Celebration of the Arts - COTA

Phil Woods
"I have a dream, that musicians will be known in the Delaware Water Gap, like the trees are known. Something that is forever."

Phil Woods, Co-Founder
31st Annual COTA’s Jazz & Arts Festival Set for Sept. 5-7


The Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts (COTA) has scheduled its 31st Annual Jazz and Arts Festival for Friday evening, September 5, through Sunday, September 7, 2008, in the tiny, scenic borough of Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania (Exit 310 from I-80).

One of the best-kept secrets on the East Coast, this friendly, all-volunteer-staffed festival features nationally and internationally renowned jazz artists rooted in Northeastern Pennsylvania, while also showcasing emerging talent from the region. Tentatively scheduled to appear this year are Phil Woods, David Liebman, Nellie Mckay, Jessie and Urbie Green, Bob Dorough, the COTA Festival Orchestra (performing music from the Al Cohn Memorial Jazz Collection at the Kemp Library of East Stroudsburg University), and the COTA Cats (a Big Band assembled annually from the region’s most talented high-school musicians).

 

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Confessions of a Sideman

"The luggage call was for 5 a.m., bus departure at 5:30, and we were going somewhere. I don't remember where, but I remember Pat Dorian. He was paying his hotel extras when I came down to the lobby. I said good morning and asked how he was. His reply was illuminating: 'I'm living the dream!' he said. Thanks to Pat and all the good men who helped to make my dream come true as well! I have always wanted to take a big band to Europe during the summer festival season. The following is Pat's superb view of this event." - Phil Woods

Celebration!

Celebration

CELEBRATION! marks the first recording on which Phil Woods has led a big band of his own design. The members of the Festival Orchestra come from their native Eastern Pennsylvania environs to join their leader in a hard-driving testimonial to the fact that, in Phil's words: "Jazz is international, but it's also local." Augmented here by the members of Woods' quintet, it's also terrific...