Tom Petronio, CVAC board member, concert organizer, and outstanding volunteer, for your excellent publicity!
Winners Named in Thousand Islands International Piano Competition in Cape Vincent
9/12/2023
Young pianists from Canada and China claimed first-place prizes in the 2023 Thousand Islands International Piano Competition for Young People. Sponsored by the Cape Vincent Arts Council, the event was held September 8-10 at Maple Grove Estate, 596 West Broadway St., Cape Vincent.
Winners were as follows:
Junior Division (those not yet six months out of high school and younger)
1st Place ($3,000): Kenneth Chen, age 14, Markham, Ontario, Canada
2nd Place ($1,500): Ethan Wong, age 14, Syracuse, New York
3rd Place ($750): Claire Li, age 9, Fort Lee, New Jersey
Honorable Mention: Erdem Lukomyanski, age 11, Sackets Harbor, New York
Audience Awards: Kenneth Chen and Claire Li
Senior Division (high school graduates up to age 26)
1st Place ($2,500): Xiaoyu (Daniel) Tang, age 21, Yantai, Shandong, China
2nd Place ($1,500): Jianyi Gu, age 25, Guangdong, China
3rd Place ($750): Xiqiao (Brook) Zhang, age 22, Rochester, New York
Audience Awards: Xiaoyu (Daniel) Tang and Xiquao (Brook) Zhang
Augusta Cecconi-Bates Prize ($400): Xiqiao (Brook) Zhang
Fifteen competitors from the U.S., Canada, and China participated in three rounds of competition, performing music by Chopin, J.S. Bach, and other classical composers. Judging was done by a panel of professional pianists/music educators against a professional-artistic standard based on the students' performance.
Cape Vincent Arts Council/Library Partnership Brings
National Author Lecture Series to Local Community
Beginning September 19
9/7/2023
A lecture series featuring ten critically acclaimed authors sharing their insights will be available at the Cape Vincent Community Library in partnership with the Cape Vincent Arts Council and Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures.
The “Ten Evenings” series features an exciting roster of authors sharing their creativity, insights, research, and humanity with the audience. The series, presented by Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures, will be available to the public via streaming at the Cape Vincent Community Library, 157 N. Real Street, on various dates throughout the fall, winter, and spring.
The streaming series is free to the public and will take place at the library Tuesdays from 2:00-3:00 and Saturdays from 1:00-2:00, followed by a discussion session for the local audience. Each of the ten authors will be featured once on a Tuesday and again on a Saturday.
“We're very proud to bring this exciting literary event to the local community in partnership with the Cape Vincent Community Library and Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures,” said Liz Brennan, President of the Cape Vincent Arts Council. “It's a rare opportunity to hear first-hand from acclaimed authors about their creative process and the insights gained through the research behind their latest works.”
“The library is honored to host a virtual connection with 10 authors in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures Series and the Cape Vincent Arts Council,” said Amy Pond, Director of the Cape Vincent Community Library. “We look forward to this new opportunity for a literary discussion with our patrons.”
Advance registration is not required but is recommended due to limited seating. To register, call the library at 315-654-2132. Anyone not available for the group sessions can call the library to reserve the meeting room for an individual screening. Each lecture is only accessible for one week.
The streaming series will begin Tuesday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 23 with a lecture by prize-winning author Zadie Smith on her novel, The Fraud. The London-based author of White Teeth and many other beloved works, Smith’s The Fraud is a dazzling novel about truth and fiction, Jamaica and Britain, fraudulence and authenticity, and the mystery of “other people.” Set against the legal trial that divided Victorian England, The Fraud explores issues of justice, slavery, abolitionism, and class and highlights the disparities of who deserves to tell their story—and who deserves to be believed.
The series will continue with the following authors and books:
• Matthew Desmond - Poverty, by America (Oct. 3 &7) • Mary Beard - Emperor of Rome (Oct. 24 & 28) • Abraham Verghese - The Covenant of Water (Nov. 14 & 18) • Rebecca Makkai - I Have Some Questions for You (Dec. 12 & 16) • Jennifer Egan - The Candy House (Feb. 13 & 17) • Tracy Kidder - Rough Sleepers (March 26 & 30) • Hernan Diaz – Trust (April 9 & 13) • Ed Yong - An Immense World (April 30 & May 4) • Jesmyn Ward - Let Us Descend (May 14 & 18)
Thousand Islands International Piano Competition Returns To
Cape Vincent September 8-10 with Several Local Connections
8/28/2023
Fifteen young classical pianists will demonstrate their talent in the 2023 Thousand Islands International Piano Competition for Young People, September 8-10 at Maple Grove Estate, 596 West Broadway St., Cape Vincent. Sponsored by the Cape Vincent Arts Council, this will be the 20th year the competition has been held since its founding in 2002. This year's competition is dedicated to Bruce Taylor, co-owner of Maple Grove Estate, who passed away in July. Bruce and his wife Lynn have opened their home to the piano competition for many years.
