triple cities
september 2013
free
vol. 1 issue 7
music. art. theatre. food. life.
editorial. Onward to Autumn, Carousel Nation. We’ve been busy over the past month, enjoying the end of summer and looking forward to the future. We do love the sunshine of this time of year, but soon it will be gone, and all will be grey in the skies once more. We’ve been branching out a bit… our friends at 100.5 The Drive have hooked us up with some sweet radio spots, distribution is expanding once more, and with the SUNY students back in town, we’ve got 15,000 more potential readers to keep happy (and this month’s Binghamton 101 feature will do just that). Of course, with every bit of growth from us, our operation costs go up. We’ve been doing alright for ourselves, but in this world of interverses and world wide webinets, every day in print is a struggle. Paper costs money, ink costs money, and hell, it’d be nice to pay the rent on time for once. We’re not the types to pander, but, well, we could use a bit of help. And so, it is time to get creative. We were going to start subscription services of the paper this month, but I oversold ad space and have no place to put the form. So, next month. It’s totally happening. For $20 a year, you’ll be able to get Carousel delivered to your door. I know, I know, it’s a free paper, but what can beat convenience? Help us out a bit, and we’ll make sure Mr. McFeely delivers you a copy of this here paper. To your house. Or business. Or PO Box. For $60, he’ll deliver it to all three! What a deal! That’s not even the creative part, though! This is the creative part: What better way to raise a few bucks for the paper than to get you drunk, right? And so, it is with great pleasure that we announce the TRIPLE CITIES SCARE-OUSEL FANTASMAGORIC FREAKSHOW BALL. Next month, we’ll be taking over Spool MFG on the night of October 25th for the Halloween party to end all Halloween parties... one that happens to coincide with the 21st anniversary of Vincent Price’s death. Spooky, right? The details are still being worked out, but there will be live music. And art. And projections. And pumpkins. And crazy lights. And body painting. And contortionists. And food. And booze! We’re partnering up with our friends at Black Bear Winery, Get Forked, Water Street Brewing, and QuarterYellow Studios (with more to come) to create the event of the year. You’re going to want to be there. Seriously. Anyway, I feel like a hussy talking about money, so it is time for me to bid you adieu. Adieu.
-Chris Bodnarczuk
contents.
September 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 3
MUSIC........................................................................5 SPECIAL FEATURE: BINGHAMTON 101..............10 ART..........................................................................13 CALENDAR..............................................................16 POETRY...................................................................19 THEATRE..................................................................21 FOOD AND DRINK..................................................23 SPECIAL FEATURE: PHELPS MANSION.............26 WELLNESS.............................................................27 FUN STUFF.............................................................28 OTHER STUFF........................................................30 TRIPLE CITIES CAROUSEL P.O. BOX 2947 BINGHAMTON, NY 13902 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Christopher Bodnarczuk Assistant Editor/Calendar Guru Ty Whitbeck Advertising Christopher Bodnarczuk, Ty Whitbeck Staff Writers Charles Berman, Stacey Burke, Julian Kappel, Brian Kerins, Kaitlin Mooney, Maria Murphy, Rose Silberman-Gorn, Dan Spaventa, Ronnie Vuolo, Felicia Waynesboro, Ahlpheh Ohtis Wilson, Taze Yanik Contributors Joseph Alston, Kristina Strain, J. Barrett Wolf Photography Ty Whitbeck Layout/Design Christopher Bodnarczuk Cover Art “Self Portrait” -David Shapiro Printer Our Press Chenango Bridge, NY
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music.
September 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 5
BLUES ON THE BRIDGE Dirt Farm opens Blues on the Bridge, Sept. 8. Photo Provided.
RETURNS TO BINGHAMTON FOR 12TH YEAR Taze Yanick Staff Writer
I was walking around downtown Binghamton on an absolutely lovely Indian-summer day last September and decided to make a visit to the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers, one of my favorite spots in town. There is a small but delightful park there, aptly named Confluence Park, where I like to sit a observe the two rivers meeting I had no idea that something called Blues on the Bridge was going on that day, but as I got closer to the intersection of Riverside and Washington, I heard music reverberating throughout the valley: a kickass soundstage stood right there in the middle of the road. Riverside was closed off for pedestrians, and there were vendors of all sorts lined up all along the street... and great, live blues-based music. This free event is happening again this year. The 12th annual Blues on the Bridge takes place September 8th (rain date September 15th) in downtown Binghamton, noon till 10pm. Originally held on the actual Washington St. bridge, the event has since outgrown that spot, with 10,000 people attending last year and more expected this year. Tommy Martinos, one of the event’s co-organizers (along with Donny Wilkins) says, “It’s a community event that is free for the whole family. It highlights fourteen blues bands... There are several vendors on hand, offering a wide variety of foods such as
hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken dinners, ice cream, cotton candy, fudge, and arts and crafts, to name a few... It offers the opportunity to showcase local and regional talent, as well as to host the occasional nationwide band. It’s also a great way to wrap up the summer, with an all-day outside event.”
The event kicks off with Dirt Farm at noon. “Where roadhouse rock meets outlaw country,” so they say. Led by Jeff and Rob Stachyra, these guys will perform their home-grown, regionally-sustainable blues-Americana concoction as the September sun reaches afternoon. They have three albums out (available on itunes) and you can check out videos of their appearance on WSKG’s show “Expressions.” Rooster & the Roadhouse Horns play next. Along with having incredible lead singer/percussionist and a dynamite horn section, Rooster also has a rhythm section that will keep you groovin’, starting with a drummer and bass player who lay it down, no matter what the style. Add to that a guitar player who can “switch easily from soft beautiful chording to jaw-dropping leads, and a keyboard player who is equally comfortable playing light jazz or funky driving dance rhythms and leads.” After Rooster, Steve Southworth & the Rockabilly Rays will rock this town inside out. Based in Cortland, Steve grew up during the early 80s rockabilly revival and has been playing all over the area since then, cultivating a swinging, Stray Cats influenced sound. He recently produced his ninth release, an album of classic covers called “Rocket 88.” The Boogiemen take the stage next. They are “a high energy funky, bluesy rock and roll band based out of Upstate NY” (whatever “upstate” is supposed to mean these days). They stay busy touring and
performing locally, with anywhere from 2–6 shows per week. Mostly performing as a power trio, having 3 vocalists, they put on one hell of a show.
Voodoo Highway follows, “a bluesy, funky, rockin,’ jazzy, groovin’ rock/blues band based out of Binghamton, NY. Featuring powerhouse performances, soulful grooves, and passionate-but-focused improvisations, they love to spread good vibes through their mix of rippin’ rock, blazing blues, cool reggae, smooth soul, and even a little bit of country.” The Parlor Cats, “a swingin’ harp-driven jumpin’ west coast blues kinda sound” are up next, followed by the Blue J’s, a thumping Chicago-style electric act with some classic Motown covers thrown in for flavor. Jake Lear’s website says “Lear, who was born in Vermont and raised on blues and country music has spent the last three year’s playing to thousands on Memphis’ renowned Beale Street, honing the hard-hitting blues on which he is building a growing national reputation.” That’s not the entire story, because I used to jam with him when he lived right here in Binghamton. He’s back in town for Blues on the Bridge. His band consists of bassist Carlos Arias and drummer Roy Cunningham, who has been a STAX studio drummer as well as a drummer for Albert King, Little Milton and Little Jimmy King. Their most recent recording “Diamonds and Stones” is currently on the Top 50 Blues Charts for radio airplay in the US. Brian Wolff, also a local guy returning home, is up next. Before moving to Austin last year, he played shows in the Binghamton area for about 8 years with various projects. He is currently completing his fifth cd release, “Let Me Know.” He won
the title of Binghamton Star 2010 and took second place at Binghamton’s Got Talent 2009. He’s back in town with his three-piece band in tow, playing a blend of originals and uniquely interpreted covers. Blues Station, a new local blues/rock band of familiar faces based in Ithaca, performs next, followed by Smokehouse Blues, driven by guitarist brothers Gary and Scott Ellis playing classics for BB King, Stevie Ray and Buddy Guy The next group of performers is not exactly blues. The Edward P. Maloney Memorial Pipe Band is named in honor of Patrick Maloney, a founder and charter member of the New York City Police Department Emerald Society Pipe and Drum band. The NYPD band was formed in 1960 and made its debut in the 1961 St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City. Less than 20 police officer’s marched up Fifth Ave. in the band’s first St. Patrick’s Day appearance. The band’s ranks eventually reached 100 and earned invitations to play for mayors, governors, all major New York sports teams, popes, and presidents, as well as appearances in television shows and motion pictures. They will march this Sunday, at the confluence. The night closes out with Spare Parts Unlimited, a loosely knit crew of musicians and bands from around the Southern Tier who just want to have fun. So wander down to the confluence on September 8th and enjoy some great music, food and people at one of Binghamton’s most delightful spots. Watch the sunset over the Susquehanna, or stroll next to the Chenango on the Riverwalk, where you can still hear the music. For more information and some photos from previous years, check out facebook.com/bluesonthebridge.
6 Vol. 1 Issue 7
THE METER MEN TO HEADLINE FOURTH CATSKILL CHILL FEST
Brian Kerins Staff Writer
The Catskill Chill Music Festival will be held September 6-8 at Camp Minglewood in Hancock, NY. Festival season is coming to a close, and for those of you of you something more than the blasting beats of E Zoo with a more relaxed and communal atmosphere, Catskill Chill is right around the corner, less than an hour down Rt. 17. Since its humble origins in 2010 with a crowd of 1,100 people, this annual weekend long blowout has quickly grown to become one of the definitive New York music festivals.
FOR QUOTES AND MORE, EMAIL BMOAS@YAHOO.COM
This year’s collection of jammers is headlined by The Meter Men, featuring Zigaboo Modeliste, Leo Nocentelli and George Porter Jr., along with special guest Page McConnell. This genre blending collective is composed of three out of four of the original members of The Meters and noted Phish keyboardist Page McConnell. Their debut concert at B.B. King Blues Club in the fall of 2012 proved that they maintain and build on the spirit of The Meters. The Meters are universally regarded as one of the founding bands of funk, being one of the first to bring the New Orleans R&B sound to the national stage. If you haven’t yet listened to this classic act, just look up one of their classic singles such as “Cissy Strut” (you’ve heard it) or “Look-Ka Py Py” (you’ve also heard it), and you’ll be ready to buy your ticket before the song ends. This mashup of classic funk rhythms with a modern jam band sensibility is sure to be the highlight of the weekend. Those searching for a more electronic experience need only look to co-headliners Lotus, Galactic,
and Conspirator. Lotus’s first day set serves as a gentle introduction with their cross blend of postrock and electronic dance. With hypnotizing loops, driving electronic beats, and a hint of piano, Lotus is sure to appeal to all attending. The second night will see Galactic bringing a more laid back approach to electronica with their electro-funk style, which clearly has origins in the sound of the Meters. Immediately following Galactic, Conspirator goes on with their heavy dubstep rhythms, ready to combat your midnight crash and get you up and dancing for the rest of the night. While the music selection at Catskill Chill puts it worlds away from many other festivals, it’s the environment that truly shines. Saturday and Sunday afternoons each feature an hour and a half open mic session, perfectly emphasizing the communal atmosphere of the weekend. Of course, to take advantage of the open mic you would have to be willing to pass on the free yoga classes offered Saturday and Sunday at noon. Camping out isn’t always the most comfortable sleeping method, so these classes are a perfect way to try and patch yourself up in between sets. With the festival’s organizers even being so kind as to give the stages names such as “Acoustic Junction” and “Club Chill” festival goers will easily be able to find their kind of music amidst the sometimes confusing clutter of music festivals. As of press time, volunteer opportunities are still open for those that seek to avoid paying the $150 for a weekend pass. Volunteers have the choice of two-six hour shifts, or one ten hour shift. Catskill Chill will be held at Camp Minglewood, 350 Bouchoux Brook Rd, Hancock, NY. The parking lot and campground open at approximately 9 AM Friday and close at 3 PM Sunday, with concerts starting at around 3 PM Friday. For more information go to catskillchill.com.
ROCKIN’ BY THE RIVER WITH NEW CONCERT SERIES
Maria “Murph” Murphy Staff Writer
There’s a lot happening on Wall Street this month, and don’t worry, this time it won’t affect your stocks. The Office of Economic Development for the City of Binghamton is hosting their first ‘Off the Wall Concert Series’ at the Peacemaker’s Stage located on Wall Street in Downtown Binghamton. The Series will take place over four Friday evenings, and will feature both visual and musical artists, as well as a variety of food vendors that will be lining the Riverwalk (a.k.a. The River Trail). “It will be a nice two hour event where people can come out, be by the river, and enjoy the space and entertainment,” says Omar Sanders, Economic Development Specialist at the Office of Economic Development for the City of Binghamton. “It’s a way to encourage people to come out and support the arts.” In addition to supporting the arts, the series is an attempt to shed light on one of Binghamton’s hidden gems. “We’ve wanted to highlight the River Trail,” explains Sanders. “When we first created the Peacemaker’s Stage we had great hopes of it becoming an event space where people can perform... We’re very excited.”
Beginning at 6pm on Friday evenings, the banks of the Chenango River will be flooded with all sorts of sights, sounds, and smells as bands such as Unity Group, Strange Appeal, Shattuck, Liberty Bell and the Union Boys join artists like Emily and Susan Jablon from ‘Jablon Mosaics’ for a concert and art expo series that will be ‘off the wall.’ Along with the art and music will be a line of food vendors including Mad Man Sammies, Lupos, the Sammich Truck, and Hawaiian Shaved Ice. New radio station 93.3 WJOB will be providing sound. The event planners are still looking for more local artists to display their work during the concert series, so be sure to contact Omar at the number below if interested. In addition to the month’s coming series, the Office of Economic Development is hoping to continue hosting events on the Riverwalk and Peacemaker’s Stage, but they need your help. If you have a band, art work, dance group, or any means of art or entertainment that you would like to share then make your talent known and call the number below. “We want people to utilize this venue for what it’s meant for,” states Sanders. “We are looking forward to the community’s response.” The concert series will be held on September 13th, 20th, 27th, and October 4th (First Friday) from 6pm to 8pm at the Riverwalk’s Peacemaker’s Stage located behind RiverRead Books. For more information on the series or to propose a future event, contact Omar Sanders at (607) 772-7161 or visit Binghamtonlinked.com.
CAROUSEL PRESENTS: SHORT WAVES AND SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE
September 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 7
forming earlier this year out of the ashes of the Pierce Creek Rebels, a country punk band consisting of Rice, Patten, and Abrams. They have quickly made, well, waves on the scene, with performances at July Fest and the Allsiders Reunion. On the 6th, they will be joined at the café by local mainstays Shake Shake Shake. Rice, who owns Basement Audio Recording Studio in Binghamton, will not be getting much rest at the show, as he plays in both bands.
Chris Bodnarczuk Editor-in-Chief
As the digital recorder turns on to capture the interview, there is some debate amongst the members of Short Waves: “Is that going to effect the plate in your head?,” guitarist Dave Rice asks drummer Eric Patten, as bassist Sara Arsenault laughs from the corner. It is decided that all will be safe.
Shake Shake Shake played quite a few gigs in the region over the past few years, but lately, they have been few and far between. Keyboardist Amanda Graves had a baby recently, and the band is just now getting back to playing. With a sound that brings to mind new wave bands like The TomTom Club, Shake Shake Shake consists of Graves (who also sings and plays occasional bass), Rice on drums (and ukulele), and Eric Camp (vocals, bass, synth). It’s dance music for the apocalypse, if the apocalypse was Blade Runner.
