Jazz Guitarist/Singer John Pizzarelli Headlines Skaneateles Arts Council Gala

Jazz Guitarist/Singer John Pizzarelli Headlines Skaneateles Arts Council Gala

John Pizaarelli, lauded by the Los Angeles Times as “madly creative” and by The Toronto Star as “the genial genius of the guitar,” will perform July 25 at “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream,” the annual gala of the Skaneateles Area Arts Council.

Festivities will be held lakeside at the Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center, a former Roosevelt mansion on Skaneateles Lake. The program will run from 6 to 10 p.m. and include cocktails; dining al fresco by Chris Kuhns, executive chef of Phoebe’s Restaurant and the Sherwood Inn; and an intimate concert by Pizzarelli.

Skaneateles residents Jean McGlynn and Fouad Dietz are co-chairs of the gala. Dr. Robert Kiltz, owner of CNY Healing Arts and CNY Fertility Centers, is the artist sponsor. Proceeds will support the Arts Council’s cultural events and community grants program.

The Artist

John Pizzarelli has established himself as a prime interpreter of the Great American Songbook, drawing from performers such as Nat “King” Cole (his hero), Frank Sinatra and Joao Gilberto and composers such as Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin, James Taylor, and Lennon and McCartney. In 2009 he received the prestigious Ella Fitzgerald Award from the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

Pizzarelli, who has recorded more than 20 albums since his first release in 1990, started playing the guitar at the age of 6, following in the tradition of his father, guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli. He often plays with his father and his wife, singer/actress Jessica Molaskey, in the John Pizzarelli Trio, a group that has been called “the First Family of Cool” by the San Francisco Chronicle and “the von Trapps on Martinis” by The New Yorker.

Pizzarelli’s early works, for RCA, include “Dear Mr. Cole” and “P.S. Mr. Cole,” as well as “After Hours” (a touching cycle of torch ballads), “Our Love Is Here to Stay” (a collection of classic swing and bold originals), “Let’s Share Christmas” and “John Pizzarelli Meets the Beatles.”

More recently, for Telarc International, he has recorded “Kisses in the Rain,” “Let There Be Love,” “The Rare Delight of You,” “Live at Birdland” (celebrating the 10th anniversary of the John Pizzarelli Trio), “Knowing You” (paying homage to the many talented musicians and songwriters he has met over the years) and “Dear Mr. Sinatra” (featuring the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra).

His 2008 album, the Grammy Award nominated “With a Song in My Heart,” celebrates the music of legendary composer Richard Rodgers. This past February, he released “Rockin’ in Rhythm,” a tribute to Duke Ellington.

A veteran radio personality, Pizzarelli is host, with his wife, of “Radio Deluxe With John Pizzarelli,” a nationally syndicated radio program that takes place in their “deluxe living room high atop Lexington Avenue” and features relaxed, off-the-cuff music and conversations.

Pizzarelli has performed on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Show With David Letterman,” “Live With Regis & Kelly,” “The CBS Early Show” and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

He also performs annually at New York City’s famed Café Carlyle with Jessica Molaskey and at Birdland with his jazz combo, while touring throughout the United States, Europe, South America and Japan.

The Venue

The mansion that is now Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center, a ministry sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, was originally owned by Frederick Roosevelt, who had it built in 1879. The Sisters of St. Francis purchased the property in 1952, and in 1954 it was blessed and dedicated as a retreat center by Bishop Walter A. Foery.

“Stella Maris” is Latin for “Star of the Sea.” The center is committed to the mission of leading all to a deeper knowledge and love of God, and to fostering spiritual growth, renewal and peace.

The Council

The Skaneateles Area Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization, works to celebrate the visual and performing arts by creating an environment where cultural activity thrives in our community. The council presents cultural programming and issues grants to artists and arts organizations in the Skaneateles area.

