A long-running concert series in Northern New York is coming to an end.
The Disabled Persons Action Organization announced that its DPAO concerts are ending after 51 years. Its final show, “Feelin’ Good: The Ultimate Michael Bublé Experience,” will be free to attend on Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. in the Watertown High School auditorium.
“This unforgettable show is our way of saying THANK YOU to a community that’s always supported DPAO and our mission,” organizers said last week.
The show will feature singer Anthony Bernasconi performing a tribute to Michael Bublé with a 20-piece orchestra and local student musicians and chorus members from Watertown, Indian River, South Jefferson, and General Brown high schools. Tickets were previously being sold for $20, but admission is now free on a first come, first served basis.
Tricia Swartz, executive director of the DPAO Foundation, told WWNY that the North Country-based nonprofit organization has decided to stop doing concerts for two reasons: Rising costs and increased competition. She said musical acts can cost four times as much as they did 15 years ago, and getting artists to come to Watertown over Syracuse and Saratoga has gotten tougher in recent years.
“It was a difficult decision. Joe Rich started the concert business 51 years ago, and it was an incredible journey. He brought in huge entertainment year after year, but after Covid, it turned into a different industry,” Swartz told the Watertown TV station.
According to its website, the DPAO began in 1974 when WWNY Radio and TV host Joseph L. Rich launched concert events to support developmentally disabled children and adults in Jefferson and Lewis Counties. More than 300 shows have been held, featuring performers like Foreigner, Journey, Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, Jeff Foxworthy, REO Speedwagon, Tony Bennett, Kenny Rogers, ZZ Top, Johnny Cash, Meat Loaf, Train, FireHouse and Huey Lewis & The News.
The DPAO Agency says it will continue operating with smaller, community events such as recycling can and bottle drives and an upcoming holiday market.
The DPAO currently provides services to more than 600 children, adults and their families, assisting with care for loved ones with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit dpao.org.
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