“Irena’s Vow” screening in St Louis on April 15 & 16 at Marcus Theatre
Based on the true story of Irene Gut Opdyke Read about it in People Through the eyes of a strong-willed woman comes the remarkable true story of Irena Gut Opdyke and the triumphs of the human spirit over devastating tragedy. 19-year-old Irena Gut is promoted to housekeeper in the home of a highly respected Nazi officer when she finds out that the Jewish ghetto is about to be liquidated. Determined to help twelve Jewish workers, she decides to shelter them in the safest place she can think of: the basement of the German commandant's house. Over the next two years, [...]
Feb. 18, 2024 – Love Me Madly – Benefit Concert for the International Summer Jazz Academy in Kraków Poland
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024, 3:00 PM First Congregational Church, 10 W. Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves Admission at the door: $20/adults, $15/seniors, $5/students Performed by the Paul DeMarinis - Mike Parkinson Sextet featuring vocalist Debby Lennon DUKE ELLINGTON (1899-1974) & BILLY STRAYHORN (1915-1967) are musical titans who created some of the most significant songs and major works in jazz canon, from 1938 until Strayhorn’s death in 1967. This concert will include African Flower, Day Dream, A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing, In A Mellow Tone, Isfahan, Lush Life, Rockin’ In Rhythm, Satin Doll, Solitude, Sophisticated Lady, Take The A Train, and [...]
Sept. 10, 2023 Poetry Night Recording Now Available on You Tube
Poetry as Source of Solace, Hope, and Faith event was recorded on Sept. 10, 2023 at The Chapel. The selection was inspired by poems composed amid tragic historical events, such as September 11th or World War II--events that scarred our collective consciousness for generations. Polish actors from Warsaw's Teatr Baza joined colleagues from Upstream Theater for a bilingual performance of poems by outstanding Polish poets, including Nobel laureates Wisława Szymborska and Czesław Miłosz, as well as Adam Zagajewski, Tadeusz Rózewicz, Ewa Lipska, and Julia Hartwig. Poetry is both a vital legacy and a snapshot of a particular time; it reminds [...]
A Triumph in the Spotlight: The Successful Production of Teatr Baza’s “The Glass Menagerie” in St Louis
"The Glass Menagerie" by Teatr Baza is a shining example of creativity, dedication, and collaboration, culminating in a resounding success. This enchanting play captivated audiences in many cities in Poland. On Sept. 13, 2023, the play was presented in St. Louis as part of the 8th Annual Tennessee Wiliams Festival. Its enduring impact not only delighted theatergoers but also left an indelible mark on St. Louis theater, serving as an inspiring example of artistic excellence. The journey of success began with the visionary director Tomasz Zadróżny, who adapted the American classic play with a minimalistic setting and passionate delivery. One [...]
Sept 10, 2023 Poetry as Source of Solace, Hope and Faith
Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, at 4 PM The Chapel 6238 Alexander Drive St. Louis, MO 63105 Tickets are $10.00 For reservations, please, visit https://polishpoetry_stl.eventbrite.com Join us at the literary evening dedicated to poetry in a joint performance by visiting Polish actors of Teatr Baza of Warsaw, Poland, and Upstream Theater. The bi-lingual poetry readings will be beautifully illustrated by music. The performance will be mindful of, but not solely focused on, the traumatic events of September 11. You will enjoy interpretations of selected works of the greatest Polish poets of the 20th century, including Adam Zagajewski, Wisława Szymborska, Ewa Lipska, [...]
Sculptures of Joe Chesla and Wiktor Szostało on display at Art Village in the Midwest Salute To Arts Aug. 25 – 27, 2023
The works of our very own Joe Chesla and Wiktor Szostało wil be on display this weekend at Midwest Salute to the Arts in Fairview Heights, IL. Do not miss it! https://midwestsalute.com/entertainment-2023/
Sept 13, 2023 U.S. Premiere of Teatr Baza’s “The Glass Menagerie” in St Louis
U.S. premiere of Tennessee Williams's "The Glass Menagerie" by Teatr Baza of Warsaw, Poland [ In Polish with English overtitles projections] Presented as part of the 8th Annual Tennessee Williams Festival in St Louis https://youtu.be/YX34TYXbjis ABOUT THE PLAY No modern theater play has captured the American public's imagination and heart as Tennessee Williams's The Glass Menagerie. As Williams's first popular success, it launched the brilliant, if somewhat controversial, career of the U.S. pre-eminent lyric playwright. The Glass Menagerie is a memory play with strong autobiographical elements, featuring characters based on its author, his histrionic mother, and his [...]
