As the new year approaches, our friends at KadmusArts take a beautiful look back at the 2009 performing arts festivals from around the world. Happy Old Year… and the hope for an even Happier New Year!
Posted by JessC on 12/29 at 12:07 PM
Did you miss our Tricks of the Trade seminars on branding?
David Carriere, author of ‘Publicity: 7 Steps to Publicize Just About Anything,’ Mitch and Seth Nash, owners of Blue Q, and Kevin Sprague, photographer and owner of Studio Two spread out across the county and shared their master insights. Kevin Sprague generously shares his presentation HERE.
Thanks all, this season of Tricks of the Trade is off to a GREAT start!!
Posted by JessC on 12/16 at 11:05 AM
It’s time again for another Railway Cafe show THIS Friday, Dec. 11th at 7:30pm at MCLA’s Gallery 51.
December’s featured performers are both relatively local guys Seth Glier from Shelburne Falls and Chris O’Brien originally from Amherst, MA. It will be a highly energetic show and one that people will be talking about for a while, so you won’t want to miss it. 
Boston based singer/songwriter Chris O’Brien is an artist on the rise. Since the release of his CD, Lighthouse, Chris has caught the attention of many. The smooth production on the CD emphasizes his pleasant voice and the importance of the lyrics. He was chosen from a pool of nearly 1000 contestants to appear on Garrison Keillor’s "Prairie Home Companion" in the "People in Their Twenties" talent contest. The next week Lighthouse was the 5th Best selling Folk Record on iTunes.
Michael Witthouse of the Eagle Times in Springfield, VT says, "As a music fan, I live for those moments when I hear a performer for the first time and detect unmistakable magic. It happened with Shawn Colvin in 1989 and Patty Griffin in 1996. Last summer, O’Brien caught my ear. He’s an uncommonly talented lyricist, with a voice that feels comfortable and familiar at first listen."
The other half of the night’s lively performance will be up-and-comer Seth Glier. Chances are, you haven’t heard of him yet, but if he continues on his current trajectory, it will be no time before you can say "I saw him at the Railway Cafe before he was a star." Think of him as the next Brandi Carlisle.
Seth Glier will grab you...if not with his powerful falsetto or his melodic prowess, then with what Performer Magazine calls his “intoxicating groove.” The 21-year-old singer, pianist and guitarist – who abandoned studies at The Berklee School of Music because he “decided I should be playing for people and not for grades” – aims straight for the gut on his MPress Records debut, The Trouble With People, which was recorded in his basement over the course of three months.
Rachael Sage from MPress Records observes, “Seth’s songwriting is classic, and hearkens back to great piano-based songwriters who broke in the ‘70’s like Billy Joel and Elton John...but he has an impressive range that grabs new audiences immediately, and his sense of melody is incredibly strong.”
His most current accolade came just two weeks ago when Seth was named one of the four winners (from thousands of entries) of the Youth Category in Mountain Stage’s NewSong contest. Recently featured in The Boston Globe for his “100% Fan-Funded Tour” and in several regional newspapers for his "G3: Glier Goes Green Tour", Glier is already a seasoned troubadour. Notable supporters of Glier’s music include acclaimed singer-songwriters Ellis Paul and Livingston Taylor. Taylor says, “Listening to Seth’s music gives me hope for what’s to come. The next generation is alive and well.”
Admission for this event is $12 in advance, $15 at the door, $10 for students and seniors. MCLA ID holders get an additional discount. Railway Cafe shows take place at MCLA’s Gallery 51, 51 Main St., North Adams, at 7:30pm. To reserve in advance, call 413 664-6393, or email .
