Category: News Desk

Presenting the Winner of NYS Music’s March Madness 2023….

Seize Atlantis! This Glens Falls local band with a grungey soft rock sound prevailed over Hudson Valley’s respectable rock outfit MAINLINE, and takes home the gold for NYS Music’s March Madness 2023.

Seize Atlantis began as a jamming project in 2018, with a rotating cast of members and a different name. But eventually, only Mike Dardas (bass/backing vocals), Cody Platt (drums), and James Mullen (lead vocals/guitar) remained, and they decided to form a tight-knit trio. Meanwhile, Luc Bourgault had been playing with Cody and James in high school, and he eventually joined the group as lead guitarist.

After playing a few shows together, the pandemic hit, and the band took a seven-month hiatus. During this time, they decided to rebrand themselves as the Seize Atlantis we know and love today, reflecting their new creative direction and revitalized energy. Since returning to the stage in May 2021, Seize Atlantis has been performing regularly and writing new music.

Their debut EP was released last summer, with another one on the horizon. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, they’ve built up a loyal fanbase and earned the support of local venues throughout the Capital Region and North Country. With their unique sound and passion for music, Seize Atlantis is a band to watch in the coming years.

According to the band members themselves, their musical journeys began in different ways. Cody’s parents “mistakenly” bought him a drum kit, and he fell in love with it from there. Mike picked up the bass guitar for the first time when a friend needed a bassist for their middle school band. Luc’s interest in guitar started with the Guitar Hero craze, and he quickly discovered his talent for picking out melodies by ear. James was influenced heavily by bands like U2 and Pink Floyd from a young age, and his passion for writing lyrics started at the age of 15.

For all of them, music has been a driving force in their lives, and performing and creating has become an integral part of who they are. This deep passion for music truly bleeds through in their tunes, since, as James puts it, “this is what keeps us sane!”

Seize Atlantis has big plans for the upcoming summer months. They’re set to release their highly anticipated second EP, Ruins Rebuilt, in June, they already have a number of dates lined up to celebrate the occasion.

Fans can expect an EP release party, as well as a performance at GEM Fest 2023 in Glens Falls on July 22nd. But Seize Atlantis is not content to rest on their laurels. As a completely DIY and independent operation, they handle everything from management and booking to designing and selling merch, as well as recording, mixing, and mastering all of their original material. The band is always striving to grow and evolve in every aspect of being an indie band, and they’re committed to taking the next step in their journey.

As Seize Atlantis gears up to release their second EP, Ruins Rebuilt, the band is excited to showcase their new collaborative approach to songwriting. In contrast to their previous release, which was a concept album with a social commentary theme, these new songs delve into more personal and introspective themes. The band describes the creative process for this EP as a true team effort, with each member contributing to the unique dynamic and sound of each song. They can’t wait to share this new direction with their fans and see how they react to the EP as a whole.

Stay tuned to Seize Atlantis on socials to be up to date on any upcoming shows, like their performance at 42 Degrees Tavern on Apr 15 in Glens Falls. You can also catch them at Eldorado Bar in Troy, where they’ll be playing with Black Tongue Reverend and Shadow Witch, on Saturday, April 22, and at Mean Max Brew Works in Glens Falls on May 5

Congratulations Seize Atlantis, NYS Music’s 2023 March Madness Winner!

For the past 8 years, this annual competition has been shining a spotlight on the talented artists and musicians from across the Empire State. This year’s competition is the biggest and best yet, with a lineup of diverse genres and highly skilled performers. March Madness 2023 highlights 64 bands and artists you might not know, but should know, as these homegrown talents are making waves through the New York State. Review each round below.

Round One

Round Two

Sweet 16

Elite 8

Final 4

Finals – Seize Atlantis vs. Mainline

Seize Atlantis joins previous NYS Music March Madness winners include HANZOLO (2022), Organ Fairchild (2021), Black Mountain Symphony (2018), Root SHOCK (2017), Sprocket (2016) and Lucid (2014).

