D'Youville Kavinoky Theatre

09/15/2026

CURTAIN UP is just days away! Are you ready to kick off another great theater season in Buffalo in style? If you're still looking to get in on the fun, grab your tickets to A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN before they're gone.

Thank you to the Theatre District Association of WNY for putting together the best street party of the year to celebrate theater and the arts in Buffalo. Don't forget to check out the full CURTAIN UP lineup of events at https://loom.ly/Z1jsb_k

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN on stage now through October 3. Tickets at kavinokytheatre.com

Kav

Celebrate Curtain Up 2026 Buffalo on September 18 with live performances, parties, and fun in the Theatre District at Main and Tupper

09/14/2026

MUSIC MONDAY: Etta James and "Tell Mama"

Etta James recorded "Tell Mama" in 1967. It was a response to an earlier song "Tell Daddy" by Clarence Carter and its success helped revitalize her career. Janis Joplin famously covered "Tell Mama" at the Festival Express in 1970. Janis deeply idolized Etta; as a kid, she would watch James perform from the back of the Big Ten Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Etta James' career spanned sixty decades and many genres, including gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, rock, and soul. She won multiple Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Her intense vocal music helped bridge genres, set modern sounds, and challenge stereotypes for women in music. She was an inspiration to generations of artists, including Janis Joplin. James would later reflect on Janis: "I began feeling proud to be her role model. When I heard her sing, I recognized my influence, but I also heard the electricity and rage in her own voice. I loved her attitude."

Wanna hear more "Tell Mama"? Then get your tickets to A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN so you don't miss out on the music and the magic! Tickets and info at kavinokytheatre.com.

09/12/2026

Last night was incredible! Thank you Buffalo for such a wonderful kick off to our run of A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN. We're back at it today with not one but TWO chances to catch the show, so what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now at kavinokytheatre.com.

2:30pm show features Samantha Hoy as Janis Joplin
7:30pm show features Casey Moyer as Janis Joplin

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN
Written and Created by Rand Johnson
Direction by Megan Callahan | Music Direction by Karen Saxon
Choreography by Megan A. Evans-Rakeepile | Artwork by Akaysa Crosier
Starring Dasia Cervi (Joplinaire/Etta James/Aretha Franklin), Danielle Green (Joplinaire/Odetta/Nina Simone), Samantha Hoy (Janis Joplin), Casey Moyer (Janis Joplin Alternate), Anika Pace (Joplinaire/Bessie Smith), Ember Tate-Steele (Joplinaire/Blues SInger)

09/11/2026

Have another little piece of our heart now, baby...

Tonight is THE night for A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN! It's opening night, and we have a lot of heart to share with you. We could say more but, really, you just gotta feel it for yourself. Tonight at 7:30. Be there, be legendary.

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN runs September 11-October 3, 2026 at D'Youville Kavinoky Theatre. Tickets and more info at kavinokytheatre.com.
Written & Created by Randy Johnson

09/10/2026

“You can destroy your now by worrying about tomorrow.” - Janis Joplin

We're not worried about tomorrow, we're stoked because tomorrow we open A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN and finally get to share the crazy good talent that's been rocking on our stage for the past few weeks. The only thing YOU should be worried about is if you haven't gotten your ticket yet!

So don't destroy your now, get your tickets for A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN at kavinokytheatre.com and enjoy a worry free day 🎟️

🎤🎸💜
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN
Written & Created by Randy Johnson
Sep. 11 - Oct. 3, 2026 | ASL interpreted performance Sat. 9/26 at 7:30PM
Direction by Megan Callahan | Music Direction by Karen Saxon
Choreography by Megan A. Rakeepile
Artwork by Akasya Crosier | ASL Interpretation by Greenfinch Interpreting

09/09/2026

💡 Did You Know?

🎸 September 11, 1969: Janis Joplin's album "I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again, Mama!" was released. It was her first solo album after leaving Big Brother and the Holding Company.

💙 What better way to celebrate the anniversary of "Kozmic Blues" than with this Friday's opening of A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN?

Grab your tickets, bust out your favorite shades of kozmic blue, and get down to the Kav to celebrate some of music's most iconic women in style!

