive musical style blends her Brazilian roots, her sensuous, alluring voice with her impressive instrumental jazz, classical and compositional skills – a triple Grammy nominee with 21 albums. Make your pre-show dinner reservations now at area restaurants! “…superb, a sensitive and sexy walk through the Jobim songbook” – CADANCE

SPONSORS: Seacoast Rejuvenation Center; Fosters Daily Democrat

Also in this issue...

Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour

Box Office 603.436.2400

NT Live HD Broadcast: Nation

Umalali: The Garifuna Women’s Project

www.themusichall.org

Extraordinary Cinema: Broken Embraces

28 Chestnut Street • Portsmouth, NH

NOW

@ the music hall

A n A m e r i c a n Tr e a s u r e f o r t h e A r t s

live events february

Caribbean Night @ the music hall!

THE WAILERS

Wednesday, February 3 • 7:30pm • $40; $29 • Opener: Green Lion Crew

Bob Marley took reggae music from its former status as a regional Jamaican phenomenon and transformed it into a sound and style that captured the attention of the world. Today, The Wailers – lead by Aston “Familyman” Barrett (bass player/musical leader for the Wailers and Bob Marley) – now consist of seven members who recorded and/or toured with Bob Marley and the Wailers. Start Caribbean Night in the Founders Lobby at 7pm with appetizers from Blue Mermaid Island Grill, and signature cocktails!

EVENING SPONSORS: Freedom Boat Club; Aero Dynamics, Inc.; Blue Mermaid Island Grill

JOSHUA BELL AND JEREMY DENK

MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL ON TOUR

Thursday, February 4 • 7:30pm • $80; $65

Wednesday, February 10 • 7:30pm • $54; $40

Among the most celebrated classical and chamber musicians in the world, this multiGrammy Award winning violinist performed in The Red Violin, which won the Oscar for Best Original Score. Joining him again will be award-winning pianist Jeremy Denk.

“Polished and secure…expressive flexibility… breathtaking ease…” – New York Times EVENING SPONSORS: Lamprey Brothers; Ocean Bank

SERIES SPONSOR:

Last year we hosted the Festival’s 50th tour. The tour was such a success, they’ll be back with even more amazing artists from Festival 2010. Chicago-based singer Kurt Elling is equal parts Frank Sinatra and Elvis Costello and a favorite of Renee Fleming’s. Also appearing are Regina Carter, Russell Malone, and Kenny Barron. “taking the listener into the future of jazz.” – TIME MAGAZINE EVENING SPONSORS: Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café; Kimmi’s Best Biscotti, LLC; Piscataqua Savings Bank

UMALALI: THE GARIFUNA WOMEN’S PROJECT

Friday, February 19 • 8pm • $28; $22

Descendants of shipwrecked slaves who married Carib and Arawak Indians, the Garifuna create a unique brand of music and dance blending rock, blues, funk, African, Latin and Caribbean rhythms.

Umalali is the Garifuna word for “voice.”

Look for entrancing singers, percussionists on traditional African drums, electric guitars, and bass.

“Extraordinary singers... a unique and wonderful world; once you enter you will never want to leave” – THE GUARDIAN

NT LIVE @ The Music Hall: NATION Sunday, February 7 • 2pm (1:30 walk-in) • $27.50

Live theatre broadcast (delayed) from London’s National Theatre. Suitable for children 10 and over.

“The National’s eagerly awaited new family show…will enthrall adults and children alike” – Daily Telegraph, UK SERIES SPONSOR: Seatrade International Co., Inc.

Box Office 603.436.2400

founders lobby lounge

FEBRUARY 2010

Join us for cocktails every Friday & Saturday 5:30-midnight.

Me & Orson Welles

extraordinary cinema

“One of the best pictures about the stage in recent memory.”

– NEW YORK POST

THE ROAD Rated R • 112min • USA • 2/5-2/11 daily @ 7pm • No show 2/10 From Cormac McCarthy (No Country For Old Men) comes the highly anticipated big screen adaptation of his best-selling Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Academy Award-nominee Viggo Mortensen leads an all-star cast featuring Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce and newcomer Kodi Smit-McPhee in this epic postapocalyptic tale of the survival of a father and his son as they journey across a barren America.

“Earns every minute that it rattles inside your head.” – NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

KIDS RULE! MOVIE: THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG Rated G • 97min • USA • 2/20 @ 2pm • 1 Show Only!

