Youth America Grand Prix 2018
Photo Credit: Presley Ann for PMC and Annie Watt Agency
World's largest student ballet scholarship audition - YOUTH AMERICA GRAND PRIX (YAGP) - returned to the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on Thursday, April 19th for its magnificent gala. The week of ballet festivities concluded with the critically-acclaimed "Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow" in the heart of Lincoln Center.
Photo Credit: Presley Ann for PMC and Annie Watt Agency
The annually sold-out YAGP Gala featured talented young finalists of YAGP 2018 Season onstage alongside international ballet stars. NBC's Hoda Kotb, began the program by welcoming the guests to this year's performances featuring finalists from the competition alongside international ballet stars including Dutch National Ballet principal Sasha Mukhamedov, American Ballet Theatre's Isabella Boylston and Daniil Simkin, and New York City Ballet principal Daniel Ulbricht, among others.
Photo Credit: Presley Ann for PMC and Annie Watt Agency
The program also includes Tres Hombres, originally premiered in March 2018 at YAGP's partner Gala de Danza in Los Cabos, and features New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Daniel Ulbricht, multi-award-winning ballroom champion Denys Drozdyuk and So You Think You Can Dance Season 14 winner and YAGP Alum Lex Ishimoto.
Photo Credit: Presley Ann for PMC and Annie Watt Agency
This year's Gala featured several remarkable musicians, including young piano protege Rosalia Vlaeva Malik, clarinetist Weixion Wang, world-renowned pianist Jorge Viladoms, award-winning pianist Vassily Primakov, electric violinist Sarah Charness, and drummer Caleb Spaulding. Artist and illustrator Hilary Knight, best known for co-creating the 'Eloise' books has created original illustrations that was projected on stage during the Gala performance.
Photo Credit: Presley Ann for PMC and Annie Watt Agency
Following the performances continued on to the Gala Dinner chaired by Amy Astley, Ashley Olsen, Mary Kate Olsen, Colby Mugrabi, Candice Jordan Miller, Marcella Guarino Hymowitz and Lesley Thompson Vecsler in the promenade of the David H. Koch Theater. During the Gala Dinner, the original Hillary Knight drawings was auctioned off to benefit YAGP's educational efforts.
About YAGP
YAGP is the world’s largest and one of the most prestigious international ballet competitions, as well as a New York-based 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. The mission of YAGP is to provide a global network of dance organization that provides scholarship opportunities and master classes for young dancers’ ages 9 to 19 around the world. The YAGP also holds annual competitions in multiple international and national venues that continues for nearly a full year. Each season, selected students from these competitions are invited to New York City to participate in the week-long finals. These promising dancers will receive in-depth mentoring and greater scholarship, professional, and performance opportunities. In less than twenty years YAGP has become an institution – not only for the esteem of its awards, but for the exposure it provides to young dancers to be seen by, and to make an impression on, representatives of ballet schools and companies from across the globe. For more information and how to donate to YAGP, click here.
Photos courtesy of Annie Watt Agency and Presley Ann for Patrick McMullan
Tribeca Film Festival Opening Gala
The 2018 Tribeca Film Festival, kicked off in a big way with the always festive Opening Night Gala. The place to be this evening was Beacon Theater, where A-listers like Robert De Niro, Billy Crystal, Tina Fey, and many more packed the historic theater. The opening night transported the guests back to the 1970s with the premiere of Love, Gilda, a film that explores the world of celebrated Emmy® and Grammy® award-winning comedian Gilda Radner who became a cultural icon the moment audiences first laughed with her on Saturday Night Live’s debut episode. Love, Gilda, presented by CNN Films, is directed and produced by Lisa D’Apolito. It weaves together audiotapes, rare home movies, diary entries, and interviews with her friends and those inspired by her.
Tina Fey, introduced the film to a sold out audience and got emotional speaking about Gilda’s legacy and her influence on female comedians. Following the premiere, the Festival opening continued at Tavern on the Green.
The festival officially kicks off tomorrow, for tickets and events please visit: https://www.tribecafilm.com/
Free Arts NYC 19th Annual Art Auction
On Thursday Night, April 12, Free Arts NYC honored legendary Conceptual Artist Lawrence Weiner at the Free Arts NYC Annual Art Auction. A longtime collaborator and supporter of Free Arts NYC, native New Yorker Lawrence Weiner is widely considered to be one of the most central figures of Conceptual Art, and is among the trailblazers of the 1960s to pursue inquiries into language as sculpture.
The special event took place at Ukrainian Institute of America—housed in the historic Harry F. Sinclair mansion—guests were treated to an exhibition of aspiring teenage artists from Free Arts NYC’s Creative Career Exploration, Portfolio Mentorship, and Museum & Studio Visit Programs. On March 4th, this group of art lovers took part in a very special workshop led by Lawrence Weiner in his West Village studio. Given the prompt “Not why I am born but now that I am born what do I do?”, the young artists created their own Lawrence Weiner-inspired text art, paired with personal ampersand designs symbolizing individuality. The project is a response to Lawrence's contribution to Free Arts NYC's A to Z Project—an original alphabet created through the collaboration of 45 artists, illustrators, and designers—for which Lawrence designed an ampersand.