Our sincere thanks to the sponsors of NYS Music March Madness 2023 – Mirth Films, Funk n Waffles, Scarsdale Music Festival, WEQX 102.7, Yard Amphitheater, Jane Dough, and The Strand Theatre Hudson Falls.

March 29, 2023
Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre Cuts Ties with Ticketmaster

The Kings Theatre in Brooklyn has announced that as of March 27, fans can only purchase tickets via ATG Tickets which are available for purchase through their box office and website.

The Kings Theatre was built in 1929 as one of the five original Loew’s Wonder Theaters, originally a movie palace live performance venue featuring vaudeville reviews. The movie palace was inspired by the French Renaissance Revival style of the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House and became stagnant after its closing in 1979 until undergoing restoration in 2013. In 2015, the venue was officially opened as the Kings Theatre with a debut performance by Diana Ross. Now the theatre is widely recognized for being a cultural and economic cornerstone of the Flatbush community, and a great addition to Brooklyn’s cultural landscape as a whole. The venue announced that their new ticket service is ATG Tickets, only available for purchase through their website or box office.

Ticketmaster has come under fire the past few months for the mishandling of the presale ticket sale of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, causing fans to not be able to access tickets, getting booted out of the ticket queue, and overselling the presale quantity so fans without Verified Fan codes were unable to get tickets at all. It has become the largest ticket-selling company in the world, despite the fact that in 1994 Pearl Jam famously filed a complaint with the antitrust division of the U.S. Department of Justice, citing that Ticketmaster has a “virtually absolute monopoly on the distribution of tickets to concerts.”

In January, Live Nation Entertainment, the concert industry giant that owns Ticketmaster, came under attack at a Senate Judiciary hearing, with both sides criticizing the botched sales of tickets, and calling the company a monopoly that hinders competition and harms consumers. Some questioned whether the two merging companies should be broken up once their agreement with the Justice Department expires in 2025. According to various estimates cited by the senators, Ticketmaster controls ticketing at 70 to 80 percent of major concert venues in the United States, making them indeed a monopoly.

Other tours have also been affected by Ticketmaster, like Drake and Beyoncés. Platinum tickets, or tickets that the company purposely sells for higher prices because they know fans will buy them, were a big issue for both of these tours, with some tickets nearing $1,000. The Cure recently announced a North American tour, utilizing the Ticketmaster Verified Fan system, where fans with verified accounts are randomly selected for presale codes to purchase tickets earlier than the general public. Robert Smith of the band spoke publicly on his Twitter account disagreeing with the idea of platinum ticketing, and the fees that Ticketmaster puts on tickets, which are sometimes close to the cost of the actual ticket. Since he was so open about his distaste for the company, Ticketmaster gave credit to accounts who bought tickets to see The Cure as a consultation for the expensive fees.

https://twitter.com/RobertSmith/status/1636073365373956100?s=20

The Kings Theatre has been one of the few venues to fully switch away from Ticketmaster, possibly creating a trend of major venues boycotting the monopoly. The theatre switching to only using their website and box offices for ticket purchases will have positive effects on fans trying to purchase tickets, hopefully putting an end to outrageous fees and long wait times. For fans that have purchased tickets through Ticketmaster for the theatre’s events, they will be transferred to the new system. For more information about the Kings Theatre and to view future events, visit here.

March 29, 2023
Fifth Annual Sound Mind Music Festival set for May 20 in Brooklyn

Sound Mind Live has announced the fifth annual Sound Music Festival for Mental Health will take place on Saturday, May 20, between Irving Ave and Wyckoff Ave in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The free event, which starts at 12 p.m., will feature a number of performers including Iron & Wine, Hiss Golden Messenger, Langhorne Slim, Kamauu, and Pom Pom Squad, and includes DJ sets from House of Yes, Food by Smorgsaburg, Yoga and Sound, Bath Sessions, and more.

