Russian three-master towed in Hong Kong harbor

Picture was taken in Hong Kong Harbor about 8 years ago. A Russian Navy ship training cadets was being piloted by a small tug boat with the famous Hong Kong skyline in the background. It was a bit misty and foggy. Here are two views (altered somewhat with Photoshop magic)

1960's Coffeehouse to benefit Food Pantries

Civil rights sit-ins.  Bell-bottoms. Anti-war marches.  Student Power.  Afros.  Mini-skirts.  Hippies.  Riots.  Space flights.   The generation gap.

Those hallmarks of the turbulent 1960’s will be rekindled Friday November 13 at this year’s annual “Spirit of the ‘60’s Coffeehouse”:

       Friday November 13    7:30 p.m.

King Avenue Methodist Church 
299 W. King at Neil in Columbus

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in the church basement, but get there early for a good seat.

Bill Cohen will lead a candlelit, musical, year-by-year journey through the era, with live folksongs, “news reports” of sixties happenings, displays of anti-war buttons and posters, and far-out sixties fashions.

Bill will also challenge the audience with sixties trivia questions, and he’ll award prizes (with a 1960’s theme).

Proceeds from the suggested $10 donations will go to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.     Refreshments will be available at no extra charge.  Free parking is also available in the lots just South and West of the church.

The program is suitable for ADULTS and MATURE TEENS.

It’s the 24th year of sixties coffeehouses for Bill.  He’s performed the show more than a hundred times now at colleges, churches, synagogues, conferences, high schools, and middle schools across Ohio and beyond.

For more information, call Bill at (614) 263-3851.  Or go to www.spiritofthe1960s.com

Chris Mohler Sculpts, October 23

Chris Mohler invites you to "Chris Mohler Sculpts" on Friday, October 23 at 5:00pm.

Event: Chris Mohler Sculpts
      "Yearly throwing-open of the doors!"
What: Exhibit
Start Time: Friday, October 23 at 5:00pm
End Time: Friday, October 23 at 10:00pm
Where: 600 N. Cassady Ave. Columbus Ohio Suite B

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=147822599783&mid=13499bdG22b258aaG2d2c219G7

THE Four Bitchin' Babes New CD, DIVA NATION, Now Available!

 Full disclosure here: Sally Fingerett is my sister in law. So, she is also the local girl. I've met all three other Babes and I like 'em too. Fact: this is one bitchin" bunch of divas! (I couldn't help it) Each one is an individual creative seasoned performer. As a group, they soar. Look at their website for lots of info, including touring dates. If you can catch one of their shows, (hurry, they tend to sell out) go for it. It's fun, humorous, musical, innovative, witty and adult. -charlie

www.FourBitchinBabes.com

Hello all,

THE BABES NEW CD, "DIVA NATION," IS FINALLY HERE!!! TO ORDER YOUR COPY, HOT OFF THE PRESSES, GO TO www.cdbaby.com/cd/fourbitchin8!!

Enjoying the success of their 2006 recording, Hormonal Imbalance ...A Mood Swinging Musical Revue, Babe members Sally Fingerett, Debi Smith, Nancy Moran and Deirdre Flint have once again gone into the recording studio. Armed with a slew of new songs -- along with M & M s, Twizzlers, Chick Filets, and Chardonnay -- they let loose their whimsical, hip and sophisticated girl group harmonies, creating a new project sure to entertain their Babe and Man-Babe fans alike.

Now, as they approach twenty years of concert touring, The Babes are proud to announce the release of their eighth CD entitled, Diva Nation...Where Music, Laughter and Girlfriends Reign!

Producers Sally Fingerett and Debi Smith of Hem and Haw Productions returned to the home of many Bitchin' Babes' projects, Amerisound Studios in Columbus, OH, to work with veteran engineer Dan Green. Possessing a fine appreciation for their signature humor, social observations and poignant ballads, Dan helped create the backdrop to display the Babes' artistry.

Starting with the welcoming anthem, Babesland, each Babe takes a turn in the spotlight, offering up her take on life in "the Nation." From Nancy's sigh of relief in Elastic Waistbands, Sally's demand for Chocolate, Debi's salute to purses in Arm Candy, to Deirdre's emotional need for New Shoes (and her inner guy's need for New Tools, these award-winning songwriters know of what they sing! With musical shout-outs to hardworking gal pals doing the best they can in American Women, Long Lonesome Road and The Happy Song, the Babes also celebrate the soft, The Introvert Song, the demure, (No Such Things As) Girls Like That, the mother/daughter connection These Are The Things, and the hysterical, Viva La Diva.

