Page 16 Thursday, June 18, 2009 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION Sloan Wainwright Brews Strong Finale for ‘Coffee with Conscience’

By ERIC NIERSTEDT Photo by Nicholas Marwell Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times SP Teen Produces, Organizes, WESTFIELD — The Coffee with Conscience Concert series ended its ninth series this Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Westfield Performs in Autism Benefit Concert with the impassioned singing of Sloan By MARYLOU MORANO times a week from 9:30 to 11 p.m. plore the connection between music Wainwright. As always, proceeds went Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times Madhumita chose to study the saxo- and the brain, and she believes that to a charity, the Community Food Bank SCOTCH PLAINS – Helping others phone because of “its closeness to music can be used to study the func- of New Jersey, which provides food comes naturally to township resident Indian music in terms of rhythmic tions of the brain, as well as be used to and other services to less-fortunate fami- Madhumita Parmar, a soon-to-be sopho- vitality and improvisational sponta- help find cures for brain disorders. lies across the state. more at the Academy for Allied Health neity.” “Sangamam” raised more than The show opened with brief words Sciences, and it has a lot to do with how Madhumita, also a Bharatantyam $5,000 for Autism Speaks. from series founder Ahrre Maros and the teen was raised. dancer, has performed competitively “I am sure this support will go a long a speaker from the Food Bank, and Her belief that one’s gifts and talents throughout India, Europe, Canada, way in bringing hope and light into the then moved into a brief opening of- should be shared with others is a value fering from guitarist Cadence Carol, instilled in her by her parents, Suba who also doubled as Ms. Wainwright’s Parmar, a classical Bharatanatyam percussionist. teacher from South India and the direc- A full-time art teacher, Ms. Carol tor of Shubanjali of Performing Arts in began her set by asking the attendees Scotch Plains, and Ramesh Parmar, a when school ended in the Westfield businessman from North India. district. Her repertoire was comprised “We should share ourselves and our of folksy acoustic songs ranging from lives in such a way as to change the lives “Have Faith,” an ode to her early rela- of others,” said Mr. Parmar. tionship with her husband, to an un- Keeping true to her family’s values, titled ending song that featured a dry, Madhumita, with the help of her fam- funky backbeat and additional vocals ily, recently produced and organized from Ms. Wainwright and her guitarist/ “Sangamam” – a musical extravaganza songwriting partner Steve Murphy. benefit concert held at Scotch Plains– Ms. Wainwright then took the stage, Fanwood High School to raise money as the crowd eagerly applauded. Though Between songs, she played around that Ms. Wainwright had passed every for Autism Speaks, an organization Wainwright’s family (niece and nephew with both the audience and the band, day in her hometown (“Viking Tree”). committed to awareness of autism Martha and Rufus, as well as brother even catching Mr. Murphy biting his She also told the story behind an- through education and research. Loudon) may be more well known, she nails and calling out for a nail clipper other cover song, the Grateful Dead’s Madhumita not only put the concert commanded the audience’s attention (Ms. Carol quickly displayed one). “Box of Rain,” which bassist Phil Lesh together, she was one of the perform- from the first song, “Little Bit,” which Ms. Wainwright also told many sto- had written about his dying father. Ms. ers. demonstrated her strong, bluesy- ries about the songs such as how she Wainwright then brought the evening Appearing with Madhumita on the smooth voice. and her band had written one after to a close with Jimmy Cliff’s “Sitting stage was Layatharanga, an acoustic Ms. Wainwright showcased her warm meeting a woman who had returned to Here in Limbo,” which garnered both a rhythm group and one of India’s most personality on stage, relating her feel- her grandparent’s farm after 75 years standing ovation and an eagerness for popular musical performers. ings about everything