Photo Credit: Photos by Mandee K. Hammerstein. Barry Klein, Sara Scully shown on site at Peasant Grill, Hopewell, NJ
BACK HOME IN HOPEWELL – THEATER HIRES NEW TALENT BOOKER
*Courtesy photos provided
Meet “Briz”, Hopewell Theater’s latest addition to the talent scene! Briz enthusiastically joins HT not only because of his love and daily involvement with music on all levels but it’s originally growing up in Hopewell New Jersey that he attributes forming his original appreciation and drive for the arts!
Briz, has made a career performing behind a microphone singing original songs as well as covers with his “Voices of Rock” and “Shakey” shows; the latter a tribute to Neil Young, and the former a tribute to multiple rock musicians, (Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, James Taylor, David Bowie and more). In addition to performing, the past few years Briz has taken to the business side of the industry as a music booker. His initial foray into presenting artists began at the Stockton Inn where then-owner Fred Strackhouse tapped him as the legendary Inn’s house musician and music booker for their “Storytellers” music series bringing in local and regional musicians from the NJ & PA area. After the sale of the Inn, Briz became resident artist at Salt Gastropub in Byram, NJ where he presented bi-monthly shows with national acts, including notable artists such as Melanie, David Johansen, Dan Bern, Peter Tork, Patty Larkin, Denny Laine, Kate Taylor, Hilton Valentine, Jeffrey Gaines and many more, all aiding in making the Salt Stage a “must stop” for touring professionals.
When asking Briz on being back home In Hopewell, he clearly states, “I'm so excited to be working with the wonderful folks at The Hopewell Theater as their music booker, especially as we share the mutual vision to bring distinct, quality entertainment to Hopewell and the surrounding area. I feel a great connection that runs deep here in Hopewell, it’s where I was raised and where my musical ambitions awakened! With the Hopewell Theater, we have a great opportunity to augment an already vigorous music scene and with so many talented local, regional, national and international acts that either live nearby or pass through this quaint and culturally rich part of New Jersey, all contributing to us offering an endless stream of varied and brilliant shows. The Hopewell Theater will offer some of the same classic performers that have been showcased at nearby venues but more importantly, we also hope to present new and less well known, yet equally talented musicians. Taking it back home here with my greatest memories of Hopewell, my first live performance was with Hopewell Valley High School bandmates, the Green River Ordinance over at the old Hopewell Train Station, this memorable time has an element of irony, as trains seem to be a common thread running through the tracks of my life - my first CD was called "Ivyland Special" as well as two songs I wrote for the Norfolk Southern Railroad "Raise Em Up" and "Rollin Out Again" which has nearly 100,000 YouTube views - How cool is it that 45 years later, I return to a workplace that is within walking distance of the old train station that inspired me and set my career forward.
With the much-anticipated opening of the newly designed Hopewell Theater, Briz looks forward to continuing his exciting routine of bringing quality music for all ages through a variety of genres to such an intimate venue. He’s especially excited about the future of the theater thanks to the solid and creative vision of production partners Sara Scully and Mitchel Skolnick, and he's particularly happy about having the regular privilege to re-acquaint himself with the charming hamlet of Hopewell Boro where he grew up.
Current day you can also catch Briz during any given moment in the area playing his passion with fellow, local musician friends, Jim Popick, LisaBeth Weber, Kati Kertesz, Gerard Dutka, Dan McCloskey, and Tina Margot.
Visit and sign up for upcoming news and simply get the "inside scoop" first on the Hopewell Theater's temporary web-site HERE
A Video Look Into A 15 Year-Old's Snow Day!
