Kyle Gordon, the multi-talented New York-based comedian, actor, writer, and improviser, is once again turning heads with the release of “Ugliest Girl on the Beach” featuring Antonio Frankfurt.
“Ugliest Girl On The Beach” is not only a hilarious parody but also a window into Gordon’s unique creative universe. His upcoming album, KyleGordonIsGreat, is a collection of musical genre parodies, each featuring different characters Gordon has created. The debut hit single, “Planet of the Bass” featuring DJ Crazy Times and Ms. Biljana Electronica, already went viral with over 5.5 million streams and 250 million views across social media platforms.
“Ugliest Girl On The Beach” is a delightful parody of early 1960s Bossa Nova, humorously poking fun at luminaries of the genre like Antonio Carlos Jobim and Frank Sinatra. The song also marks the introduction of Gordon’s new character, Antonio Frankfurt, an artist from Germany who relocated to Brazil in 1945. In the early 1960s, Antonio Frankfurt made a name for himself performing in nightclubs and bars in his hometown of Praia de Pipa, quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most passionate musicians in Brazil. Interestingly, this single, recorded in 1963 at the legendary Miami jazz club, The Sapphire Lounge, is actually an English-language rendition of his original Brazilian hit, A Mulher Nojenta.
The album itself is a cleverly constructed journey through various musical genres (not just bossa nova) with interstitial fake radio broadcasts tying it all together. Gordon explains,
“This album is the culmination of years of work – writing and testing these songs in front of hundreds of audiences. So in many ways, this first album is kind of like a collection of my greatest hits. I titled the album Kyle Gordon Is Great, and to me, great comedy is a) unique, b) accessible, and c) most importantly, really, really funny. My goal on this album was to make great comedy music!”
Kyle Gordon
Kyle Gordon’s debut album, Kyle GordonIs Great, will be available on November 10 via BMG. In the meantime, be sure to catch him live as he embarks on US and UK tour dates this fall.
Tour Dates and Ticket Information
UK Dates:
10/26 – London, England @ Leicester Square Theatre
Get ready to laugh, groove, and appreciate the art of parody when Kyle Gordon Is Great drops on November 10. Until then, enjoy the catchy hilarity of “Ugliest Girl on the Beach” and mark your calendars for his upcoming tour dates.
Kyle Gordon – Ugliest Girl On The Beach (feat. Antonio Frankfurt)
FOIA Love: A Comedy and Bluegrass Show About Public Records, is making its one-night Troy debut on October 22 at the Arts Center of the Capital Region. The show is a comedy and music performance, with all humor inspired by actual public documents, such as FCC complaints about Big Bang Theory being too violent, FBI profiles of sports stars, and misguided visa rejections.
The show’s musical performances feature Grammy-nominee Tristan Scroggins, Martha McDonnell (Broadway’s Girl From the North Country), and BB Bowness (winner of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize). The show was written by Curtis Raye, who spent eight years working in Washington D.C. and on Iowa’s presidential caucus. This gave his access to observe the inherent comedy in public records, spanning school board meetings and court testimony, to real White House menus.
Tristan Scroggins was recently featured on the Grammy-nominated The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project, Vol. 1. A native of Albequerque and Denver, he is now based in the historical music city of Nashville, where he is a leading voice of bluegrass and mandolin music.
Credit: Nico Humby
FOIA Love has had successful shows at landmark spots across the country, from Los Angeles’s UCB Theater, to the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Performers will read from real, unintentionally funny public records, as elite musical talents add their skill to tunes inspired by topics revealed in the documents.
FOIA Love: A Comedy and Bluegrass Show About Public Records will be on October 22, 2023 at 6pm at the Arts Center of the Capital Region, located at 265 River St, Troy, NY 12180.
Tickets start at $25 and are available at foialove.com. For questions or inquiries contact foiacomedy@gmail.com.
South African comedian and The Daily Show host Trevor Noah has announced dates for his 2023 Off The Record Tour, which includes stops at Schenectady’s Proctors Theatre and the Beacon Theatre in NYC.
