Story by Hal Goodtree and photo by Bill Gracey. Lindsey Chester edits the Calendar of Events.

Cary, NC – With January’s mild weather weather stretching into February, it’s a great weekend to get out and have some fun in Cary. Friday through Sunday, the Calendar lists 30 events for this weekend around town. Here are a few highlights.

A Fifth of Blues at RallyPoint

Okay, this is a shameless plug for my band. We’ll be making a rare Cary appearance this Saturday night at Rallypoint.

A Fifth of Blues, one of the Triangle’s most popular bands, plays everything from BB King to Ray Charles, Wilson Picket, Muddy Waters, Cream, the Allmans, Etta James and more. Lonesome Larry O’Connor on lead guitar, the Reverend Gary Lee Ford on harmonica,  Doctor Michael-Pelz Sherman on keyboards, Gary Caddell on drums and your’s truly on bass.

Put on your dancing shoes and c’mon out Saturday night! Music starts at 9:00 PM.

A Fifth of Blues
Saturday, Feb 11, 2012 at 9 PM
RallyPoint
1837 N Harrison Ave,
Cary, NC 27537
No cover

Olympic Table Tennis Trials

All weekend, the nation’s best table tennis players will be vying for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

Competition goes on all day at Bond Park. If you can’t get to London this summer, here’s your chance to see Olympic hopefuls right here in Cary. More info.

Theater – 2 Shows this Weekend

F.A.T.E. – Free Association Theater Ensemble – presents Pterodactyls by Nicky Silver this weekend in Cary. Their description:

A family in shock finds strange comfort in some old bones found in the back yard. This dark comedy gives new meaning to the phrase “Families are like fudge – mostly sweet, with a few nuts.”

*This show contains adult material, and is not recommended for young children. Discretion is advised.

F.A.T.E. presents Pterodactyls
February 10 & 11 and February 16-18
All shows at 8pm; doors open at 7:30
Performances at the FATE Space, in the Harrison Pointe Shopping Center in Cary
Tickets are $10 – $15

For reservations, email FATEreservations@gmail.com or call 919-228-8184. You can also pay by cash and credit cards at the door, and tickets can be purchased in advance with a credit card by calling 919-228-8184.

Also on the boards this weekend, Cary Players continues their current run with Agatha Christie’s classic mystery And Then There Were None. Description:

Eight guests who have never met one another are lured to an island house and along with two servants, stranded. A mysterious voice accuses each of having gotten away with murder, just as one drops dead!

It’s a great show that brings a new level of production to the Cary theater scene. Read Lindsey Chester’s review of the show.

Cary Players present And Then There Were None
February 11th at 7:30pm  •  February 12th at 3:00pm
Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Ave.
Cary, NC

Tickets available from Cary Players or at the Cary Arts Center box office.

Art and Music at Page-Walker

Also of note this weekend, Page-Walker Art & History Center in Cary is hosting two unique and exciting events.

On Saturday from 11 AM to noon, join artist LéGrant Taylor to view his new show MLK Jr. –  Dreamfest and Dream of History. It’s part of the community celebration of Black History Month. The event and exhibition are free.

On Sunday at 4 PM, North Carolina Symphony Concertmaster and Violinist Brian Reagan will perform as part of the Friends of Page Walker Winter Concert Series. Tickets are $15.

More Weekend Events

There’s live jazz at UnWine’d on Friday night (downtown Cary), Menchie’s Yogurt has its grand opening on Saturday at the new Waverly Place plus about 25 other things to do this weekend on the CaryCitizen Calendar of Events.

Now get out there!

Story by Lindsey Chester, photos by Brooke Meyer from last year’s Cross Currents Festival

Cary, NC – Last summer’s Cary Cross Currents Music Festival brought more than a week of chamber music to Downtown Cary and kicked off the opening of the Cary Arts Center. A key ingredient of the festival was the “Side By Side” instruction given to select area music students.  This year, director Carrie Knowles is expanding the program and the time for students to apply is now.

Cary Cross Currents Music Festival

The Festival will once again take place at the Cary Arts Center. July 29 is the kick off and the Festival will take place over 2 full weeks. The Brussels Chamber Orchestra is once again the featured group. New this year is the Lipkind Quartet (strings), and  jazz performer Will Scruggs.

