Change at the State Theater: Director Leaving

Matt Joslyn, director of the State Theater, announced today he is leaving for a job in Ohio, where his family resides.

Matt's tenure at the theater was brief, but accomplished. He brought a wide variety of acts to the theater, and reached out to multiple segments of the community to create for the State a status as an Ithaca institution, but very much a living one.

The big names at the theater in the past year included Doc Watson, Ralph Stanley, the Indigo Girls, David Bromberg, George Carlin, the official Broadway touring production of "Wonderful Town", Lewis Black, Jeff Dunham, and the Roche Sisters.

Two weeks ago, on St. Patrick's Day, the State hosted a benefit concert for local peace groups which drew over 1,000 people, and local congressman Maurice Hinchey spoke from the stage.

Matt's gracious personal presence at the shows created a feeling of warmth and inclusion that will will tough to replace. We will miss him, but are happy for his opportunity to work closer to his family.

Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog