It's
been a year since Delaware Water Gap, PA's prestigious Jazz and Arts
Festival took place in the Fall of 2014. The interim period between
the 37th
and 38th
Annual Celebration of the Arts (COTA) festivals heralded a great deal
of sadness among those who have enjoyed the presence of those who
filled their hearts with music and love throughout the decades. All
those who attended the festival from Friday September 11th
to Sunday September 13th
in 2015 throughout the town were touched by the loss of some
wonderful people associated with the event that passed away during
the year.
Along
with the passing of Rick Chamberlain who co founded the festival and
to whom this year's event was dedicated to, Eric Doney whose love for
music extended from his compositions and performances into a future
as manifested by all he taught and inspired, Bob Hartman who directed
the Jazz Mass Choir until he retired from the position, Betty Evans
who attended many festivals with her companion of 25 years, Ed Hudak,
who has performed many times on the COTA Stage and tunes the piano
between each set, Saxophonist Gil Barretto who played with his spirit
as it entwined itself to every note his instrument sang, and Gerta
Harriton whose love for the arts knew no bounds and proved to be a
contagion no one sought a cure for were among the individuals who
passed. So much love and music had become silent during the year but
their essence lived on throughout the weekend of the festival as a
joyous celebration of their lives. This life affirming joy emanated
throughout the gathering of Jazz and Art lovers as their thoughtful
reflections were accented by a loving tear.
Although
the festival officially began at the town’s The Antoine Dutot
Museum and Gallery, my adventures began at The Castle Inn Art Gallery
which
is located within The Shoppes at The Castle Inn Complex in Delaware
Water Gap, PA. The gallery hosted
an Artists' Reception/Publication Party featuring the artists and
photographers who appears in the current issue of The Forwardian Arts
Society's Literary and Arts Magazine, “Forwardian” and others.
The Artists whose work appeared in the exhibit were Nancy Tully and
Maria Filosa along with some friends of the magazine Kari Nespola and
the Gallery's curator, Jose Santamaria. The beautiful images captured
by each artist and photographer blessed the gallery along with those
of the sizable gathering of art lovers who attended the event. It was
a joy to experience and the exhibition will continue to be on display
until sometime during the month of October. You'll be able to learn
more about The Gallery at The Castle Inn from their Facebook Page at
www.facebook.com/historiccastleinn?ref=ts&fref=ts,
The Castle Inn itself from their Facebook Page at
www.facebook.com/pages/Castle-Inn-Art-Gallery/159174520808670
as
well as The Forwardian Arts Society from their Facebook Page at
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Forwardian-Arts-Society/91146283760
or their Website at www.forwardianarts.org.
It
was after I spent a great deal of time absorbing the art and
conversation that permeated The
Gallery at The Castle Inn that
I ventured down to The Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery (aka The
Dutot) where the official beginning of The Celebration of the Arts
festival took place with the Artists’ Reception for the gallery's
Music Motif Show featuring pieces created by local artists,
photographers, and sculptors whose imagery blended with the exhibit’s
musical theme. Once I arrived at the gallery, I was greeted by the
Classical Musical Trio known as Calliope playing in the parking lot.
The ensemble consists Gina Bertucci and Barbara McMahon on Flute
along with Laura Goss on Bassoon. It was a delight to be bathed in
their musical renditions of Classical and Americana melodies until
the gallery opened it's doors to invite the number of people
listening to the music to enter the venue. I joined the majority and
came inside.
The
wonders of the images with the frames that hung upon the wall along
with the sculpted pieces filled the senses with their visual
symphony. The chord the overall exhibit struck lied deep within the
heart and its music filled the denizens of the gallery with their
aesthetic spirits. The exhibit was a juried one with prizes awarded
to those whose creative skills exceeded those of their
contemporaries. I was not present during the award ceremonies but I
could surmise the selection of the winners was a difficult one as the
caliber of the work made the task a daunting one. The jurors for the
show were Ed Hudak, Jonno Rattman, and Nicole Rogai. The exhibition
continues to be on display until September 20th.