Playing Side By Side with the Pros

Last year’s festival (story) included the opportunity for area students to audition and play “side by side” with the Brussels Chamber Orchestra professional musicians. The “Side by Side” program will expand this year to include string quartets and jazz students.

Applications for Side-By-Sidespots are available now. Visit the application page or email CCFsidebyside@gmail.com.

Student Experiences

A few of last year’s students were happy to tell us about their experiences.

Enloe student Gen Palmer explained how she missed getting into the Governor’s School last summer and chose to audition for this program.

“I’m really glad I didn’t get into Governor’s School.

I learned different ways to practice. Mainly how to distribute time equally between focusing on technique and fundamentals as well as actually practicing music. And if anything, playing with those guys seriously trained my ear. I don’t think that my viola has ever been more in tune.”

I asked students how they had heard about the program last year (it was brand new) and Nadia Drabick told me she had heard about the opportunity through her private violin teacher (not CaryCitizen?!!)

“Last summer working with the BCO was hands down the most enriching and eye opening experience I have had, not only in music, but probably my entire life. Being able to work with such down to earth and accomplished musicians was such a blessing to me… The bond and intimate relationship throughout the chamber orchestra was so inviting and made me want to push myself to become a better musician.”

Nadia has even formed a chamber orchestra with some of her fellow students at Heritage High School.

Not Just Chamber Music

With the addition of Jazz this summer, Carrie Knowles hopes to attract an even broader range of music enthusiasts and teach another fine group of Triangle students.

Jazz instruments will include guitar, saxophone, flute, bass, drums and piano. The string quartets must audition as existing groups to be included in the Side By Side experience. After being admitted, students pay a fee of $400 each for the week long, full day training. About 14 chamber music students, 10-15 jazz and a couple string quartets will make the cut this summer.

What To Expect

A typical day will include morning one-on-one practice from 9:30-1, a lunch break and free time to attend the professionals’ rehearsals. Afternoons the students head back in the studio from 3:30-5pm with their groups to rehearse.

One of the major benefits of the student experience is the culmination of a week of practice with a ticketed concert performance beside the professionals in the Cary Arts Center auditorium. A rare opportunity indeed.

The festival will include a wide variety of concerts and art collaborations.

Apply to Play with the Pros

Students can apply to play in any of the side-by-side programs:

• Chamber Orchestra Side-by-Side
• Jazz Side-by-Side
• Lipkind Quartet Side-by-Side

For more information, visit the Cary Cross Currents Festival application Page.

Review by Lindsey Chester. Photos by Brooke Meyer.

Cary, NC – Like a mystery? The Cary Players latest production, Agatha Cristie’s “And Then There Were None,” now playing at Cary Arts Center, keeps the audience guessing throughout with blood curdling screams, gun shots and a stellar production.

Production Values Notch a New High

The performances, production and direction are all spot on in the new show. But perhaps the biggest shocker in this classic mystery is the incredible production values of the show itself. One notable example is the set, designed by director Tina Vance and her husband Glenn.

Tina told me that they used the architecture of the Arts Center as inspiration, even imitating the moldings and windows to make the set seem like it’s part of the theater’s proscenium. They have definitely pulled that off.

The action takes place in the living room of the mysterious Mr and Mrs Owen. The set stands over 12 feet high and was constructed off-site, then brought to the theater in pieces and re-assembled on stage the week before the show opened.

Here’s a fun video the crew shot that compresses 8 hours of construction into 2 minutes.

And Then There Were None – Set Construction from Cary Players on Vimeo.

This production has set the bar even higher for the Cary Players. Since the move to their new home as a resident organization of the Arts Center, each production has become increasingly more elaborate: from “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “Once Upon A Mattress” and now this show. One can only wonder what surprises are in store for their season finale “The Rainmaker”.

About the Play

The premise of “And Then There Were None” play involves 10 unrelated people sent to spend a holiday at a large estate on an island. None of the guests (plus a maid and butler) actually know the home’s owner, but have come on one of many false pretenses.

As the guests  settle in after arrival, a strange recording announces each guest’s name along with the name of a person they are responsible for murdering. This rattles everyone, of course.  Worse  yet, a guest almost immediately drops dead – having been poisoned.