Guests were then greeted by Lawrence Weiner’s text piece, “Learn to Read Art” as they ascended a grand staircase adorned with hanging floral gardens. While browsing works of art to bid on by such notable artists as Taryn Simon, Glenn Ligon, Robert Longo, Rob Pruitt, Charline von Heyl, Richard Serra, and Agathe Snow—all generously installed by sponsor Crozier Fine Arts—guests were treated to a live performance by the renowned experimental jazz ensemble, Onyx Collective. As guests sip Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut champagne and cocktails from The Sexton Single Malt Speakeasy, they discussed the artistic inspirations and practices of fellow attendees like Chloe Wise, Sheree Hovsepian, and Eddie Martinez, who all generously donated artwork to the Free Arts NYC auction, which has been live on Artsy since March 29th.
The evening was presented by acclaimed Japanese fashion label Sacai, whose Spring Summer 2018 collection incorporates Lawrence Weiner's iconic text art. On the occasion, Sacai Founder and Head Designer Chitose Abe dresssed such guests as CNN Anchor Kate Bouldan—who was the evening’s MC—actress, DJ, and style icon Mia Moretti, Internet sensation Pari Ehsan, and auction artist Zoë Buckman, among others. Throughout the cocktail hour, guests had the opportunity to see the innovative collection up close while listening to a playlist curated by Mia Moretti, and stepping away to ornament themselves with coveted Lawrence Weiner temporary tattoos.
At 8:30pm, dinner guests entered a dining room enveloped with Lawrence Weiner’s iconic wall pieces, sitting down to a meal presented by Sacai, set on top of Lawrence Weiner x Sacaitablescapes. The meal was followed by a live auction led by art advisor Aileen Agopian, accompanied by Master of Ceremonies Kate Bouldan, with special words by Free Arts Teens about how Lawrence Weiner has impacted their lives. Dinner guests took home gift bags filled with Lawrence Weiner coffee table books published by Phaidon, and Lawrence Weiner x Sacai fabric napkins.
All proceeds from the evening benefit Free Arts NYC’s educational arts mentoring programs for underserved youth and families.
Images by BFA: Mike Vitelli/BFA and Max Lakner/BFA
Axel Vervoordt at New York Benefit
"Axel Vervoordt is a non-conformist, which is dear to my heart. He’s a modernist who embraces every period. He does not use his rooms for modern furniture, but for the best furnishings in the world, and, notably, the best art.” Thus declared Jack Lenor Larsen on Wednesday night when LongHouse Reserve honored Axel at the Hearst Tower.
Matko Tomicic, executive director of LongHouse, welcomed guests and introduced Diane Benson, president of the Board who said, “We are here tonight honoring a man who defies being defined by a single word. So we are right in presenting his award by a woman who also challenges conventions and titles, conceptual artist Kimsooja,” who in turn said, “It is a great honor and pleasure for me to celebrate Axel Vervoordt and his legacy tonight, on the occasion of the prestigious LongHouse Award." The artist continued, "The honor also goes to LongHouse and its mission to reflect world culture and inspire creative talent."
In accepting his award, designed by Marc Leuthold, Axel gallantly offered, “Thank you all for coming. I don’t know if I deserve it, but I always do my best,” then delivered a fascinating presentation on design and his theories of art, light, and space. A smaller group of just 50 retired afterwards to Adelaide de Menil's remarkable Central Park South duplex for dinner, where each guest was presented with a signed copy of Axel’s newest book, Stories and Reflections, which is not yet available in the US.
Among the guests were Sandy and Steve Perlbinder, Adelaide de Menil, Martha Stewart, Sherri Shultz, Sherri Donghia, Julie Jensen, Kay Hall, Newell Turner, Mark and Elizabeth Levine, Nina Gillman, Suzy Slesin and Michael Steinberg, Chris Mead and Zoe Hoare, Harvey and Audrey Feuerstein, Catherine and Nathan Bruckner, Judi Roaman, Nick and Christina Martin, Lindsay and Fitzhugh Caleo, Kang Chang, Dianne Benson, Jack Lenor Larsen.
LongHouse is a 16-acre reserve and sculpture garden located in East Hampton, NY, featuring works from Buckminster Fuller, Yoko Ono and William de Kooning to name only a few. Founded by Jack Lenor Larsen, it exemplifies curated living with art in all forms. It’s collections, gardens, sculpture and programs reflect diverse world cultures and inspire a creative life.
Photos Courtesy of Patrick McMullan
Flamenco Night at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola
If you are looking for a place to relax to smooth sounds of jazz in the midst of a busy city, you might want to turn to Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. Located at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola hosts weekly jazz events featuring a variety of talented musicians, along with the opportunity to wine and dine, for students, members, and fans of jazz.
On Friday, March 23, 2018, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola turned into a destination for anyone who wished to hear the collision of the sounds of jazz and flamenco without traveling to the origin of flamenco--Spain. The evening, accompanied by delicious cocktails and a wine carte, as well as a range of mouthwatering appetizers, such as a gooey mac-n-cheese and roasted brussel sprouts with bits of bacon, introduced the New York crowd to four exceptional artists: DORANTES, Adam Ben Ezra, Chano Domínguez, and a guest musician, Tim Ries.
