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January 19, 2021

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Arts Arts Notes

Two More Days for “Ho Ho Hope : A Covid Christmas Play”

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The Avalon Foundation will present the final two performances of their home grown and self-penned theatre production, “Ho Ho Hope : A Covid Christmas Play”, this Saturday and Monday nights at 7pm. There are tickets available for both shows. The show is sponsored by PNC Wealth Management. Back in August, the organization decided it would try and mount their annual holiday production amidst all of the regulations surround the Covid-19 Pandemic. At the start of rehearsals the show was seen as one that would be aired virtually online and run in front of limited audiences indoors.

Once the new Avalon’s Outdoor Stoltz Pavilion was built the show moved outside and currently has run for 6 performances. “Management thought about all of the safety measures that would need to be in place before we made the decision to go through with this,” said Director Tim Weigand. “We started rehearsals indoors from about 15 feet away from each other with masks on originally. Once we were able to rehearse outside at the new pavilion, that really changed everything for the cast. It was colder for sure, but we knew we could do a live show at that point and the show started to take some shape.” The outdoor pavilion built to seat almost 1000 people, in Covid times seats about 96 people. Seats are arranged in “pods” made up of 4 seat patio sets, 2 seat patio sets and 2 seat high back chairs. Only persons in your “covid bubble” are allowed to sit next to you and each pod set is at least 6 feet away from any other pod. “The show does take place outside so people are encouraged to dress warmly and bring blankets to keep warm. Anything you would wear to a Ravens or Redskins game should do the trick. The show was built to be about an hour long and currently runs about an hour and 5 minutes. But it packs a little bit of punch in that time frame. There is singing (most of it pre-recorded), dancing and drama in the show,” says Weigand.

Ho Ho Hope – A COVID Christmas takes place on the East Coast during the Pandemic of 2020. A mother and full-time arts administrator struggles with her colleague’s and organization’s decision to put on a holiday play during a Pandemic. Calling upon a cast of characters from classic holiday stories and the community at large (all while following CDC protocols), the story emphasizes the challenges we face as we work to adjust to our temporary new world. Watch along. Some jokes land, some don’t. The music is great. Hey… it’s a COVID Christmas. “Theatres and venues have been hurt terribly over the course of the 2020 and the start of 2021 is not looking any better. At The Avalon we have moved all of our operations outdoors and online to keep the business relevant, to present entertainment options to patrons and to offer a place to perform for artists. We hope you will come out to support the performers. The kids have been stripped of everything this year. We really wanted to get the play done so they could feel a little bit of normalcy this year. For about an hour during each performance, I think they feel that,” said Weigand.

Tickets for the show must be ordered online at avalonfoundation.org. For more information please email suzy@avalonfoundation.org.

Chesapeake Arts: Avalon Foundation Announces the Stoltz Pavilion

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Like every music venue across the world, the Avalon Foundation has struggled to find ways to present live music during the COVID pandemic.  Since news broke in March, the Avalon Foundation has been committed to the safety and well-being of the community that it serves.  Even today, when it could have audiences of up to 100 people indoors, so far, the Foundation has restricted indoor programming to audiences of no more than 20 or 5% of its normal capacity.  

Attached rendering by acclaimed Easton artist Stewart White

Studies show that there is a 20 fold relative risk increase of transmission between being indoors verses being outdoors, so developing a covered outdoor venue would be a real game changer both for the Avalon Foundation and the many other organizations whose programming used to occur in the Theatre. Today the Avalon Foundation announces a new, socially distanced venue that will help fill this vital social & economic need.

Named “The Avalon Foundation’s Stoltz Pavilion,” this state-of-the-art tent structure will safely bring the fun of a night out back to Easton while supporting the downtown area in these challenging times.

“By creating this space we are giving the public an entertainment option that is specifically designed to significantly reduce infection risk,” said Al Bond, President and CEO of the Avalon Foundation. “But it will also attract more customers to small businesses downtown, especially hard-hit restaurants, while offering non-profit organizations a safer place to hold community events.” 

To ensure safe social distancing, the Stoltz Pavilion will be arranged with 40 separate seating “pods” that will accommodate no more than four people each. According to Suzy Moore, the Avalon Foundation’s Artistic Director, observing healthy precautions in the venue will be a top priority.

