On October 25th, Hybridge Arts Collective and BSM hosted another Last Monday event, with great success: talented performers and a packed house.
The event was held in a different part of the building, the "Sunday School Room", and the change was dramatic. Soaring ceilings were made cozy with great lighting and tables nestled close to each other. Dinner was a simple and delicious pasta with bread and dipping oil with spices. Halloween candy cheerfully adorned each table. Visual art by artist Amber Johnston was on display throughout the room, a fascinating body of work of prints based on MRI scans and incorporating the chemical changes that happen when we experience depression, fear, or joy.
The event consisted of five diverse acts which incorporated everything from layered recorded sounds to comedy skits to improvisational dance.
First up was a performance by artist Bonnie Jones. Jones layered spoken words over and under recorded sounds with stops and starts. She used varying volumes alongside repetitions of specific phrases and sounds to compose a truly unique performance-poem.
We transitioned to a comedy sketch by Jenna Horton, titled "On Air". She played an awkward and impassioned radio announcer, complete with false handlebar mustache. The radio show was a compilation of odd opinion pieces, weather reports, and a hilarious dance to Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack". Horton utilized well-timed physical comedy as well as a lot of witty one-liners, and her portrayal of a slightly lonely guy who frequently has conversations with his dog and who gets those stereotypical phone calls from Mom in the middle of his radio show was both funny and poignant.
After a quick set change Carles Lombardo and Craig took the stage with guitar and banjo in hand to perform a number of hilarious songs. They could've used vocal microphones, but the lyrics I could hear were smart and extremely tongue-in-cheek. In that way their performance carried on the tradition of bluegrass--rollicking banjo-playing and lyrics that tell surprising stories.
Alex Bechtel and Michael Doherty were next with the "Bech and Doh Sketch Comedy Show". Part of their act was an interaction between an actor auditioning for a part and the evaluating director. Bechtel played a completely irrational and flamboyant director who changed his mind constantly. Doherty played an actor determined to roll with the punches (sometimes literally), following Bechtel's instructions to the letter. The interactions grew more and more ridiculous until Doherty believed he'd gotten the part--only to be informed that Bechtel decided that he himself would play it.
The other part of their act was another storytelling song, this time a children's song that sounded innocent but its content was all about animals pooping and doing all kinds of other things that children don't usually hear about.
Their performances were engaging and seemed effortless; their chemistry and great writing skills were evident throughout their entire act.
Lastly Nichole Bindler and Dan Blacksburg made the whole room their stage with a performance piece that incorporated breathing patterns, dance, a trombone, and spoken word. Bindler did most of the breathing sounds and dance, while Blacksburg infused the notes on the trombone with a variety of emotions. They danced along the balcony, which forced audience members to leave their seats to see--and this re-arranging of the audience gave Bindler and Blacksburg plenty of people with which to interact and improvise, including an adorable toddler.
We can't wait to see YOU! and all your friends at the next Last Monday event, on November 29th! 7p.m., $5, and more amazing performances await you!
The Hybridge Arts Collective is now accepting applications for artists to perform in future Last Monday events at BSM--contribute your art to the mix and keep Last Mondays the wonderfully diverse and innovative event that it is! If you or someone you know is interested in showcasing their art, email HybridgeArts@gmail.com
For more information about the collaboration between the Hybridge Arts Collective and Broad Street Ministry, please contact BSM's Arts Marshal, Liam O'Donnell, at liam@broadstreetministry.org or 215 259 8276
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