Triple Cities Carousel December 2017 by Christopher Bodnarczuk

CAROUSEL triple cities

dec. 2017/jan. 2018

free

issue 55

your local arts and culture rag.

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inside. editor’s note...4 wassailing...5 music...12 events calendar...24 art...26 theatre and dance...35 food and drink...39

film...42 books...43 poetry...44 travel...45 star stuff...46 fun stuff...47

“The idea of a vacation is, in ways, connected to retirement. You’re going to beat yourself up so one day, you get a gold watch and can catch your breath and then die. The vacation is the temporary escape from the cubicle. You will be going back to it eventually. I would rather go on adventures. How about this, instead of a vacation, go on an evacuation.” -Page 13

CAROUSEL triple cities

101 Main Street Johnson City, NY 13790 (607) 772-1005 PUBLISHER Equinox Broadcasting

FOUNDER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Christopher Bodnarczuk MANAGING EDITOR Heather Merlis ASSISTANT EDITOR Ronnie Vuolo

ON THE COVER: “A History of Amazing Doings” by Bob Allan Bricks LAYOUT/DESIGN Christopher Bodnarczuk PHOTOGRAPHY Stephen Schweitzer ADVERTISING SALES Jodie Gibson, Joyce Knapik, Tom Shiptenko, Randy Varney DISTRIBUTION: Joseph Alston FOR ADVERTISING: advertising@carouselrag.com FOR CONTENT SUBMISSIONS: hmerlis@carouselrag.com

STAFF WRITERS Doctor B, Charles Berman, John Donson, Ilana Lipowicz, Emily Mancini, Felicia Waynesboro, Phil Westcott

FOR CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS: events.carouselrag.com

CONTRIBUTORS Chris Arp, Jeff Kellam, Oliver McKeithan, Deborah Roane, Kathy Thach

FOR LETTERS, COMPLAINTS, DEATH THREATS, GLITTER BOMBS, AND OTHER INQUIRIES: editor@carouselrag.com

Triple Cities Carousel is published monthly, 11 times a year (Dec/Jan edition is a double issue). Copyright © 2017/2018 by Triple Cities Carousel. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from the publisher. One copy of Triple Cities Carousel is free each month for regional residents and visitors. Anyone caught removing papers in bulk will be prosecuted on theft charges to the fullest extent of the law. Yearly subscription: $25. Back issues: $3. Queries and submissions should include a self addressed stamped envelope. Advertisers own/control all intellectual property rights to submitted advertisements and agree to hold Triple Cities Carousel, its agents, and assignees harmless from all liabilities, claims, losses or damage of any kind arising out of the publication of any ad submitted on behalf of the advertiser.

Dec. ‘17/Jan. ‘18 triple cities carousel 3

editor’s note.

ECEMBER 1999. THE GROWNUPS were convinced that it was all going to end, that all the computers in the world would turn their calendars back to 1900 instead of forward to 2000, that this would wreak apocalyptic havoc on our infrastructure and none of our electronics would work and everything would go up in flames. I was in fifth grade, and I read all about it in Scholastic News. It didn’t matter none to me, because the only computer I had access to was an early ‘80s refrigerator sized hand-me-down from my techie uncle: it had a word processer and a program that made an 8-bit naked lady’s breasts go round and round in circles, and that’s it. I was impervious to the impending apocalypse. My world was not going to end. I was sitting in the back of Mrs. Walter’s classroom at Circleville Elementary School, happily gluing together popsicle stick ornaments and writing out my Christmas list to Santa Claus. I walked over to the sink to wash my hands, and goddamned Trevor Foster called me a faggot and let me in on a little secret about Santa. Two days later, I missed nine of the first ten notes of “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” on the piano at the winter recital. My apocalypse had hit. December 2005. Every year, my mother and I would drive to the local fire department to buy a tree. My mother is Jewish, but every Jewish kid wants to grow up to celebrate Christmas, and no divorce from a gentile would stop her from falalalala-ing through the holidays. Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce, White Pine… we switched it up each Christmas in hopes that we would someday find a tree that didn’t shed all over the living room floor. I was sixteen and had gotten a parttime job bagging groceries at the Thruway Food Market in Walden, NY. The night we were going to pick out a tree, I was called in to work to cover a shift. Mommy Dearest snuck a fake into the house and sprayed it with Pine Sol. I didn’t notice for three days. December 2011. I had graduated earlier in the year from Binghamton University, then promptly moved into a little house behind the Vestal Wal-Mart. I painted the living room lime green and cobalt blue, and I expected that my girlfriend would move in with me once she graduated the following term. I did not consult her about this plan. Or the paint scheme. The rest of Old Vestal Road had been decimated a few months earlier during the flood, but my little hovel stood strong. Immediately following said flood, said girlfriend left me for some guy named Mike who played Dave Matthews songs barefoot on the campus quad. I dealt with this like any self-respecting brooding poet would have, with cases of 100-proof Old Granddad and a few small mountains of cocaine. Driving home from the bar one night with three functional wheels and a bunch of sparks emanating from the fourth, a pair of New York State Troopers decided that it was necessary to lock me up with a DWI. Point one eight. They were correct. Daddy paid my bail and the fees to get my Oldsmobile 88 out of impound. I moved back home with him and tried to piece myself back together. A few days before Christmas, Daddy made it clear that there would be no Christmas that year. We would eat peanut butter sandwiches and watch James Stewart jump off a bridge, and that would be that. Falalalala. On the 24th, I walked out to the backyard with an axe, cut a branch off of a pine tree, walked back inside, grabbed Daddy’s purple bong out of his hands, and shoved the branch into the murky water. I hung one ornament from it, and that was Christmas. Clarence the Angel watched from the sky and wept. Falalalala. As this issue of Carousel goes to print and I prepare for my thirtieth December, I am grateful that I can only think of three that were particularly awful. I have had twenty-seven Decembers that ranged from decent to downright magical, and that is at least twenty more than I deserve. I do not remember Christmas 1988, as I was five days old, but there are pictures of me in Santa’s arms, and I am smiling (or at least not crying, which is more than can be expected of a five-day old infant). There are home movies to document Chanukah 1991: my parents are still together, still in love, and after feasting on Nana’s latkes I curl up in Popi’s lap and he reads me a story about Judah Maccabee and the magic oil (there is also a good five minutes of film which my father devotes to zooming the telescopic lens of the rented camcorder in and out of the toilet bowl, which is magical unto itself). My stepdad spent his first holiday season with us in 1998, and he bought me three X-Men action figures and cooked prime rib on Christmas Eve in a desperate attempt to buy my affection. By 2002, it worked. On New Years Eve 2006, I lost my virginity to a beautiful girl while Dick Clark counted down from ten in the background. Boxing Day 2013, I rediscovered Sam Elliott’s greatest cinematic performance to date, “Prancer.” Last year, I brought a woman I loved home to meet the family. I do not know what this December holds for me. There is no one to bring home to the family. Dick Clark has been replaced by Ryan Seacrest. They don’t even make X-Men action figures anymore. A week ago, my last remaining grandparent went into home hospice care, and I got a last-minute flight out to Albuquerque to spend Thanksgiving with her. In a few weeks, I will head west again, either to spend one last Christmas with Grandma or to attend her funeral. Today she gave me a map of Madagascar that she had framed after her first visit in the early ‘80s. Of the fifty plus countries she’s travelled to in her lifetime, Madagascar is her favorite. I will hang the map above my bed, and someday, maybe not next year, maybe not even the year after that, but someday I will spend December in Madagascar, and I will spread her ashes through the Tsingy. There are good Decembers, and there are bad Decembers. This holiday season, may you be blessed with a good one. With twenty-seven good ones. May you love and be loved. May you rediscover Sam Elliott’s greatest cinematic performance to date. May you be blessed with prime rib and latkes and three X-Men action figures. May you go to Madagascar. And someday, when you are met with a bad December, may you cherish the memories of the good ones. Falalalala. -Christopher Mark F. Bodnarczuk

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here we come a-wassailing. He sees you when you’re sleeping.

Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus? Virginia O’Hanlon 115 West Ninety Fifth Street Virginia, Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Respectfully reprinted from the September 21, 1897 edition of The New York Sun.

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holiday briefs HOLIDAY GROOVE

Dec 2 from 9am-3pm at 918 Upper Front Street in Binghamton.

Frost Fest at BU – The BU Student Association will host their annual Frost Fest celebration. Attractions include an escape room, a “GloCade” – a blacklight playroom stocked with classic arcade games – six therapy dogs (it’s finals time), free food, samples from Lupo’s and Moghul, and a photo booth. Students can take a break from studying and locals can take advantage of a fun and free on-campus event.

Holiday Soap-en House – Purchase gifts from local artisans including Jan Peterson designs, Loon Knifeworks, and Richman Farm Pottery. 10% of sales will benefit the Broome County Dog Shelter. November 30 and December 1 from 4-8pm; December 2 and 3 from 10am-4pm at Coventry Body Care, 137 Gray Road in Harpursville.

Sunday, December 3 from 1pm-5pm in the Mandela Room in BU’s University Union.

Holiday Artisan Market – Local artists and craftspeople will have their creations for sale at Broome County Regional Farmers Market. There will be homemade gifts aplenty and entertainment too! Local holiday music quartet Four Calling Birds will perform on Friday from 5-7pm and Tracy Maines will be doing a cooking demo and a book signing for her new cookbook.

Nightmare Before Christmas Holiday Party – Is your Halloween spirit still lingering into December? Get your holiday spook on at Water Street Brewing Company’s Nightmare Before Christmas Holiday Party. Come dressed as your favorite nightmare – there will be prizes for winners of the costume contest. Enjoy food and drink specials all night, along with the melodies of local singer-songwriter Devinne Meyers.

December 6-8 from 4-7pm at 840 Upper Front Street in Binghamton.

Friday, December 8 from 5pm-11pm at Water Street Brewing Company, 168 Water Street in Binghamton. Live music begins at 8pm. No cover.

Holiday Gift & Vendor Show – The Broome County Humane Society will put on this artisan and gift show. Proceeds will benefit the Humane Society.

Toys for Tots Holiday Party & Drag Show – The Binghamton Pride Coalition will host a holiday party and drag show to benefit Toys for Tots at Squiggy’s. The area’s favorite drag queens will put on a great show while you’ll enjoy snacks and holiday drink specials. All proceeds from the night and any additional donations will be donated to Toys for Tots. December 9 at Squiggy’s Bar, 34 Chenango Street in Binghamton. Doors open at 8pm, and the show begins at 9pm. Admission is $5 at the door or an unwrapped new toy. Holiday Party & Art Sale - During the daytime, the Vestal Museum will be home to an art sale flaunting local art as the answer to your holiday shopping. Then at night, return for the holiday party. You can continue to shop and also dig in on candy canes, hot chocolate and other refreshments. Enjoy the music of local musician Taze Yanick at the party. Leave the kids at home for the holiday party, but they are welcome to join you during the day for the art sale. The Art Sale is on Saturday, December 9 from 10am-3pm and continues during the Holiday Party from 7pm-10pm. The Vestal Museum is located at 328 Vestal Parkway E in Vestal. Holiday Fiesta! – Local band Sabor Latino will be bringing salsa music and holiday songs to Citrea Restaurant and Bar for a night of food, drink, and dance! Holiday-themed food and drink specials will be available, so you’re encouraged to “bring your appetite and your dancing shoes.” Holiday Fiesta! will take place at Citrea, 7 Court Street in Binghamton on Friday, December 22 from 5pm-10pm. Music at 7pm.

December 9 from 10am-3pm at the American Legion, 177 Robinson Street in Binghamton. Admission is $3 and free for children under 12 accompanied by an adult. Holiday Art & Gift Sale – Unique handcrafted items and delicious baked goods will be for sale at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Chili, soup, baked goods, and hot drinks will also be available at the concession stand.

Happy Hanukkah! Photo by Chris Bodnarczuk.

FAMILY FUN

Home for the Holidays – For over 60 years, the Roberson Museum has put on their annual Home for the Holidays Christmas tree display. This year there will be 50 trees on display, each elaborately and uniquely decorated, along with 20 international vignettes which will appear on the second floor. Museum director Michael Grasso says of the event, “I think that as an educational center, it’s important for us to recognize all the great cultures that bring us together around this time, especially cultures that have a really strong history here in Broome County.” Home for the Holidays is currently on display and will run through January 7 at the Roberson Museum, 30 Front Street in Binghamton. More information and hours of operation can be found at roberson.org. Lights on the River – Owego’s annual festival of lights is a favorite holiday celebration. Leading up to the fireworks display, downtown Owego will be alight with fun and family-friendly activities. Beginning around 4pm, shops downtown will open their doors to festival-goers to show their Christmas displays. Make and take home Christmas trees and ornaments at Creative Joy, or write a let-

ter to Santa at the Black Cat Gallery. There will be live music, ice sculptures, and plenty of hot chocolate, apple cider, and snacks to go around. A choir performance will carry you into the holiday spirit as you count down to the fireworks, which can be viewed from Draper Park on Front Street. Friday, December 1 in downtown Owego. Festivities begin at 4pm leading up to the fireworks at 8pm. Admission is free. Phelps Mansion Holiday Open House – Enjoy a day of free admission and holiday fun at the Phelps Mansion. The mansion will be open to explore and to “take in the sights and sounds of the holiday.” Entertainment will take place in the ballroom throughout the day and refreshments will also be served. If you’ve never taken the opportunity to check out the historic house, now is your chance.

December 9 from 9am-5pm and December 10 from 1pm-5pm at 183 Riverside Drive in Binghamton.

SANTA SIGHTINGS

Lights on the River Festival – Santa can be spotted at Elks Lodge from 6:15-8pm. December 1 at 223 Front Street in Owego. Day Out with Santa & Friends – Santa will be giving out free gifts at the Fairfield Inn from 9am-2pm. December 2 at 864 Upper Front Street in Binghamton. Santa’s Workshop – Santa has a daily gig at the Discovery Center from 9am-5pm. December 2-31 at 60 Morgan Road in Binghamton.

Saturday, December 30 from 1-4pm at the Phelps Mansion at 191 Court Street in Binghamton.

Holiday Gathering – Santa will be getting down with DJ Johnny Only at the Metro Center from 9am-12pm.

LOCAL SHOPPING

December 9 at 49 Court Street, Binghamton.

Holiday Bazaar – Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church will be selling crafts, jewelry, gifts, and baked goods.

Holiday briefs compiled by Ilana Lipowicz

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On the first day of the madness I took my little car And got stuck In the traffic by the mall. On the second day of the madness I found a little dent From the traffic I got stuck in by the mall. On the third day of the madness I paid the little bill From the dent from the traffic by the mall. On the fourth day of the madness I spent the money I had left From the bill that I paid For the dent from the traffic by the mall. On the fifth day of the madness I wrapped the boxes that I bought With the money I had left From the bill that I paid For the dent from the traffic by the mall. On the sixth day of the madness I looked on with despair At the pile of boxes that I wrapped From the money that I spent Left from bill that I paid For the dent from the traffic by the mall. On the seventh day of the madness I downed a bottle Jamesons To drown my despair Over the boxes that I wrapped With the money that I spent Left from the bill that I paid For the dent from the traffic by the mall.

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On the eighth day of the madness I woke up feeling bad From the bottle that I drank To drown my despair Over the boxes that I wrapped With the money that I spent Left from the bill that I paid For the dent from the traffic by the mall. On the ninth day of the madness I missed a day of work From the bottle that I drank To drown my despair Over the boxes that I wrapped With the money that I spent Left from the bill that I paid For the dent from the traffic by the mall. On the tenth day of the madness My boss was really mad That I missed a day of work From the bottle that I drank To drown my despair Over the boxes that I wrapped With the money that I spent Left from the bill that I paid For the dent from the traffic by the mall. On the eleventh day of the madness I baked cookies, pies, and cakes For the boss who was mad That I missed a day at work From the bottle that I drank To drown my despair Over the boxes that I wrapped With the money that I spent Left from the bill that I paid For the dent from the traffic by the mall.

