Art, Time And Tragedy - The Art of Roger Hane

The Frame Shop Gallery at 423 State St is pleased to be able to present a survey of the work of Roger T. Hane (1939-1974). A native of Bradford, PA, Hane was a highly regarded illustrator known for his surreal, fanciful art. In his eleven-year professional career, before he was tragically killed in a mugging in Central Park, Hane produced over 300 published illustrations. Book-lovers, and practically anyone who looked at a book rack during the early 1970s, will recognize Hane’s cover illustrations. His work adorns the covers of the Collier-Macmillan editions of C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia books, as well as Carlos Castaneda’s best-selling The Teachings of Don Juan and A Separate Reality, published by Simon & Schuster.

Like the illustrators who were his greatest influences—Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, and J.C. Leyendecker—Hane was a meticulous craftsman. Also like them, he developed an original style particularly well suited to the time in which he worked—a style that helped to define the visual characteristics of the era. Hane worked in acrylic on canvas, using flat areas of color, crisply defined and modeled by directional light and shadow.

Hane also created artwork for Avon Books, E.P. Dutton Company, and Collier Books. Among his many magazine clients were Ladies Home Journal, Life, Esquire, Sports Illustrated, Fortune, New York magazine, Redbook, The Lamp, Look, Vista, the Saturday Review, Travel and Leisure, Sylvania, Ramparts, the National Lampoon, and Playboy.

Hane also designed record album covers for RCA, Columbia Records, and Philadelphia International Records. He received numerous awards and honors during his short life, including, posthumously, the New York Artist Guild’s Artist of the Year Award in 1974. His alma mater, the Philadelphia College of Art, gives an annual Roger T. Hane Memorial Award to the student with the year’s top illustration portfolio.

Harry Potter, Hogwarts Still Have Their Magic

by Matthew Razak

It just keeps getting better. For most movie series that grow beyond a trilogy the latter films start to wane, taking fans on a roller coaster of quality in each and every film. Will they next one be good? Should we even go see it? With Harry Potter however it seems to be a guarantee that each film will be better than the last. Actually, the first was better than the second and the series-changing Prisoner of Azkaban was superior to the Goblet of Fire. So Harry Potter has been through some ups and downs, but the downs are never so low that they're terrible and the ups are very up, and as far as director David Yates, who took over with Order of the Phoenix, is concerned, he's only raising the bar more and more. Yes, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the best Potter film to date, even if the plot that the book takes its name from is relegated to a small side story.

With that little tidbit it is easy to move into just how loyal the story is for all the Potter fanatics out there, and if those who haven't read the books (all ten of you) will take any joy from the film. In the sixth film in the series Harry (Danielle Radcliffe) fins himself on the run from the Deatheaters and Lord Voldemort, however he returns to Hogwarts with his best friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson). Quiddich, magic and a bit of romance and jealousy ensue along with a whole bunch of back story being filled in on Voldemort. This is also the first real time Dumbledore (Michale Gambon) becomes more than a wise old man, and turns into a true character. Much like the book, the film is mostly filler to get us to the epic conclusion, but it's solid, fun, action packed filler that never misses a beat. It is thus loyal enough to its roots to not be annoying, but different enough to validate its existence.

For those of you who read the last paragraph and had no idea what was going on, this movie is not for you. It picks up right away and starts running, and if you don't know the characters then you aren't going to get to know them here. However, if you do know the characters, which is what has always made the Potter books and later films special (not the magic), then this film is for you. Without a doubt this is the most character driven Potter film yet, and Yates handles it wonderfully, knowing when to leave out action that would cloud important scenes and, more importantly, realizing that magic is a part of the film's world, but it is far from the most important part.

It is also a testament to the casting team of the original film that they have nailed every character down so pat when they were only casting ten-year-olds. It is an incredible stroke of luck that everyone learned how to act. Without a shadow of a doubt Tom Felton, finally getting to flex a bit more than just a sarcastic sneer, steals the show as Draco Malfoy steps up in this film in a big way. If Felton hadn't delivered the entire film could have gone to rot (to steal a British term). It's not just him however, the entire cast has grown up and can handle the romance (and snogging), the humor, the tears and the immensely well done and perfectly directed ending.

