YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Isaiah Jackson, who was the music director and conductor of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra from 1996 to 2006, has died.
The Youngstown Symphony Society praised Jackson in a Facebook post this week.
“It was with great sadness that we recently learned of the passing of Maestro Isaiah Jackson, who led the YSO for 10 years,” the post reads. “We are honored to recognize him [for playing] a major role in our symphony’s history.”
Jackson was born Jan. 22, 1945, and died Dec. 24 in Oakland, Calif.
He served as music director and conductor for several orchestras and was the first Black music director of the YSO.
Jackson was born in Richmond, Va. He graduated from Harvard University in 1966 and later earned a master’s degree in music from Stanford University and a degree from the Juilliard School.
‘Kill Tony’ Podcast Comics Coming to Powers
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Regulars and fan favorites from “Kill Tony,” the top-ranked live podcast, will bring their standup show to Powers Auditorium on June 12.
Tickets will go on sale Friday, March 13, at Ticketmaster.com. The show will start at 7 p.m.
The podcast is based on the “Kill Tony” streaming show, which stars Youngstown native and comedian Tony Hinchliffe and a pool of comedians.
In the touring show, the comedians will perform longer standup sets. The lineup of participants will be released soon. Hinchliffe is typically not part of the show.
Dolly Does Cedars Returns
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Rhinestones Optional will present Dolly Does Cedars 3, a Dolly Parton-inspired variety show and community fundraiser, on Friday, March 27, at Cedars West End.
The third annual event celebrates the music and spirit of Dolly Parton while raising funds for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the global literacy program that provides free books to young children. Locally, the program is administered through the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.
Doors will open at 8 p.m., and the show will begin at 9 p.m.
The evening will feature a lineup of drag performers performing Parton songs and tributes, along with music, comedy and audience participation. Since its first year, Dolly Does Cedars has grown into a lively community event that blends entertainment with philanthropy.
“Dolly Parton’s music celebrates resilience, humor and generosity,” said event organizer Jessica Valsi of Rhinestones Optional. “This event brings people together for a joyful night out while supporting a program that helps children build a lifelong love of reading.”
To purchase tickets, click HERE. To partner or sponsor the event, contact jessica.valsi@gmail.com.
Lecture on Valley’s History of Labor Struggles
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Local historian Sean Posey will lecture on the labor struggles in the Mahoning Valley at noon March 19 at the Tyler History Center, 325 W. Federal St., downtown.
The event is free and presented by the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.
It will range from the major industrial strikes that shaped the region in the early 20th century to the impact of New Deal labor policies to the later expansion of unionization into the public sector. The program will trace how local workers organized, demanded fair treatment and influenced national debates about economic justice.
Stambaugh Executive on Statewide Group
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Dani Dier, chief business officer of Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown, has been named to CreativeOhio’s Advocacy Leadership Institute for arts and culture leaders.
She is among a group of 25 in this year’s cohort.
The leadership institute empowers Ohio’s arts and culture leaders with the skills needed to advocate for a stronger creative sector.
Ohio’s creative sector supports more than 132,000 jobs and contributes $32.9 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Eli Young Band Coming to Robins Theatre
WARREN, Ohio – The Eli Young Band will come to the Robins Theatre on June 24 for a 7:30 p.m. concert.
The act offers a mix of Texas rock and modern country. Its hits include “Crazy Girl,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” “Drunk Last Night” and “Love Ain’t.”
Tickets start at $25 and will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, March 13, at RobinsTheatre.com and the box office, 160 E. Market St.
Inspiring Minds Fundraising Gala
WARREN, Ohio – Inspiring Minds will host its 20th annual fundraising gala from 2-5 p.m. April 25 at its headquarters in Warren.
The event will bring together more than 600 community members, organizations and businesses, said founder Deryck Toles.
Guests can expect an afternoon filled with delicious food, inspiring student stories and community celebration. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in auctions and raffles and purchase merchandise.
Attire is business casual or formal.
Early bird tickets are on sale at IMGala.org. Prices will increase April 1. Additional information on sponsorship opportunities, advertising and tickets is available at IMGala.org.
Over the past 20 years, Inspiring Minds has provided after-school and summer enrichment programming to over 7,000 students. The organization now serves more than 500 students in the Mahoning Valley and has expanded to eight chapters across five states.
Pink Out Celebration Seeks Vendors
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – Pink Out Mahoning Valley/Pink Out America, a nonprofit organization, is accepting applications from vendors and food truck owners for the 2026 Pink Out Mahoning Valley Music Festival.
Volunteers are also needed to help with planning and day-of activities.
The event, in its fourth year, is scheduled from noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at Austintown Township Park, 6000 Kirk Road. Admission is free. It will feature a variety of vendors, concessions and a full music lineup.
Unlike traditional charitable events, Pink Out Mahoning Valley in and of itself is not primarily a fundraiser; its goal is to provide a gathering for individuals and families impacted by cancer or other serious illnesses to recognize survivors and remember those lost.
For information, to volunteer or become a vendor, email pinkoutmahoningvalley@gmail.com.
Pictured at top: Isaiah Jackson. (Youngstown Symphony Orchestra)