Bells & Motley ConsortOlden Music, Dance, and Storytelling
Concerts and Celebrations Calendar 2007-08
last update 4/11/2008
NEWS | ARCHIVES
JANUARY 2008 | FEBRUARY 2008 | MARCH 2008 | APRIL 2008| MAY 2008| JUNE 2008
Bells & Motley's Instrumentarium Museum at Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
To see our Public performance dates, click on the MONTH tabs at the top of this page.
To find out about our school dates (generally not open to the public, but possibly open for preview by special arrangement) please contact Sondra by phone or email.
OUR 2007-08 NEWS & CALENDARGreetings, and Happy Spring!
NEWS ~
"From Art to Wood to Music: Sculpted Sound" This January 2008, in our own home locale, we offered a unique chance to share the innards of "what makes Bells & Motley tick." We mounted a PHOTO EXHIBIT(all that month long), with a culiminating concert/expo/demo that brought together all of our artforms -- art history, photography, sculpture, instrument making and craftsmanship, music, history, scholarly research, dance, cultural exchanges .... and more.
The inspiration for the program came earlier last fall from an invitation by Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA, where we were invited to do a similar presentation for a consortium of young scholars from colleges in PA, NJ, NY, and other assorted locales. We thrived on it, and wanted to expand the exposition, and then do it again for our neighbors at home. The home program was also a huge success, so now we are actively seeking more opportunties to do this performance/exhibit combination. More information about the "Sculpted Sound" exhibit and concert can be found by linking to www.bellsandmotley.com/earlyinstrumentexpo.html
And as always, we are still open to booking festival, concert, community, weddings and other private bookings for this Spring's weekends and holidays, and summers at your leisure.....let us know your pleasure!
Would you like to receive calendar updates? Or send us a message?
Or have us play for your event?
Please fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.
Arts in Education Performances, Workshops, and Residencies
We are currently also accepting school performance and residency proposals for 2008. Please contact us for information about availability, possible grants and supplemental funding deadlines, program catalogs and custom project ideas. We are rostered artists in both Pennsylvania State Arts Council, as well as NYS regional BOCES, both of which provide funding for public and private school programs. Annual deadlines apply, so get in touch now!
~ Sondra and John
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WHERE TO FIND BELLS & MOTLEY
JANUARY 2008Sunday January 6, 2008 10:15 am
Lessons & Carols for Epiphany, Trinity Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, NY
If you've never been to a Lessons & Carols, this is a very welcoming and open religious service consisting of readings, alternating with our music, to help illuminate the reason-for-the-season. Epiphany's medieval and traditional songs of the Three Kings are stunning, and performing this service at Trinity has been a long-standing tradition for us. Good-will collection. Location: 106 Chapel Street, Fayetteville NY. Information: 315-637-9872.
Monday January 7, 2008 6:00 pm
Concert for Olde Christmas and Epiphany: "The Adoration of the Magi," Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, in the Theosis Bookstore & Coffeehouse, East Syracuse, NY
This is a concert of music to celebrate Olde Christmas, offered on this major feast day in the Eastern Orthodox Tradition. So in addition to our music, presented in a beautiful and intimate setting, you'll be treated to a groaning board of goodies to enjoy. In our own yearly cycle, the season of Epiphany is Sondra's most favorite and resonant, and happily coincides with her own birthday week! Carols about the Three Kings are abundant, and can range from mysterious, to exalting, to very detailed and intimate stories about their activities. Free! Good-will donations accepted. Location: 783 Franklin Park Drive, E Syracuse. Information: 315-434-9540.
Friday January 25, 2008 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
Throughout January
"From Art to Wood to Music: Sculpted Sound" Photography Exhibit at Onondaga Free Library, NY
Researched and created by John and Sondra Bromka, this photo exhibit is a guided tour of our annual European journeys in search of medieval frescoes, sculptures, and paintings that show early musicial instruments in the hands of angels, grotesques, and even people. Runs most of January.
