By JOSHUA THOMAS

C-S-E Editor

CANAJOHARIE — Tuesday’s Music on Mainstreet transported those in attendance from the downtown Canajoharie NBT Bank lawn to destinations around the world, as The Guy Mendilow Band led listeners on a culturally disparate musical journey through the Middle East, South America and beyond.

The intricate, harmony-filled songs told stories of travel, not only in their lyrical content and feeling (as many of the compositions were wordless, yet full of vocals), but also in terms of their history. Many of the compositions performed Tuesday originated in one place, traveled across seas, through dreams, and finally touched down in Canajoharie.

The songs moved as much as the sailors and lovers that inhabited them. One moment, a haunting melody would wash over the crowd, floating across the downtown streets, and the next moment the song would transform from introspective to fierce and festive, with world rhythms underpinning the pure vocal melodies.

The fantastical, engrossing performance saw the talented musicians playing instruments not frequently seen at Music on Mainstreet, such as the berimbau, a single-string percussive instrument reminiscent of a bow, which was played by  band leader Guy Mendilow.

Tuesday’s performance featured refreshments by the Canajoharie High School Band, who have been working throughout 2012 to raise money for the entire band to travel to Music in the Parks, which will be held at Disney World, Florida, in 2013.

The CHS Band has a fundraising car wash coming up August 11, at Ace Hardware in Palatine Bridge, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about the students’ fundraising endeavors, or to donate, contact the Canajoharie High School office to be put in contact with the appropriate parties, at (518) 673-6330.

On Tuesday, August 7, Music on Mainstreet’s featured band will be All Them Chops. The 17 piece big band plays classics from the big band era. All Music on Mainstreet events are free. Concerts begin at 7 p.m., with the rain location being the Canajoharie High School’s Arkell Performing Arts Center.