Whether or not the plate is real is up for debate, but the playful banter continues through the next half hour. Patten could be bionic, by all means: onstage with Short Waves, he drums like a man possessed, while keeping rhythm in almost mechanical perfection. This skill set carries through to all members of the band; the three in attendance, plus rhythm guitarist Nigel Abrams and organ player Nick Rubenstein. All seasoned veterans of the local music scene, they have played together in various groupings for over 15 years… folk bands, punk bands, and now on to surf rock. Actually, not surf rock. “Surf-y rock,” they specify, refusing to be pigeonholed. Their live show consists of quite a few classic surf covers (songs by Dick Dale, The Ventures, etc), but also delves into 60s garage rock and a few eclectic originals. They call themselves ‘the soundtrack to the worst of B-mov-
And so it will be, a mixture of sounds and decades. Surfy rock to new wave, B movies to Blade Runner, the 60s to the 80s, all in one evening.
Short Waves. Photo Provided.
ies,’ or ‘the devil music that your grandparents listened to.’ There is something campy, something almost creepy about their sound. It evokes not just bathing suits, but also leather jackets smeared with motor oil. It’s hip, it’s edgy, and it’s going to be flowing
from the stage at Cyber Café West on September 6th for the monthly installment of the Carousel Presents concert series. While the names of all the band members may be familiar to local music lovers, the name of the band may not be. Short Waves is new on the scene,
Both Short Waves and Shake Shake Shake will be coming to Cyber Café West (176 Main St, Binghamton) at 9pm on Friday, September 6th, for a show that is sure to keep the dance floor busy and the taps pouring. Admission is $5. All assuming that the digital recorder didn’t interfere with the plate in Patten’s head, of course.
MORGAN STRING BAND REUNITES FOR NINTH ANNUAL ZOONEYFEST
Made up of Chris Brown on mandolin, Mark Carey on bass, Steve DeRiancho on banjo and Dave Carey (son of Mark) on guitar, they developed a loyal following as they spread the gospel of bluegrass to welcoming audiences. The Morgan String Band cut two albums, 1st Cut in 1995 and Live at the Studio in 2000. Over the years, changes occurred in the line-up until around 3 years ago when it morphed into its current incarnation and was renamed the Band of Strings. Added to original members Dave and Steve are Ryan Cirbass on bass, Cristina Cox on fiddle, and Bob Kerber on dobro. Regulars at regional venues and festivals, they continue to hone their talent and increase their following. A new album, Doing Hard Time, is about halfway complete and slated for release in late fall or early winter.
Ronnie Vuolo Staff Writer
Once upon a time, in the kingdom of Endicott, there lived a man called Joe Zunic. A good man, Joe had ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Zooneyfest was held for the first time in 2005 to raise money to help with Joe’s medical expenses. At his insistence, the festival became an annual event to help individuals in the Southern Tier faced with devastating illness or events, and the organizations that support them. In 2008 Joe lost his battle with ALS but his legacy lives on in Zooneyfest, which has donated over $175,000 in the past 8 years to help those in need. This year, as a result of their newly formed partnership with the Foundation for Community Betterment, donations and sponsorship for Zooneyfest are tax deductible. Check out www. zooneyfest.com for more information or to make a donation. On Saturday, September 28th, the 9th annual Zooneyfest kicks off at 4pm at Orlando’s Restaurant and Catering in En-Joie Golf Course, located at 722 Main Street in Endicott. For $10 (children 5 and under are free) you’ll get a great line-up of entertainment with enough food and beverages available to keep you fueled for dancing. Two stages will echo with the music of Chris and Lori Haun; The Revelers mix of rock, Celtic rock and pop; the Zooney Band; singer-songwriter Tom O’Connor playing roots rock
The Original Morgan String Band, today. Photo Provided.
with a twist of pop-country; the Gravelding Brothers; the bluegrass finesse of the ORIGINAL Morgan String Band; and the grand finale by ReMastered, a fitting end to a great line-up of music for a good cause. Speaking of a good cause, the beneficiaries of this year’s proceeds are Sam Brown of Binghamton and Jean Stevens from Endicott. Both had been employed at the Handicapped Children’s Association before the ravages of cancer made it impossible
for them to work. As a result, they no longer receive disability or have health benefits. Funds will be used to help with day-to-day living expenses for them and their families. The reunion of the original Morgan String Band is the story within the story of this year’s Zooneyfest. This story began around 1996, when a group of like-minded practitioners of bluegrass formed a band and called it the Morgan String Band, Morgan being a family name of founder Chris Brown.
Amidst this success, the eyebrows of devoted admirers rose in surprise to see the Original Morgan String Band slated to play on September 1st at the Pavilion in Endicott and again at Zooneyfest. To satisfy the curiosity of enquiring minds, I caught up with Dave Carey, and he filled me in on the whys and wherefores. It seems that Mark got a hankering to play again and hooked up with Chris Brown to set it in motion. When they got together to practice with Steve and Dave, it fell into place as if time had never passed, and they decided to plan a few gigs on dates not interfering with the Band of String’s schedule. Knowing that the Morgan String Band was a favorite of Joe Zunic, Zooneyfest was a natural. If the opportunity presents, we may very well see the Morgan String Band playing in the future, however, the Band of Strings will continue as is and they look forward to finishing and promoting their new album.
8 Vol. 1 Issue 7
VENUE SPORTS BAR BRINGS LIVE MUSIC
TO STATE STREET
Venue Sports Bar. Photo Provided.
Ty Whitbeck Assistant Editor It’s First Friday in Binghamton, and I’m making my rounds, handing out issues of golden ticket-laced Carousels to the masses enjoying the Art Walk. I decide to walk the whole State Street beat, eventually coming upon a group of patrons hanging outside of Venue Sports Bar, which now occupies the building that used to be Flashbacks; but this ain’t your mama’s or your daddy’s Flashbacks. Not even close. I start chatting with one of the guys, who happens to be owner Dave Brownlee, and he invites me in to see the result of extensive renovation. I am blown away with how much more inviting this new place feels. The choice in color (a greyish hue of blue with black trim) is more calming and sophisticated than the pungent yellow walls of Flashbacks’ past. Remember that old Saturday Night Fever light-up dance floor? Gone. Instead, the ceilings look higher, the bar is more accessible, and the DJ booth is in the corner, offering maximum mobility. Dave wants this new endeavor, which is only 3 months old, to try to reshape the downtown nightlife on State Street. He’s focused on the live music and he boasts one of the best sound systems in the area. “What I really want is to dissolve this notion that the older folks and the younger State Street regulars can’t all hang together,” says Brownlee. “There are people that won’t come here because they think it’s still Flashbacks, and it concerns me. We bring some pretty good talent through here, and everyone that appreciates good music in downtown Binghamton should be able to come here and enjoy it.” Brownlee is one of the guys who helps put on Blues on the Bridge (happening on September 8th on the Court Street Bridge, in Downtown Binghamton… check out the feature in this issue), and now he’s
planning on bringing some of those heavy hitters back home to Venue. “I don’t think people are ready for what I plan to do here,” warns Brownlee. “In August we brought Rick Estrin & the Nightcats and Joe Lewis Walker- both national blues acts- to Venue, and the momentum is there to keep it going. We want to bring the locals in and draw up a crowd… and once or twice a month, we’ll bring some nationally touring artists to our stage.” He continues, “I’ve even been in touch with some very familiar names, and we also have comedian Doug Stanhope (The Man Show 20032004) coming here in October.” He’s got big dreams, there’s no doubt about that. While taking on the renovation of a former 70s themed dance club and marketing it as something completely different is a daunting enough task, he intends on extending the boundaries of his bar to the back yard. From ground level, it just looks like a fenced in, vacant lot behind Venue, but if you walk up a few flights of stairs, the bigger picture develops. Between two buildings sits a perfect spot for a permanent outdoor live music amphitheater. “Right now, it’s a pit with various plant life and debris, but it will soon be flush with the pavement and affixed with all the good things to make it work in the back yard,” he says. “It’s going to take some work but it’s already happening.” With all of this development happening in the Downtown area lately, people are losing their ground on the claims that “there is nothing going on in Binghamton.” Nightclubs and music hotspots like Venue are setting the standard, and the bar is high. Dave has his sights on the horizon while keeping humble and understanding the times right now. Although he’s a new player on State Street, he welcomes everyone with a good attitude into his venue and he assures his customer’s satisfaction. If you want to stay in the loop with Venue Sports Bar, ‘like’ ‘em on Facebook. There, you’ll find their schedule for the month and daily specials. They’re located at 93 State Street in Binghamton, and you can reach them at 607-723-1416 for questions.
HOWLING AT THE THE MOON WITH WOLFMAN KEV
September 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 9
It’s unpolished, unembellished and most often understated, but what’s most impressive is the way they put themselves into every hook, line and stinker.
Julian Kappel Staff Writer
I suppose I didn’t know what I was expecting from someone named Wolfman Kev until I see him. It takes a minute to adjust my mind to what my eyes see.
Depression, drugs, dreams and anime seem to be the themes of Wavelengths EP, and they grapple with each as if the listener is in the room watching the whole thing. It can be unsettling, damn it can be downright heartbreaking, and that’s exactly what the daring duo wants.
His gait is long and surefooted, head drawn forward as if sniffing the air, tangled hair spilling down his neck...from beneath a brimmed cap. It’s the brimmed cap that clears the low fog from the loamy forest floor surrounding the state office building and back to Binghamton. Flesheaters. From left to right, Zombie Mike, Wolfman Kev. Photo Provided.
“Hey! Are you Wolfman Kev?,” I holler obnoxiously out the window as I drive by him. It’s a lucky thing the Wolfman had the forethought to ask in last night’s facebook back-and-forth: ‘How will you know me?’
“It’s really tough sometimes, working over the distance… but it’s only temporary, and just imagine what we can do together!”
Before the clean-cut man in the polo shirt continues on to the bar, Kev favors him with a toothy grin and sincere thanks.
I thought the facebook pictures would be enough, offering a spy-like encounter with large, bright hat or symbolic broach. Although he told me to look for a red Hawaiian shirt and black baseball cap, I thought he was just playing along.
It’s been almost a year since their first EP hit the internet.
“Friend of yours?”
But here he is: red Hawaiian shirt and black brimmed-cap, opening the door of my friend’s Vibe and climbing in just as the light turns green. We stop for smokes at the Main St. mart before continuing to our destination. The owner knows him. This is a good sign. A rapper who doesn’t make quick friends has about as much chance at success as a politician with a clean record. Our destination is Cyber Cafe West. We sit at a table in front of the stage and get down to business. Unfortunately, I’m only seeing half of Flesheaters, the rap group I’m here to talk to Wolfman about; his partner, Zombie Mike, is in Long Island for the time being, working on revenue and transportation concerns. For now, Wolfman Kev is holding down the Triple Cities area and covering the networking and promotional end of things.
Wavelengths became available on Halloween 2012 at BandCamp.com, and since then has stirred up a substantial following. The six song EP was produced by Quality Kidd, with beats by Kidd and his cousin Chuck Taylor. “We only work with local musicians that are just working their way up from the bottom, just like us,” he says, admitting that the Binghamton hip-hop scene isn’t exactly thriving. “There’s a lot of local musicians that’s rapping or doing music, but maybe they don’t have the skill, or they just don’t know where they can show people.” The cafe’s population is sparse at 3 pm, but as we begin to share our mutual frustration with the underground community, or lack thereof, we’re interrupted by one of the few people sharing our space.
“I have no idea, but I promise I didn’t pay him to say that!” Wolfman snickers. Whatever he’s doing to get his name out prior to this interview seems to be working. Wolfman Kev has, without a doubt, one of the most important traits needed to be successful in his line of work: style. He certainly doesn’t look like he just walked out of a Hollister or Ambercrombie and Fitch, but he looks, well, put together. The assorted plastic and cloth bracelets around his wrists match the clothes and backwards black ‘Cuse cap.
“The lyrics are a way to release everything that builds up inside us... the depression, the confusion, plus the funny moments or the silly moments,” Kev says. “We used to rap about cars and money and ho’s cause that’s how we grew up, but that wasn’t serious... that just wasn’t me.” As we finish our iced teas and make our way out for one last cigarette, Kev offers a listening aid: “The first album is based a lot on an anime… ‘Souleater,’ so if you watch a bit of that you’ll get an even better understanding of what we’re talking about.” He explains that both members of the Flesheaters can relate a lot to the Japanese animated styles of storytelling. “So, like, our next EP is going to be ‘Nothing Amazing Ever Happens Here,’ right, ‘cause they say that line in the first episode of [another anime series].” The second album is in the works and should be expected late 2013. “Cuz that describes how we sometimes feel, like, not much is going on, but we’re going to make things happen through our music.”
His demeanor matches his attire perfectly: casual and unassuming.
At this point it’s no surprise when he asks me to drop him off at the library, or that as he steps out of the car I notice a full moon just becoming visible in the sky adjacent.
“We want to learn everything we can about making music, like, every step we want to eventually be able to do ourselves,” he says.
And I have no doubt in my mind that this won’t be the last time I see the Wolfman as he howls his way from the underground into history and legend.
In the meantime, what the Flesheaters have created, with the help of the quiet but steadily expanding underground community, is worth the time it takes to flip to the website and finish a pint.
To keep up on Flesheaters music and shows, check ‘em out on facebook or at flesheaters.bandcamp. com.
LOST DOG COCKTAIL LOUNGE: A MUSIC VENUE YEARS IN THE MAKING
Ty Whitbeck Assistant Editor
The live music at the Lost Dog Café is really what it’s always been about. Before the food, before the café, before the lounge, there were a couple of high school friends turned SUNY Fredonia transplants. Liz Hughes and Marie McKenna were young and had the world at their fingertips when they met a couple of New York City sisters and a guy in the Fredonia dorms… musicians! The five began jamming, and a band was formed. Now, Liz had played drums since childhood, but Marie had never played the bass guitar before. She learned quickly, as most do when they padlock themselves in their room with nothing but an instrument and a steady supply of water for weeks. The troupe began writing songs together, but at the time there was no desire for all original music in the venues they frequented. “Back then, there was a lot of Southern Rock, and this band we were in
“Hey, Wolfman Kev! I like what you’re doing! Keep it up, man!”
was original material, not typical of what everyone else was playing,” says Hughes. “It became harder to book shows then, and the sisters were from New York City, so they moved back [and the band was no more]. They kept teasing us and saying, ‘oh, you’re gonna move! Come on, just do it already!’ and within a year and a half Marie and I were on a Greyhound bus with a single suitcase and 400 bucks to our names.”
The band reunited and got back to what they did best. Under the name “The Derangelles,” their focus was still all original music, “similar to early Pretenders,” remembers McKenna. The shows were booked and the Derangelles were hot. An all-girl band with songs of their own, they lit up the marquees and bulletins like wildfire. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to pay the rent, so both Liz and Marie held down restaurant gigs in the meantime. “Marie ended up getting married and moved back to Binghamton to start a family,” said Hughes. “I was still living in NYC, playing shows and doing really well with the band. We played a few showcases at this place called The Garage and another at CBGB’s. Our singer got sick with Bell’s palsy and we had to push back the shows, which ended up bombing… badly… and it didn’t really end up working out after that.”
