https://www.awownyc.com/event/charles-r-hale-presents-new-yorkers-together-in-story-and-song/
Allison Sylvia: Word Artist / Poet / Singer / Virtuoso
(Mitch Traphagen Photo)
By Allison Sylvia
I was faced with the reality
that my life is not marked
by romantic love
but rather
love of the earth, ritual practice,
artistic community and inspiring words.
The poem that came out of this understanding
is one that includes my daily liturgy (shower ritual)
with quotes – not only from the AWOW members
present&performing – but also from poets George Watsky,
Hafiz, William Carlos Williams and my own past works.
Two sonnets found their way to the middle – they are reworked
from a sonnet crown for unrequited.projected love –
here I turn the light around
and find the love I long to give
is always right inside of me.
i like to think
of every subway car
& late night performance
space as an absolutely
unique collection of beings
in a time&place that has
never been before
&will never be
again so in
honor of
this community
sharing this space
this evening
let’s take a
collective breath
everyone exhale
empty.empty
lungs
fill yourself
from toes
to hips
to fingertips
exhale
let it go
like
the wind
now that
we’re
all together
it’s time i begin
with a little poem
some here
already know
the song of my heART
from which all new
works flow
love
love
love
it’s such a relief
to sing the word
true love
wherever
you might be
listen to me
i got a feeling
we are gonna
win
rejoicing
destined
for this age
our bodies
make it
perfect
first
turn to me
&your eyes
can make me
swim
my warrior
my muse
though i cannot
see how you
move your wings
&from above you
how i sank into
your soul
the space between
then again
everything
seems new
my tongue
&roof
to say the least
i’m into you
what i want
you’ve got
it might be hard
to handle
love is telepathic
&our eyes
tragic the way
i feel
how long
until
(yOu)
drink me up
again
this dream
pays for its
space in my
heART
i can hear
a rhythm start
each embrace
faith/surrender
&yes
i say yes
i am
yes
fool
holding you
never be alone
i never learn
kissing you
tell me i belong
please tell me
i belong
here is my hand
do you trust me
i pledge allegiance
to your heart
come place yours
beside mine
will you let me
write you
poetry?
please
please
please
this time
sAy
yes
.
i take
your applause
to signify consent
in gratitude
i invite you
to join me
in a dance
it goes
Here
(stomp.stomp)
Love
(reach out&touch)
Home
(hand2heart)
My feet
meet the street
to this mantra’s beat
each time
you reach for love
can you touch
a different
friend
what the world
needs now
is all the
good vibrations
we can send
Let’s try again
it goes :
Here.love.home
Here.love.home
Where do I begin
to tell the story
of how great
awow can be?
i know
the ground
from which
i rise
it’s here
with you
before your
eyes
i find my feet
are always home
through rituals
i practice life
in reverence
is power
each shower
i have some
good clean fun
i do my best
to make a prayer
of every single one
thank you
for the water
that always
comes out
of the faucet
thank you that
it is as hot as
i want it
water
is sacred
water is life
may i use
its energy
wisely
as i move
through the
rest of my
night&
day
you are
the one
only you
beneath
the moon
&under
the sUn
whether near
to me or far
it’s no matter
darling where
you are
i dream
of you
don’t fall
asleep yet
contrary to
popular
belief
that’s not
where dreams
get accomplished
a curious force
awakens
it is hope
aroused once
more
lOve
is what
we’re here
for
it’s what
i got
i said
remember
that
i am not
enlightened
yet
i
respect
the human
being
i
am
great
ful
for
the
body
I
call
hOMe
the
mInd
I
fInd
the
hEARt
I
hOLD
I
am
hOno
rEd
by
my
hANDs
that
tOUch
my
tOn
gUe
thAt
tAstes
my
fEEt
bless
me
dAIly
wIth
aMAzIng
grAce
I
am
grOUn
ded
&
sec
Ure
I
cAn
mAke
my
sUn
rIse
heresy
of my soul
love is truth.i want.to sing.mine.out loud
to she(that ME)the star I always see
wish to stand.brave.heart beam.hand.head high.prOUd.**
i lovingly persist.i sing of thee
not allowed to force.let(go)with the flow
i can be taught.promise.i yearn to learn
i’m here.a space.a home.where i can grow
pattern returns.to dance.