On the twelfth day of the madness I gained a bunch of weight From the cookies, pies, and cakes I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give my boss who was mad That I missed a day at work From the bottle that I drank To drown my despair Over the boxes that I wrapped With the money that I spent Left from the bill that I paid For the dent from the traffic by the mall. On the day after New Years I took the boxes back And used the money that I got To buy some time at the gym To lose the weight that I gained Eating cookies, pies, and cakes That I made for the boss that I hate To suck up for the day that I missed Hung-over from the bottle that I drank Feeling bad for what I spent After paying for the dent From some asshole Who hit me by the mall.

Happy Holidays To All!

(Written and illustrated by Ronnie Vuolo)

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Dec. ‘17/Jan. ‘18 triple cities carousel 9

KRAMPUS GONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GIT YOU!

this has been a public service announcement from your friends at triple cities carousel. 10 carouselrag.com

dressed to me. Once I open this envelope I’d like to find inside it a letter explaining how some rich and anonymous individual has freed me of the hold that both my student loans and credit card debt have had on me. Jodie Gibson (Sales) I want for my children—Jeffrey, Cassidy and Wyatt—to be healthy and happy. And also, a side of seven days in Bora Bora. Joyce Knapik (Sales) I wish for a clone. I can’t get anything done. I need one more of me! Tom Shiptenko (Sales) I also didn’t answer the question on time, but if I had, I would have asked for a very large gold watch for my right hand to balance out the weight of the very large gold watch on my left hand so that I’d stop tipping over all the time. Ain’t nothin’ but a G thang, baby. John Fanning (On-Air Personality) I want a red rider BB gun and a new pair of glasses. Or a MacBook Pro. #drinkyourovaltine

Buy us presents! Shameless pandering from our shameless staff

Clockwise from top left: Phil Westcott, Heather Merlis, Chris Bodnarczuk, and Ilana Lipowicz. Ain’t we darling?

by Chris Bodnarczuk

S WE WERE PUTTING together this jam packed double issue of yuletide cheer and drunken eggnog ramblings, the Carousel staff was faced with the question of what we would want to find under our Christmas trees and Chanukah bushes should our dear readers decide to grace us with a surprise for the holidays. For the sake of word count, we also posed the question to our comrades in arms at Equinox Broadcasting: as you may have heard, we’re all one big happy family now! The only rule in answering was that no one could say “world peace,” because what a cliché that would be, Miss America. For the convenience of you, you savvy shopper, you, we have compiled everyone’s answers below. Should you feel so inclined, gifts can be dropped off at the Equinox Broadcasting offices, at 101 Main Street in Johnson City. Please note, some of these things can’t be bought, but it’s always the thought that counts... George Hawras (Publisher/Equinox CEO) I didn’t answer the question in time for publication, so all I want is a big piece of Christmas coal. Barbara Hawras (Publisher/Equinox VP) A meat thermometer.

Christopher Bodnarczuk (Editor-in-Chief) I just want George to answer my emails on time. And also, a working Super-8mm camera. And film for a working Super-8mm camera. And a big ol’ bottle of Maker’s Mark. You know those blankets that light up on the latenight infomercials? I want one of those, too. What do you mean I’m only supposed to ask for one thing? I’m an only child, I want all the things! Who’s writing this thing, anyway? Heather Merlis (Managing Editor) For Hanukkah, I would like all of the pictures I lost every time I opened my camera and exposed my film. Also I’d like voice lessons. I’m open to bartering! Ronnie Vuolo (Assistant Editor) I would like for my Labrador to stop eating poop, everyone in the world to play nice, an amazing vacation somewhere warm that does not require the aggravations of having to actually travel to get there (preferably without alligators and Dollar Generals on every corner), a kayak vacation with my son, and the health to enjoy it. Charles Berman (Staff Writer) I have just completed throwing away as many of my possessions as possible in prepara-

tion for a move, so in place of worldly goods please send me a new closet that I can install into my wall and use for storing the possessions that I have already. John Donson (Staff Writer) What did Chris answer? I want that. Ilana Lipowicz (Staff Writer) On Ilana’ s actual Christmachanukah list is a rechargeable electric heated coaster, which really exists, so she can drink her winter beverages like a gosh dang queen. Felicia Waynesboro (Staff Writer) What I would like to receive for Christmas is a bound edition of The Collected Wisdoms of Sarah Palin and Kanye West: with Introduction by Andy Cohen. It doesn’t get any better than that! Phil Westcott (Staff Writer) I would like a didgeridoo, partly because I find them oddly calming, and partly because I believe I’d be able to take over the world with one. Chris Arp (Guitar Guru) I want to find an envelope under the tree ad-

The Clint Show (On-Air Personality) I would like a 1969 BMW 2002 series, and my producer Jimmy would like a 1985 Plymouth Reliant wagon with wood on the sides and just a trifle rust around the wheel wells. Scott Wilkins (Audio Engineer) For Christmas, I wish for enlightenment, a crew that always shows up on time, and a blank check from Steven Spielberg to make my magnum opus. Y’know: simple stuff. Kathy Thach (Admin) This year I have been so nice! What I want for Christmas is a ‘cloudy with a chance of meatballs.’ Just like the book, because this can end world hunger and who doesn’t love food? Donuts or pizza falling from the sky! I also would like a lantern that looks like the moon. Jen Camp (Admin) For Christmas this year, I want what any typical thirty-seven year old girl wants: a pony, a golden retriever puppy with a big purple bow around her neck, and something sparkly! ...And those are our requests! Mind you, we don’t want you to break the bank for us. We just want presents. Seriously, buy us stuff. Or don’t. You’d probably be better off donating to needy children. Yeah. Do that. Find out how to support the Children’s Home this Christmas at: cool1067.coolesthits.com. But also, don’t forget about us! But also also also, help make a child’s holiday magical, it’ll be much more fulfilling than buying us booze and vacations and gold watches., we promise. ‘Tis the season of goodwill, y’all. Don’t be a scrooge.

Dec. ‘17/Jan. ‘18 triple cities carousel 11

Henry Rollins. Photo Provided.

Henry Rollins

Putting some intensity into it by Doctor B. 12 carouselrag.com

OME OF YOU MAY know America’s premier standup storyteller as the lead singer of ‘80s hardcore band Black Flag. Or as the front man in the Rollins Band in the 1990s. You may have read his literature, books like Art to Choke Hearts, Pissing in the Gene Pool and Black Coffee Blues. But most of you now know him as an energetic, engaging raconteur, for whom it is not unusual to speak on stage for two or three hours nonstop.

music. understand you don’t even own one now (neither do I). I think a lot of our readers could benefit from this approach to life. I just got done living in hotels for the last two weeks and didn’t turn on the television once. I will watch news online sometimes but I find television often depressing and how hours fly by when you watch - it’s almost insidious. I like making a television show and I’m not against watching something but it’s just not something I want where I live.

Rollins fronting Black Flag in the ‘80s. Photo via web.

Henry is currently traveling, something he does frequently between speaking tours. According to his regular column in LA Weekly, he is in the Far East. Carousel spoke with him via email: You have got to be the besttraveled celebrity in recent memory. At every one of the live spoken-word performances I’ve seen you do recently, you’re talking about your latest trip, often to places most American tourists would never even consider visiting. How do you choose your destinations? As to choosing a destination, often, it’s historically motivated. I want to see a place where something happened, or is happening. For instance, I was in Sudan when people in the southern part of the country were preparing to become South Sudan. It was amazing time to be there - the optimism and excitement. I also travel to places to better understand climate change, ecosystems, poverty, pollution, human rights. Basically, I’m trying to get a better understanding of things by going to the source. Your latest tour is not only you speaking, but exhibiting photos you’ve taken in your travels. I think that’s fantastic! What inspired you to include images in your presentations this time around? I spend a lot of time out in the world with a camera, and a few years ago, I was asked to show some photos at National Geographic’s theater in Washington, DC. I thought it worked out well. I was asked to do another one of these shows in Los Angeles months later and that went well, so I thought I would try it as a ticketed event. I did a couple of them in Australia last year and they went really well and so, we booked a month of shows in America and we’ll see how it goes. How did your time with Black Flag influence your love of travel? Being on the road as much as I was with Black Flag, from having never toured before, to living on the road up to nine to ten months a year was quite an adjustment. It wasn’t easy but I soon concluded that there was so much happening out in the world, compared to being “at home” that I found myself missing the road when I was off it. I went beyond being used to it, to it being a way of life, of processing information, of evaluating things. The road felt real, being off it felt like a held breath, an act of maintaining. To this day, I try and stay

out in the world as much as possible. Last week, I was walking the streets of Taipei - it was great. North Korea’s been in the news lately. You are one of very few Americans who’ve actually gotten to personally visit that country. How did you manage that? The truth is that I have a wellconnected travel agent. That’s it, really. She would get a few visas a year for North Korea, and I asked to be on the list. I lucked out and was able to go, via Beijing. I don’t know how many Americans get there. I’m willing to bet it’s a lot harder now. You say that you travel, but you don’t take vacations. I watched you give a rather scathing definition of the word “vacation” at a gig in Ithaca, NY a while back. What, to you, is the main difference? I’m not trying to be mean to those who go on vacations. I’m glad people get a chance to get out and see things. The point I was trying to make is that a lot of people have lives that they have to vacate from now and then. It’s that punishment/reward thing that’s such a big deal in the West. The idea of a vacation is, in ways, connected to retirement. You’re going to beat yourself up so one day, you get a gold watch and can catch your breath and then die. The vacation is the temporary escape from the cubicle. You will be going back to it eventually. I would rather go on adventures. How about this, instead of a vacation, go on an evacuation. Put some intensity into it. To me - and it might just be

me parsing words - but a vacation feels like part of an overall submission to a life that’s living you, rather than you living it. A lot of what I do is motivated by life’s shortness. You have a book of photos from your recent travels, Occupants. How did that project come about? I had never done a photo book before, so I thought I would do one. The next one’s finished. I have to do some writing and some processing but it’s pretty much done. You’ve once described yourself as a “vinyl cat lady.” Now, I’ve heard you spin CDs that you’ve collected, on your KCRW radio program, but your medium of choice appears to be vinyl. You’ve even got a turntable on your touring bus! Why mainly vinyl, rather than say, CDs or digital sound files? A lot of the year, like when I’m on tour, my playback is, for the most part, digital. It’s great for portability but doesn’t sound as good as vinyl, not even close. To me, digital, while very handy, has cheapened the currency of music. To a lot of people, it’s just something you download onto your phone, or stream it through a service. It often costs little or nothing, which is okay, I guess, but I think it devalues music. With a sound file, you don’t get the story of the band; you can’t hear the humanity. As they say, I’m into vinyl for the expense and inconvenience. Your mother raised you right when she steered you away from TV. I

You once remarked, “Failure is good. Failure leads to success.” Would you please clarify that for our readers? Failure is how you get the lay of the land. You gave something a shot with the best of intentions; the parts that didn’t work are as useful as the parts that did. If you interview any “successful” person and ask them how they got where they are, I bet more often than not they will tell you about the times that weren’t all that good. What I’m saying is, failure doesn’t have to be bad, if you learn from it and pick up speed the next time around. Failing doesn’t make you a failure. You went for it, okay, you blew out, well, now you know more than you did before you went for it. Your next attempt will be far more informed. If you’re trying to do almost anything extraordinary, you will make mistakes, embarrass yourself, etc. I think all that stuff strengthens you. You’ve been a “yes man” for much of your adult life, beginning with your joining Black Flag. When an opportunity for say, a movie role comes up, you’re on it. You’re the embodiment of carpe diem! Life is short and you get old really fast. By rejecting a lot of normalized ideas of how to go about things, I’ve had an interesting time. I’m nobody from nowhere. I don’t have a great deal to lose, so, I live as eventfully as I can. David Lee Roth called it “sailing the seas of consequence.” One last thing. You’ve been into body building ever since you were in high school. According to your website, you’ve recently been on a juice fast. Why did you do it, and how did it turn out? I’ve been working out, going to the gym since I was young, yes. It’s just part of my life. Mostly, it keeps stress at a manageable level. I did a few of those juice fasts. I didn’t notice anything besides how strange it is not to eat for days at a time. Does interesting things to the mind. I don’t know if it’s healthy, so I couldn’t recommend it. Henry Rollins will be performing at three locations in New York State this January: the 20th at The Egg Center for the Performing Arts in Albany; the 21st at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo, and the 23rd at the State Theater in Ithaca. Tickets can be purchased at henryrollins.com, or through each venue.

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The first round is exclusively audience vote, so it’s really just getting your fans out there to support you. We took the first round, and my thoughts from the beginning were that it would be really nice to just play the finals. We didn’t expect to win, but we wanted to prove we could get there. So we did get there, and we were pretty excited. In the final round, your score is based off both audience votes and judges’ points. We were excited to learn that, from what I understand, we were beat by a couple points in the audience category, but what pushed us over the top were the judges’ scores. I thought that was pretty cool, that people who know music, who listen to music, put us on the top of the pile. We had a great time, and met some really cool people in the other bands. We’re very grateful to our fans and friends who came out both times. It was very close, and [the judges] had to recheck everything just to be sure. We came out on top, and that feels very nice. How do you see your band growing going forward? What do you think the win at Battle of the Bands does for you? I think the win at Battle of the Bands - being that it was based on our original music - has inspired us to take our original music more seriously. Finishing recording, and putting out a CD later in 2018, just to accomplish it. We just want to get our music down on tape, and make it available for those who want to hear it.

Sonny on the Causeway. Provided.

Sonny on the Causeway

Sitting down with the Drive’s 2017 battle winners by Phil Westcott

ACH YEAR, 100.5 The Drive hosts a Battle of the Bands. The first round is held in various venues around town, with audiences determining the winner. Last year, Sonny on the Causeway - a rock band based out of Northern Pennsylvania – didn’t make it past that point. This year, they were determined to push through to the final round at Touch of Texas, and be judged by music aficionados. They did make it, and when the final results were tallied, Sonny on the Causeway took home the crown. We caught up with Ed Leucke, bassist and one of the founding members of Sonny on the Causeway after their Battle of the Bands win, and talked about the past and future of the band: Can you tell us a little bit about how the band got together? When did you start, and how did you meet? Three of us met through mutual friends - myself, Aaron Sinkovich [guitar], and Michael Whitbeck [guitar]. We were out at a bar, and really didn’t know each other. We started talking about music, and said hey, we should put something together. It was just that easy. Within a week, we were jamming together

and playing, searching for a drummer and a singer. We just kept plugging away at stuff, even though we were having trouble with that. [John Pullo, drums, and Brendan Regan, vocals] joined in June of 2012. We had our first show in November of 2012. Our mission statement in the beginning was to not be a typical bar band, playing the classic rock songs that all the bands play. We wanted to do things a little different, and throw in a song by the Misfits or the Pixies, but then we do play “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield. We want to make sure the music is something that both we and the audience enjoy. From the beginning, we started working on original music; we just didn’t have many opportunities to play original music. When you’re playing bars and things, people want to hear music they know, so we’d have to sneak them in here and there. When we got the opportunity to do Battle of the Bands, it was our chance to shine, and put our original music out there that we are proud of. Having our friends and fans come out and to hear music they’ve never heard before, and hearing the positive feedback from them - that was pretty cool.

