Family Fun Day at Catskills Junction in Stamford, NY

On Saturday, June 21st, The Community Music Network is sponsoring a Family Fun Day, to be held from 12:30 to 4:30 pm at The Function at Catskills Junction, located at 28 Railroad Avenue in Stamford, New York, rain or shine. 

It will be a day of music, stories, balloon animals, old fashioned games, books, and even an improv clown workshop for the older kids and tweens. At 12:30 pm, Miss Pam’s Jamboree kicks off the Family Fun Day with an interactive early childhood and caregiver musical adventure, featuring group singing, dancing, egg shaking, scarves, parachutes, a jam session, and a lullabye. Babies - Age 7 are the primary audience for this show. Pamela West-Finkle or Angel Pam West is the founder/director of the Community Music Network, an organization dedicated to expanding the power of music in rural communities via community events, senior home/nursing home programs, preschool music, and arts in education programs.

Next, at 1:30, Story Laurie takes the stage to share songs and stories from around the world. Named Best Children’s Performer by Hudson Valley Magazine, Story Laurie is world-wise with a homegrown vibe, and "the very embodiment of a modern-day troubadour." She weaves wondrous tales, sings witty songs with a voice that enchants, and is an educator par excellence.

At 2:30, Bobby Curious brings his humor and his gift for bringing an audience of all ages into a world of fun and imagination. He specializes in singing traditional/folk songs that engage children from 3 to 12 years old and their families. These songs are mostly performed on the acoustic guitar and ukulele, but it wouldn't be unusual to hear a banjo, accordion or mandolin show up in a set. He is a certified Kodaly Method educator with 30 years of experience that utilizes American folk songs, songs from other cultures, traditional games, singalongs, call and response, camp songs, as well as songs that encourage movement and dance.

At 3:30, there will be a free, fun-filled improv and clowning workshop for ages 7-12. In this workshop students will play theater games to explore character physicality, scene-creation, and find the fun through clowning exercises. All experience levels welcome for this free workshop led by improviser, actor, and Hill People's Comedy Fest organizer Marisa Caruso. Marisa Caruso is an actor, producer, comedian, and educator.  The founder/organizer of the Hill People's Comedy Fest, she is one third of Gimlick Sketch Comedy, Managing Director of Torn Space Theater and a co-producer of The Party Theater, Page to Stage, and lbs/sq" Performance. Marisa is a frequent collaborator/instructor of Western Catskills theater activities for folks of all ages. 

The Dragon Wagon Book Bus will also be making an appearance.  This children’s bookstore on wheels is a social impact business that lets each kid who visits the bus choose one free book to keep.  They offer a full selection of brand-new books from babies through teens.  The Dragon Wagon is operated by DeLancey residents Billy Hancock and Tracey West, who is the author of the New York Times Bestselling Dragon Masters series and is happy to sign books at the event. In between entertainment sets, Billy Hancock will be Master of Ceremonies, overseeing the sack race, water balloon toss, egg on the spoon race, etc.

So, bring a blanket or chairs and be prepared for a day of family fun, enjoying entertainment for all ages. The event is free, made possible with youth grants from The A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation and Stewart’s Shops Holiday Match. Snacks and water will be available for purchase and tax deductible donations to the Community Music Network are encouraged.