Mumford and Sons

Gracia Festival :: Barcelona

{image via visit-bcn}

In a search for creative and festive holiday decorations, I came across this image of a street festival in Barcelona, called Gracia Festival, which takes place in August. Even the recepticals are festive! {If you are ever in Barca in November, and missing American turkey on the 25th, you can find some Thanksgiving festivities happening, here.}

Black Magic in Worcester

{Cirque Du Noir programs donated by checkerboard, image by andreea waters}

{fun vip name tags donated by checkerboard, image by louie despres}

{a beautiful capture of helen sheldon beaumont by louie despres}

{watching the live art fusion by louie despres}

{cirque du noir guests and participating artists, rocking the noir, susurrus din, helen sheldon beaumont, j fatima martins, jeff gemma, antonio fonseca, guybrush threepwood, and thomas caywood.
timed image by thomas caywood.}

Final result are almost complete. There are still a few auction items that are being wrapped up. The evening was so incredible, thanks to all of you Worcester people with serious party pants. There were so many new faces in the darkness, on a Sunday! Many of you asked about the Sunday night arrangement. We are doing everything we can to make Cirque happen on a Saturday next year. It will still be a week before Halloween, but hopefully we can fulfill your request to make it happen on a Saturday!

Thank you to all who came, you looked incredible. Thank you to all the photographers, Amy DeMar, Louie Depres, Mike Hendrickson, Jim Collins, Donna Dufault, and to those guests who shared their photos with all of us.

There are more Cirque Du Noir images via flickr. Please share your images in the group pool!

Shhh, there are some exciting plans in the works for Cirque Du Noir, so stay tuned...

Esthema and Goli: Cirque Du Noir 2010

{images provided by esthema}

Music is so important to me, a love instilled by my family from the first time I can remember. Meaningful events are also shaped and created by music, an auditory experience. Live music, even better, a visual experience. This year for Cirque Du Noir, we are lucky enough to have the Esthema World Fusion Trio back with us. Lucky, because they have been very busy. I am personally very excited to have these amazing guys back with us for a third year. We will miss Bruno and Ignatio this year, but look forward to Andy, Tery and Onur as the Esthema Trio lighting up the noir of the evening. I can't wait to hear them!

Check out their schedule and definately catch them in Boston. Their emotional and heartfelt music transports you. Esthema's sound and unique style will take them to amazing places. Funny, since they are from all over the globe, meet them for yourself. They are a great fit for the event, with so many European guests at Cirque.

Working with them is nothing short of amazing. Andy Milas, the founder of Esthema is one of the most incredible human beings I have had the pleasure of knowing. No joke. He has been an integral part of not only sharing the music, listening to what we needed, and his insight and his experience made me feel confident as the director of this whole event. As a newbie in this arena, Andy has been a great resource for me to turn to. So, thank you Mr. Milas and Esthema for giving Cirque Du Noir and the Worcester community oh so many gifts! You have created a lot of great karma.

Since the release of the Hereness and Nowness of Things, Esthema has been nominated for the Top 25 Award and their composition Eastern Dance hit number 4 on the Instrumental Charts at Indie-Music.com. Esthema is also currently on rotation on radio programs and stations across the United States and in Europe. On September 15 the International Association of Independent Recording Artists (IAIRA) certified Esthema’s Eastern Dance as an International ‘Top 10’. (via esthema.com) Congratulations Esthema!

{image by karen clunes via golimusic.com}

Joining Esthema on the 24th of October, through the tall black iron gates and in the dark recesses of The Citizen and Speakeasy, will be Goli also from Boston. Vessela Stoyanova and Valerie Thompson two lovely ladies playing "chamber music for the modern era", while madly in love with tango, Bartok, and goat cheese". Perfect for the location. Bring on the cheese and chocolate! When they are not playing for the Worcester community at Cirque Du Noir, you can also find them hanging out in Boston and NYC, see where here. Vessela just got back from Bulgaria. We could have hung out at Vama Veche on the border of Romania to discuss our collaboration, but Worcester/Boston will have to due! Although there will be no rikia, I may be able to get my hands on some palinka. Thank you girls for being a part of this art and music event, and for helping us give back to the community while enjoying all this music!

