Monday, April 26, 2010

Downtown Oyster Bay Comes to Life with Music and Art in May!


Sundown concert series will return to downtown Oyster Bay the First Thursday of each month from May to September

Oyster Bay Sundown Concerts Start May 6

Downtown Oyster Bay will again be the place to hear and enjoy live music this summer. Following the enthusiastic response to last summer’s “SUNDOWN” Concert Series, the Oyster Bay Main Street Association (OBMSA) is ready to roll out the musical red carpet for this year’s events. An exciting and varied mix is planned. Diane Meltzer, Chair of the OBMSA Promotion Committee, said “we are thrilled to be bringing live music to the downtown area for a second year of warm weather outdoor concerts.”

The main focus will be on the “First Thursday” of each month, 7-9 p.m., from May through September. To enhance the Art Walks that are already in place on “First Thursdays”--with their wonderful gallery exhibits, wine tastings, restaurant specials, and general bonhomie--live outdoor music will add another option for residents’ and visitors’ entertainment.

Each month will feature something different. The season kicks off on May 6th at the Teaching Studios of Art, 115 Audrey Avenue, where the OBMSA will host a get-together open to the public, which will coincide with the Studios’ new registration period. In an acoustic setting, John Bruschini’s nylon string guitar and Dale Kleps’ flute and reeds will present fresh interpretations of traditional jazz and classical music, mainly from Argentina, Brazil, and the U.S. The sound will compliment the classical art being taught and on display. Refreshments and drinks will be served.

You may RSVP for this event on our Facebook fan page.



Main Street Strategic Planning Completed
During the second weekend in April, Main Street board members and community partners came together to conduct a strategic planning exercise. This resulted in a new mission statement, vision statement, and strategic goals for the organization. The mission statement is: "Oyster Bay Main Street Association (OBMSA) is dedicated to enhancing and promoting an attractive and thriving downtown, while maintaining its historic integrity. We are a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit using the national Main Street™ Approach to downtown revitalization. " The vision statement is: "

The inviting gateways to Oyster Bay, including the waterfront, Route 106, and the Long Island Railroad, lead to an aesthetically pleasing historic downtown. Visitors and residents alike are impressed by the artistic and cultural attractions, including appealing diverse restaurants and shops. Walking through the downtown, one can view public art and a pleasing streetscape, which provides outdoor seasonal dining. Museums and an accessible waterfront provide an engaging family-friendly experience."


Please visit our website for more information and to Donate today.



Art Opening of "Le Voyage" at Chase Edwards Gallery, May 8
Chase Edwards Gallery will present "Le Voyage" a journey through color, form, thoughts, and memories, by Artist Megan Sirianni Brand on Saturday, May 8, from 6-9pm. The opening will be hosted by Bistro Citron Restaurant and Supreme Wine Company. A preview of the show will be during the "First Thursdays Artwalk Evening" on Thursday, May 6 from 7-9pm. Chase Edwards Gallery is located at 15 East Main Street in Downtown Oyster Bay.

You may RSVP for this event on our Facebook fan page.



The Chocolate Lady to Provide Cake Decorating Workshop
Oyster Bay's very own Master Pastry Chef/Chocolatier Lee Perrotta of The Chocolate Lady will show you how to hone your skills so that you too can decorate a cake or cupcakes like a pro! Learn how to level a cake, frost with no crumbs and get a smooth top, and to pipe borders, shells, stars. Special techniques will also be taught like how to pipe a clown, create roses and even a basket of flowers cake. A certificate will be provided upon completion. A beginners kit will also be provided on the first night as well as recipes annd a list of additional items to purchase. The class will be on Thursday night from 7-9pm for 4 weeks starting on May 6. Total cost for the class is $165. To register please contact The Chocolate Lady at 516-922-2002.




