Kirby Center celebrating 40 years of entertainment, education, community impact

June 13, 2026 - 23:19

WILKES-BARRE - Joell Yarmel, executive director of the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, said this week that four decades ago, a group of dreamers believed live performance could transform a community. That vision has held steady. The downtown venue is now celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of concerts, Broadway shows, educational programs, and local outreach.

Opened in 1985 after a major renovation of the old Paramount Theatre, the Kirby Center quickly became a cultural anchor in northeastern Pennsylvania. Over the years, it has hosted everyone from comedians and rock bands to symphony orchestras and children's theater. But Yarmel emphasized that the building's mission goes beyond entertainment. The center runs school matinees, workshops, and free community events designed to make the arts accessible to people who might not otherwise attend a live show.

The anniversary season includes a lineup of special performances and a look back at the venue's history. Staff and board members are also highlighting the economic impact the theater has had on Wilkes-Barre's downtown, drawing visitors to local restaurants and shops before and after shows. Yarmel noted that the original dreamers would likely be proud to see how the Kirby Center has become a gathering place for generations of families, students, and artists. The celebration continues through the end of the year.