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Calling Artists, Entertainers, Patrons of the Arts, Organizers

I would love to promote your arts and entertainment events in the Tri-County Area.  My website is been up over a month and it has been great writing about events and doing the weekend to do list, but I often need information for events.  This will especially be true as the busy months of summer slip into fall and winter and there are less things happening.

I love using video on my Thursday night Fox 28 News segment, so if you have at least 30 seconds of quality video, this will help.   Also pictures are great for the website.

Information can be sent electronically to me at artsent@wwnytv.net.  You can side video content on DVD and other material snail mail (traditional usps) to me at:

Craig Thornton

WWNY/WNYF

120 Arcade Street

Watertown, NY 13601

Be Sure to include contact information in case I want more information.

See you at the Theater, Concert, Festival, Art Gallery…ETC.

The Autumn Splendor Oct. 10-12

Okay, let’s face facts.  The Economy is Dismal.  The Presidential election is vicious. And Winter is around the corner.  But the most beautiful of all seasons is upon us.  And the weekend is going to be sunny and warm.  So let’s try to enjoy it.  After all, joy comes from the moment, certainly not fretting about the future.

Fall Outdoorsy Stuff

30th Annual Autumn Festival

Minna Anthony Nature Center at Wellesley Island State Park.

If you haven’t been to Wellesly Island State Park in a while, this is most glorious time of year to go.  I often hike the trails in autumn.  You get close up views of the Magnificent St. Lawrence River, as you take in the sights (bold leaf color), sounds (birds, leaf ruffling) and smells (the woods-better than your Renuzit in your bathroom).  All the while, getting exercise, necessary to beat the stress of the stock market crash.

Events include: Crafts, games, demonstrations, scarecrow making, live animals, tree walk and Birds of Prey Interpretive Show.  Music will be on hand and lunch is available.  This is good to know because, after all you are on “this island” and can’t pop over to a McDonalds.

SATURDAY 10am-3PM

THIS IS A GREAT BARGAIN EVENT FOR KIDS AND FAMILY.

For More Information: 482-2479

Eighth Annual Scenic Road Race

In Old Forge

Saturday on the Streets of Old Forge and Thendara

Okay, the Adirondacks on a Sunny Autumn Day?  A Fantastic Thought.

A lot going on here. Be a spectator or race yourself.  Oh by the way it is a foot race.  5 and 10K walk and runs.

Call the Old Forge Visitor Center for more Information - 369-6983

OPERA

Okay how can I have a separate category for Opera? Simple two events to talk about.

In my on- air element on Fox I spoke already about what is happening at the Clayton Opera House.

Here is Jeff Shannon’s original report:

The Clayton Opera House gets to live up to it’s name this week, as the Syracuse Opera brings its Resident Artists Program to the North Country.

On Saturday night at 7 PM, there will be a community performance at the Opera House of Barrio Boheme, featuring members of the Syracuse Opera and several local students.

Barrio Boheme is an urban retelling of the third act of Puccini’s La Boheme . This new 40-minute, fully staged and costumed presentation is set in multi-lingual 1960’s Spanish Harlem, as four star-crossed lovers work through issues of jealousy, betrayal and true love.

The performance is the culmination of a three day residence at the Opera House for the Syracuse Opera. On Thursday, the company will offer field trip performances to students from area high schools. On Friday, the program continues with a master class for area students. It is these students from Thousand Islands, General Brown, and Lowville High schools that will participate in Saturday night’s performance.

Syracuse Opera’s resident ensemble consists of four singers including soprano Laura Bohn, mezzo- soprano Shirin Eskandani, tenor Nathaniel Peake, and baritone Carlos Aguirre,as well as pianist Eric Andries.

This program is supported by The Thousand Islands Performing Arts Fund as part of its year-round programming at the Clayton Opera House. The Syracuse Opera Program is the second such program selected to support and supplement the arts curriculum of area school districts. This program has been generously supported by the John Ben Snow Foundation, a foundation which supports educational and humanitarian organizations.

