Avalon Foundation

SSPP Performing Arts Club Presents Macbeth at the Avalon February 21-23

February 6, 2020 by Avalon Foundation Leave a Comment

Macbeth by William Shakespeare, is a classic tragedy of ambition, greed, and equivocation. A brave Scottish general named Macbeth receives an equivocal prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne for himself. He is then wracked with guilt and paranoia.

In keeping with SSPP High School Performing Arts Program’s commitment to giving students a broad, well rounded theatre experience over the course of four years, the emphasis of this year’s production will be the elements of a Shakespearean tragedy, gender roles, and character development. What makes a work a tragedy? Is Macbeth a tragic hero? How are gender roles depicted by Shakespeare? Are the witches to blame for the downfall of Macbeth? Is Lady Macbeth to blame? Is Macbeth to blame? All of these questions inform our performance and help guide students to think more critically and analytically about this great tragedy.

In contrast with last year’s Earnestly Earnestine, a contemporary play with two simple interior sets and no special effects or period costumes, this year’s production of Macbeth has three sets: two interior and one exterior. Our production also uses special effects (fog, lighting, sound effect), Victorian costumes, live student musicians, and an elaborate dance routine for the witches. It has a cast of twenty students. Plus, students are being set-creators, make-up artists, back-stage managers, and advertising artists (students created the artwork for our poster, our t-shirts, and our program). In short, this production is aimed to give students a full performing arts experience.

Mr. Mark Ripka, Latin teacher at SSPP, will be directing SSPP High School’s annual play. He is the faculty adviser for the Performing Arts Club, has worked with them for four years–as an actor, producer, and program creator. Ms. Elora Amtower, an English teacher at SSPP, will be the producer. Guest artist, Mrs. Kimberly Dyer, a former professional ballerina, will be choreographing the witches. Mrs. Kate Levey will mentor the production. She has worked in professional, community, and educational theatre settings for over 30 years and was

Program Administrator and Director for the Avalon Theatre’s summer performing arts camps.

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Kentavius Jones Releases Debut Album, Bohemian Beatbox

April 5, 2019 by Avalon Foundation Leave a Comment

Today, local singer, songwriter and guitarist Kentavius Jones announces an evening of rock ‘n’ soul celebrating the release of his debut CD, “Bohemian Beatbox”. Kentavius, known as KJ, will be performing on Saturday, April 13 th at 8:00 pm at The Avalon in Easton, MD. KJ is an eclectic, soulful performer who has shared the stage with Grammy-winning acts like The Roots and Snarky Puppy. The son of a DJ, his musical influences range from Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix.

Of his recently released album, KJ says, “The library of music I draw inspiration from is vast and diverse. As the sum of my musical influences, I wanted construct a humble tribute to them all. I’ve become the artist that I am because of them. This body of work was created as a direct reflection of my belief. The song-writing and production were absolutely unencumbered by the narrow confines of genre classifications.”

Kentavius is also a 6th grade social studies teacher at Mace’s Lane Middle School in Cambridge, MD. As many of his students come from adverse circumstances and suffer from the wounds of trauma, KJ aims to make Mace’s Lane a whole-student and trauma informed institution. Through his Music for Mace’s initiative, he will be donating all of the proceeds from his album sales until June 29th, 2019 to the cause and he is seeking private and corporate sponsors to help donate to this effort to heal and educate Dorchester County youth.

“This album is also a sonic love letter to you and to myself.” – Kentavius Jones

More information and tickets for the show at The Avalon can be found at: https://tickets.avalontheatre.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1104

About Kentavius Jones Music: www.kentavius.com

Dominick Farinacci and Shenel Johns at the Avalon August 31

August 17, 2018 by Avalon Foundation

If you missed last November’s Modern Warrior Live—a theatrical music experience that told the tale of a soldier’s return to civilian life—you’re in luck. The musical mastermind behind the dynamic performance, jazz trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, returns to the Avalon stage on Friday, August 31st.

Modern Warrior Live wonderfully demonstrated Farinacci’s versatile horn stylings and mix of international rhythms, as well as his mastery of composition and knack for re-imagining familiar songs.

Dominick Farinacci

Kicking off the ninth annual Monty Alexander Jazz Festival, Farinacci will be joined by his Modern Warrior Live co-star, vocalist Shenel Johns. The two met a few years ago when he was in search of a vocalist during his residency as Global Ambassador to Jazz at the Lincoln Center in Qatar. Farinacci invited her to perform with him and has continued to include Johns in most of his shows ever since.

According to Farinacci, Johns’ incredible artistry was instantly recognizable from the moment she stepped on stage and sung her first note.

