Archive: Arts & Entertainment

"PINK TALKING FISH are DEAD" will perform live at The State Theatre of Ithaca on Friday May 8, 2020. The exceptional tribute jam band will perform the music of Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads and Phish…and Grateful Dead tunes inspired by the treasured concert on Cornell's campus, exactly 43 years to the day of the original show.

On a snowy Mothers' Day in 1977, The Grateful Dead performed one of the most significant concerts of their extensive career at Barton Hall in Ithaca, New York. The Grateful Dead played more than 2,000 concerts, but none continue to spark interest and provoke discussion quite like the band's performance at Cornell University's Barton Hall on May 8, 1977. The show, known by most Deadheads as simply "5/8/77" is one of the most collected, circulated and debated concerts by any band ever, has topped numerous fan polls through the years, and was a favorite of the group's longtime archivist Dick Latvala, who stated: "Enough can't be said about this superb show." Even Uncle Sam got into the act in 2011 when the recording was "deemed so important to the history and culture of the United States" that a copy was added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry.

Pink Talking Fish is a Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act that takes the music from three of the world's most beloved bands and creates a special treat for fans of the music. Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish are all more than just bands... they are Phenomenons. Their creations have artistically inspired people and their mindblowing live performances have brought people together to form a special sense of community around the love for their favorite band. For one night only, PINK TALKING FISH will perform the music of Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads and Phish…and Grateful Dead tunes inspired by 5/8/77.

Since forming in 2013, Pink Talking Fish has played over 500 shows and has headlined numerous historic music venues throughout the country including The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, Irving Plaza in New York City, The Fox Theatre in Boulder, Colorado, The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco and The Vic Theatre in Chicago. Additionally, Pink Talking Fish has appeared at many prominent festivals including The Peach Music Festival, Jerry Jam, StrangeCreek Campout and The Buffalove Music Festival.

Now over 90 years old, the not-for-profit State Theatre of Ithaca depends on community support to host over 85 events a year including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Performers, world-renown classical composers, hilarious comedians, community performances and classic films. The annual "Benefit My State" concert is the State Theatre of Ithaca's biggest fundraiser of the year. This event will also feature a silent auction with over 25 unique, one-of-a-kind items offered to all patrons.

"Over the past nine years, The State Theatre's "Benefit My State" concerts have been a fun and productive way for the community to experience an exciting night of entertainment while supporting and celebrating The State Theatre of Ithaca," said Executive Director, Doug Levine. "Like all non-profit theaters, we can't rely on ticket sales alone. The funds raised through the "Benefit My State" concerts help us ensure a healthy future for this important community asset."

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