“The Skaneateles Area Arts Council is delighted to provide this important community support once again,” said Barbara Delmonico, committee chair and SKARTS board member.  ”Since 2006, we have been able to provide over $45,000 in grants and several free concerts to the community.  Once again, we hope to help a number of artists, mucisians, students, performing arts groups and community organizations through this spring funding initiative.

The spring 2011 SKARTS funding initiative resulted in nine grants issued to the following organizations and artists: Auburn Public Theater, Becky Flanagan, Khoros Performing Arts Company for Kids, the Jane Austen Singing School for Young Ladies, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce, Beth Battle/Skaneateles Historical Society, Skaneateles Figure Skating Club, and Symphony Syracuse.

To download the spring grant application, visit www.skarts.org<http://www.skarts.org>, or contact bkdelmonico@hotmail.com<mailto:bkdelmonico@hotmail.com> or 685-7427.

About the Skaneateles Area Arts Council:

The mission of the Arts Council is to celebrate the visual and performing arts by creating an environment where cultural activity thrives in our community.  The Arts Council presents cultural programming and issues community support grants to artists and arts organizations in the Skaneateles area.  The Skaneateles Area Arts Council is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization.  To contact the Arts Council, call (315) 685-2414.

“Since 2006, we have been able to provide over $40,000 in grants and several free concerts to the community, said Barbara Delmonico, committee chair and SKARTS board member. ”Once again, we hope to help a number of artists, musicians, students, performing arts groups and community organizations through this fall funding initiative. We realize that throughout the calendar year different funding needs arise; therefore we felt it would be helpful to provide two opportunities for groups and individuals to apply for funding.”

The spring 2011 SKARTS funding initiative resulted in nine grants issued to the following organizations and artists: Auburn Public Theater, Becky Flanagan, Khoros Performing Arts Company for Kids, the Jane Austen Singing School for Young Ladies, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce, Beth Battle/Skaneateles Historical Society, Skaneateles Figure Skating Club, and Symphony Syracuse

To download the fall grant application, visit www.skarts.org, or contact bkdelmonico@hotmail.com or 685-7427.

During the free public event, Collins signed her book, “Singing Lessons,” which includes a musical CD inside.  In “Singing Lessons,” Collins reflects on her life and career after her son, Clark’s, suicide in 1992 and offers comfort to other survivors of personal tragedies.

Laura Austin, has distinguished herself in the theater and arts. Under her direction, the Redhouse Arts Center has hosted more than 300 events in theater, film, visual art and music. Over the last four seasons, Austin has overseen the production of 16 plays, where she assumed responsibility for casting, commissioning, directing, acting, promoting and fund-raising.  Austin’s career has encompassed television and film work in Los Angeles, off-Broadway, and regional theater work throughout the United States and abroad.

The Skaneateles resident has been an adjunct professor of drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University and is an active member of the Screen Actors Guild. Her  extensive study includes work at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, the Hartford Conservatory, Nikolais Louis Dance Theatre, Second City, Howard Fine Studios and Trinity College, where she earned the President’s Fellowship Award in Theatre and Dance.

SKARTS board member Heather Hawkins chaired the event.

About the Skaneateles Area Arts Council

The mission of the Arts Council is to celebrate the visual and performing arts by creating an environment where cultural activity thrives in our community. The Arts Council presents cultural programming and issues community support grants to artists and arts organizations in the Skaneateles area. Winners of the 2011 Skaneateles Area Arts Council grants are: Auburn Public Theater, Becky Flannigan, Khoros Performing Arts Company for Kids, Joanna Manring’s Jane Austen Singing School for Young Ladies, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce, Skaneateles Figure Skating Club, Skaneateles Historical Society and Symphony Syracuse.

The concert was a free special event for the Skaneateles community, presented by SKARTS, and was sponsored by Cowley Associates, Group M Communication, Sherwood Inn, Skaneateles Talk. Please look for photos of this summer celebration on our gallery page, very soon.

Wow! The Dean Brothers Band, one of Central New York’s most popular rock bands in the 1970’s, wowed a crowd of over 1,200 at a very special performance for central New York on July 2nd at Clift Park by Skaneateles lake, on a specatular evening of picture-perfect weather. Thanks to the Dean Brothers for a performance that will be remembered for many years to come!

The Skaneateles Area Arts Council (SKARTS) was so pleased to present its third free concert, called “SKARTS ‘N The Park,” to the community, featuring the Dean Brothers! View Event Poster here.

The Sammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winning band was joined on stage by a few special guests, including George Rossi, the multiple Sammy Award-winning keyboard player and band leader of the legendary Shufflin’ Hungarians and Caroline Manring Dean. 