This year’s grant recipients are the CNY Jazz Foundation; the John D. Barrow Art Gallery; the Khoros Performing Arts Company for Kids, Joanna Manring; Pamela Spear; the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center; Skaneateles Artisans; the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce; the Skaneateles Festival; Skaneateles Summer Theatre; and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets

Tickets are $250 for VIP seating, $125 for regular seating, and may be purchased by sending a check to the Skaneateles Area Arts Council, P.O. Box 422, Skaneateles, NY 13152. Advance purchase is required for all seating. For more information, go to http://www.skarts.org.

Tim Green, Julie Abbott to Emcee Skaneateles Arts Council’s Annual Gala

Skaneateles, NY – Tim Green, attorney, author, television commentator and former NFL Football
player, and Julie Abbott, former co-host of “Bridge Street With Rick & Julie” and television anchor,
will emcee the Skaneateles Area Arts Council’s fourth annual summer gala, A Mid-Summer
Night’s Dream. The gala is on Sunday, July 20, from 6 to 10 p.m. on the shore at the beautiful lakeside
estate of Stella Maris Retreat Center, a former Roosevelt mansion. The event features cocktails, dinner,
and a concert by the lake with singer/songwriters Benjamin and Sally Taylor and David Saw.

Both Sports Illustrated and the Los Angeles Times have called Tim Green the “Renaissance Man” of
sports. He was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons, where he starred as a defensive end for eight years. Green, a consensus All-American, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, was co-valedictorian of his undergraduate class, and was an honors law school graduate of Syracuse University. After 11 years as an NFL analyst for FOX Sports and National Public Radio, Green hosted FOX’s nationally syndicated news magazine “A Current Affair.” His other broadcast experience includes ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Court TV’s
”Pros and Cons,” host of FOX Sports Net’s Emmy-nominated show “NFL Total Access” and Comedy Central’s “Battlebots.”

Green, an attorney with Hiscock & Barclay, is The New York Times best-selling author of 12 highly
successful novels, including his most recent national bestseller, “American Outrage,” as well as
the nonfiction New York Times best-seller “The Dark Side of the Game,” featured on CBS’ “60 Minutes.”
He also is author of a memoir, “A Man and His Mother: An Adopted Son’s Search,” which was featured
in PEOPLE Magazine, “Entertainment Tonight” and ABC’s “Prime Time.”

“Football Genius,” Green’s first novel for young readers, was an instant New York Times
best-seller. The success and enjoyment of working with his own children on the project resulted in
“Football Hero,” which was released in 2008. Green lives with his wife, Illyssa, and their five children
on Skaneateles Lake. For more information on Green, go to www.timgreenbooks.com.

Julie Abbott, who was co-host of WSYR NewsChannel 9’s midday show, “Bridge Street with Rick &
Julie,” is a seasoned reporter, anchor and journalist. Abbott moved to the mid-day show at WSYR from
the anchor position of NewsChannel 9’s “Eleven at 11.” She joined Rick Gary as a guest host on Y94FM
Radio, and frequently filled in with him on NewsChannel 9’s “Daybreak.” Abbott serves on the Arts Council’s advisory board. She also lives in Skaneateles, with her husband, Steve, and their three children.

Benjamin Taylor is returning for an encore performance after his sell-out show at the gala in 2006. He has recorded five albums including his latest release, “The Legend of Kung Folk.” He has performed with Sheryl Crow, Boz Skaggs, James Taylor, Sonya Kitchell, Josh Groban and Carly Simon, as well as at “Christmas at Rockefeller Center,” “Oprah,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Today Show,” “The Tonight Show,” “The CBS Morning Show,” “Live with Regis and Kelly” and “Howard Stern.” He also performed on Fox’s “Choice Awards” and Bravo’s “Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards,” among other specials. He made his acting debut with a recurring role on NBC’s “American Dream.” Benjamin and Sally are the offspring of Grammy-winning musical icons Carly Simon and James Taylor.

