February 2009 - NEWSLETTER                               

  

From the editor: I am sure that many of our members are feeling a wave of anticipation and hope with the inauguration of our new president. President Obama has asked us to dedicate ourselves to a refreshed spirit of volunteerism and community service and NAC will heed his call. NAC board members recently participated in a forum discussion sponsored by the Northport-East Northport Community Drug and Alcohol Task Force to discuss ways that NAC can extend our artistic events and programs to young people. NAC will begin a new effort to engage children and teens in positive activities that entertain and foster a sense of community. I have highlighted the events that are child and teen friendly with a gold star.  Artists who are looking for a creative way to serve the community will be heartened to see the call to NAC members to conduct art workshops for the East Northport YDA- Youth Directions and Alternatives. Be sure to bring your family to our upcoming NAC Wednesday performance on February 11^th, which is particularly appropriate for young people and will even be followed with a milk and cookie reception! Scroll down to the last page and print (on recycled paper,) our Arts at a Glance Calendar, for a monthly reminder of all the great artistic events happening in Northport this month. Thank you for reading the NAC Arts News and please be sure to renew your membership.

 

Christine Darch

 

NAC Wednesday February 11^th  - The Northport Arts Coalition, in cooperation with the Northport/East Northport Public Library, presents internationally known storyteller Heather Forest.  Ms. Forest's imaginative storytelling program features musical folktales from around the world, sung and told with lively audience participation, colorful characters and original folk music. Her lyrical, minstrel style of storytelling interweaves original music, poetry, prose, and the sung and spoken word.  From drama to comedy, vivid tales of enchantment and adventure come to life in the imagination of the listener as Heather Forest masterfully spins her repertoire of World Tales. Homespun wisdom abounds in these old tales which span time and place and yet celebrate the common threads of human experience.  Heather has been awarded the National Library Association Notable Record Award, Parents Gold Choice Awards, and Storytelling World Honors Recording Award.  Enjoy a family friendly evening of folktales, storytelling, cookies, and milk.  Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Avenue, Northport. 7:00 p.m.  For more information call (631) 261-6930.  Free Admission

NAC Events

 

Once again the region’s most accomplished plein air painters will gather in Northport, Long Island for the Northport Arts Coalition’s 3^rd Annual Plein Air Painting Event. On Friday and Saturday, June 26^th and 27^th, selected artists will be set up in locations throughout the village, painting their interpretations of the scenery that is so unique to Northport. On both days spectators can observe the creative process from start to finish and talk with the artists as they work.  Sunday, June 28^th, will feature an exhibition and silent auction for the “wet” paintings at LaMantia Gallery. Interested artists please find prospectus on our web site,  www.northportarts.org.  Prospectus will post by February 10, 2009.

 

The Northport Reader's Theater will be meeting on Monday, February 9, 7:30 at St Paul's United Methodist Church, 270 Main St, Northport. We will be reading the play "Other People’s Dreams" by Evan Guilford-Blake, a play about the dissolution of an African-American family. Since the playwright lives in Atlanta, we will be filming the reading and discussion about the play for him. All are welcome to read or to listen. To sign up to read or for further information contact Jo Ann Katz 631-261-5089 or JoAnnKatz@gmail.com. The next meeting of the Northport Reader's Theater will be on Monday, March 9^TH.

Northport Arts Coalition presents Poets in Port, February 27, 2009 featuring Destina Graf.

Café Portofino 249 Main St (on North side of Main Street, across from the Post Office) in the village of Northport. Open mike for all poets and musicians who wish to participate. Information, contact stevenschmidt@optonline.net. Next month will feature Doug Swezey.

The Northport Arts Coalition Tasting Room Gallery announces Pastscapes,  by Richard Anello at the Northport Wine Tasting Room, 70 Main Street, Northport, NY;  Matthew  Spirn, proprietor. Opening Reception:  Sunday, February 22, 2-5 PM. The exhibit will be on display through April 2, 2009.  Please drop by! Artists interested in exhibiting please contact Kate Kelly at kate@katekellyart.com for an application form.

