Notes From The Aisle Seat

Notes from the Aisle Seat Episode 20 - The ”Double Double” Edition

Welcome to Episode 20 - the "Double Double" edition - of Notes from the Aisle Seat, a podcast featuring news and information about the arts in northern Chautauqua County NY, sponsored by the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. Your host is Tom Loughlin, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and Chair Emeritus of Theatre and Dance at SUNY Fredonia.
This episode features two interviews. The first is with Ms. Sara Baker Michalak, a regional visual artist.  The second is with Ms. Christina Rausa, regional actor and President of the Board of Lakeshore Center for the Arts.
In accordance with the changes in guidelines from NYS & the CDC, masks are NO LONGER REQUIRED at Opera House events. We do still strongly encourage all patrons to continue to wear masks while in the venue and social distance as much as possible until transmission within the county is no longer a concern. Masks are available in the lobby and at the Box Office if needed, and hand sanitizer is available at the rear of the theatre. If you are not feeling well, please postpone your visit. Our success in providing an entertaining event depends on approaching staff and one another with an extra helping of kindness and understanding. Thank you for your cooperation.
Notes from the Aisle Seat is available from most of your favorite podcast sites, including Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, and now Amazon Prime Music, as well as on the Opera House Youtube Channel. If you enjoy this podcast, please spread the word through your social media feeds, give us a link on your website, and consider becoming a follower by clicking the "Follow" button in the upper right-hand corner.
If you have an arts event you'd like to publicize, hit us up at operahouse@fredopera.org and let us know what you have! Please give us at least one month's notice to facilitate timely scheduling. Thanks for listening!
Time Stamps:
Sara Baker Michalak Interview  2:58
Arts Calendar  35:29
Christina Rausa Interview 37:45
Media
Wrigley's Doublemint Gum commercial, 1980
"Double Trouble," from the original soundtrack of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, John Williams, composer
Nyboma, Doublé Doublé, Congolese Wedding Dance, 1996
"The Double Up", Lee Morgan, 1966, Blue Note Records; Lee Morgan (trumpet), Jackie McLean (alto sax), Hank Mobley (tenor sax)
"Theme from The Pink Panther, composed by Henry Mancini, performed by the Double Bass Quintet, August 4, 2019
"Dueling Banjos", from the original soundtrack of the movie Deliverance, performed by Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell, Warner Records, 1973
Links
Sara Baker Michalak Website
Kolaj Magazine
Chautauqua Art Gallery
Living Glass Art Studio
Main Street Studios
Lakeshore Center for the Arts
Chautauqua Institute
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
 
 
 

Notes from the Aisle Seat Episode 19 - The ”Strawberry Moon” Edition

Welcome to Episode 19 - the "Strawberry Moon" edition - of Notes from the Aisle Seat, a podcast featuring news and information about the arts in northern Chautauqua County NY, sponsored by the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. Your host is Tom Loughlin, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and Chair Emeritus of Theatre and Dance at SUNY Fredonia.
This episode features two interviews. The first is with Mr. Collin Parker-Szekely, featured piano soloist for the Saturday Bach and Beyond concert.  The second is Lifetime Achievement Grammy winner Mr. Tom Paxton, who will appear in concert with the Don Juans on Saturday, June 18, at 7:30pm.
In accordance with the changes in guidelines from NYS & the CDC, masks are NO LONGER REQUIRED at Opera House events. We do still strongly encourage all patrons to continue to wear masks while in the venue and social distance as much as possible until transmission within the county is no longer a concern. Masks are available in the lobby and at the Box Office if needed, and hand sanitizer is available at the rear of the theatre. If you are not feeling well, please postpone your visit. Our success in providing an entertaining event depends on approaching staff and one another with an extra helping of kindness and understanding. Thank you for your cooperation.
Notes from the Aisle Seat is available from most of your favorite podcast sites, including Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, and now Amazon Prime Music, as well as on the Opera House Youtube Channel. If you enjoy this podcast, please spread the word through your social media feeds, give us a link on your website, and consider becoming a follower by clicking the "Follow" button in the upper right-hand corner.
If you have an arts event you'd like to publicize, hit us up at operahouse@fredopera.org and let us know what you have! Please give us at least one month's notice to facilitate timely scheduling. Thanks for listening!
Time Stamps
Interview with Collin Parker-Szekely  02:09
Arts Calendar  17:55
Interview with Tom Paxton  20:27
Media
"Strawberry Moon", written and performed by Grover Washington Jr., Columbia Music, 1987
W.A. Mozart, Piano Concerto in A Major K414, Abdel Rahman El Bacha, piano, September 2014
"Strawberry Moon", IU, Melon Music Awards, December 2021
"Can't Help but Wonder Where I'm Bound", written and performed by Tom Paxton, 1964, Elektra Records
"I Am Ukrainian Now", written by John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton, performed by John McCutcheon, Creative Commons License, April 8, 2022 
Artist Links
Grover Washington, Jr.
IU
Tom Paxton
 

