The NY Phil holiday tradition returns as the Orchestra performs Handel’s Messiah. Masaaki Suzuki conducts the Philharmonic and soprano Sherezade Panthaki, countertenor Reginald Mobley, tenor Leif Aruhn-Solén, baritone Jonathon Adams, and the Handel and Haydn Society Chorus.
The NY Phil annual tradition returns with former Philharmonic Principal Trumpet Philip Smith as host, conductor, and trumpet. These family-friendly concerts (for ages four and older) bring the power and joy of brass to holiday favorites, classics by Holst and Bizet, and a world premiere of a piece by Ricardo Mollá.
These concerts feature Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets projected in high definition while the NY Phil performs John Williams’s original score, conducted by Justin Freer. Part of The Art of the Score.
All concerts will take place at the Wu Tsai Theater, David Geffen Hall.
For more information on Holidays at NY Phil, click here.
By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com
To describe the new film “iMordecai” as being about an 80-something year old man confronting the intimidating new technology of the i-phone is to miss what it is really about: it is about resiliency, survival, life and living and relationships, which manages to be uplifting and even comic, despite dealing with such weighty issues as the Holocaust and Alzheimer’s. The making of the film by a first-time filmmaker, Marvin Samel, who has written a superb screenplay and as director elicits Oscar-worthy performances from Judd Hirsch, Carol Kane and Sean Astin, is itself worthy of a film.
iMordecai is heartwarming movie based on the director’s own life features Oscar-worthy performances from Emmy-winning actor Judd Hirsch as Mordecai Samels and Academy Award-nominated actress Carol Kane (Hester Street) as his wife, Fela, Holocaust survivors living in a Miami condo. When Mordecai takes the leap of getting an iPhone, the device opens him up to novel experiences and adventures, rekindling in him the youth he lost. It is an uplifting movie that manages comedy even when confronting such weighty issues as the Holocaust, survival, and the onset of Alzheimer’s.
What is most commendable is how the first-time film director-screenwriter Marvin Samel manages to create characters you care about, a plot that moves along at good pace, keeping you interested in the resolution, and seemingly outrageous situations without becoming cliché – and the answer is, because it is all so based in truth – even the ring that Sean Astin, who plays Marvin, wears is the same ring as the one Marvin is wearing when he comes to the Gold Coast International Film Festival for a Q&A after the screening, the first in the New York region.
Samel reflects how he was born in Brooklyn, to Mordecai and Fela Samel, not only immigrants, but Holocaust Survivors. His childhood, he says, was filled with the colorful and oftentimes comedic conflicts (actually, between Mordecai calling his son a screw-up and Marvin calling his father a jinx, the conflicts are more than comedic). In 1995, fueled by his passion for premium cigars, Marvin founded Drew Estate as a kiosk in the World Trade Center Mall, which grew to become one of the world’s largest premium cigar companies. But the movie focuses on 2014, when his company was hanging by a thread and he was trying to negotiate a sale.
After the sale of his company, he founded FeMor Productions, and at the same time, learned his mother had Alzheimer’s. In order to cope with his mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Marvin began compiling the colorful stories of his family’s past. He began to see the stories as a film, and after his frustration writing the screenplay, collaborated with seasoned screenplay writer Rudy Gaines.
Marvin currently resides in Boca Raton, FL with his wife, Netta, and his twin daughters, Talia and Ariella.
What is real and what is fictionalized? The surprise answer is some of the most outrageous comic situations were real. The fictionalized elements work so successfully in moving story along, weaving the various story-lines together, keeping you interested – especially because you care about the characters – in how it will resolve.
But how did the neophyte first-time filmmaker even begin to get such glitterati to do his film?
Samel, who currently resides in Boca Raton, FL with his wife, Netta, and his twin daughters, Talia and Ariella, came to the Gold Coast International Film Festival’s New York region premiere of “iMordecai” to participate in a Q&A about making the film with Festival Director Caroline Sarnoff. Here are notes from the conversation.
How in the world did you get the idea to be filmmaker?
I was a cigarmaker – I started a kiosk in World Trade Center mall, I had a factory in Nicaragua, grew my business to becoming one of largest cigar companies in world – my father mortgaged his home, 1995, not when he was 85 years old –when we were in big trouble just starting and I almost lost my business and they almost lost their home. But he wasn’t as magnanimous as in the movie; he was really pissed.
I sold the company in 2014 – my wife was pregnant during the sale and gave birth to our twin daughters in 2015. It should have been the happiest time, but a month later, my mother was officially diagnosed with Alzheimers. For the year leading up to diagnosis, my pregnant wife on bed rest with twins, me running around trying to sell business, I would stop by and say, Dad, something is wrong with mom. “What ya talking about, she’s brick made from stone.” Her diagnosis sent me into depression.
I had no intention of making film. I was a lover of film – great acting, writing – I loved going to movies. I lived in Manhattan, went to Astor Place theater, art houses, to see film. I never had any intention of making a movie.
How do you go from that to get Judd Hirsch, Carol Kaine, fantastic actors- were they huge cigar fans?
When I started writing stories – my father as a plumber and a painter – I took a step back, forget about them being my parents, my family, and realized there was a cinematic feel to these characters.
Samel says how he studied other movies – Good Will Hunting, Almost Famous.
I analyzed how many characters- started trying to write myself. This shit is hard – I had no idea what I was doing. I got stuck – sequencing, scenes, how many acts, what to keep/not. After a long search, met Rudy Gaines, a well known Hollywood ghost writer- has Oscar nominated script he wrote (not allowed to say which ones). He worked his ass off with me – we did this together- I gave him the writing credit.
So then, I had a script, like a million others. A long time passed, a mutual friend introduced to Dahlia Heyman, Italian award winner for best screen play – who agreed to be producer; she brought Alan Bain, Executive Producer.