The Four Bitchin' Babes began in 1990, as the brainchild of folk goddess Christine Lavin, who "just wanted to get together four girlfriends to tour." As cast membership changed and evolved, each incarnation has enjoyed a synergistic and magical chemistry. Their wildly funny, entertaining originality and stellar harmonies have become the hallmark of the Four Bitchin' Babes' music.

On this, their latest CD, The Babes continue that tradition as they take you on a royally hilarious journey to a place where chocolate is a vegetable, wine is in the food pyramid, and shopping for shoes medicinal. Welcome to DIVA NATION, where all songs are sung with pride, attitude and terrific accessories!

“How can funny sound this pretty?” ~Boston Globe

“Together they tell humorously observant tales of modern urban life, and harmonize like a heavenly chorus.” ~Chicago Tribune

“The BABES stir the heart as well as the funny bone” ~Billboard

All the best to you from your Babes,
Sally, Debi, Deirdre, and Nancy

www.FourBitchinBabes.com

Survival of the Boulevard Singer, a Premiere

Survival 0f the Boulevard Singer
Written and performed by
Debra James Tucker
September 18, 19, 8pm
Redeemer Lutheran Church
1555 S. James Rd. 

A message from the author...

"I made this work because I want to engage the religious community—the black religious community in particular, in a dialogue about homophobia in the church.

At first, I thought of this work as the story of my best friend, my brother, a black gay man, deeply committed to the church and his journey and struggles in a world that did not fully see or accept him. As I got deeper into the process, I became aware that this is essentially my story, and indeed the story of all of us who search for place and meaning and community in the world.

The form of the piece is a collection of “moment points” similar to those used in tectonic theatre. In conjunction with original music, I deliberately use traditional black church songs and sermon cadences with an eye toward having them heard and understood in a non-traditional way.

It is a story of sorrow. It is also a story of hope, redemption and resurrection."

-Debra James Tucker

ACE Gallery celebrates 30 year with anniversary show

I have fond memories of attending many an opening at the Short North Gallery in the mid to late 80s, when I was the arts writer for Columbus Alive! As the arts reporter, I made it a point to meet as many current artist as I could, and many of those showing at ACE have become good friends. For some good art with a sprinkle of nostalgia, go check this out! -charlie

Photographer Kojo Kamau send us this reminder about ACE Gallery's 30th anniversary show. Details:

ACE (Art for Community Expression)
August 25 - September 25, 2009
Opening reception: September 3, 2009, 5 - 7 pm
Fort Hayes Shot Tower Galler
54 Jack Gibbs Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43215
M-F 9am-4pm

Bread & Circus Theatre Company Looking for Performers

Bread & Circus Theatre Company is looking for performers for their Saturday Night Cabaret! The cabaret will feature coffee and desserts for our guests and the great atmosphere of the new Harmony Artistic Center (formerly the Tripleforce Artistic Center) just off Cemetery Road at 3979 Parkway Lane in Hilliard (behind Wendy's).

This month’s Cabaret Night will be held on Saturday, August 8th. The show will begin at 7:30 pm.

At this time we are inviting performers of all kinds to be included in the show. If you can sing, dance, tell a joke, or juggle - step up to the mic! If you have a monologue or small scene you've been working on and want to see how it would go over with a live audience - come on down. Other theatre, dance, music companies are welcome, as well as individuals of all ages.

All interested performers should contact Carolyn at ccstritzel@yahoo.com for more information or to book a time slot or two.

Bread and Circus Theatre Auditions for Cabaret Night

Hello all!

We have had our first successful Cabaret night and we are ready for more. The Bread & Circus Cabaret night at the Harmony Artistic Center will take place the second Saturday night of the month. We are currently booking performers for our July 11th & August 8th performances.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A SINGER TO DO THIS! You can do anything.

If you are available and interested in performing a song, skit, monologue or variety act please email Carolyn at ccstritzel@yahoo.com. We had wonderful performers for our first night and the audience wants more.