This year's performers range in age from 10 to 25 and hail from China, Canada, and the U.S., including one from Sackets Harbor and one from Watertown. All are currently studying classical piano in the U.S. or Canada.
The event is free and audience members are invited to come and go as they please throughout the competition, which begins each day at 9:00 a.m. and ends in late afternoon. Sunday's portion ends at noon, followed by an awards ceremony.
“Our goal is to bring the joy of classical music to the Thousand Islands as well as nurture and reward up-and-coming young artists,” said Liz Brennan, President of the Cape Vincent Arts Council. “By combining beautiful music with the natural beauty of Cape Vincent and the St. Lawrence River, this event creates a wonderful experience for all involved.”
Pianists will compete for cash prizes in two divisions: Junior (those not yet six months out of high school and younger) and Senior (high school graduates up to age 26). They will participate in three rounds of competition and perform music by Chopin, J.S. Bach, and other classical composers. In recognition of the event's 20th year, they may also choose to compete for a special prize by performing one of five pieces chosen by celebrated Cape Vincent composer Augusta Cecconi-Bates. With more than 300 compositions to her credit. Ms. Cecconi-Bates was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in music in 2001.
In addition to judges' prizes, audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite performer in each division.
Artistic Director for the competition is award-winning pianist and acclaimed music educator Brian Preston. A leader in the Rochester NY music community and a concert pianist who has performed around the world, Mr. Preston has been on the music faculty of Nazareth College since 1991.
In addition to Mr. Preston, this year's judges are Dr. Eliran Avni, Assistant Professor of Piano/Organ and Music Performance at SUNY Fredonia, and Nicholas Susi, Assistant Professor of Piano at the University of South Carolina.
The Thousand Islands International Piano Competition for Young People was founded in 2002 by the late Dr. William Grant in cooperation with the Cape Vincent Arts Council. Dr. Grant's legacy of bringing classical music to the Thousand Islands continues with volunteer support by area residents who love music and want to support young pianists. That includes residents who host the pianists during the competition.
The Cape Vincent Arts Council is dedicated to increasing opportunities for the enjoyment of and participation in cultural activities in and around Cape Vincent. For more information about the piano competition, contact the Arts Council at chopin@capevincentartscouncil.org.
“Stroll on Broadway” in Cape Vincent Will Feature
Dozens of Musical Performances and More
8/14/2023
The Cape Vincent Arts Council is hosting its 7th annual “Stroll on Broadway” Music Fest on Saturday, August 26, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and running throughout the day. The free event will feature dozens of outdoor musical performances on the porches and patios of local businesses along Broadway Street in downtown Cape Vincent.
It will also feature sidewalk sales, an artist market, and free children’s entertainment, including face painting, games, and more, from 10:00 to 3:00 on the village green.
Among the many musicians performing will be Tas Cru & Mary Ann Casale, Loren Barrigar, Louis Watterson, Midnight Ryders, Dog Hill Road, The Flanigans, Quill & Plow, The Schmoovers, Garland City Fiddlers, Peg Dolan, Shannon & Joseph Foy, Gabriel Shepherd, Sarah Parker Ada, Emma Bee, Gary Walts, and Chris Jones.
The Stroll on Broadway is co-sponsored by Cup of Joy Cafe, Cape Vincent Brewing Co., and the Cape Vincent Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit capevincentartscouncil.org.
10th Mountain Division Band Will Entertain at Next “Concert on the Green”
Presented by Cape Vincent Arts Council
8/13/2023
The brass quintet and woodwind quintet from the 10th Mountain Division Band, Fort Drum, will be featured at this summer's final Concert on the Green in Cape Vincent on Saturday, August 19 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. The concert series is presented by the Cape Vincent Arts Council.
The free concert takes place on the Cape Vincent village green on Broadway St. (Rain location is the fire hall, also on Broadway St.) Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music in beautiful downtown Cape Vincent. For more information, call 315-654-2413 or visit capevincentartscouncil.org.
The 10th Mountain Division Band represents the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, and the U.S. Army throughout the North Country with impeccable military bearing, professionalism, and high-quality music. Their musical selections range from patriotic standards to covers of current pop hits.
