NORWICH – The Chenango County Council of the Arts, Norwich, announces its 2010/11 Performance Series and Chamber Music Series.
The Performance Series begins on Oct. 2 with The Jason Bishop Show. As America’s hottest illusionist, Jason Bishop might have a person passing through his body one moment or make goldfish appear from nowhere the next. Bishop is an international award-winning illusionist who was the youngest person to win the Magician’s Alliance of Eastern States Stage Award. His show features exclusive large illusions, award-winning sleight of hand and “close-up” magic that is captured live and projected onto LCD screens for the audience to have a clear view of every detail.
On Oct. 23, Celtic Crossroads takes the stage. Celtic Crossroads is critically acclaimed as “the most exhilarating and authentic show to come from Ireland in decades - not to be missed.” It is an explosion of youthful energy and dazzling musicianship. Celtic Crossroads abounds with fusions of traditional Irish music, bluegrass, gypsy and jazz while pulsating with the rhythms of exciting Irish dance percussion. Spontaneous mid show ovations are the norm, and enraptured Celtic Crossroads audiences are always compelled to shout for more! Sponsored by NBT Bank.
Arts Council favorite Jim Witter returns on Dec. 12 with a show titled “Christmas Memories.” The sights and sounds of the season will have you smiling and singing along. “Winter Wonderland,” “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” are just a few of the hits Jim unleashes his beautiful baritone voice on in this seasonal show.
Hailed as “one of the best pop-jazz vocal groups in the world” by the San Francisco Chronicle, m-pact is respected worldwide as a cutting edge trailblazer in the realm of vocal music. Their sophisticated sound and accessible appeal have garnered vast accolades, including “Vocal Group of the Year” from the LA Music Awards, an Indie nomination (the Independent GrammyTM), “Artist of the Year” (Seattle Music Awards), and Grand National Champs of the Harmony Sweepstakes competition. Their superb show will warm up a winter’s night on Feb. 5. Sponsored by Preferred Mutual Insurance Company
The John Henrys (March 11) have a sound that is undefinable. They draw from a potpourri of influences and styles and blend them into something that is part alt-country, part Americana, part jam band and part rock n’ roll. Compared to the likes of Neil Young, The Band and Tom Petty, The John Henrys have developed a reputation for tight musicianship, original arrangements and well-crafted song writing. Band members all contribute to songwriting and production, and their music shows a deep appreciation for vintage instruments and analog recording.
The Council of the Arts’ Chamber Music Series begins on March 20 with the Kristina Reiko Cooper Trio. Stunning cello virtuoso Kristina Reiko Cooper has won world-wide acclaim for her musical diversity, artistry and charismatic stage presence. Her credits range from having received her Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate of Musical Arts at the Juilliard School to serving as visiting Professor of The Jerusalem Academy at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel and the Music Director of The Israel Chamber Music Society. Sponsored by NBT Bank.
Pianist Megan Higley Phillips (April 9) is a teacher, soloist, accompanist and chamber musician.  A native of Norwich, Ms. Phillips graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree from Bucknell University and a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory in Boston, MA. Now living in the Rochester area, Phillips performs regularly as a solo and chamber musician. She was among nearly a dozen performers who returned to Norwich to perform for the 100th anniversary of the Monday Evening Musical Club Scholarship Recipients’ Alumni Concert. Phillips will be presenting a solo piano program of Romantic and American music, highlighting works by Chopin, Brahms, Samuel Barber, Jelly Roll Morton and Zez Confrey. 
The April 17 performance will feature The Colgate Chamber Players with Laura Klugherz, violin and director, and special guest performers Ursula Baur, Baroque violinist from Munich, Germany, and Joscelyn Godwin, harpsichordist, in a program of Bach, Beethoven, Bruch and William Grant Still. The Colgate Chamber Players, now in their 23rd season, are a select group of advanced players representing many disciplines across the Colgate University campus. Ulla Baur has numerous CDs, as well as radio and television performances in Germany and abroad, including many premiere performances of rediscovered works. Baur will be in residence with the Colgate Chamber Players during Spring 2011, giving Baroque violin lessons to all interested students, as well as coaching chamber music.
Season ticket holders save over 10 percent off the cost of individual tickets and are guaranteed the same seats for every show. Season tickets can be ordered by contacting the Chenango County Council of the Arts, 27 West Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815, 336-ARTS (2787). Additional information about the Council and its programs can be found at www.chenangoarts.org.