Liz would still visit Binghamton, and her and Marie began talking about opening a restaurant. The dream of the Lost Dog Café came to fruition in an old garage on Main Street in Binghamton, where it stayed for a few years until they moved down the road to where the restaurant stands currently, at 222 Water Street. The two did all of the work themselves, with the help of friends and family, and their kitchen equipment was acquired through second hand stores. They took on a staff of outside-of-the-box thinkers that were getting turned down at interviews elsewhere, mainly because of their appearances- decorated with tattoos and piercings, they were certainly not the typical front-of-house staff. “These were our kind of people!” exclaims Marie. “This is who we grew up with, and we know how hard it is out there, and these folks deserved a chance. They were the ones who helped shape Lost Dog into what it is today.” Liz and Marie still had that strong passion for live, original music, and still there was hardly anywhere to play. There were thriving scenes in Rochester and Albany, but nowhere in between. They tried to have bands play in the garage on Main Street, but that didn’t work. Once they were established
on Water Street, they began hosting jazz shows, but space was an issue. “When we had music by the bar, it became very cramped for the people that were there to enjoy their meals,” said Marie. That’s when the idea for the Cocktail Lounge came in. They took over the space adjacent to the café, formerly The Hair Co., and now that’s where they have their shows. “It seems to be a better fit over here, and the people like it more,” says Hughes. The Cocktail Lounge has been open for a little over a year and has been host to live music every Friday and Saturday since its opening. These ladies just want to give back to the community and give up-and-coming bands and well respected players a platform to let their music be heard. It’s always been about the music for them and it continues to be. The jazz is still there, every other Wednesday, and on the weekends, you can hear anything from punk to bluegrass to steel drum music. They offer incredible hospitality for their musicians, too. If you’re looking to be heard, send ‘em a demo and give it your all. Visit www.lostdogcafe. net for their schedule or give them a ring at 607217-5393.
special feature.
10 Vol. 1 Issue 7
BINGHAMTON 101: A GUIDE TO LIFE OFF CAMPUS Well, Route 201 is congested, State Street is back to being a weekend madhouse, and cheers of “YOLO, bro” are screeching through the windows at two o’clock on a Saturday morning. It appears as if Binghamton University is back in session! Allow us to welcome you all… freshmen, returning undergrads, transfers, new grad students; this is a big deal, this whole college thing. You’ve been accepted to one of the most prestigious schools of the SUNY System, the Public Ivy, a place where you’ll find a Cornell-rivalling education at a quarter of the price tag. Binghamton may not be exactly what you envisioned. You may be thinking there is nothing to do, or that the parties are not what they looked like in the movies, or that you should have gone to Purchase instead. In fact, if you had gone to Purchase, you’d probably be in rehab by now, and the parties aren’t as good as the movies anywhere. But there is indeed, quite a bit to do. Downtown Binghamton, particularly State Street, offers quite a bit of nightlife, but there’s quite a bit more than that. The region offers plenty of music and theatre options, plus parks, museums, and six freakin’ carousels, all of which can be ridden for free. There’s even an observatory in Vestal!
TAXI NUMBERS
We try to shed light on a bit of these local offerings in every issue of Carousel, but this spread is for you. We’ve not only included information on local dining, drinking, and nightlife, but also some useful information that they probably failed to tell you at orientation. There’s a glossary, so you can speak like a townie (it beats the Island accent), cab numbers, and a listing of liquor and beer stores (for those of you who are of age), plus tips on making Ramen taste less crappy. You’ll be needing all of this. (CB)
COURTESY CAB 607-723-2000
UNIVERSITY CAB 607-797-5555 YELLOW CAB 607-722-2322
TERMS
TO KNOW Bar Crawl: Every May, y’all will gather with custom made t-shirts and plastic cups and descend upon Downtown to get sloppy drunk in anticipation of finals week.
BC: The legendary comic strip was created by Johnny Hart right here in Broome County. Hart’s grandsons now publish the strip, along with Wizard of Id and Dogs of C-Kennel (all of which are featured towards the back of this paper). Popular BC characters are used for quite a few promotional campaigns in the area.
10 THINGS THAT MAKE RAMEN TASTE BETTER 1) Eggs 2) Scallions 3) Frozen Vegetables 4) Ginger 5) Booze 6) Strips of Meat 7) Fish Sauce 8) Peanut Butter (It’s like Pad Thai.) 9) Bacon 10 Fresh Spinach
FREE CONDOMS! Hey there, sailor. You’re in college. It’s a time for experimenting. Your parents and pastors are hundreds of miles away, and you’ve landed in co-ed paradise. Time to get some, ladies and gentlemen. But, don’t be stupid. Use protection.
Free condoms can be acquired at the University Health Clinic, Planned Parenthood, and, luckily, in baskets at many local bars. If worse comes to worst, they’re in the top drawer of your room-mate’s night stand.
Belmar Pub 95 Main St, Binghamton 607-724-5920 Music is split between the Belmar and Fitzies, its sister bar located at 9 Main St. But, Belmar has the rowdiest open mic in town and puts on some big shows in the backyard. Blind Tiger Pub 4402 Watson Blvd, Johnson City 607-729-8944 The Blind Tiger hosts music several days a week, boasts 24 beers on tap, and even has an outdoor bar. Worth the drive to Johnson City… you never know what you’re going to hear.
Cyber Café West 176 Main St, Binghamton 607-723-2456 With live music five nights a week, Cyber Café West is unquestionably the premiere music venue of Binghamton. The first Tuesday of every month is open mic, and Thursdays are reserved for the house band- Inner Mission. The rest of the time, it’s anyone’s guess… folk, blues, jam bands, funk, electronica, jazz. They’ve got it all. Lost Dog Cocktail Lounge 222 Water St, Binghamton 607-217-5393 Lost Dog Café opened their late-night lounge a year ago, and it has quickly become an important addition to downtown Binghamton nightlife. The café did music for years, but now there’s room to dance! There’s something happening every weekend, and often during the week, too. Venue Sports Bar and Music Hall 93 State St, Binghamton 607-312-3077 Venue has only been open a few months, occupying the space that once held Paradigm/Flashbacks, but in that time, they’ve brought a slew of world class musicians in. They dig the blues, and they’ve got space for some really big shows in the near future.
hMUSIC VENUESh
City Chicken: A Binghamton favorite, though deceptively named. It’s usually not chicken at all, but pork or beef or something. Meat on a stick, in a nutshell.
Parade Day: It’s like Bar Crawl, but with the rest of the Southern Tier joining in. Right before St. Patty’s Day, there is rumored to be an actual parade outside the bars.
Clinton Street Run: Once, Clinton Street was dotted with over 60 bars that made up the legendary Run. Now, not so much, but it still makes Bar Crawl look like a sippy cup competition.
Round-a-bout: A perfectly reasonable detractor to traffic problems Sun: A glowing orb of light in the in Downtown Binghamton that, for sky that can be seen roughly 150 whatever reason, is the cause of days out of the year. quite a bit of local hostility. The Twilight Zone: This legendSnow: Get a shovel. Now. You’ll be ary television show has its roots on using it. A lot. Bennett Ave in Binghamton, where creator Rod Serling grew up. There’s Spiedie: Binghamton’s own culinary even an episode about a carousel. masterpiece. Chunks of marinated chicken, pork, or lamb (or, for the Yale by the Jail: Broome Commumore adventurous, venison); served nity College, on Upper Front Street. on Italian bread. We have a festi- You can take some great classes val to celebrate them every July. here over the summer for less than Spiedies will fuel you through count- the price of the same class at BU. less study-binges.
First Friday: A monthly Art Walk in Downtown Binghamton featuring galleries, restaurants, street performances, music, and more. Kamikaze Curve: The area of Rt. 17 just west of the split with Rt. 81, where all the construction is happening (presumably so that people don’t call it that anymore).
Square Deal: Back when EJ Shoes occupied the better part of the Triple Cities, employees were offered all sorts of perks to keep them from unionizing. Parks, theatres, etc… they called this the square deal.
September 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 11
WHEN YOU’RE BROKE.
Buffet Star 4089 Old Vestal Rd, Vestal 607-729-1083 It’s an all you can eat Chinese buffet. With sushi. And frog legs. ‘Nuff said.
Pho 99 302 Main St, Binghamton 607-217-4224 Steaming bowls of pho. With tripe, if you like. All under $10.
Chris’s Diner 192 State St, Binghamton 607-723-6854 Best. Hangover. Breakfast. Ever. And dirt cheap! And right downtown!
Village Diner 255 Floral Ave, Johnson City 607-217-4134 Who doesn’t love a $4 breakfast? This Johnson City gem has some great specials, too.
WHEN YOU’RE DRUNK.
Binghamton Hots 128 Washington St, Binghamton 607-296-4687 Binghamton Hots is the best late night choice that downtown has to provide. It’s packed on weekends when the bars close, but the line isn’t too long to discourage the glory that is a Hot Plate (they call it a garbage plate most places): we suggest garlic mashed potatoes, mac salad, and cheeseburgers… smothered with chili, mustard, and onions.
Danny’s Diner 151 Main St, Binghamton 607-724-9873 Danny’s Diner is all anyone could ever ask for in a diner, and they’re open late enough for a stop in on the way home from the bars. Dirt cheap, great food, and always full of Binghamton’s most colorful characters… it’s a West Side institution, and a Garbage Omelette at 1am can be the difference between a wicked morning hangover and a nice easy wake-up.
Kennedy’s Fried Chicken 159 Main St, Binghamton 607-235-7111 Kennedy’s isn’t a place to venture sober, but when you want to soak up some alcohol with a beef patty and order food through bullet proof glass, Kennedy’s is the only option. Oh, they sell cigarettes, too.
Moxie Wood Fire Grill 998 Conklin Rd, Conklin 607-237-0779 A short way down Conklin Rd, Moxie is, for most college budgets, out of the question. That said, when the parents come to visit, it’s the perfect opportunity to get them to buy you a 30 oz. Kobe beef steak! Plus, an epic wine selection.
Lost Dog Café 222 Water St, Binghamton 607-771-6063 Many a first (and last) date has taken place at Lost Dog. They offer stellar food at affordable prices, and the restaurant is one of the hippest in town. Grab some dinner, or head next door to the beautifully decorated late night lounge for drinks and music.
Shagundas 73 CFJ Blvd, Johnson City Drink like a townie. Abel’s Pub 65 Rotary Ave, Binghamton Kingsley’s 188 Main St, Binghamton Drink a lot of Jameson. Belmar Pub 95 Main St, Binghamton
BARS Drink at a brewpub. Galaxy Brewing Co. 41 Court St, Binghamton
Water Street Brewing Co. 168 Water St, Binghamton Drink outside. Dillinger’s 77 State St, Binghamton Remlik’s Grille and Oyster Bar 31 Lewis St, Binghamton Thai Time 96 Front St, Binghamton Zona and Co. 15 Hawley St, Binghamton
SAMMICH! Various Locations (Food Truck) 585-542-YUMM A brand new addition to the Binghamton drunk food scene, these guys plan on setting up shop on State St. on the weekends. Get a philly.
Drink like there’s no tomorrow. Fitzies Irish Pub 9 Main St, Binghamton
Drink fabulously. Merlin’s 73 Court St, Binghamton
Drink and watch sports. Venue Sports Bar 93 State St, Binghamton
Drink really good beer. The Ale House 3744 Vestal Pkwy E, Vestal
The Spot 1062 Front St, Binghamton 607-723-8149 The perfect drunk food, but given it’s distance up Front St, you’re going to need a DD for this one. 24 hour diner fare. And a questionable amount of mirrors on the walls.
Drink a martini. Lost Dog Cocktail Lounge 222 Water St, Binghamton
Drink and study. Cyber Cafe West 176 Main St, Binghamton
Number 5 33 S. Washington St, Binghamton 607-723-0555 For years, Number 5 has been the go-to location for the fanciest dinner in Binghamton. With all the new restaurants popping up downtown, it’s not the only option, anymore, but is, by far, the classiest. The seafood appetizers are to die for, and the waiters have freakin’ crumb scrapers. Remlik’s Grille and Oyster Bar 31 Lewis St, Binghamton 607-217-4513 Remlik’s is quite possibly the best place to get seafood in Binghamton. The oysters are incredible, especially when enjoyed on their back deck while watching the sun set over the city. Oh, they make a mean cocktail, too!
WHEN IT’S A FIRST DATE.
Crepe Heaven 217 Main St, Binghamton 607-217-7188 Who doesn’t like crepes? Sweet, savory, and cheap, Crepe Heaven is perfect for a first date. Follow up with a movie at the Art Mission Theatre, or if you want to come on strong, couples’ painting at Uncorked Creations.
Drink like a pro. The Brass Rail 180 Clinton St, Binghamton
Drink like a frat boy. Tom and Marty’s 89 State St, Binghamton
WHEN THE PARENTS ARE BUYING.
Lampy’s Mediterranean Grill 105 W. Main St, Endicott 607-748-5200 Lampy’s is Number 5’s more expensive counterpart, but one look at their menu proves they’re well worth it. Famous for their steak and seafood, they may not be in everyone’s budget, but if someone else offers to buy, then it’s your lucky day.
Drink like an amateur. The Rathskellar 92 State St, Binghamton
Sake Tumi 71 Court St, Binghamton 607-238-1771 Everyone loves sushi and sake, right? Sake Tumi offers a great date vibe within reach of the State Street bar scene. Tuesdays and Thursdays are $1 sushi night, for those that want to try an assortment.
Tranquil Bar & Bistro 36 Pine St, Binghamton 607-723-0495 Tranquil is one of the nicer places in Binghamton, despite the neighborhood it calls home. French dining with a great bar menu, Tranquil is surprisingly affordable. On Sunday nights, they host ‘Broadway Sundays,’ which is the best time to catch drag queens singing songs from “Cats.”
10 PLACES TO GO THAT DON’T INVOLVE INEBRIATION 1) Bundy Museum 2) Kopernik Observatory 3) Roberson Museum 4) Rec. Park 5) Ross Park Zoo 6) Salt Springs State Park (PA) 7) Laurel Bowl 8) Robot City Games 9) EPAC 10) Cider Mill Playhouse
HAVE FUN, BUT BE SAFE. DON’T DRIVE DRUNK. DON’T LET A FRIEND DRIVE DRUNK. WATCH YOUR DRINK. STUDY EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. CALL YOUR PARENTS. NO MEANS NO. SLEEP, OCCASIONALLY.
The Beer Depot 218 Court St, Binghamton 607-217-7014
Leroy Package Store 64 Leroy St, Binghamton 607-724-2935
Cavanaugh’s Grocery 69 Leroy St, Binghamton 607-722-8973
Liquor Town 119 Rano Blvd, Vestal 607-770-0171
Jake’s Wine and Liquors 25 Court St, Binghamton 607-724-0129
Parkway Wine and Spirits 3912 Vestal Pkwy E, Vestal 607-766-6064
Lane’s Wine and Spirits 334 Main St, Binghamton 607-798-7600
Sam The Beer Man 1164 Upper Front St, Binghamton 607-724-5225
BEER AND LIQUOR
College is, for better or worse, a time for partying. Bar tabs can add up, and sometimes it’s best to stay at home with a wholesome game of beer pong. Once you turn 21, naturally. Here’s where to stock up!
art.