A call to NAC members to conduct Youth Art Workshops! Youth Directions and Alternatives (YDA) in East Northport is looking to plan some art groups for the youth that attend their programs, single workshops or 8-10 week programs with local artists interested in volunteering. If you would like to share some of your talent and passion with children who have little or no art background, please email nacnewsletter@gmail.com . All disciplines are welcome, (dance, painting, music, etc.)Time frames for workshops will be range between 3 and 6 PM, Mondays through Thursdays. www.ydaonline.org

MUSIC

 

Northport’s own Canta Libre Chamber Ensemble will be featured at the Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library, 407 William Floyd Pkwy, Shirley, N.Y.  on Sunday, Feb. 8th at 2:00p.m. Come warm-up a winter’s afternoon with the rich sounds of harp, flute and strings played by these dedicated musicians.  Tickets are $2.00. (631) 399-1511

 

NAC Composer-violinist Matthew Pierce will perform on March 19^th with The Matthew Pierce Ensemble at a Gala fundraising performance: Ballet for a Modern World, to benefit the Long Island Ballet Theatre, formerly Huntington Ballet Theatre. Starring members of New York City Ballet Marika Anderson, Andrew Scordato, Stephanie Zungre and principal dancer Daniel Ulbricht, and aspiring young dancers from Huntington Ballet Academyand Ellison Ballet.www.matthewpierce.com. For tickets and information visit www.huntingtonballet.com.

 

NAC member and pianist Ann Stevens and vocalist Megan DeRiso will be performing "My Fair Ladies", featuring the music of Broadway's leading ladies, - at Northport Library, Fri., March 20th, at 7:00 pm, and at  S. Huntington Library, Sun., March 29th, at 2:30 pm. They will be joined by children from the Engeman Theater production of Oliver!

 

 

 

Congratulations to Charles Moon (Violin) and Wesley E. Yland (French Horn) from Northport High School for their acceptance into the MENC All-Eastern Orchestra and Band! With assistance from their music teachers, Mrs. Margaret Janke and Mrs. Shirley Rush, these exceptional students will prepare remarkably challenging music that they will perform under the leadership of prominent conductors in this biennial event.  The 2009 MENC All-Eastern Honors Ensembles will rehearse for three full days and perform for an audience of thousands on Sunday, March 15, 2009, at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium for the Performing Arts, in Providence, Rhode Island.  For more information, please visit www.MENC-Eastern.org.

 

Last Licks Café in Huntington on February 28^th presents an evening with Mike Agranoff, folksinger with a sense of humor. English folk songs from both sides of the pond, plus mighty fine originals played on guitar, piano and concertina. The Last Licks Café is located at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 109 Brown’s Rd, Huntington , New York . Showtime is 8:30 p.m.; with an open mic at 7:30 p.m. (sign up by 7 pm). Tickets are $15; $13 seniors and students. Information, tickets: Phone: 631-427-9547. Website: www.lastlickscafe.org.

 

 

 

 

Ridotto presents pianist Vassily Primakov, in Recital. This program includes the Brahms Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, and the Sonata No. 25, Op. 57 (Appassionata) by Beethoven. Sunday February 1, 2009 at 4 pm. in Old First Church, on Rt. 25A in Huntington. Ticket prices are $20, $18 (seniors), $15 (members), $10 (students). Group price (10 or more), $12.     For reservations call 631-385 -0373 or email Ridotto@optonline.net .   

 

The Music & Ministry Committee of First Presbyterian Church, 330 Main Street, Northport, is delighted to announce:

A return engagement by The Zephyr Trio, a chamber ensemble featuring Lady Jeanne Galway, flute; Darrett Adkins, cello; and Jonathan Feldman, piano.  The concert will be held on Friday, February 13th at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.  Following the concert, a "meet-the-artists" reception will be held in Fellowship Hall. Tickets are required to attend.

The Noontime Recital Series.  These programs are 30 minutes in length and usually held the last Wednesday of each month.  Due to the conflict of Ash Wednesday, the February noontime recital will be held on February 18th at 12:15 p.m. The guest organist will be Deanna Muro.

For information on how to obtain tickets, please send your mailing address to musicnministry@gmail.com or call the church office at (631) 261-6434.

Vocal coaching at the Posey School: Daniel Ragone, famed NYC vocal coach, is offering lessons for singers at all levels at 57 Main Street in Northport. Explore your vocal possibilities with one of the experts in the field. Build repertoire, refine diction, record demos, prepare for NYSSMA, learn roles, plan recital programs. For information: (631)473-0127or email: pjvoce@aol.com

 

The Northport Community Orchestra seeks experienced orchestral musicians.  Rehearsals Wednesday evenings in East Northport.  CE credits available for music educators.  To schedule an audition, please call 631-462-6617. Please visit www.northportorchestra.org

 

Congratulations to Northport High School students Matt Cusack, Kayla Cashetta, Matt Molfetta and Mackenzie Staub and their music teacher, Shirley Rush, on their acceptance into the 2009 SCMEA  All-County Percussion Ensemble.  There were twelve high school percussionists chosen from all of Suffolk County and four are from Northport High School! Suffolk County Music Educator’s Association Day of Percussion will take place on Saturday, March 7 at Sayville High School.

