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Spring 2008 at Charter Oak Cultural Center

Date Event Description

Friday, January 11 at 8:00 p.m.

Rock yer Socks Presents…

A night of indie music with bands TBA.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m.  $6, $5 with a can of food for donation to Hartford Food Not Bombs.  More info at www.rockyersocks.org

Sunday, January 13 at 5:00 p.m.

Anne Frank House Closing

In the 3 1/2 months that the Anne Frank House has taken up residence in our gallery, many lives have been touched.  It’s as if Anne Frank’s spirit came to live with us.  Join us as we honor how much this exhibit has meant to Charter Oak and the community.  Panel discussion followed by a brief ritual of goodbye.  Panelists include Rabbi James Rosen, Rev Cornell Lewis, Chris Phillips and Rabbi Donna Berman.

Thursday, January 17 at 5:30 p.m.

Opening Reception:  A Prophet’s Ink

We are very excited to host drawings by Brian Kavanagh, Catholic Worker Artist (featured on the front cover) in our small gallery.  Fidelity to the biblical call for justice can take many forms. Here it is ink drawn on paper. For some fourteen years - mostly on the pages of the Hartford Catholic Worker newsletter - Brian Kavanagh has made powerfully visible, outrage and sorrow and hope.  Exhibit runs through March 28.  Wine and hors d’oeuvres served.  Free.

Thursday, January 17 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Vagina Monologues Casting Call

This is an open call to women who want to be part of this powerful community production, directed by Helene Kvale.

Friday, January 18 at 7:30 p.m.

The Final Gathering of the Tribal Moon

Drummers, dancers, musicians and others gather around the full moon to participate in a truly tribal experience. We will start with basic Middle-Eastern rhythms to get the dancers moving and see where we go from there. Please bring instruments, the desire to dance or the enthusiasm to share in a tribal experience. Extra drums and other percussion will be available as well. Free!

Friday, February 1 & Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Full Force Dance Theatre
Window to the World

Charter Oak Cultural Center presents Full Force Dance Theatre in Window to the World, a contemporary dance concert with international themes and world music by Zap Mama, Sheila Chandra, Nawang Khechog, Michio Mamiya and more.  Also featured will be Katie Stevinson-Nollet’s recent hit “When the Fat Lady Sings,” a suite of quirky, yet endearing dances, performed to classic opera favorites.  “Sacred Garden,” the newest work choreographed by six year FFDT veteran, Lorelei Li Chang, will be debuted.  Tickets are $20, $10 seniors, Charter Oak & Let*s Go! Members, $5 students.

Thursday, February 7 & Friday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The Vagina Monologues

A Valentine’s Day tradition.  Directed by Helene Kvale.  Ticket sales to benefit Interval House and My Sister’s Place.  $15, $10 seniors, Charter Oak & Let*s Go! Members, $5 students.

Sunday, February 10 at 3:00 p.m.

Tanat L’Vat Yiftach:  A Ritual Commemorating Jephthah’s Daughter

This moving ritual honors the memory of Jephthah’s daughter, a nameless woman who, according to the Bible, was sacrificed by her warrior father to fulfill a vow he made to God.  Led by its creators, including Rabbi Donna Berman, this is a unique opportunity to be nourished body, mind and spirit.  Suggested donation, $5.

Friday, February 15 at 8:00 p.m.

Rock yer Socks Presents…

A night of indie music with bands TBA.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m.  $6, $5 with a can of food for donation to Hartford Food Not Bombs.  More info at www.rockyersocks.org

Tuesday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. 

Food Stamp Project Dinner and Orientation

Designed to raise consciousness about the realities of hunger in Hartford and to raise funds for MANNA Food Pantry, The Food Stamp Project presents an opportunity for people who don’t live in poverty to experience what it is like to exist on $4 a day.  Join us on Tuesday, February 26th at Charter Oak Cultural Center, as we kick off the Food Stamp Project with a shared meal and conversation.

Tuesdays, March 4, 11, & 18

Food Stamp Project Gatherings 

Participants in the Food Stamp Project, as well as anyone interested in the issue of hunger in Hartford are welcome.  Time and specific program TBA.  Call 860.249.1207 to RSVP

Thursday, March 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Gallery Opening: mixus

For the past 6 years, mixus, a group of Connecticut’s mixed media and collage artists, has met regularly in Hartford to share ideas and discuss their work. These 12 women artists are delighted to be presenting their first show at Charter Oak Cultural Center. Exhibit runs through April 25.  Wine and hors d’oeuvres served.  Free.

Saturday, March 8 at 8:00 p.m.

Rock yer Socks Presents…

A night of indie music with bands TBA.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m.  $6, $5 with a can of food for donation to Hartford Food Not Bombs.  More info at www.rockyersocks.org

Saturday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m.

The Ted Hershey Dance & Music Marathon

  Ted Hershey’s vision was to make the arts a vital part of the life of his city. The Ted Hershey Dance and Music Marathon, four hours of extraordinary dance performed by over 20 different companies and ensembles, is offered as a gift to his memory and to the community he nurtured. Participating in this year’s Marathon are: Allongé Dance Variations, Artists Collective, Asian Performing Arts, Ballet Theatre Company, CONNetic Dance, Figments Youth Dance Ensemble, Greater Hartford Academy, Hartford Conservatory, Hartt School Community Division, The Hartt School, Hugh Blumenfeld, India Performing Arts Center, Judy Dworin Performance Ensemble, Lisa Niedermeyer, Lorelei Chang, Mi Casa, Miss Porter’s School, New England Ballet, Nutmeg Ballet, O’D N’ TAP, Tony Olivares, Sankofa Kuumba, Spectrum in Motion. Underground Coalition, Works/Laura Glenn Dance and Works alumni Brad Roth, Bonita Weisman and Paul Dennis. Tickets are $20 general admission, $10 seniors, Charter Oak & Let*s Go! Members, $5 students. Please visit www.TedHershey.com for more information.

Tuesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Food Stamp Project Closing Event

A simple meal and complex conversation about the intricacies of poverty and hunger marks the end of the Food Stamp Project and the beginning of a more concerted community-wide effort to end hunger in Hartford.  Free.

Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Hartt School Dance Division’s Senior Dance Concert, Part II

The University of Hartford, Hartt School Dance Division, in collaboration with the Charter Oak Cultural Center, presents the Senior Dance Concert, Part II.  Five seniors will present their own choreography and perform solo pieces created by professional choreographers.  Student choreographers: Justin Andrews, Catherine Barrone, Amanda Moone, Sam Silvers and Reona Yonezawa. Guest choreographers include Adam Miller, Amy Marshall, and an excerpt from “Sleeping Beauty,” as staged by Hilda Morales.  Tickets are $20, $10 seniors, Charter Oak & Let*s Go! Members, $5 students, Hartt faculty and staff.

Monday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m.

Feminist Seder

Enjoy an intimate evening with Rabbi Donna Berman exploring, through the lens of the Haggadah, what liberation means for women in 2008.  $36, full dinner included.  Space is limited.  Call 860.249.1207 to RSVP by April 1.

Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.

FLOW, DRIP, CASCADE: A Dance Concert

Join Dance Connect as they present movement that flows in breath and beauty, drips in longing, and cascades in laughter and joy.  Dance Connect, a collaborative modern dance company, returns to Charter Oak, showcasing the work of several choreographers.  This eclectic program will reflect Dance Connect’s strong ensemble work and dynamic, vibrant movement, for which they are becoming known.  So flow, drip or cascade on down to Charter Oak and “connect” with us!  Tickets are $20, $10 seniors, Charter Oak & Let*s Go!  Members, $5 students.

Saturday, April 26 at 8:00 p.m.

Rock yer Socks Presents…

A night of indie music with bands TBA.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m.  $6, $5 with a can of food for donation to Hartford Food Not Bombs.  More info at www.rockyersocks.org

Thursday, May 1 at 5:30 p.m.

Gallery Opening:  Searching for Light

Internationally exhibited artist, Mariano Cinat, a resident of New York City and Buenos Aires, Argentina, brings his powerfully evocative paintings to our large gallery.  Exhibit runs through June 27.  Wine and hors d’oeuvres served.  Free.

Thursday, May 8 at 5:30 p.m.

The Charter Oak Cultural Center’s 7th Annual Gala at the Hartford Hilton

You won’t want to miss this festive, elegant evening.  Enjoy fine food, drink, and extrordinary live performances.  Dance to the soulful sounds of the Savage Brothers Band.  Honor and celebrate with Charter Oak’s 2008 Vision Award winners.  Black tie optional.  Having fun isn’t.  Tickets, $150.  Call 860.249.1207 for reservations.

Friday, May 9 at 8:00 p.m.

Rock yer Socks Presents…

A night of indie music with bands TBA.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m.  $6, $5 with a can of food for donation to Hartford Food Not Bombs.  More info at www.rockyersocks.org

Thursday, May 29, Friday, May 30 & Saturday May 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, June 5, Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m

Spectrum in Motion Dance Theater Ensemble
Magangda Dalaga, a beautiful woman....the story of Eurydice

As the culmination of the 25th anniversary season, Spectrum in Motion presents the story of Eurydice.  This work is an exploration and the discovery of what we hold dear: love, beauty, faith, and trust.  Many of us are familiar with Orpheus, the son of Apollo and one of his muses.  His gift of music was revered by all.  We are told of his love for Eurydice, his wife.  Their love story is a tragic one, but their love is an inspiration for all and endures the test of time.  Accompanied by live music and selected recorded music by the world renowned Wayne Shorter, Magandang Dalaga  continues the tradition of celebrating the  stories of our lives and  honoring  one of America’s great sons - Wayne Shorter.  Original set design by The Monster Crew and original costumes by The Fabulous Chenille Twins.  $20, $10 seniors, Charter Oak & Let*s Go! Members, $5 students.

Thursday June 12, Friday June 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 14 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

A Doll’s House

Hartford. 1952.  Nora prepares Christmas as usual, knowing that the next 48 hours will change her life.  Henrik Ibsen’s classic A Doll’s House is reimagined in this exciting new adaptation where magical realism collides with gritty reality.  Directed by Helene Kvale and Adam Marple for Bated Breath Theatre, with the generous support of the The Marks Family Endowment in the Fine Arts.  A must-see for audiences who love ground-breaking theatre. $15, $10 seniors, Charter Oak & Let*s Go! Members, $5 students.

Thursday, June 19 at 5:30 p.m.

Juneteenth Pilgrimage

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States.   Gather with your friends and neighbors to make a pilgrimage of remembrance from the Charter Oak Cultural Center to Hartford’s African Burial Ground, where a ceremony of commemoration will take place.  Free.

Friday, June 20 at 8:00 p.m.

Rock yer Socks Presents…

A night of indie music with bands TBA.  Doors open at 7:30 p.m.  $6, $5 with a can of food for donation to Hartford Food Not Bombs.  More info at www.rockyersocks.org