Oct 31, 10 am – 4:30 pm Join Little Village Mushrooms for a Halloween themed Mushroom Social!
Stop in and enjoy a free 8oz cups of mushroom tea. Three flavors of mushroom based herbal teas are available. Enjoy a free lunch snack in our decorated Halloween pop up space! Taste vegan tofu-mushroom and chicken Shiitake dumplings with dipping sauce.
Shop special deals on fresh mushrooms, mushroom products, books, and seasonal goodies. Enjoy promotional pricing on mushroom dumplings for your freezer and special event pricing on teas and fresh mushrooms. Shop a curated assortment of gently used mushroom themed books.
Snag your very own (free) copy of Yokel Magazine, volume 1 – a beautiful. new glossy arts zine conceived and designed by Rachel Grunert featuring local creatives. Lulu’s Cookies will be in the house with a variety of seasonal cookies–vegan options, too!
Stay a while… bring a sketchbook, journal, or book to read. Or stay for the Candle workshop:
Writer’s group: Don’t forget the writing group that meets at Croghan Library on the first Wednesdays of the month. Please join any time but check with the library at Phone: 315-346-6521.
Let’s celebrate! We invite you to share in the joy of community at Tug Hill Estates! Menu items will be available. Listen and talk to readers and celebrate their stories. And what location to share this event than at Tug Hill Estates?
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.
The magazine is available at Lewis County Libraries free of charge and includes Alesa Bernat, Maria Gabriela David Hoover, Nate Barker, Jennifer Wright, Anne Deering, Calvin Company, Kelley Rae Martin, April Sebastian, and of course Rachel Grunert.
The magazine will be available online soon so check the website. In the meantime, you can read more about Rachel here: Meeting Misfits
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.
Amanda Bradbury and Bridget Austin are a Amanda and the Bird–a powerful duo that brings an eclectic range of tunes from Motown to Country to Porchfest this year! They have performed at the Bad Apple Saloon in Watertown, Garland City Beerworks, Bella Brook Vineyard, and other venues in the area. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Antwerp Circus Arts
Rachele Maier started her journey in the circus arts in 2010 as Tangent’s Pole Aerobics in Webster, NY. Now Antwerp Circus Arts, she offers classes and camps for ages five and up as well as silks, Lyra, pole flight, bungee fitness, and pole dancing for adults. Rachele’s passion for teaching and performing is evident in her commitment to being on hand for the festival for both days all day long! She brings the magic of circus to life with aerial silks and hoop performances. She performs at private parties and workshops. For more information, visit her Facebook page.
Asher Band
The Asher Band consists of John Markham Senior on bass, John Junior on mandolin, and the fourth generation, rising third grader, Asher Markham on vocals and kazoo. John’s grandfather was also in a band that played country and western music in Watertown for WATN radio in the 1940s. That makes four generations that have played in the North Country! They are rounded out by Patty Heller on fiddle and Andre Banks on ukulele. All are from either Oneida or Lewis County. Their repertoire includes Bluegrass, Blues, Country, and gospel.
Bob Raymonda
Former rockabilly lead singer from Haywire, Bob Raymonda, is a prolific folk and country music style songwriter, using his creativity in songwriting to combat his childhood trauma, and resulting depression and alcoholism. His songs of struggle he has overcome is peppered with humor and revelation. Bob is currently hosting a Songwriters Showcase at The Yard in Manlius, where songwriters play original music in a “listening room.” Find out more on his Facebook page. You can find his music on ReverbNation.
Capo 3
Capo 3 is based in Lewis County, New York and is comprised of Steve Kennison and Angela Bartelotte, who bring heartfelt, harmony-rich sound to every performance with voices that blend seamlessly in a repertoire that encompasses country, folk, pop, and classic rock. Using guitars and a box drum, they recreate favorites from the 50s to today. From ballads to rock, they play songs from the Eagles, Alison Krauss, The Beatles, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Their variety is sure to please a wide range of audiences. For bookings at restaurants, private parties, class reunions, fundraisers, community events and more check out their Facebook page.
