Bing offers diverse programs for fall

Date: 9/15/2016

SPRINGFIELD – Music, art and even the fourth year of the Bing Comic Con mark the schedule for The Bing Arts Center from September through January 2017.    

Executive Director Brian F. Hale said, “We’re presenting exhibitions of paintings and photography, reggae, soul, gospel, spoken word, jazz, early music, classic Delta blues, Grammy-winners, youth open mics, rockabilly, our fourth Bing Comic-Con, a classic fantasy film screening, a play by Fred Sokol, a ukulele Christmas show, and a mystery magic show. Lots of fun for all ages!”

The following is a month-by-month look at the events the arts center will present at its 716 Sumner Ave. location.

September

• Jazz Club: Heshima & Souljourn, Sept. 17, 8 p.m. The extraordinary multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Springfield brings his talented band back to the Bing for another soulful performance! $10, $5 for students.
• Pioneer Valley Early Music Day Pop-Up Concert – The Legend of Robin Hood: Songs from the Greenwood, Sept. 24, 1 p.m. The ensemble traces the Robin Hood mythos from medieval French pastorale traditions through ballads of the British Isles in the 17th and 18th centuries. Free, Donations gratefully accepted.
• Artist’s reception for Light of Summer: Paintings by Cindy Lutz Kornet followed by Bing Blues: Marylou Ferrante and Robin O’Herin., Sept. 24, 5 to 7 p.m.
•  Bing Blues: Marylou Ferrante & Robin O’Herin, Sept. 24, 8 p.m. Ladies sing and play the blues – Marylou and Robin perform classic pre-war delta blues solo and duet. $10, $5 for students.
• Ignite the Mic!, Sept. 28, 7 to 8:30 p.m.    Youth open mic with Teatro V!da. Cost: $5.

October

• Opening reception for Florin Ion Firimita’s The Bookstore Project exhibition, Oct. 1, 6 p.m. The Bing Arts Center will present this fascinating exhibition of photographic work by the internationally acclaimed Connecticut artist Florin Ion Firimita. The reception will be followed by Li’l BeeDee & the Doo-Rites. Exhibit on display through Jan. 7, 2017.
• Li’l BeeDee & the Doo-Rites, Oct. 1, 8 p.m. Betsy-Dawn Williams, savant of up-beat musical fun, brings her band and their crackling brand of rockabilly and R&B to the Bing for a night of euphoric sounds. Cost: $10, $5 for students.
• First Friday: Ray Mason, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. Ray Mason, the Valley’s legendary man & his Silvertone comes back to the Bing for an evening of music, stories, and fun. $5
• Jazz Club: Jeremy Turgeon Quintet, Oct. 15, 8 p.m. The outstanding Springfield trumpeter and his exciting band are back for an evening of sizzling urban jazz. $10, $5 for students.
• Bing Comic-Con, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate the art of comics, fantasy, and film in Springfield. The Bing Arts Center presents Bing Comic-Con 2016 at Trinity Church’s beautiful Asbury Hall, 361 Sumner Ave. All ages are welcome to come and enjoy original artwork & prints, comics, cosplay, crafts, textiles, plush, and much more! Guests will include award-winning creators Stephen R. Bissette (“Swamp Thing,” “Taboo,” “Tyrant”) in what he says will be his last convention appearance. $5.
• Bing Comic-Con presents a 30th anniversary screening of Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth” starring David Bowie at the Bing Oct. 22, 7 p.m. Cost: $5, or free with BC-C ticket stub.
• Ignite the Mic!, Oct. 26, 7 to 8:30. Youth open mic with Teatro V!da. $5.
• All-Ages Rock Show, Oct. 29, 8 p.m.     Celebrate Halloween with Cosmic Duct Tape and Sunshine Brothers Inc. Costumes encouraged! Cost: $5.

November

• First Friday: Zen & Now, Nov. 4, 8 p.m. Cheryl Enko and Len Desrochers cover timeless favorites. Cost:  $5.
• Jim K., Nov. 12, 8 p.m. Famed Valley guitarist Jim Kaminski performs an acoustic concert. $5.
• Jazz Club: Charles Neville and the New England Neville Brothers, Nov. 26, 8 p.m. Grammy-winner Charles Neville with his sons Khalif and Talon will produce some sweet sounds and rhythms to keep the Thanksgiving spirit going. Cost: $15, $10 for students.
• Ignite the Mic!, Nov. 30, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Youth open mic with Teatro V!da. Cost: $5.

December

• First Friday: Soft Spoken Prophet aka AJ Baymon, Dec. 2, 8 p.m. Soft Spoken Prophet’s musical message is designed to destroy territorial and cultural barriers through spoken word, singing, and film! $5.
• The Forever Boys, Dec. 10, 8 p.m. and Dec. 11, 2 and 6 p.m. The play is based on the novel “Mendel and Morris” by Fred Sokol and adapted in partnership with Becca Coolong. It’s produced and performed by J-ART @ The J, the performing arts troupe from the Springfield JCC. $18, $12 for students & seniors, $25 patrons.
• Snapback Uketide Christmas Show, Dec. 17, 8 p.m. The popular ukulele ensemble brings special guests with them for another joyful seasonal show! $10, $5 for students.

January

• First Friday: Larry Dulong with Forest and Luci, Jan. 6, 8 p.m. Lively and fun musical Americana, Dulong family-style. $5.
• The Mystery and Mayhem Magic Show with PJ Pinsonneault, Jonas Caine, and Scotty Swan, Jan. 21, 8 p.m.     Amazing magical fun with cards, puppets, and audience members. Cost: $10, $5 for students.
• Ignite the Mic!, Jan. 25, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Youth Open Mic with Teatro V!da. Cost: $5.
• All-Ages Rock Show, Jan. 28, 8 p.m.     Donut Kings, Roadhorse, & Cosmic Duct Tape will rock the Bing! Cost: $5.