They brought in a top casting director who set up a meeting with Judd Hirsch at Nick’s Pizza at 91st and 1st (I paid $20 to get the back room). Pepperoni pie and a couple of drinks later he said, “So who’s directing.” “I am.” “You? What have you directed?”
I had never been on a film set but I know these characters. He wasn’t sure.
I said, “Judd are you in or out?” He said “Let me think.”
I said [in a scene reminiscent of the movie dialogue] “Sorry Judd, this is a one-time offer.” I am not brave or tough, but my mother didn’t have much time. I didn’t care it was Judd Hirsch – he could have been God. I said, “Give me an answer now, I’ve got to keep moving”. Finally, he shook my hand, then said, “Who are you thinking for Fela?” I said, Carol Kaine. “I love it.”
He called Carol by the time he was out the door. That was it, I had a movie to make. We shot the film four months later, but unfortunately my mom passed a month after our meeting.
My mother died three months before filming. I tried everything in my power to get it done first, but as first-time filmmaker, everything takes awhile.
Samel described the conversation he had with his father when he told him he was writing a movie about him.
“Who the hell will watch movie about an old Jew. You will lose your money, you’re still turning money into shit.” [Another line that is used in the movie dialogue.]
Even when we were filming he didn’t understand – the plumber and painter scene. We filmed in 3 locations. My dad showed up to the location where Judd was at a comedy store. My dad doesn’t understand there’s another half. I got into creative difference with Judd – as all actors-directors do – we’re in a little argument. In the back of the set, I hear my father, ‘Oh Marvin’s fucking the thing up.’ In front of cast and crew! Everyone started laughing. Meta I told dad he can’t say that on the set. He was on the set every single day.
How much real vs fiction? Is the leaking car real?
That was real. My dad’s car was broken into so he put plastic in place of the window so nobody would break in. So when he moved to Florida – monsoons would fill the car with water. So he pulled out the carpet, and cut a hole with a plug to let out the water. Funny stories- but they weren’t funny when they happened.
[Apparently the scene of his father using a power drill in his condo bathroom was true.]
What stories didn’t make into the film? How much on cutting room floor?
I could fill a series with stories.
A pipe breaks. Throughout the night he’s fixing the broken pipe –he’s 86. He went downstairs and broke into the utility room – this is a 300-aparment building – andshut off main water line. The sun is coming up on Sunday morning – no water. So the next morning everyone says where’s the water? My father goes down, turns the water back on. The entire place erupted in cheers, Mordecai! He’s still doing this. Now 86. [A version of this is in the movie.]
There are other real elements in the movie – Marvin’s twin daughters, now 7 ½ years old now, have a fleeting cameo when they were four; the cigar company characters “were my frenemies –– all real cigar makers in the world today.”
But a key character, the young woman who gives Mordecai lessons on the i-phone and then unlocks his interest in trying new things and drives the plot – is actually a composite. But Marvin says, the premise has its basis in fact -his father did takei-phone lessons that Apple offered – but so many that the company changed its policy on account of Mordecai.
It’s a love letter to my family, to the cigar industry, to Miami – and to New York.
Even though the film is shot in Miami, it has a New York sensibility –the characters are all New Yorkers, via Poland, Siberia, Israel. My formative years were spent in New York – I dropped a number of Easter eggs- the mural they paint – I thought about what Mordecai would paint – he knows the Twin Towers – that was my love letter to New York –to paint the towers, what we all have in common.
In fact, he says, it was 9/11 that was the impetus for Mordecai getting an i-phone to begin with.
Samel has been making the film-festival circuit – it was the audience award winner at the Miami Jewish Film Festival.
My father came to the Miami Jewish film festival – outdoors, 700 people with COVID. He got a standing ovation. Last week, he came to Woodstock Film Festival. There were no hotels, so we were Airbnb roommates for the first time since I was 17 years old (when I left to attend Oneonta state).It was great, but a lot – I’m exhausted after 3 days with Mordecai.
How do you plan going forward with film?
I’m on the festival circuit now – traveling – was in Arizona, Prescott Arizona film festival –my opening line there, ‘Hello gentiles.’ We won best director and audience award. On to 8 more festivals.
Long range: February 4 will be the theatrical premiere in 50 theaters in south Florida – individual theater premieres – like concert tour – where me and a cast member will appear at each theater’s first screening. If we do well in south Florida and have all the 55 and over communities behind us , we will be on to New York. We hope to be out in 2023.
Gold Coast International Film Festival
The Gold Coast International Film and Arts Fest taking place through October 25 also features:
• THE LOST KING, Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins stars in this heartwarming, inspirational true story of amateur historian Philippa Langley’s quest to find the long-lost remains of Richard III from Oscar nominee Stephen Frears. Official Selection of the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.
• KARAOKE, nominated for 14 Israeli Ophir Awards (the Israeli equivalent of the Academy Awards). A bittersweet drama/comedy about a middle-class suburban couple in their 60s who are drawn to their new neighbor, a charismatic bachelor who has karaoke evenings at his apartment.
• LOVE, CHARLIE, a fascinating documentary about culinary bad-boy/superstar Charlie Trotter who had it all: an eponymous restaurant, worshipful global respect for his revolutionary innovations, books, film cameos, fame, wealth. Was hyper-driven self-destruction inevitable? (Monday 10/24 at 7:00pm, Manhasset Cinemas);
• FAREWELL MR. HAFFMAN, Legendary French actor Daniel Auteuil stars as the owner and gifted jeweler of a humble shop in Paris in this gripping film, a cinematic adaptation of an award-winning play. This period drama of life in Vichy France in 1941 is a transfixing humanist portrait of survival and resistance, as well as the tragic consequences of complicity and collaboration.
• HARD SHELL, SOFT SHELL, a dramedy about love, class, and finding oneself that tells the story of a handsome 20-something oyster farmer who plunges into depression after a botched proposal to his actress girlfriend. To win her back, he turns to his old friends for advice. Filmed on location in the beautiful southern port city of Sète, France.
