CAROUSEL triple cities
july 2016
free
vol. 4 issue 6
your local arts and culture rag.
Sun. August 28th Find out all about it and get involved at binghamtonporchfest.com 2 carouselrag.com
inside. editor’s note...4 guest viewpoint...7 music...8 art...20 calendar...24 theatre...27 comedy...29 food and drink...30
wood...35 film...37 books...38 poetry...40 travel...41 fun stuff...43
star stuff...46 directory...47
“It looks really cool and old-fashioned and totally reminds me of something that was vaguely pornographic in the 1950s.” -Page 31
CAROUSEL triple cities
P.O. Box 2947 Binghamton, NY 13902 (607) 422-2043 carouselrag.com PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Christopher Bodnarczuk MANAGING EDITOR Heather Merlis ASSISTANT EDITOR Ronnie Vuolo STAFF WRITERS Doctor B, John Donson, Krissy Howard, Ilana Lipowicz, Felicia Waynesboro, Phil Westcott, Nick Wilsey CONTRIBUTORS Chris Arp, Charles Berman, Emily Jablon, Brian Lovesky, Joshua Ludzki, Paul O’Heron, John Tillman
CALENDAR Christopher Bodnarczuk, Emmilie Urda LAYOUT/DESIGN Christopher Bodnarczuk PHOTOGRAPHY Stephen Schweitzer, Ty Whitbeck ADVERTISING SALES Christopher Bodnarczuk, Brian Vollmer DISTRIBUTION: Joseph Alston FOR ADVERTISING: advertising@carouselrag.com FOR CONTENT SUBMISSIONS: hmerlis@carouselrag.com (by 10th of prior month) FOR CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS: calendar@carouselrag.com (by 15th of prior month) 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 © 2016 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.
July 2016 triple cities carousel 3
editor’s note. T
HIRTY-NINE ISSUES of Carousel, and every one of them has ended right here, at the beginning. It’s past five in the morning. I’ve been awake for two days finishing up projects I had an entire month to work on. I’m pumped full of caffeine and cigarettes (and a wee nip of whiskey), trying to figure out what I’m going to do if the last minute feature I was promised would be in my inbox six hours ago doesn’t show up. I just spent ten minutes doing breathing exercises I learned from a crappy prog rock album to try and keep myself from having a panic attack. Five hour energy shots taste like chalk and Yellow 5. Thirty-nine issues of Carousel, and every one of them has ended right here, in the living room of a big old salmon colored Victorian house on the best side of the West Side of Binghamton. It’s past five in the morning. Four years ago, I sat on the front porch of this big old Victorian, sipping lemonade and looking up room listings on craigslist. I had spent the past eleven months living out of an overpacked backpack. I called it ‘following my bliss,’ or some suburban hippie crap, but anybody with a real job and an elementary thesaurus would probably call it ‘vagabonding.’ I hadn’t really planned on making any lasting roots in Binghamton (or anywhere else) past graduation, but I found myself in town quite a bit, and I needed a place to put my books. “You know, I’ve got some space here if you want to stay,” mentioned my friend, who had been letting me crash in his big old Victorian house for a few days. We’ll call him Merle, on account of it rhyming with his real name, Earl.
Have you danced with ransom yet?
“Well, gee, Merle, that’d be mighty kind of you,” I replied. “I travel a whole lot, so you’ll barely even notice I’m here. One, two days a week, max.”
7/1 Devon Franks, Brad Collins & Country Attitude
So I moved my overpacked backpack and my stockpile of books into a paisley papered guest room on the second floor of a big old salmon colored Victorian house. One, two days a week, max. I figured I’d be there for six months, then onto new adventures in far off lands.
7/7 Tom Savage
Binghamton’s got a way of grabbing a hold on a person, though. Six months later, I was not moving to Thailand to teach English or moving to Austin to be a performance artist or moving to New Zealand to be an extra in a Peter Jackson movie. I was sitting here on this couch writing the editorial for the very first issue of Carousel. I hadn’t slept in two days. And for more than three years, I have spent the last two days of every month sitting on this couch, pumped full of caffeine and cigarettes, working on projects I should’ve finished a month ago. Thirty-nine issues of Carousel, and every one of them has ended right here, with a panic attack and a missing feature story. It’s impossible for me to imagine Carousel having become anything without this house. It all began here. It all happened here. Thirty-nine issues, started and finished on this couch.
7/2 Dirk Quinn Band, Caribou Effect
7/8 The Hello Strangers, Chris Merkley 7/9 Nick Cody & the Creek Road Band, Rare Breed, Brian Tyneway 7/13 Hot Dogs and Gin
7/15 East Coast Bigfoot, Grace’s Ghost 7/16 Deveroe, Dapper Dan 7/21 Triple Down
A few months after the paper launched, another one of my best friends moved into this house. We’ll call him Frye, but you know him as Ty, because Ty’s been involved with every issue of Carousel that’s ever printed: writing, taking pictures, and until recently, taking on the ungodly task of compiling our monthly calendars. Thirty-nine issues, thirty-nine deadline weeks where I’d frantically run upstairs and ask for impossible projects with two minutes notice.
7/22 Tim Ruffo Band, Charlie Wheeler Band
Countless staff parties. Countless late night editing sessions. Thousands of papers crammed into every nook and cranny of the house I could claim.
7/28 L’Ectric Brew
Tonight, I say goodbye. My bags are packed, my room is empty, and I’m moving in across town with a pretty girl that lets me kiss her on the mouth. She’s cool. We’re in love and all that stuff. But before I bid my adieu, I’ve got to say thanks. Thanks to Merle and Frye and the big old Victorian house. And the little half dog, too. For everything. I was going to list all the everythings, but I’m tearing up and running out of space and mostly tearing up. Geeze guys, I’m just moving two miles away. Stop making a scene. I’ll be over for a beer tomorrow. -Christopher M.F. Bodnarczuk
7/23 Stolen Rhodes, Tumbleweed Highway 7/27 Daphne Braden
7/29 The Smokin’ Crows, Scott B. Adams Band
7/30 Next to Kin, Mike Davis & Co, Chris Mollo
food and drinks and music and dancing est. 1831
552 Main Street
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July 2016 triple cities carousel 5
WEDNESDAY! 7/6
Nate Calzetoni 7/13
Evan Meulemans
MONDAY!
a binghamton tradition
starts at 8:30
TEAM TRIVIA!
Coffee! Lattes! Steamers!
FIRST TUES.
sign ups start at 7:30pm
music starts at 8
OPEN MIC!
7/20
Gary Reynolds
FRIDAY!
7/27
7/1
Joe Cat
Al Gore Rhythm
LIVE MUSIC!
7/8
Tumbleweed Highway
22 Beers on tap!
7/15
Wave Magnetik
Celebrating 19 Years!
THURSDAYS!
start your weekend early
with ugly dolphin!
LIVE MUSIC!
7/22
Katherine Aelias Band 7/30
Barroom Philosophers
LIVE MUSIC! 6/14 & 6/21
SATURDAY!
on the cyber stage
19th An n ive rsary Par t y
sing your little heart out
KARAOKE!
1 76 M ain St. BINGHAMTON
cybercafewest.com (607) 723-2456 open daily 6 carouselrag.com
7/2
with Monkey’s Typing 7/9
Raibred 7/16
Sandwiches! Soup! Salads!
Burgers! Wraps! Desserts!
Voodoo Highway 7/23
The Spelunkers 7/30
Moonshine & Wine
LIVE MUSIC!
guest viewpoint.
Donald Trump is all my fault. (Sorry, America.) by Joshua Ludzki (The following piece was originally published on medium.com on 6/15/16.)
I
H AVE A CONFESSION: I’m the one who made stupid people famous. Not me alone, of course: but I helped. For many years, I co-hosted a morning zoo radio show at a small Top 40 station. I talked about Kim Kardashian’s ass and Lady Gaga’s views on gay rights. I reported every outrageous Kanye utterance and talked a whole lot about somebody named Honey Boo Boo. Confession number two: I don’t even know who Honey Boo Boo is. I got so good at talking about things I didn’t care about, I could convincingly riff for ten minutes on a story I hadn’t bothered to read in advance and not remember a word of it five minutes later. This seemed like no big deal at the time. It was my job, after all, it was fun, and I wasn’t hurting anybody. And who took it seriously, after all? Everybody knew these people weren’t really important, right? Except the problem was this: some people did take it seriously. As I reported on Lady Gaga’s latest gay rights speech -- as I used my media power to advance her cult of personality, I was complicit in convincing any number of people that what she has to say was important. And it isn’t. Now I’m not getting at Lady Gaga. I suspect she’s a pretty great person. She’s devoted countless hours to advancing causes about which I care deeply. But that doesn’t make her a thought leader. I made her a thought leader. I and others like me. Now there are plenty of really smart celebrities, but the point is this: I convinced more than a few people that famous people are worth listening to simply because they’re famous -- and a few of them are truly very stupid. To be clear, my IQ doesn’t break the bank. But speaking as a partially dimwitted person, I like smart people. I want to hear from smart people. Some days, I even want smart people to tell me smart things they think about in their super smart brains. Meanwhile, I sold my audience on the fact that a good idea from a dumb person is just as good as a good idea from a smart person; but it isn’t. Here’s why: The next idea from
the dumb person might be pretty goddamned stupid. You should respect gay rights because you understand the implications of what it means to live as a second class citizens, not because the cool kids are doing it. Next week the cool kids will have misunderstood the satire on South Park and celebrate Kick a Ginger Day. I truly believe we have a cultural crisis on our hands. We prefer a President we’d like to have a beer with over one who could have invented beer. We care far more about being right than we do about doing right. And we’re so invested in not believing anybody could be smarter than us or righter than us that we’ve invented our very own news sources to repeat our thoughts back to us thereby reaffirming that we were the smartest and rightest all along. Enter Donald Trump. The man I made famous. (Meaning me and others like me.) Now there’s a lot that’s impressive about Donald Trump. He’s a world class entertainer, a first-rate media manipulator, and a bullshit artist savant. But Donald Trump is first and foremost a celebrity. And he is not a smart man. Not by Presidential standards. John McCain. Barack Obama. Paul Ryan. Elizabeth Warren. I might disagree with them on the issues but I bet they could run rings around me in a political debate. And by the way, they wouldn’t have to lie. But Donald Trump? A few weeks ago, a mad man walked into a room with a weapon designed solely for combat situations (you can check the manufacturer’s web site; I did) and slaughtered 49 innocent human beings in minutes. MINUTES. 49 people dead. Hopes, dreams, lives, futures… ended. He did it because of radical religion. He did it because he was secretly gay. He did it because he hated gays. He did it because he was mentally ill. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle of all these -- in some murky, tragic, troubling psychological stew of unthinkable immorality. But Americans, a people who did the mathematical calculations necessary to send two men hurtling in a tin can to the moon -- no longer believe in complexity, nuance or multifaceted solutions to difficult problems. If ya can’t get there in a Jeep, it prolly ain’t worth going. What comfort can we take in a week as heart-
breaking as this? I wish I knew. There have been great leaders in history -- men and women of character and intellect with big solutions to impossible problems that inspired nations to greatness. Leaders in world wars with what must have looked like the apocalypse laid out in front of them who stood in front of their people and declared: We can fix this. I will tell you how. It won’t be easy. It won’t be simple. But tomorrow will be a brighter day. We get Donald Trump. The Orlando gunman was born in New York and moved to Florida in 1991. Donald Trump’s solution is to ban foreign-born Muslim’s from entering the United States. He’s not. Even. Trying. I don’t know if Trump doesn’t care that his ‘solution’ wouldn’t have helped in this case, or he simply doesn’t understand that New York isn’t a different country from Florida. And I don’t know if it matters: We’re so used to a paralyzed federal government we don’t really believe our problems have solutions anyway. But problems have solutions. All problems. Even this one. Look, I’m scared too. I’m scared of terrorism. I’m scared of mass shootings. I’m scared of crime. I’m scared of cancer. I’m scared that the guy next to me in the parking garage will scratch the pretty paint job on my car. I’m scared for my family. I’m scared for my friends. But mostly, I’m scared for my country. And increasingly, I’m scared of my country. Growing up, I took for granted that we share certain values as Americans. And core to those values was this: That to be American was to rise above our fears -- sometimes of each other, often irrational -- and find a way to live together, to learn from each other and to care for each other, as Americans. To me, Donald Trump’s nomination reflects a complete breakdown of those values. His is a campaign based unabashedly on fear. On division. On blame. On anger. And until Orlando, it looked like he might win. But win or lose, there’s something gone awry in our culture and in our democracy. Some broken safety mechanism to which we must tend. Who comes after Trump, and how
much longer will the emergency generator of American Democracy last? There are things that give me hope: men and women of character, right now, in the Republican Party, who are expressing second thoughts about their endorsement of a man they now realize is a crypto-fascist thug. Don’t underestimate their expressions of doubt; they say these things at great risk to careers and relationships they have spent a lifetime building. They are patriots. A few weeks ago, our Mayor (in a small, often socially conservative town in Upstate New York) spoke with passion and honestly at a candlelight vigil for the Orlando victims, saying that we must not cave to fear and blame people based solely on their religious beliefs-- and that an attack on LGBT Americans was an attack on all Americans. Facing reelection next year and knowing he’ll have to depend on support and fundraising from constituents that might not support his statement, he said those words anyway -- very publicly. Democracy means taking responsibility. I always thought that meant voting. Watching the news. Informing oneself. Volunteering for politicians. But maybe it means something more. Maybe it means taking responsibility for how we fucked this place up. There are men and women who divided us for personal gain. Who played on our fears or tugged on our heartstrings. Who fed us a steady diet of self-reaffirming political propaganda masquerading as news. Who made decisions against the country’s interests to fill their campaign coffers or caved to extremists in their own party so they didn’t lose an election. Who posted things on social media that reflected a position they knew in the back of their minds was an over simplification because it ‘felt good’ to ‘stick it to em’. Democracy means taking responsibility. Every single one of us. I am the one that made Donald Trump famous. (Sorry about that.) Your turn. Joshua Ludzki is a local media personality, event producer, photographer, and web developer. He is the founder of bingpop.com and a co-founder of the LUMA Projection Arts Festival. Got something to say? Maybe we’ll print it! editor@carouselrag.com
July 2016 triple cities carousel 7
Provided.
Telekinetic Walrus
Psychedelic hip hop with the heavy bass bump by Chris Bodnarczuk 8 carouselrag.com
T
music.
HE SPACESHIP WITH THE heavy bass bump is returning to Binghamton. Things are gonna get a little weird. That’s right, Telekinetic Walrus is coming back to town, and we at Carousel be more pumped. The Miami-hip-hop-meetsfunk-meets-EDM-meets-Gwar-meets-aten-strip-meets-Firefly-meets-Doctor-Seuss project (we tried describing it in less words, we couldn’t) is heading to New York this month for a performance at the Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg, and they’re stopping by Fitzies in Binghamton along the way!
previously known each other, or known of each other, they had yet to work together in the capacity of saving the multiverse from evil. Fast-forward to now, the crew has begun to work together in defeating the growing forces of evil, leading them to more and more difficult bosses and henchmen. They discover that there is a new evil king, but they don’t know who it is, so their hunt for balance and justice continues. In this exact moment, they are on the way to fight the next evil captain, a world-enslaving soul feeder named. Hillumpary.
er; the fact that it’s so hot and the sun is so bright. You can see every single color that exists, you know? You see every single color that’s out there, whether it’s different skin tones to the way the buildings are painted. Everything is pretty much influenced by the sun and the temperature and the whole vibe of that. So, I feel like that adds to the creative aspect. Like for me, as an artist, if I’m walking up the street and I see a blue house or a pink house, or you know, somebody wearing something funky, like that is a part of the creativity.
We checked in recently with all five members of the band: Time-Zoo Keeper, Y Diz, Corinne Stevie, Komakozie, and Faun 5000. Here’s what they had to say:
TCC: Of course! So the costumes and personas you bring to the stage-they’re characters in this mythology?
KOMAKOZIE: It’s super hot, so you now, you’re forced to want to have to breathe and have to drink water and nourish yourself and pay attention in that way. Where if you’re working, you’re just going, you’re just sweating-- you’re already in it. So, it motivates you to continue on, somehow.