 

POETRY

The Town of Huntington Youth Bureau And Project Excel presents The 10th Annual Huntington Youth Writes writing Contest, for students and/or residents of the Town of Huntingtonin (Grade levels 4-5, 6-8, 9-12) $2,000in cash prizes, Prizes in each grade level. Winning Entries will be published) Poetry, Short Fiction, essays. Entries must be received by 5PM Friday March 20, 2009.  An Awards ceremony and publication party will be held on June 4^th, 2009. Entry forms available at the Town of Huntington Youth Bureau, Room 200, Village Green Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743. For information, call 631-271-5499.

 

Northport Arts Coalition presents Poets in Port, on Feb. 27^th, featuring Detina Graf; at Café Portofino 249 Main St (on North side of Main Street, across from the Post Office) in the village of Northport. Open mike for all poets and musicians who wish to participate. Information, contact stevenschmidt@optonline.net.

 

On Sunday, February 1st, 2009 11:30 at 3:30 P.M, the Long Island Poetry collective presents "Super Poem Sunday”, with poetry, refreshments, a raffle and more. Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd, South Huntington. Donation $7.00 www.waltwhitman.org

 

VISUAL ARTS

Lynda Lehmann will be showing her recent abstract acrylic paintings at Harborfields Library in Greenlawn, from February 1 - 28, 2009. "Metrimorphic III," if you're in the area, stop in to see Lynda's colorful new work, which combines biomorphic and geometric elements:

Anthony Davis has recently been elected an artist member of Salmagundi Club as well as The American Society of Marine Artists. He will be performing a demo of a seascape on Saturday, February 7^th at 1pm. All are invited and admission is free. Salmagundi Club 47 5th Avenue New York, N.Y., 10003 (212) 255-7740 www.salmagundi.org

"A Brilliant Disguise," the sixth annual juried portrait show, will be at the Huntington Art Council's Main Street Petite Gallery February 6^th through April 6^th, 2009.

There’s No Place Like Northport 2009 Calendar on sale now for $6. If you don't have one already, or would like more, buy direct from the source. Larger discounts available for volume orders!  The calendar is the first of its kind to feature NAC happenings, theater openings and other local events and national holidays. A great gift for anyone who loves Northport!  Email NPTCalendar@aol.com to place an order.

 

The Art Guild of Port Washington's First Annual Juried Figure Competition and Exhibition will be from March 7-28^th , 2009 at Elderfields Preserve in Manhasset, NY. Open to all artists 18 and older (student category 15-17 yrs). All media accepted including but not limited to acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastel, pen & ink, pencil, mixed media and collage (no photos, giclees or reproductions). Juror: Robert Armetta. Cash awards. Postmark deadline for entries is February 18th. Prospectus and entry form at www.TheArtGuild.org  For information email exhibitions@theartguild.org  or call Mario Tucci (516) 384-8181.

 

THEATER

 

The Minstrels Players seek two Male Actors (Ages 30 - 50) and one Female Actor (Age 20 - 35) for Spring 2009 production of Agatha Christie's "The Hollow".  Auditions will be held on Monday, February 2nd at 8PM at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport Village.  For more information please call (631)732-2926 or visit www.minstrelplayers.org.

Township Theater Group, Long Island’s longest (56 years) operating community theatre, offers opportunities to perform on-stage or express creativity in such areas as set building, sound, lighting or costuming.  No special skills are necessary as training is provided.  At monthly meetings, members have a chance to try their hand at performing or directing small workshop presentations.  So, come join the next free monthly meeting at 7:45 on February 10th at Countrywood School, Huntington Station.  For information: 631-9832 or  www.TownshipTheatreGroup.com .

 

 

 

The Engeman Theater at Northport presents The Foreigner through February 22^nd, 2009. Tickets are now on sale, $50, and may be purchased by calling (631) 261-2900, by visiting www.engemantheater.com , or at the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport.

 

DANCE

 

NAC board member and ballet costume designer Christine Darch will design ballets for a Gala fundraising performance: Ballet for a Modern World, to benefit the Long Island Ballet Theatre, formerly Huntington Ballet Theatre; Directed by Christopher Fleming with music performed by Matthew Pierce Ensemble and starring members of New York City Ballet: Marika Anderson, Andrew Scordato, Stephanie Zungre and principal dancer Daniel Ulbricht, with dancers from Huntington Ballet Academy and Ellison Ballet. The Theater at Long Island High School for the Arts, Cold Spring Rd., Syosset. March 19^th at 6:30 pm. Gala Reception will follow the performance at The Fox Hollow.

