Sunday, September 18, 2016

The Kirby at 30 Sean McKeag | Times Leader The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts has illuminated downtown Wilkes-Barre since 1986 and has been a bright spot on the city’s business and cultural communities. The Kirby Center has been the gold standard for events, but it started humbly – with a meeting between two giants

By Bill O’Boyle [email protected]

WILKES-BARRE — It was sometime in the mid-1980s when Gus Genetti heard a knock on his offi ce door. Genetti, whose family has owned and operated a hotel/convention center in downtown Wilkes-Barre since 1979 — the same hotel that opened in 1906 as the Reddington — got up from his desk and walked to the door. “When I opened (it), there was nobody there — until I looked down,” Genetti said. There, at his door, on his hands and knees, was Al Boscov, who had File Photos purchased the former “Fowler, Dick & In photo at left, Kirby Center catalyst Walker — The Boston Store” in 1980, Al Boscov, left, enjoys opening night at when he changed its name to Boscov’s. the venue on Sept. 19, 1986, with F.M. Al Boscov, who said he had seen a Kirby II and Kirby’s wife, Walker. In photo tremendous void in the downtown since above, the Times Leader front page from the former Paramount Theater closed the following day. in 1977, was there to ask Genetti, and eventually hundreds of others in the not just to the Paramount and fi ne arts, a Barnes & Noble, a movie theater and tial spending of $1.73 million at down- community, for help. but in areas such as health care, educa- the promise of a new hotel/convention town businesses every year. “Mr. Boscov crawled into my offi ce, tion, religion and recreation. center have, at the very least, improved And the number of stage perfor- and he made his case why we needed to The family made its fi rst big impact the look of center city, and all venues mances at the Kirby has increased by 26 reopen the Paramount,” in the business community when Kir- have attracted visitors. percent over the past fi ve years, going Genetti said. “It worked, by’s grandfather, Fred M. Kirby, opened Wico van Genderen, president and from 82 in 2010 to 103 in 2015. not just with me, but with his fi rst fi ve-and-dime store — Kirby chief executive offi cer of the Greater There have been 98 performances this just about everybody he and Woolworth — in Wilkes-Barre Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business & year, with more to come, Beekman said, approached. He was quite in 1884 on East Market Street. (F.M. Industry, said he has been to several adding that the shows nowadays are a guy then, and he still is Kirby II died in 2011.) places across the country and outside more diverse and more likely to be ones today.” As for the family’s donation to the of it, and he said the Kirby Center is that people in this region will attend. Boscov headed a fund- new performing-arts center, the amount a “diamond asset” for the community, “I think the key point here is that we Genetti raising team that raised was never specifi ed but was described both for its citizens and its businesses. are more active than ever in terms of about $3.3 million to as “extremely generous.” “And if the last three years under presenting our own concerts, family transform the shuttered, Nowadays, the Kirby Center — a Will Beekman’s leadership is any indica- shows and theatrical performances,” dark Paramount Theater into the F.M. non-profi t organization that this month tion, it will not only continue to grow Beekman said. “In past years, our Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, is celebrating its 30th anniversary — stronger, but will continue to make our schedule consisted mostly of fi lms and which opened on Sept. 19, 1986. is “more fi nancially stable than ever Public Square and downtown more performances that were coming in from That’s when the lights, as Genetti before,” according to Will Beekman, the vibrant,” he said. outside renters.” said, went on in downtown Wilkes- venue’s director since 2013. Beekman said that when attending Van Genderen said the refurbishment Barre. Over the years, the Kirby has drawn a performance, the theater’s patrons and reopening of the Kirby Center in The new venue was named in honor hundreds of thousands of people to spend an average of an additional $25 1986 was in many ways a turning point of businessman Fred M. Kirby II downtown, sparking a resurgence of per person at downtown restaurants for a city that had faced many hardships because of the Kirby family’s numerous Public Square and the immediate arter- and bars, parking or taxi services and in the 1970s and ’80s. benevolent contributions to the region, ies that feed into it. Restaurants, shops, child-care services. That equals a poten- See KIRBY | 12

Times Leader Sparkling onstage in Wilkes-Barre File Photos NEPA Philharmonic, 1999

Annie, 1991

Jethro Tull, 2001

George W. Bush, 2004 B.B. King, 2000 Coughlin graduation, 2013 2 SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 KIRBY CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY TIMES LEADER OUR VIEW 1938: Planting Kirby’s seeds 30 years later, By Mary Therese Biebel [email protected] Kirby Center WILKES-BARRE — If you scroll through the still glowing pages of Wilkes-Barre newspapers from 1938, Oh, those glorious lights. you’ll fi nd such chilling More than 900 bulbs add the glimmer to headlines as “Austrian the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Nazis Defi ant” and “Hit- Arts’ canopy, conveying to passers-by a sense ler Orders More Power of glamour about the place and calling atten- For Attacks on England.” tion to what – for 30 years – has been one of Closer to home, city Wilkes-Barre’s most appreciated bright spots. police searched for a “When the Kirby opened (in 1986), they gunman who had shot were the only lights on downtown. … There three people, and they wasn’t hardly anything else,” area hotelier Gus found him hiding under a Genetti has said. feather tick. The entertainment venue on Public Square Also, the Comerford became a community rallying point during the theater chain opened a 1970s and ’80s, and it remains a shining exam- luxurious fl agship on Pub- ple of what is possible when area residents lic Square. work together. The building would Formerly a movie house, the art deco struc- become the F.M. Kirby ture paved the way in many respects for sub- Center for the Performing sequent revitalization efforts in the city’s hub. Arts in 1986, but in its Consequently, the Kirby Center’s milestone original form, it promised anniversaries – 20 years, 25 years, and now to be a palatial attraction three decades – act not so much to mark the where audience members longevity of a theater, but to commemorate a could put aside their spirit. troubles. The building once seemed to be destined for “All roads lead to the a wrecking ball, but in 2015, the Kirby for the Comerford,” the chain fi rst time cracked Pollstar magazine’s Top 200 announced in August ranking of theaters, based on ticket sales for 1938 in one of several the year. It was listed at No. 114. full-page advertisements “We are not yet where we want to be,” Kirby in The Evening News, a Center Executive Director Will Beekman said forerunner of the Times at the time. “But we’re very proud of how far Leader. we have come.” A shimmering chande- Photos courtesy of Kirby Center Archives In the mid-year rankings for 2016, the Kirby lier, rose-colored windows Visitors mill around in front of the Comerford Theatre in downtown Wilkes-Barre before a screening is 99th. and air conditioning were of the theater’s opening film in 1938. Inset above: ‘All roads lead to the Comerford,’ according to this advertisement from August 1938, when the theater opened. Opened to the public in August 1938, the among the attractions, lavishly decorated destination was known as along with a taste of the erford basement. the Comerford Theatre. It was outfi tted with glamorous Hollywood The new The Michael Comerford Comerford air conditioning, hearing-aid-equipped seats world of Don Ameche, who brought the Comer- and “a nursery with a matron,” according to listed such ford Theatre — complete Alice Faye and Tyrone upcoming the Kirby Center’s website, www.kirbycenter. Power, all of whom films as ‘Too with a basement “nurs- org. starred in “Alexander’s Hot to Handle’ ery” — to Wilkes-Barre Ownership of the movie house changed in Ragtime Band,” the fi rst with Clark was born in 1865 in the 1949; it became known as the Paramount The- movie shown at the new Gable and village of Heckscherville ater. The building survived as a single-screen Myrna Loy, Comerford Theatre. in Schuylkill County, cinema for nearly three decades, then mostly and many raised in Plymouth, and Five screenings of the other shows. fell into disuse. It sometimes served as the site fi lm were scheduled for eventually settled in the of closed-circuit-television boxing matches. opening day, one after the Scranton area. Residents started a grass-roots movement other, starting at 1 p.m. According to a family in the 1970s to spare the building from likely And, in an attempt “to history at comerfordfam- demolition, and even got it added to the curb fantastic reports” that ily.blogspot.com, his National Register of Historic Places. tickets would be “as high parents were John and Then, in 1985, department store magnate as $10,” the newspaper Catherine Comerford, Albert Boscov famously led an effort to raise said the Comerford would originally from County more than $3 million to rehabilitate the struc- charge 25 cents per adult Kilkenny in Ireland, and ture, which took the name of one of the fund- Movies starring his father worked as a and 15 cents per child at Fred Astaire and raising campaign’s biggest benefactors, Fred matinees, and 50 cents Ginger Rogers, coal miner. Michael was M. Kirby II. Patrons in tuxedos and fur coats and 25 cents, respectively, as well as many the seventh of their 10 attended the opening-night gala on Sept. 19, in the evenings. other Hollywood children and later married 1986. “I pledge you that upon luminaries, a woman named Margaret would appear at During its inaugural season, the Kirby Cen- this screen and stage you Walters. ter reportedly lost more than $50,000. For the Comerford Before the age of and yours shall always Theatre on much of its fi rst decade, the center’s continued fi nd clean, wholesome Wilkes-Barre’s motion pictures, Comer- existence was considered iffy, jeopardized by entertainment,” Michael Public Square. ford operated vaudeville funding cuts, administrative miscues and fi ckle E. Comerford, head of the theaters, but, by the late audiences. 1930s, technology was movie chain, promised People loved going to If you did make it to Since those early days, there have been in an open letter to the the movies in the 1930s the Comerford, however, changing the entertain- management turnovers and building make- people of Wilkes-Barre. and 1940s, according it was very nice, accord- ment industry. overs, including updates courtesy of a “Take Some of that early to local historian Clark ing to Edwin Davies, Movie projectors and Your Seats, Please” campaign conducted to entertainment, as Switzer. a 105-year-old Jenkins screens went into a Com- commemorate the Kirby’s 20th anniversary. A described in the adver- “There are a lot of sto- Township resident who erford he opened on Sept. scrolling marquee sign has been added. tisements of the day, ries about people going said his favorite actor was 16, 1937, in Scranton. And, each year, the shows go on. included the movie “Too into the theater and stay- cowboy star Tom Mix. Almost a year later, on “It’s the place we go to see comedian Gal- Hot to Handle,” starring ing most of the day,” he The late Margaret Mary Aug. 18, 1938, it was lagher whack a watermelon and philharmonic Clark Gable and Myrna said. Fischer, of Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes-Barre’s turn. conductor Lawrence Loh coax heartache from Loy, and “Sweethearts,” But even if the Com- told a reporter in 2007 Unfortunately, Michael a violin,” the Times Leader editorialized ear- starring Jeanette Mac- erford charged only 15 that she enjoyed movies Comerford wouldn’t have lier this year. Donald and Nelson Eddy. cents for a child at a mati- that showcased Shirley much time to attend mov- We attend weddings at the Kirby. Com- Famous vocalists, includ- nee, not everyone could Temple tap dancing, ies in the newest theater mencement ceremonies, too. Its elegant audi- ing Bing Crosby and “Par- afford it. Deanna Durbin singing, to bear his name. He died torium is where we celebrate our successes amount’s new kid fi nd, “We had 12 children in and Esther Williams in January 1939 — fi ve and share our humanity through music, magic, Donald O’Connor,” would the family, and we didn’t swimming in water bal- months after it opened — movies, dance and other forms of expression. appear in “a racing riot of go to movies very much,” lets. Fischer also recalls in Miami, Fla. At 30, the Kirby Center continues to be a laughter” called “Sing You said Frances Mercincav- playing on “swings and Reach Mary Therese Biebel at 570- beacon for this community. Sinners.” age, 94, of Exeter. teeter-totters” in the Com- 991-6109 or on Twitter @BiebelMT May its glow never dim. Congratulation o 30 Year of Excellenc ! C.W. Schultz & Sons, Inc. The Service Experts Since 1921 PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING & PLUMBING NEEDS

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80771889 4 SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 KIRBY CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY TIMES LEADER Kirby Center draws admiration in industry By Jerry Lynott vaudeville shows. [email protected] “Over the years it has grown and blossomed, said Melissa WILKES-BARRE — Know- Stradnick, public relations ing the market as he does, John manager for Hershey Entertain- Cardoni wants to see the Kirby ment. Center succeed. The 1,904-seat venue placed It’s in his best interest, even 82nd on the Pollstar mid-year though Cardoni serves as gen- list with 46,097 tickets sold. eral manager of the Scranton Stradnick said the theater holds Cultural Center. more than 75 events annually. “I think … all the halls in the “We are very fortunate. We region, we respect each other have very few dark days,” in terms of what we’re trying to Stradnick said, adding that the do,” Cardoni said. theater has good relationships The Kirby Center is a venue with booking agents, artists like to look up to in the Northeast, to return to the venue, and it’s according to Cardoni and other located three hours from several theater executives. big cities. Cardoni said he doesn’t see The Kirby, on the other hand, the Cultural Center as a com- started in 1938 as a movie the- petitor to the similarly sized ater that was converted into a downtown Wilkes-Barre venue performance space. nearly 20 miles away. Cardoni The clear sight lines, concert has worked at both, serving for hall acoustics and up-close-and- 15 years at the Kirby in assis- personal seating fi t the bill for tant general manager and tech- performers, something Bob nical director positions and for Nocek has learned from experi- the past 15 as general manager ence. The president of Durham, at the Cultural Center. N.C.-based Bob Nocek Presents “I was there opening night,” LLC began his career in the Cardoni said of the Kirby on business as program manager Sept. 19, 1986. at the Kirby in 2000 and moved He recalled that instead of on to the Mohegan Sun Arena going home to Kingston, he at Casey Plaza in 2003, where rented a room at the former he held several posts, eventually Ramada Hotel across Public getting promoted to assistant Square for the fi rst couple of general manager. nights so he could catch a few “There are a lot of artists out hours of sleep to keep up with there that appreciate playing a the breakneck pace of putting historic theater,” Nocek said. on back-to-back-to-back shows, Brian Sipe, general manager a total of 20 in the Kirby’s fi rst of the Mohegan Sun Arena, said 14 days. he views the Kirby as “a partner He’s now 15 years removed in presenting world-class enter- from the Kirby and has watched tainment to Wilkes-Barre.” it develop into a small theater The two venues usually don’t capable of drawing big-name go after the same acts and have acts and a wide range of begun collaborating on promot- shows, and then fi lling seats reported 36,527 tickets sold “Will and Drew, they have to does. Besides having an orches- ing the market, he said. with patrons from beyond the through June 30 and is on pace be incredibly resourceful and tra pit in front of the main stage, “The Kirby Center has hyphenated city. to exceed the 53,000 the venue creative on certain shows to get there is a nearly 6,000 square- brought in acts like Ringo Starr The Kirby Center and the sold all of last year, when it them in there. Here I have the foot ballroom behind it, giving and Patti LaBelle,” Sipe said. Cultural Center both have about cracked the Pollstar list for the luxury of space,” Cardoni said. plenty of room for full-scale pro- “You don’t get world-class enter- 1,800 seats. fi rst time, ranking No. 114 out The Cultural Center, known ductions, Cardoni noted. tainment like that unless you The industry trade publica- of 200 theaters worldwide. to many as the Masonic Temple, “The Cultural Center was have a (great) reputation in the tion Pollstar ranked the Kirby Cardoni has high praise for has hosted Broadway shows for built for theater,” Cardoni said. industry.” 99th on its mid-year list of the Kirby Executive Director Will 53 years and can accommodate That’s the case too for the world’s top 100 theaters, based Reach Jerry Lynott at 570-991-6120 or on Beekman and Director of Opera- productions without having to Hershey Theatre in Hershey. It Twitter @TLJerryLynott on ticket sales. The Kirby tions Drew Taylor. downsize them, as the Kirby dates to 1933 and was home to TIMES LEADER KIRBY CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 5 BEFORE AND AFTER THE SHOWS Here are some Wilkes-Barre Hours: Tuesdays- Whether a musician or patron, eateries within walking Thursdays; 11:30 a.m.-2:30 distance — about a half- p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.; mile — of the Kirby Center: Fridays-Saturdays, 5-10 p.m.; Sundays, 5-9 p.m. ASIAN KITCHEN Info: 570-825-9080, Address: 121 S. Main St. katanawb.com Hours: Mondays- Pricing: under $30 venue a destination Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-10 By Matt Mattei p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays, LETTS EAT [email protected] 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Address: 78 S. Main St. Sundays, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Hours: Mondays- WILKES-BARRE — Its shining Info: 570-822-0302. Thursdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; brass doors and classic theater asiankitchenwilkesbarre. Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; com Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.-10 marquee invite entertainment Pricing: under $15 p.m. seekers into an art deco master- Info: 570-371-3890/3891, piece, but the F.M. Kirby Center BART & URBY’S letts-eat.com is one of Wilkes-Barre’s treasures Address: 119 S. Main St. Pricing: under $20 for more than its nod to the times Hours: Mondays- of grand theater architecture in Saturdays, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. LE MANHATTAN BISTRO America. Info: 570-970-9570, Address: 268 S. Main St. The house, which seats between bartandurby.com Hours: Mondays- Pricing: under $20 Thursdays, 4:30-10 p.m.; 1,808 and 1,832, depending on the Fridays-Saturdays, 4:30-11 availability of pit seating, attracts CAFE TOSCANA p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 concert-goers and musicians with Address: 1 Public Square p.m. reliable acoustics, spacious seating Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader Hours: Weekdays, 10:30 Info: 570-706-9588, and friendly staff. Northeastern Pennsylvania bluegrass band Cabinet performs at the Kirby Center often a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturdays, lemanhattanbistro.com For area musicians, the Kirby during the Christmas season. Mandolin player J.P. Biondo says he always appreciates 5-10 p.m. Pricing: under $40 becomes a stage to aspire to. For the sound in the Kirby, whether he’s playing or enjoying the show as a fan. Info: 570-208-1252, music lovers, it arguably is the cafetoscanarestaurant.com MIMMO’S PIZZA The F.M. Kirby Center seats under $25 : 46 Public Square best place to see a show in North- Pricing: Address over 1,800 people on the Hours: Mondays-Fridays, eastern Pennsylvania. Dupont songwriter/guitar- orchestra and balcony CIRCLES ON THE SQUARE 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays, levels, both of which provide Address: 9 Public Square 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, ist Bret Alexander is a thriving a great view of the stage in Hours: Weekdays, 10:30 noon-5 p.m. solo artist and producer, but in the intimate theater. a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Info: 570-824-7101; no 1997, he took the Kirby stage as 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. website a founding member of local roots Aimee Dilger | Times Leader (seasonal) Pricing: under $20 rock group The Badlees, who had Info: 570-829-4005, circlesonthesquare.biz OYSTER RESTAURANT reached national recognition with Pricing: under $15 Address: 77 E. Market St. their 1995 release “River Songs.” Hours: Mondays- “From the artist’s standpoint, vice at the theater also makes it really great.” FRANK’S PIZZERIA AND Thursdays, 5-10 p.m.; being from here and being able stand out among venues of compa- Biondo calls himself a “big-time RISTORANTE Fridays-Saturdays, 5-11 p.m. to come back and play the Kirby, rable size. vocals guy” and said he’s never Address: 198 S. Main St. Info: 570-820-0990, that’s a pretty big touchstone,” Other facilities also are familiar had a problem hearing them at the Hours: Mondays- oysterrestaurant.com Alexander said. “It’s one of those to J.P. Biondo. The Scranton resi- Kirby. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-11 Pricing: under $40 dent and mandolin player/vocalist Equally as important on the p.m.; Fridays, 10:30 a.m.- places where you feel like you’ve midnight; Saturdays, 11 RODANO’S arrived if you can play there.” in NEPA bluegrass band Cabinet vocal front are the comedy shows a.m.- midnight; Sundays, Address: 53 Public Square While Alexander spoke of the has visited a multitude of theaters, that come through the Wilkes- noon-10 p.m. Hours: Mondays- signifi cance of standing on the including the Kirby, as a fan and Barre theater. Info: 570-822-2168, Saturdays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Kirby stage, Rick Orlando, of Har- performer, and said he appreciates Exeter native Victor Pacchioni frankspizzawb.com Sundays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. veys Lake, provided the perspec- the Kirby’s acoustics. lives in Northampton, but he Pricing: under $20 Info: 570-829-6444, tive of an avid audience member. “I think it sounds great in recalls a trip to the Kirby Center rodanos.com Orlando said he has seen about there,” Biondo said. “And I feel to see comedian George Carlin JANUZZI’S PIZZA Pricing: under $20 pretty good about saying that, perform in 2005. Address: 20 E. 100 live music performances and Northampton St. THAI THAI can compare the Kirby Center to because I saw John Hiatt and Lyle “Everything’s a positive there,” Hours: Mondays- Address: 41 S. Main St. other regional theaters. Lovett there (2015), and it was Pacchioni said. “The atmosphere Thursdays, 11 a.m.-10:30 Hours: Mondays- “In the grand scheme of things, just the two of them sitting on is great. The old-style seats are p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays, 11 Thursdays, 11 a.m.-3 in terms of small venues, the stage with acoustic guitars. When comfortable. I saw George Car- a.m.-midnight; Sundays, p.m. and 4:30-9:30 p.m.; Kirby is way up on top, and I’m they were playing, you could hear lin. He was one of the funniest noon-10:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 talking about venues down to a pin drop in the place, and the men alive, and seeing him at the Info: 570-825-5166; no p.m. and 4:30-10 p.m. Reading and Harrisburg and up to sound was clean, clear and crisp. Kirby was up close and personal. I website Info: 570-824-9599, On the other end, I saw Tedeschi wasn’t sitting up front, but I heard Pricing: under $20 thaithaiwilkesbarre.com Binghamton, New York,” Orlando Pricing: under $20 said. “The comfort level is top of Trucks Band there (2015), and everything.” KATANA the line.” they are considerably louder … : 41 S. Main St. Hours are subject to change Orlando said the customer ser- and I could still hear everything Reach Matt Mattei at 570-991-6651 or Twitter Address @TLArts