Don’t miss this chance to see an actual opera at the Clayton Opera House, Saturday Night at 7 PM!

Here is the Website for The Clayton Opera House

Here is More Information about the Syracuse Opera Residence Artist Program

THE MET LIVE IN POTSDAM

The Metropolitan Opera Performances continue at the Roxy Theater.  Presented by SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music.  Watch a live performance of Salome at 1pm from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.  Using state of the art HD cameras it is almost like being there.  Saves scores of dollars as you can see this event for $18 (discounts for seniors and students) compared to well over a hundred in Manhattan.  More information call 267-2277.

Saturday at 1pm.

THEATER

There will be Murderers at the Black River Vally Club Friday and Saturday night, Sunday afternoon. This is a revival of the hit that played earlier this summer at the Clayton Opera House. Dinner theater $27.50. Information at reservations.  788-8079. Presented by the Little Theater of Watertown.

AND

at the THOUSAND ISLANDS PLAYHOUSE

“Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad”

A romantic comedy set in a hockey rink.  Before Sarah Palin appeared on the scene there was this show.

Check out fantastic professional theater on the River.  A Great Fall outing.

Gananoque, Ontario.

Friday 8pm

Saturday 2:30 and 8pm

Sunday 2:30 pm

Call 866-382-7020 or 613-382-7020

CHICAGO

The big bang musical that inspired the Oscar winning Film.  Ogdensburg Command Performances 7:45pm Monday October 13th.  One night only.

For more information call 393-2625

MUSIC

Sit and relax at the Black River Valley Club, but get dinner first.

Dinner 5pm-7pm

Concert 8pm

Friday October 10th

The Syracuse Symphony

Delicious, classy, relaxing.

Call 788-2300

Autumn in Full Swing Oct. 3-5

GET OUT AND ENJOY THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND SMELLS OF THE NORTH COUNTRY’S MOST BEAUTIFUL SEASON.

Let’s face it we are stuck inside all winter, so let’s enjoy October, Mother Nature’s little gift to us before..well you know..

PHILLY FESTIVAL

This Saturday, October 4th is the first year for the PHILLY FALL FESTIVAL.

TWO PLUSES:

This an outdoors event and a Bargain Event.

The organizers wish to emphasize that they know times are tough and families are struggling to put food on the table, so there isn’t much left over for entertaining the kids.  Rest assured this event is FREE.

The Philly Fall Festival will take place in the village of Philadelphia at the Primary School from 10am-4pm.

Don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s the first year and that it’s a small town, the schedule is packed.

You got Pumpkin painting, jam and jelly canning contest, crochet contests, sack races, three-legged contests, baked good contests and plenty more.

This event is sponsored by the Philly Historical society, and the theme is of the festival is the olden days.  All the entertainment is geared toward days gone by.

It might not be such a bad idea to check old-fashioned entertainment that doesn’t require electricity, because due to the current economic situation we may not be able to afford cable television soon!

FLEE to PHILLY for FUN.

Autumn Potpourri:

Grandfather Frost’s Stories of Russia is being performed by Open Hand Puppet Theater 11 am Saturday in Russel, NY.  At the Russel Opera House, benefiting the Russell Opera House Restoration Fund.

Story of Grandfather Frost, who weaves his magic in the Russian forests, spinning tales with Baba Yaga and her mischievous black cat.

Art of Iraq and Afghanistan Exhibit: Sponsored by Arts Association of Northern new York 11am to 4pm Saturday and noon to 4pm on Sunday.  Sackets Harbor, AANNY Gallery.

READ WITH ANIMALS - Saturday noon to 2pm Thompson Park Zoo, Watertown.

FIRST FALL FOLLIES - Carthage Central School auditorium.  Features comedians Moody McCarthy and Matt Rohr, comic skits, singing, dancing and more.  Tickets $10 adults, $8 students, senior citizens, more information 493-0114.

A DAY AT THE FARM - CHASE MILLS - Saturday 10 am to 2pm, Saturday; McKnight Farm, Off county Route 14, corn maze, milk mustache contest (wow, unique contest of the weekend award).  FREE EVENT.