• THE JUSTICE OF BUNNY KING, Essie Davis and Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit) star in this compassionate drama about a mother suffering at the hands of a system stacked against her as she attempts to win her kids back from foster care.
The festival is also presenting a special advance screening of the highly anticipated new film My Policeman, starring Harry Styles. While not a Festival film eligible for awards, this highly anticipated screening is being presented before the film arrives in theaters. The star-studded cast of My Policeman was recently presented with the 2022 Toronto International Film FestivalTIFF TRIBUTE AWARD FOR PERFORMANCE.
The 2022 GCIFF also features a selection of over 40 short films presented free to the public.
In early 2023, the festival will present the Burton Moss Hollywood Golden Era Award to Hollywood legend William Holden at an event that will feature film screenings and interviews with friends and family of Mr. Holden, including his companion Stefanie Powers who will accept the award on his behalf. Information regarding this year’s films and events, and tickets is available at www.goldcoastfilmfestival.org and www.goldcoastarts.org.
Gold Coast Arts is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the Long Island and greater New York community for over 25 years, dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts through education, exhibition, performance and outreach. Since its founding in 1995, more than100,000 people of all ages and backgrounds have taken advantage of its wide selection of classes in many different media and forms from art to dance, live performances including Comedy Festival, musical programs and year-round film festivals; workshops, and art exhibits.
Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021 (entrance from the Maple Avenue parking lot), 516-829-2570, www.goldcoastarts.org.
By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com
Visitors to the Gold Coast Arts, in Great Neck, Long Island, were treated to a book-signing with the eminent children’s book author/illustrator Roxie Munro, at the October 16 opening of an exhibit of her exquisite art, “Storytelling Through Art,” on view through early 2023.
Munro will be giving presentations and art workshops to visiting school groups during the exhibition, which was curated by Jude Amsel, Gold Coast Arts Gallery Director.
Munro has created more than 45 nonfiction STEM/STEAM and concept books for children, many that incorporate “gamification” – interactive games – to encourage reading, learning and engagement.
Her latest book, “ABCity,” is an amazing alphabet book that integrates the letters into fantastical cityscapes. It integrates a maze, a seek-n-find game and giant fold-out, two-sided poster.
The exhibit showcases her art from other prominent books, including the entire ABCity alphabet, plus many featuring the natural world from her books, “Anteaters, Bats &Boas: The Amazon Rainforest from the Forest Floor to the Treetops”; “Dive In; Swim with Sea Creatures at Their Actual Size”; “Rodent Rascals: From Tiny to Tremendous, 21 Clever Creatures at their Actual Size.” A really interesting puzzle-style book introduces children to the different genres of art, in “Masterpiece Mix,” where she actually reproduces in miniature some of the most famous works of art.
She also makes available many fun free activities, including mazes, coloring sheets from her books; Activity and Students Guides; sets of bookmarks; how-to-draw videos at the For Kids Page at her website (https://www.roxiemunro.com/kids-parents-teachers.html).
Munro’s books have been translated into French, Italian, Dutch, Chinese, and Japanese. She also creates oils, watercolors, prints, and drawings, primarily cityscapes, which are exhibited widely in the US in galleries and museums and are held in numerous private, public, and corporate collections. Fourteen of her paintings have been published as covers of The New Yorker magazine.
Born in Texas, and raised in southern Maryland, Roxie studied at the University of Maryland, the Maryland Institute College of Art (Baltimore), earned a BFA in Painting from the University of Hawaii, attended graduate school at Ohio University (Athens), and received a Yaddo Fellowship in Painting. She has been a working artist all her life. Clients included CBS, the Washington Post, and the Associated Press. She also lectures in museums, schools, libraries, conferences, and teaches workshops. (More information at www.roxiemunro.com).
The author booksigning and exhibition opening was held in conjunction with a Family Film and Arts Day at Gold Coast Arts.
Children could take part in activities including: a demonstration by world-renowned graffiti artist Zimad; mask decorating; and a free showing of the ‘best of : Family Shorts, films from past Gold Coast International Film Festivals, as part of the ongoing Gold Coast International Film Festival.
In addition, children could take part in special workshops ($20 per child for an all-access pass): a glass painting workshop, a pumpkin painting workshop, and a crafts project organized by The Blue Bus Project, a colorful, fully equipped alternative art space that travels into neighborhoods to host hands-on projects that enable children to explore their creativity.
Gold Coast Arts is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the Long Island and greater New York community for over 25 years, dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts through education, exhibition, performance and outreach. Since its founding in 1995, more than 100,000 people of all ages and backgrounds have taken advantage of its wide selection of classes in many different media and forms from art to dance, live performances including Comedy Festival, musical programs and year-round film festivals; workshops, and art exhibits.
Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021 (entrance from the Maple Avenue parking lot), 516-829-2570, www.goldcoastarts.org.
Gold Coast Arts is offering a rich schedule of in-person classes and one-day outdoor workshops at the Arts Center at Great Neck Plaza, Long Island. Adults, families and students of all ages can choose from a variety of disciplines in Art & Technology, Dance, Theater, Chess and more. Virtual options are also available to engage with Gold Coast Arts from home as well as private lessons, pop-up classes and parties specially designed and organized.
