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CAROUSEL triple cities
may 2013
vol. 1 issue 3
music. art. theatre. food. life.
editorial. It's 4am, I haven't slept for two days, I am loaded with enough caffeine to kill a midsized mammal, the paper goes to print in 2 hours, and I haven't even begun to touch the Calendar of Events. There's been so many amazing developments in the past month, and I want to tell you about all of them, but I'm concerned that in my current state, I may not be able to construct a proper sentence. So, here's some haikus! Twenty-eight pages Wow, that's a whole lot of stuff I hope you like it There's a new comic In the back of the paper And that's pretty cool Our new ad guy, see His name is Steve Argento You should talk to him We can't wait until The carousels open up: Memorial Day Ticket giveaways Are happening First Friday Facebook tells you how Thanks to you all for the outpouring of support for Triple Cities Carousel. Together, we can change the world! Much love to you all! -Christopher Bodnarczuk
May 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 3
meet the crew.......................................................4 music..........................................................................5 theatre and dance...............................................10 comedy.....................................................................12 art.............................................................................13 calendar..................................................................14 film............................................................................18 literary....................................................................19 faces and plces.....................................................21 food and drink......................................................22 wellness.................................................................24 fun stuff.................................................................26 TRIPLE CITIES CAROUSEL P.O. BOX 2947 BINGHAMTON, NY 13902 Editor-in-Chief Christopher Bodnarczuk Advertising Stephen Argento (Mentor/Consultant- Sales and Marketing), Christopher Bodnarczuk Staff Writers Charles Berman, Stacey Burke, Maxine Fallon-Goodwin, Brian Kerins, Kaitlin Mooney, Maria Murphy, Lia Ponterotto, Ty Whitbeck, Contributors Kristina Strain, James Strazik, Taze Yanick Photography Ty Whitbeck Layout/Design Christopher Bodnarczuk Cover Art "Xylophone Covered Whispers" - Jules Gotay Printer Our Press Chenango Bridge, NY FOR ADVERTISING: email@example.com FOR EVERYTHING ELSE: email@example.com
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the crew.
Since launching in March, we've received countless emails from people asking about the staff, and a few asking us just who the hell we think we are. Well, here we are! Some of us, that is. Check back each month, and you'll find out all our dirty secrets!
May 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 5
Brian Kerins Staff Writer
Moe is coming. WHRW 90.5 FM Binghamton, Binghamton University's student-run radio station, is set to put on the third annual Moefest on May 10 at 12:30 PM at the Binghamton University Hinman Quad. New Jersey based Indie-rock band Real Estate is headlining the free one-day festival, with a performance at 6 PM. Though considered to be relatively fresh faces on the national scene, Real Estate has been touring heavily since they released their eponymous first album in 2009. Their fame skyrocketed after the release of the 2011 album "Days", which saw huge commercial and critical success, including a Pitchfork ranking as the #9 album of 2011. Moefest is named after Moe Loogham, a mysterious figure that WHRW's Public Relations Director Marisa Monte described as "the spirit of the station. He's what we strive to bespreaders of love and music for everyone. He's the ultimate mascot and an even better role model." Graffiti at Binghamton University claiming 'Moe Loogham is coming' has been appearing regularly since the 1970s, when the station adopted him as their unofficial mascot. Monte went on to explain Moefest as "the station's biggest on campus/community event. We see it as a great way to bring students and community members together to enjoy the music and great company. It's also a great opportunity for us to offer students a creative way to let off some steam and just enjoy the last few weeks of classes." Moefest also has scheduled performances by student bands Liberty Belle & The Union Boys and The Jean Jackets, as well as New Paltz's LVL UP. In true music festival spirit, the event will also feature activities such as tiedying, face painting, an art wall for attendants to decorate, and personalized poetry. Keeping with the theme, and perhaps just as important to many students as the music, is the fact the event will feature discounted Moe's Burrito's to those that need a comfort meal in preparation for the following week's final exams. The event is entirely funded by, and the product of, a collaborative effort between WHRW, Binghamton Underground Music Presents, Binghamton University Campus Activities, and BU's Off Campus College Programming. WHRW Program Director Daniel Spaventa stated that "We are happy that collaborative efforts from a few smaller groups were able to put on a music festival to complement the previous weekend's Spring Fling. We hope Moefest will provide the community with a taste of the popular indie music scene that goes underrepresented in this area." BU Junior Donald Duggan may have said it best when he said, "Good music and Moe's? Count me in."
Big Splash 2011. Photo by Ty Whitbeck
TO HEADLINE REC PARK SUSTAINABILITY FAIR Chris Bodnarczuk Editor-in-Chief
It's back. In a big way. The third annual Binghamton Big Splash is being held on May 25th and 26th at Rec. Park. The travelling festival has been making waves in upstate New York for the past three years, with stops in Binghamton, Syracuse, Ithaca, and Hector. This is the first time the Binghamton event will take place over two days. Originally conceived as a travelling fair to raise awareness of the dangers of hydraulic fracturing (or fracking), the festival soon took on a life of its own. Many local and national musicians have been vocal in their opposition of fracking, and Big Splash was able to provide them with a way to show their support for the anti-fracking movement. Past Big Splashes have included music by The Word (Robert Randolph, John Medeski, and the North Mississippi Allstars), Jim Lauderdale, Willy Watson (formerly of Old Crow Medicine Show), and local and regional favorites Donna the Buffalo, Driftwood, The Sim Redmond Band, and more. If the roster sounds familiar, it may be because many of the acts are associated with the Fingerlakes Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance, held every July in Trumansburg, outside of Ithaca. This is no accident. Grassroots has been a sponsor of the festival since the beginning (their Dance Tent hosts the main stage of Big Splash), and this year presents the festival outright. In years past, Big Splash was co-sponsored by the Fingerlakes Clean Water Initiative, an organization meant to spread awareness of the dangers of fracking, but while they will be present this year, they are no longer presenting the festival. This mirrors a shift in the focus of Big Splash, which this year has turned from an anti-fracking rally into a full on sustainability fair. "It's a more solution based response to environmental action. Big Splash was an awareness
based festival- we wanted to get the word out about the dangers of hydrofracking and let people make their own decision. By now, we feel everyone has made a decision one way or the other. We need to introduce technologies and concepts that are new and haven't been used. The only real way to win the fight against hydrofracking is to not need it, because you don't need the energy," explains festival promoter Jon MacNamara. This shift means that the groups exhibiting at Big Splash will be much more diverse than in the past. The various organizations present will focus more on the benefits of renewable energy and the fundamentals of sustainability than on the dangers of hydrofracking. Perhaps the biggest theme of all is the concept of keeping everything local. "It should be called 'Local Fest,' because it's all local exhibitors," explains MacNamara. "It's all about reducing human imprint by sourcing things local. Sustainability is an economic movement as much as it is an environmental movement. It's about keeping things in the community, which benefits everyone. It's not political, it's something that's agreed upon as the guidelines for making the world a better place." Local businesses can still get in on the actionthrough tabling or workshops. Interested organizations should contact MacNamara directly through firstname.lastname@example.com, or at 607-7611572. But, why a music festival? Why not the traditional format of informational fairs? "It's a very palatable way to introduce sustainability. It's a more interactive, more accessible format. You can put a music festival on for anything, and it's going to be awesome," says MacNamara. The music is a big factor in getting people to come out, and it's no wonder: this year's powerhouse lineup is headlined by Trumansburg based band Donna the Buffalo (founders of the aforementioned Grassroots Festival) and
Binghamton natives Driftwood. Both have performed at previous Big Splashes, and always get the crowd off their feet. Donna the Buffalo, who have toured practically nonstop for over 20 years, are known for an energetic and dance-friendly live show that mixes elements of zydeco, rock and roll, reggae, country, and old-time. Local favorites Driftwood are no strangers to touring, either. The past few years have seen one national tour and countless trips up and down the east coast. Big Splash provides the Americana act with a rare opportunity to play in their hometown, which has seemingly run out of venues big enough to hold their fans.
Other bands on the bill include the Sim Redmond Band, Thousands of One, InnerMission (formerly known as Intermission), Band of Strings, Tumbleweed Highway, and the Zydeco Po'Boys. All bands on the roster carry on the local theme of the festival- if not from the Triple Cities, all come from within an hour or so. This is a shift from years past, which have included national headliners. Another new development with Big Splash is a partnership with the Binghamton Regional Sustainability Council (BRSC), an organization that carries out the various missions of Big Splash on a daily basis. "We're going to back them up and help them recruit people," says MacNamara. "What we do for two days could very well become a door to door campaign of theirs." Have I mentioned that there will be beer? Not only that, but Triple Cities Carousel is sponsoring it. Our crew will be pouring glasses of locally sourced brews all weekend. Stop by and say hello! Binghamton Big Splash takes place May 25th and 26th at Rec. Park, on Binghamton's West Side. The activities run 11am to 9pm each day. There is a suggested donation of $10.
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Brian Kerins Staff Writer
and Garage Rock. If past performances are any indication, they're sure to have the crowd amped up for the following act, EDM master DJ Kap Slap. Emerging on the scene in 2010, this young DJ has rapidly built a large following through his popular remixes and exhilarating live performances, all while remaining a full-time student at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.
Get out your Chuck Taylors and spike your hair… Yellowcard is headlining Spring Fling, Binghamton University's annual pre-finals week festival, held this year on May 4th. They will be capping off a day full of carnival rides, student group performances, and food with their 7 P.M. concert on the Student Wing Lawn.
BU Junior Billy Olivares said of DJ Kap Slap, "he's one of the top three mashup artists in the world. I saw him at Marist, [and] he was phenomenal… I didn't realize he was opening for Yellowcard. I honestly thought it was the other way around."
The Florida pop-punk band is best known for their 2002 album Ocean Avenue, and the single of the same name. They continued to refine their sound with 2006's Lights and Sounds and 2007's Paper Walls, before going on hiatus in 2008.
Olivares expresses a sentiment shared by many students regarding the choice of headliners for the much anticipate spring concert. Yellowcard was at their peak of popularity in the mid 2000s, and have since fallen off of many radars. Regardless, it is a show not to be missed!
Yellowcard. Photo Provided.
