THE MOODY BLUES To conclude Boilermaker Weekend At The Stanley Sunday July 11, 2010
Date Posted: March 11th, 2010
UTICA, NY (March 11, 2010) - At today's Boilermaker Committee Meeting, it was announced that the legendary MOODY BLUES would provide the grand finale to the 2010 Boilermaker weekend with a concert at 7pm Sunday July 11 at The Stanley.
Tim Reed, Executive Director of the Boilermaker said, "The Boilermaker is excited to partner with The Stanley to offer a closing event for Boilermaker Week. The Moody Blues, like the Boilermaker, represent the best in class in their respective categories. Both have created life-long memories, established a dedicated fan base and have a proven ability to expand and grow over the long run. Many in the music industry have run the 50 yard dash of fame and faded from view; The Moody Blues have the stamina to still run 9.3 miles."
Rolling Stone magazine calls THE MOODY BLUES "the Sistine Chapel of popular music."
Since the 60's, as a part of the historic original British invasion of Supergroups, The Moody Blues have lit up the hearts and minds of millions of rock fans with inspiring anthems like Nights in White Satin, Tuesday Afternoon and I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band), that express universal themes of love, compassion and peace. The band's unique style of music consistently finds airplay on radio stations globally and continues to illuminate concert arenas around the world. From being immortalized on The Simpsonsto having their music featured in movies, television and in such national advertisement campaigns as this year's TV ad for VISA featuring Tuesday Afternoon,The Moody Blues are embedded in not only music history but in pop culture.
Since they first hit the rock scene with the release of their monumental 1967 album DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED,The Moody Blues have continued to produce music that bridges the gap between classical and pop-rock genres without ever wavering in their integrity and commitment. Featuring the altruistic inflections of guitarist/vocalist Justin Hayward, bassist/vocalist John Lodge and drummer Graeme Edge, The Moody Blues' sound has held its ground with exquisite harmonies over and over again, in a genre of music that is ever changing. Since their formation in England, The Moody Blues have created music time and time again that offers rock music a depth that is unprecedented and inspiring.
The Moody Blues have sold in excess of 70 million albums worldwide and have been awarded an astonishing 14 platinum and gold discs. Their incredible roster of hits include: Nights In White Satin, Ride My See Saw, The Story In Your Eyes, Isn't Life Strange, Question, I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band), Your Wildest Dreams, and I Know You're Out There Somewhere, to name a few. The Moody Blues' No. 1, Top 5, Top 10, Top 20, Top 40, Multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold albums and singles, have generated sold-old tours on a consistent basis over the course of several decades, making them one of the top-grossing album and touring bands in existence.
The Moodies released the Image Entertainment DVD and CD THE MOODY BLUES: LOVELY TO SEE YOU, LIVE in 2005, recorded at the historic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. This recording was pure Moody Blues, marking the first live performance recorded sans orchestra, since their historic 1969 live release THE MOODY BLUES LIVE +5.
In 2008, The Moody Blues and Universal Music Enterprises re-released the group's first seven albums, containing the band's legendary chart-topping singles of the 60's and 70's. Each re-release by UMe features exclusive bonus tracks, alternate versions, radio sessions and outtakes; telling a story about the progression of rock & roll while diving into further detail with the inclusion of live BBC recordings and bonus tracks.
With a 2009 tour in progress, the legacy of The Moody Blues continues to live on. As the world continues to revolve on its axis during any time of economic and political uncertainty, The Moody Blues have always been there to provide the world with live music that is engaging and appropriate to the times.
Tickets, priced from $24.50 to $86, go on sale Friday March 19 at The Stanley, 315 - 724 - 4000, online at www.StanleyTIX.com, and through ticketmaster,1 800 / 745 - 3000.
PILOBOLUS Dance Theater To take the Stanley Stage Saturday March 27, 2010
Date Posted: March 3rd, 2010
UTICA, NY (March 2, 2010) - The world-renowned Pilobolus Dance Theater will perform 8pm Saturday March 27, 2010 at The Stanley.