Several of the upcoming workshops are ideal for mother’s day gifts. For example:
OUTDOOR FAMILY CERAMICS WORKSHOP: Celebrate Earth Day and Mother’s Day with us! Let the whole family join in on the FUN! Parents, grandparents & kids of all ages are welcome to decorate a beautiful vase using techniques such as stamping, printing and stenciling. We’ll provide a complimentary flower to make it the perfect gift. For all ages. Sunday, May 2 – 12:00-1:00PM
OUTDOOR FAMILY GRAFFITI CERAMICS WORKSHOP: Fire up your creativity! Don’t miss GCAC’s popular one-day ceramic workshops. In this session families will decorate their own plate with graffiti art! For all ages. Sunday, May 2 – 1:30-2:30PM
FLASHBACK FRIDAY OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT – May 7: Gold Coast International Film Festival kicks off its outdoor movie series with a drive-in screening of FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF, starting Matthew Broderick. This 1980’s classic hit is the perfect start to Mother’s Day weekend. GCIFF is also partnering with local restaurants to offer special take-out “Drive-In” specials that audiences attending the movie can take advantage of. Several of Gold Coast’s non-profit community partners will be celebrated at this event including Landmark on Main Street, PW Hearts and Sid Jacobson JCC. Sponsors of this special event include The Bristal, Neiman Marcus, New Country Lexus of Great Neck and the Town of North Hempstead. More information about this event can be found at www.goldcoastarts.org/flashback-drive-in.
THE PRINCIPLES OF FICTIONAL WRITING – May 16: Meet critically-acclaimed author Sandra Kitt and celebrate the release of her new novel WINNER TAKES ALL with this exclusive workshop for adults. Whether you are a serious writer or write as a hobby, Ms. Kitt will host a lively roundtable discussion on what writing entails, from concept to published novel. A complimentary autographed copy of her new novel is included with the workshop. Read more about Sandra Kitt and the workshop by visiting www.goldcoastarts.org/book-talk/
On a recent Sunday afternoon under bright sunny skies, students were treated to a fun Graffiti Art workshop led by one of New York’s most renowned graffiti artist, Zimad. Students learned various techniques and created one-of-a-kind graffiti art from these sold out sessions.
There’s still time to register for May and June workshops including painting for teens and adults focusing on landscapes and the artist Gustav Klimt, as well as two family ceramic workshops that celebrates Earth Day and Mother’s Day by making beautiful vases and graffiti art plates. Yoga classes are also available indoors and lucky participants take home a complimentary yoga mat, courtesy of Neiman Marcus, Garden City.
For Summer 2021, Gold Coast Arts brings back the ever-popular in-person camp for ages 6-14, starting on June 28. Learn from experts in their field in programs such as Cartooning, Musical Theatre, Dance and more. There’s also virtual camp in Coding and Chess offered the week of August 23. In-person Art and Dance classes are available for kids and evening classes offered just for adults focuses on Ceramics and Painting. Classes are small for individualized attention as well as for the safety and well-being of visitors and staff.
STUDENT ART SHOW has just opened. Gold Coast Arts celebrates the work of their talented students ages 4-17 with a special art show inside the gallery of the Arts Center. The exhibit is open to the public at a reduced capacity or by appointment only.
The Gold Coast Arts Center, located at 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, Long Island (entrance from Maple Avenue parking lot), is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the Long Island and greater New York community for over 20 years and dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts through education, exhibition, performance and outreach. Since its founding in 1995, over 100,000 people of all ages and backgrounds have taken advantage of classes, live performances, programs, workshops, films and art exhibits.
For information on the School for the Arts and all Gold Coast Arts programs visit www.goldcoastarts.org or call 516-829-2570.
Cape May’s Candlelight House Tour will be virtual this year, but other traditional tours and events go on (photo courtesy Cape May MAC)
CAPE MAY, NJ –Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) announces its 2020 Cape May Christmas Candlelight House Tour is available for purchase to experience virtually this year, but other Cape May traditional holiday programs, focused around the historic Emlen Physick Estate, continue daily.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and protocols this year, Cape May MAC made the difficult decision that these annual holiday tours, usually offered on three nights in December, must be cancelled in 2020. Cape May’s Christmas Candlelight House Tours have been a beloved annual tradition for nearly half a century. Cape May MAC launched this tour in 1973 and ever since it has been a highlight of the Christmas season in Cape May, America’s only National Historic Landmark City. Thousands of people on three nights in December travel to more than a dozen homes, inns, B&Bs, churches and hotels, stepping across the thresholds to take in interiors beautifully decorated for the holidays. It is one of Cape May MAC’s largest fund-raisers.
“This year, it was decided to create a video that will bring the joy and excitement of these Cape May Christmas tours directly into people’s homes, to continue this tradition unbroken. With enthusiastic participation from Cape May innkeepers, B&B owners and homeowners, planning began this summer and production is nearly complete.”
“Of course, we look forward to when we can offer these self-guided tours in person once again, but we could not have Christmas in Cape May without them in 2020,” said Cape May MAC Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine.
For the first time, the tour will be entirely virtual, via a video available for purchase through Vimeo On Demand ($30). Featured are 10 Cape May homes, B&Bs and inns decorated for the holidays including interviews with owners and innkeepers. Participating properties include: The John B. McCreary House (“The Abbey”), Angel of the Sea Bed & Breakfast, The Bedford Inn, The Cherry House, The Emlen Physick Estate, Franklin at 721, The Henry Sawyer Inn, The Mainstay Inn, The Mason Cottage and The Mission Inn.
Guests may purchase the video directly anytime via the link. The video will then be made available to purchasers automatically to watch after its release on Monday, Dec. 21 at 9 a.m.
This presentation is sponsored by Sturdy Savings Bank and Brown & Brown Insurance. Proceeds benefit Cape May MAC, a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors since 1970. Cape May MAC membership is open to all. Visit capemaymac.org/support/membership to learn more.
While the candlelight tour is virtual, the rest of Cape May’s traditional holiday tours are taking place daily:
The Emlen Physick Estate is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) for holiday tours. Designed by American architect Frank Furness, the Physick House is Cape May’s Victorian House Museum. Its restoration began Cape May’s 50-year renaissance that continues to this day.
New in 2020! Winter Wonderwalk this season at the Physick Estate.
Open-air trolley tours are offered throughout this holiday season in Cape May. Bring a blanket!
Vintage restaurant is open during the holidays with heated, outdoor dining under the patio tent on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, for both brunch and dinner.
