Put on a show for PPMtv
PPMtv has a call out for the "interesting," for its "Meet Me At the Meetinghouse Series," a new project that will present creative shows performed before a live audience.
"We're building a series, so - whether it's the second or third Saturday of the month - people will know what's going on at the station," Programming Director Roxie Zwicker says. "And we're looking to build a live audience of people that are looking forward to coming to the next installment."
The intent is to open the space to the community "for people to not only come in and see what we do, but to share what they do," Zwicker says. "So, ... more than a community night, we're bringing back the purpose of the building ... as a meetinghouse."
Zwicker is seeking performances and/or demonstrations, something dynamic, "something different, that no one else in town is doing," she says. Sponsors are also sought "in exchange for advertising."
Events will have a nominal audience fee; the talent and house will split the "door." If presenters like, their show will be filmed.
For a show application, write info@ppmtvnh.com.
Second Exeter Arts & Music Fest set
The first Exeter Arts & Music Fest held at Swasey Parkway in May 2017 was "absolutely a success," Executive Director Scott Ruffner (and TEAM Executive Director) says, adding for that reason it will return with extras on May 19 of this year.
"The first festival was a culmination of the various events and community building we've been working on for the last few years," Ruffner says. "We brought together over 40 artist vendors, 10 original music acts, non-profits, and local food producers and celebrated what Exeter and the greater Seacoast has to offer from an arts and culture standpoint. No cover bands, no souvenirs made in China, no Disney characters. All home-grown."
The first festival was fastened together with little sponsorship. Still it drew more than 2,500 people, he says. "This was artists and musicians coming together to make it happen and show that our local and regional talent is viable."
This year the Fest will incorporate local film into the mix.
"After attending the N.H. Film Fest, we heard from a lot of filmmakers that the buzz tends to die out quickly after the one-day focusing on work produced here at home, so we decided to organize a screening in Exeter," he says. "... We have now partnered with the N.H. Film Office to involve more local filmmakers into our annual festivals."
The plan is to screen at the Exeter Town Hall in conjunction with the festival.
Project Upcycle
Project Upcycle, the repurposed fashion competition, brainchild of Jennifer Moore, editor of Stylequeue and the "RecoverGirl" blog, just signed the jury for its repurposed fashion challenge and it's a beaut.
"We have Jennifer Varekamp, a professor of fashion design at Mass Art. She's focused on sustainable style, which is huge to me, " Moore starts. "Then there's Molly Shaheen, co-founder of State & Manor, a sustainable fashion brand made with organic material in the U.S."
Ben Chmura, a former "Project Runway" design contestant, is in. "We're so happy to have someone that has been through this themselves, that understands what they're going through."
Pete Lankford, a design director in footwear at Timberland is also on board "and like so many of us, he's concerned about sustainable design."
The panel is so outstanding, Moore says, "(that) I am waiting for a piano to fall on my head, so many good things are happening. I think it's just that the Seacoast is ready for this."
An impressive number of submissions are already in, with weeks till the Feb. 9 deadline. "I don't delve into it too much because I want to present it to the team," she says. "But, there are some people in there that are very impressive, ... that could go on the real 'Runway.'" (Info at: http://bit.ly/2zbgs6c.)
Seacoast Rep expansion fuels increase in shows
Seacoast Repertory Theatre's 30th anniversary year will see a boon in performances, noted in last week's column. They're doable thanks to the announced staffing increase and now to a new location for set construction, Director of Marketing and Development Brian Kelly says.
The Rep was building at an off-sight barn, "but it wasn't a good space to work in. There was no running water, or toilet. It's not up to what we need," Kelly says. "Fortunately, we have a wonderful resource in our community called Port City Makers, where they have every tool under the sun, not to mention the tool to fix those tools if they break down."
The space will allow for "a pre-building" (more bite-sized piece construction).
There's still an issue of loading the set into place, he says. "We still don't have a loading dock at Seacoast Rep. Everything has to be carried down those (steep, theater) stairs," he says. "We still have a motorcycle from 'All Shook Up' in the back of the stage area. It's so heavy it's never going to leave."
Ardito launches new business
Andrea Ardito is making her dreams come true, with the launch of Nest, a new multi-pronged business.
Nest opens at 230 State Road in Kittery (home of Lost Coast) Feb. 2, 4 to 7 p.m., and Feb. 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will feature Clear Andrea, Ardito's design and decluttering business, and the work of local women artists.
"I know so many talented creative artisans, many my friends; incredible women. So, my thought is to have as much girl power around me as possible," Ardito says. "What I'd like to do is have rotating visual artists coming in."
The first guest artist is Steffanie Antonio. Nest will also carry the jewelry of Kathleen Cavalaro, resale clothing overseen by Alison Le and pottery by Rebecca Amerson.
"The tagline is home goods and whimsy for your heart's desire. ... It will be a place for my clients to come and meet with me, a space for me to work on the furniture (I restore), ... and just really incorporate all the things I love, fashion and art ... I need it to breathe," Ardito says. "And, I love these very talented women."
The newly renovated space has bold colors and touches of nature brought from outside," she says. "And glitter, lots of glitter, sparkle and pizazz."
Ardito, who is also a teacher, will limit hours initially; Wednesday and Friday afternoons and Saturday, and also by appointment. She can be reached at (603) 502-3654 and clearandrea.wordpress.com.
Fill The Gallery Jan. 25
A reminder: The Portsmouth Music and Arts Center, 973 Islington St., will "Fill The Gallery for Gather" (the former Seacoast Family Food Pantry) with Peanut Butter on Thursday, Jan. 25, 1 to 7 p.m.
"Denise Wheeler connected Deb Anthony (of Gather) and me," PMAC Executive Director and Co-Founder Russ Grazier Jr. says. "We were so impressed with what the Music Hall was doing every spring we thought this was a way that PMAC could support school vacation food specific for children. We work with hundreds of young people every week and their safety and well-being is important to us." More info at www.pmcaonline.org or by calling (603) 431-4278.
Jeanné McCartin has her eyes and ears out for Seacoast gossip. E-mail maskmakernh@gmail.com