Jazz Cabaret returns after long pause

The Trumansburg High School music program is bringing back its popular Jazz Cabaret, perfect for a post-Valentine’s Day date.

The long-awaited performance returns after being put on hold due to the pandemic. 

Music will be performed by the high school vocal jazz chorus and jazz band, with a dessert buffet featuring cakes and cookies available to enjoy.

The Jazz Cabaret will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. in the high school gymnasium, and organizers say dancing is encouraged.

The event acts as a fundraiser for the Trumansburg Music Boosters, which provides year-round support for the school music programs, including student scholarships. 

“The Music Boosters has been an organization for many years,” said Trumansburg Music Boosters President Melissa Marchese. “We are a group of parents and teachers of Trumansburg band and chorus students who volunteer at music programs and events, raise money and allocate funds based on teachers’ and students’ requests,” said Marchese.

Tickets to the Jazz Cabaret are $8 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased at the door. Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 each for chances to win potted plant arrangements created by local artist Denise Milito.

The Music Boosters is also looking for volunteers, whether for a single event or for the school year, Marchese said. Those interested in volunteering can email tburgmusicboosters@gmail.com. 

One upcoming volunteer opportunity is the NYSSMA Solo Festival in Trumansburg on May 19 and 20. 

The group had a successful Gimme Coffee fundraiser earlier this year, raising more than $2,400, and has found support from another local business, as well.

“The Gemm Shop has always been a strong supporter, providing funds to purchase instruments for the school’s band,” said Marchese.

The Music Boosters also accepts donations to support the program. 

“Your gifts make a huge impact, and any amount helps,” said Marchese. “We’ve awarded scholarships totaling more than $5,000 to middle and high school students in 2022 to help them take private lessons, attend summer programs and purchase instruments and equipment,” she added.

The group tries to support as many students and projects as possible based on the availability of funds in a given school year. A scholarship application is available for students who are seeking funds, with teacher recommendations taken into consideration.

The application asks student applicants how the scholarship would help them grow as a musician, their short-term and long-term goals and how the funds will be used, such as for private lessons, instrument needs, supplies or camp. 

In October, the Music Boosters supported the participation of four high school students in a Jazz Band Weekend at Ohio State University.  

“Last winter, we purchased T-shirts for all music students,” said Marchese. “Whenever the need arises, we support special programs, instruction, student trips and more.” 

Donations can be made via the following methods:

Venmo: @TburgMusic 

PayPal: tburgmusicboosters@gmail.com 

Check: Trumansburg Music Boosters, 100 Whig Street, Trumansburg, NY 14886 

Trumansburg Connection appears every Wednesday in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Super Bowl Sunday chicken and ribs BBQ 

The American Legion A. Bouton Post in Trumansburg is hosting a chicken and ribs BBQ on Super Bowl Sunday. 

The event is open to the public on Sunday, Feb. 12, at noon. 

Meals are $16 and include 1/4 chicken, 1/3 rack of ribs, two sides, a roll and a cookie.

Please call the American Legion at 607-387-4212 to leave your name, phone number, number of request dinners and pick-up time.                                                                     

Encore Players Community Theatre presents ‘Almost, Maine’ by John Cariani

The Encore Players Community Theatre is presenting John Cariani’s “Almost, Maine” at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts at 5 McLallen St. 

The show will be held Feb. 23-26 at 7:30 p.m.

“Almost, Maine” consists of nine short plays that explore the experiences of residents in a mythical town called Almost, where people fall in and out of love as they navigate the complexities of life.

Attendees may pay what they can on opening night, Thursday, Feb. 23. All other performances are $20. Fifty percent of the ticket sales benefit the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts.

Tickets are available at encoreplayers.org and on EventBrite.

Organizers say that masks are strongly encouraged.

Trumansburg Central School District Class of 2025 Bottles & Cans fundraiser

The Trumansburg Central School District Class of 2025 is continuing its Bottles & Cans fundraiser and reminds the community that they can drop off their bottles and cans at the Trumansburg Redemption Center at 65 W. Main St., next to NAPA Auto Parts.

The Class of 2025 has a donation jar on the counter in the redemption center. The center is open Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Mama Said Hand Pies opens cafe

Mama Said Hand Pies has opened its cafe at 1710 Trumansburg Rd. 

The cafe is open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

For more information, please visit www.mamasaidhandpies.com or visit the @mamasaidhandpies Instagram page.