May 30, 2021

The Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce will host the 43rd annual Blessing of the Fleet.

Vessel Lineup: 2:15 PM by Bonnie Castle to Casino Island

Participants line up and follow the Uncle Sam “Liberty”  up river to Casino Island where their boats will be blessed by area clergy. Blessing of the Fleet originated in the Greek Islands and was brought to the United States by the Greek people. The blessing originated as a community effort to send off the fleet of seagoing vessels and their crews with prayers for safe passage and prosperity. The local blessing occurs opposite Casino Island and the “Liberty” is fitted with a speaker mounted on the bow so that the clergy can share in the blessing. As Memorial weekend is the unofficial beginning of summer boating and fishing season, it seems and appropriate time for the blessing.

Join us for the 2nd Annual River Day on June 12th!

Be at the Upper James Street Docks at 8am for final registration and guideline handouts.

We are looking for shoreline walkers, boat operators, truck operators, boat crew, registration, secondary location at Goose Bay, Safety coordinators, and disposal coordinators.

Free lunch for the volunteers will take place starting at 12pm and final thanks you’s and door prizes will be at 1pm

IF you have questions or would like to sign up please call 315-482-9531 or email info@alexbay.org

In conjunction with Town of Alexandria, Village of Alexandria Bay and PAYIT

Join us for our free weekly concert at the Scenic View Park Pavilion.

This week’s feature:

Jim Burr & Kathy Sommer

Violin & Piano

Jazz, Classical, and more

   Kathy Sommer and Jim Burr have performed together in bands for a decade at many north country functions, exploring traditional and worldly influences on jazz. Both musicians have classical training in their past, so in 2019 they decided to venture out as a duo and include classical pieces along with their jazz and multi-genre performance repertoire. The combination of styles and their tasteful presentation was well received so their establishment as a duo quickly found solid ground. What is so impressive about these two is how their sound meshes beautifully with the vines and fountains of a lush patio or the acoustics and presence of any stage.

   Jim Burr on piano is a sought-out, veteran jazz player in the north country with both an extensive jazz repertoire and a long and vibrant history of jazz performance. Kathy Sommer plays the violin/fiddle, and she is familiar to many in the north country known for her svelte yet dynamic style, versatility of genre, and for playing from the heart.   A classically trained violinist, she is adept in numerous musical styles and both attends and teaches at music camps.

This is a well-seasoned duo. With a natural blend of instruments, the sophistication of Burr’s solos and the flair of Sommer’s fiddling, they produce a refreshingly contemporary sound that is immediately engaging, classy and exciting