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West Point Cadet String Ensemble Spring Concert : Saturday April 25th @ 7:PM Eisenhower Hall

Army Strings

SPRING CONCERT BY THE

WEST POINT CADET STRING ENSEMBLE

 

West Point, NY – The West Point Cadet String Ensemble (West Point Strings), under the direction of Ms. Ellen Gartner Phillips, presented their second annual spring concert on Saturday, April 25^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Eisenhower Hall Ballroom.  Last year marked the first full orchestral performance by the cadet group with a conductor, and perhaps the first such concert in the history of the Academy.  The concert was a rousing success with a large audience enthusiastically responding to the variety of music and talent of the cadet musicians.   THIS CONCERT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

                This year’s concert promises to be equally as exciting with music by Rossini, Sousa, Gershwin, Bach, and the Beatles.  The program and will also feature a great deal of variety with chamber group performances and cadet violin and cello soloists.

                The West Point Strings was first named as an official cadet club in 2006 but traces its roots to the previous year.  In the fall of 2005, Cadet Renee Rysiewicz ’07, then a yearling (sophomore), decided she wanted to continue playing the violin while at the Academy and that doing so in a small ensemble would be fun.  The club began with informal meetings in company dayrooms as cadets found free time to play.  Since then, the club has grown to include a full string ensemble with weekly rehearsals.  Last year, the club celebrated its first year with a director, Ellen Phillips, making the historic performance possible.  The club has provided string music in chamber groups for numerous events at West Point to include receptions, dinners, weddings and special events.  The club includes cadets who play violin, viola, cello and the string bass.

                 Director Ellen Gartner Phillips is a classically trained violist.  She has played with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and has worked under the baton of acclaimed conductors Larry Rachleff, Stephen Sanderling, Joseph Silverstein and Michael Stern.  She holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and a Master of Music Degree from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music in Houston, Texas.  Ms. Gartner Phillips also manages a private studio of violin and viola students in Poughkeepsie, New York and is married to Staff Sgt. Joshua Phillips, a horn player in the U.S. Military Academy Band.  Commenting on the concert, she noted “the West Point Strings have come a long way in a very short time.  I am thrilled to be a part of that growth and excited that these cadets continue to make music a part of their already busy lives.”

For more information about the Army Strings, call the club Officer-in-charge, Colonel Rod Sturdivant at (845) 938-3322; or visit the club web site athttp://www.usma.edu/uscc/dca/clubs/club%20setup%20info/astg.html

 

 

Hudson Valley 2009 @ A Glance Events Calendar

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090109/ENTERTAIN/901090319
Our super-duper 2009 Hudson Valley preview

By Germain Lussier
Times Herald-Record

Like a new car, 2009 took about a week to feel broken in and comfortable. So today seems like the perfect time to take this baby out and see what she can do.

Generally, the holidays stall a lot of the local venues from hosting events as everyone is celebrating, spending time with their families, eating and reflecting on the past year. It's at about this time we can all start looking forward to great stuff to do in the coming year.

Here, we've highlighted two events per month of the already announced or anticipated events coming to the Hudson Valley in 2009. Check out www.recordonline.com/entertainment for our 2009 calendar, and keep returning there for updates — there will be plenty.

All information is subject to change, and not all dates are official.

Since October through December dates are still wildly undetermined, we chose to exclude those months here. But you can check out what's available now at www.recordonline.com/entertainment.

January

EagleFest, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Jan. 17, Narrowsburg — Majestic, powerful, beautiful. The eagle is definitely one of the most popular birds the Earth has to offer and the perfect subject for a day full of events. Live demonstrations with various birds of prey (not just eagles), documentary films, art and interactive lectures comprise a day that's fun for the whole family. Call 252-6509 or visit www.dveaglealliance.org.

