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The GO ART! Salon Series returns this Spring with "Small, Small World"

By Billie Owens

Press release:

After a year’s hiatus, GO ART!’s popular Salon Series returns in 2014 for three programs in March, April and May, on the theme “Small, Small World.” All GO ART! Salons are casual and fun, and each includes a themed menu, presentation from our artist(s), and time for socializing and discussion. They are sponsored by The Bank of Castile.

The line-up includes the following programs:

No Place Like Home: “America’s Songs – The Great American Songbook” with Michael Lasser

  • 7 p.m. - Friday, March 28 at GO ART!, 201 E. Main Street, Batavia.

Michael Lasser says, “I’m not sure why, but American popular music is rich with anecdotes.”

Songs from the Great American Songbook -- when such songwriters as Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and Cole Porter were at the height of the powers – were often collaborations between a composer and a lyricist. They often include anecdotes that give insight into how people work together, and also how the making of a song results from intuition and luck as often as intent.

Lasser’s talk weaves together the stories of how and why some of America’s most beloved songs came to be written. Books will be available for purchase!

Americana Menu: Chuck Brenner’s famous apple pie a la mode, assorted flavors of popcorn, mini hot dogs with mustard dips, chips and dip, chocolate chip cookies and soda. Bring your own wine or beer and we’ll provide the glass!

Far East: GCC Forum Players “Tales From Japan”

  • 5:30 p.m. - Friday, April 25 at GCC “Roz” Steiner Gallery & Stuart Steiner Theatre, Batavia

For this Salon, your reservation includes Japanese-inspired hors d’oeuvres, the Salon program AND your ticket to the 7 p.m. performance. We start in the “Roz” Steiner Gallery where Director Norm Gayford shares entertaining insights about the production, presented by GCC Forum Players.

“Tales From Japan” is a collection of traditional Japanese tales where treasure is discovered in unexpected places, even the most unassuming characters are heroes, and beauty is found in all aspects of nature. From an old woman using her wisdom and wit to save a kingdom to a peach boy defeating the village monster, these exciting stories bring to life the subtle and surprising aspects of Japanese culture.

Zensai Menu: Asian cookies, spring rolls, cucumber rolls, ramen salad, fruit kebabs with plum sauce and green tea.

Across the Pond: St. James Handbell Choir

  • 7 p.m. - Friday, May 16 at GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia

Enjoy traditional English music presented by the Handbell Choir of St. James Church, Batavia. Director Theresa DeMars helps us explore the history of the bells and the different techniques used to produce their beautiful sound.

This Salon includes a delightful English inspired menu, bell choir concert, and some exciting audience participation. The first tuned handbells were developed in England around 1700 and were first brought to the United States in 1902. The English handbell evolved as an instrument to be used for practicing change ringing of church tower bells. Many English pubs in 17th, 18th and 19th centuries had sets of handbells available so that the change ringers could sit by the fire, purchase a pint or two, and practice their changes.

Ms. DeMars and the St. James Handbell Choir bring the history of the bells to life in our English themed Salon.

Sweets & Savories Menu: Scones with jam, cheese board with biscuits, tea sandwiches, trifle, assorted candies and English tea. Bring your own wine or beer and we’ll provide the glass!

Enjoy all three Salons in the Series for $45/members, $50/nonmembers; or join us for individual Salons for $18/members, $20/nonmembers.

Reservations are required and can be made by phone at (585) 343-9313, e-mail at info@GOart.org, or by stopping in to GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia (open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays).

Reservations may also be made online at <http://www.goart.org>  under “Events.”

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