Playing the final game of the day are (left) Carl Gowan, Lily Coombs, Tony Willman and Edith Falcone

SPECTRUM GENERATONS’ William S. Cohen Community Center announces today that 32 local cribbage players participated in the Second Annual Cribbage-A-Thon benefit held at the Cohen Center located at 22 Town Farm Road in Hallowell on Friday, May 18, 2012. Since early April, participants sought out sponsors and collected donations totaling $1,638.00 for the event.

All proceeds benefit Spectrum Generations’ Cohen Community Center’s Health & Wellness Program. Prizes of gift certificates to local businesses were award in seven categories.  Lydia Day raised the most funds; Priscilla Wescott and Arden Clement had the highest overall score; Tony Willman and Carl Gowen came in second and Edith Falcone and Lily Coombs placed third. Theresa Couture won highest hand in game three and Donna Magras won highest hand for game eight.

Special thanks to Ken Morrison for helping us organize and run this event. According to Maggie Tardiff, Center Director at the Cohen Center, “Once again our card players in the Second AnnualCribbage-A-Thon fundraiser put their best foot forward and secured donations from family and friends to help keep Spectrum Generations’ programs running strong! The continued support of our community for this event never ceases to amaze me.” Cribbage is played at the Cohen Center each Monday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and is open to the public.

For more information about events and activities taking place at the Cohen Center please call 626-7777 or email cohen@spectrumgenerations.org.

Spectrum Generations, serving central Maine adults from the state line to the coast line, helps people live their best lives by fostering independence and promoting a healthy lifestyle. We offer easy-to-understand information and support for all ages and abilities. For more information about Spectrum Generations, call  1-800-639-1553, or go online at www.spectrumgenerations.org.

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"Since 1963 the Harlow Gallery in downtown Hallowell has been a cultural resource for the greater central Maine community. Pictured are students from the Augusta school district's gifted and talented program, who visited the Harlow Gallery on May 9th to view and discuss art."

The Kennebec Valley Art Association (KVAA) recently received a $3,430 grant from the Kay E. Dopp Fund of the Maine Community Foundation for a proposal entitled “Building the capacity of the KVAA and the Harlow Gallery through investments in programming, planning and sustainability”.

The funding will allow the KVAA board of directors to update the organization’s strategic plan. The planning process is especially significant for the nonprofit arts group this year since the group will soon be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Harlow Gallery. During the planning process the board and staff will solicit feedback and participation from the general community and  will integrate ideas for events in 2013 to mark and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Harlow Gallery in 1963.

Kennebec Valley Art Association board and staff are strong believers in the power of planning.  The organization has experienced dramatic growth and change dating from the drafting of their first ever strategic plan in 2005. Since then the Harlow Gallery’s growing reputation as a vibrant and inclusive community arts center has meant increased audience and more supporters, donors and volunteers. Membership has risen dramatically from less than 80 in 2004 to about 350 community and artist members today. The art association’s operating budget has more than tripled over the same time period, and the group successfully raised funds to make major improvements to their historic building at 160 Water Street in 2006-2009. Executive Director Deborah Fahy said that “…managing the Harlow’s growth curve has been, at times, extraordinarily challenging but also a very exciting and fulfilling process for everyone involved.”

The Kennebec Valley Art Association has been an integral part of the cultural life of central Maine for decades, and a positive economic agent from the very beginning. 2013 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Harlow Gallery in downtown historic Hallowell, an event that, in 1963, acted as a catalyst in Hallowell s urban renewal, and helped shape the city into the vibrant arts and cultural destination it is today. According to Fahy, “The current board and staff feel extremely privileged to be playing a part in furthering the 50 year legacy of the KVAA. Just like before, I expect the process of strategic planning will be a great team building process.  The board works with staff to forge a new, collective vision for the future of the organization.  We’ll end up with a road map to the future as we embark on the the Harlow’s next 50 years!”

The Kennebec Valley Art Association, a 501(c) membership based nonprofit, was founded in 1958 in Augusta and opened the Harlow Gallery in downtown Hallowell in 1963.  Its mission is to connect and celebratory art, artists and community.  Find out how to get involved at www.harlowgallery.org.

A statewide organization with office in Ellsworth and Portland, the Maine Community Foundation partners with donors and nonprofits to strengthen Maine Communities.  For more information visit www.mainecf.org or call 1-877-700-6800.

Harlow Gallery
Kennebec Valley Art Association
160 Water Street
Hallowell, ME 04347
207-622-3813

website: www.harlowgallery.org
Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/theHarlow
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/harlowgallery
Photo archives: picasaweb.google.com/harlowgallery

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Painting by Abbott Meader, photo courtesy of the artist.

Date and time:
Sunday, May 20, 2012, 1-3pm
Location:
The Harlow Gallery
160 Water Street,
Hallowell, Maine 04347

Cost: $3 donation suggested

Hallowell, Maine – Artists are invited to bring up to three pieces of their own original work to an art critique with Abbott Meader on Sunday afternoon, May 20th from 1-3pm.  The critique will be held at the Harlow Gallery, located at 160 Water Street in downtown Hallowell, with a suggested donation of $3 at the door.  Art2012, the Kennebec Valley Art Association’s 17th annual juried art show will be on view during the critique.  Meader will share his insights on the jurying process (which he has experienced from both sides), and on being accepted and rejected as an artist in general.

A consummate academician, Abbot Meader of Oakland was graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dartmouth and then with an MFA from University of Colorado and is now Professor of Art, Emeritus of Colby College. He is also a filmmaker and has traveled, lectured and studied widely in his lifetime. As an avid fly fisherman, he comes to the Katahdin region to fish and paint regularly throughout the year. He brings to his work the understanding of someone who is not merely an observer but often lives within his subject for periods of time, working with an urgency to report that familiarity.