Children's Art Show at ART(that matters), May 7
ART(that matters) will present a Children's ART show featuring the art of children ages 4-12. The show officially opens during the "First Thursdays Artwalk Evening" on May 6th from 7-9pm. An artist reception will be held on Friday, May 7th from 6-9pm. ART(that matters) is located at 55 W. Main Street, Oyster Bay, NY.




TR and the Water on Display at TRA Gallery

The
TRA Gallery is showing TR and the Water. This is a continuation of a series of art exhibitions
featuring the work of contemporary artists who interpret the passions of Theodore Roosevelt’s many-sided life. The current exhibition evokes the waters of Oyster Bay Harbor—always a place of recreation, contemplation and solace for Roosevelt. On exhibit are beautiful prints, watercolors, oils, photographs, and drawings for sale to benefit the Theodore Roosevelt Association and its many charitable enterprises. The TRA Gallery is located at 20 Audrey Avenue, and open Monday through Friday 11 am—4pm, the First Thursday of every month 7–9pm, and by appointment




Yoga Rocks Oyster Bay Re-launches as Bliss Studio
Bliss Studio, formerly Yoga Rocks Oyster Bay, is proud to announce it’s new name, new look, and exciting new offers. The studio will continue to:
“Provide our clients with exceptional service in promoting wellness of body, mind and spirit through excellence in instruction and program diversity in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.”
In addition to the outstanding Yoga classes for which they are known, Bliss Studio has also introduced the popular dance based fitness program called Zumba. The classes are exciting, fast paced, and fun with outstanding Latin and international music. A Zumba workout combines fast and slow rhythms and resistance training to tone the muscles and burn fat.

The studio's biggest new addition is their Ballroom Dance Program. Instructed by Austrian National Champion 2005 and European World Latin Quarter Finalist Vladimir Velev, the program includes both Latin and Smooth dancing styles for social dancing and competition. There is a Group Class every Friday night at 6:30pm that is open to the public for $20 per person or $35 per couple. A coupon for 15% off dinner at The Homestead is also given to all who register for the Group Class. Private lessons and packages are also available.



OBMSA Member Meeting at Oakcliff Sailing Center Well Attended
Nearly 50 people came out for the Main Street Member Meeting on April 15, at Oakcliff Sailing Center. The meeting began with an introduction by Main Street President Ellen Roché, where she announced the formation of an Advisory Board comprised of community leaders. An overview of work Main Street has done over the past six months was provided by Executive Director Isaac Kremer. Highlights included formation of the Advisory Board, applying for several competitive grants, and implementing the New York Main Street grant that was received. Special events included the Winter Wellness Week in January and the upcoming Oyster Bay Sundown series. Invited guest speakers were David Waldo with The WaterFront Center and Dawn Riley, Executive Director of the Oakcliff Sailing Center who both spoke about work of their respective organizations. Refreshments were provided for the evening, compliments of The Chocolate Lady.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Teaching Studios of Art Announces Sundown Concert and Spring Registration Drive

On Thursday, May 6th, the Teaching Studios of Art will be joining forces with Oyster Bay Main Street Association to host their Sundown Series Kick-Off party. Normally held at an outdoor venue, this party will be in our art studio/classrooms and feature an art show of student and faculty work, as well as the live musical performances of John Bruschini’s nylon string guitar and Dale Kleps’ flute. Light food and drinks will also be served.

Faculty will be available for discussion of their respective courses, and students may register for next session throughout the event.

We are in the middle of our registration drive for Spring Session 2.

Both faculty and student artwork will be on display during the Sundown event.

We invite you to join us and pursue your artistic growth with some of the New York region's most talented and dedicated faculty. At our school, you will find a program that is rooted in classical training, and is unpretentious in approach.Our students range from the absolute beginner to the more advanced.

Bennett's Back Outside

Plein Air Landscape Painting Techniques
Bennett Vadnais, Instructor
Mondays, 2-5pm
In this class, students will learn how to render a landscape, starting from its simplest elements and proceeding to finer details and relationships. These will include understanding values, color relationships, perspective, drawing, and different ways of handling pigment. During this course,students will first learn about basic color mixing strategies and different qualities of oil paint and/or acrylics.