“I love vocalists who are storytellers, and who know how to bring you into their world through their voice, unique interpretation of a melody, and stage presence,” he says. “Because, ultimately, that’s what I try to do as an instrumentalist.”

For those unfamiliar with the powerful, yet graceful vocalist, Johns is known for distinctive, eclectic style that sways effortlessly from jazz to R&B to gospel.

Their performance, aptly named “Lady Sings the Blues,” will focus on women’s contributions to the blues over the years. Audience members can expect to hear selections by Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone, and more, Farinacci says.

The two premiered the retrospective at Woodstock Playhouse, New York, a couple of months ago, meaning their performance in Easton will only be the second time it’s been on stage!

“I’m excited about [that],” Farinacci says. “I think our take on women in the blues will be a little different than what you might expect.”

Shenel Johns

He’s also excited about returning to Easton, a place he refers to fondly as his “second musical home.” And though he’s performed a few times at the Monty Alexander Jazz Festival, he still says it’s surreal to play at a festival under Alexander’s name—and even more surreal to sometimes join him on stage!

“To actually play with him is quite awesome, to say the least,” Farinacci says.“[Monty Alexander] was always, and still is, a larger-than-life legend.”

Don’t miss “Lady Sings the Blues” with Dominick Farinacci and Shenel Johns at 8 p.m., Friday, August 31st, at the Avalon Theatre in Easton. Tickets are $45/reserved and $25/balcony. Festival passes available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit JazzontheChesapeake.com.

The Monty Alexander Jazz Festival is partially underwritten by the Maryland State Arts Council and the Talbot County Arts Council. Jazz on the Chesapeake is a program of Chesapeake Music.

Cowboy Junkies: Major Concert at the Avalon July 27

July 13, 2018 by Avalon Foundation

The Avalon is excited to be hosting Cowboy Junkies just 2 weeks after their latest record hits the streets. “All That Reckoning”, will be released on July 13th.

Although they’re famously free-riding, mythically rugged individualists and their music is highly addictive, the four members of the Cowboy Junkies are neither cowboys nor junkies. They make up the hip, hybrid Canadian indie band with a rich repertoire of originals and classic covers wrapped in an aura of mystery. The Cowboy Junkies – the little, but hugely classy, cult band – returns to perform July 27th, at 8p.m. in Easton.

The band is playing great these days, Margo is singing better than ever.

“We’re inspired by the material we’ve recorded for our new album and we’re having more and more fun reaching deep into our catalog.”

At the Avalon, they will be going acoustic and electric, performing new material, classics, deep cuts and fan requests. They’ve recently added David Bowie’s “Five Years” to their repertoire, supplementing the extensive list of covers they can draw from.

When asked what keeps the Junkies’ core group of devoted fans (affectionately called llamas) traveling to all their shows, the band refers to it’s authenticity.

“We hope it’s because we put on a good show, but I think it’s also an authentic performance. We’re a band that’s been performing together for thirty years and there’s a real, honest connection with the audience on most nights. I think that’s a rare thing these days.”

For more information on all upcoming events, visit avalonfoundation.org, or visit our blog, or call 410-822-7299.

Boston-Based Quartet to Bring Unique Celtic Roots Sound to Avalon

September 21, 2014 by Avalon Foundation

Join Boston-based quartet Long Time Courting for an evening of traditional and original music with evocative vocal harmonies and powerful instrumentals. The show takes place on Sunday October 19, 2014 presented by the Avalon Foundation at the Stoltz Listening Room in Easton. The show begins at 7:30 pm and tickets are $25. For more information and to reserve tickets please visit: http://tickets.avalontheatre.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=426

Long Time Courting is an all-women supergroup featuring Shannon Heaton (flute, accordion, vocals) of Matt & Shannon Heaton and Childsplay, Liz Simmons (guitar, vocals) of Annalivia and the John Whelan Band, Valerie Thompson (cello, vocals) of Laura Cortese’s Acoustic Project and Fluttr Effect, and Katie McNally (fiddle, vocals), also of Childsplay. Together as Long Time Courting, these four talented woman offer an extraordinary blend of neo-traditional Irish, Scottish and American music that showcases each musician’s versatility, creativity, and mastery. Exquisite vocal harmonies combine with formidable instrumental prowess to create music that is both playful and richly satisfying. The members of the group are all seasoned performers, having toured with such notable acts as The John Whelan Band, Childsplay, Robbie O’Connell, Aoife Clancy, Laura Cortese’s Acoustic Project, and Carlos Núñez.

