On Friday, March 25th we hosted a Night Of Singer Songwriter Friends at the ProletariYacht Club. The evening was organized by Marko Reyes-Jech to musically celebrate the return visit of Oliver Rosenthal from New York City. It was an evening of musical originality and style. Brian Cutler kicked things off with his melodic singing, acoustic guitar and standup bass performance. Randal O’Down carried on with his rockabilly jazz grooves and poetic humor. Marko rocked the stage with his soulful crooning, rapping and dancing. Oliver capped the evening with his set of finely crafted ballads and funk. By the end it was a group activity including Andre Renaldo Hobson (aka King Dre) adding percussion, and James Hoffman on Djembe. Brenda Scallon’s cool new (old) microphone was thoroughly initiated and good spirits were felt by all. Thanks to Marko for your contribution to the ProletariYacht Club and to all the performers and friends who made it a special evening to remember. Fare well Oliver,...

The March 2nd Thursday open studio was a welcome break from getting the music and video labs set up and the slide projection gear broken down and tucked away for later. Cranking up the Analog Toy Factory to produce a new round of rounded Profile pieces is making me smile. A wonderful gathering of old and new friends as we’re wrapping up our first year in The Building and getting psyched for our up coming One Year Anniversary in April!!!

On Friday, February 26th we held a Night Of Art And Improvisation at the ProletariYacht Club. Gail provided a classic slide projection system and Brenda curated a slide show featuring ageless works of fine art. This artwork provided the environmental stimulus for live music improvisation by a number of guests. We were happy to see friends, veterans and new visitors to the club joining in and making the night a memorable experience of evolving creativity. Thanks to all who came (especially Happy Birthday to Kirsten Wilhelm).

On February 12th we held a tribute musical improvisation for Elisabeth Lawrence aka Detonator Beth (DB) at the ProletariYacht Club. The night began with the moon smiling upon our gathering as if DB was bestowing her blessing on the anniversary of her passing. Soon musical environments and storied phrases were appearing and intertwining as several of DB’s close friends joined in the vibratory dance. A big thank you goes to Amy Denio for conceiving and organizing the event (she would say inspired by DB). It was a special honor and pleasure to host the gathering at the PYC. And the moon kept smiling.

February’s 2nd Thursday open studio was all kinds of fun. There are several vignettes set up for a video I’m making about Tess Lubenski’s amazing life and adventures. Plus it was nice to bring my guitar and join the musical exchange that happens at our openings. Reminded once again how much I love playing. We also enjoyed wandering The Building’s other open studio parties. Such a great community.

For January’s 4th Friday music night we held a Rock & Roll Party at the PYC. This was our first music-focused event of 2016 and it kicked off the year with a BOOM! The show featured a couple of performances followed by an open jam. Guests of all ages came from near and far to enjoy the goings-on. Randy and Tim kicked things off with a reprise of their original rock band “As Is.” Marko Reyes-Jech presented a soulful set of singing, dancing, storytelling and inspiring musical philosophy. Then a wonderful mix of musicians and poets joined in with a spontaneous variety of sonic celebrations and explorations. As the night progressed the rolling walls were rolled out to the hallway to make room for dancing. Treats and refreshments were consumed. And the Countess oversaw all the activities with gracious approval. Long live Rock!

One of the most unique events happened in our space last Sunday. Our friend Sage arranged for renowned Commedia dell'Arte mask maker, and performer Stanley Allen Sherman to teach a ‘Creating Original Material Theater Lab’ at the ProletariYacht Club. Eight lucky people received both group, and personal guidance in honing performance techniques. Each of us came away with new insight and delicious nuggets of wisdom and humor. What a treat!

The first 2nd Thursday open studio of 2016 was a beginning and an end. We are transitioning from a ‘Featured Artist’ show in the front space, to creating and teaching art there, while highlighting the performance arts on our stage. Family, and friends old and new dropped by and filled the space with interesting conversations, both verbal and melodic. Wine and cough drops were consumed; Tess shared heartwarming stories about Bowie, and his profound influence on her and everything, really. It was a lovely start to the new year.

On December 18th we held a Holiday Night of Music and Movies at the ProletariYacht Club. Christmas and holiday songs were performed on request with enthusiastic participation from all. Brian Edwards again shared mastery of his unique film repertoire with festive and suspenseful holiday films. Thanks to all participants for their spirited contributions. Special thanks goes to Dave Myka for finding the mysterious missing piece completing our holiday puzzle. It was a great way to enter the Holiday Season with the joy of friendship in our hearts.

Our December open studio was a wonderfully warm gathering on a cold rainy night. We were celebrating the addition of three new Errol Frank pieces in the Parlour, a revamping of the B.L. Scallon studio wall, and gearing up for the dawn of a new year. Tim played DJ, setting the mood for a night of tackling a thousand-piece puzzle courtesy of our friend Gail C Jackson. Coleen Monettte stopped by and picked up her new Kyle Abernethy painting, I’ll miss that one but happy it found such a good home. Friends brought snacks and beer to share, and Tess showed off her latest frog with baby head sculpture in preparation for the coming leap year. By 1am we’d gotten about halfway through the puzzle and all the way through the beer and wine and called it a night. It was a perfect way to pass one of the longest nights of the year!