Joseph Liotta
North Country Citation

The North Country’s own “sense of place” is created as much by shared community values as cherished landscape features. Our region has a musical heritage that both reflects, and shapes, our lives and friends and neighbors. Joseph Liotta, an adopted son of the North Country, embraced a full appreciation of place when, in 1974, he created with his wife Harriett the Norwood Village Green Concert Series. Every Sunday night from June through August, audiences gather on blankets and chairs on the expanse of lawn at the center of this village to hear local students, local and regional artists and touring artists from around the world perform in a small band shell. There’s no admission charge, only an opportunity to contribute a gift of one’s choice. On July 3, 2003, the series will present its 500th concert, appropriately a reunion concert of the internationally renowned Norwood Fire Department Band, of which Mr. Liotta has been a member since 1969. A graduate of the Crane School of Music and retired member of the Potsdam High School Music Department, Joe Liotta counts 35 of his former students as professional musicians, including members of the ensembles Rockapella, the Klezmer Conservatory Band and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. For his contributions to the musical heritage of our region, St. Lawrence University offers Joseph Liotta its 2003 North Country Citation.