BetterHelp is partnering with Sound Mind Live for this year’s Sound Music Festival

For this year’s festival, the world’s largest therapy platform, BetterHelp, is partnering with Sound Mind Live to provide a month of free therapy for their combined communities.

“We’re so proud to partner with Sound Mind on this amazing festival,” Co-founder of House of Yes Anya
Sapozhnikova says.

Additionally, containing its focus on mental health awareness, the Sound Music Festival will host a series of panels in partnership with Absurd Conclave, including Mental Health in Communities of Color, Mental Health in the Music Industry, The Importance Of Fostering Community, and more.

Research shows that since the pandemic, more people have contemplated self-harm, with one in four youth having considered suicide, and the fall out of post-pandemic depression is expected to last 3-5 years. The upcoming Sound Mind Music Festival hopes to bring about deeper community connections for healing and elevate conversations and resources that can help those in need find affordable resources sooner.

“Over the past several years the world recognized that mental health issues impact us all in one form
or another,” Executive Director of Sound Mind Live Chris Bullard says.

Guests will have the opportunity to make a donation and enjoy a VIP experience, which includes an enhanced viewing area, a private bar, and complimentary swag bags. This year’s Sound Music Festival is in partnership with over 10 music artists, 3 local venues, and over 20 mental health organizations including National Alliance on Mental Illness, JED Foundation, and TransLifeline, and is supported by the Society of Valued Minds, an initiative of Otsuka America, Pharmaceutical, Inc., BetterHelp, Sozosei Foundation, and G4D Productions. Media partners include YouTube Health and Consequence.

While this year’s Sound Music Festival for Mental Health in Brooklyn is free, tickets are still needed to enter the event and can be found here.

March 28, 2023
Palace Theatre to Host Benefit Concert with The Frank White Experience on April 1

The Palace Theatre and Building on Love are partnering to present The Frank White Experience and special guest DJ TGIF live in the Palace Lobby on April 1, starting at 7 p.m.

Six-year-old Ezekiel McLean was always a happy, upbeat, loving, and supportive child. One day his parents received the news that he has stage 4 kidney cancer, and their world has been upside down ever since. To pay the medical costs, the Palace Theatre’s Community Engagement Initiative is hosting a fundraiser with Building on Love and all the proceeds will be used to support the McLean Family. Building on Love is a local non-profit with a mission of helping families in the community who have had their life altered by supporting a loved one with a recent life-altering medical diagnosis by giving them financial access to care and housing so they can focus on the health of their loved ones.

“Childhood cancer is a battle that no one should have to go through. As if the emotional toll was not enough, the financial toll on the families can be crippling,” said Kevin Johnson, Executive Director of the Palace Theatre. “We are pleased to be able to offer our space, time, and energy to be able to help the McLean family in any way possible.” The benefit will take place at the Palace Theatre, Albany’s iconic downtown landmark, bringing in the biggest names in entertainment to the Capital Region for the past eight decades. Built in 1931, it was originally for vaudeville acts, and feature films, becoming a civic auditorium before closing its doors in 1969. The mission of the Palace is to bring world-class arts and entertainment to New York’s Capital Region, greatly enhancing the area’s cultural and economic development.

The Frank White Experience is the genre leader in live Hip Hop tribute bands, bringing the sounds of NOTORIOUS B.I.G. and live instrumentation to the listener’s ears. FWE not only covers the music of Biggie Smalls but takes listeners on a journey back through the beloved soundscape of 1990s Hip Hop and R&B, sharing the stage with Rakim, Styles P, Lil Kim, Fat Joe, C.J. Wallace, Havoc, DJ Enuff, Sway Calloway, Lil Cease, Klept, and many more. Featured at the concert is DJ TGIF aka Craig Earle, one of Upstate New York’s most in-demand DJs, performing regularly to both late-night sold-out crowds and family-friendly events alike. He was recently awarded the honor of the Albany Business Review’s 40 Under 40.