Trevor Noah in Toronto. (Photo credit: Matt Wilson/Netlflix)
The U.S. leg, which begins on January 20 in Atlanta and wraps up December 3, 2023 in San Francisco, will feature 40 performances total. Coming to Proctors Theatre on May 19, Noah will hit the Beacon Theatre for a ten-performance run from October 9 to 18.
Noah, in addition to hosting The Daily Show on Comedy Central, which was nominated for seven Emmy Awards this year, has sold out comedy shows across five continents, has hosted the last two Grammy Awards shows, and authored the #1 New York Times bestseller “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood.”
Tickets for the dates at Proctors Theatre, Beacon Theatre, and the rest of Noah’s U.S. leg can be purchased on his website.
Trevor Noah Tour Dates:
January 20, 2023 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
February 10, 2023 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace
March 3, 2023 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
March 9, 2023 – Baltimore, MD – Hippodrome Theatre
March 24, 2023 – Durham, NC – DPAC
March 31, 2023 – Denver, CO – Bellco Theatre
April 5, 2023 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur^
April 6, 2023 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur^
April 7, 2023 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur^
April 8, 2023 – Medford, MA – Chevalier Theatre^
April 10, 2023 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur^
April 11, 2023 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur^
April 12, 2023 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur^
April 13, 2023 – Medford, MA – Chevalier Theatre^
April 20, 2023 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
April 27, 2023 – Spokane, WA – First Interstate Center for the Arts
April 28, 2023 – Bozeman, MT – Brick Breeden Fieldhouse*
April 29, 2023 – Missoula, MT – Adams Center*
May 4, 2023 – Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre
May 5, 2023 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
May 10, 2023 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
May 12, 2023 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre
May 19, 2023 – Schenectady, NY – Proctors Theatre
May 20, 2023 – Schenectady, NY – Proctors Theatre
May 26, 2023 – Mashantucket, CT – Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino
June 2, 2023 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl
October 6, 2023 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater
October 9, 2023 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
October 10, 2023 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
October 11, 2023 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
October 12, 2023- New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
October 13, 2023- New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
October 14, 2023- New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
October 15, 2023- New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
October 16, 2023- New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
October 17, 2023- New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
October 18, 2023- New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
October 20, 2023 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
October 26, 2023 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
November 1, 2023 – Madison, WI – The Orpheum Theater
November 3, 2023 – Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater
November 9, 2023 – Minneapolis, MN – Orpheum Theatre
November 13, 2023 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
November 14, 2023 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
November 30, 2023 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
December 1, 2023 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
December 2, 2023 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
December 3, 2023 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
The Park Theater Foundation has announced its lineup of events for September, which includes Sydney Worthley, Big Eyed Phish, a local showcase of more Capital Region artists, and even a comedy night.
The Park Theater was the first movie theater in Glens Falls upon its opening in 1911. In 1937 the theater was converted into a printing plant for the Glens Falls Post, and it was changed back to a performing arts center in 1984. After renovations in 2014, it reopened as a theater in 2018. The venue’s mission statement is that it would like to enhance the community and quality of life in Glens Falls by providing a venue for affordable entertainment and educational opportunities.
For the full performance listing or to purchase tickets, visit here.
Upcoming Events
Sept. 2-“Rewind At The Park”
The Park Theater Foundation presents “Rewind At The Park” featuring Big Eyed Phish (The Dave Matthews Tribute Band). Based out of Rochester, they are the only touring full eight-piece Dave Matthews Band Tribute in the country. Sing along to all your favorites and experience an unforgettable evening of music! Tickets are $20, and the day of the show is $25, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14-“Live & Local: Songwriter’s Showcase”
The Park Theater Foundation presents “Live & Local: Songwriters’ Showcase” – an intimate evening featuring some of the Capital Region’s favorite songwriters. Hosted by performer, producer, and engineer, Josh Morris, these artist-in-the-round performances allow audiences to hear local musicians’ songs and the stories behind them. This month’s artists include Josh Morris, Luke Pascarella, J. Lee White & Caitlin Barker. Tickets are $10, with day of the show tickets at $15. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 21-“Third Thursday Jazz”
Experience some of the best jazz music in the Capital Region with “Third Thursday Jazz” with The Matt Niedbalski Trio featuring Adam Siegel (saxophonist) and Jason Emmond (bass). Tickets are $10, with doors opening at 7 p.m.
