Sackets Harbor Historical Society

Sackets Harbor Historical Society’s Concerts on the Waterfront  conclude their 26^th anniversary year as they have for the past seven years: the Mario de Santis Orchestra will perform with its signature big band sound and fabulous vocals from daughter Maria de Santis, Keith Condon and blues artist Israel Hagan. This is the orchestra’s 62nd year performing in and around Syracuse. They have opened for many big name performers and are well known for their memorable performances at festivals, black tie galas and Syracuse’s many concert series.

The orchestra gave its first performance at Lincoln Auditorium in Syracuse on May 22, 1947, and continues with its repertoire of jazz to contemporary music. It features special arrangements of big band, swing, 60’s and 70’s, jazz and current selections that are custom written each year by Jay Owen and Joe Riposo.

The deSantis Orchestra has provided 25 to 36 piece backups for national artists such as Marvin Hamlisch, Bernadette Peters, Natalie Cole and Little Anthony.

Joining pianist-conductor Mario de Santis, who has earned a Syracuse area music award for lIfetime achievement, are vocalist Keith Condon; Maria deSantis, 2005 SAMMY hall of fame winner; multiple SAMMY winner Israel Hagan; SAMMY winning guitarist Mark Copani; bassist Dave Welch and Sammy winner Jimmy Johns. The sax section features SAMMY hall of famer Joe Riposo, Brian Scherer, Dick Simiele, and Paul Dipastena. Trumpeteers include Steve Carney, Bull Crist and Tony Godaoy. The trombonist is Bill Palange; stage manager and sound engineer is Rob Cleland.

Come Join Us!

All concerts are held from three to five o’clock on Sunday afternoons at the Battlefield State Park in the village. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, picnics welcomed. Rain site is the United Presbyterian Church.

Sponsoring the series this year is the Watertown Savings Bank. Additional funding is received from the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program, administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council; the Village of Sackets Harbor; and the Town of Hounsfield’s Committee for the Advancement of Tourism. Contributions from area businesses and organizations, and a weekly “Passing of the Hat” at the concerts also provide financial support. View the full concert schedule here.

The Sackets Harbor Historical Society presents the Finger Lakes Wind Quintet as the tenth concert in its 2010 series of Concerts on the Waterfront. The Quintet performed in April as part of the Trinity Concert Series to an enthusiastic audience. Only two years old, the quintet has performed widely across the area.  Flute, clarinet, French horn, oboe and bassoon blend their unique voices in multiple genres, from waltzes to ragtime, semi-classics to show tunes. All classically trained musicians, the members of the quintet also play with larger groups, including the Auburn Chamber Orchestra, the Onondaga orchestra, Skaneateles Community Band and the Lafayette Band.

Come Join Us!

All concerts are held from three to five o’clock on Sunday afternoons at the Battlefield State Park in the village. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, picnics welcomed. Rain site is the United Presbyterian Church.

Sponsoring the series this year is the Watertown Savings Bank. Additional funding is received from the New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Program, administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council; the Village of Sackets Harbor; and the Town of Hounsfield’s Committee for the Advancement of Tourism. Contributions from area businesses and organizations, and a weekly “Passing of the Hat” at the concerts also provide financial support. View the full concert schedule here.