OK, it’s really “catch up,” but isn’t “ketchup” a little more intriguing? And, speaking of food, before I head out to do my last-minute holiday grocery shopping, I wanted to touch base with you while it’s still 2015.
I’m embarrassed to say that my last update was at the very end of August. Fall fell while I was busy with the First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival and the opening of Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2015/16 season – Music Director Ward Stare’s inaugural one – both on Thursday, September 17th at 7:30 PM!
First Niagara Fringe Festival’s Remote Rochester (pictured above, photo by Erich Camping) was a huge hit, and 2015 saw the most successful Fringe yet – with 63,000 attendees and 20% more ticket sales. We just announced 2016 (Fringe #5!) dates: Sept. 15-24, along with an important NEA grant. Check it out here.
The RPO’s stock is also on the rise, with new Interim Pres. & CEO Ralph Craviso as well as Maestro Stare in his inaugural season (photo above taken by Suzi Gorman). Check out his monthly appearances on Fox Rochester’s Good Day Rochester with Jennifer Johnson – fun, informal chats about all kinds of interesting behind-the-scenes stuff. Mark your calendar for the RPO’s 2016/17 season announcement in Kodak Hall with the entire orchestra and Ward Stare onstage, Tuesday, February 9th. And find out about all of the orchestra’s January concerts – including a live taping of NPR’s From the Top – here.
Speaking of January, this traditionally slow-as-molasses month will be hopping for two of my longtime clients: Airigami and PUSH Physical Theatre.
Airigami will announce its first Airigami Balloon Adventure (formerly called Balloon Manor, of which there have been six in Rochester) on Wednesday, Jan. 6 (check back then for the full press release). As in 2015’s Amazing Air-filled Undersea Adventure (pictured above, photo from Airigami), a team of 60 artists and volunteers from all over world will gather to create a five-story, 50-foot tall sculpture made from 40,000 balloons. The incredible event will be free of charge, from Jan. 29-Feb. 7, in the historic Sibley Building atrium. Check out last year’s time-lapse video here.
PUSH will open its world premiere of PUSH Physical Theatre’s Jekyll & Hyde at Blackfriars Theatre – also on Friday, Jan. 29 – and run for 11 performances through Valentine’s Day (that 2 PM matinee is already sold out!) I am SO excited about this groundbreaking production (view the one-minute trailer here). In addition, as newly-elected PUSH Board of Directors president, I can let you in on a little secret: PUSH will be having its first annual fundraiser party on Saturday, April 9th – save the date!
My Holiday Ketchup media tip: the golden rule. Yes, treating people as you would like to be treated is the key to building any kind of relationship, and creating and maintaining media relationships is no different. OK, not earth-shattering information, but certainly in the spirit.
Speaking of, I wish you a wonderful holiday and a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2016. Thank you – whether you are a client, colleague, friend or family member – for allowing me to share a little of myself with you.
Best,