The quartet created an energetic and picante melange of jazz, flamenco, classical, and Latin melodies in order to bring elements of surprise and curiosity into the audience. With nighttime lights of Columbus Circle and Central Park in the background, the night seemed to take unexpected yet pleasant turns with every note of music.
If you are looking to conclude a tiresome week on an upbeat note, or find a new romantic private spot in the city for a successful date night, Jazz at Lincoln Center is the place to do all of the above and more. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center holds weekly, two evening sessions: one at 7:30 pm, and another at 9:30pm, as well as a late night session at 11:15pm. There is always time to enjoy jazz for every New Yorker.
Jazz at Lincoln Center is also the destination for students who are looking to indulge in the sounds of jazz by themselves or with a friend, since the tickets are only priced at $20 for most of the sessions. As for the post-studies crowd, have no fear as the jazz destination allows to absorb most of the musical nights starting at $35.
Whether you're a fan of jazz or just looking for a more unique cultural experience, Jazz at Lincoln Center has it all. If you are interested in paying a visit or two to Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in Jazz at Lincoln Center, visit http://www.jazz.org/dizzys/ for more information.
Affordable Art Fair
The price-conscious art fair returned to NYC one again. Art ranged from original paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures from 67 local, national and international galleries. With price tags ranging from $100 to $10,000. AAF is an experience that you can really only find in NYC. There is a ton of talent and you can spend as little as 30 minutes or as long as hours walking through the exhibit. You don't have to purchase anything and aren't heckled to do so.
Laila Biali at Birdland Jazz Club
On Thursday night, Laila Biali took the stage at the Birdland Jazz Club located on West 44th Street, right in the heart of New York City-Times Square. The Canadian singer and pianist performed several songs from her self-titled album, "Laila Biali", ranging from nostalgic references to the days of touring with other performers through North America, to healing broken hearts with self-love and a new, nurturing relationship with her now-husband.
The songs performed by the jazz pianist certainly matched the atmosphere, invoking a sense of the mystique, while also mixing it up with playful and cozy melodies. Surrounded by candlelight, delicious food and great company, the audience enjoyed Biali’s performance, since it was just as marvelous as one would expect.
Mixing jazz and pop, along with a full-band show, Biali froze the time in the middle of the biggest and busiest cities in the world. A lovely night to remember with music that certainly filled the soul.
Apologies from Men: Live Concert and Album Release
Lauren Maul dances to "Kevin Spacey's Apology: The REMIX"
New York based creator of comedy, music, and film Lauren Maul (Amazon Reviews: The Musical!) announced the release of her album Apologies from Men. The album is available for purchase as of March 9th, 2018, and she debuted the songs live at a concert at The People’s Improv Theater on that same date. The album is released by her own production company, MaulFace, and is available for purchase as an audio album on iTunes, Amazon Digital Music, Google Play Music, and more. Maul has pledged to donate 100% of the sales revenue from the album to RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. A free visual album is available online through Vimeo and apologiesfrommen.com. The album is available for sale on Google Play here:
https://play.google.com/store/music/album/L_Maul_Apologies_from_Men?id=Brhlazfpaec66jd56t4wm323gee
Tahlia Robinson, Alyson Greenfield, Jen Kwok, Alexius Smith, and Kate Weber sing "I Do Not Believe by Charlie Rose"
In Apologies from Men: The Album, Maul has taken infamous male apology statements and created animated videos set to original music. The album features the apologies of Louis CK, Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Matt Lauer, Mario Batali, Russell Simmons, Dustin Hoffman, Charlie Rose, and an instrumental song from the men who have been accused but have yet to apologize. By carefully constructing the songs around the actual words and tone of the “apologies”, Maul purposely highlights the flaws and ridiculousness of the statements. Each song is different, with a variation of dance tracks, piano ballads, and even a faux-Christian rock song. The album features additional singing talent from comedic musicians Alyson Greenfield, Jen Kwok, Lady Kate Weber, Alexius Smith, Chase O’Donnell, and Tahlia Robinson.
Apologies From Men Tracklisting:
1- The Louis CK Apology... Set to Music
2- Kevin Spacey's Apology: The Remix
3- Sorrow & Regret: The Matt Lauer Apology
4- Humbly Apologize by Russell Simmons
5- A Short Apology by Dustin Hoffman
6- The Culture Then by Harvey Weinstein
7- Pizza Dough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe by Mario Batali
8- I Do Not Believe by Charlie Rose
9- Instrumental by The Men Who Have Not Apologized
Lauren Maul sings "A Short Apology by Dustin Hoffman"
Lauren Maul was raised in Nebraska, studied theater at the University of San Diego, trained as an improviser in Chicago, and currently performs in New York. She was named one of the "50 Funniest People in Brooklyn" by Brooklyn Magazine in 2016. A "bit-maker" by trade, Lauren creates music, films, puppets, stand-up routines and has experience working professionally as a composer and director. She has performed at major NYC comedy venues including UCB and Carolines, Second City in Chicago and has also appeared in several festivals including Williamstown, Just for Laughs, Chicago Sketchfest, the Women in Comedy Festival, SOLOCOM, NY Fringe, Brooklyn Comedy Festival, and San Francisco Sketchfest where her show "Dudes Being Dudes Being Dudes" played to a sold-out audience. Her writing has appeared in BUST magazine, The Frisky, Splitsider, Merry Jane, and Reductress. She produces and hosts the critically acclaimed "Dudes Being Dudes Being Dudes" and "Bitchcraft!" shows in NYC and is a teacher at The Peoples Improv Theater. n 2016, Lauren created a musical web series, Amazon Reviews: The Musical!, which was named one of the best web series of the year by IndieWire. To find out more, please visit laurenmaul.org.