September 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 13
“Out of the Red Caboose” by David Shapiro. Oil on Canvas, 1976-79
ON THE COVER: DAVID SHAPIRO REMEMBERING A LOCAL ARTIST, PROFESSOR, ENIGMA
Kaitlin Mooney Staff Writer
David Shapiro was a fine artist and a kind man. A much loved professor of painting and drawing, he taught at Binghamton University for 32 years. Shapiro was a graduate of the New York Studio School in New York City, where he studied under Philip Guston- a key figure of the neo-expressionism movement. Guston had an enormous impact on David’s subsequent work, especially at a time when abstract-expressionism ruled the art scene. Shapiro passed from this world in November 2009, leaving behind a legacy only dwarfed by his immense collection of work. On August 24th, a long overdue retrospective showing of his work, MURPHY: David Shapiro in Retrospect, opened at Spool MFG, Johnson City’s DIY, volunteer-run art space. The show, which runs through October, displays a collection of Shapiro’s work through the decades, including the untitled self-portrait that graces our cover this month. According to Spool MFG director Don DeMauro, “David came out of an abstract background...he
was more than an academic abstract artist. His figurative sense gave him a new way of abstraction which he developed coming out of the Studio School in NYC.” David received the prestigious Prix de Rome Scholarship, which gave him the opportunity to immerse himself with other young artists at the American Academy of France in Rome. Shapiro was invited to join the Binghamton University faculty in 1973. DeMauro was a colleague of Shapiro’s in the Binghamton University Department of Art. “It’s hard to put David into words... he was so unique. A perfect conversationalist, and funny. You don’t very often meet someone like him. He was a person who was larger than life.” Since David Shapiro’s passing in 2009, the University Museum talked about putting together an exhibit to celebrate the life and work of the local legend. However, in the midst of trying to fit it into their calendar, time slipped by and the exhibit fell through the cracks. Enough was enough, and DeMauro decided it was “time to take the bull by the horns” and put on the show himself.
According to DeMauro, “the Binghamton University Museum didn’t have the resources to deal with all of [Shapiro’s] paintings. We [at Spool] didn’t either, but we didn’t want his work to end up in the black
pit. We did not want him to be forgotten.”
DeMauro collected Shapiro’s work from the University and the late artist’s family, and even recovered some from Shapiro’s collapsed studio in Pennsylvania. “MURPHY: David Shapiro in Retrospect” features several paintings- including quite a few large scale works, plus charcoal drawings and pastels. The art selected from the exhibit was painstakingly chosen and organized by DeMauro and Spool volunteers. DeMauro adds, “It’s a celebration more than a memorial. Memorial is not a good word. It has passed the point of a memorial… we want to keep the work alive.” The exhibit is named after Shapiro’s dog, who he loved deeply and immortalized in several of his paintings. The poster work of the show is entitled Murphy and is a “beautiful drawing and an important painting” explains DeMauro. Shapiro was a lover of literature, and Murphy was named in homage to Samuel Beckett’s 1938 novel of the same name. Attaching such a personal name to the exhibit is fitting given the personal nature of the show. The exhibit tells an engaging story through images of who David Shapiro was as a person. The artwork includes self-portraits, landscapes of Shapiro’s own environments, and even a portrait of a young DeMauro, flanked by what Don claims was “definitely Shapiro’s Jameson and Pall-Malls. Not mine!”
Walking through the gallery imparts a deep sense of familiarity with the artist. Even if you do not know a lick about David Shapiro, you will exit Spool’s doors feeling as if you had known him personally. Shapiro’s dynamic personality is impossible to ignore when viewing his work. His wide brush strokes and expert use of color invoke an emotional reaction. Shapiro was a masterful artist who captured a lot with so little. Seemingly simple paintings command attention for hours. The outer rooms of the gallery showcase several excerpts from Shapiro’s sketch books, letters, and photos. Remember though, this is not a memorial, this is a celebration. A celebration of David Shapiro’s work and of the fact that his art will always live on. As Don DeMauro eloquently puts it, “All of the words in the world could not fill in the gap of seeing the work.”
“MURPHY: David Shapiro in Retrospect” opened Saturday, August 24th, and runs through Saturday, October 5th. A special retrospective discussion led by Don DeMauro will take place on Saturday, September 21st at 7 pm. The closing reception on Saturday, October 5th will run from 7-10 pm. Gallery Hours are by appointment. You can find Spool MFG at 138 Baldwin Street in Johnson City. You can find more info on Spool MFG online at www.spoolmfg.org. Oh, by the way, Murphy the paintings directly above? That’s “Murphy,” and “Don” (the very same).
SLS GALLERY OPENS (FOR A CLOSING) “I got excited about using the Japanese Knotweed to make musical instruments, [which] I call “Sandsticks” (like a rainstick), after taking long walks along the river in the fall,” he says.
Maria “Murph” Murphy Staff Writer
As Binghamton’s art scene continues to expand and develop, new artists and galleries seem to follow it out of the woodwork. This past June welcomed a new addition to ‘the family,’ with the first official opening reception at the SLS Gallery in Binghamton, featuring Scott Strong’s Bamboo Exhibit. Both the exhibit and the gallery are products of Scott Strong, Broome County native and owner of SLS Gallery.
SATURDAY GATES OPEN AT 4:30PM
RACES START AT 7:00PM
JUST $5 (KIDS UNDER 12 GET IN FREE)
!!! EVERY WEEKEND IN SEPTEMBER !!! FRIDAY NIGHT TEST AND TUNE: JUST $5 SATURDAY POINTS RACING: JUST $5 FREE PARKING AND PIT PASSES
“Downtown Binghamton’s art scene was just getting bigger and better and I wanted to be part of it,” explains Strong. “I thought our location at 190 Front Street, in the heart of Binghamton, was just an ideal downtown location to have a gallery.” The exhibit uses natural materials found around town that trigger more than just the sense of sight, but touch and hearing as well. Strong finds inspiration in the plant-life he finds surrounding him during walks along the river. One of the more innovative creations on display utilizes Japanese Knotweed, a plant similar to what most would recognize as bamboo.
Strong’s exhibit also includes a hands-on aspect for anyone to enjoy. Visitors to the gallery get the opportunity to make their own ‘Sandstick.’ Strong has Japanese Knotweed already cut, reamed out, and ready to be filled with anything from sand to corn to seeds, to create a memorable musical instrument to take home. The gallery opened this past June after a long and labor intensive two years of renovation to the interior of the building done by Strong and his parents. “I could never have pulled this exhibit off without their help,” Strong continues. “This gallery has really helped bring my family together.” Although most of the grunt work is done, Strong still continues to work diligently at developing his gallery in other aspects and is always looking for new ways to promote local art and provide an enjoyable experience for all his patrons. The closing reception for the exhibit will be held at 190 Front Street in downtown Binghamton (First Floor) on September 6th (First Friday) from 6pm to 9pm. For more information or questions e-mail scott@scottstrong.com. Regular gallery hours and website are to be announced on a later date.
SincerelyINC.Abraham ANTIQUES & CURIOSITIES
AT THE TRUMAN HOUSE Antique Furniture, Clothing, Gifts, & More!
25 Main St, Bainbridge, NY 607-967-4690 Exit 8 off of I-88. Free town parking lot before 1st light. Sincerely Abraham is just beyond the fence.
OPEN TUES-SAT 10:00am-4:30pm, SUN 11:00am-3:00pm
ARRIVING SEPT 14TH LARGE SELECTION OF
WOMEN'S VINTAGE HATS FOR FALL & WINTER
WEARABLE, COLLECTIBLE
Many styles, colors, materials – Come on the 14th and 15th for full selection!
WINE AND PAINT ARE FLOWING
September 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 15
AT UNCORKED CREATIONS to take home, Uncorked Creations is great for a girls’ night out, birthday parties, or– listen up fellasa perfect date night to take your sweetheart to. What says ‘Mr. Sensitivity’ better than art and wine? [EDITOR’S NOTE: “The Notebook” and a bottle of Black Velvet?]
Maria “Murph” Murphy Staff Writer
Been looking for some beautiful art work to hang up on that plain white wall in your kitchen or living room?
Adults are not the only ones who get to join in on the fun at this art studio. “Creative Kids” classes are on Saturday mornings and include snacks and a story-time in theme with the day’s painting.
How about painting it yourself at Uncorked Creations, a new studio on State Street that is offering art classes to the community regardless of skill level or experience. “Even people who don’t have any or much experience can come in and make something,” says Alise Pierson, owner and founder of Uncorked Creations. “They might even find that they have artistic abilities they didn’t even know about.”
So old or young, sober or ‘filled with spirits’, anyone can enjoy this new twist on taking in the local art by finding the artist within themselves and having fun in the process. Making art at Uncorked Creations. Photo Provided.
Pierson is a Binghamton based artist who is looking to help vitalize Binghamton’s ever growing art scene and possibly inspire some hidden talent in the process.
class. From Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” to a vibrantly colored peacock, she is always looking for more and more ideas of what create in her classes... and she is always open to suggestions.
“I wanted to help bring more art to the area,” she explains when asked about her inspiration for the gallery.
“I’d love to hear them!” exclaims Pierson. “I just try to pick fun stuff that would look good in anyone’s home.”
In addition to maintaining the studio and instructing most of the classes, Pierson also takes on the task of carefully selecting what will be taught in each
Located at 205 State Street above The Connelly Gallery, Uncorked Creations is a bright and beautiful art space with huge casement windows that look
out onto Artists’ Row. And if the view isn’t enough inspiration, then you might just find some in the bottom of a bottle. That’s right, these classes are BYOB. Anyone twenty-one and older attending a class is welcome to bring their own wine, beer, or snacks to enjoy and/or share. “It’s really cool and relaxing,” Pierson states. “It’s like art therapy... I think people will like it.” And what’s not to like? With food, drinks, conversations, and a lovely piece of self-made art
Uncorked Creations is located at 205 State Street on the second floor and is holding adult classes (ages 18 and up, 21 to drink) every Thursday night from 6pm to 9pm and Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:30pm-9:30pm, and “Creative Kids” classes for children ages 5-12 from 10am to 12pm. Private parties for all ages are also available through appointment. To sign up for a class or plan a private event, call 607-760-8448, or email Uncorkedcreationsbinghamton@gmail. com. Uncorked Creations will also be open every First Friday and the upcoming month’s paintings will be up for viewing. For more information please visit uncorkedbinghamton.com, or hit them up on facebook.
WINDOW ON THE ARTS FESTIVAL
BRINGS ART, MUSIC, AND FOOD TO WINDSOR
Ronnie Vuolo Staff Writer
Episcopal Church (showcasing Ron Rambo’s famous Philly Cheese Steak), Gramps Funnel Cakes (offering Fried Dough, Fried Snickers and freshly squeezed Lemonade), the Windsor Fire Department (serving sausage, peppers and onions), B&B’s Kettle Corn (with both original and flavored variet-
lights include a special presentation on pre-historic life in the Susquehanna River Valley and an exhibit of Native American artifacts found along its path. Harpursville Elementary art teacher Anthony Hanakovics will join in with a unique children’s program that includes a ‘make it and take it.’ Children will
Windsor’s Merritt Klumpp Park will be alive with the sights, sounds and smells of the 6th Annual Window on the Arts Festival of music, food and history on September 14th from 10am–5pm. Rain or Shine, over 50 juried artists and craftsmen will be exhibiting the full spectrum of acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings; photography, sculpture, metal art, jewelry, glass, woodwork, Pysanky eggs, basket weaving, pottery, fiber art, furnishings, floral design, blacksmithing and folk art. The work of local middle and high school students will be prominently displayed in a special themed photography exhibit. A new feature this year will be the emerging artists showcase featuring the work of local college students, or those newly graduated, who are forging a career in art. Featured this year will be illustrator Rachel Kilbury and mixed media artist Kateryna Santa Cruz. The highlighted artist this year is Marc Schimsky, whose painting ‘Sundisc’ is featured on the event poster. With such a great variety of talent, there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone. A complete list of exhibiting artists and craftsmen can be found at www.windowonthearts.org. Alongside treasures for the eyes will be those to satisfy the palate. The international food court will host a wide variety of sweet and savory items from around the world while a cadre of local chefs demonstrate their culinary skills and offer free samples. This years line up will include Windsor Partnership’s Chili-dogs, Nachos and Danish, Zion
Puppets at WOTA 2012. Photo Provided.
ies as well as fresh lemonade), The Knights of Columbus (serving burgers and pie), and, represented for the first time, McGirks Irish Pub (featuring their specialty Carne Asado Taco, Irish Stew and Apple and Fruits of the Forest Pie). As in the past, the exhibit of state and local history will assuage your curiosity or perhaps inspire you to delve deeper and learn more. This year’s high-
have an opportunity to learn about and create their own false facemasks, tribal drums, turtle shell rattles, cornhusk dolls, and wampum belts. At 11am, both adults and children will be entertained by a parade of dozens of larger than life puppets. Made by an Italian puppet master, these puppets were originally featured in Binghamton’s first night festivities. Ranging in size from 4’ to 12’
tall, some of the larger puppets require 4-5 people for operation. Rounding out this feast for the senses will be the music of local musicians: Jamie Willard; Melanie and the Boys; The Toy Box Trophies; Brian, Victor and Sly Foot Johnny; and Barefoot Betty’s Acoustic Band. Jamie Willard has been soothing the soul with his finger style guitar mastery for more than 30 years. Born, raised and educated in Binghamton, his music transcends physics. Melanie and the Boys will set your feet stomping with their own funky mix of bluegrass, Americana, blues, and rock and folk. Playing throughout the Southern Tier, they cover everything from John Prine to the Doors, with an energy that cannot fail to draw a person in. In the driving southern Rock of Barefoot Betty’s Acoustic Band, one can sense the underlying influences of Janis Joplin in Jo’s throaty growl, and echoes of Neil Young, as is heard in the harmonica driven ‘Wrong Side of the Tracks’. Their blend of covers and originals will bring even the most sedate to their feet dancing. For the aficionado of Classic Rock, the Toy Box Trophies will meet your needs with infinitely danceable music from Steppenwolf, CCR, Chuck Berry and the Young Rascals, just to name a few. Not to be overlooked is an outstanding mix of rockabilly, blues, rock and roll, and reggae, as performed by Brian (Wahl), Victor (Lay) and Sly Foot Johnny.
Merritt Klumpp Park is located at 88 Park Street in Windsor, 17E exit 78, 17W exit 79. Admission and parking are free and the site is accessible to persons with disabilities. Window on the Arts is sponsored by the Windsor Partners Inc. and the Town and Village of Windsor. It is funded in part by a grant from the United Cultural Fund, a program of the Broome County Arts council. Come fill your eyes, ears, mind and stomach all in one place. For more information, contact www.WindsorPartnership.org, or check their facebook page.
triple cities carousel sunday.
01 08 15 22 29
Michael Bolton (TD) Open Mic (BRK)
Chenango Colorscape Music Fest (NOR) “Ring of Fire” the Music of Johnny Cash (CRT) Open Mic (BRK) Blues on the Bridge (DT)
Nunsense – Male Cast (EPAC) Contra Dance (TTC) Empire Saxaphone Quartet (PMM) Superhero 5k Run/Walk (DT) Open Mic (BRK)
Sherlock Holmes Knight’s Gambit (CMP) Binghamton Restaurant Week (DT) “LUV” by Murray Schisgal (KNOW) Nunsense – Female Cast (EPAC) Open Mic (BRK)
STAR: Enemy of the People (PMM) “LUV” by Murray Schisgal (KNOW) RoberCon SciFi Convention (ROB) Sherlock: Knight’s Gambit (CMP) Gerald Scheck (ANT) Pipe Organ Recital (UPC) “The Outgoing Tide” (CRT) Open Mic (BRK)
monday.
02 09 16 23 30
When Thoughts Attack (CRT) Mosaic Class (JAB) Open Mic (BEL) Open Gallery (JS)
Mosaic Class (JAB) Open Mic (BEL) Open Gallery (JS)
Mosaic Class (JAB) Open Mic (BEL) Open Gallery (JS)
Binghamton Restaurant Week (DT) Mosaic Class (JAB) Open Mic (BEL) Open Gallery (JS)
Mosaic Class (JAB) Open Mic (BEL) Open Gallery (JS)
SEPTEMB
tuesday.