AND
"Sculpted Sound" Feature Early Music Concert/Discussion Program
Sunday January 20, 2008 1:00-4:00
Onondaga Free Library
In addition to a lecture-demo-concert of Medieval and Renaissance music on period instruments, on Sunday the luthiary display will expand to include musical instruments still in progresss, plans, drawings, and more, to help explain the art and craft of re-creating period instruments. Onondaga Free Library is at 4840 West Seneca Turnpike, Onondaga Hill. For more Information: 315-492-1727 www.oflibrary.org
JANUARY SCHOOL DATES:
FEBRUARY 2008Friday, Saturday, and Sunday February 1-3, 2008
Strong National Museum of Play, Rochester, NY
As part of their annual Fairy Tale Ball festivities for youngsters and families, we'll be entertaining with historic music, teaching Renaissance Dances, leading costume parades, and more, in amongst other amusements as Cinderella would dream of. For more Information and schedule: 585-263-2700 http://www.strongmuseum.org/visit/calendar.html
Tuesday January 12, 2008 daytime
Renaissance Day at Herkimer BOCES, Herkimer NY (Not open to the public)
Each January at BOCES we conduct a special daylong Renaissance of workshops, featuring our full collection of historic musical instruments, costume making, dance instruction, art and art history. This program is for regional BOCES school membership subscription, but if you would like to host something like this for your own school or organization, let us know! We're happy to work with you, and very often, grants are available for funding. Find educational and community offerings on our website: www.bellsandmotley.com
Saturday February 23, 2008 between 12:00-4:00
Oneida Public Library, Oneida, NY
220 Broad St. "Medieval Castles of the Imagination" program combines music, dance, and arts.
All programs below will be enjoyed by people of every age group ---
12:00 -1:00 "Medieval Music, Instruments, & Culture" Concert, Demonstration, and Discussion of Medieval Period Instruments, some of which were built by the artists themselves
1:00-1:30 "Castles of the Imagination" Slide show discussion, featuring castles the artists have photographed in the course of their many research trips to Europe
2:00-3:00 "The Tale of Yanek & Heliotrope: A Medieval Journey" a staged storytelling performance. Penned by the artists, this delightful tale features authentic music, the magic of talking birds, mirth, and wonder.
3:00-4:00 "Medieval Dances to Learn" Circle dances for all ages (young children accompanied by adults, please)
For more Information: 315-363-3050 www.midyork.org/oneida
FEBRUARY SCHOOL DATES:
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MARCH 2008MARCH SCHOOL DATES:
APRIL 2008APRIL PUBLIC DATES:
Friday, April 18, 2008
Port Byron Public Library, NY
"The Boy Who Went to Visit the North Wind" &
"Who Has Heard the Wind"
Sondra and John bring audiences on a wind-swept journey to long ago and far away with the telling of the traditional tale The Boy Who Went to Visit the North Wind. Look forward to an energetic tandem storytelling performance, underscored with live music on the Celtic harp, with abundant and engaging participation well suited to audiences of all ages. The tale will be ushered in with an interactive early music mini-concert Who Has Heard the Wind, featuring rare and wondrous historic wind instruments. For more Information and schedule: 315-776-5694 http://www.flls.org/portbyron/
Friday, April 25, evening
LeMoyne College, Syracuse NY
"Medieval Roundtable Feast"
APRIL SCHOOL DATES:
MAY 2008MAY PUBLIC DATES:
Saturday, May 10, 2008
MoBia (Museum of Biblical Art) Manhattan, NY
Family concert on our full collection of historical wind, stringed, and percussion instruments. For more Information and schedule: 212-408-8703 http://www.mobia.org
MAY SCHOOL DATES:
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JUNE 2008JUNE SCHOOL DATES:
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ARCHIVESJan-Mar 2007 |May-June 2007 | July 2007 | August 2007 |
September 2007 | October 2007 | November 2007 | December 2007 | Back to top
OUR 2007 JANUARY-MARCH CALENDAR
Friday, Saturday, Sunday January 19, 20, 21, 2007 daytime
Strong Museum of Play, Rochester NY
This is an event for family fun --- take a visit to Long Ago and Far Away with storytelling, music, participatory dance for children at the Fairy Tale Ball. In addition to these Bells & Motley activities, there will be more to enjoy, so check the Strong Museum's website calendar, and also find directions, admission fees, daily times, and more at: www.strongmuseum.org, or call 585-263-2700. Location: 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester
Monday January 22, 2007 daytime
Renaissance Day at Herkimer BOCES, Herkimer NY (Not open to the public)
Each January at BOCES we conduct a special daylong Renaissance of workshops, featuring our full collection of historic musical instruments, costume making, dance instruction, art and art history. This program is for regional BOCES school membership subscription, but if you would like to host something like this for your own school or organization, let us know! We're happy to work with you, and very often, grants are available for funding. Find educational and community offerings on our website: www.bellsandmotley.com
Saturday January 27, 2007 daytime
Celebrate Chinese New Year with Traditonal Chinese Theater, Instruments, Dance, & Maskmaking: "Bawshou & the Dragon"
Aurora Opera House, Aurora 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 live music on authentic Chinese traditional stringed, wind, and percussion instruments, including pipa, erhu, moon lute, gong, temple bells, drum, and guzhung (ancient Chinese zither harp.)
