Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Arden Concert Gild schedules a wide range of artists
The Arden Gild Hall is simply one of the coolest venues in the state to see a concert. Driving past the innumerable developments on Grubb or Marsh or Veale Roads into the trio of the Ardens, one experiences a sort of anti-anxiety release or blood pressure reduction.
To call the diverse selection of architecture in Arden 'eclectic' is to be kind. Homes that one wonders of their viability in the next hurricane stand next to beautifully appointed marvels of design.
The Gild Hall, the center of the community, seats about 300 in a very intimate and funky Bohemian-style atmosphere. This inherent quality makes it equally a hoot for the performers.
On Boxing Day (December 26) a celebratory crowd was entertained magnificently by 3 locally bred musicians “The Spring Standards”. They write their own music. It's a rarity that each song of the hour and one half set was joyous and fulfilling. Aisle Say in offering a service to the readership by suggesting you brighten your day by searching them on Face Book and hearing their tunes.
Arden concerts was the child of resident tye-dye wearer and caretaker, George Brocklesby. George was following in an ancient tradition at Arden. Leadbelly, Pete Seeger and Burl Ives had trod the boards many decades previous.
Brocklesby and Mark Taylor (who has a Roots show on U of D's WVUD) brought in Bela Fleck in 1997.
Ron Ozer, a Cornell-trained chemist at the X Station, joined the Gild in 2003 and began a drive to expand the program. Early blue grass concerts evolved into World Music, Americana, the blues, jazz, classical, folk and rock; the programming as miscellaneous as the neighboring habitats.
Ozer made two funding connections which aided the cause; DE Division of Arts and The Grand.
The Grand shows, normally in the baby grand, have focused on World Music and Jazz. (the former being one of Ozer's predilections). “These shows”, says Ozer, “are generally harder to sell and The Grand offers a wider promotion base.”
The Concert Gild is an all volunteer organization. Says Ozer, “ While we love to introduce new bands to our audience, they have an international name performing on Saturday February 18. The legendary David Johansen. Here's a guy who gives new meaning to eclecticism: The New York Dolls, Buster Poindexter, punk and New Age.
Joe Trainor, who seems to be everywhere of late, is celebrating the 37th anniversary of Led Zeppelin's double album magnum opus, “Physical Graffiti”. Trainor's tribute band of superior musicians 'In The Light” will perform the album in its entirety. Ozer says the show is selling well so it is best to buy in advance. The date is January 14 and ducats are $15.00.
Jimmy Page and Robert Plant state this is the pinnacle of Led Zep. The album was the first ever to go platinum before its release. It is so very impossible to get the “Kashmir” riff out of your head once implanted.
Hoots and Hellmouth, who I recall have trod the boards there before, return on March 3. I have no explanation for this synapse, but each time I see their name, my mind reverts back to the late '60's group “Strawberry Alarm Clock” and their one hit wonder, “Incense and Peppermints.” Where in the world do these groups come up with their monikers? What fun!
Arden's next collaborative show with the Grand is Bettye Lavette on February 3.. She did an Arden show on Saturday, April 22, 2006.
Says Mark Fields, Managing Director of the Grand, “When we at The Grand decided that we needed to forge partnerships in the community to diversify our programming, the Arden Music Gild was the first group that we turned to. We had observed the Gild’s enthusiasm for all kinds of music and the members’ dedication to promoting the work of exciting artists. And, we were especially taken with Ron Ozer’s tireless promotional skills. We have established a number of other effective partnerships, but the collaboration with Arden was the one that got us started and convinced us that partnership was the way to build audiences for everyone.”
If after checking out the event schedule you find that a few of the concerts interest you, a Gild membership will give you reduced prices.
http://www.ardenclub.org/concerts.htm
http://www.thegrandwilmington.org/Productions/11-12/Bettye-LaVette
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Steps for the ORDINARY CITIZEN to reform Congress
We should be mad as hell. What can we do? When does this circus leave town? On the heels of the tax cut deal - a cynic migth even suggest the fix was in a month ago between the R's and D's - the American people should speak their piece. Here's a solution that has gone viral. When is enough...enough?