Harlow Gallery
Kennebec Valley Art Association
160 Water Street
Hallowell, ME 04347
207-622-3813

website: www.harlowgallery.org
Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/theHarlow
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/harlowgallery
Photo archives: picasaweb.google.com/harlowgallery

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Francine Reed is just as happy down home in the juke joint as she is in the worlds finest concert halls – and always singing with class, distinction and soul. A W.C. Handy nominee for her solo recording I Want You to Love Me, the widely recognized larger than life voice in Lyle Lovett’s Large Band has also collaborated with many of the most respected names in gospel, country, rhythm and blues, including Delbert McClinton and Willie Nelson. Based now in Atlanta, Georgia,  Francine will be appearing during the summer of 2012 with Teatro ZinZanni in Seattle, Washington. Get your tickets early!  http://www.wix.com/nytaglenn/francine

FRANCINE REED BIOGRAPHY

The blues can be defined in a limitless number of ways, but it will forever be the soul’s measurement of self-expression and self-healing. Where mere words cannot articulate, and movement is incomplete, music bridges the chasm. Francine Reed’s new album, SHADES OF BLUE, is the language of human spirit distilled through a voice of radiance. Known to most of the wold as Lyle Lovett’s duet and back-up vocalist, this Chicago-born songstress has been singing professionally since she was a child in her family’s gospel group. “ I always say I was born singing,” recalls Francine. “When the doctor slapped me on the ass, I went (singing) ‘Look at me!” Obligations resulting from a broken marriage prevented Ms. Reed from pursuing her dream full-time until her children were grown up and self-sufficient.

During those years, however, Francine performed in local jazz clubs and at various functions, eventually rising to prominence in her adopted hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. As a support act, Ms. Reed appeared on the bill with luminaries such as Miles Davis, Smokey Robinson, Etta James, and The Crusaders. In 1985, she met the then unknown singer Lyle Lovett and they formed a strong alliance that continues to this day. “Lyle has always intrigued me, and has been my greatest influence in the last fifteen years of my life. Just seeing the amount of importance he puts into every performance and into every recording session has had a tremendous effect on me. Being around musicians of his caliber has brought me to a higher level.”

Francine provides Lyle Lovett and his Large Band with an indelible stage presence and harmonic texture that has fans and critics worldwide. Reminiscing on their initial encounter at a recording session, “I couldn’t believe the voice I heard in the headphones belonged to THAT guy, I could’ve sworn that wasn’t him singing.” Performing with Lovett’s ensemble for over a decade, Ms. Reed has appeared on several of the artist’s platinum discs, and sang alongside Mr. Lovett on recent broadcasts of “Late Night with David Letterman”, “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, and “Regis a d Kathy Lee.” In addition to her touring schedule with Lovett, Ms. Reed has appeared on recordings by Delbert McClinton and Roy orbison, among others. Her distinctive vocals can also be herd on several television commercials including Senekot Laxative (“I Feel Good”) and in a scene from the 1993 hit film, THE FIRM, via Tom Cruise’s character’s disc player. “I can still remember my first performance when I was a three year old in my aunt’s church. Her name was Helen Francis, for whom I’m named, and I was so small they had to put me on the piano. I used to listen to rehearsals with her gospel choir and I’d sing “I Wanna See Jesus” in front of the congregation.

An audience to me could be just one or two people. My mom would have guest over and point to me and say ‘sing a song.’ And I would just go on and sing, and I’d even make up my own songs. It’s a natural God-given talent.” Francine Reed’s solo career began in the mid –1990s after she relocated to Georgia. Francine released her debut, I WANT YOU TO LOVE ME, in 1985, which included a cameo by Mr. Lovett. A year later, she followed up with CAN’T MAKE IT ON MY OWN, which featured studio legends Al Kooper (organ) and Bob Babbait (bass), along with McClinton. Both records were highly acclaimed with the later being the catalyst for a prestigious W.C. Handy Artist of the Year and Song of the Year nominations. Bonnie Raitt praised Francine Reed during a concert at Chastain Park when she walked on stage with Ms. Reed’s album and proclaimed. “You folks have a national treasure here in Atlanta.” Produced by Bryan Cole and Edd Miller for CMO Productions in Atlanta. SHADES OF BLUE is a stellar collection of ten compositions that allow Francine Reed to expand on the legacy in which she carved out for herself. Featuring up-tempo dance selections, heartfelt ballads, and lush orchestrations, SHADES OF BLUE is essential listening. “My brother Tony was the one who introduced me to jazz. Like most of my family I was into R& B, Motown, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Nancy Wilson.

We all used to listen to the radio and were very influenced by everyone we heard. And we thought we could do what everyone else was doing.” “Got A Right To Sing The Blues” is one of the many special moments on her latest release. The duel vocals of Francine and her sister Margo bespeak a deep passion for the blues. “I always loved the way Margo did this tune,” notes Francine, “and anything we sing together is going to be enjoyable.” Choosing the songs for SHADES OF BLUE was no easy task for a singer that is well versed in a number of genres. “Producer Bryan (Cole), and Edd (Miller) did everything for me on this album except the singing! We received tunes from advertisements placed in magazines for me, and they would weed through all the tapes and select what was right. Their expertise made it all happen.” However, the selections do reveal a very personal aspect of the artists’ life. “The Man That Got Away,” “Wrong Man For The Job,” “I Have A Right To Know,” and I’m A Handful” all ring true. “”Oh yes, it’s a man thing…my breakup with a gentleman had a lot to do with these songs. It comes around every now and then.”

