EARLVILLE - Earlville Opera House (EOH) is opening its newly expanded outdoor Courtyard on July 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Summer Tailgate FUNdraiser featuring Rusty Pickup Band. 

Join EOH and Commerce Chenango for a ribbon-cutting at 4 p.m. right before the band kicks off.

Construction of the outdoor courtyard has been a two-year endeavor including the construction of a new performance platform, patio and landscaping design, lighting, a new concession stand, and a historic mural depicting the 1892 Landmark Theater.

As stated by EOH Executive Director, Michelle Connelly, “This is a heartfelt project driven by matching funds from local Foundations, dedicated community volunteers and local contractors who are all sincerely invested. These people are the backbone of this meaningful new addition to our history and understand the impact of increasing the size of this civic asset for greater communal gathering so important to rural circumstances. Come celebrate this expansion which allows EOH to continue growing its legacy of enriching our region through music and arts.”

Join the Rusty Pickup Band, a rowdy band of favorite local musicians, as we open the new Courtyard and raise money to support the Opera House's mission. Come and learn about the details of this new multi-use space and enjoy the Rusty Pickup Band who will bring some of the greatest hits of Folk-Rock and Country from the 70’s and onward, covering bands like the Eagles, Merle Haggard, Little Feat, Hank Williams, Grateful Dead, Crosby Stills & Nash and many more! With John Crespi and Bruce Ward on vocals and guitar, Steve Skollar on mandolin, Carl Pickett on bass and Mark Shiner on the drums, you’ll be transported back in time with these favorites. Pump up the tires on your rusty pickup and join the fun!  
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door and include a free beer or soda/water and two slices of pizza. Additional snacks (salad, chips, watermelon, ice cream) are included, and additional beverages including adult drinks are on sale in the new concession stand.

Founded in 1972 as a non-profit community service organization, EOH, Inc. offers programs of cultural, educational and historical significance. Programs include a range of diverse visual and performing arts programs represented by rotating gallery exhibits; live performances; arts workshops; arts education opportunities; and administering Statewide Community Regrants. EOH’s dual mission to enrich the area through the arts includes preserving the architectural and historic integrity of EOH, a unique 2nd story historic Landmark Theater constructed in 1892, for future generational use. EOH was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and continues its dedication to contributing to positive and meaningful impacts on our region. 

Upcoming Courtyard performances feature Maximilian Eyle & John Driscoll on July 25, 7pm; Opus Black on August 15, 7pm; and a "SAMMYS Celebration" including a Q&A clinic with SAMMY award winners Nate Gross, Jess Novak & Tom Rasely on August 29. 

Visit  www.earlvilleoperahouse.com  to get your tickets, call (315) 691-3550, or just stop in! 

Thank you to the hospitality sponsors of our Courtyard opening event: Clyde's Little Red Barn, Gilligan's Ice Cream, Huff Brau llc, New York Pizzeria aka "Slices", and Hamilton Harvest Winery.
Special thanks to our 2026 Summer Courtyard Series sponsor Sideny Federal Credit Union.

Earlville Opera House Arts Center is located at 18 East Main Street in the quaint Village of Earlville, NY. At EOH we believe accessibility and inclusion are critical to everything we do. Our historic Opera House has been upgraded to ensure accessibility throughout the building, including a hearing loop system in our 1892 theater provided by Hamilton Hearing LLC. 

Please join us on Facebook and Instagram, view our website at  www.earlvilleoperahouse.com  for the latest programming, and stop in for a visit.

EOH events are made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with support from the Office of the Governor and NYS Legislature, and through the generosity of EOH members.

- Information from the Earlville Opera House