You can learn more about The
Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery through their Facebook Page at
www.facebook.com/DutotMuseumAndGallery
or their Website at www.dutotmuseum.com.
I
left the gallery to continue my festival journeys to The Presbyterian
Church of the Mountain which is located across the street of the
Dutot. The program presented at the church was titled, “The Other
Arts” which featured an evening filled with classical music,
theater, and dance. The evening began with some welcoming remarks
given by The Reverent Sherry Blackman who is the minister of the
church. She then introduced a young woman who shared her words
relating to the town's Deer Head Inn. Her poetry touched the memories
of those who frequented the establishment to enjoy its food, music,
and hospitality. The completion of her words led to a plaque filled
with them to be given to the Deer Head Inn's owner, Denny Carrig.
As
the well deserved applause subsided, Peter Sylvester took the stage
to greet the gathering before introducing the first of many he would
do so to the crowd. The Marsha Cahn Ensemble filled the sanctuary
with gentle music that honored those among the COTA family that
passed beyond. The trio of classical musicians consisted of Marsha
Cahn on viola, Chris Souza on violin, and Agnieszka Rybska on cello.
The
Marsha Cahn Ensemble were followed by The Totts Gap Dancers who are
from The Totts Gap Arts Institute (TGAI) located in Bangor, PA
performing pieces choreographed by Angeline Wolf. The first piece
they performed was titled, “Gravity” as performed by Laura
Buzzard with music by Sarah Bareilles. The second piece the company
performed was a solo dance titled, “These Three Things” as a
tribute to Eric Doney. Angeline Wolf provided her movement to the
Bach Goldberg Variations that accompanied her. The final dance piece
was titled, “Friends” with music by Cellists Luka Sulic and
Stjepan Hauser. The dancers were Laura Buzzard, Kristen Stopfer,
Sophia Villano, and Amber Ward. The entirety of The Totts Gap Dancers
performance touched the emotions of their audience in unique and
meaningful ways that lingered on long after the final step was
placed. You
can learn more about The Totts Gap Arts Institute through their
Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/totts.arts
or their Website at
www.tottsgap.org.
The
Water Gap Players Theater Group took the stage with a piece titled,
“Hello” written by Dudley Moore and Peter Cook as performed by
Denny Carrig and Dave Hymes. For those who have seen the classic skit
before, the duo's sense of timing and stage pretense brought an
energy to the work and made it their own. The theatrical group later
returned to the stage with another theatrical piece titled, “The
Grape Business” written by Deborah Savadge and performed by Denny
Carrig and Julie Sylvester. The play was very amusing as it dealt
with the infighting that takes place among thespians and was very
well done by the actors.
Members
of The Water Gap Players Theater Group also consisted of Betsy
Jackson who read two passages from her upcoming book with the first
titled, “A Desired Thing” and the second passage titled, “Please
No Life Stories.” The readings were filled with healthy portions of
laughter and thoughtful reflection. Performance artist, Ann Mathews
was also among those who shared her talents upon the stage with the
first monologue titled, “Surrendering” and the second titled,
“Relaxation” which closed the evening's performance as the
audience participated in song and movement. It also ended the first
day of the three day Jazz and Arts Festival which led those who
attended “The Other Arts” performance at The Presbyterian Church
of the Mountain to share their farewells as they prepared to partake
of another day of the Celebration of the Arts. You can learn more
about The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain and what the venue
offers through their Facebook Page at
www.facebook.com/pages/Presbyterian-Church-of-the-Mountain/234593743269661
or their Website at www.churchofthemountain.org.
I
arrived the next day at the festival site at 8am to learn what duties
were to be performed in my capacity as a member of the COTA Security
Team. The Security Command Center was filled with my fellow Security
Team members with many of whom I became friends with during the
years. It was a delight to see them as well as meeting those who were
new to the festival. It was after a time did I learn of my first
assignment which was the area known as The Back Gate and was
partnered with a newcomer named “Ian.” There was some time before
our shift would begin so I ventured to the food court to purchase my
customary festival breakfast of a delicious egg, ham, and cheese
sandwich on a croissant at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain’s
food booth.