“When we’re in the studio, I always try to go with first takes. Since I’m constantly working I usually don’t have the luxury of setting aside time specifically to record.” On the subject of capturing the energy of a live performance in a recording booth, and keeping the concert flame burning, Ms. Reed notes “it’s a mindset for me that I’m still trying to master. If it’s a really good song, then it just comes out of me. At a gig, I try to phrase like a record which is what the audience comes to hear. I learned that from being on the road with Lyle. Other times I have a tendency to be more improvisational and feed of the musicians and the crowd. Then I can kick it up a notch. But how that comes about, I really don’t know. I just open my mouth and sing from the heart. I’m really blessed.” CONTACT: Al Risi / PLATINUM ENTERTAINMENT 770-664-9262 ext 5762 arisi@pt-ent.com CMO Productions / Management Bryan Cole and Edd Miller 404-355-0909 www.cmopro.com

Partial discography
(from Francine Reed – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

With Lyle Lovett -

• Lyle Lovett and His Large Band(January 1989)
  • “Here I Am”
  • “Cryin’ Shame”
  • “What Do You Do/The Glory of Love” – duet
• Live in Texas (June 1999)

With Delbert McClinton -

• Never Been Rocked Enough(1992)
  • “I Used to Worry” – duet

With Willie Nelson -

• Milk Cow Blues (2000)

Solo -

• I Want You to Love Me (1995)
• Can’t Make It on My Own (1996)
• Shades of Blue (1999)
• Here Comes Frani Claus (2000)
• I Got a Right!…To Some of My Best (2001)
• American Roots: Blues (2002)
• Wild Women Do Get The Blues (2006)
• Blues Collection (2006)

References

1. ^ Skelly, Richard. “Biography: Francine Reed”. AMG. Retrieved 9 May 2010.
2. ^ “Who is Francine Reed?”, Francine Reed official website

External links

• FrancineReed.net
• Arizona Blues Hall of Fame Website
• “Francine Reed”, New Georgia Encyclopedia Website
• Blues Music Awards

Slates Monday Night Concert Series

Slates offers a full menu on these nights along with fine
desserts & drinks – from 5:30pm to 8pm -
or just come enjoy the music!
For reservations call (207) 622-9575
167 Water Street, Hallowell, ME.

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Please support The Valley Voice by “LIKING” us on Facebook at the bottom of this post. Thank You!

"Cover of Adbusters Magazine issue number 100 - Are we happy yet?"

Summary:

Augusta artist Megan Bastey will speak on Adbusters and the Art of Modern Activism
Thursday, May 24th, 7pm
Harlow Gallery
160 Water Street in Hallowell

Date and time:  Thursday, March 8, 7-8:30 pm

Fee: $3 suggested donation

On Thursday, May 24 at 7pm local artist and activist Megan Bastey will present an ArtTalk on Adbusters and the Art of Modern Activism.

Bastey will examine the the explosive viral phenomenon of Occupy Wall Street, which was originally sparked by the Canadian group Adbusters.  Bastey’s talk will touch on the history of art and politics, focusing primarily on Adbusters’ technique of mirroring opposing photographs and linking media images with words critical of those images. The ArtTalk will be followed by a discussion on the impact of Adbusters’ style of using humor, art, and political essay to inspire activism.

ArtTalks at the Harlow Gallery are sponsored by The Bank of Maine a local Maine business and long-time supporter of the Harlow Gallery – bank locally!

Your $3 suggested donation supports arts programming at the Harlow Gallery.

For more information, visit www.harlowgallery.org.

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Rehearsals are well underway for Gaslight Theater’s production of The 39 Steps, which will open May 18th at Hallowell City Hall.

The 39 Steps is based on the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name. However, all roles in this past-paced whodunit are played by only four actors. The 39 Steps has been described as a Hitchcock masterpiece mixed with a juicy spy novel, with a dash of Monty Python.

The plot closely follows the classic Hitchcock film. Canadian Richard Hannay (Tom Dix) is leading a boring life in London. Out for amusement at a London music hall, he meets a woman with a mysterious accent (Juli Brooks). When shots are fired and he takes her home for safety, she is murdered. Soon, a shadowy organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on Hannay’s trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale.

In Hannay’s travels he meets a plucky young Englishwoman (again Juli Brooks) and a sweet Scottish farm wife (also Brooks). Two actors (Mike Clements and Chris Cart) play all the rest of the enemies and allies Hannay meets along the way. Clements and Cart jump in and out of costumes (male and female), hats and accents with lightning speed, sometimes in mid-conversation. As if this is not enough, The 39 Steps also features an escape from a moving train, an on-stage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, bagpipes and romance.

Gaslight’s production of The 39 Steps is directed by Lynette Miller. Assistant Director and Co-Producer is Ellen Clair Lamb; Marc Loiselle co-produces.

The 39 Steps is a 2-time Tony® and Drama Desk Award-winner.

Performance dates for The 39 Steps are:

• May 18th and 19th, 7:30 pm
• May 20th, 2:00 matinee
• May 24th, 25th and 26th, 7:30 pm

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60 and up). For reservations, call 626-3698. All performances are at Hallowell City Hall.

Gaslight Theater
PO Box 345
Hallowell, Maine 04347
207-626-3698
gaslighttheater@yahoo.com

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Sunday, June 3 at 2:00 and Tuesday, June 5 at 6:30

Hallowell City Hall

Looking for 6 actors: 3 men and 3 women need three couples: One  in their mid 20s and the other two approximately one generation older (40 to Mid 40′s Looking)
Auditions will be cold read from the script.