03 10 17 24
Collector’s Items: Leading by Example (BCAC) Speakeasy Open Mic (CCW) Owego Farmer’s Market (DTO)
Java Joe Jammers (CCW) Collector’s Items: Leading by Example (BCAC)
Binghamton Restaurant Week (DT) Java Joe Jammers (CCW)
Binghamton Restaurant Week (DT) Java Joe Jammers (CCW) Charlie Brown (BTP)
04 11 18 25
Collector’s Items: Lea “O-We-Go” Cl Jazz Ja
Th
Collector’s Items: Lea “O-We-Go” Cl
Th
Binghamto Jazz Ja “O-We-Go” Cl
Th
Binghamto The Puzzl
Engl Th Charlie
The Triple Cities Carousel Events Calendar is featured each month as a courtesy to our advertisers, however we welcome everyone to submit their events to triplecitiescarousel@gmail.com by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Space is limited, so calendar entries, which have no cost, are picked on a first come/first serve basis. Triple Cities Carousel reserves the right to reject any submission deemed to be non-arts related, or, well, for any reason.
CYBER CAFE WEST 176 Main St. Binghamton
wedne
(AC) Anderson Center (AMT) Art Mission Theat (ANT) Anthony Brunelli (BBW) Black Bear Winer (BCAC) Broome County (BCW) Binghamton Cen (BEL) Belmar Pub (BRK) Brackney Inn (BTP) Blind Tiger Pub (BOB) Bobby’s Place (BU) Binghamton Univer
TEAM TRIVIA E 22 Beers on Ta Live Music 5 Da 9/3 Open Mic 9/5 InnerMission 9/6 Short Waves/S 9/7 Tumbleweed
BER 2013
esday. thursday.
ading by Example (BCAC) lassic Car Display (TCHS) am w/ Miles Ahead (LDC) Comedy Open Mic (MB) Open Mic (JBC) he Belmar Sessions (BEL)
ading by Example (BCAC) lassic Car Display (TCHS) Open Mic (JBC) he Belmar Sessions (BEL) Acoustic Voodoo (CCW)
on Restaurant Week (DT) am w/ Miles Ahead (LDC) lassic Car Display (TCHS) Comedy Open Mic (MB) Open Mic (JBC) he Belmar Sessions (BEL)
on Restaurant Week (DT) led Players Improv (LDC) “O-We-Go” (TCHS) Open Mic (JBC) lish Country Dance (CEC) he Belmar Sessions (BEL) Pate/Claire Byrne (CCW)
tre Fine Arts ry Arts Council nter for Writers
rsity
05 12 19 26
Collector’s Items: Leading by Example (BCAC) “Ring of Fire” the Music of Johnny Cash (CRT) “O-We-Go” Classic Cars (TCHS) InnerMission (CCW)
Vermont Cheddar w/Carol Simek (BTP) “Trash Thursdays” Cult Cinema (BUN) Collector’s Items (BCAC) InnerMission (CCW) Nunsense – Male Cast (EPAC) “O-We-Go” Classic Car Display (TCHS) Parlor City Brewfest (LDC)
Sherlock Holmes Knight’s Gambit (CMP) “Trash Thursdays” Cult Cinema (BUN) “O-We-Go” Classic Car Display (TCHS) Binghamton Restaurant Week (DT) Enerjee Jazz w/ Ayana D (LDC) InnerMission (CCW)
“Trash Thursdays” Cult Cinema (BUN) “Making Sense of the Civil War” (PMM) Binghamton Restaurant Week (DT) InnerMission (CCW) Sherlock: Knight’s Gambit (CMP) “O-We-Go” (TCHS) Acoustic Jam (EPAC) J. Cole w/WALE (BU)
(BUN) Bundy Museum (CCW) Cyber Café West (CEC) Christ the Episcopal Church, Binghamton (CG) Cooperative Gallery (CI) Choconut Inn (CMP) Cider Mill Playhouse (CRT) Chenango River Theatre (DT) Downtown Binghamton (DTO) Downtown Owego (EPAC) Endicott Performing Arts Center (FIVE) Number 5
EVERY MONDAY! ap! ays a Week!
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Shake Shake Shake
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events calendar
friday.
06 13 20 27
saturday.
Rick Iacovelli (BTP), First Friday Art Walk (DT) Art Show (SLS), Ketsy/O’Connor (LDC) Gerald Scheck (ANT) Film: “The Goonies” (ROB) “Structures of Light” (BUN) Rachel Sage (AMT) Chris Mollo/Superradicals (BOB) “Ring of Fire” (CRT) Rooster Roadhouse Horns (FIVE) Pete Ruttle (OUH), Choir (PMM) Short Waves/ShakeShakeShake (CCW) Live Music (BBW), Lutheran Skirts (LDC) Alexandria Davis & Karen Fedczuk (CG) Nunsense – Male Cast (EPAC) PawnShop (BOB) Revelers (BTP), “O-We-Go” (TCHS) Rum Runners (FIVE) Pete Ruttle (OUH) Off the Wall Concert Series (DT) Breaux Gargano (CCW) Dr. EF (BEL) Gerald Scheck (ANT)
Pete Ruttle (OUH), “LUV” (KNOW), Music (BBW) Alexandria Davis/Karen Fedczuk (CG) Sherlock: Knight’s Gambit (CMP) Nunsense – Female Cast (EPAC) Mad Men Style (ROB) SPECTERS (WEMP) Gerald Scheck (ANT) The Beatles Band (BTP) Owego Art Walk (DTO) “O-We-Go” (TCHS), Splash (FIVE) Off the Wall Concert (DT), Chris Cernak(CCW) Sherlock Holmes Knight’s Gambit (CMP) Alexandria Davis & Karen Fedczuk (CG) “LUV” (KNOW), Live Music (BBW) Cherokee Red (LDC) Outdoor Film Series: “9” (ROB) Gerald Scheck (ANT) Voodoo Highway (BTP) Woodshed Prophets (BOB) “The Outgoing Tide” (CRT) “O-We-Go” (TCHS), Pete Ruttle (OUH) Off the Wall Concert (DT), Mantraverse(CCW)
(HIA) Holiday Inn Arena (JAB) Susan Jablon Mosaics (JBC) John Barleycorn Tavern (JS) Jungle Science (KNOW) KNOW Theatre (KMP) Klumpp Park Windsor (LDC) Lost Dog Café/Lounge (MB) Matty B’s (NOR) Norwich, NY (ORA) Orazio Salati Gallery (OUH) Old Union Hotel
9/10 Jave Joe Jammers 9/11 Acoustic VooDoo 9/12 InnerMission 9/13 Breaux Gargano 9/14 Greg Klyma w/ Ryan Fitzsimmons 9/17 Java Joe Jammers 9/19 InnerMission
07 14 21 28
Alexandria Davis/Karen Fedczuk (CG) Window on the Arts (KPW), Mosaic Class (JAB) A Country Mile (BTP) Beard of Bees (BOB) Chenango Colorscape (NOR) “Ring of Fire” (CRT) “O-We-Go” (TCHS) Beauty and the Beats (FIVE) Anthony Locane (ORA) Jake Lear (CI), Gerald Scheck (ANT) Tumbleweed Highway (CCW), Duck Derby (HIA) Alexandria Davis/Karen Fedczuk (CG) Nunsense – Male Cast (EPAC), Rick Fry (BTP) Zydeco Po’ Boys (JBC), ZooBrew (RPZ) Scheck (ANT), Ring of Fire (BOB) Mosaic Class (JAB) St. Paul’s Craft Fair (DTO) Quatro Blue (OUH) Brotherhood (FIVE) O-We-Go” (TCHS) Anthony Locane (ORA) Greg Klyma w/Ryan Fitzsimmons (CCW) Two Rivers Fine Arts & Crafts Festival (ROB) Binghamton Restaurant Week (DT) “LUV” (KNOW), Gerald Scheck (ANT) Alexandria Davis/Karen Fedczuk (CG) Nunsense – Female Cast (EPAC) Mitch Ryder (TD), A. Davis (LDC) Sherlock: Knight’s Gambit (CMP) “O-We-Go” Classic Car Display (TCHS) Butch Skeene/2nd Edition (FIVE) Anthony Locane (ORA), Murphy (SPOOL) Mel & the Boys (CC Sherlock Holmes Knight’s Gambit (CMP) Alexandria Davis/Karen Fedczuk (CG) “LUV” (KNOW), Tanked (BOB) DJ Paul Johnston (LDC) Pipe Organ Master Class (BU) Mike Whittemore (BTP) “The Outgoing Tide” (CRT) “O-We-Go” (TCHS) Noel Paul Stookey (EPAC) Beatles Band (FIVE), Locane (ORA) Singer/Songwriter Showcase (CCW)
(PMM) Phelps Mansion Museum (ROB) Roberson Museum (RPZ) Ross Park Zoo (SLS) SLS Gallery (SPOOL) Spool MFG (TCHS) Tioga County Historical Society Musem (TD) Tioga Downs Casino (TTC) Tioga Trails Café (UPC) United Presbyterian Church (WEMP) Water’s Edge Market Place
9/20 Chris Cernak 9/21 Melanie and the Boys 9/24 Java Joe Jammers 9/25 Charlie Pate and Claire Byrne 9/26 InnerMission 9/27 Mantraverse 9/28 Singer Songwriter Showcase
PAINTINGS, POTTERY, LIFE
18 Vol. 1 Issue 7
ON DISPLAY OVER THE BORDER
AT BUTTERNUT GALLERY
Paintings, Pottery, and Life at Butternut Gallery. Photo Provided.
Kaitlin Mooney Staff Writer
have tried to bring this sense of experimentation and innovation to my work as a ceramic artist.” In conjunction with Joseph’s inspiration, Second Story Books, a small used book store attached to The Butternut Gallery, will be featuring jazz books and CDs, for sale at $3 a piece.
Paintings, Pottery, Life: The Work of Bob Smith and Cary Joseph (on exhibit at The Butternut Gallery & Second Story Books in Montrose, PA) is a collection of Bob Smith’s diverse paintings and the extremely unique wood-fired pottery of Cary Joseph. The artwork will be on display until Sunday, September 8th.
The Butternut Gallery & Second Story Books has been a staple in downtown Montrose for the last eight years. Owned by Tom Canouse and Betty Bryden, the couple “thought it would be a nice addition to town.” Bryden is not new to the game: she has owned galleries for several years in numerous locations. Her expertise is evident in the refreshing open layout of the gallery and the wonderful monthly exhibits. Both artists (Canouse a woodcarver and Bryden a painter), the pair opened the gallery with intentions of fostering the local art scene. They have exceeded expectations and now in addition to boosting the local scene, they feature regional and (as of last year) internationally acclaimed artists.
Bob Smith, a retired High School art teacher and full time painter, is about as local as a person can get. He calls Montrose home, and it is there where he owns Bob Smith Antiques. His art studio shares a building with The Butternut Gallery. Smith’s second exhibit with the gallery features an array of local landscapes and abstract oil paintings. The local landscapes are beautifully rendered, capturing small town life in Montrose. Smith’s abstract work compels the viewer to “reach into our collective memories and cognitive awareness and make associations on deeper levels of human understanding and experience.” According to Smith, “my work is simply a record of a life lived.” Cary Joseph hails from Ithaca, where his work currently specializes in wood-fired stoneware. There is raw emotion to the pottery: the outside surfaces are pitted and rough with natural color variations. The outcome of Joseph’s work wholly depends on the placement of the stone in the kiln, the time spent baking, the type of wood used and in the artist’s own words, “the grace of the kiln gods.” A former jazz bassist, Joseph explains “I took to heart the way the great jazz innovators continued to push into new territory, took artistic and commercial risks, and stretched their mediums’ boundaries. I
Montrose, a rural northeastern PA town, may seem like an unlikely place for such a gallery as The Butternut. Despite its small town status, “Montrose is curiously blessed with an appreciative audience of ‘lookers at art,’ an amazing creative community of artists, writers, musicians and performers and people who understand the joy of knowing and supporting artists.” The gallery has participated in several community events, most notably, FOCUS: Annual Chocolate & Wine Festival Juried Art Exhibit, where they not only judge the art contest but also raise the money for award the winning artist each May. Check out The Butternut Gallery & Second Story Books at 204 Church Street, Montrose, PA. Gallery hours are Wednesday thru Saturday 11am-5pm, and Sunday 12pm-4pm. Paintings, Pottery, Life: the work of Bob Smith and Cary Joseph will be running thru Sunday, September 8th. The Gallery hosts ever changing monthly exhibits featuring two or more artists from June thru December.
poetry.
September 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 19
POET OF THE MONTH: J. BARRETT WOLF
Poet, musician, and writer J. Barrett Wolf has been involved in creative endeavors since his birth in Freeport, NY in 1954. He has worked in broadcasting, print media, and even as a San Francisco Police Officer. He has performed his poetry as far off as Scotland, and is host to the monthly poetry open mic at RiverRead Books in Binghamton. He lives in Binghamton. Courting the Librarian
Indigo
I want to read the poem you are. Stroke your soft, hard paragraphs Leave pundit’s kisses, sharp, on your subject Beneath your predicate Split your infinitive Draw panting breath Inspired by your dangling participles Creep softly around your adjectival phrase And be consumed By your free verse.
Your name is a sky, Your name a night, Your name lingers like kisses On the lips of regret. You are the cobalt eye of a star From which we were made And to which we return, The small blushing flower, The bolt of dark cloth The speaker of silence, Green turning to blue, An aching dark ocean Seen far from the shore.
Well My father lived close to an empty well. It didn’t seem empty, at first glance, Some flowers grew there, and whippoorwills Could be heard yearning for attention in The soft light of the yard. He tended that empty well as if, Some day, it would offer fresh water Given just the right circumstance. With every mowing and pull of the rake He tossed his smallish coins down, Splashes of silver begging the question Of his satisfaction. The yard would come green in springtime Fall fallow in winter, unlike the well Whose constant soft, dark maw began, To sing over time, Bringing forth a sad lullaby Of dust and ageless patience. My father grew old, died and left me the well. I hold his shovel in my hand. I will bury this darkness, end the song it sings. Then I will bury the shovel.
Pool Party for José I had forgotten the silence in water, The noises That live In thin air, Made it so easy to lose the slow hush, the enfolding calm, the weightlessness beneath.
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All those years in a backyard pool Doing laps, Holding my breath charging toward walls in every direction. Four lengths without Coming up Then bobbing triumphant Out of the quiet, Gasping for breath.
Stones and Stars You glisten, Liquid diamond, Damp as a mountain pond in season, Arching toward the equinox of bliss. Playing yourself in the orchestra of nature Rising tone and pitch, tensing to crescendo, Keeping time while timeless frenzy Dances in your head, across your flesh, A self-inflicted horizon dream Of earthbound stones And the shooting stars You shiver, strain, and touch.
Hess Those who ended as ash rejoice. You have joined them, Rudolph Wrenched from the sleepy ground You dared occupy The last to be given over to fire As they were given over, Scattered across some nameless water Like bread, like ash, like Juden. You have become the meaningless thing, The absence you sought for the others, Whose Yiddishkeit seed still bears fruit, While the few who wish to honor you Can wander aimless as Israelites, Searching an empty, unmarked place For a land that is no more.
