The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced hard-punching 1970s heavyweight contender Earnie Shavers will attend the Banquet of Champions on Saturday, June 8th. The banquet is part of the festivities planned for the 24th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 6-9th.
 
“Earnie Shavers played a big part of the legendary heavyweight division of the 1970s that produced so many memorable moments,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “We’re really looking forward to welcoming him back to Canastota and to the Banquet of Champions.”

Born in Garland, Alabama, Shavers is considered by many as the hardest puncher in heavyweight history. A top rated contender during the 1970s, he challenged both Muhammad Ali (L15) and Larry Holmes (TKO by 11) in title bouts. Shavers compiled an impressive 73-14-1 (67KOs) record during his career and holds wins over such notables as Jimmy Young, Jimmy Ellis, Joe Bugner and Ken Norton among others.
 
The banquet, which will be held at the Syracuse OnCenter, is a one-of-a-kind event with over 40 boxing celebrities under one roof. Boxing stars already confirmed to attend include Marvelous Marvin Hagler, “Irish” Micky Ward, Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor, Julian Jackson, Wayne McCullough, Lucia Rijker, Mia St. John, Gerry Cooney, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, James “Buster” Douglas and many others.
 
The event will consist of cocktails, dinner, celebrity comments, video highlights, a commemorative program and much more. Tickets are priced at $135 and corporate tables of 10 are available at $1350.

In addition to the banquet, events planned for the weekend include a night of welterweight warriors, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2013. Inductees include two-division champion Arturo “Thunder” Gatti (posthumous), five-time world champion Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill and two-time light flyweight  champion Myung-Woo Yuh in the Modern category; “Let’s Get It On” referee Mills Lane, ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. and journalist Colin Hart. Posthumous inductees in the Old-Timer, Pioneer, Non-Participant and Observer categories will also be honored.

For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 24th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.

The 21st Annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend will observe the sesquicentennial of the United States Colored Troops with programs during the annual event on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9.  With the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation January 1, 1863, President Lincoln authorized the recruiting of African American soldiers in the Union Army. 

The United States Colored Troop Institute at Hartwick College, Oneonta NY, will set up an exhibit from its Images of the Freedom Journey collection at the Smithfield Community Center on Saturday, June 8 from 10 am – 5 pm. The displays will include prints, books, and photos of abolitionists who contributed to the ending of slavery. The United States Colored Troops (USCT) Institute is designated by the National Park Services as a research center of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Matthews and the USCTI have been honored by numerous proclamations in several states and by the Congressional Black Caucus' Military Braintrust for outstanding African American genealogical and historical research.  The United State Colored Troop exhibit and program are supported by a grant from the New York Council for the Humanities.

At 12:30 on June 8 at the USCTI exhibit Harry Bradshaw Matthews will present The Meaning of Colored. Matthews is the founding president of the United States Colored Troops Institute for Local History and Family Research at Hartwick College, and the associate dean and director of the U.S. Pluralism Center at Hartwick. Matthews was placed in the C-SPAN Video Library for being the keynote speaker at the USCT Grave Site Salute at the Gettysburg National Cemetery during the 2008 Commemorative of President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
Matthews was also a featured speaker at the 2010 USCT Grand Review in Harrisburg, PA. He was a guest for the NBC New York show positively Black" during Christmas Day, 2010. He also served as a confidential researcher for the NBC show, "Who Do You Think You Are?" that segmented actress Vanessa Williams’s family research to a USCT. Matthews is a resident of Oneonta/Davenport, NY. He is the grandson of the formerly enslaved Richard Parler, Jr. of Denmark, SC. He has further traced his family lineage back to 1762 and the Killingsworth surname to 1215 A.D.

Matthews is the author of several books, including The Family Legacy of Anthony Johnson: From Jamestown, VA to Somerset, MD, 1619-1995: A Multi-racial Saga in Black, Red and White, the Negro Johnson and Indian Puckham Lineage, 1992, rev. 2007. He is also the author of the 2007 revised edition of African-American Genealogical Research: How to Trace Your Family History; the 2008 writing, African American Freedom Journey in New York and Related Sites, 1823-1870; and the 2012 writing, The Freedom Journey: The Underground Railroad to the Buffalo Soldiers in Otsego County, New York.

On Sunday, June 9 the 3rd Regiment Infantry, United States Colored Troops, (re-enacting) will exhibit in the East Tent. The 3rd Regiment
USCT is a non-profit, 501c3 charitable organization from the Philadelphia PA area. The mission of the unit is to educate the masses in the history and service of the United States Colored Troops. The 3rd Regiment provides services to youth in scouting, supports Senior Citizens and helps the needy. The Regiment supports the creation of a United States Colored Troops Memorial Monument and Its Maintenance. The group participates in Living History presentations and battle reenactments. The 3rd will present various programs at its exhibit site.

