ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 4/25/24

NEW ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 4/25/24. Reviews: "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" at Goodspeed and "All My Sons" at Hartford Stage. segment begins at: 5:43 https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-april-25-2024/

ArtsBeat TV/Radio 4/26/24

NEW ArtsBeat tomorrow from Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB, Agawam Media and Southwick Community TV. Season Previews: Rorianne Schrade from Sevenars, and Geoffrey Larson from Berkshire Opera Festival. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjzPcoGhNs723gdf2cFc1pQ

On The Mark TV/Radio 4/24/24

NEW On The Mark TV/Radio tomorrow from Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB, Agawam Media and Southwick Community TV. "What Young People Think" with students from Brenda Garton Sjoberg's communications class at Western New England University. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvpu3SeOKk

ArtsBeat TV/Radio 4/19/24

NEW ArtsBeat TV/Radio Friday from Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB, Southwick Community Television, and Agawam Media. Dee Boyle Clapp on the 50th anniversary of the UMass Arts Extension Service, and Stephanie Fried and Alex Page Hatley talk Broadway at The Bushnell. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp-49SJp0ME

ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 4/17/724

NEW ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 4/17/24. Wicked flies into Hartford, Varla Jean Merman at TheaterWorks, The Play That Goes Wrong at the Majestic and arts news for WMass and No.CT. segment begins at: 6:31 https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-april-17-2024/

On The Mark TV/Radio 4/17/24

NEW On The Mark TV/Radio 4/17/24 from Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB, Southwick Community Television and Agawam Media. "Entrepreneurial Spotlight" on Point O' View's Cassandra Newman and 52 Sumner's Dan McKellick, Angela Park and Jay Pagluica. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXytuHG1fZ0

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 4/15/24

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 4/15/24. Wicked flies into The Bushnell. Hartford Stage announces 2024-25 season. Berkshire Comedy Festival at Barrington Stage and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/04/arts-beat-terris-celebrates-anniversary-berkshire-comedy-fest-has-new-home.html

ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 4/10/24

NEW ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 4/10/24. Williamstown and Sevenars (pictured) announce their summer season. Patti LuPone heads to The Bushnell, and arts news for WMass and No.CT. Segment begins at: 7:55 https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-april-10-2024/

My Succeeding in Small Business April Column

My April column for Succeeding in Small Business. After a hiatus, I'm back on my feet This is my story. https://www.succeedinginsmallbusiness.com/when-plan-b-becomes-plan-c/?fbclid=IwAR1OX5ZJhmfrDCWpeMNHsdPeyBQI2zbcHgB0LZPRZfztvIWqtGqovGt7Oh8_aem_AUdqqFOlAE7yyMziPrE3Bi3Q1YDqTB5gfiq3aIZJZffYCyyPhOXdiMumcsysUtLjcVTcq1Ffo84FXQJbI-SjgblC

On The Mark TV/Radio 4/10/24

NEW On The Mark TV/Radio 4/10/24 from Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB, Southwick Community Television and Agawam Media. "Entrepreneurial Spotlight". Dr. Brian Sutton. After cycling coast-to-coast, he's opened an innovative medical practice at Westfield Barnes Airport. Plus, a rebroadcast of his cycling program. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkULA99M2UQ

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 4/08/24

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 4/08/24. News from TheaterWorks, The Majestic, Shakespeare & Company, WAM Theatre, Easthampton Theatre and more. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/04/arts-beat-audience-will-laugh-as-majestic-production-goes-wrong-this-month.html

ArtaBeat TV/Radio 4/05/24

NEW ArtsBeat TV/Radio Friday 4/05/24 from Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB, Southwick Community Programming and Agawam Media. Taped on Stephen Sondheim's birthday. Charlie Siedenburg and Mark G. Auerbach talk about Barrington Stage's upcoming 30th season and chat about Stephen Sondheim. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAjiYrL1VoA

ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 4/03/24

NEW ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio. The Mystery of Edwin Drood opens at Goodspeed, All My Sons with Marsha Mason (photo by Molly Flanagan) at Hartford Stage, and arts news for WMass and No.CT. Segment begins at: 6:29 https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-april-3-2024/