Upon reuniting in 2010, Yellowcard found that many of their former fans had aged out of their particular brand of pop-punk aged towards teens, and thus began to take their sound in a new direction. They have been rebuilding their following and expanding their fan-base in the years since. Their recent concerts have featured a blend of their classic singles, new favorites, and exciting, innovative covers of modern pop and punk music.
Spring Fling is much more than just an evening concert. Starting at 1pm, the University campus will be filled with an array of activities, including a rock wall, bungee run, oxygen bar, and a paintball course. The will be a food tent onsite, serving hamburgers, veggie burgers, pulled pork, sausage and peppers, hot dogs, and spiedies. If snacking is more your style, there will be plenty of vendors, serving fried dough, fried Oreos, candy apples, and
other classic carnival foods.
But ahh, back to the music. There's a lot more than just Yellowcard. Steve Labrecque's Wild Ride, student band (and Binghamton University Battle of the Bands winner) is opening the show with their energetic and driving combination of Indie
Binghamton University's 2013 edition of Spring Fling is free and open to students and the public alike. The party starts on Saturday, May 4 at 1pm, and takes place in the center of campus. Yellowcard takes the stage at 7pm. Binghamton University is located at 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY
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Kaitlin Mooney Staff Writer Since the 1970s the Cranberry Coffeehouse has been bringing dedicated performers of folk music to the Triple Cities, and the tradition continues Saturday, May18th with the Johnson Girls. Ingrained with the folk revival of the 1950s is "the coffee-house circuit" that kept live folk music alive and well. The Cranberry Coffeehouse started as its own folk revival, giving traveling musicians as well as locals the opportunity to hear and play music. The atmosphere of the venue is very 1960s, and in the same vein as the British folk clubs devoted to traditional and folk music. The audience enjoys a "middle set" in place of an intermission, where local musicians are invited on stage to play a song, sing or dance. The middle set consists of 5 slots that the audience can sign up for at the beginning of each show. Chris Koldeway, manager of the Cranberry Coffeehouse for the last 6 years, has been consistently bringing internationally acclaimed performers to town. Koldeway, an avid fan of folk himself, is constantly on the lookout for new, fun, eminent talent that can bring a knee-slapping and hand clapping good time to the coffeehouse. In March, the coffeehouse presented Annie & the Hedonists, a gypsy jazz, acoustic blues and Americana outfit from Schenectady, NY. Well known for their combination of musical talent and stage presence, they had the crowd singing, clapping, and laughing the entire time. Koldeway was inspired at this year's NERFA (Northeast Regional Folk Alliance), where he saw the best of the new old music in today's folk scene. He hopes to fill the coffeehouse's next season with "younger groups in their twenties who are playing and making traditional folk." Closing out this year's season is the Johnson Girls, a female a cappella ensemble who have been featured in festivals all over the word, from California to France, Ireland, England, and the Netherlands. The Johnson Girls sing sea inspired tunes in both a contemporary and traditional manner. They take traditional "sea shanties" from the gruff mouths of bearded sailors and present them in beautiful harmony. Folk legend Pete Seeger calls them, "first rate! I didn't know women could sing like that." Their performances are known to raise people to their feet, and have been called "exciting," "haunting," and "uplifting." They are not to be missed at the intimate setting of the Cranberry Coffeehouse. After their stop in Binghamton, they will hit the summer festival circuit, starting with the Old Songs Festival in Altamont, NY. The Cranberry Coffeehouse is located at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 183 Riverside Drive, Binghamton NY. The Johnson Girls will be performing at 7:30 PM, Saturday, May 18th. There is a suggested donation of $8 at the door. The Cranberry Coffeehouse will be opening their doors next September for a new season of folk/traditional/acoustic music.
triplecitiescarousel.com COMING SOON to the world wide webiverse
May 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 7
Maria "Murph" Murphy Staff Writer
Covelli's practices continued through his college years, under the guidance of his mentor Pierre Monteux, and even after being drafted into the army, where he not only assisted in directing the London Symphony but also was the pianist, and eventually conductor, for the Seventh Army Symphony in Stuttgart, Germany.
It's that time of year again; time to celebrate all those special women in our lives. So, if you're still scrambling for the perfect Mother's Day gift, the Goodwill Theatre may have just the ticket! On Sunday, May 12, John Covelli will be conducting his annual Mother's Day Concert on the Firehouse Stage, at the Goodwill Theatre in Johnson City.
"It was one of the great periods of my life." said Covelli.
"It was a good find" said Covelli. "You can still have brunch beforehand or dinner afterwards with the concert as a nice in-between." Looking at the line-up of musicians for his concert, it is clear that Covelli is a man that knows a thing or two about good finds. The show will feature Janey Choi, Sandy Robbins, and Steve Stalker, along with an appearance from world famous violinist Elmar Oliveira. "I want to get all these people, my friends, to come perform in Johnson City and it's not easy, but we make it happen." And it's no wonder he makes it happen, John Covelli is no small town name himself. Known for his talent as a concert pianist and conductor, Covelli has been involved in famous symphonies across the globe. And, as is appropriate for May, Covelli's interest in the piano began with his mother. "I started on a tricycle. I still remember leaning on my handle bars and watching her left hand," said Covelli when reminiscing about watching his mother's piano lessons when he was only four
John Covelli. Photo Provided.
years old.
As the years went on Covelli continued to practice and perform at the piano bench with his late sister. "She was a wonderful pianist." said Covelli with a loving smile on his face. Conducting his high school's band and orchestra opened new doors for Covelli in the world of musical leadership. Although his teachers were concerned it would interfere with his piano playing, Covelli did not stray for a moment; for him there was no separating the two. "My life as a concert pianist has always been parallel to my life as a conductor." said Covelli, "The piano, especially, has the ability to become an orchestra
It is with great passion that great success should follow, and John Covelli is no exception. Placing number six out of eighty-seven countries at the Queen Elizabeth Competition in Brussels, being next to John Williams as one of the two top contenders for the conductor of the Boston Pops, and recording in Russia, Korea, Singapore, as well as all over Europe, Covelli has imprinted his name in more places than just the "Walk of Fame" in downtown Binghamton. Still, for a name so deserving of high esteem, Covelli keeps an admirably humble attitude through his success. "I speak to my audience and try to break down those barriers." said Covelli, "I'm the same as you, and you as me; we're here to share." So come share what will be a wonderful, positive, and healing concert of classical music. Tea, wine and other refreshments will also be available in the lobby during the performance. The concert will be held on Sunday May 12th at 2pm at the Firehouse Stage (67 Broad Street, Johnson City). Adults - $25, Students/Seniors/ Children - $22. For tickets and information, call the box office at (607) 772-2404, ext. 301, or check out goodwilltheatre.net and johncovelli.com.
Chris Bodnarczuk Editor-in-Chief
For the newest installment of our monthly Carousel Presents concert series, Triple Cities Carousel proudly welcomes Thunder Body to Cyber Café West on Friday, May 3rd. Photo Provided.
The Rochester-based band could be described by any layman as a reggae outfit, but they are so much more than that. Elements of dub, funk, and psychedelia abound in their live shows, and the whole performance is wrapped in some sort of futuristic whirlwind.
Mariano (guitar/vocals), Sam Snyder (guitar), and Brian Blatt, whose role can only be described as 'science.' Perhaps the busiest onstage, Blatt presses more buttons and turns more knobs than most people could fathom, cloaking the group with a sort of mechanical organic-ness.
Formed in 2010, the band consists of drummer/vocalist Matthew O'Brian (former lead singer/guitarist of the wildly popular reggae band Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad), Rachel Orke (keyboards/ melodica… also formerly of GPGDS), Jeremiah Pacheco (bass guitar), Dennis
Since their inception, Thunder Body has played with a venerable who's-who of musicians, including Rubblebucket, John Brown's Body, Amadou and Miriam, and Oumou Sangare. They're making the trek from Rochester a week before a much anticipated stop at the legendary
Brooklyn Bowl. I could attempt to describe the band further, but I'd be cheating you out of the whole experience. If you're interested in finding out more, you could check out thunderbody.com, or just come down for the show! Thunder Body will be taking the stage at Cyber Café West at 9pm on Friday, May 3. There is a $5 cover. Cyber Café West is located at 176 Main St. in Binghamton.
JAZZ AND MYTHOLOGY MERGE AT DR. DIRTY AT THE CHOCONUT INN Ty Whitbeck Staff Writer
How does one begin to describe John Valby? There are only a certain amount of combinations of words that can illustrate this haggard old man without stooping to his level of curse words, filthy imagery and ragtime piano. John Valby, more commonly known as "Dr. Dirty," has been spraying his infectious blend of musical smut across state lines since he was released from the womb. He soon filled the britches of his off-color adult humor and began packing out dive bars and laugh shacks, and people grew confusingly fonder of him. It may be his 'nothing is sacred' attitude, the encouraged sing-alongs, or the ability to relate to the bacchanalia that entices listeners, but those that attend his shows walk out having a different comfort zone than the one they walked in with. It's a no-holds-barred oral thrash fest and everything becomes a mess around his piano. "Dr. Dirty" John Valby will be performing in the Choconut Inn (10 Quaker Lake Road, Friendsville, PA) on May 17th, in the Pole Barn (how fitting?). Tickets are $15 at the door. For more information, call (570) 553-2179.
May 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 9
community outreach performance at the Firehouse Stage.
Maria "Murph" Murphy Staff Writer If you have been searching all over town for a show that combines Greek Mythology being told alongside classic jazz music (and who hasn't?) then look no further than the Goodwill Theatre's Firehouse Stage in Johnson City!
As part of the theatre's Tall Tales Series, awardwinning performer, poet and educator, David Gonzalez will be performing "Mytholojazz," in which he tells the tale of Orpheus and a Korean, Eastern African, Bronxian tale with a jazzy twist.
"When you're face-to-face with people suffering with lifelong disabilities there is a call for action." says Gonzalez, speaking of what draws him to working with people, particularly those in need. "The only thing I have to give is my talent and creativity." Gonzalez is truly an artist of the heart and the road, as he travels from city to city to perform for many different audiences. And it is not by luck or fate that he is making his way to us.
Photo Provided.