It
was then that I spotted a dove resting near the food area. I
reflected on his presence especially when I learned it had been in
the same spot for quite some time. I shared my observation with
someone who said it was the spirit of one of the festival's departed.
I pondered the perception in my heart as I went to The Back Gate
which is an entry point to a number of people closely associated with
the festival. These include musicians, members of COTA's Board of
Directors, food vendor owners and workers, Special Guests, and so on.
It was a delight to be among the company who greeted those who passed
through the gate. In what seemed like a matter of minutes, our two
hour shift was over and we were relived by fellow members of our the
Security team. I then ventured back to the Security Command Center
before exploring the festival that was about to begin.
The
Nancy Reed Trio filled the air with their mood enhancing sounds. The
trio consisted of Nancy Reed
www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-Reed/1417009245195892
on vocals, Jim Ridl on Piano, and Steve Varner on Bass along with
Special Guests Spencer Reed www.reedjazz.com
on guitar and vocals and Bill Goodwin on drums. It was while
listening to their soothing melodies did I leisurely stroll to visit
the many artists, artisans, and merchants who shared their talents
and merchandise with those who entered their booth. They included
Susan Bradford and Anita Bondi (Madala Design Works), Tim Helman
(mixed media), David Coulter (Photography), Linda Newswanger (Git Lit
Stained Glass), Bud Nealy (Knives), Susan Lange (Massage Therapist),
Jim Smeltz (Art), Elizabeth Smeltz (Jewelery), Nettie Price
(Sparkling Art), Patrice Jiunta (The Jeweler’s Work Bench
www.facebook.com/jewelersworkbench.bartonsville),
Aita and Keith Carmichael (La Linguere Fashion www.aitafashion.com),
Ron Ford (Photography), Harriet Ford (Jewelery), Constance Fowlkes
(Weaving and Paintings), Michael Kane (Designs), Ursula Pooley
(Jewelery), Trudy Schanewof (Suds Soapworks
www.facebook.com/SudsSoapworks),
Pia Somerlock (Pottery), Darcy Chamberlain (The COTA Apparel Store),
and The Shoppes at The Castle Inn who were also present to share
their wares and endeavors. It was great to visit them all.
It
was during my conversations with the vendors did I feel the first of
the many raindrops that would fall that day. It was also during this
time did I witness the exodus of festival goers travel from the
hillside where they were seated to the backstage area that had been
prepared so they could experience the music while remaining
unencumbered by the impending storm. I joined them as musicians
gathered on the inner stage to present their tribute to Eric Doney
which consisted of several sets that featured the music Eric loved,
the music he inspired, and the intuitive logic and joy of his own
originals. These sets were performed by past students, friends, and
musical collaborators as introduced by Bobby Avery who performed on
piano. Musicians who shared their talents in celebrating the life of
Eric Doney included Mitch Cheng and Davey Lantz on piano, Patrick
McGee on saxophone, Zach Brock on violin
www.facebook.com/zachbrockmusic?fref=ts,
Vaughan Stoffey on guitar, Connor Koch on bass, and Tyler Dempsey on
drums www.facebook.com/Tyler-Dempsey-110164742558/timeline.
The performance also included a number of unscheduled musicians which
included Will Garrison on Harmonica www.willgalison.com.
The selections each grouping of musicians rendered combined the
beauty embodied within the piece with a haunting sensation that
communicated how much Eric was missed. It was a fitting tribute to
Eric by those he inspired through his talent and love.
The
tribute to Eric Doney was followed by a performance given by The New
Quintet www.facebook.com/TheNeWQuintet?fref=ts
with Elijah
Thomas on flute, Marcell Bellinger on trumpet, Jeremy Sowers on
drums, Dave Marion on guitar, and Max Krause on bass. Together, their
ability to coax even the most subtle nuance of each composition
filled the audience with awe. They were followed by the COTA Festival
Orchestra which usually features Phil
Woods as its saxophone soloist but he was unable to attend the
festival this year due to health concerns. However, the band did play
on with his unseen presence guiding them as they were conducted by
alto saxophonist Matt Vashlishan.