How do you see your original music in context of the band? Do you see that as the driving force? We would like to get more opportunities to play our original music. I wish there were more local venues that showcased that. I know there’s a few local places that do that, but you show up and there’s four people there. We all have families and jobs, and not that we expect to have the Battle of the Bands audience at every show, but if you’re giving up time with your family, you want to make it worthwhile. And it’s nobody’s fault - it’s a different climate for bands now than it was ten or twenty years ago. People are able to do more things at home, with the devices they hold in their hands, and are not as apt to go out as they used to be. It’s the same all over. It’s tough to find the opportunity [to play our original music], but we love to be able to do that. We love playing it for people who want to hear our music. Tell me a little bit about the Battle of the Bands. How did the different rounds go, and what was it like participating? We actually participated first last year, and we were beat out in the first round by a really cool band, Several Sons. Right away, my thought was “We’re coming back next year!” We did, and we came in strong.

Who are your biggest influences? Well, one of the judges said we were Weezer meets Cheap Trick, which was pretty cool… we cover songs by both those bands. But our biggest influences - being that we’re a little older than some of the bands out there - our influences start in the 70s and 80s, through the 90s and 2000s. We love pop-punk bands, and poprock bands from the 80s like the Cars and Cheap Trick, and then bands through the 90s like Weezer and Foo Fighters and Everclear. It’s really hard to describe the sound of our music, since our influences come from all over the place. Where does the name Sonny on the Causeway come from? It’s a reference to the Godfather. Sonny Corleone, played by James Conn, he gets shot in the toll both. In the next scene, Marlon Brando is told by Robert Duval, “They got Sonny on the causeway.” Our first year of our band, we didn’t have a name, when it was just the three of us. We had this big board on the wall, where we were just writing names. Whenever we thought we had a cool name, we’d Google it, and sure enough, some band in Boise would be named it. We were really struggling for a name. It was Mike who came up with it. He’s a big Godfather fan, and I’m a big movie fan, and so it was like, that’s really cool. Sonny on the Causeway will be taking the next couple months off to record their debut album. Their return show/album release will be on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2018 at Two Dogs and a Guy Brewery in Montrose, PA. For more info about the band, look for Sonny on the Causeway on Facebook. Congrats again to this year’s 100.5 The Drive Battle of the Bands champions!

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Mo “Reese” Taylor. Photo by Jeff Kellam.

wind up playing finger cymbals or triangle. We need horn players.” So you went with trombone? I had played some tuba, but I couldn’t see lugging it around. I tried trumpet, but it didn’t appeal to me. But the trombone… I picked it up and immediately was playing the brassy opening to Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4.” So piano, percussion, trombone; which gives you the most satisfaction as you play? Funny… that very question was asked at the Firehouse Jazz Session the other night. As I told that BU student, it depends on the situation. But I love the trombone, because that’s what I’ve played the most; that’s what I’ve studied. It’s an integral part of who I am. And also, not everybody plays trombone. Now, I love playing piano, too, because that’s how I write music. And I play a little bass; it’s the most fun instrument. But the trombone? I hate to put it this way, but it’s the moneymaker, and the instrument I’m most proficient in. Any jazz musician heroes? You might expect me to say Slide Hampton, but I’m going with all the phenomenal talent that came up through this area with me. Tony Kadleck, John Hollenbeck, Kris Jensen, Dena DeRose, and my number one guy on trombone, Steve Davis. We see you playing jazz all over, and recording with Ultra Vibe at Newclear Studios in Windsor. Do you enjoy other kinds of music? Ultra Vibe itself plays a little of everything. Funk, fusion, rock, swing, smooth jazz…we can even throw a polka down if we need to! Personally, I like Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind, and Fire… I even appreciated Gregorian Chant a few years back. Something only my closest friends know is that I really like country music! Vince Gill, Travis Tritt.

Jazz Notes

Trombonist Mo ‘Reese’ Taylor by Jeff Kellam & Deborah Roane

T’S HARD TO MISS Mo ‘Reese’ Taylor. He’s playing trombone with Ultra Vibe at the Roberson for the WNBF 90th anniversary celebration or at Ransom Steele Tavern. He’s singing “God Bless the Child” at the Firehouse Stage Jazz Session and subbing as host at The Lost Dog Jazz Jams. He’s music director of the Binghamton Devils. He’s leading the Binghamton University Pep Band in the BU fight song he composed. And, as assistant jazz band director, he’s at the piano for the Harpur Jazz Ensemble. Wait. He’s moved over to the drum set. And then he grabs his Yamaha 681G trombone as the HJE big band kicks into high gear. This guy is everywhere. He’s the Binghamton native who snuck into his big brother’s room to play deejay with the turntables and microphone his brother had preferred he not touch. But Mo’s mom said, “Just let him go!” And did he ever. Maurice Taylor (old friends call him Reese, his mid-1990s radio name was Mo) wasn’t the Air Force Academy football star his older brother Dwayne was, nor was he a world

martial arts champion like his brother Billy. But Mo ‘Reese’ Taylor found his niche in music: What were your earliest musical influences? My family tells me stories of my sitting on my father’s lap while he played the piano with me, you know, just plinking notes. I don’t remember that, but I guess I got some of music’s rhythm from my mother (who played drums in her high school marching band) and I got the melodic side from my father’s piano. Plus, there was the deejay thing my brother was involved with at WHRW at BU. Did you take formal lessons? I had some lessons at school, but mostly [smiling] “the school of hard knocks.” I took advantage of people around me who had some knowledge of theory… that cultivated me. I had people say this is a C; this is an E… that’s a chord. I learned more from experience. But I’d never discount my teachers throughout my school years. Mr. Hunkovich, Mr. Black, Mr. Thomas [who, by the way, in 4th grade asked Mo if he wanted to take the violin home], Mr. Lewis, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Mann, Ms. Anderson.

Sometimes as you grow up, a teacher wants you to stick to one instrument, but I had the advantage of teachers who let me play percussion, tuba, and piano early on. The tuba must have led to your trombone virtuosity eventually. But first, tell us about the drums. To this day I have a nervous habit. If I’m nervous, I tap, and not just a normal tap-tap-tap. I’m doing a rhythm. One day in fifth grade I was about to bomb a test, and my teacher literally dragged me down to the drum teacher Mr. Black and said, “Could you please teach him how to play—he’s driving me crazy!” Here’s a lesson for would-be musicians… Learn to read music, and read it well. Starting off on drums, I couldn’t read that well. I could mimic though, like in the movie “Drumline.” When I look at someone drumming, it slows down for me and I’m able to pick it up stoke for stroke. Even at a young age I was able to do that. But in school, Mr. Hunkovich told me, “Look, there are five drummers ahead of you who can read music. If you stay with drums, you’ll

When you sing, you captivate the audience. When did you first discover your voice? My grandfather, the Reverend John W. Taylor, founded Beautiful Plain Baptist Church. [That was in 1924… way before Mo’s time!] I sang in the church choir and school chorus. My first vocal teacher was Jennifer Anderson - that was in 4th grade. I had a soprano up until the first half of 9th grade. Any other surprises about Mo ‘Reese’ Taylor? I’m a tournament archer. I am a club fisherman. You know, this area is known for world-class small mouth bass fishing! Is there anything on your mind we didn’t get to? Yes, it’s what we are not doing now to keep jazz alive in our area. We need to appeal to kids. Like occasional jazz concerts curated specifically with the kids in mind. That sounds like food for thought for our next Jazz Notes… See you in February! For more information visit: Harpur Jazz Ensemble – Binghamton University, BU Pep Band, and Ultra Vibe – all on Facebook; Schorr Family Firehouse Stage (goodwilltheatre.net), Lost Dog Lounge (lostdogcafe. net), and Binghamton Devils (binghamtondevils.com).

Dec. ‘17/Jan. ‘18 triple cities carousel 17

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music briefs Rebirth Brass Band. Photo by Jeffrey Dupuis.

INTREPID TRAVELERS ROLL INTO THE CYBER

Founded in 2013 on friendship, fun, and a sense of freedom, Intrepid Travelers is a musical quartet from Buffalo that defines itself through boundless improvisation and eclectic evolution. Treating each live show as a journey with the audience rather than a performance, Intrepid Travelers pride themselves on a form of focused, collective expression that showcases a medium where cerebral musicianship meets heartfelt, soulful songwriting. Quickly building a following as an improvisational band that draws influence from the diverse catalog of American music, each show delves into the unknown, throwing aside set lists and traditional arrangements for explorations in all genres, from heavy roots in jazz-funk fusion, rock, bluegrass, to even classical and electronic music. It’s party music for the head and heart that also keeps the dance floor grooving. Since 2016, Intrepid Travelers has been busy both in the studio and out, with the release of third EP Everyday Is Your Birthday, embarking

on multiple national tours, and the follow-up of its annual family-run festival, “IT Fest”, all on its resume. The young band has been on a meteoric rise like no other, and with the inclusion in national festivals such as Summer Camp, Cobblestone Live, and Night Lights, people are beginning to notice. Intrepid Travelers take the stage at Binghamton’s Cyber Café West (176 Main Street) right around 9pm on Friday, December 1. Cover charge is minimal, and more info can be found at cybercafewest.com.

BING PHILHARMONIC CHANNELS THE HOLIDAYS

December’s a busy month for the Binghamton Philharmonic, who will be presenting two special holiday performances. First up, “Cirque Musica: Believe” will pair the Philharmonic with circus performers, jugglers, and acrobats for a lively interpretation of holiday songs on Thursday, December 7 at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena. Then, on Saturday, December 16, they’ll team

up with the Downtown Singers at the Broome County Forum Theatre for the third year to present a rousing rendition of Handel’s timehonored masterpiece, “Messiah.” Known for its eloquent poetry and piety, “Handel’s Messiah” has resonated with audiences for 275 years and is as much a tradition as the holidays themselves! Cirque Musica takes place on 12/7 at 7:30pm at the Arena (1 Stuart Street, Binghamton). Tickets range from $25-$65. Messiah takes place on 12/16 at 7:30pm at the Forum Theatre (236 Washington Street, Binghamton). Tickets for that show range from $20-$45. Tickets and more info for each show can be found at binghamtonphilharmonic.org or by calling the Philharmonic box office at (607) 723-3931.

REBIRTH BRASS AT HOMER CENTER FOR ARTS

The Grammy- winning Rebirth Brass Band is a New Orleans institution. Formed in 1983 by the now infamous Frazier brothers, the

band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to playing festivals and stages all over the world. Their persistent production of the rich, New Orleans Brass Band sound won the band a Grammy on their 2011 release, Rebirth of New Orleans. Rebirth is committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands while at the same time incorporating modern music into their show. Their signature brand of brass funk has won over several generations of music lovers, and in a post-Katrina world, their name and music have become the soundtrack to their musically rich hometown. In the wake of the sometimes-stringent competition amongst brass bands, Rebirth is the undisputed leader of the pack, and they show no signs of slowing down Rebirth takes the stage at Homer Center for the Arts (72 S. Main Street, Homer, NY) on Thursday, December 7 at 8pm. Preshow with the Hoffman Family Band starts at 7pm. GA tickets are $28. More info can be found at center4art.org.

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music briefs

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Emily Angell. Via web.

WEDNESDAYS: Line Dance Lessons w/ Ed & Nancy (7pm) THURSDAYS: Latin/Salsa Dance Lessons w/ Gerald Iglesias (7pm)

SATURDAYS: No cover 6-8pm Line Dance & Couples Lessons w/ Debbie & Johnny, Tom & Sherri

CAYUGA VOCAL ENSEMBLE AT TRINITY CHURCH

For over forty years, the Cayuga Vocal Ensemble has shared its passion for choral music with the Ithaca community and surrounding region through performances that exemplify music’s unique power to touch the human heart and mind. A 20-voice professionally trained choral ensemble, they strive to offer outstanding performances of diverse repertoire reaching across genres, time periods, and cultures, bringing to varied audiences a deeper understanding and broader appreciation for choral music. Under the sponsorship of Trinity Concerts, The Cayuga Vocal Ensemble will perform “Christmas Ancient and Modern” at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church in Binghamton on Sunday, December 10. The program will include stunning a cappella choral works for the season by master composers of the Renaissance period including Palestrina, Hassler, Victoria, and Lasso, along with 20th- and 21st-century works by Francis Poulenc, Francis Pott, and Frank LaRocca. The concert is free and open to the public; donations gratefully accepted to benefit Trinity Concerts. The performance runs from 4-5:30pm on Sunday, December 10 at Trinity Memorial Church (44 Main Street, Binghamton). For more information, visit cayuga-vocal.org.

THE WYNOTTE SISTERS AT 6 ON THE SQUARE

An alt-country singer/songwriter and kickass fiddler, a bassist/ukulele player who’s played everything from Hawaiian swing to noise rock, and a Norwegian power-pop vocalist, all coming together to play… holiday tunes? Well… Wynotte? Sara Milonovich, Daria Grace, and Vibeke Saugestad are The Wynotte Sisters. They met through the fertile Hudson Valley music scene, where they all now live, and soon discovered a mutual love for three-part harmonies, wine and cheese, and exotic licorice. All three women possess very distinct voices, yet they complement each other perfectly. The Wynotte Sisters play original material as well as genre-crossing covers from off the beaten track - from vintage Andrews Sisters to Steve Earle to Pink, they deliver an unexpected yet thor-

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oughly enjoyable trove of holiday songs. Catch the Wynotte Sisters at 6 On the Square (6 Lafayette Square, Oxford) on Sunday, December 10 at 2pm. Tickets are available at the discounted pre-show price of $20 (plus $2 service charge) through 6onthesquare. org, or for $25 at the door. More info on the band can be found on Facebook.

EMILY ANGELL CHRISTMAS EVE-EVE AT McGIRK’S

Hailing from the Southern Tier, folk-pop singer/songwriter/producer Emily Angell is redefining a woman’s role in the music business, grassroots style. She can be seen all over the state singing, strumming and wailing on the harmonica; fans describe her as Alanis Morisette meets Christina Aguilera. This past October, Emily released “I Got This”, the debut single to her upcoming Folk/ Pop/Electronic EP: the sonic landscape of this track has ‘Top 40 Folktronic’ written all over it. Drawing from the likes of James Taylor and the Beatles and combining that with sounds of fresh artists like Kiiara and Starley, Emily is carving out the new path of pop music. In an industry where popular music can often feel inauthentic, Emily stands out not only with her progressive, motivational, and emotionally-connected lyrical content but with a naturally versatile set of vocal chords and a knowledge of both sides of the recording studio. Her debut self-released EP The Upset (2011) received aplomb for its daring, acoustic approach, landing her heralding reviews from Women of Substance Radio and AllMusic.com. Emily’s sophomore EP Let Go (2015) exhibited her progressive folk-pop/ rock style and secured her spots opening for well-known names in Alternative Radio like American Authors and Dreamers. Emily Angell aims to set the bar for independent artists, popular music and female producers. By being connected emotionally, morally and socially, Emily believes the empathy that music fosters will change the world. Emily Angell will be performing at McGirk’s Irish Pub (1 Kattelville Road, Binghamton) on Saturday, December 23 at 9pm. Admission is free. More info at emilyangellmusic. com.

