 |
| Pete and Lynne Simpson interviewed on Wyoming Public Radio. Listen to interview here. |
Showing posts with label tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tour. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Simpson Family performs classic Civil War poem, "John Brown's Body"
Monday, July 9, 2012
Miss "V" weathers heat wave, fires and rattlesnakes during summer 2012 tour of the West
Unwilling or unable to let moss grow or dust settle beneath her feet, The Gypsy Cowbelle has launched her latest “Calamity Unleashed Tour” into the Black Hills country of South Dakota. Following up a reconnaissance trip last spring, Miss “V” scheduled two weeks of shows in a variety of settings. She launched the tour at the Antler Restaurant and Lounge, entertaining the coal-mining community of Newcastle, WY on July 28. Then on to the Silver Dollar Saloon, in Hill City, SD on the 29th, where her Genuine Cowbilly Music was warmly received by motorcycle enthusiasts, ranchers and tourists alike. Sunday, July 1st found “V” entertaining at the “Moonshine Gulch Saloon”, a remote oasis deep in the heart of the Black Hills, alongside new and old friends and local musicians.
Surviving the 100+ degree heat wave, surrounding forest fires, Fourth of July crowds and one very near disaster with a rattlesnake, The Cowbelle weathered the early days of the next week exploring the Black Hills. July 5th brought her into the Historical Landmark town of Deadwood, and the namesake town of the Calamity tour. The street party at the Deadwood Loading Dock was only slightly hampered by a torrential rainstorm, which was welcomed by all as a means of thwarting the ever-growing fires of the area. Then back down to Hill City for a rowdy crowd and multi-faceted birthday party at the Big Horn Crossing Sports Bar. Highlights included a room-wide singing of “You Are My Sunshine” and foot-stomping rhythms along with “The Battle of New Orleans” while “V” frailed away on her homemade banjo. The weekend rounds out with a dinner show and wine tasting at the Naked Winery in Custer, SD tonight, July 7.
This week, “V” is off to climb Harney Peak (the tallest mountain east of the Rockies) and continue her exploration of this very special area, gleaning knowledge of its rich history of outlaws, mining, railroads, Native American culture and unique geography. There is always research work to be done on days off…
The shows resume on Thursday, July 12th at the Historic Homestake Opera House in Lead, SD. Part of their summer “Concerts in the Courtyard” series, this performance will afford “V” the opportunity share her own stories and songs of Western history with the community. Friday the 13th, The Gypsy is back at the Silver Dollar Saloon and the following day she rounds out the tour entertaining on the streets and in the parade for Hill City’s “Heart of the Hills” annual celebration.
The Calamity Unleashed portion of the tour is just the forerunner for the weeks to come. After leaving the Hill Country, Miss “V” is back to her home state of Wyoming. She’ll be on the air live with Leslie Stratmoen on Riverton’s KVOW July 17th at 8:30 am, then at the Wind River Casino the same day for two performances at noon and 8:00pm as part of their monthly “Seniors’ Tuesday” series. Then “V” will kick off Meeteetse’s “Cowboy Days” weekend extravaganza with a street party at the Meeteetse Museums on July 20th at 6:00pm. Whirling up to Three Forks, MT, The Gypsy Cowbelle performs the next day with a porch party at the historic Sacajawea Hotel at 4:00. Her month culminates with a grand finale in Jackson Hole, opening up for the Grammy award winning singer/songwriter, Kostas, at Stiegler’s Austrian Restaurant on July 28th.
August holds another West Coast Tour in store for this Wyoming Troubadour known as “V”, The Gypsy Cowbelle. Details are sure to come…
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Daily hard-hat tours of renovation work at National Museum of Wildlife Art
Another good reason to visit Jackson
Beauty is being restored to the rugged National Museum of Wildlife Art façade one carefully placed piece of Oakley Quartzite (shown in photo) at a time as the museum’s construction projects continue on schedule. More than 37,000 square feet of the multicolored stone, mined inIdaho
The museum remains open on its regular schedule during construction, and visitors can check the work-in-progress on the new sculpture trail via free “hard hat tours” daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The three-quarter-mile-long outdoor art venue designed by renowned landscape architect Walter Hood will showcase nearly 30 permanent and temporary artworks and is slated to open September 2012. A special installment of the tours will be led July 1 at 10 a.m. by museum Director of Security and Facility Service Joe Bishop, who will share museum history, fun facts and hard-to-believe stories from his more than 20 years on staff.
In addition to the capital improvements and new sculpture trail, work has been underway on a new underpass to allow easy biker and hiker access to the museum from theJackson-to-Grand Teton National Park North Highway Wisconsin sculptor Don Rambadt for the new underpass’s retaining walls.
Read this intriguing article about trailblazing landscape architect Walter Hood in Fast Company magazine.
Beauty is being restored to the rugged National Museum of Wildlife Art façade one carefully placed piece of Oakley Quartzite (shown in photo) at a time as the museum’s construction projects continue on schedule. More than 37,000 square feet of the multicolored stone, mined in
The museum remains open on its regular schedule during construction, and visitors can check the work-in-progress on the new sculpture trail via free “hard hat tours” daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The three-quarter-mile-long outdoor art venue designed by renowned landscape architect Walter Hood will showcase nearly 30 permanent and temporary artworks and is slated to open September 2012. A special installment of the tours will be led July 1 at 10 a.m. by museum Director of Security and Facility Service Joe Bishop, who will share museum history, fun facts and hard-to-believe stories from his more than 20 years on staff.
In addition to the capital improvements and new sculpture trail, work has been underway on a new underpass to allow easy biker and hiker access to the museum from the
Read this intriguing article about trailblazing landscape architect Walter Hood in Fast Company magazine.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
On the road with the Monk and Moby Grape
When the idea came up for me to come to California and tag along as a possible back-up singer in M.L. Liebler and Peter Lewis's poetry and music act, I thought it was just a passing fancy of the time when you all meet for the first time and everybody's high on the positivity of whatever event that brings you all together. (M.L. and Peter came for Wyoming Poetry Out Loud at the end of February of this year.) So I really never thought that it would happen. Then Peter called me and asked me if I was still coming. "Absolutely," I decided at that moment.
You might want to get your broom and dustpan out now so you can sweep up all the names I'll be dropping here. It's the world that these guys travel in. All very nice folks, working hard at their craft. And a note on the visuals--they aren't great.
This past long weekend was my trip to Hollywood. ML picked me up at the airport after having spent all Thursday afternoon practicing with Peter and the band out in Venice. They had three gigs scheduled, one each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, and the performance in Venice at Beyond Baroque in the theatre would be the first.
We drove past Book Soup, the famous independent book seller. M.L. was there for Chris Lemmon's (Jack Lemmon's son) book signing, where he sat next to Jack Klugman. There's where The Morrissey's have an apartment. There's the hotel (now an apartment house) where Janis Joplin died. Down this street is where Sal Mineo was stabbed to death. There's Whiskey a Go Go. The Roxy. Past Doheny Drive. Laurel Canyon. Stone Canyon Road, where Ricky Nelson lived and the band's name came from. Peter and Ricky were good friends. There's a song titled "Between Clark and Hillsdale." M.L. has this classic album. We drove by Pink's, the famous hot dog stand where many of the stars eat. There was a big line. M.L. had a dog there the day before. "Sometimes the line is all the was down the block," he said.
That afternoon, the boys wanted to have another short practice session and so I met Tony, at whose house they were practicing. Tony and Peter became friends when Tony was doing a documentary on Moby Grape, which is yet to be released. I also met Bill Bentley, drummer (VP of Vanguard Records; there isn't anybody in the music business who doesn't know Bill, and vice versa), who put on some nice brush work. M.L. and I took off to get ready for the gig.
