#Saratoga Arts Center

[balanchine-ballet-master]

Balanchine's Coppelia

In today's Times, Roslyn Sulcas has an article about the New York City Ballet's production of Coppelia, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this summer. It had its premiere at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center during the company's annual residency.

One thing that Sulcas fails to mention is that the role of Swanilda was originally supposed to have been shared by Patricia McBride and Gelsey Kirkland. But when Kirkland announced she was leaving the company, Balanchine gave all performances to McBride

‘Coppelia’ at 50: When City Ballet Took a Turn for ‘Fun and Funny’

Original cast members look back at George Balanchine and Alexandra Danilova’s staging of the 19th-century ballet. “Everyone knows when something is good,” one said.

By Roslyn Sulcas Sept. 23, 2024, 5:02 a.m. ET

George Balanchine’s decision to stage the 19th-century ballet “Coppelia,” in 1974, was a surprise. Although Balanchine, the co-founder and leader of New York City Ballet, occasionally created narrative ballets, like “The Nutcracker” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the company was identified with a lean, no-frills approach to classical dance. It was turned toward innovation and experimentation, rather than story, characters and elaborate costumes.

But the three-act “Coppelia,” with its lush, melodic Delibes score, fairy-tale set and extensive ensemble dances, was anything but experimental. City Ballet audiences were anticipating it “with a mixture of delight, incredulity and awe, and in some cases horror,” the critic Marcia B. Siegel wrote, shortly before the ballet’s July 17 premiere at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in upstate New York. But Balanchine, who asked his Russian compatriot (and former romantic partner), the ballerina Alexandra Danilova, to assist him on staging the ballet, knew what he was doing. “Coppelia,” starring Patricia McBride as the heroine Swanilda, Helgi Tomasson as her swain Franz and Shaun O’Brien as the eccentric toymaker Doctor Coppelius, was a roaring success, and has been performed regularly ever since. This season’s performances—Sept. 27 to 29 and Oct. 5-6—are City Ballet’s 50th anniversary celebration of the ballet.

Above: Patricia McBride rehearsing Coppelia, 1974. Seated at left are Susan Hendl, who led the Waltz of the Golden Hours in Act 3 and Stephanie Saland, McBride's understudy, who also performed Swanilda. Standing, center: Lincoln Kirstein, Patricia McBride, George Balanchine. Leaning against the piano at right is Rosemary Dunleavy, the ballet mistress. Seated at right are Colleen Neary, who led the Discord & War divertissement in the third act, and Merrill Ashley, who danced the Dawn solo in the same act. Photo: Martha Swope via NYPL/NY Times

“Coppelia” was first choreographed by Arthur Saint-Léon for the Paris Opera Ballet in 1870, and then reworked by Marius Petipa in 1884 into the version we know today. The story is simple: Franz and Swanilda are happily affianced village sweethearts, until Franz falls for a pretty girl who turns out to be a life-size doll—the creation of Doctor Coppelius. By the end of the tale, which involves Swanilda impersonating the doll, Franz has learned a lesson about fantasy and Swanilda has secured her man. Cue wedding celebrations.

Balanchine asked Danilova, a famous Swanilda with a pitch-perfect memory of the Petipa version she had performed with the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, to set Acts I and II, although he added a few new dances. But Act III, omitted in many productions, is his alone, a series of divertissements that are a pure-dance coda to the story.

Megan Fairchild, who first performed Swanilda at 19, said she loved the character’s sassy personality. “It’s a more casual vibe,” she said. “She’s not a princess, and that resonates.”

“We do a lot of ballets that are sophisticated and intellectual, for highly developed dance watchers,” said Wendy Whelan, City Ballet’s associate artistic director. “This is lighthearted and warm and easy to watch. It’s a reminder of the beginnings of ballet: the storytelling, the classical dance, the pantomime.” Plus, Whelan added, “it’s fun and it’s funny.” In interviews, five original cast members talked about their memories of creating the ballet. Below are edited excerpts.

Above: Patricia McBride in Act I, 1975. Swanilda's friends in the background are Judith Fugate, unidentified, Delia Peters, and Debra Austin. Photo: Martha Swope via NYPL

Patricia McBride, Swanilda Madame Danilova’s memory was uncanny. She remembered every step for every character in the ballet, and she danced full out when she showed you the choreography. She wanted me to play it straight when I impersonated the doll, not for laughs, and she was very precise about the musicality and phrasing, and the intent of each step. We hadn’t done a lot of mime at City Ballet, but she was so clear, she made it easy to learn. I loved that beautiful Russian port de bras she had. You could see what a great Swanilda she had been.

Balanchine was very specific about the way I held my arms and body as the doll. He never spoke about characterization, or how he wanted it to look, but the musicality of the choreography was so natural and wonderful. He would show you the steps and it was done.

Madame Danilova and Balanchine would keep going all day long, moving from one scene to the next, talking together. It was like seeing history, the two of them in the room together. Mr. B never interfered with her staging. I think he really respected her knowledge and memory.

Sometimes I would feel quite choked up to think of their lives and history together. They were both in their 70s, but they had so much energy and vitality and love, and they had a lot of fun together. They were so young in spirit. I felt so fortunate to work with them, and to see their respect for each other and their love of dance.

Above: Helgi Tomasson in Act 3, Saratoga, 1974. Photo: Martha Swope via NYPL

Helgi Tomasson, Franz I was surprised and not surprised at Balanchine deciding to do “Coppelia.” He spoke about programming like creating a menu; he knew that he had to give the public varied dishes. And I think he loved those old Petipa pieces.

