CAROUSEL triple cities
april 2013
free
vol. 1 issue 2
music. art. theatre. food. life.
90.5 FM
editorial. Well, this is all very exciting. Not two months ago, I was sitting in my office, upstairs at Cyber Café West, looking at all sorts of scribbles on napkins and pieces of toilet paper, trying to figure out how exactly it would all translate into a real, live arts newspaper. Today, I’m sitting in that same office, surrounded by even more napkins and pieces of toilet paper, wondering how we managed to pull it off (and seriously considering taking all future notes on a legal pad).
The response, from the minute we distributed the very first copy of Triple Cities Carousel, has been overwhelming. Any doubts I had in my mind as to the necessity of such a publication in our community were washed away upon seeing the looks on people’s faces as they opened our inaugural issue and started reading. Their smiles, and the countless emails of thanks and encouragement, have proven to me beyond the shadow of a doubt that Triple Cities Carousel is here to stay.
We handed out hundreds of copies of the paper on First Friday, only to run up the street to Cyber Café West to host an incredibly successful inaugural Carousel Presents concert: the Big Takeover packed the house and kept us dancing all night! All through the month, we watched copy after copy of Triple Cities Carousel disappear from the stacks we distributed, while our phones rang off the hook with interested writers, advertisers, and arts organizations. We were featured on News Channel 34, became a member organization of the Broome County Arts Council, and somewhere along the line, found time to put together a second issue!
It is that second issue you hold in your hands now. If March’s Carousel was a labor of love, April’s is one of infatuation. We’ve done our best to include as much information as is humanly possible, while making it fun to read and departing somewhat from a traditional journalistic format. Our writing staff has grown, and with those new additions come several distinct voices we hope you’ll enjoy.
Remember, though, reading Triple Cities Carousel is not a passive act. It is a process of participation. Take what you find in these pages, and make plans. There’s no shortage of great musical happenings, theatre events, and gallery shows. Go see them. Be inspired by them. Consume creativity, and creativity will consume you. I’ll see you on the frontlines.
-Christopher Bodnarczuk
April 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 3
contents.
music..................................................................5 comedy..............................................................7 theatre and dance.........................................8 art......................................................................9 calendar..........................................................10 literary...........................................................14 faces and places..........................................15 food and drink...............................................16 wellness..........................................................17 horoscopes.....................................................18 comics..............................................................18 TRIPLE CITIES CAROUSEL P.O. BOX 2947 BINGHAMTON, NY 13902 Editor-in-Chief Christopher Bodnarczuk Advertising E. Mathias Kamin III, Christopher Bodnarczuk Staff Writers Charles Berman, Maxine Fallon-Goodwin, E. Mathias Kamin III, Maria Murphy, Lia Ponterotto Contributors Stacey Burke, Kristina Strain, Jeff Kahn Photography Ty Whitbeck Printer Our Press Chenango Bridge, NY FOR ADVERTISING: triplecitiesads@gmail.com FOR EVERYTHING ELSE: triplecitiescarousel@gmail.com
FOR QUOTES AND MORE, EMAIL BMOAS@YAHOO.COM
MARATHON
MUSIC AT
April 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 5
music.
FITZIES GET FREAKY IN FRIENDSVILLE
Christopher Bodnarczuk Editor-in-Chief As if there wasn’t enough to see in Binghamton already, Fitzies Irish Pub is upping the ante, presenting their annual 24/7 showcase of musicians this April. 24/7. As in twenty four bands, bursting the seams of the local dive bar for seven days, from April 15 to the 21st.
Really, this is a bit of an understatement, as event organizer Dan Pokorak estimates that the real number is more along the lines of 35 bands and performers. “For me all the bands are highlights… local favorites Milkweed and Daffodil, singer-songwriters like Lukus Wells, JimmyJohn McCabe, and Claire Byrne are also doing solo sets. I feel like I’m doing an injustice not listing everyone that is playing that week. Every act is inspiring and incredible.” One can’t blame Pokorak for not being able to name all of the acts performing: there’s just so many! The local musician is working tirelessly to organize and promote the event, not to mention that he’ll be performing and handling sound. “I wanted to throw a crazy week of music. It began two years ago, by the grace of [bar owner] Ed Hickey and the local musicians having faith that we could pull something like this off.” Adds Pokorak, “these bands make up what makes our grey city a great place to catch new music, and Fitzies has the space and just the right attitude to showcase all its genres. We have the best bartenders and a whole lot of whiskey. Put it all together and you have a great bar that has a heart for the music scene.” That heart will be pumping into overdrive all through the event. With multiple bands performing every night, there’s bound to be something for everyone. There will be a nightly cover charge for the event, with proceeds going to the bands playing. The cover is $5 Monday-Thursday, and Sunday, or $10 each on Friday and Saturday. If you want to experience the whole spectrum of music, however, tickets for the entire week are available for $20, at Fitzies Pub, The Belmar, or from any of the performers.
HYPNOTIC CLAMBAKE, BIG LEG EMMA dio albums, two live albums and a pair of live DVDs under their belt and are trying “to spread our musical seed across the nation,” says drummer Rad Akers.
Ty Whitbeck Staff Writer
On April 6, The Choconut Inn welcomes two powerhouse bands to their backyard pole barn. Hypnotic Clambake and Big Leg
Emma will be tearing it up just over the border in Friendsville, PA, for a show that is not to be missed.
Their hard work does not go unnoticed. Having played in over 25 states from New York to Illinois and down to the Florida Keys, Big Leg Emma have surely slayed audiences (musically) up and down the coast. They make instant die-hard fans at shows and make new believers out of old listeners.
Hypnotic Clambake got their start in Boston in 1990 and swan dove into the scene, making their rounds and playing shows with Phish and Dave Matthews Band, before staking out a home in upstate New York. They have also recorded and released seven albums and gave birth to “O.U.R. Fest,” their very own music festival (which is now in its 17th year and held in Panama, NY.) Their music has also traveled the globe, making deep footprints in the soils of Italy and Belgium. It continues to provide the quirky soundtrack to the weirdness in all of us.
The most recent release from Big Leg Emma is “Heartbreakin’ Balance,” a live DVD, beautifully shot and directed by Torrey Johnson, chronicling the band’s tour of seventeen shows in seventeen days in support of their most recent studio release, “Revival.” The DVD gives a glimpse at some of the wonders and the woes of being on the road.
Having been called “Post Bulgarian Neo-Celtic Roots Rock” and a “bar-mitzvah on acid,” the band refuses to be pegged as anything that can be described in one sentence or less. Their metamorphosis has landed the band notes in the zydeco, polka, klezmer, bluegrass, and ska genres. “Our sound not only evolves by the years, it changes by the month, week, hour and minute…up to the second. We never play a song the same way twice,” says Maury Rosenberg, accordionist/singer/founder of Hypnotic Clambake. “A ton of improvisation and twisting rhythms create the Clambake sound, which, in truth, is best enjoyed in the moment of a live show.” Hypnotic Clambake has shared the stage with many well-known acts in its lifetime, including Big Leg Emma, who they share the bill with at the Choconut Inn concert. “Even though Hypnotic Clambake and Big Leg Emma are friends, I think we both enjoy coming to the stage and seeing who can frenzy the audience the best, such is the life of most bands in America,” says Rosenberg. “It’s kind of like being in a boxing ring and you want your band to smash any other group in the room [laughs]. This will be a great bill
Hypnotic Clambake. Photo Provided.
and it’s going to be a lot of fun playing with them again.” Big Leg Emma, from Jamestown, New York, have been pushing their brand of Americana roots rock (laced with bluegrass and psychedelia) since 2001, and they have stirred up quite the commotion in the process. They have played the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival, Great Blue Heron Festival, O.U.R. Fest and have put in quite a few hours in the studio and the editing room. Big Leg Emma have two stu-
“Being an artist, an entertainer, a performer… you need dynamics in life so you feel alive,” Charity Nuse (mandolin/percussion/vocals) explains. “You have to sacrifice many things about a normal, conventional lifestyle to be a musician,” added Steve Johnson (guitar/vocals). On Saturday, April 6th, the Choconut Inn will host two of the most well rounded groups of musicians its barn has ever seen: Hypnotic Clambake and Big Leg Emma. Tickets are available at www.thechoconutinn.com and at Music City (3100 Vestal Parkway East) for $15. You can also purchase tickets at the door, day of show. It’s all ages and is the music is scheduled to commence at 8pm.
SUMMER PEOPLE RELEASES NEW ALBUM Maxine Fallon-Goodwin Staff Writer
Local band Summer People is: Graham Feltham (lead guitar), Brandon Musa (bass), Pete Ives (lesser guitar-said Musa), Alex Craver (vocals), and Jesse Lafian (drums). The band formed in 2008 af-
ter founding members Feltham and Musa met at a party and decided that they’d play music together. Staff writer Maxine Fallon-Goodwin sat down with the two to discuss their new, as-of-yet untitled album. Carousel- How would you describe your sound? What emotion or feelings are you trying to provoke with your music? Feltham- I always like to say raw, just ‘cuz it’s easy. Just trying not to sound contrived at all. We want to be in the
moment. Musa- We’ve gone through a few different song writers, so our band has gone through a lot of different sounds. We’ve been criticized for having too many ‘cooks in the kitchen.’ [With] this record we’ve been getting a lot more buzz, because we’ve settled for a raw sound.
Carousel-I know that your producer’s [Hunter Davidsohn’s] recording style is pretty “raw” and mostly analog. Is that what brought you guys to him? Feltham- We’ve been playing with Hunter (Underground River) for forever, we’ve all been in bands around Binghamton for a while now. And that feeling of camaraderie translates into his recording style. Musa- Hunter A) knows what he’s doing and B) pours everything he has into it. The thing with this new album, we were like ‘what can we do to make this make more sense,’ and we said ‘let’s cut the bells and whistles, kind of like the things that drew people to us: the percussion, cello; those are cool and we’ve done
that but now let’s focus on the song writing.’