Fore more information on the 21st Annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend, visit www.civilwarweekend.sca-peterboro.org or contact 
315-280-8828, mail@sca-peterboro.org.  Admission for event activities (except shopping and food) is $7 Adults, $3 ages 6–12, and free for under 6.

Former heavyweight champion James “Buster” Douglas will return to Canastota for the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s 24th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend festivities, June 6-9th. 

“Buster Douglas authored one of the biggest upsets in boxing history to become heavyweight champion of the world,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “The Hall of Fame is looking forward to welcoming him back to Canastota and I’m sure fans will be excited to
see him.”

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Douglas turned pro in 1981. Following wins over Randall (Tex) Cobb, Dave Jaco and former heavyweight champion Greg Page, he challenged Tony Tucker for the IBF heavyweight title in 1987. Although unsuccessful in his first bid for the
championship (TKO by 10), he rebounded to record wins over Trevor Berbick and Oliver McCall before meeting undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in Tokyo, Japan on February 11, 1990 for the title. Douglas, a decided underdog (42-1), became the first man to defeat Tyson when he scored a 10th round kayo to capture the championship. Douglas retired in 1990, but returned to the ring for
a comeback in 1996. In 1999 he hung up the gloves again with a professional record of 38-6-1, 1 NC (25KOs).
 
Events planned for the weekend include a banquet, a night of welterweight warriors, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2013. Inductees include two-division
champion Arturo “Thunder” Gatti (posthumous), five-time world champion Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill and two-time light flyweight champion Myung-Woo Yuh in the Modern category; “Let’s Get It On” referee Mills Lane, ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. and journalist Colin Hart. Posthumous inductees in the Old-Timer, Pioneer, Non-Participant and Observer categories will also be honored.

An impressive list of over 40 boxing greats from the United States and abroad are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities including Marvelous Marvin Hagler, “Irish” Micky Ward, James “Buddy” McGirt, Pipino Cuevas, Carlos Palomino, Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor, Julian Jackson, Wayne McCullough, Lucia Rijker, Mia St. John, Gerry Cooney,
Gasper Ortega, Tony DeMarco, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Tracy Harris Patterson, Ruben Olivares, Carlos Ortiz, Ray Mercer and many
more.

For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 24th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.

Opening at Lorenzo this spring, “From Bustle to Bodice” will include full-length replicas, based on historic portraits, of dresses worn by Lorenzo owners Helen Clarissa Lincklaen and her daughter, Helen Lincklaen Fairchild, as well as the dress depicted in a portrait of Helen Clarissa’s mother, Mary Forman Seymour. The exhibit will also feature examples of servants’ clothing, undergarments, children’s costumes and accessories from the historic collections at Lorenzo. Custom fabrications have been designed and created by Dr. Damayanthie Eluwawalage, Associate Professor, SUNY Oneonta and the Peebles Island Resource Center. The exhibit will be on view Wednesdays – Sundays, 10 am to 4:30 pm beginning on May 17 and the exhibition will be featured during The Friends of Lorenzo Garden Gala Party on Friday, June 14.

And since 1997, the reproduction period dress program at the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has made about 360 separate garments for use at various state historic sites throughout New York, including Lorenzo. Staff from the Peebles Island Conservation Center and program participants will show reproduction examples and offer how appropriate period clothing has enhanced historic programming for various museums, exhibitions, special events, demonstrations and school programs. This free program will take place in the Community Room at the Cazenovia Public Library, 100 Albany Street on Monday, May 6 at 12:30 PM

Also at the library, catch a preview of the exhibition “An American Look: Fashion, Decorative Arts and Gustav Stickley” by exhibition curator Jeffrey Mayer before it goes on view at the Everson Museum of Art this June. An associate professor of fashion design and history at Syracuse University and curator of the Genet Costume Collection, Mayer will examine the influence of the Arts and Crafts aesthetic in American fashion. This free program will take place in the Community Room at the Cazenovia Public Library, 100 Albany Street on Thursday at May 16, 7 PM

For more information, please call Diane Voss at (315) 655-3200, ext. 100.

The second of three talks free to the public on Upstate New York Historical Sensations will feature Joscelyn Godwin presenting ‘Upstate Cauldron: Eccentric Spiritual Movements in Early New York,” at 7 p.m. on Thurs., May 2. 

Prof. Godwin’s talk will introduce our region’s wonderfully colorful past of revivals, millennial expectations, utopian communities, paranormal phenomena, psychological anomalies, and charismatic leaders with bizarre claims. While many are aware that Shakers, Mormons, Spiritualists, Adventists, and various brands of Perfectionists started in upstate New York, this talk introduces some lesser-known figures.

