Bells & Motley Calendarlast update 2/6/2010
Bells & Motley's Instrumentarium Museum at Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
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2009 WAS A YEAR of MILESTONES ~
Quadricentennial Celebration Year: The French & the Dutch Arrive in North America!
This was a very special year when it all happened at once for us. Our many years of musicological and cultural history research in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands came to great use as we celebrated Samuel de Champlain and Henry Hudson's arrival on our shores, changing the cultural future of North America in no small way. Begin by clicking over to our Quadricentennial Celebration Page. You will see a most special version of our "From Art to Wood to Music: Sculpted Sound" program highlighting early Dutch and French instrument iconography.
The Birth of Opera!
Monteverdi's "Orfeo" was published in 1609. This being our own personal favorite, we were inspired in no small way to re-construct that rarest of period stringed instruments, a tromba marina (a "marine trumpet"). And also, a children's operetta to go with it, "The Ant and the Grasshopper." All wonderful!
Arts-in-Education Performances, Workshops, and Residencies
Teacher Consultancies and In-Service Workshops
We are still also accepting school performance and residency proposals for Winter/Spring 2010. 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 programs, 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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FALL & WINTER 2009-2010 PUBLIC DATES: Saturday November 7, 2009 2:00-5:00 pm
Hill Hold and Brick House Museums, Campbell Hall (near Montgomery), NY
Fundraiser event
Historic music, in a wonderful historic atmosphere
128 Route 416, Campbell Hall, NY (Orange County). For reservations, call 845-291-2404, or www.hillholdandbrickhouse.org
Sunday November 8, 2009 1:00-2:00 pm
Florida Public Library, Florida (Orange County), 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: 845-631-7659
Friday November 20, 2009 7:00 PM
Oxford Academy, 12 Fort Hill Park, Oxford, NY
A Gala Cupcake-Themed Fundraiser for the Oxford Youth Center, featuring the telling of the traditional tale "The Boy Who Went to Visit the North Wind" and "Who Has Heard the Wind" (program as in above listing, but with a unique cupcake twist!) For more information: 607-843-5922
Sunday November 29, 2009 9:30 AM
Marcellus Methodist Church, Marcellus, NY
Music for 1st Sunday of Advent Morning Worship Service
Sunday December 6, 2009 1:00-3:00
Peaceful Center, Troy, NY (Rensselaer County)
Holiday Open House Concert, as part of Troy Victorian Stroll
Location: 45 Third Street, Troy. For information: 518-326-3467; www.victorianstroll.com
Thursday December 10, 2009 7:00
New Lebanon Library, New Lebanon, NY (Columbia County)
"Christmas Around the World and Across Time"
Location: 550 State Route 20. For information: 518-794-8844, www.newlebanon.lib.ny.us
Friday December 11, 2009 6:00-8:30
Kinderhook Memorial Library, Kinderhook, NY (Columbia County)
"Wassail Traditions" Open House Music, Village Candlelight Celebration
Location: 18 Hudson Street. For information: 518-758-6192, www.oklibrary.org
Saturday December 12, 2009 12:00-3:00
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
Saturday December 12, 2009 evening
Phelps Community Historical Society at historic Howe House
Wassail Celebration Fundraiser: Progressive Dinner and Architectural Tour
Reservations, Info: 315-548-4940; Desert & Concert Location: 66 Main Street, Phelps NY. See www.phelpsny.com/home-for-the-holidays
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are interested, reserve NOW or this program may be cancelled.
Saturday December 19, 2009 evening
Private Wedding Party
Sunday December 20, 2009 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 this most intimate and evocative of settings. $3 for adults, $1 kids under 12. Location: 17 Rippleton Road, Route 13. For information: 315-655-3200, www.lorenzony.org
Sunday December 27, 2009 7:00PM
Concert for Olde Christmas and Epiphany: "The Adoration of the Magi," Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, East Syracuse, NY
This is a concert of music to celebrate Olde Christmas, a perfect window into the lore of "The 12 Days of Christmas." Keeping in mind that while most of us have just celebrated the culmination of Christmas, those of the Orthodox tradition are still looking forward to Christmas on January 7th. Together, we'll be time travelers, bridging the two Christmas dates! In addition to our music, presented in an exceedingly beautiful and intimate setting of holy icons, you'll be treated to a groaning board of goodies to enjoy. In our own yearly cycle, this special time leading to season of Epiphany is a personal favorite: Carols about the Three Kings are abundant, ranging from mysterious, to exalting, to very detailed and humorous stories about their activities. A good will collection will be taken for the musicians. Location: 783 Franklin Park Drive, E Syracuse. Information: 315-434-9540.
