NORWICH - Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival begins Saturday, Sept. 6, bringing a weekend of art, music, and community to downtown Norwich. The free festival runs Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7.

This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of Mary El Emerson, a longtime volunteer and donor who passed away in June.

“Mary El’s steadfast support and passion for the arts enriched both the Festival and the community for decades. She believed deeply in the power of creativity to bring people together, and her encouragement, generosity, and love of the arts will continue to inspire all who gather at Colorscape,” announced the board of directors in a dedication.

The opening ceremony will take place Saturday at 10:45 a.m., honoring Emerson as well as two community award recipients.

The 2025 Colors Cape Award will be presented to Melissa deCordova for her two decades of service to the Festival, including terms as both vice president and president of the board.

Board President Laura Parker said, “Melissa’s passion, persistence, and vision have shaped Colorscape into what it is today. Her countless hours of work have strengthened the Festival and set it up to thrive for generations to come.”

The 2025 Susan Connelly Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award will be given to Mindy Chawgo, who has led the Culinary Court since 2019.

“Mindy has been the driving force of Colorscape’s Culinary Court since 2019. She is deeply community-minded, giving her time and talents generously to countless organizations that enrich our region in addition to Colorscape. Her energy, dedication, and unwavering commitment always goes above and beyond, making Norwich as a whole not only a stronger community but also a more vibrant place to live,” said Executive Director Michele Ericksen.

Festival organizers are inviting the public to get involved by volunteering, supporting the exhibiting artists, or becoming a C-Scaper member to help keep the festival free and thriving in downtown Norwich each September.

Find more information at www.colorscape.org. A copy of the schedule is on page 10 of today’s Evening Sun.

- Information from Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival

NBT Main Stage


Sponsored by NBT Bank and grants from the Follett and Greater Norwich Foundations.

Saturday, Sept. 6
10 a.m., Six Mile Craic.
10:45 a.m., Opening Ceremony.
11 a.m., Poet Sierra DeMulder.
11:15 a.m., The Kennedys.
12 p.m., Burns and Kristy Trio.
1 p.m., Dom Flemons.
2:15 p.m., Poet Sierra DeMulder.
2:30 p.m., Eric Andersen.
4 p.m., The Slambovian Circus of Dreams.

Sunday, Sept. 7
11 a.m., Autumn Sun.
12 p.m., Sloan Wainwright & Friends.
1 p.m., The Kennedys.
2 p.m., Samite.
3:30 p.m., The Campbell Brothers.
4:30 p.m., The Slambovian Circus of Dreams.

Peggy’s Stage

Saturday, Sept. 6
10 a.m., George Anderson.
11:30 a.m., Tin Pan Alley Review.
1 p.m., Real Time Dixieland Band Dancers.
2:30 p.m., Unity Group.
4 p.m., Chris Thomas & Ongew’hon:wehkah Smoke Dancers.

Sunday, Sept. 7
11 a.m., Gowdy Station.
12:30 p.m., The Dovetones.
2 p.m., Simmerin’ Stew.
3:15 p.m., Colorscape’s Student Art Show Award Ceremony.

Art Zone Stage

Saturday, Sept. 6
10 a.m., Paper Heart Puppets.
11 a.m., Jenni’s Music.
12 p.m., DrumQuest.
1:15 p.m., Jenni’s Music.
2:30 p.m., Paper Heart Puppets.
3:30 p.m., DrumQuest.
4:45 p.m., Julie Burns Music.

Sunday, Sept. 7
11 a.m., Jason Tardy with Juggling Workshop.
12 p.m., The Skinny German Juggle Boy.
1 p.m., DrumQuest.
2 p.m., Julie Burns Music.
2:45 p.m., Jason Tardy.
3:30 p.m., DrumQuest.
3:30 p.m., The Skinny German Juggle Boy.