September 19-21 WEEKEND

LOTS TO DO, SEE, EAT, READ, RIDE, BUY AND LISTEN TO:

LIKE CREAM CHEESE? - WANT TO SEE THE LARGEST CHEESECAKE IN THE WORLD? - WANT TO MILK A COW?

THERE IS ONLY ONE PLACE TO BE:  LOWVILLE

THE FOURTH ANNUAL CREAM CHEESE FESTIVAL IS SATURDAY starting at 11 am in the bustling downtown of the Lewis county seat.  I went to this event last year and really enjoyed it.  Frankly I didn’t want to be on my death bed, full of regrets, and say, “Damn I never saw the world’s largest cheesecake.”

This unique festival really brings the charm back to small town America.  Full of quirky and wacky contests that range from the infamous cream cheese toss to “Fill Your Friend’s Face” contest, the whole thing is tongue in cheek, or should I say cream cheese in cheek. I am hoping to get there myself and witness the sweet shenanigans.   For a list of the dazzling array of events check out the website listed above.

CLASSY CLASSICAL CONCERT

The Trinity Concert Series kicks off this weekend with Innovata. Tonight at 7:30pm. Innovata is a brass quintet. The quintet comes to Watertown from Boston with rave reviews and an eclectic selection of music.  From Rossini, Bach, Handel and Gabrieli, to the foot stompin’ sounds of Lew Pollock, Nick La Rocca and the New Orleans Rhythm Kings.

Take advantage of this reasonably priced live music experience.  A renowned group at a remarkable price right here in H20TOWN!! Tickets range from $5-$12.

At the Trinity Church, 227 Sherman Street, Watertown.  Call 788-6290

BOOK SIGNING

In Canton-at St. Lawrence University’s Brewer Bookstore

Canton writer Aileen Vincent-Barwood’s debut mystery novel A Murderous Thirst…Death Comes to the Adirondacks will be available for signing from 11AM-1pm.  Call 229-5490.

ANNUAL TOUR DE CHAUMONT BAY BIKE RIDE

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20th - START TIME 8:00 am- Registration 7:30 am-

START AT THE CHAUMONT FIRE HALL - OLD TOWN SPRINGS ROAD

25, 50 and 100 mile-rides. Pedal through country settings in the crisp late summer/early fall air.  Proceeds benefit the Lyme Parks and Recreation Committee and Lyme Garden Club.  Registration fee involved.  *HELMET MANDATORY.

FREE SPAGHETTI DINNER FOLLOWING FOR ALL RIDERS.

Call 649-3117, 649-2245

19th ANNUAL ARTS IN THE PARK

GOUVERNEUR

SATURDAY 10am-3pm

VILLAGE PARK, MAIN STREET, RAIN LOCATION St. JAMES CATHOLIC SCHOOL

ARTS, CRAFTS, USED BOOKS, FOOD

Weekend September 5-7

The Italian word for train is treno and this weekend, two of the events I am featuring are the 1000 Islands Model Train Show and the Bravo Italiano Festival.

The 22nd 1000 Island annual train show is at the Clayton Recreation Arena Saturday September 6th 10am-5pm and Sunday 10 am to 4pm.  This yearly event attracts train enthusiasts from all over.  Wall to Wall Trains are on display, to buy, to sell or just to admire.  The variety of installations is impressive and the show is for kids and the kids in all of us.  Refreshments available.

BARGAIN ALERT!

Admission is only $2 For Adults, $1For Kids and $5 for the whole family.  When is the last time you paid $2 for anything?  You can’t buy a thimble of popcorn at the movies for $2.

The other big event this weekend is the BRAVO ITALIANO FESTIVAL a celebration of Italian food and life.  This great local celebation is in its 24th Year.  Hosted by the Italian-American Civic Association.

 

WHEN/WHERE: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds Arena.

COST: $3; free for soldiers with military identification and their families.

SCHEDULE: Friday — opening ceremony, 6 p.m.; Augie Collacchi Duo, 6:30 p.m.; Miss Italia pageant, 8 p.m.; music by request, 9:15 p.m.; dancing, 10 p.m.

