C-S-E News Staff
ST. JOHNSVILLE — Big-band standards with a national and international flair, performed in the gazebo at the marina park by members of the Second Time Around Big Band, seemed to transport area residents to another time and place Monday night.
Tunes such as “Sway,” a Latin American song popularized by Dean Martin; “Watch What Happens” from the movie, “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”; the “Jersey Bounce”; Frank Sinatra’s signature “New York, New York”; and “Fly Me to the Moon” served as the imaginary “portal” for the time travel; and brownies with ice cream and peaches, dished up by members of the St. Johnsville Chamber of Commerce, rounded out the experience.
A beneficial presence in the community, chamber member Juanita Handy said the group of business owners and community volunteers engage in activities that help the village. For instance, the chamber put up new street signs over the past year, she said.
Additionally, the organization funds annual scholarships and coordinates events such as October and spring fests.
Second Time Around spokesperson Joanna Van Gorder, of St. Johnsville, said the local band practices at Arkell Center in Canajoharie every other Thursday beginning at 2 p.m. Anyone interested in listening is welcome to attend.
She said the band originated with the late-George Vosburgh, who hailed from Amsterdam. Following his death, the band was “out of existence for a number of years,” she said.
“We brought it back” — in October 2009, Van Gorder added.
In the years since, the 15-member group has grown, adding a vocalist within the last year, she said.
In what could be viewed as an anachronism, the big-band group is constructing a new website and has a presence on Facebook.
Upcoming performances include free concerts in Eastern Park during the Little Falls’ Canal Celebration (Aug. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m.) and a 60th anniversary celebration at Arkell Center on Sept. 14, beginning at 4 p.m.
Wrapping up the St. Johnsville summer concert series are performances by the Karg Brothers on Aug. 6, and Linda Lee and the Fox Creek Band on Aug. 13. The free public performances start at 6:30 p.m.