Performing Arts Festival To Debut in New Rochelle

After working a decade in a corporate job doing sales and marketing, Eric Woodlin decided to merge his love of music and art with his skill set for promotion. He launched Incoming Tide entertainment this past year and decided to keep the company close to home, in New Rochelle, where he has lived for the past 17 years.

"New Rochelle is my community and I couldn't find many places to go and see, hear or enjoy entertainment that I would travel to New York City for," said Woodlin, "So I thought I'd close the gap and have the community stay local to hear good music and watch good theater."

Enter the Incoming Tide Performing Arts Festival. The three-day event, to be held at Wildcliff Manor, will take place from Sept. 24-26 and will feature local artists, short plays, musical performances, comedy and more. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and the Homeless.

Throughout the three days, many acts are set to perform, including New Rochelle-based acts the Brasilian Vibes, The New Rochelle Jazz Review, and Go For Launch. In addition, many New York City-based comedians, dancers and actors will take the stage.

Woodlin said it's important that the community comes together for the arts.

"I've had a great response from community leaders and residents. The support network is great. I believe I have the ball rolling and that the community is snowballing their interest to more local events offered by producers like me," he said.

Local New Rochelle band Go For Launch is set to play Saturday night.

"We are very excited to be playing in our home town," said Derek Ortiz, "This is a great opportunity for us to get everyone to come out as well as deliver a great show to an audience that hasn't seen us before," he said. 

Judith Weber, local artist, developer of Media Loft and friend of Eric, said the event has been a huge project.

"This is special for New Rochelle because it is the first time that I know of where anyone has organized a multi-day festival to be held in one place. It has really evolved into a music and comedy festival, which should be amazing entertainment," said Weber,  "It takes a lot of time, research, negotiation and spirit to bring this all together and keep the fun happening."

Weber said she is looking forward to Friday night's Don Coqui food and jazz introduction, and the comedy acts that are appearing on Saturday.

"These days a good laugh is always welcome," said Weber.

For a full schedule of the weekend's festivities, check out the Incoming Tide Website.