This classic Agatha Christie mystery keeps the audience guessing until the end.

Cast & Costumes Create the Mood

The costumes by David Sextner mimic the 1940′s and include great get ups for the ladies.

The actors also do a fabulous job with their accents as the action takes place on an island off the coast of England.

One of several standout performances is given by Kurt Benrund as General MacKenzie. He puts on a fake Scottish brogue and gives a heart-rending performance as he recalls an unfaithful wife.

Other standouts included: Doctor Armstrong, played by Tim Wiest, as a recovering alcoholic surgeon accused of killing a former patient. Plucky Vera Claythorne, played by Margan Mercer-Bourne carries much of the show in her first Cary Player’s appearance. Brook North as the biggest liar of the bunch does a wonderful job as William Blore with a great fake British accent.

If you have a chance to catch this show next weekend, I highly recommend it as an evening of outstanding theater.

Performance Info

Tickets are on sale at the Cary Arts Center box office or online.

Adults: $18
Seniors: $16 (55 or older)
Students: $16

Upcoming Show dates:

• Thursday Feb 9th – Saturday 11th at 7:30pm
• Sunday Feb 12 at 2pm

Story and photo by Lindsey Chester.

Cary, NC – With the discussion swirling around the marquee for the new theater, the Town held their second public information meeting about Downtown development to another packed house on January 31 in Council Chambers at Town Hall. It’s a grand plan, and here’s how it stands right now.

On hand to present and answer questions were Eric Simpson, the project manager, Keith Giamportone, lead architect from Quinn Evans Architects, Ed Gawf, Downtown Manager and Lyman Collins, Cultural Arts Manager.

Resident’s Concerns

A quick recap of the earlier meeting (story) revealed concerns expressed by the public. They were:

• Just glad something is happening
• Respect the History
• Folks want a balcony
• Want to know what’s happening Downtown
• Need for restaurants and shopping

The town planners have taken these concerns into consideration as they plan the theater and other Downtown improvements.

Ed noted the plans for the “The Cary” as the theater is being called, are about 35% done and that now is the time to be heard, as changes can still be made. He also emphasized that although the building is historic, this is not a restoration, but rather a modification.

Lyman Collins Cultural Arts manager, added that these additions will …”bring a 20^th century building into the 21^st century”

The Plans Thus Far

There will be 180 seats, some of which will be removable to allow for cabaret seating for some events. The theater will include two balconies, one on each side upstairs that will be accessed from the 2^nd floor of the new adjacent addition building. The floor will have an appropriate modern slope, as the old theater did not conform to modern day standards.

The building addition includes dressing areas and a green room for stage productions on the first floor and a 2 story lobby opens up the space.

The building’s second floor includes a multi-purpose open space at the top of the stairs, and entry to the balcony as well as the main seating.

The third floor has some flex leasable space and the outdoor terrace café, which will be set back from the theater and the road.

The Marquee

The current drawings show the form of the sign rather than what materials will be used. The signage also tries to reflect the building’s 1940’s pedigree. The marquee will have a curve that will be reflected in the café upstairs and other curved lines throughout the building. Lyman noted that an artist team is working with the architects to create what he described as an art object for the signage. His hopes are that the sign will “enliven the street” and “give the building a rhythm” . The vertical element of the sign was added to create more presence and to help bring this section of downtown to life. Actual lighting materials have not been decided- neon, LED or otherwise.

East Chatham Streetscape Improvements

Eric Simpson, Project manager next spoke about the “very ambitious” timetable for completing the streetscape in the East Chatham Street area of downtown. Work is to begin late Spring 2012 and continue through the end of the year. It will require this section of road to go down to one lane at times, but yes, Lazy Daze will go on as usual.

To Be Improved:

1. Sidewalk
2. Parking and circulation
3. Academy Street intersection
4. Streetscape modifications
5. Pedestrian friendly

The theater block will be the first step towards making a visual improvement that creates more typical downtown building fronts. Facade improvements are planned for the Johnson Jewelers/ former India Bazaar building next door to the theater.

