News

Friday Nites | MD Arts Day 2012 | 2nd Saturdays | Rio Carnival | Fiber Arts Center | Open Mic | Books Plus | Poetry Contest

 

 

The Hedge Band comes to Caroline!

Friday Nites in Caroline presents the soulful Irish bluegrass of The Hedge Band on Friday, February 3, 7:00 pm at Caroline County Public Library in Denton.

Formed in 2005 by four of Maryland‘s pre-eminent Irish traditional musicians, The Hedge Band consists of Billy McComiskey, Laura Byrne Egan, Donna Long and Pat Egan. All perform, teach and are recognized and respected in Maryland, nationally and worldwide.

Donna Long has traveled the world playing the piano and fiddle and entertaining audiences with Cherish the Ladies. She continues to foster an impressive music studio in Baltimore, where she teaches both fiddle and piano.

Regarded as one of the world‘s greatest button accordion players, Billy McComiskey is one of only two American-born musicians to win the senior All Ireland Championship. Billy is credited along with Brendan Mulvihill and Andy O‘Brien for bringing Irish traditional music to the Maryland/ Virginia area by way of their trio The Irish Tradition. He also recorded and toured with fiddler Liz Carroll and guitarist Daithi Sproule in their group Trian.

Pat Egan is from County Tipperary, Ireland. He spent years performing in Ireland before moving to the U.S. to join the band Chulrua. Also known for his work on the great recording — Music at Matt Molloys, Pat still tours internationally with Chulrua.

Laura Byrne Egan is one of only a handful of musicians to successfully cross over to Irish traditional music from another discipline. She graduated from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in 1995 and is highly regarded on both sides of the Atlantic for her proficiency in the Irish traditional style. She founded and directs the Baltimore Irish Arts Center. Laura, Billy and Pat are recipients of Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Awards.

For more information contact the Library at 410-479-1343, info@carolib.org Friday Nites in Caroline is presented by the Caroline County Council of Arts and the Caroline County Public Library; is sponsored by Tri Gas & Oil, Best Western Denton Inn, Eastern Shore Regional Library and the Maryland States Arts Council and is FREE for all attendees.

 

 

Maryland Arts Day 2012: Many Voices, One Song

On Wednesday, February 8, 2012, Maryland Citizens for the Arts (MCA) will host the 14th Maryland Arts Day in Annapolis. According to Douglas Mann, Chair of MCA, “over 400 arts advocates and leaders from across the state will converge on the state capital to meet with legislators to emphasize the importance of public support of the arts and the critical role the arts play in an economically and culturally vibrant Maryland.” Details about the event can be found at www.mdarts.org, or download a PDF with more information here.
The day-long session will begin with greetings and remarks from Maryland lawmakers including Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Speaker of the House Michael Busch and Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Christian Johansson.

In addition to honoring the “Sue Hess Maryland Arts Advocate of the Year Award” recipient Ms. Toby Orenstein, Founder and Artistic Director of the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts in Howard County, there will be a keynote address from Bashi Rose, performances by Warner Williams and Jay Summerour, as well as briefings on the state budget, communication training, and advocacy strategies, according to MCA Director John Schratwieser. “Participants will have the chance to meet with their representatives and convey their own message about the economic, cultural, educational and social impacts of the arts in their districts and across Maryland.”

What: Maryland Arts Day
Where: Annapolis, MD – Miller Senate Building,
President’s Conference Center West/East
When: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Contact: Maryland Citizens for the Arts, info@mdarts.org,
410-467-6700

 

 

Join us for 2nd Saturdays at The Foundry!

On Saturday, Feb. 11, 2-4p.m., The Foundry will host a free mask making activity as part of the Second Saturday series offered at The Foundry, Caroline County Council of Arts’ (CCCA) community art gallery at 401 Market Street in Denton. This activity is free to the public.