TRIPLE CITIES CAROUSEL: It’s been nine months since y’all came through Binghamton. What’s new in the world of the Walrus? TIME-ZOO KEEPER: We have a new single that we’re releasing, “That’s Wassup”, as well as a new stage show, a whole new, once in a lifetime, on-stage visual ambience. We’re more excited than ever about everything that’s happening. New merch, pins for the first time. We just moved locations and we’re building a new studio. TCC: It’s impossible to talk about the music you play without first explaining a bit of the mythos you’ve built around yourselves. Can you give us a crash course on intergalactic space travel and flying squirrels and primordial walruses? TZK: The story is based around the Prime Primordial Walrus and his Pride of Walruses who, upon being instructed by the Grand Creator, fought through great peril, during the time before universes, to essentially catalyze the big bang and create the multiverse. However, the pride of walruses perished against such great forces of evil as there were at that time, and so the Prime Primordial Walrus is the only one left of his pride of primordial walruses. The story begins in this time before universes and takes place throughout many known and unknown universes and, in fact, different multiverses. The Prime Primordial Walrus is known by many lifeforms as the Telekinetic Walrus, as he famously used telekinesis to fuse the souls of his fallen pride of walrus into an ionized form of meta materials from which he draws much of his power. The Prime Primordial Walrus is the right hand of the Grand Creator and, although there are many other timeless super beings, he has by far the greatest powers. The Flying Squirrel, another timeless super being, is an ally of the Prime Primordial Walrus who first emerges in the beginning of the second multiverse. After the great battle of the first multiverse, which resulted in a sort of multiversal reset, a second big bang and the creation of all life, the Prime Primordial Walrus needed to rest his power and allow the multiverse to take its course. So, the Flying Squirrel was sent to assemble the super crew for the first time. At that point, although all the characters had
TZK. Yes. TCC: Last time Carousel interviewed you, there was talk of a comic book being in the works, chronicling the adventures of the Telekinetic Walrus. How’s that coming along? TZK: Great. We’re still in the writing phase-we don’t want to rush the comic books. But, once they are out, people can expect a whole new level of understanding and entertainment within the world of Telekinetic Walrus. TCC: You’re playing the mainstage at Fingerlakes Grassroots this year, on Saturday night. That’s quite the honor. How’d you get involved with the festival? TZK: We originally got involved with GrassRoots because Ray Orraca, of the Moksha Family (shout out!), had asked Y Diz to put a solo set together for their stage at the GrassRoots Festival in Miami. That was before we were all technically “Telekinetic Walrus” together. All of the band members came with Y Diz and we played during the second GrassRoots Miami at the Moksha stage. In between that year and the next, we had reached out to the festival via social media to offer to help promote the event because we resonated with it so much. They replied back, “Sure”, and we went over to the GrassRoots house where we met Emma Hewitt, Jonny Tunnell, Johnno Potts, Jon McNamara, Luke Miller, and the whole promo crew of that year, and we all became super tight while working together. That third year in Miami we played an official Telekinetic Walrus set on the Moksha stage and have only been getting more involved since. TCC: You’ve become a standout in the thriving South Florida music scene. What is it about Miami that breeds such creativity? FAUN 5000: I think it’s the collection of different cultures down here and the influence of American hip-hop with Latin and Caribbean cultures. You know, the melting pot of stuff that goes on down here. Not to mention that we’re the capital of the Bermuda Triangle. CORINNE STEVIE: I think the weath-
TZK: I think it’s a mixture of all that stuff, as well as the mixture of all the different cultures. America is a melting pot, but you don’t even really know what that means entirely until you go somewhere like Miami, where you literally have insane amounts of cultures melting together in high concentrations. Also, the fact that Miami is so international leads to a lot of international events like Art Basel, Winter Music Conference, et cetera. And those kind of events help fuel the creative scene from an inspiration standpoint and from a financial standpoint as well. TCC: Intergalactic space battling lyrics aside, you’re music is quite experimental in its own right. There’s nothing I’ve heard quite like it. How’d it all come together? Y DIZ: Basically, it comes from the flavor of all five of us and the collaborators, because there are other musicians that we collaborate with on the albums and stuff. Everyone that we work with comes from a pretty diverse background and musical training. And just in general, what we do is all pretty diverse. As the producer, I definitely help play a part in gluing it all together, but if it weren’t for everyone’s contributions, then it wouldn’t be what the fuck it is. So, it’s a beautiful thing and I think that’s what makes it what it is, really. That’s what makes our project so unique and different, the fact that you can’t put a finger on it. You can’t just say, “Oh, this group is a hip-hop group,” or, “this group is a funk group”, or whatever. There’s just way too many influences and way too much flavor and way too much funky fun for you to put an easy label on it. You can’t. CS: I think the cool thing about it is that we actually celebrate and embrace how different we are and how different all of our backgrounds are. Because everybody is different, you know what I mean? But some people would rather just be the same and try to cover up the fact that they are different. But in our case, we actually embrace being different and push to be more and more different. YD: ...And to accept people for their differences.
TZK: Ya, so I think we all share that same ethos and that’s part of what helped bring us all together. I think that when it really boils down to it, if you had to condense it into one word, it would be “happenstance”. If when the big bang happened, if one molecule had been assimilated in a different form or fashion than everything that lead to all of us coming together and this happening at this exact moment in time, then this might not have happened, or might not have happened in this way. We’re lucky that all this came together in a sense, because it’s not like anybody ordered for it to happen, it just happened. So, it’s beautiful in that way. TCC: Who do you cite as influences? KKZ: Madlib, Michael Jackson, Jay Z, from Black Thought to Black Sabbath, you know. Pink Floyd, Beck, Miles Davis. You know, hip hop is my main thing but it stems from jazz and soul and just straight raw music, African music, sound from nature, the medicine for the people. F5000: As a saxophone player, definitely Joshua Redman and Maceo Parker. Not as a sax player, definitely Jimi Hendrix, DJ Qbert, Tobacco, Parliament Funkadelic… just a wide range of stuff. CS: I would have to say Nina Simone, The Fugees, Missy Elliot. And then for visual inspiration I would say, Kahende Wiley, Barbara Kruger, and local artists that we know like Kazilla, Reinier Gamboa; local Miami artists and just the people and family around me. YD: My oldest influence is Outkast, who I’ve been listening to since third grade. Also, Primus is one of my weirdest influence that I was obsessed with when I was younger. And also the Gorillaz are probably my three older influences. Nowadays, especially when I’m printing t-shirts, I like to get a little robotic. So, I like to listen to Chemical Brothers, Siriusmo, and just a little bit more electronic stuff. For me I just like fresh music. We got record players in the crib-- we like to listen to old school stuff and we like to bump the newest of the new, so we see the old school and new school influences as equally important. TCC: If the Primordial Walrus had an iPod, what would be on it? TZK: Honestly, the Primordial Walrus has transcended past the need for an MP3 player. He actually created all the music of the multiverse and it’s been said that at all times, those who know how to listen can hear the symphony of the walrus playing throughout the multiverse. The Primordial Walrus is the Akashic Records of music itself. Theoretically though, he’d probably have some Die Antwoord and Tupac on his iPod. Telekinetic Walrus plays Fitzies Pub (9 Main St, Binghamton) on Tuesday, July 19th. There is a $5 cover at the door. MC/RV from Norwich opens. Music starts at 9pm. For more info, check out telekineticwalrus.com. Presented by your friends at Triple Cities Carousel (that’s us!).
July 2016 triple cities carousel 9
Newtown. Provided.
Busy Bird Bluegrass Fest Newtown, Bug Tussle, & more in Berkshire by Ronnie Vuolo
O
N T H U R S D A Y , J U L Y 7 T H, the fields at 231 Ketchumville Road in Berkshire will fill with music lovers anticipating the 12th Annual Busy Bird Bluegrass Festival. The four-day event was founded by the Kithcart family to honor their mother, Beverly “Busy Bird” Kithcart. The mother of nine loved festivals and bluegrass music and dreamed of one day hosting her own festival. In 2004, one year before her death, her family made that dream come true. After Beverly’s passing, the Kithcarts continued to hold the festival until 2011, when it was turned over to the Gwardyak family. “The Busy Bird was created based on family,” says Tim Gwardyak. “We provide an atmosphere where all ages and levels of music fans can come together and celebrate life through music, friendship, and family. Bluegrass, one
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of a few Americana-based music styles, creates that perfect median to do this. Our festival is not just about the music. It’s about the people, and everyone who comes is a Busy Bird for life.” The Owego based band Bug Tussle plays host to the event, and Tim is enthusiastic about their performance, “They will be performing three sets for us this year including one at our Kickoff Party on Thursday, July 7th. They are going to mix it up a little with a different approach to Bluegrass.” Headlining the event at 8pm on the 9th is the Kentucky based band, NewTown. Their performance is sure to include songs from their new album Harlan Road, expected to hit the stores on the 8th. Kati Penn Williams, husband Jr. Williams, Hayes Griffin, Mitchell Cannon, and Travis Anderson combine traditional bluegrass with newgrass, and then add a splash of something uniquely their own.
(More on the band can be found at thenewtownband.com.) In addition to Bug Tussle and NewTown, the stage will be hopping all weekend with music from: Jim Hurst, Chasing Blue, Mama Corn, Bottom Dollar Stringband, Hocking River Stringband, Jersey Corn Pickers, Melanie & The Boys, Matthews Family Tradition, Coal Town Rounders, Plexigrass, Slewfoot, Rebecca Colleen, The Dishonest Fiddlers, and more. To meet the other needs of festival-goers, there is food – lots of it. The Gwardyak family has a full kitchen concession on-site serving three meals a day, beginning with dinner on Thursday night and including a pork BBQ on Saturday. Also on-site are a variety of vendors selling everything from tie-dyed apparel to country crafts and gifts, even a massage therapist to ease muscles sore from dancing. And fear not, there are lots of activities
for the kids, with scavenger hunts, contests involving things like water-balloons and hula hoops, a kids tent full of game and activities, and a Friday night movie. To insure a safe and fun festival experience for all, Busy Bird asks everyone to respect a few guidelines, including: no glass in the stage area; dogs must be leashed at all times (only service dogs are allowed in the stage area); and fireworks and open campfires are prohibited (fire rings are available). Tickets (available at the gate) are: $45 for all four days (July 7th-10th), $10 day passes for Thursday or Sunday, $20 for Friday or Saturday, $8 for seniors, and kids 16 and under are free. Busy Bird is a handicap accessible, rain or shine event. Shade tents are provided, but be sure to bring lawn chairs for seating. Further information can be found on their website, busybirdbluegrass. com, or on Facebook.
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July 2016 triple cities carousel 11
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MON - PROGRESSIVE WING NIGHT (wings get cheaper with each drink you buy after 6p) WED- DEEP CUTS PRO JAM (an ever evolving collaboration feat. the area’s best musicians, 9p) THURS- TRIVIA (7:30p) FRI- B.Y.O. VINYL WITH DJ SPACE ONE (bring your best SPECIAL vinyl and get your second drink free) EVENTS: SUN- KARAOKE NIGHT (8P)
7/23 SLOW BURN 9:30PM If we’re open, the kitchen’s open! Burgers, Spiedies, Phillies, Reubens, Wings, Fries, Etc. (At the corner of Main and Beethoven)
190 main st.
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Provided.
The only thing I could say that I really would want at the moment is-- there’s an electronic drum sampling pad that pretty much is like the only thing that I want, like, in my life at the moment. And that would cost me like a thousand dollars. But that’s about it! That’s all I could really think of. I mean obviously like a house and all that shit would be great, but I’m only twenty, so I don’t know. I don’t think a house is too close in my future at the moment. You don’t want a hundred and one Dalmatians or something? That’d be pretty dope. But you know what? I’d want like... I’d want that sampling pad, I’d want a dope setup for my mom and my family... and just pretty much my family would be taken care of. I don’t really care. As long they’re taken care of first, then I’ll worry about me afterwards. Like, whatever money is leftover, then I’ll take care of myself. I think that’s a good attitude, man! You know? You look out for your family. Fuck yeah. So is there any kind of narrative angle or thematic content that characterizes this album of original material that you guys are going to be coming out with?
Raibred on rye bread An interview with Raibred drummer Jeff Howard by Nicholas Wilsey
T
HE BEST BEST BREAD, no matter where you are, is rye bread. It’s funky. It’s got streaks of brown in it, and seeds. And similarly, the band Raibred-- a Binghamton-bred four-piece progadelic funk machine known for their covers of bands such as Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, and Phish--is your best bet if you’re out on the town lookin’ for an excuse to get loose. I had a chance talked to Jeff Howard, vocalist and drummer for Raibred, about the band’s upcoming demo of original songs, hardship, and money. Are any of the members in your band gluten-free? Uhh... our bass player John is trying to be because he has a gluten intolerance. Yeah dude, I’m trying to be gluten-free too. You ever give him crap for being gluten-free and being in a band called Raibred? Haha! Nah dude, I never have.
Aw, you shouldn’t do that. That would be messed up. I would feel bad if that were me and someone did that to me. I’m the only one in the band who likes rye bread, like actually rye bread. Rye bread’s like, the only bread to get if you’re out to eat at kind of crappy diner that’s got, like, all the cheap bread? ‘Cause rye bread is always gonna taste the best if it’s the cheap bread. Yeah, I totally agree. You know what I’m sayin’? Yup. I saw you a couple times, both at Cyber Cafe West-- it was a lot of covers and stuff. But you’re coming out with an entire album of original material? Yup! Yeah... we uh, we’ve just been in the process of kind of going back and redoing some stuff that we had already made, just kind of rehashing it and making it better since we all have gotten better at songwriting skills in general and stuff like that. But yeah, we’re
kind of just starting from scratch with the album. We have originals we play quite a bit. There’s been a couple that we’ve introduced lately that people wouldn’t really be familiar with or know the name of. We’ve played a couple of the new songs that will probably be on the demo. What’s the name of one of them? Can you say? The demo? No, the name of one of the songs. Oh! The name of the songs. Yeah, I could totally say them. One is just called “1, 2, 3, 4” and then the other is called “Cobweb Brain.” Nice! Yeah. So how much money would you need in order to buy all the stuff that you’d ever want to have? For like, like musically, or like? Just in my life in general? Anything you want! It could be a guitar, it could be a big bed, it could be a swimming pool full of any substance.
You know, there’s not really like, uh--there’s not really any kind of theme going on with it that I could say, but. I think it’s definitely going to deal with more of like, personal hardships that we’ve gone through with the band and everything over the last couple of years... It’ll even be more like just personal songs that we wrote just about ourselves even, and stuff like that. Just our demons that we’ve dealt with over the last two years as a band and just everything we’ve gone through collectively. What’s a memorable hardship that you all went through collectively? Um. Well, my father passed away four years ago this summer, or this August I mean. And that was pretty tough on all of us. Like it happened about year after we formed the band and- we kind of all… we got even tighter after that. We formed this huge bond after that. I mean, we were really tight before but that really brought us together solidified as brothers and stuff, even aside from the band. That’s kind of angelic, honestly. Yeah dude, I mean, I don’t know. I think that it inspired all of us in a lot of ways, too, just like, our lives. I mean we’ve all-- I don’t know, it’s just weird. I think the album will just deal with like, dealing with substances and just like, just the hardship of just missing somebody, I guess. And there’ll be those couple funky dance ones in there that’ll just like keep everything nice and bright. But you’re having a good time now? Dude, I’m having a fuckin’ awesome time, man. I’m glad to hear it, Jeff. Hell yeah, dude! Don’t miss Raibred’s Five Years Anniversary Show at Cyber Cafe West in Binghamton, NY on July 9th. That’s basically their home terrain, so it’s bound to be a festive time. More info at cybercafewest.com.
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music briefs voice, Rodgers is a phenomenal musician. He’ll bring his acoustic band with him on First Friday as well, so you’re in for a real treat. Atomic Tom’s is located at 196 State St. The songwriters on the veranda will be free from 6-9pm, but there will be a nominal cost at the door for the Jeffrey Rodgers Band. Also joining them will be Matt Burt, an Apalachin based singer-songwriter, whose alternative country originals are full of colorful songwriting.
JULY FEST IN DOWNTOWN BINGHAMTON
July 8th through the 10th, Binghamton will celebrate the 54th annual July Fest Celebration in Downtown Binghamton. The party takes place on Court, Water, Gorgeous Washington, and State streets. There will be artists, vendors, a kids zone, and of course, live music throughout the day. The festival will start each day at 10am, and continues through 11pm on Friday, 10pm Saturday, and 5pm on Sunday. On Friday, you’ll want to check out Jorge T. Cuevas and the Caribe Jazz Allstars. Playing traditional Latin jazz, the band is based out of Ithaca, and plays original music. Incredibly danceable, you’ll find yourself salsa-ing, even if you don’t want to. They take to the stage at 3:45pm. Saturday, Ultra Vibe opens up the festival at the bright and early slot of 8-10am. Ultra Vibe is made up of some of the best musicians in Binghamton. Mike Melnyk rocks the keys, Steve Simmons hits the drums with precision, and Tom Westcott rides the pocket on bass. Their music is rocky, and funky, and all over the place in the best way; each member has mastered the art of improvisation, so no two shows will ever be the same. Joining them on the stage will me Mo ‘Reese’ Taylor. Opening up on Sunday at noon is the Alpha Brass Band. With a sound that can only be described as New Orleans brass, Alpha Brass Band gets audiences dancing to a new tune every time they play. Influenced by bands such as the Dirty Dozen, The Meters, and Dr. John, the ‘Alpha Bees’ are comfortable playing a variety of different genres, from traditional tunes to modern covers. So stop on through Downtown Binghamton July 8th through 10th, and have a grand old time.
STRAUSS AND CO. AT ORIGINAL’S
At 9pm, the show will move inside for the Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers Band. Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers is a singer-songwriter, teacher, and author, based out of Upstate New York. His accolades include grand prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Sammy Award for Best Americana, founding editor of Acoustic Guitar magazine, and contributor to All Things Considered on NPR.
Steve Strauss, the head of Strauss and Co., has been playing in the Binghamton area for over 20 years. Strauss and Co. is based around his music, and he recorded his last album, Sea of Dreams in Germany. A magnificent blues guitarist, Steve’s soulful playing and singing is reminiscent of blues players from Greenwich Village, where he cut his teeth. When Carousel interviewed Strauss in 2015, he spoke about his approach: “Songwriting is like a tree growing to me... Each song is a sculpture, and craft is important to me.” The other members of Strauss and Co. include Tony Sulznyski and Rick Iacovelli. They’ll take the corner at Original’s Italian Pizza, 23 Lake Street in Owego, on July 8th at 7pm.
His music is light on the ears. With masterful guitar picking, and a delightfully soothing
(MUSIC BRIEFS CONTINUED ON PAGE 16)
Afrobeta in Cuba. Provided.
AFROBETA AT LOST DOG LOUNGE FIRST FRIDAY
On First Friday, head on over to the Lost Dog Lounge to hear one of Miami’s most praised acts, Afrobeta. Describing themselves as ‘avant-dance,’ the duo has set Miami alight with their colorful and intricate music. Both multi-instrumentalists, Smurphio lays down booty-shakin’ bass, while Cuci Amador’s flawless vocals bring an overwhelming energy and excitement to their shows. Brought together through a love of dance and songwriting, Afrobeta will have you grooving until dawn. Check out “Play House” and “Dream about You” for an idea of the diversity of their sound. From soaring vocal melodies, through harmonic candy, to more produced and hard-
edged electronic music, Afrobeta will turn the Lost Dog Lounge inside out. Get ready for a high-energy, infectiously danceable show. Afrobeta will take the stage on the first of the month at the Lost Dog Lounge, located at 222 Water St. in Binghamton. The show starts at 9pm, with no cover.
