Page 20 Thursday, February 23, 2006 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

Mother Nature Rolls Out White Carpet For Symphony’s Valentine By SUSAN M. DOUGHERTY Representing South America was seeing Maestro Wroe up close. He is Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times composer Carlos Frangetti, who said a focused whirlwind of activity that WESTFIELD – “World Premiere” in the program notes, “This short echoes the sentiment of the music. connotes an occasion replete with work encompasses my reflections, Just watch his fingers, hands and celebrities and a red carpet. While the my thoughts, and the merging of in- wrists and you’ll see a master crafts- Westfield Symphony Orchestra digenous Latin-American music with man molding the composition like a (WSO) may have provided the guest American music.” He used the actual potter with a piece of malleable clay. composer celebrities for their Febru- poet’s words during a portion of his So thoroughly entranced by the ary 11 concert, Mother Nature piece, narrated by Kristin Rothfuss, sounds the orchestra produced, he switched the red carpet to a snowy mezzo-soprano. barely glanced at the Prokofiev score white one on the night touted by the A flamboyant brass section and even once. It was impressive indeed. media as the “Blizzard of ’06.” syncopation featuring xylophone and Many people in the Union County Despite the inclement weather, the maracas enhanced the flavor of his area will remember the crippling snow- show went on, consisting of three music. storm of February 11, yet others will distinct parts: Leonard Bernstein’s The third section of the quartet of recall the night for the musical valen- “Overture to Candide,” the world pre- short compositions reflected Ge Gan- tine presented by this master conduc- miere of “The New Colossus” and Ru’s interest in combining Eastern tor and equally talented New Jersey excerpts from Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Western music. He explained in composers and the musicians who and Juliet.” the program notes, “While in West- made the old and new music sing. Musical Conductor David Wroe Linda Condrillo for The Westfield Leader and The Times DIZZY UP THE GIRL…Daughter of Dizzy Gillespie, Jeanie Bryson, and Chuck Mangione guitarist Coleman Mellett ‘kick opened the musical valentine at a it up a notch’ every Wednesday night in the lounge at Northside Trattoria. fantastic pace—almost like a child ripping open a chocolate-filled crim- son heart. Precision and magnificence entwined to fill the Westfield Presby- Northside Trattoria’s Great Food, terian Church’s sanctuary with the familiar Bernstein piece. The effer- vescent “Glitter and Be Gay” seg- ment of the overture fairly skipped Talent Are Recipe For Success along at breakneck speed. By LINDA B. CONDRILLO big influence on my music career. two could have a belated honeymoon A pale-pink program insert gave Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times There was always music in the house, in Cape Town. Mr. Mellett also teaches background as to how the next section WESTFIELD — The recent addi- all kinds of music, and a lot of jazz of guitar at the Jazz Institute of New of the night’s program originated. tion of a bar and newly renovated course. Her birthday was just the other Jersey, and his new guitar actually “The concept (of “The New Colos- lounge at the Northside Trattoria has day, and I had been cleaning out the played a small role in landing the gig sus”) came out of a creative partnership all the right ingredients for mixing basement and came across about 25 in town. between WSO’s Music Director David eclectic cuisine with great music years of sheet music, demo tapes and So how did the couple end up at the Wroe and the Geraldine Dodge Founda- thrice weekly. Wednesday night’s fea- recordings on cassette. One of them Northside Trattoria? The two revealed tion, whose vision coincided in the de- tured act boasts a famous musical was a tape she made for me singing that it was a series of interesting coin- sire to create a work representing a mani- lineage and some amazing creden- one of the songs she wrote when I was cidences. Mr. Mellett told The Leader festation of the ‘American Dream,’ as tials. about five or six. I played it for her on and The Times, “John Reynolds of expressed by New Jersey artists,” it said. In a recent interview with the her birthday and the words came right Golden Age Fretted Instruments re- Each artist represented a different Westfield Leader and The Times of