Art & Cultural Events List

For Immediate Release

Contact:  press@artsatthearmory.org

Margot Edwards, 617-821-5714

 

Somerville’s Arts at the Armory Announces New Details for its 2012 Fundraiser:

The iBall: Keeping it Surreal, Thursday, May 10

Roger Miller (Mission of Burma, Alloy Orchestra) to perform at VIP reception;

Revolutionary Snake Ensemble and Willie “Loco” Alexander to perform during event;

Arts at the Armory Billy Ruane Awards to be presented; event includes food from local restaurants

 

Somerville, MA, May 1, 2012. Somerville’s non-profitCenter for Arts at the Armory, just voted Boston Phoenix’sBest of 2012 Best Non-Gallery Art Space, announces new details for its 2012 fundraiser, The iBall: Keeping it Surreal, Thursday, May 10 at 7:00 pm in the Armory’s Performance Hall, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. The theme for the evening is surrealism, which will be reflected in the food, activities, music, fashion, and décor. Food from acclaimed local restaurants Highland Kitchen, Foundry on Elm, KickAss Cupcakes and Old Magoun’s Saloon is included with admission. Slumbrew and other craft beers and wine will be available for sale.

 

Somerville mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Honorary Chair of The iBall, will be in attendance at the champagne VIP reception from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm, among other Arts at the Armory supporters. Roger Miller (Mission of Burma, Alloy Orchestra) will perform an acoustic solo set of original, 1920’s-inspired piano music.

 

Local faves Revolutionary Snake Ensemble and Willie "Loco" Alexander will perform later in the evening. Led by saxophonist Ken Field, Revolutionary Snake Ensemble is a costumed funk/street beat improvisational brass band performing a unique blend of original and traditional music with John Bernhardt on theremin. Boston rock institution Willie Alexander is well known to local music fans, having played for over 30 years with acts like Willie Alexander and the Boom Boom Band, and the Persistence of Memory Orchestra. Musician Michael Bierylo opens up with a set of electronic music.

 

The inaugural Arts at the Armory Billy Ruane Awards will be presented to a few of the organization's biggest champions: Joseph and Nabil Sater, owners of the Middle East restaurant, and partner Allan Carrier for initiating the project and renovating the building; Ray Zonghetti, Somerville Chamber of Commerce Dining and Nightlife Chair, for his support and guidance; and Mario Leon, owner of Dali restaurant, for donating a beer and wine license. Known for his enthusiasm and passion for the arts, Billy Ruane was a longtime driving force in the local music scene and an ardent supporter of Arts at the Armory until his untimely passing in 2010.

 

Throughout the evening, guests can take part in a host of unique activities, including surrealist games (detailed below), a photo station offering surrealist photo effects, and a surrealist-themed fashion contest. Attendees are encouraged to come in surrealist garb for a chance to win best costume prizes hand-made by Miller. Surrealist dress is optional; guests can feel free to come as they are.

 

Eyeball balloons will also be on sale during the event, with each balloon offering prizes from sponsors including Healthworks, Dave’s Fresh Pasta, Porter Square Books, and Cambridge Naturals. Additional sponsors of The iBall include Lili Ruane, Newbury Comics, Cambridge Health Alliance, Tufts University, Best Rate Insurance, and Wedgwood, Crane and Connolly Insurance.

 

The iBall: Keeping it Surreal runs from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, with a VIP reception from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Tickets are $25 for general admission, and $75 for VIP admission. For tickets and information, visit artsatthearmory.org or call(617) 718-2191. Arts at the Armory is located at 191 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA.  To purchase tickets - click the following link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/229628

 

Roger Miller will also teach riotous surrealist games developed during the 1920's and '30's heyday of surrealism. Miller will explain and lead the games, and provide incidental surrealist music. Games include Exquisite Corpse drawing and word games that allow the entire audience to participate and express themselves creatively. The results cause “Amusement and occasional stunning connections,” says Miller. “It's a total hoot. Everyone has a blast.” He has previously led these games at two sold-out events at Arts at the Armory. Miller will also project surrealist films silently throughout the evening.

 

“I am honored to participate in this wonderful event, and to support one of our community’s most important arts centers as it celebrates its commitment to arts and culture in the City of Somerville,” said Mayor Curtatone. “As one of the City’s largest and most historic buildings, the Center for Arts at the Armory has played host to some very successful cultural, business and entertainment events and we are truly fortunate to have such a wonderful community partner. I look forward to working with the Armory as we continue to support the Somerville arts community.”

 

All funds raised will benefit Arts at the Armory’s acclaimed cultural programming, which provides some of the most inventive music, theater and performing artists in the Boston area, year-round. Events have included the City of Somerville’s Inaugural Celebration, TEDx Somerville, the ongoing Somerville Winter Farmer’s Market, and Robin Bowman’s award-winning exhibit It’s Complicated: The American Teenager, as well as a range of arts educational programs for adults and children.

 

“This is a night to celebrate the artist inside all of us,” said Debra McLaughlin, Executive Director of Arts at the Armory. “We also need community support to allow us to continue to be a part of Somerville’s vibrant cultural landscape.”

 

Celebrating Arts and Culture in Somerville, Center for Arts at the Armory is an award-winning non-profit organization that offers artistic, cultural, educational, and community programming to residents of greater Somerville in its Performance Hall, Cafe, and Gallery spaces. Arts at the Armory's award-winning Cafe is open Monday through Wednesday, 9 AM to 6 PM, Thursday through Saturday, 9 AM to 10 PM and Sundays 10 AM to 5 PM serving coffee, espresso, and delicious food.  It is the only cafe in Somerville that serves craft beer and fine wine. Free parking is located in the rear of the building.  Arts at the Armory is located at 191 Highland Avenue between Davis and Union Squares in Somerville, Massachusetts. To find out more, visitwww.artsatthearmory.org.