Sept. 27-Listening Party
The Park Theater Foundation hosts the Rochmon Record Club for a series of listening parties. Hosted by Chuck Vosganian, this listening party will focus on David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972). Tickets are $12, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 29- “Comedy After Dark”
The Park Theater Foundation presents ‘Comedy After Dark’ featuring highly-acclaimed New York-based comedian, Gabe Mollica. He is bringing his hit Off-Broadway comedy show to the Arts & Entertainment Gateway of the Adirondacks for the first time. Directed by Greg Walloch (Hasan Minhaj’s Homecoming King), Gabe Mollica’s Solo explores male friendship in his 30s. Tickets are $22, with day of the show being $25. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 30-“The Park Presents”
The Park Theater Foundation presents “The Park Presents” featuring alt-Americana artist, Caleb Caudle, with special guest, Sydney Worthley, live on Sept. 30, 2023. Heavily driven by songwriting, Caleb Caudle blurs the lines of folk, roots, country, and bluegrass. He has made appearances at Merlefest, Cayamo Cruise, Luck Reunion, and Mountain Stage. Sydney Worthley is an indie pop artist from Albany. Tickets are $15, with the day of the show being $20. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
What is the Best Show Ever? The answer to that is complicated, and varies from person to person. But comedian Cam Herdt brings that question to the forefront in his new podcast, ‘Best Show Ever.’
‘Best Show Ever’ invites guests to talk about concert-going careers, their first concerts, worst concerts, honorable mentions and the best show the guest ever saw, hitting on the things that made that show the best. This is more than a setlist breakdown, and instead a look into an epic evening through the stories these guests bring with them.
Comedian Cam Herdt loves talking about shows, specifically, the best shows ever. Listen as he invites special guests, musicians and music journalists to reminisce about their concert-going careers and share untold stories from the history of seeing live music.
The first season features podcasters, musicians and people Cam is close as guests, so as to get a variety of perspectives, talking about the jam scene, with many different acts brought up. The first two episodes drop on September 5, featuring Jeff Arevalo and Cam’s Dad, Mark Herdt.
The show is hosted on Osiris Media and available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & anywhere you can listen to podcasts.
Guests for Season 1 of ‘Best Show Ever’ with Cam Herdt
Dad & Jeff Arevalo 9/5 Megan Glionna & Ryan Storm 9/12 Aaron Schafer & Sam Grisman 9/19 Long Strange Putt & Long Strange Niche 9/26 Brian Murray & Willie Schlosser 10/3 RJ Bee & Leslie Mac 10/10 Tom Marshall 10/17
Award-winning actor, producer, and comedian Chris Tucker has announced his highly anticipated tour, his first in over a decade, coming to the Beacon Theatre on Nov. 17.
The Legend Tour will stop in 30 cities during the Fall and Winter. Chris Tucker is known internationally, mostly for his role as Detective James Carter in the blockbuster Rush Hour action-comedy film franchise. Most recently, he was seen on the big screen staring opposite Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Viola Davis in the Amazon Studio hit AIR.
Tucker’s career began in the early 1990s when he became a favorite on Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Comedy Jam. He then rose to prominence with his first starring role, in the 1995 cult classic Friday, alongside Ice Cube. In 1997, Tucker executive produced and co-starred with Charlie Sheen in the hit movie Money Talks and also appeared in Luc Besson’s globally successful sci-fi adventure The Fifth Element. His other film credits include the Hughes brothers’ Dead Presidents, Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown, David O’Russell’s award-winning hit Silver Linings Playbook, and Ang Lee’s Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk.
In 2015, Tucker released Chris Tucker Live exclusively on Netflix, marking the first project he starred in and produced through his own company, Chris Tucker Entertainment. “I started my career doing stand-up in comedy clubs and it’s stand-up comedy that prepared me for all of my movie roles. I’m looking forward to getting back to my roots. I love performing live, there’s nothing like the energy of a live crowd and making people laugh. I’m excited to be back out on tour.” said Chris Tucker. He is also a dedicated humanitarian, spending much of his spare time traveling the world, and doing charitable work through The Chris Tucker Foundation.