"In my telling of Orpheus, he is a hard bopping jazz saxophonist who 'swings' his way through the underworld." said Gonzalez.
to the underworld represents our journey into life and how we bring forth our creativeness and determination to bare all life's challenges."
His inspiration for the stories came from many different works he came across throughout the years, including Black Orpheus, Metamorphosis, and music by some of his favorite saxophonists. Gonzalez also uses real life experiences and difficulties as a way to reach his audience and send inspiring messages through his storytelling.
Gonzalez started performing in the second grade when his uncle made him a puppeteer. His storytelling began at the age of twenty-five while working at a school for handicapped children. Gonzalez then went on to get his Masters and PHD in music therapy. Twenty-five years ago he began Rain Art Productions, named after his daughter, which produces shows for all ages that are focused toward positivity and encouragement. In fact, just this past April, Gonzalez appeared as part of a
"Orpheus is one of the most powerful statements on the power of art." says Gonzalez, "The journey
"I am an itinerant fool. I go where I am called and I got a call from Binghamton, simple as that." said Gonzalez, "It is the role of the fool (jester) to transcend time and space and sooth the soul; lighten the load." So come May 18th, take a lesson from this fool, and let your soul be soothed and your load be lightened by the talented David Gonzalez as he takes you through the journey of Mytholojazz. Mytholojazz takes place at the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage (67 Broad Street, Johnson City) on Saturday May 18th at 7pm. Adults - $15, Students/ Seniors/Children - $10. For Tickets or information call the Box Office at (607) 772-2404, ext. 301. Also visit goodwilltheatre.net and davidgonzalez.com.
Maxine Fallon-Goodwin Staff Writer
The sun is finally starting to peak through the heavy clouds that hang over Binghamton through our seemingly endless winter. Finally, we can enjoy the three months of the year when the sun shines in the Valley of Opportunity. With all this warm weather comes outdoor events like the Belmar's Backyard Barbeque. Starting Thursday, May 2nd, the Belmar Pub will be hosting a weekly pig roast featuring music, food, beer, and hopefully lots of sunshine. The first of these weekly parties features musical guest Mantraverse, a female fronted funk band with hints of psychedelic rock and new age jazz. They released their first EP in April. The fun continues each and every Thursday, with Dr. EF and the Rudimentary Sound on May 9th, and If Madrid and Forest Friend on May 16th. As of print time, promoter Dan Pokorak is awaiting confirmation on bands for the 23rd and 30th. The music and fun commences each Thursday at 6pm, and goes until 9pm. Tickets are $5, and available at the gate. The Belmar Pub is located at 95 Main St. in Binghamton.
Taze Yanick Contributing Writer
world musician from downstate, and picking up some of the most talented On May 3rd, as part of Binghamton's and creative musicians in the area. They First Friday celebration, Unity recorded their first CD in 1998, and that core group of players is still at it. They Group will present their unique are: Weinberger (saxes, flutes, whistles, blend of World music at the Lost didge, djembe, African and Latin hand Dog Lounge, 222 Water Street in percussion, kalimba, steel pan, keys), Harris Thor (guitar, electronics), Joseph Binghamton, beginning at 9:00. Perkins (bass, percussion), Jim Rosati (drums, percussion, vocals), each of them prodigious musicians active on the For those who don't know already, Unity music scene in several different projects. Group has been playing cafes, clubs, festivals, churches, schools, parks and more in the greater Triple Cities region Combined with their collective love of for over fifteen years. jazz, rock, and fusion, Unity Group has created a sound that blends contemporary American improvisation with rhythms and Founding member Robert Weinberger melodies from around the world, including studied ethnomusicology in the early the Caribbean, West Africa, the Mid-East, 1970s at BU, where he also played Australia, and Asia. To add depth to the percussion with Afro-Caribbean music, the band's musicians play many choreographer Percival Borde. He later unusual and exotic instruments, such as lived and performed in Puerto Rico for Trinidad steel pans, African drums, and a year, exposing himself to traditional Australian didgeridoos. The unique result folkloric musics. He moved back to is a passionate, energetic music filled our region in 1995, collaborating with with spirit and celebration. Sylvian Leroux, a multi-instrumentalist There is a connection between Unity
Group's music and the Triple cities area, says Weinberger. "There are connections of place, from some members having been born and raised in this region, and the others having spent much of their adult life here. Also [there are] many interesting, diverse cultural communities co-existing here. So, there are connections of culture, from the desire and ability to share aspects of exotic musical cultures with our audiences and fellow musicians. With our energetic, spirited jams, we strive to activate a sense of joyous good will with music that is immediately felt in the heart and in the feet."
If you haven't heard them yet, now's the time.
Unity Group takes the stage at the Lost Dog Lounge on May 3rd at 9:00pm. The Lost Dog Lounge (attached to the cafe) is located at 222 Water St. in Binghamton.
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theatre and dance.
Kaitlin Mooney Staff Writer
Catch Me If You Can, the Broadway musical based on the movie based on the autobiography of Frank Abagnale Jr.'s unbelievable life, does not lose any of its punch through its many reincarnations. Fresh off Broadway, the show is making a layover in Binghamton for one day only at the Forum Theatre.
BURLESQUE: CARNEVIL Photo Provided.
MYSTIFIES AND AMAZES AT EPAC Ty Whitbeck Staff Writer
Attention, freaky people of the world! There's something in the air in Broome County, and it's captivating the locals and turning their deepest desires into absurdity and whim. There's a freak show a'comin' and, that's only the start of it. Set during the Dust Bowl as a traveling sideshow circus, Endicott Performing Arts Center's "Burlesque: CarnEvil" brings us a dark performance unlike any other of its time. It will change you. "It's based on a Walt Disney movie called Something Wicked This Way Comes, and this adaptation is our main choreographer, Lilly Creech's, brainchild," says Director/Producer John Penird. "This carnival would travel to towns and fulfill people's wishes and dreams and, in some way, twist those wishes. The gentleman who longed to be with ladies turns out to become the Bearded Lady. The old woman in town who wanted to be her young, beautiful self again ends up beautiful, but made blind, so she can't see herself." This performance has something for everybody. It's a monster, just like a circus. There will be a
freak show, a contortionist, silk dancers, hoopers, a drum circle, burlesque and pole dancing. It's all about the unpredictable, and using the audience as their muse, while keeping the eeriness of a carnival sideshow. "Burlesque" is in its second year at EPAC and is gaining momentum. "Last year, we did a show called, 'Burlesque: A Las Vegas Revue,' with lots of feathers and rhinestones, and this time, it's pretty dark and twisted; completely different than last year's," says Penird.
In the inaugural year, they pretty much sold out all four nights and performed to over 3,000 people. "It was a huge success," he says. "The theater holds 350 people, and we had guests standing in the back to see the show. By Sunday, which is usually a mixed bag, they played to a packed house and there wasn't one person under 65 years old in the audience." It's that kind of unpredictability that makes the show memorable. Upon EPAC's introduction to burlesque, the concept almost seemed taboo. They were unsure how the public of the Triple Cities was going to react to such an event, or if they would see people in the seats or not. They did not want the performers to be recognized as smutty or voyeuristic but as true artists. "Burlesque is a part of our theatrical history that a lot of actors and singers have forgotten about and we owe it to the arts to bring it back to that style because Vaudeville and the theater would not have been anything without that," says Penird. There has been a revival in the art of burlesque around the country. New York… Philadelphia… even Seattle has a big calling for it. "When we were
starting out, I thought with all of these bigger cities doing it, why can't we do it here, in Binghamton? We have a ton of amazing, beautiful dancers that are talented and they don't have to take their clothes off and can do a great job creating in this art form." When the lay man thinks of burlesque, oftentimes he thinks that all it entails is girls on stage, taking their clothes off in an elaborate strip tease. Although that's almost inevitable, there is more to it than what the lay man thinks. It's a performance of many actors, singers, and dancers alike. They all work together to choreograph routines, perfect skits, experiment with magic tricks and manipulate the crowd into hypnotization. "Unfortunately, we can't show complete nakedness at EPAC, but we go pretty close!" While "CarnEvil" is set in a 1930s time warp, it gives the audience yet another twist with the modern style of musical selections. Using some music from Cirque du Soleil and incorporating worthy tracks that set the scene, it is truly a bizarre spectacle for the senses. This is a unique concept: it's dark, it's comedy, and it's a lot of unexpected shock and awe. "I hope people don't come this year expecting sequins and feathers, because it's not that," says Penird, "Last year, everybody really came out and showed support, and I'm hoping that this year is bigger and better, even though it is a little wicked and pushing the envelope a little more." If you are planning on going to "Burlesque: CarnEvil," know that it is somewhat family friendly. Although the title suggests differently, Penird wants this performance to be accessible from seniors to adults and families. Be warned, however, you may be chosen from the audience to participate on stage. Just be careful what you wish for. "Burlesque: CarnEvil" will be performing at the Endicott Performing Arts Center (102 Washington Ave) from May 15th until the 19th. Shows from the 15th through the 18th are at 8pm and the matinee show on the 19th is at 3pm. Tickets are $20 and are available at the EPAC Box Office, (607) 785-8903.