On he Mark TVRadio 4/03/24

NEW On The Mark TV/Radio 4/03/24 from Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB, Agawm Media and Southwick Community Programming. The Kidney Program. Over 100,000 people need life-saving kidney transplants. Springfield nephrologist Dr. Georges Fares explains kidney disease and treatment options, and the Transplant Team at Mass General Hospital describe their options for patients. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV0Nj7kS2YE

ArtsBeat TV/Radio 3/29/24

NEW ArtsBeat/TV Radio tomorrow from Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB, Agawam Media and Southwick Community Programming. Marsha Mason, four-time Oscar nominee, heads the cast of Hartford Stage's "All My Sons", and The Springfield Symphony Orchestra premieres "Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue" with Jeffrey Biegel. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iImnDSVdNZk

ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 3/27/24

NEW ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio. Broadway at The Bushnell has its most exciting season in years, and new season announcements from Shakespeare and Company and Berkshire Theatre Group. TheaterWorks partners with Long Wharf on Sanctuary City, and the Springfield Symphony celebrates American composers with a premiere, Rhapsody in Red White and Blue, plus Jeffrey Biegel performing Rhapsody in Blue. Segment begins at: 5:12 https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-march-27-2024/

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 3/25/24

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 3/25/24. Marsha Mason heads the cast of Hartford's Stage's "All My Sons", Jeffrey Biegel premieres Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue in Springfield, and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/03/arts-beat-american-composers-old-and-new-to-be-showcased-at-symphony-hall.html

Press Release: Springfield Chamber Players Perform in Westfield on April 18

DATELINE: March 14, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Becky Blackburn, Westfield Athenaeum, 413-568--7833 ext 111 or bblackburn@westath.org Robert Lawrence, Springfield Chamber Players (formerly MOSSO) 917-841-3307 or bobdlaw@hotmail.com SPRINGFIELD CHAMBER PLAYERS STRING QUARTET PERFORMS AT WESTFIELD ATHENAEUM ON THURSDAY, APRIL 18 Westfield, MA: The Springfield Chamber Players (formerly MOSSO) bring their String Quartet to The Westfield Athenaeum, as the final concert of their 2023-24 Westfield series on Thursday, April 18, at 7PM. The Athenaeum’s Guy McLain will offer a pre-concert informance (free to ticket holders) at 6PM. The Springfield Chamber Players String Quartet, comprised of violinists Miho Matsuno and Robert Lawrence, violist Martha McAdams, and cellist Patricia Edens, will perform Mozart’s String Quartet No. 4, K. 157; Rachmaninoff’s String Quartet No. 1; the slow movement of Elgar’s String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 83; and Britten’s Simple Symphony Op. 4. Miho Matsuno, a violinist with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra since 1992, has performed extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. She has performed at major concert venues in and around New York City, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Merkin Hall, Town Hall, and Broadway theaters. Ms. Matsuno was a violin instructor and chamber music coach for 20 years at the Kaufman Music Center in New York City. Ms. Matsuno received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Juilliard School under the tutelage of Christine Dethier and Joseph Fuchs. She also attended Mount Holyoke College with a focus on English Literature. A native of Yokohama, Japan, Ms. Matsuno resides in the Riverdale section of New York City. Robert Lawrence, violinist, has had a varied performing career, ranging from Karl Munchinger’s Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra to the acclaimed Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls, starring Nathan Lane and Faith Prince. He studied at Yale University and the Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy. Bob is currently the director of programming as well as violinist for the All Seasons Chamber Players (NJ), concertmaster of the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players, and a longtime member of the first violin section of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. He has frequently served as concertmaster of Opera Saratoga (formerly Lake George Opera Festival) in Saratoga Springs, NY. Bob has also appeared at the Grand Teton, Colorado, and Spoleto Festivals. He has taught privately through the RiverArts program in Westchester, NY since 2005. Martha “Peggy” McAdams received a Bachelor of Music from Hartt College of Music and a Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with Raphael Bronstein and Arianna Bronne. She had additional violin studies with Itzhak Perlman and viola studies with William Lincer. Ms. McAdams has performed throughout the East Coast as an ensemble member of the New York Five, Bar Harbor Festival Ensemble, Moments Musical, Seraphim Trio, and Satin Dolls String Quartet. She has appeared as a guest artist with the Kosciuszko Foundation Chamber Music Series, Craftsbury Players and Bronx Arts Ensemble, and recorded on Cottage Records. Ms. McAdams is a longtime member of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and has played with many orchestral ensembles, including the American Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Westchester Philharmonic, Long Island Philharmonic, and Queens Symphony. She has performed in numerous Broadway shows and has toured with various ensembles to Europe, Asia, and South America. Patricia Edens, cellist, toured throughout the U.S. as principal cellist with the New York City Opera National Company. She has performed with such Broadway shows as Annie Get Your Gun, Annie, and West Side Story, as well as on tour with Andrea Bocelli. She was a featured cellist in performances with the Israeli folk singer Debbie Friedman at Carnegie Hall. She has also appeared with the School of American Ballet Orchestra, Queens Symphony, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and as principal cellist of the Bar Harbor Festival Orchestra and the Jackson Heights (Queens, NY) Orchestra. She is a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory and the Juilliard School, where she studied with Richard Kapuscinski and Harvey Shapiro. Tickets for the concert, $25.00/person, must be purchased in advance at the Westfield Athenaeum during business hours, or online at https://www.westath.org/ The Springfield Chamber Players (SCP), formerly known as MOSSO is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which is not a subsidiary of nor affiliated with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Inc. SCP was organized by the musicians in 2021 to produce and perform concerts in Greater Springfield and Western Massachusetts. To date, they have presented their musicians in pop-up concerts throughout the area; performances with local ensembles, including the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival; two full orchestral performances with Maestro Kevin Rhodes in Springfield’s Symphony Hall; a Sondheim tribute with full orchestra and singers at Symphony Hall; and a recent series of chamber ensemble concerts in Longmeadow, Springfield, and Blandford. The SCP’s Horn Trio, which opened the current season at The Westfield Athenaeum, will perform on the Sevenars series in Worthington, MA this summer. For further information about SCP’s programs, visit SCP at: www.SpringfieldSymphonyMusicians.com or find SCP on Facebook at:Facebook.com/mossomusicians The Westfield Athenaeum, located in downtown Westfield, serves as the cultural center for the city. In addition to an active public library which provides a range of information services, the Athenaeum features an art museum with regular exhibits of regional artists, and a history museum, documenting the history of Westfield and the surrounding region from 1669 to the present day. For information on the Westfield Athenaeum: www.westath.org -30-