“This is what classic animation once was like! A story! Characters! A plot!”

– ROGER EBERT

H ey, Kid

s!

Walt Disney Animation Studios presents a musical-comedy set in New Orleans.

From the creators of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin comes a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana, a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. Golden Globe Nominee.

Wildcard Movie: Me & ORSON WELLES

Rated PG13 • 114min • UK • 2/18 @ 7pm 1 SHOW ONLY!

Richard Linklater’s new feature set in 1937 stars Zac Efron as the actor who lands a job with Orson Welles (Christian McKay) and his legendary Mercury Theatre.

Working with the genius and appearing in Welles’ groundbreaking production of Julius Caesar sets his life on a new course. With Claire Danes. Kent Stephens, Harbor Light Stage Founding Artistic Director and author of Orson Welles Rehearses Moby Dick, will introduce the film and host a post-film discussion.

SPONSORS: BayRing Communications; Cocked Hat Ventures, LLC; Homewood Suites by Hilton in Portsmouth, NH; New Hampshire Public Radio; Hawthorn Publications

MR. ER BUST

THE YOUNG VICTORIA RATED PG • 100min • USA • 2/13 - 2/17 daily @ 7pm • No show 2/14 • Discussion follows 2/16 show Golden Globe nominee Emily Blunt stars, along with Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany and Miranda Richardson, in this story of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria’s rule. Her uncle, King William (Jim Broadbent), is dying and Victoria is in line for the throne but she is kept from the court by her overbearing mother (Richardson) and her ambitious advisor (Mark Strong). Victoria hates them both. Her only friend is her doting governess.

“Visually arresting and engrossing; thoroughly transporting.” – WASHINGTON POST

BROKEN EMBRACES

BROKEN EMBRACES

Rated R • 127min • SPAIN • 2/20, 2/22 & 2/23 daily @ 7pm • 2/24 @ 7:30pm • Discussion follows 2/23 show A blind writer tries to heal his wounds from a brutal car crash 14 years earlier, when he lost both his sight and his adored Lena (Penélope Cruz). Pedro Almodóvar’s newest tale of “amour fou” (crazy love) examines the themes of fatality, jealously, the abuse of power, treachery and guilt. Cruz gives yet another incendiary performance in this moving story from one of cinema’s modern masters. Golden Globe Nominee.

“Almodovar’s sexy film noir, a love letter to the magical power of movies to mend broken hearts.” – NY POST

A SINGLE MAN

Rated PG13 • 197min • USA • 1965 • 2/25 @ 6:30pm • 1 SHOW ONLY!

Los Angeles, 1962. The story of a British college professor (Colin Firth) who is struggling to find meaning in his life after the death of his long time partner. A romantic tale of love interrupted, the isolation that is an inherent part of the human condition, and ultimately the importance of the seemingly smaller moments in life. Tom Ford’s directorial debut also stars Julianne Moore. Three Golden Globe nominations.

David Lean’s multi-Oscar-winning film is an exploration of the Russian Revolution from the point of view of the intellectual title character (Omar Sharif). The vagaries of war lead him to an extra-marital affair with the beautiful Lara (Julie Christie). This epic, sweeping romance, told in flashback, captures the lushness of Moscow before the war and the violent social upheaval that followed. Based on Boris Pasternak’s Pulitzer Prizewinning novel.

“Wrenching, ravishing, exquisite, sensual...” – NPR

“Literate, thoroughly romantic.” – TIME

A SINGLE MAN RATED R • 99min • USA • 2/26 - 3/4 daily @ 7pm • 2pm matinee 2/27 • No show 2/28

the met @ the music hall SIMON BOCCANEGRA (Verdi)

Saturday, February 6 • 1pm Tickets $27.50; 18 & under $15

Four decades into a legendary Met career, tenor Plácido Domingo makes history singing the baritone title role in Verdi’s gripping political thriller.

THE MET SERIES SPONSORS: Avery Insurance; Classical 99.5 Boston

HD BROADCAST ON SCREEN: A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION

Saturday, February 13 • 2pm (delayed) • 1:30pm walk-in Tickets: $20; 18 & under $15 With his usual understated wit, Garrison Keillor noted: “After all these years, we’re starting to get the hang of doing this show and feeling like we’re ready for the big screen. It’s a radio show that has lasted 35 years and now you can see why.”