The story of Frank Abagnale Jr.'s stint as a conman and world-class check forger inspired Steven Spielberg's wildly successful film Catch Me if You Can. Before his crimes caught up with him, Frank Abagnale Jr. had one impressive resume. In a three-year time span he logged in hours as a Pam Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor, burning 2.5 million dollars and leaving a trail of forged checks in his wake. Add a bit of romance and you have a box office hit on your hands. Add a Tony Award winning team of creators, some show stopping musical numbers, and a fresh faced cast, and you have the recipe for one Broadway hit. Nominated for four Tony Awards (including Best Musical) and six Drama Desk awards, Catch Me If You Can hit the road in October and will be wrapping up in June in Costa Mesa, California. What New York Magazine calls "A spectacular spectacular," Catch Me If You Can delivers a flashy, glamorous and exciting adventure story brought to life by some of the biggest names in theatre. Direction is credited to Jack O' Brien (Hairspray, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), a three time Tony Award winner (nominated for 7 more). Responsible for the swinging sixties score is the musical dream team Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who are the musical and lyrical geniuses behind Hairspray. Choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde) jam packs scenes with sixties influenced dance moves and plenty of leggy chorus girls to perform them! The Huffington Post praises the creators calling the play "a sheer delight, from the poignant and brilliant book by Terrence McNally to the sexy but character-driven choreography by Jerry Mitchell to the perfect sets by David Rockwell to the spot-on costumes by William Ivey Long to Kenneth Posner's marvelous lighting. It's all tied together by the superlative direction of Jack O'Brien which is seamless in weaving together drama, comedy, dance, acting, genuine scenes of pathos and causal banter with the audience and orchestra." The fast paced. Smooth talking conman Frank Abagnale Jr. is played by newcomer Stephen Anthony. Just one year out of Florida State University the buzz surrounding Anthony's performance is palpable. Each city that Catch Me If You Can lands in has something to say about the young star. Arts & Culture Houston says of Anthony; "his sparkling tenor, smooth dancing, and innocent charm make the role come alive. We end up cheering for an adorable criminal. That's some Broadway magic." The show's Los Angeles' performance had Chris Wilman of the LA Times saying Anthony "is perfect for capturing that combination of confidence and tenuousness that is anybody's young adulthood." Binghamton's Forum Theatre managed to snag a spot on Catch Me If You Can's US itinerary. According to Tina Niles of the Broadway Theatre League, "the goal is to bring the best of Broadway to Broome County and this musical comes direct from Broadway." Catch Me If You Can can be caught Sunday May 5th at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM at the Forum Performing Arts Theatre, 236 Washington Street, Binghamton. Tickets range from $37- $57 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
'END DAYS' May 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 11
Charles Berman Staff Writer
With its upcoming production, Endicott's Cider Mill Playhouse will be looking to boost its appeal to new audience members as they present End Days, a play by Deborah Zoe Laufer. While a comedy, the play touches on those two subjects long considered to be anathema to polite company- politics and religion. Namely, it pits rationalism (in an evocation of the famous physicist Stephen Hawking) against the zealous faith of a new convert, and- what may be more abrasive to the propriety of some- takes as its subject a family's reactions to the terrorist attacks on New York on September 11, 2001. The play, which won the ATCA Steinberg Citation in 2007, is being brought to the Endicott stage as a part of the first season of the Cider Mill's new executive director, Robert Rogers, who took over
in March and has expressed a desire to freshen the experience of attending the Cider Mill, which is currently in its thirty-seventh season. The Mill draws attention to the fact that the author hails from less than two hours away, and she has received an impressive number of accolades in her nine-play career so far, mostly for End Days, which has been produced dozens of times, including in New York City with the Ensemble Theatre, and as far afield as Germany and Russia. The comedy promises to juxtapose some arguably bleak or upsetting pieces of subject matter with a breezy, punchy style, and eccentric characterization. The Cider Mill's hope, certainly, will be that this will be a case in which that greater risk leads to greater theatrical reward. The cast includes Mike Arcesi, a prolific staple of local theatre and a veteran of the Cider Mill as a constantly pajama-clad father, alongside Mark Roth, Dori May Ganisin, and Amoreena Deacon Wade in a cast that as a whole has demonstrated a definite flair for comedy in previous local productions. End Days' run is from May 2-19. Tickets may be purchased by calling (607) 748-7363.
12 Vol. 1 Issue 3
James Strazik Contributing Writer
on the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage.
"Are Women Funny?" This is the question that cast a shadow over funny-women for the bulk of the twentieth century.
Here is a peak at comediennes Chris Rich (1999 finalist) and Patty Rosborough (2000 finalist), who are slotted to perform:
In 1992, NYC Ladies of Laughter responded by going straight for the gut, twisting audiences into fits of laughter. The prestigious contest highlights several comediennes, their distinctive brands of humor, and has been instrumental in launching countless careers.
NYC Ladies of Laughter are returning to the Goodwill Theatre complex for their 2013 Laugh Out Loud tour. The show is Friday, May 17th at 7:00p.m.,
writer, and author, who has made various television appearances and shared the stage with comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld and Rosanne Barr. Her success is no mystery. Rich, hunched and high octane, employs a blend of improv, character impressions, and blunt insights to hurl her audience around the tumbling track of life with a grin.
It's 1985. Having found downtime during night shifts as a psychiatric aide, Chris Rich is feverishly scribbling down jokes. After years as a stage performer- actress, singer, and dancershe tours open mic nights in her spare time to run after her true love, standup comedy. It's what she wants, and she's doing what it takes.
Patty Rosborough has exploded in the New York City comedy scene. Watching Rosborough on stage is like seeing a pro boxer in ring. She tests her audience, a quick one-two here and another there; pushing closer to the edge, in a moment she'll have you against the ropes; and when she does, she'll unleash a series of fast shots, raunchy and fullforce.
Fast Forward to 2013: Rich has grown into an award-winning, international comedienne, comedy
Rosborough has earned a long list of credits. Among nationwide tours and appearances on VH1 and Showtime, she headlined the Montreal
COMING SOON to the world wide webiverse
Just for Laughs Festival, BBC's "The World Stands Up," and co-hosted Comedy Central's "Short Attention Span Theater" with Jon Stewart. Two stellar women are
acts to funnier
exclaim, than
yes, ever.
Tickets for NYC Ladies of Laughter are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. You can purchase tickets online at: www.goodwilltheater.net, or by calling the Box Office, (607) 772-2404, ext. 301.
The Schorr Family Firehouse Stage, located at 4648 Willow Street in Johnson City, accepts cash, checks and all major credit cards.
Maria "Murph" Murphy Staff Writer
"Mirror of justice. Seat of wisdom. Queen of peace. Virgin most powerful. Virgin most merciful." These are lines from the Catholic tradition of the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary sang or spoken at services in the months of May and October. They are also the words of inspiration
May 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 13
Maria "Murph" Murphy Staff Writer
It was my absolute pleasure to sit down at Cyber Café West this past April with local painter and artist Jules Gotay, to discuss his life and work. When I came into the café, I did my usual dance of trying to find the interviewee I was there to meet. But after only one quick scan of the dining room it was an easy find. There was Gotay, sitting by the stage in a black beret and blazer, sipping on a Yuengling; from head to toe he was clearly an artist. "I was always painting and drawing." said Gotay, "My mom said I just picked up a pencil and never stopped." "Mater Dolorosa" by Yvonne Lucia
Yvonne Lucia used when creating the paintings for Re-Visioning Mary: Contemporary Icons of the Feminine Divine, showing at the Orazio Salati Gallery this May.
"The symbol of Mary is a universal symbol of the divine feminine," says Lucia. "I take the titles and let them poetically inspire the paintings."
Although the use of Mary is connected to Lucia's own history with the church, her paintings are not limited to Catholic inspiration. Lucia has also taken goddesses and feminine figures from other religions, faith traditions, and life-styles, and represented them within her paintings. Each piece is layered with symbols from different cultures and religions that reconnect to each other and to the feminine.
"Lately there has been a real yearning for the feminine," says Lucia, speaking of the symbol of Mary "re-rising" in a society that is "starved" within a religious institution that, for so long, been dominantly patriarchal. She continues, "It is important to offer contemporary symbols to the people in order to correct the imbalance."
Yet, there is still another level of inspiration in Lucia's paintings that sends a powerful message. While involved in the fight against hydro-fracking, she found herself falling into a deep despair. After taking a step back from her involvement with the protests, Lucia discovered a new way she could use her skills to take a stand.
But Gotay is no ordinary painter. His method and style is one he has truly claimed as his own. Instead of a specific scene or image, he has a much more literary inspiration point.
Jules Gotay. Photo by Stephen Schweitzer.
talent was recognized by the public. "I used to just paint these for myself, but then people started asking, 'How much do you want for this?' or saying, 'You should show these in a gallery,'" stated Gotay.
"I never planned this. I never thought 'I want to be a famous artist,''' said Gotay. "I just look for things to engage people and engage me." Although it may not be permanent, Gotay does plan to stick around Binghamton for a bit longer and in that time is hoping to see a growth in the local art scene.
"I just play with words," said Gotay. "Mostly I just sit in front of a computer and type up some crazy stuff, mangle the words around, and then try to paint it."
"I hope the art scene starts to 'happen' in Binghamton. There's a lot of creative people here," said Gotay with a serious yet spirited tone to his voice. "The music scene is great and the art scene could be more if people would come out and show their stuff."
Gotay calls his style "Poetic Metaphorical Painting," which is suiting, especially since a great deal of his inspiration often comes from poets like e.e. cummings, John Ashbery, and Frederico García Lorca. "I love poetry!" said Gotay, smiling.
Currently Gotay is in the process of sending out DVD's of himself and his art to galleries around the country and he anticipates that, if they make an impact, it will reflect positively on Binghamton. Such faith by a talented artist like Gotay truly reenforces the hidden potential that is within our streets and buildings. No matter the media of art we should all take a lesson from Gotay and "get out and show", even if simply as the viewing public; to "mangle" our words around and see what we find.
From first glance, it looks like Gotay's paintings are bright acrylics or pastels, but it is actually his unique method that adds so much depth and vibrancy to Gotay's oil paintings. He begins by thinning out colored paints and spreading them out on the canvas and then, with black paint, Gotay "sculpts" or draws out the images while the piece is still wet. "That's why I use oils, because they take a long time to dry and then I can do this," said Gotay. Although he now resides in Binghamton, Gotay is originally from New York City, where majored in Studio Arts at Brooklyn College.
Gotay was nice enough to grace our cover this month. The piece is called "Xylophone Covered Whispers." Additionally, we have featured the piece to the left, "Clown Unfolding the Colors of War."
"Of course I was never going to do anything else," said Gotay, with a smirk on his face, after I foolishly asked what he studied in college. "Clown Unfolding the Colors of War" by Jules Gotay.
(Continued on Page 17)
on the art itself and his process than any fame or fortune; a sign of a true artist.
From there Gotay moved to the East Village for most of his young adult life. It was there that his
Even with his growing popularity, especially since moving to Binghamton, Gotay is still more focused
For aditional information about Jules Gotay and/or his DVD please check out Facebook.com/JulesGotayArtist.
triple cities carousel sunday.