“We were thrilled, and a little overwhelmed, that so many people showed up for the concert on July 2nd,” said Holly Gregg, one of the members of the band that got its start in the Deans’ basement on East Lake Road in Skaneateles, more than 40 years ago. “There was magic in the air and it was so wonderful to see more than 1,000 people celebrating the kick-off of summer together,” he said. “That evening personified everything that is beautiful about the people of Skaneateles and central NY. We are so grateful to SKARTS for presenting such a fun-loving event for everyone in the community.”

The concert was sponsored by Cowley Associates, Group M Communications, Sherwood Inn and Skaneateles Talk.

The iconic and beloved singer/songwriter and author will meet the public earlier in the day for a free “Conversations with Judy,” from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Skaneateles Library. Collins will have a book signing for her book, “Singing Lessons.” Her CD “Paradise” will also be for sale. The conversation will be led by Laura Austin, actress, singer, and co-founder of Redhouse Arts Center. Limited space available for this event. RSVP here to join us. In the book, Collins reflects on her life and career after her son Clark’s tragic death in 1992, and offers comfort to other survivors of personal tragedies. Collins has taken a lead role in suicide prevention nationally by speaking openly on the topic.  During her sold out 2009 concert in Skaneateles, she shared with the audience how Stella Maris holds a special place in heart because she came to the retreat center seeking spiritual solace after her son’s death.

At her first Skaneateles performance, Collins showed her warmth and wit, as she developed a personal rapport with her audience, telling jokes and sharing stories of her life which erupted the audience into multiple standing ovations.  Collins’ classical piano background, which enabled her to perform at age 13 Mozart’s “Concerto for Two Pianos,” was evident as she gracefully transitioned from the grand piano to the guitar, while singing a varied repertoire.

Known for her eclectic style, Judy combines folk, show tunes, pop and rock and roll music.  Her love of lyrics was inspired by the music of such artists as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, as well as the traditional songs of the folk revival.  Events often drive Collins’ music. Through her poetic lyrics, Judy Collins helped articulate the feelings of a generation activated by the Vietnam War and the tensions of the Civil Rights Movement.  Of her 40 albums released over five decades, Collins has had numerous Top 10 Hits, Grammy nominations, and gold and platinum albums.  Among her hauntingly beautiful classic songs are: her rendition of Joni Mitchell’s, “Both Sides Now,” her version of Stephen Sondheim’s, “Send in the Clowns,” from the Musical, “A Little Night Music”; “Someday Soon,” “Who Knows Where the Time Goes,” “Suzanne,” “My Father,” “In My Life” and  her version of “Amazing Grace.”

In the fall of 2008, Collins’ label, Wildflower Records, released “Born to the Breed-A tribute to Judy Collins, Volume I”, featuring original writing and poetry of Collins recorded by such luminaries as Chrissie Hynde, Joan Baez, Rufus Wainwright, Dolly Parton, Shawn Colvin and Leonard Cohen. Collins, who sings regularly at the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan, will be giving concerts throughout the United Kingdom and the United States, culminating at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on December 23.

The Arts Council’s “An Evening with Judy Collins” will include lakeside cocktails; dining al fresco by Chris Kuhns, executive Chef of the Sherwood Inn and Phoebe’s Restaurant; and an intimate concert on the lawn by Judy Collins from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  The title sponsor is Dr. Robert Kiltz, owner of CNY Healing Arts and CNY Fertility Centers.

Prices:

The prices to attend, which include cocktails, dinner and the concert are $250 for VIP seating and $125 for regular seating.  There are no tickets issued; your name is your reservation, please check in at the registration table at the event. Online purchasing is now available through PayPal at http://skarts.org/, or by sending a check to the Skaneateles Area Arts Council, P.O. Box 422, Skaneateles, NY 13152.  Advance purchase is required for all seating.

 Stella Maris Retreat Center

The mansion, which is now Stella Maris Retreat Center, was originally built for Frederick Roosevelt by the famed architectural firm of Stanford White in 1879.

The Arts Council is delighted to provide this important community support once again,” said Barbara Delmonico, community support committee chair and Arts Council Board member. “Last year, we were able to contribute a total of $7,500 to eleven deserving individuals and groups. Once again, we hope to help a number of artists, musicians, students, performing arts groups and community organizations through this funding initiative. We realize that throughout the calendar year different situations and needs arise; therefore we thought it would be helpful to provide two different chances to apply.” 

For the first funding initiative, applications must be received no later than May 1, 2011.  Winners will be notified by June 1, 2011. To download an application, visit http://skarts.org/grants/ or contact bkdelmonico@hotmail.com or 685-7427.

