On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

For years we would see our old friend Fran Delaney taking care the armory at 191 Highland Ave. Fran was the keeper of the “castle.” That was before the extensive renovations transformed the historic building into the Center for Arts at the Armory. The 501C3 non-profit has been operating and growing since 2004. Today it’s Somerville native “Dapper” Danny Kallis you are bound to see in and around the building since he is the Director of Community Relations. Danny carries on a decades old family tradition of being involved with food, entertainment and people. Dan’s father, Peter, had previously owned The Rosebud and The Coronet (which is now Redbones) in Davis Square. He is also the “Dan” as in Dapper Dan from that famous restaurant which used to be the hip place to be in Assembly Square. Today, along with Executive Director Debra McLaughlin, Director of Events and Operations Susan Fiedler, café manager Laura Sargent and Cultural Programming Liaisons Jennifer Laurence and Kerry Larvin, Dan’s main goal is to make sure every inch of the building is utilized for the benefit of the corporate and artistic community.

As their website states, Arts at the Armory is located in an historic armory that also provides studio spaces for artists, a cafe, galleries, two live/work artists units, two performance spaces, and offices for arts organizations. The fabulous mezzanine is perfect for smaller, more personal functions and meetings of up to 100 people. The café can hold 52 guests and the main hall nearly 400. I can attest that the state of the art sound system, with a new sound booth and huge screens is the best around. The venue can accommodate any number of guests. Conference space also comes equipped with white boards, perfect for business meetings and functions.

You won’t believe how cool it is in there! Somerville has never seen such a chic, spacious, inviting place to hold any kind of get together. (I’m going to try to get a gig playing piano in the Café.) Tony V, Lenny Clarke and Booty Vortex have all entertained in the Armory’s spacious main room. Our 2009 All America City award party held there was one of my favorite memories. Partying in a place that used to house trucks, jeeps, and probably tanks, is very unique.

There are a few people who were, and still are vital in realizing the dream of the Center for Arts at the Armory such as Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Ward 5 Alderman Sean O’Donovan, Chamber of Commerce President Steve Mackey and especially, dining and nightlife chair Ray Zonghetti. Ray has extensive knowledge of the food and beverage industry as well as a tireless involvement with the Somerville business community and countless charitable events. He has been friends with Danny for over 40 years and is a constant source of support for Arts at the Armory. Ray is also involved with many community projects. Considering all the time he donates to the city it is amazing that he still has time for his job at Heartland Payment Systems.

Dali restaurant donated a permanent beer and wine license. Former Mayor Gene Brune has also supported Dan Kallis in his various Somerville endeavors going back to the Dapper Dan Restaurant days. Gene had the vision to help give a young man from Davis Sq. a shot to fulfill a dream. That dream is now continuing with Dan’s involvement with the Center for Arts at the Armory.

The Center for the Arts has also worked with the students from the culinary program at Somerville High School. As they are getting ready to finally erect a sign in front of the armory, plans are being discussed to incorporate the graphic arts and woodworking students from the High School. A contest to design the sign would be quite a fulfilling experience.

The Farmer’s Winter Market has been very successful at the armory. A comedy night is being planned as well as booking more entertainers to perform in the Café. To date, 16 tenants rent space at the armory. Some include the Center for Arabic Culture, Acoustic Bass of New England, The Actors Shakespeare Project, David’s Dance Center, The Department of the Interior (design), and many more. Check out the website for more info on many innovative coming events. You can enjoy dance, music, yoga, photography as well as various workshops. Performances by Somerville’s Swinging Singing Seniors, and a teen band concert and fundraiser are also in the works.

The Center is constantly involved in the creative economy hiring of video producers, sound engineers, local businesses and artists. It’s all about community including hosting Somerville’s popular Open Studios. Non-profit groups receive reduced rates. Executive Director Debra McLaughlin wants to spread the word that The Center for the Arts is here for the community to use, and invites everyone to visit the website and see all the exciting events that are always going on.

As the mission statement says, “Given that artistic expression elevates a civil society, Arts at the Armory seeks to galvanize the creative spirit by providing a space where working artists and the community can come together”.

I have performed and partied in every venue in the area over the years and the renovated armory, aka the Center for Arts at the Armory really rocks. Check it out. It is definitely a Somerville gem. And by the way, Dan is still Dapper after all these years. To find out more you can call 617-718 2191, or info@artsatthearmory.org.