In Brief

A full agenda is planned, including a Friday night “hat party” opening reception and Saturday morning continental breakfast at the new conference center of The Breakers Hotel and Suites; a Friday evening “bar night” at the Double L, sponsored by Dignity’s Defenders LLC; a full Saturday on the beach (Poodle Beach, naturally), with a gourmet boxed lunch served, and snacks and beverages, and activities, throughout the day (look for their tent and stop by to say hello and pick up information on Dignity); an early Saturday evening of Dignity Bingo Madness (how very Catholic); a late Saturday evening of partying and dancing at Rehoboth’s clubs; a scrumptious Sunday morning brunch at Our Place Restaurant and Garden Patio; followed by a celebration of the Mass, at 1:00 p.m., in the sanctuary of the Epworth United Methodist Church (beach block of Baltimore Avenue), to end their weekend of celebration and relaxation.

Dignity/Washington, the largest Dignity Chapter in the nation, sponsors a Mass every Sunday, at 6:00 p.m., at St. Margaret’s Church, 1820 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC (Dupont Circle Metro). For more information on Dignity, check their web site at www.dignitywashington.org. You can also reach them at Dignity/Washington, P.O. Box 53001, Washington, DC 20009, or by calling 202-546-2235.

If you would like more information, or would like to find out how to participate in the planned Rehoboth Beach Weekend activities, contact Bill Hunt at wmhunt@starpower.net, or 301-982-0111.

Pianist Michael Ferreri at the Purple Parrot
Pianist/singer Michael Ferreri’s acclaimed cabaret act is coming to the Purple Parrot July 12 and 13. A musician and entertainer of exceptional talent, Michael’s outstanding musicality and seemingly endless repertoire have made him a consistently popular and working performer in cabarets, clubs and in concert dates.

Backstage says that with his “striking charisma, charming stage presence, and soft baritone voice, he is clearly a promising talent.” His talents have also garnered him a devoted fan base in New York, London, and across the United States.

Michael’s debut CD, Michael Ferreri: Sweet Dreams is an ethereal collection of songs that tell a story and are perfectly suited to his intimate phrasing and musicianship. The CD contains 12 cuts showcasing his engaging and highly personal style of performing, including “Move On,” by Stephen Sondheim; “Sweet Dreams” and “A Dream” by John Bucchino; and “Lullabye” by Billy Joel.

Michael has appeared in concert and in galas with such celebrated performers as Michael Feinstein, Andrea McArdle, Beth Fowler and Greg Edelman. Other concerts include a Tribute to Sondheim at Primary Stages and a benefit concert version of Into the Woods chaired by Stephen Sondheim. He has performed in the Musicals Unlimited revival of Pipe Dream and the acclaimed Lincoln Center production of The Happy End, produced by the Kurt Weill Foundation. Michael has also been given the unique honor of performing at an intimate New York reception or HRH Prince Philip of England.

His solo cabaret engagements have been enthusiastically received, including a sold-out show with Meg Flather at one of New York’s cabaret epicenters, Don’t Tell Mama. His engaging playing and ability to establish immediate rapport with his audience has made him one of the most popular musicians at such New York landmarks as One if by Land, Two if by Sea and Tavern on the Green, and at the clubs Eighty-Eights and The Townhouse.

The Purple Parrot is located at 247 Rehoboth Avenue. Performances are July 12 and 13, from 6-9 p.m. For information call 302-226-1139.

Bodymind Center Opens in Rehoboth
Konrad Noebel, LMT, NCTMB is proud to announce the opening of the new Bodymind Center for Massage and Bodywork. The center is located in the space previously occupied by the Rehoboth Holistic Center in the beach block of Baltimore Avenue. Konrad, a licensed and nationally certified massage therapist, had worked out of the Rehoboth Holistic Center for 4½ years before he took over the lease to the property when the Center closed at the end of May.

“The name “Bodymind” reflects my philosophy that we are so much more than just a body; mind, body and spirit are intrinsically connected. It is when we are fully integrated, on a physical, as well as mental/emotional/spiritual level that we feel most “whole” and alive” states Konrad. “Unfortunately, too often we lose that sense of integration and wholeness; we lose touch with our bodies or disconnect from our feelings and thoughts when stress takes over. Through bodywork and movement we can get back into our bodies and restore a much needed sense of balance.”

Konrad will continue to provide integrative bodywork at the new center. He will offer sessions in therapeutic massage, a combination of deep tissue therapy, myofascial release and Swedish Massage techniques, to provide relief from muscular pain and injury as well as from the toll which stress takes on our bodies and minds. Research has shown that stress has a negative impact on all body systems including the immune system and that therapeutic massage can have a profound restorative effect. Konrad is also a student of Zero Balancing, a powerful therapy which through gentle touch addresses the bones and joints of the body and the flow of energy through them, restoring a state of balance and vitality in body and mind, in structure and energy. The work facilitates a deep sense of relaxation and well-being and one often leaves a session more attuned and centered and grounded. In addition to bodywork, Konrad, who is also a registered dance/ movement therapist and certified movement analyst, plans to offer individual instruction in Pilates and fundamentals of movement. Pilates is a form of exercise which targets the core stabilizing muscles of the body to improve alignment and posture and build strength and flexibility, thereby reducing risk of injury and increasing the potential for more efficient and integrated movement.

Bodymind is located at 26B Baltimore Avenue in the ocean block. The building (between Adriatico’s and Epworth Church) has recently undergone a significant facelift, providing a fresh, bright new space to house Bodymind.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call Konrad Noebel at 302-226 8833 or 302-245-0330.

MCC Rehoboth Adds New Service
The Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth, located at 21 Midway Center has added a new weekly “Contemporary Worship Service” on Saturdays at 6 p.m.

This service will celebrate in less traditional ways, featuring various types of music, prayer, and sermon styles.

For more information, call the church office at 302-645-4945. Worship & Celebration: Saturdays 6 p.m.; Sundays, 9 and 10:30 a.m.