Saturday — children’s activities, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Jason the Entertainer magic show, 1 p.m.; Frank Collelli and Friends band, 3:15 p.m.; Mass celebrated by the Rev. Donald Robinson, 5 p.m.; Frank Collelli and Friends band, 6:30 p.m.; Tony Battoni, 8 p.m.; Frank Collelli and Friends band, 9 p.m.; dancing, 10 p.m.

The food court will be open for the duration of the festival.

MORE INFO: Call Frank Melara, 788-1431.

This is a great community event to socialize, eat and enjoy music. 

CIAO

Weekend August 22-24

You can feel the autumn in the air these days, this is of course because it has been unseasonably cold and not necessarily because it is the end of the summer, but the fact of the matter is we are approaching the end of the eighth month of the year and there are fewer events happening around the North Country.

Because of this I am featuring some events in Watertown, which will usually feature more prominently in the other three seasons.

WATERTOWN

DOWNTOWN 08 SUMMERFEST

ONE DAY ONLY AUGUST 23rd 10:00 am to 6 pm.

LOCALE: Public Square, Watertown, NY: Arcade Street, Paddock Arcade and American Corner.

American Downtowns have been beaten down by malls and outskirt shopping centers for decades. Come support our unique and historical downtown.

Be part of the revitalization.

There will be enough to keep you busy. Including over 50 Area craft vendors a Petting Zoo, Kang-Duk-Won demonstrations, Dime Toss and Ring Toss. There is live acoustics by Nick Rich and Company

and Great Old Fashioned rock n roll by the awesome local rock band YIKES- which will perform 2:30-6pm.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT

FREE PARKING AT JB WISE PLAZA and COMMUNITY BANK.

FRAGILE WILDERNESS 2008

Locations: JCC and New York State Zoo at Thompson Park

 

• August 22- Guest Lecturer Tim Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief, Cornell Lab or Ornithology will be speaking at JCC discussing his part in rediscovering the ivory billed woodpecker. Wine and cheese reception 6-7pm, talk 7-8 pm, book signing immediately following.
  • $4 for members, $5 for non-members

 

• August 23 - The exhibitor expo on Zoo grounds focusing on encouraging our community members to become more involved in local and regional conservation efforts, to explore the wealth of natural areas in the region and to lead more sustainable lives. Activities are provided for individuals of all ages. 10 am to 5 pm
  • Adults- $4 for members, $6 for non-members
  • Kids- 1 free child with paying adult- all others $2 for members, $4 for non-members

BLACKWATER CHALLENGE

 

This great outdoors event takes place along the treacherous yet picturesque Black River near the intersection of Huntington Street and Eastern Boulevard.

The swirling, roaring section of the river affectionately known as the “Route 3 Wave” attracts kayakers from all over this country and our neighbor to the north, Canada.

Challenge is the appropriate word as they take on the river in this infamous spot. This is a three day event which opens at 6:00pm on Friday August 22nd.

The weather is supposed to cooperate this weekend, so pop over and watch the competition.

ARTS

The St. Lawrence County Arts Council presents “Quilts and Paintings” a gallery exhibit featuring quilts by Susan Thacher and oil paintings by Eric Thacher. This exhibit continues through September 27th.

There will be a reception for the artists on Saturday August 23rd from 4pm-6pm.

At the SLC Arts Council Gallery in downtown Potsdam at 51 Market Street. Call 315-265-6860 or visit their website here.

Quilt by Susan Thacher, painting by Eric Thacher

 

 

Weekend of August 8-10

I would say get out on your boat this weekend, if you have one, or make nice with a relative who has a boat…”Hey Uncle Jake, love your tie” - but the weather lately has been as about predictable as the Best Supporting Actress race in the last Academy Awards –Okay, who really had Tilda Swinton in the office pool?

Meterologist Rick De Franco, recently confirmed that the month of July was one of the wettest in history. So here’s hoping August doesn’t follow suit and you can get to either The Festival of the Islands or Bill Johnston’s Pirate Days.