back to me as if they were sung yes- cently moved his vintage guitar store sphere of the world- Africa, South Susan M.Dougherty for The Westfield Leader and The Times Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Times, jazz terday.” to Westfield. He kept telling me about America, Asia or Europe. TUNING UP…Moments before the Westfield Symphony Orchestra present their vocalist Jeanie Bryson and guitarist Her mom also wrote the lyrics for the Trattoria and that I should come in Local composer and choral arts musical valentine to the community on February 11, orchestra members do last Coleman Mellett spoke about them- Ms. Bryson’s recording “Deja Blue.” to check it out because they were director for the Westfield Methodist minute tuning in the Westfield Presbyterian Church sanctuary. The blizzard of selves and their regular gig at their Her album Some Cats Know for starting to feature live music and it Church Trent Johnson was one of the ’06 didn’t deter too many of the diehard fans. new “home.” Telarc, a label that has released sev- might be the perfect place for us.” four men commissioned to write a Ms. Bryson is the daughter of the eral of her recordings, is a tribute to Ms. Bryson was getting the same section of the larger work. He said he ern music composers are concerned late Dizzy Gillespie, a fact she had Peggy Lee. A selection of her CDs is signals, but from a different source. had no foreknowledge of what the with the relationships between kept hidden until after his death in available at the Trattoria, and Ms. Her good friend, Toni Lissman, the other composers were planning. “We pitches, in Chinese music what is 1993. Early in her career, Ms. Bryson Bryson is happy to autograph them. manager of Town and Country Wine did not meet as a group,” Mr. Johnson important is the particular pitch and sang for her father at one of his en- She married her husband of two – the Trattoria’s cheese supplier – told the Westfield Leader and The microtonal and timbral character.” gagements. Fondly recalling the mo- years, whom she warmly refers to as mentioned the same thing. Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood. dur- Soprano Carole Farley translated ment, she told the newspaper, “He “Coley,” at Dizzy Gillespie Park in One night, the two stopped in for ing intermission, “but we were given Ge Gan-Ru’s portion in untraditional was playing near Atlantic City and Cheraw, S.C. In attendance were Mr. dinner and, according to Ms. Bryson, a portion of the Emma Lazarus poem vocal sounds. Unfortunately, the or- invited me to come up on stage with Gillespie’s first cousins, Renee Wil- “From the moment we walked in the to interpret through music.” The fa- chestra overpowered her bird-like him. My son was just about two at the son and Hanson MacIntosh. Mrs. door, we knew we found our home.” mous poem is engraved at the base of staccato vocal notes. A lovely cello time and waiting backstage for me. Wilson and husband, Jack, hosted the When the couple talked to the own- the Statue of Liberty. and viola section echoed a memo- There I was, standing at the mic, couple’s wedding party. ers, they discovered they had some- Representing an African voice, Mr. rable refrain. when he runs out to find me and No stranger to big names himself, thing else in common. Johnson opened his composition with Segment four of “The New Colos- clings on to my leg, as I’m singing Mr. Mellett is Chuck Mangione’s Although they had never met, both bird-like flutes, which suggested sus” was written by Mark McGurty, (Billie Holiday’s) ‘God Bless the guitarist. He started playing music Ms. Bryson and Trattoria co-owner dawning, and a luxurious harp to cre- who said in print, “This work is a very Child’ for my father.” early on, first on the piano. “My fa- Chris Boyle worked together – in ate waves lapping on the American simple three-part structure with an Get Outta’ Ms. Bryson admits that having ther played a little guitar, so I started different ends of the restaurant – 15 shore. Three sections of his piece extended obligato for mezzo-soprano Dizzy Gillespie for a dad may have getting interested in that. Then I took years ago in Madison at the Cook gave the listener a snippet of a Euro- soaring over a lush orchestra state- The House helped her career, but only partially. guitar lessons from a nun. She was Plaza Café. The musicians and the pean jig, an African song and a Ko- ment.” “I think maybe cosmically, and surely very strict,” he said. restaurateur took it as a sign, and the rean tune. Mr. McGurty’s