An Evening to Remember: Your Company Holiday Party at The Music Hall! Contact Mary Horigan at mhorigan@themusichall.org.

Box Office 603-436-2400

BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT!

LA DANSE: PARIS OPERA BALLET NOT Rated • 159min • FRANCE • 2/21 @ 2pm & 6pm • Tickets $10 Documentary master Frederick Wiseman turns his attention to one of the world’s greatest ballet companies, serving up delectable moments, one more glorious than the next.

“One of the finest dance films ever made...” – VARIETY

www.themusichall.org www.themusichall.org

NOW

@ the music hall

FEBRUARY calendar of events

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

31 The Music Hall Presents

1

2

3 The Music Hall Presents

4 The Music Hall Presents

5

6

extraordinary cinema

extraordinary cinema

RED CLIFF

RED CLIFF

SOLD OUT! THE MET @ THE MUSIC HALL: INTIMATELY YOURS:

BRANDI CARLILE

P

7:00PM

7

INTIMATELY YOURS:

P

7:00PM

THE WAILERS

8

9

10 The Music Hall Presents

extraordinary cinema

extraordinary cinema

THE ROAD

THE ROAD

7:00PM

SIMON BOCCANEGRA

extraordinary cinema

JOSHUA BELL AND JEREMY DENK 7:30PM

7:30PM

11

P

THE ROAD 7:00PM

extraordinary cinema

12

13

2PM

HD BROADCAST: A PRAIRIE HOME

extraordinary cinema

7:00PM

15

16

17

extraordinary cinema

extraordinary cinema

extraordinary cinema

YOUNG VICTORIA

YOUNG VICTORIA

YOUNG VICTORIA

7:00PM

THE ROAD 7:00PM 14 The Music Hall Presents

extraordinary cinema

MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL ON TOUR

P

7:30PM

THE ROAD

P

THE ROAD 7:00PM

NTLIVE @ THE MUSIC HALL:

NATION

1PM

7:00PM

CUZIN RICHARD ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS MIKE MCDONALD’S COMEDY XXTRAVAGANZA 8pm

18 Wildcard Movie

19 The Music Hall Presents

COMPANION

2PM

extraordinary cinema

YOUNG VICTORIA 7:00PM 20

Kids RULE! movie

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

ELIANE ELIAS

P

8:00PM

21

7:00PM

22

7:00PM

23

UMALALI

P

PRINCESS & FROG 2:00PM

7:00PM

ME & ORSON WELLES 7:00PM

24

25

26

27

8:00PM

extraordinary cinema

BROKEN EMBRACES 7:00PM

SCENE @ FIVE:

IRON HEART CIRCUS

5PM

extraordinary cinema

extraordinary cinema

extraordinary cinema

extraordinary cinema

SCREEN CLASSICS

extraordinary cinema

extraordinary cinema

LA DANSE

BROKEN EMBRACES

BROKEN EMBRACES

BROKEN EMBRACES

DR. ZHIVAGO

A SINGLE MAN

A SINGLE MAN

28

1 March

2

3

4

5

6

2:00PM & 6:00PM

7:00PM

7:00PM

7:30PM

6:30PM

7:00PM

2:00PM & 7:00PM

SCHOOL DAYS SERIES PRESENTS DARWIN THE DINOSAUR 9:30AM & 11:30AM ME Productions Presents THE DAVID GRISMAN QUINTET 7:00pm

P

extraordinary cinema

extraordinary cinema

extraordinary cinema

extraordinary cinema

A SINGLE MAN

A SINGLE MAN

A SINGLE MAN

A SINGLE MAN

7:00PM

7:00PM

7:00PM

7:00PM

extraordinary cinema

KIRSCHNER CONCERTS PRESENTS TBA JOHN HIATT AND THE COMBO 7:00PM 8:00PM

Box Office 603.436.2400 • www.themusichall.org

Show & Tell: Post-show film discussion with Paul Goodwin

P

Valet parking available 90 minutes prior to the show

Enjoy the benefits.

PAID

portsmouth, nh permit no. 202

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

Photo by Gary Langley/Blind Dog Photography

Share in the magic.

“Libations” Iron Heart Circus

Support The Music Hall.