9:30 Workshops: Pre-registration assures you a place and materials for maskmaking.
11:30 Performance: . All ages are welcome to come enjoy this performance! Workshop children will perform as the Dragon, Dancers, and Gong Players in our story.
For information and registration: Sandy Groth, 315-364-8074
Sunday January 28, 2007 daytime
Celebrate Chinese New Year with Traditonal Chinese Theater, Instruments, Dance, & Maskmaking: "Bawshou & the Dragon"
Canastota Public Library, Canastota NY
See description above, at Aurora Opera House
12:00 Workshops, 2:00 Performance: All ages are welcome to come enjoy this performance! Workshop children will perform as the Dragon, Dancers, and Gong Players in our story.
For information and registration: Beth Totten, 315-697-7030
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday February 16-18, 2007
Meet us at the Dance Flurry, Saratoga Springs NY
Enjoy either a day or a full weekend of traditional and folk dance workshops, concerts, instrument go-arounds, and more. Bells & Motley will be there (this time around in comparatively laid-back fashion) with our traditional French instruments, bagpipes assortment, assisting in French and Breton Dancing, and having a grand ol' time in the best of company. If you've never been, check it out at www.danceflurry.org!
For Dance Flurry Information: 518-237-9520
Thursday February 22, 2007 1:30
"The Boy Who Went to Visit the North Wind" Participatory Musical Storytelling for Families, and "Who Has Heard the Wind" Historic Wind Instruments Children's Concert
Hazard Library, Poplar Ridge NY (held at the Friends Meeting Hall)
This tale of magic unfolds when a poor boy's meal is unwittingly blown away, and taken to the four corners of the earth by the all powerful North Wind, and cannot be returned. In exchange, a magic table cloth, magic donkey, and magic stick are three marvelous gifts offered by the Wind. But in the end, the most important gift of all is surely the North Wind's sage advice: All you have to do is keep your eyes & ears open. Children will love all of the participation, and the wondrous and curious ways of long ago & far away. The story is not only accompanied by harp, but also a Children's Concert featuring curious wind instruments of olden times, including shawms, crumhorns, and bagpipes. More program information at our
Sunday February 25, 2007 11:00-2:00
"Bears, Baboons, & Brunch" at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse NY
Enjoy a leisurely and elaborate Sunday Buffet Brunch at the Zoo. A real deal at $14.95 per adult, $8.95 child -- includes zoo admission! For this event we will highlight favorite wind and stringed instruments from our collection, including Celtic harp, hammered dulcimer, Northumbrian parlour bagpipes, lute, woodwinds, and perhaps even the rare and mysterious hurdy gurdy, a very early European stringed instrument with the distinct sound of a bagpipe. As for the buffet menu, see www.rosamondgiffordzoo.com
For information/reservations: Call Barb Libertore or James Mahler at the Zoo, 315-435-8511
Thursday March 1, 2007 6:30-7:30
Canajoharie, NY
"Medieval Musical Instrument Mysteries: Hurdy Gurdies, Bagpipes, Rommelpots, and Harps"
How do they sound? How do they work? Where do people still play them?
Folks are eager to discover the stories and secrets behind some of the most rare, mysterious, and magical musical instruments of history. Why were they invented? How do they work? Hear the tales that are told about the man who was said to be the first player of the bagpipes in ancient Rome. Discover why old stories claimed that fiddles have magical powers. What was the tallest stringed instrument ever invented, over 6 feet tall? Are there actually wind instruments that you don't blow into? Can a harp ever play itself? What happens when you touch it? After the concert, children will be invited to try the harp to find out for themselves!