An Old-fashioned Christmas Exhibit features a huge indoor Christmas Tree and a Dept. 56 Dickens Village collection. There is free admission to this popular annual display.
For information about Cape May MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals and special events, visit capemaymac.org. For information about historic accommodations, contact Cape May Historic Accommodations at capemaylodging.com. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508. For information on the city’s COVID-19 response, please visit capemaystrong.org.
Advanced art student Uma Tseyang of Great Neck pondering the pandemic through her artwork. The painting in progress shows an older man in despair not having enough food with “Andy Warhol style” empty cans in the background. (Photo by Gold Coast Arts)
LONG ISLAND, NY —Gold Coast Arts, a multi-arts organization dedicated to promoting the arts through education, exhibition, performance, and outreach, has successfully converted almost all its classes to online access using Zoom, an online chat and videoconferencing service. A list of all arts classes, along with interesting film screenings, virtual art exhibits, and other arts-related programs, can be found at www.goldcoastarts.org.
“Dance, theater, art, vocal, and robotics classes have all been adapted to our new virtual world and are aimed at students of all ages,” explained Ellen Schiff, Director of School for the Arts, Gold Coast Arts. “The arts have always been a great way to express and visualize what is going on, and we’re happy to be able to continue that during these challenging times.”
Teachers from each department have developed new, exciting programs customized for their class. For example, students in the Advanced Art class are working on a relevant project commenting on their feeling about the pandemic. “Students were eager to brainstorm ideas for their finished pieces and present to the class,” Schiff added.
The feedback from the students has been incredible, too, according to Ms. Schiff. “Thank you for hosting the class during this difficult time,” said one student who is taking an Intermediate Art course, “It felt like a wonderful moment of normality.” An Advanced Art Level II student who has the COVID-19 virus explained, “I have a mild case of the virus, but knowing I would be making art pulled me out of bed.”
There is a new exciting offering for students of all levels. Private lessons in dance, acting, chess, voice, guitar, cello, and piano are taught virtually by Gold Coast’s renowned teachers.
Gold Coast Arts students and instructors, many of whom are public school teachers, have adapted easily to online technologies because it is the same as what’s used for their schoolwork during the pandemic. Our dedicated dance division is finding creative ways to continue their classes for example; ballet students train and do their warm-up exercises at home using a chair instead of the traditional barre typically found in the dance studio.
Robotics instructor Kayla Ho developed a virtual program which enables the students to create 3D robots which continues to challenge her students.
For more information about the online arts classes, and other great programming visit www.goldcoastarts.org.
The Gold Coast Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) multi-arts organization dedicated to promoting the arts through education, exhibition, performance, and outreach. For a quarter-century, it has brought the arts to tens of thousands of people throughout the Long Island region. Among the Center’s offerings are its School for the Arts, which holds year-round classes in visual and performing arts for students of all ages and abilities; a free public art gallery; a concert and lecture series; film screenings and discussions; the annual Gold Coast International Film Festival; and initiatives that focus on senior citizens and underserved communities. These initiatives include artist residencies, after-school programs, school assemblies, teacher-training workshops, and parent-child workshops. The Gold Coast Arts Center’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. The Gold Coast Arts Center is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts “Partners in Education” program and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.goldcoastarts.org.
Ron Pokrasso, Who is Pulling My Chain, 2019 , “Solar Impressions” exhibit, Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island.
The Gold Coast Arts Center in Great Neck, Long Island is inviting budding artists to learn the innovative technique of Solarplate printmaking in a workshop being offered Sunday, March 15, 1-3 pm.
For teens and adults who are interested in trying a new art technique, this workshop requires no previous experience.
During this three-hour workshop, participants will learn a variety of ways to create unique plates and prints. The key innovation in the printmaking technique is that nNo harsh chemicals or solvents are involved; all you need is light, water and a bit of imagination.
Participants will transfer images with the Solarplate process using a thin steel plate coated with a UV light sensitive photopolymer.
The Solarplate process is the same technique used in all works in the current exhibition on view, SOLAR IMPRESSIONS.
This exhibition is a result of nearly a three decade friendship of gallery curator and artist Jude Amsel with artist and master printmaker Dan Welden, who developed the Solarplate etching process in the 1970s. “He altered the art of etching… doing away with acids and solvents while keeping printmakers healthy by respecting the environment,” Amsel said.
The exhibition, Solar Impressions, brings together more than 40 artists, who together show how versatile and adaptable Solarplate is across media and art forms – from photography to drawing to painting. “Each of these artists represent an ongoing exploration of the Solarplate etching process.”
Gold Coast Arts Cinema Series, which is offered through the Gold Coast Arts Center, is presenting the Long Island premiere of “The Truth” on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Neck Cinemas at the Squire, 115 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021.
In “The Truth,” legends of French cinema Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche play a mother-daughter duo in this charming and wise tale of a family dynamic, which co-stars Ethan Hawke.
The film offers a relatable look at human relationships, featuring performances from its all-star cast. “The Truth,” tells the story of a stormy reunion between script-writer Lumir (Binoche) with her famous mother and actress, Fabienne (Deneuve), against the backdrop of Fabienne’s autobiographic book and her latest role in a Sci-Fi picture as a mother who never grows old.
Directed by masterful filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda, “The Truth” was well received at Venice Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival in 2019. According to Owen Gleiberman of Variety Magazine, “Catherine Deneuve gives a magnificent performance: grand, subtle, lacerating and fearless.”
Tickets for “The Truth” are $15 Adults/ Seniors and $10 for members when purchased in advance. All tickets at the door are $20. Tickets can be ordered online at www.goldcoastarts.org or by phone at 516-829-2570.
8th Annual Big Break Talent Competition
Also: there are still a few days left to submit to the 8th Annual Your Big Break talent competition, open to musicians ages 15 to 25.The deadline to email one MP3 song, one photo anda short bio to yourbigbreakny@gmail.com or to submit on Reverbnation HERE is Sunday, February 23.