🎟️ Tickets and more info at kavinokytheatre.com

🎸🎵 💙

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN | Written & Created by Randy Johnson
Sep. 11 - Oct. 3, 2026 | ASL interpreted performance Sat. 9/26 | 7:30PM
Direction by Megan Callahan | Music Direction by Karen Saxon
Choreography by Megan A. Rakeepile
Artwork by Akasya Crosier | ASL Interpretation by Greenfinch Interpreting

Starring: Dasia Cervi, Danielle Green, Samantha Hoy, Casey Moyer, Anika Pace, and Ember Tate-Steele

09/07/2026

Casey is ecstatic and humbled to share the stage with this talented cast and crew in her first production with Kavinoky Theatre! Past Favorite Roles Include: A Funny Thing Happened...(Protean) and The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On (Missy) with O'Connell and Company, To Kill a Mockingbird (Jean Louise Finch) and Twelve Angry Jurors (Juror #4) with Western Door Playhouse, and Jesus Christ Superstar (Simon) with ART. Outside of acting, Casey loves singing with her band and buddies, Back to the Bars. Love and thanks to Matthew, Mom, friends and fam, and all who support the arts and live music. "Always for you, W."

Casey's Scheduled Alternate performances:
Sat. 9/12 | 7:30PM
Sat. 9/19 | 2:30PM
Sat. 9/26 | 7:30PM
Sat. 10/3 | 2:30PM

Don't miss your chance to rock out with Casey as Janis!
🎟️ Tickets at kavinokytheatre.com

🎶🎤🎸💜
A Night With Janis Joplin
Written & Created by Randy Johnson
Sep. 11 - Oct. 3, 2026
ASL interpreted performance Sat. 9/26 | 7:30PM
Direction by Megan Callahan
Music Direction by Karen Saxon
Photography by Olivia D'Amato
Artwork by Akasya Crosier
ASL Interpretation by Greenfinch Interpreting

09/06/2026

A little behind-the-scenes look at tech weekend magic! Lights, costumes, wigs, and makeup all coming together for opening this Friday.

🎟️ Tickets and more info at kavinokytheatre.com

🎶🎤🎸💜
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN | Written & Created by Randy Johnson
Sep. 11 - Oct. 3, 2026 | ASL interpreted performance Sat. 9/26 | 7:30PM
Direction by Megan Callahan | Music Direction by Karen Saxon
Choreography by Megan A. Rakeepile
Artwork by Akasya Crosier | ASL Interpretation by Greenfinch Interpreting

09/06/2026

Samantha is a local vocalist and has earned a reputation for powerful performances defined by soulful grit, raw energy, and a deep connection to her community. In 2023, she co-founded the ’90s-inspired cover band Sector 7G and later joined The Floyd Concept, a Pink Floyd tribute act, as a featured vocalist. She now fronts Bubblegun, a local original rock band, bringing a dynamic stage presence influenced by artists such as Thom Yorke, Trent Reznor, and Björk. Samantha makes her theatrical debut in this production, honoring the legacy, spirit, and unforgettable music of the late Janis Joplin.

Tickets are moving fast! Don't miss your chance to let Sam take you right back to 1969 with her jaw-dropping portrayal of "Pearl" herself. 🎟️ Tickets at kavinokytheatre.com

🎶🎤🎸💜
A Night With Janis Joplin
Written & Created by Randy Johnson
Sep. 11 - Oct. 3, 2026
ASL interpreted performance Sat. 9/26 | 7:30PM
Direction by Megan Callahan
Music Direction by Karen Saxon
Photography by Olivia D'Amato
Artwork by Akasya Crosier
ASL Interpretation by Greenfinch Interpreting

09/05/2026

Ember holds a BFA in theatre performance from Niagara University. She has worked on productions such as VIOLET (Music hall singer), DISENCHANTED! (Princess Who Kissed the Frog), COOKIN AT THE COOKERY (Young Alberta), TWELFTH NIGHT (Ensemble), BEAUTIFUL (Little Eva/Shirelle), CROWNS (Wanda) and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Peter) at Musicalfare she has also performed STEW (Nelly) and 112 MO ANGRY MEN (Juror 6) at Ujima and THE LOVED ONES (Gabby) at Irish Classical. As well as OAK (Pickle) at Alleyway Theatre. She would like to thank her family and especially her Husband Sean for loving and supporting her.
🎟️ Tickets on sale now! Get yours at kavinokytheatre.com

🎶🎤🎸💜
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN | Written & Created by Randy Johnson
Sep. 11 - Oct. 3, 2026 | ASL interpreted performance Sat. 9/26 at 7:30PM
Direction by Megan Callahan | Music Direction by Karen Saxon
Choreography by Megan A. Rakeepile
Artwork by Akasya Crosier | ASL Interpretation by Greenfinch Interpreting