Tim Green, attorney, author, commentator and former NFL football player, and Julie Abbott, former co-host of “Bridge Street” and local news anchor, will emcee the Skaneateles Arts Council’s sixth annual summer gala, “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream,” July 25. The event, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center, features lakeside cocktails; a gourmet, French bistro-style dinner prepared by Chris Kuhns, executive chef of Phoebe’s Restaurant and the Sherwood Inn; and a concert by Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli.

The Emcees
Tim Green is the New York Times best-selling author of 14 suspense novels and a practicing attorney with Hiscock & Barclay. Called the “Renaissance Man” of sports by both Sports Illustrated and the Los Angeles Times, he was a star defensive end with the Atlanta Falcons for eight years, following his first-round selection in 1986, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

Green, co-valedictorian of his undergraduate class and an honors law school graduate of Syracuse University, has used his education and his athletic experiences to become an increasingly popular television celebrity. After 11 years as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports and National Public Radio, he hosted Fox’s nationally syndicated news magazine, “A Current Affair.” More recently, he hosted the ABC reality show “Find My Family.”

Green’s newest bestseller, “False Convictions,” was released this past February. His other works include “The Dark Side of the Game,” a nonfiction New York Times bestseller featured on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” and “A Man and His Mother: An Adopted Son’s Search,” a memoir featured in People magazine and on “Entertainment Tonight” and ABC’s “Primetime.” In addition, he has two series of young reader novels set in the sports of football and baseball, all of which have been on the New York Times bestseller list.

Green lives with his wife, Illyssa, and their five children on Skaneateles Lake.

Julie Abbott—reporter, anchor and journalist—was co-host of WSYR NewsChannel 9’s midday show, “Bridge Street With Rick & Julie.” Abbott moved to “Bridge Street” from the anchor position at NewsChannel 9’s “Eleven at 11.” She joined Rick Gary as a guest host on Y94 FM, and frequently filled in with him on NewsChannel 9’s “Daybreak.” Abbott serves on the Arts Council’s advisory board and has appeared in commercials. She lives in Skaneateles, with her husband, Steve, and their four children.

The Artist
John Pizzarelli has established himself as a prime interpreter of the Great American Songbook, drawing from performers such as Nat “King” Cole (his hero), Frank Sinatra and Joao Gilberto and composers such as Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin, James Taylor, and Lennon and McCartney. In 2009 he received the prestigious Ella Fitzgerald Award from the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

Pizzarelli, who has recorded more than 20 albums since his first release in 1990, started playing the guitar at the age of 6, following in the tradition of his father, guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli. He often plays with his father and his wife, singer/actress Jessica Molaskey, in the John Pizzarelli Trio, a group that has been called “the First Family of Cool” by the San Francisco Chronicle and  “the von Trapps on Martinis” by The New Yorker.

The Menu
The evening’s menu—ranging from smoked salmon on pumpernickel and beef carpaccio crustini to ratatouille vegetable salad, grilled white and green asparagus platters and chicken paillards—is available at http://skarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Arts-Council-Menu-2010.pdf.

The Venue
The mansion that is now Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center, a ministry sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, was originally owned by Frederick Roosevelt. The Sisters of St. Francis purchased the property in 1952, and it was blessed and dedicated as a retreat center by Bishop Walter A. Foery in 1954.

“Stella Maris” is Latin for “Star of the Sea.” The center is committed to the mission of leading all to a deeper knowledge and love of God, and to fostering spiritual growth, renewal and peace.

The Sponsors
CNY Fertility Center/CNY Healing Arts, Robert J. Kiltz, M.D. is the artist sponsor. The Cove sponsors are Auburn Party Rental, Gina Castro, Clear Channel Radio, Cowley Associates and WCNY Connected. Ten Mile Point sponsors are Anyela’s Vineyards, Eagle Newspapers, Group M Communications, Hiscock & Barclay, Darlene Kerr Family, Bob and Sally Neumann, Phoebe’s Restaurant, Sherwood Inn, Skaneateles Journal, Skaneateles Press, Carl Schramm and Ellyn Brown, The Citizen and WSYR 570 Radio. Five Mile Point sponsors are Bill and Donna Davis; Dermody, Burke & Brown CPAs; Mirbeau Inn & Spa; Skaneateles Talk; Carol Watson/Watson Greenhouse; and WRVO-FM. Glen Haven sponsors are Creekside Books & Coffee, Barbara and Jed Delmonico, Dunk & Bright, Bob and Nicolena Errico, Fleur-de-lis Florist, Joelle’s French Bistro, Laura’s List Books for Women, Packwood House, Patience Brewster Inc., Patisserie, RealtyUSA.com, The Jacobs Press, The Peddler Foundation and Paul and Mary Torrisi.

