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.

Story by Lindsey Chester. Photos by Brooke Meyer.

Cary, NC – Nnenna Freelon, originally scheduled to appear in Cary back in November, put on a show this past Saturday night at Cary Arts Center. Brooke Meyer snuck backstage during the warm-up and took some pictures for CaryCitizen.

For a small town, we attract some pretty big acts. Nnenna Freelon is a world-reknowned jazz singer and composer, Six-time GRAMMY® Award-nominee and is hailed as the “international voice of Jazz.” Her version of Duke Ellington’s Prelude to a Kiss was showcased on that glossy TV hit Mad Men.

Brooke Meyer visited backstage stage during the sound check and sent us a few photographs. Many thanks to Ms. Freelon for the access.

Video: Nature Boy

We found this video on YouTube of Nnenna Freelon singing “Nature Boy.”

She’s today’s Ella Fitzgerald, people. Must get her back to CAC.

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 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 from staff reports. Photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC – Today, we introduce a column called Downtown Cary This Week.

Thursday: Ben Shivar at HoCA

On Thursday morning at 8, Town Manager Ben Shivar will be the guest speaker at the Heart of Cary Association monthly meeting.

Ben will undoubtedly focus on developments in the downtown area. The Town has been active in the last year buying property and making plans for a revival of this centrally important district.

Expect a lively crowd with some pointed questions, like the discussion last year about Inspections & Permitting.

Details

Heart Of Cary Association
Guest Speaker – Town Manager Ben Shivar

Thursday January 5, 2012 at 8 AM
Cary Chamber
307 North Academy Street
Cary, North Carolina 27513

Cost: Free

Friday: Jazz at Unwine’d

Just before Christmas, Unwine’d opened in Downtown Cary.

Thursday, they’ll be having a complimentary wine tasting. And on Friday, there’s jazz starting at 8.

Details

Unwine’d
Olde Cary Commons
201 W. Chatham Street
(corner of Harrison)
Cary, NC 27511

Story by Leslie Huffman. Photo by Calamity Sal.

Cary, NC – Tuesday evening, December 20, 2011, beginning at 4 p.m. come to the Cary Arts Center to participate in the Jewish Cultural Festival. This event takes place on the first night of Hanukah, celebrating the Jewish Festival of Lights.

The Town of Cary is partnering with the Chabad of Cary, The Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary and Beth Shalom to host the first Jewish Cultural Festival in Cary. All citizens are welcome to join in the festivities.

“I am glad we have this Festival,” says Rabbi Ariel Edery of Beth Shalom Synagogue. “It is great for our community to celebrate our common values and ideals, but also to honor and cherish the richness of the variety of our different cultures, traditions, ethnic heritages and religious beliefs.”

Rabbi Edery continued, “Interestingly, this what the Hanukah holiday is actually about. When we remember the Maccabbees’ struggle to practice their religion in freedom, and light the candles of the Menorah, we affirm both our belief in the American value of freedom of religion, and in appreciating how our community is made stronger and richer by a plurality of traditions being kept and honored, and – as we do here – coexisting, cooperating, and sharing.”

Fun, Unique, & Educational Activities

Enjoy traditional Jewish foods, crafts and hands-on activities for children, entertainment, educational displays and the lighting of a nine-foot Menorah!

• Artistic Menorah and dreidel displays
• Candle dipping
• Clay dreidel making
• Make your own menorah
• Olive oil pressing
• Educational displays

Performances Times

• 4:30 p.m.    Jewish / Israeli Dance
• 4:45 p.m.    Olive Oil Pressing Demonstration
• 5 p.m.        Beth Shalom Children’s Choir & Play
• 5:30 p.m.    Jewish / Israeli Dance
• 5:45 p.m.    Beth Shalom Singers
• 6 p.m.        The Only One Club – Storytelling & puppetry by Andrea & Rabbi Ariel Edery
• 6:45 p.m.    Lighting of the Menorah
• 7:30 p.m.   Performance by nationally known musician Dan Nichols.

Canned Food Collection & Art Displays

Marvel at a menorah constructed out of donated canned goods. Donations will be accepted at the Cary Arts Center from December 5 – 19th.  Donations not only helps create the “Can-struction Menorah”, but also supports those in need in the community. All canned food donations will go to Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, who will then distribute donations to local shelters and pantries.