We were up in Saratoga when he started to choreograph my first-act variation. For some reason, he didn’t feel it was right. John Taras, the ballet master, was sitting next to him, and asked if I knew Balanchine’s “Sylvia” pas de deux, also to Delibes music. I had danced it with the Harkness Ballet, and Balanchine said, “Do you remember the variation? Let’s see it.” I did it, and he said, “Good, let’s keep that!”

For me, most of the dancing was in the third act. I loved the way Balanchine constructed the coda and how Patty and I came in and out of the group. He created speedy yet articulate steps that I think he felt suited me.

I remember that Patty and I did every performance of “Coppelia” in the first week, seven or eight in a row. At some point during that first week, I was so tired that in the scene where Franz is supposed to be asleep, I actually fell asleep. But the whole experience was a highlight of my career.

Above: Alexandra Danilova rehearsing Patricia McBride. Photo: Martha Swope via NYPL

Jean-Pierre Frohlich, Corps de Ballet I had been in the company two years and was just 19. I remember so well Balanchine and Danilova standing in front of the mirrors at the front of the studio. She was so elegant. I knew they had been an item in the Diaghilev era, and I was trying to see how those dynamics would have worked! You could see she still adored him.

Danilova loved to demonstrate steps. She wore ballet slippers with a little heel and ribbons. She had beautiful legs, and liked showing them off. She loved men; she was harder on the women than the men.

There was a very good ambience in the studio. They spoke in English, maybe occasionally in Russian, but I think they wanted the dancers to understand. She would never contradict him or say no to his suggestions. I felt she was very happy to be involved. But he was also very accommodating; he knew how much she had to offer.

Above: Gelsey Kirkland, originally scheduled to share the role of Swanilda with McBride, at rehearsal with ballet mistress Rosemary Dunleavy. Photo: Martha Swope via NYPL

Christine Redpath, Prayer Solo Madame Danilova was so charming. She would wear a gorgeous green sleeveless leotard, with a scoop neck and back, a belt and chiffon skirt, hiked up to show her fantastic legs, and her hair coifed with a little scarf tied behind her ears. You could see she still loved to dance, and it was very sweet to see she still loved Balanchine.

[In “Coppelia,” three allegorical female solos, Prayer, Dawn and Spinner, come near the start of Act III. ]

I learned my solo with Balanchine, but Madame Danilova was there because she had danced the Prayer solo in Russia. I think what he created on me was based on that. Balanchine never spoke about the meaning of the solo, but all the gestures are “up,” and the music seems spiritual to me. If you take what he has given you, it’s all there to tell you who you are and what this is.

At some point he showed me a picture of Marie Taglioni in a blue skirt and little top with puffed sleeves and a horseshoe crown with stars, and that’s what Karinska designed for my costume.

Danilova sent me a lovely card and flowers on the opening night. We were all very excited. Everyone knows when something is good.

Above: Merrill Ashley in the "Dawn" variation in Act 3. The costumes are the originals; they were replaced when the ballet was performed in New York the following year. Photo: Martha Swope via NYPL

Merrill Ashley, Dawn Solo The solo he made for me was fiendishly difficult, and it never became easier. There was fast footwork, lots of changes of direction and it ended in plié on pointe on one foot. I liked dancing it, but it scared me. There was one bit on a diagonal that was impossible, and it repeated three times. Eventually I said, I’m really struggling, would you consider changing it, and he said, “Dear, it’s yours, do what you want.”

Danilova choreographed the introduction to the solo, and that had more of a feeling of gentleness, awakening, offering something. Then the sun comes up over the horizon and, boom! Pyrotechnics!

You felt that Balanchine and Danilova were really friends and colleagues. He turned to her a lot; he really respected the knowledge and tradition she brought. I loved watching their interaction.

Above: Children from the School of American Ballet in Coppelia. The pink costumes replaced the golden ones used in Saratoga. Photo: Martha Swope via NYPL

Charlotte d’Amboise, Child Dancer David Richardson, a dancer in the company, was in charge of the kids, and to my twin sister and me he was God. We knew Balanchine was famous, but it was all about David. I was in the big dance in the last act, which I loved. We wore pink tutus and it was really dancey, and we had a whole section that was just us.

Balanchine really loved to have children involved and he could choreograph for them. He did it so easily, almost as if he didn’t think about it, just “go here, do this.” But he must have planned it.

At the first performance in Saratoga, one side of the elastic on my ballet slippers came off and was dangling while I was dancing. All I remember is thinking, David is seeing this—and he was so mad at me. I have never not paid attention to my shoes again!

I did pretty much all of the Balanchine ballets that had children in them, but “Coppelia” was my favorite. You felt like a ballerina, you had to have technique to dance it, and you felt like you were part of the corps de ballet. The best part of being a kid in these ballets was dancing next to these ballerinas and dancers who are goddesses and princes. To be surrounded by high art, to be part of it, affects you forever.

[haikuandy]

haiku 20230719

here and not hereyour ghost and me, dancingto the old songs Like my haiku? Buy me a coffee

[davidnajewiczphotography]

Saratoga Springs, NY - Victorian building along main street. A friend was at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center for a concert last night - made me think of how much I miss upstate NY in the summer.

[lookoutjoe]

Crosby, Stills & Nash at the Saratoga Performing Art Center in upstate NY, August 1987.

[uwmspeccoll]

It’s Feral Friday! 

This week we’re highlighting Petroglyphs, a chapbook of poems by Shawnee/Cayuga poet and indigenous activist Barney Bush (1944–2021). This 96-page edition was published in Greenfield Center, New York by Greenfield Review Press in 1982 and features drawings by Meenjit Tatsii (b. 1954). 