Warren Buffett, "I could end the deficit in 5 minutes," he told CNBC. "You just ...pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all
sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election. The 26th
amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months
& 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in
1971...before computers, e-mail, cell phones, etc. Of the 27 amendments to
the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the
land...all because of public pressure.
*Congressional Reform Act of 2011*
1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office
and receives no pay when they are out of office.
2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All
funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security
system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system,
and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for
any other purpose.
3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans
do.
4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay
will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the
same health care system as the American people.
6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American
people.
7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12.
The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen
made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor,
not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours
should serve their term's), then go home and back to work.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
NCT creates a new Christmas tradition
Dear sister Liz and I introduced ourselves to our table mates. My first question is always... “have you been to Candlelight before?” In three years of attending opening weekends we've sat with only one couple who were returning vets. A promising sign.
The couple was from Downingtown. That's a hike. Dinner theatres in their area had closed years ago and, being good shoppers, they knew the inherent value in this combo for $55.00 per.
Perusing the program, the gentleman leaned over to me. “Don't actors get bored being in the same show for 6 weeks?”
“OMG! Shirley you jest! Theatre people are not like you and me, my son. They love performing. They love being different. They love the bond of their compadres. It's a new audience every night; responding in as many ways to them as there are snowflake designs. Being on stage is a rush.
'A Very Candlelight Christmas' was NCT's first in-house show, written by two of the most gifted performing arts talents in the Delaware Valley, Chris Alberts and Sonny Leo.
Chris and Sonny come by their talents honestly. Chris's Dad was Al Alberts of The Four Aces. Sonny's Mom is the local living legend of dance, Anna Marie. Sonny appeared on Al Alberts' tv show as a teenybopper (way back in the day, as they say).
NCT took a great risk with this show. This is commendable. The project was outside the boundaries of their normal programming. The margin of error is slim. (think Rick Perry's numbers' plummet after his brain freeze).
But is there not a greater risk in the arts than to perform live? Players put themselves at risk each time they walk on stage. Will I sing a sour note, will I trip during a choreo routine, will I lose focus with my character, will I burp or stutter or sneeze or go up in lines?
Half way through the opening number I rolled my eyes, sighed and muttered, “two hours to go with this mediocrity?” Alan (Tim Moudy) was portraying an over the top Pat Sajak-type announcer with delusions of adequacy.
Then....the reveal. Devlin (Patrick O'Hara) strides in from the audience and pulls the plug. Now here's a guy with skeletons (literally) in his closet! I do suggest toning down his vitriol a tad for the holiday audience.
This is a play within a play. The even greater conceit was that the plot was a takeoff of Dickens' “Scrooge' with a very very Christmasy Candlelight version. Clever. And, with each scene, the imagination continued its upward path.
Alberts and Leo wrote an inventive piece “We Three Kings of Broadway” featuring 'King of Siam' (Andre Dion Wills), Don Quixote (Paul Goodman) and Tevye (Dave Snyder). The trios' signature Broadway tunes were interspersed with the Xmas anthem. Difficult to conjure, but it worked.
Peter Pan made an appearance...on land...and on roller skates... in the charming personage of Peter Briccotto, an ice skating medalist and coach in real life.
Bob Fosse (David McConney) had The Master's pelvic thrusts down in yet another inventive number, chained (as in Marley's chains) to two 'Fosse' girls.
Costume Child (Zoe McLane), age 9, exhibits stage presence and pulls off her running gag with aplomb. She is outfitted by amusing costumes by Linda Reilly and Carol Brindley.
I imagine this will become an NCT tradition. Aisle Say considers there was a bit too much “Auld Lang Syne” and, with all the hoopla around Cassie's ( Kaylan Wetzel Acon) show-stopping talent, there was no fitting production number befitting her prodigious versatility.
Thru December 23. NCTonstage.org 302.475.2313
The couple was from Downingtown. That's a hike. Dinner theatres in their area had closed years ago and, being good shoppers, they knew the inherent value in this combo for $55.00 per.
