Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The Girls in the Picture by Melanie Benjamin My rating: 5 of 5 stars Nobody writes character-centric historical fiction better than Melanie Benjamin. Her story of Frances Marion and Mary Pickford in the early days of Hollywood is not only entertaining, it's informative and enlightening. I had no idea how much of an influence Frances had on Hollywood. And, for that matter, I didn't realize Mary Pickford was that powerful. I love the way Melanie Benjamin's mind works, and I'm thankful that she can get what's in her head onto book pages. Because I enjoyed the Audible version, I should say narrator Kimberly Farr is a fantastic actress and I will definitely listen to other books she narrates. View all my reviews

Harmonia Chamber Singers, a Western New York  a cappella group known for its innovative programming and stunning performances, will present “An Evening of a Cappella” at 7 p.m. Monday, April 30, at St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. It is the final concert in the Martine Performing Arts Series, a yearlong program presented by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts in the university’s School of Arts and Sciences. Founded in 2006 by Artistic Director Robert Pacillo, Harmonia Chamber Singers is a 21-member group that began as an experimental ensemble and quickly developed into one of the most sought-after a cappella groups in the region. Its performances span centuries of choral music, from Medieval chant to the present, and each concert is meant to be an emotional, exciting, educational and inspirational experience for the singers and their audience. “Their music is finely tuned and strikes a nice balance among choral...

The Cutting Edge by Jeffery Deaver My rating: 5 of 5 stars A brutal triple murder in NYC's Diamond District sets Lincoln Rhyme, Amelia Sachs & crew into action. It seems "The Promisor" is targeting engaged couples, and for what seems like a rather crazy reason. At the same time, a series of earthquakes and explosions from resulting gas leaks has the city edge. I won't go any deeper into either set of circumstances because I don't want to leave spoilers. But I will say the story was going along nicely and then ... Wow! I didn't see that coming! Then just when I got over that twist ... Hold on, here's another one, and another. And then, even though (I see it now!) he put in some subtle foreshadowing, I did not anticipate the last, big, delightful (in a "Yay, more Rhyme and Sachs books" way) twist. Jeffery Deaver always delivers, and always leaves me wanting more. (Note: You can easily follow the story even if you haven't read other Linco...

Somebody's Daughter by Rochelle B. Weinstein This is an interesting, contemporary character study about what can happen following a seemingly harmless teenage indiscretion. Every aspect of the Ross family's life is put under a microscope by friends, employees and townspeople after one of their 15-year-old twin daughters makes a bad decision at a party that, unbeknownst to her, is recorded on a cell phone and later sent to just about everyone in her school. Zoe's (the twin) situation also uncovers memories and feelings her mother Emma has been trying to keep buried. The boy involved in the indiscretion, along with the person who sent the video, also play prominent roles in the story. This is a good reminder for parents that, because of technology, teens have a couple more potential problems to deal with when/if they make mistakes. "Somebody's Daughter" would be a good conversation starter for anyone who may not quite know how to talk to their teens about the...

WHAT: Today marks the 31st anniversary of American artist, Andy Warhol’s, death. EarthCam is remembering and celebrating the life of the visual artist by inviting people around the world to pay their virtual respects with its live streaming camera at his final resting place in Pittsburgh, PA. WHY: Andy Warhol’s legacy is long-lasting and will be celebrated today with a special memorial ceremony at 3pm ET, led by local artist, Madelyn Roehrig, who chronicles fans’ Conversations with Andy. Fans are also invited to celebrate the artist in a way he truly would have appreciated – by creating commemorative pop art photos using EarthCam’s special camera. HOW: Celebrate the life and work of Andy Warhol and be a part of the memorial ceremony today at 3pm ET with EarthCam’s Live Web Cam , installed in partnership with The Andy Warhol Museum .

Dr. Donika Kelly, assistant professor of English at St. Bonaventure University, has won the $10,000 Kate Tufts Discovery Award for her debut collection of poetry, “Bestiary.” One of the most prestigious prizes in contemporary poetry, the award recognizes a first volume by a poet of promise. “Bestiary,” which was a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award in 2017, presents readers with a rich catalogue of legendary beasts and fantastic creatures that express familiar human struggles with identity, love, fear, and understanding even as they look back to the mythical past. The book was long-listed for the National Book Award in poetry in 2016, and was also named one of the New York Times’ best poetry books of the year. “Winning the Kate Tufts is such a tremendous and unexpected honor,” said Kelly. Kelly, who came to St. Bonaventure in the fall of 2016, teaches creative writing and 20th century American literature. Dr. David Hilmey, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences a...