Greenfield Review Press was founded in 1970 by Abenaki writer (and current poet laureate of Saratoga Springs, NY) Joseph Bruchac (b. 1942) and his wife Carol Bruchac (1942-2011). While the Greenfield Review, a cross-cultural magazine featuring poetry and storytelling, ended its run in 1987, the press grew into a non-profit multicultural publisher with the mission of “giving voice to marginalized peoples by amplifying their wisdom, stories, and experiences”. Since its inception, the press has released over 150 books and anthologies of contemporary poetry and fiction (25 of which are in our collection).  

In addition to his work as a writer, Barney Bush was a musician and spoken word performer. He was also an educator who was instrumental in the establishment of the Institute of the Southern Plains (a Cheyenne Indian school located in Oklahoma) as well as the development of numerous university-level Native American studies programs. 

Meenjit Tatsii (also known as Christy Vezolles) is an artist, writer, educator, art appraiser & collector, and a member of the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band. She began her professional work as the illustrator and traditional crafts columnist for her tribal newspaper (TOSAN) in 1976. Her work (which includes drawing, printmaking, beadwork, leatherwork, and pottery) has been exhibited nationally.   

--Ana, Special Collections Graduate Intern 

View more Feral Friday posts.

View more Native American literature posts.

View more Greenfield Review Press posts.

View more Joseph Bruchac posts. 

[gracehosborn]

What's the itinerary? 👀

Hi, Anon! Happy to share.

My dream American Revolution trip itinerary, just including my must-sees, and a rough idea of transportation (still working on food stops and slipping in other points of interest):

Day 1:

Early morning flight to Boston, MA

Stay in Boston for 3 nights, 4 days

Rental car for Day 2 and 3

Boston Massacre Site

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Bunker Hill Museum and Monument

Old North Church & Historic Site

Day 2:

Paul Revere House

Lexington Battle Green Tour, Lexington MA

Drive from Boston

Old North Bridge, Concord MA

Drive from Lexington

Day 3:

Adams National Historic Park, Quincy MA

Drive from Boston

General Nathaniel Greene Homestead, Coventry RI

Drive from Adams NHP

Day 4:

Early morning train/bus to Albany, NY

Stay in Albany 2 nights, 3 days

Rental car for Day 4 and 5

Saratoga National Historical Park, Stillwater NY

Drive from Albany

Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga NY

Drive from Saratoga NHP

Day 5:

Schuyler Mansion tour

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, Newbrugh NY

Drive from Albany

John Jay Homestead, Katonah NY

Drive from Washington Headquarters Newbrugh

Day 6:

Early morning train from Albany to New York City, NY

Stay in New York City for 4 nights, 5 days

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Morris-Jumel Mansion

Day 7:

City Hall Park

Federal Hall

Fraunces Tavern Museum

Trinity Church & Cemetary

Day 8:

Museum of the City of New York

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Day 9:

Van Cortlandt House Museum

Central Park

New York Historical Society Museum & Library

Weehawken Dueling Grounds/Hamilton Park, Weehawken, NJ

Take ferry to and from

Day 10:

Train/bus to Princeton, NJ

Stay in Princeton 2 nights, 3 days

Rental car for Day 11

Princeton Battlefield State Park

Day 11:

Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan, NJ

Drive from Princeton

Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown NJ (Includes: Ford Mansion/Washington’s Headquarters, Schuyler-Hamilton House, Jockey Hollow)

Drive from Monmouth Battlefield Park

Day 12:

Early train/bus to Trenton, NJ

Old Barracks Museum

Washington Crossing Park, Washington Crossing, PA

Train/bus from Trenton

Train/Bus from Washington Crossing to Philadelphia PA

Stay in Philadelphia 3 nights, 4 days

Rental car for Day 15 and 16

Day 13:

Independence Hall

Liberty Bell Center

First Bank of the United States

Carpenter’s Hall

Day 14:

Museum of the American Revolution

Elfreth’s Alley Museum

Day 15:

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Drive from Philadelphia

Moland House (Washington Headquarters), Warwick Township PA

Drive from Valley Forge NHP

Peter Wentz Farmstead (Washington Headquarters), Lansdale PA

Drive from Moland House

Day 16:

Cliveden of the National Trust (Chew House)

Drive from Philadelphia

Brandywine Battlefield (park), Chadds Ford PA

Drive from Cliveden

Afternoon or evening train from Philadelphia to Alexandria, VA

Stay in Alexandria for 2 nights, 3 days

Rental car for Day 18

Day 17:

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Train/bus from Alexandria, VA

National Archives Museum, Washington DC

Train/bus from Alexandria, VA

Day 18:

James Madison’s Montpelier, Montpelier Station, VA

Drive from Alexandria, VA

Evening train from Alexandria to Williamsburg, VA

Stay in Williamsburg 2 nights

Day 19:

Colonial Williamsburg

Day 20:

Yorktown Battlefield

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Train/bus/taxi from Williamsburg

Day 21:

Fly from Williamsburg to Charleston, SC

Stay in Charleston for 4 nights, 5 days

Rental car for Days 22-24

South Carolina Historical Society Museum

Day 22:

Savannah History Museum, Savannah GA

Battlefield Park Heritage Center, Savannah GA

Drive from Charleston

Day 23:

Cowpens National Battlefield, Cowpens SC

Drive from Charleston

Eutaw Springs Battlefield Park, Eutawville SC

Drive from Cowpens

Day 24:

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Mempkin Abbey (site of Laurens family graves)

Day 25:

Fly home from Charleston SC

[fuckyeahvanhalen86-95]

Sammy Hagar plans to revitalize some Van Halen vibes on his upcoming summer tour.

For The Best of All Worlds Tour, Hagar and his bandmates in The Circle – bassist Michael Anthony, a founding member of Van Halen, and drummer Jason Bonham – will be joined by guitarist virtuoso Joe Satriani, who has recorded and performed with Hagar and Anthony in the band Chickenfoot.

