An evening with Cole Porter - Attic Theater - July 27

A group of us from the PAC got together to attend Attic Theatre's A S'welegant Evening with Cole Porter to support a fellow staffer, Chelsea Crevcoure.  Wine was served as we were serenaded with a history and tunes from Cole Porter. The singers were elegantly attired in tuxes and black dresses, the tables had candles and black linens. It was definitely S'welegant. 

Chelsea performed well with her beautiful booming voice that does not need to be miked. She also showed humor when she stuffed the red nose she had been wearing the performance before her solo into the front of her dress. Got some chuckles from the audience on that one. Chelsea's voice fit her solo for Anything Goes, a highlight of the evening. Well done, Chelsea, well done.

The PAC group after the show

Karate School at Deja Vu - July 23

Even though the group continues to change, Ryan Englehardt on drums and Kevin Koutnik on guitar keep on playing. On July 23 at Deja Vu Karate School brought Kevin's wife Michal to play on her bass. Not too shabby! Although I do miss Jon Westbrook on guitar and Gregg Lewiston on bass, the sound and songs that I love are still there. Looking forward to their next gig on October 14th at Cranky Pats in Neenah.

The Sound of Color - Solo Exhibit by Gregory Frederic at The Hang Up, Neenah - July 22

I love the use of strong colors and flow in Gregory Frederic's expressionistic and eclectic work. A few pieces from his Sound of Color collection are shown below. But first here is his artist's statement:

"Proudly born and raised in Haiti, I am an artist aspiring to represent the economic hardships and complex realities of life. The inspiration for my colorful pieces comes from the circumstances of the world around me, people I meet and places I visit. My expressionistic art focuses on justice.  I hope to inspire change, living in harmony and respect for one another.  I use color and movement to capture the culture of the society in which I was raised.  Mostly self-taught, I believe God gave me my talent, but also I have been mentored by successful Haitian artists.  I painted commercial murals after school and went on to paint on to clothing and jewelry.  I custom mix most of my acrylic colors to create the desired depth and vibrant synergy within each piece.  I would categorize my work as modern eclectic with a bit of surrealistic cubism.  Primarily I want my work to evoke a feeling, memory or tell a story, which is evident in the uniqueness of my technique.

A side note while talking to Gregory's wife. She was explaining to me that the reason he is in the area is that they met while she was on a mission trip to Haiti. Gregory was their bodyguard. How sweet is that?

Here is his website to see more work Crewl Art

Raddison Courtyard Series - Christopher Gold - July 20

It was a very hot day and a last minute call to perform, but Christopher Gold rose to the occasion and performed well. A versatile musician with a booming voice, he is worth a listen either solo or with his band Christopher Gold and the New Old Things. follow the links below.

Facebook  Website  On Spotify and I-tunes

Art in the Park in Neenah - July

Once a year in the summer the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum in Neenah hosts an art fair in Riverside Park. A variety of art can be found including pottery, photography, paintings, many glass vendors, jewelry, etc. These artists are the ones that interested me the most.

 Leif Kutschera - Glass

Leif has been making glass objects since he was 12. He is now 18 and some beautiful pieces. The blue coral bowl in front of him was my personal favorite. Click here to see more of his work.

Bambi's Lint (Bambi's Corner) - Recycled Paper Bead Jewelry

All the necklaces you see below are made of recycled paper, strips of junk mail, discarded music books and maps, and magazines. Click here for Facebook and here for Etsy.

Debbie Rades (Maggie E) - Handmade Glass Bead and Chainmail Mesh Handbags and Accessories

These beautiful purses are all beaded with the tinest beads. This must have taken so much time to make! My favorite is the black and white one, almost looks like a textile.

Facebook       Etsy

Annette Renee (dragonmar) - Pencil,  graphite, color pencil, charcoal, pastel, acrylic and oil. 

The whimsy of Annette's work put a smile on my face. A variety of fantastical critters could be found ranging from the lightness of baby dragons climbing a garden gnome and steampunk kitties to the more gothic crows.  Click here to view her fantastical work.

Jim Hatton - Jim's Custom Metal Art

These sculptures are actually made out of new metal and then treated to accelerate the rusting process.  My favorite is the dragon in the foreground. Jim Hatton can be found in Crivitz, WI. Phone number is (920) 851-6022 for custom ordering

 Jerry Aronowitz (A1 Woods) - Scroll Saw Artist

Jerry uses a scroll saw to create his highly detailed work. Check out that Cheetah! Click here to see more of his work.

Joseph Larsen - Chainsaw Creations

This really impressed me. I can't fathom how he has that much control that he can actually sculpt with it. Here he is making a leaf for me.  Call (920) 460-7004 for custom orders of visit his Facebook page.

