The Oneida Nation is busy scheduling live entertainment acts for its properties across Central New York.
David Katz, director of entertainment, said the Nation is looking at various entertainment options including music, dance, theater, classic game shows and food and wine shows.
“As we return to entertainment, there are a lot of options,” Katz said.
Katz started as entertainment director in January but has a background that includes Broadway and Viacom.
Some of the venues – such as The Lake House in Sylvan Beach – havalready booked live entertainment for the summer.
Meanwhile, acts for The Showroom at Turning Stone are just starting to trickle onto the calendar. There currently are three acts listed on the venue’s website, all taking place in September.
“Everyone’s eager to get back to work,” Katz said. Everyone is excited.”
Photo gallery: Turning Stone Resort Casino reopens
Turning Stone renovations
The Showroom at Turning Stone is under construction and is expected to be completed later this summer, the Oneida Nation said in a statement on its website.
Live entertainment is expected to return to the Showroom in September, with shows expected to be announced shortly.
Work being done in the Showroom include modernizing the audio system with a L’Acoustics system. Turning Stone also is looking to install a state-of-the-art audio and lighting system at Showroom.
The revamped venue also will include over 650 premium stadium-style seats and an all-new bar in the newly added atrium.
“This is more than an update,” said Katz. “It’s a complete overhaul.”
Turning Sone also is conducting several other major renovation projects ahead of its 28th anniversary on July 21, including a new buffet concept and work on its wedding and meeting spaces.
Entertainment:Turning Stone to update its look ahead of 28th anniversary
Nation officials will release more information on the renovations in the lead up to the anniversary.
Return of live events
A substantial amount of Turning Stone guests are looking for live events in intimate venues, according to the results of a recent Nation survey.
Turning Stone conducted a survey of over 30,000 guests who have attended an event at the resort in the last two years about their willingness to attend live entertainment and events post-pandemic. The Nation released the survey’s findings in mid-June.
Dubbed the “Return to Live Survey,” the Nation said it found that a large majority of people are eager to attend live events again, primarily in an intimate venue with less than 1,000 seats and would be willing to travel to see a live show.
The survey findings included:
- 92% miss attending live entertainment and events
- 73% are eager to attend live events again
- 65% are willing to travel more than 120 miles to attend live events
- 76% are looking for live events in intimate venues (up to 1,000 seats)
“These survey results are very encouraging as they indicate our guests are eager to attend live performances again, which we know is also a significant driver of tourism in our region,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter in a statement. “This is also great news for the local music scene in Central New York. We take great pride in showcasing local talent in our venues and introducing our guests who come from all over the county to the best our region has to offer.”
Upcoming entertainment at the Lake House at Sylvan Beach
July
Source: Lakehousesylvanbeach.com
Ed Harris is the Oneida County reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. For unlimited access to his stories, please subscribe at the top of the uticaod.com homepage or activate your digital account today. Email Ed Harris at EHarris1@gannett.com.