Tucker will bring his rave-reviewed live comedy show to the Beacon Theatre on Nov. 17. Tickets for The Legend Tour will be available starting with an artist presale beginning on Thursday, Aug. 10. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, Aug. 11 at 10 am.
THE LEGEND TOUR DATES:
Fri Sep 08 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
Sun Sep 10 – Norfolk, VA – Chrysler Hall
Wed Sep 20 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace
Drew Jacobs, a Comedy Musician from Latham released his fifth CD, Get Your Ha-Ha’s Out! Recorded live at The Linda, WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio in Albany, the album is a brilliant mix of witty stand-up and original songs.
Drew Jacobs first saw commercial success in 2001 when “Santa Claus is Coming To Rock You” aired on the nationally syndicated Dr. Demento Radio Show. Since then, Jacobs released more albums, including Easy Listening For The Hard of Hearing, I’m Allergic To My Job, and more. His latest release, Get Your Ha-Ha’s Out!, seamlessly blends stand-up comedy and original songs.
“I write what makes me laugh: relationships, modern society and life as a babyboomer,” Jacobs wrote on his website. He also listed his musical influences, such as The Beatles, Arlo Guthrie, Weird Al Yankovic, and more.
Get Your Ha-Ha’s Out! is an excellent showcase of Drew Jacob’s talent for both comedy and music. Jacobs managed to produce an album that is both funny and insightful. Moreover, there is something on the album for all listeners to enjoy.
Legendary comedian Dave Chappelle recently announced his fall tour which includes four stops in NYC. Dave Chappelle Live gets underway on August 22, 23, 25, and 26 from the world famous Madison Square Garden.
Chappelle is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time. His work includes multiple stand-up specials, his own sketch show, appearances on Saturday Night Live, and acting. In 2019 Chappelle was awarded the illustrious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. All in all the comedian has racked up five Primetime Emmy Awards and four Grammys.
Attendees at the show will be prohibited from using cell phones, cameras, or other recording devices during the performances. Upon arrival, all phones and smart watches will be secured until the end of the show. Guests will still have possession of their phones however use is only permitted in designated areas. Anyone caught with a cellphone in the venue will be immediately ejected.
Dave Chappelle Live is presented by Pilot Boy Productions. Originally founded by Chappelle in 1992, Pilot Boy looks to deliver quality and thought-provoking concerts, films, television shows, and live events.
Pre-sale tickets start on July 26 with general on-sale tickets dropping on July 27. Here for tickets and more information.
Dave Chappelle Live Dates
Tue Aug 22 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Wed Aug 23 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Fri Aug 25 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden – NEWLY ADDED SHOW
Sat Aug 26 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden – NEWLY ADDED SHOW
Times Square Alliance has announced its this years schedule for its annual arts initiative, Times Square Live (TSQ LIVE).
This years TSQ LIVE will be a series of over 80 free, open-air performances across its public plazas, beginning this May and running through September 2023. Marking its biggest series to date with more partners than ever, TSQ LIVE will be NYC’s largest public program series featuring DJ sets, live concerts, and dance performances from some of the most prestigious organizations in NYC and beyond, including Pioneer Works, Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Ailey Extension, New York Live Arts, Rash Bar, Elsewhere, and Soul Summit.
“This summer we have the chance to turn over Times Square to the artists, musicians and performers that make New York City such an incredible place. In turn, the plazas of Times Square become a stage for over 80 free events – from punk shows to classical music; West African dance workshops to voguing classes -all timed to reach the millions in Times Square this summer heading home from work, to a show or visiting for the very first time,”
TSQ Arts Director Jean Cooney
Each year in the warmer months, the Times Square Alliance celebrates New York City’s creative community and vibrant arts ecosystem with TSQ LIVE, offering free and accessible programs nearly every weekday to the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and visitors that pass through the Crossroads of the World. The series spotlights the rich diversity of talent found on our city’s streets, and brings together artists, performers and cultural partners from quintessential New York institutions to share their work in one of the world’s most iconic public stages.
Programs
Tune in on Tuesdays to hear NYC-based DJs bring their expert craft to music lovers and passersby in Times Square. The series kicked off from May to June presented by Brooklyn-based Rash Bar, and followed with programs by Brooklyn venue Elsewhere to return in August. Once a month from July to September, DJ collective Soul Summit will bring their soulful house music to the plazas of Times Square, along with other local DJs joining the celebration each Tuesday in July at 5 pm.