Canajoharie Middle School Gathering Room,
public program sponsored by Canajoharie Public Library
For Information, Nancy Baldwin at the Library: 518-673-2314
Saturday March 31, 2007 1:00 pm
Massena Public Library, Massena NY
"The Boy Who Went to Visit the North Wind" & "Who Has Heard the Wind"
Sondra and John bring audiences on a wind-swept journey to long ago and far away with the telling of the traditional tale The Boy Who Went to Visit the North Wind. Look forward to an energetic tandem storytelling performance, underscored with live music on the Celtic harp, with abundant and engaging participation well suited to audiences of all ages. The tale will be ushered in with an interactive early music mini-concert Who Has Heard the Wind, featuring rare and wondrous historic wind instruments.
For Information, Elaine Dunne-Thayer, Massena Library Youth Services: 315-769-9914
May 27-June 23, 2007
Touring, research, and teaching historic music and dance in France
This year's trip has a great lineup of activities, mostly in Brittany, with an emphasis on Traditional Breton, French, and Historic Renaissance music and dance -- both participating and teaching at workshops and festivals. But also the Medieval Faire at Chateau Sully on the Loire, and the Fete Jeanne d'Arc in Orleans! Our current photo essay topics: quests for symbolism in medieval fresco painting in Norman chapels; the significance of Mills as community centers, and documenting our own work as cultural historians.
Thursday June 28, 2007 12:00 Noon
Saratoga NY City Center, downtown Saratoga
Saratoga Baroque Festival Concert
"A Renaissance Pleasure Garden: Shakespeare's Flowers, Birds, & Fountains"
Our traditional kick-off concert for the 48th Annual Saratoga Baroque Festival (pushing for 50!)
For the complete festival program line-up, call (518) 893-7527.
JULY 2007Saturday and Sunday July 7 and 8, 2007
Sterling Renaissance Festival, near Oswego NY
This opening weekend, find us performing four different concerts at our "Bells & Motley Instrumentarium" Museum/Stage.
www.sterlingfestival.com 315-947-5783 or toll free 800-879-4446
Wednesday July 11, 2007 3:00 pm
William B. Ogden Public Library, Walton NY
"Musical Instrument Mysteries"
Hurdy Gurdies, Bagpipes, Rommelpots, Lutes, and Harps
Up-Close Exploration of Historic Instruments How do they sound? How do they work? Folks are eager to discover the sounds and secrets behind some of the most rare, mysterious, and magical musical instruments of history. This program combines our perspectives as instrument makers, players, and historians.
Indoors or out? To check on location/information: 42 Gardiner Place, Walton. 607-865-5259
Thursday July 12, 2007 7:00 pm
Syracuse Public Library, Hazard Branch, Syracuse NY
"Musical Instrument Mysteries"
Hurdy Gurdies, Bagpipes, Rommelpots, Lutes and Harps
Up-Close Exploration of Historic Instruments Bbr> (Find program description above, at Walton)
1620 West Genesee St. Syracuse. For information call 315-484-1528
Saturday and Sunday July 14 and 15, 2007
Sterling Renaissance Festival, near Oswego NY
Performing concerts at our "Bells & Motley Instrumentarium" Museum/Stage.
Monday July 16, 2007 1:30 pm
Westmoreland Reading Center, Westmoreland NY
Double Program: "The Boy Who Went to Visit the North Wind" Participatory Musical Storytelling for Families, and "Who Has Heard the Wind" Historic Wind Instruments Exploration
Note: Program to be held at Westmoreland Town Hall, 50 Station Road, just across from Center. For information, call the library at: 315-738-0970
Wednesday July 18, 2007 10:00 am
Thornden Park Carriage House, Syracuse NY
KIDS Summer Shakespeare Program
Workshop in Shakespearean musical instruments, dance, and songs, for public performances of "Merry Wives of Windsor"
(closed to public; registration filled for this year)
Wednesday July 18, 2007 2:30 pm
Jervis Library, Rome NY
"Musical Instrument Mysteries" Concert of Historic Instruments
Hurdy Gurdies, Bagpipes, Rommelpots, Lutes, and Harps
(Find program description above, at Walton)