Perusing the program, the gentleman leaned over to me. “Don't actors get bored being in the same show for 6 weeks?”
“OMG! Shirley you jest! Theatre people are not like you and me, my son. They love performing. They love being different. They love the bond of their compadres. It's a new audience every night; responding in as many ways to them as there are snowflake designs. Being on stage is a rush.
'A Very Candlelight Christmas' was NCT's first in-house show, written by two of the most gifted performing arts talents in the Delaware Valley, Chris Alberts and Sonny Leo.
Chris and Sonny come by their talents honestly. Chris's Dad was Al Alberts of The Four Aces. Sonny's Mom is the local living legend of dance, Anna Marie. Sonny appeared on Al Alberts' tv show as a teenybopper (way back in the day, as they say).
NCT took a great risk with this show. This is commendable. The project was outside the boundaries of their normal programming. The margin of error is slim. (think Rick Perry's numbers' plummet after his brain freeze).
But is there not a greater risk in the arts than to perform live? Players put themselves at risk each time they walk on stage. Will I sing a sour note, will I trip during a choreo routine, will I lose focus with my character, will I burp or stutter or sneeze or go up in lines?
Half way through the opening number I rolled my eyes, sighed and muttered, “two hours to go with this mediocrity?” Alan (Tim Moudy) was portraying an over the top Pat Sajak-type announcer with delusions of adequacy.
Then....the reveal. Devlin (Patrick O'Hara) strides in from the audience and pulls the plug. Now here's a guy with skeletons (literally) in his closet! I do suggest toning down his vitriol a tad for the holiday audience.
This is a play within a play. The even greater conceit was that the plot was a takeoff of Dickens' “Scrooge' with a very very Christmasy Candlelight version. Clever. And, with each scene, the imagination continued its upward path.
Alberts and Leo wrote an inventive piece “We Three Kings of Broadway” featuring 'King of Siam' (Andre Dion Wills), Don Quixote (Paul Goodman) and Tevye (Dave Snyder). The trios' signature Broadway tunes were interspersed with the Xmas anthem. Difficult to conjure, but it worked.
Peter Pan made an appearance...on land...and on roller skates... in the charming personage of Peter Briccotto, an ice skating medalist and coach in real life.
Bob Fosse (David McConney) had The Master's pelvic thrusts down in yet another inventive number, chained (as in Marley's chains) to two 'Fosse' girls.
Costume Child (Zoe McLane), age 9, exhibits stage presence and pulls off her running gag with aplomb. She is outfitted by amusing costumes by Linda Reilly and Carol Brindley.
I imagine this will become an NCT tradition. Aisle Say considers there was a bit too much “Auld Lang Syne” and, with all the hoopla around Cassie's ( Kaylan Wetzel Acon) show-stopping talent, there was no fitting production number befitting her prodigious versatility.
Thru December 23. NCTonstage.org 302.475.2313
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Nemours France is Wilmington's new Sister City
Michele Hermann, the Vice Mayor of Nemours France was recently feted at a reception at Nemours Mansion, indubitably the most spectacular pied a terre in the state. Her city has been designated Wilmington’s most recent “Sister City”.
Madame Hermann was vacationing in America this summer. Next spring she will bring a contingent of 'citoyens de Nemours' (citizens of Nemours) to our fair state in reciprocity with a group of Delawareans journeying to visit her this past spring.
The French city, about 40 miles south of “La Ville de Lumineres” (the City of Lights), is the ancestral home of the du Pont family. In the 18th century, Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours (E.I.'s pere) was a government official in the Court of King Louis the XVI who opposed the French Revolution. He narrowly escaped Madame deFarge's favorite means of mayhem (the guillotine) during the Reign of Terror. In the following turmoil the famille du Pont emigrated with his family to Wilmington in 1799 where, a few years later, his son founded a petite company of some future renown.
(A contemporary analogy is Delaware's own Reign of Terror perpetrated by Christine O'Donnell. In lieu of deFarge's knitting needles, however, C O'D wielded a wand).