The Council
The Skaneateles Area Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization, works to celebrate the visual and performing arts by creating an environment where cultural activity thrives in our community. The council presents cultural programming and issues grants to artists and arts organizations in the Skaneateles area.

Tickets
Tickets are $250 for VIP seating, $125 for regular seating, and may be purchased by sending a check to the Skaneateles Area Arts Council, P.O. Box 422, Skaneateles, NY 13152. Advance purchase is required for all seating. For more information, go to http://skarts.org.

Festivities will be held lakeside at the Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center, a former Roosevelt mansion on Skaneateles Lake. The program will run from 6 to 10 p.m. and include cocktails; dining al fresco by Chris Kuhns, executive chef of Phoebe’s Restaurant and the Sherwood Inn; and an intimate concert by Pizzarelli.

Skaneateles residents Jean McGlynn and Fouad Dietz are co-chairs of the gala. Dr. Robert Kiltz, owner of CNY Healing Arts and CNY Fertility Centers, is the artist sponsor. Proceeds will support the Arts Council’s cultural events and community grants program.

Tickets
Tickets are $250 for VIP seating, $125 for regular seating, and may be purchased by sending a check to the Skaneateles Area Arts Council, P.O. Box 422, Skaneateles, NY 13152. Advance purchase is required for all seating. For more information contact us here.

The Artist
John Pizzarelli has established himself as a prime interpreter of the Great American Songbook, drawing from performers such as Nat “King” Cole (his hero), Frank Sinatra and Joao Gilberto and composers such as Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin, James Taylor, and Lennon and McCartney. In 2009 he received the prestigious Ella Fitzgerald Award from the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

Pizzarelli, who has recorded more than 20 albums since his first release in 1990, started playing the guitar at the age of 6, following in the tradition of his father, guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli.  He often plays with his father and his wife, singer/actress Jessica Molaskey, in the John Pizzarelli Trio, a group that has been called “the First Family of Cool” by the San Francisco Chronicle and  “the von Trapps on Martinis” by The New Yorker.

Pizzarelli’s early works, for RCA, include “Dear Mr. Cole” and “P.S. Mr. Cole,” as well as “After Hours” (a touching cycle of torch ballads), “Our Love Is Here to Stay” (a collection of classic swing and bold originals), “Let’s Share Christmas” and “John Pizzarelli Meets the Beatles.”

More recently, for Telarc International, he has recorded “Kisses in the Rain,” “Let There Be Love,” “The Rare Delight of You,” “Live at Birdland” (celebrating the 10th anniversary of the John Pizzarelli Trio), “Knowing You” (paying homage to the many talented musicians and songwriters he has met over the years) and “Dear Mr. Sinatra” (featuring the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra).

His 2008 album, the Grammy Award nominated “With a Song in My Heart,” celebrates the music of legendary composer Richard Rodgers. This past February, he released “Rockin’ in Rhythm,” a tribute to Duke Ellington.

A veteran radio personality, Pizzarelli is host, with his wife, of “Radio Deluxe With John Pizzarelli,” a nationally syndicated radio program that takes place in their “deluxe living room high atop Lexington Avenue” and features relaxed, off-the-cuff music and conversations.

Pizzarelli has performed on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Show With David Letterman,” “Live With Regis & Kelly,” “The CBS Early Show” and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

He also performs annually at New York City’s famed Café Carlyle with Jessica Molaskey and at Birdland with his jazz combo, while touring throughout the United States, Europe, South America and Japan.

The Venue
The mansion that is now Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center, a ministry sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, was originally owned by Frederick Roosevelt, who had it built in 1879. The Sisters of St. Francis purchased the property in 1952, and in 1954 it was blessed and dedicated as a retreat center by Bishop Walter A. Foery.

“Stella Maris” is Latin for “Star of the Sea.” The center is committed to the mission of leading all to a deeper knowledge and love of God, and to fostering spiritual growth, renewal and peace.

The Council
The Skaneateles Area Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization, works to celebrate the visual and performing arts by creating an environment where cultural activity thrives in our community. The council presents cultural programming and issues grants to artists and arts organizations in the Skaneateles area.

2010 Recipients
This year’s grant recipients are the CNY Jazz Foundation; the John D. Barrow Art Gallery; the Khoros Performing Arts Company for Kids, Joanna Manring; Pamela Spear; the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center; Skaneateles Artisans; the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce; the Skaneateles Festival; Skaneateles Summer Theatre; and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.