Brooklyn-based leading nonprofit cultural center Pioneer Works, known for their experimental music program and residency, is curating and presenting a series of musical performances featuring past, current, and future musicians-in-residence across all genres, including Michael Foster, Corrine Jasmin, Avola, Greg Fox, H x H (Lester St. Louis & Chris Williams), Kwami Winfield, Ciarra Black, Brent Arnold, and Issei Herr.
Photo courtesy of Michael Hull for the Times Square Alliance.
Jazz at Lincoln Center is taking over Times Square to bring New York City’s jazz scene to Broadway, creating the feeling of an intimate club amidst the lights and sounds of the city. In keeping with its mission to entertain, enrich, and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy, the organization will present a dynamic array of musicians including Naledi Masilo, Mariel Bildsten Septet, and Roxy Coss Quartet.
Check out NYC’s buzziest up-and-coming talent live on Fridays in Times Square. Musicians from New York City and beyond will present free concerts, ranging from indie, pop, and electronic, many of whom will be celebrating the debut of new work or an upcoming summer album release.
Rescheduled due to inclement weather, Carnegie Hall will host a free concert in Times Square by accordionist Gregorio Uribe, known for his eclectic Colombian rhythms, celebrating sensational sounds from across the country and around the globe.
FULL JULY SCHEDULE
Wednesday, July 5, 5 pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | The Manhattan Review of Unnatural Acts (Broadway & 43rd St)
Thursday, July 6, 5 pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Winard Harper and Jeli Posse (Broadway & 46th St)
Friday July 7, 6 pm: Live Music on Summer Fridays | Julia Wolf (Broadway & 46th St)
Tuesday, July 11, 5 pm: DJ Sets with Soul Summit Music (Broadway & 43rd St)
Wednesday, July 12, 5 pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | Ciarra Black (Broadway & 43rd St)
Thursday, July 13, 5 pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Mariel Bildsten Septet (Broadway & 46th St)
Friday, July 14, 6 pm: Live Music on Summer Fridays | Brooke Alexx (Broadway & 46th St)
Tuesday, July 18, 5 pm: DJ Sets with Disco Tehran (Broadway & 43rd St)
Wednesday, July 19, 5 pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | Brent Arnold: Solo Cello & Electronics (Broadway & 43rd St)
Thursday, July 20, 5 pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Naledi Masilo [in honor of Nelson Mandela’s Birthday Celebration] (Broadway & 46th St)
Friday, July 21, 5 pm: Live Music with Carnegie Hall | Gregorio Uribe (Broadway & 46th St)
Tuesday, July 25, 5 pm: DJ Sets | (Broadway & 43rd St)
Wednesday, July 26, 5 pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | Kwami Winfield (Broadway & 43rd St)
Thursday, July 27, 5 pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Roxy Coss (Broadway & 46th St)
Friday, July 28, 6 pm: Live Music on Summer Fridays | (Broadway & 46th St)
FULL AUGUST SCHEDULE Tuesday, August 1, 5pm: DJ Sets with Elsewhere | Swami Sound (Broadway & 43rd St)
Wednesday, August 2, 5pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | Issei Herr/Princess Princess feat. Concrete Husband (Broadway & 43rd St)
Thursday, August 3, 5pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Grace Fox Big Band (Broadway & 46th St)
Friday, August 4, 6pm: Live Music on Summer Fridays | The Scarlet Opera (Broadway & 46th St)
Tuesday, August 8, 5pm: DJ Sets with Soul Summit (Broadway & 43rd St)
Wednesday, August 9, 5pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | Corrine Jasmin (Broadway & 43rd St)
Thursday, August 10, 5pm: Dance with Ailey Extension | 50th Anniversary Celebration Hip Hop Class with TweetBoogie feat. LIVE DJ (Broadway & 46th St)
Friday, August 11, 5pm: Dance with Brickhouse NYC | 50th Anniversary Celebration Hip Hop Showcase (Broadway & 46th St)
Tuesday, August 15, 5pm: DJ Sets with Elsewhere | Jubilee (Broadway & 43rd St)
Wednesday, August 16, 5pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | The Chutneys (Broadway & 43rd St)
Thursday, August 17, 5pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Simon Moullier Quartet (Broadway & 46th St)
Friday, August 18, 6pm: Live Music on Summer Fridays (Broadway & 46th St)
Tuesday, August 22, 5pm: DJ Sets with Rash Bar | Time Four You to Get a Watch (Broadway & 43rd St)
Thursday, August 24, 5pm: Dance with OTA Vogue Academy | Dance Class (Broadway & 46th St)
Friday, August 25, 5pm: Live Music on Summer Fridays | Backwoodz Studioz Showcase featuring Fatboi Sharif, Fielded, Cavalier, and E L U C I D (Broadway & 46th St)
Tuesday, August 29, 5pm: Dance with Big Apple Ranch | Line Dancing with Jon Lee (Broadway & 43rd St)
Wednesday, August 30, 5pm: Live Music with Pioneer Works | H x H (Lester St. Louis & Chris Williams) (Broadway & 43rd St)
Thursday, August 31, 5pm: Live Music with Jazz at Lincoln Center | Endea Owens and the Cookout (Broadway & 46th St)
For more information, please visit Times Square Live’s website.