Since its founding in 1971, Pilobolus Dance Theater is famous for its imaginative and athletic exploration of creative collaboration. They perform on stage and on television all over the world, and they are remembered for their popular appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Academy Awards Show of 2007 (hosted by Ellen DeGeneres), and on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
They have also won prestigious dance awards all around the world, including a prime-time Emmy for outstanding achievement in cultural programming.
Lesley Stahl, in her 2006 CBS Sixty Minutes piece, called Pilobolus "the dance company for those that don't like dance& and for those that do."
The company called themselves Pilobolus (named after a peculiar kind of fungus) as they broke "all the rules" of dance when they started at Dartmouth College in 1971. They are best known for their signature entanglements of human bodies that become a kind of living sculpture.
"This evening of Pilobolus Dance Theater will be friendly, daring, and fun," says John Faust, Stanley Theatre Manager. "Truly this will live up to our slogan of "Live on the Edge of Your Seat". We are working with the company to have them present their most innovative and family friendly pieces in their repertoire on March 27.
The physical vocabularies of Pilobolus works are not drawn from the traditions of codified dance movement, but are invented, emerging from intense periods of improvisation and creative play.
"...The purest Pilobolus experiences have involved metamorphosis. We see both physicality and illusion. Bodies become imagery, and one image merges into another, poetically, inexplicably," wrote Alistair MacCaulay in the New York Times.
Tickets, priced from $20 to $50, are now on sale at the Stanley, 724-4000, online at www.StanleyTIX.com, and through ticketmaster, 1 800-745-3000.
MetLife is the official tour sponsor for Pilobolus Dance Theater.
LEWIS BLACK Live Onstage at The Stanley "In God We Rust" Tour Friday June 11, 2010
Date Posted: March 2nd, 2010
UTICA, NY (March 2, 2010) - Prolific funny man, actor, author, and stand-up comedian/ranter LEWIS BLACK will be live onstage as part of his IN GOD WE RUST tour at The Stanley, Utica 8pm Friday June 11, 2010.
He is the author of pithy comments such as "Republicans are a party with bad ideas and Democrats are a party with no ideas." He describes his comedy as "being on the Titanic every single day and being the only person who knows what is going to happen."
Lewis' live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. Lewis yells so they don't have to. He is a passionate performer who is a more pissed-off optimist than mean-spirited curmudgeon. Lewis is the rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh themselves into incontinence while making compelling points about the absurdity of our world.
LEWIS BLACK came into national prominence in his appearances on THE DAILY SHOW in 1996 after settling in New York City and working as a playwright and with other playwrights at the West Bank Cafe.
His appearances on THE DAILY SHOW led to four specials on Comedy Central. In 2001, he won the Best Male Stand-Up at the American Comedy Awards. He has also produced six comedy CD albums, including the 2007 Grammy-Award winning The Carnegie Hall Performance.
LEWIS BLACK has also written two best-selling books, Nothing Sacred and Me of Little Faith, and has appeared in the movies Accepted and Unaccompanied Minors.
He also is actively involved in many charities, including the 52nd Street Project, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Brady Center to End Violence.
"We are so fortunate to land this June 11 date for LEWIS BLACK," says John Faust, Stanley Theatre Manager. "He performs over 200 sold-out dates world wide, and this date just fits in with his schedule. We have been working for some time to get LEWIS BLACK at The Stanley at the request of his many fans."
Tickets, priced from $30 to $60, go on sale Monday March 15 at The Stanley, 724-4000, online at www.StanleyTIX.com, and ticketmaster 1 800 / 745-3000.
SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE To Warm Up a Cold Winter's Night at The Stanley
Date Posted: February 8th, 2010
Utica, NY (February 8, 2010) - Smokey Joe's Cafetakes the stage at The Stanley at 8pm Saturday February 20, 2010! Come and heat up the night with the classic songs of rock n' roll with all of your friends.