Another key idea is to bring the sidewalk to the street and eliminate the slope. Eric pointed out that the current sidewalk is almost a 9-degree slope, and a hazard. The slope will be eliminated to almost 2% and the sidewalk will allow for tables and chairs for diners. This sidewalk will be upgraded to a herringbone brick pattern and the curb will be granite. There will be 2 alleyways and 2 driveways to access the parking behind these buildings and the theater. Water and sewer lines will be improved (hence the road construction and lane reductions), and gutters will be upgraded on the Johnson’s Jewelers building.

Downtown Cary’s 100% Corner

“You shouldn’t have to guess where the Heart of Cary is”, but right now, its just not obvious. Ed refers to the intersection of Chatham and Academy, as Cary’s 100% corner. It is our single most important downtown intersection, and it needs to reflect that.

How will he accomplish that? Ideas are not finalized but the Town continues to work with both Kitchen and Bath Galleries and Fidelity Bank to enhance these opposing corners. First, the parking beside Kitchen & Bath on Academy will be angled (safer), paved with brick and reduced from 8 spots to 5. In the front, the parking will be reconfigured into “Hobby Plaza” in honor of the building’s original owners. The newsboy and clock will remain. Ed is currently exploring the idea of adding a second floor to this building. By adding height, the corners would become more significant.

Fidelity Bank has indicated they are willing to rework their plaza to be more inviting (fountain with seating, anyone?)- Nothing was presented for this corner yet. And the Town will also improve the sidewalks adjacent to the bank as part of the streetscape improvements.

On the street itself, the paving in this intersection needs improvement. Remember the old seal in the center of the street? Maybe this could be brought back? Or something like it to reflect the “Heart of Downtown”?

The Time Table

• Spring 2012 Final Theater Plans to Council, start construction
• December 2012- Chatham Street improvements completed (goal)
• August 2013- Downtown theater dedicated
• Bidding for construction will go out this spring.

Ed Gawf’s mentioned that he is in talks with some developers to have private investment Downtown. He added that if in five years, the only changes Downtown were what the Town itself has built, he would consider his tenure a failure.

With so many ambitious projects already begun, I’d say he’s anything but!

Story and photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC – Connolly’s Irish Pub, long a stalwart of the food music and neighborhood scene in Cary, closed it’s doors without comment or announcement last week. Chairs and tables are neatly stacked inside, but the Pub has not been open in several days.

A Place for Local Bands

When Connolly’s opened in 1999, it was just one small room in Cornerstone Shopping center (corner of Davis & High House).

I remember playing there with Bonus Room in December of 2006 – jammed in behind the front door. A cold breeze would waft over the band every time someone came or left.

Soon after, Connolly’s expanded into the space next door, adding a proper dining room. But the timing was bad and the economy tanked. Sami, then the manager, would sometimes remark to the bands on the lack of a robust dinner trade.

I played there again with SHMaK last year – good times, good crowd. Lots of other bands played there, too. Almost every weekend had something. Our buddy DJ George was a regular favorite.

Facebook and Twitter lit up with the news last week:

Sorry for the last-minute cancellation.. but Connolly’s Irish Pub finally closed their doors for the last time..  Anyone know a venue looking for a party this Sat nite.. I can help – DJ George on Facebook

Others lamented the end of an era:

Everytime I drive past Connelly’s and see the lights off it makes me sad. Please come back! - Karyen on Facebook

…too bad. I have played some of my favorite gigs there over the years and I met some of my dearest friends inside that building. Hopefully it will rebound into something else. - Bob on Facebook

Met some amazing friends here!! First place I ever strapped the bass on and played in with Eric and Rupert. - Bart on Facebook

The food at Connolly’s had its fans as well. Good burgers, fish and chips – just your basic pub food, but well prepared and lots of it.

The closure of Connolly’s leaves a gaping hole in the Cary live-and-local music scene. There are still a few places to hear live music in Cary – open mikes and jazz duos, mainly. Not too many places have the space or the cash to bring in full bands.

Rallypoint on Harrison Ave still books local bands in Cary. I’ll be there with my latest group (A Fifth of Blues) on Saturday, February 11. Rallypoint owner Drew Schenk always treats the band well and we’re likely to draw a couple of hundred people to the pre-Valentine’s show.

But I’ll miss Connolly’s.

Story from staff reports. Photo by Andy Helsby.

Cary, NC – The dark nights of January prove the perfect time for drama – stage plays, comedy, farce and all manner of theater. Fortunately, we are rich in theater offerings here in Cary, NC. This weekend is no different, with two different original productions treading the boards in town.