A tribute from Ken Ludwig (Lend Me A Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo) to the great English farces of the 1930s and 1940s, The Fox On the Fairway takes audiences on a hilarious romp which pulls the rug out from underneath the stuffy denizens of a private country club. It’s a charmingly madcap adventure about love, life, and man’s eternal love affair with… golf.

FMI  Gaslighttheater@yahoo.com
www.gaslighttheater.org

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On this night Katie Daggett & Friends come together to present the music from Lucinda William’s Car Wheels on a Gravel Road album in its entirety. Katie will be joined by some of the areas finest musicians including , Bob Colwell, Ginger Cote, Erik Glockler, and Roger Sampson. They all share a love for Lucinda’s music especially the Car Wheels album and look forward to covering it in front of a live audience. Katie’s originals will be featured on this night as well!

Don’t miss this fun night of music!

More about Katie:

Singer, songwriter and Maine Native Katie Daggett has been performing her unique blend of adult contemporary music in coffeehouses, clubs and restaurants throughout New England since 1981.

Katie earned an Associates of Arts Degree with a major in music studies from the University of Maine at Augusta.

In 1991 Katie’s music took a new and personal direction as she began to write and record her own material. Although deeply rooted in the folk music genre, her musical creations reflect the influences of other musical styles including country, blues and reggae.

Katie has released three albums. The first, “Big Picture” in 1995 with trio Chord On Blue. The second, “Sistermoon” in 1999 with duo Sistermoon and in 2004 and “Outside In” also with Sistermoon. Many of her songs have been chosen for compilation CD’s for the popular radio station WCLZ 98.9FM.

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www.myspace.com/katiedwebber

Slates offers a full menu on these nights along with fine
desserts & drinks – from 5:30pm to 8pm -
or just come enjoy the music!
For reservations call (207) 622-9575
167 Water Street, Hallowell, ME.

Luc Demers and Amy Stacey Curtis at the Harlow Gallery

Exhibition Dates:
May 11 – June 2, 2012

Opening Date:
Friday, May 11th, from 5-8 pm, awards at 6pm

Location:
The Harlow Gallery
160 Water Street,
Hallowell, Maine 04347

Gallery Hours:
Wednesday-Saturday noon to 6:00 pm.

Fee: free and open to the public

On Thursday, May 3rd, Amy Stacey Curtis and Luc Demers judged the 17th annual juried art exhibition at the Harlow Gallery in Hallowell. 55 works of art by 49 artists were juried into the exhibition, out of a total of 296 works of art submitted by 103 artists. Art2012 will be on view at the Harlow Gallery at 160 Water Street in Hallowell from May 11 to June 2, 2012.

The public is invited to attend the opening celebration on Friday, May 11th from 5-8pm to experience a diverse mix of high quality artwork from all corners of Maine. The opening is free and open to the public. $1,350 in prize money will be awarded to artists in a ceremony beginning at 6 pm.  The annual juried art exhibition at the Harlow Gallery, now in its seventeenth year, draws artists to Hallowell from all over the state of Maine. Many thanks to Kennebec Savings Bank and to the Worthington Group for sponsoring Art2012.

About the jurors:

Says juror Luc Demers, “I am passionate about photography. Photographs are one of the most powerful means of communication and I find this to be particularly true in photographs that have a clear sense of personality or place. We are strongly drawn into the images that we feel connected to whether it is through shared experiences or a desire to participate in the narrative. Since 1994 I have been working as a commercial photographer. With a background in the fine arts and graphic design, I was seduced by the power and beauty of photography as a medium. I still pursue photography as a fine art in my personal work and feel that it enhances my ability to think creatively on commercial and editorial shoots.  Visit Luc’s website at www.lucdemers.com.

In 1998, Amy Stacey Curtis began an 18-year commitment to art-making, a project which would culminate through 9 solo-biennial exhibits from the year 2000 to the year 2016. In the end, Curtis will have installed 81 large-in-scope, interactive installation and new-media works in the vast mills of 8 or 9 Maine, USA towns. Each solo-biennial exhibit is a 22-month process, each exhibit exploring a different theme while requiring audience to perpetuate its multiple installations. The Maine Arts Commission’s 2005 Individual Artist Fellow for Visual Art, Curtis has committed to this work to convey that we are a part of a whole, that everyone and everything is connected and affects.

Curtis’s seventh of nine solo biennials, SPACE, will take place October 6-26, 2012 throughout 30,000+ square feet of one of Maine’s vast abandoned mills or other industrial spaces. Learn more by visiting www.amystaceycurtis.com.

A list of artists accepted into Art2012 by town follows:

Cynthia Ahlstrin, Winthrop
Debra Arter, Damariscotta
Nancy Barron, Gardiner
Joan M. Bellucci, Wayne
Nancy Bixler, Hallowell
Claudia Brahms, Hallowell
Martha Briana, Northport
Wendy Burton, Oakland
Martha Stanford Campbell, East Madison
Hanji Chang, Lincolnville
James Chute, Freeport
Megan Daigle, Farmingdale
Matt Demers, Gardiner
Lloyd Ferriss, Richmond
Robert Gibson, Lewiston
Tom Gilbert, Topsham
Ross Grams, Vienna
Anna Griffin, Portland
Liz Hoag, Portland
Mildred Kennedy-Stirling, Greenville
Patricia King, Waterville
Scott King, Farmingdale
Ryan Kohler, Oakland
Judith Krischik, Mt. Vernon
Ed McCartan, Brunswick
Kathryn McCoig, Brunswick
Larinda Meade, Portland
Robin Miller, Augusta
Jason Morgan, Readfield
Judy Nixon, Bristol
Petrea Noyes, Lincolnville
Ian B. Ormon, Leeds
Kathleen Perelka, Canaan
Caroline Phillips, Farmingdale
Jeannie Piccini, Winslow
Bob Richardson, Washington
Alice V. Rohman, Farmingdale
Matthew Russ, Waterville
Judith Schuppien, Pittston
Holly Smith, Rockport
Jodi Thomas, Portland
Bill Tomsa, Topsham
Sally M. Wagley, Hallowell
Mary Becker Weiss, Augusta
Lisa Wheeler, Waterville
Barbra Whitten, Augusta
Jodi Williams, West Gardiner
Bill Wyman, Readfield