Carousel- Your shows are always super energetic, you’ve really perfected the art of getting the crowd excited and moving. How do you keep that energy going from show to show? Musa- I think it works the other way around. It’s not just Binghamton. We show up in other towns and it takes 1 or 2 songs and everyone is moving. I think it’s the way our songs are written, and the crowd wants to have a good time. Feltham- Yeah, you feed off it. If we were playing in an auditorium with seating the people would be completely different. I don’t think we could muster up much energy from that. Carousel- Brandon, those who pay attention to underground punk bands in upstate NY were pretty pumped to see your other band “Fire When Ready” playing a few shows. Will we see more of you guys? Maybe an album?
Musa-Yeah, I’m sure at some point. We’re kind of just doing it for fun and whenever it makes sense. If the show makes sense we’ll play the show. There are no plans. There is a label that wants to put out a record, and we’ll do that eventually. It’s hard for us all to get together and do anything so it’s going to be pretty slow. Carousel-You have toured a few times. The tour with Hotchacha was something insane like 48 shows in 48 days. What would you say are some of the biggest dos and don’ts of going on such a long tour? Feltham- Eat your greens. If you’re using a veggie oil van, don’t ask if you can get veggie oil- just take itbut keep a watch guy out! Be super respectful of whoever lets you stay at their house: do the dishes, clean up. Small towns can be the best towns. Musa- Bring headphones. It’s the only privacy you’re going to have. Make sure you have proper sleeping arrangements. (Contd. on pg. 6)
6 Vol. 1 Issue 2
SUMMER PEOPLE (Continued from Page 5) Don’t be known as the band that gets to the venue super late. Don’t eat at Denny’s in Texasthe water is contaminated from all the oil wells, so your coffee will taste like shit. Also, know that you’re going to fail the first few times… but, you start to learn who’s going to be weird to stay with and who’s not. We had this really weird experience in Texas, like we’d much rather sleep in the van than sleep there again.
Carousel- Do you guys have any set goals for where you’d like to be in 5-years? Musa- No. That would be the final bit of advice for any band. It was Converge that said “the moment you start making goals and expectations for your band is the moment you lose focus on what you should be doing.” Our band, we had a meeting where we said ‘let’s work hard but let’s do this because we like the music and we like being around each other.’ We’ve been like a family. We’ve been out on the road for years now. We’ve been through a lot of stuff together, if it’s about attaining something then we’re never going to attain it, [but] if it’s about making the music, and being around each other, if it’s about making music that we love and performing, then you’re already attaining something every time you play a show and every time we get in a room together. Then these things that are out of your control- that’s when they start happening. It’s like a relationship, if Graham and I were dating and we had expectations for where it was supposed to go it would ruin the relationship as soon as it started opposed to saying “let’s just have fun while it lasts” Feltham- Yeah so the band is a marriage and you gotta impose your expectations in a way that you can live up to them. Carousel- What role does each member of Summer People play in the song writing process? Feltham- More often than not Brandon or Alex come up with the bare bones of a song, like the skeleton. They bring it to the rest of us, and we just arrange it so it flows well and get the dynamics right. Musa- If I write a song, I come to practice with it and it’s just a chord progression. He (Feltham) adds to it. Graham is actually a huge part of the rhythm, on top of being lead guitar. In several cases he’ll change the entire rhythm of the song… my chord progression is good but it doesn’t go well with that rhythm. I can say that everyone has an equal part. Feltham- We all come from pretty drastically different music backgrounds. The bands that we were in before Summer People were like grindcore, [or] in Pete and Jesse’s case punk, so we’ve finally come into our own sound, and it’s a new sound. The Binghamton release show is April 20th 10pm at the Beagle Pub in Johnson City, tickets are $6 general admission and $10 for a ticket, drink ticket, and a copy of the album.
CAROUSEL PRESENTS: THOMAS WESLEY STERN & MILKWEED
Christopher Bodnarczuk Editor-in-Chief
We here at Triple Cities Carousel love to toot our own horn. We also love to put
on shows. We especially like to toot our own horn about putting on amazing shows. Last month, as the unofficial launch party for the newspaper, we held the very first installment of our CAROUSEL PRESENTS concert series, with The Big Takeover, at Cyber Café West. Then, we went for broke and put on a very (very!) last minute house concert, featuring JUNO Award winning banjo player Old Man Luedecke and Binghamton’s own Joseph Emerick Alston. Both shows were quite the hoot, so here we are again, perforating wristbands and unwrapping PA cables for April’s installment of Carousel Presents. Join us on April 5, as we welcome Thomas Wesley Stern and Milkweed to the Cyber Café West stage. Folk troubadours Thomas Wesley Stern hail from Jackson, NJ, but they call the road home. With a heavy touring schedule that finds them up and down the east coast of the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom and Ireland, it’s a wonder they ever find time to enter the studio, but that’s just what they do, time and time again. They recently raised over $9000 on Kickstarter to pay for costs on their yet-to-be-titled third release, slated for release in early April. With a sound that is both nostalgic and contemporary, the four piece band (Gary Mayer, Joseph Makovieki, James Black, and James Herdman) seamlessly weaves their brand of folk with timeless themes of love, loss, and whiskey, while playing shows for old-timers and indie kids alike. The band recently electrified, and while some fans questioned the change, the band, like Bob Dylan at Newport, has grown into it, evolving into a new creature all together. Thomas Wesley Stern will be making their first Binghamton appearance alongside good friends (and local mainstays) Milkweed. Old friends of bass player Bess Greenberg, they met the rest of the band last year at the Fingerlakes Festival of Music and Dance, and instantly clicked. This journalist has memories of impromptu jam sessions, featuring members of both bands, all weekend long. A double billing in Milkweed’s hometown has long been in the works. Milkweed is a bit of a supergroup in Binghamton’s tightly knit folk scene, featuring Claire Byrne on fiddle and mandolin (Driftwood, The Lutheran Skirts,
Photo Provided.
Wildcat Creek), Jackie Columbo on guitar (The Lutheran Skirts, formerly of Whiskey Bones and Dr. EF), the aforementioned Joseph Emerick Alston on guitar (The Dangerous Maybes, The Slaves), and Bess Greenberg, better known as a basketball star, on bass. All band members share vocal duties. Best friends on and off the stage, their love for each other permeates through their songs and into a crowd. Known for both haunting covers (by the likes of Gillian Welch and Steve Earle, to name a few) and intricately orchestrated originals (mostly penned by Alston), the band has only been playing in this formation for less than a year, and yet they have developed a dedicated following, with regular appear-
ances at Kingsley’s Pub, The Belmar, Fitzies, and Cyber Café West. While Byrne’s busy tour schedule with Driftwood takes her out of town quite often, the other three members (who all live together) continue to play relentlessly, booking shows whenever possible. We at Triple Cities Carousel are very excited to be presenting these two powerhouse bands side by side at Cyber Café West on Friday, April 5. The show starts at 9:00pm, and there is a $5 cover. More information on each band can be found on their respective facebook pages.
TRIPLE CITIES OPERA PAIRING
Charles Berman Staff Writer
The Tri Cities Opera will be closing its season in April by presenting a traditional double-bill of nineteenth-century Italian short operas, with productions of the respective best-known operas of composers Pietro Mascagni and Ruggero Leoncavallo -- Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci. The first of these, like this season’s earlier production Il Trovatore, has not been staged by the Tri Cities Opera since the 1980s, and Cavalleria Rusticana not since the 1950s -- the choice of the two works represents the company’s commitment to exploring beyond the most familiar warhorses of the operatic canon with the programming of its season. These two operas, customarily paired since
the 1890s, throw illuminating thematic light on one another; the story being that Leoncavallo wrote Pagliacci, a realistic opera about the death of a famous clown, as a response to the pastoral tragedy of Cavalleria Rusticana, which had recently premiered.
Like all good music, the two pieces represent both contrast and harmony, for while the subject matter of one may be a counterpoint to that of the other, they are both considered prime examples of the Italian verismo movement, which sought to reveal much of the violence and depravity behind common people and daily life -- in reaction to the vast-scale Romanticism of composers such as Wagner. Musically, however, both composers demonstrate a keen command of melody, contrast, and drama that epitomises the Romantic era. Appropriately appearing second for contrast, Pagliacci has a score that is also written with a slyly self-aware sense of reflexive theatricality -- fitting for its stage-comedian subject. Many audience members may find themselves surprised to already be familiar with Cavalleria Rusticana’s sumptuous, melodious,
and oft-quoted intermezzo.
The difficult vocal parts that characterize verismo operas have contributed to these two having been absent from the Tri Cities stage for so long, but this year the company feels the talent is available truly to do them justice. Martha Collins, a successful veteran of the Sarasota Opera, will be working in the Tri-Cities for the first time as director, and might be expected to bring an interesting holistic approach to her vision of the works, having worked as a translator of libretti and a performer herself as well as a stage director. Wielding the baton will be be the Tri Cities Opera’s own John Mario di Costanzo, an energetic, experienced conductor as well as performer in his own right who also holds a teaching position at Binghamton University this academic year. Patrick McNally will perform in both operas -- as Alfio in Cavalleria Rusticana and Silvio in Pagliacci. The Mascagni piece will also feature Sarah Kennedy as Santuzza and in the Leoncavallo Robert Heepyoung Oh will play Tonio and Stephen Webb will play Beppe. Costumes for both will be in the
hands of the Tri-Cities Opera’s own Julia Adams, fresh off her sumptuous and elaborate from-scratch build of Il Trovatore earlier this year. Since these operas have not been seen at the Tri Cities opera in decades either, they will also require new costumes to be designed and sets to be built. The Tri Cities Opera has been operating since 1949 and performs the twin functions of serving the area with a professional-level opera company and serving as a training ground for national performers through its Resident Artists Training Program. Performances will be Friday, April 26 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, April 28 at 3:00 pm at the Forum Theatre on 236 Washington Street in Binghamton. Prices range from $20 to $75. The Tri Cities Opera will also be presenting its seventh “Tasting Opera” evening at the Binghamton Riverwalk Hotel on 6 April from 7:00 - 11:00 PM. For $85, participants will get to sample a vast array of foods from dozens of local restaurants, participate in a silent auction, drink wine, and hear the bank Straight Up as well as a series of selections from the stars of the Tri Cities Opera.