Notes from the Aisle Seat Episode 18 -The ”Summer Startup Edition”

Welcome to Episode 18 - the "Summer Startup" edition - of Notes from the Aisle Seat, a podcast featuring news and information about the arts in northern Chautauqua County NY, sponsored by the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. Your host is Tom Loughlin, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and Chair Emeritus of Theatre and Dance at SUNY Fredonia.
This episode features two interviews. The first is with Ms. Marcia Merrins, President of the North Shore Arts Alliance, who gives us the lowdown on the upcoming Arts Trail Hub Crawl going on May 28th and 29th from 10am-5pm. The second is Maestro Grant Cooper, who discusses the return of the Bach and Beyond Festival, celebrating its 25th edition on June 10-12.
In accordance with the changes in guidelines from NYS & the CDC, masks are NO LONGER REQUIRED at Opera House events. We do still strongly encourage all patrons to continue to wear masks while in the venue and social distance as much as possible until transmission within the county is no longer a concern. Masks are available in the lobby and at the Box Office if needed, and hand sanitizer is available at the rear of the theatre. If you are not feeling well, please postpone your visit. Our success in providing an entertaining event depends on approaching staff and one another with an extra helping of kindness and understanding. Thank you for your cooperation.
Notes from the Aisle Seat is available from most of your favorite podcast sites, including Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, and now Amazon Prime Music, as well as on the Opera House Youtube Channel. If you enjoy this podcast, please spread the word through your social media feeds, give us a link on your website, and consider becoming a follower by clicking the "Follow" button in the upper right-hand corner.
If you have an arts event you'd like to publicize, hit us up at operahouse@fredopera.org and let us know what you have! Please give us at least one month's notice to facilitate timely scheduling. Thanks for listening!
Time Stamps
Interview with Ms. Marcia Merrins  01:30
Arts Calendar  22:22
Interview with Maestro Grant Cooper  26:26
Media
Summertime, Summertime, written by Thomas Earl Jameson, performed by The Jamies, Epic Records, 1958
Concerto Grosso in D, Opus 6, No. 1 by Arcangelo Corelli, performed by the Harvard Baroque Chamber Orchestra, 2017
Bassoon Concerto in C Major, RV 477, by Antonio Vivaldi, performed by Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, 2015
Harpsichord concerto in F minor BWV 1056 by J.S. Bach, performed by the Netherlands Bach Society, Siebe Henstra, harpsichordist, 2019
Oboe Quartet in B flat major W B60 by J.C. Bach, performed by members of the Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, 2013
Artist Links
Marcia Merrins Kniti Griti Studio
North Shore Arts Alliance
NSAA Facebook Page
NSAA Instagram Page
Maestro Grant Cooper
 

