Washington County Bluegrass Band

Thursday, December 31, 2009

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7:30 p.m.

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Music lovers, please tune in to WCLB for a family-friendly program of acoustic music featuring traditional bluegrass, plus early country, folk, and contemporary tunes presented in a bluegrass format.

“Washington County Line Bluegrass” is a group of experienced musicians who met at bluegrass jams and festivals around the Northeast and now join forces to bring you the music they love best.  They feature the songs of bluegrass giants such as Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, the Stanley Brothers, and Red Allen as well as flok music icons and singer / songwriters including Gordon Lightfoot, Tom Paxton, Bob Dylan, and Ralph McTell.

AM/FM. An evening of Acoustic Music and Family Music performed for your enjoyment.

Traditional and contemporary bluegrass performed by a group with and extensive history of

playing and singing “America’s Music”.

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Christmas Concert

with Solo Harpist

Rita Costanzi

Saturday, December 19, 2009

7:30 p.m.

Internationally acclaimed artist, actor, composer & teacher… Principal Harpist Vancouver Symphony Orchestra… Loved by audiences at Tanglewood, Marlboro, Chautauqua & the World Harp Congress.

Having known and worked with Rita Costanzi over the past 10 years, I can assert that she is a most accomplished harpist and intelligent musician. Ms. Costanzi is full of artistry, and she infuses character and personality in her playing, while expressing a full understanding of the music she performs so eloquently.

In addition to these musical qualities, Ms. Costanzi also has a public appeal that dynamically engages her audience in her performance.

I warmly recommend her for a brilliant solo career, which she deserves.

Conductor Laureate, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor

Sergiu Comissiona
Conductor Emeritus, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Laureate, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor

Rita is not only a supremely gifted Harp soloist, she is a most charismatic performer. Her flair and powerful musical personality transmit directly to the audience and it is immediately evident that the somewhat unfamiliar medium of Classical Harp as featured soloist with Orchestra is strongly appreciated by the audience. I have also had the opportunity to see the extraordinary one woman show ‘Harp and Solo’ which clearly could not be successfully performed by anyone else since it requires virtuoso Harp skills, acting skills and a personality large enough to fill a stage.

Working with Rita has been a great pleasure. As conductor, I value the warm collegial relationship with her as soloist and it was at once possible to make music in a cooperative and concentrated way. What a joy !

Bruce Pullan
Music Director
Vancouver Bach Choir

Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 7:30

The Improv Club

The Improv Club, a Clifton Park based improvisation troupe, will present their fall show “Laugh Out Loud: Improv for All” on Saturday November 14th at 7:30 PM at The Arts Center on the Hudson, 2 South Main Street, Mechanicville, NY.

This show is a highly interactive, spontaneous romp with the audience. Audience members are asked to provide the players with people, places, and situations that the troupe incorporates in their skits and games, in the vein of the popular TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

This will be the troupe’s second appearance at the newly remodeled Arts Center on the Hudson. The venue attracts audiences of all ages. After the Club’s last performance in June, several audience members remarked how much fun it was to be able to laugh at family-friend comedy.

At this show, the Improv Club will be joined by special guest DJ Christopher Tucker from Schuylerville, NY, who will provide an array of amazing, upbeat, and whimsical music to accompany the Club’s zany skits.

The Improv Club, a group of talented stand-up comics and experienced stage performers, was founded two years ago by Clifton Park businesswoman, Judi Clements, President of Judi Clements Training and Development. In additional to Judi, the Club consists of Julie Phillips, Janet Smith, Steve Smoller, Marcy Hausman, Jon Hausman, & Jory Langner.

According to Clements: “Our troupe is dedicated to having fun and helping our audiences have fun.

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An Evening of Divine Comedy

with Reifer, Saccone & Montanaro

Saturday, October 3, 2009  at 7:30 p.m.

Jackie Reifer, John Saccone and Katen Montanaro create a fusion of mime, dance, juggling and physical storytelling that delights the senses and the spirit.  Here is a beautiful, funny and touching performance for all ages.  Humor, skill, invention and suspense - this three person show has it all.