THE TRIPLE CITIES SCARE-OUSEL
FANTASMAGORICAL FREAKSHOW BALL Friday October 25, 2013 9pm-3am
Spool MFG 138 Baldwin St. Johnson City
MUSIC. ART. HORROR.
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theatre.
September 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 21
“THE OUTGOING TIDE”
FLOATS IN TO CHENANGO RIVER THEATRE Dan Spaventa Staff Writer
From September 27th until October 13th, The Outgoing Tide, a play that recently appeared off-Broadway, will take up a three-week residence at the Chenango River Theatre.
FaFalling over in rehearsals for A Knight’s Gambit. Photo Provided.
SHERLOCK HOLMESA KNIGHT’ S GAMBIT: FAMILIAR FACES IN A BRAND NEW PLAY AT CIDER MILL
Felicia Waynesboro Staff Writer
Dr. Watson is a man again. Unlike a currently popular Sherlock Holmes-based TV show in which Watson is played by a beautiful woman, in the new thriller Sherlock Holmes – Knight’s Gambit (opening September 19th at the Cider Mill Playhouse) Watson retains his original gender, and he and his BFF Holmes are back in Victorian London. So all is right with the world. Or, at least, it promises to be if the murderous Moriarty can be outwitted in this world premiere. This is no Sherlock Holmes story you may have read before. The characters are indeed Arthur Conan Doyle’s inventions, but Knight’s Gambit is an original whodunit written by actor/director/playwright Paul Falzone. Falzone has acted on Broadway, has appeared in prime time TV, and has had continuing roles on several legendary soap operas including “All My Children” and the long-lost “Ryan’s Hope” and “Edge of Night.” He is a founding member of the Oldcastle Theatre in Bennington, VT and may be familiar to regular Cider Mill Playhouse (CMP) audiences from other performances here on our own turf. Now this well-established actor takes his third turn as a playwright with the Knight’s Gambit script, which is scheduled to be produced later this fall in theatres in New England and New Jersey. Binghamton area audiences, however, have first crack at the clever mind-bender as the opening show of the Cider Mill Playhouse’s 38th season.
When it was mentioned to a local theatre-goer, who’s been to CMP a couple of times before, that the opening of this season would be a Sherlock Holmes play, her reaction was a fitting “oooooh!” Holmes just evokes that kind of deliciousness. Debbie Starks says she has never been to a “regular” theatre. But, of her visits to CMP, she says “I loved it. I think what I liked about it so much is that we were seated with our own people around a table, eating and having fun. I was so comfortable.”
Everyone seems to agree that there is “no bad seat in the house,” as a cyber-visit to reviews of CMP at the Trip Advisor website verifies– which is why all the seats are the same price on any given evening or matinee. Artistic director Penny Powell says that the audience’s proximity to the stage at CMP is part of what makes it all work. You’re so close that it’s almost as if you were, “right in the play.” The Cider Mill Playhouse, at 2 S. Nanticoke Ave in Endicott, is not a true dinner theatre in the “full dinner” sense. The culinary fare is of the after-dinner-nibbles variety– cheeses with wine, beer or soda and such, or desserts with coffee or tea– “things that are easy to eat while you watch the play,” says Starks. Seating is cabaret-style, with chairs arranged in crescents, all facing the stage around intimate tables. Sounds like the perfect setup for munching while puzzling over the deadly enigmas facing Holmes and Watson as they, with dubious help from Scotland Yard, weave their way through danger, suspense, and drama. It’s not, ahem… elementary. “It’s complicated,” muses Powell about the plot. She believes that
people enjoy Holmes so much- whether they are “purists” or those with just a casual interest- because he is always sure-fire fun, “and the Victorian era is really cool.” In a WBNG News interview last year, Playhouse executive director Rob Rogers said, “A lot of people might remember an old rickety boardwalk kind of a ramp,” leading up to the CMP entrance. As of last season, that has been replaced by a substantial, more pleasing walkway. A new red silo stands, illuminated by a ring of tiny lights near the top, offering a portal to the Playhouse and setting the tone for a couple of carefree evening hours of theatrical enchantment. Any good chess fan knows that a gambit is an opening move in which a player sacrifices a piece of lesser power (usually a pawn) with the intention of manipulating the opponent into weakening his king’s defense. Thereon hangs the intrigue in Falzone’s inventive mystery. You know that oh so familiar bouncing jingle used for years and years on TV and radio, beckoning audiences to the Cider Mill Playhouse? Love it or hate it- why resist it? “Sherlock Holmes – Knight’s Gambit” runs from September 19th thru October 13th, Thursdays – Saturdays at 8:15pm and Sundays at 7:30pm. Tickets range from $28 to $32 for the general public - depending on which night you choose– with discounts for seniors and students at most performances. For more information call the Cider Mill Playhouse at 607-748-7363 or visit www.cidermillplayhouse.com.
Written by acclaimed Philadelphia playwright Bruce Graham and directed by Chenango River Theatre regular Bill Lelbach, “The Outgoing Tide” details the retired lives of Gunner and Peg, who now reside in their old Chesapeake Bay summer cottage. When their son Jack comes to the cottage for a visit the weekend before the weather is to turn poor, Gunner mounts a nontraditional campaign to help his family avoid financial ruin. The play portrays many ups and downs over a short period in the characters’ lives. Ultimately, the play really details the difficulties of the decline caused by aging. A proud blue collar man, Gunner struggles at his old age to prove himself, and he sees his financial status as something he could control. Many ethical and moral issues arise to challenge the cast of characters, and their responses sometimes suggest dark internal conflicts and pessimistic worldviews. “The Outgoing Tide” mixes dark humor and emotional fortitude to describe a family in transition. The uncertainty of Gunner and Peg’s future provides the audience an intimate glimpse into the internal workings of characters that are past the prime years of their lives. The play highlights the deterioration of not only physical bodies, but also morals and convictions. The Chenango River Theatre is proud to serve as the venue for this drama. Since the closing of the off-Broadway production in New York City in mid-December, smaller theatres in cities throughout the country clamored to gain the rights to the production. The show has a history of both challenging and rewarding the audience’s empathy for the characters, even in the face of some poor decisions. The theatre will host one of the first performances of the show since its closing. Any fan of comedy-drama would be mistaken to miss this acclaimed show during its three-week run. “The Outgoing Tide” will play at the Chenango River Theatre from September 27th through October 13th, 991 State Highway 12 in Greene, NY. During that span, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances begin at 7:30pm. Sunday performances will start at 2:00pm. Ticket prices range from $20 to $23, with some group rates available to parties of 15 or more. Shows on Sunday September 29th and Thursday October 3rd will feature a name-your-own-price ticket option. Saturday September 28th will feature half price tickets for anyone under the age of thirty-five. For more information, call the box office at 607-656-8499, or contact tickets@ chenangorivertheatre.org.
22 Vol. 1 Issue 7
UN-CONVENT-IONAL NUNSENSE AT EPAC
Charles Berman Staff Writer The Repertory of the Endicott Performing Arts Center is presenting an unusual production of the musical Nunsense: Ah-Men! Vs. Women this month on the weekends of September 12th-15th and 19th-22nd. The conceit of the EPAC version of the show is that it will in a sense consist of two productions presented on adjacent weekends- one with an all-female cast and director, the other with an all-male version of the same. John Penird, a veteran director of many EPAC productions, including its original musical of “Exodus” and the last two years’ successful “Burlesque” shows, directs the male cast. Kris Gilbert, a prolific EPAC musical director, will be in charge of directing their female counterparts. EPAC’s repertory productions rely on the community as a source of acting talent, and the decision to double cast the show in masculine and feminine versions will no doubt assuage the concerns that might otherwise have arisen from the choice of a play about nuns that might normally be cast overwhelmingly with women. Apart from this practical concern, the choice to present a contrasting allmale version of the production may also highlight, by contrast, the normative nature of gender roles and performativity with regard to church positions and social roles that are universally recognized as being specifically gendered. In addition, men dressing as nuns has historically been recognized as a prime source of comedic material. It’s been said by some that musicals today consist almost universally of revivals or adaptations
from an increasingly absurd set of source materials. When “Nunsense” premiered on Manhattan’s Broadway stage in 1985, it pioneered this trend: the musical book, music, and lyrics were written by Dan Goggin as an adaptation of his own series of greeting cards. Perhaps surprisingly for a production that began as greeting cards and passed through a stage during it was a cabaret before becoming a Broadway musical, “Nunsense” does ostensibly present some form of plot. The broad storyline involves the Little Sisters of Hoboken and the aftermath of an incident in which one of the sisters accidentally poisoned fifty-two other residents of the convent. The proceeding events enact the trope of a variety show designed to raise money for the protagonists’ cause- occasioned, in a metafictional development by the spendthrift wasting of funds that had been earned by selling greeting cards. A large number of songs and quirky characters contribute to the audience-pleasing qualities of the musical, and it was a great success in its original production, lasting for over thirty five hundred performances over ten years off-Broadway. The all-male “Nunsese: A-Men!” first played in New York in 1998. EPAC’s production will feature adult casts, as a Repertory Company production distinct from its children’s productions. Performances will be September 12th-15th for the male cast and September 19th-22nd for the female, and will be at the Endicott Performing Arts Center’s Robert Eckert Theatre, 102 Washington Avenue in Endicott, down the street from the St Ambrose Parish Catholic Church. Tickets cost $20, or $18 for those under twelve or over sixty-five years of age. A special promotion is in effect in which tickets for both weekends can be bought at once for thirty dollars. Purchases can be made at endicottarts.com or by dialing 607-7858903.
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September 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 23
A HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO
Galaxy! Photo by Ty Whitbeck.
GALAXY BREWING CO.
Ty Whitbeck Assistant Editor Some things were just meant to happen. Take the Big Bang, for example, if you believe in that sort of thing… if not for that cosmic explosion, we would not be flying around at an incredible speed on a celestial body throughout the Milky Way, would we? We would not have the chance to play mad scientist in the laboratory of our choice, the freedom fighters of the Prohibition Era would have fallen to the wayside, and we in the Triple Cities would not be anticipating the opening of Galaxy Brewing Company the way we have been for years. And the anticipation has abounded. From the moment the first rumors started circulating about Galaxy, a buzz has been in the air. Downtown Binghamton would be home to not one, but two brewpubs (the former, of course, being Water Street Brewing Co). Two years of false claims of opening have come to an end, and at press time, the grand opening of Galaxy Brewing Company (located at Court and Washington in the old Phil’s Gift Shop building) has been scheduled for August 30th, following an extremely successful soft opening on August 23rd. But, what of the Big Bang that set it off? It can all be traced back through time and the cosmos to Maine-Endwell High School in the mid 90s, where the planets aligned and students Seth Weisel and Brian Lovesky crossed paths during winter track & field. After graduation (Brian a year ahead of Seth), they both did what was expected of young men: they followed their dreams and furthered their education.
Weisel had been home-brewing for a number of years before heading out west to “beer school” at UC Davis, where he received formal training.
He then took the Institute of Brewing & Distilling exam, scoring exceptionally. His journey led him through the front doors of Rooster Fish Brewing Co. (Watkins Glen), where he held down the Head Brew Master position for two years. At some point, he got back in touch with Lovesky (now preceded by the title ‘chef’), who at the time was working as Executive Chef of Tranquil Bar & Bistro in Binghamton. Weisel and was trying to get some of Rooster Fish’s beers on the taps at the restaurant. It was shortly thereafter, when both gentlemen were looking to put themselves in a better place, that Weisel had the vision of a brewery and asked Lovesky if he would like to cook in this theoretical brewery’s theoretical kitchen. Seth’s father Michael was approached to be a partner, and suddenly the theoretical was put in action. The result would be something out of this world. Chef Brian Lovesky is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (Class of 2004), as is his Sous Chef, Alison Hartnett, a 2011 graduate. Lovesky’s craft has put him in kitchens from New Orleans to Nashville to Binghamton, where he last tenured as Executive Chef of Tranquil. His training has been life long, and his recipe book ranges from the deepest of Southern style cooking to the most honorary of French cuisine… plus everything in between. He described the menu at Galaxy to be “upscale American comfort food.” “I love trying new ingredients and seeing how they play off each other,” says Lovesky. “I’m really excited about using Seth and Michael’s beer as that new ingredient. At Galaxy, we will have a nice balance of comfortable classics combined with creative original cuisine, all made fresh in house.” When beer is concerned, like most things in life, balance is of the utmost importance. Some breweries fall short because their over-the-top use of ingredients (many of which don’t work well with the malts and the other complex notes a good beer should have). Seth understands the downsides of not having a balanced beer and works hard to make sure all of his flavors are represented equally.
Seth and his father plan to have twelve beers in rotation at any given time. “We are going to start off with three beers and keep adding three beers every week until we reach twelve,” Michael said.
“I’m working on an Oktoberfest now, which should be ready by the middle of September.” Seth adds, “I’ve also got a light Belgian ale that’s still kind of young and a darker English beer that I will nitrogenize,” he said. [EDITOR’S NOTE: Nitrogen beers… grab a can of Guinness or Boddington’s and you’ll find a pressurized plastic widget in there. When the tab is popped, science happens and the reaction of the Nitrogen and Oxygen results in small bubble carbonation, leaving the beer creamier with a frothier head. The more you know…] “I’ve even been sitting on a mint chocolate stout recipe that I’m going to try out shortly.” As with the theme of staying local, Chef Brian and Seth take pride in purchasing their meat and produce from local, sustainable farms whenever possible. Their spent grains from the beer, and compost from the kitchen, will be sent back to the farmers, allowing the cycle to continue. “We’re really just trying to keep it as fresh as possible, and on my side, in the kitchen, we’re going to do it with our own hands,” Chef Brian said. “We just want to give something back. I’d like to think that we’re making something here that everybody can enjoy, and share a place to enjoy a fresh, local meal in a great atmosphere.” Being a part of the community is what these folks are all about. They have a lot to be thankful for and their humility shows. They built a stage to accommodate live music, and they intend to have their walls spruced up with art from the area. Becoming a part of the First Friday happenings can’t happen soon enough. Galaxy Brewing Co. occupies a spacious section of real estate on Court Street but, as it turns out, they’ve acquired a part of Binghamton history. On
the 4th floor of the building, located where the iconic Phil’s Gift Shop once stood, a fraternal order of white males portraying Native Americans (known as the Improved Order of Red Men) set up shop in 1909. To make this concise, as their history is secretive and quite vast, The Improved Order of Red Men, formerly known as the “Sons of Liberty,” dates back to our Founding Fathers, and their actions stem back to events of the Boston Tea Party of 1773. These men were certainly not Native Americans, but their intentions were deemed well. As described by their Constitution, they were “pledged to the high ideals of Freedom, Friendship and Charity.” One of the most valued qualifications of becoming a part of this brotherhood, however, was to be a “white male with good moral character,” as ironic as that sounds. The IORM membership peaked at over half a million members in over 46 states by 1920, and the “Wamsutta Tribe No. 37,”- or the Binghamton Chapter- would later play host to six different “tribes” at the lodge on Washington Street. Although the Binghamton Chapter is no longer active, the IORM still has membership in over 46 states. Now, the group’s long forgotten lodge, or what Galaxy Brewing Co. is preemptively calling “the Ballroom,” is still ways away from being functional. Boxes from Phil’s Gift Shop still haunt the place, from the floors to the balcony above, where the original gas fueled lights still hang on cords. Around the perimeter of the lodge are detailed Native American paintings, which are now flaking off the walls (the debate is on whether to restore or paint over). Once this part of the building is tended to and is part of the operation, the owners have plans to throw fancy soirees and let it be a regular part of the downtown happenings. Between the brewery, the restaurant, and the eventual Ballroom, the folks at Galaxy exude optimism and can hardly contain their excitement to share their best with the patient residents of Binghamton and beyond. Check them out on facebook, or at galaxybrewingco.com, for more info and hours.