Flow Arts Workshop
Jon Sturdevant will be hosting the Flow Arts Workshop which will offer unique juggling techniques and moves to help you loosen up so you can jam to Porchfest music all day long. Juggling equipment, like hoops, poi, devil sticks, juggling balls and staffs will be ready for folks to try. Jon wants to push boundaries and bring flow arts into an entirely new field of percussive flow. Jon will demonstrate some devil stick and someone will be demonstrating hoops. They will be available both days 10 am to 6 pm to teach you the tools of flow arts!
Grandpa Dan
Grandpa Dan is Dan Buell, who plays old-time, light rock, and some Bluegrass music. He has played the clawhammer banjo and the guitar for over 30 years! He can often be found serenading folks at local open mics and nursing homes. He can be reached by email.
Kasidee and Bill
Teacher-student duo Kasidee and Bill are an acoustic duo comprised of Bill Burkhard and Kasidee Sauer. The two play tunes from six decades, raning from rock to country. Kasidee prefers country ballads while Bill prefers rock ‘n roll. The two perform popular duets from famous country stars. For videos and more, see their Facebook page.
Let Loose
Let Loose is a five-piece rock band serving central and upstate New York from the Mohawk Valley, featuring a dynamic set list of the 70s until now. They play pop to rock or punk to funk! The band specializes in high energy performance. You can find them on Facebook.
Modafferi
On the heels of their new album, The Production, Syracuse band, Modafferi, plays originals featuring frontman Brian Modafferi, who is a singer songwriter with a soulful voice. He also plays guitar while Tamaralee Shutt provides vocals, bass, and trumpet and Scott Donahue, drums. Writing at a young age, Brian played with a variety of bands for more than 20 years focusing on songwriting. Tamarlee’s vocal background extends two decades as well with big bands, jazz combos, soul-funk party bands, swampy blues, and indie rock groups. Drummer Scott Donahue adds a dynamic blend of energy to round out the trio. Expect a soulful, empowering live show, with funky, melodic, lyrical rock and roll. For a preview of their talents, visit their website that lists all their socials and audio links.
Reverend James B
Hailing from Whitesboro, New York, James Boccardo has been playing around the campfire for years until he was encouraged to play at an open mic. Since then, he plays wherever he is invited, but this is his first Porchfest. He shares his years’ long talent on guitar and in song, playing Blues, classic rock, and Southern rock as the Reverend James B.
Samantha lynn D
Boonville resident Samantha Dias has been singing since she was four. She has won competitions for her vocal ability, She has been performing solo as well as with a group called It Takes Two. Having been busy raising her five girls, Samantha only recently started to write and release her own original material.
Scot Raymond
Pop singer-songwriter sensation Scot Raymond from Utica, New York will be performing at Porchfest. He is a prolific songwriter with an amazing voice. Listen to it here! Reverbnation and Youtube. For more information, see his Facebook page!
Side Tracked
Side Tracked has been performing locally for the last few years and have over 30 years of experience performing in other acts both locally and nationally. They play a variety of country, rock, Southern rock, and select oldies. Relatively new Boonville, Stan Baynard is the lead vocalist and plays rhythm guitar. Mike Peters supplies vocals and plays bass guitar and is from Copenhagen. Gary Johnson also sings and plays lead guitar. He is from Watertown as is drummer Bobby Taylor. For more, visit their Facebook Page.
Sidonie LeRoy
Having performed at many recitals, 13-year-old pianist Sidonie is excited to share her love of music with the community at Porchfest while also connecting with her fellow artists and music lovers. Porchfest is her first festival! Sidonie will share everything from classical Mozart and Beethoven to pop “Pink Pony Club” and “Golden Hour” to oldies like “Africa” and “The Entertainer from her repertoire. Sidonie writes her own music and has been playing since she was five. Besides music, she is active in DPN Youth Theatre, having appeared in four local productions and one with Rome Community Theatre.
Tim Parker
Tim Parker composes music in every genre, having composed everything from Classical to Jazz to Punk. At Porchfest he will focus on what he calls GenX Jump Jazz, and some idiosyncratic classical guitar. He currently composes the music for the celebrated horror podcast Sinister Minutes. To find out more, visit his Facebook page, FB here as well and his Spotify.
