Tompkins Weekly

Groton on the Inside: Groton in the summer: music, musicals, and fun runs!



Candid shot of “The Orphans” from one of the “Annie” rehearsals.

Candid shot of “The Orphans” from one of the “Annie” rehearsals.

CRT Pavilion Awards
On Tuesday evening, May 28, the Cortland Repertory Theatre’s nationally historic Little York Pavilion was the venue for its 17th annual Pavilion Awards, which recognized outstanding achievement in local high school theatre. The hosts of the evening, CRT’s producing artistic director Kerby Thompson, and youth program director Kris Valentine Behnke, built the excitement as they conducted CRT’s own version of the Oscars.

I was delighted to share in the evening, where Groton High School’s production of “Annie” was well-represented in the theatre, with some of its cast members performing a song from the show, “I Don’t Need Anything But You.”

Sam Young left the stage with a trophy for the “Rising Star” award for his portrayal of Bert Healy. Young is in the eighth grade, and this was his second year participating in the high school musical. He also plays soccer but says he has a passion for music and looks forward to continuing with the GHS Drama Club over the next four years of his high school career.

GHS also took home the “Theatre-as-Education” award and the “Small Group Award” went to the Orphans (Bryn Blasz, Peyton Conger, Megan Cute, Tina Hall, Diella Niño, and Elissa Norton).

Each production was given a “most valuable player” award, voted on by participating students to acknowledge a fellow student who went “above and beyond the call of duty” for the show. Maggie Ossit, who portrayed Annie, was the MVP chosen by the cast and crew of “Annie.”

The “Silent Star” award, which is awarded to a cast or crew member who is not as much a “front-and-center” member of the production but is valued for all they do “behind the scenes,” went to senior, Jordan Houston. This was Houston’s first year working on the musical, and she said she was absolutely thrilled to be a part of it. She had approached the director, Mrs. Annette Twitchell about assisting because of her interest in directing, producing, and writing, and Twitchell was quick to appoint her as director’s assistant. Houston plans to attend TC3 for Digital Cinema this fall.

Congratulations to each of these talented young people, as well all the many adults it takes to assist Twitchell in producing such a fabulous show!

Running for color
The Groton Jr/Sr High School PTO is excited to announce its second annual Groton Jr/Sr High School PTO Color Run for June 22. This year, they have a new and improved course with more color stations. Register online or complete a paper registration form.

The course runs along the Groton Jr/Sr High School service road, down Corona Ave, down Pasadena Ave, twice around the Groton Park, back and finish with 1-2 laps (runner’s choice) around the track!

The adult rate is $25 each and student rate is $20 each (includes a t-shirt, color packet, and plastic sunglasses), the rate for children age five & under is $10 each (includes t-shirt only). The group rate is $18 each when you register five or more runners total (includes t-shirt and color packet for each runner). Groups must register with a paper form.

All runners must check-in the day of the color run and sign a waiver. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. and goes up until race time at 10:30 a.m. Register online at squareup.com/store/grotonpto or paper form grotonjrsrpto.com/
Alexander’s Food Truck will be on site during and after the color run for tasty snacks and lunch! Menu with prices for the day coming soon!

Summer Concert Series
As always, Groton’s annual fireworks and evening concert will officially kick off the Summer Concert Series season with a “bang” on Friday, July 5, with DJ Dale from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Groton Elementary School. The remainder of the concerts, sponsored by Groton Recreation, begin Friday, July 12 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Groton American Legion on Main Street, and you’ll want to get them on your calendar now.

Concessions will be provided for purchase. Bring your chairs, blankets, family, and friends for this wonderful Groton Friday night tradition throughout the summer.

The area’s ultimate 50s and 60s tribute band, “Steve Southworth and the Rockabilly Rays,” will perform July 12. This band faithfully reproduces the original sound, style, arrangement, and instrumentation of the original artists’ recordings.

July 19 will feature “The 3rd Story Band.” A regional rock ‘n roll bombshell, the band features four-part harmonies and soaring vocals, while covering some of the best-known tunes from the 60s through the 90s.

“Tink Bennett & Tailor Made” have been performing and opening for national acts in the Central New York area and beyond for over 30 years, and they will be performing for Groton on July 26. Each musician brings a career of professional performing, recording, and entertaining experience to every show.
On Aug. 2, “Cruise Control” will cruise in with its eight-member classic rock/dance band that performs genres from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. They play danceable rock, blues, and country songs that will have you dancing and singing along all night!

The “Richman and the PoorBoyZ Band,” playing blues, country, and old-time rock ‘n roll, and more will take the stage Aug. 9. This five-piece band features tunes from Johnny Cash & Billy Ray Vaughn.

“Chasing Neon” will perform Aug.16; a party country band with a big focus on the 90s, and a little sprinkle of good time classic rock.

Make sure you mark Thursday, Aug. 22, for the “Cortland Old Timers Band,” as they bring the concert series to a close and pave the way for the beginning of Groton Olde Home Days. This band has been performing in CNY for over 45 years! It is a volunteer community band, made up of musicians of all ages and skill levels from Cortland and its surrounding areas.

Groton on the Inside appears weekly. Submit news ideas to Linda Competillo, lmc10@cornell.edu or 607-227-4922.

 

In brief:

Flea Market
The “Vintage at the Barn Flea Market,” 800 S. Main St. will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 8. They welcome vendors of antique or vintage-inspired products or collectibles; 12 by 15 space for $30 or 24 by 15 for $50. Vendors need to bring their own tents, tables, and chairs. Call or text Barry at (209) 402-2905 for more information and a vendor application.

Intergenerational band and chorus
The Dryden Area Intergenerational Band & Chorus is calling for participants of all ages and skill levels to come out for rehearsals and join the fun for its 24th season. This is a program that many residents of Groton have participated in for as long as it has been offered. No auditions or fees are needed, although donations are always appreciated. It is suggested that band members have at least two years of playing experience.

Chorus rehearsals will take place at the Dryden United Methodist Church from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays, beginning June 24, under the direction of Jennifer Rafferty. Band rehearsals, conducted by Robert Oldroyd, will be held at Groton High School auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning June 26.
There will be two free public concerts held on Friday, Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 4 at 3 p.m., both at Groton High School. For more information, email Sue or Diane at drydenareabandandchorus.gmail.com, or call Cathy at (607) 844-8304.

Groton Olde Home Days
The GOHD committee is in search of great entertainment acts, groups, or individuals for this epic annual community festival, to be held Thursday, Aug. 22 through Saturday, Aug 24. If you are an artist, entertainer, a not-for-profit organization, crafter, or vendor, please email Grotonoldehomedays@aol.com or visit the website: grotonoldehomedays.com.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *