The Edwards Arts Council

The 2008 season schedule is shaping up nicely. Keep checking in. As events are finalized, the information on them will be posted.

Eliza Gilkyson appeared here on November 11, 2006. She liked the Edwards Opera House so much, she made it the cover of her newest CD, "Your Town Tonight." You can see it on her label's web site, http://www.redhouserecords.com/205.html. Our web address will be listed on the album as well as a photo credit.

Saturday July 19 7:00 PM	Racquette River Rounders Retirement Concert From Hank Williams and the Carter Family to Muddy Waters, Fats Waller and Elvis Presley, the band covers all the bases with grace and style. This contemporary string band includes John Kribs (Johnny & The Triumphs/ The McKrells) on guitar, banjo and mandolin; Danny Gotham on mandolin, electric slide guitar and acoustic guitar; and Michael Hadfield (Johnny & The Triumphs) on bass and guitar. Danny Gotham remembers: It all began many many years ago, with two performances I saw at the Multi Purpose Room at SUNY Potsdam. The first time I saw John Kribs play -- circa mid 70s -- he was playing a Telecaster electric guitar in "Fatty Lumpkin", doing the likes of Loggins and Messina songs. Then I saw him a bit later, doing a solo set on a Guild 12 string acoustic. The song I remember from that set was "Carolina in the Pines" -- and all I can recall is that he just nailed it -- and I made a private vow that someday we would be playing some music together. Michael Hadfield had played bass for many years with John -- in various rock bands and as a duo. I do remember him playing some upright bass with me at some of those Sunday afternoon square dances at the Wild Oat in Potsdam. He had this encyclopedic knowledge of old blues and country music -- due in no small measure to having a father that was one of the most well-known collectors of 78 rpm recordings in the world. In 1978, I was doing a regular weekend gig at the Sunset Lodge in Norwood. As I recall, I was making $125 a weekend, and that was good money in those days. But I was getting the itch to get out in the world and play the kind of music that really moved my soul. We began talking about forming a trio. One night, we were playing at the Wild Oat, and John sang Tom Waits' "The Heart of Saturday Night". At that moment, I remember feeling that there was a distinct magic. Then we did a performance at the Canton ATC coffeehouse that was the first full performance with all three of us. I made the plunge, and quit my Sunset Lodge gig, and we officially became The Racquette River Rounders on February 1st, 1979. (If any of you are wondering -- it was John's idea for the name. Michael and I liked it immediately.) In the beginning, the lines were pretty neatly drawn: John was the singer and front man, I was the hot licks instrumentalist, and Michael was the center, keeping the music tethered as we wandered through endless genres: old-time mountain music, blues, newgrass, rock and roll, swing, and John's original songs. I like to think of the Rounders as the embodiment of the wonderfully wide-open music scene that was happening in the North Country at that time. We listened to -- and played -- lots of different styles. As time went on, the band dynamic changed. Michael would play guitar and sing on a few numbers. I started to sing more, and John became as much a multi-instrumentalist as I was. Then we went one step further, and began playing (with drummer Frank Carcaterra) as the Rolling Clones -- our "electric band". There were many nights when we would play half the night with Rounders, and the other half with the Clones. In 1983--after four years of touring, and two albums -- I left for the bluegrass band Summit. John, Michael and Frank continued on as Johnny and the Triumphs. I largely ducked out of performing from 1986 to the early 1990s, while I finished up a BA at SLU, then my MA at UNC Chapel Hill. But the story of the Rounders wasn't over. We would get together for the occasional "reunion concert" while I was back in the North Country. We recorded a third album -- "r3" -- in the late 1990s. I likened it to having the band be our "vacation cottage"--not our "house" that it was from 1979 to 1983. But with that being said, I felt that the band was still evolving as we grew older. Our voices changed, our songs began to reflect the hard earned wisdom of the years as they passed...and we played slower (and better!). Most importantly, the magic was still there. Michael, firmly ensconced in his new career as a librarian (I've never known anyone that reads as much as he does; it's the right job for him!) decided late last year that his performing days were over. We played at Cafe Lena on December 28th, and he announced it to be his last performance. John and I felt he deserved a little better "swan song", so we convinced him to do a couple more shows with us. One of these had to be in the North Country, where we all -- John, Michael, myself, and the Rounders -- were born. There's no better place for Michael's swan song than the Edwards Opera House. Once a Rounder -- always. That can never change. It's been great. See you all there!
Saturday August 2 7:00 PM	Dazzling audiences since 1973, the Jackman Twins' combination of magic and humor appeals to young and old alike. Their unique form of entertainment, including circus arts like juggling and fire-eating finds them in continued demand throughout New York and Pennsylvania. David and Paul are experts in their craft. Their one goal ... entertainment! David, a Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Clown College graduate, has been performing magic since the age of 12. Paul, who has been acting and performing his own musical game show all across the country for the past four years appears with his twin brother at state fairs, festivals as well as corporate and private functions.