Karen Montanaro is a world-renowned dancer and mime artist, an award-winning choreographer, and the innovator of mime dance (the fusion of two classical art forms). Karen studied ballet at the Cantarella School of Dance, the Ram Island Dance Center and on scholarship with the Joffrey Ballet School. Karen danced professionally with the Ohio Ballet and the Darmstadt Opera Ballet in Germany. For more than a decade, Karen toured and taught internationally with mime master, Tony Montanaro. She currently tours the world with her one-woman show entitled Tanzspiel. Karen is a teaching artist and offers residencies in movement, mime and dance in public and private schools throughout the United States. Karen was recently awarded the 2008 Individual Artist Fellowship grant from the Maine Arts Commission.

Jackie Reifer and John Saccone met at Tony Montanaro’s Celebration Barn Theater in 1980.  They performed and toured with his Celebration Theater Ensemble for years.  In 1987, they formed the duo Reifer & Saccone, offering workshops and performances to a wide audience  Jackie Reifer is a comedienne, actress and mime.  When she is not working with John, she performs her solo material Reifer Madness, and collaborates with others in various venues, including commercials.  She also runs communication groups for adolescents and adults through Northeast Hearing & Speech Center.  John Saccone is a mime, actor and juggler.  In addition to his work in Reifer & Saccone, he is the movement education teacher at Merriconeag Waldolf School in Freeport, Maine.  He is certified in Bothmer gymnastics, is a Spacial Dynamics practioner and continues his studies with Jaimen McMillan.  John is a resident guest artist with the Portland Ballet Company and a teacher at the Rudolf Steiner Institute.

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Cirque Kids - MACC Circus!

Thursday,  July 23, 2009

4:30 p.m.

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Arts Center on the Hudson Presents:

Silver Lining Circus

Friday, July 24, 2009    2:00 & 7:00 p.m. Shows!

Location: The Spacial Dynamics Institute  (old Mechanicville Elementary School Gymnasium)

10 Main Street, Mechanicville, NY 12118

The Circus Is Coming!

Unicycles!  Acrobatics!  Juggling!  Clowning!  Tightwire!  And much more!  Talented teens from New Hampshire, California, Massachusetts, Maine, and Montreal perform in the lively Silver Lining Youth Circus, a show for children and families.

The Silver Lining Circus “tour”, now in its fourth season, brings experienced teen performers to different community venues to give the kids a feeling of what it’s like to be “on the road” as a circus troupe.

Tour director Jackie Davis recently completed a Master of Education degree at Harvard University where she studied youth development through the lens of circus arts education. “We are delighted to bring our youth circus to the Mechanicville community,” says Ms. Davis, “because we want Saratoga County to see what the Spacial Dynamics Institute, located in Mechanicville, New York, does for children and youth.  The Spacial Dynamics Institute and its director Jaimen McMillan have trained many excellent teachers who have generated wonderful programs for children.  My work in circus education has flourished through my association with the Spacial Dynamics Institute.”  There is recent scientific research linking balance, bimanual coordination, and even laughter to brain development and improved cognitive functioning.  “I think it’s just a matter of time before we hear of studies that link circus arts with all kinds of benefits – from physical, to social, to cognitive,” says Jackie Davis.  Besides it’s good old-fashioned fun!

Jackie runs the Silver Lining Circus Camp, now ten years old, with her husband Rick Davis.  Located in Temple, NH, the camp is a subsidiary of CircusLearning, LLC, which promotes youth development through circus arts.

Coaching the tour are Jen Agans of Amherst, Jon Roitman, formerly of Wilton, and Jacob Skeffington, formerly of Greenfield.  They bring a high caliber of expertise from their various experiences with the Hilltop Circus, Circus Smirkus, the National Circus School in Montreal, and Cirque du Soleil.

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Tinker’s Coin Productions

Saturday,  July 25, 2009   2:00 p.m.

“The Garden Show or A Tale of Two Plots”

The story of what happens when gardens are ravaged

by unwelcomed guests, and how two gardeners

work together to solve their problem.

And

“A Renaissance Story: The Three Billy Goats Gruff”

Tiberius and Glorianna meet to rehearse their new puppet show.

Sad to say, rehearsal can’t happen as they had planned. How do

they solve their problem and still be able to tell the story of the

Three Billy Goats Gruff?

Talib and Olivia Huff (Tinker’s Coin Productions)

have been performing with their puppets (marionettes,

shadow and hand puppets) for over 25 years in schools,

at Renaissance Faires and in libraries and homes across

America.  In 2000, they began performing on the streets

and in homes across Italy.  They have returned to Italy

over the years to perform at festivals, for the deaf

community in Florence, and to teach English

through puppetry at summer camps.