80771831 6 SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 KIRBY CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY TIMES LEADER Cocker, King among rock highlights By Matt Mattei Two years after Cocker [email protected] visited for the fi rst time, Bob Dylan brought his WILKES-BARRE — enigmatic presence to Narrowing the list of the the Kirby Center. His greatest rock ‘n’ roll con- sold-out performance on certs at the Kirby Center Nov. 15, 1991, was rife, over the past 30 years is in typical Dylan form, daunting, considering with new arrangements the Wilkes-Barre theater of his classic hits. Bob Dylan has booked some of the Times Leader corre- biggest names in rock spondent Brian Turner since its launch in 1986. wrote that the folk icon Those names include played a “boogie shuffl e Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan version of ‘Maggie’s and the Allman Brothers Farm’ ” and a “Gotta Band, all of whom graced Serve Somebody” that the stage in the Kirby’s became “a swamp fi rst six years. Blues stomp.” artist B.B. King, who “The crowd loved it all, had an undeniable infl u- and the 50-year-old per- ence on rock music, also former, under dim lights played several shows in through the set, seemed the 1990s and 2000s. Fred A. Adams | Times Leader file photo to have a good attitude Not to be overshad- The late B.B. King took the Kirby Center stage several times, including this performance on Feb. 2, 2003. Of King’s gig, Times Leader reporter Alan K. Stout wrote: ‘With his trusty Gibson “Lucille” in hand … he consistently fired off his thick, minimalist-style riffs and as well,” Turner wrote. owed by days passed, the solos that have become his trademark.’ Dylan returned in theater’s administration 1992 and 1994, although continues to book some his fi rst performance of the biggest names in brought the largest the genre today. crowd, 1,843 people, of The fi rst rock show the three shows. at the Kirby was per- Kirby Center Execu- formed by Chuck Berry tive Director Will Beek- on Oct. 19, 1986. At the man attended the ‘94 time, Berry, 60, had just show, the only time he become a member of the was inside the theater fi rst induction class at before being hired in the the Rock and Roll Hall of marketing department Fame. there in 2010. In a Times Leader arti- “He played two sets — cle from Oct. 20 of that the fi rst acoustic and the year, Dave Janoski wrote, second electric,” Beek- “Berry played for more man said. “The acoustic than an hour, mixing set was amazing. When classics like ‘Roll Over Times Leader archives he returned … he went Beethoven’ and ‘Johnny Don Carey | Times Leader file photo Chuck Berry performs during the first rock concert ever at the full electric, and while it B. Goode’ with several Joe Cocker performed at the F.M. Kirby Center in 1989 and again, Kirby Center, on Oct. 19, 1986. He sang with his daughter Ingrid in was still very cool to see, old blues standards … seen here, in 2005. Kevin Severnak of Forty Fort called the ‘89 front of a packed house. At the time, the 60-year-old rock pioneer it was less enjoyable for Berry’s short but spirited performance ‘an exceptional show.’ already was in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. me. That being said, it show left the vocal audi- celebrated cover artist Help From My Friends” that the glitz of today’s “You Can Leave Your Hat goes down as one of the ence of young and old of all time, Cocker was and Traffi c’s “Feelin’ glam-rock isn’t needed On.” most memorable con- satisfi ed … proving that known for soulful ver- Alright,” as well as his to put on a good rock “He played for a long certs I’ve ever seen, and if you like rock ‘n’ roll, sions of other artist’s new original “When The show.” time, and the band went the ticket stub sits in my you’ve got to like Chuck songs. Night Comes” — the Kevin Severnak, 53, of into this long jam ses- offi ce to this day.” Berry.” After the 1989 show Times Leader called Forty Fort, said it was sion while Cocker took Doug Wolfe, of Wilkes- Cocker appeared at the — where the sandpaper- Cocker “a truly legend- “an exceptional show” in a break,” Severnak said. Barre Township, said Kirby on Oct. 7, 1989, voiced singer delivered ary solo rock performer” which Cocker delivered “Then they did some- he considers the Allman and again on Feb. 13, stylized renditions of the and said, “He showed his a memorable interpreta- thing like six encore 2005. Perhaps the most Beatles’ “With A Little Wilkes-Barre audience tion of Randy Newman’s tunes after that.” See ROCK | 7

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Located adjacent to Our Main Showroom. Plenty of Free Parking 95-113 S. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA • www.bellhomefurnishings.com Interior Decorating Services Available Daily: 9:30 a.m.; Mon & Thurs till 7:30 PM (570) 823-0578 80770303 TIMES LEADER KIRBY CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 7 Willie, Tony, others show it’s not just rock By Mary Therese Biebel of my wallet is one more reason Sedaka was “a very accom- [email protected] AND THE WINNER IS … to remember Wilkes-Barre,” modating and pleasant conver- WILKES-BARRE — Country Martin said at the time through sationalist,” said Pasquini, who WILKES-BARRE — Wil- legend Willie Nelson has come a spokeswoman. spoke face-to-face with the art- lie Nelson threw his bandana out on top of a Times Leader Other music fans give high ist after the show. into an appreciative crowd, poll, earning 44 percent of marks to the Northeastern Kingston resident Pam Fen- Tony Bennett explained that the votes from readers who Pennsylvania Philharmonic con- drock noted she hadn’t realized Bob Hope simplifi ed his name responded online this summer certs held on the Kirby stage. she was a fan of Mary Chapin from Anthony Benedetto for to a question about the best Wilkes-Barre resident Mary Carpenter until she heard the a tour, and Diana Ross invited F.M. Kirby Center concert in Ruth Burke fondly remembers country artist in concert at the genres other than rock. her audience to sing along to bringing her children, dressed Kirby in April 2007. “Reach Out and Touch (Some- Pop diva Diana Ross came in second with 22 percent, as Luke Skywalker and Princess That concert was amazing, body’s Hand.)” followed by Tony Bennett, Tom Leia, to a “Philharmonic Pops” Fendrock said. Those are just a few Jones and Norah Jones with 11 concert that featured music “More recently,” she added, moments area residents have percent. created by composer John “the simplicity of a Diana experienced during some of the Williams for the “Star Wars,” Krall concert stage was the most popular country, classical, book message that she found it “Harry Potter” and “Superman” perfect backdrop to one of the jazz and easy-listening concerts charming that Martin rode his movies. most inspiring concerts I’ve at the F.M. Kirby Center over bicycle before the Wilkes-Barre Burke said, to the delight of attended.” Times Leader File Photo the past 30 years. concert. the audience members, that The jazz pianist’s March While Nelson, Bennett and Country artist Willie Nelson performs at the Kirby Center on Sept. 11, 2014. “Got to like the fact that he conductor Lawrence Loh told 2015 show was extremely Ross received the most early would cycle around town,” she them how he used to play with enjoyable, Fendrock noted, votes for the best non-rock con- Martin, known primarily as a wrote. Superman action fi gures as a even though “the man next to cert in an online poll of Times comedian and actor, appeared Martin lost his wallet as he boy. us drank too much and we were Leader readers, other music in July 2013 as a banjo player rode, Rafalko recalled, but a Frank Pasquini, of Kingston, afraid he would fall over the fans chose performances that with the bluegrass quintet The passer-by found it in front of recalls enjoying a concert by balcony rail.” may be less famous. Steep Canyon Rangers. Boscov’s department store and Juilliard-trained Neil Sedaka, Fortunately, no such mishaps Suzanne McCabe, of Swoy- “That was just terrifi c,” brought it to the Kirby Center. who combined some of his Top have occurred at the Kirby. ersville, named Steve Martin McCabe said. “The gentleman couldn’t 40 hits with classical pieces he when asked about the best Betty Rafalko, of Benton, played “on a magnifi cent baby Reach Mary Therese Biebel at 570-991- have been sweeter, nicer, kind- 6109 or on Twitter @BiebelMT Kirby show she’s ever seen. agreed and added in a Face- er, and his Batman-like rescue grand.”

