Empire Training Center for the Arts (ETCA), in partnership with New York Stage and Film (SAF), lit up The Chance Theater with an unforgettable evening of music, talent, and community celebration on June 27. The inaugural City of Poughkeepsie Songwriters’ Salon will feature acclaimed singer-songwriter Crystal Monee Hall in concert, marking SAF’s first event of its kind in the city.
Hall, a dynamic performer whose credits include “RENT” on Broadway, HBO’s “High Maintenance,” Disney’s “Wish,” and tours with Ben Platt and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, will take center stage at the historic Chance Theater. Her original musical “Shelter” will premiere July 19–20 as part of New York Stage and Film’s 40th Anniversary Summer Season at Marist University.
“We are truly thrilled to host this evening in collaboration with New York Stage and Film, featuring the extraordinary Crystal Monee Hall,” said Trish Santini, co-founder and executive director of ETCA, in a press release. “We congratulate Ian Belknap on his first season as SAF Artistic Director and the 40th anniversary of SAF. This night promises to be a beautiful celebration of music, creativity, and community.”
Supported by Marist University, the City of Poughkeepsie, and Chai Developers, the Songwriters’ Salon signals a new era of artistic partnerships and cultural vitality in the Hudson Valley.
“This is a perfect way to begin celebrating 40 years in Poughkeepsie,” said Ian Belknap, SAF’s artistic director, in a press release. “Crystal Monee Hall is a singular talent, and this partnership with ETCA, Mayor Yvonne Flowers, and Marist University exemplifies our shared commitment to elevating the arts in this region.”
Marist University’s Geoffrey Brackett emphasized the broader impact in a press release: “ETCA will help connect our community with the performing arts industry and strengthen the region’s growing cultural ecosystem.”
Mayor Yvonne Flowers added, “We’re proud to bring such an inspiring event to our downtown. This is just the beginning of what we envision for arts and culture in the City of Poughkeepsie.”