HamiltonConcerts.com presents Symphoria Thursday, 7/10

The Feeling of Symphor!a – Please Save the Date for another Historic Performance!

Two thousand people gather to hear classical music under the stars! It’s a great way to introduce youngsters to the classical tradition.

Symphor!a will kick off the Hamilton Village Concerts in the Park on Thursday, July 10^th at 7:30 pm. Before the concert, the Earlville Opera House will host an Instrument Zoo for children and families starting at 6:30pm.  The musician-owned and operated Symphor!a is the newest name for the artists of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. It is now modeled after the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, based in New Orleans, which is in its 24th season.  The concert in Hamilton is the first of the summer series of concerts that the symphony plans to play in central New York.  Make your summer plans to include this beautiful evening in the historic setting of the village green of Hamilton!

The definition of symphoria: “The feeling of euphoria one gets after hearing an amazing piece of classical music, whether string or wind ensemble, full orchestra or otherwise.” (Urban Dictionary)

Enjoy a musical journey with the Symphor!a under the stars with the sounds of summer!  Come early to enjoy a picnic in the park or Hamilton’s local restaurants!  No tickets are necessary for these free events. Bring a blanket or lawn chair!  This concert will go on rain or shine; the rain location is  the Colgate Memorial Chapel on Alumni Road of the Colgate University Campus.  The Instrument Zoo will be in the Chapel too..

More information about Symphor!a is at  http://www.experiencesymphoria.org/

This annual concert if funded with donations. To help us fund this concert, find more info at http://hamiltonconcerts.com/

PROGRAM

Mozart: Cosi Fan Tutte Overture

Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 19

Dvorak: Slavonic Dance No. 7

Barber: Adagio

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, March

Intermission

Gould: American Salute

Rogers: South Pacific Suite

Anderson: Typewriter

Bernstein: West Side Story Selections

Sousa: Hail to the Spirit of Liberty

NEW THIS YEAR: We will have liner notes for the concert online at http://hamiltonconcerts.com/ thanks to Jennifer Meyers (they’ll be posted soon).  They are also online here

More information about the orchestra:

“Symphoria is a diverse group of talented musicians. We hail from Poland and Pennsylvania, Texas and Bulgaria, Manitoba, Missouri and many other places around the globe, but we live and work in Syracuse and Central New York.  And, we love to perform!”

Symphoria is the orchestra of Musical Associates of CNY, a not-for-profit organization made up of nearly 50 members of the former Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. Our musicians have attended the very best music schools in the country. Music is our passion.  Despite its financial woes, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra was considered to be one of America’s top 50 orchestras, having played at Carnegie Hall several times.  “We’re here to stay because we believe that music makes a difference in our community. Good music provides the region with cultural opportunities that enhance the quality of Central New York life. We’ve been making music all of our lives and we’re committed to keeping symphonic music alive in Central New York.”

Instrument Zoo on the village green, Steve Blais introduces the accordion.

Before the concert at 6:30pm…EOH is growing audiences for Symphony music and new musicians!

Instrument Zoo Workshop Before the concert, the Earlville Opera House will be hosting an INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO for children and families during the hour before the concert starts starting at 6:30pm.  If you’d like to be one of our wild instrument tamers…please contact us at 315-691-3550 and we’ll get you the details of how!

It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to meet the wild instruments and the daring musicians who tame them!  We ask musicians to please consider it as an opportunity to recruit future players for the planet!

THESE ARE FREE EVENTS!

Gilbert & Sullivan in the 21st Century

Somehow a tradition born in the 1800’s continues to inspire!  Here’s a guest post from our director Chris Bord.

Notes As We Begin The Mikado

Often considered the most-performed musical theater piece in history! The Mikado; or, The Town of Titipu is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert.

I was asked to helm this year’s Gilbert & Sullivan production at The Earlville Opera House back in April, and my name was well down a list. My search for a collaborator began immediately, and it took until just a couple of weeks ago to get John Krause to agree, for which I am grateful (he was in my top 3, along with the vocal arranger for Broadway’s 2014 Best Musical Tony winner.) In all, I asked 24 music directors if they would work on the show – we were two days from canceling when John called.

I’ve never directed a Gilbert & Sullivan piece before, but I have a book with their complete lyrics on my shelf which I started reading right away. I chose The Mikado because 1) It hadn’t been done at Earlville in a long time; 2) I thought it would be an easy show to sell; 3) I laughed as I read through it; 4) I loved the music when I listened.