Tickets to attend the benefit performance are $30 (Standard Admission) and $50 (VIP), on sale now at the Palace Theatre Box Office and online.

March 28, 2023
Saxophonist Michael Thomas Appointed Director of New York Youth Symphony Jazz for 2023-2024

The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS) announced that Michael Thomas has been appointed Director of the NYYS Jazz program, beginning with the 2023/24 season.

Founded in 1963, the New York Youth Symphony is internationally recognized for its award-winning and innovative educational programs for talented young musicians. The symphony was awarded the 2023 Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance – Classical, the first youth orchestra to win a Grammy in this category. The NYYS has provided over 7,000 music students unparalleled opportunities to perform at world-class venues including Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, and The Times Center. Students gain valuable life skills like commitment, discipline, focus, collaboration, and friendships that last a lifetime.

Michael Thomas is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, and arranger, arriving in New York City in 2011, becoming an active member of the jazz community. He began his musical career as a pianist at age five, switching to saxophone at age nine because his father was also a saxophonist, and his mother a clarinetist. He has performed throughout the United States and abroad, including tours in Central and South America, Australia, Europe, Japan, and Russia. He can be heard on over 30 recordings, including three albums as a leader, and has been commissioned by schools and professional ensembles around the world. In addition to his own trio, quartet, and quintet, Michael Thomas also co-leads and writes for the Grammy-nominated Terraza Big Band.

Thomas follows Andy Clausen, who will step down from his position at the end of the 2022/23 season after seven seasons. The New York Youth Symphony Jazz is a 17-member swing ensemble dedicated to studying, rehearsing, and performing classic big-band jazz music from the 1930s and 40s, incorporating the music into current and emerging styles that define the genre for the present generation. “We are thrilled to have found Michael, who we are confident will be a worthy successor to Andy Clausen, who has brilliantly led the program for the last seven years,” explained Robert J. Levine, Senior Vice President of NYYS Trustees and Head of the Jazz Director Search Committee. “Michael’s experience and impressive knowledge of all aspects of the jazz repertoire and his strong ability to communicate with our young musicians were immediately evident in his live audition.”

For more information about the NYYS and upcoming events, visit here.

March 28, 2023
Barry Manilow Returns to Radio City Music Hall for 5 Night Concert Series

On March 27, MSG Entertainment and The Bowery Presents announced that singer-songwriter Barry Manilow is returning to Radio City Music Hall for the first time since 2012, with a five-night concert series beginning Wednesday, May 31, and concluding Sunday, June 4. Beginning at 8 p.m. each night, these shows will mark the 35-39th lifetime performances by Manilow at Radio City.

Born in Brooklyn, the Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning Manilow has a career that spans nearly 50 years, having sold more than 85 million records worldwide, with his self-titled debut album being released in 1973, supported by his debut single “Could It Be Magic.” Throughout his five-night concert series at Radio City, Manilow will perform a number of his hits, including “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).” Manilow has released 50 top-40 singles and is ranked as the number one Adult Contemporary artist of all time, according to Billboard and R&R magazines.

Tickets to see Barry Manilow at Radio City Music Hall go on sale Friday, March 31, at 10 a.m., and can additionally be purchased in person beginning on Saturday, April 1 at the Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Beacon Theatre box offices.

March 27, 2023
Andrea Bocelli Holds Surprise Performance In Times Square to Promote “The Journey”

Andrea Bocelli, the Italian pop and opera singer arrived in New York on horseback March 23 and held a surprise performances in Times Square with special guests to celebrate the premiere of Trinity Broadcasting Network’s film, The Journey: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli.

Special guests including Michael W. Smith, HAUSER of 2CELLOS, TAYA, and Tauren Wells. The film, which features Bocelli traveling the Italian countryside on horseback, will be released in select theaters on April 2, 2023.