KIRBY QUOTABLES “They seem to be kicking out a lot better acts the last Our readers’ poll: Santana the best couple years, and people seem to be supporting them. They seem to have really improved, and we always do By Matt Mattei good business when there are good shows there.” [email protected] KIRBY — Jay Notartomaso, 55, West Wyoming resident and ON THE WEB owner of Musical Energi on North Main Street in WILKES-BARRE — Wilkes-Barre Since 1986, the F.M. Videos Kirby Center has put leg- 2016 — Space Oddity: “It’s a major asset to the community, endary rock ‘n’ roll acts on The Ultimate David I think it gives downtown a sense of its stage. Bowie Experience: excitement and a sense of culture, On Sept. 1, we pre- http://tinyurl.com/ and I think we’re really fortunate to sented Times Leader h2zcfte have it in our area.” readers with a list of 12 — Brittany Boote, 2012 — Vicki Lawrence: 28, Wilkes-Barre rock concerts that could http://tinyurl.com/ be considered among h4ktq29 the best to come to the 2012 — Pink Floyd “I think they’re a standard bearer for theater. Candidates were AP Photo Experience: http:// organizations. I do a lot of work with chosen based on reputa- Carlos Santana performs at a concert in Israel in July. His band, tinyurl.com/jyq8mkb Little Theatre (of Wilkes-Barre), and tion of the group, concert Santana, won the Times Leader’s readership poll for best rock concert in the history of Wilkes-Barre’s F.M. Kirby Center. Paula I think that they are a role model attendance and quality of 2011 — for theaters and performing-arts Poundstone: http:// performance, but careful Bob Dylan, Nov. 15, 1991; continued his long-lived tinyurl.com/zaycn47 venues not just in how they do consideration also was Allman Brothers Band, career and reputation as business, but why. They’re really given to diversifying the March 8, 1992; Bruce one of the most prolifi c 2011 — Kirby Center true to their mission and their core pool of acts to cover mul- Hornsby, Sept. 3, 1995; guitarists in pop music 25th anniversary: values.” Jethro Tull, Aug. 30, 2001; history.” http://tinyurl.com/ — John Dawe, 35, Kingston tiple genres of rock and jlg4l6k artists who infl uenced David Crosby and Graham Doug Wolfe of Wilkes- “It’s nice having a theater there that that style of music. Nash, Oct. 9, 2007; B.B. Barre Township was in This section allows us to experience some sort of Santana earned the King, Nov. 18, 2007; Alice attendance that evening, later in the week: culture in this town.” honor of best rock con- Cooper, Oct. 18, 2013; and said he considers the www.timesleader.com — Amy Bellanca, cert, garnering 25 percent Chris Cornell, Oct. 17, performance one of the they had Gregg Rolie and 37, Wilkes-Barre of the votes. B.B. King 2015; and Joe Walsh, Aug. greatest he’s seen at the Chester Thompson on and Alice Cooper were 4, 2016. Kirby Center. keyboards. I was front-row the runners-up with 16.7 A Times Leader article “It was unbelievable,” center, and for most of percent. covering the 1988 Santana Wolfe said. “Santana was that show, I made total eye Performances on the performance said, in part: incredible that night. It contact with Carlos. “I think it’s a great place. I’ve seen a ballot consisted of San- “Surrounded by most of was the original band, lot of shows there over the years.” “It was great.” tana, Sept. 13, 1988; Joe the lineup of his original something like their — Steven Shatrowskas, band, Santana pulled 23, Shavertown resident Cocker, Oct. 7, 1989; 20th anniversary. It was Reach Matt Mattei at 570-991-6651 Joan Jett, Feb. 2, 1989; magic from the past and Michael Shrieve, and or Twitter @TLArts

to perform at the Kirby them among his favorites opinion,” Fink said. “I “I went to Wilkes (University). I was Rock include Joan Jett in 1989, to play at the Kirby. think he’s one of Amer- on the programming board, and they Jethro Tull in 2001, and “In the last couple ica’s great songwriters let us use it for concerts. They do From page 6 David Crosby and Gra- years, the artists they’ve and one of America’s great things.” ham Nash in 2007, but been getting are top greatest singers. He — Ben Eaton, Brothers’ show on March two of the most memo- notch,” Fink said. tore it up. His voice was 23, West Wyoming 8, 1992, to be among rable in recent history Cornell delivered a killer, and it seemed the best he’s seen at the include Chris Cornell in 28-tune songbook that effortless for him. His Kirby. During that era, 2015 and Joe Walsh this featured his solo work catalog was amazing. “I went to my § rst show at the original guitarist Dickey year. as well as songs from his It was great song after Paramount Theater, the § rst theater Betts dueled with slide Wilkes-Barre-based days with Soundgarden great song.” in that spot (sic). It was Chicago; it expert Warren Haynes. musician Aaron Fink and Audioslave. was my father’s concert; I was there Wolfe said he recalls attended the Cornell and “Cornell has reached Reach Matt Mattei at 570-991- as a little kid. It’s a great addition an electrifying “States- Walsh shows and ranks legendary status, in my 6651 or Twitter @TLArts to the community because it gives boro Blues” to open the us a chance for all sorts of cultural set, along with acoustic events.” versions of “Midnight — Joe Nardone Jr., 50, Rider” and Robert John- Wilkes-Barre resident and son’s “Come On In My See co-owner of Gallery of Sound Kitchen.” locations in the area Our “They played an amaz- “I used to take my kids to see ing show,” Wolfe said. Hobby ‘Sesame Street Live’; I looked “The acoustic set was a Center! forward to it every year. They’re great highlight, and when they memories.” went back into electric, — Terri Lacey, I knew they’d play ‘(In 47, Clarks Summit Memory Of) Elizabeth Reed.’” Congratulations Kirby Joe Nardone Sr. “I think generations of NEPA folks booked and promoted have been entertained and created the fi rst of B.B. King’s Center on your 30th memories at the Kirby Center. performances at the My fondest memory of the Kirby Kirby and considers Anniversary! was seeing a student production King among the best to of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ with my grandmother.” play there. — Samuel O’Connell, 25, After that show on Dallas resident and co-creator of May 27, 1990, Times Leader correspondent Walter’s Hardware the music app Tune§ y Jeff Walsh called King DO IT CENTER the “king of blues” and “The Kirby Center brings life to downtown Wilkes- said the songs “Caledo- Barre. As of recently, it brings people from all ages and nia,” “Nobody Loves Me Just Off Coal Street On Walter’s Way • 823-1406 backgrounds together, and it brings people from out of But My Mother” and town into the community, and business into downtown Established 1948 a show-stopping “The Wilkes-Barre.” Mon. - Fri. 9AM - 6PM | Sat. 9AM - 5PM — Frank Rodano, 58, Kingston resident and owner Thrill Is Gone” were of the Rodano’s and Franklin’s establishments in among the focal points. Other notable acts Wilkes-Barre 80771508 8 SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 KIRBY CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY TIMES LEADER KIRBY CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 9 Celebrating 30 years of shows 30 Years of

Photo courtesy of Kirby Center Music Kirby Center box-office lobby, 2011 Theatre Dance &

Elmo and friends Comedy from Sesame Street Live, 2000 Times Leader file photos Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, 2013

W pplau Yo!