In the seductive light of the Founders Lobby Lounge, lift a glass and take a peek into the mysteries of the Iron Heart Circus – the secret stories that occur only behind the curtain. Two lustful clowns, one strapping strongman, and an irreconcilable attraction will be featured as New Hampshire’s own burlesque/cabaret troupe joins us for a very special show. IHC prides itself on bringing the best in live music, vaudeville, modern dance, and circus arts to the stage, dinner theatre and beyond.

It is their mission to empower men and women in their sexuality through humor and artistic expression. $2 cover charge (members free)

Become a member.

ATTENTION MEMBERS AND CORPORATE PARTNERS: PARTIES FOR YOU COMING UP SOON! SEE SAVE THE DATE INFO, PAGE 4...

This was printed on an FSC Certified paper containing 25% post-consumer waste.

FSC Certification ensures responsible use of forest resources.

SQU A

On sale to members Fri., Feb. 5 at noon.

On sale to the public Fri., Feb. 12 at noon.

MICHAEL LEWIS

Wed., April 7

Writers on a New England Stage:

Or renew your membership today!

MS

ANN

COTT

ESS

JUST ANNOUNCED!

Special thanks to our Season Underwriters:

PR

28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801

SPONSOR: Blue Mermaid Island Grill

NOW

@ the music hall

Wednesday, February 24 • 5-7pm Bar opens at 5pm, show begins at 5:30

IVERSARY

1949 - 2009

The Music Hall is a 501(c)3 tax exempt, fiscally responsible nonprofit, managed by a volunteer Board of Trustees and a professional staff. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowable by law.

Box Office: 603.436.2400

Here&Now

The Music Hall and the Seacoast Community

Cupid Recommends!

AS TOLD TO PATRICIA LYNCH, Executive Director

(they’re all good and you can find the list at www.themusichall.org/membership/discounts.asp) 5) Get tickets to a dish with a voice like golden syrup shot through with Brazilian hot sparks: Eliane Elias Feb. 14 at The Music Hall, look up at me and wink from your seat. (Hint: I’m in the proscenium arch).

Are you in love yet?

Fetehle ! e v o L

Get your tickets today! www.themusichall.org

Okay, I’m a short fat guy with a baby face and wings and I’m a killer shot with a bow and arrow – youse would be wise to take my advice for a snappy date – for I am connected to the light coming back into the world, to ancient rituals, (sounds like a famous novelist) secret symbols etcetera – here is my list of ways to make your love happy in February: 1) On Tuesday, Feb. 2 (Groundhog Day!), it’s Shuck A Buck night at Jumpin’ Jay’s – enjoy oysters and hit the film, Red Cliff, at The Music Hall. Trust me, you’ll find spring comes early!

2) It’s Caribbean night at The Music Hall with The Wailers on Feb. 3, get something with mango at The Blue Mermaid Island Grill, go to the show and see what happens. (I’m not telling.)

3) A classic makes for classic memories – so go to Anneke Jans and order the classic bistro meal (Bang Island mussels with pomme frites) and then go to Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk on Feb. 4.

4) Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour with Regina Carter and Kurt Elling is on Feb. 10: find your fedora or your best Cuban high heels (or both, we putti are open-minded) settle in for a smoky, sexy evening of the best jazz going. Eat and shop anywhere that you get a discount with your membership

Date Night @ The Music Hall

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, our thoughts turn to love at The Music Hall. We wondered about the dating scene here. We’d heard a rumor that Music Hall Board member David Hills took his wife Catherine McLaughlin-Hills on their first date here.

We wanted the skinny on dating at the hall!

David: When Catherine and I first got together 12 years ago, we came on a date to The Music Hall. Catherine had just moved here from San Francisco. I remember we saw a live show but I’m not sure where we went before or after.

As we go to press, our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters in Haiti, and we heartily support all Seacoast efforts to assist them.

We know that in our own neighborhood, we have people in need and a great organization that assists them.

It’s time for our annual Salvation Army food drive.

Please bring non-perishable items only to the Founders Lobby during February – there will be baskets for your donation. According to Salvation Army Major Chet Emmons, while they receive generous donations during the winter holidays, there is a continued need for support that Music Hall patrons can help to fill.

