Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is made up entirely of dedicated members who volunteer their time because they believe in the mission of the Earlville Opera House. Every exhibition we host and concert we stage is due in part to their dedication. So don't be afraid to say hello and ask any of us about what's going on at the Earlville Opera House. We love this place as much as you do, and we're thrilled to share our stories!
BRUCE WARD, BOARD PRESIDENT
When I first shook the hand of my freshman-year R.A. At Colgate University in 1971, he said “This is a great place to be if you just get involved with the community. In fact, there’s a group forming to save an old opera house building just five miles from here.” Well, as an 18 year old I did not get involved then, but when I returned to the area some years later I was delighted to become a board member and serve on the programming committee. The Earlville Opera House has been a very special place for me ever since. As an architect I’m in love with the building, and it’s a perfect time capsule to take us back to 1892. As a musician, I love how the Opera house brings live music to the area that we might otherwise never hear. And I love that our galleries help support many artists while bringing high quality visual art to our rural area. It’s a special place, and the volunteers who make it run are special people.
Roger Bauman, Vice President
My professional background is in community development and construction. Having served both as an administrator for state and federal Community Development Block Grants, and as the original President of the Hamilton Initiative, I understand the importance of a vibrant community oriented organization and the impact it can have on one's daily life.
My private passion is playing guitar. So how was it not possible to fall in love with a historic facility that is the community hub and presents amazing music as well as visual arts. I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors of the Earlville Opera House.
CRAIG BRUNDAGE, Treasurer
As a lifelong music fan and recent transplant from New York City, the Earlville Opera House provides a beautiful local venue for me to be able to see touring musicians. I have enjoyed seeing a variety of acts there from the country-blues of singer songwriter Ellen Jewel to slide guitar master Sonny Landreth. I’m looking forward to the shows coming up this season and beyond.
Jacqueline Babcock, Secretary
As an Earlville resident since 2009, the Earlville Opera House has been such a blessing to our community and a gift to all those who love the arts and music across NY and beyond. My first experiences with the Opera House were the haunted house at Halloween and art show presentations with local schools' art departments that my children participated in. What an amazing way to engage with the community! I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful organization by joining the board. I hope my background in musical theater, dance and music as well as a passion for collaborating will help contribute to what makes the Opera House so special.
Lori Crumb, Board Member
My first experience with the Earlville Opera House, was volunteering for their annual Haunted House. The experience was so amazingly fun that it became a yearly event for me. I then started attending a few music venues, that honestly, I probably would not have had the opportunity to see if it wasn’t for the Earlville Opera House dedication to providing an eclectic array of musicians and music genres to their yearly calendar of events.
As a novice artist, I also started to attend different art shows the Opera House sponsored. It has given me inspiration to try new and diverse techniques in my own artwork.
When the opportunity to join the board was introduced to me, I was both humbled and honored. What an awesome opportunity to be part of such an amazing organization, which has done so much for this community!
NATE GROSS, Board Member
As a full time musician and longtime resident of Oxford, NY, Nate has established himself across New York as a Teacher, Performer, & Arts Advocate. For over 17 years, Nate has owned an operated his own Music Studio in Norwich NY teaching over 40 students a week as well as offering workshops and other musical endeavours. When not in the studio recording or teaching, you will find him on the road with his band performing for blues audiences all over the North East. Combining Blues, Rock & Soul with monster sized guitar licks, The band has a sound that has been captivating audiences at some of the most respected Festivals and Venues. Nate has shared the stage with legends such as Levon Helm, Tommy Castro, Dickey Betts, G.E Smith, Jim Weider, Arlo Guthrie, Commander Cody, Walter Trout, Willie Nelson, Shemika Copeland, and more. In 2024, Nate won a SAMMY AWARD for "Best Blues Recording" for his Latest Album, "Raw Turkey: Live" and has been written about in Guitar Magazines across Europe. "I look forward to bringing my artistic experience to the Earlville Opera House as one of the newest board members!"
Heidi Johnson, Board Member
My family moved to Earlville 50 years ago, and some of my favorite memories involve the Opera House. I had the absolute honor of being 3 feet away from Kris Kristofferson, an artist who I love thanks to my father’s influence. I watched my grandfather perform in musical theater well into his 70’s on the stage, and treasure the picture of him from “Oklahoma” . I have seen my own children’s and my student’s art work on display in the gallery. We have an absolute treasure right here in our own town. I am thankful to the many people who worked to make it what it is today and I look forward to playing a small part in providing our community members with an opportunity to create their own special memories.
Clara Healy, Board Member
Since moving to Hamilton in 2012, I have attended several performances at the Earlville Opera House and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every experience.
I also look forward to shopping at the Earlville Opera House’s Annual Holiday Sale every December to see what all the local artists have created. As an avid fan of live music, I love that one can drive just a few miles down the road to enjoy performances from artists who have performed all over the world. It really is amazing to see all the talent that comes to our small community.
I grew up in a town smaller than Hamilton, in Columbus, NY and I understand how lucky we are to have this local venue. I am excited to work with the other board members and volunteers to provide new and enjoyable experiences to all ages and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to promote the Earlville Opera House.
jodi odell, board member
My first experience with the Earlville Opera House was viewing my daughter’s artwork being featured as part of the annual “Student Art Show”. I just remember our entire family being in complete awe of the space and its historical importance the first time we visited. Since that show, our family has attended events and supported the Opera House on various occasions. So, when I was presented with the opportunity to participate on the Board of the Opera House, I jumped at it! It is an incredibly unique treasure in our local community and the programming being offered continues to grow, bringing a greater appreciation of the arts to individuals of all ages. Spreading the word about this special place is something I enjoy doing frequently!