Gananoque, affectionately referred to as “Gan” by locals, is a village oozing with charm, beautifully located on the St. Lawrence River. Gan hosts “The Festival of the Islands,” a nine day event that is chock full of stuff to do. There is too much going on to highlight every thing here, but the good news is there is plenty to do indoors, in case of, I mean when it rains.

Some of these events include: A Woodcarvers show, a model railroad show, A multi-cultural dance festival, Variety and Talent Show, and a Checkers Tournament.

When is the last time you went to a checkers tournament? That is worth the border crossing itself.

Check out the schedule of events on the website mentioned above.

Back across the border here in the USA you can hit “The Bay” and take place in the riotously fun Bill Johnston’s Pirate Days. You can get doused with water in the annual “unofficial” water fight in your boat. Hey at least if you get soaked you will be dripping wet with one of the best views in Northern New York, majestic Boldt Castle.

This Ten day event has something for the whole family including: Pirate Sword Fights, Children’s Parade, Magic Shows, Little Pirates Adventure Cruise, Live Bands and Treasure Hunts. Call 482-9531 for more details.

*Don’t miss the Arrival of the Tall Ship Armada - “The Invasion” - A highlight of Pirate Days - Saturday 2pm.

By the Way who was Bill Johnston? Was he a real Pirate? How does he figure into local folklore?

Check out this website for fun facts about William Johnston.

William Johnston 1852-1860

OTHER PICKS

GARAGE SALES:

Antwerp is having village wide sales this weekend while The Annual Brookside residents garage sale takes place at Brookside Senior-Living Community 5701 Brookside Circle, Lowville.

THE NINTH ANNUAL SACKETS HARBOR JAZZ FESTIVAL

THE 44th Annual Antique Show and Sale at the Clayton Park Arena call 686-4123.
FAIRS:

157th Annual Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair

Franklin County Fair

FOR YOUR CULTURE VULTURES

The Erwin Library in Boonville is hosting the first ever celebration of Adirondack Authors and Artists 10 am to 4pm Saturday at the Erwin Library, Post and Schuyler Streets, and Dodge-Pratt Northam Art and Community Center, Schuyler Street. Works by over a dozen local authors and artists. CALL 942-4834 for information.

Madrid Historical weekend in Madrid, New York.

Eighth Annual Art Auction in Sackets Harbor, presented by Arts Association of Northern New York, for more information call Bil Christopherson, 785-6850.

Fun at the Renaissance Festival

There were an estimated 10,000 people at the Renaissance Festival, yesterday Sunday July 27th, and I was one of them. It was a perfect day to visit, free of the wild weather that wracked havoc on Saturday.

Yes that is me, with a friend riding a camel. I won’t be on my deathbed at 85, regretting that I had never ridden a camel. I felt the same way when I saw the largest cheesecake in the world at the Cream Cheese Festival in Lewis County last year.

The Renaissance Festival is such an unique event, it is well worth the trip. All the shows that I saw were entertaining and brief. The artisans are of a superior quality to local “craft fairs.” They work with mainly natural fabrics, minerals and resources. Often they mix modern techniques with ancient mythology, and medieval symbolism.

Rides for children (spelled the OE way as rydes) are all manually powered, by burly young men who spin the rides using brute force. No electricity or engines are involved. But the historical authenticity of these rides doesn’t prevent toddlers and youngsters from screaming as they spin and swing fast enough to feel thrilled.

The games of chance are also of the ancient variety and vary from Pike throwing to archery. These are great events to occupy children whose focus may start to wander when they are surrounded by Shakespearan Weirdness. *Both games and rides cost extra.

This is my third year in a row at the festival, and I highly recommend it or as we say in Renaissance Festival lingo:

I doth enjoyeth mine self and willeth goeth in the year of the lord, 2 ought ought 9.

INSIDE TIPS:

Go early, try to arrive a bit before the gate opens at 10:30am.