Corrosive environments as fertile ground by Joe Chesla Pre-Security, Terminal 1, Baggage Claim leve
Corrosive environments as fertile ground by Joe Chesla Pre-Security, Terminal 1, Baggage Claim level Exhibition dates: Now through September 2023 Corrosive environments as fertile ground consists of 6 images in the airport lightboxes in Terminal 1. The images are a series of detail shots from Chesla’s large-scale mixed media drawings. The images examine the micro compositional elements created within the context of the larger art object, offering a window into the physicality, materiality, and complexity built within the smallest areas of my drawings. About the artist: Chesla received his Masters of Fine Arts degree from Utah State University and his [...]
June 4, 2023
Celebrating Poland’s Freedom & Civil Rights Day / Dzień Wolności i Praw Obywatelskich Sunday, June 4, 2023, 4:00pm HIGH LOW Listening Room 3301 Washington, St. Louis, MO STREET OF DREAMS from Kraków to Hollywood Music by Polish and American Composers, the 1940s - 2000s PERFORMERS: WEBSTER UNIVERSITY FACULTY & FRIENDS: Paul DeMarinis, Hugh Jones & Mike Karpowicz, saxophone; Mike Parkinson, trumpet; Matt Pickart, violin; Kim Portnoy, Carol Schmidt & Carolbeth True, piano; Willem von Hombracht, bass; and Kevin Gianino, drums. UPSTREAM THEATER Actors: Steve Isom and Jen Theby-Quinn PROGRAM John Williams – Schindler’s List Jan A. P. Kaczmarek – [...]
March 16, 2023 “Marzec 1968” – Movie Premiere in St Louis
March 16, 2023 Marcus Des Peres Cinema March ‘68 Poland | Polish with English subtitles Director: Krzysztof Lang Feature: 120 minutes Warsaw, 1968. Students are protesting against the unlawful expulsion of their colleagues from the university and in defense of the “Dziady” (Forefathers’ Day) poster, directed by Kazimierz Dejmek, and staged at the National Theater. Hania and Janek are also among the protesting youth. Their families are on both sides of the March barricade. Young and madly in love with each other, like in Shakespeare’s drama Romeo and Juliet, in a country overwhelmed by rebellion, they fight for their affection. [...]
March 18, 2023 The Fused Works of Tomasz Stańko & Wisława Szymborska
Saint Louis Polonia, with the assistance of UPSTREAM THEATER and Nottelmann Music, presents FACES OF JAZZ & POETRY! The Fused Works of Tomasz Stańko & Wisława Szymborska Saturday, March 18th, 2023, 4-6pm High Low Listening Room, 3301 Washington, St. Louis, MO PERFORMERS: Paul DeMarinis, tenor saxophone; Mike Parkinson, trumpet; Kim Portnoy, piano; Willem von Hombracht, bass, and Kevin Gianino, drums; with local Equity actors Eric J. Conners, Jeff Cummings, and Jane Paradise. TICKETS: Admission is FREE. Reservations are encouraged due to limited space. To make reservations, please visit Eventbrite. A suggested donation of $15/adults, $10/students & seniors underwrites this event and [...]
Christine Ilewski & Faces Not Forgotten Honored by the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards
Faces Not Forgotten, Local Non-Profit, Honored by the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards Faces Not Forgotten, an Alton-based non-profit, has been named a Gold winner for Special Projects showing Innovative Products and Services as well as a Silver winner for Community Outreach in the Education, Art, & Culture category of the prestigious 2nd Annual Anthem Awards https://www.anthemawards.com/winners/list/entry/#!education-art-culture/special-projects/faces-not-forgotten/1980/-1/387040 . The Anthem Awards honors the purpose & mission-driven work of people, companies, and organizations worldwide. Fellow winners include Gloria Steinem, Billy Porter, Amanda Gorman, and Abigail Disney. Faces Not Forgotten is a social justice visual art project that honors the children in America, eight [...]
The Countess and POW – New Book by Toni Reavis
Bisia Krasicka taught two generations in St. Louis at Villa Duchesne High School and the old Sacred Heart City House school, often keeping students on the edge of their seats with her amazing real-life tales. The book was written by her son Tony Reavis. Bisia & Isham: The Countess & the P.O.W. On Valentine's Day, 1945, two soldiers met in a small café in Lublin, Poland. She was a Polish countess fighting for her nation's doomed freedom. He was an escaped American POW searching for a U.S. mission. Neither spoke the other's language. Yet 11 days later, they married, beginning a [...]
Saturday, February 4, 2023 – St. Cecilia Concert of Sacred Music
Dr. Andrzej Zahorski Director of Music at St Anselm Parish presents St. Cecilia Concert of Sacred Music. Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 2:00 pm St. Anselm Catholic Church at Saint Louis Abbey 500 S Mason Rd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 Vox Fidentium Vocal Ensemble, at the direction of Dr. Andrzej Zahorski, will present works by two influential representatives of the Spanish Golden Age, Francisco Guerrero, and Alonso Lobo. Do not miss this unique opportunity to hear the sacred music repertoire coming from the spiritual heart of Andalusia - the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Sede in Sevilla. Savor inspiring and passionate music performed at [...]