Portraiture
Kristin Kunc and Rob Zeller continue to offer two very different, but compatible approaches in Portrait instruction. Rob offers a more anatomical approach, and Kristin a more painterly touch. All model poses last for 7 weeks at the Teaching Studios of Art.


Kristin Kunc • The Portrait: Instruction by Demonstration Rob Zeller • Portrait Drawing and Painting
Tuesdays 6:00pm - 9:00pm Wednesdays 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Click here for a class description Click here for a class description

Figure Drawing and Painting
Wednesdays 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Click here for a class description

Illustration
Renowned illustrator Susan Gaber joins our staff this session. She has worked as a freelance illustrator at Newsday for 10 years and has illustrated over 24 published books. She will teach Introduction to Illustration on Monday evenings, 6:00pm - 9:00pm. This class will cover the very basics of Illustration in various media: pen and ink, acrylics, and watercolor. If you are trying to build a portfolio of work to pursue a career in Illustration, or simply want to try your hand at the medium, this is a chance to work with a experienced professional.

Susan Gaber• Introduction to Illustration
Mondays 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Click here for a class description Click here to see more of the instructor's work.

Beginner's Classes

If you, or anyone you know wants to study art, but are too intimidated to begin, we offer several options. Our Classical Drawing and Painting classes, on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday evening are designed for artists of all levels and experience. However, this session we are introducing two new classes exclusively for the beginning artist with no previous experience:


Introduction to Classical Drawing
taught by Pat Lind
Thursday mornings, 9:30am-12:30pm
click here for more info

Drawing for the Absolute Beginner
taught by Nan Carey
Saturday afternoons, 2pm-5pm
click here for more info


Children's Classes

This session, we are once again conducting classes for younger artists on Saturday mornings.
Our curriculum focuses on teaching students how to see the basic shapes that make up almost any form. Students then learn how to build more intricate drawings using those shapes. Basic principles of color will be taught, as well. The idea is to set the stage for participation in our more advanced young adult/portfolio class.


Classical Drawing for Children
ages 5 - 11
taught by Svatava Stern
Saturday mornings, 10-11am
click here for more info



We are taking sign ups for our Portfolio Development Program for Summer 2010.
We have introduced a new, more flexible curriculum.
For more info, click here.
Discounts/ Incentives
All classes at our Oyster Bay Studio are:
$300 for 7 weeks, with discounts for taking more than one class.
We are offering the following discounts this session:
2 classes - 10% off
3 or more classes - 15 % off
20% off for any faculty of SUNY school or public high school.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Gold Coast Mansions Website Launched

HistoricLongIsland_G#58CB79

The Gold Coast Mansions Historic Revival

Month of May declared “Long Island History Month”

New Website Launch www.historiclongisland.com


For the past six months, senior representatives from the Gold Coast Mansions, Historic Places, and Historical Societies throughout Long Island have been collectively gathering in the stately rooms of some of Long Island’s most grand Historic Mansions such as Oheka Castle, Old Westbury Gardens, Eagle’s Nest-Vanderbilt Museum, Planting Fields-Coe Hall, Glen Cove Mansion, Sands Point Preserve, and Chelsea Mansion. The intent of the gatherings has been to create a collective marketing campaign, similar to the Newport Mansions, to attract world wide publicity which will encourage tourism and film productions through the promotion of Long Island’s Historic Treasures.


The Gold Coast Mansion Alliance, historic in itself, has launched a new website www.historiclongisland.com, which is sponsored by Oheka Castle. The website features historic places on Long Island and is specifically designed to be very user friendly for tourists interested in visiting Long Island and its Historic Gold Coast Mansions, sites, museums, and villages.


