Best Bets: July 20, 2023
The John Colonna Trio will perform on Thursday, July 20 at Marcus Villagrán’s Dunderberg Gallery, 188 Marion Avenue in Gilbertsville. The trio—pianist Colonna, Kenji Tokunaga on bass and Joel Proctor on drums—has been described by doNYC.com as “a group of virtuosic musicians who channel the sound of classic jazz into modern feels like funk, rock, and gospel.” The performance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 for adults, $15.00 for seniors and students, and $10.00 for children. For more information, call (607) 783-2010 or visit www.dundergerggallery.com.
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The Smithy will hold an opening reception for its final exhibit of the season, “Paper,” on Tuesday, July 25 from 5-7 p.m. “Paper” will be on display in The Smithy Gallery from July 25 through September 2 on the first and second floors. “Age of Anxiety” by Terry Lee Harmon Slade, a season-long exhibit, will remain on display through September 2 on the third floor.
“Paper” features artwork by both Smithy member artists and guest artists. As the title of the exhibit implies, paper will serve as the central medium to all works on display. In this exhibit, artists will display how paper can serve as a useful and diverse form of media in all aspects of creation and the pursuit of artistic expression. Guest artists include Chris Duncan, Lisbeth McCoy, Dori Miller, Jill Parisi, June Tyler and Phil Young.
“Age of Anxiety” is an investigation of the individual who is sometimes reflective or meditative, but who often exhibits a state of angst. Poised on the top of tall ceramic columns or pedestals, each sculpture exists independently, while being part of all humanity. Each figure appears lost in thought and alone, but each one is also collectively and relentlessly staring into a future fraught with the unknown. Slade works with many different media, including found objects, wood, paper, stone, bronze and glass, and produces works ranging from small objects to large indoor and outdoor installations. His work explores the relationship between humans and the natural world.
The Smithy galleries are located at 55 Pioneer Street. For more information, call (607) 547-9777 or visit www.smithyarts.org.
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Iron String Press’ own Wriley Nelson is among those starring in Fenimore Art Museum’s Glimmer Globe Theatre production of William Shakespeare’s final fantastical adventure, “The Tempest.” Performances take place on Wednesday and Thursday evenings through August 10, set against the backdrop of Otsego Lake in the museum’s Lucy B. Hamilton Amphitheater.
In a new twist on this famous story, a motley crew of aeronauts finds their airship caught in a vicious tempest about to crash into an isolated and magical isle. Nearby, the vengeful wizard Prospero lives with his daughter, Miranda, and two servants: Caliban, a native of the island, and Ariel, a spirit of the air. After Prospero reveals he and his magic were the cause of the recent shipwreck, he recounts his tragic past to Miranda, setting in motion a chain of events that will change their lives, and the futures of all who call the island home.
“The Tempest” is directed by Michael Henrici, who also stars as Caliban. Lissa Sidoli is Prospero. The production also features Andie Alban, Tom Russo, J Lentner, Samantha Lizak, Andrew Munro, Colleen Bunn, Nelson, Peter Exton, Mark Murphy, Marisa Chism, Emily Begin, Kim Frederick, Dashiell Henrici, Tessa Davis and Gavin Abrams.
Advance tickets are available through Eventbrite.com or at the theater immediately preceding the show. The cost is $18 for adults (13-64); $16 for seniors (65+) and members; and $10 for youth (7-12). Children ages 6 and under are admitted free. (Please select the free ticket option for children six and under when using Eventbrite.) Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. An alternate indoor location is available in the event of inclement weather.
Fenimore Art Museum is located at 5798 State Route 80, less than one mile from the center of Cooperstown. For more information, visit FenimoreArt.org.
