| The Scene In and Around Boston . . . By Hilda M. Morrill July 31, 2009  "Vogueing" with Madonna at the MFA Karaoke Party are, PR Department staff members, left to right, Amelia Kantrovitz, Kelly Gifford, Dawn Griffin, "Madonna" (Timatha Kasten), Mary Keith, Courtney Samuelson and Andrea Little. (Photo courtesy Museum of Fine Arts)The Museum of Fine Arts recently hosted a karaoke party celebrating the opening of a new exhibition, "Contemporary Outlook: Seeing Songs," which runs through February 21, 2010. The exhibit features a variety of international artists showing how they have been influenced by music. The outdoor party, which took place on the lawn of the MFA's Huntington Avenue entrance, featured the Boston debut of the video "Queen (A Portrait of Madonna)" by Candice Breitz, which features 30 people singing to Madonna's rendition of "Vogue," projected on a huge screen. The free event, which was co-hosted with WFNX radio, was announced via social media channels such as Flickr, Twitter and Facebook, which included fun photos of the MFA staff members striking "vogue" poses. Among the special guests were WFNX's Julie Kramer and Madonna impersonator Timatha Kasten. MFA public relations staff member Amelia Kantrovitz, one of the event planners, was quoted: "The goal ... was to raise awareness for the 'Seeing Songs' exhibit in a way that people of all ages could appreciate. We wanted to do something innovative and fresh that reflected the spirit of the exhibition and also appeal to anyone who loves music." Everyone had a great time, and we understand that the party was filmed and posted on YouTube. So, we can all take a look for ourselves!
Divas Uncork the Cure From Thursday, August 6 through Sunday, August 9, the Massachusetts Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization presents "Divas Uncork the Cure," a special four-day celebration of education, wine, food, and sisterhood on Martha's Vineyard. Produced by Divas Uncorked, Inc., "Divas Uncork the Cure" will bring renowned wine experts and chefs together and will offer a taste of signature culinary delights in true Diva fashion. The Affiliate adds a twist to the offerings by promoting breast-health awareness as well as programmatic information about their mission. In the past, the Divas have presented two highly successful wine and food festivals on the Vineyard, bringing together aficionados and novices alike to enjoy a weekend of "sipping and sampling." This year, they are celebrating their 10th anniversary by producing this very worthy event. For more information call 617-296-3434. For a complete schedule of events and venues, special guests and admission costs, visit www.divasuncorkthecure.com.
Summer Chamber Music Series Continues in Watertown "The arsenalARTS 2009 Summer Chamber Music Series" continues with the Bergonzi String Quartet (August 12 & 13) appearing at the Arsenal Center for the Arts' Charles Mosesian Theater, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown. On Wednesday, August 12 there will be a "Colors and Chords Kids Workshop" from 10 a.m. to Noon. The unique interactive workshop is for children ages 5-12. During this two-part class, children will draw what they hear in the first half and then create a painting from which the quartet will improvise to play what they see. The Workshop size is limited. Admission is free with pre-registration. On Thursday August 13 at 11 a.m. the Quartet will perform a special free concert for youth. Later that evening at 7:30 p.m. there will be a ticketed performance by the nationally recognized string ensemble, which has been hailed by the critics as "electrifying" and "masterful." The Bergonzi String Quartet features Glenn Basham, Scott Flavin, Pamela McConnell, and Ross Harbaugh. The arsenalARTS program will feature Alberto Ginastera's "String Quartet No. 1, Op 20," arrangements by Scott Flavin; and Franz Schubert's "Quartet in D minor, 'Death and the Maiden.'" For tickets or more information call 617-923-8487 or visit www.arsenalarts.org. The "arsenalARTS Chamber Music Series" is sponsored by Tufts Health Plan. About the Center: "The Arsenal Center for the Arts opens doors to excite and inspire diverse audiences and artists to create, appreciate, participate and grow through the arts. It is the culmination of a long-time dream and many years of hard work to establish a vibrant, multidisciplinary center that would be a home for the arts serving on Greater Boston. "The Arsenal Center for the Arts occupies 30,000 square feet of space on three floors. It houses two theatres, classrooms and workshop spaces, artist studios, gallery and exhibit space, rehearsal rooms, and informal gathering places. Its stunning and unique architectural design is ideally suited to support its mission of an inter-disciplinary arts center. "This mix of interior venues provides a home for three resident companies (New Repertory Theatre, Watertown Children's Theatre, The Quilters' Connection) and regular performing troupes such as Improv Jones. The Center also offers its own programming consisting of art exhibits, classes and workshops for adults and children, concerts and other staged events, plus literary presentations and other discussion opportunities."
Raise a Glass to Julia Chris Haynes tells us that The Aquitaine Group wants to toast food goddess, the late Julia Child, and would like for all of us to join in. On her birthday, August 15 (which just happens to be Madonna's birthday as well), all guests will receive a complimentary glass of champagne in Julia's honor. So if you happen to visit Aquitaine, the Metropolis Cafe, the Union Bar and Grille or Gaslight Brasserie du Coin, be sure to "raise a glass to Julia." Enjoy! |
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