Duped

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, FATE presents Duped.

A stay-at-home father recounts the troubled journey he takes in raising his son. Duped is a one-man play about life’s heartbreaks, its sweet lessons, and all the surprises in between.

Starring John Paul Middlesworth. Written and directed by Mark Cornell. Original theater here in Cary.

Duped
FATE Theater
Harrison Point Shopping Center
Cary, NC

January 20 & 21 at 8pm
January 22 at 3pm
$10-15

FATEreservations@gmail.com
919-228-8184

Cary Playwrights’ Forum – Short Works

The 2012 Winter Festival of Short Plays, presented by Cary Playwrights’ Forum, is the kind of thing one might enjoy in New York’s Soho, but it’s right here in Cary.

6 short works – original plays – presented as staged readings by an ensemble cast. It promises to be marvelous fun in the intimate setting of the Marcus Dry Room at Cary Arts Center.

• SIGHT by Don Quiett
• GONDOLA FARE by Phil Lewis
• A VERY BRADY WESTERN by Laura E. Towne 
• INSPIRATION FROM A SPIDER by Catherine Thoits
• OFF THE BEATEN PATH by Nancy Young
• THE TENNESSEE WALTZ by Patti Merz 

Directed by Phil Lewis, Thom Haynes, Mike Rogers, Angela Lowden, Keith Barber, Stuart Jonap.

Starring Alexandra Merz, Griffin Cece, Jack Chapman, Jennifer Howard, Laura Bradford, Paul Yosim, Randy Rime, Elaine Quagliata, Jack Berry, Roger Ehrlich, Julie Tomlin, Marina Queen, Karen Raines, Thom Haynes, Amar Chawla, Lesi Jonap, Rita Dimoulas, Roger Ehrlich, Stephanie Schuft, Nicola Lefler.

2012 Festival of Short Works
Cary Playwrights’ Forum

Friday 1/20  and Saturday 1/21 at 8:00 pm
Marcus Dry Room, Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Av., Cary, NC
Free admission.  (Suggested $10 donation)
Doors open at 7:30

More on the CaryCitizen Calendar

For more events around Cary, check the CaryCitizen Calendar.

story and photos by Brooke Meyer.

Cary, NC - The intimate setting of the Winter Concert Series at Page Walker Hotel provides a real treat for audiences. Last Sunday’s sold out performance by Brazilian Soul was another example. 

The performance had the ease, energy and richness of three versatile pro’s fusing Rock, Reggae, Folk, Salsa, Samba and Jazz.  Percussionist Beverly Botsford provided the foundation while David Maxwell alternated on Sax, Clarinet and Flute and leader Paolo Lopes sang vocals and played guitar.  ( Beverly will be back in Cary soon with Nnenna Freelon at the Cary Arts Center on January 28th. )

About Brazilian Soul

Upcoming Concerts

Story by Lindsey Chester.

Cary, NC – The Cary Players continue their performances based on movie adaptations with Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None opening February 3 at Cary Arts Center.

And Then There Were None

Mystery lovers are in for a treat this February as Cary Player presents the classic thriller by the quintessential queen of suspense!

Tina Vance directs the full stage production of this literary masterpiece at the beautiful Cary Arts Center in downtown Cary.

In the story, eight strangers are lured to an island off the English coast. Each guest arrives by boat, under the various ideas of why they are traveling to this remote island. Some come for employment, others to meet friends- but all are mistaken.
David Serxner will design the 1930′s era costumes and the set, designed by Glen Vance will capture a mood of a British Isles summer home.

Under the title Ten Little Indians, the book was first  published in the UK in November 1939. The novel has sold over 100 million copies,  making it the world’s best-selling mystery ever, and one of the best-selling books of all time!  It has been adapted into several plays, films, and even a video game.

Show Times & Tickets

Show Times

February 3-5 and 9-12
7:30 pm Thursday,Friday & Saturday
3:00 pm Sunday

Tickets

Adults:  $18
Seniors (55+):  $16
Students:  $16
Groups (20+)  $15 each  (For the group rate, tickets must be purchased at Cary Arts Center box office.)