The itinerary kicks off on July 13 in West Palm Beach, Florida, and the tour hits a total of 28 cities, concluding August 31 in St. Louis, Missouri. Loverboy will serve as the opening act.

Pre-sales begin on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m., with general on-sale starting Friday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. local. For more information go to RedRocker.com.

Hagar, 76, joined Van Halen as vocalist in 1985 after David Lee Roth left. Hagar also left the band in 1996, but returned for a 2004 tour. Recently, Hagar says he and Anthony decided to perform songs from their days playing in Van Halen at Hagar's annual Birthday Bash last month in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

"We pulled out a couple of them and it was an instant lovefest with the fans from our first riffs," Hagar said in a statement with the tour announcement. "The music we created is going to outlive us all. They deserve to be heard so it's time we go out and serve the fans that music, while we still can."

The four albums of the "Van Hagar" era of the band – 5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991), and Balance (1995) – were recently re-released in newly remastered editions.

“It’s crazy to think that it’ll be 20 years since Mikey and I played these songs with Van Halen on the 04’ Best of Both Worlds Tour,” said Hagar. “With Joe on board, we can take a deeper dive into those years. We’re going to touch on some hits from my entire career but seeing fans old and new really embrace the new collection set off something in Mikey and I."

Joining the band on keyboards and backing vocals is Australian musician Rai Thistlethwayte.

WHAT SONGS MAY SAMMY HAGAR AND THE BAND PLAY IN THE 2024 TOUR?

On a poster for The Best of All Worlds tour, there's a list of songs including:

• Songs Hagar recorded with Van Halen: 5150, When It's Love, Best of Both Worlds, Finish What Ya Started, Poundcake, Humans Being, Right Now, Good Enough, Eagles Fly • Van Halen songs recorded with Roth: Panama, Running' With the Devil, Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love • Hagar solo songs: Your Love is Driving Me Crazy, Heavy Metal, Little White Lie, One Way to Rock, Mas Tequila • Hagar songs from his days with Montrose: Rock Candy • Chickenfoot songs: Oh Yeah

Here are Sammy Hagar's Best of All Worlds tour dates: • July 13     West Palm Beach, FL     iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre • July 14      Tampa, FL                     MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre • July 16 Alpharetta, GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre • July 19 Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion • July 20 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live • July 22 Saratoga Springs, NY Broadview Stage at SPAC • July 24 Bridgeport, CT Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater • July 26 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center • July 27 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center • July 29 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center • July 31 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage • Aug. 2 Clarkston, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre • Aug. 3 Tinley Park, IL Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre • Aug. 9 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena • Aug. 11 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre • Aug. 13 Airway Heights, WA BECU Live at Northern Quest • Aug. 14 Ridgefield, WA RV Inn Style Resort Amphitheater • Aug. 16 Wheatland, CA Toyota Amphitheatre • Aug. 17 Concord, CA Toyota Pavilion at Concord • Aug. 19 Los Angeles, CA Kia Forum • Aug. 20 Phoenix, AZ Talking Stick Resorts Amphitheatre • Aug. 22 Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion • Aug. 23 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion • Aug. 25 Rogers, AR Walmart AMP • Aug. 27 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center • Aug. 28 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena • Aug. 30 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center • Aug. 31 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

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[kickmag]

Angélique Kidjo Enters A New Era With Sunlight To My Soul

Angélique Kidjo is back with the Diane Warren-penned "Sunlight To My Soul." Afrobeats producer Shizzi is also part of the collaboration, with his supply of traditional African rhythms and supporting vocals from the Soweto Gospel Choir. The video celebrates life with dancing, hugs, and plenty of smiles from Kidjo and her dancers. The international singing icon released her 15th studio album, Mother Nature, in 2021. She collaborated with young African artists on MH, including Burna Boy, Mr. Eazi, and Yemi Alade. In 2023, she celebrated a four-decade career by kicking off a 40th-anniversary concert tour. Earlier this year, she debuted her new African Symphony project with arranger Derrick Hodge at the Kennedy Center.  "Sunlight In My Soul" begins a new era for Kidjo, who hails from Benin.  Kidjo is starting her next international tour on July 14th, which is also her birthday. Except for one show with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Meshell Ndegeocello will accompany her on select dates.

Tour Dates

* with the Philadelphia Orchestra  

^ with Meshell Ndegeocello

7/14 - Carhaix-Plouguer, France @ Les Vieilles Charrues 2024

7/20 - Stuttgart, Germany @ jazzopen 2024 with Lizz Wright

7/24 - Val de Bagnes, Switzerland @ Salle des Combins

7/25 - Marciac, France @ Jazz in Marciac

7/30 - Trondheim, Norway @ Borggården i Trondheim

8/2 - Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center *

8/7 - Denver, CO @ Denver Botanic Gardens ^

8/8 - Highland Park, IL @ Ravinia Festival ^

8/10 - San Jose, CA @ San Jose Jazz Summer Fest

8/11 - Telluride, CO @ Telluride Jazz Festival

8/25 - Vienna, Austria @ Afrika Tage

8/29 - Helsinki, Finland @ Helsinki Festival

9/4 - Duisburg, Germany @ Landschaftspark Nord - Gießhalle

9/15 - Brétigny-sur-Orge, France @ Le Fete de l'Humanite

9/20 - 9/22 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil @ Rock In Rio

10/6 - Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg District @ Rockhal

10/12 - Voiron, France @ Le Grand Angle

10/13 - Marseille, France @ Fiesta des Suds / Esplanade du J4

10/20 - Katowice, Poland @ NOSPR

10/22 - Troyes, France @ Les Nuits de Champagne

10/24 - The Hague, Netherlands @ Paard Van Troje (PAARD)

11/2 - New York, NY @ Carnegie Hall

11/13 - Portland, ME @ State Theatre

3/19/2025 - Montreal, QC, Canada @ Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal

3/20/2025 - Montreal, QC, Canada @ Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal

[thedoorswhis]

"Dar estilo" al propio carácter: ¡un gran y raro arte! Lo ejercen aquellos que ven todas las fortalezas y debilidades de su propia naturaleza y luego las comprenden en un plan artístico hasta que todo aparece como arte y razón e incluso la debilidad deleita la vista." ~~~ Friedrich Nietzsche

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

~ The Doors, The Diamond, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY, 1 de septiembre de 1968.

