Rock Hard At Equinox
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As it turns out my local Equinox has become home to a talent pool of actors, sports team managers and musicians. My trainer there happens to be a rock star, and I don't just say that because he's a fitness aficionado who knows all the right ways to stretch and strengthen a body. Somewhere in between my pull downs, my plank pose and his artful sleeve of tattoos, I uncovered the fact that he's a well accomplished musician in a rock band called.......drum roll............ Sweet Cyanide.
As appealing -- or not --as the name may sound, these guys are good! A band of four they're all local boys from the Bronx, Yonkers and White Plains.
- Sal Scoca-Lead Vocals/guitar
- Angelo Fariello/Bass/vocals
- Joe Salvatore: Guitar/vocals and
- Mike Bambace: Drums
Sweet Cyanide has two recently released albums. Sweet Cyanide One and well Sweet Cyanide Two, but don't let the lack of original album titles fool you. This is one of the most original rock and roll bands I've heard a long time and it's just a matter of time before these guys get their really big break.
Sweet Cyanide's songs all incorporate good old-fashioned foot tapping, sing along in the car rock riffs, as heard in the song SLM, as well as the cigarette lighter raising ballad Solitary Son. But what really sets this band apart from others are the ever changing melodies that continuously morph as they flow along. A good example of this can be heard in the airplay-worthy tune, Between Us.
An uncommon mix between The Beatles and Ozzy Osbourne, the band first came together two years ago.
Julie: " Do you feel that you are finally getting some of the recognition Sweet Cyanide deserves, now that Webster Hall is on the roster?"
Angelo: "Yes, the name is without a doubt getting around. The past few NYC shows have been huge, selling out Highline Ballroom, then Gramercy Theater and now headlining an intimate show at the Studio at Webster Hall. After those accomplishments, people are really starting to take notice. Playing the Sturgis Rock n' Rev Festival in August along side Guns and Roses, Alice in Chains, STP, Hinder, Daughtry and 3 Doors Down got some peoples attention as well."
Sweet Cyanide will be performing their live and intimate show at Webster Hall on Saturday night December 11th.
If you can't make it to the show go out and buy Sweet Cyanide 1 and 2, download them on itunes and visit the bands website.
Then you can listen to them wherever you are, even if it's just on the treadmill.
Equinox. It's not just fitness, it's life ... and a whole lot of talent.
Written by Julie Rosenblatt
A Standout Performance of The Drowsy Chaperone at SHS
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Though the lyrics from The Drowsy Chaperone suggest that all we can hope for is to "stumble, bumble and fumble along," the Scarsdale High School Drama Club did far more than that in their three delightful performances of the play this past weekend. Narrated by the Man In the Chair, played by the engaging Sam Harris, the show is an uproarious farce about musical theatre, silent film stars, vanity, villains and an old fashioned wedding. Alone in his apartment, the "Man in the Chair" hopes to lift his blue mood by playing the LP of the “Drowsy Chaperone” on his Victrola. He provides charming explanations and asides as the curtain opens and the play is enacted.
This production had many highlights, from students who have acted before and newcomers to the stage. They pulled off the comedic scenes, playing on double entendres and silly misunderstandings with finesse and grace.
Notable performances included Lauren Bender as the Drowsy Chaperone who stole the show, tripping and sauntering in an inebriated rendition of “As We Stumble Along.” Singing with a powerful, nuanced voice she made her debut and brought the audience to their feet. The bride-to be, Janet Van De Graaf, is played by sophomore Sophio Lauruelle who insists that she "Doesn't Want to Show Off No More." We hope that this is not true as this little dynamo can sing, dance, do cartwheels and act. Both girls gave unforgettable performances.
Justine Gelfman and Adam Sperber as Mrs. Tottendale and Underling prove to be adept comic actors and songsters, spitting, singing, spitting and singing some more while providing big laughs for the audience. As the groom, Sam Gonzales croons, roller skates and brings back Fred Astaire with a tap dance a deux performed with George, played by Andrew Wang.
Plotting to trump the wedding plans of the happy couple are Feldzieg, a producer who doesn’t want to lose his star actress, and his sidekick Kitty, who schemes to replace Van De Graff in the show. The couple, played by Gregory Seiden and Emma Miller recreate the romamtic chemistry and timing of the Honeymooners. Gregory as the straigh man is hilarious and Emma's stage presence and singing ability peg her as a future SHS star.
Latin lover Aldolpho, (Will Heffner) charges onto the stage draped in a red cape with sword in hand, ready to seduce Van De Graaf before her wedding day to prevent the upcoming nuptials. Singing, “I am Adolpho” he preens and prances only to perform his mock seduction on the wrong woman.
Two gangsters, Rebecca Erde and Sunny Feinstein are disguised as bakers, with rolling pins rather than guns. Singing clever lyrics, they dance, scheme and entertain. With the timing of a Vaudeville team, they lead the entire ensemble in the rousing number "Toledo Surprise." Trix the Aviatrix flies in to conduct the wedding, performing “I Do, I Do in the Sky.” Becca Zipursky’s strong voice carries the cast through the finale.
The ensemble as well as reporters Jason Altabet, and Winston Wilson plus Superintendent Jordan Thaler should be congratulated. As always, kudos to Director Adrienne Meyer, Musical Director Kurt Kelley, Technical Director Caren Valente and Technical Director Stephen Bogardus for a professional production.
Thanks to Jon Thaler for his terrific photographs. To see more, or purchase photos go to www.JonThaler.com
Benefit Concert on November 20 at St. James the Less
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The fourth annual concert to benefit at-risk children from the Edward Williams School in Mount Vernon will be held on Saturday, November 20th at 7:00pm at St. James the Less Church in Scarsdale.