Notes from the Aisle Seat Episode 17 - The ”Spring Green” Edition

Welcome to Episode 17 - the "Spring Green" edition - of Notes from the Aisle Seat, a podcast featuring news and information about the arts in northern Chautauqua County NY, sponsored by the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. Your host is Tom Loughlin, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and Chair Emeritus of Theatre and Dance at SUNY Fredonia.
Today’s episode features four segments: Mr. Jefferson Westwood, Director of the Rockefeller Arts Center at SUNY Fredonia, discusses the Commencement Eve Concert; Director Tina Rausa and actor Jenn Davis discuss the Lakeshore Center for the Arts production of Becky's New Car; Dr. Robert Strauss discusses the upcoming Live at the Met production of Lucia di Lammermoor; and Heather Pierson of the Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio talks about her eclectic and colorful musical stylings.
Tickets and information for 1891 Fredonia Opera House events can be found on the website or by calling 716-679-1891. For events at the RAC, go to their website, or call their box office at 716-673-3501.
In accordance with the changes in guidelines from NYS & the CDC, masks are NO LONGER REQUIRED at Opera House events. We do still strongly encourage all patrons to continue to wear masks while in the venue and social distance as much as possible until transmission within the county is no longer a concern. Masks are available in the lobby and at the Box Office if needed, and hand sanitizer is available at the rear of the theatre. If you are not feeling well, please postpone your visit. Our success in providing an entertaining event depends on approaching staff and one another with an extra helping of kindness and understanding. Thank you for your cooperation.
Notes from the Aisle Seat is available from most of your favorite podcast sites, including Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, and now Amazon Prime Music, as well as on the Opera House Youtube Channel. If you enjoy this podcast, please spread the word through your social media feeds, give us a link on your website, and consider becoming a follower by clicking the "Follow" button in the upper right-hand corner.
If you have an arts event you'd like to publicize, hit us up at operahouse@fredopera.org and let us know what you have! Please give us at least one month's notice to facilitate timely scheduling. Thanks for listening!
Time Stamps
Jefferson Westwood Commencement Eve Concert  1:07
Tina Rausa/Jenn Davis Becky's New Car  11:44
Dr. Robert Strauss Lucia di Lammermoor. 24:39
Heather Pierson  38:00
Media
"The Lusty Month of May" from the musical Camelot by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, performed by Julie Andrews, 1960
"Take the 'A' Train", Billy Strayhorn, performed by the Duke Ellington Band, 1939
"No Particular Place To Go," Chuck Berry, Chess Records, 1964
"Ardon gl'incensi...Spargi d'amaro pianto" from Lucia di Lammermoor, G. Donizetti, performed by Nadine Sierra, soprano, with the Orchestra Teatro San Carlo, Giacomo Sagriponti, conductor
"Get Up on that Horse Again," written and performed by Heather Pierson, Nov. 2019
"Nobody Know You When You're Down and Out," Jimmy Cox, 1923, performed by the Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio, March 2017
Artist Links
Jefferson Westwood Rockefeller Arts Center
Lakeshore Center for the Arts
Dr. Robert Strauss
Heather Pierson
 

