The Pullo Center Press Room

Paw Search features comedian Ty Barnett

November 17, 2009 - A variety of acts will take to the stage at Penn State York’s Pullo Family Performing Arts Center (The Pullo Center) for the third annual Paw Search, a family friendly talent and variety show benefit set for Friday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from this event go to the Penn State Dance Marathon, fondly known as THON, to help children with cancer through the Four Diamonds Fund at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center.

This year’s show features Ty Barnett, a standup comedian as emcee. Barnett was the 2006 runner-up on NBS’s “Last Comic Standing” where he faced-off with the eventual winner, Josh Blue. Since then, Barnett has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and as a regular on the “Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” Additional television credits include “Comedy Central Presents,” “Premium Blend,” and numerous television commercials. He also appeared in the feature film Stand-up.

A Chicago native, Barnett who has been performing since his high school days on the city’s south side, describes his comedy as “comfortably social with funny political views that aren’t forced on the audience.” He began touring and earning rave reviews in California, Oregon, and Canada before being voted “Up-and coming Comedian of the Year” in 2002 at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival. He is a single parent and currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

In addition to the comedy of Barnett, audience members will be treated to a variety of local performing groups who will be singing, dancing, doing martial arts, and more all to benefit children with cancer. The rock band 12th of August, Kim’s Karate, singer Jess Olan, rapper Cliff Johnson, and instrumentalists Rhoi Fajardo and Pete Bottros are just a few of the performers taking to The Pullo Center stage for Paw Search. This is one of the campus’ many fundraisers in support of THON which takes place on Feb. 19 – 21, 2010, at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park. The campus will send two local dancers to participate in this 46-hour dance marathon which has raised more than $52 million since it began in 1973.

Tickets are $5 for Penn State York students with I.D. and children under 10-years-old; $10 to all others. Tickets can be purchased at The Pullo Center Box Office, (717) 505-8900; from a Penn State York Thon member; or in the Penn State York Bookstore (717) 771-4110 using cash or check. Tickets will also be on sale the night of the show. For more information on Paw Search, please call (717) 771-4128.

Inflatable Theatre Comes to The Pullo Center at Penn State York!

November 13, 2009 - Fred Garbo Inflatable Theatre Company is coming to the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center (The Pullo Center) at Penn State York on Sunday, November 22 at 2 p.m. Check out some exciting clips of this unique show at www.fredgarbo.com. Tickets are on sale now at $15 and $18. For tickets and more information, visit www.pullocenter.yk.psu.edu, or call (717) 505-8900.

Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater Company stars pneumatic wizard Fred Garbo and Brazilian ballerina Daielma Santos. This duo has performed around the world, transcending barriers of age and language in a seamless program that includes physical comedy, dance, juggling, and most importantly, their own creative inventions that INFLATE! The company has won the praise and affection of audiences around the globe.

In addition to appearances on international television and on the “Late Show” with David Letterman, performance highlights include the Kennedy Center, two sold-out runs at the New Victory Theater on Broadway, Playhouse Square in Cleveland, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and the Hong Kong International Arts Carnival.

With seating for just over 1,000, The Pullo Center offers an intimate venue with full theatre capabilities. The Pullo Center opened at the campus in August 2005.

Edwin McCain performs Nov. 6

Don't miss platinum selling singer/songwriter Edwin McCain live at Penn State York’s Pullo Family Performing Arts Center (The Pullo Center) Friday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Since his 1993 debut, McCain has garnered the attention of millions with the top ten smash "I'll Be," and the Diane Warren-penned top 40 hit,"I Could Not Ask for More." He is a tireless troubadour whose live performances regularly sell-out.

In May 2005, McCain performed "I'll Be" on The Dr. Phil Show, and it was voted the "Best Wedding Song" by more than one million viewers. McCain blends equal parts folk, soul, and rock in his performances. He has signed with Vanguard Records and created his newly released album, Nobody's Fault but Mine. Currently in the new OMG Studios, McCain is working with producer Noel Golden and band members Craig Shields (keys, sax); Larry Chaney (lead guitar); Pete Riley (guitar, vocals); Dave Harrison (drums); and Lee Hendricks (bass).

Tickets for his performance are $28 for the general public and $15 for Penn State York sudents with I.D. Get your tickets now by calling (717) 505-8900, or visit the Web at www.pullocenter.yk.psu.edu. With seating for just over 1,000, The Pullo Center offers an intimate venue with full theatre capabilities. The Pullo Center opened at the campus in August 2005.

Local Organizations Help Promote Upcoming Governor's Awards for the Arts

September 14, 2009 — In August, the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center (The Pullo Center) at Penn State York partnered with the Cultural Alliance of York, the Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center, and other arts organizations in the area to promote the upcoming Governor's Awards for the Arts. To promote the awards, which are scheduled to be held in York this spring, organizations participated in a surprise "flash mob" dance on the square in downtown York on August 14. The Pullo Center provided indoor rehearsal space, and the Penn State York parking lot was used for final rehearsals before the group of more than 100 participants, including members of the Penn State York faculty and staff, made it's surprise debut. The dance has made quite a splash in the area, and on line, and continues to make the news. Local newspapers, radio, and television stations have picked up on the event which is also being used to promote the arts and culture in York County. The video, which can be seen below, and on YouTube, was produced and directed by York native, and New York University (NYU) film student, Justin Ayers.