Community Corner
Performing Arts Center Names New Director
James Burke will replace Clare Bisceglia on Nov. 18.
The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center’s Board of Directors has named James Burke as their new executive director. He starts Nov. 18.
Burke, who replaces Clare Bisceglia, who served for 11 years, said he is thrilled to join the performing arts center.
"I am extremely excited to build upon the amazing legacy of the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. And my entire family is looking forward to becoming a part of the Westhampton community,” he said.
According to the performing arts center, Burke joins the performing arts center as the former director of Arts & Cultural Programs at the City Parks Foundation, a presenter of free, outdoor programming in New York City.
During his tenure with the City Parks Foundation, he stewarded more than 1,000 performing arts programs from conception to presentation.
Among his accomplishments are the renowned SummerStage and SummerStage Kids festivals, the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival, and youth puppet programs produced at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and its touring component, the CityParks Puppet Mobile.
Burke is also the founder and chair of New York Music Presenters & Festivals, a coalition that meets quarterly to share concerns and best practices.
Prior to serving at the City Parks Foundation, Burke worked in sales, marketing and promotions for a variety of music industry companies, including Paradigm Associated Labels, Caroline Distribution, and CMJ Music Marathon.
Burke also has a musical background, once a bassist, lead singer, and songwriter for various pop, blues, and alternative bands.
“After an exhaustive nationwide search, we are thrilled to attract such a high caliber executive with extensive experience in presenting diverse talent in unique locations appealing to huge audiences. Building upon the success of the first fifteen years, we are confident that James is the right person to lead the WHBPAC into the future," said Chair of the Search Committee and President of the PAC’s Board of Directors Neil Braun.
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