Beyond Baroque is THE literary and arts center in L.A., and one of the leading poetry centers in the U.S. There are a few other centers around the country that also reach this realm -- Poetry Center in San Francisco; St. Mark's Poetry Project in New York City; Poetry Flash in Berkeley. The black box style theatre seats 70 and is, as you'd expect, intimate. M.L. and Peter were brought in under Baroque's new Beyond Music (scroll down to read more) series.
That evening I met Joyce Jenkins, editor and publisher of Poetry Flash. She came to California from Detroit in the 1970s to do the hippie and literary thing and ended up staying. I also met her daughter Claire, who is a visual artist. Claire and I had a terrific conversation about the weird kind of isolationism of L.A. and the famous Hollywood sign that LAers inevitably try to inventively climb up to (artistically and financially), but who are all living under it's seemingly significant cultural shadow.
The Friday gig went well. Joyce began the program with readings of poems that she'd written about Detroit, "in a California state of mind." A poem to her friend who passed away, "Robin's Song," was poignant and heartbreaking. The full band sounded great. Joining the band was Willie Aaron, guitarist and producer for Leonard Cohen, and Willie's longtime friend from childhood, Dave Sawyer on bass. M.L.'s and Peter's current repertoire usually includes works such as, "The Road," a tribute to Jack Kerouac; "Louisiana," "Jesus Gonna Be Here," "London," (poem by William Blake); "It's Late," a Ricky Nelson tribute; " and "Monkey Man," by The Rolling Stones.
M.L. picked me up on Saturday morning. We made a trip to Amoeba, that bills itself as the "World's Largest Independent Record Store," and carries vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and all kinds of rock memorabilia. What a store! We could have spent hours there. M.L. has on other occasions, but that morning, he was scheduled for an interview with Rattle Magazine. I met Editor-In-Chief Alan C. Fox, who greeted us at the front door and escorted us to his offices; editor Tim Green, and Daveen, Alan's wife and board member. The interview, which Alan thought turned out as one of their best, will be in the December issue.
We reached Peter's and we all dressed up for the gig in San Luis Obispo. Peter put on his tuxedo shirt painted with bunches of purple grapes down the placket and on the back tail. It was given to him by a movie star, whose name escapes me at the moment, but you'd know her if I dropped it here.
The drive wasn't far. San Luis is a quaint little town with a European-feel downtown area; it is one of California's oldest communities. There are many historical buildings there. The coffee shop where we'd be playing wasn't busy at all, maybe three people in the back room wheree the stage area was; the person who was supposed to greet us wasn't there. After a couple of songs, for which we received absolutely no notice, it was decided that we'd go to Pismo Beach and have some dinner. We sat out on the heated patio and had wine, big bowls of clam chowder, crab cakes and calamari. It was relaxing, something that it seemed like we hadn't had time for since I'd arrived. When we returned to Peter's he put in the so far unreleased CD recording of Moby Grape members Jerry Miller, Don Stevenson and Peter, Skip Spence's son, Omar, and John Mellencamp's rhythm section, of Grape classics and newer songs. Omar is a terrific rock vocalist. The music moves from rock to Peter's more gentle folk rock songs, and songs in between.
Peter also let me listen to a couple of new songs that he's composed for a new solo CD. They were surprising in that he moved away from his beautifully gentle melodies and rocked out on these, but they sounded terrific -- relevant and contemporary, but with that history of having authored "brilliant masterpiece songs," brought forward to this point in time. Peter is really such a talented musician and song writer, in that league of people who have been creating in their discipline and have not only the technical discipline and background but the quick discernment about their work and others' work they encounter -- what it might need to make it better or more complete. And as many accomplished artists can, he works very quickly. He does all of his recording work on a Roland Boss digital device, and puts on all the tracks himself -- lead guitar, rhythm, lead vocals, harmony, bass and drums. His studio is minimalist, effecient and effective: a desk on which sits the recording machine, a pair of headphones, a pair of small speakers, a single mic on a stand, and a stool. Peter has been an inspiration to me, as he is to many.
On Sunday, we had to get up to Berkeley for the performance which would be a fund raiser for Poetry Flash at the Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Theatre (scroll down on home page under June events, and read about this event at Sunday 06/26/11). M.L. and Peter were up second. I joined them for a couple of songs, playing my ukelele, strumming on one song, playing "uke drum" on the next, because I didn't know all the chords to that one yet. Poets read -- Susan Browne, Raymond Nat Turner, and David Meltzer, an icon of the Beat generation poets and the San Francisco Renaissance. He and his wife Julie Rogers read together and then David closed the show by reading "When I Was a Poet" (City Lights, 2011), also the title of his most recent publication of collected works. We stood when he was done with that one. Whew! We had a great time.
M.L. and I had to leave early on Monday, and so didn't get to say goodbye to Peter, he was still sleeping. We were very late getting home, and had to leave by 9 a.m. to get back in time return the rental car and miss any delays at the airport security checkpoints. But, we did get back to LA in time to go to Pink's and have a dog. We pulled at a most opportune moment. There were only a few people in line; we were served quickly.
M.L. was on a different airline than I, and his plane was leaving before mine, so we said our goodbye's on the rental car shuttle. He really took terrifically great care of me.
M.L. is off to Israel in a couple of weeks to teach a class sponsored by the State Department. He's been doing an American Studies program since about 2006. As all things do, the classes have evolved from teaching creative writing to teaching classes in American Studies -- The Beach Boys, African-American experience, Native Americans.
Watch for a further article focused more on M.L.'s and Peter's collaborative relationship. They will soon be releasing a CD of ten songs based on M.L.'s poetry that Peter has put to music. If my instincts are on, it will be worth adding this to your music library.
You might want to get your broom and dustpan out now so you can sweep up all the names I'll be dropping here. It's the world that these guys travel in. All very nice folks, working hard at their craft. And a note on the visuals--they aren't great.
This past long weekend was my trip to Hollywood. ML picked me up at the airport after having spent all Thursday afternoon practicing with Peter and the band out in Venice. They had three gigs scheduled, one each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, and the performance in Venice at Beyond Baroque in the theatre would be the first.
 |
| Capitol Records Building |
On Friday morning, M.L. and I went to Redondo Beach for a 2-mile fast walk. He warned me. I kept up, but he definitely won. He then took me on a mini Hollywood tour; first past the Capitol Records building. Then past movie and television stars homes -- Ozzie and Harriet's, Lucille Ball's, Jack Benny's and Agnes Moorehead's. I took a photo of the Nelson's house, the front door of which was used in the opening shot of the TV show when the family would come out and stand during the opening credits.
 |
| Nelson's home |
We drove past Book Soup, the famous independent book seller. M.L. was there for Chris Lemmon's (Jack Lemmon's son) book signing, where he sat next to Jack Klugman. There's where The Morrissey's have an apartment. There's the hotel (now an apartment house) where Janis Joplin died. Down this street is where Sal Mineo was stabbed to death. There's Whiskey a Go Go. The Roxy. Past Doheny Drive. Laurel Canyon. Stone Canyon Road, where Ricky Nelson lived and the band's name came from. Peter and Ricky were good friends. There's a song titled "Between Clark and Hillsdale." M.L. has this classic album. We drove by Pink's, the famous hot dog stand where many of the stars eat. There was a big line. M.L. had a dog there the day before. "Sometimes the line is all the was down the block," he said.