Travel editors, as well as location scouts looking for film and photo locations will also find the website to be a useful resource. Paul Mateyunas, author of “North Shore Long Island Country Houses 1890-1950”, is the author of the Bygone Mansion page which commemorates the 1000’s of mansions, such as Ferguson’s Castle, which once resided on Long Island but have since been destroyed through the years. In addition, the website features a page dedicated to “Historic Homes for Sale” which is sponsored by East Egg Realty.


Visitors to the site will also find a list of Long Island tour guides, recommended day tours and even an Events Calendar which will enable visitors to see a list of events being held at historic places throughout Long Island each month. Google maps have been included to help visitors see where each historic place is located and their relationship to each other.


Starting this year, the month of May will be declared “Long Island History Month” by Suffolk and Nassau County. The significance of designating the month of May as “Long Island History Month” will give all historic sites throughout Long Island the opportunity to attract new visitors year after year. This will ensure that Long Island’s National treasures are here for generations to visit, learn about, and enjoy.


The official launch event of the new website www.historiclongisland.com in conjunction with the signing of the Proclamation designating the month of May as “Long Island History Month” will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at Oheka Castle from 3:00pm – 7:00pm. The event titled, “The Gold Coast Mansions Historic Revival – Party like it’s 1920” will be attended by representatives of historic mansions and places, historical societies and preservationist, media, and politicians by invitation only. Suffolk County Clerk, Judith A. Pascale and Nassau County Clerk, Maureen O’Connell will be on-site to sign the Proclamation. All members of the press are invited and encouraged to attend the revival of the Gold Coast Mansions and this historic moment in Long Island’s history. Formal invitations will be sent via email.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nancy Melius-Murton

nmelius@oheka.com

631-659-1360


Friday, April 16, 2010

Podcast of Oyster Bay Main Street Association 2010 Member Meeting



A Member Meeting for Oyster Bay Main Street was held the evening of April 15, 2010, at the Oakcliff Sailing Center. Presentations were made by President Ellen Roché and Executive Director. Guest speakers not included on this video include David Waldo from The WaterFront Center and Dawn Riley from the Oakcliff Sailing Center. For more information, please visit http://www.oysterbaymainstreet.org/.

OBMSA Mission
Oyster Bay Main Street Association (OBMSA) is dedicated to enhancing and promoting an attractive and thriving downtown, while maintaining its historic integrity. We are a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit using the national Main Street™ Approach to downtown revitalization.

OBMSA Vision
The inviting gateways to Oyster Bay, including the waterfront, Route 106, and the LIRR, lead to an aesthetically pleasing historic downtown. Visitors and residents alike are impressed by the artistic and cultural attractions, including appealing diverse restaurants and shops. Walking through the downtown, one can view public art and a pleasing streetscape, which provides outdoor seasonal dining. Museums and an accessible waterfront provide an engaging family-friendly experience.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Mad Hatters Tea Party, Raynham Hall Museum, May 8, 4-6pm

Text Box: Illustration by Sir John Tenniel from “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,”  by Lewis Carroll, 1865.

Text Box: “Take some more tea,” the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly. “I’ve had nothing yet,” Alice replied in an offended tone, “so I ca’n’t take more.” “You mean you ca’n’t take less,” said the Hatter: “It’s very easy to take more than nothing.” “Nobody asked your opinion,” said Alice. “Who’s making personal remarks now?” the Hatter asked triumphantly.

Text Box: You  are cordially invited to attend a tea party with other nice people under a lovely tent in the garden   at  Raynham Hall Museum Saturday, May 8, 2010, from 4 to 6 in the afternoon tea kindly provided by Harney & Sons tea sandwiches and cakes by La Bonne Boulangerie and Messina Market  Lecture on tea and the Townsends and Alice by the Mad Hatter  Space is limited, so please phone us at 516 922 6808 by April 31st  so we’ll know to save a place for you at the table $40 per person (or wear a maD HAT and pay $5 less)


Also enjoy this event, happening the same day at Bliss Studio less than a block away...