Andrea Bocelli

Besides the special guests, Andrea Bocelli, Veronica Berti Bocelli, and producers Tom Newman, Kristian Kelly, and Candace Lee Carson also attended the premiere of the film. In attendance from Trinity Broadcasting Network were executive producers Matt and Laurie Crouch.

The Journey: A Music Special combines world-class musical performances with intimate conversations across the Italian countryside, exploring moments that define us, songs that inspire us, and relationships that connect us to what matters most in life.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 23: Andrea Bocelli enthralls crowds in Times Square with a performance to celebrate Trinity Broadcasting Networks’ premiere of THE JOURNEY: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli, in theaters beginning April 2. Combining world-class musical performances with intimate conversations while on horseback traveling the Italian countryside, the film features performances by Bocelli with Michael W. Smith, Tori Kelly, TAYA, Tauren Wells and HAUSER from 2CELLOS on March 23, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Trinity Broadcasting Network)

The film happens on horseback while Bocelli and his wife Veronica are travelling along Italy’s Via Francigena, an ancient road traveled by pilgrims for centuries in the footsteps of the apostles and saints. This film also featured the special guests in the surprise performances, they are joined Bocellis for sacred musical performances in some of Italy’s most magnificent venues and majestic locations.

The Journey is full of beautiful music, creation, faith, and love that begins with a blessing from the Pope. Bocelli’s children Matteo and Virginia make appearances in this amazing adventure, as well as musicians and singers Katherine Jenkins, Clara Barbier Serrano, 2CELLOS, 40 Fingers, and many others.

March 27, 2023
Spring Valley Duo Fat Westbrook and Cedric St. Louis Announce New EP

Spring Valley hip-hop artists Fat Westbrook and Cedric St. Louis have joined forces to collaborate on an upcoming joint EP called Castor + Pollux. Due out in spring 2023, the duo kicked off the promotional run with their latest single, “Mike Tyson.“ An uptempo rap song that’s been in the works since early 2020, the record has been a fan favorite at the group’s live performances. Fat Westbrook and Cedric both are confident and cocky all while keeping it fun and lightweight. Meanwhile, the duo exchange jabs in the video while interchanging equally lively flows.

The Spring Valley duo is bringing a different flavor to the current music landscape. Notably, hip-hop artist, rapper, and instrumentalist Fat Westbrook shares the culmination of his experiences through music. Drawing inspiration from both his hometown and Haitian identity. Moreover, his music features raw stories, hard-hitting beats and a charismatic word-flow. His music is meant to help those who wish to identify, feel, laugh and love.

Fat Westbrook and Cedric St. Louis are a hard-hitting duo out of Spring Valley

Likewise, Cedric St. Louis has also long shared the same dreams as his counterpart. The Spring Valley native has ambitions to not only make an impact in the hip hop world, but music as a whole. As a Black gay man navigating in the Hip Hop world and Alternative industries, the quick-witted rapper hopes to empower listeners in his songs, helping them gain a sense of self-identity.

March 27, 2023
The Little Theatre Hosts Rochester Guitar Festival April 1-3 and Much More in May

The Little Theatre, Rochester’s premier cultural center for the presentation of American independent and foreign films, visual arts and music, has a packed calendar through April and May, highlighted by the Rochester Guitar Festival, held April 1-3.

Educational events allow The Little Theatre to provide local artists a place to share and discuss their visions with a diverse audience. The warm and inviting atmosphere at “The Little” includes programming that stimulates and expands thought, inspires the spirit, promotes friendly discussion and opens cultural horizons.

Organizers of Rochester Guitar Festival, Rochester Classical Guitar, are dedicated to enriching the arts and connecting communities in the Greater Rochester Area through the medium of classical guitar. Since 2016, RCG has been presenting performances and masterclasses with internationally-acclaimed artists, and providing opportunities for local musicians, students, and hobbyists alike to perform and learn.

Rocheter Guitar Festival will feature two shows in the theater on Saturday and Monday evening, with classical guitar night in the cafe in between on Sunday.