The artist at work

The finished piece

Neenah Farmer's Market - Adria Ramos - July 16th

Adria Ramos performing at Neenah Farmer's Market

I enjoy spending a Saturday morning at either the Farmer's Market in Downtown Appleton or in Shattuck Park in Neenah. What may be surprising is that there usually is a local musician serenading the attendees. It was on such an occasion in Neenah where I heard Adria Ramos perform for the first time. What caught my attention to the singer/songwriter was her smart lyrics and soft easy to listen to voice. "Buzz" on her album Apollo is why I purchased her cds. I also wanted "Itch", "Mercury", and "Biting" in my collection because of the original way she worded them.  When lyrics are written well they are a type of poetry. To me, that is what Adria brings to her music. What I realized after listening to the cds is that she is a talented violinist as well.  Below is a video for "Mercury" and some links to help you discover Adria Ramos's music for yourself.

Facebook  Website  ReverbNation  Can be found on I-Tunes, Spotify, and Amazon

For more information on the Farmer's Markets, check my summer local schedule page on this blog.

Karate School Listening Party - July 15th

Karate School's Test Printing of their first self-titled album

My husband and I had the lovely opportunity to attend my first listening party at Ryan of Karate School and his girlfriend Sheena's home where we made some new friends and music connections. It was so awesome listening to vinyl again, hadn't done it years due to the lack of a record player.  As I listened, I was transported to a time when I listened to albums on the stereo components I received for my 18th birthday.  Due to the Exclusive Company gift certificates that I received every year since junior high (I had started with an all in one) I had a decent collection of albums. I remember how much of a treat it was going to Exclusive Company spending time filing through the albums and viewing the album art as I chose my newest treasure. There is something more authentic and timeless about albums that's hard to describe. I wish my Dad had saved his collection which included almost every Beatles album recorded. An entire wall of a room was devoted to storing his collection.  I think I made the transition to cds not only because it was the newest technology but because they were easier to store and for the same reason made the switch to few years ago to digital. Over the years my husband and I have collected hundreds of different albums.  But I missed the album art and that physical presence so I  have started to collect cds again, mainly to support the local artists whose music I enjoy.  Now that I have figured out where to put it, I may even get a record player and a few records starting with Karate School. 

Raddison Courtyard (Ballroom) Series - Oh My Love

Once again due to weather conditions the Raddison Courtyard series went indoors. This time with Oh My Love opening. Due to a dance class, I was not able to stay for the main act Myzica, but Oh My Love from Madison made up for it with its slick electronic melody, pulsing beat, and hauntingly beautiful voice.  Here are the usual photos and video along with the official video to "Spark".

ReverbNation    Facebook   Website  You Tube  can be found on Spotify, Amazon, and I-Tunes.

Spark - video from Oh My Love's You Tube Channel

602 House - FEATherWOLF - July 6

Hanging out with FEATherWOLF at the inviting 602 Club was a relaxing way to end my day. The country/folk duo's music was sweet on the ears and the story behind the songs enhanced the experience. Created as a project by Appleton's Sam Luna, FEATherWolf's concept album "To:You From: Me" tells the tale of a relationship between a man and a woman. All of the songs are sung as a duet starting when the two meet then progresses to falling in love, having an argument, and consider leaving one another. The album ends with a hopeful song about the two working it out. What makes it even more meaningful is through this project the two have developed a fondness for each other. One of the songs is even entitled Miss Marie after Shaun Marie who uses the softer side of her vocals to compliment Sam Luna's.  I recommend this album, you can find it on I-tunes, Spotify and Amazon.

FEATherWolf Facebook  / Sam Luna's Website /  Sam Luna's Facebook /  Sam Luna's ReverbNation  /  Shaun Marie's Website

FEATherWOLF is a duet between Sam Luna & Shaun Marie

 

Shaun Marie performs a solo with Sam Luna improvising on harmonica

FEATherWolf performs "Miss Marie"

Shaun Marie performs a solo

                                                        with the band video by Astrid

                                     Official video - Miss Marie (video by Aaron Jankowski)

602 House

Facebook      Calendar      Blog

Nordlund and The Fast Romantics - Raddison Courtyard Series - Jul 6

The show must go on! Due to possible inclement weather and much humidity the Courtyard series was moved to the ballroom in the Raddison.  Still a fun show! First thoughts: Nordlund = That Voice! Fast Romantics:  =  Fun and great stage presence! Below are the usual photos, videos and links.

Nordlund - Oshkosh

RJ Nordlund has such a bluesy gravely voice that will grab at your heart and tug especially in Times Were Hard.  The three brewers (beer that is) are self-described as a multi genre band but I will go with Americana with some outlaw country twinge thrown in. Due to the diverse crowd gathered I think they were a good choice as an opener for Fast Romantics. Look for them in Mile of Music.

from Local Spins You Tube Channel

Bandcamp       Facebook      Website

Fast Romantics - Toronto, Ontario

I dare you to listen to this group and not want to tap your foot or nod your head along to the music. The lead singer's commanding stage presence swill not allow it. Sadly, I wasn't able to stay for the entire set due to dance class but I had reports of people dancing along to the music. Their alternative sound with some synth pop added fun that carry over to their You Tube videos, check them out through the link below. 