BINGHAMTON SONGWRITER SERIES AT ATOMIC TOM’S
Also on First Friday, the Binghamton Songwriter Series returns, with James Christopher and Alex Creamer from 6-9pm on the veranda outside of Atomic Tom’s. James Christopher is an enigmatic musician from Binghamton. He plays bass in the Parlor Cats, but will be slinging some new tunes on
the first. Alex Creamer won the EPAC Idol competition this past year with her gorgeous voice. On First Friday, she’ll bring her guitar as well, to shower us with delightful music.
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Residential l Commercial l Interior l Exterior
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Fully Insured. Now Accepting Major Credit Cards!
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music briefs QUIET RIOT AT MAGIC CITY MUSIC HALL
Roll back to your 80s metal roots on July 23rd with Quiet Riot. You’ll certainly “Feel the Noize,” as the band keeps on touring with veteran “Metal Health” member Frankie Banali, who is half of the surviving original(ish) band. Chuck Wright and Alex Grossi join as bassist and guitarist of the “most stable lineup,” as well as vocalist Jizzy Pearl, who has an interesting name. Quiet Riot was one of the first metal bands to achieve widespread mainstream success in the early 1980s. Their brand of metal is, of course, loud, but also maintains a certain poppiness that many forms of metal eschew. This makes them more accessible to the general public, and they are legends on the metal circuit. The show takes place at Magic City Music Hall at 1240 Upper Front Street. Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 day of show. More information at themagiccitymusichall.com
THE TOWN PANTS AT MCGIRK’S
James Taylor. Provided.
ROCK IN THE PARK
On July 9th, Rock in the Park returns to Bainbridge with an outstanding crew. Wreckless Marci, Woodshed Prophets, and Tumbleweed Highway will open up for the always fantastic Marshall Tucker Band. Wreckless Marci is one of Binghamton’s premiere cover bands. Founding members Craig Palmer and Matt Jensen have been jamming together for nearly 15 years; bassist Mark Sedlock and lead singer/guitarist Sonny Weeks are newer additions to the group. When they all get together, things get a little reckless. Woodshed Prophets’ music is infected by the country that it comes from. Their gritty, original music runs the gamut from hard-edged rock n roll to more classic country twang, amounting to what they aptly describe as ‘Power Twang.’ They’re bound to make you want to move and groove. Tumbleweed Highway is the closest you can get to southern psychedelic country in Upstate New York. They’ve shared the stage with Arlo Guthrie and Levon Helm, and though they have deep roots in classic country tradition, the electricity and fire behind their playing reeks of modern jam bands and zydeco. Heavyweights in the Southern rock scene, the Marshall Tuck-
er Band will be headlining Rock in the Park. The band has been together since the early ‘70s, and through lineup changes, continue to rock the house when they hit the stage. Original lead singer Doug Gray still handles vocal responsibilities, although his voice has matured like a good cigar. The band helped to establish the sound of Southern rock, and rose to fame behind their hit songs “Can’t You See,” “Fire on the Mountain,” and “Heard It in a Love Song.” Rock in the Park takes place in General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. Tickets are available for $20 at ticketmaster.com. The show starts at noon.
DEVEROE AND DAPPER DAN AT RANSOM STEELE
Deveroe takes the stage at Ransom Steele Tavern on July 16th. With covers and originals that range from rock to Americana, you never know what you’re going to get at a Deveroe show, other than amazing music. According to lead singer Christopher Ruffo, “We play what we feel,” and that’s evident in their soulful performances. Opening up the night will be Dapper Dan from Newfield, NY. A young band playing all original music, they draw on classic rock inspiration. Think Jimi
Hendrix, or My Morning Jacket. Tight, while still leaving room for improvisation, they’ll make you wish the 70s had never ended. The show starts at 8pm on July 16th with Dapper Dan at the Ransom Steele Tavern, 552 Main St. Apalachin. Tickets are $5 at the door.
WAVE MAGNETIK AT CYBER CAFÉ WEST
On July 15th, Wave Magnetik out of New York City will invade the stage at the Cyber Café, and you should be excited. Trumpeter and producer Donald Malloy (who’s worked with Tye Tribbet and Roy Hargove) heads up the two-piece electronic music band, accompanied by live drums. His pre-programmed beats and harmonies entice with their scope, and his trumpet playing bridges the gap between electronic music and jazz. Moving between house, drum and bass, and rock n roll, Wave Magnetik is unpredictable and quite possibly on fire. Malloy brings an indelible brightness to the music, amplified by the silken beats he produces. Wave Magnetik will rock the Cyber Café, located at 176 Main Street in Binghamton, on July 15th at 9pm. More information available at cybercafewest. com.
The Town Pants are a monumental Celtic band, hailing, unexpectedly, from Vancouver. On July 29th, they’ll be rocking McGirk’s Irish Pub. Fusing folk, roots, and traditional Irish music, they have crafted a new “West Coast Celtic” style. They’ve been touring for decades, and have earned themselves fans from “New York to Norway.” With imaginative songwriting and a unique style of dual vocals, the Town Pants will send you on a journey you won’t soon forget. The quintet is made up of Dave and Duane Keogh, playing guitar and banjo respectively, along with Jim Kerins on drums and percussion, Kirk Easterson on bass and piano, and Gillian Head on fiddle. The group encompasses a wide range of traditional styles, and will blow your mind. As of press time starting time has yet to be announced. McGirk’s is located at 1 Kattelville Road, in Chenango Bridge. More information at mcgirks.com.
JAMES TAYLOR AT BROOME COUNTY ARENA
July 29th, join James Taylor for a (relatively) intimate performance at the Broome County Veteran’s Memorial Arena. James Taylor is iconic; his music permeates the fabric of both American pop and folk music, and you can find his fans across the spectrum. His music speaks to the listener on a personal level; his voice is enchanting, and his guitar playing exquisite. James Taylor’s excellence can’t really be overstated. He’s sold over 100 million records over his nearly 50-year career, and has influenced musicians in every walk of life. He was inducted to both the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame in 2000. If you haven’t seen any of his performances from “Live at the Troubadour,” you should totally check them out if you’re not yet sold on this concert. The concert starts at 8pm, at the Floyd L. Maines Memorial Arena, located at 1 Stuart St. in Binghamton. Tickets are $69.50-$89.50, and are available via broomearenaforum.com. Music briefs compiled by Phil Westcott: music@carouselrag.com
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EXPLODING MICHAEL GLABICKI FINGERS RUSTED ROOT’S singer/songwriter
with Dirk Miller and Cory Caruso
GUITAR DOJO
A monthly lesson in music theory from guitar player extraordinaire Chris Arp
H
EY GUYS! SINCE THIS COLUMN HAS STARTED, we have covered a lot of material. We have looked at the major scale, diatonic chord progressions, and the twelve bar blues. We have looked at intervals and triads with some embellishments along the way. You can find all past articles and their accompanying videos at explodingfingers.com. Up until this point we have discussed some more music theory ideas for the guitar than anything else. We are going to start looking at technique for the guitar. This month we will focus on economy picking.
Fri. August 5
th
The Choconut Inn, 10 Quaker Lake Rd Friendsville, PA 8PM $10
COMING SOON
Coque & Feather Taphouse
Economy picking, commonly referred to as “sweep picking”, is a technique that articulates two or more notes in succession, each of which is positioned on adjacent strings, using a singular pick stroke. Through this economy of motion guitarists are able to play more notes with less effort. The jazz-fusion guitarist Frank Gambale from Australia is probably known as the techniques most famous champion, but it has certainly found a home in all genres of guitar with a propensity for the progressive. The most notable attribute of the technique is how it allows its players to play flurries of notes at a very high speed. This dynamically can benefit the player. When discussing what types of notes you can play, economy picking can be played with either a scaler approach or an arpeggio approach. We will look at the scaler approach. In Figure 1 we see the notes of the C major scale in the 8th position of the fretboard. In Figure 2 we see four examples of how one could use economy picking to play those notes. Hopefully you can see that these repetitive licks written out in guitar tablature are utilizing the notes from figure 1. If you look above each note transcribed you will either see the letter “D” or “U”, which signifies the up or down direction your pick should be moving, and Fig. 1 a number “1” through “4” which represents which of your four fingers you should be using to play the note. Then look at the transcription to diagnose when the act of “sweep picking” is occurring. It will happen when you see two notes on adjacent strings being played using the same pick stroke direction.
Fig. 2 Now economy picking is really that simple in theory. Perfecting it though can take some focus and consistency. When practicing these exercises I suggest you start out very slowly with a metronome and make sure you are using the proper picking technique and staying relaxed. Tension is the enemy of speed. Make sure that you articulate each note very clearly and that the notes do not ring into each other. Once you have the swing of it gradually increase your metronome’s tempo. If you keep this up through daily incremental progress, after some time has passed you will be able to play these licks at warp speeds. Lastly, you may have noticed that there may be a note in parenthesis. That note is not diatonic to the major scale. We still play it with these licks so that we don’t find ourselves repeating the note G found on both the G and B strings. It might sound funny at slow speeds, but once you get your technique up to a faster tempo, the chromatic embellishment will sound great! If you would like to see an example of these licks being played please visit the website below where you will find a video of them being demonstrated. If you have any questions, comments, or are interested in getting guitar lessons in the Endwell area, you can contact me at explodingfingers@hotmail.com.
59-63 ELDRIDGE ST. BINGHAMTON
www.explodingfingers.com/carousel.html July 2016 triple cities carousel 19
This side and opposite: selections from “Time’s Riddle” by Joel Nsadha, showing now at Salati Gallery.
Joel Nsadha
Storytelling through the lens by Chris Bodnarczuk 20 carouselrag.com
art.
B
INGHAMTON MAY NOT BE the first place you’d expect to find an internationally renowned photographer, but it’s the place Joel Nsadha calls home. Born and raised in Uganda, where he’s been published in a slew of magazines and won an impressive amount of photo awards, Nsadha’s craft has taken him all around the world over the past decade, and in that time, he’s amassed an impressive portfolio of portraits, street shots, and landscapes. A collection of those pieces, including “At the Play Ground,” which graces our cover this month and won first place in the National Geographic photography contest in 2015, will be on display this month at the Salati Gallery in downtown Binghamton, for a solo show called Time’s Riddle. The exhibition marks Nsadha’s first stateside show, although with the hype surrounding his work, it is bound to be far from the last. I recently sat down with Nsadha to talk photography, creativity, and life in Uganda. Here’s how it went: You grew up in Uganda, and spent time in Kenya and Sweden and Denmark before moving here. What brought you to the Binghamton area? My wife was doing her Masters at Binghamton University; that’s why I moved here. She’s from down in Connecticut. We met in Denmark. She was
studying abroad there, and I was studying abroad as well. We moved back to Uganda for a while, then back to the US because she had to start her Masters. Did you ever think you’d find yourself in Binghamton, NY? (laughs) No, I didn’t know about Binghamton before I came, but I just fell in love when I came here. It’s very peaceful. It’s very, kind of easygoing, you know? I grew up in a small town in my country, by the lake. It kind of reminds me of home, away from the hustle and bustle. You’ve been working as a photographer for a decade. Is that a fulltime job? Yes. Well, I haven’t really done it much since I arrived here, but for most of the past ten years, that’s what I’ve been doing, together with music, of course. I used to play with bands. What drew you to photography initially? What drew me? I had an uncle that had done it for a long time. He used to work for the President as a photographer. He used to follow the President around, and be gone all year, travelling to all countries. He used to shoot film back in the day, when I was little. He drew me to it. I thought it was a very beautiful art.
Is the rest of the family just as creative? Very! All of my siblings are. One of my brothers is an architect and also a painter. My sister is an artist; she owns a studio and gallery. Very creative. My mom does jewelry. You’ve lived all over the world. How do the creative communities from country to country differ from each other? What ties them together? Every place I’ve lived in, there’s very creative people that do almost the same thing, but in different ways. In the country, we have a lot of painters. There is a little contemporary art, but in Europe there was a lot of contemporary art. In Binghamton I’ve found many photographers; not so many painters. But there’s a lot of variety-- photographers that do very different photography than what I do. Like, conceptual photography and things like that. It fascinates me. I’m actually studying to explore that. What makes a good photo? What do you look for in the photo? What I look for in the photo is to tell a story, always to tell a story. One story at the very least, maybe two in a picture. Everything else-- the lighting, you know-- that’s there just to make the story stronger. Even when I just take a photo of you, even right here, I just love to tell a story.
Someone should look at this portrait. What’s the story of this picture? What’s the story of this person in this picture? Do you stage your photos? Shoot from the hip? Not necessarily from the hip, but sometimes (laughs). Some of them- I sketch my portraits. If I’m doing a portrait of someone, that I’ll sketch. Some of them I arrange: ‘Can I take a photo of you? Can I take a portrait of you?’ Those I’ll sketch. I’ll plan my lighting. Everything else though, like street photography, I’ll just shoot whatever is interesting to my eye, whatever story comes up on the fly The image we’re featuring on this month’s cover of Carousel, a piece you titled “At the Play Ground” is the same photo that last year won you first place in the “people” category of National Geographic’s photography contest. Congratulations on that, by the way! The image is of a young boy named Bwengye, riding his bicycle. Can you tell us about this piece? This kid is a representation of millions of Ugandans. Uganda is a very young country, with over 60% of the population under 60. So you (CONTINUED ON PAGE 22)
July 2016 triple cities carousel 21
From “Time’s Riddle” by Joel Nsadha, showing now at Salati Gallery.
JOEL NSADHA (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21) have a huge workforce for the next couple of decades. They need a good education. They need jobs, infrastructure, all of those things. Some of them are turning to the arts, the creative industry, because there’s not many jobs. Bwengye loves to play soccer, he loves to play music, stuff like that. He’s a young man, like any young man. So the picture is kind of questioning, ‘What are we doing for the young people? What opportunities do they have at their disposal?’ And that’s the story about that picture. Do you know him? Is he a friend? I saw him on the street. It was early afternoon. And I see his bike-- so flamboyant-- and the sunglasses. So I said, ‘Can I take a picture of you?’ He said, ‘Sure.’ And I said, ‘Well the lighting is not good now, can I take the picture later?’ You know, I mentioned the staging earlier. He agreed, so he directed me to a playground where he usually watched soccer. I went there later in the day-- I waited two hours and he didn’t show up! But then he rode up, just before sunset, and we were able to get a few shots. Fantastic, I think. Is that in Uganda? Yes, that’s in Kampala. It’s an Islamic, mostly shanty town. Mostly tin houses, really poor. That’s where he grew up, that’s where he lives. It was very interesting for me to see. He loves music, he loves the arts, he’s making it in sports. You mentioned there not being much opportunity for the young community
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in the arts. There is actually, quite many opportunities for people in the arts. It’s quite virgin. When you talk about things like photography as an art, there are not as many photographers as there are here. There’s opportunities, but the outlets are just not enough. I did photography for ten years there; there’s just not as many outlets as there are here… I think the opportunities will begin to present themselves, on a larger scale, and maybe it will get better. American news paints a pretty rough picture about Uganda. Is that an accurate interpretation of what it’s like to live there? Yes and no. As you say, the media focuses on what sells the news. The negative story sells the news, and that’s what they’ve focused on for decades. But there are other stories that don’t fit into the narrative. Yes and no. There are people who live in hardship, but there is also a growing middle class. A huge middle class, by the way, that they never talk about. Families who send their kids to school, international rates to go wherever. And there are many of those people. America has infrastructure that has been in existence for a long time. There are parts of Uganda that still don’t have that. So I would say it’s both. Are you planning on going back? Of course I’ll always go back, I have family there. But I’m married to an American, so both countries are home. We will always go back there. And we will always be here. Can you tell us about the show you’ve got coming up in July at the Salati Gal-
lery, your first show in the States. I believe it’s called Time’s Riddle? How did you select the images? I’m showing mostly images of Uganda. Maybe one or two from Denmark and the US. People are expecting to see a lot more of Uganda than the US. And I’d like to share the story of that land. Many of them will be landscapes, of the source of the Nile. I love to show the beauty of my country. The source of the Nile? That’s practically mythical. So, the source of the Nile is in my hometown. It’s a very small, touristy town. There’s tourists all year round. Bungee jumping, white water rafting, white waterfalls, horse riding, camping. If you like to travel, that’s the place to go. It’s never too hot or too cold. I hope this isn’t a cliché question to ask- do you have a favorite photo you’ve shot? I have two, I think. The National Geographic photo I think is now one of my favorites. But it wasn’t before. I thought it was just another portrait, like many I’d done, until I heard people say things about it, people that are really big in the industry. I had a chat with the Director of Photography for National Geographic. She said things about the photo, and I started to see it in a different light. I always thought it was beautiful, but it wasn’t one of my favorites. My other favorite is a photo of an old ladyshe’s called Mama Maria. She was 80 then when I took the photo. Her husband died the following year. I guess just in a country that young, you don’t see many old people. It was an emotional moment for me to take that
photo, and then to find out the following year that she had lost her husband. How important is it to you, when telling a story with a photo, that people come away with the right story? Is it okay if they invent their own? I think it’s normal. I try on my end- what I can control is what I can tell. But you don’t have control of what people perceive. Some people look at a picture and they see one story. Other people see two stories. Other people don’t see anything. I always listen to what people say about my pictures. We have social media today; you take a picture and you put it on Instagram right away. And you look at people’s reactions. Someone will say ‘oh, I love this photo of this lady, it’s very emotional.’ So you keep finding out about your work, what people think about it. Thanks so much for sitting down with me, Joel! Do you have any parting words you’d like to share? I think every picture is a form of art. Every picture is a story. And also you should come out to the exhibit, enjoy the photography, and hopefully get inspirational vibes from the show! Time’s Riddle is on display from July 1st through August 5th. Gallery hours are: First Fridays from 6-9pm, Saturdays from 11am3pm, and by appointment. Further information about the show may be found at oraziosalati.com or by calling (607) 772-6725. Information about Nsadha can be found at joelnasdha.com. The Salati Gallery is located at 204 State Street in Binghamton.
art briefs
Brian Keeler’s work is on display at the Roberson through 2017.
