Experience the arts!
We miss you already! It was such a joy to see you at the Ramsdell since reopening in July. Let’s remind ourselves of the many sacrifices made that allowed most businesses to reopen in July. It was tough, but you did it once, and you can do it again. Stay safe, wear a mask, and let’s hang on a little longer, so we can all get back to that joyous moment.
“No matter the barrier.” That’s a direct quote from us, from the first shutdown. We’re keeping our promise. So here are three things you can do to engage in the arts during shutdown #2.
1. The Art Divas – We will feature this art exhibit online starting December 4 and will offer a live exhibit later in 2021. The online Art Divas show features Terri Barto, Jeanne Butterfield, Mary Wahr, Lynn Williams, and Chris Wucherer. You support local artists and the Ramsdell when you purchase art.
2. The Lamplighter – Artists Tyler and Ashley Vorhees, from Glenn, MI, are bringing a new and exciting sculpture to Manistee. It will be featured next to the Christmas tree on Friday, December 4 for about a month. It is magnificent and interactive. Learn more.
3. Jeff Daniels – A virtual and live concert will be presented by Jeff Daniels on Friday, December 11 at 7:30pm. He will be performing for YOU, the Manistee community, and supporters of the Ramsdell Theatre. The live stream link is $15. Learn more. Sponsored by the Ohman/McCormack Retirement Group of Raymond James.
We hope you have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday.
With gratitude,
—Xavier Verna
Ramsdell to Webcast Escanaba in Da Moonlight
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts will present a virtual ‘reading performance’ of ‘Escanaba in Da Moonlight’ available on Saturday, May 23rd. at 7:30 PM. Written by actor/musician and Michigan native Jeff Daniels, the comedy depicts the hunting season adventures of a group of Michigan ‘Yuppers’. The show ran on the Ramsdell stage two years ago to rave reviews and very appreciative audiences.
The one-performance only is being presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. of New York. The Ramsdell’s Executive Director, Xavier Verna, noted that “This is an exclusive performance to our mailing list subscribers. They can subscribe right from our website at www.RamsdellTheatre.org.”
“In unprecedented times like these, we have to learn how we can reach our audiences in new ways,” Verna added. “I want to thank Rick Plummer for being open to this project,” he said. “This is a ‘new normal’ for The Ramsdell,” Verna explained, “as we sort through the hurdles of directing and performing a play from 6 different locations, one point-of-view (the actors’ faces), and a narrator.” Verna stated that he attended the first ‘virtual’ rehearsal and thought, “while we don’t have a beautiful set, lighting, and the feedback from the audience, the actors were fully committed and doing a tremendous job in their new environment.” He added that this might be the first of such presentations on the organization’s website, depending on the length of the current crisis.
Verna said while the event is free to the Ramsdell’s mailing list subscribers, “we would ask for everyone to consider donating to the RRCA during or after the webcast.” “During these unprecedented times, while our outreaches have been minimized, the support from the entire community is tremendously appreciated.” “While we always depend on the support from our donors and revenue from program tickets, we have been tremendously grateful for those who have continued to contribute during this time,” Verna cited.
“We also want to help others in any way we can,” Verna stated. “For all donations, the RRCA receives the day of the webcast, a portion will be donated to the Manistee County Community Foundation’s ‘Community Response Fund’ that’s assisting other ‘front-line’ care groups during this crisis.” “We really ARE all in this together,” Verna added. The RRCA is also partnering with local artists, like Mary Wahr, and selling their artwork through a virtual gallery. A majority of those sales go to the artist.
Verna noted that since the arts are an essential asset for community engagement and impact, “we encourage the audience to do take-out from their favorite local restaurant, then curl up and watch this unique webcast. We’ll share some positive messages throughout the program, and are excited to have James Beaudrie of Manistee Beverage as our host. You’re in for a wonderful time”.
An Education in the Classics
Area Students Enjoy Klassical Kids! Program at the Ramsdell
Manistee, MI, February 7, 2020 – On Thursday, February 6, the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts welcomed more than 200 Manistee County students for a special introduction to the power and beauty of classical music.
Students from Manistee Area Public Schools, Onekama Consolidated, Kaleva Norman Dickson, and Bear Lake School participated in a program called “Klassical Kids!,” an educational classical music concert for students, presented by Shoreline Music Society through an ongoing partnership with the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.
“I’m excited that through our collaborative efforts, we’ve been able to extend our reach to youth,” says Xavier Verna, Executive Director of the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.
A fundamental part of Shoreline Music Society’s mission is to bring the classical music art form to children. Led by Maestro Nordling, the professional orchestra performed selected works to highlight the particular qualities of an instrument and the player’s individual artistry.
Shoreline’s Maestro Nordling involved the students in the performance with an informational dialogue, historical information and context about the time periods when the music was written, and biographical data on the composers. Students were involved via a question-and-answer session with Mr. Nordling and the players.
Onekama Elementary fifth grade student Dylan Kovalcik was invited on stage to perform with the orchestra during the program. Commented Kovalcik, “It was exciting because I’ve never been in front of that many people to perform before. I was happy and proud to be part of the orchestra and amuse the crowd!”
Shoreline’s Executive Director Matt Thomas noted, “We are grateful for the generous support of the Manistee County Community Foundation Limitless Fund and our ongoing artistic partnership with the RRCA. We hope this will be the first of many such events to benefit Manistee’s students.”
The Klassical Kids program was made possible in part by a grant to the Shoreline Music Society from the Limitless Fund, the Spirit of Giving Fund, the Doug Schlaff Youth Fund, and the John D. and Michele M. Bueker music fund of the Manistee County Community Foundation.