Orange County’s Entertainment Offerings Step Up

Posted on February 15, 2023 by MJ Hanley-Goff in Playing Around

Considered the sixth borough of New York City, Orange County was already a draw for tourists thanks to apple picking, and Woodbury Common with its big-name outlet shops. Then, a few years ago Legoland opened up its third location in the US; in December of last year, Resorts World Hudson Valley opened up a new electronic gaming site in the Newburgh mall; and now residents and visitors have the resurgence of a local favorite concert venue located in the arts & crafts village of Sugar Loaf. The Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center (SLPAC) in collaboration with OME Events has just released its busiest and most ambitious roster of events since its doors opened in 1992. In fact, according to OME’s Concert and Event Producer, Stephanie Ferrell, “OME plans to put Hudson Valley on the map for every touring act, while also supporting our local, upcoming artists.” 

Over its thirty-plus year history, the SLPAC has hosted community events, summer concerts, gallery exhibits, film festivals, been the site for venues, dance recitals, and the like. With its partnership with OME Events, the hall is now offering an exciting list of intimate live shows to fit most every taste, with some very big names, and in a part of New York that still has working dairy farms and quiet country roads. Here’s just a taste of what’s upcoming for 2023:

  • Croce Plays Croce – A.J. Croce plays the songs of his late father, Jim Croce (Feb. 25)
  • All Things Equal: The Life & Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg – a play by Rupert Holmes (March 5)
  • Joan Osborne – 8-time Grammy nominee (April 15)
  • Judy Collins with Madeleine Peyroux and a 35-piece orchestra – (April 21) 
  • Suzanne Vega (April 22)
  • The Righteous Brothers (May 18)
  • Kevin James (May 21) SORRY, SOLD OUT
  • The Bacon Brothers (June 2)
  • Tribute shows to Prince, Bee Gees, Dirty Deeds (ACDC Experience), and Fleetwood Mac (not an OME booking event)

Recently, the SLPAC hosted The Sixties Show, a group of talented musicians who recreated, note by note, the top hits of the 1960’s, complete with a backdrop of videos that returned the audience to the the days of The Byrds, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the British Invasion, and a curly-haired Bob Dylan. The six-member ensemble have distinguished bios that include collaborations with some of the major players in classic and modern music, like Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer, The Beach Boys, John Fogerty, Elvis Costello, and members of Steely Dan. With a warm camaraderie and flawless precision, the band was as tight as it comes; Peter Chiusano’s organ solo in the Doors’ Light My Fire, one feels Ray Manzarek is behind the instrument.  Lead singer, and guitarist, Jim Boggia had a Steven Tyler quality to his performance and seemed to morph into Jim Morrison, Donovan, and Roger Daltrey.  Their harmonies recreated the sound of the Zombies, the Beatles, and the Byrds. It was magical, and a reminder of one of the greatest decades in music history. 

And if you’ve never heard of Sugar Loaf with its main street of arts and crafty shops, it’s a site to put on your “must visit” list.  Founded in the mid-1740s, the hamlet was a halfway point for travelers looking to restock their supplies and over 150 years later, it retains much of that old world charm. Shop after shop offers a mix of handmade soaps and candles, wood carvings, pottery, art, toys, vintage clothing, plus pick up angel and spiritual items in one part of town, and magical supplies in another.  The Taphouse Restaurant, right in the heart of the village, serves up locally brewed beers and ciders, and what this writer feels are the best French fries in the area. 

OME Entertainment offers events at three other sites in the County: larger-scaled live concerts at House of Power Stadium; rodeos and local bands in front of a “bring your own chair” audience; and professional bull riding or a motorsports trade show at the Indoor Arena at the Orange County Fair Speedway.  Just announced: the Stampede Bullriding Rodeo will take place on July 2 at Summer Stage at the Barn.  (If you’re a fan of the hit show Yellowstone, and its spin-offs, you’ll definitely want to check this out.) 

All photos courtesy of  Frank Morales, OME Concerts & Events

Visit omeevents.com for details on upcoming shows. 

Visit sugarloafnewyork.com for details on making the most of your visit to Orange County. 

About MJ Hanley-Goff (169 Articles)
MJ Hanley-Goff has been contributing to Woman Around Town since its inception in 2009. She began her career at Newsday in the early 90’s and has continued writing professionally for other New York publications like the Times Herald-Record, Orange Magazine, and Hudson Valley magazine. Former editor of Hudson Valley Parent magazine, she also contributed stories to AAA’s Car & Travel, and Tri-County Woman. After completing her novel and a self-help book, she created MJWRITES, INC. to offer writing workshops and book coaching to first time authors, and also college essay writing help to students. MJ has recently made St. Augustine, Florida her home base, and is thrilled and honored to continue to write for WAT and the amazing adventures it offers. Despite the new zip code, MJ will continue to keep a pulse on New York events, but will continue to focus on the creative thinkers, doers, and artists wherever they are.

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