TRANSFORMATIONS AT COOPERATIVE GALLERY
July First Friday kicks off this multi-media exhibit of sculptors Karen Kuff-Demicco and Janet Normilie. In the aptly titled Transformations, seemingly unrelated objects of various origins have been turned into three-dimensional wholes, transforming both the objects and their meanings. In the process, the artists themselves are transformed by the act of creativity and how it affects their view of the world around them, a transformation they pass on to the viewer. Holding degrees in sculpture, urban planning, and geology, Kuff-Demicco worked as an industrial geologist for ten years and is currently a staff instructor at Roberson Clayworks, part of the Roberson Museum and Science Center. Her varied interests are apparent in her frequent incorporation of geology, architecture, and figures, as well as her use of clay, metal, stone, and mixed media in her work. Janet Normile comes to her art through her background in education and theatre, with degrees and career work in both areas, having been a teacher at Johnson City High School and performing at the Cider Mill and Bristol Valley Playhouses. In retirement, she turned seriously to her pursuits as a sculptor, something she continues to cultivate through ongoing education. The theme of transformation is carried over to a presentation and discussion on July 21st from 7-9pm, entitled: “The Hurricane of Creativity” that “explores the symbolism of a hurricane as it applies to any act of creativity,” according to the gallery. Transformations is on view through July 23rd. The Cooperative Gallery, located at 213 State Street in Binghamton, is open 3-9pm on First Friday, 3-6pm other Fridays, and Saturdays from 12-4pm. For more information, go to cooperativegallery.com.
TOM BROWN AT THE TIOGA ARTS COUNCIL GALLERY
For the month of July, the Tioga Arts Council Gallery features the work of Owego artist-musician Tom Brown. Council executive
director Abbey Hendrickson characterizes the exhibit as a drawing installation that shows off the loose off-the-cuff style prevalent in both the artist’s art and music. “He’s an incredible guitarist and has played in several local bands for decades,” she says. “He draws inspiration [for his art] from music and from his fellow musicians.” She goes on to explain that his artistic and musical styles are not limited to one genre, “Tom has a real eclectic sensibility.” The exhibit is expected to be fluid and changing, with new pieces being added throughout the month. “Tom is one of the artists who make my job,” she concludes, “So I am excited to have him have some recognition with the show.” The Gallery is located at 179 Front Street in Owego. Hours are Monday from 10am-4pm, and Tuesday through Saturday from 9am-4pm. Further information can be found at tiogaartscouncil. org or by calling (607) 687-0785.
HELIODELIC TOPOGRAPHY ON DISPLAY AT THE ROBERSON MUSEUM
The art of Brian Keeler will be on display in the museum’s Sears Harkness Hall through January 2017. According to the museum, Heliodelic Topography refers to the “sundrenched nature and light infused quality in many of [Keeler’s] works.” Sunlight, expressed in his use of color, sets the tone in many of his large-scale landscape paintings of the Susquehanna River region, as well as paintings depicting other locales. In addition to landscape paintings, the show features figurative work, still life, and genre scenes. With a career spanning more than 35 years and including numerous awards, his paintings can be found in numerous public and private collections. The Roberson Museum, located at 30 Front Street in Binghamton, is open Wednesday and Thursday from 12-5pm, Fridays from 12-9pm, and weekends from 12-5pm. Information about the museum and exhibits can be found at roberson.org or by calling (607) 772-0660.
Art briefs compiled by Ronnie Vuolo: art@carouselrag.com
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East Coast Bigfoot (BFH) Karaoke (CAL) Binghamton City Limits (MGRX)
Karaoke (CAL) Beauty and the Beast (CMP) Last Gas (CRT) July Fest (DTB) Binghamton City Limits (MGRX) Busy Bird Bluegrass Fest (BERK) Robber Bridegroom (TCO) Chicago (BHS)
HMS Pinafore (AC) Karaoke (CAL) Last Gas (CRT) En Plein Air (DTO) Zombie Prom (EPAC) Binghamton City Limits (MGC) Lumberjack Fest (DEP) Roots Culture Camp (TBURG)
Karaoke (CAL) Last Gas (CRT) Binghamton City Limits (MGRX) Grassroots Fest (TBURG)
Karaoke (CAL) Last Gas (CRT) Binghamton City Limits (MGC)
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HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Tango Lessons (ATOM) Open Mic (BEL) Team Trivia (CCW) Jazz Jam #16 (FHS) Live Music (MGRX) Lego Club (YHPL)
Tango Lessons (ATOM) Open Mic (BEL) Team Trivia (CCW) Live Music (MGRX) Bark 9 (YHPL) Roots Culture Camp (TBURG)
Tango Lessons (ATOM) Open Mic (BEL) Team Trivia (CCW) The Gun Show (CRT) Jazz Jam #17 (FHS) Live Music (MGRX)
KEY (AC) Anderson Center, BU (ATOM) Atomic Tom’s, Binghamton (BERK) Berkshire, NY (BBW) Black Bear Winery, Chenango Forks (BCA) Broome County Arena (BEL) Belmar Pub, Binghamton (BFH) Buffalo Head, Conklin
tues.
05 12 19 26
Trivia (BSP) Team Trivia w/ Louie G (BTP) Team Trivia (CCW) Team Trivia (LDC) Team Trivia (MGRX) Swing Dance Lessons (TCK) Rocky (YHPL)
Trivia (BSP) Team Trivia w/ Louie G (BTP) Open Mic (CCW) Team Trivia (LDC) Team Trivia (MCRX) Swing Dance Lessons (TCK)
Trivia (BSP) Team Trivia w/ Louie G (BTP) Karaoke (CCW) Team Trivia (MGRX) Telekinetic Walrus (FTZ) Team Trivia (LDC) Swing Dance Lessons (TCK) Roots Culture Camp (TBURG)
Trivia (BSP) Team Trivia (LDC) Team Trivia (MGRX) Swing Dance Lessons (TCK)
wed.
06 13 20 27
Busking at the Bel (BEL) Dan Pokorak (BTP) Deep Cuts (CAL) Nate Calzetoni (CCW) Wreckless Marci (HICK) Wine Tasting (LDC) Jazz Jam w/ Miles Ahead (LDC) Live Music (MGRX) Country Line Dancing (MGC) A League of Their Own (YHPL)
Busking at the Bel (BEL) Marv Williams (BTP) Open Drum Circle (BUN), Deep Cuts (CAL) Evan Meulemans (CCW) Pasty White & Double Wide (HICK) Wine Tasting (LDC), Live Music (MGRX) Country Line Dancing (MGC) Hot Dogs & Gin (RST)
Busking at the Bel (BEL) Deep Cuts (CAL) Gary Reynolds (CCW) Mike Davis/Laughing Buddah (HICK) Wine Tasting (LDC) Jazz Jam w/ Miles Ahead (LDC) Live Music (MGRX) Culture Camp (TBURG), Third Eye Blind (MGC)
(BHS) Binghamton High School (BSP) Blarney Stone Pub, Norwich (BTP) Blind Tiger Pub, Johnson City (BUN) Bundy Museum, Binghamton (CAL) Callahan’s Sportsman’s Pub, Binghamton (CCW) Cyber Cafe West, Binghamton (CIT) Citrea Ristorante, Binghamton (CMP) Cider Mill Playhouse, Endicott (CRT) Chenango River Theatre, Greene (DEP) Deposit, NY
Busking at the Bel (BEL) Open Drum Circle (BUN) Deep Cuts (CAL) Joe Cat (CCW) Woodshed Prophets (HICK) Wine Tasting (LDC) Live Music (MGRX) Comedy (MGC) Daphne Braden (RST)
(DSC) Discovery Center, Bingh (DTB) Downtown Binghamton (DTO) Downtown Owego (EPAC) Endicott Performing A (FHS) Firehouse Stage, Johnso (FTZ) Fitzies Pub, Binghamton (GCP) General Clinton Park, B (GXY) Galaxy Brewing Co., Bin (HIDT) Holiday Inn Downtow (HICK) Hickories Park, Owego
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calendar of events july 2016 sat.
Singer Songwriter Showcase (ATOM), John Truth Experience (BBW) Rick Iacovelli/Outer Reef (BTP), Watching Over Me (BUN) JUST MY TYPE (BUN), DJ SpaceOne (CAL), Al Gore Rhythm (CCW) First Friday Art Walk (DTB/DTO), Susan Cutter Snyder (LDC) AfroBeta (LDC), Pete Ruttle (OUH) Rooster & Roadhouse Horns (PLC) The Stoutmen (SCPH) Baby Boom Baby (TCP) Robber Bridegroom (TCO) Cans n Clams (HIDT) Devon Franks/Brad Collins (RST)
Adam Ate the Apple (BEL) Poetry Open Mic (BEL) Karaoke & Open Mic (BSP), ELIXER (BTP) Trivia (CAL), Ugly Dolphin (CCW) Dirk Quinn Band (GXY), Karaoke (LDC) Live Music (MGRX), Comedy (MGC), Busy Bird Bluegrass Fest (BERK) Reading/Signing (RRB), Baby Boom Baby (TCP), Friday Night Lights (YHPL) Tom Savage (RST)
Sip and Shop (BBW), The John Truth Experience (BBW) DJ SpaceOne (CAL), Tumbleweed Highway (CCW), Last Gas (CRT) July Fest (DTB), Lunchbox Sessions (MGRX) Strauss & Co (ORG), Pete Ruttle (OUH), Werk (LDC) Busy Bird Bluegrass Fest (BERK), Donal O’Shaughnessey (SCPH) Baby Boom Baby (TCP), Unbroken (YHPL), Robber Bridegroom (TCO) Chicago (BHS), Cans n Clams (HIDT) Hello Strangers/Chris Merkley (RST)
Adam Ate the Apple (BEL) Poetry Open Mic (BEL) Karaoke & Open Mic (BSP) Budd Ash (BTP) Trivia (CAL) Ugly Dolphin (CCW) Last Gas (CRT) Tom Graham (GXY) Karaoke (LDC) Live Music (MGRX) Comedy (MGC)
HMS Pinafore (AC) The John Truth Experience (BBW) DJ SpaceOne (CAL) Wave Magnetik (CCW), Last Gas (CRT) Zombie Prom (EPAC), Tumbleweed Highway (LDC) Lunchbox Sessions (MGRX) Voodoo Highway (ORG) Lumberjack Fest (DEP) Pete Ruttle (OUH) Cans N Clams (HIDT) East Coast Bigfoot/Grace’s Ghost (RST)
Adam Ate the Apple (BEL) Poetry Open Mic (BEL) Karaoke & Open Mic (BSP), Trivia (CAL) Ugly Dolphin (CCW), Last Gas (CRT) Pastabilities w/ a Taste of Tennis (DSC) Karaoke (LDC), Live Music (MGRX) Triple Down (RST), Comedy (MGC) Grassroots Fest (TBURG)
Bee Gees Tribute (AC) The John Truth Experience (BBW) DJ SpaceOne (CAL) Katherine Aelias Band (CCW), Last Gas (CRT) DJ Martin Shamoonpour (LDC), Lunchbox Sessions (MGRX) Playing Solo (ORG) Pete Ruttle (OUH) Mike Whittemore (SCPH) Live on the Waterfront (DTB) Tim Ruffo/Charlie Wheeler (RST) Grassroots Fest (TBURG)
Adam Ate the Apple (BEL) Poetry Open Mic (BEL) Karaoke & Open Mic (BSP), Trivia (CAL) Ugly Dolphin (CCW) Last Gas (CRT) Raibred (GXY) Karaoke (LDC) Comedy (MGC) Live Music (MGRX) Doug & Eamonn (SCPH) L’Ectric Brew (RST)
The John Truth Experience (BBW) James Taylor (BCA) DJ SpaceOne (CAL) Barroom Philosophers (CCW) Last Gas (CRT) Emily Angell (LDC) Lunchbox Sessions (MGRX) Acoustic Brew (ORG) Pete Ruttle (OUH) Cans n Clams (HIDT) Smokin Crows/Scott B Adams (RST)
hamton n
Arts Center on City n Bainbridge nghamton wn, Binghamton o
(LDC) Lost Dog Cafe/Lounge,Binghamton (MGC) Magic City Music Hall, Binghamton (MGRX) McGirk’s, Chenango Bridge (ORG) Original’s Bar and Lounge, Owego (OUH) Old Union Hotel, Binghamton (PLC) The Place on Court, Binghamton (RRB) RiverRead Books, Binghamton (RST) Ransom Steele Tavern, Apalachin (SCPH) South City Publick House, Binghamton (TBURG) Trumansburg, NY
02 09 16 23 30 (RST)
Monkeys Typing (CCW) DJ SpaceOne (LDC) Latin Platinum Dance Party (PLC) Baby Boom Baby (TCP) Dirk Quinn Band, Caribou Effect Robber Bridegroom (TCO)
Humble Beginnings Band (BTP), Raibred (CCW) Dine & Drag Musical Legends! (CIT) Beauty and the Beast (CMP), Last Gas (CRT) July Fest (DTB), DJ SpaceOne (LDC), Live Music (MGRX) Busy Bird Bluegrass Fest (BERK) , Baby Boom Baby (TCP) Rock in the Park (GCP) Robber Bridegroom (TCO) Chicago (BHS) Nick Kody/Rare Breed/Brian Tyneway (RST)
HMS Pinafore (AC) Woodshed Prophets (BTP) Voodoo Highway (CCW) Last Gas (CRT) Zombie Prom (EPAC) DJ SpaceOne (LDC) Live Music (MGRX) Tinderbox Circus Sideshow Doug & Eamonn Hubert (SCPH) Lumberjack Fest (DEP) Dapper Dan/Deveroe (RST)
Slow Burn (CAL) The Spelunkers (CCW) Last Gas (CRT) Martini Walk (DTB) Peaches and Crime (EPAC) DJ SpaceOne (LDC) Quiet Riot (MGC) Woodshed Prophets (SCPH) BBQ & Brew Fest (HICK) Stolen Rhodes/Tumbleweed Highway (RST) Grassroots Fest (TBURG)
Moonshine & Wine (CCW) Last Gas (CRT) DJ SpaceOne (LDC) Live Music (MGRX) Rhythm & Brews (SCPH) Binghamton BBQ Battle (TRAD) Next to Kin/Mike Davis/Chris Mollo (RST)
(TCK) Tri-Cities Karate, Endicott (TCP) Ti-ahwaga Performing Arts Center, Owego (TRAD) Traditions at the Glen, Endicott (YHPL) Your Home Public Library, Johnson City
We thank you for your patience over the next month or two as we revamp our events calendar. NEW THIS MONTH: List your event online at carouselrag.com!
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theatre. Jane Kucera, Dylan Ruffo, Cole Tornberg in HMS Pinafore. Photo by Michael Merwin.
tain has been being able to express my anger a little bit onstage -- though definitely not directed at anybody in real life!” But for Ruffo, who recently caught the bug of rabid Gilbert and Sullivan fandom, promoting and strengthening Binghamton’s own company dedicated to them is at least as important as his performance. And he comes to it with the enthusiasm of a new enthusiast. “I actually was not a really big Gilbert and Sullivan fan until last year when we did The Mikado,” he explains. “It’s more than just music. It’s the words, it’s the story that they’re trying to tell. It all comes together. It’s collaboration. You couldn’t have one without the other, and you wouldn’t want one without the other. I haven’t always been a Gilbert and Sullivan fan, but I am a convert and I don’t think I’ll go back!” Ruffo explains his mission as Chairman as essentially one of sharing the joy of his own enthusiasm for the work of the two Victorian operettists: “My main focus this year was grant funding, fundraising in general, and really getting more of the community involved in this production and in the organization itself,” he says. “We’re trying to get a younger audience. We want to encourage people either to come on stage or to be in the audience so that they also experience that captivated feeling where you can’t look away, and you just want to take part in it.”
“And a Very Good Pinafore Too!” Summer Savoyards celebrate 56th season by Charles Berman
a joyful wit contemporaneous with Jerome K. Jerome and Oscar Wilde.
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The situation on which the story hangs is neatly summarized by soprano Jana Kucera: “I’m playing Josephine. She’s the daughter of the captain. And she, unbeknownst to anybody else, has fallen in love with another sailor on board the ship. But she doesn’t know that this sailor also loves her, so they’re both secretly in love with one another.”
ERHAPS NO THEATRICAL creators have inspired aficionados, have been so gleefully enthusiastic -- and as widespread for so long -- as Gilbert and Sullivan. Since 1961 Binghamton, has boasted its own full theatre company dedicated to the comical productions on which the composer A. S. Sullivan and the playwright/lyricist W. S. Gilbert collaborated, and this year on the 15th to 17th of July at Binghamton University’s Anderson Center, the Summer Savoyards will celebrate their 56th season with a fully-mounted production of the pair’s perennially-beloved 1878 piece H.M.S Pinafore; or, The Lass that Loved a Sailor. Pinafore was Gilbert and Sullivan’s first of many great successes, and made them undisputed masters of an entire theatrical form -- the operetta, or comic opera. Positioned in time and in form between the grandeur of Italian-style classical opera and the lightness of modern musical theatre, the operetta turned out to be a perfect vehicle in which for Sullivan to display his versatility as a composer of unforgettable melodies, and for Gilbert to exploit farcical storylines and display
It’s more than enough on which to hang a series of comical confusions and musical delights. For Kucera, who is in her tenth year with the Savoyards (and had understudied the same role with them years before), it’s just as much an opportunity to develop as performer and an artist. “The last time I think I approached it more from a singer’s perspective,” she explains, “and I think now at the point I am in my life, having done more straight plays has led me to approaching it from more of an actor’s standpoint. There is way more playing on my part, which I think is awesome. Last time I think it was the first year that I was doing my masters in Binghamton, and I was more scared of doing it -- even as just an understudy. Whereas this time I’m ready to plow through it and have fun. And play. I definitely would say ‘play’ is
the big word.” That combination of playfully comic and absurd elements with very serious musical challenges has always presented performers of Gilbert and Sullivan with a significant task, and Kucera credits this production’s director, Tim Mollen, with meeting that task. Mollen, a prominent local personality also known for his acting and writing, emphasized the humorous performance aspects of the piece, says Kucera: “I think with Tim’s direction there’s more dedication to the actual comedy of the show, and more nuances to comedic timing and how silly it really is. Because it really is very silly! There are some over-dramaticisms which are being played up quite a bit -- at least by me!” For other performers, real-life experiences can inform their onstage personae. Baritone Dylan Ruffo serves both as Chairman of the Board of the Savoyards as in the role of Captain Corcoran in this year’s production, and for him, “Coming at it from an interpretation standpoint, the captain and the chairman of the board are in the same line. We’ve both got organizations underneath us that are really great. But sometimes the captain of the Pinafore gets a little more frustrated than I would in real life! So key to my role as cap-
And central to that mission will be the current production, a fully-costumed and staged performance which Ruffo also praises for an original set that deviates productively from the traditional Pinafore that sets are used to seeing: “In traditional productions, you can see the whole ship from the side the whole time. But we just show part of the ship, and the deck out front, and that’s pretty much it. So we’ve been able to use that set to play with different interpretations of things. Tim Mollen has really done a great job at making use of the smaller ship space that we have, while making it feel like we’re on a whole ship.” For both performers and theatregoers, having an established and full company such as the Savoyards is arare opportunity to be preserved and taken advantage of. As Kucera explains, “It’s kind of amazing to me that Savoyards has lasted this long, and they’re really one of the only companies that’s still putting on fully-staged, fully-costumed, full-orchestra productions of Gilbert and Sullivan. It’s the whole shebang. There aren’t many theatres that are able to still do that. And I think it’s wonderful that they’re still going after more than fifty years.” H.M.S Pinafore will be performed at 7:30pm on July 15th and 16th, and at 3pm on July 17th at Binghamton University’s Anderson Center, at 4400 Vestal Parkway East. Tickets are $22 for general admission, $20 for students and seniors, and $12 for those under twelve years old. They can be purchased at binghamton.edu/anderson-center or by calling (607) 777-2787. More information about the Savoyards is available at summersavoyards.org.
