Amped To Dance At Celebrate Erie

By Julie Caldwell

Though it’s hard to believe, the hot and sticky days of August have finally come, bringing not only the beauty of the land, Weddings, and of course long casual days on the Beach, but Erie’s Greatest Festival, Celebrate Erie as well.

Each August, Downtown Erie comes alive with the four-day summer street festival that offers the public a plethora of artists of all kinds, a wide variety of musical performances by amazing local bands, along with high caliber national headlining musicians of multiple genres, street vendors, and entertainment and activities designed to encourage the arts.

As in past events, this year’s Celebrate Erie will include CelebrateDiversity, the Kids Zone, the Kids Construction Zone, the very popular Chalk Walk, Taste of Erie, Artist Colony and more.

As what some would call the “cherry on top”, since 1991 local, regional, and national Dance Performance Artist Brett Fallon has been a Celebrate Erie staple performer, entertaining thousands over the years at Celebrate Erie with his very diverse and unique style, along with his always-captivating shows that continue to encompass much more than just dance.

Along with a cavalcade of professional entertainers of all kinds, Fallon will offer five performances including one at the Children’s Stage on Saturday at 4pm.

Among Fallon’s countless contributions to our community are the many outreach programs that he has created such as Warren’s First National Tap Dance Day, along with a Dance Theater Department at the Boys and Girls Club in Erie.

Over his career, Fallon’s captivating and innovative style and energy along with his dedication to the community has earned him the admiration of the local dance community, theaters and venues, and most importantly his thousands of fan, not only in our area, but also in any place he performs.

At this year’s event, Fallon promises that each of his five presentations will be distinctive, “I will be swapping performers in and out of each show to make for a truly unique performance experience,” said Fallon.

Among the very accomplished and talent rich entertainers that will perform in Fallon’s shows this weekend include Faculty member of the Erie Dance Conservatory and 2007- 2008 recipient of the Penn State Behrend Spirit Award,  Angela D’Aurora along with twenty year musical veteran, Kenny Sutton and Jessi Lenea, Lead Vocalist of Charysma.

Also joining Fallon in his shows this year will be Tori Taylor, Haeli and Hannah Augenstein, Nathan Nitczynski, Renae Mittelmeier, Zumba with Kristine, Gabe Carr, and LaMorvielle Campbell, along with the “Super Swag Girls”.  Winning many awards and local talent shows, the Super Swag Girls are a group of young Singers and Dancers that are well on their way to becoming the hottest new girl group in Erie.

With more than thirty Singers, Dancers, and Entertainers of all ages, styles and genres, Fallon’s shows are shaping up to be one of the highlights extravaganzas of this year’s Celebrate Erie. “I do plan to pull out all the stops and bring all the best of my dance hits to the show too,” said Fallon.

When asked what one should expect if attending any of the Amped to Dance shows, Fallon responded, “Each show will include ALL styles of music to please everyone. We will do it all.  These shows have a lot of singing, and there is a lot of Pop music but we do have all styles of music and Musical Theatre, hip-hop, disco, soft ballads, and even a bit of Country, along with dance to include Tap, Ballet, and Jazz Dances.”

Clearly, the Fallon shows at this year’s Celebrate Erie will have everyone who attends Amped to dance, and as with most of Fallon’s events I am sure the crowds should also be pepped for surprises, as last year’s theme was, “expect the unexpected.”

This weekend be sure to make it down to Celebrate Erie for an extravaganza of the most spectacular kind, filled with everything Music, Arts, Dance, and especially, everything Erie.

Brett Fallon and Company will be taking the stage located at 10th & State Street during Celebrate Erie on Friday August 16th at 2pm & 3:3opm and Sunday August 18th at 3pm & 4:30pm.

For more information on Brett Fallon, his Celebrate Erie performances, or other Fallon shows and events, please visit his website at www.brettfallon.com.