With that I really must come back to the directing, as Yates shows off some incredible stuff in this film. His flare for capturing a shot is amazing and he can clearly draw what he wants out of actors. He, and the film's screenwriters, have also brilliantly handled the story, trimming what doesn't need to be there while maintaining the heart of the book itself, which was far more about Harry, Hermione, Ron and the people at Hogwarts than it was about the battle with Lord Voldemort. It's hard to cram 652 pages into less than three hours, but Yates does it admirably and without excluding anything that would make a lover of the books terribly angry. He even handles the more mature themes immensely well, especially the scary parts of the film which are directed with a surprising amount of panache.

I have been told that those who have not read the books did not enjoy the film as much, but I can only say to that that it is their own fault. The books are great and the films are a wonderful addendum to them. Much like almost any other film based on a book that does right by the book, these films are more a compliment to a wonderful world created on the page, they are not a replacement. So yes, Half-Blood Prince is a bloody good time, and the best summer blockbuster film since Star Trek, but make sure you make the time to sit down and read the books if you haven't.

COME HELP US CELEBRATE JORDAN'S 21st Birthday!
     CHEAP DRINKS!   FRIED PICKLES!   NO COVER!  

Directions:

Take North Main or Park to Baldwin Extension
Veer left on Baldwin Extension
Left on Spring St. -- go down the hill, over the
    highway, over French Creek
Right on Lincoln St.
Bosco's will be on your right (136 Lincoln)

Visit our MySpace site for the updated calendar, songs, photos, and more:

http://www.myspace.com/unklejohnsband2
                
UPCOMING SHOWS:

Aug 1 --   Deer Head Inn (Meadville)
Sep 12 -  Bicentennial Park (Benefit for French Creek Project; Meadville)
Oct  9 -    Sugar Lake Hotel (Cochranton)

Erie Philharmonic Get Your Phil 

by Karen Beardsley-Petit

www.eriephil.org  814-455-1375

THE GIFT OF MUSIC AT NOON
Give yourself a well-deserved treat and stop by the Get Your Phil at Noon concert in front of the Warner Theatre on Friday. Not only can you experience live music performed by an Erie Phil string quartet but you can also purchase a subscription for the 2009-2010 season and receive one FREE! And. . . hot dogs are provided, courtesy of WQLN.  It's like Christmas in July! The summer music series is sponsored by Iadeluca Chiropractic Center, the Erie Times-News and WQLN. 

New subscribers can take advantage of this offer at the Warner on Friday or by calling the Box Office, located at 609 Walnut St., at 455-1375, ext. 4. Or visit www.eriephil.org to order your tickets. A subscription to the Symphonic or Pops Series ranges from just $74 to $222. Get all 10 concerts (the best value) for as low as $144 - $433, depending upon seat selection. Ten Erie Phil performances for just $144!!! 
Ho, ho, ho! 

SEASON SPONSORS LEAD THE WAY
The Erie Philharmonic is pleased to announce the season and series sponsors for 2009-2010. Scott Enterprises has agreed to be the presenting sponsor of the entire 2009-2010 season.

"The sponsorship reaches new levels of support for the Philharmonic and offers a measure of stability as we head into our 96th season," Executive Director Eric Borenstein said. "The Scott family has been extremely generous to the Erie Philharmonic for many years and this sponsorship is a testament to how much they value the arts in our community."

Hanes Erie returns as the Pops series sponsor, marking their 10th consecutive season in this role! According to Borenstein, this incredible continuity of support has helped the Erie Phil weather the natural ups and downs during the life of an organization.
Erie Insurance will present the Symphonic Series for the upcoming season and Lincoln Metal Processing returns to sponsor the New Attitudes concerts in conjunction with Young Erie Professionals. "Our series and season sponsors, coupled with the multitude of concert and program sponsors, help ensure the highest levels of artistic excellence from the Erie Philharmonic and provide a solid funding base to plan our season around," added Borenstein.

(Photo above: Board chair Deborah Murphy and immediate past chair Christie Ferrier offer their gratitude to Mary Lincoln of Lincoln Metal Processing and Kim Scott of Scott Enterprises for helping to fund the 2009-2010 season.) 

A CALL FOR CHORUS MEMBERS
The Erie Philharmonic Chorus will hold auditions for new members on August 17 - 20 from 7 - 9 PM at the Erie Phil office.  Priority will be given to TENORS and BASSES during this round of auditions.

