Somersworth Presents 21st Annual Winterfest

SOMERSWORTH—
The 21st Annual Winterfest, which is presented by the Somersworth Festival Association, will be held on February 4 and 5, sponsored by DF Richard Energy.
On Friday, February 4 from 7 to 9 p.m., there will be a Somersworth Middle School Dance for grades 6, 7 and 8. The event will be held at Somersworth High School Cafetorium. The cost is $6 per student and light refreshments will be available. If there is a snow day there will not be a dance.
On February 5, the Somersworth Festival Association will be holding Breakfast with Frosty and Frosty’s Funfest. The breakfast cost is $3 per meal and breakfast sandwiches will also be available. The event is held at the Somersworth High School Cafetorium from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Also in conjunction with the breakfast, the festival will be hosting Frosty’s Funfest. Admission is free and the price per ticket for games is 25 cents each. They will offer lots of games, face painting, crafts and lots of prizes! The Somersworth Library will also be there and offer a craft to do.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Rec Department will be hosting free sledding at the Oaks Golf Links on Route 108 in Somersworth. The Somersworth Lions Club will be hosting Open Skating from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Lions Club skating rink on W. High Street in Somersworth. Light refreshments will be available. The high school will be holding a Prom Fashion Show at 2 p.m. in the High School Cafetorium.
A new event this year will be a Pizza Tasting contest. For $5 you can taste the pizzas from the many local pizza restaurants in the area. After you have tasted the pizzas, you will then be asked to vote for the best. That pizza establishment will be presented the award: “Voted the Best Pizza of Winterfest 2011.”
To end the festival weekend, the high school will be holding the Mr. Somersworth contest from 7 to 9 p.m. in the high school cafetorium.
For more information about the Winterfest events, call the Somersworth Festival Association at 692-5869.
Photo caption: The 21st Annual Winterfest will be held on February 4 and 5, and includes free sledding, a pizza tasting contest, the Somersworth Middle School Dance, Breakfast with Frosty, Frosty’s Funfest, a Mr. Somersworth contest, and more. (MetroCreative photo)

‘iIMAGE: The Uncommon Portrait’ at Museum of Art

PORTSMOUTH—
“iIMAGE: The Uncommon Portrait” opened on January 26 at the Portsmouth Museum of Art. The show, curated by Stephanie Holt, takes a fresh look at the once traditional concept of portraiture. This 21st–century perspective explores constantly evolving ideas of self, unexpected interpretations of the notion of portrait, unusual materials and techniques including the use of technology.
A new generation of artists, supported by the wide possibilities of the Internet and arts organizations like Eyebeam Art and Technology Center and Bitforms Gallery, are expanding the horizons where art is made. Artists Evan Roth and Aram Bartholl create interactive online portraits using QR codes and Google searches. Daniel Rozin creates interactive installations and sculptures that have the ability to respond to the viewer. His work brings art, technology, and the viewer together to create the interactive experience. The work of more than a dozen artists is represented in this show, including Laylah Ali, whose small figurative works are meticulously planned in advance and take months to complete. She considers her portraits to be “distilled narratives” and “a kind of storytelling”. “Uniform/s: Self-Portrait/s: My 39 Years” by Korean sculptor and installation artist Do Ho Suh is a display of all the uniforms the artist has worn in his life, from childhood through compulsive military service. It challenges viewers to think about the whole versus the self and different ways that various cultures perceive them.
From artwork created using digital media to interactive video installations and sculpture, “iIMAGE” stretches the bounds of traditional portraiture. “iIMAGE” offers wholly 21st-century views around the ideas of self, identity and the wide range of ways in which we perceive one another. The artists in this exhibition have found their own unique ways to address these ideas with a modern toolbox, incorporating contemporary influences directly into what is often thought of as a very traditional art form.
“iIMAGE: The Uncommon Portrait” opened on January 26, 2011 and runs through April 24, 2011. The Portsmouth Museum of Art is located at One Harbour Place in downtown Portsmouth. Admission is free. Hours of operation for the Portsmouth Museum of Art are Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00-5:00. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Guided group tours are available by appointment by contacting the museum at 603-436-0332 or by email at info@portsmouthmfa.org.
Photo caption: “Uniform/s: Self-Portrait/s: My 39 Years” by Korean sculptor and installation artist Do Ho Suh is on display at the Portsmouth Museum of Art as part of the ongoing exhibition, “iIMAGE: The Uncommon Portrait.” (Courtesy photo)

Opening Scenes: ‘Black Swan’