613 North Washington Street, Rome. For information, call the library at 315-336-4570.
Thursday July 19, 2007 9:30 am
Alfred Box of Books Library, Alfred NY
"Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal" Folk Operetta - Staged Historic Musical Theater Performance
Celebrate our Canal heritage and history with 19th c. musical instruments, characters, and tall tales, all woven together into an original, colorful, and highly participatory staged spectacle for all ages. Presented in the popular 19th c. style of singalong "folk operetta," hear banjo, hurdy gurdy, fiddle, hammered dulcimer, early squeezeboxes, and abundant opportunities to join in.
1 West University Street, Alfred. For information, call the library at (607) 587-9290.
Thursday July 19, 2007 1:30 pm
Cuba Circulating Library, Cuba NY
Double Program: "Stone Soup: A Story to Treasure" + "The Hurdy Gurdy Concert"
Hands-on participatory musical storytelling program, featuring hurdy gurdy, singing, and much more, followed by a lively concert featuring music for the hurdy gurdy. A multigenerational favorite for families, children, everyone!
39 East Main Street, Cuba. For information, call the library at (585) 968-1668
Thursday July 19, 2007 7:00pm
Lockport Public Library, Lockport NY
"Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal" Folk Operetta - Staged Historic Musical Theater Performance (find description above, for Alfred)
23 East Avenue, Lockport. For information, call the library at (716) 433-5935.
Friday July 20, 2007 11:00am
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, Medina NY
"Musical Instrument Mysteries" Concert of Historic Instruments
Hurdy Gurdies, Bagpipes, Rommelpots, Lutes, and Harps
How do they sound? How do they work? Folks are eager to discover the sounds and secrets behind some of the most rare, mysterious, and magical musical instruments of history. This program combines our perspectives as instrument makers, players, and historians.
620 West Avenue, Medina. For information, call the library at (585) 798-3430.
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AUGUST 2007Wednesday August 1, 2007 all day
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Youth Day, Mt. Hope PA
Performances of historic music, dance workshops
Closed to pubic; For information, www.parenfaire.com
Sunday August 5, 2007 1:00-3:00 pm
Lorenzo State Historic Site, Cazenovia NY
America's Heritage Music on the Lawn
17 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia NY, 315-655-3200 for information
Wednesday August 8, 2007 1:00pm
Sherburne Public Library, Sherburne NY
"Musical Instrument Mysteries" Concert of Historic Instruments
Hurdy Gurdies, Bagpipes, Rommelpots, Lutes, and Harps
2 East State Street, Sherburne NY, 607-674-4242 for information
Saturday and Sunday August 11+12, 2007, our season begins
Also August 18+19, 25+26, and all weekends of September + October
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Mt. Hope PA
For information, www.parenfaire.com
Tuesday August 28, 2007, 9:00 pm
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY
"A Renaissance Pleasure Garden: Shakespeare's Flowers, Birds, & Fountains"
Evening "Garden Muse" concert program on early instruments, as part of Garden Holidays week. For information, www.mohonk.com
Thursday August 30, 2007, times TBA
New York State Faire
Find us performing traditonal international music - where else? the International Pavilion. This has been an annual tradition for us!
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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2007Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire FULL SEASON RUN
All Saturdays and Sundays til the end of October.
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Mt. Hope PA
For information, www.parenfaire.com
Monday September 24, 2007, all day
Also October 2, 3, 5, 10, 11 School Day at Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Mt. Hope PA
(Closed to public)
For information, www.parenfaire.com
Monday October 22 - Friday October 26, 2007, all day
School Day Renaissance Faire Residency
Milton Middle School, Milton PA
School events generally closed to public
To preview any of our school programs, please contact Bells & Motley, and we'll help make arrangements.
NOVEMBER 2007Settle in back at home; residency planning meetings and grant writing; rehearse for December!
DECEMBER 2007If you are a venue that is considering a concert, a holiday program, or other special event, please get in touch for program ideas and details. Meanwhile, here are our confirmed public events.