MASON WARRINGTON ORCHESTRA
April 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 7
LIGHTS UP THE FIREHOUSE STAGE via Web
The last time the Mason Warrington Orchestra played at the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage, the place was filled to capacity – and that was in November! The Goodwill Theatre will celebrate the arrival of spring with a Sunday afternoon of Swing and Big Band music with the Mason Warrington Orchestra on Sunday, April 22, at 2 p.m. at the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage. This performance is the final concert of the 2011-2012 “Just 4 Fun!” Series, which is sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union. The Mason Warrington Orchestra is the area’s premier Big Band, featuring seventeen of the finest musicians in the Southern Tier. The ensemble includes pianist Jim Ford; saxophonists Jim Meckley, Bob Pompi, Al Hamme, Hank Slechta and Ron Hunkovic; percussionist Brad Nemcek; bassist Tom
IMPROV
Federowicz; trumpet players Alan Howell, Vic Merrill, John Harper, and Larry West; trombone players Mike Rohrbach, Warren Harrold, and Bob Wagner, and vocalists Judy Giblin and Ralph Muro. The orchestra’s repertoire includes authentic arrangements from the books of Count Basie, Les Brown, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Stan Kenton and many other bands, both past and present. The band’s two featured vocalists, Judy Giblin and Ralph Muro, recreate the sophisticated styles of such legendary singers as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby Darin, and Peggy Lee. Their performances at the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage feature Big Band favorites The Mason Warrington Orchestra was founded by Bob Terrell in 1992. Known as the “Main Room Band,” the orchestra has performed at venues such as the Marriott Grand Marquis Hotel in Times Square, the Wind Watch Hotel in Hauppauge, Long Island, the Fordham University Performing Arts Center in New York City, the Grand Opening of the National Warplane Museum in Elmira and the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Grand Prix Racing in Watkins Glen.
In addition to co-sponsoring monthly dances with USA Dance, the Mason Warrington Orchestra appears regularly at several summer concert series throughout central New York and performs for many social, corporate, charitable and educational events. The band is featured annually at the USA Dance Celebration Dance, and recently provided the music for the Broome County Bicentennial Ball. They have also appeared at the Cider Mill Playhouse and the Ti-Ahwaga Performing Arts Center. Judy Giblin has been a featured vocalist with the Mason-Warrington Orchestra for the past 12 years. She has also performed with Don Godfrey & Friends, Doug Beardsley, Al Hamme, Gene Cothran, and Claus Evans. She has also performed with SRO Productions, DeAngelo Productions, and the Cider Mill Playhouse. Ralph Muro has been a featured vocalist with the Mason Warrington Orchestra for seven years. Prior to that, he sang with the Jazz Exchange, which was once the house Big Band for Glen Gardner’s Music Box Jazz Club in Johnson City. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for senior citi-
zens and students. Reservations, and information on all shows, are available by calling the Goodwill Theatre Box Office at (607) 772-2404, ext. 1. Tickets, if still available, will also be sold at the door, one hour before show time. The Schorr Family Firehouse Stage, located at 4648 Willow Street in Johnson City, accepts cash, checks and all major credit cards. Doors open approximately one hour before show time. General Seating is based on a first-come; first-served policy. Refreshments will be available for sale. The Schorr Family Firehouse Stage is the first performance venue of the Goodwill Theatre Performing Arts Complex & Professional Training Facility. It is located on the corner of Corliss Avenue and Willow Street in Johnson City. Patrons are advised to enter the facility through the parking lot on Corliss Avenue. Parking is available in a small lot at the theatre, and a new lot along the side of the building, on-street, and in various Village municipal lots within two blocks of the theatre. For more information, interested persons can contact the Goodwill Theatre Box Office at (607) 772-2404, ext. 1, or visit: www.goodwilltheatre.net
comedy.
AT THE KEVIN SALISBURY BRINGS COMEDY
LOST DOG BACK TO TRIPLE CITIES
E. Mathias Kamin III Staff Writer
The Puzzled Players Comedy Improv Theatre group has been “making sense of humor” in the Southern Tier and beyond since 2003. In the style of the popular Whose Line is it Anyway TV show, the troupe takes suggestions from the audience, instantly transforming into the whims of those in attendance. This group is not to be missed, unless of course you don’t care to split your sides laughing. They are doctors, lawyers, nuns, custodians, inanimate objects, whatever you can dream and they have a regular monthly gig at the Lost Dog Café. Seriously though, the Puzzled Players are: John Carey, Joe Falank, Mitch Tiffany, Dave Adams, Adara Alston, Tara DeNucci, Jenna Koger, Rick Lucas, Laura Ricciuti & Janey Sager. Their shows at the Lost Dog are “absolutely free”, and the next scheduled performance is Thursday the 24th of April.
Ty Whitbeck Staff Writer
typically, sets of mine were an hour and a half, which is rough if you’ve never done stand-up and have no one to share the bill with,” says Salisbury.
There was a time when those who created art didn’t do it to get rich, but because they had an emotion to get out; a feeling to be heard. Give a man a
Once he started gaining momentum, other comics in the area looked to book more shows with him. “Now, I have about 4 different comics every couple months, a strong network of comedians in western New York, a growing production which includes over 4 venues, local sponsorships and an expanding fan base.”
microphone and he can change the world for better or for worse. When funny man Kevin Salisbury started letting his words be heard publicly, his world shifted. After getting the chance to do his first set in front of a room of uninterested metal heads, he began to pursue stand-up comedy further and booked himself some shows. “I worked for draft beer and,
Salisbury has paved a path down Main Street in Binghamton over the last year. Performing his set at the Speakeasy Open Mic at the Cyber Café, producing a taping of stand-up comedy by Dan McCort at Jungle Science, and now emceeing stand-up in the back room of the Belmar and
booking bigger shows, Kevin has brought the laughter back to Binghamton and surrounding areas. He says he’s got his sights on new venues, including the Choconut Inn, in Friendsville, PA, and a return to Jungle Science Art Labs, in downtown Binghamton.
He’ll be performing April 5 at The Belmar (10pm) and April 14 at Fitzies Pub (8pm- Roast of “Sleepy” Bob Yenik). He’ll also be hosting a night of comedy at Jungle Science on April 19, featuring Jessimae Peluso from MTV.
SNOW AT THE A BALLET TO KNOCK KNOW YOUR TROCKS OFF 8 Vol. 1 Issue 2
theatre and dance.
Maria Murphy Staff Writer
The performers’ display of professional grade for excellence in dance, both in 2007, The ballet mixed with precise comedic timing is TROCKS is truly a unique and talented group. living, dancing proof that only real men wear tutus.
Hold onto your tutus, because the Anderson Center is hosting a show that will blow you away! Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo will be performing this April at Binghamton University. “The TROCKS”, as the group is commonly called, is an all-male dance company that takes classical ballets and portrays them with a unique, comedic twist. Founded in 1974, this company is known worldwide as a major dance phenomenon.
So, whether you are stressed from work, beat after a long day of classes and studying, or Performing is just one of the ways “The just having a bad day this show will certainly TROCKS” contribute to the global and national lift your spirits with laughter and awe. The community. These men have performed at TROCKS have come all this way to give countless benefits worldwide to support such Binghamton a great show, so be sure not to organizations as DRA (Dancers Responding miss it! to AIDS), Queen Sirikit’s Scholarship Fund (which helps provide education to needy children in Thailand), and multiple groups that aid homeless gay youths in New York Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo will be performing at The Anderson Center for the City. Performing Arts at Binghamton University They plie, jete, and just about everything else on Tuesday April 2nd at 8pm. Tickets for ballet, while adding exaggerated trips and the general public are $45, BU faculty/staff slips and stumbles that produce comic relief Despite their playful humor on stage, these and senior citizens - $40, and students within an otherwise serious dance. While most men are dedicated professionals who take $22. For tickets and information call the Box ballets will bring you to tears from beauty or dance seriously. Winning awards such as Office at (607) 777-ARTS or visit anderson. a tragic or heartwarming story, this show will the United Kingdom’s Critic’s Circle National binghamton.edu. have you crying tears of laughter and joy. Dance Awards and the Positano Award in Italy
Charles Berman Staff Writer
Tim Gleason’s KNOW Theatre in Binghamton is known for its presentation of intense, smallcast dramas, and its upcoming April production appears to be one which will allow it to continue this tradition. Gleason will be directing Stephen Metcalfe’s three-hander Strange Snow, which premiered off-Broadway in 1982 and has since been adapted for the cinema as Jacknife, starring Robert DeNiro. It’s the semi-comic story of a Vietnam War veteran whose life is still being disrupted years later by his memory of the conflict -- and the efforts of his sister and his old war buddy to help bring him back into society. The roles will be played by well-known local actors Lynette Daniels, Mike Arcesi, and Nick DeLucia, and the theme is an appropriate one in this year in which the war in Afghanistan celebrates its twelfth birthday. Performances are April 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28 at the KNOW Theatre at 74 Carroll St in Binghamton. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for senior citizens, and $10 for students.
MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM WIGDICULOUS (SUENO DE UNA NOCHE DE VERAN0) AT ROBERSON AT BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY Chris Bodnarczuk Editor-in-Chief
Kaitlin Mooney Staff Writer
Tom Kremer, of the Binghamton University theater department and Rodrigo Nunez, of DUOC University (Santiago, Chile) team up for a modern take on Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” This duo have come together to create a bilingual adaptation of this Elizabethan classic, set in the nineteenth century. The partnership between B.U. and DUOC University dates back to 2000, when Rodrigo Nunez, recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship, met with B.U. professor (and director of production programs) Thomas Kremer. The relationship between these two universities has been solidified since then, with B.U. students traveling to Chile to perform as well as DUOC students traveling to Binghamton.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is the third production yielded from this international friendship between universities. In this adaptation, both Spanish and English will be spoken on stage, but don’t worry: if your three years of High School Spanish didn’t stick with you, the story will not be lost on you. Knowledge of both languages is not necessary to understand this production. The directors hope to instill a sense of awe in the audience in how much is understood despite language barriers. This is one of the only bilingual productions “where subtitles or translations aren’t used to help tell the story and keep the audience abreast to the happening of the play. You have to come see it to see how we ‘magically’ achieve this” advertises Kari Bayait, promotions coordinator of the B.U. theatre department. This completely innovative rendition of
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” should not be missed. Opening night is April 26th at 8 p.m. at B.U.’s Watters Theatre. If you can’t make it to opening night the play will also be running April 27th, May 3rd, 4th at 8 p.m. and May 5th at 2 p.m.). Tickets can be purchased (General public $14, Senior/Faculty/Staff $12, Students $8) at the Anderson Center Box Office or online at anderson.binghamton.edu.
“Like” Triple Cities Carousel on facebook!
This April, the Roberson Museum and Presentarts welcome to the Carousel Theater “Wigdiculous”, an original play by James Micali, directed by Judith Present, and starring Robert Mooney. “Wigdiculous” is the story of Charles Pierce, the late actor who gained notoriety for his onstage portrayals of Hollywood actresses. In a time when cross-dressing was not only taboo but illegal, Pierce broke down boundaries and challenged the status quo. “Wigdiculous,” written by an acquaintance of the late actor, takes place backstage at Pierce’s final appearance.
“Wigdiculous” will be presented during several performances, on April 5,6,7, and 13, at the Carousel Theater at the Roberson Museum. Friday and Saturday shows take place at 7:30pm, while Sunday performances are at 2:00pm. Tickets are $12. For more information, visit roberson.org.
TEKNARI PHOTO EXHIBIT AT BRUNELLI GALLERY
Maria Murphy Staff Writer This April and May, the Anthony Brunelli Fine Arts Gallery is hosting an exhibition that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. In his show “Whatever
Comes”, photographer Teknari displays a unique style and technique through his photographs by use of a long and difficult process that begins before he even loads his camera with film.
A sample of Teknari’s work. Photo provided.
As the title suggests, “Whatever Comes” is based off randomness and uncertainty; a roughness that is very process oriented. Teknari is able to accomplish this through a fascinating process that you probably won’t find many others practicing these days. Not only does he make his own film from scratch, Teknari also hand develops his photos on large plates of glass, weighing 120 pounds each: now, that is just a ton of photographs! The practice of developing film on glass plates in a similar fashion is called “Wet Plate Collodion,” and it dates back to the 1850s. Along with its unpredictability, Teknari’s unique process also, as he put it, “adds the hand of the artist,” because of the time, expense, and intense labor that goes into each photograph from start to finish. When you find an artist that is willing to put ten to fourteen labor-intense hours a day into creating such thoughtful and well-designed photo displays, it is hard not to see the tremendous added value and physicality that comes with each of their photographs. Teknari focuses on keeping his photographs truthful to himself and to what interests him most. He is trying to make his exhibitions be more autobiographical because he says it “plays to the strength of photography.” Teknari says that it is “finding out about the artists themselves” that interests him most when he looks at a piece of artwork. He continues, “I think if I want to be interesting, that’s what I have to do.” Along with his photographs, “Whatever Comes” will also be displaying his handwritten journal that includes photographs he has sewn into the pages. “In some sense you’re talking about a basis that is very autobiographical,” Teknari says in reference to his journal. “My photography is almost just gonna be kind of like a story of my life.” Teknari describes photography as a very unique form of art, because he said it “demands the artist’s presence: you have to be there, you have to experience it.” This exhibition is demanding your presence as well; you’ll have to be there, you’ll have to experience it. “Whatever Comes” is running now through May 31st at the Anthony Brunelli Fine Arts Gallery. Gallery hours are: First Fridays 6pm-9pm and Saturdays 12pm-4pm, or by appointment – (607) 624-3406. Visit anthonybrunelli.com or Teknari.com for additional information.
April 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 9
art.
ON THE COVER: THE CAMINITI TWINS
E. Mathias Kamin III Staff Writer
Our April cover image was created by one half of a dynamic duo of artists: Jamal Caminiti. It was created with acrylics, and is called “Mirage.” Jamil and Jamal Caminiti are paint & print artists, construction workers, and gun enthusiasts. They live and work with their older brother, Misha 27, about twenty minutes south of the Triple Cities in an old farm house just outside Montrose, PA. The two are also mirror twins; a type of identical twin that is quite rare. One is right- handed while the other dominantly left, you get the idea. This mirroring of physical features and traits happens in only about 25 percent of monozygotic twins, and it has had a profound impact on how they create art. Jamil is best with the ball point pen. The oldest by 7 minutes, he creates the form and adds the realist black & white touches to their shared paintings. Jamal in his own words is more a painter than an illustrator. He works customarily with bright acrylics in juxtaposing swaths of color. This creates a very busy and intricately detailed canvas. Born in Morristown, NJ the boys and their very supportive mother moved over 20 times in as many years. Growing up, they landed briefly in places as varied as one dare imagine; Vermont, rural Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida. The latter first sparked the twins’ interest in what has been called the scourge of public and private property: graffiti. Although completely legitimate now, at the time the twins shared a passion (and luckily, a neighborhood) with graffiti artists they soon revered. Solo One, IFuk and Trism were their main influences. Hitting overpasses, abandoned buildings and skate parks, it is easy to see how they speedily honed their current style. Being mostly self-taught, as they say, they needed to “borrow school supplies” at a younger age to complete works of their own design outside of class. As far back as either can imagine, the two have been growing together. They began speaking on the same day, writing on the same day, and it is no coincidence that they have grown so close togeth-
“Life Sphere” by Jamil Caminiti
er in art. Both showcase repeating fractal patterns with absurdist elements. They see their work as an “expression of talent” they can’t let “go to waste.” “We need to make art to clear our minds.” The men are the embodiment of free spirits, and not in the overused ‘hippie’ sense. These guys are near self-sufficient. When they first moved to the Montrose area 3 years ago, they spent that summer in an old barn without running water. With winter approaching, the 3 found the old farm house to fix up. Nestled way out on Dark Hallow Rd, they now call the farm home, studio, and engine repair shop. They raise their own meat, mostly ducks and chickens, hunt in the fall and are all avid marksmen. They tell me Misha can hit the thin side of a play-
ing card with a 22 rifle. At any distance over point blank, that is quite a shot. For work they run a construction business and do contract work for local companies and home owners. When asked where they see their art in 10 years the twins said they want to go big and permanent. Laughingly, they speculated about painting giant murals in cities all over the world. This past month their work was shown at Quarter Yellow Gallery in the Jungle Science Art Gallery on Main St in Binghamton. To see some of their work and get to know more about these interesting men, you can visit their website jamilandjamal.blogspot. com.
DUET OF COLLAGE AND COLOR AT COOPERATIVE GALLERY 213
Maria Murphy Staff Writer
If you are looking to add some color and inspiration to your life, then you will definitely want to stop by to The Cooperative Gallery 213 this April. Artists Shirley Ernst and Ada Stallman will be showcasing a duet exhibition that displays various pieces from their collections which will catch your eye and pull you into a world of imagination and color. With one working in watercolors and the other in collages, Ernst and Stallman’s friendship has inspired a beautiful compilation of artwork over the years. Once a week, these two gather at Ada’s apartment for several hours painting and creating together. Working together all this time, there is no doubt Ernst and Stallman have been influential in each others’ artwork. “She has been encouraging me a lot and that has meant
so much to me,” said Ernst.
Now that she is retired, Ernst feels watercolors to be her true calling. “I Both Ernst and Stallman are very talented really think that it is my medium.” Said artists with years of experience and Ernst, “It can be very challenging, but training, and they each have one medium when you get right the colors shine.” in particular that they find the most enjoyable and suiting. In mentioning This will be the third showcase Ernst and Stallman’s choice in medium, Margaret Stallman have done together, and with “Peg” Johnston (a founding member all that talent, wisdom, and inspiration it of the Cooperative Gallery, along with certainly will be an exhibition well worth Stallman) said, “Ada is a colorist working attending. in collage; she trained with Henry Hensche in Provincetown, so her work displays a mastery of color and light in the tradition of American Impressionism.” The exhibition is open Fridays and Claudia Stallman also shared that her Saturdays from April 5th-28th at the mother had worked in various medium Cooperative Gallery 213 (213 State throughout her art career, including Street, Binghamton). There will also be work in the fashion industry from the an Artist Reception open to the public on 1940s through the 1960s. Much like Thursday, April 4th from 6pm-9pm and a her dear friend, Ernst also worked in Closing Reception April 27th from 1pmother mediums before finding her niche 4pm. For additional information call (607) in watercolor; she originally worked 724-3462 or visit cooperativegallery.com. primarily with oil-paints.