Here's how a cute & creative 15-year old spends her snow-day home from school with her dog & boyfriend! More of my Devon girl's natural work! credit: Devon Beacham (MK's daughter(
GETTING TO KNOW HIM - OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN - Presented by Will Hammerstein
As the excitement continues after recent approvals for the Hammerstein Center – we’ve been working diligently behind the scenes, further gathering support, donations, volunteers, materials, talent and fellow partners in the arts to get this project moving at an amazing pace. Here’s some highlighted events where you can find Will and support the project while having a great time! Also below, you'll find a release on an exclusive, local event you won't want to miss, where Will provides inside-stories on his legendary grandfather through an intimate talk-back, original Hammerstein music and a documentary screening:
March 4th, 2017
Doylestown Country Club – "American Song Book" by
Bucks County Choral Society
March 15th, 2017
Delaware Valley University – Now Closed Event
March 13th, 2017
The Players Club, NYC – A Benefit, “Oscar's Home” - MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW
March 23rd, 2017
The Art of Sound – Out of My Dreams, Getting to Know Him
PRESS/MEDIA Contact:
MANDEE HAMMERSTEIN
908-246-0882
-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
GETTING TO KNOW HIM
OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II
DOCUMENTARY SCREENING, TALKBACK & MORE
With
WILLIAM HAMMERSTEIN, ESQ.
An intimate look into the life of legendary lyricist
LAMBERTVILLE, NJ (2/10/2017) – The Art of Sound LLC, based in Lambertville, NJ announces their co-hosting of an evening with William Hammerstein, ESQ., grandson of world-renowned lyricist, humanitarian and political activist, Oscar Hammerstein II. This special event will include a meet and greet with William, a documentary screening of JoAnn Young’s, ever-popular documentary of “Out of My Dreams”, highlighting the life and works of Oscar Hammerstein II, as well as a talk-back after the featured film, additionally including the latest developments of the notable Hammerstein Center project in Doylestown, PA. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will also be served. This is an exclusive event, scheduled for Thursday, March 23rd, 6:30pm-9:30pm and is limited to only 35 pre-registered guests. Seats can be reserved by calling the Art of Sound’s showroom at 609-483-5000.
“I’m especially excited to share my grandfather’s unifying work during this time of intense polarization in America. I’m hoping that by showcasing the work of Rodgers and Hammerstein, listeners of all stripes will be inspired to be better Americans, while learning about a man who was a true role model for all.” – said William Hammerstein.
Guests are also sure to enjoy listening to the famous, original works of Hammerstein brought back to life on state-of-the-art equipment throughout the Art of Sound, including Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, & The Sound of Music.
“We are very enthusiastic about offering this multi-faceted and entertaining evening to guests. Not many people know Oscar’s global and impactful work was created essentially down the street. We are proud to offer a front-row experience to the night within our intimate setting, while also learning more about the empowering efforts happening in preserving Will’s grandfather’s farm and turning it into a museum, a project that will be tremendously meaningful to our area’s incredible, artistic history.” – said John Nirmaier, proprietor of the Art of Sound.
BIO: William Hammerstein, Esq. President and CEO, Hammerstein Center
Will is a grandson of Oscar Hammerstein II and a founding board member of HammersteinCenter.org. He graduated from Bard College with a BFA, including studies in art preservation. Later, he received his law degree from Pace University School of Law with a certificate in Environmental Law, including the study of Historic Preservation.
ABOUT THE ART OF SOUND:
Considered designers of sound, The Art of Sound, LLC offers expert technology, utmost personal, customer service and a state-of-the-art showroom located in Lambertville, NJ. The Art of Sound caters to serious music lovers, both residential and commercial, proudly curating the ultimate, in-concert experience for music aficionados. The Art of Sound specializes in Audio-Visual Design, creating Whole House Audio, Two-Channel Audio, & Multi-Channel Home Theater Environments, as well as Wi-Fi Solutions. Never before has sound been more advanced and stylish. To find out more, visit www.TheArtOfSoundLLC.com.
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*High-resolution images are available upon request.
HOT OFF THE PRESS - ANOTHER, GREAT NEW ENTERTAINMENT VENUE!
