Sentimental Journey @ Cornelia Street @ Tues @ July 12 @ 6pm

The West Side Spirit published my Yorkville story, “Sentimental Journey on a Hot Summer Night.” An excerpt is below, click link above if you'd like to read the entire tale.

Sadly, during his youth my father’s emotional development was stunted. In 1945, hanging over the mezzanine at the Paramount Theatre, Dad swayed dreamily side-to-side listening to the Artie Shaw Orchestra. In mid swoon, while admiring his new suit, Dad flipped over the railing landing head first on an usher flirting with a floozy in the orchestra’s tenth row. Luckily, neither was killed. Both bleeding, they were taken to Polyclinic Hospital for stitches and x-rays. Dad begged the theatre’s manager for a rain check as the medics led him through the lobby. Dad sustained permanent injury that became apparent as the years unfolded. He no longer could make a decision or form an opinion that’s basis did not derive from something that happened in 1945 or before.

The next “City Stories: Stoops to Nuts,” Storytelling show is this coming Tuesday, July 12th @ 6pm @ Cornelia Street Café. With terrific yarn spinners & songsmiths:Barbara Aliprantis, Jake Goldman, Thomas Pryor, Francesca Rizzo, Tricia Scotti & Coree Spencer. Please stop by! Admission is $7 (that includes one free drink.)

Cornelia Street Café, @ 29 Cornelia St. between W. 4th St. & Bleecker St.

Stoops to Nuts Served at Cornelia Street Cafe

Storytelling unfurled Tuesday night at Cornelia Street Cafe at the monthly “City Stories: Stoops to Nuts" show.

June 14th being Flag Day, Nicholas Zaharakos proved he’s as “American as Spinach Pie,” with a story about his Greek born father's ingenuity securing a well balanced meal under surveillance. Nicole Ferraro nominated her grandmother as the woman most likely to get you out of the supermarket with a full cart of stuff, most of your money still in your wallet, and a package of frozen chicken cutlets slid inside your raincoat. Don Piper & Edward Rogers sung of the city’s forgotten souls, isolation and the redemptive pleasure of connecting with friends in the neighborhood. Francesca Rizzo’s yarn let it be known that she holds the international record for dating coincidence and that her mother’s strength is not picking out puppies. Thomas Pryor told a cautionary tale for the kids out there about “Murder by Dusting.”

The place was packed with friends, fans, and the entire 4th grade from St. Stephen of Hungary. Led by Sister Adrianne and two chaperones, the kids had a ball and their ears only had to be covered for a few moments during one story. They returned to school immediately after the show in their Wayback Bus.

Thank you, Nicole, Don, Edward, Francesca & Nicholas for a great show. Thank you, Steve & Tiffany for keeping the customers satisfied. Angelo & Robin, thank you for letting us play in your sandbox. Barbara Aliprantis, thank you, for letting me hold your curating candle.

Carrying on a fourteen year old tradition, storytelling is alive and well at Cornelia Street Cafe on the second Tuesday of each month. Our next, “City Stories: Stoops to Nuts,” storytelling show is July 12th at 6pm at the Cafe.

All photos on this page were taken by Danielle Samantha Marks, except for the sidewalk shot taken by Thomas Pryor.

Saint Stephen's Class Trip to Cornelia Street Cafe

Sister Adrianne trying to come up with a "fun but educational" class trip has decided to take her Saint Stephen of Hungary's 4th grade to Cornelia Street Cafe tonight to see the "City Stories: Stoops to Nuts" storytelling show.

Mister Varga will drive the kids down on the school bus and Mrs. Otis and Mrs. Varga have volunteered as chaperones. All students bringing their 4th grade report cards showing a 90 average get in free, all others pay $7 with one free Mission soda or adult drink if you sport facial hair.

Sister Adrianne picked a winner. It's a great show with terrific tellers and songsmiths including Nicole Ferraro, Don Piper, Francesca Rizzo, Edward Rogers & Nicholas Zaharakos. Tommy Pryor will host the show then immediately return to his seat on the bus for the trip back to the school or suffer Sister Adrianne's consequences.

Tonight: City Stories: Stoops to Nuts @ Cornelia Street Cafe @ 6pm

Located at 29 Cornelia Street (between Bleecker & West 4th Street, just west of 6th Avenue).

ps don't forget today is Flag Day!