Oooo. Look What COTA Did.

It has long been a tradition for The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) to take some time after their annual festivals come to a conclusion to reflect the event and explore what aspects of it could be improved upon so next year’s celebration can be even better. This tradition continued at The Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA on Tuesday October 11th as jazz lovers and those who have volunteered their time and talents for The 34th Annual Celebration of the Arts Jazz and Arts Festival gathered. Although the gathering itself was a small one due to many going on trips abroad and becoming ill, there were many topics offered up for discussion and many issues were either resolved or tabled for further examination.

The meeting also included a sharing of information by friends of the festival which included a representative from East Stroudsburg University who will present their “Zoot Fest” on Sunday November 13th in The Keystone Room located on the University’s Campus. The event is dedicated to honoring Zoot Sims and Al Cohn who spent a good portion of their distinguished careers performing together in various Jazz venues. One of these venues was known as “The Loft” and the festival will have special presentations relating to the establishment including performances by musicians who not only played there but were also seen during the recent Celebration of the Arts Jazz and Arts festival last September. Please Contact East Stroudsburg University at alcohncollection@esu.edu or visit their website at www.jazzatesu.com to reserve tickets and to gain more information about Zoot Fest.

Besides taking time to reflect upon the festival and to learn how we can improve upon our loving endeavors, it was good to see some of the friends we’ve made throughout the years. These moments and the conversations they inspired encouraged us as we begin to envision The 35th Annual Celebration of the Arts Jazz and Arts Festival which will take place in September 2012. The next volunteer meeting to begin planning for the festival will take place in March with a specific date and time to be announced. You’ll find more photographs taken during the October 11th gathering in The COTA Meetings 2011 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150242895035421.370040.636000420&l=d7622cc3c1&type=1.

The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) presents and supports the arts and the music of jazz in all its forms and historical breadth through youth education, performing arts presentations, scholarship opportunities, and community outreach throughout the Pocono area. The festival and all its functions is organized and run by volunteers. You’ll be able to read my article about The 34th Annual Celebration of the Arts Jazz and Arts Festival www.forwardianartssociety.blogspot.com/2011/10/celebrating-jazz-with-bob.html and see the pictures I took at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150372964630421.407227.636000420&l=c4f58c7479&type=1 and www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150374253425421.407492.636000420&l=e1257bf4be&type=1. More information the festival can be obtained by Exploring The COTA Website at www.cotajazz.org or by calling 570-424-2210. I hope to see you there.