Volunteer picnic - July 16, 2011

Summer is a time wind down, spend time outdoors, and for us a time to throw a darn good picnic for our dedicated volunteers. This past Saturday on July 16th over 70 volunteers and staff gathered at Lewis Morris Park for our annual picnic where we celebrated our volunteers for their hard work, customer service, and beautiful smiles.

In case you missed it, here's a rundown of the events. First, let's start with the food. The typical fare was provided- burgers, hot dogs, wings, and sausage. But we're not going to talk about the typical fare. We are going to talk about the wonderful dishes brought by our volunteers, who despite the fact the picnic was being done for them, still went above and beyond to bring stuff of their own just to make the day a little more special...and boy we are sure glad they did! Pasta salads made from family recipes were shared as well as various Mexican dips. A fan favorite was Sandy Bolan's blueberry pie. Staff member and operations manager Tim McMurray got in on the action providing a cous cous salad with feta cheese. There is even talk of putting together a volunteer recipe book to share the many tasty dishes that were enjoyed that day!

Games are also a highlight of all picnics which everyone made the most of by taking advantage of the sunny day to play. Volunteer Milt Goldband & Bob Terlizzi proved their atlethicism playing frisbee while others joined staff and family members for a wiffle ball game.

But what completed the day was the celebration of our volunteers. Capturing Rookie of the Year was Christina Capsouras. Volunteer of the Year with over 122 performances volunteered this season was Mina Rizzo. Three volunteers, Carol Moss, Jack Zybura and Donna Parris got their names on seat plaques for volunteering at 100 plus performances.

Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers. You truly are an integral part of enjoying performances at the Mayo Performing Arts Center and we couldn't get through the season without you.

2011 - 2012 Season Staff picks

So much goes into planning a season. From searching to booking, it's just as exciting behind the scenes as it is to attend our lineup of concerts and performances. And with all the great shows this season we decided to share with you some our staff picks - because after all it's rewarding for us to know all the water cooler talk about what's in the works has come to fruition.

Anne Van Druff - Marketing Manager
Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Friday, September 9, 2011 at 8 pm
I am so psyched for Kenny Wayne Shepherd! "Blue on Black" is one of my favorite songs and it
brings me back to my college days when it was always on the radio.

Ed Kirchdoerffer - General Manager
I’m drawn to comedy, so here are a couple that I am looking forward to seeing…

David Sedaris - Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 8 pm
I have seen David perform three times, and even drove him once from the hotel to the Theatre. He is a very funny guy with an absurd sense of humor. He’s also a very gracious and nice person, who takes his time signing books and personalizing it.

Jim Gaffigan - Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 7 pm and 9:30 pm
A few years ago, Jim was supposed to be a surprise artist at a Manhattan Comedy Night but cancelled. Finally, we are getting him. I can only hope he does his Hot Pockets bit. If you haven’t seen it, You Tube it.

Celebrity Autobiography - Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 8 pm
Celebrity Autobiography intrigues me, and we can’t wait to find out who is in the cast. The Intergalactic Nemesis (Jan 29) is another one that I am very curious about – it’s a comic book live on stage, with sound effects, images and everything. Could be really cool. I’m also circling Tracy Morgan, Mike Birbiglia and Lisa Lampanelli.

Irene Pazzani - Programming Development Manager

Joan Baez – Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 8 pm
A legend in her own time. One of the most influential singer/songwriters of our time. What more do you need to say.

Bobby Collins – Friday, January 13, 2012 at 8 pm
Bobby tells stories that everyone can relate to, and find the humor every situation from family, friends, work and even pets. He’s very animated and doesn’t find the need to be “risqué” and dirty. You pretty much start laughing from the moment he hits the stage.

Super Diamond – Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 8 pm
Hands down, the BEST tribute band of anyone. You actually think you’re seeing Neil Diamond - and you actually just might, as Neil has occasion, hopped up onstage with Super Diamond to sing a few of his own songs! You have no idea how many Neil Diamond songs you actually have floating around in your head until you start hearing them and wind up singing along.


Cory Ness – Programming Assistant

The Miles Davis Experience - Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 8 pm
I’m very excited for The Miles Davis Experience show, particularly with the cool multimedia clips projected behind the performers- many of which are rare images from the Miles Davis estate!

Yo La Tengo — Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 8 pm
All modern indie rock acts owe a nod of respect to Yo La Tengo, who have been reinventing pop music for almost 20 years.

Mike Birbiglia - Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 8 pm
This may be the not-to-be-missed comedy show of the season. Catch him before he explodes on the scene!


Anthony Scareon - Assistant to the President & CEO

In the Heights - Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 8 pm
In my opinion, the greatest musical ever written! Saw it 3 times on Broadway and there’s a reason why it won the 2009 Tonys for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestration.

The musical exemplifies what I’m all about- incorporating hip hop culture with musical theatre, Spanglish playwright, salsa and break dancing, rhythmic artistic poetry via dialogue- as well as strong vocals filled with passion and romance. It embodies the dream that everyone that grows up in inner city America has- how to rise above the poverty and struggle; focus on your ambitions, goals, love and the pursuit of eternal bliss.

It’s a musical, a witty comedy and a great love story. Enjoyed by various generations and ethnic backgrounds- it appeals to all.


Boyz II Men - Friday, June 1, 2012 at 8 pm
One of the greatest acapella and R&B groups of all time that gained their exposure due to the success of their mentors and predecessors, New Edition, at the height of the New Jack Swing Era of Pop/R&B music. Boyz II Men performed songs that every generation, both men and women- as well as every ethnic background could relate to and enjoy. The sound was innovative and cross-pollinated R&B, Doo Wop and pop ballads, as well as combining decades of soul music together. One of my personal favorites, due to the fact that they were the soundtrack to my generation’s “slow jams” at our high school dances and fond memories of that time period of my life.