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music briefs JOHN BROWN’S BODY COMES HOME TO ITHACA

bluntly as ever with the shadowy, subtle corners of humanity” according to Rolling Stone, Together for two decades and hailed as “fuand was recorded with friends such as Richture roots, reggae, and dub with an intricateard Thompson, Jill Sobule, Jim Lauderdale, ly balanced weaving the Milk Carton Kids, of vocals, percussion, Vance Gilbert. Via web. Lucy Wainwright keyboard, bass, guiRoche, Suzzy Roche, tar, and stunning the Hooters and oth3-piece horn secers in various studios tion that ties it all across the U.S. It is a together” (WRUV), sparkling collection John Brown’s Body of new original mateis building “a legarial, inspired collabocy that has inspired rations and some surand carved a path prising covers such for the now thriving as B.A.D.’s “Johnny contemporary AmerAppleseed” making ican reggae scene” this album one of her (Rudeboy Reggae). best yet. Formed in Ithaca, New York, in the mid Dar Williams takes 1990s, at a time when to the stage of the there wasn’t yet a Hangar Theatre (801 far-reaching U.S. regTaughannock Bougae scene, JBB was levard, Ithaca) on one of a small handSunday, January 14. ful of U.S. reggae Doors at 7pm, show bands that began touring nationally. Since at 8pm. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 day then, JBB has played an important role in of show, and can be purchased through dsphelping define distinctly “American reggae.” shows.com. More info on Williams can be JBB’s music is steeped in traditional vibes, found at darwilliams.com. but unapologetically incorporates elements from other genres. While most American VANCE GILBERT FOLKIN’ reggae bands tackled typical reggae themes AROUND IN OXFORD (such as religion and marijuana), JBB acted Vance Gilbert burst onto the singer/songwritmore like an indie band, writing songs that er scene in the early ‘90s when buzz started used the vocabulary of reggae to express their spreading in the folk clubs of Boston about an own experiences. Their unique approach resex-multicultural arts teacher who was knockonated with the masses. The group’s 2008 ing ‘em dead at open mics. Born and raised in full-length record, Amplify, hit #1 on the Billthe Philadelphia area, Vance started out hopboard Reggae Chart, 2012’s JBB In Dub EP ing to be a jazz singer, and then discovered reached #1 on iTunes’ Reggae Chart, and in his affinity for the storytelling sensibilities of 2013 Kings & Queens topped both Billboard acoustic folk music. Once word got out about and iTunes Reggae Charts at #1. Today, JBB’s Gilbert’s stage-owning singing and playing, signature style has become the norm for U.S. Shawn Colvin invited him to be special guest reggae bands – and many in the genre adon her Fat City Tour. Noted not only for bemittedly point to John Brown’s Body as a key ing the ever consummate performer, Gilbert influence. has recorded 12 albums, including 4 for Philo/Rounder Records and a duo album with John Browns Body returns home to Ithaca friend Ellis Paul. Along with being opener of on Friday, December 29, for an evening of choice for artists as varied as Aretha Frankmusic and dancing at The Haunt (702 Willin, Arlo Guthrie, and Anita Baker, 2006 and low Avenue, Ithaca). Doors at 8pm, show at 2007 found Gilbert opening 140+ shows for 9pm. Tickets range from $16.50 to $20, and comedian George Carlin. Most recently he’s are available now through dspshows.com or the opener of choice for Paul Reiser and The thehaunt.com. More info on the band can be Subdudes. Considered by many to be an intefound at johnbrownsbody.com. gral part of the national folk scene, Gilbert’s approach to the acoustic singer/songwriter DAR WILLIAMS AT THE idiom is significant. Gilbert’s compositions, HANGAR THEATRE while frequently employing sophisticated Known as much for her staunch progressive melodies and harmonies that attest to his ideals as her raw acoustic energy, Dar Wiljazz roots, remain sublime attestations to the liams has been captivating audiences with storyteller’s craft. He even has a tune on a her sheer elegance and honesty in her folkGrammy Nominated children’s album. How pop songwriting since the ‘90s. Williams’ rounded is that? growth as an individual over her two-decadelong career has gone hand-in-hand with her Vance Gilbert returns to 6 On the Square evolution as an artist, touring along the way (6 Lafayette Square, Oxford) on Saturday, with such distinguished peers as Joan Baez, January 20. As of publication, set time and Patty Griffin, Ani DiFranco, Loudon Wainticket price has yet to be announced. Check wright III and Shawn Colvin, among others. 6onthequare.org for updates, more info and Dar’s most recent album, Emerald, “deals as a full schedule of upcoming shows. Music briefs compiled by John Donson. music@carouselrag.com

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EXPLODING

FINGERS

GUITAR DOJO

A monthly lesson in music theory from guitar player extraordinaire Chris Arp

APPY HOLIDAYS! LAST MONTH we began to look at how we could utilize chromatic tones in conjunction with 5-chord arpeggios to add expressive color to our melodies. We then pointed out that there are distinctions to be made between the expressive values of each chromatic tone, as they are relative to the root of any particular 5-chord. We looked at the expressive value of the flat 9 (b9) interval and the (11). This month we will examine the value of flat 13 (b13) intervals and 9 intervals. You can find this month’s column online with all other past articles at www.explodingfingers.com. For review, a root and a perfect 5th make a 5-chord. The major, the minor (m), the sus 2, the sus 4, the major 7 (M7), the minor 7 (m7), the dominant (7), and the minor major 7 (mM7) chords all contain a root and perfect 5th. Therefore, you could technically play this twonote arpeggio over any one of these chords. By doing so we melodically anchor ourselves to whichever chord we are playing over. By balancing this foundation with chromatic tension, basically using notes that are not in the chord, we can then add these chromatic “colors” making our melodies interesting. This concept is known as “tension and release.” The flat 13 (Fig. 1) is certainly my favorite tension. It is a minor interval that suggests the exotic sounds of eastern Asia. Although it is a minor interval, played with well executed “tension and release” it will melodically sound amazing over any type of chord. Or at least I think so… I did say it was my favorite tension. A good example of where you can hear this being used is in the guitar playing of Marty Friedman. If I am correct, he grew up in Hawaii. Whereas he has mastered so many unique meFig. 1 lodic and technical techniques, which have awarded him a reputation for being a stand out guitar player, his use of the flat 13 interval certainly is a signature within his exotic playing, especially to the ears of us westerners. The 9th (Fig. 2) can be a relaxing tension that is often associated with the realms of jazz music. They have that saying that all jazz music happens beyond the 7th interval. If this were true, which it is enough, we would then be starting precisely with the 9th. Now, to get the harmonic tension that jazz music is generally referring to you would hold a 9th interval on top of a 7th chord. You would then take notice of how the note blends over the backing chord. But since we are focusing on melodic anFig. 2 gles, we must point out that the 9th adds only a subtle tension. Considering that the 9th and the 2nd intervals are enharmonically (a note that is the same as another note but, is spelled differently) the same, when you have a 9th following after the root it sounds like a “out-of-the-box” melody. Now it is certainly still an interval that creates tension, and isn’t to be neglected. If it seems a bit mundane on it’s own, know that it’s contrast with other tensions, especially minor tensions such as the flat 13, are quite useful as you consider considering the bigger picture. Practice these patterns against the 5-chord arpeggio and let your ear take in how adding these tones will inspire the expressive nature of your playing. Please visit my website www.explodingfingers.com to see an example of how to perform these exercises. If you have any questions, comments, column suggestions, or are interested in getting guitar lessons in the Binghamton area, contact me at explodingfingers@hotmail.com. Until next time, have fun playing!

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KEEP A N EYE ON OU R FACEBOOK PAG E & WEBSITE AT TH E OF DECEMBER FOR A JA NUARY EV ENTS CALENDAR . . . HA PPY NEW YEARS. . . WE' LL SEE YOU AGA I N I N FEBRUA

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Digital Planetarium Show (ROB) Homemade Gnocchi! (BCFM) Jazz Nutcracker (AC), Billy Goats Gruff (AC) Grigorian Ballet “The Nutcracker” (FRM) Eric Schwartz (SOS) Annual Christmas Variety Show (WAL) Karaoke (CAL) Frost Fest (BU) Bing City Limits (MGRX) Wonderful Life (FHS) Elf (EPAC)

Second Saturday (CLS) Digital Planetarium Show (ROB) Paint & Sip (BBW) University Wind Symphony (AC) Chinese Music Ensemble (BU) The Wynotte Sisters (SOS) A Christmas Story (TIA) Karaoke (CAL) Cayuga Vocal Ensemble (TMC)

The Burns Sisters Holiday Show (SOS) Digital Planetarium Show (ROB) A Christmas Story (TIA) Karaoke (CAL) Bing City Limits (MGRX)

Christmas Eve Brunch (CIT) Karaoke (CAL)

Digital Planetarium Show (ROB) New Years Eve Prix Fixe Dinner (CIT) New Year’s Eve with Slow Burn (FIVE) Masquerade at the Mansion (ROB) Karaoke (CAL) Old Friends New Years (MGRX) Two Dollar Pistol (RST)

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04 11 18 25

Team Trivia (CCW) Open Mic Night (BEL)

Foothills Opera Experience (PHL) Team Trivia (CCW) Open Mic Night (BEL) LEGO Club (YHPL) Paws to Read (YHPL) Budd Ash (MGRX)

Wrap and Yap (YHPL) Team Trivia (CCW) Open Mic Night (BEL)

SIMPLY HAVING A WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME

(AC) Anderson Center, BU (ALR) Robinson St. Legion, Binghamton (AMT) The Art Mission & Theater, Binghamton (ATOM) Atomic Tom’s, Binghamton (ARE)Broome County Arena, Binghamton (BBC) Binghamton Brewing Co, Johnson City (BBW) Black Bear Winery, Chenango Forks (BCFM) Binghamton Regional Farmers Market (BEEF) The Beef Restaurant, Binghamton (BEL) Belmar Pub, Binghamton (BIST) Bistro 163, Binghamton (BREW) Strange Brew, Binghamton (BTP) Blind Tiger Pub, Johnson City

05 12 19 26

Devinne Meyers (BBC) Acoustic Music with Greg Neff (CAR) Percussion Ensemble Concert (AC) Open Mic (BEL) Tuesday Farmer’s Market (BCFM) Team Trivia w/ Select Sounds (MGRX) Tuesday Night Swing Dance (TCK) Open Mic (CCW) Trivia Night (LDC)

Acoustic Music with Greg Neff (CAR) Book Discussion: Alif the Unseen (YHPL) Devinne Meyers (BBC) Open Mic (BEL) Tuesday Farmer’s Market (BCFM) Team Trivia w/ Select Sounds (MGRX) Tuesday Night Swing Dance (TCK) Karaoke (CCW) Trivia Night (LDC) Hanukkah Bash (COL)

Acoustic Music with Greg Neff (CAR) Movie Night: Miracle on 34th Street (YHPL) Devinne Meyers (BBC) Open Mic (BEL) Tuesday Farmer’s Market (BCFM) Team Trivia w/ Select Sounds (MGRX) Tuesday Night Swing Dance (TCK) Karaoke (CCW) Trivia Night (LDC)

Acoustic Music with Greg Neff (CAR) Devinne Meyers (BBC) Open Mic (BEL) Tuesday Farmer’s Market (BCFM) Team Trivia w/ Select Sounds (MGRX) Tuesday Night Swing Dance (TCK) Trivia Night (LDC)

(BU) Binghamton University, Vestal (BUN) Bundy Museum, Binghamton (CAL) Callahan’s Sportsman’s Pub, Binghamton (CAR) Carol's Art Cafe, Owego (CCW) Cyber Cafe West, Binghamton (CHE) Chenango Arts Council, Norwich (CIT) Citrea Restaurant, Binghamton (CLEM) Clemens Center, Elmira (CMP) Cider Mill Playhouse, Endicott (COD) Castle on the Delaware, Walton (COL) The Colonial, Binghamton (CRT) Chenango River Theatre, Greene (CS) Clinton St, Binghamton

06 13 20 27

Holiday Artisan Market (BCFM) Acoustic Music with Greg Neff (CAR) Vinyl Night (CIT) Deep Cuts Pro Jam (CAL) Jazz Jam w/ Miles Ahead (LDC) Justin Moyar (CCW) Liz & Jim Hull (MGRX) Line Dance Lessons (TOT)

Acoustic Music with Greg Neff (CAR) Deep Cuts Pro Jam (CAL) Rachel Beverly (CCW) Line Dance Lessons (TOT)

Acoustic Music with Greg Neff (CAR) Deep Cuts Pro Jam (CAL) Jazz Jam w/ Miles Ahead (LDC) Johnny Unheimlich (CCW) Rob Stachyra/Robby Perez (MGRX) Line Dance Lessons (TOT) Rod Serling Christmas (BUN)

Acoustic Music with Greg Neff (CAR) Deep Cuts Pro Jam (CAL) Jorden & Wombats (CCW) Rick Pedro (MGRX) Line Dance Lessons (TOT)

(DCS) Discovery Center, Binghamton (DOC) Doc Concrescence, Binghamton (DTB) Downtown Binghamton (DTO) Downtown Owego (DUB) Doubletree by Hilton, Binghamton (EPAC) Endicott Performing Arts Center (FCC) First Congregational Church, Binghamton (FHS) Firehouse Stage, Johnson City (FIVE) Number 5 Restaurant, Binghamton (FRM) Broome Forum Theater, Binghamton (GAR) Garage Taco Bar, Binghamton (GXY) Galaxy Brewing Co., Binghamton (GVF) Grapevine Cafe, Johnson City

thur.

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calendar of events december 2017 sat.

Jazz Nutcracker (AC), First Friday Art Walk (DTO/DTB) Digital Planetarium Show (ROB), Taze Yanick (CAL), Flute Concert (BU) Art & Innovation @ The Incubator (BU), Little Women (BU) Roberto Bellospirito (BUN), It’s Never Just a Dream (BUN) The Art of Peter Keil (BUN), First Friday (DTB), Reprise (FIVE) Ayana D (GXY), Star of Bethlehem (KOP), Lights on the River (DTO) A Christmas Carol (PHL), Bendher (RST), Doug and Eamon (BTP) Christmas Variety Show (WAL), The Vogues/Ron Dante (TOT) Intrepid Traveler (CCW), Woodshed Proph. (MGRX), Groovy Boys (LDC) Wonderful Life (FHS) Elf (EPAC)

E END . RY!

