Give life ‘everything you’ve got’ | Eye on the Arts

Pictured: the Delmoni-McCarty-Thomas String Trio will perform at the Saranac United Methodist Church on Nov. 20.

Walter Cronkite, born this month in 1917, once said that he “can’t imagine a person becoming a success who doesn’t give this game of life “everything he’s got.”

That line of thinking certainly translates to the art world.

To use the music industry as an example; though there is now a fast-track to recognition in the form of televised competitions — spinning red chairs, that’s all I’ll say — a majority of music careers are still defined by the artist’s ability to fight tooth and nail for their relevance.

Musicians, artists and writers all share this problem.

Their career isn’t necessarily something you can apply for and keep by doing a good job. It’s an ongoing struggle. A labor of love.

At the end of the day, local artists, musicians and writers have it the hardest: it’s extraordinarily difficult to draw fans to your shows when you play the same circuit every month. But local artists are the lifeblood of a community. Every town or city that hopes to be a cultural epicenter for their region needs them.

That’s why it’s so important to show up to local events and support the arts in your area — attendance is a vital piece of having a robust local economy.

Support your community and your local artists by attending an event this week:

SUNY Plattsburgh students will host their annual “Empty Bowl” fundraising event on Nov. 12 at Algonquin Dining Hall. For $10, attendees will enjoy a homemade soup, bread and a dessert. Included in the price of the dinner is a soup bowl made by Ceramic students. All proceeds will benefit the Plattsburgh Food Shelf. For more information, visit facebook.com/HeyHelloCeramics.

Fort Ticonderoga will host a living history event on Nov. 12 surrounding the withdrawal of German and British soldiers from the fort in 1777. Activities are planned all day, beginning at 10 a.m. until its closing at 4 p.m. Admission is $20. For more information, or to see the full schedule, visit fortticonderoga.org.

The Clinton Community College Drama Club will perform the 2003 Jeff Whitty hit “Avenue Q” from Nov. 17-20 at the Stafford Theatre in Plattsburgh. “Avenue Q” is a raunchy comedy that features loud, rambunctious puppets. Showtimes are Nov. 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit facebook.com/clintoncommunitycollege.

Local folksingers Dan Berggren and Alex Smith will perform at the Whallonsburg Grange on Nov. 12. The duo will perform originals and old favorites from 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $12. For more information, visit thegrangehall.info.

The Courthouse Gallery in Lake George will open a new exhibit by Fabien Lopez on Nov. 12. The exhibit, titled “A Certain Romance,” features works by Lopez with an abstract style. “A Certain Romance” will be on display until Dec. 16. The opening reception is slated for Nov. 12 at 4-6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 668-2616 or visit lakegeorgearts.org.

On Nov. 19, the ROTA Gallery and Studio in Plattsburgh will continue the fight to keep their doors open with an art exhibit and fundraiser. ROTA will display works by artists from all around the region. Entry is free. Doors open at 3 p.m. For more information, contact rotagallery@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/rotagallery.

Tambourelli & Her SuperTrips will perform at the 190 Grille & Cinema in Glens Falls every Saturday in November. Admission is free. The shows are expected to last until 9 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/HeadyPro.

Ben Collins will make an appearance at the Wadhams Free Library on Nov. 16 to tell stories about his journey as an arborist, tree climber and lover of water. Admission is free. The talk is slated for 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 962-8717.

The UpRiver Cafe in Lake Luzerne will host “Epicurious,” a celebration of food and art, on Nov. 19. The cafe will serve food and display food-related art from regional artists. Reservations are suggested. Admission is $25 in advance, $30 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Lake George Arts Project and the exhibiting artists. For more information, call 668-2616.

Plattsburgh’s Strand Center for the Arts will host Mark Nizer on Nov. 12. Organizers describe Nizer’s show as “a new dimension in entertainment … a combination of original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music and technology.” Tickets in advance range from $11-35. At the door, tickets are $16-40. For more information, call the Strand Center box office at 563-1604.

The Delmoni-McCarty-Thomas String Trio will perform at the Saranac United Methodist Church on Nov. 20. The program will feature pieces by Mozart, Beethoven and Dohnayi. A donation of $15 is requested. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call 293-7613 or visit hillandhollowmusic.org.

The Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls will host performances of the classic Monty Python comedy “Spamalot” on Nov. 11-13. Director Mickey Luce will bring to life this parody of the legend of King Arthur. Performances are Nov. 11-12 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 12-13 at 1:30 p.m. For more information, call 480-4878.