01 08 15 22 29
Drew Gild
05 12 19 26
CINCO DE MAYO Jim Sisenstein Benefit (MR) Open Mic (CI) Open Mic (BRK) Midsummer Night's Dream (BU) End Days (CMP) Catch Me if You Can (FT) Organ Concert (BAP) Royal Hanneford Circus (ARE) Liz Rosenberg Book Release (RRB)
MOTHER'S DAY Open Mic (CI) Open Mic (BRK) Mother's Day Concert (GWT) End Days (CMP)
Open Mic (CI) Open Mic (BRK) Burlesque: CarnEvil (EPAC) Downton Abbey Tea (PM) End Days (CMP) Youth Symphony Concert (BHS)
Big Splash (RP) Open Mic (CI) Open Mic (BRK)
The Triple Cities Carousel Events Calendar is featured each month as a courtesy to our advertisers, however we welcome everyone to submit their events to firstname.lastname@example.com by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Space is limited, so calendar entries, which have no cost, are picked on a first come/first serve basis. Triple Cities Carousel reserves the right to reject any submission deemed to be non-arts related.
06 13 20 27
Open Mic (BEL) Mosaic Class (JAB) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Spring Jazz Jam (GWT) Open Gallery (JS)
Open Mic (BEL) Mosaic Class (JAB) Open Gallery (JS) Audio Influx (CORN)
Open Mic (BEL) Mosaic Class (JAB) The Hungry Ear Presents (LIB) Spring Jazz Jam (GWT) Open Gallery (JS)
Open Mic (BEL) Mosaic Class (JAB) Open Gallery (JS)
(AC)=Anderson Center (ARE)=Veteran's Memorial Arena (BHS)=Binghamton High School (BBW)=Black Bear Winery (BCAC)=Broome County Arts Council (BEL)=Belmar Pub (BRK)=Brackney Inn (BTP)=Blind Tiger Pub (BU)=Binghamton University (CC)=Cranberry Coffeehouse (CCW)=Cyber Cafe West
07 14 21 28
Open Mic (CCW) Milkweed (KNG) Steve Piotrowski (BEL) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Science Cabaret (LDC) Swing Dance (RKA)
Java Joe Jammers (CCW) Milkweed (KNG) Steve Piotrowski (BEL) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Swing Dance (RKA)
Java Joe Jammers (CCW) Milkweed (KNG) Steve Piotrowski (BEL) Swing Dance (RKA) Binghamton Community Lab (LDC)
Java Joe Jammers (CCW) Milkweed (KNG) Steve Piotrowski (BEL) Swing Dance (RKA)
(CI)=Choconut Inn (CMP)=Cider Mill Playhouse (CORN)=John Barleycorn Tavern (DT)=Downtown Binghamton (EPAC)=Endicott Performing Arts Center (FT)=Forum Theatre (FTZ)=Fitzies Pub (GWT)=Goodwill Theatre/Firehouse Stage (JAB)=Susan Jablon Mosaics (JS)=Jungle Science (KNG)=Kingsley's Pub
Mary Tewksb
(LCT)=Las Chicas Taqueri (LDC)=Lost Dog Cafe/Lou (MONT)=Montrose, PA (MR)=Martini Room (ORA)=Orazio Salati Galle (OUH)=Old Union Hotel (PM)=Phelps Mansion (RKA)=Rexor's Karate Aca (ROB)=Roberson Museum (RP)=Rec. Park (RRB)=RiverRead Books
events calendar
esday. thursday.
Rick Iacovelli (CCW) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Jazz Jam (LDC) dea/Landon Mullan (FTZ)
e African Drumming (AC) Jamie Willard (CCW) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Lukus Wells (LDC) Claire Byrne (FTZ) Open Gallery (JS) nemy of the People (CMP)
bury/Joanna Nelson (FTZ) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Jazz Jam (LDC) Open Gallery (JS)
The Big Ig (CCW) led Players Improv (LDC) Tom O'Connor (FTZ) Open Gallery (JS)
JimmyJohn McCabe (FTZ) Open Gallery (JS)
ia unge
ademy m
02 09 16 23 30
BBQ w/ Mantraverse/Moontooth (BEL) Live Music (FTZ) Inner Mission (CCW) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Mid Day Concert (BU) Opera Scenes (AC) Bike Night w/ Beard of Bees (CI) End Days (CMP)
Live Music (FTZ) Inner Mission (CCW) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) End Days (CMP) Mid Day Concert (BU) Recital (BU) Harpur Chorale (BU) BBQ w/ Dr. EF (BEL) Tom Besom Book Launch (RRB)
BBQ w/ If Madrid and Forest Friend (BEL) Live Music (FTZ) Burlesque: CarnEvil (EPAC) Inner Mission (CCW) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) Antiques-style Roadshow (PM) End Days (CMP) Enerjee Jazz (LDC)
BBQ w/ Songwriter Showcase (BEL) Live Music (FTZ) Inner Mission (CCW)
Live Music (FTZ) Inner Mission (CCW) BBQ w/ Strauss and Co. (BEL)
(Spool)=Spool MFG (TD)=Tioga Downs Casino
03 10 17 24 31
FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK (DT) Thunder Body (CCW), Rick Iacovelli (BTP) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) BCC Student Art Show (ROB) Midsummer Night's Dream (BU) Music From the Seminar (BU) Royal Hanneford Circus (ARE) Live Music (BBW) Devil Lock (MR) End Days (CMP), Unity Group (LDC)
Bow Thayer/Perfect Trainwreck (CCW) Voodoo Highway (BTP) Live Music (BBW) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) End Days (CMP) Christine Havrilla (LDC) Moefest (BU) Dr. Colin Marcus (BRK) 3 Poet Book Launch (BCAC) BCC Student Reading (RRB)
Laura Thurston (CCW), Live Music (BBW) Burlesque: CarnEvil (EPAC) Rod Serling Film Fest (BHS) The Beatles Band (BTP) Crash Burn Love (BCAC) NYC Ladies of Laughter (GWT) End Days (CMP) Dr. Dirty (CI) Cannibal Ramblers (LDC) Rize (MR) Poetry Open Mic (RRB)
Magnolia Drive (CCW) Dusty Wayne/Rusty Pete (BTP) Live Music (BBW)
Marc Berger (CCW) Outer Reef (BTP) Live Music (BBW) Me and Matt (LDC) Tony Orlando (TD)
04 11 18 25
Six Mile High (CCW), Acoustically Speaking (BTP) Mosaic Class (JAB), My Spanish Heart (EPAC) Midsummer Night's Dream (BU) Royal Hanneford Circus (ARE) Band of Strings (OUH) Early Cinco Celebration (LCT) Open Gallery (ORA) Dirt Farm (CORN) Spring Fling (BU) Blind Spots (CI), End Days (CMP)
Burns Sister (CCW) Acousic Persuasion (BTP) Mosaic Class (JAB) Disney in Concert (FT) End Days (CMP) Tumbleweed Highway (CORN) Brief View from the Hudson (LDC) Live Music (CI) Open Gallery (ORA) Bull Riding (BRK)
Speed Inside w/ Plastic Nebraska (SPOOL) Jamie Willard (CCW) Burlesque: CarnEvil (EPAC) Open Gallery (ORA) Johnson Girls (CC) A Country Mile (BTP) End Days (CMP) Mytholojazz (GWT) Mosaic Class (JAB) Live Music (CI) Chocolate and Wine Fest (MONT)
Big Splash (RP) Michaela Anne (CCW) Rick Frye (BTP) Mosaic Class (JAB) Live Music (CI) DJ Paul Johnston (LDC) Open Gallery (ORA)
May 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 17
AT JUNGLE SCIENCE GALLERY Maria "Murph" Murphy Staff Writer
It's a unique and stratified process that begins with a single oil painting taken straight from a nature scene. Ray then takes one photograph and paints it over half of his original piece and then paints a second photograph over the other half. Finally, he wipes the finished piece with turpentine. "It's 'something in the way' that I see things," he says.
The French would call it "plein air," while we might say it's painting from nature. Artist and Syracuse native Joseph Ray calls it an interpretation. "It's about how we see things," says Ray. "Perception versus reality." Ray is extending an open invitation to interpret his paintings at his exhibition, "Something in the Way," this May at the QuarterYellow Studio at Jungle Science Gallery and Laboratories. Ray's paintings have depth in more than just a metaphorical sense: his pieces are literally layered with nature. "When I do a painting I take it outside and it starts as a normal landscape, but then I turn it into something else," explains Ray, in reference to his painting process.
Despite being a lifelong artist, Ray was not always holding a paintbrush. "I've been doing art my whole life," says Ray. "I guess I started with crayons... aside from some acrylics in high school, I really never touched paints until college." Ray studied at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute and then received his Bachelors in Studio Arts at SUNY Oswego, which is where his particular method of painting began. "I was coming up with some of the ugliest paintings," says Ray when discussing his grant, at Oswego, to combine landscape painting and studio art. Ray continues, "At the same time I was doing layered charcoal drawings when my professor said, 'why aren't you painting like you draw?'" Since then, this has been Ray's signature work, but he is also open to what the future may bring.
"It's what I've evolved into," says Ray. "I don't know if it's where I'll always be, but it's where I am right now."
saved in my phone that were important to me," explains Jones. "Everybody texts messages these days."
He is looking forward to individual questions and one-on-one time that will come with the opening and closing receptions of his exhibition.
But, Jones and his and friends are not the only ones who can contribute to the show. The public can also enter by posting on Twitter along with #smsseries.
"Each painting is meant to be self-interpreted. It's not just meant to be the way I see it, but the way you see it," Ray explains. "I want people to walk away saying, 'this means something to me.'"
"It's a show for people," continued Jones. "A show I think most people can enjoy."
Along with Joseph Ray, QuarterYellow Studio is also presenting local photographer Edd Jones at Jungle Science, for a closing reception on May 3rd. Jones' scope in photography is surrealism and photo manipulation. His exhibition "The SMS Series" is a sociological exploration based on text messages people save, usually for sentimental value. "This show, in particular, is out of my normal realm," says Jones. "It's been an interesting experience." There are two parts to Jones' show. The first is ten portraits of people who submitted texts to the show, mostly people he knows, with their text messages photo-shopped in. The second part is a bit more personal to the artist, and a view inside Jones' values. It is ten self-portraits of Jones with text messages of his own: his original inspiration.