APRIL
triple cities carousel sunday.
monday.
tuesday.
wedne
01 02 03 07 08 09 10 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 28 29 30 SAVE THE ART MISSIO Open Mic (BEL) Mosaic Class (JAB)
Science Cabaret (LDC) The TROCKS (AC) Open Mic (CCW) Milkweed (KNG) Steve Piotrowski (BEL) Tarot 101 (WEM)
Mason Warrington Orchestra (GWT) Voice Recital (BU) Trying (CMP) Wigdiculous (ROB) Open Mic (CI)
Spring Jazz Jam (GWT) Mosaic Class (JAB) Open Mic (BEL)
Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Java Joe Jammers (CCW) Milkweed (KNG) Steve Piotrowski (BEL) Tarot 101 (WEM
Cosmonogy (BU) Strange Snow (KNOW) Cats (EPAC) Roast of Bob Yenik (FTZ) Open Mic (CI)
Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Open Mic (BEL) 24/7 (FTZ) Cats (EPAC) Mosaic Class (JAB)
Milkweed (KNG) Steve Piotrowski (BEL) Cats (EPAC) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) String Fever (BU) 24/7 (FTZ) Java Joe Jammers (CCW) Tarot 101 (WEM) Metta Sama/Jose Rodriguez Reading (BU)
Cats (EPAC) Open Mic (CI) Strange Snow (KNOW) 24/7 (FTZ)
Vines Fundraiser Ft. Driftwood (RML) Cats (EPAC) Mosaic Class (JAB) Open Mic (BEL) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Spring Jazz Jam (GWT)
Martin Espada Reading (BU) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Java Joe Jammers (CCW) Milkweed (KNG) Steve Piotrowski (BEL) Night w/ Crystal Skulls (WEM)
Beverly
SRO’s Kander and Ebb Cabaret (GWT) Strange Snow (KNOW) Student Art Show (LIB) Open Mic (CI) Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci (FT)
Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Student Art Show (LIB) Mosaic (JAB)
Florence Hamm Mem. Jazz Concert (GWT) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Percussion Ensemble (BU) Java Joe Jammers (CCW) Milkweed (KNG) Steve Piotrowski (BEL) Student Art Show (LIB)
The Triple Cities Carousel featured each month as a tisers, however we welco their events to triplecities the 15th of the month pri is limited, so calendar ent are picked on a first come Cities Carousel reserves t submission deemed to be
Mid E
Native
Mid E
Puzzl
L 2013
events calendar
esday. thursday. Jazz Jam (LDC) Jamie Willard (CCW) Planetarium Show (ROB) Open Drumming (WEM) Tom O’Connor (FTZ) Overture (JCC)
Teen Jazz Project (GWT) Lukus Wells (LDC) Raibred (CCW) Girls’ Night (FT) Eastern Drumming (WEM) Joe Alston (FTZ) Overture (JCC)
Cats (EPAC) e Drum Meditation (WEM) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) 24/7 (FTZ) Stereofidelics (CCW) Overture (JCC)
y Matherne Reading (BU) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Eastern Drumming (WEM) Lazy Pitch (CCW) led Players Improv (LDC) Dan Pokorak (FTZ) Overture (JCC)
l Events Calendar is a courtesy to our adverome everyone to submit scarousel@gmail.com by ior to publication. Space tries, which have no cost, e/first serve basis. Triple the right to reject any e non-arts related.
04 11 18 25
Mid Day Concert (BU) Inner Mission (CCW) Trying (CMP) Planetarium Show (ROB) Belly Dance Class (WEM) Live Music (FTZ) Artist’s Reception (COOP)
Mid Day Concert (BU) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Harmony Club Fundraising Concert (BU) Dirt Farm (OUH) Inner Mission (CCW) Cats (EPAC) Belly Dance Class (WEM) Live Music (FTZ)
Cats (EPAC) Belly Dance Class (WEM) Mid Day Concert (BU) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Strange Snow (KNOW) Enerjee Jazz (LDC) Wine and Food Fest (ROB) 24/7 (FTZ) Inner Mission (CCW)
Mid Day Concert (BU) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Harpur Jazz Ensemble (BU) Inner Mission (CCW) Belly Dance Class (WEM) Live Music (FTZ)
(AC)=Anderson Center (BBW)=Black Bear Winery (BCAC)=Broome County Arts Council (BEL)=Belmar Pub (BGP)=Beagle Pub (BTP)=Blind Tiger Pub (BU)=Binghamton University (CCW)=Cyber Cafe West (CI)=Choconut Inn (CMP)=Cider Mill Playhouse (COOP)=Cooperative Gallery 213
friday.
05 12 19 26
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK Thomas Wesley Stern/Milkweed (CCW) Crash Burn Love Exhibit (BCAC) Living Canvases (JS) Trying (CMP) Mel and the Boys (BBW) Rick Iacovelli (BTP) Comedy Night (BEL) Brian Hughes (TD) Wigdiculous/Planetarium Show (ROB)
Cosmonogy (BU) Strange Snow (KNOW) Mel and the Boys (BBW) Thousands of One (CCW) Jamie and Joanna (BTP) Cats (EPAC) Pat Comstock (TD)
Cats (EPAC) Comedy Night (JS) Conehead Buddha (CCW) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Mel and the Boys (BBW) String Orchestra Concert (BU) Strange Snow (KNOW) 24/7 (FTZ) Mike Whittlemore (BTP) S.P.E.C.T.E.R.S (WEM) Mike Cavalier (TD)
Flute Studio/Chamber Concert (BU) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Wind Symphony Concert (BU) Midsummer Night’s Dream (BU) Strange Snow (KNOW) Mel and the Boys (BBW) Thousands of One (CCW) Vermont Cheddar (BTP) 15th Anniversary Gala (EPAC) Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci (FT) Student Art Show (LIB), Ruffo Bros. (TD)
(EPAC)=Endicott Performing Arts Center (FT)=Forum Theatre (FTZ)=Fitzies Pub (GWT)=Goodwill Theatre/Firehouse Stage (JAB)=Susan Jablon Mosaics (JCC)=Binghamton Jewish Community Center (JS)=Jungle Science (KNG)=Kingsley’s Pub (KNOW)=KNOW Theatre (LIB)=B.C. Library (LDC)=Lost Dog Cafe/Lounge
saturday.
06 13 20 27
Cello Concert/Piano Recital (BU) Trying (CMP), Opera Tasting (RWH) Mosaic Class (JAB) Strauss and Co (CCW) Wigdiculous (ROB) Ken Held/John Edick (BTP) Phil Jordan (EPAC) Mary Tewksbury (WEM) Adam Ate the Apple (FTZ) Brotherhood (TD) Big Leg Emma/Hypnotic Clambake (CI)
Chaplin’s Shorts Mini Fest (FT), Cosmonogy (BU) Crossroads Intl. Lit. Festival (BU) Strange Snow (KNOW) Voodoo Highway (CCW) Wigdiculous (ROB) Delta Blues (BTP) Cats (EPAC) Thom and Beth Ormsby (WEM) Jeff Petit Band (FTZ) Mosaic Class (JAB) Spirit of Johnny Cash/Jason Wicks Band (TD) Cats (EPAC) Summer People (BGP) Shakespeare Show (GWT) Shostakovich Sixth (AC) Strange Snow (KNOW) 24/7 (FTZ) Chris Mollo (BTP) Acoustic Jam Session (WEM) Mosaic Class (JAB) Jimmy Buffet Tribute/Remedy (TD)
SRO’s Kander and Ebb Cabaret (GWT) Midsummer Night’s Dream (BU) Christopher Loy Recital (BU) Strange Snow (KNOW) Charlie Brown (BTP) Cobblestone Crossing (EPAC) Closing Reception (COOP) Student Art Show (LIB) Tim Herron Corp (OUH) Thom and Beth Ormsby (WEM) Crooked Knuckles (FTZ), Mosaic Class (JAB)
(OUH)=Old Union Hotel (RML)=Remlik’s (ROB)=Roberson Museum (RWH)=Riverwalk Hotel (TD)=Tioga Downs Casino (WEM)=Water’s Edge Marketplace
ON...ARTMISSION.ORG
STUDENT ART SHOW
AT BC LIBRARY
via Web
The annual daVinci Festival Student Art Show will hold its opening gala reception for the artists, families, teachers, and friends at the Broome County Library on Saturday, April 27, from 10am-2pm. The show will be on display during regular library hours from April 26-May 28. This is a non-competitive show that exhibits artwork from Kindergarten – 12th grade. Over 56 art teachers from 17 school districts will be displaying their student’s finest works. The Broome County Library has graciously hosted this enormous show for the past 4 years and artwork will be located on both floors. There will be over 1000 works of art showcasing our areas finest artistic talents. This show is a production of Binghamton Imaginink, a non-for-profit organization that also produces the Invention Convention.
For further details please contact Will Manvell. E-Mail: wmanvell@wpcsd.org Phone: (607) 206-4176
‘CAUSES AND AFFECTS’
April 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 13
AT SPOOL MFG Maria Murphy Staff Writer
It’s not an art gallery, or a museum, or a concert hall; Spool Mfg. is simply an “art space”. But there is nothing simple about it. Hidden away on Baldwin Street in Johnson City, Spool Mfg. was once an old textile factory that dates back to 1882. Although the name has stayed the same, the building’s function has certainly been recreated. Don DeMauro, founder of Spool Mfg., has had the building since 2000. DeMauro was originally utilizing just one studio in the building when he eventually heard of plans to sell. This was an opportunity that DeMauro could not pass up.
artist of ten years. “If you can’t make an opening or closing reception, call and make an appointment.”
