Tim Green, attorney, author, commentator and former NFL football player, and Julie Abbott, former co-host of “Bridge Street” and local news anchor, will emcee the Skaneateles Arts Council’s sixth annual summer gala, “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream,” July 25. The event, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center, features lakeside cocktails; a gourmet, French bistro-style dinner prepared by Chris Kuhns, executive chef of Phoebe’s Restaurant and the Sherwood Inn; and a concert by Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli.

Contributed by Christine Briel

See in the Bridge Street TV clip below from this Tuesday, September 29th airing talk about the upcoming Artist Studio Tour this weekend. Several local artists talk about what to expect from the tour. The Sherwood Inn, besides selling tickets for the tour, is also offering a $12 lunch menu for all tour participants.  Clear here to view the menu. The Skaneateles Chamber is also selling tickets and has organized the shops to offer discounts and raffles to tour ticket holders.

Contributed by: Sandi Mulconry / Group M Communications

Laura Austin and Holland Gregg will emcee the Skaneateles Area Arts Council’s fifth annual summer gala, featuring Judy Collins, July 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. on the shore at the lakeside estate of Stella Maris Retreat Center, a former Roosevelt mansion.

Actress Laura Austin is founder and artistic director of the Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse. Austin led the renovations of a three-story historic building in Armory Square to create the Redhouse. Under her artistic direction, the state-of-the-art facility has hosted more than 300 events in theater, film, visual art and music. Over the last four seasons, Austin has overseen the production of 16 plays in which her responsibilities included selecting, casting, commissioning, directing, acting, promotion and fund-raising.

Contributed by: Sandi Mulconry / Group M Communications

The Skaneateles Area Arts Council will present a concert by Judy Collins at its fifth annual gala, “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream,” Sunday, July 12. The iconic, multi-Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and author will perform lakeside at the Stella Maris Retreat Center, a former Roosevelt mansion on Skaneateles Lake.

Proceeds from the gala will support the Arts Council’s cultural events and community grants program.

Few singers have the staying power of folk legend Judy Collins. For nearly 50 years, her poetic lyrics have galvanized a generation. She has released more than 40 albums, and has had numerous Top 10 hits, Grammy nominations, and gold- and platinum- selling albums.

Contributed by Joe Strodel / Skaneateles Area Arts Council

Skaneateles Area Arts Council’s free concert “Sinatra’s Faves” which is on Saturday, July 5th at 7PM in the gazebo at Clift Park, next to the Pier, in Skaneateles NY. The concert features the Mario DeSantis Orchestra with three leading CNY vocalists: Ronnie Leigh, Maria DeSantis, and Keith Congdon.

People are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs. It promises to be an evening of relaxation and beautiful sounds, come join us!