“We will strictly adhere to all of the best practices and protocols in regards to COVID and will require that all patrons who choose to come, do the same,” said Moore. “In return, we are creating this very cool, very comfy, and quite cozy space for our guests with the same intimacy and attention to detail that the Avalon Theatre and Stoltz Listening Room are known for.” Each seating pod will contain either a table and stools or a comfortable love seat or love seat & chairs for parties of four. “And to top it off,” Moore added, “there will be table-top propane fire pits in most pods to keep the chill off on fall evenings.” 

Even as it is safer to gather outdoors, the Foundation acknowledges that high risk patrons still need to remain at home. Thus it is committed to continuing to serve everyone by live streaming performances from the Stoltz Pavilion on YouTube and Facebook, so patrons can enjoy Avalon programming from the comfort and safety of their homes.  

According to Bond, the Stoltz Pavilion, to be erected behind Talbot Town Center and NAPA Auto Parts in late October, will be much more than a simple tent edifice. The SaddleSpan S5000, designed by the Canadian-based Tentnology, is used for major festivals and cultural events around the world. The new Pavilion will span 60 x 111 feet. Its unique curved design, often compared to Australia’s iconic Sydney Opera House, uses no poles. The shape and space evenly distribute acoustics within the tent while muting sound outside. 

Moore, who is currently arranging shows for the venue, admits that it feels great to be connecting with musical artists and agents again.

“Although many national artists are opting to stay home, there are still artists performing at safe and socially distanced outdoor venues,” said Moore. “The Stoltz Pavilion will provide such a haven for these artists, plus it offers a great opportunity to showcase some of the amazing regional talent found right here in our community.”

The total cost for the Stoltz Pavilion—including the tent, furnishings, security, etc.—is $210,000.  The funding and development of the pavilion is a big move for the Avalon, ensuring sustainability through the pandemic and beyond.  The pandemic has decimated the music industry and closed venues across the world.  Opening a new venue at this time requires the support of people with real vision. Over many years the Stoltz family has been instrumental in helping the Avalon Foundation grow to be the largest arts organization on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Jack & Susan Stoltz both served on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees with transformational impact.   

Over a decade ago the Foundation collaborated with their son, Keith Stoltz, to create the Stoltz Listening Room, which has grown a reputation in the industry as one of the best small-capacity venues anywhere, and now again to create the Stoltz Pavilion.  As the owner of Electric Lady Studios (now celebrating its 50th year), Keith Stoltz is heavily involved in the music industry and understands how critical it is to develop ways to present live music safely.  

According to Stoltz, “For me the Stoltz Pavilion is a continuation of the long term commitment of the Stoltz family to the Avalon Foundation. Just as importantly it will provide a creative solution to the challenges caused by the pandemic and hopefully become a permanent addition to the community.  The whole industry depends on figuring this out.”  

While the Pavilion is intended to meet important community needs during the ongoing pandemic, Bond imagines it has the potential to grow into a more long-lasting fixture. 

“If everything goes well,” Bond said, “we are interested in pursuing a long-term use of the venue. If so, the exact seating capacity is yet to be determined, but it will certainly be a lot more than its current COVID capacity. In the meantime, the Stoltz Pavilion will provide a resource to the many organizations with whom the Avalon has been a long time partner; it will provide a meaningful boost to struggling businesses; it will put artists and support workers back on the job; it will bring the public a spark of much needed joy.”

For more information about the Stoltz Pavilion contact Al Bond at al@avalonfoundation.org.  For information about booking or community organization rental of the facility contact Suzy Moore at suzy@avalonfoundation.org.  For information about upcoming performances watch avalonfoundation.org or sign up for the Foundation’s weekly email.

 

 

 

 

SSPP Performing Arts Club Presents Macbeth at the Avalon February 21-23

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Macbeth by William Shakespeare, is a classic tragedy of ambition, greed, and equivocation. A brave Scottish general named Macbeth receives an equivocal prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne for himself. He is then wracked with guilt and paranoia.