Ain’t Misbehavin’, 1986

Local graduations: five sets of twins in the Holy Redeemer High School Class of 2013

Jewel, 2004

Cirque D’Or acrobatic routines, 2012

West The Temptations, 2011 Side Story, 1990

Workers put Sept. 30, 2011: The Kirby celebrates its 25th the final anniversary with a performance by Diana Ross. Kirby Center’s rich history began nearly 80 years ago touches on May 2014: A new sound system is installed, the foyer of and as part of the restoration for the art deco the Kirby auditorium, custom-painted gold arrays blend The M.E. Comerford 45-theater chain, and a drugstore. business operations, the box-o¬ ce lobby is 1937: Center on into the gilt wood proscenium arch. located in Northeastern Pennsylvania and Aug. 18, 1938: The gutted, large ª uted lighting standards are sold Sept. 18, 1986, New York, decides to put its ª agship location Comerford opens or demolished, the brass and bronze door December a day before : The where the Kirby Center stands today, at 71 to the public, frames are cut, and curved glass display cases 2015 the dedication Kirby Center Public Square. The Comerford replaced a bus showing the movie plus the brass and marble exterior ticket ceremony debuts at No. terminal, a printing company, a stonecutter “Alexander’s booth are removed. The business ventures of the 114 on the list Ragtime Band,” are unsuccessful, and with a deteriorating refurbished of Top 200 which starred Tyrone building, the next step was projected to be entertainment performing- Power, Don Ameche demolition. venue. arts centers and Alice Faye. A group of local residents forms under the 1978: in the world Due acronym STOP (Save The Old Paramount) in July 2, 1949: as ranked to an anti-trust an attempt to have the building added to the F.M. Kirby II, 1983 by Pollstar, lawsuit, ownership National Register of Historic Places. Even so, it the concert of the Comerford basically was abandoned. industry’s Theatre is transferred to the Penn Paramount The venue o¬ cially becomes listed Dec. 3, 1980: leading trade Company for $1, and the building is renamed on the National Register of Historic Places. publication. the Paramount Theater. It operated as a single- Albert Boscov, owner of Boscov’s — one 1985: The screen movie palace for another 28 years. of the nation’s largest, privately owned June 2016: Kirby is 99th Pitt-Sportservice of Bu« alo buys department store chains — wants to say of the board of Petroleum Service Company of which featured prima ballerina Cynthia Sept. 16, 1975: in Pollstar’s the theater and property from Hallmark Inc. “thank you” to the people of Wilkes-Barre for Wilkes-Barre. Gregory and the Northeastern Pennsylvania mid-year for $138,000. Hallmark had become the owner making his downtown store successful. So Dec. 21, 1985: The Paramount Civic Center Philharmonic. The Wilkes-Barre Ballet Theatre rankings of of the cinema and properties through a series along with businessman August L. Simms, restoration project is launched at an estimated also performs Ravel’s “Bolero.” The Kirby the Top 100 of mergers. and with the help of Fred M. Kirby II and the price of $1.2 million and is completed in just Center featured a restored interior styled in theaters. The Paramount closes late in the year and Kirby Foundation, Boscov assembles a team under nine months. Seating capacity will be jewel tones of maroon, rose and gold, along 1977: Auditorio is transferred to various exhibitors and owners that includes local business and civic leaders 1,850. The facility is renamed the F.M. Kirby with an art deco proscenium frame and friezes. Nacional in through the early 1980s. The venue is used for to put together a drive to raise $3.3 million Center in honor of Fred Morgan Kirby II. Sept. 29, 2006: After four months of The F.M. Kirby Center for the Mexico City is No. 1. The program from the File photos touring concerts and closed-circuit-TV boxing for the acquisition and restoration of the Sept. 19, 1986: refurbishment, the Kirby Center holds a public dedication celebration of After a transfer of ownership in July of 1949, the matches. theater. Kirby was an heir to the Woolworth’s Performing Arts opens on a Friday night to open house with a screening of “Alexander’s Sources: the F.M. Kirby Center for Comerford Theatre was renamed the Paramount Late ’70s/early ’80s: In an e« ort to remodel department-store chain and a native of the a gala performance of the American Ballet Ragtime Band,” the § lm that opened the www.kirbycenter.org, the Performing Arts on Theater until it closed in late 1977. the building to accommodate various small- Wilkes-Barre area, and Simms was chairman Theatre’s premiere of its “Celebration Tour,” Comerford Theatre on Aug. 18, 1938. Times Leader archives Sept. 19, 1986. 10SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 KIRBY CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY TIMES LEADER Q&A WITH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Longtime Surprise promotion, a vision — and the Mets volunteers, By Gene Axton when you start to realize your [email protected] parents’ music isn’t lame and workers all of a sudden this Bob Dylan Will Beekman has worked guy that I always thought was ‘a family’ at the F.M. Kirby Center since just some guy with a weird- 2010, including the past three sounding voice was just this By Gene Axton years as its director. incredible songwriter and he [email protected] But the theater hasn’t been was coming here. My parents, his life’s work. The Poconos I overheard them talking like WILKES-BARRE — Candy, native and Penn State graduate they were getting tickets to see popcorn, water. Wilkes-Barre res- worked for the Wilkes-Barre/ Bob Dylan, and I said I wanted ident Margaret Weisgable knows Scranton Penguins from 2002 to go. I remember how excited her F.M. Kirby Center conces- to 2008, and at the Bryce my dad was that I wanted to sions checklist by heart. Jordan Center arena in Univer- see Bob Dylan. I still have my And she should — she has sity Park from 2008 to 2010. ticket stub. He did two sets, worked at the venue since Janu- He was appointed the Kirby Sean McKeag | Times Leader no opener. He did an acoustic ary 1987. Center’s managing director in Kirby Center Executive Director Will Beekman says the show he most would set that was just amazing, and The Kirby Center has a contin- like to book at the venue is musician Tom Waits. December 2013 and promoted then he did an electric set, gent of employees and volunteers to executive director Jan. 1, and I worked really hard and that top 100. We know we’ve which was still amazing, but who work behind its concessions 2015. I went to a bunch of booking been busy, and we know we’re I’ve always felt Dylan electric stands, between its aisles as In a recent interview with conferences and I started to selling tickets, but you can’t lost the lyrics in the mix. ushers, and at its doors as ticket the Times Leader, Beekman, understand that part of the speak for all the other venues takers. 38, talked about his past, his business. I booked shows and out there and how well they’re What is your Carole Antolik, present and his vision for the was handling the marketing doing. I think what we’re proud favorite act you’ve who worked along- Kirby’s future, as well as about for a year or two, and Marilyn of the most is you see the F.M. Q booked so far? side Weisgable at a Elvis Costello and his beloved retired after 15 years here. I Kirby Center on the same list recent event in the New York Mets. fi gured people don’t come and as Radio City or Royal Albert To this day, it’s still venue’s W. Curtis The interview has been go in those positions often, so Hall or Chicago Theatre or Fox Elvis Costello (in Montz 2016 Film edited for brevity. Series, has worked as much as I felt it was a long Theatre in Atlanta. A 2013) for multiple Weisgable shot, I fi gured I’d throw my hat reasons. One, I’m just a big fan. at the Kirby Cen- What did into the ring for that (director) What do you see for I watched him sound check for ter since it opened you do with position. I interviewed for it the Kirby Center’s two hours. He signed (a pro- in 1986. Q the Penguins? with the board, and I was sur- Q future? motional) guitar after that. An “My favorite prised when I was told. In a lot hour later doors opened and he job is popcorn Everything. I started of ways when I think about it I think we just want played for 2 1/2 hours, so I got maker,” said Anto- out as their commu- 2 1/2 years later now, I’m still to keep improv- to see him perform for about 4 lik, a resident of A nications manager, surprised by it. A ing overall as a 1/2 hours that night. Edwardsville. “I’ve worked in their marketing performing-arts center in every done concessions, Antolik department for a few years, What is your mis- aspect. We want to continue What is the one tickets, phone and ended up becoming their sion at the Kirby, to be fi nancially sustainable dream act you’d calls — everything director of creative services. and how are you and keep this building, this Q like to book that down to maintenance.” Q Ushering was Maureen Elick’s embodying that 1938 building. There are some you haven’t gotten a chance How did you with your tenure? old pipes in here, and there’s a to yet? Something that’s Kirby Center calling when she become executive lot that we need to do to keep feasible. began her 28-year volunteer stint Q director at the To bring the arts and this building operating. The in 1988. When Elick started, the Kirby Center? arts education into roof’s an old roof. The fl oor’s I think it’s feasible but uniform consisted of a black jack- this community. We an old fl oor. We’re continu- unlikely, but hands et, black slacks, a maroon cum- A merbund and maroon bow tie. Well, I worked here want to be the place in this ing to do what we do from a A down it’s Tom Waits. for a few years in area where you can go to see programming and fundraising Probably my favorite artist of Volunteers also had staff holiday A marketing, and the opera because you aren’t standpoint while focusing on all time, and I’ve never had the parties, which she remembers as then our programming direc- going to see it anywhere else. keeping this building intact. opportunity to see him live. a highlight of her tenure at the tor at the time left for a new It’s about introducing kids to theater. job. Marilyn Santarelli (the the arts and to live theater at Do you have any What helps Gail Kistler was the Sylvester Kirby’s executive director at an early age. It sounds cliche, memories of the you wind to Elick’s Tweety — they went the time) said, “Do you think but it’s just as important for us, Q Kirby Center as Q down from work? as the pair to a Halloween party. you can book shows?” I said if not more important for us, to a child? Does any- The friends went through nurs- yes, and I really meant no. I book the ballet than it is for us thing notable stick out in These days it’s play ing school together at Wyoming fi gured I would just jump and to book Jerry Seinfeld. your head? with my kids. My Valley Hospital, worked in New kind of learn how to fl y on A 10-month-old doesn’t York City but moved back to the my way down, so I started Pollstar recently I do and it’s funny. play a lot yet, but my 3-year- area, and started volunteering at named the Kirby I was here once my old, she’s my buddy. I know it the theater on the same day, on July 7, 1988. KIRBY EXECUTIVE one of the Top 100 A entire life prior to sounds corny, but driving my Q According to Elick, the Kirby DIRECTORS theater venues in coming here for the interview. kids home from day care, giving Stephen Carr the world. What was it like I grew up in the Poconos, them both a bath every night Center volunteers are a close-knit 1986-87 when you got that news, and and when I was younger if because that’s our time to just group. Curtis Montz (acting) what did you think? you needed to get anything kind of chat and talk, they are “I don’t know exactly how to 1987-89 done, wanted to rent a movie my everything. Beyond that I’m word it,” she said. “It’s something John Loesser Well, that was their or get a haircut – I don’t have a huge (New York) Mets fan. that I like doing, something that’s 1989-91 mid-year report, so to worry about that these My wife hates baseball season part of my life that has been for Dennis Madden our immediate goal days – or go to the mall you because my mood is dictated by many, many years. Something 1991-92 A that I’d miss if I wasn’t doing it. whether they win or lose, and Tom Hillgrove is to keep ourselves in that top had to go either a half-hour 100 for when they come out south to Stroudsburg or a they’re not having a great year “We’re one big family — the 1992-98 people at the Kirby I’ve gotten to Marilyn Santarelli with the year-end results in Jan- half-hour north to Scranton. this year, so I’ve been grumpy 1999-2014 uary. We broke into the top 200 We never really ventured to more than not. meet throughout the years.” Will Beekman last year for the fi rst time, and Wilkes-Barre. It was 1991 and Reach Gene Axton at 570-991-6121 or on 2015-present Reach Gene Axton at 570-991-6121 or on then we set a goal to get into I was right around the age Twitter @TLArts Twitter @TLArts