That afternoon, the boys wanted to have another short practice session and so I met Tony, at whose house they were practicing. Tony and Peter became friends when Tony was doing a documentary on Moby Grape, which is yet to be released. I also met Bill Bentley, drummer (VP of Vanguard Records; there isn't anybody in the music business who doesn't know Bill, and vice versa), who put on some nice brush work. M.L. and I took off to get ready for the gig.
Beyond Baroque is THE literary and arts center in L.A., and one of the leading poetry centers in the U.S. There are a few other centers around the country that also reach this realm -- Poetry Center in San Francisco; St. Mark's Poetry Project in New York City; Poetry Flash in Berkeley. The black box style theatre seats 70 and is, as you'd expect, intimate. M.L. and Peter were brought in under Baroque's new Beyond Music (scroll down to read more) series.
 |
| Poster in Beyond Baroques's window |
That evening I met Joyce Jenkins, editor and publisher of Poetry Flash. She came to California from Detroit in the 1970s to do the hippie and literary thing and ended up staying. I also met her daughter Claire, who is a visual artist. Claire and I had a terrific conversation about the weird kind of isolationism of L.A. and the famous Hollywood sign that LAers inevitably try to inventively climb up to (artistically and financially), but who are all living under it's seemingly significant cultural shadow.
The Friday gig went well. Joyce began the program with readings of poems that she'd written about Detroit, "in a California state of mind." A poem to her friend who passed away, "Robin's Song," was poignant and heartbreaking. The full band sounded great. Joining the band was Willie Aaron, guitarist and producer for Leonard Cohen, and Willie's longtime friend from childhood, Dave Sawyer on bass. M.L.'s and Peter's current repertoire usually includes works such as, "The Road," a tribute to Jack Kerouac; "Louisiana," "Jesus Gonna Be Here," "London," (poem by William Blake); "It's Late," a Ricky Nelson tribute; " and "Monkey Man," by The Rolling Stones.
M.L. picked me up on Saturday morning. We made a trip to Amoeba, that bills itself as the "World's Largest Independent Record Store," and carries vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and all kinds of rock memorabilia. What a store! We could have spent hours there. M.L. has on other occasions, but that morning, he was scheduled for an interview with Rattle Magazine. I met Editor-In-Chief Alan C. Fox, who greeted us at the front door and escorted us to his offices; editor Tim Green, and Daveen, Alan's wife and board member. The interview, which Alan thought turned out as one of their best, will be in the December issue.
We reached Peter's and we all dressed up for the gig in San Luis Obispo. Peter put on his tuxedo shirt painted with bunches of purple grapes down the placket and on the back tail. It was given to him by a movie star, whose name escapes me at the moment, but you'd know her if I dropped it here.
The drive wasn't far. San Luis is a quaint little town with a European-feel downtown area; it is one of California's oldest communities. There are many historical buildings there. The coffee shop where we'd be playing wasn't busy at all, maybe three people in the back room wheree the stage area was; the person who was supposed to greet us wasn't there. After a couple of songs, for which we received absolutely no notice, it was decided that we'd go to Pismo Beach and have some dinner. We sat out on the heated patio and had wine, big bowls of clam chowder, crab cakes and calamari. It was relaxing, something that it seemed like we hadn't had time for since I'd arrived. When we returned to Peter's he put in the so far unreleased CD recording of Moby Grape members Jerry Miller, Don Stevenson and Peter, Skip Spence's son, Omar, and John Mellencamp's rhythm section, of Grape classics and newer songs. Omar is a terrific rock vocalist. The music moves from rock to Peter's more gentle folk rock songs, and songs in between.
Peter also let me listen to a couple of new songs that he's composed for a new solo CD. They were surprising in that he moved away from his beautifully gentle melodies and rocked out on these, but they sounded terrific -- relevant and contemporary, but with that history of having authored "brilliant masterpiece songs," brought forward to this point in time. Peter is really such a talented musician and song writer, in that league of people who have been creating in their discipline and have not only the technical discipline and background but the quick discernment about their work and others' work they encounter -- what it might need to make it better or more complete. And as many accomplished artists can, he works very quickly. He does all of his recording work on a Roland Boss digital device, and puts on all the tracks himself -- lead guitar, rhythm, lead vocals, harmony, bass and drums. His studio is minimalist, effecient and effective: a desk on which sits the recording machine, a pair of headphones, a pair of small speakers, a single mic on a stand, and a stool. Peter has been an inspiration to me, as he is to many.
On Sunday, we had to get up to Berkeley for the performance which would be a fund raiser for Poetry Flash at the Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Theatre (scroll down on home page under June events, and read about this event at Sunday 06/26/11). M.L. and Peter were up second. I joined them for a couple of songs, playing my ukelele, strumming on one song, playing "uke drum" on the next, because I didn't know all the chords to that one yet. Poets read -- Susan Browne, Raymond Nat Turner, and David Meltzer, an icon of the Beat generation poets and the San Francisco Renaissance. He and his wife Julie Rogers read together and then David closed the show by reading "When I Was a Poet" (City Lights, 2011), also the title of his most recent publication of collected works. We stood when he was done with that one. Whew! We had a great time.
M.L. and I had to leave early on Monday, and so didn't get to say goodbye to Peter, he was still sleeping. We were very late getting home, and had to leave by 9 a.m. to get back in time return the rental car and miss any delays at the airport security checkpoints. But, we did get back to LA in time to go to Pink's and have a dog. We pulled at a most opportune moment. There were only a few people in line; we were served quickly.
 |
| ML in front of Pink's |
M.L. is off to Israel in a couple of weeks to teach a class sponsored by the State Department. He's been doing an American Studies program since about 2006. As all things do, the classes have evolved from teaching creative writing to teaching classes in American Studies -- The Beach Boys, African-American experience, Native Americans.
Watch for a further article focused more on M.L.'s and Peter's collaborative relationship. They will soon be releasing a CD of ten songs based on M.L.'s poetry that Peter has put to music. If my instincts are on, it will be worth adding this to your music library.
--Linda Coatney
Monday, March 7, 2011
BBHC hosts "Spring Fling" field expedition
From the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody:
Early spring in the Yellowstone area brings the stirring of wildlife -- as well as of wildlife watchers. In two upcoming field expeditions organized by the Buffalo Bill Historical Center’s Draper Museum of Natural History, participants have the chance to glimpse the fascinating courtship dance of sage grouse or tour a stretch of prime predator habitat.
The “Spring Fling” field expedition on April 16 visits a lek, the communal dancing grounds for the greater sage-grouse. In a courting ritual described by Jennifer McDonald, who spearheads the field expeditions, “The males puff up their chests, fan their tails, and inflate special air sacs in their necks. As air passes in and out of the air sacs, the birds make bizarre popping sounds.” She adds, “To see and hear the dance is quite a treat for our participants.”
McDonald is the natural history program manager and a biologist with seventeen years of experience in the Yellowstone region. Her areas of specialty include songbirds, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears. She co-leads the “Spring Fling” with Destin Harrell, a wildlife biologist with the Cody Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management who has studied and written about the Big Horn Basin’s greater sage-grouse.
Participants on the day trip depart the Buffalo Bill Historical Center at 5 a.m. April 16 and return by 11 a.m. Cost of the trip is $50, with a rate of $45 for Historical Center patrons. Coffee and breakfast are provided.
In late May, McDonald teams up with Interpretive Specialist Emily Buckles, an outdoor environmental educator with several years of experience leading field trips about the ecology and natural history of the region. “Predator Parade” heads to the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park for a wildlife viewing tour, with likely sightings of grizzly and black bears, wolves and coyotes, golden eagles and peregrine falcons. Participants may also see elk, pronghorn, bison, and bighorn sheep, including newborns at this time of year.
