Wood TheaterGlens Falls, N.Y. (January 2023) – On March 11th, the Wood Theater will be transformed into a one-day-only music and art gallery featuring a multi-band concert, live artist gallery and artisan fair.

Anthony Richichi, staple of the Glens Falls arts community and major player in the annual GEM Fest (Glens Falls Entertainment & Music Festival, most recently held at the Shirt Factory) approached the Wood Theater about bringing a ‘Rock Gallery’ winter festival back to life following a similar event’s success years ago in Saratoga. After a hiatus, the revamped event will now take place in the heart of Glens Falls this March.

GEM Festival, put on by North Country Arts will remain a different (although similar) and much larger festival that takes place annually in the summer. Though Rock Gallery is produced by the Wood, participating artists Anthony Richichi and Hannah Williams serve as board members for North Country Arts and expressed support for the project as another avenue to celebrate artists and musicians in GEM’s off season.

A small but mighty committee of passionate artists and music lovers was then formed to put the event together to provide a unique experience for both performers and patrons of the arts.

“We are always looking for unique ways to use our spaces and get folks in here who may not have ever stepped foot in the Wood before” says Executive Director Emily Murphy “As much as this is about entertaining the community, it's about educating them on the presence of an immense amount of talent right in our backyard. Any opportunity we have to highlight and support artists, artisans and musicians, we’re going to take it - and find a way to make it accessible to enjoy”

The festival will begin at Noon and be open to the public free of charge until 5PM, though donations will be accepted at the door for those wishing to support the project and the Wood. The afternoon portion of the event will feature a live painter’s Gallery in Anthony Richichi, Shelley Fairbanks, Sarah Calzada and Hannah Williams showcasing their talents. The Theater’s Cabaret Space will host additional artists and artisans for attendees to shop and support.

The house will then open at 6:30PM for ticketed attendees who will enjoy the acoustic stylings of Reese Fulmer while perusing the vendor area and continued live painter’s Gallery. A Main Stage concert will kick off on the main stage at 7:30PM opening with Seize Atlantis, followed by Lock 9 and closing out with Headliner Capital Zen.

This ambitious endeavor could not be possible without the community’s support and several businesses quickly jumping on board to sponsor the event. In doing so, these businesses are guaranteeing that all artists and musicians are being paid a fair wage for their time and talents and allowing ticket prices to be kept as low as possible. Glens Falls Hospital has claimed the Headliner Sponsorship, helping foot the bill for Capital Zen. The Candy Space & Kevin Richards presents have both sponsored an artist and Advokate has sponsored Lock 9. Mean Max will also be on site serving concessions with a portion of bar sales benefiting the Wood.

Proceeds from the event will support the Wood Theater and future events like Rock Gallery in 2024 and beyond.

“The intention is to make this an annual event” says Murphy “We already have some big bands that have heard about this year’s event and are showing interest in playing in 2024’s show. This is going to be something really great for our community and the arts as a whole”

Tickets to the event will go on sale January 12th and cost $15 in Advance and $20 after March 1st. Tickets may be purchased online at www.woodtheater.org/rock or at the Box Office/By phone at (518) 480-4878.

Those interested in attending just the afternoon Artists’ gallery may enter at no cost, though donations to the Wood Theater will be accepted.

Those interested in sponsoring the event or being part of the vendor portion of the event may also visit woodtheater.org/rock for more information/to sign up or e-mail boxoffice@woodtheater.org

 

ABOUT THE BANDS & ARTISTS

Capital Zen:

Headlining the inaugural Glens Falls Rock Gallery is none other than local Glens Falls Legends, Capital Zen. Constantly evolving their sound and trying new things, Zen manages to keep their audience on their feet with genre breaking grooves and catchy lyrics, never wanting to get stagnant and always keeping things fresh. Every Capital Zen show is something unique and personal for their audience that keeps the crowds coming back for more.

Seize Atlantis:

Formed in 2019, Seize Atlantis is an Alternative Rock band from Glens Falls. Taking main inspiration from the sounds of the Rock bands of the late 90s-00s, they provide their own unique spin on the classic genre models, by incorporating ideas from modern pop music to create a dynamic sound that is Hard & driving, as well as soft & melodic. Since their formation they have become a consistent staple of the Glens Falls music scene, playing many prominent shows including a spot at GEM Fest 2022.

LOCK 9  is a multi-disciplinary rock group hailing from the Adirondacks who have played hundreds of shows spanning a decade, including four appearances at the historic Chance Theater opening for numerous national touring acts. Bringing a hyper-visual element to their stage performances they incorporate original artwork, props, and costumes in a frenzy of acid metal rock and artistic expression.

Anthony Richichi is an award-winning painter and illustrator who has been showcased in galleries and art publications across the country. His most recent awards include the 2021 Post Star Best Local Artist and the 2022 Outstanding Creator Awards national “Book of the Year”.

Hannah Williams is a renowned muralist and painter who has painted her murals in businesses and on city public property across the United States. You can see her most recent mural work on Warren Street in downtown Glens Falls as part of the Art District Mural Project.

Shelley Fairbanks is an award-winning local artist and live painter who has exhibited worked in dozens of local exhibitions and fine art galleries. Most notably she won 1st place Best Local Artist in the 2022 Best of the Region and was a featured solo exhibited artist with North Country Arts.

Sarah Calzada  is a highly acclaimed local painter who has exhibited and showcased at numerous music and arts festivals including a 2x featured artist at the annual GEM Festival in Glens Falls. She will be making her live painting debut at the Wood Theater alongside her fantastic display of surreal visionary landscapes and portraits.

Media Contact:

Emily Murphy, Wood Theater
emily@woodtheater.org

Link to Press Photos (Incl. Poster, Artist & Band Images)

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JlXsK5ctKt9XMbel-TxA6VdnLEmgc2nW?usp=sharing