Modfest, Jan. 22-Feb. 13 at Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie — Vassar is overflowing with the arts, and every year it hosts Modfest as a release valve for all that artistic ingenuity. There are several weeks of new art exhibits, film screenings, workshops, concerts, dance recitals and more. Topping the whole thing off is a salute to and exploration of composer Steve Reich, whom the New Yorker once called "the most original musical thinker of our time." Call 437-7294 or visit www.vassar.edu for a full calendar of events.

February

Larry the Cable Guy, 5 and 8 p.m. Feb. 7, Mid-Hudson Civic Center, 14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie — It's beyond cliche to use Larry the Cable Guy's catchphrase in describing him. Still, "Get-R-Done" remains the most succinct way to describe one of the most successful touring stand-up comedians in the world. The blue-collar everyman is also a movie star, TV star and iconic voice-over actor, but he can still bring witty one-liners and Southern humor with the best of them. Tickets are $43.75. Call 454-5800 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Chili Bowl Fiesta, 3 p.m. Feb. 28, Rosendale Recreation Center, Route 32, Rosendale — For 12 years, the Women's Studio Workshop has helped combine two things: clay and chili. The WSW is at it once again with this event, where members of the studio create hundreds of unique chili bowls. You buy them, and then fill it as many times as you'd like with homemade chili provided by local restaurants. Admission will be about $5. Call 658-9133 or visit www.wsworkshop.org.

March

National Acrobats of China, 7 p.m. March 2, Lycian Centre, Kings Highway, Sugar Loaf — Death-defying stunts and luscious costumes are just a part of this authentic national touring company that will stop in Sugar Loaf in March. The acrobats will perform various acts of martial arts, all types of jaw-dropping illusion and set it all to toe-tapping traditional Chinese music. Tickets are $34, $25.50 for kids. Call 469-2287 or visit www.lyciancentre.com.

"Hairspray," 2 p.m. March 29, Eisenhower Hall Theater, U.S. Military Academy, West Point — "Good morning, Baltimore!" exclaims teenager Tracy Turnblad at the beginning of this catchy, hilarious musical based on a film by John Waters. Tracy is a little chubby, but that doesn't stop her from becoming a teen dancing star and flipping 1960s Baltimore right on its head. The original Broadway musical, on which this touring company is based, won eight Tonys, including Best Musical, and was adapted into another film starring John Travolta and Zac Efron. Ticket prices are to be determined. Call 938-4159 or visit www.ikehall.com.

April

Gallagher, 8 p.m. April 17, the Chance Theater, 6 Crannell St. Poughkeepsie — No, you haven't been transported back to the 1980s. The original Gallagher — he of the smashing of watermelons and anything else he can get his hands on — is coming to probably the only venue in the region equipped for his brand of humor: the Chance. What most people might have forgotten about the wacky comedian is Gallagher is more than a mallet. He's got some biting commentary on today's society and hilarious ideas on how to fix it. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Call 471-1966 or visit thechancetheater.com.

Larry Chance and the Earls, April 25, Paramount Theatre, 17 South St., Middletown — Maybe they don't have the clout of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, but Larry Chance and the Earls share a similar classic doo-wop sound and have plenty of huge hits. "Remember Them," "Life Is but a Dream" and "I Believe" are three of the bigger ones, and the Hudson Valley regulars put on a thoroughly entertaining performance. This performance, also featuring the Shirelles, will benefit Middletown police and fire departments. Ticket prices and event time are TBA. Call 346-4195 or visit www.middletownparamount.com.

May

The Fab Faux, 8 p.m. May 16, Paramount Center for the Arts, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill — Endorsements from David Letterman and Howard Stern might be old hat for big-name comedians or actors, but a tribute band? The Fab Faux, who have performed several times for the aforementioned hosts, are arguably the best Beatles tribute band on the market. They can go track by track through all the Beatle albums and, if you close your eyes, it sounds just like "The Ed Sullivan Show" Feb. 9, 1964. Tickets are $45-$75. Call 914-739-2333 or visit www.paramountcenter.org.