[thewordwideweb]

Usher: one who ushes

The Word of the Day is “usher.” My friend Dave is a volunteer usher at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in upstate New York. I think he does it so he can see all the shows, but as I wrote on his Facebook page recently, “No one can ush like Dave can ush!”

That’s right, isn’t it? I mean, a baker is one who bakes, a painter is one who paints, so it stands to reason that an usher is one who ushes.

Except that’s totally wrong.

We need to evolve through a string of words to get to “usher.” We’ll start a long, long time ago in ancient Rome. The ancient Romans spoke Latin, and the Latin word “ostium” means “door.” An “ostiarius” was a doorkeeper or a porter. But that was high-class Latin, the kind spoken by politicians and the elite. The common folk spoke “Vulgar Latin,” and their word for doorkeeper was “ustiarius.” Not a big change, but we needed that “u” to start the word. Because when all that old Latin was translated into Old French, the word for a doorman or porter became “ussier.” Then the Norman Conquest happened, the Brits ended up speaking Anglo-French, and the word became “usser.” And from there, it was a hop, skip and jump to the English word “usher,” and our friend Dave holding the door for us and showing us to our seats.  

 But I still think “ush” should be the verb describing what an usher does. If a singer sings, a dancer dances, a writer writes, a teacher teaches, a farmer farms and so on, then why can’t an usher ush?

Who’s with me?

[krispyweiss]

Quarter Notes: Blurbs & Briefs from Sound Bites

- In this edition: Phish; Van Morrison; the Motet; Roger Waters

PHISH TO PLAY FLOOD-RELIEF BENEFITS: Phish will play two benefit concerts, Aug. 25 and 26, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center to boost flood-recovery efforts in Vermont and Upstate New York.

All ticket and merchandise proceeds will benefit The WaterWheel Foundation’s 2023 Flood Recovery Fund to “support both shorter-term needs and long-term recovery and resiliency projects,” the group said.

VAN MORRISON SHUTS UP: Van Morrison will release Beyond Words: Instrumental, a 17-track collection of previously unreleased material spanning the 1970s to the 2000s, Aug. 18.

Morrison, for the record, is a conspiracy theorist. Stupendous singer and musician. But a conspiracy theorist.

THE MOTET TAP NEW VOCALIST: Sarah Clarke is the Motet’s new singer.

“Sarah is hands down the most creative and collaborative singer we have ever worked with, and her enthusiasm, excitement and energy on stage is inspiring us to new levels of performance,” the band said in a statement. “She completes our sound in ways we never would have imagined and we can’t wait for the world to witness.”

Clarke begins her tenure with a 28-date tour beginning Sept. 9.

ROGER WATERS TO PERFORM DSOTM REDUX IN LONDON: Roger Waters will perform his Dark Side of the Moon Redux album in its entirety Oct. 8 and 9 in London. If lead single “Money” is any indication of how the album turned out, Sound Bites advises staying very far away.

7/28/23

[jayhawksofficial]

PREVIOUS GARY LOURIS TOUR DATES

FOR SETLISTS AND A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF PAST SHOWS PLEASE VISIT SETLIST.FM

2025 1/17/25 - Rosemary Beach, FL - Town Hall (30A Festival)

2024 9/29/24 - Minneapolis, MN - O'Shaugnessy Distilling Co. 7/27/24 - Hassocks, England - Hen & Chicken Hall 7/26/24 - London, England - Bush Hall 7/25/24 - Hassocks, England - Mid Sussex Music Hall 7/23/24 - Glasgow, Scotland - St. Luke's 7/21/24 - Manchester, England - Night & Day 7/20/24 - York, England - The Crescent 7/19/24 - Liverpool, England - Royal Philharmonic 7/18/24 - Nottingham, England - Bodega 7/16/24 - Dublin, Ireland - Whelan's 3/17/24 - New York City, NY - City Winery (appearance at Wesley Stace's Cabinet of Wonders) 2/10/24 - Ottawa, Canada - Red Bird Live 2/9/24 - Ottawa, Canada - Red Bird Live (+ workshop)

2023 12/15/23 - Duluth, MN - Sacred Heart Music Center (with Rich Mattson & Germaine Gemberling) 11/18/23 - Toronto, ONT - Danforth Music Hall (opening for The Watchmen) 8/7/23 - Canmore, ALB - Canmore Folk Festival (appearance with Richard Thompson at workshop) 8/6/23 - Canmore, ALB - Canmore Folk Festival 6/11/23 - Minneapolis, MN - The Parkway 6/10/23 - Chicago, IL - Old Town School of Folk Music (songwriting workshop) 6/9/23 - Chicago, IL - Old Town School of Folk Music 3/16/23 - Ottawa, Canada - Red Bird live