Notes from the Aisle Seat Episode 16 - The ”Walk Don’t Run” Edition

CORRECTION - The Live at the Met production of Turandot begins at 1:00 PM on Saturday May 7. The podcast references a 2:00 start time, which is incorrect. We apologize for the error.
Welcome to Episode 16 - the "Walk Don't Run" edition - of Notes from the Aisle Seat, a podcast featuring news and information about the arts in northern Chautauqua County NY, sponsored by the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. Your host is Tom Loughlin, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and Chair Emeritus of Theatre and Dance at SUNY Fredonia.
Today’s episode features three segments: Mr. Daniel Ihasz, Interim Director of the School of Music at SUNY Fredonia, discusses the upcoming Live at the Met production of Giacomo Puccini's Turandot; Tom walks the 1891 Run for the Opera House; and SUNY Fredonia alumna Ms. Nia Drummond talks about her upcoming inaugural Helen Tinch Williams recital at Rosch Recital Hall.
You can download a list of the winners of the 1891 Run for the Opera House by clicking the link.
Tickets and information for 1891 Fredonia Opera House events can be found on the website or by calling 716-679-1891. For events at the RAC, go to their website, or call their box office at 716-673-3501.
In accordance with the changes in guidelines from NYS & the CDC, masks are NO LONGER REQUIRED at Opera House events. We do still strongly encourage all patrons to continue to wear masks while in the venue and social distance as much as possible until transmission within the county is no longer a concern. Masks are available in the lobby and at the Box Office if needed, and hand sanitizer is available at the rear of the theatre. If you are not feeling well, please postpone your visit. Our success in providing an entertaining event depends on approaching staff and one another with an extra helping of kindness and understanding. Thank you for your cooperation.
Notes from the Aisle Seat is available from most of your favorite podcast sites, including Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, and now Amazon Prime Music. If you enjoy this podcast, please spread the word through your social media feeds, give us a link on your website, and consider becoming a follower by clicking the "Follow" button in the upper right-hand corner.
If you have an arts event you'd like to publicize, hit us up at operahouse@fredopera.org and let us know what you have! Please give us at least one month's notice to facilitate timely scheduling. Thanks for listening!
Time Stamps
Interview with Mr. Dan Ihasz  00:44
Tom Walks the 1891 Run. 19:58
Arts Calendar  39:22
Ms. Nia Drummond  43:21
Media
"Walk Don't Run," Johnny Smith, recorded by The Ventures, June 1960, Blue Horizon label
"Tu che di gel sei cinta," from Turandot, G. Puccini, Leona Mitchell, soprano, as Liù
"Nessun dorma", from Turandot, G. Puccini, Luciano Pavarotti, tenor, as Calaf. From a performance in the movie Yes Giorgio!, MGM 1982
"Walking," Mary Mary, written by Crystal Waters, Neal Brian Conway, Trecina Evette Atkins, Erica Monique Atkins, Warryn S. Campbell; from the album Something Big, 2011
"I'm Walkin'," Fats Domino, February 1957, Imperial
"Slow Walk," Sil Austin, September 1956, Mercury
"Walkin' to New Orleans," written by Bobby Charles, recorded by Fats Domino, June 1960, Imperial
"Walking Blues," written by Robert Johnson (Son House 1930), performed by Keb' Mo' , Playing for Change
"I Want to Walk You Home," Fats Domino, July 1959, Imperial
"Walkin' with Mr. Lee," Lee Allen, 1958, Ember Records
"Reflections," from the animated movie Mulan (Disney 1998), Nia Drummond, soprano
"Let There be Peace on Earth," hymn, Sy Miller and Jill Jackson-Miller, 1955, Nia Drummond, soprano; Davell Crawford, piano
Artist Links:
Daniel Ihasz
Nia Drummond
 
 
 

Notes from the Aisle Seat Episode 15 -The ”Pink Moon” edition

Welcome to Episode 15 - the "Pink Moon" edition - of Notes from the Aisle Seat, a podcast featuring news and information about the arts in northern Chautauqua County NY, sponsored by the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. Your host is Tom Loughlin, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and Chair Emeritus of Theatre and Dance at SUNY Fredonia.
Today’s episode features three segments: Mr. Rick Davis, Executive Director of the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, promotes the 1891 Run for the Opera House taking place on Sunday April 24; various members of the ensemble of The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Main Street Studio offer their experiences about the process; and Mr. Ted Vigil talks about how he came to create a tribute show to the music of John Denver.
Tickets and information for 1891 Fredonia Opera House events can be found on the website or by calling 716-679-1891. For events at the RAC, go to their website, or call their box office at 716-673-3501.
You can now register for the upcoming 1891 Run for the Opera House by clicking this link. Donations can also be made at the same site should you be unable to participate.
In accordance with the changes in guidelines from NYS & the CDC, masks are NO LONGER REQUIRED at Opera House events. We do still strongly encourage all patrons to continue to wear masks while in the venue and social distance as much as possible until transmission within the county is no longer a concern. Masks are available in the lobby and at the Box Office if needed, and hand sanitizer is available at the rear of the theatre. If you are not feeling well, please postpone your visit. Our success in providing an entertaining event depends on approaching staff and one another with an extra helping of kindness and understanding. Thank you for your cooperation.
Notes from the Aisle Seat is available from most of your favorite podcast sites, including Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and Spotify. If you enjoy this podcast, please spread the word through your social media feeds, give us a link on your website, and consider becoming a follower by clicking the "Follow" button in the upper right-hand corner.
If you have an arts event you'd like to publicize, hit us up at operahouse@fredopera.org and let us know what you have! Please give us at least one month's notice to facilitate timely scheduling. Thanks for listening!
Time Stamps
Mr. Rick Davis/1891 Run for the Opera House   01:10
The Hunchback of Notre Dame/Main Street Studios  19:40
Arts Calendar  38:22
Remembering John Denver/Ted Vigil  41:30
Media
Native American Flute/Birds/Nature Sounds - Angelina Voloshenko, 2019
Running on Empty, Jackson Browne, 1977 Elektra/Asylum Records
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris - Sonnerie du Grand Solemnel - 10 cloches en Plenum, https://youtu.be/3M9sRcOrj3E 
"Easter Parade," Irving Berlin, from the movie Easter Parade (1948, MGM), performed by Sarah Vaughan and Billy Eckstine
"Take Me Home, Country Roads" by Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver, from the album Poems, Prayers and Promises, RCA, 1971
"Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver and Mike Taylor, from the album Rocky Mountain High, RCA, 1972
Artist Links:
Main Street Studios
Ted Vigil
 