The English-born scholar is a Professor of Music at Colgate University where he teaches music history and a course on “rejected knowledge.” A wide-ranging polymath, Dr. Godwin has published many books including Mystery Religions in the Ancient World; Harmonies of Heaven and Earth: The Spiritual Dimension of Music from Antiquity to the Avant-Garde; Athanasius Kircher’s Theatre of the World; Arktos: The Polar Myth in Science, Symbolism, and Nazi Survival; The Pagan Dream of the Renaissance; and the first English translation of the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili of 1499.

The Oneida Community Mansion House was the home of the 19th century utopian Oneida Community (1848-1880).  Today, the building houses a living museum with permanent and changing exhibitions, residential apartments, overnight lodging, a gift shop, and banquet and meeting space.  Guided tours are available Wed. through Sat., 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sun. at 2 p.m. for a nominal fee. 

The Oneida Community Mansion House is located at 170 Kenwood Ave., Oneida, NY. 

For information call 315-363-0745 or visit www.oneidacommunity.org. 

Live Space Entertainment in association with Cazenovia College presents "the first lady of Woodstock," Melanie, live on stage at Catherine Cummings Theatre at Cazenovia College, on Lincklaen Street in Cazenovia, 7:30 p.m., on Sunday, May 5, 2013.  Special guest Larry Hoyt will open this very special concert.

Melanie first attracted national attention when she stepped onto the stage at Woodstock.  It was the summer of ’69, dawn was breaking and rain began to fall when she performed on a stage that would transform a generation and change music forever.  It was there that Melanie launched a career that spans forty years, 80 million records sold and the number one hit "Brand New Key."

More success defined her career, including the hits "Beautiful People" and "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)," as well as legendary appearances around the world.  Melanie appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show," "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" and "The Dick Cavett Show."  She performed to sold-out audiences at the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, and the General Assembly of the United Nations.  She had the honor of having Jimi Hendrix’s father introduce her at the twentieth anniversary of the Woodstock concert, and has had her songs recorded by superstars such as Cher, Dolly Parton and Macy Gray.  She won an EMMY® for writing the lyrics to the 1989 hit TV show "Beauty and the Beast."

Syracuse-based singer-songwriter Larry Hoyt will be the opening act.  He can be heard on Sundays as the host of WAER’s folk and acoustic music program Common Threads.

Visit www.melaniesafka.com for more about the life of Melanie.

Tickets are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com, over the phone at 800-838-3006 and 315-655-STAR or at Cazenovia Jewelry, Albany St., Cazenovia and Sound Garden in Armory Square.  General Admission is $30.

The Palace Players are proud to produce Death of a Salesman on The Palace Theater stage in Hamilton Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 at 8:00pm.

Death of a Salesman is about one man’s struggle to live the American Dream, and pass this ideology on to his sons, hoping the American Dream will live on forever. It is mostly told from the point of view of the protagonist, Willy, and his previous memories as they are revealed to the audience, sometimes during a present day scene. Willy is tired of the long work hours, lack of respect and recognition by the new, younger breed of his clients, and the realization that he and his sons just might be ordinary. His loss of reality, personal anguish, and love for his sons leads him to commit the ultimate sacrifice.

Death of a Salesman is a 1949 play written by American playwright Arthur Miller, and was the recipient of the 1949 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play. The play premiered on Broadway in February 1949, running for 742 performances, and has been revived on Broadway four times. Its timeless message provokes conversation about family, work, and living the American Dream.

Rick Signorelli captures the essence of Willy Loman and Linda Laporte-Stoodley is exceptional as Willy’s devoted wife, Linda. Playing their sons are Nick Preuninger as Biff and Sean McNichol as Happy. The remainder of the dynamic, supporting cast is Mason McDowell, Chris Bord, Richard K. Stoodley, Liska Savage, Raphael DiLorenzo, and Rachelle Berry. Alessandro Trinca returns to The Palace to direct his fourth production with The Palace Players. Margaret Schuekle, Colgate ’15, is the costume designer. Lights are operated by Kevin Lane and sound is run by Luke Marshall. Many volunteers are helping with the set, costumes, props, and running the front of the house on show nights.

This play is made possible in part thanks to Bruce Stewart, DDS of Oneida and with permission of Dramatists Play Service, Inc. NY. Tickets are $14 for adults (18+) and $8 for youth and may be purchased by calling the Palace Theater, 315.824.1420, or downloading the ticket form at palacetheater.org. Payment is accepted by VISA, Mastercard, cash, or check payable to The Palace Theater. Seating is general admission and the house will open 30 minutes before show time. Light dessert refreshments will be sold prior and during intermission.

The Palace Players are Hamilton’s independent community theater group, performing at the Palace Theater on Utica Street. They strive to enrich the cultural and economic fabric of the greater Hamilton community through the performing arts. Visit palacetheater.org or call to learn more about the 2013 – 2014 season of live theater.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced that legendary bantamweight and featherweight champion—and Hall of Famer--Ruben “El Puas” Olivares and two-division champion Tracy Harris Patterson will attend the festivities planned for the 24th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend June 6-9th.