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theatre briefs
Chicago rehearsals. Provided.
CHICAGO COMES TO BINGHAMTON
SPARE Productions, a non-profit community theatre company in Binghamton with a “young focus,” is staging a production of Chicago this month. In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap... until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another “Merry Murderess” Velma Kelly vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the “American Dream”: fame, fortune, and acquittal. This sharp-edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse. The musical runs July 8th through 10th at the Helen Foley Theater in Binghamton High School, 31 Main Street. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30pm, Sunday matinee is 2pm. Ticket price is $12 general admission and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the door, at boxoffice@spareproductios.org, or by calling (607) 542-9057. For more information visit spareproductions.org.
THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM STEALS INTO TRI CITIES OPERA CENTER
Theatron Productions presents The Robber Bridegroom, a hilarious and rowdy romp through Mississippi in the 1790s. It is equal parts folk tale and sex comedy. This show has a country-bluegrass score from Robert Waldman with lyrics by Alfred Uhry. At its simplest, the musical tells the story of a Robin Hood-like Jamie Lockhart who is a wealthy landowner and also “the bandit of the woods.” Plantation owner Clement Musgrove wants Jamie to marry his daughter Rosamond, who wants nothing to do with Jamie and would rather be seduced by the bandit not realizing they are the same person. Adapted by Uhry from a novella by Eudora Welty, The Robber
Bridegroom is provocative and very sexual while celebrating the art of storytelling. The show takes place July 1st and 2nd, and July 8th through July 10th at the Tri Cities Opera Center, 315 Clinton Street in Binghamton. Curtain Fridays and Saturdays is at 8pm and at 2pm on Sunday. Seating is $20 for adults and $15 for students. Reserve tickets at theatronproductions2015@gmail.com. For more information visit Theatron Productions on Facebook.
ZOMBIE PROM WITH EPAC TEENS
EPAC’s Teen Summer Workshop presents Zombie Prom the Musical, a campy musical comedy that rollicks through America’s Atomic Age, and the Golden Age of horror comic books. Set in the 1950s, this is the tale of a sweet teenage girl named Toffee and her rebel-without-a-cause boyfriend, Jonny. The two meet and fall in love, but the high school principal Miss Delilah Strict (Stalin in pumps and a dress!) intervenes, persuading the indecisive young Toffee to break up with Jonny. Tortured, Jonny drives his motorcycle to the nearby Nuclear Power Plant and flings himself into a cooling tower! Guilt ridden and alone, Toffee mourns the loss of her love, until one day Jonny returns, raised from the dead as a teenage nuclear zombie! The mass of decomposing flesh professes his love and says he wants her back. Will Toffee take Jonny back? Will Miss Strict let him come back and finish school or will she cancel senior prom, ruining the most important night in the lives of the students of Enrico Fermi High? The show plays July 15th through 17th at the Endicott Performing Arts Center, 102 Washington Avenue in Endicott. Performances are 8pm on Friday and Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. Cost is $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and children 12 and under. Visit endicottarts.com for tickets or phone (607) 785-8903 for tickets or more info.
Theatre briefs compiled by Felicia Waynesboro: stage@carouselrag.com
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comedy. natural to be involved in the voiceover world. I like the idea of showing up in different places, whether it’s my voice or my acting, and people aren’t quite sure that was me, and they’re not sure if it was the same guy they heard in some other place. So, I like the idea of being kind of a chameleon!
Provided.
You were one of the original emcees on what eventually became Comedy Central. How did you land that gig? Well, if you recall, there was something called the Comedy Channel which was produced by HBO. There was another channel which was competing at the same time called HA!, which was produced by MTV. And eventually, they both merged, and became Comedy Central. And unfortunately, when they merged, they purged! They changed everything entirely, they started from scratch. But the good news is, if they didn’t fire me, John Stewart would never have had a job, because he took over the show that I was hosting! Your loss was his gain. Exactly!
Tommy Koenig’s Baby Boom Baby The Comedy Central vet brings show to Owego by Doctor B.
around quite a few lyrics to some famous songs and create quite a stir.
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I see. So, that’s what Baby Boom Baby is. Well, it’s basically the history of a baby boomer told through the eyes of me and all the musical and pop culture influences along the way that we all had to deal with and try to relate to or emulate. It’s hilarious to pack 70 years into one 90-minute show!
In the recent production of Baby Boom Baby in Buffalo, you played over 30 different characters. What’s it like playing all those parts on stage, solo? I don’t know. I have to ask myself - about 30 times! Actually, you know, it’s great being up in Buffalo. Did you know the Beach Boys wrote a song about Buffalo?
You became a professor at Brooklyn College shortly after graduating yourself. You actually taught the actor Jimmy Smits (from LA Law) while you were working toward your Masters in Theatre. What was that like? Well, Jimmy Smits - for those of your readers who aren’t familiar with him - is a very tall, handsome gentleman. When I taught him, he was a little, fat bald kid who couldn’t act... I’m just kidding! It was wonderful seeing him grow, but more incredible to see him take off and have an incredible show business career. That’s every teacher’s dream, you know, to have somebody succeed beyond their own self!
ATIONAL LAMPOON veteran, comedian, author, songwriter and voice-actor Tommy Koenig showed up in Owego late last month for three week run of his hit show, Baby Boom Baby, at the Ti-Ahwaga Community Performing Arts Center. The musical comedy production runs through July 9th. I caught up with Koenig recently to talk a bit about it:
Oswego, Oswego, Baby, why don’t we go Niagara, Batavia, on our best behavior Cheektowaga, Tonowanda, Baby, Lackwanna Go to Buffalo! When summer ends, They start shoveling snow There, I can’t feel my toes Way up in Buffalo! Hmm, never heard that particular Beach Boys tune before. Must be a promotional single or something! Well, you watch my show, you’ll hear a lot of songs you think you’ve heard before, changed a little bit! That’s what I do in my show - I change
I’m an old National Lampoon fan from way back. How did you come to write for that magazine? Well, I was in one of their sketch shows, which was called If We’re Late, Start Without Us. And then I was in another sketch show that they did. These were two that they did off-Broadway and took on tour. The other one was called Class of ‘86, and by being a cast member, I wrote many of the pieces in the show. And then they invited me to write some articles in the magazine. I also appeared as an actor in some of the visual sketches that they had. And so, that’s really
how it all started. You’ve said you met George Carlin when you were a kid. Please tell us about that. George Carlin was an idol of mine before he became a counterculture hero. But when he did, I went - and I recount this in [my] show - I had the courage to ask a girl out on a date to go see him, and I snuck backstage and asked George for his advice. I’m not going to tell you what he said. I think people have to come see the show to hear what George Carlin actually said to a young, budding comedian that led me on my way! But it was his influence and his style that I most emulated and admired. What’s the one thing George Carlin taught you that you still use to this day? Oh, I don’t know if it was just one thing, to tell you the truth. The guy was so incredible. I think it’s just full commitment. Commit to everything you’re doing on that stage with all your heart and soul, and really stand by what you have to say. It’s sometimes not just jokes; you’re not up there just telling jokes, especially with a guy like him. You’re expressing a lot of feelings that are inside people that are political, socio-economic. All these things that he touched on I found really brave. So I think that bravery is one of the biggest things I learned from George Carlin. You’re pretty versatile. Your acting credits include parts in Miami Vice, voiceovers in cartoon series like Scooby-Doo, and even voice work for the video game Grand Theft Auto, San Andreas. Yes, I’ve done a lot of voiceover work. When you’re a character guy like me who does impressions and characters, it’s a
You’re also a songwriter. You’ve written music for people, including P-Funk’s Bernie Worrell, who just passed. Well, my manager had a group called The Invasion Group that managed several different musical artists as well as myself, so I got to meet those musical artists through him. And one of them was Bernie Worrell, who was the keyboard player for Parliament and P-Funk before joining Talking Heads. We became friendly. He had his own solo album called Rock of Ages which was coming out, and he had people like Keith Richards and Bootsy Collins playing on it. He needed help with some songwriting, and he had a song in particular that needed a little bit of my comedic flair. So we co-wrote a song called Papa Chubby together. I have written other music. There are original songs in Baby Boom Baby as well as parodies. So I’ve always been a bit of a songwriter, as well. You’ve directed shows like Damn Yankees. Well, I’ve directed throughout my career, as well as acted, and this was one of those where I was a counselor at a summer camp up near Poughkeepsie for a couple of years in ‘70s. And the first show that I chose to direct was one of my favorite musicals, Damn Yankees. And the second one was Li’l Abner. So those are the two musicals I directed. My sister was involved in a production of Li’l Abner some years ago. Ah, Sadie Hawkins Day! Indeed! The girls chase the guys! If only that were the case in real life! Baby Boom Baby opened on June 23rd at Ti-Ahwaga Performing Arts Center, 42 Delphine Street in Owego, but don’t fret, there’s still a few chances to catch it live, on July 1st-2nd, and 7th-9th. Tickets and showtimes at tiahwaga.com. More info on Tommy Koenig is available at tommykoenig.ning.com.
July 2016 triple cities carousel 29
Photo by Stephen Schweitzer.
Gimme One Reislin’ to Stay Here Wining down the trail on Cayuga Lake, Part One by Phil Westcott 30 carouselrag.com
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UFFY, COTTON CANDY clouds stretch out overhead. My Driver smiles through his sunglasses as we fly down the highway. “I wish things were ‘just the way it is’ less often,” he cracks, and we share a laugh. Welcome to the party. We’re driving out Route 79 towards Ithaca. Cayuga Lake is the destination for my wine tour, for eminently practical reasons: 1. It’s the closest of the Finger Lakes wine trails to me, 2. I’m going to a Driftwood show at the Ransom Steele Tavern this evening, and it leaves Route 96 and Apalachin for the way home, and 3. My obsessive desire to make as many circles in my life as possible. If you didn’t know, there is a freshwater spring on the way to Ithaca on Route 79, just past Lisle. I had planned on bringing my water bottle, both to fill with the majestically sweet water of the spring, and because drinking a bunch of water on a wine tour on a hot day is a great idea. I forgot the bottle. You should NOT forget your water bottle. On to the wineries, but with no plan. I’d done research, but I’ll be franc - I’m not a true blue wine connoisseur. I enjoy wine; I’ve been drinking wine for ten years. My aunt, who could border on something of a connoisseur, taught me about ‘good’ wine, and years of cheap wine in college taught me about ‘bad’ wine. So I can tell you about the wine, but you’re going to have to experience it yourself. That’s the point, the whiff, the rancor, the reason! Be bourgeois, if only for a day. Join the dog lovers who run around with Pomeranians and golden retrievers! Spit the wine out in the jar, at least once, for dramatic effect. Flirt with wine pourers, who are inevitably going to France, or Jamaica, or South Africa, to work with the impoverished or learn about grapes. But most of all, really take in the art of making a fine wine in one of the most beautiful places on earth. (Quick background: We’re going to be discussing one of three wine trails in the Finger Lakes region: the Cayuga Lake wine trail. The Cayuga wine trail is the oldest organized wine trail in the nation. Out of the three, Seneca Lake’s is the largest with 35 wineries, Cayuga sits in the middle with 16, and the Keuka Lake wine trail is the smallest, with eight. The wineries on Cayuga’s trail sit all around the lake, and have won national and international awards, as well as Winery of the Year three times consecutively at the New York Food & Wine Classic. So the wineries we’ll be visiting are experienced and lovely.) Now that the scene is set, imagine you’re in the car with me - really feel it - the wind blowing across your face, the smoke pouring out of the windows, My Driver and I discussing performance art on Election Night: yes, imagine how you feel, as we pull into the parking lot of Six Mile Creek Vineyards, just before Ithaca. “Beauty will be here in just a second,” I gasp to My Driver between drags on a Turkish Royal. “That’s fine with me,” he responds, closing the car door as Beauty pulls into the lot. She’s ecstatic, though confused by the parking lot. She ends up parking below us. As I wait for her to scale the hill, I look out over the gorge-ous back acres of the vineyard. They stretch out beyond sight from the parking lot, but from the veranda you can see that the grapes go on for hundreds of yards, and that there is an event space (for weddings, probably).
food and drink. Six Mile Creek’s tasting room is stunning, done in a traditional fashion, with exposed wooden beams. Aside from an impressive collection of wines to taste, they also produce house-made grape vodka-based liquors and liqueurs. Beauty, feeling adventurous, opts for two spirit tastings, while I order both a wine and spirit tasting.
out with cheese and crackers when you feel fancy, while somehow also making the drink 11% alcohol. A bottle of it seems dangerous. I mean delicious. This is when the Trinidad guide informs us about wine slushies. They sound good to me, and Beauty picks up on the fact that they have them in-house, so I follow her lead and order one.
We find ourselves under the care of a gregarious Cornell student, who, at the ripe old age of 23, is starting to feel the ennui of life. We take care to show her that even at the wizened age of 25, you can still have a little fun. She informs us the vineyard now produces 10,000 gallons of wine, expanded from the first run of 250 gallons. The cabernet franc is the standout to me. It hits your mouth with a lighter flavor than many francs, but the finish is peppery, making it pop against others I’ve digested. It’s delicious. Their bellismo wine is their ringer, tasting like rose-colored memories of white grape juice when I was a little kid.
It’s while we’re sitting on the front porch discussing the intricacies of love, hope, heartbreak, and recovery that one of the most surreal things I’ve ever experienced happens. Beauty has given up on her slushie, and hands it off to me. As I sit double fisting wine slushies, the golden retrievers across the way start barking, and the air is filled with the chuka-chuka-chuka of helicopter blades. I turn to my left just in time to see a helicopter descending into the field by Americana’s barn-style tasting room. Some bastard flew his helicopter to the vineyard. God save us all.