Harlow Gallery
Kennebec Valley Art Association
160 Water Street
Hallowell, ME 04347
207-622-3813
website: www.harlowgallery.org
Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/theHarlow
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/harlowgallery
Photo archives: picasaweb.google.com/harlowgallery

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Hallowell City Hall
1 Winthrop St.
Admission is $5.

Tickets are available at Hallowell City Hall, Boynton’s Market, Slates Bakery, and at the door.

Mistress Mary will come dressed in a long white linen shift, the basic undergarment of colonial women. Master Adam will help her dress layer by layer, in an authentic reproduction of a c.1760’s gown. Our genteel audience will watch as she is laced into stays and helped into petticoats. They will learn about sacque-backs and mantuas, stomachers, pocket hoops and more, and that a ‘bumroll’ much be tied on in just the right place, lest it produce a “very undesirable silhouette”!

There will be tables laden with all manner of ladies’ 18thc. fripperies; gowns, small-clothes, shoes, wigs, fans and more. After the program everyone is invited to look at and touch these items, to volunteer to feel what it’s like to be laced into ‘stays’, and to ask any and all questions.

Audiences all over New England have loved this entertaining and lighthearted look into m’lady’s closet of a long past era.

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Staff: Hours:

Melody Norman-Camp, Director M & W – 10 – 5:30

Bob Fagan    Doreen Judge T & Th – 2 – 8

Stacie Linkel Sue Moseley   Fri.     –    2 – 5:30

Barb Rohrbaugh Sat.     –  10-2

The library will be closed Monday, May 28, in observance of Memorial Day.

Thanks to everyone who attended and/or donated works of art to our Creative Arts Auction, held on April 29 at Slates Restaurant in Hallowell. The auction was a resounding success,bringing in over $7,000 for the library’s capital campaign. Another example of the wonderful support the library receives from the community. Thank you!

Coming Events – Mark Your Calendars Now!

Milton Huntington Book Signing. 7 pm, Thursday, May 3, 2012.

Milton F. Huntington of Augusta, whose Milt’s Musings columns appeared for five years in the Capital Weekly, will describe the creation of his first book, A Lifetime of Laughter, which returns readers to the “good old days of yesteryear,” and includes close encounters with celebrities and politicians, hunting and fishing yarns, and a “bevy of pratfalls and puns.” As always, refreshments. Sponsored by the Friends of Hubbard Free Library.

HFL Book Club – Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month. Next meeting, Tuesday, May 15, 6 pm.

Most of the members found our April selection, Bill Bryson’s “In a Sunburned Country,” to be informative and “very funny.” Among some of the surprising things we learned: twenty-four rabbits introduced into the countryside in 1859 to provide a landowner with something to shoot at, having no natural predators in this ecologically isolated country, proceeded to reproduce “like rabbits,” and ultimately to turn millions of acres of once-fertile landscape into near-desert. A stunning example of the dangers of the introduction of non-native species to a habitat.

Despite many fascinating tidbits like this — and lots of the famous Bryson humor — most of our readers felt no particular urge to visit Australia after reading the book for, as Bryson says more than once: “It’s a dangerous country!” Which makes a nice segue into our book for May: “Crossing to Safety,” by Wallace Stegner. Copies are available for check-out at the front desk. Please join us for what always proves to be a stimulating discussion.

Children’s Hour:

Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stories and crafts for 2-5 year olds, younger and older siblings welcome. This is a great opportunity for parents and care-givers to meet and chat with other parents, too.

Friends’ Corner:

The Friends of Hubbard Free Library meet the 4th Wednesday of each month at noon, to discuss ideas for programs and fund-raising activities.  Please bring a brown bag lunch, and join us!  Everyone welcome.  Next Friends Meeting, Wednesday, May 23, 12 p.m.

The New Books Bin:

Following is a small sampling of new additions to the adult collection:

Fiction:

The Rope, by Nevada Barr (How Ranger Anna Pigeon got her start.)

Slash and Burn, by Colin Cotterill (A Dr. Siri mystery, set in Laos. “Tragically funny and magically sublime,” Entertainment Weekly)

The Coward’s Tale, by Vanessa Gebbie (A small boy sent to live with his grandmother in a Welsh mining town, learns the history of the town and its unusual citizens from the town’s beggar/storyteller.)

The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern (“Two star-crossed magicians duel for supremacy against the backdrop of a big top unlike any other. Morgenstern conjures up a world of dark enchantment and romance in this dazzling foray into the dreamscape of illusion.”
–Family Circle One of many rave reviews.) LP

Red Means Run, by B.J. Smith (A laconic jack-of-all-trades in upstate New York with the unlikely name of Virgil Cain finds himself on the run from the law when he’s wrongly accused of murder. Naturally he’s got to find the real murderer.)

The Right-Hand Shore, by Christopher Tilghman (A dying woman’s stories about her Chesapeake Bay family estate over the course of half a century hold in thrall a man who just wants to get the property sold.)