The Mikado is arguably the grandfather of modern musical theater. By some estimates it has been continuously performed somewhere in the world since it was written, in 1885. The Japanese setting was a device that allowed W.S. Gilbert to more effectively satirize English customs and politics – it was not intended to be taken literally. Notable updates of The Mikado have set the piece in an English Cricket club, and in the 1940’s with a jazzed-up score.

Our cast is coming together. Some have turned down roles and won’t be part of the production. Those who remain and who are joining even now are an eclectic group of performers who will do the show justice. One is coming from Clarks Summit, PA, several others from the Syracuse area, some from the Earlville area and many from the Mohawk Valley. I am excited by the possibilities.

My intention for our upcoming Earlville performance (and a hoped-for encore in Herkimer) is to “surprise and delight” the audience. The music is primary – we’re going to sing the hell out of this piece. However, the icing on the cake is the characterizations, and the laugh-out-loud humor of the plot. Of course the songs will be well sung, but our audience will remember how they laughed.

Jammin Divas…Folk from Ireland, Australia, US and Israel at EOH

While each of these talented women is individually recognized as an accomplished player and vocalist, it is their combined artistry that creates an unparalleled musical dynamic” – 2011 The Standard Times NY

The Jammin Divas bring their stunning three part harmonies overlaid on guitar, flute and double bass to the amazing acoustics of the 1892 Earlville Opera House on Friday the 27th of June at 8 pm.

Local community members will get a chance to Meet the Divas at a free Meet & Greet at the Barge Canal Coffee House in Hamilton, NY the night before at 7 pm on Thursday, June 26th. The events are generously sponsored by the Poolville Country Store with media sponsor WSKG Public TV and Radio.

The Jammin Divas are Aoife Clancy (IRE) Grammy Nominee with Cherish the Ladies, Nicole Zuraitis (USA), Kath Buckell (AUS), Hadar Noiberg flutist (ISR) and Craig Akin (USA) on Bass. They blend stunning renditions of traditional and contemporary original folk music and elements of improvisation from around the world. The Jammin’ Divas draw the audience into an experience that transcends three continents history by sharing songs and stories of how each country culturally influences and enriches one another.

“Captivating, sexy, passionate, enchanting! These four women had us eating out of the palm of their hands. Four cultures entwined in contemporary song which tickled and delighted us all. Originating from across the globe, each woman brought their own unique style and genre to the mix.” The Fix

Come to our Meet and Greet at the Barge on Lebanon St. in Hamilton on Thursday, 6/26 at 7 pm!

Join us for what the Providence Phoenix described as “an inspiring night” with this international supergroup on Friday, June 27th! “Their harmonies are divine, and the songs contain enticing elements from the various cultural backgrounds.”

You Tubes

I Know You Rider

People Get Ready

Down by the River

Introducing the Jammin Divas

Tickets are available online or by calling EOH at $19, $17 EOH members, $14 students. Premium seating in the first 4 rows. This concert is a member special event. EOH members may contact the EOH for details about bringing free guests who have never been to the EOH before! EOH will be providing up to 50 free tickets through the Madison Community Action Program. The EOH Theater is wheelchair-accessible with a ramp and a lift.

During your visit, take advantage of the exhibits in the three EOH Art Galleries, the Artisan’s Gift Shop featuring New York artists as well as the homemade desserts in the EOH Arts Café! Delicious refreshments will be available before the show and during intermission, including hot and cold drinks. For more information, or to reserve your seats, call 315-691-3550 or order online at http://www.earlvilleoperahouse.com. The Opera House is located at 18 East Main Street, in Earlville, NY.

This tour of the Jammin Divas is made possible by a grant from Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support for the National Endowment for the Arts!
EOH events are made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and through the generosity of EOH members.

Earlville Opera House Announces Member SPECIAL EVENTS: Jammin Divas 6/27 and John McCutcheon 7/20

Each year the Earlville Opera House has special member events.  We honor our members as our ambassadors to the world!  This year’s Member SPECIAL EVENTS will feature performances in June and July that will make members proud of the amazing artists that we feature at Your House…the Earlville Opera House.

These EOH member special events are called “Members Introduce the Opera House”! A member who purchases a ticket to the show, is allowed to invite a guest for free. Or if you have purchased two member seats to this show, you are allowed to invite two guests for free. Members should ask guests who are either not currently members or have never been to the EOH and use this evening to introduce them to our wonderful Multi-Arts Center!!  We especially appreciate young people coming for the first time!  They are the future of EOH.

