State Rep. R. Lee James | Pennsylvania 64th Legislative District
State Rep. R. Lee James | Pennsylvania 64th Legislative District
On June 13, 2024, Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Crawford), the House Republican co-chair of the Arts and Culture Caucus, invited opera singer Jamie Bastello to perform at the state Capitol.
Bastello, an opera singer from Santa Fe, New Mexico, recently moved to Oil City to participate in the Arts Oil City Artist Relocation Program. She is involved in projects that showcase regional talent and creativity, such as “Artist Sunday.” Bastello has also performed as a soloist with the Venango Regional Choir and in Handel’s Messiah with The Franklin Civic Operetta Association.
Last year, Pennsylvania's arts and culture sector employed approximately 159,000 people and generated about $25 billion in revenues. The bipartisan Arts and Culture Caucus is requesting $15 million in budgetary support for arts programs in the state.
“Jamie’s outstanding performance displayed one of many reasons why continued investments in this field will yield positive results,” said James. “Her marvelous voice echoed soothing tones throughout the Capitol, and I cannot thank her enough for coming. I am grateful to work alongside my fellow co-chairs – Rep. Joe Ciresi, Sen. Jay Costa and Sen. Pat Stefano – on how we can maximize opportunities to promote the arts.”
On Tuesday, June 25, Dr. Sam DePalma will be the second and final opera singer to perform in Harrisburg. The event will be streamed live on repjames.com and Facebook.com/RepLeeJames.
Representative R. Lee James
64th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nate Temple
717-260-6396
Ntemple@pahousegop.com
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