Nemours is joined with Kalmar Sweden, Watford England, Fulda Germany and Olevano sul Tusciano Italy and Osogbo Nigeria.
Dennis Sheer presides over the volunteer organization which seeks to foster international understanding at all levels of the community on a continuing basis. Officers are assigned specific cities through which communication is exchanged. Sister Cities operates exchange visits on both a personal and individual basis. Official Delaware visitors generally involve programs around performing arts, fine arts and sports. SisterCitiesWilmington.org
NEMOURS MANSION
As a wedding present to second wife, A.I. Du Pont purchased 3000 acres just outside city limits. The mansion was designed in the late-18th-century French style that Alicia adored. Alfred named the estate Nemours.
The gardens are the finest examples in North America of formal French gardens, covering 222 acres. Continuing E.I.'s legacy of stewardship of the land, Delawareans are the beneficiary of the vision of P.S. at Longwood, Henry Francis at Winterthur and A.I here at Nemours.
In past years the Mansion was not user friendly regarding visitors. That has changed and there is a pro-active engagement with tourism agencies. Following the 2008 $39 million renovation, the gilded velvet ropes are down. Executive Director Grace Gary now encourages guests to walk about the grounds and experience how the du Ponts lived.
Sacre Bleu...living like the du Ponts! Hmm...let me see:
More than an acre under one roof. I have a roof that 'aches' to be de-mossed!
Doesn't everyone pine for a chandelier in the foyer once owned by the Marquis de Lafayette? How many citizens have a foyer?
In my garden there are brother and sister pelicans warily eyeing one another. In A.I's there is the statue “Achievement” whose paint was removed and replaced with 23 karat gold leaf.
The gate to my back yard is off its hinges. The Mansion's Wimbleton gates belonged to Henry VIII
Aisle Say retches at trite phrases. One of the worst: “best kept secret”. Yet I would suggest that less than 15% of all Delawareans have toured Nemours.
While the estate is beyond breathtaking, it pales in comparison to A.I's true legacy; the Nemours Foundation and the children it has saved over decades and decades and been a savior to my daughter Grace on two occasions...age 2 and age 8.
NemoursMansion.org 651.6912
Madame Hermann was vacationing in America this summer. Next spring she will bring a contingent of 'citoyens de Nemours' (citizens of Nemours) to our fair state in reciprocity with a group of Delawareans journeying to visit her this past spring.
The French city, about 40 miles south of “La Ville de Lumineres” (the City of Lights), is the ancestral home of the du Pont family. In the 18th century, Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours (E.I.'s pere) was a government official in the Court of King Louis the XVI who opposed the French Revolution. He narrowly escaped Madame deFarge's favorite means of mayhem (the guillotine) during the Reign of Terror. In the following turmoil the famille du Pont emigrated with his family to Wilmington in 1799 where, a few years later, his son founded a petite company of some future renown.
(A contemporary analogy is Delaware's own Reign of Terror perpetrated by Christine O'Donnell. In lieu of deFarge's knitting needles, however, C O'D wielded a wand).
Nemours is joined with Kalmar Sweden, Watford England, Fulda Germany and Olevano sul Tusciano Italy and Osogbo Nigeria.
Dennis Sheer presides over the volunteer organization which seeks to foster international understanding at all levels of the community on a continuing basis. Officers are assigned specific cities through which communication is exchanged. Sister Cities operates exchange visits on both a personal and individual basis. Official Delaware visitors generally involve programs around performing arts, fine arts and sports. SisterCitiesWilmington.org
NEMOURS MANSION
As a wedding present to second wife, A.I. Du Pont purchased 3000 acres just outside city limits. The mansion was designed in the late-18th-century French style that Alicia adored. Alfred named the estate Nemours.
The gardens are the finest examples in North America of formal French gardens, covering 222 acres. Continuing E.I.'s legacy of stewardship of the land, Delawareans are the beneficiary of the vision of P.S. at Longwood, Henry Francis at Winterthur and A.I here at Nemours.