FRIENDS OF THE FLIGHTLESS FLAPPERS TAKE HEED:
24 Vol. 1 Issue 7
WING FEST RETURNS!
competitors. This years’ competition will be heated (pun intended) with a multitude of wing flavors from nuclear to barbeque, and varying cooking techniques from deep fried to grilled. Each admission ticket enables the guest to sample from 10 of the competitors and then cast their ballot for the “King of Wings.” Attendees can also purchase additional wing tasting tickets for $1. The wing sampling will take place from 2pm until 4pm, and will be followed by a wing eating contest that will take place while the ballots are being tallied. The wing eating contest will have prizes for first, second and third place.
Ahlpheh Ohtis Wilson Staff Writer
On Saturday September 7, Traditions At The Glen, located at 4101 Watson Blvd. in Johnson City, will play host to the second annual Binghamton Wing Fest. There are a variety of wing fests held all over the US, but the Southern Tier version is the brainchild of Tom Shiptenko, station manager for Equinox Broadcasting. Tom is hoping to build upon the success of community events such as the Spiedie Fest, to grow Binghamton Wing Fest into a much larger attraction. The festival is an opportunity for local eateries to showcase their talents and walk away with the title of “King of Wings.” Last year’s winner, Shagundas Bar (of Johnson City), will be returning to defend their title against the following establishments: The Deacon’s Bench (runner up 2012), Blind Tiger Pub, Bobby’s Place, Brozzetti’s Pizza, Dillinger’s Celtic Pub and Eatery, Downtown Quarterback, Gramma’s Country Café, Harry L. Pub, Jake’s, Manley’s Bar, Nevole’s Family Pizzeria, The Belmar, The New Yorker, The Old Union Hotel, The Terrace Tavern, mographic and attract new listeners by promotTNT Chicken & BBQ, Tom & Marty’s and Topper’s ing community events such as Binghamton Wing Salon and Eatery. Fest. They are also hoping to attract students from nearby Binghamton University who may (it is ruEquinox Broadcasting and radio station 100.5 The mored) be interested in consuming hot wings and Drive are hoping to reach out to their target de- cold beer. The event is also being utilized as a par-
Chicken Wings! Photo by Ty Whitbeck.
tial benefit, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Bundy Museum and the Ross Park Zoo. The first Binghamton Wing Fest, in 2012, attracted about 1,200 attendees and approximately 20
Binghamton Wing Fest will also feature live entertainment, with four bands performing; Butch Nerra & Masterpiece, Outer Reef, The Look, and Hi-Way Fruitmarket will play throughout the day, beginning at 1pm. The winner of Binghamton Wing Fest, in addition to the yearlong title of “King Of Wings,” will be awarded a trophy and receive a $500 credit for an advertising schedule with any of the Equinox Broadcasting family of radio stations. Binghamton Wing Fest is being sponsored by: Yuengling, Visions Federal Credit Union, Traditions At The Glen, The Press & Sun Bulletin, Whats’ Goin’ On Binghamton, and 100.5 The Drive with Equinox Broadcasting. So grab a package of wet naps and a pack of Tums, and come on down to the second annual Binghamton Wing Fest. There will be plenty of good music, cold beer and good health conscious folks looking to have some fun as they chow on the Southern Tier’s best wings. See you there!
EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH TOWN AT RESTAURANT WEEK ‘13
Ahlpheh Ohtis Wilson Staff Writer
Binghamton Restaurant Week 2013 (round-two!), will take place during the week of September 17th to the 26th. If your financial situation is the primary reason that you do not frequent many Binghamton eateries, then restaurant week is an excellent excuse to put down the TV dinner and venture out. With participating restaurants offering a 3 course lunch for $10 and a 3 course dinner for $25 or less, you will not find a more reasonable cost for a great meal. With a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Boys and Girls Club and CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse), you can also consider this an act of kindness and support for your community. Restaurant Week receives support from: The City of Binghamton, Maines, Sysco, Townsquare Media, M&T Bank, American Express, BingSpot.com, The Partners, Butcher Boys, Behlog and Son Produce,
hue, Robert J. Hanafin, and July Fest Binghamton. The variety of participating restaurants will afford you the opportunity to try everything from traditional Thai food to a typical brew house burger. The diversity presented in the Binghamton community becomes increasingly apparent when viewed through culinary curtains. Binghamton Restaurant Week has been extremely successful in the past and has attracted new restaurants and new patrons into the city with each of its twice yearly events. With all of the talk of revitalizing downtown and supporting local enterprise, venturing out for Restaurant Week is a positive step in this direction.
The restaurants participating in the 3 course lunch for $10 are as follows: Binghamton Hots, Café West 46, Cortese Restaurant, Crepe Heaven, Cyber Café West, Czech Pleeze, Galaxy Brewing Company, House Of Reardon, Little Venice, Loft at 99, Lost Dog Café, Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar, River Bistro, Sake-Tumi, South Side Yanni’s, Taste of Europe, Thai Time, Water Street Brewing Company, Whole in the Wall, and Zona & Co Grillle. You can check on the hours of operation for most of the participating restaurants by checking their websites or simply by picking up a telephone.
Burger Monday’s (20), Café West 46 (20), Cortese (25), Czech Pleeze (16), Galaxy Brewing (20), Gallagher’s Irish Pub (20), Little Venice (20), Loft at 99 (20), Lost Dog Café (20), Number 5 Restaurant (25), Remlik’sGrille & Oyster Bar (25), River Bistro (25), Sake-Tumi (20), South Side Yanni’s (20), Taste of Europe (20), Thai Time (20), Tranquil Bar & Bistro (25), Water Street Brewing Company (20), Whole in the Wall (20), and Zona & Co. Grille (20). With such an extensive list of participating restaurants, one could eat lunch and dinner out for a week and still not experience all that are participating. Those that have participated in the previous Spring or Fall Restaurant Week’s may notice two prominent additions to the list of participating venues: the long awaited Galaxy Brewing Company, which opened at the end of August, has hit the ground running, and South Side Yanni’s will be providing a bit of Greek flair. You can find more information on the event @ facebook.com/BingRW or BinghamtonRestaurantWeek. com. Grab a few extra dollars for some beverages and an adequate tip to support local establishments while also helping to support the community at large. Binghamton Restaurant Week will be held during the week of September 17th through the 26th. Take this opportunity to venture out and sample Binghamton’s best.
PARLOR CITY BREWFEST: The restaurants participating in the 3 course dinner (along with their perspective prices) are as follows:
DRINKING FOR THE CAUSE (NOT THE JUST ‘CUZ)
Maria “Murph” Murphy Staff Writer
This month the Lost Dog Cafe will be overflowing with the scents of hops and barley as local and New York State breweries roll in keg after keg for the second annual Parlor City Brew Fest to benefit the Family and Children Society. Water Street Brewing Company, Butternut Beer and Ale, Cooperstown Brewing Company, The North Brewery, and the Ithaca Beer Company are just a few of the breweries planned to be in attendance for the event.
“It’s an opportunity to raise money for the agency, and is also where people in the area can come together and have a good time while doing something good for the community,” she explains.
It will be an evening filled with good taste and good will. Each ticket will include a four ounce tasting glass and twenty vouchers for tastings. The price of the ticket includes both tasting and a delicious variety of food that will be provided as well. In addition to the brews, on hand will be the Lost Dog’s stocked bar, filled with a variety of drinks to be offered during the event. So if beer doesn’t strike your fancy or you will be attending as a responsible designated driver, there will be plenty of other food and refreshments available to be enjoyed; not to mention a fun, social atmosphere. The Brew Fest is sure to be a great way to bring the summer season to a close. Those running the event seem to feel very confident and well assured of the success it will bring based on attendance from the previous year’s event.
“It’s a very fun event,” says Kathleen Colling, cochair and board member of the Family and Children Society. “A great place to meet and greet.”
“We had a great support from the community last year and we hope to have that again!” exclaims Colling.
With a recent and devastating fire that has claimed their Main Street building, the Family and Children Society is ever more appreciative this year of any support that will help them rebuild.
“Over 200 people attended last year and we’re looking forward to an even larger number this year,” Fred DuFour, Executive Director for the Family and Children Society, adds.
The Family and Children Society is a program that has been essential in helping those in need within local communities since 1941. Their programs and clientele stretch through Broome and Tioga Counties, providing services in counseling and support in a variety of areas including (but not limited to) family mental health, sexual abuse treatment, domestic violence, and elder counseling, as well as providing family support centers.
So not only will this event be both appetizing and enjoyable, but the support it brings will also help a valuable agency continue to provide vital services to our community, especially to the young and most in need. Let’s drink to that!
The Parlor City Brew Fest will be held on Thursday September 12th at the Lost Dog Cafe (222 Water Street, Binghamton) from 5pm-8pm. Tickets are $35 can be purchased by either calling (607) 7296206 or e-mailing info@familycs.org. You can also purchase tickets by visiting familycs/tickets.aspx, or find them on Facebook (Parlor City Brew Fest – The Family & Children Society). Lower cost tickets will be available for designated drivers. For more information or questions about the event, or the Family and Children Society and their services visit familycs.org.
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September 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 25
HEALTHY
EATS
Stacey Burke Staff Writer
Have you ever made granola bars at home? Not only will you be surprised at how easy and inexpensive they are to make, but you’ll be saving yourself from loads of extra sugar that is often hiding in these seemingly healthy snacks. Try out this recipe, and you’ll have a power-packed bar that will boost your energy with all the protein, healthy fats and fiber you need to fill and fuel you up!
Energy-Boosting Granola Bars Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups rolled oats 1 cup chopped nuts (I used a mixture of almonds, walnuts, and cashews– but mix it up!) 1/4 cup sunflower seeds 3/4 cup flax seeds 1/2 cup dried unsweetened coconut 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla 4 tablespoon coconut oil (the good stuff! EVCO) 1/2 cup raw honey (if possible) or pure honey 1/2 tablespoon agave or 2 tablespoons raw sugar 1 cup currants (or dried cherries, raisins or cranberries, again up to you!) Directions: 1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Combine the oats and nuts/seeds together, and spread on a baking sheet lined with foil. Toast the mixture for about 15-25 minutes (until golden brown). Shake the mixture up with a spoon occasionally to avoid burning. 2. In a saucepan, combine coconut oil, honey, vanilla, and agave/sugar. Stir over medium to medium high heat until liquid slightly boils, then reduce to low, stirring for another minute (for all the honey and sugar to dissolve). 3. Place toasted oat mixture in a large bowl, and add the sea salt, cinnamon, dried fruit and coconut, mixing thoroughly to coat. Add the honey/liquid, stirring to coat entire mixture. 5. Using a 9×13 pan, line with wax paper (or oiled). Spread your mixture evenly into the pan, and press down to create an even surface. Using another piece of wax paper, lay on top and firmly press down so mixture is tight in the pan. 6. Place pan in the refrigerator, and let cool to solidify– at least 2 hours. Use a knife to cut into bars. Stacey Burke is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, and founder of New Roots to Health. She works with busy individuals whom struggle with stress around weight loss, cravings and low energy by supporting them in setting personal goals in balancing diet and lifestyle. How often do you get the personal attention you deserve when talking about your health and nutrition? Email her at Stacey@newrootstohealth.com or visit her website www.newrootstohealth.com to learn more about programs that could change your life. Mention you read about her in the Carousel, and receive 25% off a 6-month, personalized program!
special feature.
26 Vol. 1 Issue 7
Phelps Mansion Museum. Photo by Ty Whitbeck.
PAST MEETS PRESENT AND FUTURE
AT PHELPS MANSION MUSEUM
Rose Silberman-Gorn Staff Writer
Phelps Mansion Museum’s three-story brick and stone building on Court Street, filled with antique furniture, paintings, and- oddly enough- taxidermy birds, is merely a gateway into its rich past. The history of the Phelps Mansion is uniquely tied to the history of Binghamton. It’s a product of Binghamton’s golden era as a transportation crossroads and manufacturing center, as well as a result of Sherman Phelps’s ambition, drive, and wealth. Born into an upper-middle class family, Sherman Phelps moved from Hartford, Connecticut to Scranton, Pennsylvania at the age of 14. He began working as a clerk at a glass factory, which soon went out of business due to lack of railroads or canals to transport the glass to the market. Phelps went on to work a series of odd-jobs, hoping for something to stick; he worked as a salesman in Illinois and Connecticut, and as a clerk in New York City. Phelps’s big break was not through his own business prowess, but through his marriage to a wealthy woman whose father had just died and
left her with an estate. Though he technically didn’t earn the money, he did use it wisely, investing it in real estate, canals, and coal, and opening up a general store in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania.
Phelps remarried 9 years after his daughter and wife died from an unknown disease, and moved with his second wife- also wealthy- to Binghamton in 1854, where he planned to take advantage of the Triple Cities’ booming railroad and canal businesses. In addition to investing in both of these ventures, he became a half owner of the J.B. Weed Tannery, founded a bank, started a gas light company, and even functioned an elector in Abraham Lincoln’s presidential race. Phelps’s philanthropy was also notable; he paid for a road to be built out to Kirkwood and donated money to rebuild the local Presbyterian church. Due to his many contributions to Binghamton, Phelps won by a landslide when he ran for mayor in 1872. This was the same year that construction on his mansion was completed, at a cost of $119,000. However, the sensation of finally reaching the pinnacle of success was priceless to Phelps. After serving a 1-year mayoral term, Phelps decided to travel to Europe, living in Vienna, England, Germany, and the Baltic Region. Upon his return, he resumed his businesses, but became ill a few years later with Fell’s Disease. Phelps died in 1878 at 64 years old, and is still fondly remembered for his tireless contributions to the city of Binghamton.
Phelps’s relatives lived in the mansion until about 1882, including his sons Arthur and Robert and niece Sarah. The last person associated with the Phelps family to live in the mansion was a former slave named Andrew Jackson, who took care of the mansion from 1882 to 1890.
Several other families resided in the mansion until it was sold in 1905 to the Monday Afternoon Club, a women’s civic organization devoted to intellectual and philanthropic endeavors. The Club contributed to the mansion by building a ballroom in 1905, and maintaining and owning the mansion throughout the years. If not for them, the mansion would probably have been torn down at one point or another, like many other local historic buildings in the region. The Phelps Mansion served as the Monday Afternoon Clubhouse for many years. It became a museum after the club members reached a consensus to make it so in 2005, later receiving the final charter through the state of New York as a historic house museum in 2011. The mansion, which was extravagant for its time and admired by Sherman Phelps’s neighbors, can still be appreciated today in a variety of ways. Some of the events the museum offers include: tours every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, programs for students in grades 1-12, a holiday open house, and art exhibits in the ballroom on First Friday. Always eager to reinvent itself, the Phelps Mansion
is also offering new events for the fall, including a series of classical music programs to be held on the second Sunday of every month. Featured musicians will include the Empire Saxophone Quartet on September 15, the Bryant Park Quartet on October 13, and Scottish music by Marijane Wojtowitz and John Isenberg on November 17. The Phelps will also be delving into history with the Adult Reading and Discussion Program on the Civil War, which will consist of 5 sections. For people more interested in plays, S.T.A.R. (Southern Tier Actors Read) will present Enemy of the People on September 29th. Though the Phelps Mansion doesn’t have any hidden passageways or ghosts, it does hold the appeal of containing several people’s lives, and many people’s history within it. The Gilded Age mansion, designed by architect Isaac Perry (more on him in months to come), is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is alive with the spirit of Binghamton, and with Phelps’s fervent desire to improve the city and make it a prosperous and exciting place to live.