from the deli- (“Meet the Sun Halfway”) and a tree next season to begin. The five members of Layatharanga – cious mango gelato being served to the ™ Rajakamal on flute, Giridhar Udupa on evening’s deluge she had faced while POPCORN ghatam and konnakol (vocal percus- MAKING PEOPLE AWARE...Scotch Plains student Madhumita Parmar re- traveling on the Turnpike, saying that sion), Jayachandra Rao, who plays the cently produced, organized and starred in“Sangamam” – a musical extravaganza “even if rain’s important, I’m sick of it.” The Hangover: Pounds mridangam, Pramath Kiran on tabla benefit concert held at Scotch Plains–Fanwood High School to raise money for The discussion of rain segued into and morsing, Arun Kumar, who per- Autism Speaks, an organization committed to awareness of autism through “Cool Morning,” a song about “putting forms drums and vocal percussion, and education and research. your feet in the dirt,” on which Ms. With Lingering Laughter Solomon on keyboards – consider their Wainwright displayed some Cher-like music to be “world music” because it is the Bahamas and the United States, lives of so many children affected by vocals. Afterwards, the trio then per- One Popcorn, Poor • Two Popcorns, Fair • Three Popcorns, Good • Four Popcorns, Excellent a fusion of different styles from across including at Carnegie Hall. autism,” said Mrs. Parmar. formed the first of several songs from By MICHAEL S. GOLDBERGER their lives. It is also curiously ironic that the globe. In the past, Madhumita has raised Dr. Jill Harris, Children Specialized “Rediscovery,” Ms. Wainwright’s new 3 and ½ popcorns Stu, a dentist, is missing a tooth and Phil The group is currently on an interna- funds through her performances for Hospital’s director of psychology and album of covers that includes Marvin The funniest among Hollywood’s is wearing a hospital bracelet. This is a tional musical tour that started in Mada- Habitat for Humanity, Share and Care coordinator of the autism program, ex- Gaye’s “Mercy Me” (The Ecology). recent spate of irreverent farces, The case for Mr. Sherlock Holmes. gascar. Foundation, Leukemia Foundation and pressed her gratitude for the benefit Ms. Wainwright was easily able to Hangover refuses to relinquish your He’ll need a sense of humor and an Madhumita accompanied the Ayurveda Hospital project in India. concert. channel the mood of the soul classic; funny bone from opening scene to clos- open mind as the layers of complica- Layatharanga by singing in the classi- The Raoul Wallenberg Foundation “The Parmar family has inspired the the only more amazing challenge was ing credits. Director Todd Phillips (Old tion peel off to our sidesplitting aston- cal North Indian Hindustani and South has honored her for outstanding com- support of the community in putting how she adeptly shifted from soul to School), working from a deliriously ishment. We know no more than the Indian Carnatic traditions. munity service. this program together for autism,” she country, performing the ominous “Ring funny novel script by Jon Lucas and boys. One moment they are on the hotel Both are vocal techniques she has To Madhumita, who hopes to one said. of Fire,” made famous by Johnny Cash. Scott Moore, gives his merry-go-round roof toasting the occasion. Next stop, been studying since the age of 5. day become a neurologist, planning According to Dr. Harris, one out of Ms. Wainwright continued to jostle of lunacy an especially inspired spin. complete amnesia and bewilderment. Madhumita also played the saxo- and performing in a benefit concert every 94 children in the state has au- between originals (“Between the Lines,” But hmm…just one caveat to those And uh, oh – Stu can’t find the engage- phone, an instrument she began study- for Autism Speaks seemed to be a tism. with a chord progression reminiscent of hungry for laughs. It’s been suggested ment ring he was going to give his ing five years ago. good match. Anyone who would like to donate to “Jumping Jack Flash,” the poppy “Baby that, like I Love You, Man (2009), only shrewish girlfriend. She learned a special song for “The brain interests me. It is a small can do so by logging on to the Autism and Bathwater” and the bluesy “Wild in more so, to fully enjoy this tale of a That’s the