“Ruben Olivares was a dynamic puncher and one of the most exciting fighters to step into the ring. If you are a fan of knockout punchers, than you have to be a fan of Ruben Olivares,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming him back to Canastota from his home in Mexico.”

Olivares turned pro in 1965 and knocked out his first 23 opponents. “El Puas” twice reigned as world bantamweight champion (1969-70, 1971-72) and went up in weight to win the WBA featherweight crown in 1974 and the WBC version in 1975. Olivares holds wins over Lionel Rose, Chucho Castillo, Jesus Pimentel, Art Hafey and Hall of Famer Bobby Chacon. A superb knockout artist, of his 88 wins, 77 came by way of knockout. Extremely popular in his native Mexico, Olivares was also one of the greatest draws ever at the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood, CA.

Patterson will also attend festivities planned for Induction Weekend and pay tribute to 2013 Inductee Arturo “Thunder” Gatti.

“Tracy Patterson was an exciting fighter who captured two world titles and thrilled fans with his performances in the ring,” said Brophy. “The Hall of Fame is excited to welcome him back to Canastota to help recognize the achievements of his former ring foe Arturo Gatti.”

Patterson and Gatti, who passed away in 2009 and will be inducted posthumously, engaged in two compelling IBF super featherweight bouts (1995 & 1997) with Gatti capturing 12-round decisions in both bouts.

Said Patterson on attending Hall of Fame Weekend and paying tribute to Gatti, “After being in battles with him and to now see a man who put everything into the game be inducted, it will be a great honor for me to help welcome Arturo into the Hall.”

The fighting pride of New Paltz, NY, during a 16-year career, Patterson won the WBC super bantamweight title (1992-94) and the IBF super featherweight title (1995). Patterson and his father, Hall of Fame heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson, made history by becoming the first father – son to win world championships.  Patterson, who retired in 2001, holds a pro record of 63-8-2 (43 KOs) that includes wins over Thierry Jacob, Jesse Benavides, Eddie Hopson and Hall of Famer Daniel Zaragoza. He currently trains boxers, including featherweight Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland.

The 21st Annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend, with military host the 12th Regiment U.S. Infantry, Co. A, will take place Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 at 10 am in Peterboro, NY.
 

The military unit has hosted the Annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend for nearly two decades working with the community association to ensure an authentic historic experience for families. The public is encouraged to visit the 12th as the soldiers and their family members camp On the Green in Peterboro for the weekend portraying life during the Civil War.

The 12th is a living history unit from Syracuse, NY that participates in local and national events and portrays a regiment of the regular U.S. army that served throughout the American Civil War. As members of the United States Volunteers (U.S.V.) the unit is part of the largest reenactor organization in the United States.

Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, a unique, outdoor art and sculpture park, is pleased to announce the 2013 season opening exhibition Celebrating Creative Achievements of Cazenovia High School II, artistic works from the portfolios of Cazenovia High School art students. The exhibition will run from Thursday, May 2 through Sunday, May 26 in the John and Virginia Winner Memorial Art Gallery.  The gallery is open every Thursday – Sunday from 12:00 – 5:00 pm or by appointment.

An opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 2, 6:00 –8:00 pm and the public is welcome to attend.

The exhibition will feature selected pieces from the portfolios of Emily Christiansen, Sarah Christiansen, Morgan Croft, Devon Fox, Tyler Dunkle, Gaevin Froio, Beth Marcelle, Becky Marris, David Martellock, Samuel Medbury, Emmy Murphy, Courtney Parisou, Amber Robinson and Emily Willard. “I am so pleased to showcase the artistic talent of the senior class again this year. In addition, it is a great opportunity for the community to gain an appreciation for the excellent arts education being taught at Cazenovia High School,” commented Sarah Webster, Director.

ABOUT STONE QUARRY HILL ART PARK

Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, which consists of 104 acres of land and over four miles of hiking trails, is one of the first outdoor sculpture parks in the United States.  In 2011, the Art Park celebrated its 20th anniversary and was named #2 among the “Top Ten Sculpture Parks and Trails” in National Geographic’s SECRET JOURNEYS of a LIFETIME, 500 of the World’s Best Hidden Travel Gems. The park sits atop a breathtaking rural landscape within central New York's hills, meadows, and forests. Tucked into these elements of natural beauty are original, one-of-a-kind works of art. Inspired by the relationship between art and nature, Stone Quarry Hill Art Park seeks to educate and engage the public through exhibitions, collection, interpretation, and community outreach programs in the arts.  For more information, visit http://www.stonequarryhillartpark.org.