The volunteers of Spool are always accepting new artists and work proposals, volunteers, and donations. Dance, music, and theater performances are also welcome; space is no issue in this Spool. “Most of the time we have things come at us from out of the blue, which is great!” Said Stevens. This month Spool is holding an art show called “Causes and Affects” that features original pieces and personal collections from nine of Spool’s volunteers. From assemblages, to woodcuts, to African sculptures, this show certainly carries a wide variety of art work that everyone can enjoy.
“The building sort of demanded it.” said DeMauro when discussing what inspired him to buy the old factory. He continued, “It’s a great space for everything: performances, installations, exhibitions; that’s what makes it.”
A unique aspect of “Causes and Affects” is that there are no titles and no names next to the art work. This was done in order to keep the “conversation” only between the work and viewer; to have the artist interject would be disruptive. It allows a focus to be directed more towards the piece itself than the artist.
The staff of Spool is a collaboration of volunteers, many of whom are Binghamton University alumni or faculty, who meet on a weekly basis to plan and organize the Spool’s many events.
It is clear when walking into Spool that the art work is not working by itself; the building and space within adds something extra to every piece of art it holds between its walls.
“We almost always have a show going on.” Said Andy Stevens, a Spool volunteer and contributing
“It becomes part of the art.” Said Melissa Mischke, Spool volunteer and contributing artist for “Causes
and Affects.”
“Causes and Affects” began March 23rd, with an opening reception, and runs through April 27th,, to be concluded with a closing reception. This is open to the public and will consist of the art work, food, drinks, and possibly a music event as well. Up until the closing reception this show can be viewed by appointment. It is certainly family friendly and would make a great class trip, family outing, or just a night out to take in some culture. “We really just want people to come find us.” continued Stevens, “It’s free. That’s why we do it because we want people to come see it.”
More information on Spool Mfg. can be found on their website, spoolmfg.org and on Facebook. “Causes and Affects” can be viewed by appointment until the closing reception on April 27th from 7pm-10pm at 138 Baldwin Street, Johnson City. Appointments and questions can be directed to info@spoolmfg.org or (607) 644-1084.
ACCLAIMED POET MARTIN ESPADA
14 Vol. 1 Issue 2
literary.
POET OF THE MONTH: MARIA MURPHY
MARIA MURPHY’S poetry is what made us bring her on as our newest staff writer. Normally, a highly distinguished publication such as the one you are holding in your hands would not stoop to such levels of blatant favortism, but hey, we like her stuff! Maria lives in Johnson City and is currently a student at Broome Community College. We’re glad to have her on the team, and proud to feature both her journalism and poetry within our pages. “Sea-Bound” Gentle breeze no more.. Now crashing waves and rushing winds that call me to foreign shores... I will follow the tide through ocean and sea... I will break through waters and storms... And discover new lands to conquer...
“All the Terrain” Like a bird I fly freely into the sky... The wind rushing against my feathers as I soar higher and higher... Through cloud and atmosphere I chase the blue before me... I fly through the cold and storms ahead... They have crippled me before... But this time I will not break... And if I should still falter in rough terrain... I will not be held down... By the weight of the rain... And even if may only be able to crawl on the cold, wet ground... Then I will keep crawling.. For I will fly again...
“Poetic Justice” Some poets write of pain and hopelessness... All they do is grieve.. Complain about the problems they claim unable to be endured... While other poets express themselves in a different fashion... They do not simple write... But they sound an alarm to the people of the world... Etching their being, their passion, their heart on smooth, white paper... Their words resting on thin, black lines... As each pen stroke glides along with their hands... Writing of the dreams they will one day make reality... The pains they will endure... The problems they will overcome... The peace they will find within... The love they will share... Because they see hope in the hopeless... Possibilities in the impossible... Music in the silence... Faith in doubtfulness... Light in darkness... Peace for the future.. They will change the world...
VISITS B.U.
Lia Ponterotto Staff Writer
Acclaimed poet Martin Espada will be making a stop on his college reading tour at Binghamton University on April 23rd at 8pm. Something of a modern Renaissance Man, Espada publishes poetry, essays, and translations, as well as working as an attorney and an editor. He is currently an English professor at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.
Widely lauded for his poetry, Espada has been called “the true poet laureate of this nation” by The Bloomsbury Review. Sandra Cisneros called him “the Pablo Neruda of North American authors” (a fitting remark, as Neruda has appeared as a figure in Espada’s poetry). He was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2007 for The Republic of Poetry (published by W.W. Norton & Co, 2008). Espada’s passions for Latino rights and social justice inform and permeate his artistic offerings, whose thematic commonalities include immigration, the conditions of the working class, and voicing Latino agency and history. Most recently, he received the Milt Kessler Award (awarded by Binghamton University), the International Latino Book Award, and a Massachusetts Book Award for his collection The Trouble Ball (Norton, 2011).
Espada is particularly concerned with the mainstream narrative of Latino history upheld in this country, challenging its obfuscations and silences. In a 2007 interview for La Bloga magazine, he remarks that American history “all too often resembles a consensus on what to forget”, and argues that “a poet can be a historian when the need is there”. Espada recognizes this need and has taken on this role of poet-historian with masterful efficiency, fueled by his remarkable talent and his life experience. He offers a poignant and important perspective on these issues of myth and history, issues that are all too often ignored in our American rhetoric and education. A voice to be heard, celebrated, and contemplated, Espada’s visit to the Binghamton University campus is not to be missed.
INTERNATIONAL LITERATURE
FESTIVAL AT BU
Christopher Bodnarczuk Editor-in-Chief
The third annual Crossroads International Literature Festival is coming to Binghamton University on Saturday, April 13. The event, which will take place from
2-6 pm at Casadesus Recital Hall, features 16 poets reading their work in 5 different languages. They are: Dante Di Stefano, Mike Foldes, Peter Fulton, David Gaita, Pierre Joris, Beverly Matherne, Maria Mazziotti Gillan, Mario Moroni, Nicole Peyrafitte, Briana Sakamoto, Nicole Santalucia, Marissa Schwalm, Michael Speier, Tino Villanueva, Emily Vogel, and Joe Weil. The poets will be exploring the beauty of language through recitations in their respective native tongues, including English, German, Italian, Spanish, and French. For more information, contact Mario Moroni, at 607- 777-4628.
OH THE
April 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 15
faces and places.
PEOPLE BUSINESS PROFILE:
YOU’LL SEE
WATER’S EDGE MARKETPLACE
Each month, Carousel turns the spotlight on the people that make the Triple Cities what it is. Artists, musicians, cashiers, business owners, students, teachers... we are all part of the fabric of this town. Each month, Carousel features profiles on progressively minded local busiNow, for eleven questions! nesses. This month, our editor CHRIS Name? L Rampage BODNARCZUK sits down with JAMES “ANVIL” and ALONNIE MILLIGAN, Occupation? Musician/Cosmic Explorer proprietors of WATER’S EDGE MARKETPLACE. Location? Vestal How long have you lived in the region? Since September 2009 What do you love most about the Triple Cities? How much more relaxed they are than the cities I grew up in- some people prefer loud, explosive places, but I love how laid back it is. Definitely balances out my own tendencies to be on the go, all the time. Favorite hangout? Probably the Belmar- first place I ever hung out on the West Side. Favorite restaurant? Cyber Café- been going there since I first moved here, really. Favorite local music? All of it! Dr. E.F., Skooma, Good Grief, Inner Mission, The Quantum, Amber Martin, Mary Tewskbery, Milkweed, Driftwood...once you start playing in the local scene, it’s impossible to choose a favorite.
Tell us a bit of history about the store, and its owners.
WEMP opened in August 2011 in a small storefront in Susquehanna PA. On September 7th tropical storm Lee paid a visit and shut us down. We lost the business in PA and the place we were living at in NY, and would have to start over again at some point. By the spring of 2012 we were ready to give it another try, and opened up an even smaller shop in the Antique and Flea Market at Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY. From May to August, we did a respectable business for just being open on Saturday and Sunday, and we started to think about expansion. On September 7, 2012 (year to the day that we got flooded out) we opened the doors at 1104 Union Center Maine Hwy. in Endicott, NY and presented to the public the 3rd incarnation of Water’s Edge MarketPlace. We had gone from 300 sq ft to 3000 sq ft and now offered some of the things we had only talked about doing. We became a place for local Artists and Artisans, provided a space for people who wanted to teach and share and became a center for all things metaphysical in the area.
What sort of products do you sell at Water’s Edge Marketplace?
L Rampage. Photo by Ty Whitbeck
Hidden gem? The nature preserve on campusregardless of what you think about the University, the preserve is one of the most beautiful, tranquil places I’ve ever seen! How do you make this region a better place to live? I try to bring as much music, joy, color and vibrancy to the community as I possibly can. What do you think the region is in most dire need of? We definitely need more musical venues around here- and I’m not talking bars. If Oneonta, Syracuse and Utica all have places, I believe Binghamton can do it too- add some serious spice to all of our weekends and bolster both the community and the music community.
Photo Provided.
S.P.E.C.T.E.R.S, our paranormal think tank, meets and discusses those things that go bump in the night. This is an open group, and all are welcome to join in. On Saturdays we host the Shop & Strum series, which give the local music talent a chance to play for people who may not normally get to hear them. The Shoppe provides a different venue to see and hear some of the really good, and the really trying to be good, musicians in the area. What started off as a one time shot has turned into a weekly event that has been met with a positive response from both the musicians and the audience that come in to hear them or that just happen to be in shopping that day. What sets you apart from other boutique stores?