Beauty is housing the spirits. As I finish my wine, I mentally prepare for my short spirit tasting by yelling, “Who’s a good puppy? You’re so cute!” repeatedly at the house Pomeranian, Moose. In my defense, he really was a good puppy, and so freaking cute that Beauty chased him around the tasting room for nearly ten minutes. The grappa is a hell of a drink. It’s for the brave. The Cornell student tells me that when she once came in with a sore throat, a senior employee prescribed a drop of grappa, which brought her voice back to life. I interrupt her to ask for a glass of water, because my delicate stomach is not attenuated to the unique flavor, and it’s far too early to vomit. I finish off trying the amore, and am in love with its hazelnut flavor, decidedly perfect for a delicious Irish coffee. I ‘accidentally’ finish off Beauty’s too. Meanwhile, My Driver has discovered a map of the wine region. I quickly look, and deduce that our next stop will be Americana wineries. It’s just after Trumansburg, and with a cafe, will satisfy both my thirst and My Driver’s grumbling stomach. Beauty says she’ll meet us there, so we hop in, find Route 96, and start making our way towards Americana Vineyards. It is here, at Americana, that I learn two important things about wineries. The first is that for some reason, there will be dogs at them. Perhaps they belong to the owner of the place; perhaps they’re brought by a drunk (I mean wine taster). But, if you build a winery, there will be dogs. The second is that there is a high probability that, as well as a vineyard, you’ve built a wedding space. Weddings and dogs: that’s what wineries are made of. I thoroughly enjoy a well-rounded Riesling, which I’m informed has undertones of mangoes and grapefruit. While my palate isn’t quite so refined to be able to identity the slightly fruity taste that hits my tongue, I take the tasting guide’s word for it. After all, she is going to Trinidad after the summer is over, and what am I doing? You win some, and you wine some. Beauty is hung up on the reds, and I can’t blame her. They are excellent. I require something sweeter to satiate myself, however. I decide to try the “Crystal Lake” wine. Wine-not? It tastes like a magician managed to bottle the taste of a white grape; not the wine kind of white grape but the kind you put
Watching this, I decide it’s time to move on to the next winery. Beauty’s beat; she decides to stay behind, catch some sun, eat some food, and sober up before returning. I give her a hug and tell her that someday I’ll be a pirate. Or I think I say that, but she kinda looks at me funny and tells me to be careful, so I nod, hop in the passenger’s seat, and scream, “Onward to Bellwether!” My Driver complies, and we take off down the lakeside road. I can’t emphasize enough how stunningly beautiful this drive is. Bellwether Cider is just around the corner from Americana. My Driver parked slightly awkwardly, “trying to get in the shade.” I, being a little tipsy, let him have it, but insist upon smoking a cigarette before entering. I decide to go for both a cider tasting and a wine tasting, as the wine was all Riesling. Riesling is my favorite wine in the whole world, and Bellwether’s Rieslings are fine examples: smooth and fruity, with a bodacious back end that leaves you craving more. The name Bellwether, I’m told by the lovely tasting guide, comes from the name for the sheep that leads the flock; a bell is placed around its neck, so that shepherds could tell when their sheep were on the move. Much like that first sheep, Bellwether was the first cidery on the Cayuga wine trail, joining in 2003. The best of the cider is Black Magic. It’s made from their original cider and housemade blackcurrant syrup. Blackcurrants had been outlawed in New York for years, but with the development of disease resistant varieties, they have been reintroduced. I’m happy about this, because something about the Black Magic makes me believe that love may yet exist in the world. Finishing off the last of the ciders, I tell My Driver to hurry, as it’s 5 o’clock and the wineries will be closing within the hour. We jump in the car, only to have him stop and take 15 minutes to eat a burger from a roadside shack. We’re off to Lucas Vineyards, a short ten-minute drive from Bellwether. There’s no Riesling to miss a winery; we’ll make it to them all. Or at least five. Once again, we have to “park in the shade”, which I’m starting to come over to with my increasing BAC. More than slightly drunk, I stumble to my stool and tell the gorgeous tasting guide to make all of my decisions for me. She complies. My favorite of all of the wines at Lucas is the gewürztraminer. Like a fine Riesling,
the gewürztraminer is an ice wine. Ice wines are harvested after the first frost, so that the grapes are literally frozen (the freezing expunges some of the sweetness from the grape). Ice wines are typically found in Germany, which echoes our Upstate temperament. I tend to believe that if you are a Finger Lakes winery and you can’t produce a good German wine, you probably aren’t a very good vintner. On the fun side, Lucas produces a line of wines called “Miss Nautie.” They’re sweet and fruity, which is reflected in the art on the bottle. Lucas is a family-owned winery, and they’ve depicted their three daughters as pin-up art on the sides of the bottle. It looks really cool and old-fashioned and totally reminds me of something that was vaguely pornographic in the 1950s. Sitting at the bar in the suburban-esque tasting room, thinking about a family business and pin-up girls, my wine-addled mind feels a little funny. It’s 5:30 though, so it’s time to hit our final winery. My Driver steadies me, and we rush to the Thirsty Owl Wine Company. …Which closed at 5:30. We jump back in the car, and I see a sign for Hosmer Vineyards. We pull in, and jump out of the car. Two ladies are sitting in front of the tasting room. “We’re closed”, she says, “We close at 5:30 every day.” “Is there anyway he can still do a tasting?” queries My Driver, “He’s a writer. He’s been tasting wine all day. I’m the driver.” I grunt in agreement. To my surprise, she says yes, and I take a seat at the bar, and learn all about the wonderful place that is the Hosmer Winery. A family vineyard, the matriarch Maren takes great pride in their wine, and with good reason. It’s the best I have had all day. I’m reasonably sure of that, despite it being the last winery. My palate, at this point, is refined. The dry rose is a standout, made from cabernet franc grapes, but much milder and in a real way drier than the first at Six Mile Creek. Maren tells me her son Ian is practically the Johnny Appleseed of grapes, planting up and down the eastern United States, from Tennessee to Vermont. The Vinters Reserve Riesling is delightfully dry, with hints of grapefruit and lime that play on your tongue to the edge of ecstasy. That’s what I was thinking at the time. I’m a pretty cute boy, and it’s that feeling when an older man or woman gives me a playful wink. Like you know they don’t mean anything more than you’re a good looking person, and you just do the “Oh, stop.” I don’t know if that’s a taste or not, but it sure seems like one. Swirl it around your mouth a little bit. My Driver and I end up getting really engaged in a conversation about how to increase the positivity in the region. I think we should all go on wine tour every weekend. Who’s driving? What a weekend it was! I spent all of my money, and had one of the best times of my life. To plan your own trip, with maps and information about the Cayuga Lake wine trail, visit cayugawinetrail.com. If you’d like to take a trip on the cheap, gather a group and consider any of the numerous transportation options available on the wine trail’s website. Each of the wineries listed also has a website, which I’ll be visiting after my wallet recovers to get some delicious wine. Delectable, delightful wine. Stay tuned for part two.
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food briefs
BINGHAMTON MARTINI WALK 2016
Drinking and walking strikes again with the most elaborate collaborative effort on the part of Binghamton bartenders: the Binghamton Martini Walk. In years past, Little Venice and Lost Dog have taken home the trophy which has been passed around in a manner not dissimilar to the Stanley Cup – but this year could be an upset. You (and your tipsy friends) be the judge. Purchase a $12 ticket, then pay an extra two bucks at each place at which you plan on imbibing (maybe not all of the 19 participating venues, you lush), and then cast your vote on who will reign supreme, claiming year-long possession of the giant fake martini to proudly display behind their bar. Maybe this year, for the first time, we’ll vote for a martini that doesn’t taste like a creamy, delicious dessert. Also: a portion of the proceeds from this event goes to the Tri Cities Opera. The walk will be on Saturday, July 23rd, from noon-5pm. Go to bingpop. com for ticket sales information.
SOUTHERN TIER BREW & BBQ FESTIVAL
If you’re not feeling the Martini Walk, there are more options for the 23rd of the month. There will be a festival in Hickories Park, Owego, that includes a barbeque cook-off, craft beer and wine, and games, including a cornhole tournament! If you’re interested in participating in the BBQ contest, the grand champion prize is $400! We get hungry just thinking about ribs good enough to warrant that kind of cash. Meat competitions begin at noon; the beer and wine festivities run from 2-6pm. Admission is free to the general event; tickets for the beer and wine fest range from $10-29. And, of course, there will be vendors. To enter the contest, and for more information on the festival, visit southerntierbbqfest.com, or call (315) 426-9741.
OLD BARN HOLLOW RELOCATES AND EXPANDS
For years, Old Barn Hollow has been the only place in Binghamton where you can find all-local products, and a gluten-free bakery. They sell everything from quail to quail eggs, the owner makes the most incredible jams, and the ravioli and pasta (locally made, of course) is some of the best we’ve ever tasted. And now, they’ve moved from their little Southside location to a spacious storefront on State Street in Downtown Binghamton! It’s like a micro-farmers market, complete with soaps and ceramics, that’s open five days a week. They never store anything in the back, so everything is fresh. The best day to come is Thursday; that’s when most of the deliveries come in, so selection is abundant. It’s also the local hub for picking up Wholeshare and CSA
farm shares, if you’re savvy. Old Barn Hollow Farm Market & Gluten Free Bakery is located at 214 State Street in Binghamton. They are open Tuesday through Thursday from noon-6pm, Friday from 10-6, and Saturday from 10-4. Visit oldbarnhollow.com for more information.
SUM FIN FISHY ON CLINTON STREET
If you’ve recently passed by this First Ward storefront and dismissed it as the next place to buy a pet goldfish, you were sorely mistaken. This is the one spot in town where you can grab a fried fish sandwich, complete with a side of slammin’ slaw and some homemade peanut punch, just in case you were unsure of whether this is Caribbean food. They have lobster; they have chicken dinners, and on Thursday and Friday, you can get yourself some Rasta Pasta. The inside of the place is painted like a seaside paradise, a refreshing scene to step into after a sweltering walk down Clinton Street. They’ve only been open for a few months, but they have their act together, and their price is right. Sail on down to 332 Clinton Street in Binghamton, or call (607) 798-0900.
BROOME REGIONAL FARMERS MARKET
We recently announced the relocation of the Otsiningo Farmers Market back to its rightful place in the park; it has now been renamed the Broome County Regional Farmers Market, and has been relocated, yet again, to 840 Upper Front Street in Binghamton. You can still find all the same fresh produce, local meat, delectable baked goods, and artisanal wares, now in one location, year-round. On July 16th, there will be a grand opening celebration, complete with children’s activities, live music, and recipe tastings. The market is open every Saturday from 9am-1pm, and if you’re seeking ingredients, it has the best of what our region has to offer. The Farmers Market can be reached at (607) 584-5010, or at bcregionalmkt.com.
BINGHAMTON BBQ BATTLE
This month closes out with a competition to conquer our taste buds: the first ever Binghamton BBQ Battle, presented by the Family Enrichment Network. Participating local restaurants will vie for the title in multiple barbeque categories. There will also be cash bars, and live music by Lunar Pacific, Masterpiece, The Bruce Beadle Band, and Hi-Way Fruit Market. Who has the best BBQ in Binghamton? You be the judge. General Admission is $20 and includes your entrance into the event and 10 tasting tickets. The battle begins at noon on July 30th at Traditions at the Glen, and goes until 5pm.
Food briefs compiled by Heather Merlis: food@carouselrag.com
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7 COURT ST. SUITE 3 BINGHAMTON, NY 13901 (607) 722-0039
citreapizza.com
Artisan Woodfire Pizza & Small Plates
JULY 9THDINE & DRAG PRESENTS: MUSICAL LEGENDS 12:30pm-2:30pm $2 Admission Call ahead for reservations Open Daily at 4pm Lunch: Wed-Fri 11:30am til 2pm Open for Brunch Saturday and Sunday at 11am (now accepting American Express)
THYME & SPACE A featured monthly recipe from the kitchen of Galaxy Brewing Company’s Chef Brian Lovesky
41 court street
binghamton
Photo by Derk Johnson.
SALMON B.L.T. WITH CAPER & HERB AIOLI (makes 2 servings)
-2 each 4-6oz salmon fillets -¼ cup caper & herb aioli (recipe follows) -oil -salt and pepper -4 slices bread (Rye or Ciabatta) -4 leaves of green lettuce -8 slices tomatoes -8 strips cooked bacon 1. Preheat grill to high. 2. Season salmon fillets with oil, salt, and pepper and set aside until grill is hot 3. Prepare aioli by following the recipe below. 4. Grill the salmon 2 minutes on each side or until an internal temperature of 145 degrees is reached. 5. Toast bread slices on the grill and spread aioli on each slice. 6. Place a piece of lettuce, tomato, salmon and bacon on the bread 7. Top the sandwich with the other piece of bread, secure sandwich with a toothpick and cut in half.
LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR
7/7 Dirk Quinn Band
High energy funk/jazz/improv from Philly
CAPER & HERB AIOLI -1 clove garlic, minced -salt and pepper -2 egg yolks -1 teaspoon capers -2teaspoons mixed herbs (tarragon, chives, parsley, cilantro, or any fresh herbs available) -1 lemon zested and squeezed -1/2 cup blended oil Place garlic and salt in a food processor or blender. Pulse for 2 seconds. Add the egg yolk and lemon juice, pulse until blended. Begin adding the olive oil in a thin stream; until the consistency of mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate.
7/14 Tom Graham
Scranton’s favorite singer/songwriter returns
7/28 Raibred
Progressive psychedelic jams from Binghamton
galaxybrewingco.com FOR FULL EVENT LISTINGS AND MORE INFO
Born and raised in Broome County, Chef Brian grew up surrounded by the many flavors of the different ethnic cultures of our area. He is the Executive Chef at Galaxy Brewing Company in Downtown Binghamton (and former Executive Chef at Tranquil Bar & Bistro). A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with 20 years of restaurant experience in Upstate NY, New Orleans, and Nashville, Chef Brian currently resides in Vestal with his wife, two sons, and a daughter.
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1330 AM 101.3 FM 105.1 FM 107.9 FM OPEN TUES-SAT (7am-3pm) (607) 217-4134
See our full menu at JCvillagediner.com
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BREAKFAST SPECIALS SERVED ALL DAY!
LUNCH SPECIALS SERVED TUES-FRI 11-3 LIMITED LUNCH MENU ON SATURDAYS
STEAK & CHEESE OMELETTE- served with peppers, onions, homefries & toast. ROOT BEER FLOAT PANCAKE- 1 giant pancake topped w/ vanilla ice cream & homemade root beer syrup. CHILI & CHEESE OMELETTE- w/ homemade chili, melted cheddar, homefries & toast. GRILLED BREAKFAST BURRITO- scrambled eggs, cheese, salsa, hot sauce & choice of meat w/ homefries. BANANAS FOSTER OVER FRENCH TOAST, PANCAKE, OR BELGIUM WAFFLE- homemade caramel sauce infused w/ sliced bananas, topped w/ ice cream & whipped cream. FRENCH TOAST BREAKFAST SANDWICH- two eggs, cheese, & choice of meat on French Toast w/ syrup to dip. HOMEMADE PUMPKIN PANCAKES OR WAFFLEthey literally melt in your mouth! LOADED BREAKFAST PIZZA- eggs, peppers, onions, bacon, sausage & cheese on a crispy tortilla. CHEDDAR GRITS HOMEMADE CORNED BEEF HASH 34 carouselrag.com
GRILLED MAC & CHEESE SANDWICH- w/ tomato, bacon & homemade cheese sauce on grilled sourdough. STROKA GENIUS SANDWICH- grilled ham, melted swiss & apples on grilled marble rye w/ mayo & mustard. CHIPOTLE CHICKEN SANDWICH- w/ melted cheese, bacon & homemade chipotle ranch on a Kaiser roll. HAND CRAFTED STUFFED BURGERS- choose from bacon cheddar, jalapeno pepperjack, mushroom swiss & bacon bleu. CAROLINA BBQ TURKEY MELT- roasted turkey, bbq sauce, cheese & coleslaw on grilled sourdough. “THAT” FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH- marinated chicken breast, deep fried & served with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion & mayo on a grilled Kaiser roll. Also available buffalo bleu style. GRILLED CUBANO- sliced pork loin, ham, dill pickles, swiss & mustard on grilled ciabatta w/ chips & a pickle. FISH TACOS- (3x) beer battered cod, chipotle/jalapeno slaw, salsa, cilantro, chipotle sour cream & chips.
wood. have had problems, they’ve grown – they’ve got kids, they’ve got grandkids – it’s not like it’s only homegrown people and their brawlfest, or anything like that. If it was like that, ever, then it was before my time.” The mayor is 33 years old, and the festival is celebrating its 40th year. As tempting as it is to relay stories from an undisclosed source about a “shit-talking clown” who had to be escorted by police from the dunk tank at the end of his shift to avoid being assaulted by the men whose families he’d publicly slandered, let’s look at what the fest has to offer. Because it actually sounds like a good time. The three-day event kicks off on Friday night, when there will be a fireworks show, and our friends from the band Dirt Farm will play some tunes. Milkweed and Tumbleweed Highway – both bands featuring former Lumberjacks – will play on Saturday night. There will be a craft fair, and of course, carnival rides! “What we tried to do this year was to hit every demographic, every age,” says Tucker. “We’ve got rides, a 200-foot mobile zipline, a mechanical bull – everything for 2-year-olds to full-grown adults.” Lumberjack Fest 2015. Provided.
Deposit Lumberjack Festival More than just a good time by Heather Merlis
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F AN ARTS PAPER RUNS a story about lumberjacks, but no lumberjack reads that paper, does it make a sound?
Deposit, New York has its roots in lumberjacking, and its identity is rooted in the industry. The town got its name from the logging business: many years ago, as the lowest point of the Delaware River, it was the easiest place to leave logs to float to Philadelphia. It was called the deposit point, and then, simply, Deposit. It continues to be home to many a lumberjack; the mascot of Deposit High School is the Lumberjack. And then there is, of course, the Deposit Lumberjack Festival, a decades-old tradition that takes place the third weekend of each July. It was Luke Tucker, President of the Lumberjack Fest organization, who fed me that tidbit of trivia about the history of his hometown. He recalls anticipating the festival as a child: “It was something that we, as kids, right when school got out: that’s what we waited for.” I spoke with another Deposit native (a “Lumberjack,” if you will), who recalled the buildup to the event in a similar manner: “When I was a kid, it was the highlight of your year. You go down, save your money the entire time… go on these horrible, vomit-inducing rides, that were, just, the best thing ever.”
That Lumberjack shall remain nameless, because, as he said, “Some of my best memories of the Lumberjack Fest were not always the nicest part of it.” Everyone knows everyone down in Deposit, from Mayor Rynerson, to the guy we’re not naming, to Luke Tucker. And when you know people for too long, well, sometimes grudges form. Enter the beer tent. There’s a tent at the festival, with beer, and security, and rules about being old enough to go inside after a certain hour. This year, there will be a craft beer tent showcasing local and regional microbreweries. But in years past, things were a little different. “Back in the day, the town kind of treated it like an airing of grievances,” Anonymous Lumberjack recalls. “The tent closed at 11. Anybody who had anything stored up for the entire year, or from high school, that was about the time to let it go, and they would just start going at each other. It was kind of beautiful in its craziness […] The last time I was down there was the first time I got accidentally pepper sprayed.” Now, Mr. Lumberjack hasn’t been to the Fest in years, but Mr. Tucker has. He, and other recent attendees, claim that things have changed. “In the last four years, there were zero fights,” he attests. “Let’s not be
naïve – you get a beer tent with people elbow to elbow – there’s been no blood drawn, no ambulance called – there’s been some pushing and shoving. There will be five security guards this year. There’s a police force always at the park. For 40 years, there’s been half a dozen fist fights. But why would anybody talk about that? There’s been nothing where anybody should feel unsafe.” When I asked Mayor Rob Rynerson - who grew up in Deposit on the border of the fairgrounds - about the fisticuffs, he declared, “Somebody’s experience can’t be put on anybody but themselves. I mean, they put themselves in a situation, or an environment, that maybe they shouldn’t have.” That environment was the beer tent of the Deposit Lumberjack Fest, on the fairgrounds that bordered his childhood home. But that’s what happens when you have a big event in a small town with a lot of beer, and, despite its irresistible dramatic interest, is not what the festival is about. “There’s so much stuff that’s family-oriented,” says the mayor. “The beer tent is not really a focal point of anything, and this year, they’re planning on doing things a little different, with microbreweries, and more of a tasting.” He continues, “As years have gone by, I think that the people who were here before who
What truly make this a Lumberjack Festival, though, are the lumberjack competitions, which will feature professional lumberjacks. Ax throwing, log spins – even our Mystery Lumberjack recalled a particularly memorable two-person cutting competition: “I saw a woman that was, like, eight-and-a-half months pregnant on the other half of one of those two-man saws, and I think they might have won that year.” There’s a civil service pageant for young women called the Lumber Jill contest, and a traditional raft race on Sunday, where couples make homemade rafts out of beer kegs and plywood and race down the river. And our mystery source affirms, “The beautiful baby competition is absolutely a thing.” “Some people still make it a pilgrimage,” says Lumberjack X, “especially through high school class reunions – because they do the parade down there, and they have their own floats, which is just, basically, an excuse for everyone who went to high school together to get back together, have adrink, and ride a on a float for a minute.” It’s true: we can only speak from our own experiences, and speaking from his, Mayor Rynerson declares, “It’s amazing – you see people you haven’t seen in so long if you’re from here, and if you’re not, it’s a cool little event; there’s a lot packed in. There’s something for everybody – it’s a nice little town, and it’s our pride and joy.” The Deposit Lumberjack Festival takes place July 15th-17th at the fairgrounds located at 55 Dublin Street in Deposit, NY. Visit sites. google.com/site/lumberjackfestival for more information.
