HUNTINGTON-An “eclectic” mix of artists are now converging on Historic North Hall on Searle Road for the annual Arts Festival, according to Peri Sossaman and Nancy Kaminski, co-presidents of the nonprofit North Hall Association.
Peri Sossaman and Nancy Kaminski stand on the stage where the artists perform during the Historic North Hall Arts Festival.
“North Hall is a gem in the valley,” said Kaminski during a recent afternoon interview at the rustic building which was originally a schoolhouse in 1795 and served as a district school until the early 1930’s. North Hall now serves as a community center for public and private use.
Sossaman echoed those sentiments.
“North Hall is a very intimate setting that affords listeners with a very special experience,” said Sossaman.
The “intimate performance space,” which is handicap accessible, allows artists to engage attendees up close and personal and microphones are not needed. The building is air conditioned and seats 75 comfortably.
“Our audiences are enthusiastic and performers develop a very intimate experience while they are here,” said Sossaman.
During each performance a short intermission is observed which allows visitors to meet and greet the performers and enjoy refreshments.
Since January, the women have been collaborating with close to 20 board members to set the schedule for the summer arts festival.
The Historic North Hall Arts Festival is underway in Huntington.
“Our board members include actors, writers and people who love music,” said Kaminski, noting that in addition to their input, artists who wish to perform also approach members.
The festival season opened May 26 with a “Showcase of Opera and Song” featuring performances by Amy Orsulak, soprano; Antonio Abate, tenor; Christopher DeVage, baritone, and Jerome Tan, pianist.
Performances for the remainder of the season include:
- June 10, 2 p.m., Khalif Neville Trio, performing jazz, funk, R&B and hip-hop. $10 at the door; students free.
- June 24, 2 p.m., “Shakespeare’s Women” with actress Ellen Barry, discussing and performing some of her favorite Shakespearean women. $10 at door; students free.
- July 6, 7 p.m., Open Mic Music Jam, musicians with all instruments and styles welcome. Free to the public.
- July 15, 2 p.m., Duo Mundo (Rebecca Hartka, cello, and Jose Lezcano, guitar) performing a mix of classical and contemporary world music. $15 at the door; students free.
- July 21, 2 p.m., “Seeger,” a one-man multi-media portrayal of the life and music of Pete Seeger, written and performed by Randy Noojin. $15 at door; students free.
- July 22, 2 p.m., “Hard Travelin” written and performed by Randy Noojin, is a one-man portrayal of the life and music of Woody Guthrie. $15 at door; students free.
- Aug. 3, 7 p.m., Open Mic Music Jam, welcoming musicians and all styles of music. The public is welcome to the free event.
- Aug. 5, 2 p.m., Dave Sporny’s Swingtet takes the stage for Big Band and jazz music. $10 at door; students free.
- Aug. 19, 2 p.m., “Try and Get Some Sleep Now” is a staged reading written and directed by Mitch Giannunzio. Free admission. The reading will be followed by the annual Afterparty Summer Celebration. Donations will be welcomed.
- Sept. 9, 2 p.m., Thomas Bergeron Quartet will perform classic and jazz blend tunes. $10 at door; students free.
- Sept. 16, 2 p.m., Old Country Road Band will perform classic country songs by Hank Williams, Webb Pierce, Carl Smith and a host of others. $10 at door; students free.
“Our setting is very informal and all are welcome,” said Kaminski, noting that funds raised from the festival help preserve and maintain the building as well as educate and introduce all types of music to the public.
Sossaman concurred.
“We offer high-caliber performers at affordable prices,” said Sossaman, adding that the festival lineup promises something for everyone. “We are serving the hill towns with residents who have different tastes and interests.”
In addition to attending performances upstairs, the North Hall Art Gallery is also open for viewing on the first floor. The current show is titled “The Hilltowns through the Photographer’s Lens.” Photographers exhibiting works include Linda Hamlin, Barbara Huntoon, Christine McShane, and Karen McTaggart.
Arts councils of Chester, Chesterfield, Huntington, Montgomery, Russell, Westhampton and Worthington support the festival, as well as media sponsors including the Daily Hampshire Gazette, the Westfield News Group, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
For in-depth details on each performance, visit www.northhallhuntington.org.
