Artpark promises complete season of entertainment

Preview by Joshua Maloni
Niagara Frontier Publications, May 8, 2008

In the wake of the television writers’ strike, the last thing anyone wants is more reruns.

For a while there, it seemed as if Artpark was going back to the future with its 2008 “Tuesday in the Park” concert series. An early look revealed a handful of acts, recently heard at the Lewiston venue, booked for a return engagement this summer. That list included David Clayton-Thomas (2004), Michael McDonald (2005), Dickey Betts (2006) and America (2007). Bringing bands back is not a bad thing, of course, and most Artpark-goers wouldn’t mind seeing any of the aforementioned. However, in the wake of an intensely creative 2007 season – a summer of acts ranging from The Tragically Hip to Kenny Loggins to the Barenaked Ladies to Rebecca St. James – a list of two-timers would’ve seemed a bit uninspired.

Thankfully, Artpark President George Osborne had a few surprises up his sleeve. At a press conference announcing the venue’s season on Wednesday, he revealed a bevy of fresh acts are also signed to perform “Tuesdays” at the state park. That includes such out-of-the-box acts as Bret Michaels (of Poison, and VH1’s “Rock of Love”), country music superstar Trisha Yearwood, late ’70s prog-rockers Kansas and jam band Gov’t Mule.

“Because we’re dependent on profit (outdoor concerts are free), we have to please our sponsors; we have to draw a crowd so that we can pay for the bands,” Osborne said.

“I think we did remarkably well,” he said of his team’s booking efforts. “I think it’s the strongest schedule we’ve ever had.”

That’s certainly true of “Wednesdays on the Gorge,” which boasts its most impressive lineup to date. The 3-year-old series stands poised to create a more youthful feel at Artpark with headliners including moe., Sam Roberts, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and Sass Jordan.

“We looked at a lot of bands that could appeal to younger fans,” Osborne said.

For the fifth year in a row, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will spend July at Artpark. “By George By Gershwin” kicks off a 10-show schedule that will include “The Tango Returns” with Music Director JoAnn Falletta, the Neglia Ballet and “A Salute to John Williams.”

“All-in-all, this is a season to celebrate,” BPO Associate Executive Director Steven Baker said.

The “Big Band” series has morphed into “Dancin’ in the Park.” Patrons will sway to the Kings of Swing (June 30) and dance to the sounds of Sal Andolina and the Artie Shaw Tribute (July 28). For those indoor performances, and for certain outdoor concerts in the amphitheatre, Artpark has added a parquet dance floor.

In August, “Beauty and the Beast” begins a two-week run in the Mainstage Theater. Director Randall Kramer and Choreographer Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, fresh from their work on last season’s critically acclaimed “Aida,” will helm the Disney musical. The show will feature a cast of local actors and Broadway players.

“Last year, we set a new standard, artistically, with ‘Aida,’ ” Osborne said. “(‘Beauty and the Beast’ is) a bigger show. It’s going to be better.”

With “Aida,” Artpark saw a 79 percent increase in theatergoers. Osborne is confident that trend will continue with “Beauty and the Beast.”

“We think that will be a series of performances … that everyone will want to see,” he said.

Artpark is offering ticket packages for those interested in attending both “Beauty and the Beast” and BPO performances. There will also be packages tied-in with the Shaw Festival in Canada.

In addition to a jam-packed slate of concerts and special events, Artpark offers a full summer of youth programming with its Family Weekends and Children’s Camp Adventures series.

“2008 is going to be a very exciting season at Artpark,” said Chris Brown, Artpark’s board chairman.

For more information on Artpark’s season, visit www.wnypapers.com. For ticket information, call 754-9000 or visit www.artpark.net.

Press Release: Artpark Announces Unforgettable 2008 Season!