And both of these shows can be enjoyed on May 3rd during Binghamton's First Friday Art Walk, from 6pm-9pm at the Jungle Science Gallery and Laboratories (33 Court Street, Second Floor). "Something in the Way" runs until its closing reception on June 7th, First Friday from 6-9pm. And, through June 7th, the show can also be viewed Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm-9pm. All pieces are for sale! "The SMS Series" can also be viewed Wednesday May 1st from 6pm-9pm, in addition to May's First Friday. Be sure to visit whoiseddjones.com and check out his blog and Facebook links. For more information please visit junglescience. com.
"At some point I realized I had these text messages
...more than you think! The Southern Tier's Independant Media Local Arts, Local Business, Local Music, Local Achievements (from the past and present)
"Star of the Sea" by Yvonne Lucia. Photo Provided.
"Through painting I could do something positive with my own particular gift, so not to just sit in my own conflict, frustration, and grief." Lucia continues, "the world is an interconnected web of life; one thing effects everything else." To continue her nurturing, feminine theme, Lucia's canvases will have an organic and connective quality to them. They are convex and oval rather than rectangle or square stretched canvas. "It came to me in a dream. I saw a painting on an oval canvas." But it will not end there. This locally born artist, who grew up in Endicott, is looking to make her
exhibition more than just paintings on a wall. Lucia is hoping to construct a floor labyrinth on which viewers can walk through the gallery. "I want to put this together as a whole experience people can have," says Lucia, "to be used for meditative purposes rather than just to look at." The exhibition will open at the Orazio Salati Gallery (204 State Street, Binghamton) May 3rd for First Friday, 6pm-9pm, and will run through Saturday May 25th. The exhibition can also be viewed on Saturdays from 11am-3pm through the 25th or by appointment. For any questions or to make an appointment please call (607) 7726725 or visit oraziosalati.com.
18 Vol. 1 Issue 3
film. YOUNG FILMMAKERS
FILM FESTIVAL Rod Serling's Star in the Binghamton Walk of Fame. Photo by Ty Whitbeck.
Charles Berman StaffWriter Rod Serling, the Emmy, Peabody, and Hugo award-winning writer; the man responsible for Planet of the Apes and The Twilight Zone; our native son. Although his verdict on Binghamton ("Everyone has to have a hometown... Binghamton's mine") could be read as suspiciously ambivalent, the Parlor City has never been known to stint on public tributes to this television and sci-fi icon. Among these tributes, one in particular, one that uses Serling's impressive reputation and legacy to foster new creative endeavors education- is one of the most venerable. The Rod Serling Video Festival has been soliciting creative video submissions from K-12 students in New York Stateand providing opportunities for screenings and exposure for the winners- since 1995.
This year's entries will be submitted by May 1st, and the winners, in the categories of Best of Show, Best Directing, Best Animation, Best K-6 Entry, and Best Special Effects, will be screened at Binghamton High School's Helen Foley Theatre on May 17th. The high school's own Lawrence Kassan is the Festival Director, fresh from facilitating the Southern Tier Actors Read's presentation of Serling's lauded play "Patterns," at the High School's new Black Box Theatre. This year's Serling Festival may come with a certain extra cachet, as Rod Serling's daughter Anne, a regular attendee at past events, is publishing a book, As I Knew Him, My Dad Rod Serling, slated for release on April 30th. The Rod Serling Festival winners' premiere, awards ceremony, and reception will be at the Helen Foley Theatre, 31 Main St in Binghamton, on Friday, May 17th, at 8:00.
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May 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 19
If you'd like to be considered for our 'poet of the month' section, please send a writing sample to: email@example.com
MATTHEW REQUA is a graduate of Binghamton University, currently working as a Senior Library Clerk. His poem "22 White Doves" is published in Visions of Black Life, Vol. 3, available from Africana Homestead Legacy Publishers and Amazon.com.
Over under, fingers quick as spider legs drawing white yarn like a web from a flowered, bamboo bag into tiny pouches booties, perhaps mittens
Whole heart no strings the wag of his smile accepting all they will never know
Shaded eyes, revealed in profile peered down, fixed with surgical concentration at hands relaxed as intoxicated tongues working the needles
I Travel in Clouds
Jowls dipped into a permanent proud and crimson frown on a wrinkled face above a pressed shirt, silk with yellow roses staring back like Perkin's wallpaper below a cap of curled, colored hair cropped to her age
I drift directionless, untethered by goals and slink solemn across Cozumel sea skies as unspooled cotton smudging your perfect picture, blocking the sun.
The bus rattled on but she remained steady Barrel Fish The crack of rifle fire through still air the zippy hiss of feathered arrows invade the quiet hum of late summer cicadas Stalked, out of season the sanctuary of pastel skies are gutted by the bouquet of singed hair and blood speckled meadows I pray while you prey draw the defenseless with mimicked cries, factory scents and blended clothing For "sport" you are just speaking your mind while you skin the shield-less mounting severed hearts and collecting tears easy as rain drops
I hold water like dry sand, uncountable tears waiting to drop when days turn gray they fall, they feed the green.
I absorb your poison words that rise up and charcoal me like chimney smoke, cold as hail they split me to shower, a deluge of acid and electric anger. Take cover and blame God, it's easier to hide than wonder how. I watch as you lay back from afar and guess at my changing shape but you will never know.
10% off with this coupon exp. 6/30
5 Court St. Downtown Binghamton or
May 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 21
Each Month, CAROUSEL turns the spotlight on the people that make the Triple Cities what it is. Artists, musicians, cashiers, business owners, students, teachers... we are all part of the fabric of this town. Now, time for eleven questions! Name? Sharon Ball Occupation? Executive Director, Broome County Arts Council
faces and places.
Location? 81 State Street, Stephens Square Bldg., 5th Floor, downtown Binghamton How long have you lived in the region? Moved to Whitney Point May 2003; joined BCAC November 2004 What do you love most about the Triple Cities? Creative people, arts & music, natural beauty, spiritual mystery Favorite hangout? Home. I go out for a living many evenings and weekends, so home feels very special.
Bachelorette Party at Black Bear Winery. Photo Provided.
Lia Ponterotto Staff Writer
Whether you're an established oenophile, a budding enthusiast, or just a casual wine-lover looking for a new experience, The Black Bear Farm Winery has something to offer you.
Photo Provided.
Favorite restaurant? Lost Dog Café Favorite local music? All manner of LIVE music, performed skillfully from the heart. Hidden gem? Whitney Point Lake How do you make this region a better place to live? Believe that it already is- warts and all- right here, right now, right in front of you. Look closely. What do you think the region is in most dire need of? A new, core story about itself, a healthy balanced narrative, infused with gratitude, discernment, and creativity that inspires a powerful, internal vision of personal and collective possibility.
It is a unique and picturesque winery located in Chenango Forks that is dedicated to its craft, as well as supporting local fruit growers in the Central New York area. They offer wine tasting, winery tours, and live music on Friday evenings in a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. I asked owners Sandy and Mark Stacey a few questions to find out more about what they have going on at the Black Bear Winery.
Give us a little introduction to the Black Bear Winery and its history. How long have you been making and selling wine in the area? A true innovator and the premiere fruit winery in Central New York, Black Bear produces unique, award winning wines you can truly savor. The wines are crafted from top quality local fruit other than grapes: aged, bottled and sold on the winery premises. As much a tavern as a winery, you will be entertained and informed, meet new friends and enjoy a most memorable wine tasting. We started the winery in 2002, in an effort to make a living using the fruits we were growing. What encouraged you to open your own winery? Is there a family history, a series of events, or just a passion for wines that inspired you? Our passion for fruit growing kind of morphed into a passion for fruit wine. These passions required a special facility, which we constructed using timber milled from the property and designed and crafted with creativity.
What can a wine lover expect to find during a visit to the winery?
and how it lends to a unique style and product.
Those seeking a truly genuine local experience will find one at the Black Bear. Our fruit wines are sought after by those in-the-know characters that seek out unique, top quality, small production wines.
The gentle process of hand harvesting ripe fruit and fresh fermentation assures the character of each vintage will have a singular personality. The wines range from light, dry and floral to rich, robust and oak aged. Since the wines are not stripped by filtering, all the benefits of these nutritious fruits remain in the bottle.
Tell us about your commitment to using locally grown fruit for your wines. Why is this important to you? How does it benefit the community and the wines that you produce? Using locally grown fruit is important to us because it tastes better, is fresher, and has more nutritional value. The community benefits by our keeping money in the community, which keeps taxes from rising and keeps local farms in business. We are happy to be working with fruit growers as close as Oxford, Cortland and Homer. We've also found bottling supplies manufactured in New York and corks grown in the US. Black Bear uses our own truck for pickups and deliveries to cut the cost of shipping. Do you offer wine-tastings on a regular basis or at certain times of the year? The winery keeps regular hours to accommodate tasters: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 12pm to 6 pm, Fridays 12pm to 9pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 6pm. Those visiting the Black Bear Winery will enjoy a tasting experience like no other.
The winery has live music on Friday nights as well. What is the vibe at one of these shows? Are there any exciting events coming up that our readers might want to check out? Black Bear is fueled by musicians, artists, and the creative energy generated by the surrounding community. The winery encourages Free Floor Fridays, an acoustic jam and is seeking local artists to participate in an open gallery. In addition to visiting for wine tasting, it's a community social hub where old acquaintances often reconnect. Are there any new wine releases you would like to highlight and encourage visitors to come and taste in the coming months? The April wine release of three floral wines, Dandelion, Red Clover and Locust Blossom, are delightfully dry. The winery annually pairs wine with cheesecake for Mother's Day weekend, chocolates for Valentine's Day and has special wine releases for holidays.
What recognition has the Black Bear Winery received for its wines? Black Bear wines have been recognized by the American Wine Society, the Tasters Guild, and other international competitions as award winners. Tell us a bit about your winemaking process
If you would like to visit, the Black Bear Winery is open year-round, and is located at 248 County Road 1 in Chenango Forks, NY. More information can be found on their website, blackbearwinery.com.
22 Vol. 1 Issue 3
food and drink.