Bliss Studio
127 South Street
Oyster Bay, New York 11771
(516) 624-9642


Workshop of the Month
The Alexander Technique
with Gary Adelman

The Alexander Technique is an century old mind-body method that helps improve the head - neck - back relationship in order to use our bodies in a more effective way. In this workshop you will learn to:
Move and use your body in a natural effortless way
Go deeper into your yoga postures
Reduce pain and help prevent injuries
Open, deepen, and expand the breath

Saturday, May 8, 2010
1pm - 3pm


Space is Limitted

$35 Pre-Registration
$45 At the Door

Mother's Day Specials

Treat Mom to Something Great!

4 Class Yoga Pass

$49
4 Yoga Classes

BONUS!

2 Free Ballroom Group Classes
&
A Coupon for a Complimentary Cocktail
at The Homestead Restaurant


Introduction to Ballroom Package
$49
2 Thirty Minute Private Lessons
2 Ballroom Group Classes


BONUS!

A Coupon for a Complimentary Cocktail
at The Homestead Restaurant




*Special Package Pricing Through 5/9

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Main Street Announces Second Sundown Music Concerts



John Bruschini a featured SUNDOWN artist




Downtown Oyster Bay will again be the place to hear and enjoy live music this summer. Following the enthusiastic response to last summer’s “SUNDOWN” Concert Series, the Oyster Bay Main Street Association (OBMSA) is ready to roll out the musical red carpet for this year’s events. An exciting and varied mix is planned. Diane Meltzer, Chair of the OBMSA Promotion Committee, said “we are thrilled to be bringing live music to the downtown area for a second year of warm weather outdoor concerts.”

The main focus will be on the “First Thursday” of each month, 7-9 p.m., from May through September. To enhance the Art Walks that are already in place on “First Thursdays”--with their wonderful gallery exhibits, wine tastings, restaurant specials, and general bonhomie--live outdoor music will add another option for residents’ and visitors’ entertainment.

Each month will feature something different. The season kicks off on May 6th at the Teaching Studios of Art, 115 Audrey Avenue, where the OBMSA will host a get-together open to the public, which will coincide with the Studios’ new registration period. In an acoustic setting, John Bruschini’s nylon string guitar and Dale Kleps’ flute and reeds will present fresh interpretations of traditional jazz and classical music, mainly from Argentina, Brazil, and the U.S. The sound will compliment the classical art being taught and on display. Refreshments and drinks will be served.

The June 3rd, July 1st, and August 5th concerts will take place at Renaissance Plaza, in the courtyard on Audrey Avenue behind Chrison & Bellina at 24 Audrey Avenue. In case of rain, the music will set up at Atelier/Fine Arts, 9 East Main Street. Bring along a chair and supper if desired.

June 3rd will showcase Tom Licameli, a guitarist and songwriter of the Indie rock band “Knockout Drops” from New York City, and producer of their 2005 rock n’ roll theatre show Escape from Bellevue. For Oyster Bay, Tom will deliver a solo acoustic act of rock n’ roll classics, Beatles favorites, the Who, the Byrds, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Radiohead, and other contemporary greats.

July 1st will herald the Independence Day weekend with the jazzy return of John Bruschini and Dale Kleps as the “Downtown Earth Duo;” this time playing electric guitar and tenor saxophone, respectively.

Bruschini’s compositions will combine improvisation and spontaneity into 20th century jazz tunes and 21st century hot numbers.

August 5th is the date for “Acoustifunk.” This dynamic acoustic duo—Matt Sweeney and Greg Romano singing and playing guitar—present their unique take on classics by the Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, Marvin Gaye, and others. The audience just might turn the courtyard into a dance floor!

September 2nd concludes the series with a bang! The Homestead outdoor patio, 107 South Street—site of last summer’s “Judy Garland Revue”—this summer will be the site for singing sensation Don Anthony and his Songs of the Stars. Reserve a table for dinner or just sit on a lounge and order a drink, while this professional entertainer wows the ladies (and the gents) with his renditions of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tom Jones, Bobby Darin, Elvis, and who knows who else?! He’s played everywhere except Vegas—so far—and now The Homestead!!