Pomp and circumstance also a part of Kirby history By Mark Guydish elegant decor of the Kirby has Members of Burke said they probably [email protected] encouraged teens to be more the Coughlin would have had to limit the formal. High School guests in many high school WILKES-BARRE — It “I liked it when they marched Class of 2012 auditoriums, including Holy doesn’t qualify as one of the begin their in,” she remembered of her graduation Redeemer’s. The Kirby Cen- “performing arts,” but for par- son Michael’s graduation from ceremony ter’s spaciousness likely meant ticipants, it’s once-in-a-lifetime Bishop Hoban High School in at the F.M. “more family members could theater. 1989. “Nobody was throwing Kirby Center. attend,” she said. The Kirby Center has spent their hats up into the air.” Coughlin has Asked about the three gradu- most of its open hours hosting The trappings certainly held nine ation ceremonies she attended everything from “Oklahoma!” graduations at left an impression on Cecilia the theater. for nieces and nephews leaving to Beethoven, Bennett to bar- Galante — now a teacher at Holy Redeemer, Chris Bed- bershop, and from a fake, big Wyoming Seminary — when wick of Plains Township said, Times Leader File Photo red dog to some very real cows. she graduated from Bishop “It was elegant.” Yet since 1987, the venue Hoban in 1989. added. While the setting is grand, Yet when asked where her also has hosted an American “I remember being enam- Of the 50 high school com- Mallis said Bishop Hoban’s commencement was held, ritual: graduation ceremonies. ored by the beautiful lights mencements held at the Kirby, 1989 ceremony was tight on both Chris and her husband, On that list are 50 high school and all the red carpeting, and Bishop Hoban held the most access. George, beamed as they said events and three college com- by how enormous the place — 20 — from 1987 through “It was hard to get a seat,” together, “GAR!” mencements. seemed,” she said. 2007. Bishop O’Reilly was she said. So was the Kirby Center Along with the annual return The fond recollections also next with 16. In 2008, the Mary Ruth Burke, whose better than GAR Memorial of the robins, every spring include the most recent gradu- Diocese of Scranton combined children graduated from Holy auditorium? morphs the Kirby into a posh ation season. the two schools at the Hoban Redeemer at the Kirby Center, “Oh, no,” George blurted, palace for hundreds transition- “I grew up admiring the site and renamed it Holy said that may be true some- unabashed. “Everything GAR ing from stay-at-home teens to beauty of the Kirby Center,” Redeemer, which has held fi ve times, but the Kirby gener- was great!” out-in-the-world adults. said 2016 Holy Redeemer commencements. ally is bigger than most high Like the others, Rachel Stilp “It seemed like more of an salutatorian Alexis Davison. Wilkes-Barre Area’s Cough- school auditoriums. Young’s Bishop Hoban class of occasion than if it was in the “There’s so much history and lin High School held nine Burke graduated from Mey- 1992 recalled the elegance, and gym,” Marcella Morgan said of sense of community there.” graduations at the Kirby — the ers High School in an audito- she voiced appreciation for air her son Robert’s graduation cer- She recounted attending fi rst in 1988, the second in rium highlighted with ample conditioning — not a given in emony in 2012. The Mountain classic concerts and a Beach 2002, and the third in 2006. stained glass, including a ceil- many local, older schools. Top clan came to the Wyoming Boys performance at the Kirby Coughlin ceremonies have ing with the seals of 48 states But she did have one nit to Valley for his graduation from before she got her chance on been held annually at the the- around the edges (the build- pick. Holy Redeemer High School. the stage to address classmates ater since 2011. ing predates the statehood of “I remember it was long, and And going upscale in sur- and their families. The Kirby added college Alaska and Hawaii). we wanted to get the heck out roundings might subcon- “It was an extravagant and commencements in 2014, While it was great, she said, of there,” the Hanover Town- sciously affect student behav- elegant place to end your high when the Commonwealth she suspects a venue such as ship resident said with a laugh. ior. Arline Mallis of Hanover school career and start your Medical College held its the Kirby would have been bet- Township suggested that the adult life,” the Dallas resident fi rst of three graduations there. ter seating-wise. Reach Mark Guydish at 570-991-6112 or on Twitter @TLMarkGuydish TIMES LEADER KIRBY CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 11