According to Chorus Director Jason Bishop, the 2009-2010 season will bring some very exciting activities for the Erie Philharmonic Chorus, including the Erie Phil holiday Pops concert on December 12; the Verdi Requiem with Erie Philharmonic on March 6, 2010; and an opportunity to sing the Haydn Lord Nelson Mass in New York City's Carnegie Hall May 20-23, 2010.

Interested singers must possess refined pitch-matching skills, a general facility with reading and understanding musical notation, and some level of singing experience.
To schedule an audition, or for more information, please e-mail chorus@eriephil.org or call the Erie Philharmonic office at (814) 455-1375.
 
STAFF NOTES
Box Office Manager by day and Wedding Singer by night! The Erie Phil's Eric Marshall (right), who many of our patrons have met while ordering tickets/subscriptions, is Robbie Hart in the Erie Playhouse's production of The Wedding Singer. The show opens July 31 and runs through August 16. 

Last summer Eric starred in Footloose and this spring was Leporello in Mercyhurst's Don Giovanni. This winter he will star in a world premiere opera, The Day Boy and The Night Girl, in New York City. Eric graduated from Mercyhurst College with a degree in voice performance.  Click here for show times and ticket information for The Wedding Singer.

The Phil's Marketing and Development teams work well together in the office; now Development Director Jennifer Farrar, CFRE and Marketing Director Karen Beardsley-Petit will team up in September as instructors in the Association of Fundraising Professionals Fundamentals of Fundraising Course, offered through Penn State Behrend's Continuing Education Department. They will teach the class on Marketing, Public Relations and Special Events. If you're interested in learning more about the 12 week course click here or call Jennifer at 814-455-1375 ext. 5. Jennifer is current President of the AFP's Northwestern PA Chapter. Karen has served as an adjunct faculty member at both Gannon University and Penn State Behrend.

Operations Manager Nathan Barber recently traveled to Washington, DC to attend the Major Orchestra Librarian Association's annual conference. He also attended the Allentown Symphony's Performance Librarian Seminar last month.

Approaching her one-year anniversary with the Phil, Development Associate Carolyn Eller recently joined AFP and will be using her event-planning expertise as a member of the committee for National Philanthropy Day on November 15.

Executive Director Eric Borenstein is new to the boards of Visit Erie and the Hamot Board of Corporators.

Janet Preston has been named the new Junior Phil Business Manager. 


TAKE NOTE

JULY 24            Get Your Phil at Noon, Warner Theatre, String Quartet Concert
AUG 17-20        Erie Phil Chorus Auditions, 7 - 9 PM
AUG 28            Get Your Phil at Noon, Warner Theatre, String Quartet Concert
SEPT 9-10        Erie Phil Musician Auditions

SEPT 13           Pops on the Bay, Erie's Heritage Festival, Liberty Park, 7 PM
SEPT 26          Opening Night Symphonic Concert, Warner Theatre, 8 PM
OCT 3             Erie Phil Unplugged, Metropolitan Club, 7 PM
OCT 24           Opening Night Pops Concert, Warner Theatre, 8 PM

The 2009 TdWC will build on our successful 08 Tour... 

We will begin and finish again at Pleasant Ridge Park in Fairview! (8289 Barker Road, Fairview) 

This years event will be held on July 25th,2009 

So, if you have participated in the past, we look forward to seeing you again and if you are checking us out for the first time, you are probably wondering... 

What is the Tour de West County? 

First, it is a Fundraiser, from which all proceeds go directly to The Lance Armstrong Foundation The TdWC is an event to raise awareness and to help others LiveSTRONG with cancer. The TdWC welcomes cancer patients, survivors, families and friends to participate in all or any of the days festivities!

The Rides: The Event is sponsored by The Presque Isle Cycling Club! The TdWC starts with a bike tour(8:30 am with shotgun starts) which includes a shorter ride for families and a 25 and 50 mile tour for more experienced riders.

Check out our 50 Mile Route
Check out our 25 Mile Route 

This year we are adding a Cyclocross/Mountain Bike Fun Ride throughout the trails of the park! This will begin around 1:30 pm so all riders doing the early rides will get a chance to participate!

Registration Form: Registration will begin at 7:30 am As we approach the event, you can get a registration form at the PICC (Presque Isle Cycling Club) web page...under Events!!! or Click here for a Registration Form

The Family Expo: The ride is then followed by a Family Expo (11am till 3 pm)

Visit TdWC Website for more information.

