The Libertine Collective:

The Libertine Collective is a Connecticut-based creative group of like-minded artists of every medium who express themselves and motivate others. The Collective explores and shares ideas through actions, connections, intellect, communication and intent; allowing for enriched life experiences. In doing so, we inspire one another with endless possibilities and gain insight by learning from one another.

Our overall goal is to bring art and people who appreciate it together in an environment that appeals to even the casual dabbler. By mixing live original music with poetry, visual art and performance art, we hope to generate a sort of spectacle that might offer greater incentive to the community as naturally and organically possible.

contact: Heather at libertinecollective@yahoo.com



Monday, March 29, 2010

Colin McEnroe promotes the L.C.

For those of you who don't know our friend Colin McEnroe (really?), he hosts a radio show on WNPR (90.5 in these parts) aptly called The Colin McEnroe show. Today's topic was the Beatnik Movement, from its roots to its current incarnation. Colin had three Libertines in the studio for the broadcast: Summer Tate, the brilliant poet who read at the most recent Bohemia show, and the musical duo of Chris Phillips (of The Kelvins) and Gary Jacobs on bodhran and flute, respectively. Colin made numerous references to the Libertine Collective as a modern embodiment of the beatnik ideal, and to founders Heather Groenstein and Greg Garcia. He also fielded a call from Greg (aka me), whom he called "the King of the Hartford Beatniks." Ok, the title was way overstated (I'm certainly not the king of the Hartford beatniks, but I love being one of the more vocal of them!), but much appreciated in the sense that it spoke volumes about the Libertine Collective and what we represent. For that, I thank Colin, who just might be the king of the Hartford beatniks! To hear a stream of the show (with several poems by Summer Tate with musical accompaniment by Chris and Gary, as well as commentary by Alan Bisbort), click on: http://www.cpbn.org/program/colin-mcenroe-show. Pics coming!!!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The Latest Bohemia Show Considered


Images from event:

Last night's Welcome to Bohemia show was a light year leap from the debut show in January. Perhaps it was the location, though Billings Forge isn't really very "Bohemian" in appearance or vibe.It seemed to be just the right setting for the evening.

Maybe it was the music. HannaH's Field brought a happy, organic, vibe to the evening that had everyone smiling. Really, they got everyone high! Kate Callahan gave everyone chills with her intimate performance, and her percussionist, Allie, had a great feel for the material. Dawn Manogue showed me the goosebumps on her arm, and I'm sure she wasn't alone. DJ Krypt, a late addition to the event, spun some wild-yet-low-key mixes on his tables. My Kelvins had a short set to end rthe night, but we really used all of the energy that had built up to our advantage. We even pulled out a first: I am the Walrus, in its entirety! FUN.

Was it Sugati and her hypnotic belly dancing? Absolutely! She and Chris Phillips (known collectively as Marishka Dance) electrified the room.

It could have been the spoken word artists and their bold forays into linguistic acrobatics and lyrical allure. Summer Tate laid down a gauntlet that was taken up with panache by Nancy Otter. John L. Stanizzi hammered it home with some amazing poems.

It was definitely the art, at least in part. Paintings by Gary Jacobs, Corey Pane, Roberta Mockus and, H.L. Groen (aka Heather Groenstein) surrounded the event and created a lush, vibrant atmosphere.

All of those elements combined to form the perfect tapestry of art, but the audience of over 100 Libertines gave that tapestry meaning. Thank you all for coming out, be you artist or enthusiast. You are all the reason that we exist! We thank all of you for making the night phenomenal.

Galleries of images by Shane Dixon (whose image tops this blog), Jamie Turner, Tony Stanley and others, are coming soon (or go to their FB pages)! 

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

The First Libertine Report 3/2/10

The First Libertine Report will be hosted by WESU and J Cherry presents: Art on Air

When do you ask? - March 2nd at 6:30-7:30. 88.1 - Cofounders Greg Garcia and H.L. Groen will be giving a report about what it is to be a Libertine and some of the Happenings in the area along with upcoming LC events!