In past years the Mansion was not user friendly regarding visitors. That has changed and there is a pro-active engagement with tourism agencies. Following the 2008 $39 million renovation, the gilded velvet ropes are down. Executive Director Grace Gary now encourages guests to walk about the grounds and experience how the du Ponts lived.
Sacre Bleu...living like the du Ponts! Hmm...let me see:
More than an acre under one roof. I have a roof that 'aches' to be de-mossed!
Doesn't everyone pine for a chandelier in the foyer once owned by the Marquis de Lafayette? How many citizens have a foyer?
In my garden there are brother and sister pelicans warily eyeing one another. In A.I's there is the statue “Achievement” whose paint was removed and replaced with 23 karat gold leaf.
The gate to my back yard is off its hinges. The Mansion's Wimbleton gates belonged to Henry VIII
Aisle Say retches at trite phrases. One of the worst: “best kept secret”. Yet I would suggest that less than 15% of all Delawareans have toured Nemours.
While the estate is beyond breathtaking, it pales in comparison to A.I's true legacy; the Nemours Foundation and the children it has saved over decades and decades and been a savior to my daughter Grace on two occasions...age 2 and age 8.
NemoursMansion.org 651.6912
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
What drives AISLE SAY crazy in the dog days of August
Things that drive Aisle Say crazy in the Dog Days of August:
The multitudinous ways that our favorite ex-despot's name is spelled. Is it Gadhafi, Qaddifi, Gaddafi?? Let's make a decision.
The riveting news that Paris Hilton fakes being on her cellphone to avoid conversations with paparazzi. (And then, come to discover, a percentage of the American population do exactly that!). Paris is quite the trend setter.
The chicklet toothed Christine O'Donnell appears on Piers Morgan to unashamedly promote her vacuous book and then is offended by his “borderline sexual harassment that was going on”. C O'D continues to embarrass Delawareans, including the majority from her own party.
The double truck newspaper ads to buy your gold....each at the best price ever!
The scandal of college athletics. It's not the players fault. It's not the coaches fault. It's not even the immorality of the boosters. It's the entire system. When the football coach makes 3 times the salary of the university president and 10 times that of professors, well, there's something rotten in ...(name a D-1 university town)
Why Cheney and Rumsfield are not jailed for the war criminals they are. They lied to us about WDM and Saddam's relationship with Osama, provoking the first pre-emptive war in our history
The Democratic press that gives Pres Obama props for the “courage” to kill Bin Laden. Hallo? That was one of the pivotal objectives to begin this second war, a “necessary war”, in Obama's terms. That wasn't courageous; it was strategy.
If all Americans used one third less ice in their drinks the United States would become a net exporter instead of an importer of energy.
That prosecutors nationally are losing their mojo: eg: Casey Anthony, Dominique Strauss-Kahn and the Roger Clemens debacle.
Michelle Bachman declaring that when she becomes President gas prices will be down to $2.00? Huh? Tell that to the Saudi sheikh's.
That our leaders are not the strong silent types with the steely gaze of an Eastwood or Wayne or McQueen and speak only when necessity dictates.
That M&T, in what must be considered reverse psychology, is charging these same loyal customers $.50 to use the ATM.
That Presidential candidate Perry states that climate change is a hoax. (Texas is experiencing its worst drought in decades.)
That Cat Stevens won't do a tour.
That machine guns are sold in gun shops and straw buyers are as easy to ascertain with the outlay of a C note.
Tattoos on the neck. Yuck
That there are no Congressional term limits and that Congress gets free health care
That Kim Kardashian made $17 million on her wedding. Reports are that the only one who didn't cry was step-dad Bruce Jenner, who had had his tear ducts surgically removed.
That anyone seriously thinks we will win in Afghanistan. Larry of Arabia was the ONLY hero to bring tribes together...and only then for a very short time.
That the concept of Earth Shoes has never been refuted. Now, 30 years later, manufacturers are finally getting the message. (Lower heel sole which reduces stress on the smaller toe bones)
That we view the victories and misfortunes of celebrities as a narrative for our own lives.
That dementia may be the ugliest disease of them all.
