Students and members of 10,000 Maniacs pictured at Infinity. Submitted Photo

10,000 Maniacs have been part of the Infinity Visual and Performing Arts’ story since the nonprofit’s inception in 1998.

With support from band members Steve Gustafson, Dennis Drew and Jeff Erickson, Infinity’s students have had opportunities to work with 10,000 Maniacs through the years in a variety of ways, from a tribute album and performance at their 25th anniversary hometown show, spotlights on-air with local radio station WRFA, and performances with the band at JCC’s Scharmann Theater.

Members of 10,000 Maniacs are offering a group of Infinity students the chance to learn from the band yet again through a behind the scenes sound-check and pre-show experience along with tickets to their 40th anniversary show Saturday at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.

“Infinity Visual and Performing Arts gives our children wings and the chance to see the world with a different perspective,” Gustafson said. “I love IVPA and the work they do. I wish it had been around when I was a child. I’m biased towards music because the only thing I can paint is a wall, but I agree with Pavarotti when he said, ‘If children are not introduced to music at an early age, I believe something fundamental is actually being taken from them.'”

Infinity provides music, visual arts, dance, and theater lessons as well as performance opportunities, group classes, leadership development, and mentoring experiences to thousands of young people in the greater Jamestown area.

“10,000 Maniacs have had amazing world-wide experiences, but they come home here to Chautauqua County and give back,” said Shane Hawkins, Infinity’s executive director. “Our students have benefited from their generosity and willingness to interact and share experiences, knowledge, and a love of music with our young musicians. We will always welcome their involvement, and so appreciate their continued interest in Infinity’s up and coming future musicians and artists.”

10,000 Maniacs 40th Anniversary Homecoming Dance is a sold-out show that will be held at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on Saturday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Visit reglenna.com or maniacs.com for more information.

For more information about getting involved at the Infinity Center, please visit Infinity’s website at www.infinityperformingarts.org or call the Infinity Center at 716-664-0991. Infinity accepts new students on a rolling basis each month, and is enrolling for June lessons.