And, with so many February events at the Hall there will be ample opportunity for patrons to make their contributions. On behalf of the Salvation Army and The Music Hall, thank you.

www.themusichall.org

David: Now that we’re married, we continue to come to the Hall – we go from the intimacy of our marriage to the intimacy of a community experience on the Seacoast. And, we love going to Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe or Flatbread Pizza before a show or other restaurants in the area. Of course, sometimes when Catherine’s pager goes off and she leaves to deliver a baby, I get abandoned at the Hall. But the bottom line is The Music Hall is a great place to bring a date!

Catherine: David had deep roots here – having been here since 1974 – but I was new. The Music Hall ended up being a great place for someone new to meet people.

David: There’s such a sense of community and a sense of intimacy here. We’ve had some incredible intimate moments at the Hall. You can hold hands and laugh and cry together (which we do!). You can find out whether or not your date is a good dancer or if they have musical aptitude at all by how they do or don’t move to the music!

Music Hall Patrons Think You’re Aid Salvation Army Not Into Jazz?

Think Again!

In February

by THÉRÈSE LAGAMMA, Programming Manager

Catherine: I find The Music Hall to be inspirational, an almost spiritual experience at times.

Greg Mortenson is a great example.

by KATHLEEN SOLDATI, Director of Marketing

I had never thought of myself as a Jazz fan or as anyone who knew anything about Jazz. I remember being formally introduced when my husband played “Take Five” for me. I loved it. I didn’t realize then that when my mother had us watch Louis Armstrong on television or when I became addicted to Ella Fitzgerald singing “Mack the Knife” and “Lullabye of Birdland” on her album with Duke Ellington at the Cote D’Azur, I was listening to jazz.

Years later, when I started singing, I was asked to do a few songs at a jazz-themed event, so I researched Jazz standards and was surprised to find so many songs that I knew from my childhood. I selected Burt Bacharach’s “Walk on By” that brought me to tears as a teen every time I heard Dionne Warwick sing it. Two years ago, when we hosted Monterey Jazz Festival’s 50th Anniversary, I signed up for the curtain speech. Back stage I struck up a conversation with one of the musicians. Only later did I realize it was Terence Blanchard, the legendary New Orleans jazz trumpeter. What a character

David Hills and Catherine McLaughlin-Hills

LOVE, KURT – as I found out at the Member After Party – and what a concert! Last year, I was watching Renee Fleming on Elvis Costello’s television show talking about her favorite singer – Kurt Elling. When the MJF CD arrived here, I popped it into my car and have been playing him over and over singing “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” – wonderful!

I’m finally starting to connect the dots. I’m singing Jazz songs – I’ve added “Summertime” and “Over the Rainbow” and “Since I Fell For You” to my set list which was predominantly blues. I’m not going to miss the Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour Wednesday, February 10 and yes, I’m doing that curtain speech again – wonder if I can meet Mr. Elling back stage?!

Box Office 603.436.2400

Save the Dates!

Annual Members Post-Show Party Sunday, March 14

Just Announced! Writers on a New England Stage: Michael Lewis

by MARGARET TALCOTT, Associate Producer, Writers on a New England Stage

When author-journalist Michael Lewis steps up to the podium April 7, there will be friends and family cheering in the front row – Seacoast residents, Music Hall members and staff who have been helping to secure his appearance. We touched base with two of them to gain their insight on the writer and latest work, The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine.

The party will be held at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café, immediately following that evening’s Solas performance at The Music Hall. All members are welcome to join us and meet the artists! Look for more details in the March NOW @ The Music Hall.

Corporate Partnership Sneak Peek Tuesday, March 30

Attention: Music Hall Sponsors and businesses who want to learn more about our Corporate Partnership program.

You and your associates are invited to a great party – cocktails, gourmet appetizers provided by Robert’s Maine Grill and business networking in the Founders Lobby.

Then head upstairs to the theater where Executive Director Patricia Lynch takes us through what she and her curatorial team have selected for the 2010-2011 season – live shows, kids programs, films, and HD broadcasts. 5pm-6:30pm.

Don’t miss out! Be the first to hear about our upcoming season – get on board our Corporate Partnership Program! For more information or to RSVP for this event, please contact: Meghan Durkee, mdurkee@themusichall.org or (603) 433-3100 x34.

Wine Tastings

You know our Founders Lobby Lounge is open every Friday and Saturday night from 5:30-midnight. We’ve just added a wonderful new feature – wine tastings following all of our Music Hall Presents shows in the Founders Lobby Lounge.