Foundry artists will be on hand to help attendees create one-of-a-kind masks in celebration of the CCCA’s Rio Carnival Masqued Ball that will be held on Saturday March 3. All are encouraged to come out, have fun, and be creative; especially those who would like to make their own mask for the CCCA Masqued Ball. Masks and decorative supplies will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring their own mask to decorate, if they like.

For more information please contact the CCCA office 410-479-1009. Over 40 Caroline County artists’ works are now on display at The Foundry which is open Tuesday through Saturday 11-5. Free demonstrations and activities from a variety of artists are held the second Saturday of every month from 2-4 p.m. The next Second Saturdays activity is on March 10.

 

Get Ready for the 2012 Rio Carnival Masqued Ball!

 

Save-the-date:

Saturday

March 3, 2012

7pm-11pm

 

A Rio Carnival Masqued Ball will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2011 at the Fretterd Center (The Armory) in Denton. This promises to be a fun and unique social event, with proceeds benefitting the Caroline County Council of Arts’ (CCCA) programs and arts center. Highlights include live entertainment by Big Joe’s Samba Dance Party band, catered Brazilian-inspired cuisine, dance demonstration and instruction, as well as a silent auction, mask contest, and more.

Let the fun begin with Big Joe Maher, WAMMIE Award Winner for Male Blues Vocalist in 2005 and 2009. One of the most versatile music performers in the business today, Big Joe brings down the house with his swinging brand of Rhythm and Blues. For this special event, he has put together a special “Samba Dance Party” band that will include some of the best area musicians, www.bigjoem.com.

Dine on a Brazilian-inspired menu. Then, get out on the dance floor and learn some moves from the Dancing on the Shore instructors, and watch them in action as they perform a special dance demonstration.

Dress from semi-formal to formal/black tie attire or wear a costume. Whatever you prefer, but don’t forget your mask! Masks will be available for sale at the door and one-of-a-kind hand-painted masks by Foundry artists are now available at The Foundry for the event. Foundry artists are also contributing to the event’s art auction.

Tickets are now on sale for $50. This event is for those 21 years and older. Tables of 8 are available for $400. Tickets can be purchased at The Foundry, CCCA’s community art gallery, at 401 Market Street, Denton or by calling 410-479-1009. Proceeds will support CCCA programs and projects.

 

 

Find out more about the Regional Fiber Arts Center Project!

The CCCA has recently undertaken the Fiber Arts Center project, which will adapt the recently renovated Hardee House at 7 N. Fourth Street to house a regional fiber arts center that includes quilt and other fiber art-related exhibit, retail, studio, and instruction space.

Located within Denton’s designated Historic, Main Street, and Arts & Entertainment districts, the center will be a destination for the area’s many quilt and fiber art enthusiasts, visitors, and residents to view historic and recent works by local quilters and fiber artists. Phase one of this project will involve the set-up of exhibit, retail, studio, and classroom space within the Hardee House, and the development of a branding and marketing strategy to effectively communicate the role of this center as a unique place to visit, shop, learn, and find inspiration.

We are currently looking for interested community members to help out! To find out more, check out the Fiber Center's Facebook page, it's page on our site, or contact Marina at 410-479-1009, or via ccartscouncil@verizon.net.

 

 

The Foundry continues High School Open Mic Night in 2012!

 

 

Books Plus Returns!

Download the new schedule here.

Dates: Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov.14, Dec. 12, Jan. 16, Feb. 13, Mar. 12,& Apr.9

Books:Shanghai Girls, The Idiot, The Embezzler, Blood & Thunder, The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears, Madame De Mauves, The Man Who was Thursday: A Nightmare, & Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man

 

16th Annual Eastern Shore Regional Poetry Contest

The contest is open to Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot County residents, students, and employees with four (4) age categories: 1st-8th grade, 9th -12th grade, Adults 18-59, and Seniors 60+. First, second, and third prizes will be awarded in each category. This year's deadline to enter a submission is March 1, 2012. Download an application here.