Press Release. Deadly Deception at Sobibor to be Screened in Springfield, MA

DATELINE: March 25, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations 413-427-7352 or mgauerbach@gmail.com NAZI COVER-UP REVEALED BY LONGMEADOW FILMMAKER GARY HOCHMAN IN “DEADLY DECEPTION AT SOBIBOR,” A DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AT THE PIONEER VALLEY JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL ON APRIL 9 IN SPRINGFIELD Springfield, MA–It’s no accident Sobibor is a name few people recognize. That was the Nazi’s plan. It marked the beginnings of Germany’s Holocaust denial and distortion. That sparked Longmeadow-native filmmaker Gary Hochman to take action in creating an international documentary that traces a true crime tale of detection. Hochman’s film, Deadly Deception at Sobibor will be screened by the Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival at the Springfield Jewish Community Center,1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA, on Tuesday, April 9 at 7PM. Hochman, a Longmeadow native with decades experience filming documentaries for PBS-related venues like NOVA, will attend the screening, and offer a Q&A following the screening. Deadly Deception at Sobibor, over a decade in the making, tells the story of the Sobibor Death Camp in a remote part of Poland, which was destroyed and covered up by the Nazis, as they retreated during the final days of World War II. To hide the murder of 250,000 Jews, a daring revolt, and mass escape by 300 prisoners, the Nazis meticulously destroyed the camp. Today, a forest conceals their crimes. Now, archeologists from Poland, Israel, and The Netherlands have uncovered what the Nazis tried to wipe from history. Unfolding as it happens, Deadly Deception at Sobibor takes viewers behind-the-scenes of the crime site as the unprecedented 10-year investigation takes place. The team reveals clues through ground-penetrating radar, secret telegrams, Luftwaffe aerials, and compelling excavation discoveries. Taped in Poland, France, Israel, the U.S., and Germany, the film is narrated by award-winning actress Tovah Feldshuh. The documentary has been screened at film festivals throughout the United States, and in March, it had its European debut in Amsterdam. The film runs one hour and 43 minutes. Born in Springfield and raised in Longmeadow, documentary filmmaker and journalist Gary Hochman is the Managing Director of Changing Minds Productions in North Haven, Connecticut. For 40 years, Gary worked as a producer, director and writer of national and international productions at Nebraska Public Media. Gary has produced and directed documentaries in the United States, South America, Europe, and Antarctica for PBS, the NOVA science series, Discovery Channel, and museums. His films specialize in history, science, and the arts. In Poland, Gary established the Sobibor Documentation Archive, which is now the basis for his new documentary, Deadly Deception at Sobibor. Deadly Deception at Sobibor is produced by Changing Mind Productions. To view the film’s trailer: https://vimeo.com/798553523 For details on the Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival and for tickets to the Springfield screening: https://www.springfieldjcc.org/pvjff/ -30- NOTE TO THE PRESS. Filmmaker Gary Hochman is available for interviews.