Sunday January 3, 2010 AM, Prelude begins 9:00AM
Lessons & Carols for Epiphany, St. John's Episcopal Church, 15 Orange Street, Marcellus, NY
We are very excited to once again be invited to weave our wondrous Lessons & Carols Musical Service right here in our own dear village, but a short block from our home. Here we bring together our most favorite seasonal music with scriptural readings. We invite our greater community of friends and fans to join this open worship celebration with our warm and welcoming home congregation. A good will collection will be taken for we the musicians. www.stjohnsmarcellus.org
Saturday January 9, 2010 evening
Private Celebration Party
Saturday January 23, 2010 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
FEBRUARY 2010We take a brief sabbatical as we move into our new home and center of activities, the soon to announced Marcellus Center for the Arts!
--> Call now to book your school and public programs for 2010
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BELLS & MOTLEY 2009 PUBLIC CALENDAR ARCHIVE
JANUARY 2009 PUBLIC DATES: Sunday January 4, 2009 9:00 AM
Lessons & Carols for Epiphany, St. John's Episcopal Church, Marcellus, NY
We are very excited to be able to present our village and the greater community with this Lessons & Carols program, alternating music and scripture readings for the season. A good will offering will be taken.
Tuesday January 6, 2009 7:00 pm
Lessons & Carols for Epiphany, Trinity Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, NY
If you've never been to a Lessons & Carols, this is a very welcoming service open for the greater community, 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. Carols about the Three Kings will be abundant, and can range from mysterious, to exalting, to very detailed and intimate stories about their activities. A good will offering will be taken for the Bromkas. Location: 106 Chapel Street, Fayetteville NY. Information: 315-637-9872.
Sunday January 27, 2009 1:00-2:00
"Tristan & Iseult: A Harper's Tale" performance, Florida Public Library, Florida, NY
An original bardic musical storytelling performance piece written by Sondra and John, for performance on medieval harp, nyckelharpa (early keyed fiddle), recorders, and more. Will delight teenage and adult audiences! See www.bellsandmotley.com/tristaniseult.html for more about this wonderful piece, and its history. 4 Cohen Circle, Florida. FREE! For more information: 845-651-7659
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Program change: Bells & Motley will instead be presenting their double program for families: "The Boy Who Went to Visit the North Wind" & "Who Has Heard the Wind." For more information: www.bellsandmotley.com/northwindpage.html
Friday January 23, 2009 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
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FEBRUARY-MARCH 2009 PUBLIC DATES: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday February 6-7-8, 2009
Strong National Museum of Play, Rochester, NY
As part of their Annual Fairy Tale Ballfestivities 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
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday February 13-15, 2009
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 with our traditional French instruments, bagpipes assortment, assisting in Renaissance, 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
Tuesday February 17, 2009 1:00 workshops, 2:30 performance
(please call library to reserve a place for workshops)
Celebrate Chinese New Year with Traditonal Chinese Theater, Instruments, Dance, & Maskmaking: "Bawshou & the Dragon"
Cicero Public Library, Cicero 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.)
Saturday February 21, 2009 12:30 workshops, 2:00 performance
(please call library to reserve a place in the workshops)
Celebrate Chinese New Year with Traditonal Chinese Theater, Instruments, Dance, & Maskmaking: "Bawshou & the Dragon"
Brewerton Public Library, Brewerton NY
See description above, at Cicero Public Library
Saturday March 21, 2009 11:30 workshops, 1:00 performance
(please call to check times, and to reserve a place in the workshops)
Celebrate Chinese New Year with Traditonal Chinese Theater, Instruments, Dance, & Maskmaking: "Bawshou & the Dragon"
North Syracuse Public Library, North Syracuse 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.)
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APRIL 2009 PUBLIC DATES: Saturday April 4, all evening until....
