Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Mourning Jazz Saxophonist Rudy Johnson



This message was sent to us from Arnett Howard
Jazz People,

We are celebrating the life of Los Angeles resident and former Columbus saxophonist Rudolph (Rudy) Johnson, who, according to pianist Bobby Pierce, died Sunday, August 19, 2007, in California from complications of diabetes related illnesses. The funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, August 25, 2007, 2 pm. at the Simpson Funeral Home, 3443 West Manchester, Los Angeles, 90305, (323) 752-5524.

Gene Walker claims to have taught Rudy the scales on tenor sax when they were students at Champion Junior High. Bobby Pierce said that they lived near each other off Taylor Avenue in Columbus' East side. Bobby said that he heard Rudy practicing hours each day and approached him out of curiosity. Rudy and Bobby practiced, played together constantly for a year and worked their way to California. Bobby credits Rudy's confidence and patient training for getting him the music education and experience that made him a complete musician.

Rudy recorded few titles under his own name; Second Coming and Spring Rain were released on Black Jazz Records, in 1971 and 1974. His claim to fame was working with the Ray Charles Orchestra for thirty years as tenor sax soloist. Samples of the two long play albums are at the following sites.

http://www.groovecollector.com/groove_guide_item/2/534/1/1589/rudolph-johnson--the-second-coming.html

http://www.groovecollector.com/groove_guide_item/2/534/1/1588/rudolph-johnson--spring-rain.html

http://www.blackjazz.com/buynow.html

God be with the soul of Rudy Johnson, our musical ancestor.

A

Monday, August 20, 2007

Joshua Topy Memorial Scholarship Fund

Josh Topy died last week at the age of 37 from leukemia, which he had fought off for three years before it got the best of him. Fifty years ago I came to the US and moved to Columbus, where I first met my friend Stan Bobrof. We have been as brothers since then, our families often entwined in our own joys and sorrows. I watched Josh, his nephew, grow from an impish little boy into a fine young adult

The unfairness of someone this young being taken is even more tragic given the possibilities that still laid ahead to Josh who was creative, inventive, intelligent, generous and witty.

His sister Sarah send us the following email message.
-charlie


"Dear Family and Friends,

As most of you know we have established a scholarship fund at Ohio State in Joshua's memory to be a lasting and permanent tribute to him. Joshua was committed to his education and we are going to try to raise the money to sustain a small scholarship for years to come.

To help us get the scholarship off the ground, we're hoping that you can make a contribution in Joshua's name in one of two ways:

1. Go online to www.giveto.osu.edu/igive and click the Other: Please Specify Special Instructions button. Then, enter your donation and add that it should be directed to the Joshua Topy Memorial Fund, #312500.


2. Send in a check to Gail Feinstein, 1480 W. Lane Avenue, Columbus, OH 43221 and write on the check that it's to go toward the Joshua Topy Memorial Fund #312500.


In order for this scholarship to work we need to get it off the ground with as much momentum as possible so please consider contributing what you can.


Love,
Sarah Topy"

614/506-2219
sarahtopy@gmail.com

Saturday, August 18, 2007

First Annual African Village Festival

Pics taken at the First African Village Festival, Saturday August 18, on the grounds at Kwanzaa Park, on Bryden Road.

Exhibits included a model for a solar powered village, a delectable fish fry, music and dance performances, crafts, community info booths…

and also great weather and good vibes! Looking forward to seeing this little gem of a festival grow into the cool community event it can become. Like Hot Times Festival, scheduled for September 7, 8, and 9. That's real soon, and we saw a lot of friends at the festival today who reassured me they will be at Hot times.
-charlie






Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Short North Arches Go Technicolor - September Gallery Hop


September Gallery Hop Celebrates “Summer Days and Technicolor Nights”
Color transformation with “glowing procession” will begin at Poplar and travel northward throughout the District


Saturday, September 1 • 9:00PM
at the 17 arches along High Street


“The effects will be amazing,” comments Sharon O’Brien, board member of the Short North SID. “This is the real eye-popper we’ve been waiting for since we began the project. Every bulb on every arch can be individually programmed to produce a million different effects. The lights can morph from one color to another, pulse and even appear to travel up and down the district.”