80771108 12SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 KIRBY CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY TIMES LEADER Longtime … And don’t forget the cow auction of ’87 patron: ‘Like By Mary Therese Biebel woman Leslie Rhoades said concert by [email protected] at the time. singer Paul home to me’ In preparation for the auc- Anka. A few WILKES-BARRE — A tion, the stage was coated in weeks later, By Alyssa Mursch deep, reverberating “moo” layers of plastic, tar paper and the Miss For the Times Leader isn’t a sound normally associ- saw dust — with good rea- Wilkes-Barre/ ated with downtown Wilkes- son, as it turned out. Scranton WILKES-BARRE — Since Barre. During the fi rst 10 min- Pageant came the Kirby Center opened 30 So on Feb. 25, 1987, pedes- utes of the auction, shortly to the Kirby, years ago, familiar faces have trians on North Main Street after then-Mayor Thomas V. showcasing shadowed the venue’s door- probably were surprised to McLaughlin led the fi rst cow glamour, ways, making a tradition out hear evidence of real, live across the plastic, the animal glitter and of the shows and concerts that cows sheltered in the lower left a calling card of sorts. admiration fi ll the halls and bounce off the level of the parking garage “No doubt many a per- for female high, meticulously painted ceil- at the Sheraton-Crossgates former could sympathize beauty. ings. Hotel, which now is King’s on with what was obviously and The cattle Wilkes-Barre resident Jean the Square. visibly the result of opening- fans, who Marie Kile is one of those But if those passers-by had night jitters,” Times Leader bid as much faces. read the Times Leader, they reporter Dawn Shurmaitis as $15,000 For Kile, 69, the Kirby is would have known the Penn- wrote. per cow in more than just actors reciting sylvania Holstein Association The cow auction, with sales February scripts and singers belting was preparing to march 60 totaling $180,000, attracted 1987, likely lyrics. It’s more than entertain- cows across the stage at the audience members whose would ment, more than a hobby. F.M. Kirby Center, showing attire ranged from cowboy acknowl- “It’s like home to me,” Kile them off to hundreds of farm- boots and jeans to dresses edge their bovines said. This page shows a newspaper ers who would have a chance and suits. shared that last attribute. From Broadway account of the cow auction at the shows to concerts to bid on them at auction. On the Kirby schedule, At least auctioneer Horace Kirby Center in February 1987. “I took the committee in the event was sandwiched Backus seemed to, describing featuring Johnny Cash/June Carter there, and they fell in love between a talk by sex expert a cow’s “great fi gure” along Reach Mary Therese Biebel at 570-991- with it,” Tunkhannock dairy- Dr. Ruth Westheimer and a with her “good cheese yield.” 6109 or on Twitter @BiebelMT and Wayne New- ton — the latter of which Kile sat in the pit for Kile — Kile has seen how the Kirby almost and unused for many “The community has sup- most of it. Kirby didn’t open on time years.” ported the Kirby from the Some shows she also saw in 1986 because of an Boscov said he imme- beginning,” Beekman said. in larger theaters, such as the overlooked necessity: diately knew something “The people are responsible From page 1 Broadway musical “Cats,” After the building had had to be done to for this building coming back, which she attended at the “Today it has become an been purchased by the reopen the theater. and they have sustained it for Kirby Center and in a theater iconic anchor to the down- Boscov-led team and “We felt it could be a 30 years.” Beekman in California. She said she was town, to the community, the renovation project wonderful new center, Burnside said the Kirby impressed that those shows and to the businesses that was nearly complete, but more than that, operates on an annual budget were equally outstanding. surround it. Today it stands it was learned that an we felt it could play a of approximately $1.3 million Kile’s long-lasting love for on its own as a destination emergency stair tower very important part in — about $600,000 coming the Kirby began with her fi rst point,” van Genderen said, hadn’t been included in bringing the downtown from fundraising, and the show there. It was the begin- adding that the theater hosts the sale. back to life.” other $700,000 is program- ning of her career at the Great- an average of one event every “We found out we Boscov was right. He driven: ticket sales, conces- er Wilkes-Barre Chamber of other day and draws 75,000 didn’t have legal access pointed to “so many sions, merchandise sales and Burnside Business and Industry 30 years people to the downtown each to the stair tower,” Gen- wonderful things” that theater rentals. He said fun- ago, and she was handling the year. etti said. “But that prob- have happened there draising is crucial every year registration for an annual event Van Genderen said the lem was soon resolved.” and how the Kirby and so far, the community has there. She remembers rushing Kirby attracts people to “our And so the lights has brought so many responded in a big way. to the Kirby with a co-worker restaurants, our shops and our went on at the Kirby, people back to the Taylor said the Kirby from Genetti’s on Market businesses and is a key cata- and they remain on downtown. board trusts its management, Street to get to the show on lyst to the momentum you are today, as strongly as “Especially those prompting Burnside to note time. It was singer Tom Jones, seeing downtown.” ever. Genetti said man- people who had forgot- that Beekman’s “batting aver- and Kile and her friend loved it The Kirby Center stands agement of the facility Rodella ten about the down- age is higher than most major- — enough to come back every out not only in the local busi- has always been top- town,” Boscov said. leaguers.” year since. ness community, but in the notch. “And the Paramount Burnside said the Kirby Kile estimated she has been worldwide theater industry. “Now, more than was a forgotten build- did what it had to do to stay to at least 150 shows at the Last year, the venue ranked ever,” he said. “We ing.” ahead of the competition in Kirby. She usually attends with 114th on industry trade pub- have more shows, more Boscov said when today’s market: a new manage- her husband, but when he isn’t lication Pollstar’s list of the headliner shows, and a group of concerned ment team was put in place at interested in the show, her Top 200 theaters in the world, the Kirby is ranked in downtown business the end of 2013, and the board guest often is her daughter, the top 100 venues in people went to see of directors was reconstructed based on ticket sales. After six Taylor Jean Marie, 44. Mom said she months of this year, the Kirby the world. I guess you the Paramount, they to make it more diverse in pays a small membership fee so is 99th. can say we are in the noticed that “everything areas such as money manage- that she can buy tickets before “That is an amazing accom- Golden Age.” that was wonderful had dete- ment, arts and entertainment the general public and can snag plishment to a building that Genetti lays all the credit riorated.” He said he knew the expertise and community her usual seat in Row G. was close to being torn down for the Kirby’s launch on project had to be completed representation. Burnside also She remembered once being 30 years ago,” van Genderen Boscov. — and soon. said the Kirby recognized the so close to the stage during an said. “There were a lot of people Boscov said it wasn’t dif- need to offer more programs ice skating show that she got Looking back, Genetti was who were key to raising the fi cult to raise the money need- to increase traffi c, and it capi- damp when the skaters raced the perfect person for Boscov money and getting the project ed to renovate the building. talized on the unique elegance by — but she didn’t mind. She to approach in the 1980s. done, but Mr. Boscov was the “All the other businesses the venue offers. also had an opportunity to Genetti said he saw the last driver,” Genetti said. “He was and people in Wilkes-Barre “We fi lled all the gaps,” sing a bit of “Soldier Boy” by movie ever shown at the the lightning rod.” shared our vision of bringing Burnside said. “We created a The Shirelles when they came Paramount before it closed The names Kirby, Genetti something special down- place that can’t be duplicated into the audience. She laughed — “Sinbad the Sailor” — in and Boscov have been synony- town,” he said. “Everybody anywhere.” at the memories, saying she 1977. Genetti agreed to be a mous with downtown Wilkes- wanted to see this through. I Beekman said he always “never had a bad time” at the donor and has served on the Barre for decades. The city’s was proud to be involved.” wants to offer programming Kirby. Kirby board of directors, off two colleges — King’s College Boscov said the project that the community wants The dedicated fan credits and on, for many years. and Wilkes University — didn’t happen just because of and will support. He said he the theater’s 30 years of suc- Genetti even remodeled serve as bookends for a city him. He said a lot of people learns as much from an event cess to its kind and welcoming three of the suites at his hotel on an upward path. deserve credit, including Curt that doesn’t do well as he does attitude, even referring to some on Market Street to accom- But with Boscov’s depart- Montz, who was running from a sold-out show. in the box offi ce by their fi rst modate headliners needing to ment store, Genetti Hotel the personnel department at In 1986, the Kirby Center names. stay over after their appear- and Conference Center and Boscov’s at the time. reportedly lost more than “They make you feel like ances at the Kirby. One bridal the Kirby Center, the city has Boscov said the Kirby, at $50,000, according to the you belong there,” Kile said. suite and two celebrity suites three anchors that provide age 30, has a bright future. Times Leader archives. For “Everyone’s friendly.” were refurbished, and each some stability as Wilkes-Barre “I think people like the much of its fi rst decade, the “She’s a longtime member has a large-screen television, continues to make its way downtown, and with the center’s existence was con- of the theater and a longtime hot tub, rain shower and king- back from a devastating fl ood Kirby open, they feel safer and sidered iffy, jeopardized by concert-goer, said Tina Yurko, sized bed. in 1972 and a population drop there’s so much more to do,” funding cuts, administrative the Kirby’s box-offi ce manager. that resulted, decreasing the he said. “There is lots of posi- miscues and fi ckle audiences. “I’ve worked with her person- The early days city’s number of residents tive activity. We’re glad to see Beekman said what began ally many times.” What now is the F.M. Kirby from 58,856 in 1970 to an what’s happening downtown.” in 1986 has evolved into a Kile’s experience portrays Center for the Performing estimated 40,780 in 2015, facility that is stronger than the diverse schedule the Kirby Arts began in 1938 as the according to the U.S. Census Kirby leaders speak out ever. is known for. There have been Comerford Theatre. In 1949, Bureau. Four Kirby offi cials — “Financially speaking, the shows for all ages, from rap new ownership renamed it the “Without the Kirby Center, Beekman; Anne Rodella, past few seasons have been artists to plays to classic rock Paramount Theater, and the the downtown would not be director of sales and market- among the most successful in and even “Sesame Street Live.” Comerford moved to another as resurgent as it is,” Genetti ing; Scott Burnside, board our 30 years as a performing- Kile said she plans to continue location on Public Square. said. “Banks have merged, chairman; and Drew Taylor, arts enter,” he said. “Thanks her tradition, as she already has Over those 78 years — the merchants have left, but new director of operations — sat in large part to our generous purchased tickets for fi ve events past 30 as the Kirby Center — places have opened. The around a table recently in the community, we feel more during the 2016-17 season. the venue has been the cultur- future looks good.” theater’s executive offi ces and fi nancially stable than ever “I just love the shows,” she al center for Luzerne County, agreed, that at age 30, the before. More importantly, we said. “I look forward to see with numerous shows, con- Boscov remains proud Kirby Center will forgo any feel fi nancially sustainable as what comes each year.” certs, political events, gradu- Al Boscov chuckled when outlandish celebration and we now focus on the next 30 ations, kids’ programs and he talked about the early days put the focus on what they years.” other events, including a cow of raising money to renovate say matters most — the com- Beekman said the Kirby auction. the old Paramount Theater. munity. still strives to provide the THE KIRBY AT 30 Major political fi gures have But he said as soon as he “This is not a celebration best possible options for the Section editor: Tim Farkas used the Kirby for events, purchased his store in 1980, where we say, ‘Hey, look at public. Page design: Jayla Wallingford, including President George he knew something had to be us.’ It’s about us saying, ‘Hey, “The key is we are still here, Dennis Raymo W. Bush, Sen. John Kerry, done with the old theater. look at you’ — the community and we are open more nights Writers: Gene Axton, Mary Sen. John McCain, Gen. Colin “We were very happy with that has supported the Kirby every year,” he said. “We are Therese Biebel, Mark Guydish, Powell, former New York City the response we got when for 30 years,” Beekman said. here for the community and, Mike Mattei, Alyssa Mursch, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and we bought the store,” Boscov The Kirby is giving back more importantly, we are here Jerry Lynott, Bill O’Boyle Photographers: Aimee Dilger, Secretary of State Madeleine said. “But we were saddened through its programming, because of the community.” Pete Wilcox, Sean McKeag Albright. when we saw the Paramount offering more shows and more Copy editors: Tim Farkas, Genetti tells the story of just sitting there empty, dark diverse events. Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. Dennis Raymo TIMES LEADER KIRBY CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 13 30 days, 30 questions: How’d you do? By Times Leader Sta® Answer: 372 Answer: Holstein calves and Kirby Center? Question 6: Which enter- heifers Answer: Fred Morgan So how did you do? Did you The F.M. Kirby Center for get all of the questions right? tainer appeared to be severed Question 13: How many Question 22: During a If you did, you know your Kirby the Performing Arts turns 30 at the torso by a fi ery laser lobbies does the F.M. Kirby 2013 appearance with the Center. this year, and to commemorate beam during a 1997 show at Center have? Northeastern Pennsylvania 0-5 questions correct: the occasion, the Times Leader the Kirby Center? Answer: Four: box offi ce, Philharmonic, Grammy Award- Novice challenged readers to some Answer: Magician David main, mezzanine, lower winning singer Steve Tyrell You know we have a great trivia. For the past 30 days, Copperfi eld Question 14: Which down- reprised a song he performed performing-arts center in questions appeared in the Life Question 7: Since the town department store owner for the 1991 movie “Father of Wilkes-Barre, but read this section and in the Guide. beginning of the Kirby Center, was instrumental in saving the the Bride.” What is the name section and you’ll be in better Compare your answers with which musical organization has old Paramount and opening of that song, which was heard shape next time. the ones below and had a constant on- the F.M. Kirby Center? at many wedding receptions 6-12 questions correct: see how well you stage presence? Answer: Albert Boscov after that movie was made? Dabbler in the Arts OK. You know a little about know the Kirby. Answer: The Question 15: The Dec. 12, Answer: “The Way You Look the Kirby Center. You might (Some of the original Northeastern Penn- 1990, showing of “The Nut- Tonight” have been to a show or two. questions have been sylvania Philhar- cracker” offered more than a Question 23: What is the But know that the venue has a edited for brevity.) monic good ballet. Executive Director name of the mule located in wide array of o« erings. Question 1: What Question 8: John Loesser held a drawing the box-offi ce lobby of the F.M. 13-20 questions correct: was so special about The Kirby Center during the performance and Kirby Center? Arts Lover the performance on continues to pay selected Ross Howey’s number. Answer: Cecil B. Mule, the Not only do you know about Sept. 19, 1986? tribute to its history What honor was bestowed on venue’s unoffi cial mascot the arts and our community’s Answer: It was by hosting several Howey, earning him an all- Question 24: Which famous performing-arts center, you This cult classic is know about its history and the fi rst show held always an answer to different fi lm series expenses-paid trip for two to children’s television personal- at the theater newly maybe even the lesser-known at least one movie- each year. What is Atlantic City, N.J.? ity appeared in person at the details of what makes it work. renamed the F.M. house trivia question, the only movie that Answer: Howey was selected Kirby Center during its inau- Congratulations — you’re a right? Kirby Center for the gets screened at mid- as the Kirby Center’s 1 mil- gural year? true supporter of the arts. Performing Arts. night? lionth patron. Answer: Shari Lewis, along 21-30 questions correct: Question 2: Which prima Answer: “The Rocky Horror Question 16: What was the with her puppet pal Lamb Shining Star ballerina opened her world Picture Show” largest change made to the Chop Give yourself a round of tour with a performance at the Question 9: The chandelier Kirby Center when it went Question 25: Which applause. As a matter of Kirby Center in September inside the Kirby Center has a from being a movie theater to 14-year-old singing sensation fact, get on the Kirby stage 1986? sister chandelier in what iconic a performing-arts center? opened a 1996 concert at the for the full-house round of Answer: Cynthia Gregory New York City building? Answer: A two-story addi- Kirby with the song “Blue applause you deserve. The Question 3: What was origi- Answer: The Empire State tion was put in over the stage Moon of Kentucky?” value of the Kirby Center and all its performances nally decided to be the name of Building for fl y space. Answer: LeAnn Rimes isn’t lost on you. You have the performing-arts center in Question 10: In 1992, four Question 17: Which sum- Question 26: The glamor- great appreciation for your Wilkes-Barre? organizations contributed a mer theater youth program ous chandelier is the focal community and for the Answer: The Paramount total of $200,000 to the capital performs every year in August? point in the Kirby Center’s di« erent art forms it supports. Civic Centre. The name campaign of the F.M. Kirby Answer: Kirby Kidz grand rotunda. About how change to F.M. Kirby Center Center for the Performing Question 18: In 1978, the long did the renovations and Newton perform as headliners, for the Performing Arts didn’t Arts. The “Keep the Magic F.M. Kirby Center was added improvements for the rotunda among many others. Which occur until after the Kirby of the Kirby” campaign had a to the National Register of take? year did each performer take Foundation made a signifi cant goal of $3 million. Name two Historic Places. What acronym Answer: Less than 10 the stage? Which of them per- monetary donation to provide of the four organizations that was associated with this effort? months formed twice during those fi ve the fi nal funds needed to com- contributed $50,000 to the Answer: STOP (Save The Question 27: Which pro- years? plete the renovations at the cause. (Extra points if you can Old Paramount) gressive, alternative rock band Answer: Bob Hope per- Paramount. name all four!) Question 19: How many performed a 3D show at the formed on June 12, 1991, and Question 4: For its fi fth Answer: The Times Leader, years has the Kirby Center’s Kirby Center on Oct. 16, 2012? Wayne Newton starred on anniversary, what iconic singer Northeastern Bank, United longest volunteer been serving Answer: Primus played an Feb. 14, 1988, and on Aug. did the Kirby Center bring to Penn Bank, and Franklin First at the venue, and what is the all-3D show on that date. 24, 1989, making him the per- perform? Federal volunteer’s name? Question 28: The Badlees former who headlined twice in Answer: Ray Charles on Oct. Question 11: What is the Answer: Gail Kistler, 28 performed on stage at the the fi rst fi ve years. 13, 1991. design style of the Kirby Cen- years Kirby Center on Feb. 22, 1997. Question 30: Which artist Question 5: The Kirby Cen- ter building, both interior and Question 20: How many Which two local bands opened performed with her band at the ter is a non-profi t business. exterior? audience seats are in the Kirby for them? Kirby Center on April 8, 1989, The small staff is bolstered by Answer: Art deco Center? Answer: Mere Mortals and and returned in 2015 to play community support and vol- Question 12: Which crea- Answer: 1,808 without pit Clove. with actor and banjo player unteers. How many volunteers tures were sold to the highest seating; 1,832 with pit seating. Question 29: In its fi rst fi ve Steve Martin and the Steep have served at the Kirby since bidder during a 1987 auction Question 21: What do the years, the Kirby Center had Canyon Rangers? 1986? at the Kirby Center? F and the M stand for in F.M. legends Bob Hope and Wayne Answer: Edie Brickell 14SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 KIRBY CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY TIMES LEADER O   2016 O  SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Theresa Rodney Dream Caputo Carrington Theater 7:30 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. Rodney Carrington - 6th Kirby Center Box O’ ce, 71 Public Square, or by calling 570-826-1100 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 TICKETS Ticketmaster locations (locally at Boscov’s or Gallery of Sound) Online at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 Second Boz John City: Free Scaggs Mellencamp S  2016 Speech 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 7:30 p.m. 11 12 13 14 15 17 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 DeadPhish Orchestra - 22nd All in Time Foreigner Halloween (movie) 8 p.m. Film Series The Badlees (concert) John 3:30, 6, 9 p.m. Mellencamp - 14th & Midnight * Brian Regan - 25th 2 p.m. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Tale of Dead The Rocky Alan Reckless Patti Tales Phish Toasters Horror Doyle Kelly LaBelle Picture 1 & 7:30 p.m. Orchestra 8 p.m. Show 7:30 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. (movie) 8 p.m. Midnight * 25 26 27 28 29 30 30 31 H ¶ F S * Brian Buddy Steve Splatterday II Regan Guy Miller Costume Parade 3:15 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. Band “Hotel Transylvania” 3:30 p.m. (22nd) 8 p.m. “The Birds” 6 p.m. (22nd) “Friday the 13th” 9 p.m. (22nd) Patti LaBelle - 28th “Rocky Horror” Midnight (23rd) N   2016 Buddy Guy - 30th D   2016 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Stand Bac Melissa The Holiday and The Etheridge’s Mavericks Doo Wop Idol Kings HolidayTrio 8 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 Henry A Rollins Christmas 8 p.m. Carol Octonauts Live! - 16th 7 p.m.