The first member special event will be Fri 6/27 8 pm Jammin’ Divas ~ Folk of Ireland, Australia, US and Israel Sound <)))

Their beautiful voices make this group stand out from most folk rock groups. ” All throughout, impressively co-ordinated guitar work, with well synced arpeggiated duetting sections, interesting chord usage and even some blues licks drove the musical accompaniment. Definitely, The Jammin Divas are at their pinnacle best at the moment….where all three superb voices are pouring out in a smoothly-coated blend of luscious three part harmony.” – The Guardian 2012

The Jammin Divas are Aoife Clancy (IRE) Grammy Nominee with Cherish the Ladies, Nicole Zuraitis (USA), Kath Buckell (AUS), Hadar Noiberg flutist (ISR) and Craig Akin (USA) on double bass.  They blend stunning renditions of traditional and contemporary original folk music and elements of improvisation from each of their cultures. Through stunning three part harmonies bedded against the plush melodic landscape of the flute and double bass, The Jammin’ Divas draw the audience into an experience that transcends three continents’ history by sharing songs and stories by which each country has culturally influenced and enriched one another over time.

“Captivating, sexy, passionate, enchanting! These four women had us eating out of the palm of their hands. Four cultures entwined in contemporary song which tickled and delighted us all. Originating from across the globe, each woman brought their own unique style and genre to the mix.”  The Fix

This performance of the Jammin Divas is sponsored by the Poolville Country Store and by media sponsor WSKG. This tour of the Jammin’ Divas is made possible by a grant from Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support for the National Endowment for the Arts!

 Our second Member SPECIAL EVENT will be Sun 7/20 8 pm John McCutcheon ~ Folk Icon          Sound <))

McCutcheon is first and foremost an instrumentalist. Like thousands of others in the ’60s, McCutcheon, a Wisconsin native, taught himself how to play a mail-order guitar and joined the local folk scene. His interest became more serious, however, when he sought to find the roots of this music. McCutcheon headed for Appalachia and learned from some of the legendary greats of traditional folk music. Along the way, he became adept at a multitude of instruments, including fiddle, banjo, guitar, autoharp, jaw harp, and especially the hammered dulcimer. McCutcheon is considered one of the undisputed masters on the hammered dulcimer and adapts much of his music around the instrument.

John McCutcheon has written hundreds of songs and garnered more than his share of accolades. His eclectic catalog of ballads, historical songs, children’s songs, love songs, topical satire, fiddle and hammer dulcimer instruments, and even symphonic works are among the broadest in American folk music. His thirty-six albums have earned 6 Grammy nominations. His songwriting has been hailed by critics around the world; his song Christmas in the Trenches is considered a classic and was recently named one of the 100 Essential Folk Songs.

With his deep roots in American traditional music, his approach to writing reflects both a simplicity and a layered complexity that creates songs that are always more than they seem. “He is a master at the difficult craft of the ballad,” touted the Boston Globe. “Storytelling with the richness of fine literature,” added the Washington Post.

“One of our country’s best songwriters,” said Pete Seeger.

This performance of John McCutcheon is sponsored by Bruce Ward Architect.

Discounted Member prices for these performances: Jammin Divas $17 and John McCutcheon $23.

Not yet a member of the Opera House?  Here’s EOH MEMBERSHIP INFO.  Here’s a link to sign up online.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS IN CENTRAL NEW YORK!

(Maximum of two guests per member household – please call 315-691-3550 to reserve ahead for your guests –there is no handling charge for member orders for this performance – limit of 60 guests)

Note: Sound levels Sound <)) are on a scale of five waves.

June Eat Out for the ARTS at the Poolville Country Store Benefiting the EOH

The Poolville Country Store welcomes you to a very special fall dinner!

June Eat Out for the ARTS at the Poolville Country Store Benefiting the EOH

It is summer and it’s time to celebrate!  Want to meet some friends for an amazing dinner? Take a break to make this summer special!

Eat Out for the ARTS on Wednesday, June 25th,

On Wednesday, June 25th, at 6:30 pm the Poolville Country Store will open its doors to a very select group of customers — you and your friends or family! One seating: enjoy a gastronomic journey from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

The Poolville Country Store will be open just for EOH guests, this is a special occasion indeed! Offered as a fundraiser for the Earlville Opera House, Roger and Charles have agreed to donate a percentage of the night’s sales to EOH. The exciting fall menu has been specially created just for this occasion, at a special price of just $40.