MANDEE HAMMERSTEIN
908-246-0882
-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
HOPEWELL THEATER RE-LAUNCHES WITH
EXPANDED VISION
AND
NEW PRODUCTION COMPANY
HOPEWELL, NJ (1/31/2017) - Hopewell’s historic theater will be re-launched in 2017 with an expanded vision by the production team of Sara Scully, former founder and Executive Director of Lambertville, NJ’s indie-cinema ACME Screening Room and business partner Mitchel Skolnick. Scully will direct the theater and plans to present a robust and wide range of programming there, from live music by local and regional singer-songwriters, to movies, talks, guest artist Q&A’s, and some performances.
The dine-in theater will uniquely feature a hybrid of cabaret-style banquette seating with tables and traditional fixed theater seating, to support patrons comfortably enjoying a meal or a snack during the show. There will be a full concession stand with traditional theater food like popcorn and candy, along with grab-and-go small plate options. On a regular schedule the theater will also host full-dinner “Supper Club” nights before a show served by a local caterer. The theater also will be available to rent to performing artists or for events and meetings.
“Our aim is that this theater will serve a wide range of artists and community members and be a resource and intimate, inviting sanctuary to enjoy the arts. With state-of-the-art sound and lighting, comfortable and inviting seating options, and diverse slate of programming, the theater will be a welcoming place to have a unique cultural experience, to practice or perform.”
The theater’s expanded vision includes a carefully-curated programming schedule that will showcase independent films, some followed by Director Q&A or paired with a reading or concert, and live music on a weekly basis performed by local and regional singer-songwriters. There will also be TED-style talks and a variety of discussions from books to visual arts to self-improvement and wellness, all with the leading goal of creating community through inspiring and stimulating idea exchange. Audiences will have access to talent through the intimate productions offered. Artists will have access to the theater which will be rented during the day to encourage adult artists, musicians, filmmakers and artist networks who need a home to either practice, show work, or come together to create.
The theater interior design will be a mix of urban-style meets classic country with a sense of casual elegance. Minor cosmetic renovations will take place over the next few months.
Official programming scheduling and opening date are to be announced in spring of 2017.
Hopewell Theater is located at 5 South Greenwood Avenue in Hopewell, New Jersey and online at www.HopewellTheater.com. The theater building is owned and was recently renovated by Hopewell Playhouse, LLC: Jon McConaughy, Liza Moorehouse and Mitchel Skolnick.
BIO, SARA SCULLY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Sara Scully, ScullyOne Productions has been a Producer and Social Entrepreneur for nearly twenty years, creating comprehensive multi-media projects for clients that build community, increase awareness, and encourage creative participation. ScullyOne founded the ACME Screening Room, an independent cinema space nearly a decade ago, and developed a unique and intimate program that brought the world of indie film to life with screenings and guest artist Q&A’s and exhibitions. ScullyOne has also provided business and communications planning for arts and community organizations. Prior to founding ACME Screening Room, Sara Scully worked in documentary film production and children’s educational programming for clients like Scholastic Publishing, WNET and HBO.
BIO, MITCHEL SKOLNICK, PARTNER:
Mitchel Skolnick has been partner of Blue Stone Farms since 1997 and a supporter of arts and music.
HOPEWELL THEATER MISSION:
Come as you are. Where local meets world stage and creativity, ideas and music are as accessible as the surroundings. Hopewell Theater offers a range of inviting cultural experiences, from independent film and live-music to guest speakers and post-show artist Q&A’s. Patrons can dine-in at one of our special Supper Club nights, or just come for the show. With flexible seating options, from intimate banquette tables seating to traditional fixed theater seats, there’s a place where everyone can feel comfortable.
A landing spot, a launch pad, an incubator, Hopewell Theater is also where artists can play, practice, perform or show their passion project on the big screen and for co-producers who want to partner with the theater to develop work. The theater is available to rent, at both hourly and day-rates.
We also source our Supper Club and grab-n-go concession menu locally, wherever possible, and aim to enhance the Hopewell Borough commerce and community by partnering with local businesses and restaurants.
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*Interviews and high-resolution images are available upon request.