Ooh, and the ART...next post! Look forward to Scott Boilard, Aaron White, Jeff Gemma of Secret Society Tattoo, Emily Quillen, and Antonio Fonseca.

Tickets are now available online, here.

Cirque Du Noir III . 2010

{image via we love it, sourced at hautemacabre.com}

Start thinking of what you will be wearing Worcester for...
Cirque Du Noir III
2010
October 24th

Rodrigo y Gabriela

{images of Rodrigo y Gabriela from May 5th show at Capitol Theatre in Concord, NH}

If you love guitar, flamenco music or metal...yes, metal...you must discover the Mexican duo Rodrigo y Gabriela. Every song on every cd is incredible. What is even better than listening to them is seeing them. Do not miss a show if they swing by your town. They are due back in the states in August and are set to play Redrocks. That would be the most amazing place to see them. The ushers were not too pleased with the cameras, so I was happy I got a few shots even if they are fuzzy.

Our... Wormtown Rocks!

{image via WAM}

Wormtown Rocks!

Opening Reception for Worcester photo exibition of the local scene, featuring the work of friend Rich Gastwirt of stageshooter.com. He doesn't mess around...

{recent black eyed peas show by rich gastwirt}

Thursday, April 8, 2010 from 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
at the Higgins Education Wing of WAM


Worcester, known for its kicking music scene for all genres of music. We love incredible local talent and Worcester people and clubs have long supported this wonderful cultural asset of our city! On any given night you can venture out and fill that itch you may have for live music.

"This photo exhibition is a dynamic and unique snapshot of the music scene
of the area, highlighting both photographic as well as musical talents.
Celebrate this work at the public reception. In collaboration with
ARTSWorcester. Award ceremony at 7:30pm, music by James Keyes, light refreshments, cash bar, and good company." -WAM

Slow Art Worcester

{Opal: Zorn, WAM selection for SLOW ART}

{images of young Pete Townsend and Elvis featured at Who Shot Rock, NOW at the Worcester Art Museum}

April 17th is Slow Art Day around the world.

Come join over 46 cities around the world and us right here at the Worcester Art Museum that Saturday morning, when your visit is absolutely free. Some may forget that works of Monet, Renoir, Kandinsky, Picasso, Sargent and the like are right down the street from you. We drive by a few times a week and should really stop by. The Worcester Art Museum has been rocking and we are inviting you to be a part of it. "Rocking", I really mean it. Who Shot Rock, from the Brooklyn Museum is a current exhibit at the Worcester Art Museum and will be a part of Slow Art. What an appropriate town to have the Rock exhibit, with all the amazing musical talent here, most of it born here.

The tag line for the Worcester Art Museum is "Where Art Celebrates Life". Perfect. Art is life. Art is the interpretation of life and perhaps the largest and the most amazing level of personal gifts to the viewer, a museum and history. Slow Art gives you a chance and an open invitation to STOP and enjoy every brush stroke or nuance, the details that really capture the essence of what the painter, photographer, sculptor...what the artist was trying to express.


Since we are thinking about art, music and celebrating, I urge you also, not to miss:

Wormtown Rocks! Exhibition
In collaboration with ARTSWorcester.
April 6 - May 14
Public Reception: April 8, 6-8pm
{when prizes will be awarded}
Higgins Education Wing

Worcester has been known for its incredible and diverse music scene and its ability to nurture artists of all these genres. The exhibit is also a photo competition featuring this incredible look into the of the music scene of Worcester, amid the incredible musical talent are the photographers who capture the moments. You have seen them out and about if you are a supporter of live music in Worcester. {Louie Despres you had better be one of them!} Winners of this juried competition will be presented with cash awards on Thursday, April 8th, at the opening reception. Why check it out? All your friends will be there. Want to get involved in some Worcester art events? email me!

