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  • On A Winter’s Night

    Presenting the Reunion Tour of “On A Winter’s Night” from veteran singer-songwriters PATTY LARKIN, CLIFF EBERHARDT, JOHN GORKA  and LUCY KAPLANSKY, that remain among the brightest stars of the singer/songwriter movement for the past three decades. In 1994 Christine Lavin gathered them together, along with folk and Americana artists to showcase music of the Winter Season on the now-classic On A Winter’s Night CD, followed by several years of touring collaborations. These artists have released dozens of recordings and toured steadily through the decades, with fond memories of their touring days together. The winter season is again celebrated by these unique and popular performers, back together by popular demand.

    ***It is the artists’ preference that audience members be masked for this show for everyone’s health and safety.***

    PATTY LARKIN
    She redefines the boundaries of folk-urban pop music with her inventive guitar wizardry and uncompromising lyrics and vocals. Acoustic Guitar Magazine hails her, “soundscape experiments” while Rolling Stone praises her, “evocative and sonic shading.” She has been described as, “riveting” (Chicago Tribune), “hypnotic” (Entertainment Weekly), and a “drop-dead brilliant” performer (Performing Songwriter). Recently an Artist-in-Residence at Berklee College of Music – and now on the faculty at Fine Arts Work Center – Larkin reflects, “I have been energized by the poets, writers, and artists I have met while teaching, and find myself on a journey to break down some of the predictable pathways that songs can travel.” Bird in a Cage, her 14th CD now available, puts poems from ten notable poets to song, including US Poet Laureates William Carlos Williams, Stanley Kunitz, Kay Ryan, Robert Pinsky, and Billy Collins, for a new and haunting collection that pulses with the magic of lyricism. Poems are made to be shared aloud, and with Bird, Patty takes up that tradition and sets it aglow.

    CLIFF EBERHARDT
    One of the most original songsmiths currently on tour, Eberhardt is a highly intelligent, articulate artist whose penetrating and profound lyrics are sometimes overshadowed by his extraordinary guitar playing. Upon close listening, the Philadelphia-born singer’s gift for the English language is abundantly clear. The words that tumble from his mouth are framed by a raspy yet deeply elegant voice. Like John Hammond and Richie Havens, Eberhardt continues to carry the torch for traditional and contemporary folk music through his strong live shows. Whether he’s out on tour solo or with a small band, Eberhardt’s guitar playing, singing, and original folk songs and blues make for a compelling, thought-filled, emotional roller coaster of a concert.

    JOHN GORKA
    Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the leading singer/songwriter of the New Folk movement,” John Gorka is perhaps the quintessential singer-songwriter of the 90’s folk scene. Originally from New Jersey, John served an apprenticeship at Godfrey Daniels coffeehouse in Bethlehem, PA, then the Greenwich Village Fast Folk scene. Winning the prestigious New Folk award at the Kerrville Folk Festival, in 1984, he was then signed to Red House Records on which he released his landmark first of 17 recordings, I Know. Boston Globe penned Gorka “for the sophisticated intelligence and the provocative originality of his songs.” Recent accolades include 2016’s Indie Acoustic Project’s Best Singer/Songwriter CD of the Year for Before Beginning (Red House Records). 2018 brought his latest release, and 14th of his career, True In Time (Compass Records). True In Time (Compass Records).

    LUCY KAPLANSKY
    “A truly gifted performer…full of enchanting songs” (New York Times). Blending country, folk and pop styles, Lucy has the unique ability to make every song sound fresh, whether singing her own sweet originals, covering country classics by June Carter Cash and Gram Parsons, or singing pop favorites by Lennon/McCartney and Nick Lowe. Lucy’s iconic voice has been featured in film and on television, including commercials like Chevrolet’s iconic “Heartbeat of America” jingle. A Billboard-charting singer and one of the top-selling artists on Red House Records, she has topped the folk and Americana radio charts and has been featured on shows throughout the world from NPR’s Weekend and Morning Editions to BBC Radio to CBS Sunday Morning. One of the most in-demand harmony singers, Lucy has sung on countless records, performing with Suzanne Vega, Bryan Ferry, Nanci Griffith, and Shawn Colvin.

  • The Mind and Music of George Gershwin – Live Concert Lecture by Dr. Richard Kogan

    Listening to the deft integration of jazz rhythms and classical music in Rhapsody in Blue or the often-wrenching songs of Porgy and Bess, it’s jarring to think of their composer as a troubled youth, a juvenile delinquent, petty thief and high school dropout who, in a latter era, might have been prescribed a hefty dose of Ritalin or Adderall. But George Gershwin was saved by a school violin recital he’d tried to avoid attending – and it opened a door that allowed him to escape the predictable ignominy of a bad boy on the streets of Brooklyn. He was, then, a person reached – and made better – by music.

    Dr. Richard Kogan joins us to discuss the life, psyche and music of one of America’s greatest composers during an evening that integrates masterful piano playing, humor and insight into the close links between music, healing and genius. Trained in piano at Juilliard and in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Kogan is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Co-Director of the Human Sexuality Program at Weill Cornell Medical Center and Artistic Director of the Music and Medicine program. He also maintains a private practice in New York City.

  • Step Afrika

    Enjoy the company’s self-titled work Step Afrika! This show introduces audiences to stepping through both a traditional and contemporary lens. Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.(presented in partnership with Student Activities)

  • Bram Stoker’s Dracula: Was he actually Irish?