through rabbit holes.rainbows.one dream.i chase
i trust my feet.over bridges.i roam
when there’s nothing but time.there’s only pace
i know however far.all roads lead home
beloved.mother.whispers from the rock
[ ‘girl.put fingertips o’er keys&unlOck’ ]
all : one.muse.mirror.divine.love.mi
slow down.baby girl.sit.breathe.take stock
i am always here.what i need.i find
I want everything.now&then.begin
certain.i take part.in the work.outside
be.sing.dance.speak.create.rec
in every one I meet.I see.my pride
yearn.turn.create life.midas touch.sure of
the path i chose.true.always.find(a)way
forever.dance.w/trees&stars above
venus.morning star.sun.heralds.each day
here.now.may i be.the change.i wish to
{see.there is only (eye) dreaming of me}
in the
constant
celestial
gaze
i honor
the friends
who give me
breath
as i cross
the threshold
of every
public park
i sign
thank you
i love you
then bring
hands to my
heART
have
you heard
the secrets
of the earth
green space
soil&rain
is sacred
common
ground
communities
gather
salvation
found
guiding light
of you
first
love&respect
myself
only then
extend
to chosen
family
i find
BELOVED
all around
welcome
to this
dynamic
space
where
great art
flourishes
how do
i love thee
here
we
really
are
let me
count
the ways
as one
shoulder
to
shoulder
create
our future
Faithful friends
who are dear to us
Gather near to us
once more
conscious
dreamer
gotta fight
for the
life
you love
reinvent
self
show them
what you’re
made of
follow
your heart
trust
the buzz
in your
belly
hOpe
to achieve
hold on
let go
believe
lightness
lift
resonance
identify
with creators
around the world
Lately, I’ve been
having the same old
dreams
manifest one
right now&here
the right track
No time
Like the
Present
Elect
Star of Hope
President
Unity of
body.mind.soul
art.love.home
Is the goal
AWOW
I find heaven
in what you
mean to me
a feeling
without words
a bird will sing
Day by day
Step by step
Walk the way
Promise kept
coming
home
again
keep calm
bound for
my kin
create on
that’s the
story of
that’s the
glory of
when i say
ARTISTS
you say
WOW
ARTISTS
WOW
ARTISTS
WOW
when you say
I LOVE
i say
YOU
I LOVE
YOU
I LOVE
YOU
here.love.home
here.love.home
peace.love.respect
thank you
for playing
along
together
we are
strong
that’s the
power
of
song
MITCH TRAPHAGEN’S PHOTOS FROM AWOW’S “LOVE FORCE” NIGHT AT SID GOLD’S
Mitch Traphagen’s photos from Artist Without Walls’ “Love Force” benefit Showcase for Stars of Hope at Sid Golds Request Room.
AWoW and Stars of HOPE: Feb. 16 Showcase “The Love Force”
https://www.awownyc.com/event/awow-and-stars-of-hope-feb-16-showcase-the-love-force/
NYC: ASHCAN ART, EDWARD HOPPER AND MY GRANDFATHER
NYC: ASHCAN ART, EDWARD HOPPER and MY GRANDFATHER
When I began researching my family history I discovered that there were few mementos from the past. There were no letters, only a few old photos—one may have been taken in the 1890’s, and only a few before 1930–a 1913 funeral receipt and an oil painting. The painting captures a nighttime ritual, three NYFD firemen from Engine Co. 14, including my grandfather, (right), sitting around a table, playing poker.
The painting hung on a wall in my grandparents’ NYC apartment and other than Grandpa Charlie using it as a prop for one of his riotous tales, I didn’t know much. I knew that a fireman, Edward Brady, painted it but I never gave much thought to the history of the painting.