The concert, a joint effort of the Episcopal and Jewish communities in Scarsdale, will bring together different religious and musical groups. Their three previous concerts have raised over $200,000 and have sent 150 disadvantaged children to the Wagon Road camp in Chappaqua for seven weeks each summer.
World-renowned Canadian opera star Ariana Chris who was recently featured in the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics will be the guest artist. She is donating her services as her contribution to the benefit.
Orchestra musicians from the greater New York City area will also donate their time and talent for this special performance of classical music. The concert will include a Mozart Piano Concerto, several opera arias, part of Bach’s b minor mass and Tchaikovsky’s legendary Symphony No. 4.
For most of the children, this event is the first time they will experience classical music. On the day of the concert, the children attend the dress rehearsal and get to meet the professional musicians and ask them questions about music and their lives as performers.
“It is an overwhelming emotional experience for many of the participants,” said Maestro Justin Bischof, music director of the Canadian Chamber Orchestra of New York City and founder of the benefit. “I don’t know who gets more out of the concert – the children who get to attend camp, the musicians who donate their services, the members of the religious communities who sponsor the concert, or the audience. Music is truly a universal language and brings together people from all walks of life for an inspirational night of sharing.”
The beneficiaries all attend the “Amazing Afternoons Program” in Mount Vernon during the school year. The program gives 125 at-risk elementary school aged children a safe place to learn and grow after school during the critical 3-6 pm time frame when their parents or guardians are usually at work. During the summer there is a void in these children’s lives and many desperately need a safe, productive environment that their families cannot provide for them.
To purchase tickets please call 914.723.6100 ext 203/ Click here for more information.
Holiday Music Festival and Gift Boutique at Hoff-Barthelson
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The Friends of Hoff-Barthelson Music School will host their annual Holiday Music Festival at the Hoff-Barthelson Music School, 25 School Lane, Scarsdale, on Saturday and Sunday, December 4 and 5 from 10 am – 4 pm. And back by popular demand – the Preview Night, Friday, December 3 at 7:30 pm, which this year will feature the Music School’s outstanding jazz ensembles in a performance evening, accompanied by dessert treats and the opportunity for advance shopping at a dozen holiday boutiques and bidding on the Silent Auction and Raffle.
Holiday shopping is made simple at the Festival, as vendors offer gift items ranging from vintage items to contemporary jewelry. Suzanne Saltzman proffers stunning scarves and one-of-a-kind evening bags; Beth Warren's Jewelry Bar has a dazzling array of jewels and accessories; 3 Sisters has fabulous and funky gifts for the young and young-at-heart; Meadowlark Toys and Crafts will be back with their beautiful toys, dolls, handmade treasures, gifts and seasonal decorations; perennial local jewelry favorite Lillian Ruth presents her sparkling array of custom-designed gold, sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry; Jean Forte Gifts provides vintage and new accessories for home and table; Boxwood Linens will be back with their stunning items for the home; and Lazlo Accessories will delight the young fashionista in everyone’s life! The HB Boutique, an array of items for the well-appointed HB family, will once again be assembled by the dedicated Friends members who host the Holiday Music Festival.
As always, the Silent Auction, with items ranging from sought-after tickets for sporting events and concerts; Nights on the Town; dinner with Executive Director Joan Behrens Bergman and a mystery music guest, will be open for bidding throughout the Festival. The Fun and Fantasy Raffle is always a magnet for the younger set, with CDs, DVDs, books and toys among the alluring merchandise. And parents who are thinking ahead to summer 2011 can take a raffle chance for a spot in the fabulous HBMS Summer Arts Program
The international foods party room on Saturday and Sunday will provide tables laden with luscious homemade desserts and Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese delicacies, as well as potato latkes, all prepared by Music School parents who assist with the fundraising efforts of the Friends.
Music will be provided by the Hoff-Barthelson Flute Clubs, Chamber Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Festival Chorus, Symphonette, Wind Ensemble, Suzuki Strings and Jazz and Chamber Ensembles.
The Festival, open to the public at no charge, kicks off the annual holiday season with three days of international foods, music and holiday shopping; fun for the entire family! Information: 914-723-1169.
A Cappella Concert at the Teen Center
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The Yale Westchester Alumni Association and Scarsdale High School will host a concert of a cappella singing on Sunday afternoon, November 14 at The Scarsdale Teen Center, 862 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale, New York at 2 o’clock. The concert will open with Scarsdale’s For Good Measure followed by Yale’s Alley Cats, pictured at left.
What is a cappella? Very loosely translated from Italian, a cappella means "in the style of the chapel," but today it really means "singing without instrumental accompaniment." An a cappella group performs all of its music - lead singers, backup vocals, and the instrumental parts - by voice alone.
Alley Cats: As one of the nation’s most renowned a cappella groups, the Yale Alley Cats, a fourteen-person all-male a cappella ensemble, have been spreading music around the world since 1943. Their roots are in jazz, but their repertoire has grown to include Motown, pop, classical, and many more genres. Their diverse song list and acknowledged musical excellence allows them to perform at a host of different venues, from jazz clubs to embassies, from the set of NBC’s “The West Wing” to the main stage at the Dresden Music Festival, from the beaches of Hawaii to “Martha Stewart Living,” and from Parisian squares and Spanish boulevards to the halls of the university.
Tickets for the performance are $25 for adults and $15 for students and seniors and can be purchased on the day of the performance. Proceeds will go to YWAA’s Scholarship Fund. Tickets can be purchased on the Yale website , or for further information, contact BK Munguia at 914-472-4053 or [email protected] .