    Class Schedule: Tuesday Oct. 31 & Thursday November. 2 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM

    The Gothic horror novel Dracula has never been out of print since its publication in 1897; yet, the book’s Dublin-born author, Bram Stoker, is virtually unknown. This course unearths clues in the life and experiences of Stoker, as well as in Irish history, mythology, folklore and language, to answer the question in the course title. This two-session virtual course taught by Maureen D. Brady is a unique investigation of the novel focused on the Irish influences that inspired the classic tale and shaped its enduring legacy. Note: Reading the novel is not a prerequisite for the course.

    Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.

  • Bram Stoker’s Dracula: Was he actually Irish?

    Class Schedule: Tuesday Oct. 31 & Thursday November. 2 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM

    The Gothic horror novel Dracula has never been out of print since its publication in 1897; yet, the book’s Dublin-born author, Bram Stoker, is virtually unknown. This course unearths clues in the life and experiences of Stoker, as well as in Irish history, mythology, folklore and language, to answer the question in the course title. This two-session virtual course taught by Maureen D. Brady is a unique investigation of the novel focused on the Irish influences that inspired the classic tale and shaped its enduring legacy. Note: Reading the novel is not a prerequisite for the course.

    Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.

  • Paul Mecurio’s Permission to Speak

    Starring EMMY & PEABODY Award winning comedian from “The Late Show w/Stephen Colbert,” “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report,” “Permission to Speak” was met on Broadway with rave reviews and nominated for the prestigious “Most Unique Show” Broadway Alliance Award. In this exciting comedy show with a twist, the audience stars WITH Paul who improvises with audience members – randomly bringing folks on stage and letting them share their often hilarious, jaw-dropping personal stories. Directed by legendary director Frank Oz (Creator and voice of YODA and Co-creator of “The Muppets”). A breath of fresh air, PERMISSION TO SPEAK is first and foremost, funny and entertaining, but also a truly freeing experience that connects people through their amazing shared stories.

     

  • British Invasion Part 2: First Wave, 1963-1967

    Class Schedule: Thursdays – December 7 & 14 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM

    As the Beatles reached their first UK #1 hit with “Please Please Me,” the new music revolution had officially begun. Thus a new generation of artists such as Gerry and the Pacemakers, Hermans Hermits, Petula Clark, and the Rolling Stones joined the Fab Four in changing the charts. By 1964, the British Invasion had reached—and ultimately conquered—the United States.

    This two-session virtual course taught by Kit O’Toole will survey some of the major artists of the First Wave period, from 1963-1967. It will cover genres from pop to the beginnings of psychedelia, and will examine other acts such as the Who, Dusty Springfield, the Animals, the Hollies, and many more. In addition, the class will study the impact of the First Wave on the charts and on American pop and rock music. Finally, how did the First Wave set the stage for the psychedelic and hard rock sound of the Second Wave?

    Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.

  • British Invasion Part 2: First Wave, 1963-1967

    Class Schedule: Thursdays – December 7 & 14 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM

    As the Beatles reached their first UK #1 hit with “Please Please Me,” the new music revolution had officially begun. Thus a new generation of artists such as Gerry and the Pacemakers, Hermans Hermits, Petula Clark, and the Rolling Stones joined the Fab Four in changing the charts. By 1964, the British Invasion had reached—and ultimately conquered—the United States.

    This two-session virtual course taught by Kit O’Toole will survey some of the major artists of the First Wave period, from 1963-1967. It will cover genres from pop to the beginnings of psychedelia, and will examine other acts such as the Who, Dusty Springfield, the Animals, the Hollies, and many more. In addition, the class will study the impact of the First Wave on the charts and on American pop and rock music. Finally, how did the First Wave set the stage for the psychedelic and hard rock sound of the Second Wave?

    Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.

  • Living the Beatles Legend with Mal Evans

    Class Schedule: Tuesday, November 28 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM

    Join Monmouth University Professor Kenneth Womack for an in-depth look at the life and times of Beatles roadie Mal Evans. For nearly 50 years, his story has been shrouded in mystery, especially his death at the hands of the LA police in January 1976. Professor Womack will reveal the truth about Mal’s remarkable life and untimely loss, while also sharing previously unpublished photos and other anecdotes from his forthcoming book Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans.”

    Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.

  • Writing Memoir

    Class Schedule: Tuesday Oct. 17 & Thursday Oct. 19 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM

    This two-session virtual course taught by Mike Farragher provides attendees with an introduction to basic modes for telling the stories of their lives. Working in a supportive workshop setting, students will enjoy engaging, wide-ranging discussion about the joys and challenges of bringing their memories to life. Instructor: Mike Farragher, Monmouth University alumnus and author of numerous works of fiction and memoir.

    Whether you have dreams of being a bestselling author or you’re committed to creating your life story as an heirloom for future generations of your family, memoir writing can be a rewarding endeavor to help make sense of your life journey.If you’ve ever said aloud, “I should write a book someday,” but didn’t know where to begin, this course will get you on the road to fulfilling that creative dream.

    This course will explore how to get started, tools to overcome lack of confidence and overwhelm, provide creative writing prompts, and instill a disciplined process essential for success that has produced proven results for unknown and known authors alike.

    Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.