The soul of Simone shines through at local venue
PHOTO PROVIDED
Lisa Simone, known as “Simone,” performs at the Community Arts Center during the arts celebration.
“Absolutely the best concert I have ever experienced here at the Community Arts Center,” said Bob Elion, a veteran season ticket holder. Followed by others’ comments: “Unbelievable! Spell binding! Fabulous! Intimate! Powerful!” Daughter of legendary jazz singer Nina Simone, Lisa Simone, known as “Simone,” and her band of excellent jazz musicians gave us a night to remember. Simone began her visit Monday to Williamsport with a personal tour of the Inspiration Lycoming Mural led by Michael Pilato, muralist and director of the Public Art Academy at the Pajama Factory. Together, Pilato and Simone shared their passion of helping young people reach their potential through the arts. Simone is blessed with a rich vocal range and a soulful expression of her music. Although she honors her mom by singing some of her songs, it was a rare occasion Monday night. Simone sang a developed, exciting and diverse repertoire of pop, soul, jazz, rock and funk.
» Full StoryArtist helps visitors brush up on history
Despite the cold, dreary weather Thursday afternoon, about a half-dozen people turned out to tour the downtown mural on West Fourth Street, guided by mural artist Michael Pilato.
» Full StoryChief executive, wife dole out awards for arts
Months of hard work and the volunteer hours of many culminated Wednesday with the keystone event of the Williamsport Celebrates the Arts week, the Governor’s Awards for the Arts.
» Full StoryKeynote speaker says arts need to be ‘beating heart’ of education
The arts need to become the beating heart of education.
That was the message delivered Wednesday by Sir Ken Robinson during the keynote speech for the Governor’s Awards for the Arts.
Visitors to arts events sound off on success
The arts community is “finally getting their due,” city artist Jessica Dougherty observed Wednesday night from her vantage point inside one of three arts tents set up on the Avenue of the Arts.
» Full StoryAuthor-illustrator celebrates the art of the children’s book
Children’s book author and illustrator Lindsay Barrett George exposed several hundred area pre-schoolers to the magic and joy of stories and pictures Wednesday morning.
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