Olden Music, Dance, and Storytelling Performance Calendar last update 10/22/2012
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Bells & Motley at Cortland's 1890 House
WINTER 2013January 9-11, 2013
Franklin Central School, Franklin NY
Artists-in-Residence
Medieval Book Arts: Teaching the arts of Medieval Illumination, book binding, and calligraphy
January 17, 2013 --> date changed to February 12, 2013
Herkimer BOCES, Herkimer NY
Artists-in-Residence, Honors Students
Medieval Humanities: Music & Instruments, Dance, Costuming, Illumination Arts
Friday January 25, 2013 Evening
Private Celebration Party
Saturday January 26, 2013 6:00-9:00 pm
Annual Robbie Burns Scottish Celebration Dinner at the Brae Loch, Cazenovia, NY
In this grand return to our Celtic roots, we'll be playing harp, bagpipes, fiddle, whistle, bodhran, in celebration of the haggis as it is paraded reekin' 'round the room. It's a warm evening of music, tradition, and pageantry. This year John and I celebrate our 25th year with Robbie! For more Information, Reservations, Prices: 315-655-4844 www.braelochinn.com
February 7-8, 2013
Chinese New Year Celebration Pageant at McNamera Elementary, Baldwinsville, NY
Fantastical Dragon Mask and Ornamental Lantern-making Workshops
see descriptions for public version of program below, at Pine Hills
Call Artists if you wish to preview; we will make arrangements
Saturday February 9, 2013 Time TBA
Chinese New Year Celebration Pageant at Pine Hills Public Library, Albany, NY
What would you do if the Sun was captured by a powerful Dragon, and hidden in a cave, deep beneath the sea? In this traditional Chinese tale of wonder and adventure, the young boy Bawshou bravely sets out to rescue the Sun with the help of a magic golden Phoenix, to meet the Dragon's three challenges. Featuring costumes, dance, and storytelling techniques of the orient, the action and mystique of the tale are highlighted by the artists performing live music on authentic Chinese traditional stringed, wind, and percussion instruments, including pipa, erhu, moon lute, gong, temple bells, drum, & guzhung (ancient Chinese zither harp.)
Fantastical Dragon Mask and Ornamental Lantern-making Workshops
Before the performance, participants will learn about different types of historic dragons, and create masks of their own to wear in the "Bawshou" Pageant. Other exciting roles to be played in that performance include Star Dancers! Lantern Dancers! River Shakers! ceremonial Gong Sounders! And of course, the sinuous Dragon itself! For more Information: Christine Havens, 518-482-7911 ext 223
Sunday March 3, 2013 10:00 AM Service, 3:00 Concert
"Celtic Celebration of Olde" Early Celtic Traditions Concert, St. David's Episcopal Church, DeWitt, NY
Come join John and Sondra on this special day as they add their musical embellishments to the church's morning worship service in celebration of Welsh Patron Saint, St. David. That same afternoon, the Bromkas continue the celebration with a special concert of music from all of the Celtic cultures - not just Wales, but other outposts of Celtic culture, including Brittany France and Galicia Spain. The Bells & Motley Celtic musical instrument collection will be very happy that day! Admission $10. St. David's Church is named for David, the 6th Century bishop of Wales, and an early promoter of Christianity. 14 Jamar Drive, just off Maple Drive, between Genesee Street and Woodchuck Hill Road in DeWitt NY. For information: 315-446-2112 www.stdavidscny.org
Saturday March 9, 2013 begins 7:30 pm
"Celtic Muse & Minstrelsy" Robinson Memorial Concert Series, Westvale, NY
Celtic harp, bagpipes, hurdy gurdy, button boxes, fiddle, and more! Bells & Motley Celtic Consort offer a special concert of early and medieval Gaelic and Celtic music. These have always been the lands of poets and fervid musical participations, especially in those mythic days of the early middle ages. How did all this music and poetry come to be? And how does it relate to other medieval musical and poetic traditions? Our plan is to draw together these lines of inquiry through myth and manuscript, fact, fiction, and musical storytelling. The concert will span 500 years of early music history and traditions, including a setting by John of that famous Scottish balled of poetic initiation, “Thomas Rhymer and the Queen of Elfland." Tickets are $14 at the door, $12 advance. And thank you, in advance, for supporting our local concert series!
126 South Terry Road, Syracuse NY 13219
Information and advance tickets: 315-468-2509 www.robinsonmem.org
CHRISTMAS 2012Here's our calendar of festivities!