Notes from the Aisle Seat Episode 14 - The ”April Showers” edition

Welcome to Episode 14 - the "April Showers" edition - of Notes from the Aisle Seat, a podcast featuring news and information about the arts in northern Chautauqua County NY, sponsored by the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. Your host is Tom Loughlin, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and Chair Emeritus of Theatre and Dance at SUNY Fredonia.
Today’s episode features three segments. Vinnie Brandi, the frontman for Takin' It To The Streets: A Doobie Brothers Tribute, gives a preview of their April 8 concert; Distinguished Professor Alberto Rey of the Department of Visual Arts and New Media at SUNY Fredonia discussed the use of color by three of the artists in the documentary Easter in Art: The Greatest Story Ever Painted; and guest director Yao Khalil talks about the upcoming production of Dominique Morisseau's play Pipeline produced by the Dept. of Theatre and Dance at SUNY Fredonia.
Tickets and information for 1891 Fredonia Opera House events can be found on the website or by calling 716-679-1891. For events at the RAC, go to their website, or call their box office at 716-673-3501.
In accordance with the changes in guidelines from NYS & the CDC, masks are NO LONGER REQUIRED at Opera House events, effective immediately. We do still strongly encourage all patrons to continue to wear masks while in the venue and social distance as much as possible until transmission within the county is no longer a concern. Masks are available in the lobby and at the Box Office if needed, and hand sanitizer is available at the rear of the theatre. All OPERA HOUSE staff and volunteers will continue to wear masks and to be fully vaccinated. If you are not feeling well, please postpone your visit. Our success in providing an entertaining event depends on approaching staff and one another with an extra helping of kindness and understanding. Thank you for your cooperation.
You can now register for the upcoming 1891 Run for the Opera House by clicking this link. Donations can also be made at the same site should you be unable to participate.
Notes from the Aisle Seat is available from most of your favorite podcast sites, including Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and Spotify. If you enjoy this podcast, please spread the word through your social media feeds, give us a link on your website, and consider becoming a follower by clicking the "Follow" button in the upper right-hand corner.
If you have an arts event you'd like to publicize, hit us up at operahouse@fredopera.org and let us know what you have! Please give us at least one month's notice to facilitate timely scheduling. Thanks for listening!
Time Stamps
Vinnie Brandi/Doobie Brothers Tribute Band  01:13
Prof. Alberto Rey/Easter in Art  17:03
Arts Calendar  35:23
Yao Khalil/Pipeline  38:18
Media
March Winds and April Showers (Samuels-Whitcup-Powell) by Abe Lyman and his California Orchestra, Louis Rapp, vocals, Feb. 12, 1935
Listen to the Music (Tom Johnston), The Doobie Brothers, 1972
Takin' It to the Streets (Michael McDonald), The Doobie Brothers, 1976
Dies Irae, Traditional Gregorian Chant, Adoration of the Cross, April 10, 2018
April Showers, Louis Silvers (music) and B.G. DeSylva (lyrics), John Lawlor Trio, Oct. 12, 2015
Interviews with Dominique Morisseau
Theatre Corner, KPBS, San Diego CA, Nov. 23, 2017 www.theatrecorner.org
American Theatre Wing "Working in the Theatre," Feb. 26, 2014, www.americantheatrewing.org
We Real Cool |The Pool Players | Seven at the Golden Shovel, poem by Gwendolyn Brooks, read by Morgan Freeman, Aug. 1, 2018
April Showers, Louis Silvers (music) and B.G. DeSylva (lyrics), Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Judy Garland, Vocals, Jan. 1, 1996
Artist Links:
Takin' It to the Streets: Doobie Brothers Tribute Band
Easter in Art: The Greatest Story Ever Painted
Dominique Morisseau
 