Louie was invited to photograph Cirque Du Noir 2009 and he captured the evening in such an amazing way. His lighting is signature and when you see a Louie photo, you know it. Louie and his wife Tina Zlody get around town supporting and contributing to the thriving art and music scene here. They are only two, together they do an incredible job spreading good vibes and community efforts around town. I hope to see some of Louie's images at this show. Every time I get the chance to see some music or go to some Worcester event, there are ALWAYS photographers present, capturing life. Scott Erb and Donna Dufault are always out and about with cameras in hand.

Worcester is thriving with life in all it's corners. Come check out Slow Art, Wormtown Rocks, the next Pecha Kucha Night. Come out and see what you have been missing. Talk to someone who has enjoyed Worcester lately. I bet you haven't been to Dr. Gonzo's Road Kill cook off lately have you? Walk by his shop on Main Street, you may hear him tickling the ivories, or enjoying the company of friends and neighbors in his little condiment shop with a big topless hot pepper out front, a prelude to the hot flavor of his passion for the Worcester community, music and art in town.

Want a taste of what I and chatting about? Watch Karl Connolly talk about his passion for mixing music at Pecha Kucha Worcester. A law student by day a dj by night. The diversity of the speakers are as diverse as the talent around Worcester. Keith Cross shares some letterpress with us at the first PKN.

Visit Worcester Art Museum on April 17th for Slow Art. Meet some new people, share the unbelievable collection we have in the galleries. The beauty of Slow Art is that you don't have to be educated in art, you need only to love it! Stop by, open your eyes and after, join us for some lunch or a beverage to chat about what you experienced. Don't stop there...there are alot more to keep you busy.

To stay on top of current events in Worcester, please visit the Social Web or the Worcester Cultural Coalition.

TO REGISTER FOR SLOW ART:
Please visit Worcester Slow Art on eventbrite to reserve your spot and enable us to send you the list of art you will be looking at. Learn more about Slow Art, its origins by the Reading Odyssey and the global movement here.

Cirque Du Noir

Cirque Du Noir II will be held at Bocado on October 25th! A celebration of art and music to benefit the Worcester County Food Bank. Experience artists creating works in an art fusion. This event was so successful last year that we are expanding it this year. Try YOUR hand at contributing to a collectable piece. All proceeds from the art auction go directly to the WCFB.

A little Cirque inspiration below, as it is all black attire. Create a costume or come dressed in all black, you will enjoy an evening like no other here in Worcester! People are still talking about last year's event, so I am so happy planning for this year is getting underway. Website and ticket updates coming soon. Find out more on FB. Bocado is the perfect venue. Last year was amazing and this year will top it!

{image via dior}

{image via scoop}

{image via makebelievecostume}

Lovin' Worcester...

{click image to take you there}

July 11, 2009
Noon - 11:00 P.M.

The hurricane horns
with special guest
craig rawding
of the delta generators
voted 2008 best boston blues band

{ 2009 International Blues Competition finals at the Orpheum in Memphis,
where Delta Generators were top ten finalists }

John & Son's Fairgrounds
226 Chandler Street * Worcester, MA. 01609

Brainchild of paul collyer
100% of profits for National autism association

click top image for festival all info

{i love people like paul who make it happen!}

When was the last time you had an aurgasm?

For those of you whose lives are greatly enhanced by music, check out Aurgasm, brainchild of the very talented, savvy smooth and musically obsessed, Paul Irish. (Ooooo, that boy can dance and he's pretty cute too.) I'm crushing on Paul a little here, but you will see, he's crushable.

If you like to explore, discover and learn about new music...you will be in heaven on this site. PC Magazine voted it in the top 100 blogs up there with Apartment Therapy, BoingBoing, & Cool Hunter to name a few.

Baila me...

Baila baila baila me
Esta rumba a ta gitana
Que yo siempre cantare
Pero yo siempre cantare...

It's no blues act to be sure, but the Gipsy Kings are playing the new HOB tomorrow and I just can't wait. We have been missing the old House of Blues in Cambridge and this is an exciting addition to the Boston music scene. Finally a venue big enough for national acts and small enough for a more intimate show than the "Garden". Safe enough, that you don't have to worry about the balcony coming down like the Orpheum. Sadly, I read that alot of the decor from the old place at Harvard Square was stored down in New Orleans and much of it got damaged by Katrina. I can't wait to see what made it back to Boston. It's been a long time.

Can you see me dancing while I am typing? Pero yo siempre cantare...

Scott Smith is the art director and curator of the House of Blues who features a folk art expression to compliment the music of the south that the place is known for. The HOB officially opens Saturday with a performance by original Blues Brothers front man, Dan Ackroyd and stand in Jim Belushi.

This image via the Herald.

You are missing out...

...if you have never heard these guys play. I first heard Esthema at the stART on the street performance this September. I would soon be planning a fundraiser, with no budget whatsoever. Well, I kept wishing they would play Worcester again, so I made a note to self not to forget them. In the meantime, Cirque du Noir was taking shape, after only a couple weeks of planning. I needed really specific entertainment. With this being my first ever event, it had to be good! My exact vision was in mind. Without a dime for entertainment expenses, I reluctantly contacted Andy Milas. I am so glad I did. They donated their time and would not accept my offer to pay their expenses for the evening. Making the trip in from Boston, their sound was exactly what created the atmosphere at my event that I envisioned.

We went back and forth about a few logistics, like who could be available on such short notice and what kind of music would work for the event. Andy went above and beyond...staying in touch with me even while on vacation with his wife in Greece! He was absolutely amazing. I was difficult about the exact music and I probably drove him nuts. He was the sweetest and most courteous guy ever.

When Onur, Tery and Andy took the stage, I could not have been more pleased. Not only are they all drop dead handsome and sweet as ever, they are fabulous world class musicians. Check out their bios! Amazing, melodic and ethereal... and had our guest dancing in minutes. They made me look like I really knew what I was doing! People asked me who they were how I found them and it did not stop that night. They impressed a lot of people. I was so incredibly floored by their generous gift. We raised almost 4000 dollars for the Worcester County Food Bank that evening.

Esthema's entire CD, Apart from the Rest is amazing. It's every bit a sophisticated fusion of world sounds that I just live for.

from their site:
Esthema's A P A R T FROM THE REST Voted Top 25 on Indie-Music.com Back in April Esthema submitted our CD, A P A R T FROM THE REST to Indie-Music.com for a review. We received an amazing review from our reviewer Jamie Anderson (Thanks Jamie!!!)...some of the highlights of the review read "It’s a perfect combination of Middle Eastern/East European folk music and American jazz, like an amped-up Loreena McKennitt without vocals." "...with excellent musicianship, they smoothly turn out originals centered around the beautiful melodies..."

You can read the full review at Indie-Music.com. Back to December...anyways, one morning we got an email that says we were EDITOR'S CHOICE FOR TOP 25 CD's of 2008. Check out what they had to say: "This disc features a sharp blend of Middle Eastern and Eastern European melodies with American jazz, played on oud, bouzouki, violin, bass, drums and more. Some cuts make me want to order a few beers and dance; others, sit still and nod my head, a martini in front of me. I love that there's a very in-the-moment feel with some songs, like a good jazz jam. I'll bet Coltrane and Parker would have loved this release." We really can't ask for more than that...the CD, which can be purchsed on CDBaby, Amazon, iTunes, IndieRhythm, Digstation, Walmart, etc...has been selling both domestically and internationally and accolades like this make it feel that much more real...

A second release, The Hereness and Nowness of Things, is due out this spring. I will be one of the first to buy it. I am forever greatful to these guys for their unwavering generosity and support. I highly recommend their music to all who enjoy music. There is something in their sound for everyone.