Boutique ... not the first word I would use to describe WEMP. That is, unless you stick the words Addam’s Family in front of it. When we selected the The Odd and Unusual ... The Rare and Unique ... name MarketPlace that’s what we wanted to be, a but also common things. We like to focus on Local stores within a store that had a variety of the odd, and made in the USA, and when we import we try unique, rare and fun. We are often compared to to use Fair Trade countries as much as possible. the shops in Ithaca, a common comment is ‘wow, We carry handcrafted soaps and lotions, chocolates now I won’t have to drive an hour away to get ...’. and teas, oils and incense, tarot cards and runes, We like that and are glad that people in the area books and calendars… also, skull shot glasses and appreciate the Shoppe for that reason. ninja cookie cutters. The vendors provided a variety of items from jewelry & clothing to handmade sock monkeys & paintings. We have limited edition tee shirts and pink camo pants, sci-fi collectables What can one expect walking into the store from the 70’s and 80’s, chopsticks and tea pots. for the first time? As we like to say, ‘we take the Mainstream out of Main Street.’ One of the Shoppe›s specialties is Tarot and Intuitive Readings (for entertainment only); both Alonnie and Anvil are seasoned Readers with over 40 years of experience between us. You also host various classes and musical events at the store. What are they? What is the benefit of hosting events at the store? We host events on a monthly basis; Tuesday is metaphysical training and education ... Wednesday is Drumming (tribal, Middle Eastern and Native American).... Thursday is belly dancing for all levels, and Friday is for the paranormal. That is when
outlet, a source, a place that people can go to if they are interested in or have questions about the spiritual, metaphysical, the new age, wiccan, pagan, paranormal, divination, intuitiveness, etc, etc, etc. We have an open, free & safe environment at WEMP where people who may have had some hesitation about these topics can learn and practice, and not be intimidated to explore these aspects of their nature. As for the music we hold the same principles... we provide a place where a musician can overcome the fear of playing in front of people, practice a new song for the 1st time or just get better at what they love doing.
The Shoppe is a warm and inviting space that people feel comfortable and relaxed when they walk in. Between the soaps, candles, oils and incense, there is usually a familiar smell that often triggers positive memories from the past. Overall, what is Fun is that you never know what to expect. We will change things up just to get a new feel, or find some oddity and buy it for the Shoppe to get your attention. How place
does Water’s Edge Marketbenefit the local community?
The benefit to the community is that we are an
Water’s Edge Marketplace is located at: 1101 Union Center Maine Hwy Endicott, NY BUT NOT FOR LONG! They’ll be moving on May 1st, to: 3300 East Main St. Endicott, NY (across from Floyd’s Rentals, next to Julie’s Antiques) Stop by, and tell them TRIPLE CITIES CAROUSEL sent you!
HEALTHY EATS
16 Vol. 1 Issue 2
food and drink.
THE WHOLE ENCHILADA AT
ZONA & CO. GRILLE
Ty Whitbeck Staff Writer
It’s Thursday evening in Binghamton, and I’m famished. There’s nothing in the refrigerator and I’ve got a hankering for something different. I’m in the mood for some West Coast Mexican food with a touch of New York. I’m reminded that it’s Restaurant Week, and there is a handful of downtown eateries that I haven’t yet tried. All of the menus look tasty but I decide on Zona & Co. Grille, on the corner of Hawley St and Gorgeous Washington St., mainly because of the pictures I saw of their giant quesadillas. My dinner date doesn’t eat meat, so choosing a menu that looks good depends on veggie and fish options. Luckily, they have both.
We find some paid parking across the street in one of the many lots located downtown. Upon entry, I notice they share a building with a hair salon. The restaurant is to the left, down a narrow corridor. We both walk in and find ourselves a table, not knowing if we are to seat ourselves or to wait to be seated. Our waiter is prompt in coming over to our table, however, with their regular menu in addition to the Restaurant Week Menu, which includes choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert. Not only does their regular menu look good but their BRW menu looks outstanding. I want it all. The waiter brings over two extra-large water glasses with lemon and allows us some time to look over the menus. For appetizers, she gets the queso dip with homemade flour tortilla chips, and I get the chopped cabbage salad with avocado, egg, scallion, bacon, gorgonzola, and cheddar, tossed in a spicy chipotle ranch dressing.
While our appetizers are being prepared, I have a chance to look around at the ambience and the general flow of things. All of the wait staff is very friendly and quick with attending to new customers. There is a steady stream of people in there from the time we sit down, and we are grateful that we were sat when we were because there seems to be some congestion with the seating-to-hungry people ratio. The barkeep is attentive while maintaining conversations with everybody at the bar. The guy seems to know everyone personally and if he doesn’t know them already, he becomes acquainted in no time.
We are brought our queso dip and cabbage salad, and both portions look massive compared to most appetizers I’ve seen in the past, and especially for Restaurant Week. The second I take my first bite, I feel its complexity. The cabbage is crisp and crunchy, as are the bits of scallions. The creaminess of the gorgonzola envelops my palate while the zest of the chipotle ranch kicks up the heat. The presence of bacon is prominent but not overbearing and the egg is hardly there but livens up the consistency of the dish nicely. This is a great choice for an appetizer and I would definitely get this again. Our main entrees come out shortly after we finish our first course, and I get one look at my plate and know I am going to need to box it up. She gets the panko encrusted crab cake over a bed of black beans, corn, and red peppers, drizzled with a tart chipotle aioli. The portion size for the Buffalo Chicken Enchilada is enormous. It comes plated with two forearm size flour tortillas, wrapping the treasure inside: shredded chicken breast smothered in tangy Buffalo wing sauce, blue cheese, and cheddar jack. They are laid side by side and a dark chili enchilada sauce is poured over it, mounted by a sprinkling of cheddar and gorgonzola cheese, and baked. The
flavor is one of a kind.
Stuffed Avocado
There is something different about a dark enchilada sauce synergizing with a renowned wing sauce that can break down some of the food culture barriers and complement each other for something completely fresh.
By Stacey Burke, HHC
I am able to finish half of my dish and remember to save room for dessert, which for me is the chipotle and bacon bread pudding with bourbon sauce. I’ll say that one more time…chipotle and bacon bread pudding with bourbon sauce. Now, I’m a whiskey drinker with the best of them, and I know some chefs who cook with it and a lot of time, the reduction somehow kills the burn and the spice of the spirit. That is not the case with this bourbon sauce. Matched with the heat of the chipotle pepper and offset by the butterscotch of the bourbon sauce, the flavor really comes full circle and the whiskey is not lost. The bread pudding is a little different than what I’m used to. This is a dense, fritter like thing that has the hot pepper and bacon baked right into it: a very good dessert, indeed. Overall, we leave Zona & Co. satisfied. I feel that our experience is truly a positive one. The food is incredible in taste, portion size and appearance. The wait staff is entertaining, uplifting, and on top of their game. Their dinner music selection is great and all of the patrons seem to be enjoying the company of friends and their meals. The only thing I would like to see different is a better route for coming and going and to see a “please wait to be seated” sign, or “please seat yourself.” I can see this place being great in the summertime when all of the doors will be open and the patio will be functional. I will be going back to try more of their menu and beer selection in the future.
BEST WINGS IN BROOME AT THE OLD UNION HOTEL
Ty Whitbeck Staff Writer
It was like taking a step back in time, if I had been alive during that time. Upon
walking into the newly remodeled Old Union Hotel, I was greeted with nostalgia of pre-WWI era times. There are pictures of what used to be the former Union Hotel hanging from the walls and most of the fixtures have been kept original, including the ceiling and the bar.
My co-pilot, whom we’ll call Whiskey Chris, and I saddled up to the war-era bar and were promptly served two glass pints of Yuengling and a pair of menus by co-owner Andy Kipp. We already knew what we wanted but decided to look over the menu anyway…we came for the wings.
Whiskey Chris had five of the Carolina Gold and I ordered five of their newest flavor, Singapore Chile, which wasn’t even on the menu yet. We also tried the Macaroni & Cheese Bites with marinara.
While we were awaiting our food and contemplating future endeavors, I asked Kipp, who was tending bar, what all the dents were in the wooden countertop. He said they were called “worry-rubs” and that they date back to the Great War. People would sit down at the bar and just rub these spots over and over, thinking and worrying about what was going on overseas with their loved ones. Some were about the size of a quarter and half an inch deep.
Kipp brought out our wings and I instantly started salivating, knowing full well what was in store for me. As my food was laid out before me, I was hit in the face with hot pepper steam and sweetness. Chunks of chile peppers, garlic, sesame, ginger and a sweet sauce mixed with Asian spices created a stimulation of the senses unbeknownst to man. I glanced at Whiskey Chris, who had already delved full-face into his Carolina Gold, which is a take on a hot honey mustard. “That good, huh?” I asked. At a loss for words, he replied only with his O-face. I went to town on mine. The wings were gargantuan. They’re bigger than what you may be used to, so ordering only five may be sufficient. However, halfway through our first five, Whiskey Chris put in an order for another five; that time, Medium Parm. I
was fairly confident that I could finish my wings and then some, so, we split the second order.
Avocados are a great source of healthy fats. Their smooth and creamy texture makes them good in salads, rice dishes, as guacamole, and even in smoothies. In this recipe, they are stuffed with beans and quinoa to give you a satisfying and filling meal, packed with protein and fiber!
1 cup adzuki or black beans 2 cups fresh spinach or kale ½ cup cooked quinoa or millet 1 avocado 1 small diced tomato (about ½ cup) ½ teaspoon extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup finely chopped onions 1 to 2 cloves finely minced garlic ½ teaspoon cumin *Optional: Add a little spice with diced mild pepper Dash of salt and ground black pepper Directions: Use ½ teaspoon of olive oil, lightly drizzle into pan. Add garlic and spinach/kale into pan, and cook until moisture is cooked out (about 5-6 minutes). Add the beans into the pan and sauté for 2 minutes. Add cooked quinoa or millet, cumin, salt and pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes. In the meantime, cut avocado in half lengthwise, and twist to halve. Remove pit. When mixture is done, stuff a generous helping into each avocado half. (You can eat right out of the skin, like a bowl). Remaining mixture is to be enjoyed on the side. Top stuffed avocados and leftover mixture with diced tomatoes.