2022 12/7/22 - Toronto, ONT - Massey Hall (appearance with The Sadies at the annual Andy Kim Christmas concert) 2/27/22 - Freehold, NJ - Concerts in the Studio 2/26/22 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Made (with Steve Almaas & Henry Louris) 1/16/22 - Santa Rosa Beach, FL - 30A Festival 1/15/22 - Santa Rosa Beach, FL - 30A Festival

2021 9/26/21 - Saratoga Springs, NY (cancelled) 9/25/21 - Fairfield, CT - Stage One (cancelled) 9/24/21 - Cambridge, MA - Club Passim (cancelled) 9/23/21 - Fall River, MA - Narrows Center (cancelled) 9/22/21 - Woodstock, NY - The Colony (cancelled) 9/21/21 - Rochester, NY - Abilene Bar & Lounge 8/14/21 - Minneapolis, MN - Minneapolis Club (with The Scarlet Goodbye duo) 6/13/21 - Minneapolis, MN - Hewing Bar rooftop (appearance with Run Westy Run)

2017 2/26/17 - Durham, NC - Five Oaks Clubhouse 1/16/17 - Santa Rosa Beach, FL - Hibiscus (30A Festival) 1/15/17 - Rosemary Beach, FL - Town Hall (30A Festival)

2016 10/15/16 - Norfolk, VA - North Shore Point House Concerts 1/31/16 - Freehold, NJ - Concerts in the Studio

2015 10/10/15 - Prosser, WA - Brewminatti 10/9/15 - Seattle, WA - Fremont Abbey Arts Center 10/3/15 - Portland, OR - The Old Church 7/27/15 - Minneapolis, MN - Loring Park ("Gary Louris & Friends' aka The Jayhawks) 7/13/15 - Grand Rapids, MN - Forest Jam 2015 5/20/15 - St. Cloud, MN - Granite City Radio Theater 5/15/15 - Chicago, IL - City Winery 1/24/15 - Northfield, MN - Northfield Arts Guild Theater

2014 12/11/14 - Minneapolis, MN - Cedar Cultural Center (with Haley Bonar) 11/6/14 - Sanibel, FL - Sanibel Island Writers Conference 6/6/14 - Plymouth, MN - Hilde Performance Center 5/13/14 - Hopkins, MN - Hopkins Center For The Arts (duo performance with Karen Grotberg) 3/22/14 - New York City, NY - City Winery (appearance at Wesley Stace's Cabinet of Wonders) 3/6/14 - Rochester, MN - Rochester Art Center ((duo performance with Karen Grotberg) 1/24/14 - Durham, NC - Motorco Music Hall

2013 12/1/13 - Dallas, TX - Sons of Hermann Hall (A Flood of Love For Colorado benefit concert) 11/30/13 - Dallas, TX - Sons of Hermann Hall (A Flood of Love For Colorado benefit concert) 11/20/13 - Anoka, MN - Lyrics Art Theater (duo performance with Karen Grotberg) 11/9/13 - Berwyn, IL - Fitzgerald's (trio performance with Karen Grotberg & Will Phalen) 10/13/13 - Minneapolis, MN - Chowgirls Catering Space 9/6/13 - Moorhead, MN - Bluestem Center For the Arts Amphitheater (backed by Kevin Bowe and the Okemah Prophets) 8/31/13 - LaCrosse, WI - Cavalier Theater (backed by Kevin Bowe and the Okemah Prophets) 6/21/13 - Evanston, IL - SPACE 6/20/13 - Austin, TX - Cactus Cafe 6/19/13 - Austin, TX - Cactus Cafe 6/18/13 - Dallas, TX - Kessler Theater 6/14/13 - Hayward, WI - Park Theater (backed by Kevin Bowe and the Okemah Prophets) 6/10/13 - Annapolis, MD - Ram's Head On Stage 6/8/13 - Vienna, VA - Jammin' Java 6/7/13 - Freehold, NJ - Concerts in the Studio 6/6/13 - Sellersville, PA - Sellersville Theater 6/5/13 - Cambridge, MA - Club Passim 6/4/13 - New York City, NY - City Winery 6/2/13 - Northampton, MA - Iron Horse Music Hall 6/1/13 - Bayport, NY - Grey Horse Tavern 5/31/13 - Fairfield, CT - Stage One 4/30/13 - Minneapolis, MN - Dakota Club (with Kevin Bowe & The Okemah Prophets, Karen Grotberg, Marc Perlman, Tim O'Reagan & Chan Poling) 4/29/13 - Minneapolis, MN - Dakota Club (with Kevin Bowe & The Okemah Prophets, Karen Grotberg, Marc Perlman, Tim O'Reagan & Chan Poling) 3/23/13 - Valparaiso, IN - Memorial Opera House 3/15/13 - Austin, TX - TenOak 3/2/13 - Wabasha, MN - Broadway Theater ("Gary Louris & Friends")

2012 10/7/12 - Stoughton, WI - Stoughton Opera House 10/6/12 - DeKalb, IL - Otto's 10/5/12 - Bloomington, IL - The Castle Theatre 10/4/12 - Chicago, IL - City Winery 10/3/12 - Milwaukee, WI - Shank Hall 9/23/12 - Evanston, IL - SPACE 9/22/12 - Ann Arbor, MI - The Ark 9/21/12 - Three Oaks, MI - The Acorn Theater 9/13/12 - Nashville, TN - The Rutledge (appearance at "The Songs of Big Star" concert) 9/8/12 - St. Paul, MN - Mears Park 6/21/12 - Los Angeles, CA - The Grammy Museum (solo set + appearance with Rodrigues at LA Film Fest event)

2011 6/11/11 - St. Cloud, MN - Paramount Theater (backed by Marc Perlman, Tim O'Reagan, Karen Grotberg & Jim Boquist)