The
orchestra consisted of Nelson Hill on alto saxophone, Tom Hamilton
and David Demsey on tenor saxophone, Jay Rattman on baritone
saxophone, Nathan Eklund on lead trumpet, Chris Persad, Sean
McAnally, and Vanessa Jacob on trumpet, Fred Scott, Sam Burtis, and
Scott Chamberlain on trombone, Dan Magan on bass trombone, Spencer
Reed on guitar, Skip Wilkins on piano, Connor Koch on bass, and Tom
Whaley on drums. Together, they played melodies that transcended the
art of Jazz. They were joined by Bob Dorough who lent his incredible
voice to the set. You can learn more about
The COTA Festival Orchestra through their Facebook Page at
www.facebook.com/CotaFestivalOrchestra
or their Website at www.cotajazz.org/cota-festival-orchestra.
It
was during part of the COTA Festival Orchestra's performance did I
venture to the food court in order to fulfill my need to eat. There
were many food vendors to choose from which included offerings from
Zoe’s Ice Cream Emporium, The Friends of DWG, The Presbyterian
Church of the Mountain, Quench Cafe and Juice Bar
www.facebook.com/pages/Quench-on-6th-Cafe-and-Juice-Bar/214752245221024,
Boy Scout Troop 84, the
Girl Scouts, The Willow Tree Inn www.facebook.com/willow.inn?fref=ts,
The Lions Club, and Cafe Duet www.facebook.com/cafeduetstbg?fref=ts.
The decision what to eat was a difficult one to make but I eventually
decided upon a bowl of Black Bean and Rice with Chicken mixed with
some sour cream and hot sauce I got from The Willow Tree Inn. The
weather had a cold, dampness about it and I wanted something warm so
I added some additional heat to the plate by pouring all of the hot
sauce I received upon the dish. I acquired the effect too
effectively. As I walked in the still drizzling rain, the droplets
that touched my skin turned to steam since my body heat had risen due
to my consuming such a spicy meal. But, it was good and well worth
it. Yum.
It
was after my meal did I encounter Sheilamark
www.facebook.com/SheilaMark-Band-152690641429026
who were the strolling musicians for the day. The duo consists of
Sheila Stratton-Hamza on vocals and Mark Hamza on accordion.
Together, their songs enchanted those who were fortunate enough to
hear them. I listened for a while before going over to the Security
Command Center to learn of my next assignment. I was asked to relieve
a fellow member of Security named, “Fran” from her position at
the Front Gate. I gladly agreed as the rain began to increase its
density. I arrived at the position and she was glad to be able to
become dry again. I watched the gate, as the position called for, to
ascertain which of those entering the festival had a wrist band on to
signify they had paid to do so.
In
the distance, I faintly heard the music of Expansions - The David
Liebman Group www.daveliebman.com/expansions.php
featuring David
Liebman and Matt Vashlishan on saxophone, Bobby Avey on piano, Tony
Marino on bass, and Alex Ritz on drums. I could not hear each note
nor could I discriminate their nuanced delivery distinctively, but I
was able to feel some of the music through the raindrops that carried
their essence upon their watery souls. It was a good feeling.
However,
the chilled temperatures of the day and the overbearing rain that
fell throughout most of it instilled in me a tired feeling. So, as my
shift at the front gate ended. I decided to go home for the night.
This meant I was unable to stay for the final performance of the day
which was Tom Hamilton and The Work
In Progress Band www.tomhamiltonsax.com
that featured Tom Hamilton on saxophone, Bill Washer on guitar, Steve
Rudolph on piano, Jim McGee on bass, Daniel Gonzalez on drums, and
Bob Velez on congas as they played a collection of original funk,
Latin, and soulful grooves. I'm sure I would had danced to the beat
of their songs. But, I needed to rest and I went home to do so.