Notes from the Aisle Seat Episode 13 - The ”Spring Break” edition

Welcome to Episode 13 - the "Spring Break" edition - of Notes from the Aisle Seat, a podcast featuring news and information about the arts in northern Chautauqua County NY, sponsored by the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. Your host is Tom Loughlin, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and Chair Emeritus of Theatre and Dance at SUNY Fredonia.
Today’s episode features three segments. John Massier, Visual Arts Curator for Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center in Buffalo, discusses his curated exhibit "New Shapes from Old Tropes," now at the Marion Art Gallery at the Rockefeller Arts Center. Associate Professor Phil Hastings, a recipient of a $10,000 grant from the NY State Council on the Arts, talks about his award and current projects, and Paul Preston of the Movie Guys returns to discuss the next two films in the Cinema Series. Tickets and information for 1891 Fredonia Opera House events can be found on the website or by calling 716-679-1891. For events at the RAC, go to their website, or call their box office at 716-673-3501.
In accordance with the changes in guidelines from NYS & the CDC, masks are NO LONGER REQUIRED at Opera House events, effective immediately. We do still strongly encourage all patrons to continue to wear masks while in the venue and social distance as much as possible until transmission within the county is no longer a concern. Masks are available in the lobby and at the Box Office if needed, and hand sanitizer is available at the rear of the theatre. All OPERA HOUSE staff and volunteers will continue to wear masks and to be fully vaccinated. If you are not feeling well, please postpone your visit. Our success in providing an entertaining event depends on approaching staff and one another with an extra helping of kindness and understanding. Thank you for your cooperation.
You can now register for the upcoming 1891 Run for the Opera House by clicking this link. Donations can also be made at the same site should you be unable to participate.
You can now get Notes from the Aisle Seat from most of your favorite podcast sites, including Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and Spotify. If you enjoy this podcast, please spread the word through your social media feeds, give us a link on your website, and consider becoming a follower by clicking the "Follow" button in the upper right-hand corner.
If you have an arts event you'd like to publicize, hit us up at operahouse@fredopera.org and let us know what you have! Please give us at least one month's notice to facilitate timely scheduling. Thanks for listening!
Time Stamps:
John Massier 01:16
Phil Hastings 21:21
Arts Calendar 37:37
Paul Preston 39:41
Media
Spring Breakdown (2009), Warner Brothers, Code Entertainment
Epidemic Sound, "Kick Back", Floyd Wonder, vocals
"Shuffle Off to Buffalo", 42nd St, written by Al Dubin and Harry Warren, performed by Ruby Keeler and Clarence Nordstrom
"Monaghan Jig", EllaHarp, 2016
"Ukrainian National Anthem", Zlata Ognevich and the Cadets of Kyiv Military Lyceum #23, 2019
Artist Links:
Bruce Adams - www.adams-studio.com
Julia Bottoms - www.juliabottoms.com
virocode - www.virocode.com
Phil Hastings - www.philhastings.com