“Predator Parade” is an overnight trip, May 27 and 28, with accommodations at Silver Gate Lodging in Silver Gate, Montana. Reservations can be made for parties of one to four, with rates as follows: $275 for single occupancy, $425 total for double, $530 total for triple, and $600 for quadruple. Two lunches and a breakfast are included. Half the registration fee is due to hold the reservation, with the balance due two weeks prior to departure.
Both field expeditions require advanced registration, as space on the popular trips is limited. Contact McDonald at jenniferm@bbhc.org or 307.578.4121 to register. For both trips, participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and camera, and warm layered clothing including rain gear. For more information on natural history programming at the Historical Center, visit www.bbhc.org and explore “Greater Yellowstone Natural History.”
Committed to connecting people with the Spirit of the American West, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center weaves the varied threads of the western experience—history and myth, art and Native culture, firearms technology and Yellowstone natural history—into the rich panorama that is the American West. The Center, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is now operating its spring schedule, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. For general information, visit www.bbhc.org, or call 307.587.4771.
Photo: Greater sage grouse, 2006. Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Art Design & Dine show at Clay Paper Scissors in Cheyenne
From Clay Paper Scissors in Cheyenne:
How are you braving the March snow? Feel a like the ground hogs lied to you? Got a little Cabin Fever? Then get out of the house and out to the galleries this Thursday! That's right, it's Art, Design and Dine this Thursday, March 10 from 5-8pm.
CPS's show this month, "Origins: Fifteen Years of Printmaking from the University of Wyoming", is a beautiful range of prints from 17 very talented artists.
All of the artists participating in Origins have at least one thing in common -- they have all passed through the doors of the University of Wyoming in the past fifteen years under the direction of faculty member Mark Ritchie. The idea of the project came about, as many good things in the printmaking world do, over a few pints at printmaking conferences, with the final conversation taking place at the Mid-America Print Council conference in Fargo, North Dakota the fall of 2008.
Two years later the resulting portfolio and exhibition have already began to connect a number of Artist Printmakers who all have printmaking roots in Wainwright Bungalow, # 1833, home of the print studio at the University.
As makers of multiples, printmakers have often created portfolio exchanges that allow all participants to share each other’s work. It is a lot like writing a note to someone, except in this case the 18 participants each have created an edition of 21 prints and each of them will receive a portfolio containing a print from all of the participants, the remaining three portfolios being for archiving and exhibiting.
As the prints came in it slowly became clear that many of the artists share more than just the print studio at the University of Wyoming.
There are common themes present in some of the work, conversations between abstraction and object representation, even the sense of color and space used by each artist. So now the question arises if these similarities have roots from seeds planted in our print studio in Laramie or are they purely coincidental.
Join us for some amazing art, great treats, and even better conversation this Thursday at Clay Paper Scissors. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/claypaperscissors
How are you braving the March snow? Feel a like the ground hogs lied to you? Got a little Cabin Fever? Then get out of the house and out to the galleries this Thursday! That's right, it's Art, Design and Dine this Thursday, March 10 from 5-8pm.
CPS's show this month, "Origins: Fifteen Years of Printmaking from the University of Wyoming", is a beautiful range of prints from 17 very talented artists.
All of the artists participating in Origins have at least one thing in common -- they have all passed through the doors of the University of Wyoming in the past fifteen years under the direction of faculty member Mark Ritchie. The idea of the project came about, as many good things in the printmaking world do, over a few pints at printmaking conferences, with the final conversation taking place at the Mid-America Print Council conference in Fargo, North Dakota the fall of 2008.
Two years later the resulting portfolio and exhibition have already began to connect a number of Artist Printmakers who all have printmaking roots in Wainwright Bungalow, # 1833, home of the print studio at the University.
As makers of multiples, printmakers have often created portfolio exchanges that allow all participants to share each other’s work. It is a lot like writing a note to someone, except in this case the 18 participants each have created an edition of 21 prints and each of them will receive a portfolio containing a print from all of the participants, the remaining three portfolios being for archiving and exhibiting.
As the prints came in it slowly became clear that many of the artists share more than just the print studio at the University of Wyoming.
There are common themes present in some of the work, conversations between abstraction and object representation, even the sense of color and space used by each artist. So now the question arises if these similarities have roots from seeds planted in our print studio in Laramie or are they purely coincidental.
Join us for some amazing art, great treats, and even better conversation this Thursday at Clay Paper Scissors. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/claypaperscissors
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
"Laramie I am Here"
"Laramie I am Here." Opening Night Reception and The ARK's Cooper Center for Creative Arts.
February 24, 6-8 p.m.
Cooper Center for Creative Arts
Let us be your guide!
Come see Laramie through our eyes as we explore our town through paintings, photographs and drawings. Experience the things that we see and do every day as we live, learn, work, and play in this great community. We have devoted our talents to producing works of art depicting our friends, our families, and ourselves. We will show you our favorite places to go, our favorite things to do, and all of the things that make us a part of this place called Laramie.
FMI: http://www.arkregionalservices.com/
February 24, 6-8 p.m.
Cooper Center for Creative Arts
Let us be your guide!
Come see Laramie through our eyes as we explore our town through paintings, photographs and drawings. Experience the things that we see and do every day as we live, learn, work, and play in this great community. We have devoted our talents to producing works of art depicting our friends, our families, and ourselves. We will show you our favorite places to go, our favorite things to do, and all of the things that make us a part of this place called Laramie.
FMI: http://www.arkregionalservices.com/
Friday, June 25, 2010
Wyoming arts organizations receive TourWest grants
The Western States Arts Federation today announced the recipients of its TourWest grants. Here are the successful grantees from Wyoming:
ARTCORE, Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT), Casper, $2,500
ARTCORE, Soul Street Dance Co., Casper, $1,750
Campbell Co. Public Land Board (CAM-PLEX), Bearfoot, Gillette, $2,500
Campbell Co. Public Land Board (CAM-PLEX), Hot 8 Brass Band, Gillette, $2,500
City of Kemmerer, Layne Gneiting, Kemmerer, $2,500
Fremont Co. School District 1/PALS, Ken Waldman, Lander, $2,500
Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering, Richard Lee Cody and Mary Kaye, Encampment, $500
Hot Springs Greater Learning Fndn., The Cantrells, Thermopolis, $1,250
Lander Community Concerts Assn. Utah Symphony & Opera, Lander, $2,500
Lander Community Concerts Assn., Repertory Dance Theatre, Lander, $2,125
Meeteetse Museum District, Pop Wagner, Meeteetse, $623
Park Co. Arts Council, Barry Douglas, Cody, $1,750
Park Co. Arts Council, Prima Trio, Cody, $2,125
Pinedale Fine Arts Council, Repertory Dance Theatre, Pinedale, $2,500
Pinedale Fine Arts Council, San Jose Taiko, Pinedale, $2,500
WYO Theater, Inc., Hot 8 Brass, Sheridan, $2,500
WYO Theater, Inc., Richter Uzur Duo, Sheridan, $1,275
Young Musicians, Inc., The Tannahill Weavers, Evanston, $2,500
Young Musicians, Inc., Teada, Evanston, $2,500
ARTCORE, Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT), Casper, $2,500
ARTCORE, Soul Street Dance Co., Casper, $1,750
Campbell Co. Public Land Board (CAM-PLEX), Bearfoot, Gillette, $2,500
Campbell Co. Public Land Board (CAM-PLEX), Hot 8 Brass Band, Gillette, $2,500
City of Kemmerer, Layne Gneiting, Kemmerer, $2,500
Fremont Co. School District 1/PALS, Ken Waldman, Lander, $2,500
Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering, Richard Lee Cody and Mary Kaye, Encampment, $500
Hot Springs Greater Learning Fndn., The Cantrells, Thermopolis, $1,250
Lander Community Concerts Assn. Utah Symphony & Opera, Lander, $2,500
Lander Community Concerts Assn., Repertory Dance Theatre, Lander, $2,125
Meeteetse Museum District, Pop Wagner, Meeteetse, $623
Park Co. Arts Council, Barry Douglas, Cody, $1,750
Park Co. Arts Council, Prima Trio, Cody, $2,125
Pinedale Fine Arts Council, Repertory Dance Theatre, Pinedale, $2,500
Pinedale Fine Arts Council, San Jose Taiko, Pinedale, $2,500
WYO Theater, Inc., Hot 8 Brass, Sheridan, $2,500
WYO Theater, Inc., Richter Uzur Duo, Sheridan, $1,275
Young Musicians, Inc., The Tannahill Weavers, Evanston, $2,500
Young Musicians, Inc., Teada, Evanston, $2,500
Friday, May 7, 2010
Lander native makes switch from carrying sandwich boards to professional "Cabaret" tour
Great article in the Casper Star-Tribune's WeekEnder section about the vagaries of the acting world:
"Cabaret" will be on stage at the Casper Events Center on Tuesday, June 1, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35, $40, and $50. Purchase Tickets Now. 1-800-442-2256.
