FernThe ACRES Project's big annual benefit show, Saturday Night at the State, is coming to the State Theatre on June 17! This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and is crucial to sustaining our programs and services fostering independence, self-advocacy, and work/life skills for adults with autism.

"Saturday Night at the State" features legendary local radio personality Jerry Valeri hosting a night of laughter, comedy, and music to support The ACRES Project. Pittsburgh stand-up artist Chris Nakis will start off the night along with his fellow comedians from the Steel City. You'll be dancing your way home after talented local musician James Miller guides you on a musical journey through the decades with a lineup of great local bands, including Anchor and Arrow and the JR Mangan Band. And throughout the evening, we're giving you a chance to join the show and win some great prizes with trivia and other interactive games! Doors will open at 7 PM and the show starts at 7:30.

FEATURING:

Our host Jerry Valeri is a 20-year veteran of the Happy Valley radio scene, and loves nothing more than keeping audiences entertained with his crazy antics and sense of humor. Voted State College Magazine’s 2014 “Best Radio Personality," he currently hosts "The Jerry Valeri Show" weekday mornings from 6-11AM on 3WZ. His iconic voice can also be heard on summer nights at Medlar Field as he pumps up the crowd for the State College Spikes.

Steel City Comedians

Live from Pittsburgh, Saturday Night at The State will feature accomplished standup comics sure to tickle your funnybone!

Chris Nakis is an engineer turned comedian who can almost solve almost any problem, almost. Chris has performed in festivals across the country from the Boston Comedy Festival to the Pacific Crest Comedy Fest to the Cleveland Comedy Festival. In 2021, Chris released his first mini-special which was swimming-themed, shot in his backyard, socially-distanced, and titled: Swimmingly.

Chrissy Costa is a comedian, writer, and humor columnist known for her dry wit, self-deprecating humor, and big earrings. Before doing stand-up, she studied sketch comedy at Chicago’s famed Second City where she wrote alongside SNL’s Vanessa Bayer. She’s performed, featured, and headlined all over Pittsburgh. She also produces an all-female comedy show called the Broad Squad in an attempt to highlight more female voices in comedy.

Jake Mattera

Jake Mattera is a Philadelphia-based stand up known for his loveable brand of wholesome self-deprecation. He perfectly blends smart and silly on his spiritual quest to make himself the butt of every joke. His hilarious take on marriage, parenthood, work, and daily life highlight the universal vulnerability we share in our most awkward moments.

His debut album, A Soft One, was released by Helium Records; it debuted at #2 on iTunes and Amazon. Jake’s comedy is featured on a “Best Of Philly” compilation that—along with his album—can be heard on Sirius XM. He’s performed in sketches on Conan and with the sketch group Gilly and Keeves. His comedy festival appearances include Big Sky, Laughing Skull, Limestone, San Francisco Sketchfest, and HBO’s WICF. Jake was a finalist in the Boston Comedy Festival and Helium Comedy’s Philly’s Phunniest Competition. He’s opened for Brian Regan, Dave Attell, and Nate Bargatze, among others.

Zivan Vasquez is an up-and-coming comedian who loves comics (both kinds). With non-sequiturs on X-Men, calculated take-downs of hate groups, and honest bits about growing up mixed, Mr. Vasquez tries to hit as many topics as his breath will allow.
Catch him performing in Pittsburgh, or just working the comic book store down the street from his house.

With the musical talents of:

"Central PA's Funked-Up Duo," Anchor&Arrow is the musical collaboration of husband and wife Matt Dashem and Jennifer Henry-Dashem. Their unique sound is an upbeat mix of soul, funk, rock, and jazz: a culmination of many years of their individual musical styles and experience. Jenn’s moving voice fused with Matt’s seasoned guitar can be enjoyed by music lovers of all kinds, but especially those fond of having a good time. The duo is known for putting their own twists on familiar tunes; blending styles and swapping genres with ease and originality. Each Anchor&Arrow performance is tailored to venue and audience while always welcoming space for the unexpected.

JR Mangan Band Guitarist/singer J.R. Mangan has been part of the State College music scene since 1984 and has loved every minute of it. Most Saturday nights you can catch the J.R. Mangan band at The Café 210!

Christie Clancy & James Miller Christie Clancy is one half of the dynamic duo Hops and Vines, voted the third best band in Happy Valley by State College Magazine. Influenced by bands such as Pearl Jam, Blondie, REM and 90’s alt, Christie’s powerful and authentic vocals can bring down the house. For Saturday Night at the State, Christie will be teaming up with talented multi-instrumentalist James Miller, who has been rocking the State College music scene in many, many bands over the years.