dentist’s specific subtext. Sangamam by practicing with mem- organ that can do so much,” she said. Speaks website at autismspeaks.org and this World”) and covers (Neil Young’s bachelor party weekend in Las Vegas, it Each fellow brings a little baggage to bers of Layatharanga online three She would also like to one day ex- mentioning the May 17 S”angamam” “After the Gold Rush,” Bob Dylan’s might help to be a guy…or at least the journey…something to work out program. “Meet Me in the Morning”). know one really well. The fantasy de- between crazy and sometimes even picted is as much about male bonding death-defying escapades. Which in- as it is about Bacchanalian behavior. clude, but are not limited to, an unsa- Alumni Write and Direct You see, though Phil (Bradley Coo- vory gangster known as Mr. Chow (Ken per), Alan (Zach Galifianakis), Stu (Ed Jeong), a big to-do with Mike Tyson Helms) and Doug (Justin Bartha) may and a stolen police cruiser. Theatrical Production sense it on a subconscious level, their Oh, and there seems to be some sort SCOTCH PLAINS – Love (Awk- Union Catholic, and Mr. Rotondo, a otherwise spontaneous adventure in of connection with pretty Jade, who wardly) is a collaborative process by sophomore at New York University naughtiness is a boisterously tacit explains that being an escort is really playwrights Maryann Carroll Carolan studying in the Tisch Department of declaration…their last rite of passage just a good way to meet customers for ’86 and John Rotondo ’07, as well as 12 Dramatic Writing, approached the stu- as young men. Phil is already married. her, er, other occupation. Heather Gra- juniors and seniors from Union Catho- dents in March to begin brainstorming Now Doug is taking the leap. Gee, this ham is winsome in a variation on the lic Regional High School in Scotch ideas. counts. traditional, heart-of-gold stereotype. Plains. The collaborators are: Chris Brown Not that they talk about it much. At She’s also invaluable in helping the The play is a comedy that follows the ’09, Angelo Cerimele ’09, Alex Cortés least not in heart-to-heart fashion. It’s protagonists piece things together. relationships of eight juniors and se- ’09, Greg Gedman ’10, Arielle Gonzalez done in deed, on the run in exclamation, So is the quirky, foulmouthed Mr. niors and focuses on the wonderful, ’10, Jenna Lloyd ’09, Conor chide and bravado, Three Musketeers Chow, though we’re not sure we can painful, exhilarating and awkward McDonough ’10, Samantha Mellina style, their very own d’Artagnan in tow. take his complete word on matters. For moments of relationships. ’10, Taziana Molinaro ’09, Jordan Years hence, it will be their watershed. one, he says the gang owes him $80G’s Ms. Carolan, a teacher and director Morrisey ’10, Justine Mujica ’10, and For they are basically good boys. Which – his share of last night’s gambling of the Performing Arts Company at Jeanette Rudnicki ’09. is why it’s a riot. Bad boys behaving winnings. In the meantime, adding a bit TRUE LOVE…The collaborative effort Love (Awkwardly) will be presented at The play is being directed by Ms. badly are just a bore. of icing to the confusion, no one really Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains later this month. Pictured, from left Tamaques School Carolan and Mr. Rotondo and assistant Surely, if they were not upstanding knows what’s become of bridegroom- to right, are: front row, Taziana Molinaro, Arielle Gonzalez, Greg Gedman, directed by Jordan Morrisey ’10. guys, Sid (Jeffrey Tambor), the bride’s to-be Doug. Sammie Mellina, Jordan Morrisey and Justine Mujica; and back row, Alex Holds First Art Show Junior Arielle said, “The show is for dad, would not loan them his most prized Note that for some the R-rated thrills Cortes, Angelo Cerimele, Chris Brown, Jenna Lloyd and Conor McDonough. WESTFIELD – Last month, anyone who has ever dated, had a crush possession. We do not want anything to might prove the guilty kind. Though Tamaques Elementary School, at its or been a teenager.” happen to the beautiful, 1969 Mercedes- never seen, there is alleged drug taking, first art show, showcased every The play has the “sincerity and detail Benz 280SE Cabriolet. Yet, as the co- plus a host of laws broken. However, Summer Workshop Offers student’s