The Green Was Rockin' on June 26, 2008

      
L-R: front view of the band and crowds; The Robert Murdock Band in full swing; crowds enjoying the concert

On June 26^th, the Trustees of the Morristown Green, in cooperation with the Arts Council of the Morris Area,  presented those fab classic rockers, the Robert Murdock Band, in a free evening concert. Feet were tapping, hands were clapping, and people were singing (and dancing) along with the band's exciting performance.  With note perfect arrangements, sizzling solos and amazing vocals, the band delivered two + hours of nonstop rock classics - from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Donovan, Guess Who, to Creedence Clearwater, Moody Blues, Herman's Hermits, the Mommas and the Poppas, the Monkeys and a host of others...It was a concert no one wanted to end!

 Lee Scott Howard lights a fire, photo by Bob Karp for The Daily Record ©2007; Robert Murdock on vocals, photo by Bob Karp for The Daily Record, ©2007

Masters of classic 60’s and 70’s Beatles-era "British Invasion" and "American Response" rock ‘n roll, the Robert Murdock Band generated a major buzz in the Morristown area when they performed on the Green in October 2007 and, again, at the Community Theatre/Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, as part of First Night® Morris County. Guitar fireworks, especially those by the lead guitarist, Lee Scott Howard, complimented the outstanding singing and dead-on, 4-piece arrangements. They do it all: everything from "I want to hold your hand," to "Last train to Clarksville" or the iconic B side of Abbey Road.

L-R: More happy crowds enjoying the Band; running and dancing on the Green; Robert Murdock in action; clapping along with the music

Formed in the 1980s, the Robert Murdock Band tours extensively in the Northeastern USA, opening for such acts as New Riders of the Purple Sage, Leon Russell, Glen Burtnik (Styx), John Eddie, Gary US Bonds and others. Appearing on nationally syndicated TV and radio shows in England, Sweden, Germany and Chile, leader Murdock writes or co-writes many of the group’s songs with guitarist Lee Scott Howard. The duo also writes songs for film and TV. In addition, Robert has worked with notable producers Plinky Giglio (Glen Burnick/Styx), David Prater (Firehouse), Franke Perevite (Dirty Dancing movie soundtrack) and John Rollow (Kinks, Paul Young). His formidable songwriting skills have earned Murdock multiple honorable mentions in Billboard’s nationwide Song Contest and selection as one of only 25 songwriters (chosen from over 500 applicants) to participate in a recent ASCAP Songwriting Seminar in NY. Whether performing original or "cover" tunes, the group just plain rocks! 

April Arts
This biennial event is a most unique fundraiser. Approximately 20 prominent NJ artists "set up shop" and complete original artworks at the reception. At the close of the reception, the artworks are auctioned and then guests proceed to private dinners in the homes of area hosts. 

April Arts 2008 was in full bloom on April 5th

L-R clockwise: Event Co-Chair Joen Ferrari and Development Director Gloria Ortiz; Artist Maria de Mos discusses her work with Co-chairs Joen Ferrari and Dawn Dupak and with Board President Alan Levitan; ACMA's Interim Executive Director Anne Aronovitch with Local Arts Director Kadie Dempsey and Trustee Barbara Moran; Russell and Mary Alice Breuninger; Dorothy and Trustee David Clair; Vera Chapman and Melanie Levitan.

Paint was dabbed, brushed or stroked onto canvasses, pastels were delicately shaded, watercolors layered and frames fastened at the Arts Council of the Morris Area’s biennial APRIL ARTS benefit. Accompanying the spectacular reception generously sponsored by RexCorp Realty, nineteen artists demonstrated their considerable talents completing original works for subsequent auction. Guests roamed the stunning lobby of the Washington Office Center, 44 Whippany Road, Morristown, stopping at each artist’s "station" to chat with the artists and watch them at work. Delicious food, good company, a wonderful silent auction and the thrill of seeing original works take shape before one’s eyes made this a most unique fundraiser. Auctioneer Richard Eger kept the audience laughing and engaged with his lively commentary. Afterwards, guests and artists enjoyed private dinners at the homes of various hosts and hostesses throughout the area.

L-R: Auctioneer Richard Eger sells works by Chris Kappmeier, Joan Hierholzer and Mary Ann Wentworth; Silent auction items by Kadie Dempsey, Dan Fenelon

  Artists at work:
Top row L-R: Joan Hierholzer, Onelio Marrero, Suzi Bethke; Chris Kappmeier
Bottom row L-R: Elissa Prystauk, Mary Ann Viola, Mary Ann Wentworth, Fran Wood

Participating artists included Jamie Allen, Suzie Bethke, Maria de Mos, Mark de Mos, Susan Donnell, Peggy Dressel, Pam Gosner, Annette Adrian Hanna, Joan Hierholzer, Chris Kappmeier, Oneilio Marrero, Elissa Prystauk, Debbie Seymour, David Thompson, Mary Ann Viola, Mary Ann Wentworth, Ruth Wilson and Fran Wood. Co-chairsJoen Luy Ferrari and V. Dawn Dupak worked with the Arts Council’s Development Director, Gloria Ortiz on the event. Proceeds from this event support the extensive services and programs for artists, arts organizations, schools, and the community provided by the Arts Council of the Morris Area.

Dinner afterwards...Master Chef Gene Ferrari welcomes guests; Rio Clemente, The Bishop of Jazz, entertains

The Arts Council gratefully acknowledges that the beautiful location and elegant reception were generously sponsored by REXCORP REALTY

Annual Arts & Humanities Proclamation
Since October is  National Arts & Humanities Month, the Arts Council obtains an annual proclamation from the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, declaring a select week in October as Arts & Humanities Week in Morris County. Each year, representatives from the county's many arts organizations as well as individual artists support and participate in the event.

First Night® Morris County
New Jersey’s biggest and brightest New Year’s Eve non-alcoholic celebration of the arts, has featured more than 300 artists, 90+ events in 25 venues - representing dance, drama, music, visual arts and children's events.  The Arts Council of the Morris Area is the artistic programmer for First Night® Morris County and encourages the regional artistic community to apply to present and perform the visual and performing arts at this New Year's Eve celebration. FNMC strives to create a rich, multi-cultural event that blends participation in and enjoyment of the arts and the recognition of the passage of time into a community-centered celebration.  For more information, please call (973) 285-5115.  Visit the First Night® website at www.firstnightmorris.com or call (973) 455-0708 for additional information on the December 31st event.