EATS Stacey Burke, HHC Staff Writer So, this month, Kristina Strain (The Daring Gardenista) and I teamed up to give you May's recipe, featuring chives. This early spring or summer herb is super delicious (and you can read all about it next door in her column!) and can be more than a garnish given the opportunity. Here, her recipe for Chive Pesto takes a traditionally basil-based sauce and gives it a little twist. Of course, in addition to the flavor of the chives, this sauce gives you some health benefits through the healthy fats found in the extra virgin olive oil – increased antioxidant levels, protection against cancers, lowering cholesterol and even anti-inflammatory qualities. Who says healthy isn't tasty? Chive Pesto 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives 2-3 tbsp. crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (or more to make a thinner pesto) Liberal sprinkling of ground black pepper 3 tbsp. shelled pumpkin seeds
Las Chicas Taqueria. Photo by Ty Whitbeck
Ty Whitbeck Staff Writer
A lot of times, here in Upstate New York, when that foodie friend that everyone's unsure of (you know, we all have "that friend") asks if the gang wants to go out for Mexican food before a night of drinking and bad decisions, we cringe at the thought of torturing our bodies to the extent of inevitable regret. Now, I'm not suggesting that these restaurants should be avoided; they just don't know how to shake the reputation that the unseasoned stomachs have given them. This is where the line in the sand is drawn and some new blood comes to town with a new plan on a centuries old cook book. Sitting down to the dinner table is Las Chicas Taqueria, located at 208 Front Street in Owego. Owned by Kim Cerretani, native of San Pedro, California, Las Chicas brings Mexican and Baja style cooking, (which is the cuisine of the coast of Southern California) to Owego with an outstanding response and with help from a great staff and head chef Corrin Gallagher. Cooking "Baja style" can mean a variety of things, but what it all boils down to is using the freshest ingredients possible from locally sourced farmers, and an emphasis on seafood. It's a lot of salsas, soups, salads, tostados, chiles, tacos, and burritos.
While the menu features a couple of signature seafood dishes, the taqueria has something for everybody. Nearly all of the options can be made vegetarian, if one wishes, and the kid's menu has the picky eaters of the family taken care of. Best of all, their menu items are all under $10!
In addition to seasoned ground beef for burritos, they boast a number of uniquely spiced protein choices, including: a chipotle rubbed chicken, a chile lime chicken, marinated steak, carnitas (braised pork), roasted vegetables, black beans, ancho chile shrimp and broiled whitefish. The fresh produce fillers make things interesting with options like chipotle slaw, sprouts, Spanish rice, guacamole, red onions, salsa verde, pico de gallo, and raja peppers & onions (which are grilled red/ green peppers in a sauce made from cream, or crème fraiche). The combinations are endless and the fillers are unlimited, but it doesn't stop at just burritos that end up as big as a rolled up newspaper. The cooks serve up a mean taco salad that you can get with all of the above mentioned fillers brought to you in a crispy flour tortilla shell. Also, their chimichangas and chile rellenos are off the hook. The chimis are deep fried tortillas stuffed with sautéed chicken, cheese, green chiles and bell peppers; and the rellenos are broiled poblano peppers, enveloped with egg and cheese and served with beans and rice. Can you tell I go to Las Chicas often? Honestly, every chance I get, I'm there. When you walk in the front door, you'll be
greeted with the smells of the kitchen and a great soundtrack for your dining experience (you'll even hear them playing and supporting local music and hosting live music on the weekends). Don't wait to be seated, just walk up to the front counter and order up. The menu is tastefully written on chalk boards to your right or on paper at the counter. There will also be a soup of the day. Once you place your order, you can have a seat and they'll bring your meal out to you. Everything is plated nicely. There are a lot of colors in each of the dishes, and everything isn't plated together, borderless, like you get at other Mexican eateries. If you want water instead of the available Mexican Coca-Cola, beer, and wineritas, help yourself to the water cooler next to the 30+ hot sauces they have available. There is a great vibe in the restaurant, and it's in a great location. Las Chicas definitely knows what's up and they have many daily repeat customers and born again Mexican food lovers alike. Owego, NY was voted "The Coolest Small Town in America" in 2009 by Budget Travel magazine, and although Las Chicas opened up in 2010, they have become a focal point in town, furthermore adding some serious cool and curb appeal to Front Street. In the spring and summertime, they have outdoor seating in front of the restaurant as well as a brand new deck out back that overlooks the Susquehanna River. Las Chicas Taqueria is located at 208 Front St, in Owego. They are open Mon-Wed 11am-9pm, and Thurs-Sat 11am-10pm. For more info, call (607) 687-4400.
Directions: Combine first four ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Process until mixture is a smooth, pesto-like consistency (about a minute) then add the pumpkin seeds. Pulse a couple of times to break up but not completely obliterate the pumpkin seeds. Pesto-bilities: Of course, pesto is most commonly enjoyed over pasta. But, I personally live for experimenting, so thought I'd include some other creative and yummy ways to loveup this sauce. •
Use as a spread on a sandwich or even just on some toasted whole grain bread.
Toss with cooked quinoa or rice, and then add some cooked veggies for a spectacular side dish –maybe tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers for Mediterranean flare?
Drizzle over cooked chicken, or even use to marinate while grilling or baking – chicken, veggies, tofu – endless options!
Kristina's favorite way to savor her recipe? Serve over roasted potatoes and topped with a fried egg. But, of course! Potatoes and chives, a new take on a long-time pair.
*One last tip – you can freeze leftover pesto in ice cube trays! Just cover in your freezer, than BAM, pop out a few cubes to heat up in minutes! Stacey Burke is a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, and founder of New Roots to Health. She works with individuals whom struggle with weight loss, cravings and low energy by supporting them in setting personal goals around balancing diet and lifestyle. How often do you get the personal attention you deserve when talking about your health and nutrition? Email her at email@example.com or visit her website www.newrootstohealth.com to learn more about programs that could change your life. Mention you read about her in the Carousel, and receive 25% off a 6-month, personalized program!
May 2013 Triple Cities Carousel 23
AT THE GREEK KEY Ty Whitbeck Staff Writer From the corner, it stands out among the other facades in downtown Endicott. Emulating ancient Greek architecture from the outside and adorned with art on the inside, the atmosphere of The Greek Key is welcoming. The host is excited to seat us and is genuine in his tone. We are brought waters and given time to look over our options.
CHOCOLATE AND WINE Ty Whitbeck Staff Writer
When it comes to wine and chocolate, perhaps the only thing better than the pairing itself would be to celebrate both on the streets of Montrose, PA. Celebrating its sixth year, the Montrose Chocolate & Wine Festival has built up quite the reputation. In 2007, when Leopold Schreiber opened Chocolates by Leopold in Montrose, he began infusing his handmade truffles with local wines. The pairing worked, and carried over into a street festival that has since raised over $100,000 for both a new local hospital and library. "The overall goal of the festival is to do good things for the community," says David Morris of Target Marketing. In addition to contributing to the library and the new hospital, the festival hosts a program geared toward teaching kids basic gardening skills and making healthier eating choices. "There is no need to go hungry if you have the knowledge of how to grow some veggies," he explains. The festival showcases some pretty heavy talent this year, featuring local wineries and
Photo Provided.
breweries, pairing info, BBQ and cupcake cook-offs (separately), art shows and chocolate factory tours (which are a must!). There will be live music all day, and headlining is the Kelly Bell Band, a high energy, award winning blues septet from Baltimore, MD. The Montrose Chocolate & Wine Festival is happening on May 18th on Chestnut St. in downtown Montrose. Tickets are $20-25 for those imbibing on the wine, or $10 for designated drivers and youngsters. Every dollar spent is supporting local business! www.chocolatewinefestival.com
The menu looks amazing, and I really want to try it all. I'm dining with a vegetarian who also enjoys Greek food, so we decide to get the Meze Platter as an appetizer, just so we have a little bit of everything. To start out, we are brought plates of dolmades, and skordalia and tzatziki with pita bread. The dolmades are roasted vegetables and rice, rolled in herbs and sealed in a grape leaf and served cold. They are very tender and full of flavor, ranging from mint, to garlic, to olive, to all of the wonderful tastes of the veggies. The skordalia is like a hummus, using smashed potato instead of chickpeas, served with garlic and olive oil. The tzatziki is a creamy cucumber dipping sauce with herbs and mint. Both the skordalia and tzatziki are exceptional and light on the palate, and the pita is grilled with care, leaving it airy and dense and perfect to dip with. We are then served the rest of the platter, which includes a slice of spanakopita (a spinach and cheese pie, baked in filo dough and served hot), and a slice of tyropita (a Greek cheese pie, baked in filo dough). The spanakopita is delightful. It is just the right amount of spinach to feta cheese and the filo dough is thin and crispy. The tyropita is also fantastic. The cheese mixture used, (which is typically feta, egg, butter and yogurt) is interesting;
It's firm and tangy, almost like a quiche, but not as subtle on flavor. The filo dough wraps the whole package up and delivers a punch. Call it terrible timing, call it remorse at having just sold my trusty grill, but I'm really craving a burger. Well, I ignore the Greek specialties on the menu and order one at the Greek Key. Don't judge. I want a burger, dammit! My Greek Key Burger comes topped with crumbled feta, olive tapenade, onions and tzatziki. It is served with hand cut Greek fries, which are tossed in olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. The burger isn't bad, but I regret not having gone with the souvlaki or gyro, both of which I have heard rave reviews on. The feta and tapenade are full of flavor, texture and complexity, but the patty itself is fairly standard. I add some garlic aioli to the bun to mix things up a bit, and that adds a bit of kick. Who am I to judge a Greek restaurant on their take on American food, anyway? It was my idea to order a burger…a burger… at a place known for much more exciting fare. My lunch at The Greek Key was good. The Meze Platter gave me a tease into the world of Greek cooking. It's a great introductory dish to someone who isn't familiar with the fare. Regardless of my burger follies, the diversity of the lunch and dinner menu makes me want to stop in again. I will go back there for Greek cuisine and nothing else. You have my word, if you ever catch me straying away from the delicacies that make a restaurant what it is again, report me to the editor and tell him to hire another food guy. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Please direct complaints regarding Mr. Whitbeck to (845) 6492912. We're standing by.] The Greek Key Restaurant is located at 113 Nanticoke Ave, Endicott. It is open Mon-Fri 11am9pm, and Sat 11am-3am. For reservations and more information, call (607) 239-5667.
