culture

Covid created new opportunities, lasting change in arts and culture (Guest Opinion by Travis Newton)

By Debra A. Gilbert 1 week ago

Travis Newton is associate professor and director of Arts Administration at Le Moyne College, in Syracuse.

Covid-19 has altered our landscape forever, with deaths recently topping 600,000 in the United States. Millions have been sickened, lives have been upended, and the virus has expanded societal gaps that were too large to begin with. Whether instigated by Covid-19, the shifting priorities of funders or their own recognition of the need to address inequities, arts leaders are listening to their communities. Many recognize that it’s no longer enough for arts organizations to be good — they must also do good.

At a time when the world needed an escape more than ever, and consumed a record amount of arts and entertainment content, the not-for-profit arts and culture industry has suffered. Americans for the Arts estimates that not-for-profit arts and culture organizations have lost $17.5 billion to date, with another $17.2 billion lost

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ARTS AND CULTURE: Cynthia Sayer

By Debra A. Gilbert 1 week ago

Jul. 20—CYNTHIA SAYER, the internationally celebrated banjoist, will lead her trio in Cynthia Sayer: Hot Banjo at Paramount Arts Center on Saturday, July 24 at 8 p.m.

Genre Style: Hot Jazz, Swing and more

Location: New York City

How did the project start?

I’ve performed with many bands over the years, both as a side player and as a bandleader, including being a founding member of Woody Allen’s New Orleans Jazz Band, co-leader of The New Spike Jones Orchestra, leader of Women Of The World Jazz Band (all top women musicians), and leader of an all-banjo quartet, The New York Banjo Ensemble, which was my very first concert group. I founded my current project, The Joyride Band, as a vehicle for bringing the joy and excitement of live hot jazz and jazz banjo to audiences all over the world.

What are three adjectives to describe your style?

Exciting, unexpected and

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Erie Arts and Culture and EDDC team up for Downtown and Bayfront Sculpture Walk

By Debra A. Gilbert 2 weeks ago

Posted:
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Erie Arts and Culture is teaming up with the Erie Downtown Development Center displaying art sculptures throughout the downtown area.

The Downtown and Bayfront Sculpture Walk is showcasing 15 sculptures created by artists from all over the country.

On the walk, you can use an interactive map to learn more about each sculpture.

The Executive Director of Erie Arts and Culture says he hopes this will encourage residents and visitors to walk around downtown.

“We hope it promotes downtown and our neighborhoods that surround downtown. We’ve kept the footprint limited to the downtown and the Bayfront because we want all of the pieces to be walkable. You don’t really have to walk more than essentially three blocks to get from

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ARTS AND CULTURE: Craig Burletic – The Tribune

By Debra A. Gilbert 2 weeks ago

Craig Burletic, bassist for Tyler Childers and The Foodstamps, El Dorodo, Charlie Woods and Deep Hollow and, on occasion, Brad Goodall, Nethan Gillum, and William Matheny.
I play guitar with my wife, Molly Lynn Page, who plays fiddle and we sing and it’s just the best.

Genre Style: I’d say I’m in the song and dance game

Location: Ashland, Kentucky

How did the project start?

I started playing bass when I was thirteen. My friend J.C. Harless told me I should learn bass because it was easy, and I should join his band.

What are three adjectives to describe your style?

I think somebody else would have to tell you that. Namely someone who can come up with three adjectives off the top of their head.

Walk us through your creative process. Does it vary, if so, how?

I guess it depends if I’m playing bass on someone else’s

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