LeMoyne College, Syracuse NY
"Medieval Roundtable Feast"
For students of Art, Music, History, and more, a gathering to celebrate and share interests in Medieval Culture as we share the Music, Instruments, Dances, and Culinary Arts. A modest price covers your sumptuous multi-course meal, and your multi-course music, dancing, and other congenial activities are free!
our arts-in-education season is in full swing April through June...
see school performances 2009
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MAY 2009 PUBLIC DATES: Saturday May 2, 12:00 Noon....
Montezuma Audubon Center, Savannah NY
Our "15 Years on the Erie Canal" interactive musical theater performance at the 3rd Annual Wildlife Festival
The festival runs from 10am to 4 pm; Bells & Motley's rollicking participatory sing-along musical theater performance of life and music on our famous canal waterway begins at noon.
Saturday May 30, 2009 2:00 workshops, 4:00 performance
at "The Stage" Western NY Performance Center, Warsaw NY
(please call ahead to reserve a place in the workshops)
"Bawshou & the Dragon" Traditonal Chinese Theater, Instruments, Dance, & Maskmaking Performance and Workshops
Western NY Performance Center "The Stage" 23 S. Main Street, Warsaw 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.)
SUMMER 2009 PUBLIC DATES: Sunday June 7, 10:00-5:00
Lyndhurst National Trust Historic Site, Tarrytown NY
The Hudson River Fest Quadricentennial Celebration
The Hudson River Fest Quadricentennial Celebration festival will showcase Bells & Motley as they present early Dutch heritage music, instruments, and dances, and includes a show-and-tell of rare instruments of that era, including Flemish bagpipes, keyed fiddles, and more. The festival runs from 10:00-5:00, Bells & Motley's performance times at 12:00 and 2:00, with historic dance teaching and informal music by the Bromkas between times.
Saturday June 13, 12:00 and 2:00
Senate House State Historic Site, Kingston NY
Concerts of Early Dutch Folk & Popular Music
The "Double-Dutch" two-day festival runs June 13-14; Bells & Motley present a program of early Dutch heritage music, instruments, and dances, and includes a show-and-tell of rare instruments of that era, including Flemish bagpipes, keyed fiddles, and more.
Sunday June 14, 3:00
Crailo State Historic Site, Rennselaer NY
Concert of Dutch and Flemish Folk & Popular Music
A lively concert of music of the masses played on hurdy gurdy, crumhorns, keyed fiddles, and historic bagpipes. Our 3:00 Concert in the acoustically wonderful First Presbyterian Church, 34 Broadway (just one block from Crailo) -- followed by a bagpipe procession to a reception on the lawns at Crailo! Tickets are $22.50 per person. Call 518-463-8738 for reservations.
Monday June 29, 7:00 pm
Wood Library, Canandaigua NY
"The Boy Who Went to Visit the North WInd" + "Who Has Heard the Wind" Double Program!
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. Enjoyed by young and old!
134 North Main Street, Canandaigua 585-394-1381 www.woodlibrary.org
Sterling Renaissance Faire 2009
All July Weekends beginning July 4-5, and continuing thru August 16
Bells & Motley's 32th year, since its inception in 1977! --- This year, find us again in the beauteous atmosphere of our new location down below by the maypole, on the point of the bog. But note: you old-timers who have been fans of ours since the early 1980's will easily remember this as our original stage at the faire, called the "Squire Stage" back then. How time flies when you are having fun!
Wednesday July 8, 2009 10:30-11:30 AM
Lima Public Library, Lima NY
"The Ant and the Grasshopper"
Bells & Motley's newest 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, tromba marina (think 6 ft. bowed dulcimer), and winds. 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.
1872 Genesee St, Lima NY 585-582-1311 www.lima.pls-net.org
Wednesday July 15, 2009 beginning at 7:00 pm
Moore Memorial Library, Greene NY
"15 Years on the Erie Canal" Participatory Musical Theater
Our original fanciful musical theater piece features impromptu audience roles, abundant singing, and all the entertainments you'd expect to find at an 1800's opera house on the Erie Canal. Only this time, we're bringing the opera house to you at the library for a free performance! Features hammered dulcimer, hurdy gurdy, fiddle, banjo, squeezebox, canal boat horn, and pots and kettles!