Sally Taylor, born Sarah Maria Taylor, is a singer/songwriter whose mellow work is noted for witty vocals and strong writing. She has recorded three albums: “Tomboy Bride,” “Apt. #6S” and “Shotgun.” She is married to Dean Bragonier, and has a son, Bodhi Taylor Bragonier.

David Saw is a British singer/songwriter whose second album and U.S. debut, “Broken Down Figure,” was released in March 2008 on Benjamin Taylor’s Iris Records. The CD features beautifully arranged melodies, captivating vocals, exceptional musicianship and honest lyrics, and has heightened Saw’s status in the singer/songwriter community. Two of Saw’s songs were recorded by Carly Simon and are featured on her critically acclaimed 2007 album, “Into White.” Saw also released “A Different Story” and has performed with Carly Simon, Benjamin Taylor, and at Glastonbury, UK – the largest annual greenfield music and arts festival in the world.

Sponsors:  The gala concert and dinner is sponsored by the following: Anyela’s Winery; Auburn Party Rental; Gina Castro; Rick and Ann Capozza/Hiscock and Barclay; Bill & Donna Davis; Clear Channel Radio; Clickdriven Marketing Group; CNY Fertility Center/CNY Healing Arts/Robert Kiltz M.D.; Michael J. Connor; Cowley Associates; Steve Datz & Rachel Harms; Barbara & Jed Delmonico; Dermody Burke and Brown; Eagle Newspapers; Fleur de Lis Florist; Michael P. Falcone Family; Gilberti, Stinziano, Heintz & Smith PC; Group M Communications; Michele Gardner Design; Darlene Kerr Family; Jim & Kimball Kraus; McGlynn Interiors; Mirbeau Inn and Spa; Sally & Bob Neumann; Susie Birchenough & Raz Rahman/Phillip Morris; Linda Roche Division Realty USA; Rosalie’s Cucina; Jack & Stephanie Rudnick/Everson Museum of Art; Erin Sammut-The Go-to Girl; Julie & Joe Scuderi; Philippe & Jeremy Schwimmer; Sherwood Inn; Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce; Skaneateles Journal; Skaneateles Press; Joe & Thérèse Strodel; Syracuse.com; The Citizen; The Jacob’s Press; The Peddler Foundation; Daphné Verley; Carol Watson/Watson Greenhouse, Erin & J.B. Werner; WCNY Television; WSYR Radio; WRVO Radio; and Jeff & Kate Youle.

Tickets: Gala ticket prices are $250 for VIP seating, $150 for patron seating and $100 for regular seating. Tickets may be purchased one of three ways: online at www.skaneateles.com; by phoning the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce at 685-0552; or by sending a check payable to Skaneateles Arts Council, P.O. Box 422, Skaneateles, NY 13152. Advance purchase is required for all seating.

About the gala host – Stella Maris Retreat Center

The mansion that is now Stella Maris Retreat Center was built in 1879 and originally owned by Frederick Roosevelt. In 1945 it was acquired by Bernice Smith of the Smith Corona Typewriter Co. Family. The Sisters of St. Francis purchased the property in 1952 and it was dedicated by the Bishop of Central New York as a retreat center in 1954.

“Stella Maris” is Latin for “Star of the Sea” – an appropriate name for a spiritual center located on beautiful Skaneateles Lake. Stella Maris is committed to the mission of leading all to a deeper knowledge and love of God and to fostering the values of hospitality, peace, unconditional love, and acceptance in their ministry.

About the Skaneateles Area Arts Council

The mission of the Arts Council is to celebrate the visual and performing arts by creating an environment where cultural activity thrives in our community. The Arts Council presents cultural programming and issues community support grants to artists and arts organizations in the Skaneateles area. The winners of the 2008 Skaneateles Area Arts Council Grants are:  John D. Barrow Gallery; Jordan-Elbridge High School; Marcellus School District; Masterworks Chorale; Schweinfurth Memorial Arts Center; Skaneateles Artisans; and the Skaneateles Festival. The Skaneateles Area Arts Council is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. To contact the Arts Council, call 685-2414.