Photos courtesy of Shark Party Media
The Armory Show
Staged on Piers 92 & 94, The Armory Show featured presentations by over 200 leading international galleries, innovative artist commissions and dynamic public programs.
Scope Art Fair
Known for presenting groundbreaking contemporary work, SCOPE New York welcomed 60 international exhibitors at its centrally-located venue. In addition, SCOPE continued its legacy of critically-acclaimed VIP Programming, with a focused schedule of events, talks and screenings. The first fair to run concurrent with The Armory Show, SCOPE New York’s spirit of innovation has consistently forged the way for emerging artists and galleries. Attuned to nuances in the market and itself an influential force in the cultural sphere, SCOPE continues to usher in a new vision of the contemporary art fair.
The Vienna Philharmonic Society Event
At a private club The Vienna Philharmonic Society presented The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for over one hundred benefit guests.
There are many grand fundraisers in New York, but some nights are special and this is always because of their hosts. Although the Chairman of The Vienna Philharmonic Society, Marifé Hernández, was unable to attend, her attention was evident everywhere. Resting comfortably at home, recovering from surgery, she still saw to the placement of every guest and every detail. Her beloved husband Joel Bell arranged a first - the evening was videotaped so she could see it. Guests were invited to record their own get-well messages for the much-missed chairman. Her warm presence was felt everywhere.
Following cocktails, there was a remarkable performance of the Octet in F Major by Franz Schubert, a signature piece of the Orchestra repertory. The concert and dinner were under the distinguished patronage of all the senior Austrian officials in our country including His Excellency Wolfgang Waldner, Austrian Ambassador to the United States and Mrs. Gudrun Faudon-Waldner; His Excellency Jan Kickert, Permanent Representative of Austria To the United Nations and Mrs. Latica Tomasic-Kickert; His Excellency Helmut Boeck, Austrian Consul General in New York and Mrs. Barbara Boehm-Boeck; Christine Moser, Director, Austrian Cultural Forum.
Through generous sponsorship of Vienna Philharmonic Society (in partnership with the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall) Principal musicians from the Orchestra conducted Master Classes with former students of Carnegie Hall's National Youth Orchestra (NYO), all of whom are now Conservatory students in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York City, Oberlin, Philadelphia, and Puerto Rico. The message to them throughout the day was legato – learning to play in a smooth, flowing manner, without breaks between notes, to play with passion, and to play as if you are making your instrument sing. Steeped in the rich history of the 176-year-old Vienna Philharmonic, the instructors emphasized understanding the history of each work and its author, to bring the music to life as the composer intended.
The Vienna Philharmonic Society, founded in 2016, is a New York based non-profit organization that supports and celebrates the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and works to extend its performances across the United States. Through a variety of educational programs with their partner, The Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall, including Master Classes for advanced students and music events for children in the community, the Vienna Philharmonic Society helps the Orchestra expand its contribution to the cultural life of New York and cities throughout the country.
Photos Courtesy of Da Ping Luo and Vienna Philharmonic
RIOULT Dance NY Winter Gala
John A. MacKinnon and Harsha Murthy were gala co-chairs of RIOULT Dance NY's Winter Gala, “Centered on the Future” and there was much to celebrate. The company will soon break ground on a new home in Queens.
Long-time friends of the company, actress Kathleen Turner and Tony-nominated Christine Andreas performances punctuated the evening. Kathleen sang a special rendition of It’s Only A Paper Moon and Christine sang Hymne á L’Amour (reprising her 2015 collaboration with RIOULT Dance NY). During cocktails RIOULT dancers performed duets. During dinner they performed last season’s premier, Fire in the Sky with music by Deep Purple and costumes by Patricia Field.
The gala honorees included RIOULT board member Joseph W. Armbrust accepting for his longstanding service to the company and his unique expertise in governance. Also honored were members of the Astoria community; Steinway & Sons with Anthony Gilroy accepting the award. For over 160 years they have been not only an integral part of Queens but also of the international arts community. Pascal Rioult proudly announced that the address for the new RIOULT Dance Center, 34-01 Steinway Street, shares their name. Also honored was Kaufman Astoria Studios with CEO Hal Rosenbluth accepting. He gave a moving tribute to their former CEO, George S. Kaufman, who brilliantly lead a revival of film and television production in New York, and passed away just last week at the age of 89.
