"If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his visions wherever it takes him"

-John F. Kennedy

Over the past 2 weeks I have been exposed to art in many forms, particularly in 2 back-to back visits to New York City. I have always loved New York, but I must admit I have developed a special fondness for this city after my son, Alex, moved there 3 years ago. Now on my trips there, I get to meet him for lunch in places I never would have found on my own.

In a recent blog I wrote about the New York Public Library and the art there:

My friend Ginny and I walked around a Brooklyn neighborhood that features the talent of graffiti artists:

 Today I toured Rockefeller Center and really looked at the art-deco style creativity that surrounds the plaza:

BUT ART IS NOT JUST A VISUAL MEDIUM!

On Friday my husband and I got to check off a wish-list item when we saw Billy Joel perform at Madison Square Garden. (Thank-you Emily, Colin, Alex, and Erika for THAT happy birthday gift!) We had seen him perform other times, but we knew it would be special to see him and hear him in the Big Apple.

Some folks like to get away, 
Take a holiday from the neighborhood. 
Hop a flight to Miami Beach or to Hollywood. 
But I'm takin' a Greyhound on the Hudson River line. 
I'm in a New York state of mind.

-Billy Joel, "New York State of Mind"

We also had a chance to see a Broadway show, In Transit

"In Transit, which played a successful Off-Broadway run, is described as a “new, modern musical, bringing to life a vivid tapestry of characters and music in the city that never sleeps…or stands still. Inspired by the vibrant rhythms of life on the subway, In Transit follows the intertwining lives of eleven New Yorkers, all hoping to catch the express train to success, love and happiness—and the stops they make along the way.” (Playbill Review)

As noted before, music is poetry, and the lyrics from one of the songs "Getting There" represents how many young (or old) New Yorkers must feel:

"Just look at all the people colliding for a moment

I trained myself just to

 ignore, shut the chaos out the door

but this is how I feel to be alive in New York City

to stop and live inside my skin

to enter and let the madness in."

What is special about this musical is that it is Broadway'a first all- a cappella musical--no instruments, just the beautiful harmonies of the actors (and box beat vocal percussionist Chesney Snow.)

THIS REMINDED ME OF BERKS CATHOLIC'S 

A CAPPELLA GROUP, BC SHARPS...

who presented a crazy good rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" at the Talent Show...

AND THAT REMINDED ME OF OTHER ART I'VE BEEN EXPOSED TO THIS WEEK FROM BC SENIOR 

KAYLIN WHITTMEYER:

on the cover of this week's Voices. (Kaylin is a member of the BC Sharps...... Kaylin, representing vocal AND visual art!)

and FINALLY, since it is STANZA SATURDAY...a poem from my student Morgan  who writes about her own city perceptions:

Noisy nights; Bright lights I've lived in the city for some time Nice views; expensive shoes It's great but I fear the crime Erie streets; sick beats Sometimes I question why I stay Often fights; delayed flights I guess I just can't get away Gun shots; smoking spots All that's here is war and strife Tire screech, house breach I suppose this is what you call "city life" Morgan Moyer  Morgan added a picture she took. So my mind has been filled with the love and gratitude and awe that comes from being with my son, the art of the city, the gift of music from my children, the musical inspiration of a Broadway ensemble, and the artistry of my students. President Kennedy, all is well. The roots of our culture continue to nourish. Coming up... basketball meets inspiration.