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 3/18/24

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 3/18/24. Patti LuPone comes to Hartford, Sanctuary City at TheaterWorks, Williamstown's 2024 season and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/03/arts-beat-broadway-legend-patti-lupone-performs-her-hits-in-new-concert.html

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 3/11/24

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 3/11/24. New season announcements from Berkshire Theatre Group, Shakespeare & Company, Silverthorne, and "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" opens Goodspeed's season. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/03/arts-beat-tony-winning-musical-in-hartford-lets-audience-finish-dickens-mystery.html

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 3/04/24

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 3/04/24. Barrington Stage, Jacob's Pillow, WAM, and Berkshire Opera announce 2024 seasons, and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/03/arts-beat-trumpet-in-spotlight-fantasias-explored-on-symphony-programs.html

WestfieldNews/MassLive ZrtsBeat 2/26/24

https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/02/arts-beat-chester-theatre-has-2-world-premieres-mount-holyoke-swings-big.html

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 2/19/24

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 2/19/24. Tanglewood announces summer season, new Danny Eaton play premieres at The Majestic, and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/02/arts-beat-new-drama-debuts-at-majestic-old-friends-returning-to-tanglewood.html

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 2/12/24

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 2/12/24. Glenn Miller Orchestra heads to Springfield. Goodspeed announces 2024 season at The Terris, Oscar's connections to the 413, and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/02/arts-beat-glenn-miller-ensemble-to-swing-symphony-hall-younghearts-at-aic.html

ArtsBeat TV/Radio 2/09/24

New ArtsBeat TV/Radio 2/09/24 from Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB. James Barry and Tara Franklin from Chester Theatre and Tom Willits from MAPS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSewIeRh07Y

On The Mark TV/Radio 1/31/24

NEW On The Mark TV/Radio WED 1/31/24 from Westfield Community Programming and 89.5fm/WSKB. . Spotlight on Westfield. with Diane Chambers from. the Amelia Park Children's Museum and Bill Westerlind from ArtWorks Westfield. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk3aSwHs9vg

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 1/29/24

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 1/29/24. James Taylor at Tanglewood, Frozen comes to The Bushnell, Havana Night in Springfield, and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/01/arts-beat-tickets-on-sale-today-for-james-taylor-tradition-at-tanglewood.html

ArtsBeat TV/Radio 1/26/24

NEW ArtsBeat TV/Radio 1/26/24 from Westfield Community Programming and 89.5fm/WSKB. Buzz Engine;s Elisa Hale previews upcoming plays and concerts in No.CT, and we meet the cast of TheaterWorks' "The Garbologists". Stream after 8AM Friday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKPyddsm4Fc

ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 1/24/24

NEW ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 1/24/24. Torch Song opens in Easthampton, The Garbologists plays TheaterWorks, and a local actor gets a starring role on Broadway, plus arts news for WMass and No.CT. segment begins at: 9:09 https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-january-24-2024/

On The Mark TV/Radio Spotlight on Westfield

In case you've missed it, On The Mark TV/Radio on Westfield Community Programming and 89.5fm/WSKB is doing a three-part "Spotlight on Westfield" series with Mike Ballway from Westfield News, Bo Sullivan from the Boys and Girls Club, Diane Chambers from the Children's Museum, Bill Westerlind from ArtWorks Westfield, Guy McLain and Becky Blackburn from the Westfield Athenaeum, and school superintendent Stefan Szaporowski. The first aired today. Stream them on Wednesdays after 8AM on Youtube on WSKB Community Radio. https://www.youtube.com/@WSKBCommunityRadio/videos

