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Lewiston Council on the Arts announces summer events schedule

by jmaloni
Thu, May 5th 2011 01:40 pm

Lewiston Council on the Arts has announced its summer calendar filled with activities and events, with appeal to all ages and tastes.

Among the many highlights:

•Taking place on Fridays, June 3 to Aug. 29, from 6 to 9 p.m., the event "Drumming For Peace" will be held at the Lewiston Peace Garden, located at 476 Center St., in Lewiston. The event is open to drummers, dancers and musicians of all ages and abilities. Participants are encouraged to bring an instrument to participate in a free collaboration or to dance and enjoy the music at this weekly community-drumming event.

•Jazz lovers are welcome to join in enjoying the cool sounds of The New Upstate Express Jazz Ensemble on Thursdays, from July 7 to Aug. 25, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Hennepin Park Gazebo, located at Fourth and Center streets in Lewiston. The ensemble consists of a seven-piece group under the direction of composer/pianist Ron Corsaro. This septet performs original as well as classic jazz repertoire, swing and modern jazz, accompanied by guest artists and student musicians.

•Olde Sanborn Days will be held at the Sanborn Fire Co. grounds, located on Route 429 in Sanborn, on July 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by the Rotary Club of Niagara County Central, the event is free of cost and boasts more than 80 crafters, live entertainment, food, raffles, basket auction, petting zoo, pony rides and a custom vintage car show. Take the opportunity to watch three exceptional artists paint, carve and engage the audience during free workshops and demonstrations throughout the weekend. Artists include: Masters of the Chainsaw performance artist Brian Ruth; painter, printmaker and muralist William Y. Cooper; and Native American storyteller and illustrator Erwin Printup. This special artist in residence program is made possible with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

•At the Hennepin Park Gazebo, on Fourth and Center streets in Lewiston, "Blue Mondays" will be held on Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. on July 11 through Aug. 15. After receiving Blues Beat Magazine's esteemed "Muddy" Award, "Blue Mondays" will return to the gazebo for its 17th year. All events are free and feature a different performer each night. On July 11, Harmonica Dean and the Blue Lights will perform. July 18 will showcase Four in Tune; July 25 will be Rod Nickson Project; Aug. 1 will be Blues Hounds; Aug. 8 will showcase the Heavenly Chillbillies; and, on Aug. 18, Steve Burnside and the Original Marquis will perform.

•On Friday, July 15, at 6 p.m., the Hennepin Park Gazebo will be stage to the popular event titled "Summer of '69," where some of Lewiston's own 1960s rock musicians, who have thus become more successful over the years, will be performing. The Loved Ones, the County Orphanage, the Invaders and special guest Grammy Award winner Gary Baker will provide a free trip down memory lane performing an evening of favorites from the 1960s, '70s and '80s.

New to this year's lineup is a memorable retelling of the important role Lewiston played in the War of 1812. The "Spirits" of 1812 includes characters from the LCA's annual Marble Orchard production who will bring history to life through costumes and invigorating stories that celebrate the pioneer spirit. The Marble Orchard has been awarded for its authenticity and ability to engage audiences of all ages. This free event will be showcased at the Hennepin Park Gazebo on Saturday, July 23, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, July 24, at 2 p.m.

•Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. marks the 45th annual Lewiston Art Festival. Recognized as among the best art shows in Western New York, more than 175 artists and fine crafters will display their work at this picturesque event. More than 20,000 original works of art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, wood, mixed media and photography, will be among the work to be displayed. This event is held on Center Street in Lewiston. Additionally, College Alley will feature student artwork, and there is an opportunity to make your own original piece at the First Niagara ArtZone, sponsored by the Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University. People of all ages are encouraged to enjoy a weekend of art, music, food, street performers, workshops, demonstrations and, of course, fabulous artwork.

Additionally, on Saturday, Aug. 13, from noon to 4 p.m., the KeyBank Chalk Walk Competition will be held at Fifth and Center streets in Lewiston. Teams of talented student artists will create extravagant murals and compete for cash awards and trophies. "Chalk One Up for Diversity" will be the theme for this year's Chalk Walk. The goal of this event is to challenge and inspire student artists to consider the vast diversity of life on our planet as they create a movie poster for a fictitious film entitled "Under One Sun."

•Caitlin and the Jamie Moses Band will perform for the last Hennepin Park Gazebo concert of the season on Monday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m.

The Jamie Moses Band has won numerous awards over the years and has opened for several national acts, including Tears for Fears, Spin Doctors, Gov't Mule, Taj Mahal and many more.

Also, 20-year-old lead singer Caitlin joined the band a year ago after Moses, editor of Artvoice magazine, was highly impressed by her voice and stage presence.

Caitlin recently passed through her fourth round of "American Idol" in Hollywood, with judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez praising her talents.

The band is currently recording a full length CD and working with Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls.

•Beginning Saturday, Sept. 3, and continuing every Saturday through Oct. 29, Marble Orchard will host ghost walks through Lewiston. Participants will gather in the courtyard located at 475 Center St., Lewiston, at 7 p.m. Classical ghost stories, myths, true tales of tragedy, crime, murder and mystery will be told throughout the walks. The events will proceed rain or shine. Prices are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 12 and under.

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