The Theatre District Association of Western New York today announced that Marcy and Jonathan Dandes have been selected as Honorary Chairs for the 36th Annual Curtain Up! event, celebrating the Opening of Buffalo’s 2017-2018 Theatre Season. Adam Hayes, TDA Vice President/Chair of the Curtain Up! 2017 Steering Committee, made the announcement. Curtain Up! will be held on Friday, September 15, 2017 in and around the 600 block of Main Street, Buffalo. This exciting event, the only one of its size and scope in the nation, is presented by M&T Bank and The Theatre District Association.

Marcy and Jonathan Dandes are enthusiastic and active participants in the Buffalo & Western New York theatre community.  An alumna of Canisius College, Marcy is now a licensed real estate agent with Hunt Real Estate.  She has served as President of the Nichols School Parents Council and is a long-time member of the Board of Directors of O’Connell & Company. Jon Dandes is the President of the Buffalo Bisons and President of the Canalside Management Group.  He currently serves as Chairman of Visit Buffalo Niagara as well as Chair of the Buffalo Zoo.  Jon is also Chair-Elect of the ECMC Board of Directors and the past Chairman of the Buffalo/Niagara Partnership.  The couple has been married for 35 years.

Marcy and Jon Dandes will be honored at the black tie Patrons’ Dinner Gala as “Act I” of the Curtain Up! Celebration. This year for the Dinner, attendees are invited to enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal in an elegant white tent at Fountain Plaza. Entertainment will be provided by Jazz Cache. “Act II” will raise the curtain on live Theatre performances at 8PM at eleven of the area’s distinguished Theatres Companies.  A full list of their exciting offerings, with links to their websites, can be found on the Theatre District Association website at tda-wny.com.  Net proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Theatre District Association, and also help fund “Act III,” the free late night street party downtown in the Theatre District later that night after the shows.

“Marcy and I are both honored and thrilled to serve as Honorary Chairs the 2017 Curtain Up! Celebration, kicking off the 2017-2018 Theatre Season,” Mr. Dandes said. “We recognize and honor the tremendous talent and dedication represented across every stage in Buffalo and Western New York,” he continued.  “Whether enjoying a classic musical or a brand new dramatic play written by a local playwright, audiences throughout our region have access to a wide array of extraordinary, world-class Theatre, enriching Buffalo’s cultural landscape and contributing to the area’s well-deserved reputation as a tourism destination for Arts and Culture,” Mr. Dandes concluded.

Commenting on the selection of Marcy and Jonathan Dandes as Honorary Chairs, Adam Hayes, Chairman of Curtain Up! said, “Theatre has always been, and continues to be, an integral part of Buffalo’s dramatic resurgence.  Without the support of individuals like Marcy and Jonathan Dandes, it would not be possible for Buffalo to have Theatre as a part of its cultural heritage,” he continued. “Their incredible dedication to fostering the growth of the Buffalo Theatre industry, as well as the city at large, is an example that should be elevated and celebrated,” Mr. Hayes concluded.

For tickets to the Patrons’ Dinner Gala, call (716) 847-0850 or purchase online at Ticketmaster.com.   For a complete list of their Theatre offerings, with links to their websites, please visit tda-wny.com.

ABOUT THE THEATRE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION OF WNY

Founded in 1979, Theatre District Association of Western New York, Inc. is a not-for-profit community association dedicated to the promotion of the health and well-being of Buffalo’s neighborhood known as the Theatre District.

It is our goal to foster public awareness and appreciation of the unique aspects of the Theatre District as an urban cultural neighborhood and to provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas which may affect the welfare of the District and its members and to promote dialogue with other agencies or organizations which may impact our neighborhood.

TDA focuses attention on neighborhood cleanup and physical  improvement, and encourages programs for safety and security.  TDA also participates in the development and production of public events which showcase the Theatre District – including the Annual Curtain Up! event.