On The Mark TV/Radio 1/24/24

NEW On The Mark TVRadio 1/24/24 from Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB, Southwick Community TV, and Agawam Media. Spotlight on Westfield. Westfield News' Michael Ballway and Bo Sullivan from the Boys and Girls Club. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNZ6iLkzl5Q

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 1/22/24

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 1/22/24. New plays at TheaterWorks and Playhouse on Park. Grerat Barrington Public Theatre launchers new series, and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/01/arts-beat-classic-opera-new-drama-coming-to-pioneer-valley-stages.html

ArtsBeat TV/Radio 1/19/24

NEW ArtsBeat TV/Radio 1/19/24 from Westfield Community Programming and 89.5fm/WSKB. Meet Barrington Stage Associate Artist Mark H. Dold, Berkshire Theatre Critics Award winning actor, whose credits include Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, film, and TV. Stream his hour-long chat with Mark G. Auerbach after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnvJ8_9GeGo

ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 1/17/24

NEW ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 1/17/24. Gary Hochman’s Sobibor documentary screens in Hartford, American Son in Enfield, and arts news for WMass and No.CT. segment airs at: 4:57 https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-january-17-2024/

On The Mark TV/Radio 1/17/24

NEW On The Mark TV/Radio tomorrow, 1/17/24 from Westfield Community Programming and 89.5fm/WSKB. Poet and author Kevin McCaffrey has a new book, and investigative reporter Dusty Christensen takes us on his beat. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBZW6FEM0LE

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 1/15/24

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 1/15/24. Premieres at Hartford Stage and Playhouse on Park, Gary Hochman's Deadly Deception at Sobibor screens in Hartford and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/01/arts-beat-western-mass-filmmaker-to-show-film-on-holocaust-denial.html

ArtsBeat TV/Radio 1/12/24

NEW ArtsBeat TV/Radio tomorrow from Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB, Southwick Community TV and Agawam Media. Let's go backstage at two area theatres with Allison Rachele Bayles at Berkshire Theatre Group and Tracy Flater at Playhouse on Park. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_stmqRxZlJM

ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valle Radio 1/10/24

NEW ArtsBeat on Pioneer Valley Radio 1/10/24. New Musicals at Goodspeed (pictured), an Oscar Wilde classic at The Majestic, Simona’s Search world premiere at Hartford Stage and arts news for WMass and No.CT. segment begins at: 6:19 https://pioneervalleyradio.podbean.com/e/brad-shepard-today-january-10-2024/

on The Mark TV/Radio 1/10/24

NEW onThe Mark TVRadio tomorrow from Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB, Southwick Community TV and Agawam Media. Laura Gratz helps people organize their lives, and Dave Madsen and Paul Robbins launch a podcast. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ket8jQ4UCbE

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeast 1/08/24

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 1/08/24. Plays and concerts for this winter in WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/01/arts-beat-tickets-on-sale-for-short-plays-big-broadcast-symphony-shows.html

ArtsBeat TV/Radio 1/05/24

NEW ArtsBeat TV/Radio tomorrow from Westfield Community Programming and 89.5fm/WSKB. Michael Fling previews Goodspeed's Festival of New Musicals, and we check in with the peripatetic Maestro Kevin Rhodes, who led the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfG3rOXVohI

on The Mark TV/Radio 1/03/24

NEW On The Mark TV/Radio tomorrow from Westfield Community Programming and 89.5fm/WSKB. For 20 years, Maestro Kevin Rhodes led the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (and lived in Westfield). He's back to talk about his post-SSO career. Jason Trotta showcases Northampton Community Music Center. Watch! Listen! Stream after 8AM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrYDS_E6vug

Westfield News/MassLive ArtsBeat 1/01/24

NEW Westfield News/MassLive 1/01/24. “American Son” in Enfield, Classics and Jazz at Springfield Symphony Orchestra, 2024 at Shakespeare & Company and arts news for WMass and No.CT. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/01/arts-beat-symphonys-classical-program-drama-on-enfield-stage-reckon-with-race.html