Non-Fiction:

Life’s That Way, by Jim Beaver (Star of  HBO’s Deadwood writes about the year in which his long longed-for daughter was diagnosed with autism, and his health-nut wife was discovered to have stage IV lung cancer.  Talk about dealing with life’s blows.)

How it Began: a time-traveler’s guide to the universe, by Chris Impey

The Modern Grandparent’s Handbook: The ultimate guide to the new rules of grandparenting, (Did you know there were new rules?) by Dr. Georgia Witkin (LP)

Relatedly: Grandloving: Making memories with your grandchildren (whether a world away…or next door), by Sue Johnson & Julie Carlson

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Photograph by Beverly Parker

Slates offers a full menu on these nights along with fine
desserts & drinks – from 5:30pm to 8pm -
or just come enjoy the music!
For reservations call (207) 622-9575
167 Water Street, Hallowell, ME.

Cheryl Wheeler has to be seen to be appreciated. Nothing you read and nothing you hear from her albums prepares you for how good a performer she is.

You may not be familiar with Cheryl, but you have probably heard her music. She is very respected as a songwriter by her peers, which can be seen by how many of them record her songs. Chery’s songs have been covered by artists as diverse as Dan Seals, Peter Paul and Mary, Kenny Loggins, Garth Brooks, Suzy Boggus, Melanie, Bette Midler, Maura O’Connell, Sylvia, Kathy Mattea, and Holly Near. If they think she is great, then you owe it to yourself to learn more if you aren’t familiar with her.

Click here to view the embedded video.

From her albums you can tell that she is a gifted songwriter with a beautiful voice. From other people’s comments about her you can learn that she is a natural story teller with a fantastic sense of humor. But until you see her in person, you never really believe what you’ve been told about her. Besides, almost half of the songs she does during her shows haven’t been recorded!

If you have never seen her do a live concert, then by all means do so! I get e-mail from people all the time thanking me for spreading the word about Cheryl. They go to the concert knowing they will enjoy it, and often find it even better than they had thought it would be. If she doesn’t ever perform near you, then try to find a copy of her video and see what you are missing. You can find some clips of her on YouTube, but they are usually only the songs, and not the stories. If she ever performs near you, do what you can to attend. If you don’t, you will kick yourself later for missing a great show.

Her Career

Cheryl’s first concert was to a captive audience. She found an old toy ukulele in a neighbor’s attic and serenaded her mother who was taking a bath at the time. A year later she got a real ukulele, then finally got her first guitar. She learned guitar from a neighbor, who also taught a group of boys. Each week they would get together and play just about any song they could think of for hours on end. Her first public performance was at a Hootenany type show when she was 12. She started writing songs when she was 17.

She has never had a “Day Job”. Her first professional gigs were at the Steak and Ale Restaurant in her home town of Timonium, Maryland. The place only had one PA system; in the middle of her songs you would hear: “Jones, party of four … Jones, party of four”. She finally convinced them to get a second PA system.

Cheryl did have a “job”, teaching music. In her words:
I did have a job for a few years, “teaching” music at Jemicy School, a wonderful school in the Baltimore area for kids with dyslexia. (“Teaching” is in quotes so as not to suggest I had the training or skills of an actual teacher). I was filling in for the music teacher who had left, and after a few days, I told the director she needn’t be in a hurry to find an actual teacher. I just played guitar and sang with the kids. We put on shows, both at the school and at a local library and a nursing home. Those kids were brilliant. I loved it. During that time I was also doing local bar gigs at night and after a few years I felt like I wanted to devote all of my time to playing and writing, so I moved up here to New England and did that.

She performed at venues around Baltimore and Washington DC before moving to New England in 1976, where she now lives. She tours extensively. She had a band for a while, but usually performs solo now, or with Kenny White, who often opens and then accompanies her and sings backup. She often appeared in the On a Winter’s Night tour, and was part of the Philo 25th Anniversary tour.

Her Albums

In 1983, Cheryl released a self produced EP called Newport Songs. Her first two albums Cheryl Wheeler in 1986, and Half a Book in 1991 were on an independent label, North Star. That company also released a promo tape called Live and Otherwise in 1987. This was a bonus tape that was sent to anyone who filled out a survey form that was included in a number of the North Star albums.

Her third album, Circles & Arrows, was originally released on Capitol in 1991, but it was dropped almost immediately due to a political shakeup with the label company. (The people who had promoted her album were let go, and Capitol decided to heavily promote Garth Brooks)

Her fourth album Driving Home was on Philo in 1993, a division of Rounder, and produced three singles: Almost, Silver Lining, and 75 Septembers, a song written for her father, and covered by Peter, Paul & Mary on their album Life Lines.

Rounder later reissued Circles & Arrows in 1995, followed by Mrs. Pinocci’s Guitar in 1995, Sylvia Hotel in 1999, the compilation album Different Stripe in 2003, and finally Defying Gravity in 2005.

In 2003, Cheryl graciously allowed the creation of No Previous Record, a two-disc album of songs that were never released on a commercial label. This album consisted of audience, FM, and soundboard recordings, and is restricted to members of her email list.

In 2009, Cheryl released Pointing at the Sun on her own label, Dias Music. This album includes some of the songs that appeared on No Previous Record, along with other new songs and a remake of Summerfly.

In 1998 a video of a live concert was released, What Do I Care? I Don’t Have Any Kids Construction Company. The film had been shot a few years before, so that by the time it came out, Cheryl’s act had changed enough that people who saw the video would still see a different show when they went to see Cheryl perform. Unfortunately, this video is out of print, although there are reports of used versions appearing on amazon.com and eBay.