In keeping with SSPP High School Performing Arts Program’s commitment to giving students a broad, well rounded theatre experience over the course of four years, the emphasis of this year’s production will be the elements of a Shakespearean tragedy, gender roles, and character development. What makes a work a tragedy? Is Macbeth a tragic hero? How are gender roles depicted by Shakespeare? Are the witches to blame for the downfall of Macbeth? Is Lady Macbeth to blame? Is Macbeth to blame? All of these questions inform our performance and help guide students to think more critically and analytically about this great tragedy.

In contrast with last year’s Earnestly Earnestine, a contemporary play with two simple interior sets and no special effects or period costumes, this year’s production of Macbeth has three sets: two interior and one exterior. Our production also uses special effects (fog, lighting, sound effect), Victorian costumes, live student musicians, and an elaborate dance routine for the witches. It has a cast of twenty students. Plus, students are being set-creators, make-up artists, back-stage managers, and advertising artists (students created the artwork for our poster, our t-shirts, and our program). In short, this production is aimed to give students a full performing arts experience.

Mr. Mark Ripka, Latin teacher at SSPP, will be directing SSPP High School’s annual play. He is the faculty adviser for the Performing Arts Club, has worked with them for four years–as an actor, producer, and program creator. Ms. Elora Amtower, an English teacher at SSPP, will be the producer. Guest artist, Mrs. Kimberly Dyer, a former professional ballerina, will be choreographing the witches. Mrs. Kate Levey will mentor the production. She has worked in professional, community, and educational theatre settings for over 30 years and was

Program Administrator and Director for the Avalon Theatre’s summer performing arts camps.

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Livingston Taylor to Perform at The Avalon Theater December 27

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Livingston Taylor will perform at The Avalon Theater on Friday, December 27. Click for Info & Tickets.

Livingston Taylor

Livingston Taylor

Livingston Taylor picked up his first guitar at the age of 13, which began a 50-year career that has encompassed performance, songwriting, and teaching. Born in Boston and raised in North Carolina, Livingston is the fourth child in a very musical family that includes Alex, James, Kate, and Hugh. Livingston recorded his first record at the age of 18 and has continued to create well crafted, introspective, and original songs that have earned him listeners worldwide.

From top-40 hits “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running,” to “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman,” the last two recorded by his brother James, Livingston’s creative output has continued unabated. His musical knowledge has inspired a varied repertoire, and he is equally at home with a range of musical genres—folk, pop, gospel, jazz—and from upbeat storytelling and touching ballads to full orchestra performances.

Livingston has never stopped performing since those early coffeehouse days, shared the stage with major artists such as Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Buffett, and Jethro Tull, and he maintains a busy concert schedule, touring internationally. He is a natural performer, peppering his shows with personal stories, anecdotes and ineffable warmth that connect him to his fans. His relaxed on-stage presence belies the depth of his musical knowledge, and fans might just as often be treated to a classic Gershwin or something from the best of Broadway.

Livingston is a full professor at Berklee College of Music, where he has taught a Stage Performance course since 1989. He teaches young artists invaluable lessons learned over the course of an extensive career on the road; the course is consistently voted the most popular at the College. His book, Stage Performance, released in 2011 offers those lessons to anyone who is interested in elevating their presentation standards to professional standards.

Livingston’s 50th year of making music was celebrated by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, both declaring January 18, 2017 “Livingston Taylor Day”. A documentary film entitled “Livingston Taylor: Life is Good” was released in 2018 at national and international film festivals. It has garnered many awards, nominations, and accolades, including The Van Gogh Award for the Feature Documentary category at the Amsterdam International Film Festival. The film premiered to the public on Amazon in November, 2018.

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Avalon Foundation Unveils Spectacular Renovation Of Its Historic Theatre 

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The Avalon Theatre in downtown Easton was the place to be last Sunday night, October 27th. 

A buoyant crowd of major supporters celebrated the recent return of this historic Theatre to its former Art Deco grandeur. Entertainment included Billie Holiday Competition winner and local jazz vocalist, Sara Jones, followed by a heart-warming performance by the Avalon Children’s Theatre, and a made-for-the-evening video by the Avalon’s own MCTV. 

Just four years ago, the Avalon Foundation was breathtakingly close to losing the Theatre when a local developer made a surprise offer to purchase it from The Town of Easton.  Thanks to a handful of generous, quick-thinking supporters, the Foundation raised more than $1 million to successfully buy the building and immediately begin the painstaking effort to address its most critical deficiencies.  Every exterior brick was repointed, the stage and dance floor were refinished, the theatrical rigging was renovated, and the electrical and mechanical systems were upgraded.     