“As RIOULT Dance NY looks forward to international touring, our 2018 season at the Joyce Theater, and prepares to take residence in the Kaufman Arts District in Astoria, Queens, it is encouraging to be surrounded by so many supporters and well-wishers. Every day I am inspired by my glorious dancers, and buoyed by a generous Board of Directors and dedicated staff. I look forward to deepening our relationships with honorees from the Kaufman Astoria Studios and Steinway & Sons, and creating new relationships with other Kaufman Arts District residents. Together we are forging a new path for RIOULT Dance NY, the greater dance community, and northwest Queens.” - Pascal Rioult
This summer, RIOULT will open the 11,000 square-foot RIOULT Dance Center in Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District with five studios including a flex-studio and performance space with seating for over 100 audience members. The opening of the RIOULT Dance Center will mark a pivotal milestone in RIOULT’s history, not only providing a permanent home for its professional company of dancers, but also offering the community a new world-class dance facility and school.
Photos by Eric Bandiero
Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra 2018 Gala
The Budapest Festival Orchestra (BFO) held its annual Friends of the Budapest annual concert and gala on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall.
The BFO, under the direction of Iván Fischer, played to a sold-out audience that included Edie Falco and Twyla Tharp. The program opened with Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 2 played on period instruments---Maestro Fischer wife, Gabriella Pivon, among the performers. The evening’s soloist, pianist Dénes Várjon, received standing ovations, as did the whole Orchestra. In a fitting ending, Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No.2 closed out the concert. The beautiful music, which was sensitively conducted and exquisitely performed, was one of the best renditions I have ever heard. I had goosebumps throughout the whole performance.
Following the concert, Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra hosted a gala dinner with Daisy Soros presiding as the evening’s honorary chair and Kathryn Livingston Forgan, Christine Schott Ledes, and Kati Marton as the evening’s gala co-chairs. The dinner took place at the Grand Promenade just outside the entrance to the orchestra. Each table consisted of a member of the symphony to mingle with the patrons. Dinner guests included Tony Bechara, Ambassador and Mrs. Donald Blinken, Nancy Brinker, Noreen Buckfire, Susan Gutfreund, Sylvia Hemingway, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Lehrer, Governor and Mrs. George Pataki, Sana Sabbagh, Jean Sharfiroff, Stephanie Stokes, and Barbara and Donald Tober.
The 2018 gala committee included Susan Bender, Stephen E. and Radka Benko, Nicolette Pathy Bingham, Ambassador and Mrs. Donald Blinken, Ildiko Butler, Aaron Feinstein, Sylvia Hemingway, Ambassador and Mrs. Andrew Jacovides, Caron and Geoffrey Johnson, Andrew and Heidi Lee-Komaromi, Ambassador Ferenc Kumin, Doctors John and Daisy Merey, Mrs. Terez Rowley, Aniko Gaal Schott, Laine Siklos, Stephanie Stokes, Mr. and Mrs. David M. Tobey, and Sylvia Tóth.
Maestro Fisher used the occasion to announce the inaugural Vicenza Opera Festival and a performance of Verdi’s Fallstaff, concerts, and a dinner hosted by Countess Caroline Valmarina and her family. Like the concert, the October Festival will soon be completely sold out.
A special thanks to Laine Siklos, who was the most gracious table guest. Laine, who is on the committee, kept me entertained throughout the night. She was able to hold a conversation with anyone, and her presence exuded confidence and commanded attention in the best way possible.
ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE BUDAPEST FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA
The Budapest Festival Orchestra was founded by Maestro Ivan Fischer in 1983 and recognized as one of the world's greatest musical ensembles. The Orchestra performs over 200 concerts each year at the world's most prestigious music festivals (Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart, Salzburger Festspiele, and Edinburg Festival), and concert halls (among them Carniegie Hall, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, and Musikverein Wein). Their many educational activities include special performances for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and a series of concerts in abandoned or neglected synagogues in small towns across Hungary, and the Juilliard Apprentice Program whereby Juilliard students study with Maestro Fischer and members of the Orchestra.
The Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra's mission is to support programs of the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Members have the unique opportunity to build a closer relationship with the Orchestra both in the United States and in the Budapest through special events with Maestro Fischer and the orchestra musicians. The Friends support the major programming initiatives of the Orchestra including Dancing on the Square, Community Weeks, U.S. touring, and the Juilliard Apprentice Program, as well as chamber music concerts with important visiting Orchestra members in Manhattan residences.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BFO: http://friendsofthebudapestfestivalorchestra.org/
Facebook: @bfo.en
Photo Credit: Patrick McMullan Company
Jazz at Lincoln Center Big Band Holidays
On December 13th, 2017, Jazz lovers and music enthusiasts alike gathered at the Jazz at Lincoln Center for a chance to experience the highly anticipated Big Band Holidays annual New York City tradition.
No one quite throws a holiday party like Jazz at Lincoln Center! The beloved tradition continued with Wynton Marsalis leading an all-star lineup through the festive romp. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra was joined by Jazz royalty Catherine Russell as a special guest vocalist for the second year, continuing a spirited partnership that spreads cheers throughout many cities. This year, Catherine was join by another Jazz at Lincoln Center favorite, fellow vocalist Kenny Washington, who recently brought his Home for the Holidays program to delighted audiences at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola.
The arrangements were inventive and varied. With playful improvisation, and entertaining storytelling, they brought out the magic in such classics as Count Basie’s “Jingle Bells,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and Billie Holiday’s “I’ve Got my Love to Keep me Warm.” The band's performances were amazing in their high intensity and polish. Enjoyed by audiences of all ages, these uplifting holiday performances created lasting memories that will keep you feeling good throughout the season. As always, the Lincoln Center Orchestra delivered a quality performance.