59 Genesee St, Greene NY 607-656-4720 www.4cls.org/greene/greene.html
Thursday July 30, 2009 beginning at 7:00 pm
Crown Point, NY
Quadricentennial Commemorative Concert Celebration for Samuel de Champlain
Here's a unique chance to step back in time, at the same place where Samuel de Champlain stood 400 years ago to the day! Hear the French musical traditions of the day, performed on our unique collection. Our traditional and historic collection of French instruments includes biniou and bombarde, veuze, cabrette, galoubet et tamborin, vielle a roue, early fiddles, harps, and lute.
At the Lake Champlain Bridge, 739 Bridge Road, Crown Point NY 518-597-4666 www.nysparks.com/sites/info.asp?siteID=8
Tuesday August 4, 2009 beginning at 6:00 pm
Penn Yan Public Library, Penn Yan NY
Double Program: "Stone Soup: A Story to Treasure" and "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 and other curious instruments. A multigenerational favorite for families, children, everyone!
214 Main Street, Penn Yan, NY. For information, call library at 315-536-6114
Note: The date of this event has been shifted from its previous date (which was the last week in July).
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire 2009
near Manheim, PA
Weekends August 22 through November 1
5 Different concert themes daily, on the Hurdy Gurdy Stage and Historic Instrumentarium. www.parenfaire.com
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A SAMPLING OF JANUARY-JUNE 2009 BELLS & MOTLEY SCHOOL DATES:
To find out about our school workshop dates (generally not open to the public, but possibly open for preview by special arrangement) please contact Sondra by phone or email.
January-
"Fifteen Years on the Erie Canal" Folk Operetta performances, K-5
Colonial Culture Artist Residency: Music, Dance, Art, and Etiquette Workshops, Student performances culmination
February -
"Fifteen Years on the Erie Canal" Folk Operetta performance
"Who Has Heard the Wind" & "The Boy Who Went to VIsit the North Wind" - Introduction to early wind instruments, plus musical folk-telling performances
"Medieval Residency Day" for Honors Students: Music, Costuming-fom-your-Closet, Dance workshops
March -
"Renaissance Faire" planning meeting day for 5 Day Integrated Arts Residency in May
"Medieval Residency Day" for 6th grade; Music, Costuming-fom-your-Closet, Dance workshops, with Finale evening performance
Musical Storytelling Performances
K-6 Renaissance Faire Residency
April -
2-day Medieval Music, Dance, Arts Residency
Medieval and Renaissance Oral Literature: Music, Symbolism, Balladry 5-day residency
Renaissance Faire: Dance and Interactive Theater Techniques 3-day arts residency
A Medieval Pilgrimage in the Arts: Chaucer's Canterbury Tales 5-Day Residency
May -
2-week Medieval and Renaissance Arts Residency
A Medieval Pilgrimage in the Arts: Chaucer's Canterbury Tales 5-Day Residency
Historic Heritage Music & Dance Traditions, Grades 4, 5, 6
June -
2-week Medieval and Renaissance Arts Residency
OUR 2008 CALENDAR CALENDAR ARCHIVES
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. 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! 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.
AND
"Musical Instrument Mysteries & Metamorphoses" 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
A SAMPLING OF JANUARY 2008 SCHOOL DATES:
New York:
"The Boy Who Went to Visit the North Wind" Musical Storytelling, and "Who Has Heard the Wind" Historic Wind Instruments, K-3;
"Fifteen Years on the Erie Canal" Folk Operetta performance, Grades 4-5;
"Medieval Music & Culture" Presentation, Grade 6
FEBRUARY 2008Friday, Saturday, and Sunday February 1-3, 2008
Strong National Museum of Play, Rochester, NY
As part of their Annual Fairy Tale Ballfestivities 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 Feburary 12, 2008 daytime
Renaissance Arts Day at Herkimer BOCES, Herkimer NY
Each winter 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
Medieval Arts Day at Oneida Public Library, Oneida, NY
220 Broad St. "Medieval Castles of the Imagination" program combines music, dance, and arts. All programs by Bells & Motley, created to be enjoyed by people of all ages ---
12:00 -1:00 "Medieval Music, Instruments, & Culture" Concert, Demonstration, and Discussion of Medieval Period Instruments, many 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:
New York:
Pennsylvania:
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MARCH 2008MARCH SCHOOL DATES:
New York:
March 3-7, Boiling Springs PA, Rice Elementary, Folk Operetta, Music, and Dance Residency, Grade 3, with evening finale student performance for the public
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, all evening until....