Cirque Musica BELIEVE (VMA) Bing Downtown Christmas Market (BIST) Open Mic with Greg Neff (CAR) Harpur Chorale & Chamber Singers (AC) Mid-Day Concert (BU), JackTwo(RST) Ivory Christmas (DTB), Marv WIlliams (BTP) Trivia Night (CAL), Poetry Open Mic (BEL) Karaoke (LDC), Ugly Dolphin (CCW) Adam Ate Apple (BEL), Hummels Jug (MGRX) Rebirth Brass (HOM) Latin/Salsa Lessons (TOT)

Nukporfe Drumming & Dance (AC), Journey West (CAL) Digital Planetarium Show (ROB), Bobby G and Timeless (FIVE) Star of Bethlehem Movie Screening (KOP), A Christmas Carol (PHL) Thru Spectrums (RST), Voodoo Highway (BTP) A Christmas Story (TIA) Nate Gross Band (ORG) Nightmare Before Christmas (WSBC) Live Music (CCW) Beard of Bees (MGRX) Wreckless Marci/Gunpoets (TOT) Werk (LDC)

Open Mic with Greg Neff (CAR) Triple Down (RST) Live Music (BTP) Trivia Night (CAL) Poetry Open Mic (BEL) Karaoke (LDC) Adam Ate the Apple (BEL) Acoustabees (MGRX) Triple Down (RST) Deanne Smith Comedy (TOT) Latin/Salsa Lessons (TOT)

Digital Planetarium Show (ROB), Live Music (CAL) Rooster and Roadhouse Horns (FIVE), Gerry Jarcia String Band (ORG) A Christmas Carol (PHL) Hi-Way Fruit Market (RST) Chris Mollo (BTP) A Christmas Story (TIA) Raibred/Astro Collective (CCW) Persuasion (MGRX) Hiway Fruit Market (RST) Latin Dance Party (TOT) Frankie C (LDC)

Open Mic with Greg Neff (CAR) Marv Williams (BTP), Holiday Inn (WAL) Herb Class (YHPL), Trivia Night (CAL) Poetry Open Mic (BEL) Karaoke (LDC) Ugly Dolphin (CCW) Adam Ate the Apple (BEL) The Vollmers Holiday Show (ORG) Brady Goldsmith (MGRX) Humble Beginnings Band (RST) Latin/Salsa Lessons (TOT)

Digital Planetarium Show (ROB) Nate Calzetoni (CAL) Holiday Fiesta! (CIT) The Yada Yadas (FIVE) Brotherhood (FIVE) Acoustic Brew (ORG) Voodoo Highway (CCW) Virgil Cain (MGRX) Dirt Farm/Nate Gross Band (RST) DJ Thaddeus (LDC)

Time Travelers Tea/Magic Show (YHPL) Open Mic with Greg Neff (CAR) Thom Ormsby (BTP) Trivia Night (CAL) Poetry Open Mic (BEL) Karaoke (LDC) Ugly Dolphin (CCW) Adam Ate the Apple (BEL) Brad, Garret, Sara (RST) Latin/Salsa Lessons (TOT)

Digitribe (CAL), Digital Planetarium Show (ROB) Splash (FIVE) Frostbit Blue (RST) Dusty Wayne & Mr. Pete (BTP) Jess Novak Band (ORG) Amber Martin (CCW) Hi-way Fruit Market (MGRX) Frostbit Blue (RST) Holiday Dance Party (TOT) John Browns Body (HAU) Eddie Fondu (LDC)

(HAU) The Haunt, Ithaca (HID) Holiday Inn Downtown, Binghamton (HOM) Homer Center for the Arts, Homer (JBC) John Barleycorn, Owego (KIL) Kilmer Mansion, Binghamton (KOP) Kopernik Observatory, Vestal (LEG) American Legion, Endicott (LDC) Lost Dog Cafe/Lounge,Binghamton (MGRX) McGirk’s, Chenango Bridge (NIM) Nimmonsburg Methodist Church (ORG) Original’s Bar and Lounge, Owego (OTS) Otsiningo Park, Binghamton (OUH) Old Union Hotel, Binghamton

(OWE) Owego, NY) (PHO) Binghamton Photo (PHL) Phelps Mansion, Binghamton (PHNT) Phantom Chef, Endicott (RRB) RiverRow Books, Owego (RED) Red's Kettle Inn, Johnson City (RFG) Rolling Fire Glassworks, Endicott (ROB) Roberson Museum, Binghamton (RPZ) Ross Park Zoo, Binghamton (RST) Ransom Steele Tavern, Apalachin (SCPH) South City Publick House, Binghamton (SCR) Scranton, PA (SJJ) Sarah Jane Johnson Church, Johnson City

02 09 16 23 30

Santa’s Pancake Bkfst (DCS), Troubadors (MGRX),Greg Neff (CAR) Amber, Devinne, Bess (CAL), Digital Planetarium Show (ROB) Dickensian Actors at the Market! (BCFM), Jazz Nutcracker (AC) University Symphony Orchestra Concert (AC), Thomas Westcott (BSP) Spelunkers (RST), Little Women (BU), Piano Ensemble Concert (BU) Disney & Broadway A Cappella Show (BU), It’s A Wonderful Life (FHS) Sundown (TOT), Elvis Christmas Show (COD), Ellen Street Muse (FIVE) BTOS “Holiday Hit Parade” (FRM), A Christmas Carol (PHL) Spelunkers (RST), Rick Iacovelli (BTP), Christmas Variety Show (WAL) Grigorian Nutcracker (CLEM), Bazaar (NIM), Alex Creamer (CCW) Couples Dance (TOT), Space1 (LDC), Elf (EPAC), Photo Wkshp (PHO)

Farmer’s Market (BCFM), Greg Neff (CAR), Pals at Cals (CAL) Singing Chinese Class Recital (BU), Digital Planetarium Show (ROB) Broadway’s Next Hit Holiday Musical (FHS), Ralph Muro Trio (FIVE) Celtic Christmas (ATOM), Christmas Carol (PHL) , Rob and Sonny (BTP) Christmas Story (TIA), Party/Art Show (VM), Paper Crafts (YHPL) Binghamton Contradance (TMC), Toys for Tots Holiday Drag Show (SQU) Gift/Vendor Show (ALR), Art/Gift Sale (UUC), Bess Greenberg (CCW) Straight Up (MGRX), Kitchen Sink Band (RST), Beadle Bros Band (TOT) Couples Line Dance (TOT) Space One (LDC) Photo Wkshp (PHO)

Saturday Farmer’s Market (BCFM), Book Sale (YHPL) Digital Planetarium Show (ROB) , Oarlock/Mopar Cams (CAL) Acoustic Music with Greg Neff (CAR), The Lily Pad Drag Show (BUN) The Ron and Rhonda Band (FIVE), Handel’s Messiah (FRM) A Christmas Carol (PHL), Wreckless Marci (RST), Acoustic Brew (BTP) A Christmas Story (TIA), Raibred (CCW), The Look (MGRX) Greg Allan Western Justice (TOT), Couples Line Dance (TOT) Space One (LDC) Comedy Show (GRAPE) Polar Express (YHPL) Photo Wkshp (PHO)

(SOC) Social on State, Binghamton (SOS) Six on the Square, Oxford (SQU) Squiggys, Binghamton (TC) Terra Cotta Catering, Binghamton (TCK) Tri-Cities Karate, Endicott (TCO) Tri-Cities Opera House, Binghamton (TIA) Tiawaga PAC, Owego (TMC) Trinity Memorial Church, Binghamton (TOT) Touch of Texas, Binghamton (UDT) University Downtown Center, Binghamton (UNC) Uncorked Creations, Binghamton (UPC) United Presbyterian Church, Binghamton (UUC) Unitarian Univ.Church, Binghamton

Saturday Farmer’s Market (BCFM) Acoustic Music with Greg Neff (CAR) Live Music (CAL) Digital Planetarium Show (ROB) Anything Goes (FIVE) Budd Ash from Remedy (BTP) Brittany Rose/Corinne Roma (CCW) Emily Angell (MGRX) Last Call (RST) Space One (LDC) Photo Wkshp (PHO)

Saturday Farmer’s Market (BCFM), Greg Neff (CAR) Live Music (CAL) DJ Space One (LDC) Digital Planetarium Show (ROB) 2nd Edition with Mary Meier (FIVE) Holiday Open House (PHL) Joe Stento (BTP) Home Brew (CCW) Randy McStine/John Kanazawich (RST) UUU (TOT) Photo Wkshp (PHO) (VAM) Vestal American Legion (VM) Vestal Museum, Vestal (WAL) Walton Theater, Walton (WSBC) Water Street Brewing Co, Binghamton (YHP) Your Home Public Library, Johnson City

Dec. ‘17/Jan. ‘18 triple cities carousel 25

“Trama” by Bob Allan Bricks.

Bob Alan Bricks “Inventions” at the Bundy by Felicia Waynesboro 26 carouselrag.com

art.

ed by a series of lovemaking sessions between him and his fiancée/muse Jemma, during which their bodies interacted with the canvas. They used a different color paint for each session. Breasts and the penis are recurring motifs for Bricks, though they are often not an obvious presence in much of his work, lovemaking painting included. “They tend to be Hanna Barbera breasts and Walt Disney dicks,” he jibes with his easy smile. While interpretation of his work is always wide open, a talk with Bricks leaves no doubt that a celebration of sexuality is a driving force. “That deepness is a sense of home,” he says.

OR ARTIST BOB ALAN BRICKS, art is about energy flow. With little or no plotting or pondering over composition and meaning in advance, he likes to create works spontaneously and quickly, responding as much to the work and where it is taking him as the work is responding to what he is doing to it. Like conception and birth in the life process itself, the creation of a work of art, for Bricks, is a flow of energy that results in a new entity which takes its place in the world without, necessarily, ever being fully knowable. Fellow artist Robert Hoover once praised Bricks, saying that he was finding his way. “Robert, I don’t want to find my way,” Bricks responds. “I don’t want to find, like, a signature technique. I want it to be that every time I finish a piece and hang it… it’s been an experience and an experiment.” When asked what a painting means, Bricks responds, “It doesn’t matter what it means to me. In fact, a lot of times I don’t even know what it means to me. What matters is what it means to you. I’ve had people come and say, ‘I don’t know why that touches me,’ or ‘I like it and I don’t know why.’” Bricks loves such expressions of unconditional connection.

Some of Brick’s greatest influences are Van Gogh (being intensely prolific), Rauschenberg (noted for non-traditional materials), and Jon Sarkin (unique in his abrupt transition to art after brain-altering surgery and a subsequent stroke). “Actually,” Bricks says, “I tend to be drawn to an artist by looking at his studio.” A glimpse on Bricks’ cell phone into the studio of contemporary artist Francis Bacon reveals a densely cluttered chaos which was fathomable probably only to Bacon himself. Even after a work has shown, no unsold artwork of Bob Alan Bricks is necessarily considered by the artist to be immutable. He sometimes looks at an older piece that has already shown and decides to make changes - tweaking it, or morphing it into a new work altogether. “It’s like jamming with the band,” says the drummer in Bricks. “You’re still playing the song, but I may be able to change the complexity of the song with the rhythms.”

The 59-year-old is well-known locally both as an artist - who has had about 14 showings in the past couple of years - and as a drummer with local bands V.A.P.E. and, currently, the Chain Gang. “I’ve been an artist all my life,” says the New York City native. “I grew up drawing cartoons with my dad. Always drew, always played music,” as he did with a Staten Island band called Tundra in his youth. In October 2017, he retired from 30 years as a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office. When Bob reached college age, his father helped him finance a commercial art education at the Albert Pels School of Art in Manhattan, on the premise that a commercial art career could provide a living. In New York, Bricks engaged in a three-year career in advertising. He describes himself as having been “a committed Christian for 25 years,” with five children and a desire to home-school them away from the city. So, the family decided that post office work was a practical alternative, which led to a move to Endwell in the late 1980s.

His upcoming solo show at the Bundy Museum of History and Art, which Bricks has titled “Inventions,” consists primarily of recently created works. “I want to do more 3D, sculptural pieces,” he says, so some found objects have made their way into these works - a little lacy thong discovered at the back of an empty bureau drawer, the ossified corpse of a toad incorporated into in a painting titled “Red Dream.”

“Tape” by Bob Allan Bricks.

Even as a letter carrier, Bricks was fueled by artistic propensities, often finding objects in the streets – a stone, a feather, a piece of metal or plastic – that he would gather because they seemed to hold some elusive artistic inspiration. It was about four years ago when Bob reemerged as an artist and musician, no longer as a devout Christian but always “an inward,

spiritual, mystical type of thinker person.” He was propelled by the question: “Could I do it?” after the 30-year absence. Music resurfaced first. He started drumming with four bands. He created “soundscapes”: combinations of digital and analog sound sources that result in experimental musical abstractions which are still available to listen to online (on reverbnation.com). Then, after

reconnecting with music, he reinstated himself in the art world. On a visit to his home/studio, a work that was the centerpiece of a recent exhibition in Gallery Forty-One in Owego titled “Sexpeditions” greets the visitor. The painting covers a large section of the living room wall. “This is from when we made love in color,” offers Bricks, explaining that the work was creat-

“If I have a message, it’s do what you love and make the most out of your life,” the artist/musician says. Whatever “Inventions” holds, the exhibit is sure to reflect - as does all of Brick’s work - his loving assertion that, “We are all a beautiful mess.” “Inventions,” new artworks by Bob Alan Bricks, opens on First Friday January 5 in the 3rd floor gallery of the Bundy Museum of History and Art, 129 Main Street, Binghamton. Opening reception is 6-9pm. The show runs through January 30. For more information visit bundymuseum.org or call (607) 772-9179.

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“Tight” by Bob Allan Bricks.

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“Sick, Rat, Chem” by Bob Allan Bricks.

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“Office Party” by Bob Allan Bricks.

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“Sexpeditions” by Bob Allan Bricks.

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BRINGING GOOD THINGS TO LIGHT.

art briefs BLAZO KOVACEVIC AT THE DOWD GALLERY

with a beadwork sale by Onondaga beadwork artist Karenlyne Hill and painting display by visual artist Karen Kucharski, followed by presentations from 6:30-8:30pm by Native American speakers from the Onondaga and Cayuga Nations. (Admission is $5/individual and $15/family). A number of special exhibits can be seen one-day-only on December 1st: The work of Frank “Frankie Picasso” Feitsma is on display at Community Options New York, Inc. (Feitsma, who is afflicted with MS, creates his unique pieces using only his mouth); HealthLinkNY presents the work of Dr. Jagmohan S. Sidhu in Abstract Art in Pathology; Bud, an all-media show by Cheryl DeLukes is featured at Christ Church and includes a live-painting demonstration; an Open Studio and Holiday Jewelry Sale takes place at the ART Building, with jewelry by StudioSophiaSophia and visual arts by Wally Dion; and Yoga Body Shop presents glasswork by Glenna Pitaressi.

Kovacevic’s latest exhibition, Incited, uses cutting edge technology to focus on the issues of human trafficking, smuggling, and terrorism. The large-scale, multimedia installation features digitally modified security X-rays taken by European border patrol forces of vehicles carrying illegal immigrants secreted in their cargo. A special presentation from 4-6pm on December 5 features a virtual reality 360 experience allowing the viewer entry into the world of those smuggled immigrants. Kovacevic, an assistant professor of Art and Design at BU and the art director of the BU Art Museum, is an award-winning artist who has shown both in the United States and Europe. The installation will be on display through December 8 at the Dowd Gallery, located in SUNY Cortland’s Dowd Fine Arts Center, Room 106, corner of Graham Avenue and Prospect Terrace in Cortland. Gallery hours are 10am-4pm Monday-Friday and by appointment. Admission is free. For further information contact (607) 753-4216 or email jaroslava.prihodova@cortland.edu.

HOLIDAY SHOW AT COOPERATIVE GALLERY 213

The Annual All-Member Holiday Show continues through December 23 with work by more than 50 artists and fine crafters on display and available for sale. First Friday January 5 ushers in the 7th Annual Bob Johnston Memorial Photography Show with an opening reception from 3-9pm and awards ceremony at 7pm. The show remains on display through January 27. The gallery, located at 213 State Street in Binghamton, has extended hours throughout December: First Friday 3-9pm, regular Fridays 3-6pm, and Saturdays 11am4pm. January hours are: First Friday from 3-9pm, regular Fridays from 3-6pm, and Saturdays from 12-4pm. More information can be found at cooperativegallery.com or by calling (607) 724-3462.

LAST OF THE BEST AT BUTTERNUT GALLERY

The final exhibit in the current Butternut space remains on view throughout the holidays. Last of the Best: Artists of the Butternut Gallery features the work of gallery favorites including: Betty Bryden, Tom Canouse, Rodrica Tilley, Joe Welden, Karen Farmer, Linda Truman, Esther Cristol, Cate Gundlah, and John Jackson. The gallery, located at 204 Church Street in Montrose, PA, is open Thursday through Saturday from 11am-5pm. Further information can be found at butternutgallery.com or by calling (570) 278-4011.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT THE ROBERSON

A community favorite for over 60 years, this event features more than 100 elaborately decorated trees, dazzling holiday displays, and an International Forest with trees and displays representing holiday traditions from around the world. In addition to the main event, there are mansion tours, holiday-themed planetarium shows, live entertainment every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and holiday shopping in the gift shop.