Her Songs

Cheryl’s songs are often emotional portraits of people, leaving you with the impression that you know the characters. You find yourself being dragged into the song rather than standing outside and observing. Other songs by Cheryl are hilarious situation comedies.

From her songs you can get glimpses about her childhood: She was a Tom-Boy ( I Know This Town ) who loved music ( Music In My Room ).

You can also get glimpses of her adulthood: Her move to New England ( Northern Girl ), her neighbors ( Quarter Moon and His Home Town ), her surroundings ( When Fall Comes to New England, and The Storm ), and her time on the road ( Rainy Road Into Atlanta, Lighting Up the Mighty Mississippi, and Sylvia Hotel ).

But the songs that touch people the most are her songs about relationships, such as Arrow, Aces, and But the Days and Nights Are Long (formerly “Boulder Hotel Room”), andGandhi/Buddha.

Cheryl’s funny songs are legendary. Unfortunately, the early ones were almost never recorded. One notable exception was Estate Sale for which a video was made. Cheryl has always said that doing a funny song live is quite different than recording one. I guess enough of us have complained, because starting with Mrs. Pinocci’s Guitar funny songs started appearing on the albums. For some reason, Cheryl’s funny songs stay funny. I know of other artists who do funny songs, but after a few listens, I grow tired of them. During a show, I find myself laughing at jokes I’ve heard many times before. She is a natural story teller and a gifted comedienne, so each telling is fresh and often slightly different.

Her Concerts

If your idea of a folk singer/songwriter concert is a bunch of people clapping politely after songs, and then sitting quietly while the performer says things like “This next song is about …”, well, you’ve never seen a Cheryl Wheeler concert before.

Cheryl’s concerts are more like what you would find at a comedy club than expect to find at a folk music concert. She will tell a story that has you rolling in the aisles, and then sing a song that leaves you wiping tears from your eyes. She will talk about some serious current event, and then sing a song that will have you howling with laughter. Her entire concert is a emotional roller coaster.

Her set list is usually a crumpled piece of paper with a bunch of song titles. After each song, she’ll look at the list and decide what to do next. If somebody calls out a request, and her guitar is in the right key, she might try it, even if she hasn’t done it in a while. If she just finished writing a song, she will usually try it out in front of the next audience. If she has two sets back to back, she almost never does the same (or even similar) group of songs.

Her funny stories between songs show as much diversity. Each time she tells a story, it will be a little bit different, so even if you’ve heard it before, you still find yourself laughing.

To repeat, there is no way you can read about Cheryl and get a good picture of what she or her concerts are like. You have to see one. If she is performing in your area, do whatever it takes to get to her concert. You won’t be sorry.

http://www.cherylwheeler.com/home/home.html

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Example of Art Work Available at this Auction. Artist Unknown at Time of Publication.

Please join us for the Hubbard Free Library’s Creative Arts Auction on Sunday, April 29th, 5-8 p.m. at Slates Restaurant, 167 Water St. in Hallowell.

Preview & silent auction, 5-6 p.m., live auction, 6-8.  Included will be beautiful paintings, furniture, sculpture, photography, author-signed books, etc. by many local area artists, including Andy Molloy, Larry Brown, Nancy Barron, Olga Plumer, Wendy Larson, Kelly Arata, just to name a few.

Proceeds will benefit our Help the Hubbard capital campaign, as it nears its end.  Refreshments and cash bar.  Hope to see you there!  Melody

P.S.  Attached are pictures of two of the items that will be available.

Melody Norman-Camp, Director
Hubbard Free Library
115 Second Street
Hallowell, ME  04347
(207) 622-6582
hfl@msln.net
www.hubbardfree.org

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The  selected artists are busy creating art inspired by their farmers’ lives, work, landscapes, challenges and ideals over the course of the 2012 growing season.  The resulting work by all participating artists will be exhibited at the Harlow Gallery October 5-27, 2012.  Additional exhibitions focusing on select artist groupings will take place at partner venues in and around central Maine from November 2012 to January 2013.  The timing of the exhibitions is meant in part to help spread awareness about local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms as they begin recruiting new members towards the next season’s growing cycle.  Interested individuals can learn more by visiting the project blogsite at csaart.org.

The partnering farms are all CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms.  The way a CSA works is that people make a financial commitment to “their” farm by investing in a share of the produce at tlhe beginning of the growing season. In return farmers are committee to producing for their members the freshest, most flavorful, highest quality food possible.  Typically each CSA member gets a weekly delivery of produces from early summer through harvest. Community Supported Agriculture is a grassroots response to the growing social and environmental problems of our modern industrial food system.

According to Deborah Fahy, Executive Director of the Kennebec Valley Art Association and the Harlow Gallery, “Maine’s artist and farming communities have a lot in common, both are idealistic and creative groups, and both communities are key to Maine’s unique sense of place.  At the Harlow, we believe that that artists can use the power of their artistic voices to effect social change – or in this case to promote and celebrate the local foods movement.”

The Kennebec Valley Art Association, a 501(c) membership based nonprofit, was founded in 1958 and opened the Harlow Gallery in downtown Hallowell in 1963.  Its mission is to connect and celebrate art, artists and community. For more information visit them online at www.harlowgallery.org.
–
Harlow Gallery
Kennebec Valley Art Association
160 Water Street
Hallowell, ME 04347
207-622-3813
website: www.harlowgallery.org
Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/theHarlow
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/harlowgallery
Photo archives: picasaweb.google.com/harlowgallery

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The Transistors

Wednesday, May 2, 2012
8:00pm until 11:00pm

Join us the FIRST Wednesday of every month for ART NIGHT & the experimental jams of THE TRANSISTORS!