Cornell Box Art Displays by the Beth Or 3rd and 4th graders are unique shadow boxes modeled after the artist Joseph Cornell. These shadow boxes reflect Jewish and personal themes from their daily lives.

Happy Hanukah!

How Many Ways Can You Spell Hanukah?

Hanukah is a Hebrew word, so there is no correct (or incorrect) English spelling.

Chanukah, Hanukkah, Chanuka, Channukah, Chanuka,Hanuka, Hannukkah – they are all the Jewish Festival of Lights.

Story by Lindsey Chester. Photo by Brooke Meyer

Page Walker Arts & History Center hosts an annual Winter Concert Series. Sunday last was the season’s first,  “Classical Interlude“.  

The evening featured Erik Dyke, double bassist for the North Carolina Symphony who performed three dances:  Bottesini Tarantella, Brahms Hungarian Dance #6 and Montagues and Capulets from Romeo and Juliet by Prokofiev.  (This was Erik’s second appearance at the Winter Concert Series.)

Other performances included Anne Dyke, a flute soloist, Andrew McAfee on horn (formerly Principal Horn of the North Carolina Symphony), Nancy Whelan, piano soloist.

A late program addition was a young violinist, Ms. Christin Danchi.  A UNC Junior, she is also Co-Concert Master of the UNC Symphony.  Listening to her play, I felt lucky to be there.  The standing ovation she received was well deserved.

Cary, NC –  Some time ago, we ran a story about a local band called Mind the Gap. The name of the band is derived from a British saying used as a public announcement when people are stepping from a train or subway.  It is a warning to watch your step. MTG considers “the gap” a metaphor for life. They play solely for charity.

Band member Jerry Cuomo told me, “we are all different in unique and special ways.  These ‘gaps’ between us should be respected and celebrated.  The gaps are what make us interesting as individuals, hence we should pay attention or ‘mind the gap.’  Further, some gaps simply cannot be ignored.  Folks are in need in this world and MTG is proud that we can contribute to these wonderful causes.”

Rockin’ for Tots

Today, Mind the Gap continues to rock on. If you are around Thanksgiving weekend, MTG is continuing their 2011 fund drive playing at the Southland Ballroom in downtown Raleigh for  “Toys for Tots”.   The event is on Saturday, November 26th and doors open at 8 pm. Bring a (new) toy and get in free!

MTG will be joined by Laughing Through Your Fingers for a double-dose of rock and roll music. Both bands are often seen in Cary.

Mind the Gap, the US Marine Corps and Laughing Through Your Fingers are encouraging the community to come out and fill the ballroom with toys, while the room is filled with music.

MTG 2011

In 2011, they helped raise over $125,000 for causes like “Stop Hunger Now”, “Mariposa School for Autism”, “World Wildlife Fund”, and the “Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center”.

Jerry Cuomo, bass player and IBM Vice President says “2011 has been a record year of giving and rocking.   There is little sign of recession in the Triangle when it comes to music and charity.”

The band  members of MTG include Stan Cox on guitar, Jerry Cuomo on bass, Marc Haberkorn on vocals, Barry Mosakowski on drums, Adolfo Rodriguez on harmonica, rhythm guitar and Latin percussion.

For Facebook Event info click here.

Story by Nancy Caggia and photos by Kevin LaWall. Above, Green Hope Band Director Brian Meyers leading band onto the field at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Cary, NC- Several area high school marching bands traveled to Indianapolis over the long weekend to compete in what has become an annual rite of passage. Cary High School advanced this weekend to the finals.

Bands of America Championship

The marching bands of Green Hope and Cary High schools competed at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL Colts, on Friday 11/11/11 in the Bands of America Grand National Championships. Bands of America is recognized as the premier marching band event in the nation. More than 90 bands from across America participate, including some of the finest, most progressive bands in the activity today.

The 2011 field competition featured 92 bands in preliminary competition.  Green Hope and Cary High competed at 9:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. respectively.

Cary High Advances to Saturday Morning

From the field of 92, thirty-six advance to play again on Saturday morning. Cary High was among them.

From these thirty-six, only twelve advance to play AGAIN on Saturday evening in the finals. None of our area high schools made it to this stage. Stiff competition from  Midwestern bands Broken Arrow High School in Oklahoma and Avon High School from Indianapolis placed these two 1st and 2nd.

Final results are posted on the Grand Nationals website