A complete schedule for First Friday can be found at gorgeouswashington.com. First Friday Art Walk is presented by Gorgeous Washington Street Association and sponsored in part by M&T Bank, Equinox Broadcasting, and Triple Cities Carousel. Full schedule for January First Friday to be released later in month - check the Gorgeous Washington website for updates.

“Peaceful Rest in Our Father’s Arms” by Carol Ostrander. Home for the Holidays is on display through January 7. The Museum and Science Center is located at 30 Front Street in Binghamton. Extended holiday hours are: Saturday-Wednesday 11am-5pm, Thursday and Friday 11am-9pm. Guided mansion tours take place Fridays at 6 and 7pm, and weekends at 1, 2, and 3pm. Digital planetarium shows can be seen Fridays at 6 and 7pm, and weekends at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30pm. The museum closes Christmas Eve at 3pm, and is closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. More information can be found online at roberson.org or by calling (607) 772-0660.

AKSEL SAND PEDERSEN AT BC ARTS COUNCIL

Still Life Theme and Variation - The School of Paris opens First Friday December 1 with an artist’s reception from 6-9pm featuring piano music by Ken Martinek. “My latest work,” says the artist, “reflects what Manet called ‘the essence of painting’ - still life theme and variation. Each piece is developed from several points of view based on sketches and visuals and arranged with aesthetic compositional principles of the painter’s secret geometry, a modern eye, and conscious abstractions within the picture plane that capture the essence of a specific place and transcendental moment.” In addition teaching art in Hancock for more than 30 years, Pederson is a commercial artist, book illustrator, and set designer. After a stroke disabled his right hand in 2009, determination and inspiration allowed him to continue his work left-handed. The exhibit is on display through December 28. The gallery, located at 81 State Street in Binghamton, is open Monday-Friday from 11am-5pm, and First Fridays from 6-9pm. Further information can be found at broomearts.org or by calling (607) 7234620.

Art briefs compiled by Ronnie Vuolo: art@carouselrag.com

BINGHAMTON FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

First Friday’s December 1 and January 5 are packed with venues throughout Downtown and the West and South Sides from 6-9pm (unless otherwise noted). In addition to opening receptions listed separately at Broome County Arts Council and Cooperative Gallery 213, there are shows and openings galore. Group shows include: 14 Years: Anniversary Group Exhibition at Anthony Brunelli Fine Arts (through Jan. 27); a holiday show at the Salati Gallery with work by Fern P. Lynn and Mud & Fire-Pottery, Marie LoParco, David LoParco, JDS Designs/Janis Schimsky, Marc Schimsky, Laura Monforte, and Orazio Salati (through Jan.); the work of BU student artists in Art @ INK at Koffman Southern Tier Incubator; the annual Members Show at Art Mission and Theater (through Dec.); and at Lost Dog Café, paintings by Teresa Arcodia and Robert Hoover in Friends and Painters (through Dec.) followed by Art Menagerie by Angela Cook in January. Solo shows include: at the Bundy - large format fine art landscape prints by Robert Bellospirito (First Floor Photo Gallery through Dec. 30), pen and ink drawings by Connie Kovac in It’s Never Just a Dream (3rd Floor Gallery through Jan. 2) followed by the work of Bob Alan Bricks (through Jan; see cover story), and The Art of Peter Keil - A Retrospective (Bundy Gallery 131 through Feb. 1); The Gallery at 5 Riverside Drive/Towers presents the work of printmaker Jan Peterson (through Dec.) followed by a January exhibit showcasing The Towers’ residents’ personal art collections (through Feb.); the art of Helga Stein in Expressions of Nature at Whole In The Wall Restaurant (through Dec.); jewelry designer Lizzy James at The Goldsmith; Untitled, photography by Sean Murphy at w Restaurant & Bar; Breathe: and An Invitation, photography by Maureen Stroka at Healing Elements Spa & Salon (3rd floor/rear entrance). A mix of art and information can be found at the American Civic Association in an event titled Haudenosaunee Culture: Treaties And The Great Tree of Peace. Doors open at 6pm

DUAL EXHIBIT AT CAROLS COFFEE & ART BAR

December at the Art Bar features a dual exhibit: new works by Carol Livermore Ostrander and paintings by guest artist Elsie Fendick. Working mainly in oil and acrylic, Fendick specializes in landscapes and nature scenes. Opening reception takes place First Friday December 1 as part of the Lights on the River Festival. Festivities include live acoustic guitar music from 6-9pm by Greg Neff. Carol’s is located at 177 Front Street in Owego. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7am-5pm, Thursday from 7am-8:30pm (open mic), Saturday from 8am-6pm, and Sunday from 9am4pm. More information can be found at carolscoffeeandartbar.com.

ORNAMENTS AND ART AT TIOGA ARTS COUNCIL

Two new exhibits open December 1 with a reception from 5-8pm. Artfully Ornamental features ornaments created and donated by regional artists. Ornaments may be purchased for a $10 donation (members) or $12 donation (non-members). Halcyon Days presents recent paintings and sculpture by Michael Husted. According to Husted, Halcyon Days can be defined as: “A time of happiness and tranquility” or “two weeks of calm weather during the Winter Solstice.” He goes on to explain, “In these times that are anything but tranquil, I find that my creative effort, for the most part, produces work that is upbeat and optimistic. I’m not oblivious to the turmoil in our country and around the world, but it, somehow, does not infect my work… For me, these are halcyon days... or, we can go with the second definition and hope for two weeks of calm weather around the Solstice.” Located at 179 Front Street in Owego, the gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 11am-4pm and First Fridays from 5-8pm. Further information can be found online at tiogaartscouncil.org.

Dec. ‘17/Jan. ‘18 triple cities carousel 33

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theatre & dance. Rehearsals for Into the Woods. Left to right: Megan Germond (Baker’s Wife), Kaylea Lockwood (Little Red), Maureen Dancesia (Cinerella), and Eric Bill (Baker). Photo by Scott Fisher.

Woods makes it especially suited to this kind of treatment, with its bosky setting and the tone that occasions. “It seemed like a logical sort of way to reimagine Into the Woods, because they travel,” he tells Carousel. “It’s kind of a dark show about journeys. So it will give us a chance to move the characters to different locations in the space as they travel through the woods.” He continues: “I think Into the Woods fits this concept even better for this immersive feel. The idea of sitting in the woods and these little vignettes that can take place in all different locations in the woods. I just feel like it’s a really good marriage of a staging idea with the content of the show. On a proscenium stage it feels like the characters are coming into the same location over and over again. Unless you’re able to switch up the set - which takes a lot of effort to do […] in between each scene. Whereas, with this, you can just move the actors to a different location and you get the feeling that they have progressed - or are going in circles. There are just different ways you can play with the staging that way.”

Into the Woods SRO goes into the audience this January by Charles Berman

Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp.

HIS JANUARY, SRO Productions will return after many years to a musical that many consider one of the best in history, putting an all-new immersive spin on Into the Woods as it comes to Johnson City’s Goodwill Theatre Schorr Family Firehouse Stage.

The musical was inspired by Bruno Bettelheim’s popular 1976 nonfiction book The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales, which applied Freudian psychoanalysis to well-known folk stories. Accordingly, Into the Woods is a mélange of many well-known and loved Charles Perrault and Brothers Grimm fairy tales, wrapped in a framing story about a childless baker and his wife, told from a critically analytical viewpoint.

Into the Woods premiered in San Diego in 1986 before coming to Broadway for a 765-performance run in 1987, and it is considered one of the greatest achievements of Stephen Sondheim, the thoughtfully humorous composer and lyricist who is responsible for Sweeney Todd, Assassins, and Sunday in the Park with George, to name but a few of his works. With book written by James Lapine, Into the Woods has been extensively recognized and revived, receiving Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Book, a 2002 Tony Award for Best Revival, and a 2011 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Revival for its London West End production. In 2014, a Disney film adaptation was released to great commercial success, featuring an all-star cast including

SRO’s production is music- and stage- directed by the company’s own local musical theater master, Scott Fisher. The company’s last production of the show was the first with which Fisher was involved, around 1989. And as he recalls, “We haven’t really done it since then. We did it shortly after its Broadway run, and it was really successful. People didn’t think at that time that a community theater could pull off a show like that. But we’ve never revisited it in all those years. And it was always one of my favorite shows. So I had this idea that I wanted to eventually do

Into the Woods and stage it a little differently - sort of along the lines of the way we staged Les Miz.” Fisher is referring to his own 2013 production of Les Miserables at the Firehouse Stage, which generated unprecedented audiences and interest for the company, and which restaged the piece completely in the round, an innovation that was widely applauded. Fisher says this style of his is influenced by that of the recent-years Broadway success Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812, but applied to celebrated musicals from earlier years. As he describes it, “We’re trying to do it more environmentally. So instead of on a proscenium, we are really immersing the audience into the show. The performers will have stages around the audience and there will be a couple of small stages in the midst of the audience, and there will be walkways through. The audience sat at tables when we did Les Miz, instead of just in seats. The action happened on all sides of them - up close and personal.” According to Fisher, the nature of Into the

Fisher explains that while SRO’s Les Miserables was a noted success, there was a desire not to jump immediately into trying to duplicate the style of production. “We have always wanted to revisit that sort of staging,” he says, “but we wanted to show that we have more ideas in our bag of tricks than that. So since then, we explored doing a show in the round, Once on this Island. Which has since been revived on Broadway, and they actually did it in the round! So we wanted to wait a little bit in between Les Miz and this. And we learned some things from Les Miz too, like about stage placement. There were a few blind spots that we hadn’t considered because we had a lot of overflow seating, and so we’re taking those things into consideration.” For the twenty roles available, SRO had over eighty auditioners, providing a wide range of talents to choose from as well as an indication that excitement in the community over the immersive Into the Woods is at a high level. The cast chosen includes Mickey Woyshner - a veteran of Les Miserables and many other SRO shows - as Rapunzel’s Prince. Maureen Dancesia will be playing Cinderella, and Dominique Lazaros - a veteran of SRO’s Annie and Sweet Charity - makes a return after several years to play the Witch. Local radio personality Bill Snyder plays the Mysterious Man, the Narrator is played by Shan Towns, and the baker and his wife by Eric Bill and Megan Germond. Other featured performers include Laura Liburdi, Connor Kabat, Shirley Goodman, Anna Simek, Annie Graham, Kaylea Lockwood, Jeff Tagliaferro, Jenny Gac, Andrew Simek, Wendy Germond, Vito Longo, Adriana Cabot, Janey Moody, and Alex Mendoza. Performances will be at the Firehouse Stage at 33 Willow Street in Johnson City January 19-21 and 26-28. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30pm, and Sunday shows are at 2pm. Tickets can be bought at goodwilltheatre.net or by calling (607) 772-2404.

Dec. ‘17/Jan. ‘18 triple cities carousel 35

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theatre briefs the Nutcracker Prince - only after an amazing holiday party at which Clara’s godfather presents her with a most fantastical gift, the Nutcracker!

Rochester City Ballet. Photo via web.

December 8-10 at the Endicott Performing Arts Center, 102 Washington Avenue in Endicott. General admission is $15. To purchase tickets or for more information visit endicottarts.com or call (607) 785-8903.

A CHRISTMAS STORY IN OWEGO

Adapted by Philip Grecian, based on the writings of Jean Shepherd, A Christmas Story remains a standby holiday favorite for the Ti-Ahwaga Community Players. Celebrate the season with Ralphie, the Old Man, Scut Farkas, and the Bumpus Hounds. December 8-10 and 15-17 at the Ti-Ahwaga Community Players, 42 Delphine Street in Owego. Tickets are $10 and $20. For details on ticket pricing and purchasing visit tiahwaga.com or call (607) 687-2130.

NUGGET AND FANG CHEW UP ELMIRA

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE FOR CIDER MILL

In an inspiring display of there being “no business like show business,” “no people like show people,” and “the show must go on,” the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage extends the use of its venue for the first two shows of Cider Mill Playhouse’s Transitional Season! By special arrangement with the Samuel French company, the CMP production of It’s a Wonderful Life employs imaginative staging based on the beloved Frank Capra film and the original story by Philip Van Doren Stern. December 1-3 at the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage, 48 Willow Avenue in Johnson City. Performances Friday and Saturday evenings 7:30pm; matinees Saturday and Sunday 3pm. All tickets are $28; CMP assigns reserved seating in the order received. For tickets or more information go to cidermillplayhouse.org or phone the Firehouse Stage at (607) 772-2404.

ELF: THE MUSICAL JR. IS OFF THE SHELF AT EPAC

Based on the cherished 2003 movie, Elf: The Musical Jr. features songs by Tony Award nominees and a book by Tony Award winners. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced

with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. December 1-3 at the Endicott Performing Arts Center, 102 Washington Avenue in Endicott. Friday and Saturday evening performances 8pm; Saturday and Sunday matinees 3pm. General admission is $15. To purchase tickets or for more information visit endicottarts.com or call (607) 7858903.

JAZZ NUTCRACKER AT THE ANDERSON CENTER

Directed and choreographed this year by JoEllen Kuhlman, the Binghamton University Theatre Department’s tradition of Jazz Nutcracker is a December must! When her family’s swingin’ holiday party takes young Clara’s imagination for a twirl, she finds her toys coming to life and the festive holiday desserts dancing to sizzling, brassy beats. Bring your family and friends to this refreshing twist on the classic Nutcracker story we all know and love. December 1-December 3 at the Watters Theater of the Anderson Center for the Performing Arts on the Binghamton University campus in Vestal. Friday and Saturday evening curtain 8pm, Saturday and Sunday matinees 2pm. Admission is $18 general public, $16 alumni, faculty, staff & seniors, and $10 students. To purchase tickets or to get more info visit andersoncenter.showare.com or call (607) 777-6802.

Theatre briefs compiled by Felicia Waynesboro: stage@carouselrag.com

CAROL OF THE KING AT THE CHENANGO ARTS CENTER

Led by Justin Boros, former lead dancer from Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, and featuring 20 of the world’s most skilled Irish dancers, Carol of the King: the Irish Dance Spectacular is part of the Chenango Arts Council’s Performance Series. Winter has fallen across the land. King Solomon and his kingdom prepare for the Christmas season celebration. While cold winds caress the landscape, one gust brought an unearthly chill not felt before. The dark sorceress Circe and her ghostly legion known as the Frost are upon the land. She has trapped the legendary King Solomon under her spell in an attempt to steal the throne and expel Christmas once and for all. Unable to free himself and carry forth the holiday spirit, hope remains lost for all those in the kingdom... until now. Saturday, December 2 at the Chenango Arts Center, 27 West Main Street in Norwich. Curtain is 7pm. Tickets range from $10 to $30. For details on pricing and other information visit chenangoarts.org or call (607) 336-2787.

THE NUTCRACKER RULES AT EPAC

The classic Tchaikovsky Nutcracker is performed in two acts at the Endicott Performing Arts Center, with a cast of around 60 dancers from many of the dance studios in the Greater Binghamton area teaming up with the EPAC Repertory Company. This year, for the annual production, Act I is directed by Patrick Foti; Act II is directed by Danielle Meissner. Choreography is by The Fuse Dance Studio in Binghamton, Emily Foti, and others. The audience is whisked away on a magical journey through the Land of Sweets with Clara and

The Clemens Center Mary Tripp Marks School-Time Series presents Nugget and Fang, performed by ArtsPower. This colorful new musical tells the story of Nugget, a minnow, and Fang, a shark, who get along swimmingly — until Nugget’s first day of minnow school. There, Nugget learns that minnows are supposed to be afraid of sharks! To regain Nugget’s trust, Fang takes desperate and hilarious measures. Nothing goes as planned. Fang is moping in deep waters when he notices that Nugget and his minnow schoolmates are caught up in some big trouble (and one very big net). Holy mackerel! Can Fang save the day and prove he’s a true friend? The musical is recommended for grades Pre-K through third and runs about 55 minutes. Thursday, January 18 at the Clemens Center, 207 Clemens Center Parkway in Elmira. Performances are at 10am and 12:30pm. Seating is $5. For further information visit clemenscenter.org or call the Box Office at (607) 734-8191.

