Rhythm en Richment at Music Hall, Fri. March 2

Just a reminder that Rhythm en Richment (http://rhythmenrichment.blogspot.com) old school R&B with a touch of Jazz) will again be playing at the beautiful Columbus Music Hall (http://www.columbusmusichall.com) this Friday. Admission is only $6.00
with the normal array of beverages available for purchase.



We had a great time at the first gig and we look to see even more of you
this time around. What's better than a 'little dancin on a Friday night'?



See Ya Friday,
Rick, Wahru, Steve, Joe, Marshall, Phil and Darchelle


Rick Redmon
President, Olde Towne East Neighborhood Association (Otena)
Commissioner, Near East Area Commission (NEAC)

Katherine Burkman directs two short plays

I am going to be directing a play I wrote about a love relationship between a slot machine and its player and another play by Elaine Jarvik called DEAD RIGHT, both 10 minute plays as part of a program for WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH planned by Alan Woods.

Rita Khavari and David Fawcett appear in the first play, Alan Woods and Ellen Nickles in the second.

It takes place in Westerville at 7:30 on the 8th of March and is free, lasts about an hour. Hope to see some of you there.

Information about the whole event, place, etc. is on Alan Wood's blog

www.osureadings.blogspot.com


Best, Kathy Burkman

(Katherine was the founder and genius behind Women Ay Play, a group that presented fine drama for several years in central Ohio, until it was disbanded last year - charlie)

Gordon Halloran - Ice Paintings - Photos by Mark Berger

Charlie:
Maxine & I were recently in Canada, we went to Niagara-on-the-Lake, and saw art work by an artist name Gordon Halloran. He also has work exhibited at the WinterCity Festival in Toronto. We were in Toronto for a Bat Mitzvah and saw Halloran's work, It is 10 feet by 80 feet by 10 feet. Gordon Halloran's ice painting in Toronto are called Below Zero I have included some bio information and examples of this incredible "Ice Painting"










Gordon Halloran started his career as an award-winning Canadian illustrator (covers for Macleans, Financial Post, Toronto Life, San Francisco, American Airlines magazines, The Globe and Mail).

His first show of abstract painting at the Nancy Poole Gallery in Yorkville, Toronto, was followed by other international exhibitions of paintings and drawings. In the fall of 1991, while watching a hockey practice, Halloran made a connection which would impact his work for the next decade: that making an ice rink was probably his first artistic experience. He began to imagine the entire surface of an ice rink exploding with color; a Zamboni used as an etching device; a flood of water glistening over the surface. Out of that experience came his exploration, invention and creation of an art form uniquely Canadian. In the early nineties, Halloran introduced Ice Paintings as public art events. These massive, multicolored abstract paintings recaptured community ice rinks and redefined them from competitive to shared community spaces where everyone could experience the joy of art.

Paintings Below Zero is an installation of boldly coloured, abstract paintings in ice — enormous in scale and yet intricate in detail — with stunning patterns created by pigments combining with the crystal structure of the ice.

This uniquely Canadian art form was created by Vancouver artist Gordon Halloran. Described by Halloran as "big paintings for a big country," these massive ice installations are inspired by Canada's vast winter landscape of ice and snow.

On display in the American Express Ice Gallery, Halloran's dramatic project for the WinterCity Festival explores issues of climate change, global warming and melting ice caps. The installation will cover 800 square feet, featuring an 80 foot wall of three dimensional ice paintings reaching heights of up to 10 feet. Nathan Phillips Square's ice rink will also be used as a giant canvas, inviting the public to become part of the art by skating on the surface of the paintings.

Gordon Halloran's Paintings Below Zero was a highlight of the Cultural Olympiad in Turin, Italy (2006). Halloran was the only Canadian invited to represent Canada in Turin. His installation was "an homage to Canada," as host country for the next Olympic Winter Games.

Ralph Rosenfield Reviews Food, culture, and more

Bon vivant, raconteur and generally artsy fellow Ralph occasionally sends us his comments and reviews that we publish in the Innerart website's Food Review. Here are his latest entries:

Great Eats, Low Prices… Downtown
Now that Jan and I have lived in the Short North for 8 years and in the Arena District for almost five months, I thought it might be well to report to you some of the great discoveries we have made. This isn’t to say we have given up cooking here at home, but let’s just say that we have found many cost-effective alternatives! Keep in mind this is by no means a complete list of places and specials, just the ones we like and that are within walking distance from our loft – not that we really WALK to all of them (biking is good when the weather is good, and driving IS an option). They are listed in no particular order.