Saturday’s show features two amazing Eastman faculty, both with international careers, Nicholas Goluses and Bonita Boyd. The pair of professors will present a variety of works composed for flute and guitar, including two works by Samuel Adler and Cynthoa Folio that are commissioned for the Eastman’s Centennial celebration and dedicated to the Boyd/Goluses duo. Details | Get Tickets

Ken Luk, Tom Torrisi, and Michael Jones are the main organizers of Rochester Guitar Festival, through Rochester Classical Guitar. Together they have been holding classical guitar night every Sunday at the cafe for many years, including April 2nd. These musicians offer a great deal for those who play classical guitar at all levels, as well as fans of the music. Details

Monday’s concert is by internationally touring guitarist Raphaël Feuillâtre, performing music from the distant past. The 26-year-old French classical guitarist, whose repertoire embraces everything from Johann Sebastian Bach and Rameau to contemporary compositions by Roland Dyens and Sérgio Assad, possesses the technical mastery and creative vision required to make works from all periods sound as if they were written yesterday – alive, heartfelt, filled with colour. Featuring local young musicians with a short opening number, the guitar class from ROCmusic, directed by Michael Jones, will kick off Raphaël‘s concert at 7pm. Details | Get Tickets

The Little Cinema Movement evolved in the 1920s as a response to the trend of mass marketing in the entertainment industry. With movie companies and film producers devoting increasing attention to the new “talking” motion pictures, the Movement attempted to reach an audience open to the experimental, the eclectic, and the unusual. The Little Theatre was proposed as one of a chain of small theaters designed to provide an alternative to the large commercial movie houses of the day.

As of late, The Little has begun an ambitious undertaking of renovating the original theatre, taking care to preserve the historic design while expanding its versitility and accesibility. Theatre 1 now has a fully rennovated marquee, new auditorium seats, a fully updated stage and sound system, and a rejuvenated lobby with an elevator.

April at The Little Theatre

Apr 1, Sat, 7-9pm: Laura Dubin Trio

Apr 2, Sun, 7-9pm: Classical Guitar Night

Apr 3, Mon, 7-9pm: PV Nunes Band

Apr 5, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)

Apr 6, Thurs, 7-9pm: Trialogue

Apr 7, Fri, 7-9pm: Sons of Monk

Apr 8, Sat, 7-9pm: Tug Hill Band

Apr 9, Sun: Easter holiday, no music

Apr 10, Mon, 7-9pm: Bossa Nova Bradley Brothers

Apr 12, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)

Apr 13, Thurs, 7-9pm: Big Blue House

Apr 14, Fri, 7-9pm: Rochester Ukulele Orchestra

Apr 15, Sat, 7-9pm: Kubick’s Rubes

Apr 16, Sun, 7-pm: Margaret Explosion

Apr 17, Mon, 7-9pm: Mel Henderson and Greg Wachala

Apr 19, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)

Apr 20, Thurs, 7-9pm: The Spring Chickens

Apr 21, Fri, 7-9pm: Uptown Tango

Apr 22, Sat, 7-9pm: Stella Hill (Originals plus tribute to Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt)

Apr 23, Sun, starting at 5:30pm: Poetry and Jazz

Apr 24, Mon, 7-9pm: Bravo Nights (w/ Opera Guild of Rochester)

Apr 26, Weds, 7-9pm: Levi Gangi (residency)

Apr 27,Thurs, 7-9pm: Jackson Cavalier

Apr 28, Fri, 7-9pm: Alyssa Rodriguez

Apr 29, Sat, 7-9pm: Meghan Kehrer Quartet

Apr 30, Sun, 7-9pm: Annie Wells Band

May at The Little Theatre

May 1, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)

May 3, Weds, 7-9pm: Sons of Monk

May 4, Thurs, 7-9pm: Trialogue

May 5, Fri, 7-9pm: Trio East

May 6, Sat, 7-9pm: Laura Dubin Trio

May 7, Sun: Classical Guitar Night

May 8, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)