Sponsored by The Meat House, the wine tastings will feature flights of wine – that is, tastings of two ounces of four wines, and we’ll be providing hors d’oeuvres.

Scot Johnson, one of our Founders Lobby Lounge bartenders, will be focusing on Australian wines during the month of February – from then on, we’ll do a new region each month.

See you at one of our wine tastings after the following live shows in February – The Wailers, Joshua Bell, Monterey Jazz Festival, Eliane Elias, and Umalali!

www.themusichall.org

Music Hall member Nancy Noyes worked on the same Salomon Brothers sales desk as Lewis. “I love Michael’s style of writing. He looks at things in the funniest way.

My favorite book is Liar’s Poker, the story of his time at Salomon Brothers. Moneyball is another favorite which I believe everyone with even the slightest interest in baseball must read. The bottom line is that Michael finds the truth and humor in everything. I can’t wait to hear about his new book chronicling last year’s market collapse. And, I can’t wait to see Michael – it’s going to be a great night!”

Membership Manager Lauren Lenox is related to Michael Lewis: his wife Tabitha Soren, the superstar MTV newscaster, is Lenox’s second cousin. Says Lenox: “Michael has certainly been an exciting addition to our family! I first met him as Tabitha’s fiancé when I was 13 – at that time I was disappointed that she was marrying an author and not a rock star…but, after reading The New New Thing, about the dot com boom in Silicon Valley, I realized why he is considered one of the best non-fiction writers of our time. He has an amazing way of making complex topics sound like casual party conversation. I became addicted to reading his hilarious Slate.com articles about his kids – and I’m convinced that being connected to the author of Moneyball and The Blind Side got me asked out on some dates in

college! We’re all so proud of him (and the success of The Blind Side movie) – my whole family will be here to cheer him on!”

WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE: Michael Lewis will take place on Wednesday, April 7, at 7:30pm. Tickets go on sale to Music Hall members Friday, Feb. 5, at noon and to the public on Friday, Feb. 12, at noon.

Let There Be Light!

by MARY HORIGAN, Director of Corporate & Foundation Giving

What are the most energy efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs?

In keeping with ancient Celtic “Feast of Lights” traditions during the month of February, I thought it would be fun to kindle the flames within, so to speak, during the dark of winter. So I spoke to an expert in lighting to see how we can bring some light into our lives in these modern times. An interview with Jim Pender who is Executive VP, COO of The Lighting Center at Rockingham Electric.

What tips would you give to keep your home looking bright?

It all starts at the light source itself. The traditional incandescent light bulb that you still find in most homes has been virtually unchanged since Edison’s time. Today’s technology offers so many different light sources that should be considered when lighting a home properly. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s) are an excellent choice for general ambient lighting; they provide a high volume of light while using only a fraction of the electricity of incandescent sources and last up to ten times longer. CFL’s also have a more balanced color spectrum resulting in better color rendition – a good choice for task lighting. Light-emitting diodes (LED’s) are another high quality, energy efficient option. They should last more than 30,000 hours, compared to 1,000 hours for incandescent and 10,000 hours for a CFL. This product is very appealing in applications where lamp replacement is difficult such as cove lighting and cathedral ceilings.

Compact fluorescent lighting is the most popular means of converting to energy efficient lighting today. This conversion can be as simple as changing out the light bulb of an existing fixture or installing a new compact fluorescent fixture. If you are considering compact fluorescent light fixtures, look for the ENERGYSTAR* rating, the highest standard of energy efficiency. We carry many brands of Energy Star Lighting – Seagull, Kichler, Murry Feiss and Philips compact fluorescent lamps.

What is the #1 rule of thumb that everyone should know about home lighting?

Dim as much as possible. It allows you complete control of lighting, flexibility for different activities, versatility, reduces energy consumption and extends lamp life.

What are the new trends in lighting? How does solar lighting fit into the future?

While CFL’s have been around for quite awhile, LED’s are definitely the new trend. Unfortunately with any new technology comes the issue of price and LED’s are expensive. That being said, there are still many reasons to consider LED’s.

Solar Lighting is another option that may be considered for certain applications. Although it is environmentally friendly, we have found it often produces an insignificant amount of light. Being very dependent on the sun, our climate may not be the best option for solar lighting year round. As technology with this product continues to develop, we may see a more reliable solar solution in the future.

Box Office 603.436.2400