Nestled amongst the backdrop of the Catskill mountains, just an hour outside Albany, Foothills Performing Arts Center (PAC) is a non-profit entertainment and civic center that serves the cultural, educational, and community needs of the Otsego, Delaware, and Chenango tri-county region.
Centered in the eclectic university community in Oneonta, Foothills PAC originally opened in 2005 and has become the region’s go-to venue for live entertainment for both national and local acts such as Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Gordon Lightfoot, Bernie Williams, Rusted Root, Tanya Tucker, John Michael Montgomery, Joe Diffie, and Thompson Square.
Wilber Wright Atrium
Foothills consists of multiple venues on its property, from its grand two story Wilber Wright Atrium, perfect for weddings and large events, to its Bettiol Theatre for smaller productions. The center also offers two smaller production spaces, The Loft and The Production Center.
As part of Foothill’s community engagement initiative, Foothills is also home to the Oneonta Farmers Market, providing the local community with fresh, home grown produce and artisanal crafts.
The Loft Performance Space
Recently appointed Executive Director Geoff Doyle has spent the better part of the last two years investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into renovations for Foothills, as part of his initiative to turn Foothills into a more diverse and utilized space for the local community. When Foothill’s closed at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Doyle took that time to write grants and to fundraise. Having found themselves with an empty building, as well as a surplus of funding from grants and generous donations, the Foothills Board used that time and those resources to finally do the work that had needed to be done for many years.
Bettiol Theatre
Taking both comments and critiques from the local community, renovations have included updated lighting and sound equipment for productions, to infrastructure improvements of the performance spaces.
We’ve become more than an arts center over the years. People donate blood here. They vote here. They attend weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, conferences, speaking engagements, fundraising events and so much more. We’ve been partners with SUNY Oneonta’s Music Industry program for a decade now, providing internships for many students in that time, and even hiring recent grads.
Geoff Doyle, Executive Director
Foothills Performing Arts Center is also home to Black Hole Studios, a fully equipped recording studio local artists can book for recording, mixing and mastering. With a top-ten Music Industry program located just down the street at SUNY Oneonta, the addition of Black Hole Studios has allowed student artists to have yet another resource to utilize their art.
Atrium Entrance
Upcoming events include this fall’s “Foothill’s Fringe Festival”. The brainchild of newest board member, Allie Church, Foothills Fringe takes inspiration from similar festivals around the world, and will be the centers newest annual event. Taking place over two days this September, Foothill’s Fringe will offer plays, film screenings, musical productions, stand-up comedy and more. With over 30 acts already booked, Fringe Festival is sure to draw in hundreds of spectators, artisans, and vendors.
In celebration of Pride Month, Foothills will also be hosting an 18+ Alice In Wonderland themed “Pride Prom” in collaboration with the Otsego Pride Alliance. The Prom, taking place June 30th, will feature dancing, face painting, specialty cocktails, prizes, fashion, and drag performances by local drag artists.
For more information, or to book an event space, please visit Foothills Performing Arts Center’s website.
