Author Archives: beth

Friday, Sept 25, 6:30pm.  At the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier Gazebo, Capadanno Blvd near Seaview Ave, SINY 10305.

Staten Island OutLOUD gathers around picnic tables under the gazebo at the foot of the scenic Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier to explore another chapter of The Great Gatsby. Rain or shine, the big gazebo will keep us comfy and sheltered. This location is at the foot of the 825-foot fishing pier, and it affords a stunning ocean vista. It’s a scene that Gatsby might have enjoyed (if Daisy had been there with him).

Our featured readers include Joan Harmon, Robert Heffernan, James Anthony Phillips and others TBA.

Monday, Sept 21, 2015 – 6:30pm.  Mariners Harbor Branch Library, 206 South Ave, SINY 10303.

The library staff at the Mariners’ Harbor branch library and Staten Island OutLOUD invite you to a discussion of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”. Plenty of free parking on the surrounding streets.

Sunday, Sept 20 at 2pm.  Blue Heron Park, 222 Poillon Ave, SINY 10312

Staten Island OutLOUD gathers at Blue Heron Park to explore Chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby.  The verdant meadow & wetlands, the scenic ponds and beautiful birds are reminiscent of Gatsby’s estate.  If the weather is fair, we’ll stroll through the park.  If it rains, we’ll meet inside the charming nature center, with wide windows that overlook the woodland.  BRING A LAWNCHAIR.

Our featured readers include James Hill and Nan Smith.

Saturday, Sept 19, 2015 – 1pm.   St George Library Center, 5 Central Ave, SINY 10301

Join Staten Island OutLOUD and the awesome librarians at the St. George Library Center for a lively conversation on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” and a free screening of the 2013 film version, directed by Baz Luhrman, and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby.

Sunday, Sept 13, 3pm at Every Thing Goes Book Cafe, 208 Bay St, SINY 10301

Staten Island OutLOUD’s Big Read Kick-Off event for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”. We’ll celebrate this fascinating novel, and the events that surrounded its creation, with a special focus on Chapters 1 & 2.

Performance art inspired by “Gatsby” by “Going Up? Productions” with puppeteers Dana Morgan and Cara Liander.  Featured readers: Ted Lochwyn, Kristi Pfister & more.

Free & open to the public.

RAIN OR SHINE!!!

Saturday, Sept 12, 4pm, Freshkills Park, SINY.

The Parks van is dry & comfy.  There is a big observation tent on the Mound. And if it rains, they have a nice indoor location for us.

RESERVATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED:  ALL SEATS ARE NOW TAKEN.   Freshkills Park will provide location info after they confirm yor reservation.  OutLOUD cannot take reservations for this event.  Reservations handled exclusively by Freshkills Park.

Staten Island OutLOUD and Freshkills Park collaborate to explore F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” from a spectacular vantage point: the North Mound of Freshkills Park, which overlooks the NYC skyline, New York harbor, and the waters beyond.

We’ll enjoy conversation about this quintessential New York novel as we relax under a broad tent that will keep us comfy, rain or shine. Freshkills park is a fantastic example of land reclamation and resuse.  It is NYC’s biggest park.

RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL:  The Freshkills Park van will pick up guests shortly before 4pm – Freshkills Park will provide details when they confirm your reservation. (Please arrive early – They can’t accommodate latecomers.)

The van will drive you to Freshkills Park, and will return to St. George at 6pm.

Continue reading →

Sunday, August 9, 2pm at Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Avenue, SINY 10306

Staten Island OutLOUD is proud to feature a new book by lifelong Islander Dolores Morris (pictured at left).  The Soldier That Wagged Her Tail is the extraordinary story of WWII service by her father, William A, Morris Jr., and his comrade-in-arms…  Trixie: a brave little dog that he met just before the Normandy Invasion.

Trixie was with Sgt. Morris on D-Day +3, at the Battle of the Bulge, behind enemy lines, and in many other combat situations.  Trixie saved his life, and he saved hers.

This story invites us to reflect on all who sacrificed during World War II, as we approach the 70th anniversary of the end of that war.  It is the story of African-Americans who served bravely and selflessly in a segregated military.  It is a story of comradeship, love, and survival.  It is a loving daughter’s tribute, a story that must be shared.

Staten Island OutLOUD’s reading features the velvet-voiced Gregory Taylor as Sgt. Morris, and the inimitable Vivian Vassar (of Day de Dada) as Trixie, the little dog who saved his life.

A lemonade & cookie social will follow our reading. This event is free, and family-friendly. Good for all ages.

Saturday, Aug 8, at 2pm.  In the Staten Island Arts Culture Lounge – St George Ferry Terminal, Richmond Terrace & Bay St, St George, SINY 10301.  (Look for the orange overhead sign “Culture Lounge” near the big waiting room. The Culture Lounge is opposite the stairs leading to the SIR Train entrance, and next door to the River Dock Cafe.  It’s about 100 feet from the west plaza entrance & stairway from the parking lot)

Staten Island OutLOUD presents a spoken word event in collaboration with Day de Dada’s “What Do You WISH?” exhibit in the Culture Lounge at the St. George Ferry Terminal.  We’ll explore a chilling 19th century tale, “The Monkey’s Paw”.  Its caveat:  Be careful what you wish for!

Our featured readers include a writer and a painter with Staten Island roots: The mother-daughter team of Laura Drew Kelly and Sarah Yuster will present “The Monkey’s Paw” in all its high-Victoriana.  Don’t miss this!

Saturday, August 1, 2015 – 6:30pm.  At the Noble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building D, SINY 10301

Staten Island OutLOUD presents our annual celebration of Herman Melville’s haunting classic in a perfect location: The Noble Martime Collection, located on the grounds of Sailor Snug Harbor.

Maritime music by the Staten Island Philharmonic.  An enchanting short prelude by “Going Up?” Puppetry Ensemble, featuring Dana Morgan & Cara Liander.

Our cast of readers:  Dennis Green, Ted Lochwyn, J. Keith McCauley, Hiroko Otani, Jeannine Otis, James Anthony Phillips.   Special thanks to Erin Urban and the staff of the Noble Maritime Collection: a community treasure and a key element of our maritime heritage.