NOTE THAT WE WILL HAVE OUR "WASSAIL" CHRISTMAS CD's AVAILABLE AT MOST VENUES
Saturday Dec 1, 2007, all day
Moravian College Medieval Conference, Bethlehem PA
From 12:30-1:30, enjoy an early instruments musicological and art history demonstration tour of our collection, including instrument-building works in progress. Then, from 4:30-5:30, we offer a concert of early music to cap off the festivities. For a look at the student papers that will be presented that day between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm: http://www.moravian.edu/medieval/program07.html
For a schedule overview, www.moravian.edu/medieval/schedule.htm
Sunday Dec 2, 2007, 2:30 pm
Onondaga Free Library, Onondaga Hill, Syracuse, NY
"Welcome Yule" Early Music Holiday Concert
To kick off our Christmas Season concertizing, this is our much-awaited local concert of the season in one of our favorite local places! And it's free! Come enjoy us in this warm and intimate setting. Refreshments will be served.
For information, www.oflibrary.org 315-492-1727
Friday Dec 7, 2007, 4:00 Tea, 9:00 pm Concert
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY
"Here We Go A-Wassailing" -- you don't need to be a Mohonk guest to enjoy this concert (but yes, you'd like to be!) The setting and ambiance of Mohonk is breathtaking.
Information, www.mohonk.com 914-255-1000
Saturday Dec 8, 2007, 12:00-3:00 pm
Ommegang Brewery, Cooperstown, NY
Sint Niklaas Belgian Christmas Celebration, Cooperstown NY
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.
Information: www.ommegang.com. Or call: 607-544-1800.
Sunday December 9, 2007 12:30-4:00
1890 House Historic Site, Wassail Party/Open House, Cortland NY
Up on our website calendar page, you'll find a photograph of us playing in front of the Wickwire Mansion's glorious fireplace last year. Here's your chance to visit the mansion, enjoy some Victorian Christmas music in a relaxed open house atmosphere, and share in their annual Wassail Party, all for Free! (donations accepted, and our Wassail Christmas recording will be available for sale). Information: 607-756-7551 Location: 37 Tompkins Street. www.1890house.org
Saturday December 15, 2007 12:30-4:00
Dickens' Christmas Celebration Festivities with Bells and Motley
Clayton Opera House, Clayton NY
Dickens' Christmas Celebration Festivities with Bells and Motley
A two part program, beginning with a 10:00 AM concert "Dickens Music, Instruments, and Quirky Traditions for the Days of Christmas"
Followed by "Fezziwig's Ball: A Dickens of A Dance Workshop"
Both programs free of charge, but must pre-register for Dance Workshop at Hawn Memorial Library. Class size is limited.
Clayton Opera House, Riverside Drive, Clayton NY, phone 315-686-3762
To register for dance workshop: Hawn Memorial Library: 315-654-3314
Saturday Dec 22, 2007 1:00-4:00
Lorenzo State Historic Site, Cazenovia, NY
Victorian Christmas Open House at Lorenzo
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. $3 for adults, $1 kids under 12. Location: 17 Rippleton Road, Route 13. For information, www.lorenzony.org 315-655-3200
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OUR 2006 DECEMBER/CHRISTMAS CALENDARSaturday December 2, 2006 Le Moyne College, Syracuse NY
"Renaissance Revels" Christmas Madrigal Dinner at LeMoyne College
Bells & Motley Consort & LeMoyne College Singers
6:00 PM gathering for cocktails, 6:30 performance time, James Commons
For tickets/reservations, call: 315-445-4523; $30 Adults, $20 Seniors, $15 Students. Please plan to call ahead to reserve your seats. We are so excited to be performing Renaissance and Traditional British Isles Christmas music with the choir! A completely lavish Renaissance music, dance, theater, and dining experience with Queen Elizabeth I herself ---and you are invited! www.lemoyne.edu
Sunday December 3, 2006 Onondaga Hill Free Library, Syracuse NY 2:00
Concert "Welcome Yule"
For many of you, this is our annual local Bells & Motley Christmas gathering. We'll play our most favorite Medieval, Renaissance, and Traditional French, Celtic, and English holiday music, on a full complement of historic instruments. Come enjoy this intimate, interactive library setting that makes everyone feel right at home, and share a Holiday Wassail toast and a song with your friends and neighbors! Information: 315-492-1727, Location: 4840 West Seneca Turnpike. Free! www.oflibrary.org
Sunday December 3, 2006 Morristown, St. Lawrence Co. 7:00
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony + Concert, sponsored by Morristown Public Library.