After the amazing show, all the guests were invited to the Hang Set, which is created for music fans ages 21-40 to experience Jazz with exclusive pre and post show events all included in the price of the concert ticket.
The special performance of Big Band Holidays - Relaxed Performance also returned for the second year in a row. The Relaxed Performance is designed to provide families with children or adults with autism, learning difficulties, or other sensory and communications needs the opportunity to enjoy Jazz at Lincoln Center performances in a more comfortable environment.
Over the past three decades, Jazz at Lincoln Center has become an important advocate for jazz culture and arts education globally. Jazz at Lincoln Center has produced more than 1,200 original concerts in the New York City area, and that tradition is likely to continue as they have recently moved to the always buzzing, Columbus Circle. Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola located on the 5th floor of the Time Warner Building is a jazz and culture destination. The 140-person venue is one of the most intimate places to see some of the best artists to take the stage against the incredible backdrop of New York City. The Club offers more than 350 nights of music, with two sets at 7:30pm and 9:30pm each night and late night sessions at 11:15pm Tuesday-Saturdays. The place is a must see for any type of occasion.
For more events and information please visit: http://www.jazz.org/calendar-full.php
Photos courtesy of Lawrence Sumulong
TCG Gala 2017
Tony Award nominees, loyal theater-goers, and community advocates gathered for the annual Theater Communications Group Gala held this past Monday. The event, now in its sixth year, was held at Espace, a venue that made attendees forget about their frigid night in midtown, and instead took them to a space reminiscent of a Miami nightclub.
The Theater Communications Group (TCG) offers services including networking, grantmaking, and professional development to the theater community. The organization has made huge strides in the field, and received the Tony Award for Excellence in Theater for recognition of their efforts.
The Gala is a night for TCG to celebrate their achievements of the past year and raise support in continuation of their programs. This year, the benefit honored the National Council for American Theatre and the creative team of War Paint, the Broadway musical. Guests dressed up in a festive array of gowns and suit-and-tie attire to enjoy drinks followed by dinner and performances.
Besides the selection of red and white wine available, classic liquors including 12-year Glenlivet, Patron, and Bombay Dry Gin were used used to create a collection of cocktails that would appease anyone. Between the flowing drinks and passed hors d'oeuvres of bruschetta and endives stuffed with diced beets, guests had ample time to get acquainted before taking their seats.
Marshal Jones III, TCG board member, opened the night by describing the appeal of performances: “We attend to be put in seats that take us outside the theater.” Anyone skeptical of Jones’ bold statement would soon be taken aback. Samuel E. Wright, known for his roles as Sebastian in The Little Mermaid and Mufasa in the original Broadway production of The Lion King, encapsulated the audience with performances of a few of his signature songs, including “Under the Sea.”
Witnessing moving performances and hearing about the impact TCG created in the past year made guests keen to back the organization. Members from all over the country told stories of how TCG brought nearly 1,000 theater practitioners together during their National Conference in Portland, OR, and awarded $1.184 million in grants to support audience engagement projects. When prompted to text a pledge to the non-profit, promises of donations ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars splayed across the screens. The room raised over 36 thousand dollars.
With victorious energy still in the air, the night wound down with dessert and a performance of “Dinosaurs” by John Dossettt and Chris Hoch of War Paint. After official award acceptances and closing remarks, no guest left empty handed. Piled on each table were copies of TCG books to take home, which included Water by the Spoonful, among 14 other Pulitzer Prize winning plays. Considering the lush price for a ticket, who would have expected any less?
Special thanks to the Theater Communications Group Board of Directors
Photos courtesy of Natalie Bero and Annie Watt
About TCG:
For over 55 years, Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for U.S. theatre, has existed to strengthen, nurture, and promote the professional not-for-profit theatre. TCG’s constituency has grown from a handful of groundbreaking theatres to over 700 member theatres and affiliate organizations and more than 12,000 individuals nationwide. TCG offers its members networking and knowledge-building opportunities through conferences, events, research, and communications; awards grants, approximately $2 million per year, to theatre companies and individual artists; advocates on the federal level; and through the Global Theater Initiative, TCG's partnership with the Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics, serves as the U.S. Center of the International Theatre Institute. TCG is North America’s largest independent publisher of dramatic literature, with 15 Pulitzer Prizes for Best Play on the TCG booklist. It also publishes the award-winning American Theatre magazine and ARTSEARCH®, the essential source for a career in the arts. In all its endeavors, TCG seeks to increase the organizational efficiency of its Member Theatres, cultivate and celebrate the artistic talent and achievements of the field, and promote a larger public understanding of, and appreciation for, the theatre. www.tcg.org
Art After Dark at The Guggenheim
On a Friday night in an unusually warm October, a crowd of Halloween and art lovers gathered to spend the night at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. There, dressed-up attendees were able to dance their night away, while receiving the first opportunity to view a new exhibition at the Guggenheim called, “Art and China after 1989: Theater of the World”.
