Three Meetings Left

The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) held its monthly general meeting on Monday July 23rd to plan their 35th Annual Jazz and Arts Festival to be held September 7th - 9th. Due to circumstances at The Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA, the meeting was moved to a room located in the neighboring Presbyterian Church of The Mountain. The cooled temperatures of the room added to the pleasant sensation among the attendees who happily of reconnected with friends made during previous festivals as well as making friends new to the annual endeavor. This excitement was further enhanced by the fact the festival itself is just a little more than a month away. So, there was much to talk about.

The meeting began with the announcement The Celebration of the Arts’ Camp Jazz has started. The camp is held at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain and is designed to give young people an opportunity to develop their musical abilities by working alongside established Jazz musicians during the last week in July. What they have learned throughout the week is demonstrated in a special Gazebo Concert presented by The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain as part of its Summer Series. This free concert will take place on Sunday July 29th beginning at 6pm. Please Explore The Celebration of the Arts’ Camp Jazz Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/Campjazz.

It was also announced The Celebration of the Arts’ 35th Anniversary Poster is printed and available for distribution. The design for this year’s poster was created by Artist Thomas Mann. All who attended were asked to take some posters with them so they may place them at their favorite gathering spot. Those who wish to help in promoting the festival in this manner is welcomed to attend its next meeting.

News about the upcoming CD titled, “Bob Dorough Duets” featuring Bob singing alongside many jazz talents such as Nellie McKay, Vickie Doney, Nancy Reed, and Donna Antonow was shared. It’s now in the final stages of development and it’s hoped to be released before the festival begins. A special CD Release Party will be given at the Deer Head Inn. Information relating to the CD may be gained by exploring its facebook page at www.facebook.com/BobDoroughDuets.

The mission of The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) is to present and to support the art of jazz in all its forms and historical breadth through youth education, performing arts presentations, scholarship opportunities, and community outreach throughout the Pocono area. Their next general meetings are  scheduled to be held at The Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap on Mondays August 6th, 20th, and September 3rd beginning at 7:30pm. You’ll find more photographs taken during the Monday July 23rd meeting in The COTA Meetings 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150798121170421.468319.636000420&type=1&l=1ee42dedac.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend the general meetings as all ideas are welcomed.  Those who wish to serve in the various committees and staff assignments are also encouraged to attend. Besides helping a wonderful festival become something even more wonderful, participating in its endeavors is a lot of fun. Please Explore The Celebration of the Arts Website at www.cotajazz.org or call 570-424-2210 to learn how you can become a volunteer and to learn for more information all about COTA has to offer.