Waddington concert series set

WADDINGTON — Music will be coming from the pavilion in the village this summer, as Waddington institutes its own concert series this year.

The first of six concerts was this weekend at Island View Park. The goal was to entice visitors as well as residents to come to the quiet village on the St. Lawrence River, according to town Councilman Mark Scott, who helped plan the events.

"We think it would be a nice thing to have in the community and help draw some visitors," he said. "Come enjoy our nice waterfront."

Waddington resident Donna Miller will kicked off the series with a selection of pop and classic oldies. She has performed in Canada and has recorded three CDs. She also used to direct variety shows at the town's annual Homecoming.

The entire series this year is being dedicated to the memory of another former regular at the Homecoming, John J. "Mac" McQueeney, who died in March 2008. Mr. McQueeney was a singer who often performed in shows at SUNY Potsdam

"He just loved music and he played the ukulele," his widow, June H. McQueeney, said. "I used to tell everybody that he knew every single Irish song and every single verse. He was just a good guy."

Before Mrs. Miller performed, there was a short film of snippets from Homecoming variety shows featuring Mr. McQueeney, according to Mrs. McQueeney. A few people, including his daughter, Patricia Cambareri of Syracuse, spoke briefly about him as well.

Mrs. McQueeney said, at first, she did not know the series was to be done in honor of her husband.

"I just was very pleased, but I was shocked. I don't know who decided to do that," she said. "He was just a good dad and had a great sense of humor."

The concerts are free, but donations will be accepted to help the town and village pay for the various acts. Most of the series is being funded through the St. Lawrence County Arts Council and the state Council of the Arts. The town hopes to continue the series in years to come. The tradition of offering the music in someone's memory also will hopefully continue, according to Mr. Scott.

"It's on the river, it's a great location. If the weather's good, people will come out," Mr. Scott said. "We expect we should have good numbers, in spite of it being the first year."

In case of rain, the concert will be moved to the old Town Hall on Main Street.