ART NIGHT SCOOP: Jes is cleaning out her studio and is bringing a crazy collection of paint, glue, ephemera, glitter, glazes, inks, canvases, old boards, found objects & MORE!

WHAT CAN YOU BRING? Other then yourselves, paint brushes, easel (if you need one), canvas, and a lighting unit. You are also welcome to bring and make your own personal craft! (knitting, jewelry, etc.)

Jes, the owner of Higher Grounds is an experienced & published artist ranging from jewelry to mixed-media & altered art. She will be there to help you get your art on if you are a first timer and would like to experiment!

MUSIC by THE TRANSISTORS: A core of musicians using their life experiences to shape the music we improvise in live settings. Although they have some carefully selected covers in queue, most of the music is spontaneously created to reflect both the soul of the trio at that moment and the vibe of the audience. The interplay of the trio with life forms the genesis of the Transistors.

About The Transistors

Biography

Combined experience of over 60 years with music, the Transistors draw on most genres of music we’ve been in contact with either behind our instruments or thru speakers. All three members were raised in Maine but have lived all over the country before settling back in Maine. Coming together in late 2010 to share our styles with one another, it didn’t take long to realize we shared a common love of the musical arts and an appreciation of the example life yields to portray in our music.

Description

A core of musicians using our life experiences to shape the music we improvise in live settings. Although we have some carefully selected covers in queue, most the music is spontaneously created to reflect both the soul of the trio at that moment and the vibe of the audience. The interplay of the trio with life forms the genesis of the Transistors.

Band Interests

Peaceful & open-minded listeners; laughter, friendship and good conversation.

Genre
jazz, jam, blues, rock

Members
Dan Bodmer/ Bass (aka Stan Bodner),
Robert Laplante/ Drums,
Ryan Reed/ Guitar

Contact Info

Website
http://www.facebook.com/transistorsjam
http://www.youtube.com/user/transistorsjam

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April 30th
ANNA & The Diggs CD Release
Show 8:15 Tickets $15.00

“River Girl EP.”

Anna & The Diggs, comprised of members from the alt-country/Americana troupe known as Gypsy Tailwind, is a Portland-based super group that is a perfect blend of deeply expressive and soulful rock, rhythm & blues. Born on the shores of the North Atlantic and reared on the musical diversity that only a port city can provide, this band will sweep you up and take you along on their collaborative new venture, giving you music that is musically exquisite, emotionally charged, and just plain real.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The band consists of Maxwell Cantlin (guitar/vocals), Colin Winsor (bass guitar), Chris Dow (drums), Benjamin Trout (mandolin) and Anna Lombard (lead vocals/guitar). Collectively, members of the band have shared the stage with the likes of Ray LaMontagne, John Fogerty, Greg Allman, Warren Haynes, The Grateful Dead’s Tom Constantine, and Guster.

Don’t miss them!  www.annaandthediggs.com

Slates Monday Night Concert Series

Slates offers a full menu on these nights along with fine
desserts & drinks – from 5:30pm to 8pm -
or just come enjoy the music!
For reservations call (207) 622-9575
167 Water Street, Hallowell, ME.

Please “LIKE” The Valley Voice at the bottom of this page. Thank You for your support!

Slates Restaurant: Art Work by Keith Peters

Please join us for the Hubbard Free Library’s Creative Arts Auction on:

Sunday, April 29th, 5-8 p.m.
Slates Restaurant
167 Water St.
Hallowell, Me.

Preview & silent auction, 5-6 p.m., live auction, 6-8.  Included will be beautiful paintings, furniture, sculpture, photography, author-signed books, etc. by many local area artists, including Andy Molloy, Larry Brown, Nancy Barron, Olga Plumer, Wendy Larson, Kelly Arata, just to name a few.

Chair: Artist info unknown

All proceeds will benefit our Help the Hubbard capital campaign, as it nears its end.

Refreshments and cash bar.

Hope to see you there!

Melody

Melody Norman-Camp, Director
Hubbard Free Library
115 Second Street
Hallowell, ME  04347
(207) 622-6582
hfl@msln.net
www.hubbardfree.org

Please “LIKE” The Valley Voice on Facebook at the bottom of this page. Thank You for your support!

"Lubec Arts Alive mural painted by Lubec community members under the direction of UMVA artist Natasha Mayers in 2009Date: Thursday, April 26th at 7 pm

Place: Harlow Gallery, 160 Water Street, Hallowell, Maine 04347
Info: 622-3813, kvaa@harlowgallery.org, www.harlowgallery.org
Cost : Free and open to the public

The public is invited to the Harlow Gallery at 160 Water Street in downtown Hallowell on Thursday, April 26th at 7 pm for a FREE screening of Lubec Arts Alive !. The film by the award winning television and film producer Jon Wing Lum, documents a week of  community-inspired art organized by the Union of Maine Visual Artists in Lubec, Maine in 2009.  Movie fans are welcome to stay after the screening for a discussion of the film led by members the Union of Maine Visual Artists.   Movie Nights at the Harlow are free and open to the public.

Academy Award nominee and recipient of grants from the National Endowment of the arts, filmmaker Jon Wing Lum grew up in New York City’s Chinatown.  He attended the progressive school, Little Red and Elizabeth Irwing, where the ideals of social justice and community service were embraced.  He is devoted to projects that bring about meaningful social change. His credits include 12 Angry Men, Scarface, Midnight Cowboy and numerous other short films, television series and  features, art films and theatrical shorts.

For more about Lum please visit http://jonwinglum.com/About.html

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