May 10, Weds, 7-9pm: The Djangoners

May 11, Thurs, 7-9pm: Gregory Street Vagabonds

May 12, Fri, 7-9pm: Archive Ravens

May 13, Sat, 7-9pm: Bangers and Mash

May 14, Sun, 7-pm: Rich Thompson Trio – Generations

May 15, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)

May 17, Weds, 7-9pm: Spring Chickens

May 18, Thurs, 7-9pm: Susanna Rose

May 19, Fri, 7-9pm: Tug Hill Band

May 20, Sat, 7-9pm: Taurus Savant

May 21, Sun,7-9pm: Bob Sneider Trio

May 22, Mon, 7-9pm: Watkins & the Rapiers (residency)

May 24, Weds, 7-9pm: Margaret Explosion

May 25,Thurs, 7-9pm: Sunshine Quan

May 26, Fri, 7-9pm: Debbie Kendrick Band

May 27, Sat, 7-9pm: Mel Henderson and Greg Wachala

May 28, Sun, 7-9pm: Paxtor

May 29, Mon: Memorial Day holiday, no music

May 31, Weds,7-9pm: Crossmolina

March 27, 2023
Upstate Historic Performing Arts Centers Form Alive Downtowns!

13 downtown historic performing arts centers from Jamestown to Poughkeepsie have come together to form Alive Downtowns! The coalition, having met virtually since the start of the pandemic, is seeking $20 million in operating support from the state.

Bardavon, photo by Tim Lee.

Alive Downtowns! main goal is to encourage the lawmakers of New York to think of historic theatres in the same way they do aquariums and zoos, which are shown to have a significant public benefit. It is an affiliate corporation to the Upstate Theater Coalition for a Fairgame, established eight years ago in response to the creation of casinos in the eastern and southern tiers of the state.

Ulster Performing Arts Center, photo by Em Walis.

The historic theatres of Upstate New York are essential to each city’s urban education opportunities, economic viability, and continuing attractiveness. John Parkhurst, Chief Operating Officer of the Rochester Broadway Theatre League commented, “The COVID-19 shutdown of nearly two years has impacted us greatly as an industry. We are coming back, all of us, but, frankly without this coalition it would have been much harder.” The coalition is helping these places become recognized, and be bettered.

Photo by Z-Toad

Members of the coalition include Bardavon 1896 Opera House (Poughkeepsie), Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Clemens Center (Elmira), Palace Performing Arts Center (Albany), Proctors Collaborative (Schenectady, Albany, Saratoga), Forum Theatre (Binghamton), The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts (Jamestown), Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s Auditorium Theatre (Rochester), Shea’s Performing Arts Center (Buffalo), The Smith Center for the Arts (Geneva), Stanley Theatre (Utica), State Theatre of Ithaca, Syracuse’s Landmark Theatre, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and Ulster Performing Arts Center (Kingston).

Proctors Theatre interior, photographed by Erica Miller.

These facilities combined have an average age of nearly 100 years and are keystones to the downtown areas of the cities they are in. They serve over 5 million people annually including thousands of students. Their economic impacts for upstates major downtowns exceed $350 million and their aggregate budgets exceed $100 million.

The Smith Center for the Arts, photo by Joe Booth.

In a meeting with local legislators and the Governor’s office, the response has been very supportive. The coalition is grateful for that response and hopes to reach all state elected officials to assure an annual appropriation that will allow its members to continue to be part of growing upstate downtowns guaranteeing accessibility for all citizens for years to come.

The Stanley Theatre.

Chris Silva, long-time Executive Director of the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie added, “This group of performing arts centers are economic, educational, and cultural engines in Upstate. We are hoping the state can make a modest investment in us that will pay huge dividends.” Upon meeting with local legislators and the Governor’s office, the response has been very supportive for the coalition’s efforts.

March 27, 2023