I
awoke the next day to the welcomed sight of sunshine peeking through
my bedroom window. I then left the house and enjoyed viewing the mist
that covered the the rock formations that lined route 611 as I
traveled toward the Delaware Water Gap. Once there, I met with my
comrades at the Security Command Center where where I was paired with
my new partner for the day, Fran. After we and other members of the
Security Team learned we were to begin our first shifts at Noon, I
ventured down to The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain’s booth to
obtain another customary Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich on a croissant
for the day before attending the Festival's Annual Jazz Mazz.
The
Annual Jazz Mass has become a favorite among festival goers for the
music and for the meaningful messages conveyed through the insights
shared by the clergy who participate. The service began with a few
words about service's history as given by Bill Cohea who was the
Interim Pastor of The Church of the Mountain. He shared how he and
the late Rick Chamberlain (co Founder of COTA) worked together to
create the beloved gathering along with how it grew throughout the
years. The conclusion of his words led to a prelude to the service
and was followed by a call to worship led by The Reverend Karen
Nickels (Retired from The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain) who
served as Liturgist, Reverend Sherry Blackman (The Current Pastor of
The Church of the Mountain) and who served as Worship Leader along
with and Bill Cohea who served as liturgist emeritus. The music for
the Mass was composed by the late Rich Chamberlain (co Founder of
COTA), Wolfgang Knittel, David Ellis, and Mark Kirk who conducted the
orchestra which included a number of Jazz greats. The Jazz Mass Choir
and their melodious voices flowed under the direction of Teresa
Marino along with solo performances given by Michele Bautier, Denny
Carrig, and Bonnie Childs. The days meditation (aka Sermon) was given
by Reverend Sherry and was titled “The Song of Creation.” It was
during the Jazz Mass that it was revealed the COTA Stage had been
renamed to “The Rick Chamberlain Stage” in honor the the late co
founder.
It
was at the conclusion of the Jazz Mass did I and my fellow members of
security performed the customary act of asking those attending the
service to leave the site so the front gate would be able to meet the
festival’s financial needs to determine who paid to enjoy the rest
of the event. While the process was being enacted, The Lost Ramblers
performed near the front gate area entertaining everyone with their
well known renditions of bluegrass and country music making the
necessary process of waiting in line an enjoyable one. The Lost
Ramblers consists of John Updike on the Five String Banjo, Neil
Morris on Guitar, Jim Schaffer on Bass Fiddle, Tony DeMarco on
Fiddle, Anthony Hannigan on Mandolin and Fiddle, and Jillian Hannigan
on Flute and Pennywhistle.
It
was after my return to the security command center did I spy members
of the team preparing the schedule for the day. This led to my
partner, Fran, and I being sent to the back gate area to start the
day. It was at this time did the day's festivities began with The Su
Terry Group www.sueterry.net
with Su Terry on saxophone and clarinet, Vic Juris on guitar, Tony
Marino on bass, and Bill Goodwin on drums. I could not hear them from
our vantage point but I could tell from the faces of those who passed
by the area to retrieve something from their parked car that the
music they played had a welcomed effect upon them.
After
our shift, I returned to the back stage area to experience the COTA
Cats Volume XXXV preparing to perform. I then moved toward the stage
and saw The Dixie Gents with Bob Leive on trumpet, Ken Foy on
trombone, Jay Rattman on clarinet, Paul Hubbell on saxophone, Paul
Scott on tuba, and Ray Schweisguth on banjo giving one of their rare
stage performance as they usually serve the festival as a strolling
band led by its creator, Rick Chamberlain. The selections they played
were both arousing and thoughtful as their tribute to Rick allowed
the heart to express their love for the man in tearful appreciations.
The
final notes which flowed from the Dixie Gents led me to explore the
festival site to discover the many wonders it had for the day. One of
these wonders was the newly established Rising Star Stage designed to
showcase the enduring talents of young jazz musicians who were
recently a member of the COTA Cats and/or attendees of the festival's
CampJazz program. Upon the Rising Star stage, which was near the
children's area, when I first visited was The William Mullen Trio
with William Mullen on Saxophone, Scott Edmunds on Piano, and an
unscheduled musician on Bass. They played to a sizable crowd who
joyously rode on every note that was given to them.
