Ryan Hamilton, country duo, illusionist among Idaho Falls Arts Council’s season lineup
Published at | Updated at
IDAHO FALLS – The Idaho Falls Arts Council has some big acts coming to eastern Idaho for its upcoming season.
During an open house Wednesday, Executive Director Brandi Newton discussed the lineup, which includes country and folk legends Kathy Mattea and Suzy Bogguss, Illusionist Rob Lake and stand-up comedian Ryan Hamilton.
Hamilton, who grew up in eastern Idaho, will be returning for the second year in a row after two sold-out shows last year. Newton tells EastIdahoNews.com she’s excited to hear new material on his second appearance.
“He really did play the hometown crowd (last year). He was really excited to be here and perform in front of family because he hadn’t for a long time,” Newton says.
During the open house, Newton mentioned Hamilton once worked as a sports reporter for The Post Register and, being a graduate of North Fremont High School, was excited at the prospect of working “in town.”
“Part of our story is being able to inspire those that live in our community. So, for a kid to come and see him and know that he grew up in a town potentially smaller than the one they’re growing up in is a fun full circle moment for us,” says Newton.
Hamilton’s performance is scheduled for Nov. 25 and 26.
Many people have grown up listening to Mattea and Bogguss and sitting among them in an intimate setting is something Newton hopes will be a special, nostalgic experience for fans.
They’ll be performing on Oct. 27.
“Everything we do is intended for the best audience experience and to push the envelope with modern technology,” she says. “The quality of what we do here — there’s no one else in our community that does what we can do.”
The Arts Council’s goal is to give audiences a taste of a wide variety of entertainment options and not “pander” to a specific group.
Newton says there’s something in their lineup that will appeal to everyone, regardless of what crowd they associate with.
“What I really love about our organization is that we won’t tell you what art is. We’ll let you decide and so we’ll try to bring in a broad range (of shows),” Newton explains. “I want everyone to come and participate and that’s why we’ll do David Archuleta and ‘Flashdance.'”
The season kicks off on September 15 with A Street Sessions at the Willard Arts Center. “Menopause: The Musical” is the first major attraction on Oct. 11. The season will wrap in April with Skerryvore, a Scottish band that combines folk, trad, rock and pop.
Visit the Arts Council’s website for ticket prices and a full list of shows.