Time to Play!

An original two person show

by Jason Burnstein & Elena Orsak

Friday,  July 3, 2009   7:00 p.m.

“Time to Play!” is a hilarious fun-filled performance of clowning, juggling, mime, and music  that promises to entertain the ENTIRE family.  This magical journey of hope, dreams and love is told through a unique style of physical storytelling that weaves together epic adventure sequences with strikingly beautiful and simple vignettes that are sure to capture the imagination of all ages.

youtube link:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qj8cLkKOgM

Emmanuel United Church Youth Theater

Presents:

Lifesong

A musical about six young adventurers who come together on a tropical island and learn to lead like Jesus.

Sunday, May 17, 2009   7:00 p.m.

Location:

Arts Center on the Hudson

A free will offering will be taken to benefit

Melani Fu

Melani is a one year old little girl.  When she was three months old it was confirmed that she is deaf.  She has also been diagnosed with hypotonia (severe muscle weakness).

In February she was admitted to the hospital with an ear infection and very high fever.  Her liver enzymes were so elevated doctors thought she needed a liver transplant.  Thankfully it was not needed.  Doctors are still searching for the reason Melani is a very sick little girl.

Play Created by: Sue C. Smith, Simon Hawkins & Kris Crunk

85 Years Rotary Anniversary

Celebration

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The Arts Center on the Hudson will be the site of the Champlain Canal Rotary Club’s 85^th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, May 20th, 2009.

The event is open to non-Rotary members as well. A delicious meal will be served n this exquisite setting, followed by light-hearted entertainment and fun. Come see why the Rotary Clubs around the world share the motto : “Humanity in Motion”.

Please contact Rebecca Wilkinson : (518) 424-4817

Or Dick Lohnes: (518) 753-4737

The Improv Club Comedy Troupe

Saturday, May 23, 2009   7:30 p.m.

Packed with wacky fun!

The Improv Club, a group of nine 50-ish capital district residents who have a core belief that “comedy is the best policy.”  “Many of us have taken stand-up and improvisational classes together and have performed with each other in shows.  Something about our personalities just clicked,” says club member Paula Jo Smith of the Saratoga Springs area.  “Maybe it was a ‘Bucket List’ kind of a thing for some of us; or just breaking out of the world of work to express our creative side.”

The Improv Club was formed in January 2008 by director Judi Clements of Clifton Park, who has a Masters Degree in Performing Arts from the State University of New York at Albany.  The club members are: Ellen Gibson, Ballston Lake; Terrie Gifford, Schaghticoke; Jon and Marcy Hausman, Ballston Spa: Julie Phillips, Schenectady, Janet Smith, Watervliet; PJ Smith, Gansevoort; and Steve Smoller, Glens Falls.  Their combined professions include teaching, sales, graphic arts, psychology, public speaking, publishing, accounting, administration, and nuclear engineering.

“Performing without a script is risky,” says Clements, “especially being at the mercy of audience suggestions.  We’ve had scenes where we’re bakers in outer space!”

The Open Window and The Three

Strings

April 4, 2009 - 7:30 p.m.

“The Open Window,” the true story of Vedran Smailovic, Principal Cellist of the Sarajevo Opera, who responded to the genocide during the Siege of Sarajevo in 1992 using his cello as an instrument of peace. Mark Judelson tells the story and Max Judelson accompanies on the cello.

“Three Strings” is the story of what violinist Yitzchak Perlman did when one of the strings on his violin breaks in the middle of a concert. Mark tells the story and Adrianne Pope accompanies on the violin.

This will be followed by solo performances by Max on the bass and Adrianne on the violin. The two will then perform a duet.

The final element of the evening will be Mark telling “The Hundredth Monkey” accompanying himself on the didgeridoo. This story addresses the question whether our actions really matter and uses research on the behavior of monkeys as the basis for suggesting it really is worth it to behave well.

Mark began telling stories in the village of Kongbo in the Central African Empire in 1978. In Kongbo, there was no electricity, television, radio, telephones or newspapers. People passed their evenings sitting around fires and telling stories. The first language of Mark’s performances was Sangho but he will perform in English in Mechanicville. For the past 30 years, in addition to sparkling performances by firelight, he has brought uplifting and true stories to high schools, prisons, churches, colleges and conferences. For more information about Mark, visit www.storiesofpeace.com.