When she got the call, she was strolling through New York City's Time Square dressed as Princess Leia and wearing a sandwich board to promote a Broadway show.
“Miss Oakley Boycott?” asked the voice on her cell phone. “I’m pretty sure I’m going to make your day.”
That's how the Lander woman found out she nailed the audition for the professional tour of the musical “Cabaret,” scheduled to play at the Casper Events Center next month. The voice on the line was the producer telling her she’d landed the lead of Sally Bowles.
Boycott, 20, was so excited that she squealed, jumping up and down so fast her Princess Leia hair buns nearly bounced off her ears.
Then the news hit her. She’d be playing the part made famous on the London stage by Dame Judi Dench and made legendary on film by Liza Minnelli.
"Cabaret" will be on stage at the Casper Events Center on Tuesday, June 1, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35, $40, and $50. Purchase Tickets Now. 1-800-442-2256.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
2010 Piatigorsky Tour -- ten concerts in nine Wyoming communities May 5-12
Here's information on the 2010 Piatigorsky Tour in Wyoming:For over 16 years, the Piatigorsky Foundation’s commitment to artistic excellence and public outreach has fascinated many avid concert goers as well as curious first-timers. It is this combination of complimentary access, flamboyant performances, and human warmth that makes Piatigorsky Foundation concerts so appealing to diverse audiences. For the seventh consecutive year, The Muriel & Seymour Thickman Family Charitable Trust is funding the Piatigorsky Foundation’s tour of Wyoming.
Beginning in Sheridan May 5th, and concluding on May 12th in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, the tour will include public concerts and school outreach programs. The Wyoming Arts Council has served as the facilitator for this tour with each of the communities throughout the state.
Evan Drachman established The Piatigorsky Foundation in 1990 in honor of his grandfather Gregor Piatigorsky. Piatigorsky deeply believed in the healing and inspiration power of classical music. He once said, “Music makes life better. Music is a necessity. It is rich. It is imaginative. It is magnificent. And it is for everyone”. Through his sizzling artistry and charismatic personality, Piatigorsky thus enlivened his mission by performing for millions of people around the globe. The Piatigorsky Foundation is committed to carrying on Piatigorsky’s noble aspirations by evoking cultural curiosity through educational and accessible live performances.
Harpist Heidi Krutzen and flutist Lorna McGhee (shown in photo above) are re-envisioning the traditional flute and harp duo. Exploring the full expressive capabilities of their instruments, they are surprising audiences with a richness of sound, kaleidoscopic colors and dynamic range rarely heard from the flute and harp. Both Heidi and Lorna are accomplished soloists and orchestral musicians. Heidi is principal harpist with both the Vancouver Opera and CBC Radio Orchestras, and is regularly featured at festivals such as the Seattle Chamber Music Festival, Music in the Morning, and Bach Dynamite and Dancing Festival. She is on the faculty for the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and teaches at the University of British Columbia. Lorna was formerly the co-principal flutist with the BBC Symphony, England, and currently teaches at the University of British Columbia. Lorna has given concerto performances with the London Symphony, BBC Scottish Symphony, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Victoria Symphony.
As a duo, they have given concerto performances in Canada and the United States, including a gala performance of Mozart's Flute and Harp concerto at the 2004 National Flute Association Convention. They have played at many of the premiere chamber music festivals in North America. Their performances have been broadcast on Netherlands Radio, CBC and NPR radio stations. The Duo's first CD, "Taheke, 20th Century Masterpieces for Flute and Harp," was released on the Skylark label in 2004 to critical acclaim. This disc featured the Duo's first commission, "Taheke" by New Zealand composer, Gareth Farr. The Duo has since commissioned three new works from Canadian composers, all of which are included on their latest CD, “Canada, New Works for Flute and Harp.” Heidi and Lorna have given recitals and master classes at many North American universities, as well as outreach tours for The Piatigorsky Foundation in the United States. In 2006, they were guest artists at the British Flute Society Convention. Throughout the season they have a rich and diverse recital schedule, often involving collaborations with distinguished string players, wind players, percussionists and choirs, in the pursuit of interesting and unusual repertoire. In this way, Heidi and Lorna hope to raise the profile of their instruments and expand the repertoire, presenting relevant and vital programs in concert and on disc. Please visit their website at:
The upcoming Wyoming concerts are scheduled for:
Wednesday, May 5th, 7 p.m., Dayton, Tongue River Valley Community Center, 1100 US Highway 14, call 307-655-9419 for information.
Thursday, May 6th, 2 p.m., Upton, Upton Middle School, 802 Juniper St., call 307-468-2361 for information.
Friday, May 7th, 7 p.m., Worland, Worland Community Center Complex Conference Room, 1200 Culbertson Avenue, call 866-388-1438 for information.
Saturday, May 8th, Thermopolis, Community Federated Presbyterian Church, 244 N. 6th St., call 307- 864-3391 for information.
Sunday, May 9th, 7 p.m., Lander, Trinity Episcopal Church, 860 S. 3rd St., call 307-332-2509 for information.
Monday May 10th, 2 p.m., Wamsutter, Desert School, 235 Bugas Ave., call 307-324-7811 for information.
7 p.m., Saratoga, Platte Valley Community Center, 210 W. Elm St., call 307-328-9274 for information.
Wednesday, May 12th, 1:30 p.m., Pine Bluffs, Pine Bluffs High School, 512 Maple St., call 307-245-4000 for information.
7 p.m., Pine Bluffs, Pine Bluffs Community Center, 708 Lawson St. call 307-245-3301 for information.
All performances are open to the public with the exception of the performance at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Sheridan.
For more information regarding the Wyoming concert venues and times, contact the Wyoming Arts Council at 307-777-7742, or visit the web site at http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/
Monday, March 29, 2010
Rodney Atkins coming to UW
Platinum-selling artist and Academy of Country Music Top New Male Vocalist of the Year Rodney Atkins will perform at the University of Wyoming Arts and Sciences auditorium Thursday, April 15, at 8 p.m.
