Archive: Arts & Entertainment

The State Theatre of Ithaca will shake, rattle, and roll on May 11 with some of the area's favorite musicians:  Black Castle, Sim Redmond Band, Boy with a Fish, The Double E, Uniit, and Jamie Notarthomas. The “R2Palooza” performance benefits Running to Places (R2P); all proceeds will go towards keeping participation in the non-profit theater company affordable for community youth. Doors open at 4:30 pm and the music begins at 5 pm. Food and local wine and beer will be available.

Jeff Claus of Boy with a Fish (also a member of Horseflies) says he’s donating his time because theatre and arts programs help youth feel connected to peers and thoughtful adults in their community.

“These programs are about participation, engagement, and contribution,” he says, “and they can involve and teach creative thought, hard work, commitment, responsibility to others, reflection, self worth, and a sense of completion and pride.”

Musician Uniit Carruyo agrees. "Community theatre was the anchor that grounded me when I was in middle and high school,” she says. “It's such a gift to watch some of the children I taught in early childhood now participating with confidence and pride in R2Ps productions. I'm happy to support R2P’s work."


“One thing I love most about the Ithaca community is that there is so much here for kids who are interested in the arts,” adds Amy Puryear of Double E. “Any way I can help to sustain and support access for kids to these arts, is my pleasure and my honor.”

Founded in 2007, R2P connects middle and high school students from across the Tompkins County area, teaching important life skills and strengthening community while creating great theatre. Since its founding in 2007, R2P has presented 32 shows, casting more than 1,000 area youth. With the opening of the new Just Be Cause Center for Non-Profits, R2P will soon have its own space for rehearsals, and has expanded its programming to include summer and year-long workshops in the theater arts.

Given the emphasis on quality in R2P’s musicals, it’s no surprise that R2Palooza features so much incredible local talent. There’s something for everyone in the range of styles: Black Castle’s 21st century reggae; Notarthomas’ thought-provoking  acoustics; Uniit’s Latin spin and country twist; The Double E’s country heart; Boy with a Fish’s quirky blend of folk-rock and Americana and the Sim Redmond Band’s fusion of roots-rock, Afro-Caribbean and reggae.

“The generosity of these musicians is deeply appreciated,” says Joey Steinhagen, Co-Artistic Director of Running to Places. “Not only do they make great music, they have great hearts.”

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