It
was after hearing The William Mullen Trio did I venture toward the
Rick Chamberlain Stage to partake of the marvelous sounds created by
the COTA Cats Volume XXXV www.cotajazz.org/cota-cats
who
is a big band consisting of high school students attending area
schools who have an interest and proficiency in the musical art of
Jazz. The COTA Cats were established in 1981 through the efforts of
COTA Co Founders Phil Woods and the late Rick Chamberlain who sought
to inspire and mentor local area high school musicians in the fine
art of big band performance. Although each COTA Cat possess
exceptional talent, there are some who are recognized for having
special promise and are awarded scholarships so they may continue
their musical education. This year, the recipients of these
scholarships were Jonathan Williams who will be attending The
University of the Arts to study music business, Nikki Nordmark who
will be attending Ithaca College to study Vocal Performance, and
William Mullen who will be attending Temple University to study Jazz
Education.
The
blending of sounds among the young musicians filled the audience with
a deeper love and appreciation for jazz as manifested by the fresh
approach of these cats. The selections they performed were
particularly touching to the crowd especially the composition titled,
“7 Bone Special” written by COTA Board Member Sherrie Maricle
www.facebook.com/divajazz?fref=ts
with love to Rick Chamberlain. I went back stage after the
performance and experienced the excited energies of these young
people as they placed their instruments in their cases and spoke
rapidly about what had transpired. It was during this time did I
wonder when I started referring to individuals their age as “Young
People.”
It
was after this sight did I venture down to the food court to partake
of its varied cuisine. Among all of the exotic selections that were
available, I decided to go with something simple and bought a cheese
burger from The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain. Hmmm it was
good. I then decided to have some ice cream from Zoe’s Ice Cream
Emporium. That was really good. I was eating the last bite of my ice
cream when I was lured to the Rising Star Stage by the sounds of The
Mitch Chen Trio with Mitch Cheng on Piano, Connor Koch on Bass, and
Fred Griggs on Drums. Together they captured the essence of the
compositions they played which in turn created a home within all who
were fortunate enough to hear their renderings.
It
was after their set was completed did I return to the Security
Command Center to learn of my next assignment. My partner, Fran, and
I met at the front gate. While there, Adam
Niewood's Paradigm
Shift www.facebook.com/Adam-Niewood-62039199022
with Adam
Niewood on drums, Dick Oatts and Greg Osby on saxophones, Gene Perla
and Tony Marino on bass, and Vic Juris on guitar were performing on
the Rick Chamberlain Stage. I vaguely heard the musicians as they
wooed the audience but the energies they created through their music
could be felt on a non hearing level.
While
I performing my tasks at the Front Gate, Fran's friend came by with a
piece of cake in a small box to give to her. He also had another
container that held a hot dog and a slice of apple pie which he
offered to me. I gladly accepted them and enjoyed their delicious
effects during our shift. Sometime later, I was asked to escort a
woman and her daughter who only wanted entry to the festival site in
order to purchase a commemorative tee shirt of the event. I did so
and the woman gave me a bag of Empanadas which proved to be
delicious. It was during our shift when we were visited by Theresa
Veltri who is the co owner of the town's Castle Inn and was informed
the establishment held a BBQ dinner the previous day. She invited us
to visit the establishment later for a meal consisting of the left
overs. The invitation was well received.
Our
shift ended and I walked back to the Security Command Center while
taking photos of even more sights of the festival. The
Bob
Dorough Quartet www.bobdorough.com
with Bob Dorough on piano and vocals, Steve Berger on guitar, Pat
O'Leary on bass, and Tom Whaley on drums were finishing their set
with an encore which culminated the wonders of his performance to the
delight of all including those (like me) who missed most of it. I
then traveled to the Castle Inn to partake of the culinary delights
it had to offer. I had an enjoyable meal shared with a number of
friends whose conversation enhanced the taste of the already
delicious victuals. It was after this enchanting visit did I return
to the festival to experience more of it's music.
