May 18 – Welcome to the end of May; gardens are being planted, boats are returning to the water, and families are gathering for parades, barbecues, and long-awaited visits with friends and neighbors. The final weeks of the school year are packed with concerts, sporting events, and celebrations, while local organizations and businesses are preparing for another busy summer across our community. As we pause to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, we also welcome the unofficial start of summer.

Here are some events happening in our community and beyond:

Delaware Valley Opera is celebrating its 40th anniversary season with an exciting lineup of performances this June at the Arts Nest in Lake Huntington. On Friday, June 26 at 7:00 p.m., Jesse Terry will take the stage with his signature blend of rhythmic rock and roll and heartfelt songwriting. An award-winning musician known for performing more than 150 shows annually, Terry’s latest album, Arcadia, highlights both intimate storytelling and powerful amplified anthems. Then on Sunday, June 28 at 7:00 p.m., acclaimed singer-songwriter David Roth will perform a special concert featuring his unique original music filled with humor, inspiration, and spontaneity. Roth, a recording artist, speaker, and educator, has spent more than three decades performing internationally and connecting audiences through music and storytelling. Tickets for both performances are $20 presale and $25 at the door. Events take place at the Arts Nest, located at the Delaware Valley Opera Center, 6692 State Route 52, Lake Huntington. More information and tickets are available at myrivertickets.com and delawarevalleyopera.org.

Delaware Valley Opera will celebrate its 40th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, June 6 from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. The evening will feature entertainment beginning at 7:00 p.m., along with a dessert buffet, silent auction, and a historical photo display and PowerPoint presentation highlighting the organization’s rich history and impact on the arts community. The gala promises to be a special evening of celebration and reflection as Delaware Valley Opera marks four decades of music and performance. Presale tickets are available for $70 through May 26 at midnight, with tickets increasing to $85 at the door. Additional information and tickets can be found at myrivertickets.com and delawarevalleyopera.org.

Delaware Valley Opera’s 40th anniversary season will continue this summer with two beloved classic productions at the Arts Nest in Lake Huntington. Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado will be performed on July 11 and July 18 at 7:00 p.m., with matinee performances on July 12 and July 19 at 2:00 p.m. Later in the season, audiences can enjoy Mozart’s The Magic Flute with evening performances on August 15 and August 22 at 7:00 p.m., and matinees on August 16 and August 23 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for all performances are $35 and are available through myrivertickets.com or by scanning the QR code featured on promotional materials.

The Arts Nest will also host a variety of listening-focused performances featuring folk, jazz, rock, and more throughout September, October, and November, with upcoming performances to be announced on the organization’s website. Delaware Valley Opera and the Arts Nest are located at 6692 State Route 52 in Lake Huntington. More information is available at delawarevalleyopera.org or by calling 845-887-3083.

If you have a local business that would like to be spotlighted in an upcoming column, please get in touch! Please email jenn@jennpowelldesigns.com with any news, events, and happenings. You can also find me online at rustic-road.com.