CHENANGO COUNTY – Our part of the world is relatively sparsely populated, but only in number.

When the criterion is talent, we are crowded. On October 4, The Monday Evening Musical Club will present a virtual concert featuring these incredibly talented and successful musicians; Adrian Enscoe/Bandits on the Run, Jason Handy, Mason McDowell, Taylor McDowell, Matt Nakoa, and Kristina Ruffo.

In addition to beginning their musical pursuits here in Chenango and Madison counties, they share a connection to Anita Humer.

A member of Music Club since 2004, Anita Humer is a renowned performer and teacher and has been tireless in her work to promote music in every way.

She was introduced to these talented students, as their piano teacher, back when they were in middle and high school.

The Oct. 4 concert can be accessed at Facebook.com/Mondayeveningmusicclub. It will begin at 7 p.m., and can be accessed at any time after the initial presentation.

Adrian Enscoe is a member of Bandits on the Run, an indie-folk-pop-Americana trio consisting of three lead singers, a guitar, a cello, a suitcase drum, an accordian, and various toy instruments. They hail from Brooklyn, NY and are known for their vivacious performance style, genre-defying sound, soaring harmonies and ability to make music-magic happen everywhere from subway platforms to concert halls.

Born and raised in Norwich, Jason Handy received his undergraduate education in piano performance at SUNY Geneseo, under Dr. Amy Stanley. Jason has won numerous performance awards, studied in Vienna, Austria, taught at the Arizona School for the Arts, and is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Collaborative Piano at SUNY Binghamton University. He maintains an active studio of private students in Norwich.

Mason McDowell is an award-winning singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actor, and is a composer in the NYU Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. Mason has co-written and produced several mini-musicals and full-length albums. He lives in New York City and works extensively as a music director, pit musician, singer and actor.

Taylor McDowell, drummer, did not study piano with Ms. Humer, but was such a talented drummer, she invited him to perform in her studio recitals. Taylor studied with Syracuse-area percussionist Jimmy Johns, and performed as his assistant in several Syracuse Stage large productions. He has made popular YouTube videos sharing his drumming skills and expertise.

Matt Nakoa is an award-winning songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist. Growing up in Smyrna, he won the Monday Evening Musical Club's scholarship as a HS senior. He attended the Berklee College of Music, has released several albums, tours all over the US, and has generously performed on behalf of our Music Club's scholarship fund. In addition to the Oct. 4 show, Matt will perform an all-classical piano recital on November 29. This recital will be live/in person if permitted, otherwise it will be offered virtually via the Facebook link above.

Kristina Ruffo, who graduated from Sherburne-Earlville High School, currently teaches at Maine-Endwell High School. She conducts the Mixed Chorus, Honors Women's Chorus, teaches voice lessons, as well as Music Theory, Beginning Piano Lab, and serves as music director for the Spartan Theatre Company. Kristina and her ensembles have received top awards at the NYSSMA Festivals.

Please be sure to mark these dates, Oct. 4 and Nov. 29 on your calendar! This virtual format allows us to enjoy and celebrate the talented musicians who began here, but have moved on to make music in the wider world. There will be an opportunity to donate to The Monday Evening Musical Club's scholarship fund (PayPal & a mailing address/ Dianne Lewis/PO Box 895/Oxford, NY 13830). We are very grateful to these performers, and the generosity of our donors, for helping us continue to support students pursuing music.

-from the Monday Evening Musical Club