Arts /
Family Entertainment
When: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Tuesdays
Where: Smith Wilkes Hall
(unless otherwise noted)
The Family Entertainment Series features free performances each Tuesday evening (during the Chautauqua season) at 5 and 7 p.m. in Smith-Wilkes Hall unless otherwise noted. This series appeals to family members of all ages providing fun, interactive entertainment ranging from music to mime, puppetry, dance and much more.
Please check for updates to the 2013 Family Entertainment series.
 Sponsored byKathy and Jim Pender and The Michael Pender Fund of the Cleveland Foundation | Astronaut Story Musgrave: 25 Million Miles In Orbit Wednesday, June 26, 7:30 p.m. Amphitheater Over the course of 30 years, Story Musgrave has become one of NASA's most colorful, dedicated and passionate astronauts. He's a pilot, surgeon, mechanic, poet, philosopher, and he fixed the Hubble Space Telescope too. He is the only astronaut to have flown all five space shuttles. He will share his stories and fantastic photos. An evening for the entire family - plan to be amazed! $20—BUY TICKETS |
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| Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix Tuesday, July 2 Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix is a slapstick comedy act like no other. Johnny leads his 12 rescue/shelter dogs through challenging and hilarious tricks as Johnny plays the straight man role in this wonderful family show. Johnny uses visual comedy, audience participation and a culmination of varied dog tricks to wow the audience while presenting a sentimental tone. The underlining message that any dog can be a good dog resonates with the public as they watch Johnny having fun with his mixed breed and purebred dogs - give them a little love, and the dog will be your best friend. Johnny's background in clowning and comedy make for a truly unique, cleverly choreographed performance! Johnny and his dogs have performed for Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, and on the David letterman Show. FREE—Stop by Main Gate for a pass In the news: |
 Sponsored byKathy and Jim Pender and The Michael Pender Fund of the Cleveland Foundation | Golden Dragon Acrobats* Wednesday, July 10 7:30 p.m. Amphitheater These tremendously talented and skillful performers carry on the traditions of more than 25 centuries of Chinese acrobatics. Award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques entertain, amaze and often stun the audience. This is an evening for the entire family! $20—BUY TICKETS |
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| Pete Geist Visual Comedian Tuesday, July 16 Returning for his second visit to Chautauqua Institution (his first was in 2010) is a professional comedian who makes magic, pantomime, juggling and physical comedy work for him. He's known as a "12-year-old trapped in the body of a 36-year-old man". He's been performing his one-man show for 17 years throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. "Kids like this stuff because it's silly. It's visual. They can listen with their eyes instead of their ears", say Geist. "But this is not just a kiddie show, this show is for everyone." FREE—Stop by Main Gate for a pass |
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| Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics Tuesday, July 23 For over 10 years Jeff Musial and Nickel City Reptiles & Exotics have been taking over the wild world of animal education. Jeff's unique blend of quality education and comedic timing keeps audiences involved with his in-depth knowledge, witty comments and "fun facts" on each of his scaly, furry and feathered friends. NCRE travels the east coast and has appeared on Animal Planet, and both late-night and morning talk shows. This is Jeff's second time performing in the series, and is "the best in wildlife education and entertainment"! FREE—Stop by Main Gate for a pass |
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| The Billy Jonas Band Tuesday, July 30 It is a pleasure to announce the return of Billy Jonas to the Smith Wilkes stage. For more than 2 decades, his creative and interactive performances have enchanted folks from all walks of life. He has shared the stage with many renowned artists, including Alison Kraus, Peter Yarrow, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Paul Winter and Justin Bieber. This time, Billy is not only bringing his unique collection of traditional and "found" instruments, he will be joined by two additional band members. His upbeat, engaging presence encourages active audience participation, so join us for an evening of musical FUN! FREE—Stop by Main Gate for a pass |
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| Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet Tuesday, July 30 7 p.m. Lenna Hall Artistic Director, Monika Alch, and her talented group of young dancers will once again grace the floor of Lenna Hall with a program of classical and contemporary dance. CRYB is the area's premier school for classical ballet training, and is located in Jamestown, NY. They stage a full-length production of the Nutcracker each December, a Spring Gala performance and many smaller outreach performances throughout the year. Students come from throughout Chautauqua County and the neighboring Warren, PA area. Join us for a very special evening of dance - young dancers performing for a young audience! FREE—Stop by Main Gate for a pass |
