Dance Magic: The Perks of Attending a Gala…

It’s that time of year again: gala time!  As an arts supporter you have likely received a gala invitation or two (or twenty) from your favorite arts groups.  Galas provide a great opportunity for arts organizations to celebrate a year of work, honor supporters and raise funds.  They are also a fun way for those who love the organization to celebrate its achievements and the people who make them happen.  While I have had the pleasure of attending many different kinds of arts events, I had yet to experience a gala until last weekend, so anticipation was high when I got the opportunity to attend the Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company gala last Saturday.

Attending the gala as a volunteer, I got a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into preparing for such an event.  As volunteers, board members and staff worked diligently coordinating a fundraising auction and welcoming guests, I learned just what a gala entails.  One amazing performance, several new friends, and many tasty treats later, my first gala experience was complete.  So, for those considering supporting an arts organization by attending their fundraiser or for those who are already looking forward to an upcoming event, here are my Top 5 Favorite Things About Attending a Gala:

Jersey Arts Resolutions, Part 1.

As we head towards the close of another trip ’round the sun, we wanted to share with you some of our reflections and thoughts on both 2010′s arts experiences and our hopes for what 2011 may hold. Here’s some resolutions from Shen, Gary, Patricia and Cat–check back for part 2 later this week. We hope you enjoy, New Jersey–and stay warm! –CV

SHEN SHELLENBERGER, our Blogger-at-Large:

When Twyla moves, you listen...

Twyla Tharp said that “art is the only way to run away without leaving home” and, really, isn’t that the truth?

I’ve always had art in my life – whether I was pounding out adolescent stories on the hulking Royal typewriter in my grandmother’s basement or listening to “West Side Story” and “Funny Girl” with my mother in the living room of our circa 1950s Cherry Hill ranch home.

Through writing for Culture Vultures this year, I’ve been more tuned in to art than I have for a long time.  Not only have I gone to musical concerts, which I’d likely have done regardless, but I also visited a jewel of a cultural site, saw a marvelous art exhibition at an equally marvelous South Jersey museum, watched a remarkable theatre production and attended the WheatonArts fest.

And the conversations that I had with people who make art – or in the case of the Civil War reenactors, keep history alive – reminded me of how glorious it is to have that passion to create.

In the coming year, I want to hear more stories – told from the stage in theatre productions and from authors reading and discussing their work.  I want to see more visual art, and maybe finally get my boyfriend to Grounds for Sculpture.  And I’d love to be a student and challenge myself to learn a new skill or fine-tune something I once knew how to do.  In short, my goal is to spend more time surrounded by art and the people who make it.

And, you’re right, Twyla, I won’t even have to pack a bag.

The Conversation on Cyber-Bullying Takes the Stage at George Street Playhouse

The lobby of the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick was a busy place on a recent Saturday afternoon.  A congenial and chatty crowd there, waiting to see “Circle Mirror Transformation”, the Mainstage production starring Sandy Duncan.  And, in the more intimate, black box theatre, there was a free performance of “IRL: In Real Life” as part of their as part of their Open Stage Series.  The show, written by R.N. Sandberg, addresses the provocative hot-button topic of cyber-bullying.

Bullying is certainly nothing new among children and young adults, but the technological developments of the past decade or so have changed it up.  Back in the day, being bullied might mean that some kid called you a nasty name or made a comment about your clothing choices or your eyeglasses when you were at recess.  If the playground was particularly crowded that day, it was possible that a couple dozen friends and classmates witnessed the encounter.  A few might mention it to you again later that day, or even tell others.  And maybe the incident would resurface again.  Some people might talk about it on the bus.  Or your friends might joke about it and encourage you to plan a defensive action.  But, most likely, the overall effect would not be too serious or long-lasting.

In today’s times, however, it is possible for an off-handed comment or an adolescent jab to escalate from minor and meaningless to something much more sinister at an astonishingly fast pace.

And this is the tale that unfolds – with texting and elaborate social media networking and computer-generated visuals – in this powerful show.  

Southern Shore Music Festival: Gary’s Picks

Dala

I’m the kind of guy that loves discovering new artists. I tend to laugh when people say there’s no good music anymore because I believe the more you listen to current artists, the more you realize just how much great music is out there these days. Maybe that’s why I run an online radio station that plays independent artists that most people have probably never heard of before; Those same independent artists are the backbone of music festivals like the Southern Shore Music Festival.

Appel Farm Arts & Music Festival: Memories in the Making.

Patty Griffin

The Appel Farm Arts & Music Festival is more than a convergence of performers and audience; more than a family experience in the heartland of the Garden State; more than a gathering of artists displaying their creations and vendors tempting you with foods you rarely dare to eat.

The Appel Farm Festival is memories in the making.

Welcome, Culture Vultures!

Hi There; welcome to the JerseyArts.com blog. We’re in the process of rolling out great new content here this winter and spring–you’ll be able to find blogs on the NJ arts scene from some of the smartest, most connected, and most insightful bloggers around, covering a broad array of topics and genres. So stay tuned for new posts coming soon!

Meanwhile, there’s a whole bunch of Jersey Arts adventures from the past few months to explore right here.Take a peek:

• This blog launched with two live-bloggers at the XPoNential Music Festival. You can follow John’s thoughts, or Raegan’s thoughts, or check out the whole experience here.
• We then covered the opening of Noises Off at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.
• Opera-lover Patricia checked out Destination: Opera at Ocean Grove, presented by New Jersey State Opera.
• Our Generation NEXT program features exclusive events and special offers for young professionals; our GenNEXT bloggers explored I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, MacHomer, and ABBA-Mania.
• In November, our blogger wrote about his experiences at Full Circle 2009: Voice and Vision at Matheny Arts Access in Peapack.

If you’re interested in some casual browsing, we’re also developing general categories organized by genre–right now you can peruse all of the GenNEXT posts, Opera and Theater, and more are coming!

So, that’s a bit about who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going–we hope you enjoy the JerseyArts.com blog, and please feel free to join the conversation with your thoughts and comments!