More Information about the Eat Out for the Arts program: EOH 315-691-3550 or for Eat Out reservations for the Poolville Country Store call 315-691-2677

Three courses—$40 fixed price

First Course—Choice of:
Classic Caesar: freshly chopped romaine lettuce
tossed in our homemade traditional Caesar dressing
w/ shaved Parmesan, Asiago, Romano, white
anchovies & puff pastry croutons
Mixed artisan greens dressed in our own balsamic
vinaigrette & garnished with sliced almonds, grapes and
Danish blue crumbles

Main Course—Choice of:
Petite filet mignon – hand cut, pan grilled to your
liking and finished with our house made steak
sauce & frizzled onions
General Tso’s Chicken: crispy fried chicken
tossed in a mildly spiced sweet & tangy
Szechwan pepper glaze with assorted
vegetables over sticky rice
Braised Pork Adobo: pork slowly braised
in authentic adobo seasoning with lime-
scented Cuban black beans & rice
Green Curry, Chick Pea & Potato Stew:
chick peas and potatoes in a green curried
vegetable base with fresh ginger, turmeric
and organic coconut over sticky rice (vegan &
gluten free; mildly spicy)

Dessert:
Brownies a la mode
(price doesn’t include tax, gratuity, beverages)

Advance reservations are required.
Please call 315-691-2677 no later than Wednesday, June 18th to reserve your table.

This fabulous meal starts at 6:30 pm, and enjoy the feast from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m

Why?
Because you don’t need a reason to treat yourself to a fabulous dinner!

Because proceeds from this special night will help the Earlville Opera House continue to bring exciting musical performances to the Central New York community.  Your dollars make it possible to show the artwork of amazing artists, to create free programming for kids and teens, and offer classes in the arts.

Because the Opera House is Your House — everything we do, we do for you.

So come join us for dinner on June 25, experience the culinary genius of Roger and Charles, visit with friends, and help support local arts and artists in Central New York.
Celebrate the beauty of Fall, the joy of community, and the satisfaction of perfectly prepared food!

Poolville Country Store Dining Room in front of an enormous original fireplace!

Now in its seventh year under the creative guidance of partners Roger Foster (who trained at the Culinary Institute of America) and Charles Wilburn (a graduate of Johnson & Wales University‘s College of Culinary Arts), The Poolville Country Store has become a local treasure for anyone who appreciates the art and science of preparing fine food,  artfully presented, in an historic setting that is welcoming, relaxing, and beautiful.

Charles and Roger offer European influenced American cuisine with a menu that includes all natural hormone-free beef, veal, pork, and poultry, and only fresh, wild seafood. The menu is further enhanced by local produce and farm fresh eggs, changing frequently as availability and seasons allow.  They strive for excellence to ensure that everything made is of the highest quality. Breads, dressings, desserts, ice creams, and sorbets are completely homemade. With combined experience of over 45 years in the hotel and restaurant business, this is a dining experience you won’t soon forget!

The Poolville Country Store
1245 Earlville Road
Earlville, NY 13332 (map link)

Tel: 315-691-2677 Fax: 315-691-9842

Helping to support the ARTS at the Earlville Opera House!

The Music Room and The Other Stories by Hugh Humphreys at EOH

Retired Madison County Judge Hugh Humphreys has written many plays that revolve around the history of Madison County and the region

The talented attorney, Hugh C. Humphreys is like the John Grisham or Lisa Scottoline of Madison County; he is a consummate storyteller. However, he doesn’t go in for writing thrillers like these other more famous lawyers turned authors. Rather he paints his stories with character, history and music.

Humphreys will present The Music Room, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 22 at the Earlville Opera House. Humphreys wrote the play about a decade ago in response to a request from a group in Utica for him to write a play for a celebration at SUNY IT..

The author wraps his love of opera and his penchant for humor around the story of a rather ill mannered boy who, during the depression, is sent to live with his aunt in Utica. There he becomes acquainted with two young ladies who aspire to be opera singers. Humphreys, himself, plays the boy who narrates the funny one act play. The two women will be portrayed by the talented vocalists Jenni Larchar and Meena Nair Conant.

“These singers are wonderful,” says Humphreys, “and the music in the play is beautiful.” The play is directed by April (Shannon) Sweeney, Associate Professor of English in the University Theater at Colgate University. The evening promises to bring new fans to this talented local author through this enjoyable and amusing production.

The second portion of the evening, Humphreys calls The Other Storiesand will include music, drama and poetry, by local performers, including the wonderful baritone Max Alden Smith, who is also the Mayor of Oneida. Humphreys disclosed that on this first day of summer, Max Smith will open the second act with a rendition of Summertime, and follow with more musical selections throughout the act. Humphreys will perform in a true story about himself in an eighth grade poetry contest. Basil Dillon-Malone, a friend of Hugh’s from Syracuse who Hugh describes as a terrific actor and poet, will read an Irish poem.