By Chip Schrader
Movie Reviewer
“Black Swan” begins with a ballerina in a white, feathered costume, a spotlight cast above her from an unknown source as she is surrounded by black. She begins to gracefully dance, the camera following her every step. As she turns, a beast in black feathers appears and they thrash together as the feathers fly off of her costume. The next scene opens with the dancer awake, discussing this dream with her mother as she cracks the bones in her feet, stretches and prepares for her rehearsal.
This ballerina is Nina, played by Natalie Portman. Under the director of “Swan Lake,” she and other hopefuls vie for his attention and approval to land that coveted spot. The director is shrewdly portrayed by Vincent Cassel as he manipulates and seduces the dancers to not only perform at their best, but perhaps to seduce them for his own personal gratification.
Portman nails becoming physically and emotionally tortured Nina. She is caught in the envy of the other dancers and goaded into discovering her dark side to veer away from trying to be perfect, and becoming a believable black swan, as her portrayal of the white swan comes naturally. But, with a controlling mother, played by a weathered Barbara Hershey, who tries to keep her young and innocent, her quest for perfection splits her between what her mother wants, and what her director wants. It seemed to never cross her mind what she wants for herself.
Mila Kunis’ supporting role as Lily is equally convincing, however, the role of Nina requires a deeper study of character and transformation, making Portman a runaway Oscar favorite. The writing has multiple layers that establish a visual vocabulary where Nina’s physical beatings and lacerations resemble the molting of a swan whose feathers are about to change from white to black. She is faced with the rebellion, growing pains, and the psychological cost of perfection.
The metaphors and dream sequences coupled with a color palate that revolves around the color gray, dark and light, and cinematography where the camera appears as a dance partner makes this film a very tightly conceived motion picture. Not once does the director lose the audience, as they are continually clued in on what is happening.
The only fault with the cinematography is the lack of panoramic shots to exploit the settings, at times it seems a little claustrophobic, although this technique does fit the theme of the movie. Also, the storyline has some predictability, but the way the scenes and acting colors it all in, it doesn’t matter.
The best way to describe Portman’s portrayal, and on screen transformation, of Nina is fierce. By the end, she has the audience gripping the arms of their seats cringing, gasping, and rejoicing as if it were a live stage performance. This is a far cry from her monotone portrayal of Queen Amidala/Padme in the Star Wars prequels, and is likely the role of her lifetime.
With scenes of frank sensuality, demonic visions, blood and pain, this is not a film for everyone. For those who can cringe through a few brief graphic scenes, this will prove to be the most rewarding cinematic experience of the season. A must-see, and well-deserving Oscar contender. 4.5 out of 5.
Photo caption: (Courtesy image of “Black Swan” movie poster)

New Wedding and Event Space to Open in Dover

DOVER—
Anyone who’s ever tried to hold a large indoor event in Dover will tell you that there simply aren’t a lot of choices, which makes the opening of Rivermill at Dover Landing a welcome addition to the burgeoning business and social landscape in the Garrison City.
“We’ve had a flood of inquiries already,” notes Britt Schuman, one of Rivermill’s five founding partners. “We’ve taken calls from wedding planners, non-profit organizations, business professionals, bands and comedians, and of course brides, and without fail, they’ve all expressed excitement about our space, many without even the benefit of having seen a picture.”
The early enthusiasm is no surprise. With room to accommodate up to 350 guests for a seated dinner event, Rivermill will instantly become one of New Hampshire’s largest event facilities when they open their doors to the public in February.
Its sheer capacity alone is enough to give an event space a leg up on the competition, but size isn’t the only distinctive characteristic that sets Rivermill apart. Located in downtown Dover in the artfully refurbished mill facility that was once home to Clarostat, Rivermill is elegantly situated on the banks of the Cochecho River in the heart of one of America’s oldest cities, just steps away from literally dozens of shops and restaurants, and within easy reach of convenient lodging and transportation options.
“We felt all along that Dover needed something like this,” reflects Schuman, “and once we got a good look at this space and saw its potential, we knew we had to make it happen.”
Once inside Rivermill, guests are treated to something much different than anything that the typical contemporary ballroom offers. There are no electric chandeliers or giant, folding room dividers, but instead, an impressive example of classic 1800s brick and beam architecture: lofty ceilings; rugged brick walls; and soaring, arched windows that offer layered views of the river, the adjacent, grassy expanse of Henry Law Park, and the peaks of Dover’s historic downtown edifices, including the picturesque Clock Tower atop City Hall.
“It’s just an amazing space,” says Anna Boudreau of the Strafford Rivers Conservancy, a Dover-based non-profit, which is holding a fundraiser in May that will be among the first events held in the new facility. “Our office is just upstairs, so we’ve had the unique opportunity to watch the day-to-day progress as Rivermill has been transformed from an abandoned warehouse to an inviting community treasure. We couldn’t be happier to be hosting an event here.”
Boudreau isn’t the only person to jump at the opportunity to utilize the new facility. During a recent photo shoot, local photographers, florists, and stylists converged on the space, including highly touted international wedding planner Kate Parker, who helped choreograph the shoot. Rivermill has also begun to align itself with notable area caterers like Galley Hatch and Kelley’s Row, along with Evan Hennesey, renowned chef from the 100 Club, The Dunaway restaurant and 43 Degrees North, and founder of Flavor Concepts Catering.
“Things are really beginning to happen quickly,” acknowledges Michelle Clancy, another of the Rivermill partners, who adds, “We’ve already booked several weddings right out of the gate, and we’re exhibiting at the bridal expo at UNH this weekend, so we’re hoping to generate even more interest and exposure at that event.”
In the meantime, Rivermill has scheduled an Open House for Saturday, February 5, a Valentine’s Dance on February 12 featuring beloved local band The Spectras, and is also targeting several front-line comedians for upcoming performances.
“At this point, it’s all about getting people in to see the space,” remarks Clancy. “Everyone who’s seen it to this point has had the same positive reaction, so our goal is just to let people know we’re here. If we can get them in, we’re confident that they’ll come back again and again.”
For a tour of the Rivermill space, or to book an event, please visit www.rivermillnh.com.
Photo caption: Rivermill at Dover Landing is situated on the banks of the Cochecho River, just steps away from Dover’s finest downtown shops and restaurants. (Courtesy photo)

‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Author Comes to Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH—
Writers on a New England Stage, the celebrated author series presented at The Music Hall with partners New Hampshire Public Radio, Yankee Magazine and RiverRun Bookstore, welcomes Elizabeth Gilbert to the stage on Thursday, February 3, 2011. In her only New England appearance this winter, the bestselling author of “Eat, Pray, Love” will discuss her latest work of nonfiction, “Committed,” which will be published in paperback in early February. The new book, which also topped the New York Times bestseller list, is a true “love story” and a favorite of readers across the country.
“We encourage Gilbert readers who don’t yet have tickets to act fast as the night is nearly sold out. You won’t want to miss hearing from one of today’s best-loved authors, a voice that has resonated with generations of women,” said Writers on a New England Stage Executive Producer Patricia Lynch.
“Committed” begins where Gilbert’s # 1 New York Times bestseller Eat, Pray, Love ended—just after Gilbert fell in love with Felipe, a Brazilian-born man of Australian citizenship who’d been living in Indonesia when they met. Resettling in America, the couple swore eternal fidelity to each other, but also swore to never, ever, under any circumstances get legally married. (Both were survivors of previous bad divorces.) But providence intervened one day in the form of the U.S. government, which—after unexpectedly detaining Felipe at an American border crossing—gave the couple a choice: they could either get married, or Felipe would never be allowed to enter the country again.
Having been effectively sentenced to wed, Elizabeth and Felipe spent the next ten months wandering haphazardly across Asia, traveling with limited resources and waiting for word from their immigration lawyer as their case languished in bureaucratic uncertainty. Gilbert used this time to investigate the concept of marriage: examining what historians, psychologists, sociologists and poets have written about the subject, interviewing everyone from housewives in Vietnam and Thailand to family members and friends, and looking closely at how marriage has evolved to reflect our social needs and how it is so often intertwined with religion, politics, class, and money.
“Committed” tells the story of one woman’s efforts to make peace with marriage before she enters its estate once more. Told with Gilbert’s trademark wit, intelligence, and compassion, the book attempts to turn on all the lights when it comes to matrimony by frankly examining questions of compatibility, infatuation, fidelity, tradition, economic realities, divorce risks, and social expectations. Myths are debunked; fears are unthreaded; historical perspective is found; and romantic fantasies are ultimately exchanged for vital emotional compromises. In the end, Gilbert’s book is a clear-eyed celebration of the complexity and consequence that real love, in the real world, actually entails.
Tickets to Writers on a New England Stage: Elizabeth Gilbert are $13 ($11 for members of The Music Hall), available through The Music Hall Box Office, located at 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, over the phone at 603-436-2400 or online at www.themusichall.org. Autographed copies of “Committed” (paperback edition) are available on the evening at The Music Hall or in the days following at RiverRun Bookstore.
Photo caption: Renowned author of “Eat, Pray, Love,” Elizabeth Gilbert, comes to The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Feb. 3 to discuss her new book, “Committed.” (Courtesy book cover image of “Committed”)