Monday December 3, 2012 5:00-6:00
Town of Clay Treelighting, Clay NY
Bells & Motley Music along with other diverse activities at the Clay Town Hall
For information: 652-3800 ext. 137
Wednesday December 5, 2012 6:00-8:00
St. Nicholas Gathering & Potluck at St. John's Episcopal Church, Marcellus NY
John Bromka will be appearing as St. Nicholas, the legendary 4th Century Bishop of Myra, in our own home village of Marcellus. St. John's welcomes you to join them for a time of fellowship and merriment as they recall the life of St. Nicholas. The evening opens with a potluck supper at 6:00 pm in the community room. St. Nicholas will appear at 7 pm in the sanctuary, telling stories as an interactive "trunk show" with participation by children and other volunteers. Children of all ages are encouraged to set aside this time and join as we remember the Bishop of Myra and the legend that has grown out of his ministry in the early church. Children are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy that will be donated to Toys for Tots. Please bring a dish to pass and your own table setting. The church is located at the corner of Maple and Orange Streets.
For information: John Bromka, 315-567-5697; St John's 315-673-2500 or 673-5763
Saturday December 8, 2012 2:00-9:00,
Bells & Motley "Revels of Christmas Past" Concert from 4:00-6:00
Kellish Hill Music Farm, Manlius NY
Come join us at this wonderful farm to celebrate the warmest and richest traditions of an Old-Fashioned Christmas!! Our program will knit together the young, old, shy & bold, and all manner of historic musical instruments in the perfect setting to please the eye, ear, and heart. Harp, hurdy gurdy, early bagpipes, hammered dulcimer, button accordeon, and all manner of historic bowed and plucked instruments built by John Bromka himself.
Before and after our featured concert (we take the stage from 4:00-6:00) there will be an open microphone signup starting at 2:00, plus you are invited to enjoy a potluck supper of turkey/ham/mashed potatoes at 6:00, and then continue with open mic. Don't miss this delightful spirit of Christmas camaraderie at its best! Location: Only 20 minutes from downtown Syracuse- 4.2 miles from Route 92 in Manlius or .5 mile North of Route 20 at 3192 Pompey Center Road. Look for the big yellow wheels out front. Cost is $10.00
For information: 315-682-1578. www.kellishhillfarm.com
Sunday December 9, 2012 1:00-4:00
Lorenzo State Historic Site Candlelight Open House, Cazenovia NY
Here's the beloved local historic site open house that we have called our Christmas home since 1986! It's an open house, and a lovely chance to experience the magic of another era with our music filling all the corridors and chambers warmed by candlelight. Come enjoy our holiday music in an evocative historic setting. We promise to transport you to a time and place most rare.... $4 for adults, $1 kids under 12. Location: 17 Rippleton Road, Route 13. For information: 315-655-3200, www.lorenzony.org
Monday December 10, 2012 1:00-2:00
Bells & Motley's "The Olden Music and Traditions of Christmas," Catskill NY
For children, families, and seniors, Catskill Library has sponsored this special performance "The Olden Music & Traditions of Christmas" to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and Community. We hope to bring together folks of all ages to delight in the sounds and sights of this spectacular assortment of antique instruments from days gone by. The program will be held at the Washington Irving Senior Center, 15 Academy Street, Catskill NY 12414. For information: call the Senior Center 518-943-1343, or Catskill Library 518-943-4230 www.catskillpubliclibrary.org
Monday December 10, 2012 6:30-8:30
"Wassail! Wassail! Bells & Motley Yuletide Music Celebration" at D.R. Evarts Library, Athens NY
We are so excited to present our Yuletide Celebration in music in this beautiful historic village! See Wassail! concert description below, at Kinderhook Memorial Library.
Location: 80 Second Street, on the corner of Second and North Church St, Athens NY 12015 (about 5 miles north of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge) . For information: 315-518-945-1417, www.drevartslibrary.org
Friday December 14, 2012 6:30-8:30
"Wassail! Wassail! Bells & Motley Yuletide Music Celebration" at Kinderhook Memorial Library, Kinderhook NY
Candlelight Night at the Library with Bells and Motley Consort Music and customs of a traditional Christmas in Dickens’ time included jovial and ceremonial songs with choruses for all to share. This musical voyage back to the spirit of Christmas Past offers a magical time for family and friends to gather and share the origins of our traditions. Across England, folks would go from door to door, singing wassailing songs that ended with the request for “a toast and a good loaf or cheese, and we’ll be on our way.” Bells and Motley will feature wassail songs from Cornwall, Somerset, and Gloucestershire. Other traditions will include a special processional bagpipe air from Northumberland to “pipe your bounds” to insure abundance and well being throughout the new year. This peek behind the history of Christmas celebration uncovers the universal within the season’s mirth and merriment, and plants the seeds of ideas for reestablishing some of the old traditional elements for community celebrations—further enriching the meaning and majesty of this important holiday season. Location: 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook NY. For information: 518-758-6192.