Tony Long Toes
With an acoustic guitar and a kick drum Tony Long Toes provides a range of rock, country, and his own original tunes, which is on his debut album, “My Precious Beans” is Tony Long Toes’ debut album, which Tony says is “raw, heartfelt, and a little hairy.” This album contains rock, ballads, and comedy recorded deep in the woods of Northern New York. You can find his music on Spotify and can follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and view his website here.
Tranquil Resonance Handpan Melodies
Angela Bartelotte is a multi-instrumentalist who has more recently taken up the handpan, which she considers the most beautiful-sounding instrument she has ever played. It has been described as a cross between a steel drum and a harp. Angela’s original compositions are tailor-made for enjoyment, relaxation, and a sense of peace. Tranquil Resonance Handpan Melodies has performed at Constable Hall, Tug Hill Estates, and at Lyons Falls Library. “Progressive Relaxation through Handpan Melodies” events are available. You contact her by email and find her on YouTube. You can also see her play as part of Capo 3. See above!
Travis Widrick
Travis grew up on a dairy farm farm in Martinsburg, NY. He brings his selection of cover tunes country and classic rock with a few originals in the set list! You can find him on Facebook. Listen to one his original song’s here called “I’m Going Home.”
Trust Wendy
Trust Wendy aka Wendy Amidon moved to Boonville three years ago and can be found at Unity Hall, Lyons Falls library, and the Remsen Performing Arts Center open mics where she plays familiar singalong tunes as well as a few original songs about her family. She loves to sing with other musicians and welcomes audience participation. She may be joined by one of her daughters. Recently she performed at the Boonville Farmers market. Trust Wendy is honored and excited to be a part of the inaugural Boonville Porchfest.
Where’s Bella?
From Heart to Benson Boone, Where’s Bella will play their acoustic set with Mike Juliano on guitar, FJ Wadnola on The Cajun and percussion, and Bella Juliano on vocals and ukulele. The father-daughter duo also plays in the rock band Plane Jane. Their clean, unplugged sound will engage a wide range of folks. For more information, visit their Facebook Page.
Where and how to start a creative journey is the guiding question Stoney Shire asks, an organization devoted to community and craft. Intending to answer that question, Stoney Shire’s journey begins in a Victorian Italianate style home on Post Street in Boonville, New York adorned with historical documents and posters, various local ephemera, some artifacts, and art. Wood banisters and tall ceilings fill the house with old-school charm as do the occupants: Cory, Tim, Tim’s wife and children, and his mother-in-law. Although far from over and five years into their journey, Cory Williamson and Tim Sturdevant have made ardent strides toward bringing an integrated artistic community into the Tug Hill Area.
In between Lowville and Utica, perched on the southeast edge of the Tug Hill, Boonville is a motivated village. It has several festivals, arts events, and venues that support live music. Stoney Shire’s Post Street house is not only home to the Stoney Shire crew but also to the merchandise and spirit that is Stoney Shire. It houses all aspects of their organization in a labyrinth of rooms filled with antiques, collectibles, art, memorabilia, historical artifacts, and a studio for podcasts called SOAP an acronym for Shire’s Observations of Advanced Perceptions, “where passion gains a voice . . . [for] artisan insights, community stories, and creativity in motion.”
With over 3,000 items on eBay, the for-profit venture fuels their philanthropy. Their love of craftsmanship and old-world design is apparent in their finds. In the process, they handle estate cleanouts and sales where they find the most unique items and rescue them firsthand. They capitalize on collector markets to fund enterprises like Porchfest, Battle of the Bands, Santa’s workshop and toy drive, the Snow Sculpture contest, and other community events in the Boonville area. They see themselves as “Architects of opportunity,” helping “artists and collectors to enthusiasts and entrepreneurs” find their place within their community.
Looking through Stoney Shire’s (or the Shire’s) website is a treasure hunt. They are involved in many endeavors, and with each click, there is more to discover. Tim said it has been difficult to capture everything on their site, and it is a work in progress. Over $10,000 later, having wasted time and not being satisfied with the work, they think they have found their direction. The site is in progress but offers much information about the Shire. They must update it consistently and between the two of them, they spend an enormous amount of time each week keeping items flowing through the system so they can fund their dream.
