For Angelo Valentino and Ylsa Maj, entertainment is in their DNA as they are dedicated to bringing and maintaining an arts culture in Jamestown.

Valentino said that he and Maj’s journey together began in 2002 on the stage of Jamestown Community College during a production of “The Pajama Game.” Their on-stage chemistry quickly blossomed into a dynamic partnership off the stage, leading them to perform throughout the community.

In October 2004, Valentino added, they officially launched BigTime Productions, marking a new chapter in their creative careers.

“I think our first production is our first high point,” Valentino said. “I had been in Chautauqua Lake idol in Bemus (Point).”

Odyssey Hall is located inside of The Spire Theater complex. Submitted photo

And at that Bemus Point performance, he and Maj realized that he might not win the competition where the winner received $1,000 and a brand new car. So they put plan “B” into action.

“So we decided we’re going to put on a show. We’ll get some of the other finalists and semi finalists to perform,” Valentino said.

Their first major show, Idols in Concert, in collaboration with radio station WWSE (SE-93) debuted on Oct. 9, 2004. The event set the stage (no pun intended) for what would become a 20-year legacy in Jamestown’s performing arts scene.

As their careers flourished, so did their personal lives, Valentino said. In October 2007, they married, and the following year they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Rya, in 2008. In 2013, their son Logi was born, and in 2015, their second daughter, Kati, was born. In 2008, the couple took over management of The Crown Theater and continued to produce hit shows like “Life with the Pepperonis,” “Legendary,” and “Chautauqua’s Got Talent.”

The couple’s most ambitious venture came in 2012, Valentino said, when they purchased the historic First Congregational Church with a vision to transform it into a cultural multiplex.

This is a future concept drawing of an upgraded Spire Theater cultural multiplex. Submitted photo

It was a no-brainer.

The Spire Theater and the InSpire Development Center were born.

And Valentino became the site’s event coordinator and director.

“Running a small business is never easy, especially one housed in such a large, historic building,” Valentino said.

When they purchased the oldest church in Jamestown, and transformed it, they inherited a structure full of both charm and challenges. From loose bricks to a leaky roof, there has always been something to repair or improve.

Spire Theater is located at 317 E. Third St., Jamestown. Submitted photo

“Unlike other local businesses, some of which have received grants worth up to $1 million dollars, The Spire has never benefited from such financial assistance,” Valentino said.

Their efforts, Valentino said, have always relied solely on direct community support. Over the past two decades, while many businesses have opened and closed–some despite receiving significant financial backing–the couple has maintained The Spire as a grassroots operation.

“Our success speaks to the power of community solidarity and their tireless dedication to the arts in Jamestown,” Valentino said.

The complex, located at 317 E. Third St., now includes Odyssey Hall, Studio Metro Underground Theater, and the InSpire North Wing, which houses art and music studios, as well as film and recording spaces.

“Keeping such a large venue operational comes with its own set of challenges,” Valentino noted. “Maintenance and upgrades are constant needs, and without outside funding, every project — from fixing the roof, to maintaining the heating system –relies on the community’s generosity and the income generated by events.”

Valentino added that despite the hurdles, The Spire has continued to flourish, driven by the belief that arts and culture are essential to the fabric of Jamestown. He said with entertainment programming at The Spire, he is also helping some restaurants and bars add business to their establishments. He is also trying to make Jamestown an arts destination.

The Spire’s diverse programming, Valentino said, which includes theatrical performances, live music, film screenings, and signature events such as Chautauqua’s Got Talent and InSpire Fest, has kept the theater buzzing with activity. The Backstage Jam series offers intimate live music experiences that foster deeper connections between artists and their audiences.

Upcoming performances include Donna The Buffalo, Nov. 9 at 8 p.m., and Uncaged (Zac Brown Tribute band), Nov. 23, 8 p.m. For ticket information visit inspirejamestown.com/tickets or Facebook.com/spiretheater.

“We’re trying to make it so our kids don’t want to leave when they grow up,” Valentino said.