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film. Danny Devito in Wiener-Dog. Photo via web.
THIS MONTH AT THE ART MISSION
-Weiner (through July 7) The title of this documentary refers to the last name of former member of the House of Representatives from NYC Anthony Weiner, as well as to the content of the photos which in 2011 stirred up the scandal that led to his resignation. The documentary follows Weiner in his attempt to recover from the scandal, running for mayor struggling to patch things up with his wife, Huma Abedin, friend and advisor to Hilary Clinton. In the middle of all this, his efforts are stalled again when he is caught sexting yet again. Weiner is painted as so clumsy and flawed that you have to sympathize with him, even though he never quite offers an explanation for what the heck he was thinking. (R). -Maggie’s Plan (through July 7) Maggie (Greta Gerwig) is a young, tactless type-A woman living in New York who falls in love with a brilliant professor of “ficto-critical anthropology” who happens to be married (Ethan Hawke). They fall into a relationship, breaking up his marriage, but after a few years pass she finds herself fallen out of love. Here is where she devises her plan to
get rid of him without breaking up with him, a plan which involves reuniting him with his eccentric Danish academic ex-wife (Julianne Moore), who is smart enough to catch on but develops an affection for Maggie regardless. The film is both light and thoughtful, balancing between slapstick humor and introspection. (R). -Wiener-Dog (opens July 7) Wiener-Dog follows one dachshund as he is shuffled through four different homes. The pup bears witness to the lives of each owner, who are all influenced in different ways by the wiener-dog’s presence. From a little boy recovering from an illness, to the cheery but detached Dawn Wiener (Greta Gerwig) who feels akin to the dog’s empathetic nature, to a once-successful screenwriter (Danny DeVito) now teaching uncaring students, to an old woman who names the dog Cancer, the dachshund is there for the rich and the mundane of his companions’ lives. (R). The Art Mission & Theater is an art cinema and located at 61 Prospect Ave. in Binghamton. More info and full screening schedule at artmission.org.
SPORTS FILM SERIES AT YOUR HOME PUBLIC LIBRARY
-Rocky (July 6) In the first film of the legendary boxing saga, Rocky Balboa rises from his modest upbringing to go up against World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed in a drama so epic it inspired six sequels and innumerable sprints up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Screening at 6pm. (PG). -A League of Their Own (July 7) The 1992 film tells a fictional story based off of the real All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Sisters Dottie Hinson and Kit Keller try to move their team forward in spite of their competitive rivalry. Tom Hanks plays their grumpy coach, and Rosie O’Donnell and Madonna both play members of the team. Screening at 1pm. (PG). -Friday Night Lights (July 8) The 2004 drama takes place in the town of Odessa, which worships its high school football team.
On its way to playing in the state championships, the stakes get higher and higher as each teammate faces his own personal pressures to show their worth, whether living up to a family’s expectations or earning an in to college. The film was inspired by a book based on a real Texas football team. Screening at 1pm. (PG-13). -Unbroken (July 9) Angelina Jolie directed this 2014 drama about Louis “Louie” Zamperini, a USA Olympic track athlete who during World War II survived on a raft for 47 days before being held at a series of Japanese prisoner of war camps. The story is told through flashbacks, painting a picture of Louie as a mischievous child to a disciplined athlete to a resilient soldier. Screening at 1pm. (PG-13). Entry to all screenings in this series is free. Your Home Public Library, located at 107 Main St. in Johnson City, hosts regular movie nights and film screenings throughout the year. More info is available at yhpl.org.
Film briefs compiled by Ilana Lipowicz: film@carouselrag.com
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books. TOP 10 LIST FOR MARCH, APRIL & MAY 2016 AT 4CLS
every $5 tender offer in a brown envelope,” he realizes, when the nuns confront him with the possibility of releasing his parental rights. “His one stop fathering plan imploded, the future has presented itself, demanding down payment.”
ADULT FICTION
Author Robert Taylor Brewer himself grew up in St. Michael’s, a real orphanage that operated until the mid-1970s, and there is more than a hint of the autobiographical in his narrative of lost children seeking a home. Like Brewer, Burke O. is an athlete— a catcher on their championship baseball team— and baseball is inextricably threaded through the story, from the nuns who fill in the open spots on the team to the erstwhile coaches, from the sullen Burke to the volatile Carmen, a young delinquent with “… a knuckleball you need a sombrero to catch.”
NYPD Red 4 by James Patterson Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham A Girl’s Guide to Moving On by Debbie Macomber Off the Grid by C.J. Box Tricky Twenty-two by Janet Evanovich The Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins
Brewer’s prose is vivid, lyrical and dreamlike, moving fluidly from lush descriptions of an outdoorsy boyish summer to brutal depictions of casual cruelty on the part of the nuns who are tasked with caring for them, the casual cruelty of the world these lost children have found themselves yanked into, like a boy named Richie, whose “… own sister had fished him out of a garbage can where he’d been wrapped in newspapers, ensconced next to cantaloupe rinds, cigarette boxes, and empty bags of Ralston Purina dog chow.” Nearly all the children have a similarly dismal background, mentioned in blunt asides but otherwise not particularly dwelled upon; it is, the reader can see, their version of normal, routine. It is only through a few chapters told through an outsider’s eyes that we truly see the gruesomeness of the situation. Burke shrugs off the abuse for the most part, being more concerned with whether or not the newest arrivals to the institution have a talent for baseball, though there are a few hideously unsettling encounters in the locker rooms with the nun known only as The Supervisor that disturb even him.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr Private Paris by James Patterson See Me by Nicholas Sparks Cross Justice by James Patterson
ADULT NON-FICTION Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: the Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo The Road to Little Dribbling: Adventures of an American in Britain by Bill Bryson When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi A Mother’s Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel Brown H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald The Rainbow Comes and Goes: a Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss by Anderson Cooper Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande Dead Wake: the Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson Killing Reagan: the Violent Assault That Changed a Presidency by Bill O’Reilly
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The Boy Who Would Not Play Ball Finding childhood in an orphanage by Natassia Enright
(on loan from Your Home Public Library)
I
T’S 1959, AND FOR Burke O. Roberts, a cynical adolescent at St. Michael’s Orphanage in Hopewell, New Jersey, The List is an all-consuming preoccupation. The List determines who stays and who gets out, and getting on it is the goal of every orphan incarcerated (referred to more than once as inmates) at St. Michael’s. In Burke’s case, the issue is complicated by the fact that he’s not actually an orphan; one of four children produced by an unstable marriage, he and his siblings were brought to the institution by his father after his mother, in a fit of desperation or psychosis, tried to kill them all.
Despite that minor consideration, Burke has fragmented, pleasant memories of his mother and his Jewish grandparents (Burke and his siblings are just a few of the Jewish children at Catholic St. Michael’s: “If everybody’s Jewish,” observes his younger brother, “why are we going to Catholic Mass every day? I don’t care one way or another, but somebody ought to make up their mind over this.”). His relationship with his father, whom he sees at irregular intervals, is more strained. Harvey Roberts is clearly unequal to the task of caring for his children, but he’s not quite willing to lease his hold on them—or, perhaps, his ability to delude himself as to the quality of his parenting, vis a vis regular payments to the orphanage. “It has just become impossible to reap credit, praise, canonization for
This is the story, ultimately, of a childhood summer, of boys finding some kind of meaning and joy in the cracks of their institutionalized lives. Of youthful romances snatched in the private moments of kitchen dumpster duty, of pilfered cigarettes smoked beneath what they boys call the Robin Hood tree, and mostly— most of all— the joy of baseball, which sometimes seems like the only pure thing these boys can grasp. All summers come to an end eventually, though, and the other boys begin to slip between the institution’s fingers, finding placements of their own, finding lost parents and lost homes, and leaving Burke to contemplate the meaning of life and baseball alone. “In the haze of the beach, their ephemeral bodies drift over hot sand. They seem gone already: Jaybird to Cathedral, Billy and Johnny to Notre Dame, Carmen, with The World’s Greatest Undiscovered Fastball, already pitching in the major leagues. He lay in the sun a long while wondering when the world would end.” More info on the author can be found online at roberttaylorbrewer.com.
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If you or a loved one has a drinking or drug problem...
HELP IS AVAILABLE AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) in the Triple Cities Region Hotline: (607) 722-5983 For a list of meetings: aabinghamton.org Al Anon/Alateen in Broome Co. and surrounding areas For info: (607) 772-0889 or (607) 387-5701 For a list of meetings: nynafg.com/district_10.html NA (Narcotics Anonymous) in the Triple Cities Region For info: (607) 762-9116 For a list of meetings: tcana.net July 2016 triple cities carousel 39
poetry. THE POETRY OF JOHN TILLMAN After bouncing from college to law school to graduate school to a string of really awful jobs,
John Tillman found a home in the Northeast where he and his wife run a small sustainable farm called Two Poets and a Dog Farmstead. They can found at the Broome County Regional Farmer’s Market in Binghamton.
I SAW JESUS IN A USED APPLIANCE STORE
Heroic People, love, illuminations, the swell of wind. But it can all change on a dime, you see. I saw Jesus in a used appliance store heaving stones at dishwashers. Magma was bubbling below the surface; I could feel it in my nostrils. Faces turned white as god’s rib. The end is far off, isn’t it? A salesman screamed. Everything flinches at beauty, and nothing is as unintentional as love & kissing. Not the waiter who forgot to bring the silverware with my entrée, not my wandering in the woods, not desire’s wolfish teeth. I was caught in a snowstorm last weekend. Maybe I thought I wasn’t going to make it. Maybe another marriage ends. Maybe I’m unconnected with the earth lately, caught in a wild pitch, disturbed, torn. Maybe if flowers opened in November. So I take up poetry. It’s shallow work. The poem is play. The poem fails. The poem means nothing, it may mean nothing. Poetry is a face buried in a self-portrait. This poem has no mercy. I had been too busy minding stars, born when everything was possible. But the heart closes at its appointed time. Jesus. I saw Jesus in a used appliance store heaving stones at dishwashers, where fear was elevated to belief. My elbows knocked with cold awareness. I dropped to my hapless, hopeless knees and saw my reflection in the varnished floor leaning, contorted. Nightmare faces kissing each other’s bad burned mouths. God I hate the way this poem is turning out.
FREAK SHOW
I work for a circus, a subdivision known as the freak show. I hand out the free tickets when I can and smile over the smell of the place. People consider me the maître de phénomènes. Never mind. My girlfriend worked the trapeze. She pedaled her bike across the rope. “You’re my favorite song, my opus,” I told her. She said she was “kinda married.” She kinda gave way, kinda kissing me. And all was hunky dory until the hairy woman showed up.
The hairy woman works the turtle act, sits on the strongest turtle’s back. Cross-legged, eyes closed. The turtle carries her across a kitchen table. The show runs about an hour. Crowds are hard to satisfy these days. For three bucks you get two throws to knock her off the turtle. The place serves liquor so the balls tend to fly everywhere. The Captain Morgan girls come by to sell shots. Chaos I tell you, chaos. Something came up from the hole of my mind, or I was cranky. I told the hairy woman it was time to shave, to shape up--to get on a plane, get a real job. Teach love in South Carolina. There is no solace here. We’re all sinking in the silt, burning in water, drowning in flame. (That last line was Bukowski) Go contemplate the angles of buildings, get lost in a catacomb of books in the NYC Public Library. Huddle off to the far corners of a gallery. Eyeball the abstract art. Wrap yourself in new languages. Get an iPhone, do a GoFundMe! (My eyes became bloodshot from shouting) The hairy woman gave her head a slight tilt. She does this when she realizes life at the circus is sleazy, or it’s me. She said, But you take prescription drugs. This is when my girlfriend got up and left, left me.
THERE IS SOMETHING FINE IN TOUCHING THIS GRASS That soft undulating little fold, formed and formless, like two slender rocks salt licked. Dandelions offered their half-Buddha bows as midnight spilled from the tangles of her hair. I whispered some of the Dharma in her ear while she slept. I’m passing through, against a rain’s wheezing refrain. The tug of that strange waking hour of daylight savings. The morning her body trembled to the laughter of lichens. Our eyes closed to a blizzard of ashen wings carrying the rhythms of a bubble trail. In the azure depths a blowhole extols. Frumpy clouds. They’re marshmallows! Kisses! Innocence and goodness! I wrote her poems with my guitar pick in accordance with the laws of the sea. Resting her head in my lap
she murmured something about the Knights of the Round Table. And still I think there is something fine in touching this grass, this night--in knowing it, like learning the names of flowers. Delphinium Spires, Primroses, Chrysanthemums. Blue Hydrangea, Anthurium, aka Painter’s Palette. Ahhh the swirl of a tenor saxophone! An infant’s hand around my finger, the tips of trees summoning blue! Blue! Her fingers along the rim of my pants, that day I stopped smoking, envisioning myself an old man jingling a pocket of change. * The water laps against my boat; the mast high parting the air of summer. Moonlight in my glass, a blade of grass between my teeth.
HUMAN BEINGS ARE THE MEASURE
We talk of do overs. The way some things start out right but end wrong, so wrong that we need to fix them (we can’t) We talk of let downs as if they’re different (they’re not) The air gets punched right out of us. We talk of grievances, against our boss, our friends, how the customer service sucked. People running out of money and patience. We talk of letting go. But how do we let go of what was never ours? If our significant others cared, they would still be here with us. Or maybe we were the problem. We talk of forgiveness. It’s part of healing, a reconciliation: to smile again, to dream. Forgiveness is at best an aspiration, at worst when we don’t know what else to do. And there’s giving up. It’s inevitable. It goes through our bones. Another shooting. Another protester dragged off. We whisper the word hemoglobin in our sleep as a child plays pretend swords with a hypodermic needle she found in her daddy’s sock drawer. We talk about love. It’s all we have left. A remarkable concoction. Yet love is toxic, inconsistent, frivolous. It goes up in smoke. Love is a complex, a multiplication that goes beyond 12 times.
Interested in having your poetry featured in an upcoming issue? Please email 3-5 poems and a short bio to Heather Merlis: poetry@carouselrag.com
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travel.
OFF THE BEAT A monthly look at quirky nearby places, people, and things by our own Felicia Waynesboro
Photo by Eliza Rinn.
SIDESHOW SCHOOL IN CONEY ISLAND
T
HE SWORDS DO NOT HAVE COLLAPSING BLADES, the glass is really broken glass, and the nails are truly razor sharp. Everything is real in the Coney Island Circus Sideshow and everything is real at the Sideshow School, where anyone with a strong enough inclination to master the mind-blowing crafts of a sideshow performer can come for a 15hour course of study. The acts taught are fire eating and breathing, various escapes, driving a nail into one’s own face, the fundamentals of sword swallowing, walking on broken glass, the Bed of Nails, the Blade Box, the Electric Chair, and, of course, snake charming. “You need to come into the class with an open mind, a desire to accomplish and to conquer your fears, and comfortable clothes,” says “Professa” Adam Rinn. He is the Dean of the Sideshow School in Coney Island (also known as “Real Man” when he is performing). “If you come in with all three, you will master the majority of the acts right then and there,” in classes spaced out over a three-day period. Of such skills as sword swallowing or fire eating, “These are the acts that require a lot more practice at home,” he says. “I’ll teach you how to do it in the safest, most restricted environment, if you can get past the mental barriers of putting a ball of fire in your face or shoving something down your throat knowing that it doesn’t belong there. If you can conquer that mentally and certain things physically,” - like control of gag reflexes that go all the way down your digestive tract to your stomach - “you’ll have no problem.” Coney Island, Brooklyn has a grittiness all its own – a pock-marked, history-ridden aura almost as sensory as its carnie food aromas mingled with the creak of a wooden roller coaster and salty breezes off the bays of the Atlantic. Professa Adam grew up in the neighborhood and, in his distinctly New York accent, explains that his students range from professional performers looking to expand their crafts to, “doctors, lawyers, school teachers…,” laypeople seeking thrills, or just self-improvement.
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Sideshows of the past usually involved exhibitions of people with congenital conditions that made their physical appearance remarkable. Rinn describes the evolution by saying, “The bally [the craft of gathering a crowd to pitch to, or to come see a performance or exhibition] that was a part of the Chicago Exposition of the 1800s and PT Barnum’s American Dime Museum were the early incarnations of what sideshow turned into. [Barnum] was displaying the ‘weird,’ and at a certain point that morphed into showcasing performers.” In describing today’s Coney Island sideshow culture, Rinn says, “It’s artists, it’s freaks, it’s misfits, it’s regular people – it’s just one collaborative effort to maintain this unique style of honky-tonk American art.” The not-for-profit Coney Island USA organization established the Sideshow School about 15 years ago and runs a number of programs in its multi-arts center in a landmark building right on Surf Avenue. Among them are a museum, the Circus Sideshow, a class from the New York School of Burlesque, and plenty of special events. Learning sideshow skills won’t come cheap: the session this year runs August 22nd through August 24th, five hours each day, and costs $1,000. Classes are limited to ten people and the registration deadline is August 1. Wouldn’t it be an amazing way to spend part of the summer about three and a half hours by car from Binghamton? For more information visit coneyisland.com or phone (718) 372-5159.