July 05, 2008   Concert in Clift Park
Concert in Clift Park featuring the Mario DeSantis Orchestra sponsored by the Skaneateles Arts Council. 
Date:   July 5, 2008
Time:   07:30 PM – 09:00 PM
Website:   http://www.skaneateles.com 
Location:   Clift Park
Genesee St. Skaneateles, New York 13152

For information on booking The Mario DeSantis Orchestra
or The Mario DeSantis Band for your event,
contact Maria DeSantis Presents via E-Mail,
or call us at 315-488-7611.
 
 From simple to sophistcated to spectacular,
for the widest selection of musical styles call
Maria DeSantis Presents.

Personal consultation ensures a
memorable, unique event.
 
 

Pianist
Trumpet
Male/Female Vocalist
Classical/Pop Styles
Male/Female Vocal Duo
String Quartet
Organist
Bagpipes
Violin
Bagpipe/Cello/Piano Trio
Brass Quintet
 Piano/Sax Duo
Piano/Violin Duo
Guitar/Violin Duo
Harpist
Harp/Flute Duo
Vibes Trio
Jazz Trio or Quartet
Piano/Flute Duo
Dixiland Quartet
Piano/Vocal Duo
Piano/String Bass Duo
 
 
The Mario DeSantis Orchestra and smaller Bands
featuring Keith Condon, Maria DeSantis and
guest vocalists Isreal Hagan and Ronnie Leigh

The Skaneateles Area Arts Council is pleased to present Ben Taylor and Sally Taylor, together with David Saw, at the fourth annual gala, “A Mid Summer Night’s Dream,”

Sunday, July 20, 2008. The outdoor gala will be held on the shore at the beautiful lakeside estate of Stella Maris Retreat Center, a former Roosevelt mansion on Skaneateles Lake. The gala is 6 to 10 p.m. and features cocktails, dinner, and a concert by Ben and Sally Taylor and David Saw, on the lake. 

Ben Taylor, who is returning for an encore performance after his sell-out show at the gala in 2006, has enjoyed a rapid rise in his career as a singer-songwriter. He has recorded five albums including his latest release, “The Legend of Kung Folk.” He has performed with Sheryl Crow, Boz Skaggs, James Taylor, Sonya Kitchell, Josh Groban and Carly Simon, as well as at “Christmas at Rockefeller Center,” “Oprah,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Today Show,” “The Tonight Show,” “The CBS Morning Show,” “Live with Regis and Kelly,” and “Howard Stern.” He also performed on Fox’s “Choice Awards” and Bravo’s “Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards,” among other specials. He’s also made his acting debut with a recurring role on NBC’s “American Dream.” Ben and Sally are the offspring of Grammy-winning musical icons Carly Simon and James Taylor.

Sally Taylor, born Sarah Maria Taylor, is a singer/songwriter whose mellow work is noted for witty vocals and strong writing. She has recorded three albums: “Tomboy Bride,” “Apt. #6S” and “Shotgun.” Taylor is the subject of the last song, “Sarah Maria,” on James Taylor’s album “Gorilla.” She is married to Dean Bragonier, and has a son, Bodhi Taylor Bragonier.

David Saw is a British singer/songwriter whose second album and U.S. debut, “Broken Down Figure,” was released in March 2008 on Ben Taylor’s Iris Records. The CD features beautifully arranged melodies, captivating vocals, exceptional musicianship and honest lyrics, and has heightened Saw’s status in the singer/songwriter community. Two of Saw’s songs were recorded by Carly Simon and are featured on her critically acclaimed 2007 album, “Into White.” Saw also released “A Different Story” and has performed with Carly Simon, Ben Taylor, and at Glastonbury, UK – the largest annual greenfield music and arts festival in the world.