I’m certain that there’s not a better wing in Broome County. For the size, crispness, the seasoned breading and the flavor of every sauce, there’s not a more economical way to spend your buck. Kipp heard us raving about what we had just experienced and replied, “That’s not even the best thing on the menu,” pointing down to the older ladies at the end of the bar, eating their Shrimp Po’ Boys, licking their fingers, and giving the same O-face as Whiskey Chris.
The Old Union Hotel is located at 246 Clinton St, Binghamton, NY. Monday nights they offer $1 PBR cans. They are open Monday-Thursday 9AM-1AM, Fridays and Saturdays 9AM-3AM, and Sunday 12PM-1AM. They will also be hosting live music beginning in April, including Dirt Farm (4/11), Tim Herron Corporation (4/27) and Zydeco Po’ Boys (TBD).
Stacey Burke is a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, and founder of New Roots to Health. She works with individuals whom struggle with weight loss, cravings and low energy by supporting them in setting personal goals around balancing diet and lifestyle. How often do you get the personal attention you deserve when talking about your health and nutrition? Email her at Stacey@newrootstohealth.com or visit her website www.newrootstohealth.com to learn more about programs that could change your life. Mention this ad, and save 50% off a 6-month program!
DARING GARDENISTA
Each month we check in with KRISTINA STRAIN for advice on what we should be doing with our gardens. Kristina lives and gardens in Gilbertsville.
This year, a friend and I are planting eleven varieties of lettuce between us. We share seeds, and we’re both obsessed with growing salad. It works out. We’re complete suckers for seed packet poetry: let’s be honest, the names of some of these crops rival haiku for brevity and portent. Tom Thumb Buttercrunch. Speckled Trout Back. Magenta Summer Crisp. Poetry, right? You see it? Well, maybe not, but I do. And my friend does. So we share seeds. It’s a fine arrangement. We find the seed catalogs that offer the greatest quantity of seed per packet (a favorite is Harris Seed Company, based in Rochester), and go from there, debating the merits of different beans over the phone, the days till harvest, dreaming aloud about the unparalleled perfection that is sure to be this year’s garden. That’s the best part, actually— the way sharing seeds facilitates long conversations about our gardens, conversations that punctuate winter, mark time, and get us through. Of course, you don’t need to spend hours locked in deliberation to set up a seed sharing arrangement with a friend. Especially if you’re just starting out, sharing seeds your first season is a smart way to grow green without having to lay out a lot of it to begin with. (See what I did there?) Things with tiny seeds, like lettuces, carrots and radishes commonly come hundreds to a packet, making them ideal for divvying up. Stuff with big honking seeds, like zucchini, is usually sold 20 or so to a packet—but let’s be real here, who needs twenty zucchini plants? My friend and I use tiny plastic zip-baggies (check the craft store) to repackage our swaps, and plan to make the handover when we see each other next, sometime before spring really starts swinging. We save on shipping costs, too—oh yeah—and that’s a big one. Instead of each of us creating four or five separate seed orders (hey, we like to shop around!) we consolidate, and we both end up with reduced shipping costs and greater variety. Somewhere amongst the glowing orbs buzzing in the stratosphere, some unsung principle of physics is rejoicing at the efficiency of all this seed-sharing business. So, find yourself a gardening buddy! Like initiating an innocent little fitness challenge with a friend, setting up a seed-share can help hold you both accountable to your budding gardens. Plus, you’ll be guaranteed something to talk about all season long.
April 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 17
wellness.
WHAT IS REIKI, ANYWAY?
Stacey Burke Staff Writer There is a good chance that you, like myself at one time, have not heard of Reiki. I used to stumble upon this mysterious, seemingly bizarre idea and graze by as I wasn’t quite sure I could understand what it possibly could be. But, much to my recent, pleasant discovery, Reiki is a wonderful practice that is growing in popularity and becoming more common as holistic health and alternative healing enters our Western world.
Reiki (to be clear it is pronounced simply as “ray – key”) came about in the early 1900s by a Japanese Buddhist, and has since taken forms in many other cultures. The actual word Reiki is composed from the two Japanese words “Rei” and “Ki”. Though defining this word can be tough through all of the translations, the simplest meaning is “universal life force” - a higher intelligence that guides us, that is flowing throughout all living things. This concept alone is a pretty incredible one, though it may not be a new idea to you. The thought that all living things are one, filled with this wisdom that is referred to as “God” in many cultures. We each have this “life force” within us, which is the basic foundation of the Reiki practice. I know you must be asking, “well then, what IS Reiki? How does it work? How can this benefit me?” When I was learning about Reiki, I found it to have quite a lot of depth and intricate details that I could surely fill up several pages with. But, I don’t want to confuse you here, and would rather just provide
the basics so you can get the idea of this amazing practice and what it entails. So, to put simply, Reiki is the spiritual guidance of this “life force energy” that is within us.
ly clothed!). This positive energy breaks apart the build-ups in our bodies – allowing the pathways to clear and the energy to begin to flow again, in a healthy and natural way.
As I mentioned, it is believed that this energy flows through our bodies at all times. Well guess what? That flow gets disrupted, and when that happens, it results in diminished function in particular areas of our bodies. “What disrupts the flow?” you might ask. It is interrupted mainly by negative thoughts and emotions, but also from traumas, injuries, destructive lifestyles, relationships and so on. It is believed that our mind exists not just in our brains, but throughout the entire body- and even outside of our bodies, 2 to 3 feet (This is known as our aura which is a whole other topic that’s super interesting – I highly recommend reading more!).
What results from this process? Well, I’m sure you can imagine how relieving it would be to have the negative energy removed from your mind and body! That said, there are several benefits of Reiki including (but not limited to): it reduces stress, anxiety and tension; creates deep relaxation; reduces blood pressure; relieves pain; accelerates our self-healing abilities; aides in breaking addictions and chronic problems (such as asthma, headaches, eczema); eliminates toxins; and much more.
Our thoughts, emotions and negativity impact our entire body, causing our life force energy to be restricted. This negativity builds up, causing blockages said to affect the functioning of our physical self. These energy backups also occur in our unconscious mind and body – which is even more difficult to become aware of! When both conscious and unconscious negative energy buildups occur in our bodies and minds, this is where the Reiki practitioner steps in…. Reiki practitioners (or Masters) are used to transfer positive life force energy around these negative areas, which allows for self-healing. The practitioners serve as a conductor, placing the palms of their hands over a series of different areas on your body as you lie on a table (No worries, you are ful-
As with many beliefs and practices, there are always skeptics. Millions of individuals rely on medications and practices that cover up symptoms without identifying or healing the true issue – therefore doubt arises that there could possibly be other solutions. I feel that meeting and speaking with those whom participate in Reiki is the only reassurance you need! I had the pleasure of talking with a few individuals who have been taking part in Reiki for several years, and they shared with me their great experiences and the calming, healing benefits they have received from seeing a Reiki practitioner. Is this something that intrigues you? Interested in learning more? Locally, The Body Lab Wellness Center, 309 Grant Ave in Endicott hosts a monthly Reiki share on the 3rd Wednesday from 6-8pm. Alternative healing is a great avenue to explore to find ways to heal naturally!
improving the lives of many, or you discover a pretty good series on Netflix you missed and watch three seasons in a week.
18 Vol. 1 Issue 2
horoscopes.
Each month, CAROUSEL features a guest columnist writing our horoscopes. This month, we welcome JEFF KAHN, owner of CYBEF CAFE WEST and founding member of local bands MONKEY’S TYPING and INNERMISSION. As far as we know, he knows nothing about astrology. Aries Minor distractions prove mildly entertaining, but you still suspect there is something else you should be doing. Taurus You meet someone named Kevin who changes your entire life. You then meet
comics.
B.C.
Scorpio
Gemini You become stuck in a conversation about a movie you haven’t seen or even heard of. Your avoidance of gluten proves futile. Cancer
Increased burdens become the new norm. You get a prescription for whiskey.
Leo
a different person also named Kevin who changes it all back. You lose the first Kevin’s phone number.
Inconsequential changes, such as sleeping in the other direction or Sagittarius refusing to accept plastic at the supermarket, are the most you can hope You are sick of hearing about Kevin. Plus your Scorpio friend has a drinking for. problem. Why is it always about other people? You act out. Virgo The lucky numbers you ignored from your last fortune cookie hit for millions. Luckily, you never find out.
You awaken to find out you are now a person named Kevin. If you are already Libra named Kevin, you are a different yet similar looking Kevin. Consider screwing Despite your busy schedule, you volunteer in a local nursing home, around with an Aries.
Capricorn Your decision to go door to door pretending to be a Jehovah’s Witness proves more difficult and less hilarious than you had hoped. Also you ignore an email from an actual Nigerian Prince who was actually going to give you three million dollars. Aquarius
by MASTROIANNI AND HART
Don’t be a drag, just be a queen. Whether you’re broke or evergreen, you’re black, white, beige, chola descent…you’re Lebanese, you’re orient, whether life’s disabilities left you outcast, bullied, or teased, rejoice and love yourself today. Pisces A missed phone call turns out to be the wrong number. Ask Kevin.
WIZARD OF ID
DOGS OF C-KENNEL
by PARKER, MASTROIANNI, AND HART
by MICK AND MASON MASTROIANNI
MILKWEED KINGSLEY’S PUB
TUESDAYS AT 10PM HOLY $#@%
10% off with this coupon exp. 5/30
5 Court St. Downtown Binghamton or
www.riverreadbooks.com