The Shire provides a unique staged approach to the sale of arts and collections. There are several ways for artists to sell their items, either directly, through auctions, or through the Shire itself. Most require only a 10% charge for handling. Artists can even link to their store through the site if they are interested and can become a vendor here. The options solve many problems for artists and crafters in that they can stop learning how to create and manage their own websites and instead focus on creating their art! Artists can join their Talent Guild here as well free of charge.
Tim credits his brother, Michael, with influencing his Stoney Shire concept. Michael, a graduate of Munson College of Art and Design, is the man behind the roadside attraction on route 46 in Boonville known as the Cobbled Stone Castle— a hodgepodge of buildings using leftover building supplies, trash, and found materials. It is a unique attraction that draws in curious motorists along the way. Helping his brother with the project is what gave Tim the idea of creating a real community where people can build and create a space that is available to all and where their imagination can grow and their talents can shine. Where people connect and build together. Where “empowering dreams” is a reality.
The future plan for the in real life Stoney Shire!
Tim and Cory’s 15-year plan includes what they call a community center, but it is much more than that. Their goal is to create a type of intentional community based on creativity, history, arts, and craftsmanship. The concept is a lesson in small-town design. The idea is to create a location with all the benefits of an agricultural community that blends arts and entrepreneurship into a town center. The real geographical shire will have a pumpkin patch, haunted attractions, Christmas Village, Christmas tree farm, drive-in theatre, artisan workshops, a ranch, event fields, tent camping, a day care center, a ghost town, walking paths, cabins, and of course a market area with stages. What else can a community ask for? Tim and Cory have an exhaustive to-do list to make it to their “in real life” community. And with Tim working an outside full-time job, the task is daunting. Luckily, Cory is there to keep things running smoothly.
In January, the Shire had the first SnowFest and Snow Sculpture Contest that drew artists who created some masterful snow sculptures.
Seond Place: Michael John from Cobbled Stone Castle submission
First place “Snowy Day S’mores;” winner
Tim, Michael, and Jon Sturdevant with a snow sculpture from Rome Sentinel Newspaper
Michael John creation
This year is the first year they have organized Porchfest, which is a two-day event that celebrates the community with live music, local talent, arts, food, and unique vendors (on Aug. 16 and 17). Porchfest originated in Ithaca, New York and cities are duplicating the successful model all over as a grassroots celebration of music, art, and community. Tim saw an opportunity in pairing it with the Woodman’s Field Days because of the people already in attendance; thereby, being able to offer a different level of connection to attendees through front porches and in community spaces. He got buy-in quickly from Phyllis White, the organizer of Woodman’s Field Days. Many other community members and Lion’s Club members soon followed. From the time it occurred to Tim to organize a Porchfest until the time it will happen this summer is not even one year. This is an amazing feat even using the backbone already created by the Woodman ‘s Field Day’s. Tim and Cory are willing to help anyone else organize a Porchfest in adjoining towns. Just reach out to them. In the meantime, you can find the guidelines here.
This year, Porchfest acoustic sets fill the morning air from 10 to 11:30am. Various Porch music runs from then until 6pm. During the day, street performers and buskers will rove around and entertain the crowds. Then, there is a post-parade Marching Band Battle.
In conjunction with Porchfest, they also host a Battle of the Bands. They are calling “all local and regional bands to bring their best sound, stage presence, and raw talent” to compete for the prize of a professional recording session and $800.00 cash. The event starts at 3 pm in the Village Green both days of the festival. Sign up here.
As a teaser, events are happening already. Check out Jess Novak, a powerhouse singer-songwriter known across the region for her soulful vocals, high-energy shows, and genre-blending style. She will be Live on the Green, Friday, June 13, from 4–7 PM. There will be food trucks and other activities, and it is a free event. The Shire invites community groups or event organizers interested in sharing what they are planning for Porchfest to come out. Anyone can bring a chair, a friend, and enjoy a great night out in the heart of Boonville. Follow the Facebook page for updates and more shows!
When I first moved to 40-acres in the Adirondack Park during the height of COVID, I was driving an hour and a half to teach in a mask at Utica College. Driving never bothered me but teaching in a mask was enough to make me want to retire early.