artwork in the multi-pur- of real teen lives mixed with the humor starring icon cruises off to that sinful for filmgoers who can separate enter- pose room. The school was open to of theatre,” added Taziana. oasis, we have been cued to trepidation. tainment from their real life values, this visitors for two hours on two days, Love (Awkwardly) performances will Perhaps reliving a moment of youth, extreme delve into boys being boys will Many Musical Choices and student musicians provided ac- be on June 25, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. at Sid winkingly reminds that, “What prove hilarious while also waxing philo- WESTFIELD – Young musicians of wind or percussion instruments may companying music. Union Catholic High School, located at happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” He sophical about the gender. all ability levels can choose from among enroll in the Workshop Band and learn Students had a chance to view their 1600 Martine Avenue. Tickets can be makes but one stipulation. Pity, he’s Not that this could ever be mistaken many courses offered this year by the the music from this year’s Summer schoolmates’ work during this time. purchased in advanced by calling (908) referring to his own son when he in- for a doctoral thesis on the male animal. Music Department of the 2009 Westfield Stage Theater production of Little Shop This show is an alternative to the 889-1600, extension 318. structs, “Just don’t let Alan drive. He’s Or at least let’s hope not. Indeed, the Summer Workshop (WSW). of Horrors. Participants enrolled in this Westfield district’s annual student art not right.” Sid has something there. buddy-buddy genre has evolved since Young players in the pre-kindergar- course, for grades 4 through 8, must show and ensures that all children’s Frolova Becomes Nonetheless, Alan is along for the ride, Cary Grant, Victor McLaglen and Dou- ten and kindergar- have completed works will be displayed and that all the foisted pal, the wildcard. glas Fairbanks, Jr. exchanged courte- ten classes are in- book one of any student musicians will have a chance to Doodle Google Finalist The ensuing hijinks, delivered in cata- sies in Gunga Din (1939). The Hang- troduced to the vio- band method. perform a solo in front of an audience. SCOTCH PLAINS – Anya Frolova, clysmic waves of raucousness, begin over is an exceptionally zany afteref- lin, while first grad- Students must a sophomore at Scotch Plains- with a flashback. Disheveled in the fect of that democratization. ers in the Little Art- supply their own Fanwood High School, was chosen desert, his five o’clock shadow signal- * * * ists Workshop will instruments for all as one of two state finalists for New ing what hath befallen, Phil is talking to The Hangover, rated R, is a Warner participate in the classes except Kids Jersey in the national “Doodle 4 Doug’s intended (Sasha Barrese). She Bros. Pictures release directed by Todd unique piano expe- on Keys and Music Google” competition. needs assurance they’ll be back in time. Phillips and stars Bradley Cooper, Ed rience called Kids Sampler. Informa- Anya moved to the area from Rus- He fears it’s not going to happen. Roll Helms and Zach Galifianakis. Running on Keys. tion on instrument sia in the middle of eighth grade. tape. We’re about to find out why. time: 100 minutes. Many other mu- rental is available Anya’s piece, entitled “Hello,” can be Via a deft screenplay sporting the sic choices in the from the New Jer- seen on google.com/doodle4google/ kind of chronological savvy rarely seen Teen Arts Exhibit On WSW are available STRUNG OUT…Playing the violin is sey Workshop for winners_state.html. in comedies, it is a mystery how they for students in one of the many musical choices of- the Arts at (908) A panel of independent judges and first wind up in a hotel suite with a live Display in Murray Hill grades 2 through 8. fered at the 2009 Westfield Summer 789-9696. Google employees chose the approxi- tiger, a baby and the worst hangovers of AREA – The Union County Board One instrumental- Workshop. Students may mately 400 doodles from across the of Chosen Freeholders announced that music selection is Fiddlin’ Fun, for also pursue vocal music instruction at country. The drawings were chosen