music spotlighted a By CAROL F. DAVIS genetically, it definitely helped, but Obviously, the discipline has paid rest, as they say, is history. One’s imagination could soar envi- gorgeous duet of Ms. Rothfuss’ talent Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times politically, no. What most people off. Hired by Mangione in 2000 to Ms. Bryson has performed in inter- sioning the diversity of people stand- and a marvelously mellow flute. On Saturday and Sunday, March 4 don’t know is that I had a very good perform as a member of the “Feels So nationally acclaimed jazz clubs all ing before Lady Liberty as the mag- After the brief intermission, the and 5, Puccini’s La Boheme, featur- relationship with my father. I remem- Good” band, Mr. Mellett also tours over the world. Out of the 20 some- nificent strains filled the air. Prokofiev “Romeo and Juliet” proved ing Kam Chang who starred in the ber him coming to see me in the late globally. Several months following thing countries she has toured, she to be well worth the wait. Broadway production, will be at the ’80s, to see me play at a mid town jazz the nuptials, Mr. Mellett was sched- counts Brazil as the most memorable Metro Chorus Enjoys Maestro Wroe worked his magic Roy Smith Theater at Union County club in Manhattan. And he was just so uled to play an engagement in South of all. “The music is imbued in the with the responsive orchestra mem- College in Cranford. Tickets are $25 proud.” Africa. As a wedding present, Brazilian culture. The people there Seventh Anniversary bers, who struck a good balance be- to $35, and show times are 7:30 and 3 Ms. Bryson’s mother is songwriter Mangione and his wife, Rosie, sprung are very knowledgeable about indig- CRANFORD – This is a milestone tween the percussion and strings. p.m. respectively. This is a Little Connie Bryson. “My mom was a very for airline tickets for the bride so the enous music – all kinds of music, year for the members of Metro In the “Montagues and Capulets,” Opera Company of New Jersey per- really, and they love jazz. I can re- Rhythm Chorus, as they celebrate especially, the two distinct clans were formance. For information call (908) member once when I was playing on seven years as a Sweet Adelines In- easily imagined. With a crisp snare 789-9696, or log onto: http:// www.njworkshopforthearts.com/. CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 ternational barbershop-singing cho- drum and impressive tympani, the Puccini's rus. Since the chapter was issued its fortissimo/pianissimo contrasts were * * * * * * * Junior Musical Club charter in early 1999, ladies from stunning. Café Vivace, on the Fanwood/ LaBoheme across Northern and Central New Jer- The “Young Juliet” segment Plainfield border, has a Thursday The To Perform Ensemble sey and Staten Island have sung, sparkled with energy and delightful evening Mix and Mingle Network- LittleOpera WESTFIELD – The members of danced, competed in costume and flutes. Likewise, “Friar Lawrence” ing get-together for singles every Company the Junior Musical Club will perform learned the skills of this four-part fit the character with plodding, lum- week, between 5 and 7 p.m. There is in their annual ensemble concert on harmony style of music. bering sounds of a deep-throated tuba, a card exchange, finger foods, live Sunday, March 5, at 1:30 p.m. The The chorus has welcomed new di- mellifluous cello, oboe, clarinet and entertainment, and, of course a bar. Conducted by Robert W. Butts concert will take place at the First rector Daniel Chernosky, who has bass. Directed by Fausto Pineda The restaurant is located on 1370 Baptist Church, located at 170 Elm taken up the task of polishing the One of the advantages of sitting South Avenue. Who knows, you may Street in Westfield. performance level, while improving near the front of the auditorium is wind up meeting someone special 7:30 PM Sat. March 4 This free concert will be open to the chorus’s technical skills. 3:00 PM Sun. March 5 and staying for dinner. Reach them at the public and everyone is welcome Anyone who enjoys singing and Cynthia Graham (908) 753-4500. to attend. The concert will feature the fellowship is encouraged to join the Roy Smith Theater talents of musicians from Westfield To Give Author Talk * * * * * * * at Union County College chorus any Wednesday evening at and the surrounding area. 