Humphreys declares that the “play is funny and the music is beautiful.”  Hugh Humphreys has once again dedicated this production as a fund-raiser for the Earlville Opera House and the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum.

The show will be dedicated to the memory of the incomparable Joan Keefe, who died recently and who gave so much of her time, unbounded talents and energy to the musical life of the Chenango Valley and the Earlville Opera House. 

Tickets are $15, $13 EOH and NAHOF members, $10 students at the Earlville Opera House on June 21 and June 22.  Call to reserve at 315-691-3550.

Poor Old Shine’s Foot-Stompin’ Americana Roots at EOH

“They harmonize; they play saws, mandolins and pump organs; they back their songs with crickets and squeaking screen doors; they are boisterously youthful yet deftly sentimental. The album, which reaches back to traditional roots music with modern-day zest, was very richly produced to great effect by Sam Kassirer at the Great North Sound Society’s remote studios in Maine. That seclusion, much like Dylan and the Band’s creative oasis in Woodstock, led to a focus that belies the fact that this is a debut album. ” DAVID VECSEY 12/6/13

The Alt-Americana band Poor Old Shine brings their bluegrass-tinged old-time country music to the historic main stage at the Earlville Opera House on Friday the 13th of June at 8 pm. The band has two records out on Signature Sounds and has gotten rave reviews. “In a time when country music all too often forgets its roots, Poor Old Shine celebrates them…in everything from gospel, to folk, to straight up bluegrass in their electrifying, foot stomping, hands clapping, washboard scratching show;” said Greg Quinion in his POS review.

Quinion explains, “Country music has changed radically in the past decades, sonically and lyrically it can be hard to remember that gospel, folk, and even blues once had a huge influence on songwriters. Any band playing the old country classics faces a challenge to make them sound as fresh, urgent, and full of life as they once were. Poor Old Shine’s youthful energy and earnestness made these songs sound as if they were brand new.”

“Their self-titled debut studio album … become one of my favorites of 2013. They most likely won’t be among the Grammy nominations when they are announced Friday night, but I’m casting my own little write-in vote for Best New Artist.”  David Vescey, December 2013

He maintains, “By the end of the first song they had won over an all ages crowd that in large had never heard of, nor seen much of them before and perhaps come mainly out of curiosity rather than any affinity for old-time country music…The band features combinations of guitars, fiddles, upright bass, drums, banjo, mandolin, and pump organ; all expertly played and complimented by rich vocal harmony… If you like your music played on string instruments that look like they were lovingly plucked from dusty antique stores, and complimented by washboards, boxes, singing saws, and old pump organs. Check out Poor Old Shine at one of their upcoming dates.

Reviewer Pat Moran expounds, “A young band, Poor Old Shine has the audacity to show just how weird “tradition” can be, particularly when it whips a singing saw into a pretty good imitation of a theremin [early electronic musical instrument]. When the band goes off script, as when it uses the feedback of two cell phones to lay down a spectral drone on “Ghosts Next Door,” the result fits right in with its more authentic arsenal of fiddle, banjo, washboard, pump organ and drum kit cobbled together from scrap metal. Poor Old Shine charts a course between imitation and innovation, and the tension between those two poles gives its invigorated mountain music a sense of urgency.”

You Tubes of Poor Old Shine

Weeds Or Wild Flowers // Big Old Big One 

Footsteps in My Ear

The Old Guitar – “The Hurry All Around” 

“Sweet Virginia Lee” from their EP Treadless Soles 

This Poor Old Shine show will arouse shimmying in your seats, foot-stomping and just hollering out loud on lucky Friday the 13th! Tickets are available online or by calling EOH at $19, $17 EOH members, $14 students. Premium seating in the first 4 rows. The EOH Theater is wheelchair-accessible with a ramp and a lift.

During your visit, take advantage of the exhibits in the three EOH Art Galleries, the Artisan’s Gift Shop featuring New York artists as well as the homemade desserts in the EOH Arts Café! Delicious refreshments will be available before the show and during intermission, including hot and cold drinks. For more information, or to reserve your seats, call 315-691-3550 or order online at http://www.earlvilleoperahouse.com. The Opera House is located at 18 East Main Street, in Earlville, NY.

“I fully expect to hear more from this band as the years go on. In fact, if I don’t hear “Weeds or Wildflowers” in the soundtrack of some romantic comedy in the next year, someone in Hollywood will have to answer to me!” David Vescey Here’s the video:

EOH events are made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and through the generosity of EOH members.