Due to the nature of this concert, tickets will not be released to the general public. UW students will be required to present their Wyo-One ID card to purchase tickets and UW employees can present their faculty/staff ID or a copy of their paystub.
Reserved seating tickets go on sale to UW students Monday, March 29, at 9 a.m. for $7 and to the rest of the UW community Wednesday, March 31, at 9 a.m. for $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Wyoming Union information desk, Fine Arts Center box office or by phone at (307) 766-6666. There is a limit of six tickets per person.
In 2006, Atkins took the country music scene by storm with his platinum selling album "If You're Going Through Hell." This album earned Atkins the Academy of Music's Top New Male Vocalist award in 2008 as well as five other nominations and two Country Music Association nominations. Atkins made another strong connection with his listeners on his latest album, "It's America."
"I try to sing songs with an honest view of ourselves, of myself, of the struggle, of the laughter," Atkins says. "It's about being human."
Regional country sensation, Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band, will open the concert. The band has played honky-tonks across the western United States. Williams was raised on a ranch in northeastern Wyoming and attended UW on a rodeo scholarship, giving his music a Wyoming influence. Williams and band will play original songs from their two albums "Road Between the Rodeos" and "Honky Tonk Road."
Atkins' performance is sponsored by the ASUW Concerts and Convocations Committee. For more information, call Michael Lange at (307) 766-6340 or visit www.uwyo.edu/cac
Due to the nature of this concert, tickets will not be released to the general public. UW students will be required to present their Wyo-One ID card to purchase tickets and UW employees can present their faculty/staff ID or a copy of their paystub.
Reserved seating tickets go on sale to UW students Monday, March 29, at 9 a.m. for $7 and to the rest of the UW community Wednesday, March 31, at 9 a.m. for $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Wyoming Union information desk, Fine Arts Center box office or by phone at (307) 766-6666. There is a limit of six tickets per person.
In 2006, Atkins took the country music scene by storm with his platinum selling album "If You're Going Through Hell." This album earned Atkins the Academy of Music's Top New Male Vocalist award in 2008 as well as five other nominations and two Country Music Association nominations. Atkins made another strong connection with his listeners on his latest album, "It's America."
"I try to sing songs with an honest view of ourselves, of myself, of the struggle, of the laughter," Atkins says. "It's about being human."
Regional country sensation, Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band, will open the concert. The band has played honky-tonks across the western United States. Williams was raised on a ranch in northeastern Wyoming and attended UW on a rodeo scholarship, giving his music a Wyoming influence. Williams and band will play original songs from their two albums "Road Between the Rodeos" and "Honky Tonk Road."
Atkins' performance is sponsored by the ASUW Concerts and Convocations Committee. For more information, call Michael Lange at (307) 766-6340 or visit www.uwyo.edu/cac
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Apply now for WESTAF TourWest grants
WESTAF's TourWest grant program is now open and accepting applications at http://westaf.cgweb.org/. The application deadline is April 1, 2010.
TourWest is a competitive grant program that provides subsidies to arts and community organizations for the presentation of out-of-state touring performers and literary artists. Funds are available to organizations that sponsor performances within the 13-state WESTAF region.
Projects must take place between September 01, 2010 and August 31, 2011. All projects must have one public performance and one outreach activity.
FMI: Seyan Lucero, Senior Project Manager, WESTAF, 303.629.1166
TourWest is a competitive grant program that provides subsidies to arts and community organizations for the presentation of out-of-state touring performers and literary artists. Funds are available to organizations that sponsor performances within the 13-state WESTAF region.
Projects must take place between September 01, 2010 and August 31, 2011. All projects must have one public performance and one outreach activity.
FMI: Seyan Lucero, Senior Project Manager, WESTAF, 303.629.1166
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Performing Arts Japan (PAJ) touring and collaboration grants
The Performing Arts Japan(PAJ) program was started by the Japan Foundation in 1994 with the mission to establish a system for promoting Japanese performing art in the United States. The PAJ program supports the initiatives taken by U.S. nonprofit organizations to provide geographically diverse America audiences with greater exposure to Japanese performing arts. PAJ also encourages collaborations between Japanese and American artists, which will further an appreciation of Japanese culture when presented to American audiences.
The Japan Foundation is now accepting proposals for projects to receive PAJ touring and collaboration grants for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
Deadline for applications is November 2, 2009. The applications must be received by mail or hand delivery (facsimile transmission will not be accepted) by 5:00 p.m. EST, November 2, 2009.
Guidelines and Application Form: http://www.jfny.org/arts_and_culture/paj.html
The Japan Foundation is now accepting proposals for projects to receive PAJ touring and collaboration grants for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
Deadline for applications is November 2, 2009. The applications must be received by mail or hand delivery (facsimile transmission will not be accepted) by 5:00 p.m. EST, November 2, 2009.
Guidelines and Application Form: http://www.jfny.org/arts_and_culture/paj.html
Friday, September 11, 2009
Buffalo Bill Art Show &Sale
September 22, 23, 24, 25
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Exhibition (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center John Bunker Sands Photography Gallery. Free to the public.
September 24, 25
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Artist Demonstrations
Participating artists are placed in one of the following locations: Big Horn Galleries, Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody Country Art League, Simpson Gallagher Gallery, or other Cody art-related venues depending on the number of participants. Free to the public.
September 25
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Artist Studio Tour (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Trolley departs from the Party Tent at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Take a trolley tour of the studios of participating Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale artists Steve Schrepferman, Linda S. Raynolds, M.C. Poulsen, Vic Payne, J. Burnham Rudolph, and Caleco Foundry. Reservations required.
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Honored Artist Lecture (2 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Coe Auditorium. 2009 Honored Artist T.D. Kelsey discusses his life’s influences and work. Free to the public.
A Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Collectible Poster Signing (3 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Honored Artist T.D. Kelsey signs copies of the collectible 2009 Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale poster.
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Final Preview (4 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center. View the exhibition a final time and visit with artists in the John Bunker Sands Photography Gallery, then stroll to the Party Tent adjacent to the historical center for fine food, drinks, and live music.
28th Annual Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Auction (6:30 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center—Party Tent. Join in the fun with spirited bidding of fine western art orchestrated by the rapid-fire delivery of auctioneers Troy Black and Associates. Reservations required.
September 26
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Quick Draw (9 a.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center—Party Tent. Join us for a champagne brunch and silent auction. Stroll through the Robbie Powwow Garden to observe over thirty painters, potters, and sculptors at work—often using live models—to complete a piece in one hour. Quick Draw pieces are then sold at live auction. Reservations required.
http://www.buffalobillartshow.com/
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Exhibition (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center John Bunker Sands Photography Gallery. Free to the public.
September 24, 25
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Artist Demonstrations
Participating artists are placed in one of the following locations: Big Horn Galleries, Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody Country Art League, Simpson Gallagher Gallery, or other Cody art-related venues depending on the number of participants. Free to the public.
September 25
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Artist Studio Tour (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Trolley departs from the Party Tent at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Take a trolley tour of the studios of participating Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale artists Steve Schrepferman, Linda S. Raynolds, M.C. Poulsen, Vic Payne, J. Burnham Rudolph, and Caleco Foundry. Reservations required.
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Honored Artist Lecture (2 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Coe Auditorium. 2009 Honored Artist T.D. Kelsey discusses his life’s influences and work. Free to the public.
A Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Collectible Poster Signing (3 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Honored Artist T.D. Kelsey signs copies of the collectible 2009 Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale poster.
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Final Preview (4 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center. View the exhibition a final time and visit with artists in the John Bunker Sands Photography Gallery, then stroll to the Party Tent adjacent to the historical center for fine food, drinks, and live music.