LeMoyne College, Syracuse NY
"Medieval Roundtable Feast"
For students of Art, Music, History, and more, a gathering to celebrate and share interests in Medieval Culture as we share the Music, Instruments, Dances, and Culinary Arts. A modest price covers your sumptuous multi-course meal, and your multi-course music, dancing, and other congenial activities are free!
APRIL 2008 SCHOOL DATES:
New York:
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MAY 2008MAY PUBLIC DATES:
Saturday, May 10, 2008
MoBia (Museum of Biblical Art) Manhattan, NY
Medieval Music Concert in the Gallery, featuring our full collection of historical wind, stringed, and percussion instruments, and informal historic dance instruction "as the spirit moves" with the Bromkas. http://www.mobia.org
MAY SCHOOL DATES:
New York State:
JUNE 2008JUNE SCHOOL DATES:
JUNE PUBLIC DATES:
June 21, 2008 Honesdale PA, Tunes and Tales Festival Tent, 5:00 PM Performance of "The Boy Who Went to Visit the North Wind" and "Who Has Heard the Wind" Family music and storytelling, with lively audience participation and a plethora of historic instruments, for people of all ages!
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JULY 2008Norwood NY, Concerts On the Village Green Series
"15 Years on the Erie Canal" Participatory Musical Theater
Our original fanciful musical theater piece features impromptu audience roles, abundant singing, and all the entertainments you'd expect to find at an 1800's opera house on the Erie Canal. Only this time, we're bringing the opera house to you on the Norwood Village Green, for a return visit! Features hammered dulcimer, hurdy gurdy, fiddle, banjo, squeezebox, canal boat horn, and pots and kettles!
All of July, Marcellus, NY:
"From Art to Wood to Music: Sculpted Sound"
Our Photo-Documentary Exhibit devoted to Medieval Music, Instruments, and Iconography
-- 40 musical iconography photo favorites from our collection, in an intimate setting. This is the fruit of our 25+ years research travels to Europe.. come discover a lavish display of "what makes Early Music tick" in an intimate setting at our brand new public library in Marcellus, NY (our home village)!
July 24, Marcellus, NY
Our "Art to Wood to Music: Sculpted Sound" Photo-Documentary Exhibit expands...
to include historic musical instruments under construction (and deconstruction), historic prototypes, with also many fine examples of finished instruments, and the drawings and sketches, materials, and tools that lead to their re-creation
6:00-7:00 pm Pre-Concert "Salon" Discussion
How we use iconography in the reconstruction of music and instruments. Bring your questions!
7:00-8:30 pm
"Musical Instrument Mysteries & Metamorphoses" Hurdy Gurdies, Fiddles, Rommelpots, Lutes, Harps, & More - concert/guided tour/discussion.
All programs at Marcellus Free Library, Marcellus NY, free and open to the public, intended for all ages. For more information: www.bellsandmotley.com/earlyinstrumentexpo.html
Sterling Renaissance Faire 2008
Four Weekends: July 12-13, 19-20, 26-27
This year, enjoy the beauteous atmosphere of our new location at the "Nun's Grotto" down below, on the point of the bog. But note: you old-timers who have been fans of ours since the early 1980's will easily remember this as our original stage at the faire, called the "Squire Stage" back then. How time flies when you are having fun! We hope to mount some vintage Faire Photos here n our site for you to enjoy shortly - Keep posted!
July 30: Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Youth Day
We'll roll in our cart and perform participatory Renaissance-style musical concerts, storytelling, and dance instruction for Summer Camp students (camp group reservations required).
