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WILKES-BARRE — Joell Yarmel, executive director of the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, this week said the annual Kirby Fest event is more important than ever.
“As we continue to rebuild and recover from the devastating flood we experienced earlier in the season, this event is extremely important for us,” Yarmel said. “Due to the damage, we are unable to utilize the lower level, but that just means the other areas in the theater will be packed with even more fun.”
The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts will hold its 6th annual Kirby Fest — A Night of Pints, Pinot and Performing Arts! — from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 20.
The event is presented by Metro and sponsored by Highmark.
“This event historically sells out and we’re on track to do the same this year,” Yarmel said.
Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 day of the event. Kirby Members get a special rate of $30 by calling the box office.
The all-inclusive event features local beer, wine, cider, spirits and food tastings, a Kirby Fest souvenir glass, live entertainment, local artist displays and a silent auction with signed memorabilia from Kirby stars.
All proceeds benefit the F.M. Kirby Center’s community outreach and children’s programming, which provide local children a chance to experience the performing arts free of charge.
“This event helps us in continuing to support our community and its children,” Yarmel said.
As you walk through the theater, Yarmel said there will be tables with various samples for attendees. There will be three local musical acts playing each hour: Jamie Anzalone from County Lines; k8; and DymondCutter. There will be art displays by Lois Pluskey Fine Art, Scott Kucharski and Alan McLaughlin.
Yarmel said a fan favorite at the event will be Scott Stevens and his Magical Mirror.
“Everyone loves to stop by and get their annual Kirby Fest picture taken,” Yarmel said.
A silent auction will once again be held on the stage consisting of signed posters by acts that performed on the Kirby stage, but this year Yarmel said they are adding an online component to it.
“This way, those that are unable to attend the event can support us by purchasing one of the exciting items on the auction,” she said.
The biggest item is two premier seats to the sold-out Bonnie Raitt performance on April 27, with transportation provided by AAAA Limousine, and dinner at Pazzo.
The online auction will open at noon Thursday and run through 8 p.m. Saturday.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.