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, SCOTCH PLAINS – On Saturday, The Nearly New Shop, located in 1300 Springfield Ave the lower level of Crescent Avenue Cranford, NJ The Junior Musical Club has wel- located at the corner of Springfield February 25, Scotch Plains author comed Ben Baron to its ranks following and Union Avenues in Cranford. For Cynthia Graham will join the Scotch Presbyterian Church, 716 Watchung Avenue, Plainfield, is having a Fill A Adults $30 his induction at the February 1 auditions. more information, call Janice Uhlig Plains Public Library to discuss her Seniors $25 Current club officers are as follows: at (732) 391-2535. All ladies are wel- recent book “And When They Call” Grocery Bag event. For a flat fee of Students $15 President, Jean Namkung; Vice Presi- come. at 2 p.m. $5 you get to fill an entire grocery bag dent of Programs, Kirsten Mandala; Vice- All book lovers are invited to at- with clothes. It is taking place from For tickets call: President of Auditions, Ellen Scariati; tend this free program. For more in- now through March 3. The shop is 908-789-9696 Treasurer, Andrew Gibson; Secretary, Palmer to Sign Copies formation, contact (908) 322-5007, open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednes- Wendy Lin; Hospitality, Elena Tinfow, Of ‘Patriot James’ ext. 204 for further information. Light day, Thursday and Friday. For more and Publicity, Bryan Krichilsky. refreshments will be served. information, call (908) 226-8352. The Little Opera Company is a division of the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts WESTFIELD –Westfield native Rob Palmer will meet readers and The Scotch Plains Public Library * * * * * * * sign copies of his novel, “Patriot is located on 1927 Bartle Avenue, a The Work O’ The Weavers: A James,” from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, block away from the center of the Heartfelt Celebration of America’s February 25 at The Town Book Store, town on Park Avenue. Pioneering Folk Group, is a tribute 255 East Broad Street in Westfield. to one of the original folk groups. Mr. Palmer, a 1970 graduate of First Congressional They will perform on Saturday, Feb- Westfield High School, lived in ruary 25, at 8 p.m. in Chatham. Led Westfield for 33 years. His father, To Present Musicales by Pete Seeger, some of their hits Marshall, still resides in Westfield. WESTFIELD – The First Congre- included ‘If I Had A Hammer,’ ‘ ‘This Mr. Palmer’s thriller explores con- gational Church of Westfield, located Land Is Your Land, ‘House Of The temporary issues: the ethics of un- at 125 Elmer Street, resumes its ac- Rising Sun,’ and ‘Michael Row The controlled surveillance, the morality claimed series of concerts, the Mid- Boat Ashore.’ Using songs and tales, of killing terrorists and the line be- Day Musicales, on Wednesday, March you will the group will enlighten you tween patriotism and revenge. “Pa- 1. These free, half-hour noon pro- about the Weavers’ fight against cen- triot James” is the story of Cynthia grams are held in the church sanctu- sorship and repression 50 years ago. James, a woman who asks herself: ary, and followed by a soup and sand- Sound familiar? Tickets are $20, and “how far will I go to avenge a brother wich luncheon available in the church the doors open at 7:30 p.m. in the killed by terrorists?” social hall for $5. Presbyterian Church. For informa- Having previously reviewed the The March 1 concert will feature tion log onto: http:// work, The Westfield Leader and The the chamber music group Maya - www.sanctuaryconcerts.org/ or call Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times called Sato Moughalian, flute; Jacqueline (973) 376-4946. “Patriot James” “an excellent novel Kerrod, harp, and John Hadfield, per- * * * * * * * for those who wish to escape into cussion. Their program on March 1 Debra Galant, author of the fiction finely written fiction…. the reader is will include works by Bach, book “Rattled,” will be at Barnes & challenged to rethink previous ideas Romaneiro, and Ravi Shankar. Maya, Noble Booksellers on Route 22 West about patriotism, especially in a post- a trio formed in the summer of 2005, in Springfield on Wednesday, March 9/11 world.” performs classical music, ethnic mu- 8, at 7:30 p.m. This book has all the “Patriot James” is available at The sic and incorporates improvisations elements of a good soap, from a New Town Book Store, as well as online into its performances. Jersey housewife to animal activists, through ropalmer.com, amazon.com, For further information, contact the slimy developers and McMansions. and barnesandnoble.com. church office at (908) 233-2494. Call (973) 376-8544.