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AUGUST 2008August 6, Sherburne Public Library, Sherburne NY 1:30
Historic Instruments show & tell family concert; more details tba
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: www.parenfaire.com
August 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31
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SEPTEMBER 2008SEPTEMBER PUBLIC DATES:
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: www.parenfaire.com
Bells & Motley performing all weekends of September
SEPTEMBER SCHOOL DATES:
School Days at PRF: Monday Sept 29
Milton MS Renaissance Residency Planning Day, Milton PA
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OCTOBER 2008OCTOBER 2008 PUBLIC DATES:
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: www.parenfaire.com
Bells & Motley performing all weekends of October
OCTOBER SCHOOL DATES:
School Days at PRF: October 7, 8, 10, 15, 16
Milton Middle School Renaissance Music, Dance, Theater Residency, Milton PA: October 20-24
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NOVEMBER 2008 PA ---> NYS Relocation: AIE Conferences, Grant Writing, Rehearsals for December, and vacation activities
NOVEMBER 2008 SCHOOL DATES:
Menands CSD: November 24, 25, 26
DECEMBER 2008 - FEBRUARY 2009DECEMBER 2008 PUBLIC DATES:
Wednesday December 3, 2008 9:00 pm
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY
"Here We Come A-Wassailing: A Victorian Christmas Musical Revels"
-- 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
Thursday December 4, 2008 7:00 pm
Ontario Public Library, 1850 Ridge Road, Ontario NY
"Bells & Motley Olden Christmas: Renaissance Revelry" Concert
The magic of our earliest music and instruments to celebrate the season, as it was in days of olde. Information 315-524-8381; Free
Saturday December 6, 2008 1:00-4:00
Phelps Community Historical Society at historic Howe House
Wassail Celebration for the Historic Christmas Open House
Information: 315-548-4940 ; Location: 66 Main Street, Phelps NY
Sunday December 7, 2008 2:00
Onondaga Free Library, Onondaga Hill, Syracuse NY
"Welcome Yule" Concert
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
Wednesday December 10, 2008 7:00 PM
Baldwinsville Public Library, Baldwinsville NY
"The Holly & the Ivy: Christmas in Days of Olde" Concert
33 East Genesee St; For more information: 315-635-5631
Saturday December 13, 2008 12:00-3:00
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
Thursday December 18, 2008 6:30
Salina Free Library, 100 Belmont Avenue, Mattydale NY
"A Bells & Motley Celtic Christmas"
Bells & Motley Celebrate the Season with the music of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, resplendent on Celtic harp, hurdy gurdy, button accordeon, hammer dulcimer, bodhran, and more. Festivities will include a Merry Bagpipe Regale, in a program that is sure to delight the entire family. For more information call (315) 454-4524
Friday December 19, 2008 7:00-9:00
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. $3 for adults, $1 kids under 12. Location: 17 Rippleton Road, Route 13. For information: 315-655-3200, www.lorenzony.org
Saturday-Sunday December 20-21, 2008
Marcellus Free Library, 32 Maple Street, Marcellus NY
"WASSAIL!" Olde English Mummers' Wassailing Pageant & Revels Weekend of Music, Dance, & Drama
SATURDAY, all day- Free workshops for the Community in the Arts of Pageantry, all ages welcome:
10:00 Music & Fanfares Workshop for singers and instrumentalists of all levels, all ages
11:00 Costuming-from-your-Closet demonstration and costume making session (bring your materials kit*)
12:00 Lunch with the Artists (bring brown bag lunch, drinks available for purchase)
1:00 Pageant introduction and practice
2:30 Olde English Ceremonial Sword Dance Workshop (limit 6 dancers, but onlookers welcome); finish costumes
3:00 Olde English Country Dances and Songs for the Season, over and out at 4:00
SUNDAY, afternoon - Wassail Pageant & Revels Performance Day
2:00 Performers Assemble
3:00 Pageant & Revels Performance for the Community
All Programs Free! For more information, call Marcellus Library at 315-673-3221.
Be sure to check out our special webpage for this project:
Here you will find details of the schedule of workshops; *a lists of materials to bring to the costume workshop; Music and Songs, and other resources we have posted. So please take a look and print out a copy of the schedule. Also, if you would like to participate in one or more of these workshops, please help us plan this out by providing us with your email address+phone number. You may either sign in on the above webpage, or at the library. This will help us *immensely* in the planning for this exciting understaking.
Friday December 26, 2008 7:00 pm
A Concert for Olde Christmas, Twelve Days Til Epiphany: Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, in the Theosis Bookstore & Coffeehouse, East Syracuse, NY
This is a concert of music to celebrate Olde Christmas, with Eastern Orthodox Christmas on its way. In addition to our music, presented in a beautiful and intimate setting full of beautiful icons, you'll be treated to a groaning board of goodies to enjoy. In our own yearly cycle, it is indeed a twelve day journey to Epiphany, so here's to all twelve days, to cement the Eastern and Western Rites. A good will offering will be taken for the Bromka. Location: 783 Franklin Park Drive, E Syracuse. Information: 315-434-9540.
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 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
(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