FW Arts Council the 2009 Teen Arts Traveling Exhibit is grades 2 and 3, where absolute begin- the WSW. For those in grades 3 to 5, Summit Playhouse according to which best represented on display at C.R. Bard. Inc., located at ners will learn the basics of playing the Songs of Stage and Screen brings the the “What I Wish for the World” theme. Presents Pamela Hines 730 Central Avenue in Murray Hill. It violin. Students in grades 4 to 6 will theater to life as vocalists learn skills Holds ‘Brodie’ Auditions In each state, two doodles were FANWOOD – Mayor Colleen Mahr will be on display through Thursday, play popular songs while learning to and techniques that will make singing SUMMIT – The Summit Playhouse selected in each grade group, so each and The Fanwood Arts Council will July 2, during regular office hours. read music in the Guitar class, which even more fun. will hold auditions for The Prime Of grade group and state were equally present The Fanwood Cultural Arts The exhibit consists of 55 pieces of teaches the fingerboard, basic chords New to the vocal music curriculum Miss Jean Brodie on Friday, June 19, represented. Performance Series at the Carriage art selected from more than 600 visual and strums. this year is Musical Theater Chorus. at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 20, at 1 House, located at Fanwood Borough art works shown at the 2009 Union Returning to the WSW after its initial Young singers in grades 2 and 3 will p.m., with callbacks on Sunday, June Hall, on Saturday, June 20, from 7 to 10 County Teen Arts Festival held in March success last year is Kids on Keys, a sing and dance their way through this 21, at 1 p.m. p.m. at Union County College, Cranford. group experience for novice pianists in musical revue of Disney favorites. Production dates are November 6, Performing that night, Pamela Hines Local teen artists whose work is on grades 2 to 4. Kids on Keys uses The 2009 WSW will be held from 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21. Adapted plays straight-ahead jazz, with stan- display include: Isabelle Perrin of Musique Rapide, an easy-to-understand June 29 until July 31, from 8:30 a.m. from the novel by Muriel Spark, the dards and critically acclaimed origi- Mountainside’s Deerfield School, accelerated program to learn the funda- until 12:30 p.m., at Edison Interme- play was written by Jay Presson Allen. nals. Ms. Hines was a guest on Piano Veronica Tolentino, Emily Aschenbach, mentals of reading music. diate School on Rahway Avenue in Auditions are at The Summit Play- Jazz with Marian McPartland, on NPR, Brian Fischer of Union County Vo- Music Sampler provides the answer Westfield. Early morning drop-off house, located at 10 New England in 2000. Her latest release, “Return,” Tech in Scotch Plains, Louis Rodriquez for students who are interested in play- and an afternoon program with the Avenue. To learn more, contact the has earned top-10 play at many na- of Scotch Plains’ Hillcrest Academy, ing a musical instrument, but are unde- YMCA are also available. Enroll- director, Kate Schlesinger, at (908) tional radio stations. Gabby Aragona of Westfield’s Lam- cided as to which one to choose. Aspir- ment is open to residents of all com- 522-1652. Also appearing on the date is Clara berts Mill Academy and Julia Godbee ing musicians, in grades 3 to 8, will munities. Scottish accents are not required at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Lofaro, a Toronto transplant. of Westfield’s Edison Intermediate have fun learning the basics of playing For additional information, call (908) auditions. Rehearsals begin after La- student Anya Frolova’s “Hello” is a For more information, visit School. the clarinet, flute, snare drum, violin 518-1551, visit the NJWA studios at bor Day. The cast includes 15 fe- Doodle Google Finalist. To see more, fanwoodperformanceseries.org. The For information, call (908) 558-2550. and trumpet. 150-152 East Broad Street or log on to males ages 12 to 65 and three males view google.com/doodle4google/ suggested donation is $7 and $5 dona- NJ Relay service users should call 711 Experienced players on brass, wood- njworkshsopforthearts.com. ages 25 to 50. winners_state.html. tion for seniors and students. or e-mail [email protected].