1. The Red Star Tavern on Nationwide Blvd. Tuesday is “Buck a Burger Night”, along with half price on draft beers and selected appetizers. There is always a “Buggyworks contingent” down there. Great value and a short walk for us.

2. RJ Snappers. Good deals on bar specials almost every night. On Mondays and Wednesdays Fish and Chips are $8 and selected beers are $2. On Thursdays a

3. Morton’s. The Steakhouse is hidden in Nationwide Two on High Street. Buy a drink at the bar between 5 and 7 pm Monday-Friday and enjoy the complimentary tenderloin sandwiches – inexpensive and quick dinner and great atmosphere.

4. Rigsby’s Still my one of my favorite restaurants for fine dinning. M-F 5-7 they have what they call the “Classy Hour”. This may be the best value for a high-end restaurant in Columbus. Complimentary appetizers at the bar (limited selection). Drinks are full price but the wine selection is superb, and reasonably priced. We ordered the mussels and the Greek meatballs in addition to the wine and the $4 martini.

5. My runner up for favorite restaurant is The Rossi. They really don’t have any specials, but their Lamb lollipops for $9, Yukon Gold French Fries $4, and the Duck Spring Rolls $8 are a real value. And they have one of the city’s best pizzas ($14 for the one that’s bigger than two people should eat) - it is based on the Lombardi pizza in Brooklyn NY. The Rossi is near the end of our walking distance, though NorthStar Café and White Castle are only one block further north on High St..

6. The Press Grill is just full of good values with something every night.
Monday is Nathan’s Famous Hot dogs 2 for $3 bucks; Tuesday is 35 cent wings; Wednesday, 99 cent taco’s; Friday, 2 cheeseburgers & Fries for $6.95; Thursday after 5pm is Thanksgiving Dinner for $9.95 and Sunday is 12 oz. Strip Steak for $9.95. I got hungry just writing this.
7. Due Amici, Monday 1/2 price on wine’s 5-11 pm. They are planning a movie night to begin in March. They always have great well priced and well prepared Italian food.

8. Spice Bar. Great outdoor dinning in warm weather, cozy inside now. Lots of specials: Tuesday is a 14oz Sirloin steak for $10; Wednesday - wings are 15 for $5; Thursday is a $3 Pizza, and Friday is a $3 Spice burger. Happy Hour is 4:30 to 8 M-F; Oh I almost forgot $3 Long Island Ice Tea, $2 Cosmos and Margaritas.

9. Basi Italia. The real Italian deal, hidden away in Highland Alley. Very limited seating indoors but wonderful outdoor dining in good weather. They offer a prefix menu between 5-5:30pm – don’t be late or you’ll miss it! Appetizer, entrée, and desert for $20. In the summer they have Vino on the Veranda.

10. Liu Pon-Xi. Pan-Asian restaurant from the creator of Haiku. They offer _ off all of their appetizers from 3-7:30pm M-F. Try the short ribs - they are really yummy!

11. And for lunch, try Betty’s Bar on Nationwide Blvd right across the street from The Buggyworks. Hand formed half-pound hamburgers cooked to order, served with chips and pop for $5, Monday-Friday at lunchtime (around 11-1).

Other restaurants close by (us) that we also like are Ted’s Montana Grill, O’Shaughnessy’s, Bar Louie, Kooma, Zen, Gordon Biersch, Buca di Beppo, Elevator Brewery, The Happy Greek, The Burgundy Room. And soon Rosendale’s will add yet another option for fine dinning downtown. Hope to see you soon, enjoy.
Jan and Ralph

Of Noodles, Dance, Jazz and Venus

My first week on my new job and I find that I am compelled to once again tell you about some things I have discovered, and some things I have re-discovered.

First is Noodles. This is a new restaurant located at 1390 West Fifth Ave. Recently I have heard about this place and every time I passed it, the lot was full. So not wanting to wait in line at what I perceived as “just another fast food hot spot I didn’t bother to stop. My loss.

This is just not another new concept of the same old same old. This is wonderful. Yes, you must stand in line to place your order. (Though you could phone in an order) Noodles has divided the menu into three major categories; Asian, Mediterranean, and American. Each has four selections, and surprise they are all noodle dishes. You may customize them by adding “Proteins” (Chicken, beef, shrimp and tofu.) You may also add a wide range of “Veggies” Each category also offers a soup and a salad. That compliments the Entrée’s. When your meal is served, and it will be delivered to your table on real plates, it will be fresh and hot. If there is a fly in this soup it could be that it isn’t easy to figure out how to order. There is so much to choose from and they offer three options as to size. You may want to pay some attention to that as it will impact your bill and might also cause you to have significant left-overs. (They have containers for you to take it home, since I think this is not uncommon) Jan and I ordered Bangkok Curry with shrimp, Indonesian Peanut Sauté also with shrimp, The Thai Curry soup, Chinese Chop Salad, all from the Asian section. Jan also ordered the Caesar Salad from the American section. It was a lot to eat but we were up to the challenge.