2010 12/15/10 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue (part of First Avenue 40th Anniverary concert_ 10/29/10 - Montgomery, MN - Red Barn Concert Series (backed by Tim O'Reagan, Karen Grotberg & Jim Boquist) 10/9/10 - Minneapolis, MN - Southern Theater (with Chan Poling for Sound Unseen Film Festival) 5/22/10 - Wabasha, MN - Broadway Theater (backed by Marc Perlman, Tim O'Reagan, Jim Boquist & Janey Winterbauer) 5/21/10 - Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon 5/20/10 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall 5/14/10 - New York City, NY - Le Poisson Rouge 5/13/10 - Cambridge, MA - The Regattabar 5/1/10 - Big Indian, NY - Truck Festival 1/17/10 - Santa Rosa Beach, FL - Fish Out of Water (30A Festival) 1/15/10 - Santa Rosa Beach, FL - The Red Bar (30A Festival)

2008 10/25/08 - Chicago, IL - Old Town School of Folk Music 10/24/08 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall 8/25/08 - Minneapolis, MN - Guthrie Theater (McGuire Proscenium Stage) (with guests Marc Perlman, Jim Boquist & Kraig Johnson) 8/21/08 - Minneapolis, MN - The Fine Line (appearance at The Brain Candy Project - Cameron's Dream benefit) 8/5/08 - Rochester, MN - Rochester Civic Theatre 6/21/08 - Madrid, Spain - El Rey 6/20/08 - Bilbao, Spain - Kafe Antzokia 6/19/08 - Valancia, Spain - Wah Wah 6/17/08 - El Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain - Teatro Munoz Seco 6/15/08 - Oslo, Norway - Norwegian Wood Festival 6/12/08 - Trondheim, Norway - Credo 6/11/08 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Pusterviksbaren 6/10/08 - Malmo, Sweden - Kulturbolaget 6/8/08 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Paradiso Kleine Zaal 6/6/08 - Glasgow, Scotland - ABC2 6/5/08 - York, England - Fibbers 6/4/08 - Liverpool, England - The Masque 6/3/08 - Cardiff, Wales - Barfly Cardiff 6/1/08 - London, England - Borderline 5/31/08 - Brighton, England - The Barfly 5/29/08 - Sheffield, England - Memorial Hall 4/5/08 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse (with Vetiver as backing band) 4/4/08 - Chapel Hill, NC - Cat's Cradle (with Vetiver as backing band) 4/3/08 - Falls Church, VA - State Theater (with Vetiver as backing band) 4/2/08 - New York City, NY - Town Hall (with Vetiver as backing band) 4/1/08 - Sommerville, MA - Sommerville Theater (with Vetiver as backing band) 3/30/08 - Toronto, ONT - The Mod Club (with Vetiver as backing band) 3/29/08 - Milvale, PA - Mr. Small's (with Vetiver as backing band) 3/28/08 - Chicago, IL - Metro (with Vetiver as backing band) 3/27/08 - Madison, WI - Barrymore Theater (with Vetiver as backing band) 3/25/08 - Minneapolis, MN - Pantages Theater (with Vetiver as backing band) 3/23/08 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater (with Vetiver as backing band) 2/23/08 - Minneapolis, MN - The Electric Fetus (in store performance with Jim Boquist)

[dunhamrc]

Phish - 1995-06-26 Saratoga Performing Arts Center - Saratoga Springs, NY - livephish.com

[chorusfm]

Goo Goo Dolls Announce Summer Tour

Goo Goo Dolls have announced a summer 2025 tour with Dashboard Confessional. 12/04 – Cape Town, ZA – @ Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden 12/05 – Berea, ZA – @ ICC Durban 12/07 – Pretoria, ZA – @ Voortrekker Monument 12/14 – Naples, FL – @ Live Fest 2024 02/20 – Bruce, AU – @ AIS Arena 02/21 – Moore Park, AU – @ Hordern Pavilion 02/23 – Broadmeadow, AU – @ Newcastle Entertainment Centre 02/25 – South Brisbane, AU – @ Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre 02/27 – Hindmarsh, AU – @ Aec Theatre 03/01 – North Wollongong, AU – @ Yours & Owls Festival 03/02 – Melbourne, AU – @ Margaret Court Arena 04/27 – Indio, CA – @ Stagecoach Music Festival20 07/13 – Phoenix, AZ – @ Arizona Financial Theatre * 07/16 – Fort Worth, TX – @ Dickies Arena * 07/17 – Sugar Land, TX – @ Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land * 07/19 – Rogers, AR – @ Walmart AMP * 07/20 – Nashville, TN – @ Ascend Amphitheater * 07/22 – Atlanta, GA – @ Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park * 07/23 – St Augustine, FL – @ St. Augustine Amphitheatre * 07/25 – Charlotte, NC – @ Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre * 07/26 – Raleigh, NC – @ Red Hat Amphitheater * 07/27 – Vienna, VA – @ Wolf Trap – Filene Center * 07/29 – Boston, MA – @ LeaderBank Pavilion * 07/30 – Saratoga Springs, NY – @ Broadview Stage at SPAC * 08/01 – Holmdel, NJ – @ PNC Bank Arts Center * 08/02 – Wantagh, NY – @ Northwell at Jones Beach Theater * 08/03 – Philadelphia, PA – @ The Mann Center * 08/05 – Bangor, ME – @ Maine Savings Amphitheater * 08/06 – Gilford, NH – @ BankNH Pavilion * 08/08 – Bridgeport, CT – @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater * 08/09 – Buffalo, NY – @ KeyBank Center * 08/10 – Toronto, ON – @ Budweiser Stage * 08/12 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – @ Blossom Music Center * 08/13 – Chicago, IL – @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island * 08/15 – Indianapolis, IN – @ Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park * 08/16 – Sterling Heights, MI – @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre * 08/18 – Waite Park, MN – @ The Ledge Amphitheater * 08/19 – La Vista, NE – @ The Astro * 08/21 – Maryland Heights, MO – @ Saint Louis Music Park * 08/22 – Kansas City, MO – @ Starlight Theatre * 08/24 – Morrison, CO – @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre * 08/26 – West Valley City, UT – @ Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre * 08/28 – Airway Heights, WA – @ Northern Quest Resort & Casino * 08/29 – Bend, OR – @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater * 08/31 – Seattle, WA – @ TBD * 09/01 – Seattle, WA – @ TBD * 09/04 – Berkeley, CA – @ Greek Theatre * 09/06 – Santa Barbara, CA – @ Santa Barbara Bowl * 09/07 – Los Angeles, CA – @ Greek Theatre * 09/09 – Albuquerque, NM – @ Isleta Amphitheater * 09/11 – Oklahoma City, OK – @ The Zoo Amphitheatre * 09/12 – Camdenton, MO – @ Ozark Amphitheater * * = w/ Dashboard Confessional --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/news/goo-goo-dolls-announce-summer-tour/