Individual tickets can be purchased in one of three ways:

• In person at the Cary Arts Center, Mon-Fri (10am-8pm) or Sat (10am-1pm).
• By phone through the Etix Phone Center, 800-514-3849
• Online at CaryPlayers

The performance on Sunday February 12th at 3 pm will be audio described by Arts Access.

Cary, NC – Recently, some stellar basketball pictures came floating across the Cary Flickr Group. They are by Marvin of The M Factor and they are this weeks Wide World of Cary Sports.

High School Basketball in Cary

Marvin has been catching a few games around town – boys and girls, Panther Creek, Athens Drive, Cary High and Green Hope.

Interesting (at least to photographers), Marvin shot these pictures with a remote controlled flash. That’s unusual for sporting events and accounts for the crisp action pictures and vibrant indoor colors.

How About Your High School?

If your Cary area high school is not represented here, reach out to someone in your community who is shooting your games and recommend they contact the photo editor at CaryCitizen.

All our photographers make a voluntary contribution of their work. We rely on the community for our high school sports coverage. Any sport, any school in Cary is welcome.

Alternatively, maybe you know a pizza parlor or ice cream shop that might want to sponsor coverage of your school’s sports. Hook us up!

Wide World of Cary Sports

Story and photo by Lindsey Chester
Cary, NC – Cary is rich in the performing arts with many theater, dance and musical productions. But did you know we also have a group that writes original works? They are called Cary Playwrights’ Forum and I spoke with one of the group’s founders, Lydia Sbityakov.

The group started in 2007 after a Cary Players’ sponsored a play writing workshop. When an audition failed to land Lydia a role, she started asking around about interest in a play writing group, as there were none close by. She mentioned this to Laurel Wetsork, whose background included teaching screenwriting in California, and Linda Depo. Together the three formed the Cary Playwrights’ Forum. For the first few years the group was sponsored by the Cary Players, but in 2011 became its own independent group, seeking to file as a 501 (c)3 this year.

Each month they gather to read any new works that folks wish to share. Works are read aloud and members offer critiques. Meetings are held monthly on the 3rd Wednesday, in the Cary Arts Center’s conference room.

All Are Welcome

If you are writing a play, you are welcome to attend. Be prepared for some friendly criticism. There are no costs associated with becoming a member. The group is always on the lookout for actors and directors to help perform the public staged readings, held twice a year in January and June. Lydia explained that “seeing how a play transforms itself when its performed…and taking that sheet of paper onto the stage in front of an audience” are great benefits to the members. Many have never had works performed before, as they all have day jobs and write as a hobby or aspiration.

In fact, the staged reading coming up at the end of January gives several members their first turn at seeing their works performed for an audience. A staged reading is a little different from a full production. This show will take place in the Marcus Dry Room at the Arts Center, without sets. Seasoned actors have auditioned for the roles and have rehearsed to perform each of six short plays. Each one is a complete work, not an excerpt from a larger piece.

Submissions Accepted

Lydia mentioned that for their June show, they will move the performance to the auditorium in the Cary Arts Center. The plan is to have this be a ticketed event. A firm date is not yet set, but the group is currently accepting submissions to be performed. Deadline for submissions is March 1. Submissions must be 5-20 minutes in length and written in standard play format. Here’s the link for more info about how to submit your work.

Filling  a Need

Not only are writers looking for a place to get help with their craft, but Lydia explains area theater groups are beginning to seek them out for their original works. Lydia stated the groups goal is not to become another area theater group. This organizations’ emphasis is on writing.

January Show

The Winter Festival of Short Plays by Cary Playwrights’ Forum will run later this month.  Each play is about 10 minutes long with no intermission. Writer Phil Lewis also directs a work, and director Thom Haynes performs a reading. In this group, members literally perform many roles.

Event Details

Winter Festival of Short Plays
Presented by Cary Playwrights’ Forum
Friday and Saturday, January 20 & 21, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Marcus Dry Room at the Cary Arts Center

The Plays:

• Gondola Fare by Phil Lewis
• Sight by Don Quiett
• A Very Bad Western by Laura E. Towne
• Inspiration From A Spider by Catherine Thoits
• Off the Beaten Path by Nancy Young
• The Tennessee Waltz by Patti Merz

This is not a ticketed event, a $10 donation is suggested.