24 Vol. 1 Issue 3
Stacey Burke Staff Writer
limited to:
to make my own appointment.
and Michele says "I go to an MD/LAc PC. He only places needles in the abdomen. I started going because I could barely move my left arm and nothing else worked. After two treatments I was able throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent to not only move my arm, but had full chest infections. range of motion back! Since then, I have gone for stress management, headaches, Neurological and muscular random aches/pains... I go about once disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck per month to balance my Chi and get a pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis "'tune up.'" elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis. Trina also has felt healed through her struggles. "I see an acupuncturist to help Urinary, menstrual, and stabilize my hormones," she says. "I was reproductive problems – stabilizing diagnosed with PCOS at 34, and was hormones, morning sickness, PCOS, not willing to take the said prescriptions increase in fertility. for the rest of my life... so I tried acupuncture. At first I saw him often but Emotional and Mental Imbalances, now I only see him 2 times maybe 3 a such as: chronic stress, insomnia, year. And I'm still prescription free!" anxiety, and depression. Kathy used it for her morning sickness So, what can you expect from your and it worked wonders. Monique shared first visit? Does acupuncture hurt? that it transformed her life and body after Michele, a friend of mine whom visits an suffering from Crohn's disease for years. acupuncturist monthly shares "I notice Joe's sinusitis completely disappeared – almost nothing if there is minimal 'stuff' until he stopped acupuncture. It came going on in a specific area in my body. back, which had him heading straight When an area is blocked or feeling pain, back to the needles. there will be a small, prick-like feeling. You may notice a surge of energy in There are countless others that share an area that is preparing to release. inspiring and life-changing results from This will depend on your awareness of this ancient practice. The cost per session the energy in your own body. Also, a ranges from $50-90 (some places do take first session generally involves a health health insurance so check!). Some may history consultation of sorts and then the say it's pricey, but just think about how acupuncture." much money you will save in the long run on prescriptions and doctors' visits. Not Trina, another patient, shares "there is a to mention the chemicals you are not needle sensation, but it doesn't usually putting in your body! In my opinion, it's a hurt. There is some feeling which is kind small price to pay for a natural, medicine of hard to explain. Maybe close to a free alternative. mosquito bite but not even that – a light tingling". Holistic health is a great route. Check out some of these local acupuncturists Another patient, Jeff, felt that his for alternative and natural healing. Here experience was "more relaxing than are just a few of many in the Triple Cities sleep". He explains that you will likely area! find yourself lying in a dark, tranquil room with a heat lamp. The placement Amanda Lewis, L.Ac. http://www. of the needles depends on what you are alewisacupuncture.com, 1121 Upper looking to seek relief from – it ranges Front St, Binghamton, NY from a combination of abdomen, back, sternum, scalp, hands, feet, legs or face. Neil A Weinberg, L.Ac or Shaul Hendel, L.Ac. http://naturallywell. Now, I would need much more space to us/acupuncture, 27 Jenison Avenue, include all of the stories I've gotten from Johnson City, NY, 13790 people whom have experienced straightup healing from the condition they were Rui Wang, CMD, L.Ac. http://www. experiencing prior to acupuncture. But acupuncturecenterusa.com, 120 Plaza here are a few, which have inspired me Dr., Suite B, Vestal, NY 13850
Who doesn't love being poked hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, with dozens of tiny, thin needles diarrhea. in various parts of the face and Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore body? You may actually be very surprised at the growing number of people who do! No, I'm not talking about tattoos here (though, I am a huge fan myself), rather a traditional Chinese medicinal practice known as Acupuncture. This practice in western cultures may be considered a "new alternative" medicine, but in actuality it's been practiced for over 5,000 years – making US the ones late to the party! And, based on the several conversations I've had over the past few weeks from patients of acupuncture, I can certainly see why this number is growing (30% increase in just 5 years – about 1 million adults!). As you may know, the actual practice of acupuncture involves insertion of very thin needles in specific points on your body. In traditional Chinese acupuncture, it is this technique that balances the flow of energy or "life force" (known as Chi or Qi) that is believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. There are precise points where these meridians come to the skins surface, and by inserting needles into these points, it is believed that your energy flow will re-balance. This life force concept was touched on during last month's article on reiki – the thought that through certain illnesses, conditions, tragedies, unhealthy relationships, etc., our life force flow becomes disrupted or blocked, causing us physical symptoms in our bodies. The modern scientific explanation of why acupuncture works: these specific acupuncture points are places to increase circulation and stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles and connective tissues, spinal cord and brain. This boosts the functioning of our body's internal regulating system – releasing natural pain killers and stimulating our healing abilities. Now, all that science may sound a bit confusing, but regardless of the why it works – the common ground is that this practice alleviates and (some truly feel) even cures a remarkable number of conditions. Pretty awesome if you ask me. These conditions include, but not
Each month we check in with KRISTINA STRAIN for advice on what we should be doing with our gardens. Kristina lives and gardens in Gilbertsville. Let us pause together, dear reader, and spend a sweet minute in contemplation of chives. If you only know them as the green things on top of your baked potato, then I extend my deepest sympathies. In my garden, chives are many things: a harbinger of spring, a protector from pests, a decorative corner of the herb bed. They are predictably the first things to green up in the spring, right along with the crocuses. I've been watching mine needle up from their clump for weeks, while I pace and frown at other less ambitious crops. Chives take in rain and wind and snow and just keep coming. Sort of like that scene from Shaun of the Dead, only significantly more promising. After the emerald green spring growth comes a display of dainty lavender flowers in late May. Herb plants as a rule are attractive, but chives take the cake in the looks department. The flowers are pretty enough to pick for bouquets—yes, really—and after the flowers die back midsummer, you can shear the whole plant down to the ground and the happy story starts over again. In the meantime, though, you can enjoy another of their many benefits: bugs hate 'em. At my house, I've ringed my baby fruit trees with chives, but you don't need an orchard to reap their pest-repellant properties. Plant them at the feet of beetle-beset rose bushes, or around your shade trees to keep off gypsy moths, or even at a well-trafficked knothole where rodents of unusual size gain entrance to your basement. Which brings me to the most important question of all: how does one procure chives? Well, you could surely plunk down a buck two-eighty at any reputable garden center, but before parting with cold hard cash, call everyone you know. Anyone with a back yard, a flower garden, a vegetable garden. If you're from round these parts, you're guaranteed to be related to an age-speckled woman with a neglected clump of chives in their back yard. It only takes a tiny bundle of bulb-lets to get started—chives will predictably double every year for their first five—and you can plant them anywhere. If you already have chives growing in your yard, you might want to hop out now and pick a glossy green shock of 'em, just as preparation for the recipe Healthy Eats author Stacey Burke is bringing you this month. Page 22, friends.
26 Vol. 1 Issue 3
fun stuff.
Each month, CAROUSEL features a guest horoscope columnist. This time, we welcome local musician TAZE YANICK. As far as we know, he knows nothing about astrology.
by MASTROIANNI AND HART
by PARKER, MASTROIANNI, AND HART
by MICK AND MASON MASTROIANNI
by CAMINITI
Aries If you have had a birthday recently, be prepared for Godzilla to invade your home town and crush your brand new car. Someone you love may ask for ranch dressing with their French fries. Your best bet is to dress like C3-PO and go into daytrading. Taurus Now is not the time to go on a diet of deep-fried chocolate-covered crickets. Wait until the end of the month for that. If you go kayaking in the Nisqually River and you tip over, you will surely be wet. I recommend wool over cotton for that. Gemini The stars are not aligned for you to quit your job in the fast food industry and follow your dream of becoming an amateur beekeeper. A mysterious stranger suggests a diet of bacon and wheat germ for no apparent reason. It's a good idea to let the sun shine in. Cancer If you believe the moon is made of green cheese, then keep on believing. Something really weird might happen that will make you almost trip on the sidewalk. Big things are on the horizon for your endeavor to colonize Saturn. Take time to smell the good, the bad, and the ugly. Leo Some people may say you're an ass, but I wouldn't let it worry me, if I was you. Your plans to traverse the polar ice caps on a skateboard will never work. You are highly unlikely to go on a meth binge this month. Resist the temptation to eat itsy bitsy fuzzy-wuzzy worms. Virgo You know it's never right to mow somebody's lawn without asking, yet you might do it anyway. If you happen to see the most beautiful girl in the world, tell her you love her. Start a freakin' art gallery or something. That's auspicious. Time spent drinking beer under a bridge could turn out to be enlightening. Libra Commonly used figures of speech may begin to annoy the hell out of you if you let them. Shadows may consume your soul if you're not careful. Look out for falling rocks, and wear clean underwear everyday. Saying "please" and "thank you" more often than you usually do will increase your chances of bagging an Armadillo. Scorpio If something is funny you might as well laugh. Everyone notices your many positive qualities and really kinda likes you for it. Malarkey should be avoided at all times. Your timing for enjoying life should be spot on. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em. The sky's the limit. You have nothing to fear but fear itself. Sagittarius Quit judging books by their covers. No one like that, dude. Open your mind to the possibility that ice cream can fall off the cone and onto your shirt at any time. Time flies when you're having fun but that's no reason to crap on someone's porch. Seafood could turn out to be unlucky. Capricorn Your favorite team might not always win the game but at least they're a team. Consider altering the spelling of your name- but, so, like, it still sounds the same, but it's spelled differently. Your fascination with butter sculpting will gradually fade. Aquarius It is highly unlikely that you'll end up drowning in an Alpine lake in Idaho this week. Be on the lookout for dishonest jerks. The force is on your side and your capacity for forgiveness is nearly boundless. You might consider all of a sudden moving out of the country. Pisces If you see a dog peeing on a fire hydrant, best to leave it alone. Lighting fireworks could be a lot of fun if nobody's looking. Avoid crows who can solve complex puzzles. It's not necessarily a bad thing to hop a fence now and then.
Published on Apr 29, 2013
Triple Cities Carousel, Vol. 1 Issue 3. May 2013. Arts and Culture for Binghamton, Johnson City, Endcott, and beyond.