PHOTO: ArtsFarmington had to cancel its spring programs, but held outdoor events during the summer, including a rescheduled State Street Jazz Band show. (ArtsFarmington photo)
Dear Community Member,
We hope this find you safe and well. We were sorry we had to cancel our spring programs — concerts by the State Street Traditional Jazz Band and the Maine Mountain Chamber Music group.
We are pleased, however, to have sponsored a production of “Our Town,” directed by Ethan Wright, which featured local actors and musicians. There was an evening performance at the Titcomb Mt. Ski Area Aug. 29 and a matinee on Aug. 30.
Next was an outdoor performance by the State Street Traditional Jazz Band. This was a free performance given as a gift by ArtsFarmington to our membership and area folks who have struggled with COVID restrictions and have longed for the return of live performances. This also was held at Titcomb MountainSki Area and followed COVID precautions.
A performance by our local artists — pianists Yuri Funahashi and Steve Pane, with their son, violinist — was sponsored by us and was available as a virtual concert through our web site on Sept. 26. It will continue to be available free of charge until Oct. 26. It was recorded in Nordica Auditorium so as to capture the visual feeling of being there in a front row seat with the excellent audio of a live performance.
We plan to continue to provide a schedule of events, but many will need to be “virtual,” with a return to live indoor events only as allowed by state guidelines and available indoor venues. Planned is a performance at Farmington Middle School by mime and story teller Antonio Rocha. Also planned is a showing of a Charlie Chaplin film, “The Kid,” with live “old piano” accompaniment by Doug Protsik.
We are pleased to bring the performing arts back to Farmington, even if it must be in “virtual” form.
Most sincerely and appreciatively,
Burt Knapp, president ArtsFarmington