Saturday March 3rd 7:30pm BCPAC presents "An Evening with Molly Ringwald" at The Bromeley Family Theater at UPB. Join Molly Ringwald and her jazz trio for a night of crowd-pleasing entertainmet. Melding traditional jazz with hits from the Great American Songbook, Ringwald performs a unique shoe with beautiful, unexpected musical connections. An actress of stage and screen, Ringwald earned a Golden Globe nomination at age thirteen, and went on to star in numerous films including the iconic: Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink. On stage, Ringwald starred in Broadway productions of the Pulitzer Prize winning How I Learned to drive, the revival of Cabaret, Tony-nominated Enchanted April and the West End production of When Harry Met Sally. Ms. Ringwald is now touring her concert act celebrating her first jazz album “Except Sometimes”. Tickets available at www.bcpac.com or call 814-362-2522

The Cattaraugus County Arts Council recently received a $22,207 grant from the F. Donald Kenney Fund to again support the Southern Tier Biennial Art show. The endowment fund was established through Mr. Kenney’s estate to support the biennial art exhibition in perpetuity. A graduate of Olean High School, Holy Cross College and Harvard University, Mr. Kenney made his career in international investment and banking, but also dedicated his time and money to the arts. Since its establishment, the Kenney Fund has made possible over $260,000 in grants to support the Southern Tier Biennial. The Biennial rotates yearly between a professionally juried art competition and a subsequent solo gallery for the competition’s best-in-show artist. In September 2018, Schuyler Dawson will be exhibiting his work after winning last year’s competition. Dawson, a California native, is currently pursuing his MFA in sculpture at Alfred University. The show’s professional jurors offered rave reviews of D...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford chapter of Habitat for Humanity will hold a comedy night to benefit its upcoming alternative spring break trip. The event will take place at 8 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Afterwords Club at 27 Congress St. Ticket prices are $10 and may be purchased at the door. Patrons must be 21. The Pitt-Bradford improvisational comedy group the Pitt Improvers will open the evening, followed by a troupe from Rochester, N.Y. A portion of the proceeds from the event will help send Habitat members to Winston-Salem, N.C., to help build homes for families in need. Last year, Habitat students traveled to Winston-Salem and installed hardwood flooring and tile in a home.

Dr. Zachary Rhone, adjunct assistant professor of English at Houghton College, has published a book titled The Great Tower of Elfland: The Mythopoeic Worldview of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and George MacDonald. Rhone’s book offers a case in favor of Tolkien, Lewis, Chesterton, and MacDonald’s similar Christian perspectives, countering a concept introduced in the late 1970s by author Humphrey Carpenter. Carpenter argued against the idea of the Inklings (an Oxford based literary group including both Tolkien and Lewis) sharing a Christian perspective in their writing. Rhone’s book is one of only a few that offers an alternative view. “The research in The Great Tower of Elfland demonstrates how significant a single belief – in this case, a deep faith in Christ – is in shaping a worldview,” he notes. Tolkien, Lewis, Chesterton, and MacDonald shared many beliefs: their views on language, the human journey, and others. According to Rhone, they believed that language is f...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold its popular annual One World Cultural Festival Feb. 24. The festival celebrates the many different cultures represented by the Pitt-Bradford student body, faculty and staff and the surrounding community. This year’s celebration will feature the band Erie-based band One World Tribe and the theme “We are one.” Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. Food from four regions (Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America) will be served at tasting stations with authentic recipes coming from student members of the Cultural Festival planning committee. Between bites, festival goers can visit international displays and booths with activities for all ages, including creating dream catchers with Pitt-Bradford Habitat for Humanity; “Be a Traveler, not a Tourist” with the Hospitality Organization of Students at Pitt-Bradford; henna designs and bubble tea with the Asian Culture Association; drum circle sponsored by the Pitt-...