ROCHESTER CITY BALLET CHASSES INTO THE CLEMENS CENTER

The Rochester City Ballet is considered to be the only professional ballet company outside of New York City in the state of New York. Established in 1987, the company has developed a reputation for its excellence, versatility, and singular repertoire which includes award-winning contemporary ballets and masterworks. The repertoire for the evening includes Under the Moonlight, with music by David Bowie and choreography & costume design by David Palmer, the Ballet’s artistic director. Thursday, January 25 at the Clemens Center, 207 Clemens Center Parkway in Elmira. Curtain is 7:30pm. Cost is $28 to $48; group rates are also available. For more detailed ticket information visit clemenscenter.org or call the Box Office at (607) 734-8191.

Dec. ‘17/Jan. ‘18 triple cities carousel 37

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food and drink. Lounge, now Abel’s. “Everybody had their first beer at that bar – Hack was just the man. It’s a tribute to him.” Peterson’s is elevated by its ambiance – yes, there’s often sports playing on the televisions mounted above the bar, but the interior evokes a rustic lounge more than a sports dive. There’s a couple of leather couches with an oversized, shiny version of Connect Four on the coffee table. And in back, they have a patio where patrons can watch sports (and maybe even movies) projected on the building’s back wall. The food at Peterson’s also aims to transcend the average pub grub. When seeking inspiration for the menu, Liam spent some time in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. “I was absorbing everything,” he says. That’s where he got the idea for the BLEAT burger – a burger with bacon, lettuce, egg, avocado, and tomato. And the menu is still expanding. “One thing I want to put on there is chicken and waffles – they’re everywhere in the city.” The rest of the ideas come from the guys in the kitchen: seasoned chef Mike Mondolfi and part owner Nate Jachimowicz. “The inspiration was just bar freshness,” says Jachimowicz. “I know how difficult it is to make money off food consistently, so I was more taking the menu and just complementing the bar. Just simple creations – an elegant, fresh spin on the food that already had existed with Champz. We like to keep the bar menu subtle.”

APeterson’s bar and a tribute Tavern is reincarnated by Heather Merlis

himself, with eight different kinds of wood.”

OT LONG AGO, THERE was a spot on the south side of Main Street in Binghamton called Champz, which seemed to appear and vanish before we had a chance to get to know it. “We kinds ran into some trademark issues,” says Liam Burns, part owner of what was then Champz and is now the fully-renovated Peterson’s Tavern. The former establishment had served food, beer, and wine, but couldn’t get a liquor license because of its proximity to a church.

While they were waiting on the full liquor license, and while Johnny was rebuilding, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo had a bill passed that allowed them to obtain a liquor license in that location.

The place closed down while it awaited a liquor license, and made some interior changes. “‘If we’re gonna serve beer,” Liam recalls his brother, Johnny, saying, “then we need an actual bar top.’ So, he kind of just ripped the bar out one night, and was like, ‘I’ll build it in a week.’ He built this bar in his garage, by

“We wanted to rebrand it,” Burns recalls, pointing to the church that had once prevented their business from serving booze, “and then I saw that sign. That’s the New York State Historic Landmarks sign, and it says ‘Peterson’s Tavern.’ It’s where they signed the incorporating documents for Binghamton in 1834.” In addition to its name, Liam plans on creating some dishes and drinks as a tribute to Binghamton. “I want to do a Swamp Root shot – I don’t know what I want to put in it

Petersons’ BLEAT Burger. Photo provided.

yet, but it’s gotta be gritty and gross and nasty, but have a lot of alcohol content. I realized that you can still buy Swamp Root – they still make it – so I was thinking of putting it in the shot. I don’t know what it does!” For the time being, they have a great house mojito, and are always running drink specials. One night we went, we had a cranberry-apple Moscow Mule, which was delicious on an autumn evening. Peterson’s is also paying homage to local legends with its art: local painter Jesse Ryan – who used to skateboard with Liam - made custom works for the tavern depicting Binghamton icons. “Everybody knows Elvis,” Liam remarks, referencing Ryan’s painting of our city’s now iconic street cowboy. Another Binghamtonian immortalized on the tavern wall is Hack, the original owner of the Pine

While Burns is shrewd with an eye for trends, Jachimowicz is all experience and elbow grease. “I’m just taking inspiration from local businesses, because I really have no formal training.” Nate recalls how, eight years ago, he used his tax return from roofing to start a small business: “I bought a food cart just for survival, in this area, because there was no work. It was called Champz Chili Dogs, which honestly were probably were the best chili dogs – they’re not the best in the world, but they’re at least equal to the best in the world – they’re good. We’re gonna put those back on the menu.” When we visited, we were taken with the appetizers. We had some shrimp wrapped in bacon drenched in a sticky, sweet sauce, and something called “Meatball Heaven,” which is a small portion of cheesy meatballs, without the spaghetti - a creation of Mondolfi’s, who is skilled in the art of Italian cooking. Always the man with the plan, Burns continues to look to the future. “We have other restaurants we’re going to open, including that one right across the street.” Liam is referring to the new building on Main Street across from the Riverwalk. “It’s just a mystery.” Peterson’s Tavern is located at 11 Main Street, Binghamton, (607) 216-7850. Facebook @petersonstavern. Open seven days a week; hours are currently being extended to include lunch.

Dec. ‘17/Jan. ‘18 triple cities carousel 39

food briefs The Colonial’s shot menorah. Photo via web.

THE HANUKKAH BASH AT THE COLONIAL

Hanukkah is a festive time of year when the Jewish people commemorate an ancient victory by lighting a plank of shots on fire and throwing them back, as a group, just as the Maccabees did thousands of years ago. Well not exactly, but our friends at The Colonial like to put their own spin on traditions, and the flaming shot menorah will be in action at their second annual Hanukkah Bash, and it will be a sight to behold. There will also be latkes, and a few other Hanukkah treats are in the works. The night begins with holiday trivia, a dancing of the hora (prepare to be lifted on a chair!), and lots of dreidels and gelt! Chug down that Manischevitz and celebrate the Festival of Light. Tuesday, December 12 8pm-12:30pm at The Colonial, 56 Court Street Downtown Binghamton. Thecolonialbing.com; Facebook @ thecolonialbing.

WINE & CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

Some people get depressed in January. Wine and chocolate can help to counteract those sad feelings with what may be the best legal high you can achieve in New York State (or Pennsylvania). At the event, there will be wine and chocolate, along with spirits, cider, cheese, and other goodies to buy, like clothes and accessories from local vendors. Sample all the wine you want, buy a bottle of your favorite – it’s like visiting a winery in the dead of winter, without having to try ice wine. Saturday, January 13, 1-4pm and 5-8pm at DoubleTree by Hilton, 222 Water Street,

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Downtown Binghamton. Wineandchocolatefestivals.com.

THE GOOD BAO IS SO GOOD

In the spot that most recently housed the best oxtail in town (we miss you, Mi Casa!), now dwells something so delightful that we are almost ready to stop grieving. The Good Bao serves up, well, bao, which are steamed buns that can be prepared several ways. At The Good Bao, they are made flat (as opposed to stuffed, like dumplings), and folded over to make a tiny sandwich. They come filled with anything from barbeque beef to tofu, and at around three bucks each, it’s not hard to try them all. We also loved their pork belly rice bowl, and are looking forward to treating ourselves to a bubble tea or smoothie. With nothing on the menu over $7, it’s a snacker’s paradise. Also, props to these guys on their branding: the look at the Bao is so slick, we thought it was a chain! Nope – just ambitious entrepreneurs making Binghamton a better place to eat. 58 Henry Street, Downtown Binghamton. (607) 237-0445; thegoodbao.com. They’re also on Facebook and Instagram @thegoodbao.

LAVEGGIO HAS A NEW HOME

Binghamton’s own roasteria and espresso bar has packed up its roaster and moved on up to State Street, not too far from its last location on Court. According to their blog, “Laveggio 4.0” will focus on improving the customer experience while continuing to uphold its impossibly high standards for coffee perfection (okay, some of those words are our own).

Honestly, we are so happy that they didn’t go any farther away, and will continue to pour love and dedication into every cup. 178 State Street, Downtown Binghamton; laveggiocoffee.com; (607) 779-1100; Facebook @laveggioroasteria.

STRANGE BREW GRAB & GO

We don’t know much about the new extension of Strange Brew coffeehouse, except that it’s going to be filling the space that Laveggio left behind. We have a feeling it’s going to serve ready-made versions of Strange Brew’s dishes, and, of course, coffee and tea for those very busy people in bustling Downtown Binghamton who just don’t have time to wait for a salad – but we’re not really sure. Maybe nitro coffee? Please? It could be anything! But it’s probably that. 101 Court Street Downtown Binghamton; Facebook @strangebrewcafé for updates hopefully better than this one.

THE CAFÉ ON SEMINARY

For quite a while now (years), there has been a bit of confusion over a café with a very similar name to a particularly beloved West Side spot. Well, the confusion can finally cease: Café West 46 is now The Café On Seminary Ave, so don’t get it twisted! It’s a café (or a bistro - whatever), it’s on Seminary Avenue: the name says it all. They still make delicious sandwiches, like the Venetian Vegetarian and their own Banh Mi, and they continue to toss up great salads like the Cran-Apple Spinach.

But along with rebranding comes another change for the better: they are open on Saturdays! That’s right: from 7am-1pm, residents of the Binghamton’s West Side can walk to brunch (is it still brunch without booze?) right in the neighborhood. 46 Seminary Avenue, Binghamton. (607) 723-3189; Facebook @thecafeonseminaryave.

FANCY PLACES PRESENT: LUNCH IN BINGHAMTON

We know that one lady’s 50th birthday dinner is another lady’s Tuesday, but where this lady comes from, The Beef and Remlik’s are a little on the fancy side. Both of these fine establishments, however, have recently branched out to offer something slightly less formal: lunch. At The Beef, starting at 1pm Monday through Friday, they are serving fresh sandwiches with their hand-cut fries on the side – that range from the “best steak burger in town,” to baked haddock, to grilled marinated Portobello. Over at Remlik’s, on the other side of town, they’re serving their dinner menu all day long. Some lunchworthy items include the crab cake BLT and the beef on weck. This is the perfect opportunity to dip your toe in something a little more refined. The Beef is located at 62 Leroy Street on Binghamton’s West Side, (607) 779-2333; @ thebeefpub on Facebook. Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar is located in the Kilmer Building at 31 Lewis Street, Downtown Binghamton; (607) 217-4513; remliks.com.

Food briefs written by Heather Merlis: hmerlis@carouselrag.com

Grapevine Cafe wine & tea lounge FRESH, QUALITY, LOCAL INGREDIENTS. NYS WINE, CRAFT BEER, LOOSE TEA, LATTES, & SMOOTHIES VEGAN, VEGETARIAN, & ALL NATURAL MEAT OPTIONS

December 2 nd & 16 th (11:30-3) Vegan/Vegetarian Brunch (reservation only) www December 16 th (7pm) Comedy Show NOW OPEN MONDAYS!

New Hours: Mon 11:30-3:30, Tue-Thu 11:30-8, Fri 11:30-9, Sat 11:30-3:30

220 Main St, Johnson City Like us on facebook to find out about upcoming events and more!

Dec. ‘17/Jan. ‘18 triple cities carousel 41

film.

Miracle on 34th Street. Photo via web.

IN THE ZONE AT THE BUNDY

December 20, The Bundy Museum presents “In the Zone: A Rod Serling Christmas. They will be screening Christmas-themed episodes of The Twilight Zone and Night Gallery, both TV series created by Binghamton’s Rod Serling: 5 Characters in Search of an Exit (Twilight Zone) – A U.S. army major wakes up in an enclosed cylinder with a clown, hobo, ballet dancer, and bagpiper, none of whom remember their lives or how they ended up there. The major convinces the others, who have already resigned to their fate of entrapment, to attempt an escape. Night of the Meek (Twilight Zone) – A depressed and disillusioned department store Santa Claus is fired on Christmas Eve. When he finds a strange bag that gives out presents, he wants to help the less fortunate to enjoy Christmas. The Messiah on Mott Street (Night Gallery) – It’s Christmas Eve in a shabby New York neighborhood, and 77-year-old Abraham Goldman is deathly ill, and thinks he sees the angel of death. He tells his nineyear-old orphaned grandson, Mikey, that in Jewish tradition, if the Messiah comes, he brings “health and wealth and heavenly contentment.” Hoping to help his grandfather, Mikey sets out to the streets in search of the Messiah. 6pm in the Bundy Annex Theatre (129 Main

Street, Binghamton). Admission is free. Q&A to follow.

HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHTS

The Polar Express (Dec 16) – Based on the children’s book of the same name written by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express is an animated film which tells the story of a young boy who is starting to question Santa’s existence. On Christmas Eve, he witnesses a train called the Polar Express, and the conductor invites him on board. The train is on its way to the North Pole, and the journey will show the boy the wonders in life available to those who believe. (PG) 6pm-8pm at Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church. Admission is $1 per person and a max of $5 per family. Wear your PJs and bring blankets and pillows. Cookies, cocoa, and popcorn will be available. Miracle on 34th Street (Dec 19) - A man named Kris Kringle is hired by event planner Doris Walker to play Santa Claus for Macys’ famous Thanksgiving Day Parade and proves the best Santa Macy’s has ever had, bringing in customers with his kindness and sincerity. But when Kris insists to Doris and her daughter that he is the real Santa, the cynical Doris doubts his mental health. To avoid being committed to a mental hospital, Kris must prove to a judge, with help from a spirited lawyer, that he is the real Santa Claus. (PG) 6pm at Your Home Public Library (107 Main Street, Johnson City). Free admission.

Film briefs compiled by Ilana Lipowicz: film@carouselrag.com

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books.

Local roots Charles Yable’s ‘Jacob’s Land’ by Natassia Enright

(on loan from Your Home Public Library)

N THE FALL OF 1753, newlyweds Philip Heinrich and Maria Barbara Hold Jappel set out from their native Germany to undertake the perilous crossing to the New World. In his new nonfiction work, Jacob’s Land, Dr. Charles Yaple writes that, like many European countries of the time, Germany enacted strict economic and social systems that made it difficult for commoners to better their station, let alone become landowners. Heinrich Jappel, a clockmaker by trade, could expect to spend his life laboring as a journeyman under the supervision of a master clockmaker, with no prospects for advancing. It was likely because of this - and because his bride had family already settled in America and willing to sponsor them - that he and Maria decided to abandon their homeland in favor of the so-called land of opportunity. As was fairly common in that era, a clerical error recorded the Jappels’ last name as Jepel, which was later Anglicized into Yaple.

leader, becoming one of the best-known war chiefs in Colonial New York - and, due to an undeserved reputation for brutality, most notably the Cherry Valley Massacre (during which, ironically, he actually attempted to restrain the attacks on civilians) one of the most feared. In 1771, the extended Yaple family uprooted and moved to a remote Catskill settlement at Pakatakan (Margaretville), New York. It was there that young Jacob Yaple befriended Teunis, the young son of an Esopus Indian chief, and began to hone his skills as a hunter and trapper. In 1777, he joined the Rebel army and with his Christian Oerter flintlock quickly qualified as a sharpshooter. Yaple follows both Jacob’s military service and the travails of his family as the encroaching warfare drove them from their homestead; what follows is an exhaustively researched military and family history. Through the eyes of Charles Yaple’s ancestors, readers are able to experience an intimate view of life during the Revolutionary War.

