On Sunday, April 12, the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie hosted their 26th annual Bardavon Gala, followed by a performance from Melissa Etheridge. The Gala, supporting the Bardavon and the arts in the Hudson Valley, shows appreciation to the various sponsors and donors that contribute to the fundraiser.
The Bardavon is New York State’s oldest continuously operating theater, being open since 1869. Now a non-profit, it continues to provide entertainment and education for fans near and far. Among a packed schedule of shows, this summer the theater will also be partnering with Marist University and New York Stage and Film to host some of the organization’s summer program events. Bardavon Presents, the organization that operates the Bardavon, also operates Ulster Performing Arts Center in Kingston.
DoubleTree by Hilton Poughkeepsie, formerly known as the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel, hosted the Gala portion of the night. Attendees enjoyed top-tier catering along with complementary wine courtesy of Millbrook Vineyards & Winery. The Gala represents the value of the arts in the Hudson Valley, bringing together the community members that contribute in the program’s initiative.
Following the Gala, the Bardavon hosted Melissa Etheridge. The two time Grammy award winner stopped in Poughkeepsie for her RISE Tour. The audience consisted of both gala attendees and regular fans, all of which were excited to see Etheridge. With no opening act, anticipation built in the Bardavon as they awaited the rockstar, whose career spans four decades.
Just past 8pm, Etheridge delivered an incredible performance enjoyed by all. Etheridge performed a range of songs, interpolating classic hits with fresh songs from the new album. Before each new song, Etheridge announced that it was her “favorite song from the album,’ which got a laugh from the audience after realizing that she’d say it every single time.
By the end of the night, the crowd had formed what was essentially a general admission pit. (The Bardavon is a seated theater venue). Excited fans, encouraged by Etheridge, made their way to the front of the stage to enjoy the performance from up close. After some energetic hits, the show ended with a slow ballad dedicated to Etheridge’s daughter. Although the show ended, the energy in the crowd remained as they piled out of the Bardavon musing about how great the show was.
Setlist: Don’t You Want a Woman, Bring Me Some Water/No Souvenirs, Matches, All American Girl/Ain’t It Heavy, Tomboy, Let Me Go/Angels Would Fall, Bein’ Alive, Born Under a Bad Sign, Rise, I Want to Come Over, I’m the Only One, To Be a Woman, Come to My Window, Like the Way I Do, More Love
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