John Angelo, Director of the Short North Business Association (SNBA), adds: “The programmed arches will be unlike anything seen in the Midwest. In addition to adding to the experiential offerings of the Short North, the mile-long strip of High will become a barometer of major happenings in Columbus. The strip might be pink the night before the Race for the Cure. It could be silver, gold and white for the winter holidays. It could be a rolling rainbow for ComFest and the Pride Festival. The possibilities are endless.”

The arches were designed and installed as part of a collaborative effort between the City of Columbus and the Short North Arts District, working directly with the Short North Special Improvement District (SID). The programming of the arches will also be managed collaboratively by the city, the SID and the SNBA.

Look for up-to-the-minute news on the evening’s happenings at www.ShortNorth.org

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Arts Upstairs Current/New Show

The Arts Upstairs Gallery
60 Main St.
Phoenicia, NY
845-688-2142
www.artsupstairs.com


Group Show. "Just Around the Corner ," Saturday August 18 thru Sept. 9.
Opening reception Sept. 18, 6 to 10 PM
Gallery hours: Fri. 3 to 6; Sat. 10 to 6 and Sun. 10 to 4
Contact person: Alan Fliegel, info@artsupstairs.com or 688-2142
Come celebrate!

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Ron Anderson Studio Tapes on Youtube

Columbus artist Ron Anderson sent the following invitation to see one of his 3 youtube videos that were taped in his studio. This appears to be the beginning of an interesting artist's video blog.

Ron is not only a talented expressive painter whose style is unique and powerful, and his imagery is very dynamic.
We also learn that Ron often paints to the music of the legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis. N
ice Davis cuts compliment his videos.

How cool is that? Enjoy.

-charlie



"The link I am sending you is to a short video of me talking about my oil paintings. This was filmed inside my art studio. I will add additional clips as I have the time, on my exhibits, my artwork, and other arts related topics.
I hope that you find the material informative, and interesting to view !
Sincerely,
Ron Anderson"

More info? send email to: admin@ronandersonstudio.com

or visit his website:
www.ronandersonstudio.com

Friday, August 03, 2007

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival September 3, Art Activities Area

Upper Arlington, OH) - A celebrated Central Ohio tradition for 41 years, the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival is a one-day blind juried arts festival on Labor Day Monday September 3, 2007 showcasing 200 fine art and fine craft artists, music and dance, hands-on art activities for all ages, refreshments and more.

Presented by the City of Upper Arlington's Cultural Arts Division, this free temporary alfresco gallery and interactive art space is held in Northam Park, 2070 Northam Road, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Don't miss the chance to create art and enjoy your Labor Day with us. To learn more about the Festival visit the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival Web section at www.ua-ohio.net, or call 583-5310.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Next Gallery Hop - Saturday, August 4




Short North Columbus, Ohio - With over 20 years of tradition, the Short North is renowned for its monthly "Gallery Hop." The first Saturday of every month, thousands of visitors converge on the strip to celebrate art, see the launch of new exhibits, and partake in an evening of sights, sounds, good food, shopping, and fun.

Though many shops are open earlier, the Gallery Hop officially starts at 4PM and runs to 10PM with restaurants and bars staying open considerably later.

The painting by Michelle Wiliams is on exhibit at the Kathryn Gallery in the Short North. To learn more about this artist, and to see a more complete Galley Hop Schedule of Current Exhibits, click on: "Gallery Hop."

Sunday, July 29, 2007

First Friday Flicks at the Free Press, "Bush’s Brain-A documentary about Karl Rove"

You're invited to the FREE First Friday Flicks
at the Free Press

Friday, August 3, 2007
Showing: "Bush’s Brain-A documentary about Karl Rove"

6:30 doors open, 7pm film begins. Light refreshments.

BUSH'S BRAIN chronicles the life and work of Karl Rove, currently the
Senior Advisor to President Bush. When the filmmakers began shooting
BUSH'S BRAIN, Karl Rove was unknown to most of us. He was the most
powerful man America had never heard of. He was the "Wizard of Oz"
behind the curtain of the Bush Presidency.
Discussion will follow film showing.

Location: Free Press office, 1000 E. Main St., in Columbus Compact
building, parking lot in rear, overflow in Salvation Army parking lot
next door.
Phone: 253-2571, 224-1082
Email: truth@freepress.org

Friday, July 27, 2007

Marc Berger Covers Ohio's historic Covered Bridges

Photographer Marc Berger has photographed all the known existing historical covered bridges in Ohio.
These wonderful structures once dotted the State's landscape.