28th Annual Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Auction (6:30 p.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center—Party Tent. Join in the fun with spirited bidding of fine western art orchestrated by the rapid-fire delivery of auctioneers Troy Black and Associates. Reservations required.
September 26
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale Quick Draw (9 a.m.)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center—Party Tent. Join us for a champagne brunch and silent auction. Stroll through the Robbie Powwow Garden to observe over thirty painters, potters, and sculptors at work—often using live models—to complete a piece in one hour. Quick Draw pieces are then sold at live auction. Reservations required.
http://www.buffalobillartshow.com/
Thursday, September 10, 2009
"Jukeboxes & Jackalopes" -- the photographic companion
Writer Julianne Couch and photographer Ronald Hansen dropped by the Arts Council this afternoon to show off their new book.
"Jukeboxes & Jackalopes: A Photographic Companion to Wyoming Bars & Backways" was hot off the presses when Julianne and Ron sidled into the WAC. The large format book features Ron's color photos of the state's distinctive bars, accompanied by Julianne's captions. It's published by the Wyoming State Historical Society, and features an intro by noted historian Phil Roberts.
This is a follow-up to Julianne's "Jukeboxes & Jackalopes: A Wyoming Bar Journey," published by Pronghorn Press in Greybull. It features a lone photo of each out-of-the way bar with essays by Julianne. I've heard Julianne read several of these essays. The bars serve as catalyst for the essays, as her writing begins at the watering holes but ranges further afield into history and geology and her own life. She received an Individual Artist Professional Development grant to help defray costs of research and site visits. Now don't laugh. Research can take many forms, especially when you're dealing with small-town Western traditions such as saloons and bars -- and their patrons. As Julianne notes in the intro to the new book:
In some of the locales chronicled by Julianne and Ron, a bar is all that remains. Just take a look at Steelman's Brite Spot in Hiland. It includes a bar and convenience store, the only shops in this town of 10 residents.
Just take a look at the Longbranch Saloon in Hawk Springs. You can't, not in person anyway, because it burned down after Julianne's visit for her first book. Rebuilding plans are supposed to be underway.
I urge you to take a look at the book. You can buy it in Cheyenne at City News and the Wyoming State Museum Store. You can order copies from Julianne and Ron's Horse Creek Studio. Get more info at http://www.myspace.com/wyojulianne
And here's a terrific idea. Bring Julianne and her books and her expertise to your community for a presentation. You can do this through a WAC Arts Across Wyoming grant. Julianne is one of our fine roster artists. An AAW grant can help pay her fee and travel costs. Why not do that now, while it's fresh on your mind. Go to http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/Grants/EApps.asp
--Michael Shay
"Jukeboxes & Jackalopes: A Photographic Companion to Wyoming Bars & Backways" was hot off the presses when Julianne and Ron sidled into the WAC. The large format book features Ron's color photos of the state's distinctive bars, accompanied by Julianne's captions. It's published by the Wyoming State Historical Society, and features an intro by noted historian Phil Roberts.
This is a follow-up to Julianne's "Jukeboxes & Jackalopes: A Wyoming Bar Journey," published by Pronghorn Press in Greybull. It features a lone photo of each out-of-the way bar with essays by Julianne. I've heard Julianne read several of these essays. The bars serve as catalyst for the essays, as her writing begins at the watering holes but ranges further afield into history and geology and her own life. She received an Individual Artist Professional Development grant to help defray costs of research and site visits. Now don't laugh. Research can take many forms, especially when you're dealing with small-town Western traditions such as saloons and bars -- and their patrons. As Julianne notes in the intro to the new book:
As another traveler once said, "A town in Wyoming consists of a post office, a gas station, and a bar."
In some of the locales chronicled by Julianne and Ron, a bar is all that remains. Just take a look at Steelman's Brite Spot in Hiland. It includes a bar and convenience store, the only shops in this town of 10 residents.
Just take a look at the Longbranch Saloon in Hawk Springs. You can't, not in person anyway, because it burned down after Julianne's visit for her first book. Rebuilding plans are supposed to be underway.
I urge you to take a look at the book. You can buy it in Cheyenne at City News and the Wyoming State Museum Store. You can order copies from Julianne and Ron's Horse Creek Studio. Get more info at http://www.myspace.com/wyojulianne
And here's a terrific idea. Bring Julianne and her books and her expertise to your community for a presentation. You can do this through a WAC Arts Across Wyoming grant. Julianne is one of our fine roster artists. An AAW grant can help pay her fee and travel costs. Why not do that now, while it's fresh on your mind. Go to http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/Grants/EApps.asp
--Michael Shay
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Catch Craig in Wheatland & Douglas tonight
Wyoming mystery writer Craig Johnson has book signings in Wheatland and Douglas this evening. For times and locations, go to www.craigallenjohnson.com.He recently sent a typically humorous dispatch from his book tour, "The Author-Man Cometh." Cheyenne writer and reporter picked it up and put it on her blog at http://blogs.wyomingnews.com/blogs/backstagepass/2009/07/09/wyoming-mystery-author-craig-johnson-a-must-read-blog-post-reprinted-with-permission/
Spencer Bohren returns to Wyoming this fall
Musician and Casper native Spencer Bohren announces a fall schedule that takes him from Switzerland back to the Rocky Mountain region. You can find the details of his Swiss gigs on his web site at http://www.spencerbohren.com/. Here's the WYO/COLO/MONT sked:
Friday, September 25, BLACK ROSE ACOUSTIC SOCIETY SERIES, Black Forest, Colo., 303.459.0857
Saturday, September 26, COYOTE CREEK CONCERT SERIES, Elizabeth, Colo., Casey Jones Park Pavillion, sunsetridgeranch@msn.com, 303.648.3662
Tuesday, September 29, OLDE TOWN PICKIN' PARLOR - Pickin' in the Parlor Series, Arvada, Colo., Unclekit@Pickinparlor.com, 303.421.2304
Saturday, October 3, WYO THEATER, Sheridan, Wyo., boxoffice@wyotheater.com, 307.672.9084
Saturday, October 10, through Sunday, October 11, BIG TIMBER ROOTS 'n BLUES GUITAR WORKSHOP, Big Timber, Mont., limited enrollment, marie@mtintouch.net, 406.932.6771
Monday, October 19, through Friday, October 23, ARTS & MUSIC RESIDENCY, Thermopolis, Wyo.
Friday, October 23, HOT SPRINGS COUNTY AUDITORIUM, Thermopolis, Wyo.
Saturday, October 24, ARTCORE CONCERT SERIES at Kelly Walsh Auditorium, Casper, Wyo.
Friday, September 25, BLACK ROSE ACOUSTIC SOCIETY SERIES, Black Forest, Colo., 303.459.0857
Saturday, September 26, COYOTE CREEK CONCERT SERIES, Elizabeth, Colo., Casey Jones Park Pavillion, sunsetridgeranch@msn.com, 303.648.3662
Tuesday, September 29, OLDE TOWN PICKIN' PARLOR - Pickin' in the Parlor Series, Arvada, Colo., Unclekit@Pickinparlor.com, 303.421.2304
Saturday, October 3, WYO THEATER, Sheridan, Wyo., boxoffice@wyotheater.com, 307.672.9084
Saturday, October 10, through Sunday, October 11, BIG TIMBER ROOTS 'n BLUES GUITAR WORKSHOP, Big Timber, Mont., limited enrollment, marie@mtintouch.net, 406.932.6771
Monday, October 19, through Friday, October 23, ARTS & MUSIC RESIDENCY, Thermopolis, Wyo.