Flute player Shannon Heaton, a Chicago native, is well known for her work alongside her husband Matt Heaton, with whom she has spent the last ten years recording, performing, and touring on several continents. Irish American News dubbed her 2009 Female Musician of the Year, and LiveIreland called her latest album with Matt Heaton the “Trad Fusion Album of 2010.” New Hampshire-ite and guitarist Liz Simmons is best known for her work with the Celtic Americana outfit Annalivia which she co-founded with husband Flynn Cohen. She also performs with the acclaimed Irish accordionist John Whelan, and her singing is featured in the film “Time and Charges” written and directed by Academy Award winner Ernest Thompson. Cellist Valerie Thompson hails from Kansas City and is an innovator of the folk and rock cello, as well as being a studied classical player. She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a masters’ degree from the New England Conservatory. Valerie can also be heard with Laura Cortese’s Acoustic Project. Katie McNally is a New England Scottish fiddle champion and two-time runner up for the national title. She is a graduate of Tufts University where she studied traditional music from many cultures (including a semester in Scotland) and performs with the supergroup Childsplay as well as her own solo project. This past year she could also be seen touring with famed Galician piper Carlos Núñez. For more info go to: www.longtimecourting.com

Modern Jazz Super Group Performs on Eastern Shore

April 19, 2013 by Avalon Foundation

Modern jazz supergroup the MARS 4-tet will perform in Easton on Saturday, April 27 from 8:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. in the Stolz Listening Room of the Avalon Theatre. The group played to a sold out house last spring when they first performed there. The very next day they’ll perform at JazzFest in St. Michael’s.

This eclectic quartet features acclaimed recording and performing artists who toured for decades before settling in the Mid-Atlantic region. They are Latin Grammy Award winning bassist Max Murray, Canadian saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk lauded by Jazz Times for his “considerable chops,” and by The Washington Post for his “impressive skills” as a composer, acclaimed drummer Frank Russo and versatile guitarist Donato Soviero. (Murray is a Chester resident; his band mates reside on the Western Shore.)

Known for their energy, humor and groove, these players effortlessly cross modern musical boundaries. They’ll perform classic covers by Horace Silver and Herbie Hancock, the modern jazz of John Scofield and Michael Brecker and pop and rock hits of Gino Vannelli and Led Zeppelin. New tunes by Antoniuk and Soviero will ignite the already exciting set list.

Formed only one year ago, MARS has already played a long string of prestigious venues in the region and members are planning their first recording as group. Their spring schedule includes a host of club and festival dates. For details visit the band website at http://www.mars4tet.com

The Avalon Theatre is an historic Art Deco jewel located at 40 East Dover Street in Easton. Admission to the Saturday concert is $20; advance purchase is highly recommended following last year’s sellout. Visit http://www.avalontheatre.com. For reservations, call 410-822- 7299.

On Sunday, April 28, MARS will play the St. Michael’s Jazz Festival, a new part of WineFest at Saint Michael’s. The jazz and wine event takes place from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and the MARS 4-tet goes on at 5:00 p.m. Admission for that event is $60. For information and tickets, visit http://www.winefestatstmichaels.com/jazzfest.htm

Mars 4-tet

Reminder: Plein Air-Easton! Photography Competition Deadline is August 1

July 26, 2012 by Avalon Foundation

Prominent Maryland photographer, Mike Morgan, will judge the 2012 Plein Air–Easton! Photography Competition.

The 7th Annual Plein Air–Easton! Photography Competition is open to professional, amateur, and student photographers.
All photographs must be original and taken in Talbot County July 16-August 1, 2012. Any subject shot en plein air (“in the open air”) qualifies. These may include: landscapes, wildlife, marine scenes, streetscapes, architectural, environmental portraiture, and—of course—artists at work. Competition guidelines are available at pleinaireaston.com/photocontest.

Prizes in this prestigious competition may include Best in Show, Second Place, Third Place, Best Black & White, Best Marine, Best Landscape, Vanishing Landscape Award, Spirit of Plein Air, Best Student Entry, People’s Choice Award, and Best Orientation-Assigned Award.

Submissions will be accepted online only. All submissions must be made online at www.pleinaireaston.com.
Deadline to enter is Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 5pm.

The contest will be judged by Mike Morgan, a prominent Maryland photographer, author, and lecturer. Morgan is a graduate of the University Honors Program at the University of Maryland, College Park, and has trained at the Maine Photographic Workshops and Santa Fe Photographic Workshops. He is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), the American Photographic Artists (APA), Editorial Photographers (EP), and Nikon Professional Services.

Judge Mike Morgan will announce the winners on August 16 at 7pm at an Awards Ceremony held at the Avalon Theatre in downtown Easton. Refreshments will be served and the upstairs bar will be open.