The semi-finals take place Saturday, March 14 and Saturday, April 25th and the Finals take place Saturday, June 6. Artists must perform with a band, solo with acoustic guitar, or sing to backing music track. (https://goldcoastarts.org/your-big-break/)
Gold Coast Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) multi-arts organization dedicated to promoting the arts through education, exhibition, performance, and outreach. For a quarter-century, it has brought the arts to tens of thousands of people throughout the Long Island region. Among the Center’s offerings are its School for the Arts, which holds year-round classes in visual and performing arts for students of all ages and abilities; a free public art gallery; a concert and lecture series; film screenings and discussions; the annual Gold Coast International Film Festival; and initiatives that focus on senior citizens and under-served communities. These initiatives include artist residencies, after-school programs, school assemblies, teacher-training workshops, and parent-child workshops. The Gold Coast Arts Center is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts “Partners in Education” program and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck, NY 11021, 516-829-2570, www.goldcoastarts.org.
Long Island, NY — A young musician’s dream of getting the attention of an important music executive who can pave the way to a career has for the last seven years come true for contestants in Your Big Break talent contest presented by the Gold Coast Arts Center, Love Revolution Org., and the Rick Eberle Agency. An open call is now underway for submissions from all musicians ages 15 to 25 living on Long Island and New York City who do not currently have a recording or publishing contract. Interested artists MUST be prepared to perform two original songs (with a band, or solo with an acoustic guitar/other instrument). Submissions are open now through February 23rd, 2020. There is no fee to submit.
The semifinals will be held on March 14 and April 25, with the finals taking place on June 6, 2020.
Young artists are judged in categories including stage presence, overall musicianship, and fan reaction.
The annual Your Big Break showcase is held at the Gold Coast Arts Center’s Weinstein Playhouse. Accomplished veteran music business professionals donate their time and resources to help identify and assist the new wave of aspiring stars to take the next step in their musical journey.
Last May, YBB crowned the seventh winner, Arizona Lindsey. With her sweet-sounding voice, passionate vocal performance and heartfelt lyrics, Arizona has been captivating audiences attention worldwide. Since her YBB win, she has appeared in multiple live interviews and performances. Arizona has been featured on radio stations across the East Coast such as
Last-FM, Blast-FM, WUSB Homegrown Long Island, Granite Coast Entertainment Inc., and WHPC Rising Stars.
Past winners – All Types of Kinds, Paris Ray, Youth Be Told, Katie Zimmer, Annika and Matt Grabowski and finalists SEE and Zofolk – have gone on to work with major producers, managers and agents. Past artists who have performed in the headline slots have included: Brooke Moriber, Lem Payne Jr. Iridesense, John Hampson of Nine Days, The Brady Brothers, Sir Cadian Rhythm- all of whom are local musicians who have since enjoyed success in the business.
The Judges: Hosted at the Gold Coast Arts Center by founders Rick Eberle, Brian Viner and Eugenia Viner; judges take on a major role in the competition. Included have been some of the music industry’s elite such as: ReverbNation.com’s Lou Plaia, All Music Inc and Scatterbrain’s Guy Brogna, artist manager Randy Nichols, radio host and former pro wrestler Brimstone, songwriter and bassist Tara Drouin, producers David Caggiano and Donnie Klang, Good Times Magazine’s Rich Branciforte, musician Richy Petrello, club owner Pauline Damiani and label executives Stephen Marcuccio, Jill Morrison, Jerry Lembo, Linda Ingrisano, and Mark Ambrosino. Judges for 2020 will soon be announced.
The Mentors: Mentors will be assigned to the finalists. These mentors will work to help them hone their craft before performing in the finals. 2020 mentors are still TBD – while past years have included American Idol’s Robbie Rosen, Dream Recording Studio’s Jason Melker, Sojourn Records’ Mark Ambrosino, producer/songwriter and former VP of A&R at Atlantic Records Jimmy Bralower, singer/songwriters John Hampson of Nine Days, Ryan Star, Cass Dillon, and songwriter/producer Donnie Klang of MTV’s “Making the Band”, songwriter/producer Ido Zmishlany, among others.
Prizes include: Show at Revolution Bar & Music Hall (Pauline Damiani, Judge), Recording time at The Sound Cellar (Dave Alini, Judge), PR campaign with the Rick Eberle Agency (Host) including an interview and airplay on WHPC “Rising Stars” on 90.3 FM, Gift Certificate from All Music Inc (Guy Brogna, Judge), Equipment from ZOOM North America (Stephen Marcuccio, Judge), ReverbNation.com Discount (Lou Plaia, Judge), Article in Good Times Magazine (Rick Branciforte, Judge)
The Gold Coast Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the arts through education, exhibition, performance, and outreach. Located on the North Shore of Long Island, it has brought the arts to tens of thousands of people throughout the region for nearly 25 years. Among the Center’s offerings are its School for the Arts, which holds year-round classes in visual and performing arts for students of all ages and abilities; a free public art gallery; a concert and lecture series; film screenings and discussions; the annual Gold Coast International Film Festival; and initiatives that focus on senior citizens and underserved communities. These initiatives include artist residencies, after-school programs, school assemblies, teacher-training workshops, and parent-child workshops. The Gold Coast Arts Center is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education program, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. More information can be found at www.goldcoastarts.org.
LONG ISLAND, NY —The 2019 Gold Coast International Film Festival, now in its ninth year, will present more than 80 feature-length and short films, certain to appeal to filmgoers of all ages and tastes. The Festival, taking place November 4-13, will once again be at venues across Long Island’s North Shore, including Great Neck; Port Washington; Manhasset; Roslyn and Huntington.