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 The Mavericks - 8th U.S. Army Field Band Octonauts Jake 4th & Soldiers’ Live! Shimabukuro Chorus 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. J
2017 7 p.m. SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

27 28 29 30 8 9 10 12 13 14 Momma Jake Shimabukuro - 18th Mia! 8 p.m.

F 
2017 M  2017 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Elvis God Save Stomp - 15th & 16th Lives the Queen 7:30 p.m. 8 p.m.

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 5 6 7 89 10 11 Elvis Lives - 1st I Have I Go On A Dream Singing 10 a.m. (Paul Roberson) 8 p.m.

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Cirque Last of the Garrison Zuma Red Hot Keillor Stomp Stomp 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Zuma Lovers 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 19 29 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Annie Odd Red Hot Squad Chilli 7:30 p.m. Live! Pipers God Save the Queen - 3rd 6:30 p.m. 8 p.m. 26 27 28 26 27 28 29 30 31 42nd Street Annie - 23rd 42nd Street - 29th 7:30 p.m.

Information & Venue Policies C  K
A  2017  Box offi ce is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT W F  C    & C ¸
S  5 p.m.; day of show, noon until 30 1 minutes past showtime. Convenient Food Mart L F   C¸ L
 Bindlestiµ Box-offi ce phone: 570-826-1100  Website: www.kirbycenter.org S  S  Family  Cirkus Kirby Center offi ce: 570-823-4599  Prohibited items: Weapons; B ¸¶
S  7 p.m. alcohol; any outside food or beverages; backpacks, large bags, PNC C 
S  28 29 packages; professional cameras The (with removable lenses); video or F
S  Hit Men recording devices.  Notes: All ticket sales are fi nal; no L
F  A  S  8 p.m. refunds … A facility fee is charged, and when applicable, a convenience Y  P ’ T S  fee is added to the price of each 30 All shows 10 a.m. (events not listed in calendar) ticket. … All persons and/or bags Thursday, Jan. 12: Doktor Kaboom Live Wire! will be subject to a security search Feet Don’t Thursday, Feb. 9: I Have a Dream Fail Me in the venue. Any prohibited items, or any item deemed dangerous or Monday, Feb. 13: Bill Bagg’s Science of Magic Now! inappropriate, will be confi scated. Friday, April 7: Story Pirates 7:30 p.m. Bindlestiff Family Cirkus - 1st Note: Schedule subject to change Tuesday, May 16: Elephant and Piggies TIMES LEADER KIRBY CENTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 15

For our customers, community and environment.

80771895 16 SEPTEMBER 18,2016 KIRBY CENTER30THANNIVERSARY TIMES LEADER

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