Magic in the Making | A Free Virtual Fundraiser for Rockland Center for the Arts
PRESS RELEASE
RoCA / Rockland Center for the Arts
27 South Greenbush Rd, West Nyack, NY 10994
845 358 0877, www.rocklandartcenter.org
Contact:
Barbara Galazzo
rocaartpr@gmail.com, mobile 914-815-3133
For immediate release: (West Nyack, NY April 2021)
Magic in the Making | A Free Virtual Fundraiser for | Rockland Center for the Arts | Saturday, April 17 @ 7:00pm
Join Rockland Center for the Arts for a virtual evening of dance, music performances, and magic. Register for this free event and fundraiser to receive the link. Performers include Jon Pousette-Dart, Johnny Irion and a performance by Emotions Physical Theatre. And for children: learn a magic trick & clown tips with Mr. Amazing, Carlo Pellegrini.
Performers include: Jon Pousette-Dart released a solo record, “Talk“, in 2015 to critical acclaim! Jon Pousette-Dart is a gilded tenor and a smooth hand on guitar. “Pousette-Dart’s compositions brim with optimism, introspection and subtle grace.” — Performing Songwriter.
The Pousette-Dart Band reflected the sounds of the ‘70s, securing their place in the musical firmament by purveying that harmonious soft rock sound. Signed to Capitol Records, they put out four critically hailed albums for the label (Pousette-Dart Band, Amnesia, Pousette-Dart Band 3, and Never Enough) and a recent compilation (The Best of Pousette-Dart Band.)
Johnny Irion is best known for his folk explorations with his wife Sarah Lee Guthrie, including their recent Wassaic Way produced by Jeff Tweedy, and his latest rock venture with US ELEVATOR, which Will Hermes of Rolling Stone Magazine praised for its “songs that are hand crafted as lovingly as the jeans on the back of After the Goldrush.” Irion has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting artists across the folk-rock spectrum, from his uncannily Young-Nilsson-esque voice to his melodic and lyrical mettle.
Irion wrapped up his latest solo record, Driving Friend, in the spring of 2018. The album was produced by Tim Bluhm, backed by Blackwing, the artisan pencil makers with a diverse musical heritage, and featured members of Dawes, Wilco, Nicki Bluhm and The Gamblers. The record ranged across a wide expanse of roots genres, from blues and gospel to folk and country. Everything about it feels authentically crafted, a carving out of raw, lived American experience.
Emotions Physical Theatre will perform Intimacy Lost: The Living Gallery. Dancers become moving exhibits that come to life through hip hop, ballet and contemporary movement. Shawn Rawls, the Artistic Director of Emotions Physical Theatre, sees his dance troupe as serving a bridge between art and entertainment. Using an organic blend of contemporary dance with hip hop, ballet, gymnastics and breakdance, Emotions Physical Theatre is committed to making dance theater that is fun, accessible, and innovative. The troupe breaks down walls between stage performance and spectators to create an experience for audience members that goes beyond a typical dance show by including audience participation and by creating in unique spaces. The troupe believes that dance theater should be transparent and easy to understand while inspiring thought and communicating ideas in a clear and aesthetically pleasing way.
Rawls creates dance art with the goal of fostering personal growth. He incorporates research from psychology and sociology into their productions so an audience member might walk away from the experience with a thought-provoking tidbit of practical information.
Kids will delight in the antics of Carlo Pellegrini, (aka, Mr. Amazing) by learning a magic trick and clown tips. Pellegrini is the co-founder and Artistic Director of NY’s oldest all-youth circus Amazing Grace Circus. He performed for many years as White Clown, Acrobat and Ringmaster with Big Apple Circus, The Royal Lichtenstein Circus, Piccolo Circus NYC, was a professional dancer with internationally acclaimed Nikolais Dance Theatre, and has appeared in movies, TV and many radio commercials over the years. He brings over 38 years of professional circus, dance and theater experience.
The virtual fundraiser is free, April 17th at 7 pm. You may register by calling 845-358-0877 to get the login information. Rockland Center for the Arts is located at 27 S. Greenbush Rd., West Nyack, NY. Regular hours are: Mon-Fri 10-4; and Sat 1-4 pm. For more information visit www.rocklandartcenter.org or call 845-358-0877.
RoCA gratefully acknowledges support for its programs from The Richard Pousette-Dart Foundation, M&T Bank, The M&T Charitable Foundation, Orange & Rockland Utilities, Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman P.C., the Rea Charitable Trust, Luxury Kitchen and Bath, Golden Artist Colors, Inc., QuietEvents, Rockland County Tourism, the Estate of Joan Konner, Lighting Services Inc., Sarah and Stephen Thomas, the Mark and Jessie Milano Foundation, Zaklin Family Charitable Fund, The County of Rockland, Simona and Jerome Chazen, Art Services Group, RoCA members, donors and business members.
RoCA’s programs are made possible, in part, with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Funding is also made possible by the County of Rockland.