Author Archives: dannyashkenasi

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About dannyashkenasi

I'm a composer with over 40 years experience creating music theater. I'm also an actor, writer, director, producer, teacher and general enthusiast for the arts.

Paw Paw Harvest

Posted on September 26, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

Above is a bowl of paw paws, the only North American tropical fruit. You won’t find it the grocery store, because it so easily bruises it is considered unmarketable. It also only ripens on the tree, and then must be … Continue reading →

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At the Aquarium

Posted on September 19, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

An Underwater Exploration with Musical Accompaniment The other day Ed and I went to Coney Island in the south of Brooklyn, and spent many hours enjoying the wonders of the aquarium. Underwater worlds from coral reefs to canyon gorges, multitudes … Continue reading →

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… in which Ed has to endure Danny getting “artsy” on the escalator.

Posted on September 14, 2024 by dannyashkenasi
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Kingdom of my own personal NEW YORKER CARTOON captions

Posted on September 6, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

Well, that’s one way to spin the data… This is the 10th installment of my own personal New Yorker Cartoon captions (easiest way to find all the others is to click on the Literary Lyricism category). It’s also the fourth … Continue reading →

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Montien Boonma’s HOUSE OF HOPE

Posted on August 31, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

There is much to discover and delight in at NYC’s Museum of Modern Art, MOMA. I was especially taken by Montien Boonma’s House of Hope. A work of art that invites to be explored from many angles, perspectives and pathways. … Continue reading →

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Actor and Cinematography Awards for P&P

Posted on August 24, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

In a handsomely arched hall turned screening room in a stately old building filled with history, my Edgar Allan Poe musical adaptation “The Pit and the Pendulum – a musicabre”, was shown last night at the Giove International Film Festival … Continue reading →

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Another P&P Screening in Italy

Posted on August 18, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

This Friday, August 23, my short film musical Edgar Allan Poe adaptation “The Pit and the Pendulum – a musicabre” (click here for trailer and much more) will screen again in Italy, specifically at the Giove International Film Festival in … Continue reading →

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At the OSCAR WILDE

Posted on August 11, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

Ed and I treated ourselves to a tasty meal in the even tastier restaurant, the Oscar Wilde, on 45 West 27th Street in Manhattan. “A Public Place for Private Affairs”. The name of the restaurant may be Oscar Wilde, but … Continue reading →

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EVOCATION XXXI for String Orchestra

Posted on August 4, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

I recently posted this year’s viola/piano duet birthday present for Ed, Evocation XXXI – you can listen to the computer play it and follow the score here. While I composed it, I already knew that I would also be arranging … Continue reading →

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War of my own personal NEW YORKER CARTOON captions

Posted on July 29, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

We’re testing Schrödinger’s Waffles The ninth installment of my ongoing series of New Yorker Cartoon caption hopefuls. The third in which I mine the Planet of the Apes movies for post sequel titles… … and how does THIS make you … Continue reading →

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Layover in Detroit, Touchdown in Madison

Posted on July 23, 2024 by dannyashkenasi
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STELENFELD – Berlin Holocaust Memorial

Posted on July 16, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

In Berlin, Germany, just south of the Brandenburg Gate, across the street from the eastern edge of the Tiergarten park, lies the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, A K A the Holocaust Memorial, and also referred to colloquially … Continue reading →

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EVOCATION XXXI

Posted on July 12, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

Today is Ed’s birthday. And I have presented him, as I have for the past 31 years, with another viola piano duet for us to play. Below is the score you may follow along while you listen to the computer … Continue reading →

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DISGUSTED

Posted on July 7, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

To the New York Times, I am thoroughly disgusted with the New York Times.  It has lost all journalistic integrity with the pile-on of articles and op-eds pushing an agenda to force President Biden to drop out of the race, … Continue reading →

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PRIDE NYC ’24

Posted on July 1, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

Ed and I made our wasy from Brooklyn to the Village to watch much of the Pride festivities and parade before joining the Quakers* at their late afternoon slot in the march down Fifth Avenue. What follows are a couple … Continue reading →

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Ruin a Band Name By Changing One Letter

Posted on June 23, 2024 by dannyashkenasi

The Polite The Boors The Cute The Rolling Scones The Beach Bots Supercramp Tears for Pears Thompson Twigs Stye Piss Van Haven The Why Yet The Why W2 Sample songs: Excuse Me For Standing So Close To You (The Polite) … Continue reading →

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