Winning photographs will be exhibited for the month of September at the Christine-Daniels Gallery, located at 30 E. Dover St. (across from the Avalon Theatre). The exhibit will open Friday, September 7 during Easton’s First Friday Gallery Walk.

The Plein Air-Easton! Photography Competition is the work of the Avalon Foundation, and supported by the Talbot County Arts Council and various prize sponsors.

For updates and more information, visit: www.pleinaireaston.com or “like” Plein Air Easton! Photography Competition on Facebook.
Cutline:
Prominent Maryland photographer, Mike Morgan, will judge the 2012 Plein Air–Easton! Photography Competition.

Plein Air-Easton! Photography Holds Orientation July 15

July 10, 2012 by Avalon Foundation

Diane Blake from Queen Anne won the Best Landscape Award in the 2011 Plein Air–Easton! Photography Competition with “Talbot County Farm.”

The 7th Annual Plein Air–Easton! Photography Competition is open to professional, amateur, and student photographers.

This year, for the first time, an orientation session will be held. Orientation for the competition will be held at Rise Up Coffee, 618 Dover Street in Easton, on Sunday, July 15th at 5pm. Orientation is not mandatory, but photographers who attend the orientation will have additional categories for entering the competition. Pick from a hat for your additional assignment.

All photographs must be original and be shot in Talbot County July 16-August 1, 2012. Any subject shot en plein air (“in the open air”) qualifies. These may include: landscapes, wildlife, marine scenes, streetscapes, architectural, environmental portraiture, and—of course—artists at work.

Photographers may shoot anywhere in Talbot County July 16-19 and July 22-August 1. Photographers are encouraged—although this is not mandatory—to shoot within the city limits of Easton on July 21 and 21 when the town is filled with people and high energy during multiple Quick Draw competitions and many other events.
Prizes in this prestigious competition may include Best in Show, Second Place, Third Place, Best Black & White, Best Marine, Best Landscape, Vanishing Landscape Award, Spirit of Plein Air, Best Student Entry, and People’s Choice Award, and Best Orientation-Assigned Award.

Additional prizes and awards may be added and will be updated on the website, www.pleinaireaston.com.
Submissions will be accepted online only. Deadline is Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 5pm. All submissions must be made online at www.pleinaireaston.com.

Competition guidelines are available at pleinaireaston.com/photocontest.

Lectures given by local professionals and group shoots led by a professional photographer will be available to all participating competitors, free of charge. These free sessions are open to the public. More information and workshop schedule will be available at www.pleinaireaston.com.

The Plein Air-Easton! Photography Competition is the work of the Avalon Foundation, and supported by the Talbot County Arts Council and various prize sponsors.

For updates and more information on the 2012 Plein Air-Easton! Photography Competition visit: www.pleinaireaston.com or “like” Plein Air Easton! Photography Competition on Facebook.

Cutlines:
(if run on color page) Diane Blake from Queen Anne won the Best Landscape Award in the 2011 Plein Air–Easton! Photography Competition with “Talbot County Farm.”

Acclaimed Folk Rockers Los Lobos Play Avalon April 3

March 28, 2012 by Avalon Foundation

Los Lobos

More than three decades have passed since Los Lobos released their debut album, Just Another Band from East L.A. Since then they’ve repeatedly disproven that title—Los Lobos isn’t “just another” anything, but rather a band that has consistently evolved artistically while never losing sight of their humble roots. The band performs at the Avalon Theatre on Tuesday, April 3 at 8 pm.

A rare example of longevity in a volatile music world that stresses style over substance, Los Lobos’ lineup has remained uninterrupted since 1984, when saxophonist/keyboardist Steve Berlin joined original members Pérez, Hidalgo, Rosas and Lozano, each of whom had been there since the beginning in 1973.

“This is what happens when five guys create a magical sound, then stick together for 30 years to see how far it can take them,” wrote Rolling Stone, and indeed, Los Lobos is a band that continually redefines itself and expands its scope with each passing year, while never losing sight of where they came from. Through sheer camaraderie and respect for one another’s musicality, they’ve continued to explore who Los Lobos is and what they have to offer, without succumbing to the burnout that plagues so many other bands that stick it out for any considerable length of time. Their influence is vast, yet they remain humble, centered and dedicated to their craft. Each new recording they make moves Los Lobos into another new dimension while simultaneously sounding like no one else in the world but Los Lobos. As All About Jazz raved, “The genius of Los Lobos resides in their innate ability to find the redemptive power of music, no matter the style they choose to play.”

Los Lobos

opening band The Statesmen

Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Tickets $55

Avalon Theatre
40 Dover St
Easton, MD 21601
410 822 7299

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