We were amazed at the richness of flavors and that everything was very fresh with no grease at all. Jan’s Peanut Sauté was even spiced perfectly. The Caesar Salad had freshly grated parmesan cheese and plenty of it.

I am not going to describe each dish; it would take more time than I am sure you want to take. But you do need to try this place out when you want something healthful, quick and relatively inexpensive. Check out the web site at www.noodles.com Sneaking good stuff into your diet since 1995. This is a cool place.

Ok, you have heard me sing the praises of Ballet Met before. But you really must take a closer look at this company even if you don’t think you like dance. The look, and energy of this company, and the fact that they are not a traditional “Ballet company” should inspire you to give them a chance. It is too late for Rendezvous at the Riffe, (and you really missed a great performance) but you still have time to get seats for Whodunit? March 8th to 18th A World Premiere! At The Capitol Theater

On Valentines Day, Jan and I had dinner with some new friends and went to listen to The Jazz Arts Orchestra. This was not the first time we have heard them play but it was the first time we have attended a regular performance. And what a performance it was. The second half belonged to two guests (and the orchestra) Gerald Wilson one of the true legends of the Jazz world and Anthony Wilson; Gerald’s son and a world class talent on his own. When you add the energy of JAG’s Byron Stripling it is really a magic evening. To recite the play list would not describe the energy and power this orchestra generates. But for those of you that know they started with “Sing, Sing, Sing and went from there. They have a couple of up-coming concerts March 14-18th, featuring the music of Miles Davis. April 18-22nd featuring the music of Cole Porter. You should not miss this.

I love Peter O’Toole. Lawrence of Arabia changed my life in many ways. (I will spare you that information) I am sure part of it was the superb acting job O’Toole did in capturing the very quirky character of Lawrence. Through the years O’Toole has continued to entertain us, but his latest film “Venus” again speaks to me in ways similar to that of Lawrence. The film is playing at the Drexel Grandview, try to see it.

Harvey Pekar Talk & Book Signing

Harvey Pekar will talk and sign his books at the Wexner Center's Mershon Auditorium, in Columbus, OH, on Wednesday, February 28, at 7 pm. This article appears on the Wexner Center for the Arts website and was sent to me by my friend Stan Bobrof, co-owner of Monkeys Retreat, a space-age variety store that specializes in off-beat and unconventional reads and goodies. It was there I first saw and read Harvey's graphic novels, based on his adventures growing up in Cleveland.
charlie

Artist's Talks

Informal presentations by artists.

Artist's Conversation
Harvey Pekar

Wed, Feb 28, 2007 | 7:00PM

Mershon Auditorium

For more than 30 years, Ohio native and endearing curmudgeon Harvey Pekar has carefully and hilariously documented his experiences and observations through his autobiographical comics. Don't miss this conversation, as Pekar discusses his life's work with Associate Professor of English Jared Gardner. Get ready for the event by submitting a question for Gardner to ask Pekar. Send yours by e-mail cartoons@osu.edu.

Cosponsored by Ohio State's Cartoon Research Library.
Inspired by Robert Crumb and the underground "comix" movement, Pekar realized the potential of the medium of comics to tell engaging stories that would appeal to adults. He is an exceptional storyteller who coaxes insight from the ordinary and mundane. The absorbing tale of his life and work was the basis for the acclaimed 2003 film American Splendor. His latest graphic novel, Ego and Hubris: The Michael Malice Story, recounts the life story of another unlikely protagonist, an intelligent yet off-putting young man made memorable by Pekar's deft touch.

Stick around after the lecture for a book signing.

This event kicks off "Storytelling 2007," a special year of programming by the Cartoon Research Library focusing on graphic narrative and celebrating the centennial of Milton Caniff's birth.

Book Signing, Free Press Salon, Discussion on Iraq War

Three Upcoming Events:
Book Signing, Free Press Salon, Discussion on Iraq War

Saturday, February 10 - 2-4pm
Bob Fitrakis and Harvey Wasserman Book Signing and Discussion
Signing their newest book What Happened in Ohio: A documentary record of theft and fraud in the 2004 election (New Press, 2006) and speaking about the future of democracy in Ohio. Liberty Books and News, Lane Avenue Shopping Center, 253-2571.