Saturday December 15, 2012 12:30-3:00
Sint Niklaas Belgian Christmas Celebration, Ommegang Brewery Cooperstown NY
and Motley John's birthday! a double celebration!
Imagine celebrating Christmas the Olde-World way, with Sint Niklaas, his side-kick Black Peter, and traditional holiday music, instruments, and traditions as you'd have enjoyed them in old Flanders. As you listen, you can also try some of the most finely crafted beer this side of Belgium. You might want to check the Ommegang website for details, to read about all that's happening, and get directions: www.ommegang.com. Or call: (607) 544-1800
Friday, December 21, 2012 Noon-3:00
Corporate Celebration Party
Saturday December 22, 2012 1:00-2:00
"Bells & Motley Celtic Christmas" at Southeast Steuben County Library, Corning NY
Let us take you through musical history with Music for the 12 Days of Christmas-Celtic Christmas and music for Mid-Winter celebrations. Through the centuries, these celebrations have been 12-day flurries of spirited songs, mythical airs, quaint traditions and mirthful customs and stories. We will recreate that spirited feeling as we play a diverse array of Celtic instruments: harp, hammered dulcimer, bagpipes, button accordian, Irish Cittern, bodhran and guitar. Library location: 300 Nasser Civic Plaza, Suite 101, Corning NY. For information: 518-766-3211, Library.
Sunday December 23, 2012 9:20 AM
Marcellus Methodist Church, Marcellus, NY
Come join John and Sondra as they add sacred musical embellishments to what has become an annual worship service in celebration of Christmas, located in their own village at 1 Slocombe Ave, Marcellus NY. For information: 315-673-3239.
Friday, December 28, 2012 6:00-9:00
Private Celebration Party
EARLIER IN 2012...
Bells & Motley's Instrumentarium
Sondra and John Bromka surrounded by their instruments...
JANUARY-MARCH 2012Home at MonteViola Manse, Marcellus NY
Artists' Retreat! Planning, writing, rehearsals, the creation of new works, with a special focus on composing original musical settings for Shakespeare's Sonnets.
Sunday January 8, 2012 9:20 AM
Marcellus Methodist Church, Marcellus, NY
John and Sondra add sacred musical embellishments to the service in celebration of Epiphany
Saturday January 22, 2012 6:00-9:00 pm
Annual Robbie Burns Scottish Celebration Dinner at the Brae Loch, Cazenovia, NY
In this grand return to our Celtic roots, we'll be playing harp, bagpipes, fiddle, whistle, bodhran, in celebration of the haggis as it is paraded reekin' 'round the room. It's a warm evening of music, tradition, and pageantry. For more Information, Reservations, Prices: 315-655-4844 www.braelochinn.com
March 19-30, 2012
Fairfield Elementary School, Fairfield PA
Medieval Artists-in-Residence
Interdisciplinary Music, Dance, Fine Arts, and Theater for the entire school, running two weeks, with a daily project for 4th graders: our original "Canterbury Tales Script" for a grande finale musical theater performance.
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays April 13-22, 2012
SU Warehouse Theater, Syracuse, NY
"Love vs. Time" - Shakespeare's Sonnets
Bells & Motley are the featured musicians at this exciting new show, conceived and directed by longtime collaborator, Ronnie Bell of Syracuse Shakespeare Festival. 28 of Shakespeare's sonnets interpreted in a timeless fashion, through the arts of music, dance, theatre, choral reading, dramatic presentation, film, photography, video, poetry and more. Two narrators advocate their positions to the audience throughout the show, and the audience will be asked to decide the question, "What's the most important force in your life, love or time?" In addition to their "incidental music" throughout the show on assorted Renaissance instruments, John and Sondra will debut original musical compositions for their favorite sonnets.
April 3-4, 2012
Voorheesville Middle School, Voorheesville NY
Medieval Artists-in-Residence
Since 1992, our Annual Interdisciplinary Music, Dance, Fine Arts, Art History, and Theater Project for all 6th graders, with a culminating Medieval Feast and Festival of Dance!
