This month, HarmoNNY Performing Arts Community proudly shines our Artist Spotlight on Gary Walts, a remarkable classical guitarist and photographer whose talent and dedication have enriched Jefferson County for decades.

We are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Harmony Malewich, a talented young performer whose passion for musical theater has made her a standout in the local arts community.

We are excited to highlight Ron Sinclair in this month's Artist Spotlight! Ron has been a vital part of the Clayton Opera Week for over 20 years, helping expand the program from its early days. When the original founder of Clayton Opera Week wanted to broaden its reach to include more local involvement, Ron and three others stepped up as directors to help lead the charge. One of the most remarkable aspects of their work was the decision to focus on children as the stars of the performances, rather than adults. Under their direction, the program grew significantly, and last year, over 140 children, aged 5 to 18, participated.

Meeting with Peg Nuspliger at the Lyon’s Falls Library, it was easy to see her passion for music and education. Peg, who has dedicated her life to teaching and sharing music, led us and a few others in song, filling the room with the warm, inviting sounds that have characterized her long career.

HarmoNNY Performing Arts Community is proud to spotlight Jack Marra, an exceptional young talent and a current board member. At just 18 years old, Jack's passion for musical theater and dedication to the arts have already made a significant impact on our community.

To celebrate Pride Month, HarmoNNY shines the spotlight on Michael Cameron, the dynamic and talented drag queen known as Amber Skyy. Growing up in Massena, New York, Michael's journey from small-town roots to becoming a beloved performer is both inspiring and heartwarming.

Meet our May Artist Spotlight, Craig Thornton! Craig’s journey to becoming a successful playwright, screenwriter, and director is anything but ordinary. This Theresa native, a graduate of Indian River Central School District, took a winding path to achieve his artistic goals.

At 33, Jake Desormo carries a musical legacy within his family. Growing up in Watertown, surrounded by the melodies of his father Scott and older brother Brent, it was almost inevitable that Jake would find his rhythm in music. It all began in church, where he first picked up the bass, setting the stage for his musical odyssey.

It’s no longer a secret that our March Artist Spotlight, Gretchen Koehler, is a talented fiddler AND violinist.

Gretchen grew up in Western Massachusetts. When she was in kindergarten, fliers for free violin lessons were passed around in class. She took the flier home to her mom who got her started with lessons that followed the Suzuki Method. Similar to talking before reading, the Suzuki Method teaches students to play before they read.

The performing arts community could not function without talented individuals who are literally “behind the scenes” running the technical aspects. Our first Artist Spotlight of 2024 does just that.

Michael Schanely, our February Artist Spotlight, is the Audio-Visual Technician at Watertown Central School District. Because his father was in the military, Mike was born in Germany where he lived for about two and a half years. While there, he reminisced about speaking a strange mix of English and Deutsch due to his English-speaking parents mixed with his German-speaking babysitter.

To us, he was a “hidden gem” of the North Country, but to those who have seen him in action, he is a prodigy.

Our December Artist Spotlight, Mike Tyo, is an exceptionally proficient, and also blind, organist and singer, who is the current organist at Adams United Methodist Church.