Mountain Jam V, May 29-31 on Hunter Mountain, Hunter — For three days every summer, hordes of music fans flock to Hunter Mountain for a nonstop musical event presented by Warren Haynes and Radio Woodstock. Musicians from all walks of life take the stages to jam with like-minded people, and you'll never know who might show up at 2 or 3 a.m. The lineup hasn't been announced yet, but if last year's is any indication (Gov't Mule, Citizen Cope, Bob Weir & RatDog, Levon Helm and others), this fifth annual might be extra special. Tickets go on sale Feb. 2. Visit www.mountainjamfest.com.

June

Riverfest, June 6, Donahue Park, Dock Hill Road, Cornwall-on-Hudson — With summer approaching, what better time to enjoy the fruits of the Hudson River and some delicious food and entertainment? Riverfest is an annual gathering on the banks of the Hudson that combines everything that makes warm-weather months special in the Hudson Valley. Good people, good weather, beautiful scenery and plenty of things to eat and buy help take your mind off the daily grind of life. Call 534-4200 or visit www.river-fest.com.

DIGit 2009, June 12-July 4, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, Alliance Gallery, 37 Main St., Narrowsburg — Now entering its sixth year, DIGit is a unique Hudson Valley event no matter how you pronounce it (both "dig it" and "digit" are correct). It combines traditional art with new media for several weeks during the summer, and attendees can see where art is headed in the digital medium and what 1s and 0s are capable of with art, film, photography and more. Call 252-7576 or visit www.artsalliancesite.org.

July

Soyuzivka's Ukrainian Cultural Festival, July 17-19, Soyuzivka Heritage Center, 216 Foordmoore Road, Kerhonkson — This is as close as one can get to Ukraine while staying in America. Touted as the "biggest and best festival" in the country, this three-day event has it all. There will be stage shows, traditional foods, eating contests, music, tons of vendors and more. Call 626-5641 or visit www.soyuzivka.com.

The Orange County Fair, July 22-Aug. 2, Orange County Fairgrounds, 100 Carpenter Ave., Town of Wallkill — Another year means another Orange County Fair, the only place you can simultaneously support the 4-H, pet animals, eat a ton of funnel cake and then possibly puke it out after going upside down on a thrill ride. For 2009, the fair will be presented by the James E. Strates Show, a family-run traveling carnival group that has classic and new rides for all ages. Tickets go on sale in June. Call 343-4826 or visit www.orangecountyfair.com.

August

New York Renaissance Faire, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 1-Sept. 20, 600 Route 17A, Tuxedo — Here ye, here ye! Come one, come all to the most famous of all Hudson Valley events. Only at ye olde Ren faire is one accepted ... nay ... praised for dressing as a wench, gulping a gullet full of mead and devouring a turkey leg. Also, thou shalt not forget the joust and more. Off with your head if ye dare miss the Renaissance Faire! Tickets are $20, $10 children. Call 351-5171 or visit www.renfair.com.

Shandelee Music Festival, Aug. 1-15, Festival Grounds, J. Young Road, Livingston Manor — Summers in the Hudson Valley have no shortage of fantastic classical and popular music festivals. While most of them have yet to report in with their lineups, the Shandelee Music Festival's Summer Sunset Concert Series has already lined up six concerts, including performances by Julien Quentin, the Mike Fahie Quartet and cellist David Requiro, among others. Tickets are $23, $21 seniors and students. Call 439-3277 or visit www.shandelee.org.

September

Woodstock Film Festival, Sept. 30-Oct. 4, Woodstock, Rosendale and Rhinebeck — Incredibly, 2009 marks the 10th year of the Woodstock Film Festival. Each year, festival programmers bring in an incredibly vast slate of films that are relatively obscure at the beginning of the festival and then, by the end of the year, not so much. In 2008, they screened "Wendy and Lucy," "Let the Right One In," "Happy Go Lucky" and several other films just being released and nominated for year-end awards. And that's just the beginning of this signature event. Call 679-4265 or visit www.woodstockfilmfestival.com.