Performing at the Concert on the Green will be the following:
Woodwind Quintet: Spc. Eric Castrejon, flute; Sgt. Molly Fisher, oboe; Sgt. Monica Lueck, clarinet; Spc. Joseph Ferraro, alto saxophone; Staff Sgt. Arthur Lukomyansky, bass clarinet.
Brass Quintet: Spc. John Miner, trumpet; Sgt. First Class Tiffany Woods, trumpet; Staff Sgt. Jared Disbro, horn; Staff Sgt. Phillip Johnson, euphonium; Sgt. Kevin Mitchell, tuba.
Rochester's Nuthin Fancy Brings Classic Rock Sound to Next
“Concert on the Green” Presented by Cape Vincent Arts Council
7/28/2023
Three-piece Rochester band Nuthin Fancy brings its unique take on classic rock to the outdoor stage in Cape Vincent on Saturday, August 5 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. (extended time). The performance is part of the Concerts on the Green series presented by the Cape Vincent Arts Council.
The free concert takes place on the Cape Vincent village green. (Rain location is the fire hall on Broadway St.) Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music in beautiful downtown Cape Vincent. This year's concerts are utilizing a full, professionally run sound system to enhance the listening experience for the audience. For more information, call 315-654-2413 or visit capevincentartscouncil.org.
Nuthin Fancy Making their North County debut, Nuthin Fancy is the 38th most popular cover band in Rochester. They draw from multiple rock-n-roll genres from the '60s to the '00s, playing the hits as well as forgotten gems. From Prince to Pink Floyd, STP to the Stones, Foo Fighters to Foreigner, there is something for everyone. The band is Jeff Olson (guitar/vocals), Lou Englert (bass/vocals), and Vinnie Fittos (drums).
NNY Riverside Music & Arts Festival July 29 in Cape Vincent Features Regional Talent
7/22/2023
A day of live music and art along the St. Lawrence River will take place Saturday, July 29 as the Cape Vincent Arts Council hosts the second annual NNY Riverside Music & Arts Festival. The free event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the village green in downtown Cape Vincent, featuring a variety of Northern New York musicians and artists displaying their talents.
Music will take place throughout the day with performances on two stages taking place as follows:
11:00 am - Emma Broulliard
12:00 pm - Tyler Sorrell
1:00 pm - Brittany Cean
2:00 pm - Tim Greening & Friends
4:00 pm - Joey Collins & the Creatives
5:00 pm - Moody Octopus
6:00-8:00 pm - Oceans Below
Artists who will have works on display and for sale include:
Classic Rock from Watertown's FFOG Band Featured at Next
“Concert on the Green” Presented by Cape Vincent Arts Council
7/16/2023
The FFOG Band brings its lifelong love of classic rock to the outdoor stage in Cape Vincent on Saturday, July 22 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. The performance is part of the Concerts on the Green series presented by the Cape Vincent Arts Council.
The free concert takes place on the Cape Vincent village green. (Rain location is the fire hall on Broadway St.) Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music in beautiful downtown Cape Vincent. This year's concerts are utilizing a full, professionally run sound system to enhance the listening experience for the audience. For more information, call 315-654-2413 or visit capevincentartscouncil.org.
Formed in 2006 in Watertown, the members of FFOG (“Five F'n Old Guys”) have played rock-n-roll since their teens. They continue to play the music of their era by bands such as Lynyrd Skynrd, ZZ Top, the Allman Brothers, and other classic rock legends. The band is Larry Goodwin (guitar), Larry Coburn (guitar/bass/vocals), Barry Smith (guitar/bass/vocals), Gary Sikes (vocals/percussion), and Chad Dudley (percussion/vocals).
Acoustic Blues from Eclipse Will Be Featured at Next
“Concert on the Green” Presented by Cape Vincent Arts Council
7/4/2023
Eclipse: The Tas Cru & Mary Ann Casale Acoustic Reverie will bring its blend of soulful acoustic blues to the outdoor stage in Cape Vincent on Saturday, July 15 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. The performance is part of the Concerts on the Green series presented by the Cape Vincent Arts Council.
The free concert takes place on the Cape Vincent village green. (Rain location is the fire hall on Broadway St.) Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music in beautiful downtown Cape Vincent. This year's concerts are utilizing a full, professionally run sound system to enhance the listening experience for the audience. For more information, call 315-654-2413 or visit capevincentartscouncil.org.
About Eclipse: The Tas Cru & Mary Ann Casale Acoustic Reverie Tas Cru has been called one of the most unique and accomplished blues musicians performing today; the singer/guitarist/songwriter is an international touring musician who calls Chaumont home. Mary Ann Casale is a talented and soulful singer/guitarist specializing in blues and Americana. The duo are longtime collaborators, including on Tas Cru's latest album Riffin' the Blue (2023).
