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Bells & Motley Calendar
last 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 2010
We 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.)
  • Workshops: Pre-registration assures you a place and materials, ages 7-Teens. Workshop children will perform as the Dragon, Dancers, and Gong Players in our story.
  • Performance: All ages are welcome to come enjoy this performance, including seniors. For information and registration: 315-699-2032

    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
  • Workshops: Pre-registration assures you a place and materials, ages 7-Teens. Workshop children will perform as the Dragon, Dancers, and Gong Players in our story.
  • Performance: All ages are welcome to come enjoy this performance, including seniors. For information and registration: 315-676-7484

    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.)
  • Workshops: Pre-registration assures you a place and materials, ages 7-Teens. Workshop children will perform as the Dragon, Dancers, and Gong Players in our story.
  • Performance: All ages are welcome to come enjoy this performance, including seniors. For information and registration: 315-458-6184

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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.)
  • Workshops: Pre-registration assures you a place and materials, ages 7-Teens. Workshop children will perform as the Dragon, Dancers, and Gong Players in our story.
  • Performance: All ages are welcome to come enjoy this performance, including seniors. $5 workshop/performance admittance. For information and registration: box office 585-786-5000, www.wnypc.us

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    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-
  • Penfield Elementary School PARP Programs
    "Fifteen Years on the Erie Canal" Folk Operetta performances, K-5
  • Wayne + Pfeiffer Burleigh Middle Schools, Erie PA
    Colonial Culture Artist Residency: Music, Dance, Art, and Etiquette Workshops, Student performances culmination

    February -
  • Susquehanna Community School, Susquehanna, PA
    "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
  • Herkimer BOCES, NY
    "Medieval Residency Day" for Honors Students: Music, Costuming-fom-your-Closet, Dance workshops

    March -
  • Gilboa High School, NY
    "Renaissance Faire" planning meeting day for 5 Day Integrated Arts Residency in May
  • Pavilion MS, NY
    "Medieval Residency Day" for 6th grade; Music, Costuming-fom-your-Closet, Dance workshops, with Finale evening performance
  • Franklin Magnet School, Syracuse NY
    Musical Storytelling Performances
  • Remsenburg-Speonk Elementary, LI
    K-6 Renaissance Faire Residency

    April -
  • Voorheesville MS
    2-day Medieval Music, Dance, Arts Residency
  • Riverside HS, Scranton PA
    Medieval and Renaissance Oral Literature: Music, Symbolism, Balladry 5-day residency
  • Watkins Glen HS
    Renaissance Faire: Dance and Interactive Theater Techniques 3-day arts residency
  • Corinth MS
    A Medieval Pilgrimage in the Arts: Chaucer's Canterbury Tales 5-Day Residency

    May -
  • Irvington MS
    2-week Medieval and Renaissance Arts Residency
  • Gilboa HS
    A Medieval Pilgrimage in the Arts: Chaucer's Canterbury Tales 5-Day Residency
  • Elisabeth Morrow School, Englewood, NJ
    Historic Heritage Music & Dance Traditions, Grades 4, 5, 6

    June -
  • John Jay MS, Katonah NY
    2-week Medieval and Renaissance Arts Residency

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    OUR 2008 CALENDAR CALENDAR ARCHIVES

    JANUARY 2008

    Sunday 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:
  • January 24, Forts Ferry Elementary, N. Colonie CSD,
    "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 31, Valley View Elementary, Oneonta, "Traditional Instruments from Around the World, and the Science of Sound" Workshop series, Grade 3

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    FEBRUARY 2008

    Friday, 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:
  • February 12, Herkimer BOCES Honors Students, Medieval Residency Day, Grade 6. Performance, plus workshops in period music, art, art history, and dance.
    Pennsylvania:
  • February 25-29, Boiling Springs PA, Rice Elementary, Folk Operetta, Music, and Dance Residency Grade 5, with evening finale student performance for the public at residency's end in March

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    MARCH 2008

    MARCH SCHOOL DATES:
    New York:
  • March 13, Peru Elementary "15 Years on the Erie Canal" Folk Operetta Grades 4+5, "North Wind" Musical Storytelling, and "Who Has Heard the Wind" Early Wind Instruments, Grade 3
  • March 18-19, Herkimer Elementary, Medieval Music, Dance, and Theater Arts Residency, Grade 6
  • March 25, Pavilion CS Medieval Music, Dance, and Art History Day, with evening student performance and open house for the public

  • Pennsylvania:
  • March 3-7, Boiling Springs PA, Rice Elementary, Folk Operetta, Music, and Dance Residency, Grade 3, with evening finale student performance for the public
  • March 10, PA Colonial Music and Dance Arts Planning Day

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    APRIL 2008

    APRIL 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:
  • March 31-April 4, Voorheesville CSD, Medieval Music, Dance, Fine Arts & Book Arts Residency, 6th Grade
  • April 7+8 Residency Planning Days, Irvington and Katonah Schools
  • April 21-22, Watkins Glen High School, Renaissance Interactive Theater Skills, Music, Dance, Gr. 9
  • Pennsylvania:
  • April 15-16 and 23-25, PA Elementary, Colonial Pennsylvania Music, Dance, Grade 4
  • Note: No weekend dates available for public/private bookings this April

