A Delightfully Inspiring Project

Leave Your Sleep is an enchanting five year project recently completed by Natalie Merchant. Inspired by the stories and poetry she shared with her daughter, NM collaborated with more than 100 talented musicians to create this charming collection.
"Poetry speaks of so much: longing and sadness, joy and beauty, hope and disillusionment. These are the things that make a childhood, that time when we wake up to the great wonders and small terrors of our world. Poets are our soft-spoken clairvoyants. But poetry on the page can be difficult to penetrate; sometimes it needs to be heard. I used music to enter these poems, and once inside I was able to understand how they were constructed with layers of feeling and meaning." ~Natalie Merchant

From the history of poets to the eyes and ears of modern toddlers, this extensive project has enough layers to delight children of ALL ages.

 The collection of "children's poetry adapted to music by Natalie Merchant and illustrated by Barbara McClintock"  is now available through the Southern Tier Library System, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

BOFA and 3 Bums Pizza Host Open Mic Night

Many thanks to the talented participants at Open Mic Night  February 2013.

Owen (left) and Kyle (rt) rapping to Bruno Mars video

Vocalist, Kayla, sings while playing keyboards

Vocalist, Zack,  accompanied by Dad, Jeff Enders

Balladeer, Jim Schwartz, closes out the evening with several children’s songs

Grane (Amy Preston, Reeni McCumiskey, Derek Briggs, Mark Hunter)
plays to an enthusiastic crowd

Mia and Aubri Enders play an instrumental piece

Recent Events

February 16, 2013:  The Belfast Organization for Artists held a free “Open Mic Nite” at 3 Bums Pizza, Main Street, Belfast, NY, from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.  The 3^rd annual early spring event features local artists and is always popular.  This event was no exception—there was an enthusiastic standing room only crowd and excellent performances by 8 artists or groups.  Student performers included Mia Enders (euphonium, vocals), Zach Enders (vocals), Kayla Ross (vocals, keyboards), and Kyle McCumiskey and Owen Hall (rapping to videos).  Adult performers included “Reeni and Amy” (Reeni McCumiskey and Amy Preston), Derek Briggs and Mark Hunter, “Grane” (Reeni & Amy, Derek & Mark), and balladeer Jim Schwartz.  Mia and Zach were accompanied by their parents (Aubri and Jeff Enders) while Kayla was self-accompanied.  BOFA members Kathy Garrison (Events Coordinator, emcee), Marie Nix, and Derek Briggs (sound system, guitar, vocals) were also present for the event.  It’s great to know there is so much local musical talent willing to come out and entertain!!  Many thanks to 3 Bums Pizza for hosting our event!!!!!! -k.g.

January 31, 2013:  The Belfast Organization for Artists sponsored a UFO Day at the Belfast Town Hall from 1:00 PM to 4:00PM.  For this event, local artists and artisans are asked to bring their unfinished objects or projects with the intent of working on them in the congenial company of other artists.  Some choose to bring completed or nearly completed projects; some are seeking various solutions to problems or sticking points; and some are looking for ideas for/critiques of new projects.  Some people just wander in to see what others are doing and to socialize.  This time we had 8 local artists working on various fiber projects, including BOFA members Kathy, Marie, and Janine.  It was nice to see some of the “works in progress” for the upcoming August 2013 Art Show at the Belfast Library. -k.g.

Don't miss the BOFA sponsored art show at the Belfast Public Library. On display until February 7, 2013.
The works on display are provided by a local collector.

Feb 16, 2013 from 6:30-9pm
There will be an open mic night at 3 Bums Pizza on Main Street in Belfast.
Looking forward to more to come this year!!!

Assistance Needed!!!

BOFA is seeking a volunteer events coordinator from the Belfast, NY area.

Please contact Sheila or Kathy if you are interested in promoting the creative arts in the Belfast Area.  Fine Arts experience and an interest in community action are a plus for this position. :)

August Refreshments at the Library Lawn Concert

Many thanks to Marie and Kathy for all of their hard work!!!

The Belfast Organization for Artists co-sponsored the lawn chair concerts this year. We couldn't have kept this commitment without your dedication.

Taste of Belfast Tonight

Stop at the park in Belfast, NY this evening to enjoy local music and to get a taste of the food served at local restaraunts.
The memorial scholarship fundraiser has been postponed until a later date.
(location to be determined.)
Enjoy!