Friday, October 23, HOT SPRINGS COUNTY AUDITORIUM, Thermopolis, Wyo.
Saturday, October 24, ARTCORE CONCERT SERIES at Kelly Walsh Auditorium, Casper, Wyo.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Paranormal explorations at Fort Caspar
From the Fort Caspar Museum and Historic Site:
Join the Paranormal Research Society of Casper on Saturday, May 30, 7 p.m., at Fort Caspar Museum, 4001 Fort Caspar Rd., for an evening of paranormal investigation. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. The 7 p.m. presentation will be held in the Multi-Use Room and is free of charge. The organization will present their findings from their recent investigation of the fort buildings at Fort Caspar Museum and other locations in the city. Public tours through the fort buildings are scheduled for 8 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m., 11 p.m., and midnite. Sign-up for the tours will begin at the 7 p.m. presentation and is limited to 14 people each hour.
FMI: Call Curator at 307-235-8462 or go to www.fortcasparwyoming.com
Join the Paranormal Research Society of Casper on Saturday, May 30, 7 p.m., at Fort Caspar Museum, 4001 Fort Caspar Rd., for an evening of paranormal investigation. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. The 7 p.m. presentation will be held in the Multi-Use Room and is free of charge. The organization will present their findings from their recent investigation of the fort buildings at Fort Caspar Museum and other locations in the city. Public tours through the fort buildings are scheduled for 8 p.m., 9 p.m., 10 p.m., 11 p.m., and midnite. Sign-up for the tours will begin at the 7 p.m. presentation and is limited to 14 people each hour.
FMI: Call Curator at 307-235-8462 or go to www.fortcasparwyoming.com
Friday, March 13, 2009
Wyoming Piatigorsky tour announced
From a Wyoming States Parks and Cultural Resources press release:
Clarinetist Igor Begelmen (shown in photo) and piano accompanist Anna Vinnitsky will perform a 10-concert tour of Wyoming March 30 through April 7. The public is invited to attend these free concerts that will be hosted in Evanston, Kemmerer, Green River, Dubois, Lander, Thermopolis, Greybull and Buffalo.
Details concerning venue, date and time of the concerts will be available in the near future.
The Muriel and Dr. Seymour Thickman Family Charitable Foundation in Sheridan underwrites the tour which features the two nationally known artists. This is the fourth year that the Thickman Family Foundation has sponsored the tour. The Piatigorsky Foundation is a national arts services organization, whose mission is to bring live classical music to individuals who do not have the geographical access or financial means to attend concerts.
Clarinetist Igor Begelmen has been praised by critics as a "remarkable display of music making" – which has earned him an impressive list of awards, engagements and honors.
Begelman has appeared as soloist with major orchestras in the United States and abroad. Raised in Kiev, Ukraine, Begelman received his master’s degree from The Juilliard School of Music and his bachelor’s degree from The Manhattan School of Music. His affiliation with The Piatigorsky Foundation allows him to teach and perform classical music in less traditional settings.
Pianist Anna Vinnitsky is a distinguished artist of great versatility whose piano repertoire embraces all genres and styles, and ranges from the innovations of late Renaissance and the elegancy of Chopin to the comprehensiveness of contemporary music.
Ms. Vinnitsky is enjoying an extensive career as a soloist and collaborative artist. She has appeared to critical acclaim at some of the world’s most prestigious concert venues, including Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Germany and Merkin Concert Hall in New York City, among others.
Currently, Ms. Vinnitsky holds the position of staff accompanist at The Mannes College of Music, and a teaching position at St. Luke’s School in New York City, while also pursuing her doctoral degree in piano performance at Stony Brook University Department of Music.
This year’s tour was coordinated by the Wyoming Arts Council in conjunction with the Piatigorsky Foundation.
For more information about this and other Wyoming Arts Council Programs, please call 307-777-7742.
Clarinetist Igor Begelmen (shown in photo) and piano accompanist Anna Vinnitsky will perform a 10-concert tour of Wyoming March 30 through April 7. The public is invited to attend these free concerts that will be hosted in Evanston, Kemmerer, Green River, Dubois, Lander, Thermopolis, Greybull and Buffalo.
Details concerning venue, date and time of the concerts will be available in the near future.
The Muriel and Dr. Seymour Thickman Family Charitable Foundation in Sheridan underwrites the tour which features the two nationally known artists. This is the fourth year that the Thickman Family Foundation has sponsored the tour. The Piatigorsky Foundation is a national arts services organization, whose mission is to bring live classical music to individuals who do not have the geographical access or financial means to attend concerts.
Clarinetist Igor Begelmen has been praised by critics as a "remarkable display of music making" – which has earned him an impressive list of awards, engagements and honors.
Begelman has appeared as soloist with major orchestras in the United States and abroad. Raised in Kiev, Ukraine, Begelman received his master’s degree from The Juilliard School of Music and his bachelor’s degree from The Manhattan School of Music. His affiliation with The Piatigorsky Foundation allows him to teach and perform classical music in less traditional settings.
Pianist Anna Vinnitsky is a distinguished artist of great versatility whose piano repertoire embraces all genres and styles, and ranges from the innovations of late Renaissance and the elegancy of Chopin to the comprehensiveness of contemporary music.
Ms. Vinnitsky is enjoying an extensive career as a soloist and collaborative artist. She has appeared to critical acclaim at some of the world’s most prestigious concert venues, including Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Germany and Merkin Concert Hall in New York City, among others.
Currently, Ms. Vinnitsky holds the position of staff accompanist at The Mannes College of Music, and a teaching position at St. Luke’s School in New York City, while also pursuing her doctoral degree in piano performance at Stony Brook University Department of Music.
This year’s tour was coordinated by the Wyoming Arts Council in conjunction with the Piatigorsky Foundation.
For more information about this and other Wyoming Arts Council Programs, please call 307-777-7742.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Art students destined for "weekend of culture"
Here's an excerpt from an article written by Liz Wood in the March 10 edition of the Saratoga Sun:
Additional funding for the project comes from the Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming Humanities Council.
This coming weekend, eight Art II and Advanced Art students of the Encampment School will have a weekend of culture, from staying at an historic hotel in Denver, to visiting the Denver Art Museum, gallery districts, attend a ballet, and a Broadway performance. The students will see “Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Phantom of the Opera.” They will also have the opportunity to eat at a Moroccan restaurant, see a belly dance performance, and eat at a Thai restaurant. Students going on the trip include Abbey Davidson, Theresa Wagnon-Sosa, Danial Barkhurst, Lauren Jenio, Chelsie Knottwell, Elizabeth Keyser, Bradley Russell, and Payton Jackson.
The students sold their own artwork plus paid $100 each to help pay for the costs of the weekend, while the school paid for transportation and a meal. The hotel and performing art centers provided reduced rates for the students, while the grants covered the balance of the trip, which was a significant amount, according to Kraft. She believes the project is important for her students because it will “promote a deeper understanding of what the fine, performing, and culinary arts encompass, potentially expanding students’ involvement as audience or as career or recreation participants in their lives beyond school.”
The students will leave Encampment early Friday morning, and return Sunday afternoon. The students will stop and tour the University of Wyoming Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit in Laramie, Sunday, after lunch, before returning to Encampment. The students’ experience will not end after the weekend is over, they will have homework for their art class. They will be required to express in a visual art form, their most memorable experience of the trip. The students will use the higher level thinking skills to propose and create the work of art.
Additional funding for the project comes from the Wyoming Arts Council and Wyoming Humanities Council.
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