Civil War Re-enactment, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 5-6, Museum Village, 1010 Route 17M, Monroe — Hundreds of men in traditional Union and Confederate garb line the hills flanking Route 17M in Monroe. Cannons explode, men charge, bayonets spear, many soldiers fall and in the end, the North is victorious, slavery is abolished and the U.S. Civil War is over. This annual event must be seen to be believed. Call 782-8248 or visit www.museumvillage.org.

Eisenhower Hall Class Of 1929 Gallery Hosts Artist Tom Doyle January 23 - March 15 2009

http://ikehall.com/gallery.htm

CLASS OF 1929 ART GALLERY Tom Doyle "The Hudson, the Highlands and Beyond” Exhibit Friday, January 23 to Sunday, March 15, 2009 Reception Sunday, January 25, 2009 2 to 4 p.m. Class of 1929 Gallery - 5th Floor - Eisenhower Hall Gallery Hours 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, (except holidays). Also open prior to all theatre performances.

"Drifting Snow at Sunset"

______________________________________________________________________________ Artist's Biography Tom Doyle took up landscape photography full-time after retiring as a lieutenant from the New York City Police Department. During his 28-year career tenure with the police department, he spent three years in the Intelligence Division doing surveillance photography. Tom’s work has been shown in several area galleries, including Arlington Gallery in Poughkeepsie and the Hudson Valley Gallery in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, and has won professional print competitions including 2007 Print of the Year from the Dutchess Regional Professional Photographer’s Association and First and Second Place Awards from the Hudson Valley Region of the New York State Professional Photographer’s Society’s Spring 2008 Print Competition. Tom shoots both film and digital in a 35mm format.

“A Hudson Valley Holiday”Saturday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 14th at 3:00 p.m.

        The American Belles

 

West Point Band and Special Guests Present

 “A Hudson Valley Holiday”

 

West Point, NY – A much-anticipated tradition continues with “A Hudson Valley Holiday” for two performances: Saturday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 14th at 3:00 p.m., at West Point’s Eisenhower Hall Theatre.  The annual show promises all the spectacle of the season with timeless holiday songs and dazzling dance numbers, masterfully anchored by the West Point Band under the baton of Lt. Col. Timothy J. Holtan.  Selections include White Christmas, O Holy Night, Jingle Bells, Sleigh Ride, The Christmas Song, and many other beloved holiday favorites.  Joining the band are two West Point Band guest veterans, vocalist Rob Zappulla and vocal trio The American Belles.  Returning to the show are the Estelle and Alfonso Dancers.

Rob Zappulla has been the vocalist for the legendary Tommy Dorsey Orchestra since 2001, touring the globe and performing at the President’s Inaugural Ball in 2005.   He will be featured as a soloist and will also join The American Belles and West Point Band vocalist Sgt. 1st Class Mary Kay Messenger on several numbers.

The American Belles served as the USO Liberty Belles for USO World Headquarters.  They performed at hundreds of military, veteran, and civilian events at Pearl Harbor, Japan, Germany and throughout the United States, as well as bringing their classic vocal harmonies to veterans at VA hospitals across the nation. 

The Estelle and Alfonso Dancers are sure to please as always, poised to steal the show with their adorable costumes and delightful choreography. The event will cap off with an audience sing-along of holiday carols.  If you’ve been nice this year, Santa Claus will drop in for an appearance and will greet visitors after the show.  The event is free and open to the public.

Please allow extra travel time for the 100% vehicle and photo I.D. inspection at Stony Lonesome and Thayer gates.  Due to changing security requirements at West Point, call the Academy Band’s hotline at 845-938-2617, or check

www.usma.edu/special

before leaving for the concert.  

For concert information, cancellations and updates, call the Academy Band’s 24-hour hotline at (845) 938-2617; or visit us on the internet at http://www.westpoint.edu/band

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Jesus Christ SuperStar @ Eisenhower Hall Theatre

http://www.eisenhowerhall.com/