 Julia Official Video from Fast Romantics You Tube Channel

Facebook     Bandcamp  Website   You Tube   can be found on I-Tunes

Wednesday Appleton Downtown Lunchtime Music Events

Bring a lunch to one of the following locations for a middle of the day, middle of the week live music break. Click here for a schedule.

 Valley Transit Center - Rock the Transit Series at 11:30am - 1:00pm

 A Member of Appleton Rock School performs at the Valley Transit Center

Creative Downtown Parklet (next to Copper Rock) - Midweek Music Fix at 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Five Star Secret  performs in the Creative Downtown Parklet

Live Band Karaoke - Dèjá Vu Martini Lounge

To put an unique twist on the standard karaoke night,  Dèjá Vu Martini Lounge  hosts theirs with a live band on Tuesdays. Below are a couple of photos.

Click here for a calendar of events at Dèjá Vu Martini Lounge.

Drink N Draw - Appleton Beer Factory - Jun 28

A fun time had by all at the Drink N Draw hosted by ARTiculture. They provided colors, coloring pages and drawing ideas or you could bring your own.  Below are photos from the event.

A group of ladies from the ticket office gathered to drink and mostly color. (photo borrowed from ARTiculture's Facebook)

Here is what I was working on

The host gave a drawing idea, here is Beth's interpretation 

another rendering from Beth

Beth's coloring page

Laura's interpretation 

Laura's coloring page

Carol's coloring page

Crossing Paths - Waverly Beach - July 3

It was a gorgeous day on July 3 so I headed over to Waverly Beach in Menasha.  They feature music on their patio every Sunday starting at 3:00pm.  I was very impressed by the options of outside activities. There was a sand pit for building castles or for some beach volleyball, a full outside bar with lots of shading, a dining patio,  motorcyle parking and a boat launch.  The particular Sunday I attended had Crossing Paths, a rock cover band, taking their audience on a musical journey through the decades. Below are photos, video and links.

Crossing Paths (photo borrowed from Crossing Paths Facebook page)

Crossing Paths' Facebook     Waverly Beach's Website  

Unity - Mill Creek - Jun 30

June 30th was a make lemonade from lemons kind of day. It was raining which had cancelled plans to see my goddaughter play t-ball so we went to dinner instead which ended up being a lot of fun. For fans of the Heid Summer Music Series held at Houdini Plaza on Thursday nights it meant that they had a new venue to take in the show, Mill Creek.  Unity the Band (reggae/world/funk/blues) was the featured band of the night. I was fortunate to have a bit of time while waiting for my party to attend.

These talented musicians are super fun creating very danceable tunes both original and covered.

Unity the Band:   ReverbNation   Facebook  Website    Can be found on I-Tunes and Spotify.
Mill Creek Events:  Facebook

The Priggs - Radisson Courtyard Series - June 29

Riverside Players present "And Then There Were None" in Riverside Park, Neenah - June 26

Art on the Town - June 17 - Downtown Appleton, WI

Every third Friday of the month during the summer some downtown businesses host an artist for "Art on the Town".  Below are photos of the art being displayed, and if I was lucky the artist.

Coventry Glassworks & Gallery - Bill Aubrey - Artist

Handmade Kayaks, Carved and painted paddles, Carved sculpture, and Wildlife monoprints were displayed

Bill Aubrey with some of his mono prints

Colt's Timeless Tattoos - Artist Jorge Lopez 

Jorge Lopez did the work in the frames, his mother did the embroider tortillas

Acoca Coffee - Artist - Hannah Kuplack, Musician - Eric Krueger

Angels Forever - Windows of Light - Artist - Patricia Kottke 

Iroquois raised-beaded fiber purses and necklaces

Artist - Patricia Kottke

Creative Parklet Place - Artist Sam Luna

Trout Museum - Art Activities and Watercolor Artist Jeff Zdrale

Olde Town Tavern - Artist Jordan Ashwood (Graphic Designer)

Moonshell Salon & Boutique - Artist Reiddyn (Pallet wood creations)

The desk is made of pallet wood and new wood. Pictured is the owner of the store that painted the stunning picture to the right of the photo.

Lillian of Appleton - Jewelry by Amanda Nowak made with Swarovski Crystals

Hey Daisy! - Madeline Felauer - Henna artist

Eco Candle Co - Kate Funk - Photographer

Blue Moon Emporium - Emily Reetz - Illustrator/artist

Traveling Palette - Ansh - paintings 

Pinot's Palette - Kathy Boettcher - featured artist

Tina Marie's Unique Boutique - Sonnet Uhlenbrauck - custom hand painted sign

Not pictured since I didn't get to it in time was Mud and Prints, LLC (Cassidy Schrage - restoration and furniture design) ; and DePawsitory (Josh Galow - glass blowing)

These street vendors were in front of the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel. Not officially a part of Art on the Town but something I saw during that time frame: