Were you art-full this past weekend?

Did you visit a gallery, attend a performance or catch a movie or bar band? Maybe you performed yourself. Please share how the arts filled your week and weekend.

What did you do in the arts this weekend?

I attended all three performances of Union-Endicott High School’s amazing production of Godspell. How were the arts a part of your week and weekend?

United Cultural Fund grants total $228,000 for 2013

By Barb Van Atta

Broome County Arts Council Board Chairman Fred Xlander and Executive Director Sharon Ball today (March 13) announced the awarding of more than $228,000 in United Cultural Fund (UCF) grants for 2013. Seven arts and cultural organizations will share in $210,428 in UCF general operating support grants. Project grants totaling another $18,298 will be shared by 14 organizations and individual artists.

Sexual violence play at Know Theatre benefits crime victims

By George Basler

The issue of violence against women has been much in the news. Congress recently re-authorized the Violence Against Women Act. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is holding hearings on sexual abuse in the military. A rape and killing in India has prompted protest and self-examination in that country.
So a production taking place this coming weekend (March 8 and 9) in Binghamton is both timely and provocative.

What did you do in the arts this weekend?

Did you participate in the monthly art walk (as either a walker or an artist)? Were you in the audience for a high school musical? Did you, like me, try to catch up on Oscar winners that you hadn’t seen yet? (First thought after finally seeing Argo: Christoph Waltz must have been absolutely amazing in Django to have been deemed more worthy of the Best Supporting Actor award than the hilarious Alan Arkin.) Please join our conversation.

Were you art-full this past weekend?

Did the long weekend provide you with extra chances to immerse yourself in Broome County’s lively arts scene? Then please tell us what you did.

Musicals showcase student talent

By Barb Van Atta

I said it last year; I’ll say it again: From February to May, there are no better places to get the most out of your entertainment buck than the auditoriums of local high schools. Despite budget cutbacks, talented students, dedicated teachers and hard-working volunteers in every district continue to put their hearts into presenting musicals every spring. The 2013 season begins this weekend with Fame at Owego-Apalachin, and continues into spring with offerings both classic (South Pacific) and contemporary (The Wedding Singer).

In 2012, I called around to schools to compile a list of performances. A big shout-out and thank you to Rich Ives of Oweo who did all the legwork this year, put it into this nifty graphic and made it available to BAMirror.

Did the arts warm up your week?

My son and I attended the final SRO Productions III performance of Godspell, a fabulous production that truly was SRO (“curtain” was delayed while more chairs were brought in). How did the arts add some warmth to your week ?

Did the Golden Globes shine?

Hey, movie buffs! Were you watching last night? What did you think of the Golden Globes — the ceremony, the hosts, the recipients, the speeches, … the gowns? Does the big thumbs-up for Ben Affleck compensate for the Oscar nose-thumbing?

Weather-delayed BTOS benefit set for Sunday

The BInghamton Theatre Organ Society’s benefit, postponed from last Saturday (Dec. 29), will be this Sunday (Jan. 6) at The Forum in downtown Binghamton. For details about the performance, see George Basler’s article below.

Let’s resolve to talk more about the arts

Happy 2013! A new year, a new opportunity to join in the conversation at Broome Arts Mirror. Don’t know how to get started? How about sharing your thoughts about the arts in the year just past? What were your favorite events in 2012?

Too hard to think all they way back through 12 months of activities? Why not just comment about the artistic moments that enhanced your holidays? My son and I participated in the Downtown Singers’ Messiah; what did you do?

— Barb Van Atta

Theater organ group’s fund-raiser Saturday showcases Hollywood’s newest silent film

By George Basler

A charming story, a happy ending and a scene-stealing dog will be on display Dec. 29 at The Forum in downtown Binghamton when the Binghamton Theatre Organ Society presents its latest showing of a silent film.

Philharmonic names new executive director

Heidi Kelley has been named executive director of the Binghamton Philharmonic, succeeding Stephen Wilson. Kelley, appointed following what was described as “an extensive national search,” will join the Philharmonic on March 1. Currently she is executive director of the Abilene (Texas) Philharmonic.

Deck the halls with holiday movies

By George Basler

I normally can’t stand making lists. But Christmastime is an exception. I almost enjoy “making a list and checking it off twice.“
I’m also a big movie fan. So, I thought I’d combine the two and present a list of my top 10 Christmas movies of all time. I’m certainly no expert. This is just a personal opinion. Any additions, agreements, or disagreements are welcome; that’s what the “leave a comment” section is for . The list goes from 10 to one. Most of all, have a happy holiday season.

Have you been art-full this week?

Did you attend or participate in an arts event this week? Please share your adventures.