Last year’s Gold Coast International Film Festival broke all previous records while presenting films from over 20 countries and featuring dozens of visiting filmmakers and special guests for unforgettable post-screening Q&As. This year’s highlights include:
“The Two Popes,” starring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce; which will be the Festival’s Closing Night Spotlight (Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Soundview Cinemas, Port Washington)
“Marriage Story,” starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver (Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Soundview Cinemas)
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” the winner of the Best Screenplay at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival(Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Soundview Cinemas)
“Clemency,”starring Alfre Woodard, won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. (Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Soundview Cinemas)
“By the Grace of God,” the Grand Jury Prize winner at the 2019 Berlin International Film Festival. (November 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Soundview Cinemas)
“American Dharma,” groundbreaking documentarian Errol Morris’s probing portrait of controversial Breitbarthoncho and Trump advisor, Steven K. Bannon. (Nov. 9 at 8:00 p.m. at Great Neck Squire Cinemas)
The launch of the Festival will take place on Monday, November 4, 2019, at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts with an on-stage conversation with Broadway, Hollywood, and television legend Ben Vereen, who will be receiving the Gold Coast Arts Center’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Vereen’s illustrious career includes starring roles in Broadway’s “Pippin,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Wicked,” among many other hits, and on television as Chicken George in the award-winning mini-series “Roots.” Emmy Award-winning journalist Frank DiLella will conduct the on-stage Q&A. The nationally recognized Uniondale (NY) High School show choir, Rhythm of the Knight, will also perform that event.
Other Festival standouts include:
November 5:“Safe Spaces,”starring Justin Long, Fran Drescher, and Richard Schiff. Director Daniel Schechter and cast member Michael Godere will be on hand for a live Q&A after the film; and “Tel Aviv on Fire,” the hit Israeli comedy, which will include a live Q&A with Israeli Ambassador Ido Aharoni. Both films are at the Soundview Cinemas. “Safe Spaces” screens at 7:30 p.m. and “Tel Aviv on Fire” is at 8 p.m.
November 6: “Standing Up Falling Down,” a comedy/drama starring Billy Crystalat Soundview Cinemas at 7:30 p.m. Director Matt Ratner and Screenwriter Peter Hoare will be on hand for a live Q&A after the film; and “WASTED! The Story of Food Waste,” a film produced by Anthony Bourdain that tackles the issue of food waste. A discussion with Randi Shubin Dresner (President & CEO ofIsland Harvest Food Bank),NYS Senator Todd Kaminsky, NYS Assemblyman Steve Englebright and Kendrick Repko, MS, RD (Brand Lead, Sustainable Retailing, Stop & Shop) will follow the film which starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Dr., East Hills.
November 9: “Henri Dauman: Looking Up,” about the legendary photographer of Marilyn Monroe, JFK, Elvis, and more. Mr. Dauman will join us for the Q&A after the screening at 4:00 p.m. at Soundview Cinemas.
November 10: “Those Who Remained,” Hungary’s submission to the 2019 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, playing at 1:00 p.m. at Great Neck Squire Cinemas; and “The Keeper,” the incredible true story of Bert Trautmann, a German soldier and prisoner of war who became the Goalkeeper at Manchester City, playing at 7:00 p.m. at Great Neck Squire Cinemas.
November 12:“Balloon,” the thrilling award-winning narrative based on a true story about two families who try to escape from East Germany in 1979 in a homemade hot air balloon, screening is at 7:30 p.m. at Great Neck Squire Cinemas.
These are just a few of the stellar selections of comedies, dramas, independent films, narratives, documentaries, foreign films, and short films that round out this year’s festival.
Thousands of people from more than 175 different ZIP codes throughout the tri-state area attend the Gold Coast International Film Festival each year, including hundreds of children and adults who attended free community screenings of our highly-regarded short film programs at Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington and the Port Washington, Manhasset, Bryant and Great Neck libraries. Dozens of veterans are once again invited to attend screenings free pf charge courtesy of a grant from Operation Democracy. The Festival will again include an edition of its free monthly Making Memories with the Arts programs for people with memory loss and their caregivers as well as its popular Young Filmmakers Program, which screens selected films from talented filmmakers in grades 7 – 12 on the big screen.
For information, to buy tickets and see a complete listing of the films, visit www.goldcoastfilmfestival.org.
Since 2011, the Gold Coast International Film Festival has brought the latest Hollywood hits and Indie favorites to standing room only audiences throughout the fabled Gold Coast of Long Island. Add A-list celebrities and unforgettable events to the mix, and the fact it is also the last major film festival on the East Coast before Awards season and it’s easy to see why the Gold Coast International Film Festival has become the “go-to” festival for film buffs and the public; The Gold Coast International Film Festival is produced by the not-for-profit Gold Coast Arts Center.
Previous honorees and special guests of the festival and the Gold Coast Arts Center include film industry VIPs Francis Ford Coppola, Hugh Grant, Baz Luhrmann, Brian Dennehy, Paul Sorvino, Ed Burns, Bruce Dern, Isabella Rossellini, Lou Diamond Phillips, Morgan Spurlock, Eli Wallach, Gabriel Byrne, Jacques Pepin, Bill Plympton, Phil Donahue, Phylicia Rashaad, Joan Allen, Jay McInerney and Michael Cuesta, as well as composer Morton Gould, artists James Rosenquist, Oleg Cassini, Edwina Sandys and Bob Gruen, comedian Susie Essman, Broadway stars Kelli O’Hara, Melissa Errico and Savion Glover, and 4-time Oscar winner for production and costume design Catherine Martin.
Sponsors and partners of this year’s Festival include: founding partners, the Town of North Hempstead and Douglas Elliman Real Estate; major partners, Hofstra University and the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency; as well as the Long Island Community Foundation; Neiman Marcus Garden City; Atria Senior Living; AARP Long Island; A.L. Sarroff Fund; Peter & Jeri DeJana Family Foundation; TD Charitable Foundation; Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP; Samar Hospitality; The Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Health; Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock; Goidel Law Group PLLC; The Bristal Assisted Living; Jet Blue; El Al; Liman Video Rental; The Inn at Great Neck; Operation Democracy; WLIW21; Altice; Anton Publications; Blank Slate Media; Long Island Parent; Science on Screen; and many local businesses including LOLA, American Brasserie and Rothchilds of Great Neck.