April 17-19, 2012
Watkins Glen Middle School, Watkins Glen NY
Renaissance Artists-in-Residence
Since 2003, our Annual Interdisciplinary Music, Dance, Fine Arts, Art History, and Theater Arts Project, focusing on building 9th Grade students' interactive theater skills for the culminating school Renaissance Faire!
April 30-May 11, 2012
Milton Middle School, Milton PA
Medieval Artists-in-Residence
Since 2004, our Annual Interdisciplinary Music, Dance, Fine Arts, Art History, and Theater Arts Project, with a culminating Medieval Festival! This 2-week integrated core curriculum program also featured a student performance of "Chanticleer's Tale" from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, and scripted by the artists for a theater experience "in the round."
May 6, 2012
LeMoyne College, Syracuse NY
Medieval Roundtable Event
Bells & Motley continue their ongoing teaching relationship with this fine college, in a day of period dance and music instruction for students out On the Green.
May 28-30, 2012
Elisabeth Morrow School, Englewood NJ
Medieval Artists-in-Residence
Since 1998, our Annual Interdisciplinary Music, Dance, Fine Arts, Art History, and Theater Arts Project, with a resplendent culminating Medieval Feast and Activities Day!
And for a change of pace, we begin another thread of music, instruments, culture, storytelling, and pageantry...Chinese!
May 22-24, June 4-8, 2012 "Bawshou & the Water Dragon" Chinese Pageant School Interdisciplinary Residencies
3rd Graders in Milford and Worcester Elementary Schools, NYS
What would you do if the Sun was captured by a powerful Dragon, and hidden in a cave, deep beneath the sea? In this traditional Chinese tale of wonder and adventure, the young boy Bawshou bravely sets out to rescue the Sun with the help of a magic golden Phoenix, to meet the Dragon's three challenges. Featuring costumes, dance, and storytelling techniques of the orient, the action and mystique of the tale are highlighted by live music on authentic Chinese traditional stringed, wind, and percussion instruments, including pipa, erhu, moon lute, gong, temple bells, drum, & guzhung (ancient Chinese zither harp.)
Fantastical Dragon Mask and Ornamental Lantern-making Workshops
Before the performance, students will learn about different types of historic dragons, and create masks of their own to wear in the "Bawshou" Pageant. Other exciting roles to be played in that performance include Star Dancers! Lantern Dancers! River Shakers! ceremonial Gong Sounders! And of course, the sinuous Dragon itself!
NOTE: School performances are not open to the public, but please inquire if you would like to preview.
Sterling Renaissance Festival 2012
All weekends beginning July 7-8, thru final weekend August 18-19
Bells & Motley's 35th year of performance since this wonderful Faire's inception in 1977! --- Join us for our concerts at our old Applewood Stage, plus a historic dance instruction session for your participation. Kick up your heels! www.sterlingfaire.com
July 12, 2012
Thornden Park Carriage House, Syracuse, NY
Shakespeare Summer Camp
Every year, Sondra and John work intensively with a group of children on the music, instruments, and dance, with a focus on a Shakespearean play. This year's theme: A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Thursdays & Fridays August 9, 10, 16, 17, 2012
Thornden Park Amphitheater, Syracuse, NY
"Shakespeare in the Park"
John performs music to accompany "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Performance starts 5:30 pm.
Friday August 24, 2012
Penn Yan Public Library, Penn Yan, NY
"The Ant & the Grasshopper"
Bells & Motley's performance piece is a highly participatory musical storytelling version of this classic fable. As we weave the tale of Ant and Grasshopper’s year in four episodes, imagine Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" introducing each episode played on harp, nyckelharpa, winds, and tromba marina (think 6 ft. tall ancient bowed dulcimer carved like a unicorn by its maker, John). The action and mystique of the tale are further highlighted by the audiences’ contributions on medieval fiddles, percussion, and dancing. We predict you will especially enjoy our twist on the story's moral. All ages will love this performance! Showtime begins 6:00 pm. 214 Main St, Penn Yan NY 315-536-6114 www.pypl.org.org
Rome Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace 2012
Saturday & Sunday August 25-26
Bells & Motley perform 3 shows both days at this event sponsored by the Rome Art and Community Center, located at 308 West Bloomfield Street, Rome NY. Faire hours 10am-5pm both days. Tickets $12 Adult, $10 Senior, $8 Child. Discounts available on website til August 22: www.romeart.org
September 1, 2, and 22, 2012
Private Wedding Performances and Anniversary Celebrations
Mohawk Valley Community College
September 30, 2012
Special Medieval Renaissance Music & Instruments presentations
Back to top for our Christmas 2012 performances!
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