If you would like more information about the Phelps Mansion Museum or upcoming events, please visit www.phelpsmansion.org. The mansion is located at 191 Court Street in Binghamton, and is reachable at (607) 722-4873. Tours are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 10am to 3pm, and cost $5 for people 13 and up, and are free for people 12 and under.
wellness.
September 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 27
DARING GARDENISTA
Each month, we check in with KRISTINA STRAIN for advice on what we should be doing with our gardens. Kristina lives and gardens in Gilbertsville.
The garden is quite a sight right now. It’s hitting the seventh inning in fine shape, but also looking a little slumpy around the edges: yellow zucchini leaves, the row of potatoes dying back and getting ready to be harvested, crab grasses going to seed despite my best efforts. Tomatoes come blinking on like stop lights in slow motion, gaining on ripeness hour by hour. In other corners, though, tender new lives begin as the big heady high-summer crops fade away.
Break the cycle of sugar addiction. Photo by Ty Whitbeck.
CUTTING OUT THE SUGAR: BREAKING THE ADDICTION
Stacey Burke Staff Writer
From the moment we come into this world, human beings prefer the taste of sweet above any other. Big surprise, eh? We are predisposed to love sugar. Babies will choose fruits over other foods, formula over breast milk. Soon enough we discover candy, chocolate, cake, ice cream. I’m sure you don’t have much of a problem listing at least two or three of your favorite sweet-tooth triggers. In the past, though, sugary treats were consumed as just that – occasional treats. These days, sugar and all its varying forms (such as the ever notorious high-fructose corn syrup) are found in just about everything. Condiments, cereal, beverages, tomato sauce – you may be shocked at how much added sweetener is lurking in even the most unsuspecting items. To give you an idea, there is one teaspoon of sugar in every tablespoon of ketchup! The maximum consumption of sugar should be no more than six teaspoons for female adults and eight teaspoons for male adults per day. That’s only about 3/4 of a 12 oz. can of cola or a 1/4 cup of M&Ms! What does the average
American consume? Approximately 30 teaspoons per day – an equivalent of around 140lbs a year! Too much sugar reaps havoc on our bodies and has been linked to a number of health concerns, including obesity, diabetes, hypoglycemia, heart disease, depression, ADHD, and much more.
So what is a result of our sugar ridden environment and heavy consumption? A society that is addicted. Addiction may seem like a strong word, but if you think about the side effects of consuming sugar, you’ll find symptoms people often experience are those of withdrawal - more intense and frequent cravings, as well as irritability, tiredness, and headaches when you don’t get your sweet-fix. Not to mention, when our blood sugar levels spike, dopamine is released in our brain causing us to feel good, in turn creating a cycle of craving more once the levels drop! What else may cause you to lust after the stuff? Look at your food, deficits, and behaviors for underlying causes - lack of water, too much caffeine, high intake of salty foods, seasonal changes, hormones, lack of nutrients, and even eating as a means to fill a void are all thought to drive us to the white stuff. Just when you may be thinking it’s easy to switch to “diet” versions or “sugar-free” products, more
and more studies are being done on the safety of these artificial sweeteners. Though these additives are approved by the FDA, substances such as aspartame have been associated with a variety of health-impairing symptoms. The CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest) cautions everyone to avoid aspartame and saccharin, stating they are very poorly tested and could be unsafe when consuming large amounts. Don’t lose hope! There are loads of natural substitutes you can try. Yes, you still want to limit your consumption of sweet foods to that of moderation, but switching out white, refined sugar for more natural sources will create less fluctuation in your blood sugar levels, and some even pack some nutrients! A couple of examples include raw honey, maple syrup, molasses, stevia (leaf), agave nectar and brown rice syrup. Give ‘em a whirl when you’re in your kitchen next by swapping out the sugar! Wondering what other basic steps you can take immediately to kick your cravings to the curb? Try reducing your caffeine, increasing your water intake, adding in more sweet vegetables and fruits to your diet, getting more sleep as well as being more physically active, or experimenting with different spices. The results might surprise you!
I know that for some, “getting in the garden” involves a brief flurry of planting centered around Memorial Day weekend. And that is fine, for some. But not for me. I make planting a full-season affair, trotting out to the garden with a handful of seed packets nearly every week or so throughout the season. I make time for a midsummer seed order from one of my favorite companies (Johnny’s Seeds, of Maine), because, after the madness of spring planting ends, their inventory goes on sale! And I buy it: $1 a packet for parsnips, kale, spinach, even basil? (A moment of weakness, that last one…) Too good to pass up. And so provisioned, I make my mid-season planting plan. Last month, I was still planting carrots, beets, and parsnips; this month, I’m all about the fast-growing, cold-tolerant greens—arugula, spinach, leaf lettuces, baby kale—that I’ll be eating until Christmas. These guys thrive under the cold, rainy skies of autumn, and—conveniently, too—they’re about my favorite thing in the world to eat. I tuck in rows here and there throughout the month, as the crops I sowed earlier in the summer wear out or die back. Pull out a row of carrots, plant a row of arugula. Beyond just providing some tasty late-fall salads, planting a fall garden does wonders to ease the sting of summer’s end. It can be downright melancholy, this time of year, with those damn goldenrods starting in and nighttime lows dipping into the 20s—better to start out some cool-weather crops in the garden, so their cute baby stages can cheer you through to wintertime. If you’re looking to do one better, build yourself a cold frame out of an old storm window and some scrap lumber. Make it 8 inches high in front, and 14 inches high in the back, and as wide and long as your window. Plop it down over that row of seed you just sowed, set the window on top, and marvel at the fact that you’ll be able to pick salads out of the thing until the middle of January. But that is a tune for another day. I have all winter to write specific, detailed stuff about cold frames. And winter it will be, in not long, and the Daring Gardenista realizes she is going to be seriously thirsting for topics in no time quick. Anyone with particular garden queries or quibbles, feel free to email your ideas to: kpstrain1@gmail.com.
fun stuff.
28 Vol. 1 Issue 7
B.C.
by MASTROIANNI AND HART
HOROSCOPES
Each month, CAROUSEL features a guest horoscope columnist. For August, we welcome JOE ALSTON, guitarist/vocalist for local band Milkweed, and avid fisherman. As far as we know, he knows nothing of astrology. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) I can’t stand you when you’re like this. I love you, but what the hell? Remember Joe Cocker’s performance at Woodstock? What about that? Fear is dominating your life. You are what you are. Youtube Belushi impersonating Joe Cocker.
WIZARD OF ID
by PARKER, MASTROIANNI, AND HART
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) This month is fun. For a semi-known reason everyone is going to start looking very attractive; standard fare turns gourmet. Lust is love with a short lifespan. This month is filled. It won’t last... nothing does. Youtube Tina Turner. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Big river, small fish. Summer is currently falling onto fall’s cold shoulder and you’re running low on sweaters. Strike while the iron is hot, and only use your house for sleep. Skip work as much as you can, and spend your days out in the world that really owns us. Google John Muir.
DOGS OF C-KENNEL
by MICK AND MASON MASTROIANNI
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) I only recommend this to professionals, but for you I’ll make an exception. You might want to quit your job. Happiness is hard enough to get without monotony, exhaustion, and a one rung ladder to nowhere. Southern California is beautiful in the winter. Google image Bora Bora. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Call your mother. Even if she is dead dial her up and tell her how you feel; she is worried, she is always worried. Even if she is not, she secretly is. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) So apparently there is a song about you... That is a good sign. The stars have no strong effect on you, but the moon is an undeniable force. I suggest studying the different phases, doing some sketches, and start sleeping outside. All-in-all you’re doing well. I would suggest a little more foreplay... couldn’t hurt. Youtube baby owls.
DEAR RUMMY Got a question for Rummy? He is learned in many subjects, and he is more than willing to make it up the rest of the time. Send your question to triplecitiescarousel@gmail.com. Be sure to put ‘Dear Rummy’ in the subject! Check back in future issues to see if he’s answered you!
Dear Out of the Loop,
Dear Rummy,
I’m afraid that I didn’t watch the MTV Video Music Awards either, and I was just as confused by this whole twerking thing as you are. I thought, perhaps it meant “pre-teen jerk.” That makes sense. I know a few pre-teens. They are all jerks, with their iPhones and their One Direction and their Lisa Frank Trapper Keepers. Then I thought perhaps it meant “a tweet about work.” I am not on Twitter, but if I was, I assume I would tweet about work a lot. I, however, use the internet for more useful things, like looking at pictures of kittens captioned with terrible grammar.
I didn’t watch the MTV Video Music Awards, but I am on facebook, and all everyone seems to be talking about is Miley Cyrus and “twerking.” Maybe I’m getting old, but I haven’t got the slightest idea what they all seem to be talking about. What’s twerking, and why is it such a big deal?
I did take a break from looking at kittens, though, to find out just exactly what this twerking thing is. Apparently, it’s making your butt clap while you dance. This seems useful for a double amputee with no hands, but I’m at a loss as to why exactly the general public seems to be doing it.
Sincerely yours,
Of course, Miley Cyrus is not the general public. She’s the daughter of the greatest country singer that ever lived, Billy Ray Cyrus. I am not the daugh-
Out of the Loop
ter of Billy Ray Cyrus, but if I was, I’d probably twerk. Billy Ray Cyrus deserves an ovation wherever he goes, and as his daughter, I would surely want to clap for him with both my hands and my butt, such is his esteem. The most interesting thing about this whole VMA twerking fiasco, however, seems to be the public outcry about it. I watched a few news clips, and it seems that Miley’s butt claps are the most important news there is. “She’s trashing up MTV,” they say. Well… I don’t know when the last time you watched MTV was, but the last time I watched, there were pregnant middle schoolers on a game show, competing for a date with one of those orange fellas from New Jersey. I’m not one to judge, but it seems the trash was already there. Hope this helps!
Very Truly Yours, Rummy
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) You’re gonna die, but not just yet. Youtube Bill Murray SNL Audition. Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) Rolling thunder. And no, distance does not mean distant. This time get closer than expected. This month is good for random acts that don’t mean much but are fun. Study to be quiet. Youtube shark cat. Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) Your sex life is starting to plummet. Buy a new shirt and some flowers, and stop thinking so much about it. Youtube Bo Diddley. Gemini (May 21-Jun. 20) You and I are not too different. Whether or not you drink, this month get drunk more than usual. Whether or not you believe in God, pray less and spend as much money as you can. The name of the game is excess; play hard. Youtube Big Mama Thorton, Hound Dog. Cancer (Jun. 21-Jul. 22) Maybe you cook, maybe you don’t. How the hell am I supposed to know? Cook more. Stop eating out. Youtube Robert Bly. Leo (Jul. 23-Aug.22) You’ve got a picture in your bedroom. It’s not really that great... Take it down and toss it. Decorate your month: better pictures, better shoes, better people, better nights. We are what we look at. Google image Hokusai Katsushika.
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30 Vol. 1 Issue 7
PERSON OF INTEREST
FIRST EVER ROBERCON INVADES ROBERSON MUSEUM The Roberson Museum hosts first ever Robercon in September. Photo Provided.
Dan Spaventa Staff Writer
Name? Joshua B Ludzki Location? Downtown Binghamton. Occupation? Managing Partner at BingSpot & Manager of Marketing/PR for WSKG Public Media How long have you lived in the region and why did you move here? Moved here 7 years ago from North Jersey to take a gig hosting afternoon drive for Star 105.7. Lived here ever since. Favorite local music? Franco Feeling. They’re very different. I feel transported. Best place to grab a drink? Maybe it’s cliché, but I love Lost Dog Lounge. Diverse, friendly, attitude-free crowd; great at booking solid live music. Brilliant drinks. Best place to grab a bite? I have a different obsession every week. This week it’s Little Venice. Because it’s getting cold and homemade fettuccini comforts me. 8) Hidden gem? My very favorite night to go out is Sassy Sunday at Tranquil. All musical theater, all night. What else could you ask for? (Assuming you don’t hate musicals.) What do you feel this region is in most dire need of? A better attitude. Some people talk about ‘brain drain.’ I worry about ‘positivity drain.’ Maybe all the optimists have moved away. The first thing it takes to make a place better is the belief that it can be. How do you make Binghamton a better place to live? I think there are a ton of interesting people doing a ton of interesting things. But it’s tough to get the word out. I have a pretty big mouth, so I make it my mission to spread the news. Describe the city in 5 words or less: Surprisingly vibrant. Poised for comeback.
Calling all Planeswalkers, Harryhausens, Vulcans, Browncoats, and Wookies: Binghamton’s brand new pop culture/ science fiction convention, RoberCon (Roberson Scifi Convention) will be held on Sunday, September 29th from 9am4pm at the Roberson Museum and Science Center. Vendors and fan groups from numerous areas of media and culture will make this a truly special day. The event is a diverse one, with representatives specializing in SciFi, fantasy, games, videos, comics, podcasts, art, steampunk, costuming, and others in attendance. From Rebel Legion to Society of Creative Anachronism to Binghamton FanForce, varied fan groups will table at the event to celebrate everything sci-fi, as well. For the gamers among us, Game Time Express will equip the event with multi-game and multi-player gaming units. From 10am until 1pm, right outside the museum, for the mere price of $3, attendees can take advantage of a healthy 20 minutes of button-mashing and virtual merriment. For a bit of nostalgia, classic arcade games also will be available for play courtesy of Robot City Games. The organizers of RoberCon have scheduled numerous exciting panel discussions throughout the day. Specialized discussions will delve into popular series, including Doctor Who, Star Trek, and Star Wars. Expect to see many attendees donned in elaborate costumes based on their favorite characters from these series. Other lectures include topics related to writing, creating costumes and props, and filmmaking in the local community. Participants in said panels include several noted Binghamton area residents and science-fiction experts, including Press & Sun Bulletin reporter (and Good Times editor) Chris Kocher, Binghamton University English Professor Michael Sharp, and many more. The event is the first of its kind in Binghamton, New York. For local resident and science-fiction enthusiast Alex Baer, the event will be a truly special occasion.
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“It is wonderful to see the Binghamton area cater to such wide interests,” said Baer. “I have been a lifelong sci-fi nerd, and being able to celebrate this in a town with such a huge connection to one of the greatest science-fiction series of all time is an enormous privilege.” He is, of course, referring to the iconic television personality and writer Rod Serling, creator of the renowned sci-fi series, The Twilight Zone. He spent the early years of his life on the west side of Binghamton, attending public schools there before enlisting in the military after high school. His hometown played an enormous role in shaping his writing style, as the Binghamton area is said to have influenced several Twilight Zone episodes. Anne Serling, daughter of Rod, is a special guest at the event, where she will promote her new book,
“How I Knew Him: My Dad, Rod Serling.” The book pays tribute to her relationship with her worldfamous father, who passed away in 1975. From 1pm to 3pm, she will perform a reading from her book, participate in an audience Q&A session, and sign some copies for the attendees. For any Twilight Zone fan, this event will provide unique insights into one of the greatest figures in science fiction history. RoberCon will beam into the Roberson Museum and Science Center at 30 Front Street in Binghamton on Sunday, September 29th from 9am-4pm. General admission tickets will cost $10. Discounted tickets will be available at $7 for students ages 12 and under, and at $5 for Roberson members. For more information check out the RoberCon Facebook page or website at http://www.roberson.org/exhibitsevents/robercon-roberson-scifi-convention.