Featuring celebrated hits such as JAILHOUSE ROCK and HOUND DOG, the smash Broadway revue Smokey Joe's Cafewill feature nearly forty of your favorite legendary rock 'n roll songs.
The songwriting duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller practically invented "rock n' roll". Their timeless songs provide the basis for this electrifying entertainment that had critics raving and audiences stampeding the box office during its record-breaking Broadway run. This show was a Tony nominee for Best Musical in 1995.
Join a talented ensemble of eight artists as they rock, roll and sing their way through the many hits that will have the audience dancing in the aisles. LOVE POTION #9, ON BROADWAY, and TEACH ME HOW TO SHIMMY, just to name a few, are all part of this unrivaled revue.
Tickets are available at the Stanley, 724 - 4000, at www.StanleyTIX.com, and through ticketmaster 1- 800 - 745 - 3000.
This event is sponsored by M&T Bank.
The Artwork of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani January 22 - March 22
Date Posted: January 8th, 2010
Utica, NY (January 8, 2010) The artwork of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani will be on view at The Stanley in the Loretta M. Romano Room Gallery beginning January 20 through March 22, 2010.The opening reception will take place on Friday, January 22 from 5pm-7pm where we will be joined by special guestsJimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani; Linda Hattendorf, Director of The Cats of Mirikitani; and Masa Yoshikawa, Co-Producer of The Cats of Mirikitani.
Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani is a fiercely independent, 89-year-old Japanese American artist who lost his family and friends to the United States internment camps during World War II and Hiroshima's atomic bombing. He has survived the trauma of those two significant events and homelessness by creating art every day.
This remarkable exhibition about the art and life of Mr. Mirikitani is a poignant exploration of the lasting impacts of war and discrimination, and the healing power of creativity.
Join us for complimentary beer, wine, soda and refreshments as we celebrate the brilliant works of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani.
The exhibit is sponsored by the John Winter Family Fund. The reception is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Utica.
Gallery hours are 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday and during events at The Stanley. The Stanley is located on 259 Genesee Street in downtown Utica, NY.
For more information about this exhibit, please contact The Stanley's Education Manager, Serena Belmont at 724-1113 or sbelmont@StanleyCenterForTheArts.com.
See Everyday Ordinary...Turn Bright & Extraordinary CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION COMING TO THE STANLEY January 17, 2010
Date Posted: January 6th, 2010
Utica, NY (January 6, 2010) - Get ready for the all-new CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION from the creators of the groundbreaking hit and only show of its kind to ever perform on Broadway, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy. Hailed as, "Dazzling! A reason to stand up and cheer", by the New York Daily News, CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION will ignite Utica, New York when it performs at The Stanley at 4pm on Sunday January 17, 2010 for one performance only. Tickets are on sale now.
Journey with fascination into the depths of a city that ignites with illumination when Cirque Dreamsimagination, suspense and theatrical innovation turns EVERYDAY ORDINARY...INTO BRIGHT AND EXTRAORDINARY! Audiences of all ages will marvel as city dwellers reinvent familiar objects, balance on wires, leap tall buildings and redefine the risks of flight in a story filled with astounding occurrences. One of a kind artists populate the streets of this magical metropolis and breathe energy into its landscape with urban acrobatics and never before seen phenomenal thrills of disbelief. Cirque Dreams critically acclaimed dazzling costumes come alive to the sounds of jazz, ballroom, pop and more in this original score. CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION will surely live up to the Cirque Dreams brand of notoriety proclaimed "The grandest circus spectacle east of Vegas" by New York Magazine.
Created and directed by Neil Goldberg, CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION is the latest brainchild of Goldberg's theatrical imagination and the Cirque Dreams brand of entertainment, creators of international performance, touring and Broadway sensations Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Cirque Dreams Pandemonia, Cirque Dreams Coobrila, Cirque Ingenieux, and the first show of its kind at sea...Cirque Dreams & Dinner on board the Norwegian Cruise Line EPIC. Over 50 million fans have attended a Cirque Dreams show throughout the U.S. and abroad in the past 5 years.
CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION is the company's 14th production since originating in 1993. "The Cirque Dreams brand of quality, originality and value combined with Broadway theatrics and international circus artistry continues to transcend imagination and appeal to audiences of all ages," says Goldberg. Critics and audiences alike have praised Cirque Dreams shows as "A whiz-bang family friendly spectacle" (LA Times), "Pure talent on a stage" (New Yorker) and "Executed to perfection." (Chicago Sun Times).
"Last year's presentation of Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy was a great success, and audiences asked for a repeat performance soon. We are most pleased to oblige by presenting the new production from CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION," says John Faust, Stanley Theatre Manager. "We are able to program this at a family friendly time of 4pm on a Sunday afternoon."
Tickets for CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION are now on sale at the Stanley Ticket Office, 724 - 4000, online at www.StanleyTIX.com, and through Ticketmaster at 1 - 800 / 745 - 3000.
Group discounts for 20 people or more are available by calling the Stanley at 724 - 4000.
For more information, visit: www.cirqueproductions.com.
GROUP SALES DISCOUNT TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR An Evening with Marvin Hamlisch
Date Posted: November 9th, 2009
UTICA, NY (November 9, 2009) - RESERVE your 20% discount today for An Evening with Marvin Hamlisch presented by Valley Health Services (VHS) and The Stanley at 8pm on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at The Stanley! Put your group of 10 or more together and savor a "pops spectacular" as Mr. Hamlisch performs, plays and directs a hit parade of his most famous songs and scores. Ticket prices eligible for the 20% group discount range from $25 each to $60 per person.
Join Marvin Hamlisch, winner of three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, and a Tony - as well as a shared Pulitzer Prize for A Chorus Line - as he leads an evening of pops favorites like "The Way We Were", "Nobody Does It Better", and "What I Did For Love" along with hits from his musicals and films like They're Playing Our Song,The Goodbye Girl, The Sting, Take the Money and Run and most recently, The Informant. As a well-known and frequent pops conductor, Mr. Hamlisch will be accompanied by the Utica Symphony Orchestra.
CALL NOW for your special 20% group discount to see Marvin Hamlisch at The Stanley for his only Central New York performance this fall and consider a VIP Package for this evening of exceptional entertainment. Enjoy a rolling buffet dinner at the Fort Schuyler Club located on Genesee Street across from The Stanley; orchestra seating; and a reception in the Romano Room following the performance where refreshments will be served and Mr. Hamlisch will meet and greet guests. Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of VHS as a special VIP all for the incredible price of only $125 per person.
VIP tickets, group sale discount tickets and regular admission tickets are available at The Stanley by calling 724-4000. Individual tickets may be purchased at the Stanley Ticket Office, www.StanleyTix.com, and ticketmaster charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. If you would like more information regarding this memorable evening with one of the greatest entertainers of our time, please contact Peg Scarano, Coordinator of PR and Development at Valley Health Services at 866-3330 ext. 129.
This event will support both organizations and is possible through the lead sponsorship of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Utica Region, along with additional support from Pharmacy Solutions, Inc. of CCRx of NY, Brown and Brown Insurance, National Grid, P.J. Green, Inc., Nexstar, Regent Broadcasting, and the Utica Observer Dispatch.
Stanley Manager John Faust part of "It Takes a Village" Theatre Restoration Forum At Proctors, Schenectady
Date Posted: October 28th, 2009
UTICA, NY (October 28, 2009) - The League of Historic American Theatres hosted their annual Fall Forum at the Proctors Theatre in Schenectady October 18 and 19, 2009.
As a part of the forum on the local impact of the restoration and operation of historic theatres, John Faust was part of a panel discussion. The topic was how to grow the use of a historic theatre while at the same time respecting the historic character of the theatre.
