Cultural Council grant application cycle coming up

NEW SALEM — The New Salem Cultural Council’s fiscal year 2025 grant application cycle opens on Sept. 1 and closes on Oct. 16.

The Cultural Council funds projects that align with its priorities and serve many different age groups. Priority will be given to local applicants whose proposal pertains to, affects, and can be easily accessed by townspeople and will directly enhance the cultural strength and diversity of the community. Priority will also be given to applicants who have made prior arrangements for a local venue and have an approved budget in place. Grant awards typically range from $250 to $500.

Visit tinyurl.com/5n8u5s2h for the application process. If you would like more information about the grant application process, there is an information session on Zoom set for 6 p.m. on Sept. 5. Find out more about how to apply for grants at tinyurl.com/3nd3m6te.

New Salem Museum starting jigsaw puzzle get-togethers

NEW SALEM — Starting Sept. 8, there will be a jigsaw puzzle get-together at the New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Arts on the second Sunday of each month.

It is expected to start at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. There is room for 12 people each month. The cost is $5 per person. The group will meet upstairs in the museum studio.

Three 500-piece puzzles will be provided for groups of roughly four to work on. To sign up or ask questions, contact Lynn Layton at c.lynn.layton@gmail.com.

John Gorka to play at 1794 Meetinghouse

NEW SALEM — Singer-songwriter John Gorka is set to perform at the 1794 Meetinghouse on Saturday, Aug. 31.

The show is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for anyone 13 to 17 years old. Ages 12 and under will be admitted for free. Due to high advance sales, this concert is expected to sell out. Online purchases are recommended to reserve a space.

Gorka got his start at Godfrey Daniels, a neighborhood coffeehouse in eastern Pennsylvania where he encountered legendary folk troubadours like Canadian singer-songwriter Stan Rogers. In 1989, he signed with Windham Hill’s imprint, High Street Records, and released five albums. He tours across the United States as well as Italy, Belgium, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Switzerland and Germany. He has 11 critically acclaimed albums.

More information on Gorka is available at johngorka.com.

Orange Community Band holding bonus concert

ORANGE — The Orange Community Band will give the community a bonus concert with a “Back to School” performance on Friday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. on the bandstand at Butterfield Park.

Stephanie Parker will conduct a program including six new musical selections, along with selections that will feature each section of the band. As always, the program will begin with the national anthem and will include several marches, during which the youngsters in the audience will be encouraged to march around the bandstand.

The summer season was lengthened because electrical storms made it unsafe to perform on previously scheduled dates. Band treasurer Sue TandySonger will also announce the recipients of the John R. Tandy Music Scholarships on Aug. 30. Since most of the recipients have already reported to campus, the awards were mailed, but will be announced at the concert.

The program will include “The Magic Trumpet,” “Yakety Sax,” and “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” as well as new selections.

The Salvation Army van will offer refreshments ranging from popcorn to hot dogs. Proceeds are used to send children to camp. Band members will rehearse on Aug. 28.

Millers River Band to play for cause

ORANGE — The Millers River Band will perform on the Orange Historical Society’s wraparound porch at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, to raise money for historic preservation.

Freewill donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the Historical Society. The American roots music band is scheduled to perform for two hours, and complimentary refreshments will be served.

The Millers River Band originated in 1991, when two of its four members — Gino LoRicco and Tom Jordan — taught history at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School, where they were known to sing and play banjo or guitar in class. The young teacher friends wrote and recorded songs about the local area and its people. Bandmates Terry and Ann Reed are active members of the Historical Society.