Join us, in our first production of the Cattaraugus County Living Arts Association's 2018 season! Pippin is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson. Bob Fosse, who directed the original Broadway production, also contributed to the libretto. While many interpretations of Pippin have risen since its debut, there is no single correct explanation of the musical's meaning. The musical uses the premise of a mysterious performance troupe, led by a Leading Player, to tell the story of Pippin, a young prince on his search for meaning and significance. With a multi-talented cast hailing from communities across the southern tier and northern Pennsylvania, there's Magic to Do at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater February 16-25! Tickets are on sale NOW! Tickets will also be available at the door for $15. Show dates and times are as follows: Fri Feb 16: 7pm Sat Feb 17: 7pm Sun Feb 18: 2pm Fri Feb 23: 7pm Sat Feb 24: 7pm Sun Feb 25: 2pm For more...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will debut the Pitt-Bradford pep band at Wednesday's men's and women's basketball doubleheader against Penn State-Altoona. "We are super excited about the very first performance of the newly formed Pitt-Bradford Pep Band," Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Bret Butler said. "There is nothing like hearing a good pep band at a basketball game – the performances by the musicians add much excitement and enhance the overall experience. "This has been something that we conceived about 18 months ago, and I am so pleased that we have received some great advice from Patty Colosimo, Jeff Guterman and Dr. Joshua Groffman – who has volunteered his time and brilliant abilities to direct the band. We could not have done any of this without their collaboration. "We also appreciate the advice and support of Dr. Brad Townsend, the Pitt Marching Band Director. Not only did Brad give Josh and I sound advice, but he al...

If you've wished you could read more about Louisa Clark from Me Before You and After You , JoJo Moyes has granted your wish. You can hear my conversation with JoJo here: Interview with JoJo Moyes

Award-winning collage artist Gerald Mead will show 25 years’ worth of work in an exhibition opening at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on Friday. The show opens with a reception at 7 p.m. Friday in the KOA Art Gallery in Blaisdell Hall and will be on view through March 15. It is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday. Mead, who lives and works in the Buffalo, N.Y., area, is known for creating small two- and three-dimensional collages. His work is included in the permanent collections of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, George Eastman House/International Museum of Film and Photography, Brooklyn Art Library and the International Museum of Collage, Assemblage and Construction. Works by Mead have been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States and six other nations and are published in five collegiate textbooks. Mead has long been intrigu...

Baily’s Beads, the literary magazine of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and student writer Shahada Thomas have both received awards from the American Scholastic Press Association for the magazine’s 2017 issue. For the fifth time, the association named Baily’s Beads the Most Outstanding Literary Arts Magazine, awarding it a near-perfect score and First Place with Special Merit. Editors of the 2017 issue were writing majors Colin Almeida of North Wales and Stephanie McFall of Smethport, and Amy Gaberseck of Smethport, an interdisciplinary arts major who served as the head editor of layout and design. Faculty advisor Dr. Nancy McCabe, professor of writing and director of the writing program, said, “These awards are due to contributions from the entire staff, but I especially would like to credit designer Amy Gaberseck, whose hard work, talent and high professional standards brought this issue to the highest level it’s ever been, in my opi...

Amor Towles A Gentleman in Moscow 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 2018 — Hall of Philosophy, Chautauqua, NY A transporting novel about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel, A Gentleman in Moscow immerses us in an elegantly drawn era with the story of Count Alexander Rostov. When, in 1922, Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, the count is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him a doorway into a much larger world of emotional discovery. Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates Count Rostov...

The 2018 edition of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s award-winning literary magazine will feature online components, such as musical compositions or audio renditions of performance poems. The staff of Baily’s Beads will unveil this year’s issue at the Annual Literary Magazine Celebration at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons at Pitt-Bradford. Edited by three writing majors, Isaac Payne, a sophomore from Kane, Jayden Pire, a senior from Oswayo, and Shahada Thomas, a sophomore from Chester, the 2018 volume incorporates a variety of work. That work included an immersion journalism piece, a play, a screenplay, poetry, literary fiction and genre fiction. Readers will also be able to use web links or QR codes to hear original musical compositions and performance poetry read by the artist. In addition, the issue contains original digital photography and winners of a Seven Word Contest, for which a...

A writing student at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has recently been recognized and published online. Isaac Payne, a sophomore English and writing major from Kane, attended the Alpha Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Writing Workshop in Greensburg in August. During the 11 days that he was there, he met with critically acclaimed speculative fiction authors Tamora Pierce, Alyssa Wong, Daniel Jose Older, E. C. Myers, and worked with other staff members invested in the field. The purpose of this workshop was to develop writing skills for improving speculative short stories, and to gain feedback from peers and staff. Payne used the knowledge gained at Alpha in order to earn an Honorable Mention in the 2017 Writer’s of the Future Award for his short story “The Pursuit of Luck,” which also appears in the 2018 edition of Baily’s Beads. He also has flash fiction forthcoming from The Corvid Review. “Isaac is an inventive writer with impressive initiative,” said D...

Dinner theater is returning to Bradford. Enchante Cabaret will perform its romantic comedy "Journeys" February 7 at Beefeater's. Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and the show starts and 7 p.m. Tickets are $49.95 and only 100 are available.