EDMESTON – Stewart’s Shops will bring the sweet sounds of summer through its support of the 15th annual Summer Concert Series at Pathfinder Village, a remarkable planned residential community for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. The concerts, a mainstay of the Village’s summer schedule, feature live performances by local talent in July and August and are free to the public.

“We’re grateful to Stewart’s Shops, which has generously supported our summer concert series at the Pathfinder Pavilion for over a decade through the Holiday Match giving program,” said Paul C. Landers, Village President and Chief Executive Officer. “Stewart’s support of community events and local cultural offerings speaks to the company’s commitment to making life better in the region it serves.”

To celebrate Stewart’s ongoing commitment to the Village’s Concert Series, the August 18th concert will be Stewart’s Shops Night, with an ice cream social. Everyone is encouraged to come.

Pathfinder Village is a private, residential community devoted to supporting men, women, and children who have Down syndrome and other disabilities. Through quality residential, educational, vocational, and recreational programs, individuals grow towards fulfillment and independence, while giving back to local communities.

The Summer Concert Series is a Decentralization Program; these programs are made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, which is administered by the Chenango County Council of the Arts, with support from Governor Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature. Additional funding provided by the Hoyt Foundation.

In 2012, Pathfinder Village Summer Concerts include:

July 7, 7 p.m.

Stone Soup, a band from the Mohawk Valley, plays a variety of acoustic music from blues to bluegrass, folk to jazz. The band features Joe Sinchak, Pete Liljeberg, Nick Frirsz, and Suzanne and David Bladek in rich and intricate harmonies.

July 14, 7 p.m.

Hammered dulcimer virtuoso Dan Duggan and Peggy Lynn will play songs inspired by the New York’s North Country and other folk tunes.

July 21, 7 p.m.

One of the region’s best-loved bands, the Sidney Community Band, will bring its repertoire of popular music, marches, and all-time favorite show tunes.

July 28, 7 p.m.

The Blues Maneuver will break out its “mighty horn section” in a versatile repertoire of swing, blues, R&B and oldies. This long-standing band can play it all! www.bluesmaneuver.com. Part of the Village’s FAMILY & FRIENDS WEEKEND; sponsored in part by the American Heart Association’s Greater Utica Division through a Community Heart Award.

Aug. 4, 7 p.m.

The Tweedlers will make their triumphant return to the Village Pavilion. The Tweedlers delight in bringing their heartfelt music to a variety of venues, and put smiles on faces wherever they go!

Aug. 11, 7 p.m.

The Beth Zaje Band: Beth Zaje, Hartwick student and a rising star on the country/pop scene, will bring her energetic, hopeful brand of rock to the Pathfinder Pavilion. www. bethzaje.com.

Aug. 18, 7 p.m.

STEWART’S SHOPS NIGHT: The folk duo Front Porch Harmony, Donna Taylor and Renee Collum of New Berlin, serves up a savory blend of Americana, gospel, country, folk and original music. Plus our great friends from Stewart’s Shops will be on hand with their famous “Make Your Own Sundae” fixings for a sweet evening!

Aug. 25, 7 p.m.

Monkey and the Crowbar will “rock out” to Dylan, The Grateful Dead, Neil Young, Jimmy Buffet and more. One listen and you’ll want to hear these guys again and again!

Concert-goers are asked to bring lawn chairs, wear comfortable shoes, and bring jackets to the performances. Parking is available on-site. To find out more about the concert series, please call Pathfinder Village at 965-8377, ext. 126, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or visit our fan page on the popular social networking site, Facebook.

Founded in 1980, Pathfinder Village is a non-profit, residential community for 81 children and adults who have Down syndrome and developmental disabilities. It also offers a day school program for students from local school districts, a summer camp program for young adults, and a day habilitation program for older individuals.

For more information about Pathfinder Village, please call (607) 965-8377, or visit the Village’s website at www.pathfindervillage.org. The Village also offers regular tours and hosts a variety of programs that are open to the public.