I thought it ironic that Utica is where I started teaching English full-time 20 years ago and it is where I stopped teaching last year. Before I taught, I was in nonprofit arts and humanities organizations: I was director of a small press, a professional dance company, as well as program director for an arts center, a traditional arts organization, and a humanities center in North Carolina and West Virginia. I have run festivals and presented artists in all of them.
Fiddlemaker Arden Aldine Sherman from Parsons, WV, 1886-1962
Art has always been part of who I am. My great grandfather was a fiddlemaker in West Virginia and one of the first students accepted to Julliard. My grandmother sang (loud and off key but she sang) and made beautiful quilts. My father played the guitar. My mother says I carried my “record player” with me everywhere I went ever since I was three-years-old. But other than having a good ear, I am not a musician. I tried piano and clawhammer banjo, failing miserably at both! I also tried modern dance, theater, and journalism in my search for the perfect art for me. I settled on writing. I dabble in other areas but focus on writing. I have published a book and other material, but none of this was accomplished without the help and support of my writing and art communities.
Coming from West Virginia, I am familiar with rural life, but I have also lived and worked in large cities. I prefer country life but gaining access to arts and folks who love the arts is not easy when there is at least an hour’s drive to get to events. I want to write but do not have a group of readers and writers for inspiration and motivation.
Photo by SLCArts Artists as Entrepreneurs (2024). I’m in the middle looking confused.
When the St. Lawrence Arts Council announced the Artists as Entrepreneurs program, I applied, thinking it would help me share my ideas. It was this fellowship that gave me the opportunity to connect with and learn about artists in the region. Once I gained the “permission” from my peers to embark on this journey, I felt motivated again.
In my four years here, I have spoken to numerous local artists and crafters where I learned what some of the major hurdles are in displaying art, having events, and access to classes and workshops. My mission is to find out who and what in the area promotes the arts and who wants to be promoted. I am hoping that helping one another and starting a community where artists and their audiences can connect will enrich everyone. Some ideas like an artist map and listings, event listings, craft fair listings, performance venues, etc, would help our artists.
My search has just begun, and I will share what I find with this group. What I have learned is that many of us in the arts community experienced profound loneliness during COVID. Loneliness was already high when COVID came along and made loneliness an epidemic. Artists are greatly affected because they rely on their audience—if they have no audience for feedback, they are hindered unless they find another way of interacting with people. Many were creative during COVID and found unique ways of collaborating digitally! But some, like me, yearned to see a smiling face or to hear someone read a poem out loud or play a folk song on the guitar.
Art is healing. Art gives people the opportunity to interact in a way that is less verbal and less confrontational, something that is needed in today’s world. It allows us to see many perspectives on the human condition. It is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries, facilitating communication and fostering understanding between diverse groups. Engaging with various artistic expressions not only deepens empathy but also broadens people’s worldviews, ultimately fueling creativity and innovation for artists. Simply put, it is a win-win for everyone.
Thinking creatively is not limited to one type of art. Creating is healing. Creating with others is unifying. Working together toward a common goal in art is affirming of who we are as artists and individuals. And, all art is needed now more than ever. Tug Hill Artists Network (THAN) does not discriminate when it comes to art–all art is appreciated, from recycled art to Art Nouveau, from folk to fine arts, from rap to classical music, from clogging to ballet, and from Shakespeare to improv.
To that end, I am asking poets, dancers, storytellers, musicians, all artists please share your work to the Facebook Page (it is your page too). The page is meant to share arts in the area. Share your events or other events. Share your work in progress or your finished pieces. Invite conversations. Also, if you want to be interviewed or know someone who does, email me and we can talk about it. Sharing our stories is imperative to community. Audience members share as well! What do you want to see? All you must do is follow the page first to share an item onto it.
My next request is for you to fill outthis art surveyso that we can, as a community, start to make some plans for classes, workshops, and events. Once we get an idea of who is interested and in what, we can decide on next steps. There is no cost or fee. This is done out of passion for art and community. We can seek funding later for any ideas. We plan on having an in-person meeting this summer sometime for those who can meet.
In the coming weeks, you will hear more about me and others who are interested in the same thing – working together rather THAN alone.
Tug Hill Artist Network 