[devonellington]

Information about my books:

As I get ready for Tuesday’s release of TAPESTRY, the first Nina Bell Mystery, I figured it was a time to post some reminders about my work, for those of you just getting to know me.

The Nina Bell Mysteries are set in NYC in the mid-1990’s, with a backdrop of a young woman trying to build a career in the arts in NYC at that time. They are mysteries with a female amateur sleuth, with romantic elements and dark humor. They have adult language and situations, and are NOT cozies.

The second book in the series, MURDER BELLS, three Nina Bell shorts built around the holidays and shortly thereafter, will release in December. The third book, THE VICIOUS CRITIC, which takes place primarily around an off-Broadway show has a TBA release date early next year, and the fourth book, BUT IS SHE A BETTING MAN? takes place in Saratoga Springs when Nina works a summer theatre gig, with the backdrop of horse racing. (For those of you who have not known me long, I covered thoroughbred racing for 13 years). That release date is TBA as well, hopefully sometime next year. These will be available both digitally and in print.

The series has its own website, but there’s information available on my main Devon Ellington Work website.

The Angel Hunt series is supposed to debut at some point next year; exact date TBA. The series follows a witch trying to keep one foot in the world, and one foot in that transient area between the worlds, but to walk her path with integrity. ANGEL HUNT’s premise is that a marker is called in by the Underworld, and Lianna is tasked with hunting down an angel – who turns out to be her guardian angel. This series is set in the early 2000’s, starting in New York City, but expanding through the series to multiple locations and time jumps. Those who loved Rosemary Edghill’s Bast mysteries are likely to enjoy this series. ANGEL HUNT is classified as “urban fantasy” but the other books are more likely to be called “paranormal mystery.” They are for adults, with strong language and adult situations. The second book is THE LIGHTHOUSE LADY, set on an island off the coast of Maine. There are five titles planned for the series, and they will have their own page on the main Devon Ellington website. They will be available in both digital and print editions.

The Coventina Circle series has four books released so far. The first book is PLAYING THE ANGLES, set backstage on a Broadway show. The series is centered on a coven of modern New York City witches, and is set after 9/11 but before the pandemic, mostly in NYC. When I faced my health challenges in 2020, the small publisher handling the series was also facing challenges. The series was put on pause, and THE BARD’S LAMENT, the fifth book in the series, was put on hold. We are in discussions about a way forward for both of us, and how to get both BARD and the other books back on track (there are 9 books envisioned in this series). They are paranormal romantic suspense, and each book has a different pair of protagonists, giving each coven member the spotlight in their own book. Again, these are for adults. They are not cozies. They have their own website, and there’s information on the main Devon Ellington Work website. They are currently available in multiple digital formats, with plans for print editions in the future.

The Gwen Finnegan Paranormal Archaeological Mysteries have one novel and one novella released so far, TRACKING MEDUSA and MYTH & INTERPRETATION. Gwen Finnegan is a witch and scholar who travels the world “digging beneath the surface” in more ways than one. Again, due to my health challenges and publishing challenges, THE BALTHAZAAR TREASURE (which takes place in the Caribbean, in a quest for sunken treasure), was put on hold, and is in re-negotiation. There are two more books planned in the series. These are paranormal mysteries with romantic elements, not cozies, for adults. They are available in multiple digital formats, with plans for print editions. They have their own website, and there is information on them on the main Devon Ellington Work website.

The Nautical Namaste Mysteries (under the Ava Dunne name) have one book out, SAVASANA AT SEA. As with the other two series, health and publishing challenges put DAVY JONES DHARMA on hold, with some possible restructuring to the series. Sophie Batchelder takes a job as a yoga instructor on a cruise ship after her engagements ends. Each book takes the ship on a different route and location. The series is marked as “not quite cozy” which means it has elements of a cozy, but doesn’t stay within the strict boundaries of the genre. There is strong language, and the characters have healthy sex lives. They have their own website, and information is also on the main Devon Ellington website. They are available on multiple digital platforms, and it’s possible that they will also be available in print eventually.

I’m in multiple anthologies under a variety of bylines. Information on those is available on the anthology site of the Devon Ellington Work website.

I also have a “Delectable Digital Delights” page on the Devon Ellington website, with information about the various shorts that reach across genre. I have several holiday-themed shorts (with a new one coming out this year), several mysteries, some speculative, and a science fiction/horror/western called “Severance.” Information, buy links, and introductory videos are on the websites.

Thank you, enjoy, and I’ll be starting my promotions for TAPESTRY soon. Links in bio.