First Thursdays in downtown Oyster Bay this summer promise to be a treat for both eye and ear, so mark your calendars now.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Christine Marie Heath and Andrew Byrne offer a free concert in Oyster Bay this Sunday, 4pm

Christine Marie Heath

Emotions
of
Love

Sunday, April 18 at 4pm
(Free Concert)

Take a ride with emotion in this journey of the ups and downs we all face when it comes to emotions in romance. In their first appearance in Oyster Bay, the talented duo of Christine Marie Heath and pianist Andrew Byrne showcase their special blend of hilarious and sentimental, featuring an assortment of tunes from Broadway hits such as Avenue Q, Thoroughly Modern Millie, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.

Sunday, April 18 at 4pm
Christ Church, Oyster Bay

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Oyster Bay's Art Scene is Starting to Gain Attention - LI Pulse

According to Long Island Pulse, Oyster Bay is getting the reputation of being an art town. The article described the Art Walk held the First Thursday of every month from 7-9pm as follows "Oyster Bay's art scene is starting to gain attention. During Art Night, crowds pack the galleries and art is being sold. In the hamlet, new friendships are being made." For the full article, go here.

The Oyster Bay Art Walk features an international spectrum of contemporary artists, displaying their work at several downtown locations. Many businesses throughout the town will be displaying artwork. Many restaurants also will be exhibiting art and offering a percentage off on meals, wine tastings, and more. Live entertainment will take place, and restaurants and cafes will be open for coffee and dessert.




Art Walk Map, click to enlarge



These galleries and arts-related venues all will be open:
1. Chase Edwards Gallery, 15 East Main Street,
chaseedwardsgallery.com
2. Atelier Fine Arts/Studio, 9 East Main Street,
jerelynhanrahan.com
3. Art That Matters, 55 West Main Street,
artthatmatters.com
4. the Teaching Studios of Art, 115 Audrey Avenue,
teachingstudios.com
* 5. Peter Charles Designs, 17 East Main Street,
petercharlesdesigns.com
* 5a. Maison Verte - Organic Green Products, 17A East Main Street,
maisonverteny.com
* 6. Oyster Bay Frame Shop, 3 East Main Street,
oysterbayframe.com
7. Chrison & Bellina, 24 Audrey Avenue
8. BayKery Cafe, 124 South Street
* 9. Terry's Color Creations, 5 East Main Street
* 10. Friends of the Bay, 111 South Street,
friendsofthebay.org

* 11. TRA Gallery, 20 Audrey Avenue, curatorialservices.com
* 12. Ben/s Garden, 95 Audrey Avenue, bensgarden.com

* Art Venues and Specialty Shops

Also, please be sure to patronize the following restaurants:
a. Canterbury's Oyster Bar, 46 Audrey Avenue,
canterburyalesrestaurant.com/
b. Wild Honey, 1 East Main Street,
wildhoneyrestaurant.com
c. Fiddleheads, 62 South Street,
fiddleheadsnewyork.com
d. Cafe al Dente, 2 Spring Street,
cafealdenteny.com
e. The Homestead, 107 South Street,
homesteadoysterbay.com
f. Coach Bar & Grill, 22 Pine Hollow Rd,
coachgrillandtavern.com



Oyster Bay Sundown
A live music series is being planned again this year for downtown Oyster Bay. Three restaurants:
Canterbury’s,Fiddleheads, and The Homestead are all arranging to have live music every Thursday night. Live outdoor music will be provided the 1st Thursday of each month at Renaissance Plaza (24 Audrey Avenue) on June 3, July 1, & August 5, from 7-9pm each night. The kick-off for Oyster Bay Sundown will be held on May 3 at the Teaching Studios of Art to coincide with their spring registration drive. The last concert will be September 2 at The Homestead. These concerts are free and open to the public.