As I searched for links to the past–events that would elucidate my ancestors’ space and time–I began considering the painting. I imagined, given my grandfather’s appearance, that it was completed in the nineteen-forties. Once I learned that Edward Brady was a fireman at Engine 14 during the early forties, I was confident in my dating of the painting. As I studied, what I call “Firemen Playing Cards” and American art and artists of that period, I also learned the history behind the style in which Brady painted. It was a school of painting, very different than a generation earlier, and a style that enabled Brady to capture that singular moment in my grandfather’s life.
At the turn of the 20th century American Artists and photographers rebelled against the predominating art of aristocratic portraiture. A new style of painting developed, which was loose and impressionistic, and based on a new subject matter: modern life. Artists developed an interest in human elements: every day subjects in dramatic light. Art became a revelation of life’s experience, both the exciting and the mundane. This school of painting became known as Ashcan Art and included artists such as Robert Henri, John Sloan and George Bellows. Two artists who were greatly influenced by this style of painting, both of whom were associated with New York schools of art during the developmental period of this style, were Edward Hopper and Guy Pene du Bois.
As I studied “Firemen Playing Cards” in greater detail, I noticed that there was a similarity in style or at least a suggestion of Edward Hopper’s painting, “Nighthawks.” Deliberate and spare, each painting captures a singular New York moment in which three New Yorkers seem lost in their thoughts, anonymous and uncommunicative. The diner’s harsh electric light sets it apart from the dark night outside, as does the softer light emanating from the hanging lamp over the poker table.
Brooklyn born, Guy Pene du Bois who, like his good friend Hopper, depicted narratives of inaction and themes of emotional disengagement, differed in style. While Hopper was interested in capturing moments of solitude, using bold, simplified forms to infuse his scenes with drama, du Bois used smooth curves striking a balance between abstraction and realism. And while at first glance there appears to be no similarity in Brady and du Bois’s work, there is one commonality: the hands.
I’d always believed that Fireman Brady could not paint a pair of human hands. The firemen’s hands are nothing like I’d expect them to be, strong, large and rugged, but rather they look childlike and small.
But then I look at the style in which du Bois painted hands and I wonder if Brady was familiar with du Bois? The hands are almost identical. Was Brady familiar with the school of painters who had studios on 14th St. and Union Square, a few blocks from Engine Co. 14, which is located on 18th Street. Did he take lessons at any of these art leagues?
I don’t remember hearing Edward Brady’s name when I was a child. I noticed his name on the painting after his art was bequeathed to me a number of years ago. Looking through old firehouse logs of Engine 14 I was able to determine that Brady and my grandfather were fellow firefighters. And now I stare at the painting every morning, grateful that my grandfather’s friend, a man with whom he risked his life fighting fires, captured this singular moment in my grandfather’s life.
ARTISTS WITHOUT WALLS’ JANUARY SHOWCASE AT THE CELL
Join Artists Without Walls for its January Showcase at The Cell, 338 West 23rd Street, Manhattan, Tuesday, January 24th. Presenters include jazz fiddler Michi Fuji, author and lecturer Suzanne Bernier, singer/songwriter Martina Fiserova, artist and singer Maia Nero, writers Billy Barrett and Mike DeLucia, playwright Brendan Connellan and actor Faye Franzini. Charles R. Hale and Niamh J. Hyland are the evenings hosts and emcees.
The doors and the bar open at 6:45. Performances begin at 7:30. This is a free event.
Artists Without Walls Presents: A Night At The Cell
She was the first person I met at my first first Artists Without Walls Showcase at the Cell Theatre. As I made my way to a seat next to her, she just said, “Hi, I’m Deni!” I knew there was something special about her…she appeared to be a bright ray of light with red hair. We talked about music for a few minutes. It wasn’t until later, when I Googled her name, I found out how she could have introduced herself. She could have said, “I once played for the President and First Lady at the White House.” She could have said, “I’m actually kind of famous and have CDs out.” She could have said a lot of things but she didn’t. And Deni Bonet was my introduction to AWoW… It turns out that she wasn’t alone in her grace, modesty and extraordinary talent. There aren’t many like her but there are a few. And they often appear at the Cell…
The chatter isn’t quiet but it isn’t loud; it has a feel-good quality to it. It feels like home. Even for those stepping into the theater for the first time, there are no strangers here. There are no hurdles to conversation, whether in getting a glass of wine or a bottle of water or just joining on any number of loose groups of people talking. Many times the artists are among them.