A descendant of Heinrich through his son (with second wife Susanna, née Vesqueau), Jacob, Dr. Charles Yaple uses his research into his family history as a jumping-off point for exploring the experience of the American Revolution in the Northeast, particularly Western NY and Pennsylvania. He devotes several chapters to the tense and complicated relationships between the European colonists and the local Native tribes, taking an even-handed approach to the inevitable conflicts. At the time the Yaples settled in northern Pennsylvania, the local Delaware tribes were still seething over an underhanded land deed executed by Thomas Penn in 1737, and they were more than willing to take that ire out on the colonist interlopers. And as political factions became more and more sharply divided in the looming specter of war, Rebel fighters traded atrocity for atrocity with their Tory neighbors and the Iroquois tribes who had allied themselves with the Crown.

While the writing is sometimes dense and Yaple is inclined to meander somewhat in imagining the thoughts and emotional states of his characters, overall this is an engaging book of Revolutionary War history with a local focus. Rather than focus on the well-trodden ground of Revolutionary generals and battles, Yaple hones in on the lesser-known individuals who found themselves caught up in the tide of history, which makes for a unique perspective. Readers with an interest in Revolutionary War history will certainly find something new here, and locals may be inspired to search out their own family histories.

Chief among the latter was a Mohawk military and political leader named Thayendanegea, also known by the English name Joseph Brant. Brant had originally honed his skills as a translator, bridging the gap between the Iroquois and the white settlers. After the Mohawk - like the Seneca, Onondaga, and Cayuga - chose to ally with Great Britain against the Rebels, he served as a strategist and war

Charles Yaple is a sixth-generation grandson of Jacob Yaple. Raised near Ithaca, NY, he is a Professor Emeritus at SUNY Cortland, where he teaches environmental and outdoor education courses. In addition to Jacob’s Land, he is also the author of Foxey Brown: A Story of an Adirondack Outlaw, Hermit and Guide as He Might Have Told It (2011).

Ultimately, this is a book about the importance of having a sense of place. The landscape of Colonial New York is itself a silent - but immensely important - character in the narrative, and the echoes of its goings-on resonate to the present day.

Dec. ‘17/Jan. ‘18 triple cities carousel 43

poetry.

THE POETRY OF OLIVER McKEITHAN

Oliver McKeithan has resided with his wife on ten acres in the heart of Bradford County, PA for the past 25 years. He has always enjoyed reading and writing, but holds no degree in any area related to poetry or literature. A pharmacist by trade, he sought a creative outlet in poetry classes and discovered he enjoyed working with words. In writing, he likes simplicity and a touch of humor and irony. His favorite poets are Ogden Nash and Shel Silverstein. After retiring, he hopes to branch out to short story writing. He also plays mandolin. IED

My legs like steel pistons when I ran, winning gold medals for galloping ovals. Lean, hard, taut, strong struts for farm work; pivot points for the Twist, Virginia Reel, or whirling my girl in a waltz. Twenty-mile marches with fifty-pound pack. Rough training, leading my company over rugged mountains and through waist-deep swamps. Legs that led our company on the silver bird and then off. In to the dirt, dust, heat of the hell of Iraq. Leading the patrol slowly putting one foot in front of the other, feeling for the enemy. A loud boom, a thunderclap. The sudden stab of pain, heat, burning in my legs. Then, sudden darkness. I saw myself racing, legs carrying me across the finish line first in every race. Dancing with my girl. I came to in a soft bed. Looked down the white sheet To where it dropped To meet the bed.

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HAIKU

Warm sun, Asphalt appears, dull gray From melting ice. High winds, Fill the narrow driveway With deep drifts. Cool dewy morning- On the long green vines Pumpkins ripen. Hot, humid day. The pond is still and quiet. Suddenly bass jump. Pregnant pause, Nine months later the idea Was delivered. Promise the world- Politicians speak globally But the world turns. Polar bears hunting, Seals lie basking on the ice Become blubber ‘sickles Music plays softly, Lyrics and melody harmonize, Soothe the savage beast.

THE CAT

The truth I do not stretch or shove. The haughty cat looks down from above. She struts about with nose held high and glares at me with disdainful eye.

BACK TO ERIN I want to go back to Erin. I want to see that green isle again.

I want to drink a pint of the Guiness and a shot of the Jamesons. On that green isle again. I want to pick the lucky shamrock and feel the soft summer rain back, on that green isle again. I want to hear the bodhran thump and the fiddle squeal as I dance another Ceili on that green isle again.

FOUR SENRYU

First customer of day Sheep farmer needs life insurance. Fleecing begins early. Politician’s server Holds wealth of information. Hidden in the Cloud. Pharmacist counts pills Last one falls on floor. Fifteen second rule in effect. Dog begs for treats Sits and shakes paw Owner well trained.

TANKA

Contrails streak the sky. Vaporous cotton Left by silver dots in a hurry. My mind takes flight, but My feet are grounded.

I AM NOT AN EAGLE Majestic, streamline, bold symbol of power. No way a fat, old guy represents a country.

Soaring to great height, the breeze his plaything. I am a ground plodder, gravity holds me close. Eyes sharp and bright, no movement un-noticed. Eyes clouded with cataracts my vision needs magnified. Razor sharp beak and talons rend and tear its own food. Slaughter houses, knives forks, I need help. Simplicity, efficiency, magnificent is the eagle. Complex, clumsy dependent on others, I am not an eagle. Interested in having your poetry featured in an upcoming issue? Please email 3-5 poems and a short bio to: hmerlis@carouselrag.com

travel.

Just a 15 minute drive from downtown Binghamton

OFF THE BEAT GOOD TIMES ARE ROLLING AT BLACK BEAR !

A monthly look at quirky nearby people, places, and things by our own Felicia Waynesboro Fraley’s Robot Repair. Photo provided.

Bonfire!

Fr i Jan 12, 6:00-9:00 $10 include s h o tdog and dr ink!

Pai nt & Sip

Sun Jan 28, 1:00-3:30 Se e proje c t & sign-up on Face bo ok We pain t at le as t once a mon t h, so watch!

Barrel Tasti ng!

FRALEY’S ROBOT REPAIR SHOP IN THE PITTSBURGH AIRPORT

F YOU’RE TRAVELING and find yourself booked through the Pittsburgh International Airport, it would be a good place to drop off your robot to be repaired. Well, not really, but the futuristic notion is fun to entertain, and one that has engaged thousands of travelers and fans over the past two years. Fraley’s Robot Repair Shop is an art installation. It is the brainchild of artist Toby Atticus Fraley, and well worth plotting out enough time to traverse Concourse A on the third floor between gates A10 and A12 to visit and behold.

Fr i Jan 26 6:00-9:00 Tas te aging and unre le ase d w ine s. Include s pai r ings & t alk w i t h t he w inemake r ! $20 pe rson

The installation began as a part of “Project Pop-Up: Downtown,” a municipal arts program launched in November of 2011 that was intended to reinvigorate a declining section of Pittsburgh which had a lot of vacant spaces. The installation stayed in place until May 2013, garnering the Mayor’s Award for Public Art and winning the hearts of Pittsburghers who frequently peered through the Shop’s storefront window to view the retro-futuristic scene of partially dismantled humanoid robots amid fanciful repair-related items, and other eccentric paraphernalia inside. “When the space was downtown,” Toby says, “I was going down like every eleven days because people who live and work downtown saw it daily so I really felt that I had to adjust it a lot.” Even frequent flyers wouldn’t see the piece that regularly at the airport but, “I still go out about every month and a half and change it up a little bit. Maybe holiday-theme it, or if there’s a local special event I try to tie it in.” He describes the installation’s vibe when it was downtown as being “kind of gritty.” When the time came, “It was a little sad to move out,” Fraley says, but the urban revitalization was a success. “The street started to get a little brighter,” he says, and a restaurant bought the building and moved in. “It’s a good restaurant too, so I can’t complain,” Fraley adds. (Its name is Butcher in the Rye.)

(Re se r v at ions t hrough 607656-9863 w i t h cre di t c ard)

Valenti ne’s Wi ne & Ch o c olate Pairi ng

Fe b 10 and 11 Fi ve w ine s, f i ve Ch ocolate s by Le opold!

Live Music

John Tr u t h Ex pe r ie nce Fr iday e ve nings 6:00-9:00 248 COUNTY RD. 1 CHENANGO FORKS, NY bla c k b e a r w i n e r y .c om ( 6 07 ) 6 5 6 - 9 8 6 3 Open Tues-Thur 12-6, Fri 12-9, Sat-Sun 12-6

After the downtown installation folded, Fraley created a social media narrative that left the Shop’s most prominent occupant - whom fans of the installation and “Satisfied Customers” at pitrobotrepair.com sometimes call the “Lonely Robot” - last seen, at the time, boarding a Greyhound bus to California. So, after a successful Kickstarter funding campaign, when the Robot Repair Shop was reborn, how did the Lonely Robot return to Pittsburgh? “That’s sort of a mystery. I never explained that,” Toby admits. What matters is that Lonely, and the Shop, are at the airport. “I grew up a huge aviation fan,” says Pittsburgh-born-and-raised Fraley. “It’s weird thinking back to the Toby who was seven years old,” says the 40-year-old artist, “and would always stare at planes flying overhead… This is not just another art installation for me. This was kind of an important one for me.” The installation is booked for at least the next three years, and Fraley has been busy with other projects. 2016 saw his mixed media/electronic sculpture “The Archivist: I will not let you fade away” as the winner of the Five Years Out Art Challenge. Currently, his Artwork Forge II – a “machine” that researches and produces for a patron, in just a few minutes, a customized piece of art based on personal preferences and social trends - is installed outside City Hall in Palo Alto, CA until March 2018. These days, we don’t generally repair things; we replace them. Toby reflects, “That was kind of a thought in my head… because I was tired of seeing things get thrown away all the time. I was thinking that maybe in the future we’d get more attached to some humanoid form, to seeing that robot around the house, and wouldn’t want to pitch it.” The Robot Repair Shop is a resonant homage to an ideal – that may or may not ever exist - of the importance of the interplay of good technology, fine workmanship, and sentiment for the things that work so hard for us.

Dec. ‘17/Jan. ‘18 triple cities carousel 45

star stuff.

HOROSCOPES

This month we call upon guest columnist Kathy Thach for sage advice from the stars. Kathy is 4’11’’ and could be the next elf on the shelf. Season’s Greetings! Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) A strong person in disguise, you are not afraid to show it when the times comes to use your power. Go and lift other people’s spirits with your funny personality. Make crazy faces like Kevin Hart, or randomly break out your jazz hands. It’s okay to be weird! Who ever said that being normal is a thing now? Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) The night is still young! Do something adventurous! Go search for some UFO’s while drunk on chocolate milk. You have always been that person who is up for anything! Invite others to join your journey with you. Good times and great friends always make the best memories. Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) Your alarm is going off at 7am. You hit snooze and just need ten more minutes of sleep. You wake up at 9:10, late for work. Screw it! Looks like you’ll quit! It’s okay to not like your job. Find something that will make you happy; sometimes you just have to focus on yourself for a change. Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) What’s wrong, Pisces? You are looking sad today. Sometimes life can be challenging, but keep your head up and break a leg - not literally, though. Know your worth because somewhere out there, there’s a unicorn waiting to be pet for your accomplishments under a rainbow. Aries (Mar 21- Apr 19) Love is in the air for you this month. You are finally not the third wheel holding two glasses of wine. You have always thought that you couldn’t find love, but after all your patience it’s finally looking like your wish is coming true. On the third snowfall, kiss that special person under the moon and don’t let them go. Taurus (Apr 20- May 20) You are a good listener and your cooking skills are amazing! You’re a cereal killer! Milk and frosted flakes in a bowl - how original. We all know we would like to come home after a long day to a nice meal, so you got this all down Taurus! Order take out and prep it up like you made it. Choice of dinner tonight: tacos! Always tacos! Ariba! Gemini (May 21-June 20) You can be a competitive person and like a good challenge. You were probably that one kid who would remind teachers about homework when they forgot to assign it. Be careful while playing the game Monopoly this week; it’s known to ruin friendships. Let the games begin! Cancer (June 21-July 22) Stop waiting around and ask that person out already! Don’t wait too long because someone else might swoop them up before you. Be careful - it could be Libra. Don’t tell your one friend who’s overprotective of you where you are going, because next thing you’ll know they’re sitting at the next table in disguise with a mustache on. Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Dear Leo DiCaprio, you have made me cry so many times in the movie Titanic! Darn your good acting skills! Oops… wrong Leo. You run into your crush and you’re feeling a bit shy. You’re getting nervous and you’re trying to think of what to say. Quick! Show them a picture of your cats to attract them! Because who doesn’t love pets? Smooth move my friend, smooth move. Virgo (Aug 23-Sept 22) Hello you beautiful creature! Stop overthinking it and just go for it; make a decision already. Get that chocolate cake and eat it proudly! Next thing you know it’ll go straight to your thighs or even your ass. Who says that being a little curvy is bad? You’re feeling a little insecure, but never let that stop you from walking in a room like you own the place. Go check yourself out in the mirror, because honey, you are looking fabulous today. Libra (Sept 23-Oct 22) It’s your chance spread those wings and soar! Get to your destination without flying into a rock. Show the ones who ever doubted you that they were wrong. You are an intelligent person, but when it comes to making a decision use your brain wisely. Remember E=MC^2. Albert Einstein would be proud. Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) You are looking for good karma. Go and pay it forward, or write an inspirational letter and leave it somewhere special. Soon it will land in the hands of someone who’s having a bad day. Make this a weekly routine. Hopefully someone gets to read each and every one of them before the zombie apocalypse comes along to ruin it.

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OLD UNION HOTEL 246 CLINTON ST.

FIRST WARD, BINGHAMTON

607-217-5935 OPEN DAILY

fun stuff. B.C.

by MASTROIANNI & HART

aaa OUTRAGEOUSLY CHEAP TUESDAY DINNER

DOGS OF C-KENNEL

by MICK & MASON MASTROIANNI

Need we say more?

WED. $2 BURGERS 1/2 lb, handmade & charbroiled (6-9pm)

WIZARD OF ID

by HART & PARKER

HEY THERE, HEMINGWAY! Have you always fantasized about having your words printed in Triple Cities Carousel, but were too afraid click send? Well, we've been thinking about you, too, you beautiful coward. Send your fiction, poems, ideas, observational humor, and whatever ELSE YOU'VE GOT to Heather Merlis: hmerlis@carouselrag.com.

BE INSIDE US! GET IN TOUCH TODAY TO ADVERTISE IN THE COOLEST LITTLE ARTS RAG IN THE SOUTHERN TIER! ADVERTISING@CAROUSELRAG.COM (607) 772-1005

Every Wednesday: Deep Cuts w. Dan Pokorak Every Thursday: Team Trivia Fridays & Saturdays: Live Music Every Sunday: Karaoke Connection w. DJ Dave UPCOMING MUSIC: 12/1 Taze Yanick 12/2 Amber Martin, Devinne Meyers, & Bess Greenberg 12/8 Journey West 12/9 Pals at Cal’s 12/16 Oarlock with The Mopar Cams 12/22 Nate Calzetoni 12/29 Digitribe 12/31 Karaoke

If we’re open, the kitchen’s open! Burgers, spiedies, phillies, reubens, wings, fries, etc. 190 Main Street, Binghamton (find us at the corner of beethoven and main on the west side) sun-thurs 3p-1a, fri-sat 3p-3a

Dec. ‘17/Jan. ‘18 triple cities carousel 47