Although many have disappeared or are no longer in use, surprisingly, several new covered bridges have been built in some counties. They actually make sense, even today, because the cover offers protection from the elements and adds longevity and the wooden parts are easy and less expensive to repair. Marc has followed their progress, searched for lost bridges in remote locations, and now has the most extensive collection of existing coverd bridges in Ohio.

See more covered bridge? Visit his website:

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Einhorn Sisters Spotted




Columbus -- Paparazzi have recently glimpsed at the sisters, Cordi (2-year, 10 month-old), Mira (2 month-old), cavorting at the hippest, chic spots around Columbus.

Surrounded by body-guards, aides, sycophants and throngs of adoring admirers, the girls display amazing presence of mind by acting totally natural and happy.

These few rare images displayed below, are available thanks to the intrepid photography by grandpa C.

More images? See a recent slide show, click on link. To advance slide show, 7 images in total, click on any thumbnail or scroll up and down.


(this blog makes it easy to show-off my granddaughters to any and all my relatives and friends, anywhere in the world- as well as to anyone else who happens upon these pages and may happen to admire a grandparent' s pride!- charlie)


Friday, July 20, 2007

CJO plays Jazz at The Columbus Zoo




Satchmo, Fats & The Duke
July 20 - 8pm
with Mark Flugge


Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller and Duke Ellington brought oceans of joy and happiness to the world. Join us as we celebrate the swaggering Fats Waller, the sophisticated Ellington and the smile of Louis Armstrong with an evening of their familiar hits that will jazz up your summer!
Get your tickets at jazzartsgroup.org or call 614.294.5200. Tickets also available July 20 at the main entrance of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

21st World Congress on Dance Research, Athens Greece, September 5 -9, 2007


21st World Congress on Dance Research
"Dancers without frontiers"
Athens, Greece, 5-9 September 2007

This is the largest gathering of dance specialists world-wide, the best opportunity to showcase one's work to a wide audience of practitioners, dance teachers, choreographers, researchers, journalists and organizers.

Last year, 700 specialists from 65 countries took part.
All forms of dance are represented. Strictly non-profit. Not to be confused with festivals, workshops, competitions or open conferences.
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, the Municipality of Athens and the National UNESCO Commission.


The congress is organized by the Dora Stratou Dance Theater and the Greek Section IOFA, in collaboration with the International Dance Council CID. Its theme is in accordance with the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted by the UNESCO General Conference.


The program includes:
- Presentation and discussion of original research reports (papers)
- Classes, lecture-demonstrations, video projections
- Performances by dance companies, duos or solos
- Exhibitions and sale of books, records, pictures, costumes, accessories etc.
- Visits to places of special interest, such as dance schools, museums, sites etc.
- Evenings where members can discuss in a relaxed setting.
While intended primarily for professionals, it is at the same time a trade fair and a participatory event, facilitating contacts with colleagues, informal discussions and individual initiative.
Submitting a presentation (research report, lecture-demonstration, class, performance, exhibition, projection) is optional. For each presentation a text must be sent before 30 July 2007.
Absentee delegates can register also; their presentations will appear in the printed program and will be included in the proceedings.
To apply for a visa and/or financial assistance, registered participants receive an official certificate of registration signed by the President of CID. Please make arrangements as early as possible.
Congress Secretariat: Dora Stratou Dance Theater, Scholiou 8, Plaka, GR-10558 Athens, Greece; tel. (30)210.324.6188, fax (30)210.324.6921
www.cid-unesco.org;
president@cid-unesco.org
www.orchesis-portal.org/cdr/

PHILIP von RAABE: “PRINTS at Ohio State University Faculty Club



Summit 39" x 27" 2000

PHILIP von RAABE

“PRINTS”

August 29 through October 26, 2007



EXHIBITIONS IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC


COLUMBUS, OH: Nationally known printmaker, Philip von Raabe, will exhibit his mixed-media monoprints in a solo exhibition at The Ohio State University Faculty Club, August 29 through October 26, 2007.

The Faculty Club, 181 South Oval Drive, will host a reception in honor of Philip von Raabe on Friday evening, September 21 from 6:00 to 8:00PM.

Interested persons should call the club at 614-292-2262.


See more works by the artist at his website: Philip von Raabe