That Tonto never said, “Kiss my butt, White man”, to the Lone Ranger
That Rupert Murdock can appear so imperious and oblivious simultaneously.
Why we continue to be nation builders (Arab Spring) while our own nation's infrastructure is crumbling
Why Aisle Say does not have a chicklet smile.
The multitudinous ways that our favorite ex-despot's name is spelled. Is it Gadhafi, Qaddifi, Gaddafi?? Let's make a decision.
The riveting news that Paris Hilton fakes being on her cellphone to avoid conversations with paparazzi. (And then, come to discover, a percentage of the American population do exactly that!). Paris is quite the trend setter.
The chicklet toothed Christine O'Donnell appears on Piers Morgan to unashamedly promote her vacuous book and then is offended by his “borderline sexual harassment that was going on”. C O'D continues to embarrass Delawareans, including the majority from her own party.
The double truck newspaper ads to buy your gold....each at the best price ever!
The scandal of college athletics. It's not the players fault. It's not the coaches fault. It's not even the immorality of the boosters. It's the entire system. When the football coach makes 3 times the salary of the university president and 10 times that of professors, well, there's something rotten in ...(name a D-1 university town)
Why Cheney and Rumsfield are not jailed for the war criminals they are. They lied to us about WDM and Saddam's relationship with Osama, provoking the first pre-emptive war in our history
The Democratic press that gives Pres Obama props for the “courage” to kill Bin Laden. Hallo? That was one of the pivotal objectives to begin this second war, a “necessary war”, in Obama's terms. That wasn't courageous; it was strategy.
If all Americans used one third less ice in their drinks the United States would become a net exporter instead of an importer of energy.
That prosecutors nationally are losing their mojo: eg: Casey Anthony, Dominique Strauss-Kahn and the Roger Clemens debacle.
Michelle Bachman declaring that when she becomes President gas prices will be down to $2.00? Huh? Tell that to the Saudi sheikh's.
That our leaders are not the strong silent types with the steely gaze of an Eastwood or Wayne or McQueen and speak only when necessity dictates.
That M&T, in what must be considered reverse psychology, is charging these same loyal customers $.50 to use the ATM.
That Presidential candidate Perry states that climate change is a hoax. (Texas is experiencing its worst drought in decades.)
That Cat Stevens won't do a tour.
That machine guns are sold in gun shops and straw buyers are as easy to ascertain with the outlay of a C note.
Tattoos on the neck. Yuck
That there are no Congressional term limits and that Congress gets free health care
That Kim Kardashian made $17 million on her wedding. Reports are that the only one who didn't cry was step-dad Bruce Jenner, who had had his tear ducts surgically removed.
That anyone seriously thinks we will win in Afghanistan. Larry of Arabia was the ONLY hero to bring tribes together...and only then for a very short time.
That the concept of Earth Shoes has never been refuted. Now, 30 years later, manufacturers are finally getting the message. (Lower heel sole which reduces stress on the smaller toe bones)
That we view the victories and misfortunes of celebrities as a narrative for our own lives.
That dementia may be the ugliest disease of them all.
That Tonto never said, “Kiss my butt, White man”, to the Lone Ranger
That Rupert Murdock can appear so imperious and oblivious simultaneously.
Why we continue to be nation builders (Arab Spring) while our own nation's infrastructure is crumbling
Why Aisle Say does not have a chicklet smile.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Ode to Greg Tigani
Cole Porter's single greatest contribution to the 'pop culture' of 1934 may well be the playfully allusive “You're The Top” from 'Anything Goes'. It was a catalog of topical and cultural events, products, famous people, literature.
It is contemporaneously used by unpolished scriveners such as AISLE SAY to satirize current events.
Sample from Porter. Please sing along at home:
You're the top!
You're the Colosseum.
You're the top!
You're the Louvre Museum.
You're a melody from a symphony by Strauss
You're a Bendel bonnet,
A Shakespeare's sonnet,
You're Mickey Mouse.
With that preamble, please continue singing....
ODE TO CHRIS TIGANI
Need some beer?
Call Chris Tigani
Out of booze?