Artists Bring Creativity Outdoors at “Plein Air” Event July 5 in Cape Vincent
6/25/2023
Visitors to Cape Vincent can watch art being created live and outdoors during the Plein Air Arts Exhibit on Wednesday, July 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Cape Vincent Arts Council, the exhibit will feature painters creating their works in the natural environment of the Cape Vincent village green on Broadway Street.
“Plein air” (French for “open air”) refers to a 19th century school of landscape portraiture in which the artist paints an entire finished picture directly onto canvas while outdoors. The technique enables the artist to capture the changing details of weather and light in natural surroundings. The invention of tubes of oil paint in the 1800s allowed the practice to develop, particularly in France where it was popularized by Impressionists such as Monet and Renoir.
The event is one of several taking place in the week leading up to Cape Vincent's townwide French Festival, July 7-9, 2023.
The Cape Vincent Arts Council is dedicated to increasing opportunities for the enjoyment of and participation in cultural activities in and around Cape Vincent, NY. Among the events it sponsors are the Concerts on the Green series, arts classes for children and adults, and its premiere event, the Thousand Islands International Piano Competition for Young People (September 8-10, 2023).
Summer Art Camp for Kids Offered Aug. 7-10 by Cape Vincent Arts Council
6/25/2023
Kids ages 6-12 are invited to sign up for a week of exploring the arts—including painting, drawing, sculpture, clay, collage and more—at the 2023 Summer Art Camp offered by the Cape Vincent Arts Council.
The camp takes place August 7-10 at Cape Vincent Recreation Park, 602 S. James St, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. daily. Registration fee of $20 includes the cost of materials.
Students will create fun masks, clay flower 3D paintings, and animal bean collages among other projects and will explore various painting styles and design techniques. Instructor Nikki Badour is the high school art teacher for the Thousand Island Central School District where she teaches Studio Art, Drawing & Painting, Crafts, Ceramics, and Digital Photography.
Cape Vincent “Concerts on the Green” Series Kicks Off July 1 with Bluegrass from The Cadleys
6/19/2023
Bluegrass and acoustic music from The Cadleys will kick off the 2023 Concerts on the Green series presented by the Cape Vincent Arts Council on Saturday, July 1 from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
The free concert takes place on the Cape Vincent village green. (Rain location is the fire hall on Broadway St.) Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music in beautiful downtown Cape Vincent.
New this year: The concerts will utilize a full, professionally run sound system to enhance the listening experience for the audience.
For over 10 years, The Cadleys have been entertaining audiences across New York and New England with their powerful mix of traditional bluegrass, “new acoustic” a la Alison Krauss, and originals. The group features singers/instrumentalists John and Cathy Cadley, mandolinist Perry Cleaveland, and bassist John Dancks.
Based in Syracuse, The Cadleys deliver a show that offers spine-tingling harmonies, virtuoso musicianship, and entertaining rapport, bringing their audience a truly special musical experience. John Cadley's original songs have been recorded by national bluegrass artists such as Tony Trischka, Jim Hurst, Missy Raines, and Lou Reid, who took John’s song “Time” to the #1 spot on the national bluegrass charts.
Art Classes for Adults Offered Through Cape Vincent Arts Council
5/16/2023
A variety of one- and two-day art classes for adults are being offered this summer through the Cape Vincent Arts Council.
“We invite anyone with an interest in exploring their artistic side to sign up for a class,” says CVAC President Liz Brennan. “Our instructors are professional artists who will guide you through a project from start to finish, with an emphasis on skill development, creativity, and fun.”
Classes will take place at Recreation Park, 602 S. James Street, Cape Vincent. Class fees, which include all supplies, range from $30 to $110. Details and registration info are available at capevincentartscouncil.org or by emailing cvac@capevincentartscouncil.org.
Class schedule is as follows:
Saturday, June 10 - Watercolor (9:30 am-4:30 pm) Saturday, June 17 - Mixed Media on Canvas (10 am-3 pm) Wed. & Thurs., June 21 & 22 - Heavy Texture Acrylic Flowers (1-3 pm) Saturday, June 24 - Large Tote Basket Weaving (10 am-4 pm) Monday, July 10 - Watercolor (9:30 am-4:30 pm) Saturday, August 5 - Heavy Texture Acrylic Flowers (1-3pm) Sunday, August 13 - Mixed Media on Canvas (10 am-3 pm) Saturday, August 19 - Watercolor (9:30 am-4:30 pm) Monday, August 28 - Felted Landscapes (9 am-12 pm) Monday, August 28 - Beginning Drawing (1 pm-4 pm) Tuesday, August 29 - Acrylic Pour (10 am-1 pm)
Art classes for children will be announced soon.