Max is a student at the Boston Conservatory of Music where he is studying classical bass. He has been performing publicly since third grade with venues including gothic churches in Paris, prisons, high schools, subway platforms, nursing homes, rock concerts, private homes, cocktail parties and street corners. He was the New York State Mountain Bike Champion in 2001 and has supported himself through various means including music and working as a bike messenger in Manhattan and Paris.

Adrianne is a freshman at The Boston Conservatory of Music and studies violin with Sharan Leventhal.  In 2007, she soloed with The Grossmont Symphony and The San Diego Chamber Orchestra.  She was a member of The San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra from 2001-2007 and was the Principal Violinist in 2007.  In 2006-2007 she held the Mentor/Tutor chair in The Grossmont Symphony.  She is currently a member of The Boston Conservatory Orchestra, plays violin in the violin/clarinet/piano trio AIR and is a founding member of the Sitting Room Set, a quartet with trumpet, violin, double bass and drums.

Performance is Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

The Gospel of John

Written by John the Evangelist

Good Friday, April 10, 2009

David Anderson, Laurie Portocarrero and Glen Williamson

Present

’s

The Gospel of John

Directed by Adrian Locher

Assisted by Benedicta Bertau

“An extraordinary evening of theater…”

-The Independent, NY

“Threaded with genius…”

-The Register Star, NY

“Riveting … Dynamic … a wonder.”

-Berkshire Bright Focus, MA

Three actors, using only two chairs, a table and a few cloths, bring to life the drama and poetry of the Gospel with stunning simplicity and imagination.

The actual text of the Bible, not an interpretation or adaptation, in a modern yet poetic translation.

This live performance employs drama, choral speaking, storytelling and song in a breathtaking journey that is inspiring and accessible to everyone.

Photos by Iva Peele

Running Time: approx. 90 minutes

Performance is Friday, April 10, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

World Thinking Day Festival

Sunday, February 22, 2009

The Arts Center on the Hudson will host over I00 Girl Scouts from 18 different troops  on Sunday, Feb.22cnd, 2009 to celebrate International World Thinking Day. Each troop has selected a country which it will represent. They will bring decorated art work, songs, games, crafts and sample cuisine from the country that they introduce the other scouts to. World Thinking Day not only gives the girls a chance to celebrate international friendship, but is a reminder that the Girl Scouts of the USA is a part of a wider, global community of nearly 150 countries with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

A Story of Timeless Love

Valentine’s Day

Saturday, February 14, 2009   7:30 p.m.

This moving Valentine’s performance brings together Australian actor, John McManus, and Israeli pianist, Gili Melamed-Lev, to present Paul Gallico’s “The Snow Goose”, a heart warming story about love and compassion set against a background of war and mistrust.

Melamed-Lev magically intersperses this masterful performance by McManus with piano solos by Ravel, Debussy, Chopin, R. Rachmaninoff, Brahms, Prokofiev and Satie.  This combination of drama and music is memorable.  The ending is unforgettable.

Open House at the Arts Center on the

Hudson

January 11, 2009 - From 10 am to 3 pm

The Arts Center will be sharing a photo display showing the “before” and “after” of this true-to-it’s origins restoration.  We will also be gathering memories of St. Luke’s Church from anyone who has one to share with hope of creating a booklet to honor “the noble past of this important location of worship, family and community.”  Guests will be welcome to walk about the building and see all that has been accomplished in the a little more than a year.  Past and present St. Luke’s parishioners will be especially welcome.

CHARLES DICKENS’  A CHRISTMAS CAROL

December 5 & 6, 2008    7:30p.m.

“A Christmas Carol” will be performed by Ashley Ramsden on December 5th and 6th,
2008 at the Arts Center on the Hudson, 2 South Main Street in Mechanicville, New
York.

Ashley Ramsden, English master storyteller and actor portrays all 23 characters of this
Dickens “Scrooge” play with the animated breadth and flair of a whole cast.  This vivid
and highly engaging performance will take place in an exquisite Gothic structure (the
olde St. Luke’s Church) which provides the perfect setting for this Christmas classic.

Two performances: Friday, December 5th and Saturday, December 6th, both at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at the door.