Saturday August 30 7:00 PM	The "End of the Summer Blast" The same bands as last year's End of the Summer Blast: Northbound and Delia with Gwen Tracy. Northbound performs an eclectic mix of folk, acoustic, and classic rock. Their influences draw from the great singer-songwriters of the 50's through today; names like James Taylor, Paul Simon, John Fogerty, The Beatles. They have been performing in the North Country together for years and always bring an exciting blend of music that spans a wide variety of musical tastes. The Players: Michael Welch: Guitar, Vocals ... Michael Welch has been a prominent figure in the local music scene for nearly three decades. Michael's wealth of experience provides him with a chameleon-like ability to fine tune his performance according to the venue and audience. Whether showcasing his silky smooth vocal style in intimate coffee house settings, or rattling the rafters in rock and roll clubs, he displays the ultimate in professionalism with each performance. Kevin Irwin: Guitar, Keyboards, and Vocals ... Kevin Irwin has been performing and studying music in a variety of applications and utilization for over thirty years. Enjoying a semi-professional career for most of his adult life, he has been employed with a number of bands, playing drums, banjo, guitar, and/or keyboards, as the situation required. In an effort towards further refinement of his craft, Kevin is currently a student at the Crane School of Music. Donnie Cannamela: Bass, Vocals ... Don has been studying music since age 7 when he began piano. He currently is the Director of Instrumental Music at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School and has taught in St. Lawrence County for 9 years. He plays piano, trombone, and bass and has performed with numerous jazz, blues, classical, and rock groups in the area. He holds a master's degree in Music Education from the Crane School of Music. Larry Baycura: Drums and Percussion ... Larry Baycura began playing the drums at the age of 11. Upon completion of High School, Larry enlisted in the United States Army and served for 3 years as a member of the 19th Army Band. After his tour of duty was complete, he attended the Crane School of Music, State University of New York at Potsdam. There he earned his Bachelor of Music in Education as well as his Master of Music in Performance. He is currently employed by the Canton Central School District. There he serves as Music Department Chairman, teaches Fifth and Sixth Grade Band, High School Percussion Lessons and Jr. High General Music. Some of Larry's other performance credits include; The Chamber Orchestra of Northern New York, The Community Performance Series Orchestra, The Northern Wind Ensemble, The All Star Big Band, various jazz, rock and blues bands, to name a few. DELIA: Classic R&B, Motown, Old Time Rock n Roll, Blues and a taste of country. Based in the Adirondack Mountains of Northern New York, John Kribs, Scott Greene and Gwen Tracy formed DELIA about two years ago. The band takes its name from the classic Blues tune of that same name and plays as both an acoustic trio and a rock quartet with influences as varied as their ages and musical backgrounds. OK…you want to know what these influences are?!... ”Give me names.” OK. Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Billy Holiday, Bill Monroe, New Grass Revival, Chuck Berry, Joan Osborne, Marvin Gaye, Bonnie Raitt, Sonny and Brownie, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Peggy Lee, Linda Ronstadt, everyone who influenced them…and more. 2004 Central NY Idol Contest Winner Gwen Tracy might be the most natural and engaging new blues-rock singer to come along since Susan Tedesci. Though DELIA is Gwen’s’ first full time band and the new CD is her debut recording she has been singing all her life. She began performing professionally with her father, guitarist Jim Tracy, at the age of 17. Her voice and stage presence are often compared to Janis Joplin and though that it itself is high praise, Gwen is no “Janis Clone”. She is an energetic and creative artist whose powerful voice, unique style and original songs are honest, passionate and compelling. Guitarist singer-songwriter John Kribs has been performing professionally for almost 40 years. Growing up with the rock and folk music of the 60s he joined his first working band in 1967. During the 1980s as leader of the rockabilly tinged Johnny and the Triumphs, he hit the top of the "American Play" charts in several French cities with "Johnny & The Triumphs", the band's first LP. Their signature song "Red Belvedere", written by John was also featured on National Public Radios' Car Talk. In the 1990s he was a member of the award winning Celtic/Bluegrass Band the McKrells. He has toured the U.S., Canada, Denmark and Norway and opened shows for Robert Cray, Arlo Guthrie, Joe Cocker and many others. Before helping to form DELIA two years ago he started the Blue Line Recordings label and The not for profit Southern Adirondack Musicians Fund. There are several drummers that work with DELIA on a regular basis; Rick Rumney, the bands’ original drummer and a veteran musician, Mike Lomaestro of the Stony Creek Band and Frank Carcaterra, drummer from Johnny & the Triumphs. All three are rock solid players and natural percussionists for the bands various styles. The band performs mostly in the Adirondack Mountain region but also travels throughout New York and New England. They plan to broaden their traveling plans with the release of their new CD, DELIA, on Blue Line Recordings. Don't miss the fun! Tickets are $8.00 at the door.
