Somerville, MA, – SomervilleÂ’s non-profit Center forArts at the Armory, just voted Boston PhoenixÂ’s Best of 2012 Best Non-Gallery Art Space, announces new details for its 2012 fundraiser, The iBall: Keeping it Surreal, Thursday, May 10 at 7:00 pm in the ArmoryÂ’s Performance Hall, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. The theme for the evening is surrealism, which will be reflected in the food, activities, music, fashion, and décor. Food from acclaimed local restaurants Highland Kitchen, Foundry on Elm, and Old MagounÂ’s Saloon is included with admission. Slumbrew and other craft beers and wine will be available for sale.
Somerville mayorJoseph A. Curtatone, Honorary Chair of The iBall, will be in attendance at the champagne VIP reception from 6:00 pm Â- 7:00 pm, among other Arts at the Armory supporters. Roger Miller (Mission of Burma, Alloy Orchestra) will perform an acoustic solo set of original, 1920Â’s-inspired piano music.
Local faves Revolutionary Snake Ensemble and Willie «Loco» Alexander will perform later in the evening. Led by saxophonist Ken Field, Revolutionary Snake Ensemble is a costumed funk/street beat improvisational brass band performing a unique blend of original and traditional music. Boston rock institution Willie Alexander is well known to local music fans, having played for over 30 years with acts like Willie Alexander and the Boom Boom Band, and the Persistence of Memory Orchestra. Musician Michael Bierylo opens up with a set of electronic music.
The inaugural Arts at the Armory Billy Ruane Awards will be presented to a few of the organization’s biggest champions: Joseph and Nabil Sater, owners of the Middle East restaurant, and partner Allan Carrier for initiating the project and renovating the building; Ray Zonghetti, Somerville Chamber of Commerce Dining and Nightlife Chair, for his support and guidance; and Mario Leon, owner of Dali restaurant, for donating a beer and wine license. Known for his enthusiasm and passion for the arts, Billy Ruane was a longtime driving force in the local music scene and an ardent supporter of Arts at the Armory until his untimely passing in 2010.
Throughout the evening, guests can take part in a host of unique activities, including surrealist games (detailed below), a photo station offering surrealist photo effects, and a surrealist-themed fashion contest. Attendees are encouraged to come in surrealist garb for a chance to win best costume prizes hand-made by Miller. Surrealist dress is optional; guests can feel free to come as they are.
Eyeball balloons will also be on sale during the event, with each balloon offering prizes from sponsors including Healthworks, DaveÂ’s Fresh Pasta, Porter Square Books, and Cambridge Naturals. Additional sponsors of The iBall include Newbury Comics, Tufts University, Best Rate Insurance, and Wedgwood, Crane and Connolly Insurance.
The iBall: Keeping it Surreal runs from 7:00 pm Â- 11:00 pm, with a VIP reception from 6:00 pm Â- 7:00 pm. Tickets are $25 for general admission, and $75 for VIP admission. For tickets and information, visit artsatthearmory.org or call (617) 718-2191. Arts at the Armory is located at 191 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA.
Roger Miller will also teach riotous surrealist games developed during the 1920’s and ’30’s heyday of surrealism. Miller will explain and lead the games, and provide incidental surrealist music. Games include Exquisite Corpse drawing and word games that allow the enti