First the village tree lighting ceremony, then follow John's Renaissance Bagpipes as we wend our way over to the Christmas concert and refreshments. Information: 315-375-8833 (library). Concert location: Morristown Methodist Church Hall, Gouverneur St, next to school. Tree lighting ceremony at 6:30. Free!
Saturday December 9, 2006 Cooperstown NY 12:00-3:30
Ommegang Brewery Sint Niklaas Belgian Christmas Celebration, Cooperstown NY
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.
Sunday December 10, 2006 12:00-5:00
1890 House Historic Site, Wassail Party/Open House, Cortland NY
Up on our website calendar page, you'll find a photograph of us playing in front of the Wickwire Mansion's glorious fireplace last year. Here's your chance to visit the mansion, enjoy some Victorian Christmas music in a relaxed open house atmosphere, and share in their annual Wassail Party, all for Free! (donations accepted, and our Wassail Christmas recording will be available for sale). Information: 607-756-7551 Location: 37 Tompkins Street. www.1890house.org
Friday December 15, 2006 7:00-9:00 pm
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! (And what better place to show up to help us celebrate John's birthday, that same day!) 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. $3 for adults, $1 kids under 12. Location: 17 Rippleton Road, Route 13. For information: 315-655-3200, www.lorenzony.org
Saturday December 16, 2006 1:00-4:00 PM
Lorenzo State Historic Site, Family Christmas Day, Cazenovia NY
A special event and activities for the children (John only on that day, as guise of Victorian Father Christmas; Sondra will be out frolicking, unless someone asks her to play harp for their wassail party?) Admission will be charged - see above. www.lorenzony.org
Sunday December 17, 2006 10:30 service (10:15 prelude)
Advent Service of Lessons and Carols at Saint Alban's Episcopal Church, Syracuse NY
We will have the honor of combining our musical offerings with the resident choir and soloists of St Alban's, a top-notch musical ministry in the neighborhood of Syracuse University. If you have never experienced a service of lessons and carols, expect to find an abundance of music and readings to give the entire Christmas prophecy and story. Christmas Spirit! Located at 1308 Meadowbrook Dr, just east of Euclid Ave. 315-446-3490
Friday December 22, 2006 all day
Alden Elementary School Holiday Celebration, Alden, Erie County (Not open to the public)
Historic Holiday Music & Storytelling
If any of you folks who live out in Western NY or Rochester know of a great place for us to play that evening, we're ready, willing and available for engagement!
Sunday January 7, 2006 , 6:00 pm
Concert for Olde Christmas: "The Adoration of the Magi," Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, in the Theosis Bookstore & Coffeehouse, East Syracuse, NY
This is a concert of music to celebrate Olde Christmas, offered on this major feast day in the Eastern Orthodox Tradition. So in addition to our music, presented in a beautiful and intimate setting, you'll be treated to a groaning board of goodies to enjoy. In our own yearly cycle, the season of Epiphany is Sondra's most favorite and resonant, and happily coincides with her own birthday week! Carols about the Three Kings are abundant, and can range from mysterious, to exalting, to very detailed and intimate stories about their activities. Free! Good-will donations accepted. Location: 783 Franklin Park Drive, E Syracuse. Information: 315-434-9540.
Sunday January 14, 2006 10:15 service (10:00 prelude)
Epiphany Service of Lessons & Carols at Trinity Episcopal Church, Fayetteville NY
Performing at Trinity has become a long-standing and very meaningful annual tradition for us. All are warmly welcomed to join us as guests as we present a special musical service for this final part of the Christmas season -- the Celebration of Epiphany, in honor of the Three Kings, and the Recognition they accorded the world in their Wisdom. Please do come enjoy, and join us as we give some of our favorite carols and Christmas hymns one last good sing! Trinity Church is located on the corner of Genesee Street and Chapel Street, in the upper village of Fayetteville. 315-637-9872 www.trinityfayetteville.org
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