Saturday September 6 7:00 PM	Wood’s Tea Company Howard Wooden: Vocals, bass, guitar, bodhran Mike Lussen: Vocals, five string banjo, bodhran, bouzouki, guitar Tom MacKenzie: Vocals, hammered dulcimer, banjo, guitar, ukulele Wood’s Tea Company is an acoustic group that performs fiery Celtic tunes, bluegrass, sea shanties, and American folk songs with ease and skill. During a performance they use as many as a dozen different instruments, including banjos and bouzoukis, guitars and bodhrans, and traditional tin whistles. Folk legend Woody Guthrie was an early inspiration for the band. “There was something about his music that bucked music establishment trends,” said band founder Rusty Jacobs; “He was singing directly to the people and it appealed to us.” After building a solid reputation in New England, Wood’s Tea Company started touring on the concert circuit nationwide, eventually playing in all of the lower 48 states. Notable performances include New York’s Lincoln Center (twice), the Chautauqua Institute (three times), appearances on PBS and national Public Radio, who labeled them “Vermont’s hardest working folk group” Folk Music Quarterly described them as ‘...one of the hottest up and coming acts,” saying “...sidestepping pretension and going for the grit, this New England group gives a lusty performance, every time.” A few years ago, the Irish Heritage Foundation honored the group with their “Outstanding Innovation Award “...in appreciation and recognition for their creative contributions to Irish music.” The Vermont based folk group The Wood’s Tea Co will continue its performance schedule for 2008 despite the tragic losses of two of its members. Rusty Jacobs, founder of the group, died on August 15, 2007 of an unexpected heart attack. In October of 2006, another member, fiddler Chip Chase, died as a result of a motorcycle accident. The band has been touring with a rotating roster of “fourth” players including fiddle players Peter Sutherland, Bethany Dick, Sara Milonovich, Jason Bergman or David Gusakov. In addition some tours have included Aaron Flynn or Morgan Lamphere on acoustic guitar or Martha Gallagher on Celtic harp. All of them are world-class musicians and performers and have been greeted warmly by Wood’s Tea Co. audiences. A recent partnership with public television stations and a concert DVD have fueled the group’s recent touring schedule, bringing them to community concerts all across America. Their web site is www.woodstea.net Tickets: $12.00 in advance or $14.00 at the door.
Friday & Saturday September 19 & 20 7:00 PM	Melodrama Weekend presented by The Grasse River Players Curse you, Jack Dalton. And the villain still pursues her! Not only pursues her but threatens to have her committed to an asylum if she does not renounce our manly hero, Jack Dalton! You've never encountered such a villain as Egbert Van Horn. Or a heroine with such flawless qualities as Bertha Blair's. When Jack's aristocratic mother discovers her illustrious son loves the maid, she orders Bertha from the house and threatens to disown Jack for life if he takes his place at Bertha's side. But just when you are certain that the unscrupulous villain is going to triumph, fate steps in ... Come cheer for the hero, boo and hiss at the villain and sigh for our heroine. This audience participation evening of comedy melodrama is suitable for the entire family. Tickets are $6.00 at the door.
Saturday October 25 7 PM	Our 6th Annual Halloween Show for Kids and Families Stephen Gratto ... Audience participation, Comedy, Juggling, Rope Walking and Variety show. Stephen was here two years ago, the show received such rave reviews that we knew a return engagement was in order! Don't miss this! Juggler, unicyclist, stilt walker, rope walker, hatchet thrower (have no fear!), balloon sculptor and balancer, Stephen Gratto is a physical comedian and much much more. Experience fast-paced and exciting displays of classic vaudeville and circus skills including many feats of daring, bravery, and side-splitting foolishness. The high point of each act is invariably the audience participation. Almost every portion of the show will involve audience volunteers, both young and old, this interaction keeps everyone involved and laughing. Stephen is truly a jack of all trades and a master of many. Tickets are $4.00 each. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Children should be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday December13 7:30 PM	Snarkey Follies 3, A Very Snarkey Christmas Another hilarious and occasionally naughty production from Connie Meng. Music, comedy, sketches and silliness in a holiday theme. Politically incorrect seasonal songs and sketches, starring: Carole Berard, Kevin Irwin, Steve Majer, Greg Matejcik, Connie Meng, Shelly Pike ... a few surprise guests are possible. Tickets are $6.00 at the door. Material is not suitable for children, no one under age 12 will be admitted.

We have several ticket locations to purchase tickets locally: Wood Family Grocery in Edwards; The Oswegatchie Coffee Company in Gouverneur; in Canton at The Brewer Bookstore and The Pear Tree; in Potsdam at Strawberry Fields Music and Northern Music and Video.

Advance tickets are also available by mail. Send a check or money order to: The Edwards Arts Council, Inc. P.O. Box 241 Edwards, NY 13635. Please include a SASE.

The 2008 order form will be posted as soon as the schedule is finalized. You must have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to access the order form. If you need to download Acrobat Reader, click on the Adobe logo at the right. If you are unable to download this form, you may simply write to the Edwards Arts Council at the above address. Directions to Edwards are available on this website. Additional information is available by calling (315) 562-8213 or by e-mail at info@edwardsartscouncil.org.