The
Brass Arts Collective with Tony Kadleck, David Spier, and Neil Balm
on trumpet, Mike Christianson and Bruce Eidem on trombone, Nathan
Durham on bass trombone and tuba, Jon Ballantyne on piano, Evan
Gregor on bass, and Bill Goodwin on drums were upon the Rick
Chamberlain Stage performing a mixture of Jazz styles that delighted
the audience. The were followed by The Bobby Syvarth Combo
www.bobbysyvarth.com
with Bobby Syvarth on guitar and vocals, Tim Carbone on violin,
Damian Calcagne on the Hammond B3 organ, Len Mooney on piano, Sean
Villere on bass, and Ian Carroll on drums who were the final
performance of the concert. The music they performed was lively and I
was sure many music lovers would soon be out to dance to their beats.
However, I could not stay to experience this as I had to,
unexpectedly, terminate my stay. This was unfortunate but the
memories the festival created endured through the disappointment of
my sudden exit. It was a great weekend and I look forward to next
year's festival. You’ll
find the photographs I took during the Forwardian Artists' Reception
at the Castle Inn Gallery and the 38th
Annual Celebration of the Arts (COTA) in The Spirit of Life Touches
COTA Gallery at
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154205772603761.1073741900.91146283760&type=3.
In
addition to its annual festival, The Celebration of the Arts presents
CampJazz which is offered every summer to those who seek an
intensive, week long immersion in jazz music and technique mentored
by renowned jazz greats. CampJazz was formed in 2007 by Phil Woods
and the late Rick Chamberlain (co-founders of COTA) as an extension
of the festival and its educational arm to foster and encourage local
talent in a more relaxed environment than that found in a school
setting offering a staff of mentors who are well established in the
national and international Jazz community. Scholarship are available
to those who wish to attend but are unable to afford the
participation fee. These include the Richard (Richy) Barz, Ethan
Moyer, Bob Hartman, Robert J. Fleese, and Gil Barretto Memorial
Scholarships along with those established by CampJazz Supporters and
The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain. In addition to these, a
special COTA Big Band Scholarship has been established for non Monroe
County, PA residents who wish to participate in the camp. You can
learn more about the COTA CampJazz from their Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/Campjazz
or their Website at www.campjazz.org.
The
Celebration of the Arts (COTA) Jazz and Arts Festival began in 1978
by Phil Woods, the recently departed Rich Chamberlain, and the late
Ed Joubert. It takes place every year during the Weekend after Labor
Day. From its humble beginnings which consisted of a 4 hour concert
held on risers near the steps of an Annex of the Castle Inn with an
audience of just over 500 people which was mostly made up of friends,
family, and some ardent jazz fans, the festival has evolved to become
a Mecca for jazz enthusiasts throughout the world. The three day
festival is presently presented in cooperation with the Borough of
Delaware Water Gap, PA, The Castle Hill Development, Inc., and the
Delaware Water Gap, PA Joint Toll Bridge Commission. Music presented
at the festival is recorded by Chiaroscuro Records for later release.
In addition to it’s annual festival, The Celebration of the Arts
(COTA) also 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.
Those
who would like to lend their time and talents to The 39th
Annual Celebration of the Arts Jazz and Arts Festival are welcomed to
attend COTA’s Volunteer Meetings. They are held at The Deer Head
Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA during the Spring and Summer Months.
The festival and all its functions is organized and run by
volunteers. Numerous volunteer positions are available and they
include Back and Front gate workers along with Security and Stage
Crew personnel. I hope to see you at a future meeting so we can serve
the festival together while creating some wonderful memories. Please
feel free to explore The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) Facebook Page
at
www.facebook.com/pages/COTA-Celebration-Of-The-Arts/234094683405815
or visit their website at www.cotajazz.org
for more information about the festival, what the organization has to
offer the community, and how you can be involved in all they do.
Thank you for reading this article.
Photography
by Paparazzi Paul.