Saturday, February 10
6-midnight
Free Press and Ohio Honest Elections Salon
Socialize with a progressive group of central Ohioans, enjoy food, drinks, music, art and films at our new location: 1000 E. Main St., parking in rear. 253-2571 or 224-1082.


Sunday, February 12:45pm
Bob Fitrakis discusses "Out of Iraq" at the Sunday Forum
First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., 253-2571 or 296-6304, earlword@yahoo.com.


Email: truth@freepress.org
for more information or to RSVP

Update: Jazz & Eggs Reunion Jam, BOMA, Feb. 10

As noted earlier, this IS the jam we've all been waiting for! Not to miss!

REVISION: (This is NEW!)
Admission at door is (NOW!) $8!
(That means: "not ten bucks, we reduced it to eight!")

The jam - "never died… it always goes on"

A Great Columbus Tradition!

Jazz and Eggs
2007 Reunion Jam
Saturday, February 10. 11:30 am-3 pm at
BOMA, the Bar Of Modern Art
583 East Broad Street (old First Baptist Church)

The house band is led by Gene Walker, Listen for the Jazz artistic director, and features many announced and un-announced special guests!

Bring your axe (that's musicians or hip talk for instrument) and register at the door. We''ll let Gene know you're in the house. If he calls you up… brunch is on us! (LFTJ-Listen For The Jazz)

• Cover charge: $8 at the door
• Full bar and gourmet brunch- available at additional cost.
• Valet parking available,
as well as many meters on streets near entrance
(BOMA is is within walking distance of Downtown and Near East neighborhoods!)

More info? check out:
hottimesfestival.com

artsfoundationofoldetowne.org

Columbus Music Hall upcoming events

Columbus Music Hall
734 Oak Street
Columbus, OH 43205
614-464-0044
www.columbusmusichall.com

Upcoming events at Columbus Music Hall

Saturday, Feb.3, 8pm, Mark Flugge Trio Tribute to Dexter Gordon featuring Randy Mather on saxophone. $15, $12 seniors, $5 students Reserve a table by email or calling464-0044


Friday, Feb. 9, 8:30, $7, $5 students, Stan Smith, Roger Hines, Dan Thress, Ron Hope

Saturday, Feb. 10 11:00 a.m. PBJ & Jazz with New Basics Brass Band and a little pre-mardi gras celebration. Come early and make a mask. $5 per person, $20 ceiling for immediate family.

Cordi Einhorn, my granddaughter, seen here banging on a drum, loves coming to Peanut Butter and Jazz, at the Columbus Music Hall !

Sunday, Feb. 11, 2:00 p.m. $7, La Charanga, Kris Keith's sweet Cuban "orchestra!" (It's Sunday so there is no bar - but great coffee, tea, sodas and hot chocolate.)


Sunday, Feb. 11, 8:30,$7, Chad Eby


Thursday, Feb 15, 8:30, $10, Christian Howes finishing a tour with his NYC band!

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Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theater Co. present a World Premiere

SPDT was one of the most innovative and creative group of performing artists that made up the exciting emerging art scene of Columbus in the early 80s. The company remained a leading pioneer until they moved to Minneapolis in the early nineties, where they now regularly perform at the Guthrie Theatre. Stuart and his partner Suzanne Costello became good friends and I was even privileged once to perform in "Shvitz", presented in Columbus in the early nineties. (Oy… was I good?) charlie

Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theater
presents the world premiere of

The Ends of Love
commissioned by the Guthrie Theater
February 15-18, 2007

Shows are Thursday, February 15-Saturday, February17th at 7:30pm and Sunday, February 18th at 1:00pm. Tickets can be ordered through the Guthrie Box office: 612-377-2224 or toll free at: 877-44-STAGE.

Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater is honored to present a new, evening-length work that is "Passionate to the point of electrifying and at other times intimate, delicate and humorous" , states Michael Bigelow Dixon, Guthrie's Director of Studio Programming.

The Ends of Love muses on love, lust and loss from youth to old age and the piece being performed February 15-18th, makes it a perfect outing for real love during the sentimental timing of Valentine's Day.

Artistic Co-Directors, Stuart Pimsler and Suzanne Costello
composer (playing live), Michelle Kenney
costume design, Sonya Berlovitz
videography, Paul Agustin
lighting design, Karin Olson

SPDT Company: Laura Selle Virtucio, Vanessa Voskuil, Roxane Wallace, Jesse Walker and Cade Holmseth

More info? Visit guthrietheater.com and www.stuartpimsler.com

Dance That's Different