Also on the panel with Mr. Faust was Frank Gilmore, the architect for the expansion of the Proctors theatre complex. Both panelists traded insights on each of their projects, and additional comments were made by Philip Morris, the CEO of Proctors; Fran Holden, the Executive Director of the League, and other forum attendees.
The discussion ranged from the gamut of branding (and re-branding) of historic theatres, the types of events staged in these venues, and how audience expectations of theatres is changing and how historic theatres can adapt to these changes.
Over twenty-five participants from all over the US attended this forum, from theatres the size of the Stanley and Proctors (2,500 + seats) to smaller theatres in smaller markets, all in various stages of restoration and re-use. There were representatives from Rome, NY; Essex, NY; Oneonta, NY; Elmira, NY; Boston, MA; Covallis, OR; Galveston, TX; Lakeland, FL; and Pittsburg, KS.
"This was a splendid opportunity to get our message out," said Mr. Faust. "The Stanley is living proof that the expansion of both the physical plant and its programming can have a positive impact on downtown economies, but both can be done in a manner respectful of the architectural and historic character of the original theatre. This was also an opportunity to exchange ideas and success stories with other leaders in the field."
Mr. Faust is a board member of the League of Historic American Theatres.
CALL FOR ENTRIES: 12th Annual Regional Art Exhibition At The Stanley
Date Posted: October 23rd, 2009
UTICA, NY (October 23, 2009) - The Stanley Center for the Arts is seeking submissions for the 12th Annual Regional Art Exhibition to be on view in The Stanley's Loretta M. Romano Room Gallery beginning November 18 - December 17, 2009.
This year's theme: No Theme!
Any artist 18 years of age or older living within a 50-mile radius of Utica is eligible. Each artist may enter one or two original, two-dimensional works, not to exceed 48" in any direction. Media include oil, acrylic, watercolor, graphics, pastel, mixed media and photography, not previously shown in the Stanley Center for the Arts (SCA) gallery.
Artwork drop-off times are from 1pm-4pm on Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 12. Non-refundable entry fees of $15 for one work and $20 for two works is required at the time of drop off.
Free showings of Gregory Peck's Classic To Kill a Mockingbird to school groups on Tuesday October 27, 2009 At The Stanley
Date Posted: October 22nd, 2009
Utica, NY (October 22, 2009) - In observance of National Pro Bono Law Week, the Pro Bono Committee of the Oneida County Bar Association with the law firm of Cosentino, Snyder and Quinn is sponsoring two special showings of the Gregory Peck classic film To Kill a Mockingbird at The Stanley, downtown Utica.
The first free showing is scheduled for 10am Tuesday October 27, and school groups are invited to attend. The showing is open and free to all school groups, but reservations must be made in advance by calling The Stanley at 724 - 4000 or by email at jfaust@StanleyCenterForTheArts.com.
The second free showing will be at 7pm Tuesday October 27 for anyone who wishes to come. No tickets are required in advance, and the doors will open at 6:30pm.
Directed by Robert Mullligan from the classic novel by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of a lawyer in a small Southern town in the 1932 who defends a black man against an undeserved rape teaches his children about prejudice.
The story is told through the eyes of Scout, the six year old tomboy daughter of Atticus Finch (Peck), the small town lawyer and widower who defends the unpopular while raising his children.
To Kill a Mockingbird was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning three for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, and Best Actor - Gregory Peck, who says it was his finest movie role.
"We are most excited to be sponsoring these free showings to the community, Donald Snyder of Cosentino, Snyder and Quinn said. "The hero of this movie - Atticus Finch, as embodied by Gregory Peck, sets an example for all of us in the legal profession."
"This popular movie was meant to be seen on the big screen so audiences can empathize with the characters as this story is told through their eyes", adds John Faust, Stanley Theatre Manager. "We are looking forward to having this film bring on even more serious discussions about justice and law in our society."
Reservations for the free 10am school showing are on a first come, first served basis. Reservations will be taken until Monday October 26 or the capacity of the theatre is filled, whichever comes first.