Seacoast Children’s Chorus Presents Winter Concerts & Auditions

RYE/STRATHAM—
On January 22 and 23, Sandpipers, the Seacoast Children’s Chorus, will present concerts for the entire family. The programs features both the Senior (ages 9-16) and Preparatory (ages 7-10) divisions of Sandpipers, and has something to appeal to all musical tastes, including both secular and sacred music in a variety of styles.
The Senior Chorus will perform a setting of Robert Frost’s poem “Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening,” arrangements of Shaker and Quaker hymns, as well as other choral gems, both traditional and contemporary. The Prep Chorus’ selections will include a set of Dominican Folk Songs and pieces by Copland and Britten. Two of the chorus’ talented pianists will perform movements from the keyboard works of Beethoven and Bach. The chorus is accompanied by Michelle Enos.
Sandpipers was founded in 1993 by Dianne Colby Dean, to give children exposure to the finest choral literature and to provide them with musical training and performance opportunities. Sandpipers has given annual concerts ever since, and has sung for local retirement communities, at The Music Hall in Portsmouth with Celtic fiddler Natalie McMaster, at the Wentworth-by-the-Sea Hotel’s Illumination, for Tree Lightings, and for many other community events over the years. These January concerts will be the first performances under new director Tamara Rozek.
“It’s a privilege to direct such a talented group of young singers,” says Rozek. “The kids are very supportive of one another and enthusiastic about learning.”
In addition to the upcoming concerts, Sandpipers is auditioning singers for Term 2 (January 31-May 22), and auditions are ongoing for the 2011-12 season. Auditions are an informal assessment to determine your child’s readiness and acquired musical skills. It is a simple process, and does not require any preparation.
One 8-year-old participant, Alba, says about her Sandpipers experience, “It gives me an opportunity to let my voice fly out of my mouth.”
The concerts will take place Saturday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Stratham Community Church, 6 Emery Lane in Stratham, and Sunday, January 23 at 3 p.m. at Rye Congregational Church, 580 Washington Rd in Rye. Donations will be accepted at the door; the suggested donation is $8 for adults and $3 for children over 12.
For more information about the concerts and auditions, visit www.sandpipers.com, or contact director Tamara Rozek at 436-4226 or tamara_rozek@yahoo.com.
Photo caption: Sandpipers Seacoast Children’s Chorus will perform concerts on Jan. 22 and 23, and are also auditioning new members for the 2011-2012 season. (Courtesy photo)

Striking Back at Budget Cuts: Benefit Bowl-A-Thon in the Works

DOVER—
Dover Children’s Home, through the support of the Liberty Mutual Foundation, the Rotary Club of Dover, and WTSN/The BAY, is “striking” back at budget cuts by holding its annual bowl-a-thon at Dover Bowl on February 27 to raise critical funds for the 117-yearold program. A local non-profit, Dover Children’s Home has been providing outstanding care and a wide-array of life-changing services to NH’s most vulnerable children since 1893. With severely limited state funding and annual budget cuts, the Home enters each fiscal year with a deficit, creating an urgent need for fundraising and donations in order to bridge the gap. In July of 2010, the Home received its most recent cut of 2%, translating into a loss of thousands of dollars in funding.
The third annual Dover Children’s Home bowl-a-thon will be held at the newly renovated Dover Bowl at 887 Central Avenue in Dover on Sunday, February 27, with two 90-minute sessions to choose from: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Both candle pin and 10 pin lanes will be available. Bowling shoes and lanes fees will be provided for each participant. Prizes will be awarded to the four-person team that raises the most money; the four-person team with the highest bowling score; and the four-person team with the most creative team theme-wear. The members of each four-person team that raise a combined total of $800 or more will be entered into a grand prize drawing for an all inclusive 2-night stay for two at the Balsam’s Grand Resort Hotel in Dixville Notch, NH. Valued at $1,260, this getaway includes lodging in the best available room; all meals, tax, and gratuity; and free use of all resort facilities including golf, tennis, or skiing, depending on the season.
“If we can fill every lane during both sessions with four-person teams and each bowler sets a goal of raising at least $100 in pledges, this event will make a huge impact on our budget,” says Donna Coraluzzo, the Home’s Executive Director. “100% of the proceeds from the event will be directly applied to the Home’s most critical operating expenses such as heat, food, and electricity. Based on the turnout during the last two years, we’re hoping for a full house again. We’re looking for teams of co-workers, neighbors, friends, youth groups, clubs, service organizations, league bowlers, and families. Everyone is welcome to participate... adults and children of all ages,” she adds.
Anyone interested in participating in this fun-filled event by bowling, pledging money, or sponsoring a lane can contact Donna Coraluzzo at dcoraluzzo@doverchildrenshome.org or call 742-4289, ext. 12 for more information. For more information about Dover Children’s Home, please visit our website at www.doverchildrenshome.org.
Photo caption: 2010 Bowl-a-thon team Seapoint Electrical Services of Dover “strikes” a pose. Pictured left to right: Front row: Jack and Corrin Kephart. Back Row: Mara Torres; Molly Kephart, Lynn Erikson, and Kristen Kephart. (Courtesy photo)