Just Around The Corner: December 23, 1999

Just Around The Corner
Noteworthy Events In The Capital Region

New Art Exhibit at Ned Smith Center
for Nature and Art
Through May 1, 2000
A new art exhibit has taken over the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art. Currently featured at the Center are exemplary works from its collection of wildlife art, including such Ned Smith masterpieces as "Waiting for Dusk" and "Old Orchard Buck." The two paintings, which feature foxes and a 14-point buck, respectively, are among many works that highlight the message of the beauty and wonder of nature that is fundamental at the Ned Smith Center.

In addition to Smith’s outstanding works, the Center is also displaying two recently acquired works from the collection of artist Jacob Bates Abbott. The works, which feature an elk and a moose, were donated to the Center by Robert Bell and were each featured on the cover of the Pennsylvania Game News. Also featured in the exhibit are more selections by Smith and the creations of other Pennsylvania artists, including Rob Stein.

The exhibit will be on display until May 1, 2000. The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm and weekends by appointment or by chance. For more information, call 692-3699.

The Martini Brothers: One Night Only —
(Dinner, Movie, and a Show)
Gullifty’s
December 29
Known for their rockin’ music and their sense of style, chances are the local act, The Martini Bros., isn’t the first image that’d come to mind when you hear the words "dinner" and "movie." That is, until now. On December 29, Gullifty’s becomes the site of the premiere of a documentary that captures 65 minutes of the guys on film. Taking you backstage, on stage, and in-depth, the Steve Wylam-directed feature highlights the highs and lows of being one of Central Pennsylvania’s hottest acts.

"It’s an interesting take on just a band in small town America," said Martini Brother Deuce Gibb, "… the film looks great."

What began as a film on "the totem pole of bands’ success" with The Martini Bros. comprising a minimal role became a project in which director Wylam decided to not only solely feature the locally based band, but capture their lives for a period of some four years — all with his own time and money.

"I’m deeply honored that anyone would even want to take that much time and money [to make the film]," said Gibb of Wylam and the finished project. "I think it’s very exciting."

The night at Gullifty’s, an opportunity for the band to both share their footage with their fans and help reimburse Wylam for his efforts, is being billed as a ‘one-night only’ opportunity and is guaranteed to be a night to remember. The evening begins with dinner at 8 pm, is followed with the movie and comments from the director at 9 pm, and wraps up with The Martini Bros. taking the stage at 10:30 pm.

Don’t miss the chance to get to know The Martini Bros.

For more information on the December 29 show, call 761-6692.

Live and The Martini Brothers
Ringin’ In The New Year
Hersheypark Arena
December 31
"There’s no place like home for the holidays." While that old adage may not hold true in all circumstances, it does appear to be worth its weight when it comes to the York-based rock stars, Live. The quartet is returning to the Keystone state for a ‘once-in-a-millennium’ event at the Hersheypark Arena — with the New Year’s concert beginning at 9:30 pm and ending with Live playing their way well into 2000.

The band’s first appearance in Hershey in two years, the December 31 concert marks a homecoming for the band, giving them the opportunity to once again perform in front of those who have watched them rise from local act to nationally acclaimed artists.

Touring in support of their newest release, The Distance to Here, the concert will also feature songs from the band’s earlier releases Mental Jewelry, Throwing Copper, and Secret Samadhi.

Sharing the bill with Live for the evening is opening act — and local favorites — The Martini Bros. The Martini Bros. are slated to take the stage at 9:30 pm and are, according to band member Deuce Gibb, more than thrilled with the assignment. "It’s an honor," Gibb said, "there’s no place I’d rather be."

Live and The Martini Bros. will hit Hersheypark Arena December 31 at 9:30 pm. For ticket information, call the Stadium Box Office at 534-3911.

SPECIAL NOTE: The LIVE/Martini Bros. show scheduled for New Years Eve has been CANCELLED due to illness. Lead singer Ed Kowalcyzk was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection while touring in Europe and has been advised not to perform. The show is rescheduled for February 4. All tickets purchased for the 12/31 show will be honored on 2/4. To make up for the inconvenience, LIVE will be distributing souveniers to all in attendance at the rescheduled show. For more information, call: 534-3911.

Footloose
Hershey Theatre
January 4 – 9
Just hearing the word "footloose" evokes the image of a young Kevin Bacon and a room full of teenagers romping to the sounds of Kenny Loggins and Eric Carmen. The hit ‘80s movie became Broadway’s hottest musical in the 1998-1999 season and is making its way into the area for eight performances through January 9.

A high-energy, dance-filled performance, Footloose is the story of a teen who made it his mission to turn a conservative town around — and make dancing and music a way of life.

The musical features many of the film’s soundtrack favorites, including "Almost Paradise," "Holding Out For A Hero," "Let’s Hear It For The Boy," and the title track, as well as nine new compositions that were written solely for the stage production.

Footloose is directed by Walter Bobbie (of Chicago fame), stars Joe Machota as Ren McCormack, the role first portrayed by Kevin Bacon, and Teresa Maria Sanchez, as Ariel Moore, Ren’s love interest and daughter of the town minister.

The Broadway musical production of Footloose will take the Hershey Theater stage January 4 and will end its stay January 9. For ticket information, call 534-3405.