The Gold Coast Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the arts through education, exhibition, performance, and outreach. Located on the North Shore of Long Island, it has brought the arts to tens of thousands of people throughout the region for over 20 years. Among the Center’s offerings are its School for the Arts, which holds year-round classes in visual and performing arts for students of all ages and abilities; a free public art gallery; a concert and lecture series; film screenings and discussions; the annual Gold Coast International Film Festival; and initiatives that focus on senior citizens and underserved communities. These initiatives include artist residencies, after-school programs, school assemblies, teacher-training workshops and parent-child workshops. The Gold Coast Arts Center is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education program, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
More information can be found at www.goldcoastarts.org.
Ben Vereen, Tony Award-winning entertainer, will be on-hand to receive the award at Gold Coast’s International Film Festival opening night reception on Monday, November 4, 2019, at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville, Long Island
LONG ISLAND, NY —Internationally acclaimed actor Ben Vereen will receive the Gold Coast Arts Center’s Lifetime Achievement Award at an opening night reception of the Gold Coast International Film Festival on Monday, November 4, 2019 at 6 p.m. at the Krasnoff Theater at Tilles Center in Brookville, Long Island.
As part of the evening’s festivities, there will be a VIP cocktail reception with Ben Vereen; performances by the award-winning Uniondale (NY) High School show choir, Rhythm of the Knight; and the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award followed by a special, intimate conversation with Mr. Vereen, led by Frank DiLella, the Emmy Award-winning host of “On Stage” seen on Spectrum News’ NY1. The evening will conclude with a dessert reception. For information and tickets, please call 516-829-2570, or visit the Gold Coast Art Center’s website www.goldcoastarts.org.
“Ben Vereen’s talent and versatility as a singer/dancer actor/performer, coupled with his ardent advocacy for the arts, made him the ideal choice to receive the Gold Coast Arts Center’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” stated Regina Gil, founder and executive director of the multi-cultural, nonprofit arts organization. “From his Tony Award-winning role in ‘Pippin,’ stellar performance in such musicals as ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ ‘Fosse,’ ‘Chicago,’ and ‘Wicked’ to his brilliant performances in films like ‘Sweet Charity’ and ‘All That Jazz,’ there are few entertainers as accomplished and recognized as Mr. Vereen. And, let’s not forget his memorable role as Chicken George in the groundbreaking television series ‘Roots’ that made Ben Vereen a household name.”
Vereen has spoken before Congress in defense of the National Endowment for the Arts against proposed budget cuts. For his humanitarian efforts, he has received several awards including Israel’s Cultural and Humanitarian Award, three NAACP Image Awards, and an Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award. Ben Vereen has also been inducted into The Theatre Hall of Fame and the Dance Hall of Fame, and he has received the Broadwayworld.com’s Cabaret Award for Best Celebrity Male Vocalist.
Among Ben Vereen’s recent projects include the television series “Bull” and “Magnum P.I.,” both on CBS; FOX’s “Star” produced by Lee Daniels; “Sneaky Pete” with Bryan Cranston (Amazon), “Rocky Horror Picture Show” (20th Century Fox); “Time Out of Mind” with Richard Gere and “Top Five” with Chris Rock. He is currently working on his new Broadway musical, “Reflections,” written by Joe Calarco, to be directed by Tony-nominee Josh Bergasse with music by Stephen Schwartz.
Performing at the tribute to Ben Vereen will be the award-winning Uniondale High School’s show choir, Rhythm of the Knight, the 2018 Fame Show Choir National Champions. Known for their vibrant energetic style, Rhythm of the Knight has performed at numerous venues, competitions, and events in the greater New York Tri-State area and beyond, and has been featured on NBC’s “Today,” CNN, “FOX and Friends,” FOX 5’s “Good Day NY,” ABC’s “Here and Now,” FiOS1 News, News12 Long Island, and in Newsday and the New York Times.
Uniondale Schools are a partner with the Gold Coast Art Center’s Kennedy Center Partners in Education initiative that assists underserved communities in developing a plan for expanded arts education, ensuring access to the arts for all students in grades K-8.
Sponsors and partners of this year’s Gold Coast International Film Festival include: Founding Partners, the Town of North Hempstead and Douglas Elliman Real Estate; Major Partners, Hofstra University and the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency; as well as the Long Island Community Foundation; Neiman Marcus Garden City; Atria Senior Living; AARP Long Island; A.L. Sarroff Fund; Peter & Jeri DeJana Family Foundation; TD Charitable Foundation; Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP; Samar Hospitality; The Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Health; Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock; Goidel Law Group PLLC; The Bristal Assisted Living; Jet Blue; El Al; Liman Video Rental; The Inn at Great Neck; Operation Democracy; WLIW21; Altice; Anton Publications; Blank Slate Media; Long Island Parent; Science on Screen; and many local businesses including LOLA, American Brasserie and Rothchilds Coffee and Kitchen.
For information about upcoming films in the Festival’s year-round film screening program plus the latest news on the 2019 Festival visit www.goldcoastfilmfestival.org.
The Gold Coast Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the arts through education, exhibition, performance, and outreach. Located on the North Shore of Long Island, it has brought the arts to tens of thousands of people throughout the region for 25 years. Among the Center’s offerings are its School for the Arts, which holds year-round classes in visual and performing arts for students of all ages and abilities; a free public art gallery; a concert and lecture series; film screenings and discussions; the annual Gold Coast International Film Festival; and initiatives that focus on senior citizens and underserved communities. These initiatives include artist residencies, after-school programs, school assemblies, teacher-training workshops, and parent-child workshops. The Gold Coast Arts Center is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education program, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. More information can be found at www.goldcoastarts.org.
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