AMoCA News October - November
The Bizarre Bazaar
Thirty vendors displayed their artwork and crafts at the Bizarre Bazaar, held at the Anderson Museum on November 11 & 12. Just in time for holiday shopping, artisans set up their work which included handmade soap, ceramics, jewelry, tie dyed and screenprinted T-shirts, photographs and holiday ornaments. Everything made by hand. The artful sign at the entrance was made by Masha Sha (RAiR 2020-21).
The sale was organized by Michael Beitz (RAiR 2003-04 & 2014) who invited anyone who wished to participate. There was also a fundraising component — a table displayed cat-themed artworks on sale to benefit MEOW, an artist run non-profit stray cat refuge in Roswell.
First Day of Roswell Jazz Festival — School of Jazz
More than 150 students and their chaperones/teachers squished into the Anderson Museum's Joseph Anderson Gallery on the first day of the Roswell Jazz Festival 2023 to learn all about jazz from the musicians who play it!
Students from Berrendo Middle, Sierra Middle, Mesa Middle, Mountain View Middle, and Gateway, came mostly donned in school colors and their "excited to be out of school" enthusiasm. Luckily the trained professionals kept them entertained for two hours, which included audience participation and questions.
Performers were Michael Francis (piano), Chuck Redd (vibraphone), Houston Person (saxophone), Ricky Malichi (drums), Vinny Raniolo (guitar), and Richard Simon (bass). The students were treated to a Subway sandwich-to-go provided by Zondra Orr! Thanks to Ramon who helped "plug us in" and Mark Salas who prepared our Bösendorfer for the concert.
Last Day of the Roswell Jazz Fetival — Finale at the AMoCA
When musicians start trading instruments, you know it's going to be fun, fast, and fantastic! On the last tune of the last performance of the 16th annual Roswell Jazz festival held at AMoCA on October 29th, pianists Brian Piper, Mark Shane and Ted Rosenthal kept trading places in duos and trios without missing a beat. Then Rosenthal infiltrated Chuck Redd's vibraphone action for a while until Redd moved over to the piano..... while guitarist Vinny Raniolo (whose instrument was firmly attached around his neck) kept a huge grin on his face and his fingers flying. A standing ovation ensued.
AMoCA's concert also included fabulous solo performances by each musician noted above as well as the beautiful vocalist Yve Evans. Jazz Festival organizers were beaming at the successful finale to a successful four days of jazz at no less than eight venues. AMoCA's event was sponsored by our very own Sally Midgette Anderson, who graced us with her presence and equally beaming smile. Well done organizers....see you next year!