The exhibit, which is located in several rotundas at the museum, is a provocative, thought-provoking, and controversial display of work from 71 Chinese artists whose work challenged official government policy and popular opinions during the late 1980s and early 1990s. From an installation from 1993, titled, “Otherwhere: Not Speaking for Three Months”, by Yang Fudong, who chose not to speak for three months and documented his notes through photo and film, to series of tweets presented in two large glass cases, which were a part of the “Citizens’ Investigation” piece by an activist and artist Al Weiwei, the exhibit is an ultimate eye-opener into a contrasting universe, where freedom is a blessing rather than a given, and political views are to not be openly discussed.
Although the exhibit was on a more serious side of the spectrum, the Halloween party added a splash of joy into the atmosphere. It took place throughout the museum, allowing plenty of witches, magicians, and flappers to browse its rotundas while listening to the newest music by Cardi B and Beyoncé. While some were captivated by art, others were engulfed by the atmosphere; dancing and chatting, which was a great way to celebrate one of the first Halloween parties of the year.
Art and China after 1989: Theater of the World will be on view until January 7th, 2018, allowing everyone to enter the world of Chinese history and art. Witness all of the art pieces on view first-hand, and transport back in time to see the Chinese cultural tension between its art and its politics. Find out more about the exhibit by visiting, https://www.guggenheim.org/exhibition/art-and-china-after-1989-theater-of-the-world.
Photos courtesy of Guggenheim
Joshua Beamish and the MOVETHECOMPANY present: Saudade
On a cold and rainy Wednesday night, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Joshua Beamish, choreographer and the leader of the MOVETHECOMPANY, debuted his first full-length dance for New York dance admirers and critics. The piece was a direct reflection of it’s namesake,, “SAUDADE,” a derivative of a Portuguese word that refers to a feeling of longing or melancholy for a feeling of missing love.
Beamish managed to merge two completely different styles of dance, ballet and street-style, in order to pinpoint feelings that are often too difficult for individuals to express through words. The performance could be viewed as a confrontation between feelings that people are too often afraid to admit to unless they are left alone. What made the performance even more memorable was the fact that it was executed by an all-male ensemble, which included six dancers: David Norsworthy, Sean Aaron Carmon, Kevin Quinaou, Dominic Santia, Timothy Stickney, and Lloyd Knight. Although the 21st century has been making history for breaking down boundaries, it is still quite rare to witness an all-male cast perform such a delicate and tender choreography without a lady holding the lead.
As the audience took their seats, and the lights went dim, there was a feeling of suspense and excitement in the room. Although most of the audience knew the dance company and the choreographer behind the piece, no one really knew as to what to expect. However, as soon as the first dancer came out on stage, everyone moved to the edge of their seats. The performance created a storyline of several men, who experience jealousy, anger, madness, love, and passion, which were all expressed through body language and movement. As one solo performance ended, a duet followed, which eventually flowed into a group performance. It was fascinating to witness how complicated issues related to love, such as love triangles, would be expressed through movement without having the words being spoken, or even the music including any implications. However, dance is not just movement; it is also theatre, which was proved true by Saudade. Each segment within the performance, whether completed as a solo, pas de deux, or as a group, produced a stream of intricate emotions, which allowed the audience to be present and be engulfed by the performance. Just as convoluted and fragile as love, each dance portrayed a story that carried those sentiments within itself, resulting in a ride on a roller coaster of emotions.
The performance left the audience in an uneasy state, due to the great reveal of feelings, and how deep and profound the piece was not just to the dancers, but to the viewers as well. The feelings it carried made you reminisce the lost love that once might have existed, but has never really gone quite right. Yet, it had its magic which was worth remembering through the performance just one last time, almost as if it was the final closure.
Performance photos by Ani Collier
Event photos by Jared Siskin/PMC
Breakout Artist Comedy Series: Gianmarco Soresi at Carolines
On Wednesday, September 27th, Gianmarco Soresi (SeeSo's New York's Funniest, TruTV's Hack My Life, Comedy Central), known around NYC as a multitalented comedian, actor, improviser and writer, brought his high energy stand-up comedy and unique perspective on city living, dating and divorce, mental illness and more to Carolines on Broadway as part of the Breakout Artist Comedy Series. Joining Soresi was host Gabe Pacheco (Funhouse Comedy, Secret Loft Show, FLAMA), guest Chris Cafero (UCB, The Night Of, Billions, As The World Turns), and feature Erin Maguire (Girl Friday, Boston Comedy Festival, GSN, ESPN).
The show started with some jokes from the hilarious host, Gabe Pacheco. Pacheco is a ubiquitous fixture in the NYC comedy scene, performing regularly at the Creek and the Cave, The Knitting Factory, and Carolines. Gabe co-hosts a weekly comedy showcase, Funhouse Comedy, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with Sameer Naseem and is also the host-in-residence for the Secret Loft Show. You can also listen to Gabe weekly on the left-leaning political Katie Halper Show on WBAI. This year he will be featured in the Harlem Comedy Fest.
Followed by Gabe’s opening was the uproarious Chris Cafero. Chris is an actor, writer and comedian living and working in NYC. He attended college at George Washington University and New York University. Chris has studied with Joan Rosenfels, Ted Sluberski, Susan Terry (Voice), the Washington Improv Theater and the Upright Citizens Brigade (Advanced Studies Program). Select credits include The Night Of (HBO), Billions (ShowTime), As The World Turns (CBS), and The Awesome 80's Prom (Off-Broadway). You can see him performing in comedy clubs across the city and hear him on the radio with national ads for Staples, AT&T, DirecTV, and Coca-cola. Cafero made the audience feel like they had known him forever with his unfiltered jokes and his comfort with the stage.