 

FILM

Cinema Arts Centre presents Cinema 4 Kids! Saturday, February 21^st at Noon:

Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show: Mellow Fever Tour with Morgan Taylor (“Best Kids’ Performer” – NY Mag 2008 Best of New York  “a cross between ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Dr. Seuss”- NY Times) A unique blend of live music and moving image accompanied by illustrator/songwriter Morgan Taylor’s catchy and original story-songs. A pointy-headed alien who hails from the sun, a poker-playing pterodactyl, a mint-green bee, and an eel, provide a truly different multimedia experience that entrances children, teens and adults alike. 423 Park Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743 

www.cinemaartscentre.org or telephone 631-423-7611.

 

NAC MEMBER NEWS

 

The NAC Board strongly appeals to our readers to renew their memberships. NAC events are free, and we are fortunate to bring so many wonderful artistic programs to the community with our member’s generous support. NAC depends on membership as the major source for performer’s stipends, publicity, office supplies, printing and promotional material, accounting fees, mailings, and liability insurance. Our NAC Arts NEWS is an excellent free publicity resource for community artists with over 1,200 monthly readers.

 

Save the Date: Arts Day in Albany February 3^rd Arts Day in Albany includes performances and exhibits by artists from all over the state, legislative visits, and a lunchtime rally with key policymakers and arts advocates in order to communicate the importance of the arts as an economic engine and the anchor of New York's cultural identity.

 

Huntington Arts Council has announced an exciting new talent search for the "Best of Long Island." Amateurs or professionals, comedians, musicians, singer-songwriters, poets, magicians--anyone who thinks they have talent! Deadline is February 16, 2009. The winning act will receive $500,and a gig at the 44th Annual Huntington Summer Arts Festival: Saturday, March 28, 2009! The best talent show ever, with a special surprise guest host, at the Cresthollow Country Club in Woodbury. www.huntingtonarts.org

 

There’s No Place Like Northport 2009 Calendar on sale now for $6. If you don't have one already, or would like more, buy direct from the source. Larger discounts available for volume orders!  The calendar is the first of its kind to feature NAC happenings, theater openings and other local events and national holidays. A great gift for anyone who loves Northport!  Email NPTCalendar@aol.com to place an order.

 

In anticipation of a story about “Easter around the world,"  journalist Elise Pearlman would like to  hear  your recollections of  Easter, including  traditions that have been passed down through the generations or Easter as it is celebrated in another country. Do you create any traditional art forms or decorate with any art-related family memorabilia at this time of year?  Contact Elise at LotusElise1@aol.com   with your name and phone number.

 

Email updates needed! NAC asks all members to please keep us informed if you have had an email or physical address change. Please send your new information to nacnewsletter@gmail.com.

 

Please submit your arts related announcements for next month’s newsletter to nacnewsletter@gmail.com by the 26^h of February. Announcements should be clear of excessive formatting, and limited to six lines, 100 words. Photos in jpeg format may be included when appropriate. Photographs which include children must indicate parent’s permission granted. Please note that in order to post information, NAC requires current membership. Please renew your membership prior to submitting your announcement to be included in the upcoming newsletter. Thank you for reading the NAC Arts NEWS!

 

The Northport Arts Coalition thanks our present and past supporters:

NAC MEMBERS

Northport Fire Department

Northport Chamber of Commerce

Northport Parks Department

Northport/East Northport Public Library

Northport Village Hall

Huntington Arts Council

Suffolk County Legislature, Jon Cooper

Assemblyman Andrew Raia

Chase Manhattan Bank

Scherer and Sons Aquatic Gardens

Eclipse Signs

Times of Northport

 

 

 

NAC BOARD

Lauren Paige, Executive Director

Pat Bond, Director

Charlotte Koons, Outreach Specialist

Terry Lister, Public Relations

Marsha Bartley, Treasurer

Christine Darch, Assistant E.D.; Editor, NAC Arts News

 

ADVISORY BOARD

Laura DeSalvo, Membership Advisor

Craig Fligstein, Grant consultant

Kate Kelly, Visual Art Advisor

Mary Ellen Moll, Library Liaison

Daniel Paige, Community Liaison

George Rehn, C.P.A.

NAC FEB. 2009 Arts at a Glance Calendar	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
	1 Ridotto Vassily Primakov Super Poem Sunday Lynda Lehmann exhibit begins	2	3 Arts Day in Albany	4	5	6 Opera Night A Brilliant Disguise exhibit opens	7 Anthony Davis seascape demo
	8 Canta Libre	9 Northport Reader's Theater	10	11 NAC Wednesday Heather Forest	12	13 The Zephyr Trio	14
	15	16	17	18 Noontime Recital Series Deanna Muro	19	20	21 Last Licks Café Mike Agranoff Cinema Arts: Gustafer Yellowgold
	22 Tasting Room Art reception Last performance of The Foreigner	23	24	25	26	27  Poets in Port Destina Graf	28