MONK & COLTRANE! Reflections on the historic 1957 Carnegie Hall concert
Sunday, June 12, 4pm, First Congregational Church, 10 W Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, Missouri The concert will be preceded by a 3pm lecture on Thelonious Monk & John Coltrane by Paul DeMarinis, Director of Jazz Studies at Webster University PERFORMERS: Mike Parkinson, trumpet, Paul DeMarinis, Hugh Jones and Mike Karpowicz, saxophones, Carol Schmidt & Kim Portnoy, piano, Ben Wheeler, bass, and Nick Savage, drums. ADMISSION: $10 adults, $5 students. All proceeds benefit Willem von Hombracht, renowned St. Louis jazz bassist/educator, to help defray medical expenses from a recent serious accident. Individuals may provide support for Ukrainian students to attend the [...]
ISJA Benefit Concert May 1, 2022 – recap
Thanks to everyone who attended the ISJA BLUE NOTE celebration on Sunday 5/1/22 in St. Louis. Many thanks to the fantastic team of musicians led by Mike Parkinson: Kevin Gianino, Willem von Hombracht, Carolbeth True, Carol Schmidt, Joe Meyer, Blake Nelson, Hugh Jones, Mike Karpowicz, Zac Minor, Chris Hubbard, Steve Schenkel, Abbie Steiling, David Brett Stamps, Paul DeMarinis, and Kim Portnoy for their performances. Thanks to Leon Burke, Michael Major, and Ray Benton for their assistance. Below is a recording by Ray Benton of Nottelmann Music and Mike Major of Major Creativity. Welcome remarks by pastor David, First Congregational [...]
May, 2022 8 PM – “Beyond the Scorched Mountain” Poetry & Music from Ukraine and Elsewhere
Please join us for an evening of music and poetry from Ukraine and elsewhere! presented by "Beyond the Scorched Mountain" Wednesday, May 11 at 8 PM The evening features live music by Farshid Soltanshahi and includes poems by Dzvinia Orlowsky, Oksana Maksymchuk, Olga Livshin, Serhiy Zhadan, Ilya Abu Madi and Yehuda Amichai as read by Peter Mayer, Caitlin Mickey, Kathleen Sitzer, Jeffery Cummings, Mona Sabau, Farshid Soltanshahi, and Philip Boehm. Reception to follow (ok to remove mask while drinking). Locations: International Institute, 3401 Arsenal St, St. Louis, MO 63118 (see map below for parking) Free Admission - Masks Required [...]
April 13th – Katyń Massacre Remembrance Day
April 13th is Katyń Massacre Remembrance Day. The Katyn massacre was a series of mass executions of nearly 22,000 Polish military officers and intellectual elites carried out by the Soviet NKVD in April and May 1940. The killings occurred in several various camps and prisons the massacre is named after the Katyn Forest, where some of the mass graves were first discovered. These photos were taken and the Katyn Museum in Warsaw. In 2017 the museum was nominated for European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture award.
May 1, 2022 – Jazz Concert for ISJA 2022 in Kraków
BLUE NOTE! Celebrating America’s Premiere Jazz Label Sunday, May 1, 2022, 4 pm, First Congregational Church, 10 W Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, Missouri The concert will be preceded by a 3 pm lecture on the BLUE NOTE record label’s legacy by Paul DeMarinis, Director of Jazz Studies at Webster University PERFORMERS: Abbie Steiling, violin, Mike Parkinson, trumpet, Brett Stamps, trombone, Paul DeMarinis, Hugh Jones, Mike Karpowicz, Chris Hubbard & Zac Minor, saxophone, Steve Schenkel, guitar, Carol Schmidt, Carolbeth True & Kim Portnoy, piano, Willem von Hombracht & Ben Wheeler, bass, Kevin Gianino, Joe Meyer & Blake Nelson, drums. [...]
May 4, 2022 – Webinar: The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: a successful experiment in multiculturalism? A Multiethnic Patchwork.
Saint Louis Polonia Inc and Centrum Badań Historycznych Polskiej Akademii w Berlinie Invite you to a lecture "The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: a successful experiment in multiculturalism? A Multiethnic Patchwork" Dr. Igor Kąkolewski The virtual event will take place on Wednesday, May 4th, 4:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) The event is free Registration is required: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtcuuqqT4pGdRmLplgku2v_wBvE6KEGsKm After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, also known as the Commonwealth of Both Nations was one of Europe’s most highly populated and ethnically diverse countries. Who inhabited her lands? What [...]
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