It is the last Tuesday of the month. And at the Cell Theatre in Chelsea it is the night for the Artists Without Walls Showcase. It is a showcase of incredible people and amazing talent.
Niamh Hyland is a wunderkind with sparkling eyes and a warm heart who could have been an attorney, a business executive, a show host, a Ted Talk vet, or a singer with a voice running an incredible spectrum. Actually she already is all of that. And despite all she is and has accomplished, she still has her dreams; and she works hard to help others achieve their dreams. Niamh is a young woman with an old soul, because seemingly only that could explain her insight and wisdom.
Charles R. Hale, a man of culture and taste who puts on no airs while tracing his roots to the tenements of Lower Manhattan. He, too, could have been anything, and he certainly was something of importance, and in the end he chose the arts, creating an organization to elevate and promote artists; and to continue searching his past, unearthing the lessons his forebears learned. The lessons are often still applicable to all of us today. He has shown that even trailblazers are often able to benefit from a path cleared a century or so ago.
AWoW is a brainchild from Charles. That may sound like a funny word but is is apt. He is much like a father to the members. He is proud of the successes and worries about their hurdles and, despite having an incredibly busy life, he is tireless in promoting the artists and their events.
Charles R. Hale and Niamh Hyland are the co-founders of Artists Without Walls.
When he’s not somewhere else in the world applying his talent and art to sound production, Emmy Award winner Paul Bevan is comfortably behind the mixing board, adjusting and tweaking the sound to optimize each performance. He makes it look easy but it’s not. A typical showcase could include everything from an author reading from a newly released book, to actors performing a vignette of an emotional play, to an amazing, emerging rock band. He probably isn’t working with the high level of equipment he is accustomed to but he makes no complaint. Paul’s heart and soul is in the sound and equipment matters less in his hands.
And then the lights dim and the comfortable, not quiet, but not loud, din abates to silence. The show is about to begin.
The Cell Theatre in Chelsea is a special place. In the heart of Manhattan, the center of the known universe, it is the usual home of the monthly Artists Without Walls showcases.
Charles and Niamh are on center stage to introduce the first artist. Charles provides some background, someone amazing is about to take the stage. Niamh squints to see past the stage lights into the crowd…and then she smiles.
And the show, which is better than any show in the past and will only be topped by the next, begins…
Whether an artist or someone who loves the arts, we would welcome you to join Artists Without Walls. Just click on the “Become a Member” link. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the Cell!
SOPRANO ASHLEY BELL “SHATTERING…BRIGHT CLEAR TONE…WIDE PALETTE OF COLORS” IN MADAMA BUTTERFLY
Wonderful review for Artists Without Walls’ member, soprano Ashley Bell, in “Voce di Meche” which reviews the performing arts with an emphasis on young artists and small opera companies. Ashley performed the role of Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly at the New York Opera Collaborative at The National Opera Center last night.
“Ashley Bell wore the role of Cio-Cio San as well as the kimono and tabi she sported. The intensity of her “Un bel di” was shattering and she brought every skill in her armamentarium to bear on her delivery. The remainder of her performance was marked by a bright clear tone, excellent phrasing, and a wide palette of colors. She convinced us as a naive and hopeful 15-year-old, a deluded bride, an angry woman when challenged, and a resolute and noble figure who refuses to live without honor. It was a bit difficult to imagine her motherly feelings without a child present but the colors of her voice did the trick.”
Click here for the entire article
Deni Bonet’s “Bright Shiny Objects” CD Release in NYC
https://www.awownyc.com/event/deni-bonets-bright-shiny-objects-cd-release-in-nyc/
Charles R. Hale Productions and The Cell Theatre Present “An Evening with Niamh Hyland and Friends”
Charles R. Hale Productions and The Cell Theatre are pleased to present “An Evening with Niamh Hyland and Friends,” at The Cell Theatre, 338 West 23rd Street, March 30, at 8pm. Details to follow.