Next was the charming and witty Erin Maguire recently appeared in the Boston Comedy Festival, Laugh Your Asheville Off, and opened for Caroline Rhea in Woodstock. She's been seen on Game Show Network and ESPN. Her first album, Girl Friday is available for download on iTunes. She also recently won the Woodstock Comedy Festival's Five Minutes of Fame competition. Erin had the audience in tears with her jokes about topics we can all relate to.
Finally came the sensational headliner, Gianmarco Soresi. Gianmarco is a stand-up comedian, actor and writer - although the first line of his obituary will likely read, “guy from all those General Electric commercials”. He’s performed at Carolines, Gotham, The Metropolitan Room, The Creek and The Cave, Hu Ke Lau, The PIT, UCB, QED, Broadway Comedy Club, Paste Magazine Studios, can be seen on SeeSo’s New York’s Funniest and his stand-up comedy infused play "Less Than 50%" (which premiered in the 2014 Fringe Festival) will make it’s Off-Broadway debut at 59E59 Theaters in July 2018. His writing, including the popular sketch series Matza Pizza, has been featured in Fast Company, CityLab, Huffington Post, Metro NY, LAUGHSPIN, spoiledNYC, Comedy Cake, Splitsider, and he’ll be writing and acting for a Funny or Die Exclusive later this year. Recent acting credits include CBS’ Blue Bloods, A&E’s Unforgettable, Comedy Central, and Tracy Morgan’s new TBS show The Last O.G. He also recently recorded his soon to-be released hour-long stand-upcomedy special INFINITE BRIS, produced by Edge in Motion Productions, and funded with help by Emmy-winning former Late Show with David Letterman writer Ted Greenberg. Gianmarco was the perfect headliner, the laughter from the crowd was constant with his self-deprecating yet awe-inspiring humor.
The Breakout Artist Comedy Series was a fantastic event with great drinks and great laughs, definitely attend this annual event if ever given the chance.
Special thanks to Mariana from Shark Party Media.
PBS/OZY Media’s 'Third Rail with OZY' Live Taping and Premiere
On Friday night, PBS premiered Third Rail with OZY, a new debate show that explores hot-button issues and philosophical dilemmas of the modern age. Each half-hour episode will bring together a panel of expert and celebrity guests to discuss a single hot topic.
At the live taping of Friday’s premiere episode, it was clear from the introduction of the panelists that the audience was in for a lively debate. The night’s lineup included Roxane Gay, acclaimed writer of Bad Feminist and Hunger; Mo Rocca, humorist and journalist known for his Cooking Channel show, “My Grandmother’s Ravioli” and his role on CBS’ “Sunday Morning”; Seth Weathers, a Georgia-based political consultant and former Trump campaign director; and Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a New York Times op-ed columnist and former Google data scientist.
To open the dialogue, Third Rail’s host Carlos Watson asked, “Is the truth overrated?” Despite the ambiguity of the question, each panelist had a quick and resolute reply. Roxane and Mo answered no, representing the “pro-truth” end of the spectrum, while the two Seths took the more cynical “anti-truth” approach and answered that yes, the truth is overrated (although Stephens-Davidowitz was quick to distinguish himself from his Republican counterpart by declaring, “I hate Trump”). The debate that ensued was as murky as one would expect given the abstract nature of the subject. The panel never quite arrived at a consensus on what fundamentally characterizes “truth” to begin with. But Roxane Gay lucidly stated, “There are degrees of mendacity, and… some lies matter more than others." Unsurprisingly, the discussion quickly turned political, touching on slavery in textbooks, Trump and the DACA repeal, Hillary’s emails, and Confederate statues. Despite its inconclusiveness, the conversation was engaging and thought-provoking.
Midway through the show, Malcolm Gladwell was asked to weigh in. Where the panel had struggled to wade through the grayer areas of the debate, the famed writer and journalist was eager to take a more black-and-white approach by analyzing the semantics of the discussion, saying, “I don’t know what… we mean by the word ‘lie’ and ‘truth’ in this context.” He went on to say that while “simple and deliberate misstatements of fact” are incontestably wrong and damaging, more often than not, our disagreements are the result of differences of opinion. According to Gladwell, these differences should be encouraged, as diversity of thought grants more power to individuals and the media and strengthens our society.
The Third Rail concept is new for PBS, and will likely be a successful one. The setup was intimate, with direct audience participation and feedback. Gladwell’s cherished “diversity of thought” was well-represented by the guests on this episode, and future lineups are equally promising. The questions proposed for later episodes are massive and monstrous but intriguing and very necessary (one question, for example, asks whether it is okay to have a racial preference in dating). But the show promises to provide a great weekly fix for viewers who feel limited by polarized media outlets and want to hear some authentic, cross-platform discussion.
To see the debate for yourself and to get a taste of what’s in store for PBS this Fall, watch the Third Rail premiere here.
Photos courtesy od OZY Media