Entertainment at Pumpkinfest 2009
A full weekend of entertainment will be scheduled at Pumpkinfest 2009. Thank you to Tompkins Trust for sponsoring our 2008 entertainment.
Saturday (2008)
11 am - 12 noon, Mohawk Valley Frasers Pipe Band
The Mohawk Valley Frasers march all over New York State, for festivals, graduations, Highland games, parades and other events. For more information visit the Mohawk Valley Frasers web site.
12:30 - 2 pm, Ithaca Dixieland Band
The Ithaca New Orleans Dixieland Band plays a variety of Dixieland music including music made famous by Louis Armstrong, Pete Fountain, King Oliver and more. The band has a combined musical history of hundreds of years of individual playing experience in a wide variety of musical styles and these seasoned players have come together as the Ithaca New Orleans Dixieland Band to offer Dixieland music, some of the Happiest Music on the planet. For more information visit Ithaca Dixieland web site.
2 - 3 pm, The Catskill Puppet Theatre
Their full sets, colorful scenery and large, beautiful puppets transform even the simplest environment into a fantasy world rich with wonder and excitement! For more information visit the Catskill Puppet Theatre web site.
3 - 5 pm, Mickey Sometimes
Mickey Sometimes Band plays Classic Rock - Best of the 60's, 70's, and 80's.
All Day, Dan Duggan (Tent by the Fountain)
Dan Duggan, nationally touring performer and teacher, is rapidly being acknowledged as one of the finest dulcimer players and composers in the country. As recipient of the prestigious National Hammered Dulcimer Championship, Dan's accomplishment, though based on technical merit, is even more considerable as he is the first winner to have performed all original compositions. Whether re-creating 18th century harp pieces or vibrant 19th century dance tunes, Dan has engaged audiences nationwide in an excursion of musical styles and moods. For more information visit Esperance Productions.
Sunday (2008)
Noon - 2 pm, JazzHappensBand
Formed in 2005, The JazzHappensBand is a traditional Dixieland jazz band operating out of Cortland, New York with a repertoire of Dixie, blues, and quick stepping jazz. As leader Jeff Dovi explains: "I like to keep the music as true to a Dixie beat as possible, but we do throw in some rhythm and blues and some specialty numbers for the entertainment value they offer. I really think that Dixieland music is the happiest, toe-tapping and good-times music going; tunes that you can go home whistling!" For more information visit the JazzHappensBand web site.
3 - 4:30 pm, The Old Timers Band
The Cortland Old Timers Band, under the direction of Donna Yacavone, is in its 41st year of concert performances in Central New York. Organized in 1967 by John Discenza and Phil Natoli, the band continues to attract both young and seasoned musicians from the Cortland area, an area that abounds with musical talent and generations of community-band heritage.
The Old Timers Band traces its heritage back over 150 years, when military and industrial bands were popular in the Cortland area, with its predecessor taking shape in 1911 as the Mascagni Italian Band, organized by Frank Crisara. Then, performing for several years at the St Anthony’s Band (1925-34) and the Cortland Civic Band (1936-54), the musicians found a special appeal in the Italian community and its La Festa celebrations.
Today, the band boasts over 60 volunteer members, ranging in age from 16 to 87, who strive to enrich the Cortland community, and future generations, with their passion for big-band performances. Their concert selections include traditional marches, overtures, patriotic songs, popular Broadway hits and folk music.