TRY OUT YOUR AUDITION MONOLOG! Tell a joke or two. Any SCHTICK is welcome!

If you have always wanted to perform but never had the opportunity - here's your chance. If you are a local actor or performer, please think of this as a showcase for you to introduce yourself to the arts community of Columbus. At our first Cabaret Night, we had directors from 4 different local theatre companies in attendance.

Harold Pinter Remembered at OSU Drake Theatre

Ann Hall, Harold Pinter, and Katherine Burkman outside of a restaurant in London after celebrating Pinter's then 70th b-day.

Don't forget to come this Sunday evening, May 17, at 7:30 p.m. to the Drake Performance Center, on the OSU campus,1849 Cannon Dr. in the Roy Bowen Theatre to see a memorial event for British playwright Harold Pinter: scenes, poetry, etc. will receive a staged reading. Produced by Ann Hall, Alan Woods, and Katherine Burkman.

Free and open to the public, so bring your friends and relatives and anyone else. Parking across the street or in lots to the right and left also across the street from the Drake.

Actors participating are: Mark Auburn, Alan Woods, Norman Singer, Linda Katz, Nick Lingnovski, Ian Short, Acacia Duncan, Matt Slaybaugh, Ellen Nickles, Susie Gerald, Ann Hall and Joy Reilly.

Music in the Round benefit for Transit Arts

Tickets are going fast for Music in the Round, a special concert presented by Capitol Square Rotary to support the FREE youth arts programs of TRANSIT ARTS.

To purchase tickets and/or if you are unable to view the invitation below please visit this link: www.musicintheround.com.

If you can't attend the event but would like to support TRANSIT ARTS you can make a donation at this link: TRANSIT ARTS Click and Pledge

Raconteur Theatre Company presents premiere of Isaac, I Am

Stephen Woosley, Lorelei Moore, and Derek McGrath. Photo by Sam Blythe.
Raconteur Theatre Company is pleased to invite you to the regional
premier of Isaac, I Am by Mary Steelsmith.

We spend a lot of our time in cyber space but how do we know what is
"real" and what is "safe?" How do we learn to trust anyone? Isaac, I
Am (winner of the 2006 Helford Prize) explores these timely questions
as Angela (Lorelei Moore) "meets" Ben (Derek McGrath), a funny guy
who's single and Isaac (Stephen Woosley), a grieving father.

Don't wait till you arrive – buy your tickets online now for $12! (or
$8 for students & seniors) http://raconteurtheatre.com/tickets.html

For directions to MadLab's theatre:
http://raconteurtheatre.com/directions.html

Want to know more about the show? Check out our website!
http://raconteurtheatre.com/

Design Staff
Director: Mary Aileen St. Cyr
Scenic Design: Michael S. Brewer
Lighting Design: Andy Batt
Sound Design: Andrew Hartley
Costume Design: Jill C. Hartley
Stage Management: Patricia T. Jones

Cast
Angela: Lorelei Moore
Ben: Derek McGrath
Isaac: Stephen Woosley
Josh: Zachary Elgin Lape
Katie: Sela Williams
Ensemble: Bryanne E. Bornstein, Angela Cutrell, Suzanne Laird, Caliph
Scott, Ric Shoemaker, Anna Wang

Dates
8 PM Thursday, 2/26
8 PM Friday, 2/27
8 PM Saturday, 2/28
2 PM Sunday, 3/1

8 PM Thursday, 3/5 ***TALKBACK with playwright Mary Steelsmith
immediately following the performance
8 PM Friday, 3/6
8 PM Saturday, 3/7
2 PM Sunday, 3/8

8 PM Thursday, 3/12
8 PM Friday, 3/13
8 PM Saturday, 3/14

Photos by Sam Blythe

David Krohn performs The Storyteller

Moments in a lifetime told through words, movement and music
Piano accompaniment by Leslie Kleen

Columbus Dance Theatre
February 1, 5, 6, 7, 8

592 E. Main St., Clumbus, OH 43215
ph: 614 849 0227

I first met David in the early 70s when he was a c0-founder of The Mime Troupe. He is a dedicated artist whose instrument is his body and mind. His performance is stretched to the extreme, physically and emotionally, as he takes great bodily risks while baring his most intimate feelings and thoughts. Support GOOD local arts and my good friend David. Go see this performance. _charlie