Boston Artist Joins Bashaw Elementary Students for Mural Project
5/5/2023
Students at Cape Vincent's Bashaw Elementary School will be spreading kindness through art during a visit from Boston-based artist Bren Bataclan Monday, May 15 to Friday, May 19. The artist will help students complete a mural that will be unveiled on May 19 at 8:45 a.m. at the school, 410 South Esselstyne St., Cape Vincent.
The student-led project began in January and has received funding support from the Cape Vincent Arts Council, the Bashaw Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, and the Thousand Islands Central School District.
Bren Bataclan is a Boston-based artist whose school programs emphasize the power of kindness through art. His “Smile Boston Project” began 20 years ago when he started giving away paintings in public spaces with a note saying, “This painting is yours if you promise to smile at random people more often.” Since then, he has given away over 3,000 paintings in nearly 80 countries and all 50 U.S. states and received national news coverage. He also paints murals and exhibits his paintings across the country.
Prior to painting full time, Bataclan taught computer graphics and design at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and at the Boston Museum School. He received his undergraduate degree in design at UCLA and his graduate degree in computer animation at the Ohio State University.
Monday, June 5th, CVAC was invited to Bashaw Elementary for cookies as a thank you to local organizations who lend to their educational experiences.
We were presented with two paintings that students helped create during their mural project in May. The paintings are now hanging in the children's room inside the Cape Vincent Library. Pictured at the assembly are CVAC President Liz Brennan, and CVAC members Chris Schneider and Vicki Sperry.
Cape Vincent Arts Council Announces 2023 "Concerts on the Green" Lineup
3/25/2023
The Cape Vincent Arts Council is proud to present another summer of outdoor live music with its 2023 Concerts on the Green series. The free concerts take place Saturdays on the Cape Vincent village green from 4:00-5:30 p.m. (Rain location is the fire hall on Broadway St.) Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music in beautiful downtown Cape Vincent. For more information, call 315-654-2413.
New this year: The concerts will utilize a full, professionally run sound system to enhance the listening experience for the audience.
July 1 – The Cadleys
For over 10 years, The Cadleys have been entertaining audiences with their powerful mix of traditional bluegrass, “new acoustic” a la Alison Krauss, and originals. The group features singers/ instrumentalists John and Cathy Cadley along with mandolinist Perry Cleaveland and bassist John Dancks. The Cadleys deliver a show that offers hair-raising harmony singing, virtuoso musicianship, and entertaining rapport, bringing their audience a truly special musical experience.
July 15 – Eclipse: The Tas Cru & Mary Ann Casale Acoustic Reverie
Tas Cru has been called one of the most unique and accomplished blues musicians performing today; the singer/guitarist is an international touring musician who calls Chaumont home. Mary Ann Casale is a talented and soulful singer/guitarist specializing in blues and Americana music. The duo are longtime collaborators, including on Tas Cru's latest album Riffin' the Blue (2023).
July 22 – FFOG Band
Formed in 2006, the members of FFOG (“Five F'n Old Guys”) have played music since their teens. They continue to play the music of their era by bands such as Lynyrd Skynrd, ZZ Top, the Allman Brothers, and other classic rock legends. The band is Larry Goodwin (guitar), Larry Coburn (guitar/bass/vocals), Barry Smith (guitar/bass/vocals), Gary Sikes (vocals/percussion), and Chad Dudley (percussion/vocals).
August 5 – Nuthin Fancy
Making their North County debut, Nuthin Fancy is the 38th most popular cover band in Rochester. They draw from multiple rock-n-roll genres from the '60s to the '00s, playing the hits as well as forgotten gems. From Prince to Pink Floyd, STP to the Stones, Foo Fighters to Foreigner, there is something for everyone. The band is Jeff Olson (guitar/vocals), Lou Englert (bass/vocals), and Vinnie Fittos (drums).
August 12 – Segue
Segue is a Watertown-based 5-piece group that plays jazz and other great music (Frankie Valli to modern pop-funk). The group is comprised of brothers Steven (drums) and Kevin (keys/vocals) Elliott, Steve's daughter Sarah Cole (keys/vocals), Steve's son-in-law, Joe Foy (bass/ vocals), and Bob Harvell (sax,/reeds/flute).
August 19 – 10th Mountain Division Band
Comprised of soldier-musicians from the Army's 10th Mountain Division (Fort Drum), the band performs a lively mix of concert band material including marches, Broadway hits, pop, classical and American music.
