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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Visiting artists offer family concert to benefit Calumet Art Center

By Jane VanEvera*

CALUMET -- On the evening of Friday, Nov. 12, regional artists Jym Mooney and Carol Lee Hopkins gave an outstanding concert to an appreciative audience at the Calumet Art Center (CAC) Performance Hall. Donating time and talents to support the CAC and quality events for local Copper Country residents, this Milwaukee duo brought a family-friendly atmosphere to their performance. Sharing many of their own lyrics and songs, Jym and Carol sang intimate and heart-felt stories of life, love, grief, goodness, family personalities.

Jym Mooney and Carol Lee Hopkins of Milwaukee sing their original songs to an appreciative audience at the Calumet Art Center on Nov. 12. (Photo © 2010 and courtesy Ed Gray)

Reminiscent of a Peter Paul and Mary concert, these refreshing, down-to-earth, sweet harmony with an attitude performers played to a just-right volume and balance of voice and instrument. The audience could actually hear the lyrics and relate to them personally, shedding an appropriate tear, laugh or deep sigh. What parent or sibling couldn't sympathize with the mothers who went to the battlefields to reclaim their sons ("I Have Come To Take My Son Home")? How many families don't recognize dear Aunt Jan who shops the antique stores for her beloved spoons? And who knew that vultures return to Hinkley, Ohio, annually? It was an evening of fun, good-listening music for ears of any age. Kids love these tunes.

This two-hour musical event and amazing talent was brought to Calumet by these generous artists who donated all their travel and lodging expenses and fees as well as the monetary donations taken at the door. They are genuinely supportive of the arts particularly when and where art funding has been so deeply cut out of school programs and community events. The communities of the Copper Country are fortunate to have welcomed many well known and highly esteemed artists from outside the local area. The Calumet Art Center has brought affordable family events to this community in the 18 months of its existence and will continue to do so with community support and attendance.

CDs of Jym and Carol's music are available at The CAC for $15. Consider them for holiday gifting -- great for the kids, too -- or for your own enjoyment. Check out their website: www.mootownproductions.com. Get great art. Support your local Calumet Art Center. Visit us. Request or sign up for classes in clay, weaving, or something of your interest.

Open hours are Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Located on the corner of Red Jacket / 5th Street behind the Keweenaw Heritage Center in the white building with the spire.

December holiday events

Join us for the Lighting of the Community Christmas Tree at 6 p.m. on First Friday, Dec. 3. Warm refreshments will be served at the Calumet Art Center beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Plan to attend the Christmas Concert at the Calumet Art Center at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. The concert will feature vocalists Monica Rovano and Courtney Clisch, guitarist Cathy Isaacson, violinist Libby Meyer, and organist Kathleen Alatalo-Arten.

To learn more about the Calumet Art Center visit www.calumetartcenter.com.

*Editor's Note: Guest writer Jane VanEvera is a Calumet Art Center Board member and CAC chair of visual arts.

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