Buy your tickets a head of time, and if possible have them in hand when you arrive. The lines for tickets on Sunday, when I arrived at 11:20 am were GINORMOUS.

Eat lunch early. We ate around 11:45, and there were no lines, an hour later, at 12:45 (after the noon shows) the lines were SCARY. This is especially true for the most famous food fare, the iconic Turkey Leg.

Two of the most popular shows, The Jousting and the Dunkin Pound have no seating and are very crowded, so you want to arrive early to get a good spot and may want to bring something to sit on, as the grass could be wet and you may not want to spoil your carefully selected period costume.

My companion and myself weren’t able to try every food there, but of the food we did taste, I can pass on these tips.

Best Sandwich: Portabella mushroom with side of potato salad only $5.

Best Dessert VALUE: HUGE piece of gourmet cake, I MEAN HUGE, it can feed three people easily. $6.

The tortellini salad, although tasty is a small portion, and serves better as a side dish than an entree.

FESTIVAL RUNS THROUGH AUGUST 17th.

For more information check out their website: Sterling Renaissance Festival

And also our story, by WWNY reporter Andrea Friedman. Here is the link.

June 26-June 29 Guy’s Weekend

A WEEKEND FOR THE GUYS

FORT DRUM CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

THURSDAY, JUNE 26TH

Fort Drum celebrates its centennial year in 2008. To commemorate 100 years of service this years’ Mountainfest will feature a concert with country star Gary Allan, Grammy nominated pop-punk rock band Bowling For Soup

and special guest Katie Rae Davis on June 26, 2008.

The concert, fireworks and Air Show are free and open to the public.

Concert takes place at the Wheeler Sack Army Airfield and begins at approximately 6 pm followed by a huge fireworks display.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JUNE 28th and 29th - Centennial Air Shows

11:oo am - to 3:3o pm each day

The schedule for the air acts is flexible so a specific line up will not be listed, however, please note that the flying portion of the show will start at 11:00 AM on both Saturday and Sunday and conclude at approximately 3:30 PM. All listed performers will fly each day, we plan to start the show with a parachute jump delivering our nations flag, about mid way through the show the 10th Mountain Division and the Aviation Brigade will perform their tactical demonstration, and the closing act on Saturday and Sunday will be one of the Fighter Jet demonstration teams. The schedule will be varied slightly each day but will be similar both days, all of the performers will fly on both days. Weather and mechanical issues could alter the schedule as the show time approaches.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT WITH FREE PARKING —

Please consult the website for more information regarding security, remember you are entering a military base and regulations apply. For example you cannot bring in your own food and beverages.

Fort Drum NY Mountainfest Centennial Celebration

RIVER RUN - VERTICAL OUTLAWS SHOW, ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY

Vertical Outlaws a motorcycle stunts group from Maine, will preform a great bike stunt show. Check out their awesome website, Vertical Outlaws

Rob’s Dyno Service from Massachusetts will be on hand to “dyno-up” your bike.

Vendors will include Custom Bike Shops and Biker Gear with other vendors coming from other parts of the US and Canada. Live Music will be playing day and night on James Street.

This event is a must for all bikers or biker wannabees.

Schedule of Events

FORT HENRY SUNSET CEREMONY

Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada kicks off summer with the first award-winning Sunset Ceremony of the season, this Wednesday evening at 7:30 P.M. right after the Snowbirds Fly Past in Confederation basin. General admission for the first show is $5.00. The Sunset Ceremonies were awarded one of the TOP 100 events by Festivals and Events Ontario for the third consecutive year.

The ceremonies are presented each Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. through the Season Finale on August 27th. The Fort Henry Drums begin the show with a military musical performance, followed by the Drill Squad demonstrating marching drill and a mock battle, including the multiple firing of the Guard’s Snider Enfield Rifles and Armstrong Guns and the finale features the Fort Henry Artillery Detachment, firing the big guns from the East Battery Wall. The show finishes with an exciting fireworks finale, sponsored for the 10th year by Rogers Wireless Kingston, weather permitting.MORE INFORMATION

Fort Henry

The 5 Day Forecast

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