Stephen Colbert, Jane Curtin, B.D. Wong Honor Symphony Space's Isaiah Sheffer 6/7

On June 7 at 7:30 p.m., Symphony Space presents a monumental evening of entertainment, 32 years in the making, as the venerable cultural center celebrates co-founder, voce of Selected Shorts and out-going Artistic Director Isaiah Sheffer with Isaiah Fest. Featuring an evening of songs, sketches, readings and more, Isaiah Fest touches on many of the brilliant and hilarious things about Isaiah and his distinct artistic vision that have made Symphony Space a beloved Upper West Side destination for more than three decades.

Isaiah Fest is directed by longtime friend and noted actor James Naughton, with Musical Director Lanny Meyers, and features original songs and sketches by Martin Sage, Sheffer and others. A diverse cast of friends will perform including Ivy Austin, David Buskin, the Cast of the Thalia Follies, The Chalks, Stephen Colbert, Jane Curtin, Jacques d'Amboise, Carmen De Lavallade, Fionnula Flanagan, Larry Keith, Stephen Lang, Jay Leonhardt, Malachy McCourt, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Lanny Meyers, Donna Murphy, James Naughton, Leonard Nimoy, Rochelle Oliver, Eleanor Reissa, Leenya Rideout, Marian Seldes John Shea, Don Stephenson, Calvin Trillin, Fritz Weaver, and B.D. Wong.

At the conclusion of the 2009/2010 season, Sheffer will step down from his role as Artistic Director of the adventurous Upper West Side arts organization, moving into the position of Founding Artistic Director. Executive Director Cynthia Elliott will at that time become President and CEO of the organization. Associate Artistic Director and Music Curator Laura Kaminsky will assume the position of Senior Vice President and Artistic Director, and Managing Director Peg Wreen will be named Senior Vice President for Administration. In making the announcement, Symphony Space board chair Steven M. Alden said, "We are very fortunate to be able to assure our future with Cynthia, Laura and Peg. We will continue to grow and flourish under their leadership. We are also delighted that these transitions will allow Isaiah to continue to present and expand the very popular programs in which he has long been involved."

Since opening in 1978 with a 12-hour marathon concert called Wall to Wall Bach, Symphony Space has earned its place as an innovative, multi-disciplinary cultural center in the heart of New York City's acclaimed Upper West Side neighborhood. In its two performance spaces, diverse programs bring great actors, musicians, writers, and dancers together with the public in a unique melding of world-class artistry in an informal and intimate setting.
Pricing: $500/$250/$100/$40

$500 and $250 tickets include an after-party with Isaiah and the artists. Proceeds from Isaiah Fest support Symphony Space's performing arts and educational programs. For up-to-the-minute Isaiah Fest information, and to post a message on the Isaiah Fest Wall, visit symphonyspace.org.

Isaiah Fest has been generously underwritten by Zabar's.