He's the licensee...e
Got a sweetheart deal from Gover...nor Aunt Bee
Want Eagles tix?
Maxim's hot licks
He's Mr. Geniality!
You pay to play
All's cozy in Dover
Alcohol ...will win votes over
When Ruthann flies to Canada by air
His charter is gratis. He has the status.
“Big deal.... Who cares?”
We're a team
It's called... Team Minner
Have a Bud
Won't make you thinner
Need a caravan to Margaritaville?
He's charismatic
Yet so pragmatic
Hey...Down a swill !!
Bought a home
From a guy named Charley
Took a loan
Was a tad bit tardy ($$) :-(
He wanted the power (Pass the whiskey sour!)
Needs a monopoly!!
Ran NKS
Just liked to party
He's a mess
Big time full hardy
Took Dad to trial. He said he was unfit..
He's the intoxicator
The 'liquid' ator
A narcissist!!
(Maxim Chorus Girl Pillow Fight Finale)
Yes, baby, he's a player,
Yes, baby, he's a player
He's the top!!
It is contemporaneously used by unpolished scriveners such as AISLE SAY to satirize current events.
Sample from Porter. Please sing along at home:
You're the top!
You're the Colosseum.
You're the top!
You're the Louvre Museum.
You're a melody from a symphony by Strauss
You're a Bendel bonnet,
A Shakespeare's sonnet,
You're Mickey Mouse.
With that preamble, please continue singing....
ODE TO CHRIS TIGANI
Need some beer?
Call Chris Tigani
Out of booze?
He's the licensee...e
Got a sweetheart deal from Gover...nor Aunt Bee
Want Eagles tix?
Maxim's hot licks
He's Mr. Geniality!
You pay to play
All's cozy in Dover
Alcohol ...will win votes over
When Ruthann flies to Canada by air
His charter is gratis. He has the status.
“Big deal.... Who cares?”
We're a team
It's called... Team Minner
Have a Bud
Won't make you thinner
Need a caravan to Margaritaville?
He's charismatic
Yet so pragmatic
Hey...Down a swill !!
Bought a home
From a guy named Charley
Took a loan
Was a tad bit tardy ($$) :-(
He wanted the power (Pass the whiskey sour!)
Needs a monopoly!!
Ran NKS
Just liked to party
He's a mess
Big time full hardy
Took Dad to trial. He said he was unfit..
He's the intoxicator
The 'liquid' ator
A narcissist!!
(Maxim Chorus Girl Pillow Fight Finale)
Yes, baby, he's a player,
Yes, baby, he's a player
He's the top!!
DE Division of Arts Grants...and more
No need to rehash the value of a vibrant arts community for this or any state. Kudos to Governor Markell and the General Assembly for providing level funding while the National Endowment of the Arts has reduced their offerings to us by 10%. (One wonders how many Tomahawk missiles cascading down on Gadhafi and costing $1 million each that 10% would take up...1,maybe 2?)
In reviewing the Aisle Say column from 2009 on the grants, here are some comparisons:
'09 – 88 organizations received 118 grants. This year the total was 99 grants from about the same amount of money; $1.5 million.
DE Center for Contemporary Arts received a total of $95,000.00 in three categories, $9,000.00 less than The Grand. Relative to total traffic between the two, there is disproportion there.
Opera Delaware received $63,000.00; DAM, $98,000.00; DE Symphony, $99,000.00
Joyful surprises :-) : The always innovative DE Theatre Company, maximizing their tiny black box stage to hallucinogenic proportions, received a whopping $95,000. Wilmington Drama League, an energetic community theatre here for 7 decades, $33,000.00. The UD's PTTP REP, the best theatre in the state and running in parallel universe to the best in NY, was the recipient of $17,000 for “Project Support”. With the quality they provide in every aspect, that money probably covers the cost of costumes for 2 shows.
