NORWOOD — After numerous COVID changes and other unforeseen events the Norwood Village Green Concert Series has revised its plans for 2021 and is prepared to resume its mission of “impacting our home communities via inspiring and spirit-uplifting public outdoor performances,” says event organizer Joseph Liotta. It will present a full slate of 20 events as it offers its 48th annual season to the public.

The series will operate under the low risk outdoor entertainment protocols that were in effect on April 26. A restricted area will be set up for 200 audience members on a first come-first serve basis. Those audience members will be given a numbered pass and will wear masks until seated. They can then remove their masks. They will socially distance individually and in family groups of four. They will be given a set of rules as outlined by New York State. They will have access to the performers after the concert. The Norwood Village Green Concert Series will be responsible for the performers, its workers, its volunteers, and the audience in the restricted area.

The remainder of the Norwood Village Green will still be open but under the control, restrictions, and protocols set by the Village of Norwood for a public park. The restrooms and the Kiwanis concession will be open to all and everyone may enjoy the concert including those outside the restricted area. However those outside the restricted area will not have access to the restricted area and the performers before, during, and after the concert.

If, and when New York State lifts all restrictions for outdoor concerts the series will then revise accordingly. In the meantime it is requested that everyone that uses the Norwood Village Green during the concerts will be amenable and cooperative with these restrictions so that everyone can all say “Enjoy it. We Do!”

The series had to eliminate the SLCMEA Festival, which had been scheduled for May 27 due to COVID considerations in local schools.

The tragic and untimely loss of Dr. Lonel Woods created a dreadful gap for the July 11 concert. He was scheduled to perform American Spirituals and music by American black composers. With the advice and consent of his accompanist Julie Welsh Miller, the concert will be presented as Jordon Davidson & Toni Zygadlo and Julie Welsh Miller & Guests. “In Memory of Dr. Lonel Woods - 1967-2021”.  Shavon Lloyd, Crane Class of 2019, and one of Dr. Woods most recent vocal students will sing in his place. Dr. Woods, Ms. Miller, and Mr. Lloyd have collaborated in the past. The Carriage House String Quartet will provide preludes beginning at 6 p.m.

The series is the oldest continuous outdoor series in Northern New York. The theme of the 2021 season will be “Taking a Sad Song and Making it Better” reflecting an improving and hopeful trek in the saga that the world has experienced for more than a year.

All concerts begin at 7 p.m. There is no set charge but there is a “pass the bucket”. The audience asked to be generous to cover unusual expenses this past year.

Here is the full schedule as revised:

• Thursday, June 3, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Rustic Riders - For Norwood-Norfolk Elementary School; 7 p.m., for the general public.

•Sunday, June 6, Double Axel, kicking off the group’s 50th Anniversary tour.

• Thursday, June 10, Annie and the Hedonists

• Sunday, June 13, String Solstice

• Thursday, June 17, The Honey Dew Drops – The Honey Dew Drops will conduct a free vocal harmony workshop at 4 pm in front of the band shell.

• Sunday, June 20, The Giroux Brothers Jazz Quintet

• Thursday, June 24, The Brubeck Brothers Quartet - Celebrating their father Dave’s 100th Anniversary

• Sunday, June 27, Johnny and the Triumphs featuring Gwen Tracey

• Thursday, July 1, The Gibson Brothers

• Sunday, July 11, Jordan Davidson & Toni Zygadlo and Julie Welsh Miller & Shavon Lloyd “In Memory of Dr. Lonel Woods – 1967-2021”. Preludes will be offered by the Carriage House String Quartet beginning at 6:30 pm

• Thursday, July 15, Mikaela Davis and Southern Star

• Sunday, July 18, The Mammals with The Restless Age

• Thursday, July 22, Shimul Zaman and Len Mackey

• Sunday, July 25, Brazilian Master Percussionist Nanni Assis & Friends

• Thursday, July 29, The Brass Firemen

• Sunday, Aug. 1, Koehler and Kelly

• Thursday, Aug. 5, The Girls

• Sunday, Aug. 8, Waydown Wailers

• Thursday, Aug. 12, Topaz Reunion Concert

The series is supported by public moneys from the Town of Potsdam and the Village of Norwood. It is also supported in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. The appearance by The Honey Dew Drops is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts via the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation.

The series continues to solicit much needed donations by check. Checks can be mailed to: Norwood Village Green Concert Series, 3 Bicknell Street, Norwood, NY 13668. All contributions are tax deductible. Norwood Village Green Concert Series concerts are free but there is a “pass the bucket”. Donations are encouraged and needed, as it is the foundation to all of the series’ other support. For further information consult the series website: nvgcs.org or call 315-261-2866.