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    MAY 2008

    MAY 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:
  • April 28-May 2, May 5-9 Irvington Middle School, Medieval Music, Dance, Fine Arts Residency, 6th Grade
  • May 12-May 16, 19-23 John Jay Middle School, Katonah, Medieval Music, Dance, Fine Arts Residency, 6th Grade
  • May 27-28, Elisabeth Morrow School, Englewood NJ, Medieval, American, Multicultural Music and Dance Heritage, Grades 4-6
  • May 30, Galway CS, Medieval Music, Art, & Theater, 6th Grade

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    JUNE 2008

    JUNE SCHOOL DATES:
  • June 2-6, 2008 Unatego Elementary, Canterbury Tales Medieval Theater Residency, with workshops in period music, dance, costuming, and theater arts, 6th Grade

  • 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 2008

    July 4, 2008
    Norwood 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 2008

    August 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 2008

    SEPTEMBER 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 2008

    OCTOBER 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 2009

    DECEMBER 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 North Wind page. For information, call the library at: 315-364-7975

    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 2007
    Saturday 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
    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 2007

    Wednesday 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 2007

    Pennsylvania 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 2007
    Settle in back at home; residency planning meetings and grant writing; rehearse for December!

    DECEMBER 2007

    If 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 a candlelight open house, 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 CALENDAR

    Saturday 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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    This www.bellsandmotley.com web site and its content is the exclusive property of Sondra Bromka and John Bromka.
    ©2007 Sondra Bromka. All rights reserved in all media.

    WINTER-SPRING: What are we up to?
    During the months of winter through spring, we focus primarily on Arts-in-Education Residencies in the public and private schools of New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and beyond...sometimes quite a distance beyond! Spring 2006 found us in faraway Istanbul, Turkey for two weeks, where we traveled to implement a Shakespearean Music, Dance, & Theater Arts high school residency: "A Grande Ball & Feast in Honor of Queen Elizabeth." We have implemented guest teaching residencies in several other countries, including Belgium and France, each a delight.

    If you are a teacher who would like to preview one of our performances or residencies closer to home, please get in touch, and we'll let you know when we'll be in your area. We'll also let you know when various grants come due, to help fund your program. We'll be presenting programs of historic music, dance, and storytelling right up through Mid-June. But please know that if you would like to book a public venue, don't hesitate to get in touch for evening, weekend, or holiday programs. If we can block-book with an area school, so much the better!

    SUMMER-FALL: What are we up to?
    During the months of summer through fall, we focus on performances and workshops for the public, young and old.... We have concerts and storytelling at national, international, and community festivals, village greens, and historic sites; summer reading program performances at regional libraries; music/dance/fine arts hands-on workshops for summer camps and communties; festivals and fairs of all kinds, including our long-term affiliation with regional Renaissance Faires in NYS and PA. All of these public programs appear on the calendar (get in touch with the venue, or with us, to verify details.)

    Not appearing on the calendar are the weddings, parties, and other such private engagements we are pleased to offer. If you are interested in booking a specific date, be it public or private, please get in touch. If you see an opportunity for piggy-backing with another booking, let us know, and we'll be happy to give you a travel break!


    2008 HIGHLIGHTS ~

    Marcellus Library "Wassail Pageant & Revels Weekend"
    December 2008 In our desire to deepen our connection with our own community, we enjoyed a wonderful inter-generational Olde English Christmas Workshop and Pageant Weekend in our village of Marcellus on December 20 & 21, and hope to do this again in 2009. To see a complete schedule of the music, dance, and costuming workshops, start by clicking over to the special
    Wassail Pageant Resource Page we created just for this event.

    "From Art to Wood to Music: Sculpted Sound"
    Photo-Documentary Exhibit/Salon/Concert
    July 2008
    was a special month for us in our own home locale, where we offered a unique chance to share the innards of "what makes Bells & Motley tick." We mounted a PHOTO EXHIBIT (all month long), and then on the afternoon of July 24, were "in residence" at the library as the exposition expanded to include instruments in progress, with a culiminating concert/expo/demo on Thursday July 24 from 7:00-8:30 pm. There was also be a pre-concert "discussion salon" at 6:00.The program brought together all of our artforms -- art history, photography, sculpture, instrument making and craftsmanship, music, history, scholarly research, dance, cultural exchanges .... and even more.

    The inspiration for this multi-dimensional 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. Our first home program at Onondaga Free Library in January was another huge success, most notably because the "salon" discussion brought a diversity of interests and ages to share at the same table, and a wide variety of fascination questions flowed freely and easily. So when our new local library opened its doors, the obvious next exhibit space was clear.

    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 the page we have dedicated to the project www.bellsandmotley.com/earlyinstrumentexpo.html


    Bells & Motley Storytelling,
    with Nyckelharpa & Harp



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