With the most urgent needs met, the Foundation recently launched the Second Century capital campaign to restore the interior of Theatre to its former Art Deco grandeur, modernize the balcony seating, restrooms and theatrical lighting, and put the Avalon on solid financial footing for the next century. 

Avalon CEO Al Bond said, “Every person who has contributed to the initial effort to buy the Theatre  and those who donated to the Second Century Fund should take great satisfaction in the role they played in the acquisition and renovation of our beloved Theatre; more importantly, they should be proud of the profound impact that their support has on the Town of Easton itself and on the lives of countless people in Talbot County. Together, we are building a vibrant community for ourselves, our neighbors, and those who follow.”

From the Art Deco-themed tables with floral arrangements by Chesapeake Blooms, Gourmet by the Bay catering, and award-winning Oceano wine, much of the evening’s glitz and glamour was underwritten by Avalon Trustees. 

While more than half of the $2.1 million goal has been met, the Second Century fundraising efforts are ongoing.  Anyone wishing to learn more or participate in this important initiative should contact Kimberly Stevens at kimberly@avalonfoundation.org.

 

Kentavius Jones Releases Debut Album, Bohemian Beatbox

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Today, local singer, songwriter and guitarist Kentavius Jones announces an evening of rock ‘n’ soul celebrating the release of his debut CD, “Bohemian Beatbox”. Kentavius, known as KJ, will be performing on Saturday, April 13 th at 8:00 pm at The Avalon in Easton, MD. KJ is an eclectic, soulful performer who has shared the stage with Grammy-winning acts like The Roots and Snarky Puppy. The son of a DJ, his musical influences range from Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix.

Of his recently released album, KJ says, “The library of music I draw inspiration from is vast and diverse. As the sum of my musical influences, I wanted construct a humble tribute to them all. I’ve become the artist that I am because of them. This body of work was created as a direct reflection of my belief. The song-writing and production were absolutely unencumbered by the narrow confines of genre classifications.”

Kentavius is also a 6th grade social studies teacher at Mace’s Lane Middle School in Cambridge, MD. As many of his students come from adverse circumstances and suffer from the wounds of trauma, KJ aims to make Mace’s Lane a whole-student and trauma informed institution. Through his Music for Mace’s initiative, he will be donating all of the proceeds from his album sales until June 29th, 2019 to the cause and he is seeking private and corporate sponsors to help donate to this effort to heal and educate Dorchester County youth.

“This album is also a sonic love letter to you and to myself.” – Kentavius Jones

More information and tickets for the show at The Avalon can be found at: https://tickets.avalontheatre.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1104

About Kentavius Jones Music: www.kentavius.com

Sue Matthews and Robert Redd Performance on January 19

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Sue Matthews and Robert Redd performance entitled “The Music of Harold Arlen” on January 19 at Stoltz Listening Room. Doors open at 7:30 p.m and show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets on sale here.

Sue Matthews, with Robert Redd on piano, presents an evening featuring the superb melodies of Harold Arlen, the composer of such standards as “Over the Rainbow” and “Stormy Weather.”

Sue’s voice—silky smooth, honey-toned, and expressive—has captivated audiences and critics alike since she first appeared in 1991, releasing the traditional jazz album “Love Dances.” Her smoky croon caught on with audiences and within a few years released “When You’re Around,” scoring another hit, achieving “top 20” berths on the Gavin and R & R Jazz Charts. Her love of interpreting the American Songbook is apparent in Matthews’ releases “One At A Time and Live at The Mainstay,” as she continues to garner national and international acclaim.

Jazz pianist Robert Redd, a current member of The Duke Ellington Orchestra, was a member of the Keter Betts trio for 13 years, performing frequently at venues such as the Kennedy Center and Blues Alley.

Redd has also worked often as a member of the Charlie Byrd Trio, and can be heard on Byrd’s recording, “For Louis”. Other recent recordings include “Bouquet Chorale” (Summit Records) featuring Marty Nau and legendary saxophonist Phil Woods, and “When Redd is Blue”, co-led with his brother, Chuck.