BOOK REVIEW: Water Dogs by Lewis Robinson

by Sudheer Apte

Small-town Maine in the winter has a unique character, made famous by other authors like horror maestro Stephen King. In Water Dogs, Lewis Robinson’s first novel, Robinson gives us the chilly, overcast days of January and February. He also gives us a cast of young men and women in their twenties, and the drama of their relationships and intrigue. Mixed into the snow drifts is the mystery of a man who goes missing. The novel is difficult to put down.

The protagonist, Benjamin “Bennie” Littlefield, has slipped into a meager existence, with a part-time job at an animal clinic serving to just barely maintain his parents’ old, crumbling house. The house, which is referred to as “the Manse,” is shared by his older brother, who calls himself just Littlefield and makes a depressingly uncommunicative companion.

When the brothers are not whiling away their hours on cheap beer at a local bar, the highlight of their life is a paintball game they play with three other young men in a wooded quarry behind a paintball club. One fateful evening, they decide to continue their game past the legal time, in the middle of a nasty blizzard, and, of course, there is trouble. Bennie falls and breaks several bones, and another player goes missing. What follows is a deepening mystery about what exactly happened to the missing man and what role, if any, Littlefield played in it.

Bennie’s relationship with a young woman in the town, and the brothers’ relationships with their late father, their mother, and their sister, are all revealed in the wan winter light. The peculiar community that we see is as rugged as the unforgiving Maine landscape. They may be “hockey-playing, urchin-harvesting hard asses,” but their struggles to keep their bonds of love and family loyalty alive despite their disappointments and old wounds, makes them instantly understandable and universal.

Water Dogs is a Random House publication

DCI 2009: Big, Loud & Live 6 
08/06/2009 

Fathom and Drum Corps International are proud to present the 2009 World Championship Quarterfinals LIVE for the first time ever in HD on the big screen! Celebrate the very best in marching music at DCI 2009: Big, Loud & Live 6. This highly-anticipated event will be simulcast LIVE from the Lucas Oil Stadium into select movie theatres nationwide on Thursday, August 6th at 6:30PM ET/5:30PM CT/4:30PM MT/3:30PM PT. 

Don’t miss your chance to see the quest for the title of “World Champion” as the top World Class corps perform during the Quarterfinals competition. And enjoy it all from the comfort and convenience of your local movie theatre! 


Purchase Your Tickets Now for the Tinseltown Showing

Congratulations to 2009 Miss Roar on the Shore

Christina Scavella

Most Dangerous Cake Recipe in the World

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour 
4 tablespoons sugar 
2 tablespoons cocoa 
1 egg 
3 tablespoons milk 
3 tablespoons oil 
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

A small splash of vanilla extract 
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. 
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous). And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? 
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night! 

How To Tell A Funny Story


Mark Twain once said that "There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind— the humorous." It isn't easy to tell a funny story. In fact, sometimes it's nearly impossible to get people to laugh. But with a little imagination and a lot of practice, you'll have them rolling in the aisles.

Step 1
Find a story to tell. Whether you're making it up, re-telling something you heard or reading from a book, be sure you enjoy the story. If you don't appreciate the humor in the story, your audience won't find it funny either.

Step 2
Make sure the audience can relate to your story. Unless the audience can relate to the characters or topics in your story, they aren't going to care or find your story funny.

Step 3
Start telling the story. As you tell it, don't let on that you know something funny is coming. The more serious, or innocent, your expression and tone, the funnier it will be when you reach the punch line, as if you've said something funny but didn't know it until the audience starts laughing.

Step 4
Take your time when telling the story. Give the audience time to enjoy the details of your story. Use the rhythm or pace of your story to move it along. Also, use pauses for dramatic effect and to keep the audience guessing.

Step 5
Use your voice. Not only do you need to project your voice to the back of the room, but you also need to use intonation. Be excited at first, then calm down a bit before you use a pause. Then come out of the pause with your punch line.

Step 6
Practice, practice and practice some more. What you think is funny isn't always funny to someone else. Practice in front of family, friends or small audiences to get a feel for what you can do to make the story better. You'll know what works and what doesn't by the audience's reaction.

Step 7
Perform your story when you feel confident that you're ready to bring the house down.