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fun stuff. “ELEMENTAL CHANGES”
by Paul O’Heron
B.C.
DOGS OF C-KENNEL
ACROSS 1. Popular in plumbing systems in the early 1900’s, now subject to remediation. 6. _____ Bubbles: The name of the federal agent in Lilo and Stitch (2002), and (legend has it) method of suicide for 6-down. 9. The Gadsden flag (1775) has a yellow field depicting a rattlesnake coiled and ready to strike with the words “Don’t _____ on me”. 10. “ET _____ home!” (ET: the Extra-Terrestrial, 1982) 11. See 7-down. 12. Bizarre. 14. Massachusetts peninsula home to Provincetown. 16. Company that manufactures a classic line of aluminum colored travel trailers. 19. The main principle of a religion. 20. _____ zirconia: mineral that is very similar to diamond in refractivity and appearance. 21. Meander aimlessly. 22. The tidal mouth of a large river. 23. A plan for reaching a goal. 26. A different kind of tat from 8-down. 28. Kilgore _____: Kurt Vonnegut’s fictional short story writer. 30. Spiked sticks used for driving cattle. 32. “Elemental Changes”, for example. 33. Iron pyrite.
DOWN 1. British sports cars and a highly successful team in Formula One racing. 2. According to the jingle, “The place with the helpful hardware folks.” 3. Tony Gwynn (2007) is the only one in the baseball Hall of Fame. 4. Black hole in the eye that varies in size depending on light or other factors. 5. _____ Paulo: the most populous city in Brazil and the Southern Hemisphere. 6. Egypt’s last independent pharaoh. 7. Conjoined with 11-across, Linda Ronstadt left her baby behind on Blue _____. (1977) 8. Tweety Bird: “I tawt I taw _____”. 13. A dish of melted and seasoned cheese on toast. 14. There’s one in the clue for 32-across. 15. Behave according to socially acceptable conventions. 16. The person key to the transformation that occurs as you read diagonally down the shaded boxes. 17. It’s made with XXX or OOO. 18. This bird catches the worm. 23. The relative sizes of two or more values. 24. _____ Young: lead guitar player for AC/DC. 25. Sat for a portrait. 27. _____ Kat. 29. Kill. 31. “Long _____, far away, Life was clear, Close your eyes…” Remember (Christmas) Harry Nilsson (1972)
WIZARD OF ID
by MASTROIANNI & HART
by MICK & MASON MASTROIANNI
by HART & PARKER
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Photo by Stephen Schweitzer.
What it’s really like to work from home by Krissy Howard
I
F ANYONE READING THIS happens to be afforded the luxury of working from home, you are probably all too familiar with the exclamations of “Oh my god, you’re so lucky!,” which I’m fully trusting is met with a response of flicking your deep conditioned hair off your well-rested shoulders like, “Oh... go on.” Working from home is great, and something I should probably appreciate more than I actually do. I set my own hours, get to eat pretty much all day, and take a LOT of breaks to walk (read: take photos of) my dog. It definitely has its moments. What most people don’t realize, however, is that, like most things in life, it also kind of sucks. What it lacks in commuting, it more than makes up for in mind-numbing isolation and lack of personal hygiene. When home is your office, you’re pretty much always working, and if you freelance, it’s generally unwise to call in to a potential day of work. You can’t call something good without recognizing the bad, or whatever the bible said about darkness. These are the pros and cons of working from home, as I see them so far: You never have to feign sincerity. Yesssss!!!! This is pretty much enough for me. Not only do you not have to be nice when you work from home, you don’t even have to fake it! Perhaps the thing I appreciate most about not having to work with the general public is that it has allowed me to avoid being
nice to anyone I don’t feel like being nice to. I don’t have to smile and wish anyone a nice day, nor do I have to sit there and take any misdirected anger from a person who clearly gave up on their own dreams a lifetime ago. I can ignore you, or argue with you, or just stare at your face in silence until you become so uncomfortable you just back away beeping like an oversized delivery truck. The fact that I don’t have to be polite toward some idiot yelling nonsense about a return policy almost entirely makes up for the fact that I can no longer count on a fat tax return every spring.
care of yourself in the simplest of manners that really seems to appeal to adult people. You get out of the habit of wearing things like bras, and pants that fit you, and start wandering your hood in a kimono and Timberlands, which makes total sense to your neighbors the moment they learn you work as a “professional” (cough) “artist” (chokes on spit).
You will become incompetent in social situations. Being a dick is all fun and games until it’s time to have actual fun with other human people you enjoy spending time with. I’ve noticed that, since my daily routine involves not leaving the house for up to a week at a time, it generally takes me 45 minutes to an hour to “loosen up” enough to be able to engage in a conversation. I spend most of that time taking too long to process what the other person is saying, finally coming up with a response a good two or so topics later.
Going to the store is basically your prom. I’m not sure which is the pro here and which is the con, as working from home has actually resulted in my enjoying the most trivial aspects of life, and I mean trivial. Like, running errands trivial. Now that I rarely have anywhere to be on a daily basis, I often find myself getting really worked up, and dressed up, just to do things like go to the store. Full hair and makeup, every time. Brows, contour, highlight; lather, rinse and repeat. Now that I am in charge of managing my own time, I get to waste a ton of it drawing on, and fucking up, then drawing on again those winged cat-eyeliners everyone who isn’t me was apparently born knowing how to do!
You stop caring about how you look. When the only person you see at work is your dog who is not even a person, you get really good at not caring what you look like, and at making up impromptu songs about said dog. With no one around to enforce a dress code, you can wear absolutely whatever the hell you want. Or not! You can not wear any actual clothes at all! The first remark most people make upon learning that you work from home is the old “live in your pajamas” bit. There’s just something about not taking
You keep a very clean house! When you spend close to 100 percent of your time within the confines of the same four walls every day, the one attempt most freelancers make at assuming some semblance of normalcy is by not living like a disgusting animal. The dishes are almost always done, floors vacuumed, laundry washed. I actually dusted the surface of a bookcase the other day, which I didn’t know was a thing people actually did. I thought it was just something people mime after pulling the “maid” card in Charades.
You never know what day it is. This one can be a real problem. The only way I’m able to measure the passing of time these days is by checking the last image posted to my Instagram, which is equal parts embarrassing/ the sign of a serious problem. Time moves weird when you don’t have a routine. When that video I “just took” shows that it was posted eight days ago, I know it’s time to get the hell out of the house and probably go downstairs and pay my rent. You have so much time! ...To not end up doing any of the things you’ve been “meaning to check out.” I can’t say how many shows, workout classes, acupuncture treatments, art openings, bla bla bla, I had “planned” on attending, only to not end up doing, because who the hell has time for a calligraphy workshop? (Me. Too lazy though, plus didn’t buy the supplies I had five weeks to find.) No more good excuses to cancel plans. As awful as isolation and rapidly approaching the precipice of a dark and damaging depression may be, the worst thing about working from home is that you can’t really be cancelling those plans you made in a rare moment of productivity last week. When people know you work from home, and you no longer wish to meet them for dinner, you might as well just send them a picture of a giant turd, because that’s about all whatever lame excuse you come up with is worth to them. Other than the fact that the only person who would worry you may be dead is the editor you’ve never actually met in person, that’s pretty much everything!
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star stuff.
ASTRO LOVE Cosmic guidance from Uranus. A monthly column by Binghamtons favorite astrologer, Emily Jablon.
J
ULY 6TH AND 7TH, WATCH YOUR WORDS, as emotions are more emotional than anyone would like them to be, when we finally are saying the things we have never said before. What’s invisible becomes verbal at this time and with sun conjunct mercury; there’s going to be extra communication. Let’s do this in laughter rather than tears. Starting on the 12th, there is creativity and luxury in the air - that means its time to shine! You feel more creative and see the creativity in others. Your abilities to express yourself are boosted and promoting your ideas in a creative way will be well received. Once the sun enters Leo on the 22nd, we will all be warmed up and confident to show off, impressing even ourselves. This is a good month to go to art galleries, enjoy some outdoor concerts, decorate your back yard and host an event, something creative and playful. You will be amazed at your own natural ease taking part in new cultural activities. July 20th is the big relationship/business full moon. If the pressure isn’t felt at work, it’s going to be felt with your partner, so take your pick. Try to take things in stride and remember the big picture. Emotions fly high so don’t stress out at work. Go outside and take part in adult camp activities. Be the counselor you never were. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Hold up crabs! Yes, it’s your month! So, let’s start the new astrological year off right. Let the pinchers go off the things you need to let go of and be proud of the claw marks you were finally able to leave behind. Keep your emotions in check as the planets run through your sign. Cooking, getting fat, working out, and creating are all good things to do if you find yourself being psychotic. Leo (July 23-Aug 22) You know how you think of yourself as a born leader? Well, most of us think of you as a bully instead. Tap into the creative energies all around and play this month. Take a childlike approach instead of your typical arrogance. Laugh. Virgo (Aug 23-Sept 22) Even though you are logical, your logic is sometimes flawed. When your past logic comes to bite you in the ass this month, its okay. This isn’t a crisis, just time to analyze past “logical” decisions and correct them. Libra (Sept 23-Oct 22) Stop worrying about what other people think of you this month and use the supporting stars to do something beneficial, like starting the cappuccino movement, definitely credited to a Libra. Imagine what’s next! Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) If you are stuck in a rut with a person, a job, or any situation, this is your chance to BACK OFF. No, this doesn’t mean stalking, prank calling someone’s mom, or slashing tires - it means letting the situation die. So then it can be reborn, and you can control it fully from a fresh start. Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21) You know the story of the emperor’s new clothes? I hate to break it to you, but everyone’s looking at you walking down the street in the nude, while you think you’re dressed in the most grandiose of robes. You’re not. Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) This is your month to be social and make some new friends! Next time you are walking down the street pretending to be on the phone, make sure your ringer is on silent, because you are going to get a few extra calls this month! Aquarius (Jan 29-Feb 18) Let your freak flag fly! Take your uniqueness to the next level and outdo all of your eclectic friends this month. Remember, the goal here is always for you to “be alternative,” so be the most alternative. You win. Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) It’s July. You’re going to find a reason not to work regardless, so go with the flow of being a fish. You know where that fish flow of July will take you? August. This, Pisces, is a huge success. Aries (Mar 21- Apr 19) People think we have dominant personalities, but really, we have loud tantrums. This month, take a passive approach to your next hissy fit. Maybe by the end of the month you will kind of succeed in being quieter. You are going to get your way whether you’re quiet or screaming. Screaming is quicker, but this month, you will get faster results if you scream quietly. Taurus (Apr 20- May 20) Good thing you are practical and persistent, because this month may give you a run for your money when things don’t go your way the first three times. Continue to be stubborn and carry on. Gemini (May 21-June 21) Hey Gem, you should forget about July and try again in August. Going on 31 day trips is the best way to approach the month ahead. Emily Jablon, “Binghamton’s Astrologer to the Stars,” is a certified astrologer and public mosaic artist. Jablon has been studying astrology since college and specializes in relationship and personal astrology. She offers classes, private and group readings, and parties for a donation. Check out jablonstudios.com for more information or email emily@jablonstudios.com.
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directory listings. arts organizations BROOME COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL Where the arts mean business! 81 State St. #501, Binghamton, NY (607) 723-4620 broomearts.org TIOGA ARTS COUNCIL Inspiring & supporting Tioga County 179 Front St. Owego, NY 13827 (607) 687-0785 tiogaartscouncil.org
art studios THE SPIRAL IMAGE STUDIO Affordable abstract art for any space. 2328 Colesville Rd, Harpursville NY (607) 349-2760/alla.boldina.art@gmail.com www.allaboldina.com KAPOW! ART STUDIO Unique Quality Art Classes for All Ages 186 State St. 2nd Fl, Binghamton, NY (607) 237-8246 kapowartnow.com
bars BELMAR PUB West Side World Famous 95 Main St. Binghamton, NY (607) 724-5920 belmar-bing.com CALLAHAN’S SPORTSMAN’S CLUB Drinks, food, and good tunes! 190 Main St. Binghamton, NY (607) 772-6313 Find us on Facebook! FITZIES PUB Music, pool, and cheap shots! 9 Main St. Binghamton, NY (607) 217-5446 Find us on Facebook! McGIRK’S IRISH PUB Music 5 nights/wk. Curated whiskey bar. 1 Kattelville Rd. Binghamton, NY (607) 648-9988 mcgirks.com
WATER STREET BREWING CO. Fresh. Local. Uncomplicated. 168 Water St. Binghamton, NY (607) 217-4546 waterstreetbrewingco.com
carousels ROSS PARK Undergoing renovations 60 Morgan Rd. Binghamton, NY (607) 772-7017 binghamton-ny.gov/carousels RECREATION PARK Round and round we go! 58-78 Beethoven Street, Binghamton, NY (607) 772-7017 binghamton-ny.gov/carousels C. FRED JOHNSON PARK Round and round we go! 98 CFJ Blvd. Johnson City, NY (607) 772-7017 villageofjc.com HIGHLAND PARK Round and round we go! 801 Hooper Rd. Endwell, NY (607) 786-2970 townofunion.com GEORGE W. JOHNSON PARK Round and round we go! 201 Oak Hill Ave. Endicott, NY (607) 757-0856 endicottny.com WEST ENDICOTT PARK Round and round we go! Maple St. at Page Avenue, Endicott, NY (607) 786-2970 townofunion.com
dance instruction MANDALA BELLYDANCE & FLOW ARTS Classes/Fusion Bellydance /Fire & LED (607) 759-7551 www.facebook.com/mandalaflow mandalaflowarts@gmail.com
OLD UNION HOTEL “King of Wings” 3 Years in a Row! 246 Clinton St. Binghamton, NY (607) 217-5935 oldunionhotel.com
PURELY TECHNIQUE DANCE INSTRUCTION Ballet/Contemporary/Jazz/Tap Dance 32-36 Washington Ave. Endicott, NY (607) 245-6366 Purelytechniquedance@gmail.com
OWEGO ORIGINALS BAR & LOUNGE Music, pizza, drinks: Owego’s newest venue 25 Lake St. Owego, NY (607) 687-9510 Find us on Facebook!
TANGO MY HEART Argentine Style Classes/Practice: Mon. 7pm Atomic Tom’s, 196 State St. Binghamton, NY (607) 217-8731 tangomyheart.com
breweries GALAXY BREWING CO. Craft beers & great food in downtown Bing 41 Court St. Binghamton, NY (607) 217-7074 galaxybrewingco.com
dining CHROMA CAFÉ & BAKERY Artisan breads & pastries. breakfast/lunch. 97 Court St. Binghamton, NY (607) 595-7612 chromacafeandbakery.com
CITREA RESTAURANT & BAR Woodfire Pizza & Tapas 7 Court St. Suite 3, Binghamton, NY (607) 722-0039 citreapizza.com GROTTA AZZURA Late Night Pizza Delivery Fri.-Sat. 52 Main St. Binghamton, NY 13905 (607) 722-2003 grottaazzurraitalianrestaurant.com LOST DOG CAFÉ Global fare, specialty cocktails, music 222 Water St. Binghamton, NY (607) 771-6063 lostdogcafe.net MI CASA Authentic Latin Cuisine 58 Henry St. Binghamton, NY (607) 237-0227 Find us on Facebook! VILLAGE DINER Check out our menu on Page 34! 255 Floral Ave, Johnson City, NY (607) 217-4134 JCvillagediner.com
hair salons ORION BEAUTY & BALANCE, INC. Hair, nails, body waxing, hair color. Aveda! 118 Washington St. Binghamton, NY (607) 724-0080 orionbeautyandbalance.com
home improvement BUTCH’S PAINTING Residental, Commercial, Interior, Exterior Binghamton, NY (607) 222-9225
jewelers CAMELOT JEWELERS Coins/repairs/custom designs. We buy gold and silver! 48 Clinton St. Binghamton, NY (607) 722-0574
medical practices NY SKIN AND VEIN CENTER Natural good looks & healthy legs! 75 Pennsylvania Ave. Binghamton, NY (607) 417-0040 info@NYSVC.com
museums BUNDY MUSEUM Explore local Binghamton history! 127-129 Main St. Binghamton, NY (607) 772-9179 bundymuseum.org ROBERSON MUSEUM Exhibits, Events, The Mansion, & More 30 Front Street, Binghamton, NY (607) 772-0660 www.roberson.org
music instruction BANJO AND FIDDLE LESSONS with Brian Vollmer Binghamton, NY (301)385-4027 banjoandfiddle.com brian@banjoandfiddle.com
music venues CYBER CAFÉ WEST Binghamton’s home for live music. 176 Main St. Binghamton, NY (607) 723-2456 cybercafewest.com MAGIC CITY MUSIC HALL Back in action, bigger & better than before! 1040 Upper Front St. Binghamton, NY (607) 296-3269 themagiccitymusichall.com RANSOM STEELE TAVERN Do some dancin’ with Ransom 552 Main St. Apalachin, NY (607) 258-0165 ransomsteeletavern.com
specialty GARLAND GALLERY Custom framing, cool gifts, zany cards 116 Washington St. Binghamton, NY (607) 723-5172 garlandgallery.com
video production STEPHEN SCHWEITZER Video production and editing (607) 222-9281 vimeo.com/stephenschweitzer stephen.schweitzer@gmail.com
wineries BLACK BEAR WINERY NYS fruit wine. Stop by our tasting room! 248 County Rd. 1, Chenango Forks, NY (607) 656-9868 blackbearwinery.com
Be Inside Us! 18,000 discerning monthly readers. 200 regional distribution locations. 3 years of unrivaled arts coverage in the Triple Cities. Get in touch today! (607) 422-2043
advertising@carouselrag.com July 2016 triple cities carousel 47
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TELEKINETIC WALRUS THAT’S WASSUP TOUR 2016
WITH OPENER MC/RV 9PM 21 + $5
TUES. JULY 19TH AT FITZIES PUB 9 MAIN ST. BINGHAMTON TELEKINETICWALRUS.COM