COTA 2007

The Celebration of the Arts (COTA)* began their 30th Annual festival on Thursday September 6th with a World Premiere presentation of “Buttercup Days” which is a Jazz Suite composed by COTA* Co-Founder Phil Woods* at The Sherman Theatre* (www.shermantheatre.com) in Stroudsburg, PA and is based upon the A. A. Milne work entitled, “Now We Are Six.” This special event was held as an addition to the three day event usually associated with COTA* in commemoration of their 30th Anniversary. The evening was filled with poetry, singing, and the great jazz compositions which enchanted and entertained the large audience which attended the event. It was a great prelude to the festival and it was appreciated by all.

The festival continued the next evening on Friday September 7th in Delaware Water Gap, PA with Opening Reception of the Music Motif Show at The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery* (www.dutotmuseum.com) and an evening of Music, Theatre, and Dance at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain*(www.churchofthemountain.org) My duties of preparing the presentations at the church prohibited me from attending the Opening Reception, but this does not mean my evening was void of meaningful and satisfying experiences. After all, I did manage to visit the gallery later during the festival and I enjoyed that experience a great deal. The evening at the church began with the theatrical hilarity of The Water Gap Players which has gained a reputation of presenting biting comedic sketches sprinkled with social and political commentary brining some thought to those who enjoy the humor. The evening continued with the renderings of Calliope whose soothing sounds pleases all who cherish the classics of the centuries.

Anita Bondi* and Company presented their final performance. After making her introductory remarks which included the announcement of this being their final performance, there was a pause before she expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to share her love for dance with the simple words of “Thank you.” Each member of the audience utilized that pause to recount the many meaningful insights the years of performances and how they had enhanced their lives. The hearing of the words “Thank you” placed each remembrances forever in their hearts. The performance which followed was an accumulation of all the love embodied Anita Bondi* and Company’s love and talent in this discipline.

The evening at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain* concluded with the relaxing sounds of Jazz Pianist Donna Antonnow and her trio. It was a wonderful end to a great evening as it entreated the audience to discover what was yet to come during the two day outdoor festival. Ah, the delights that awaited them.

The outdoor festival on was greeted by some opening remarks by PA State Representative John J. Siptroth*. The music began Saturday September 8th at 12 noon with The Absolute Trio and ended after 9pm on Sunday September 9th with the Bottom O’ the Fox All Stars. These brief doesn’t come near to bring all the incredible happenings of the festival justice. In fact, no amount of words can do so. All I can say is, I’ve taken a great many pictures as they seem to share more than words can convey. You’ll find even more pictures taken by COTA’s official photographers on their website at www.cotajazz.org. There will also be a broadcast of the entire festival on WVIA TV (PBS)* sometime in November if not earlier.

The greatest please I had during the festival is meeting people. I have seen many among The Forwardian Arts Society fellowship during my time at COTA* and they are too numerous to mention without the risk of forgetting to name a few. However, I do welcome your comments, recollections, and reflections on what your experiences were. So, please feel free to comment on this blog and/or the picture I took. Share them with your friends who may not see this. I thank you for being my friend and for all the things you mean to me.

You’ll find a complete album of photographs taken during the Celebration of the Arts at The Forwardian Arts Society COTA 2007 Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.