Mark;s Holiday Memories

Mark’s Holiday Memories My 2023 Year in Review. Chapter 1. I could recap the year with the health challenges I dealt with, simultaneous kidney failure and a heart attack. It was rock bottom. But, I choose to concentrate on the good things that happened. Despite health challenges, I produced some of my best radio and TV in years. Thanks to my producer, Peter Cowles, for making that happen. I got to interview some of the most incredible people for ArtsBeat and on The Mark for Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB, Southwick Community Television, and Agawam Media. Some of the most memorable: from the theatree world, James Barry and Tara Franklin, Alan Paul, Jay Sefton and Mark H. Dold (pictured). From the community: Stefan Czaporowski, Westfield School superintendent, Diane Pearlman from Berkshire Film and Media, the students at Westfield Technical Academy’s aviation program, and Hope Tremblay’s students at St. Mary’s High School and Brenda Garton’s students from Western New England University. https://www.youtube.com/@WSKBCommunityRadio/videos My 2023 Year in Review. Chapter 2. I was supposed to narrate Craig Hella Johnson’s Considering Matthew Shepard. https://www.conspirare.org/considering-matthew-shepard/ But illness eventually got in the way. Nonetheless I travelled to Wyoming to visit the sites in Shepard’s life. It was an opportunity to visit my good pal, Ben Jacek, who lives and works there. Ben was my tour guide. I’d mentored Ben when he was a teen, became friends after he worked for my company, and close friends after a mutual friend committed suicide. This year, while working full time, he got his paramedic certification, which involved over 500 hours of clinicals. I am so proud to see him accomplish his dreams and become a compassionate first responder. Invest in the young. Their successes will reap rewards. My 2023 Year in Review. Chapter 3. Old friends make a difference. I’ve remained close with my classmates at Northfield Mount Hermon since my graduation. I’ve known these people for over a half century. One, Nancy Stevens, and I had the chance to converse in depth at our Reunion in June., We discussed my end of life thoughts, as I waited for a kidney donor. As a clergy member, she helped me prioritize my thoughts. That dinner conversation got me through an eventual six weeks of hell. I’ve known Peter Weis since his dad was my math teacher. Peter, his wife Lydia, and I are close as siblings. My other classmates have rallied around me. I am blessed. My 2023 Year in Review. Chapter 4. A good friend becomes a best friend. Patrick Berry and I have known each other for over a dozen years. We’ve collaborated on projects, partnered on some extraordinary radio work, and served on boards together. When I was in the ICU, and about to sign my care off to hospice, Patrick turned my incredible low around. He got me to see that life was worth living, and he committed himself to getting me back on my feet. I rediscovered my optimism because of him. He’s been with me every step of the way. Without Patrick, I wouldn’t be here now. Other friends came through as well. They all have my gratitude and appreciation, but Patrick recalibrated my will to live. My 2023 Year in Review. Chapter 5. Love what you do. In 2021, when the musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra were at odds with the orchestra management, they formed their own non-profit and began to produce concerts. My first professional gig in Springfield was as Marketing Director of the SSO, and some of these musicians were friends of mine for over 40 years. I’ve worked hard for MOSSO ever since, and some of my old friends and new friends from the orchestra have brought me joy, professionally and personally. Steve Perry, Miho Matsuno, Bob Lawrence, and Sarah Sutherland have been good friends at work and otherwise. I love my colleagues. www.springfieldsymhonymjusicians.com. My 2023 Year in Review. Chapter 6. People who need people are the luckiest people in the world. OK, Beanie wasn't the greatest, but theatre trips with Martin Miller and Topher Morey were, as well as rendezvous with Maureen Sullivan, Diane Pearlman, Cassie Newman, Chris Daly, Joel Morse (my caffeination partner), Amy Barden, Stefan Czaporowski, and Brenda Garton were. I got through the year with the help of my friends. My NMH classmates kept me standing and smiling. My colleagues, Peter Cowles, Jason Martins, Addie Patterson, and Dylan Hegarty are the best. My poolside Table One neighbors are the best. It is these people who make my life a joy. My 2023 Year in Review. Chapter 7. If Patrick hadn’t saved me, my legacy might have been thousands of hours of radio and TV programs on YouTube, plus my conviction that white shoes can only be worn between Memorial Day and Labor Day. On those two holidays, people might chuckle. My annual countdowns to White Shoe Season would become folklore. But, I will carry on, surrounded by the love of friends. And, this holiday season, who could ask for anything more? Keep those good vibes coming on January 30.