Morose surprises :-( : New Candlelight Musical Theatre must not have applied. With the Twiggy sized margin they work in, they need – and deserve the money...more than, say the DE Dance Studio, which for years running has received $32,000. Same this year. They scarcely have an impact past the mums and dads and grandparents that sit through the yearly recitals. I am calling for Beau Biden to investigate this. This grant has inside job, “Bridge to Nowhere” written all over it. YMCA Delaware, catering to thousands upon thousands more, received $2,000.00 for their dance and drama program. First State Ballet received only $17,000.00; not much for DE's only professional ballet company. (Perhaps they should hire DE Dance Co's bag man.)
More morosity: Dover's Schwartz Center, a rehabilitated Victorian Grand Opera House-like theatre (with not much grand about it) was a public private initiative 15 years ago. “Rehab it and they will come.” They didn't. It sits empty the majority of the time yet still received $41,000.00, I assume to pay energy costs.
Soon the theatre season starts with a vengeance. UD's REP Ensemble opens with Lillian Hellman's classic, “The Little Foxes”. The second show is “Noises Off”, a play-within-a play offering the hysteria of Groucho, Chico and Harpo. Lola will get what she wants at New Candlelight in Sept with “Damn Yankees.”
Opera Delaware's main stage productions are “THE MAGIC FLUTE” Oct. 30m, Nov. 4 & 5, 2011 and “PORGY AND BESS” May 6m, 11 & 12, 2012. The NY Times reported a new version of “Porgy” will open at The American Repertory Theatre in Boston and move to Broadway. Written in 1934 by a man the likes of Irving Berlin called 'The Master”, this first and greatest American opera broke more boundaries than Jesse Owens. The songs are transcendental.
In reviewing the Aisle Say column from 2009 on the grants, here are some comparisons:
'09 – 88 organizations received 118 grants. This year the total was 99 grants from about the same amount of money; $1.5 million.
DE Center for Contemporary Arts received a total of $95,000.00 in three categories, $9,000.00 less than The Grand. Relative to total traffic between the two, there is disproportion there.
Opera Delaware received $63,000.00; DAM, $98,000.00; DE Symphony, $99,000.00
Joyful surprises :-) : The always innovative DE Theatre Company, maximizing their tiny black box stage to hallucinogenic proportions, received a whopping $95,000. Wilmington Drama League, an energetic community theatre here for 7 decades, $33,000.00. The UD's PTTP REP, the best theatre in the state and running in parallel universe to the best in NY, was the recipient of $17,000 for “Project Support”. With the quality they provide in every aspect, that money probably covers the cost of costumes for 2 shows.
Morose surprises :-( : New Candlelight Musical Theatre must not have applied. With the Twiggy sized margin they work in, they need – and deserve the money...more than, say the DE Dance Studio, which for years running has received $32,000. Same this year. They scarcely have an impact past the mums and dads and grandparents that sit through the yearly recitals. I am calling for Beau Biden to investigate this. This grant has inside job, “Bridge to Nowhere” written all over it. YMCA Delaware, catering to thousands upon thousands more, received $2,000.00 for their dance and drama program. First State Ballet received only $17,000.00; not much for DE's only professional ballet company. (Perhaps they should hire DE Dance Co's bag man.)
More morosity: Dover's Schwartz Center, a rehabilitated Victorian Grand Opera House-like theatre (with not much grand about it) was a public private initiative 15 years ago. “Rehab it and they will come.” They didn't. It sits empty the majority of the time yet still received $41,000.00, I assume to pay energy costs.
Soon the theatre season starts with a vengeance. UD's REP Ensemble opens with Lillian Hellman's classic, “The Little Foxes”. The second show is “Noises Off”, a play-within-a play offering the hysteria of Groucho, Chico and Harpo. Lola will get what she wants at New Candlelight in Sept with “Damn Yankees.”
Opera Delaware's main stage productions are “THE MAGIC FLUTE” Oct. 30m, Nov. 4 & 5, 2011 and “PORGY AND BESS” May 6m, 11 & 12, 2012. The NY Times reported a new version of “Porgy” will open at The American Repertory Theatre in Boston and move to Broadway. Written in 1934 by a man the likes of Irving Berlin called 'The Master”, this first and greatest American opera broke more boundaries than Jesse Owens. The songs are transcendental.
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