Erin Harkes and Igor Kulyk
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Erin Harkes
Local favorite Erin Harkes has earned the title of the busiest woman in show business (NYS Music). Consistently voted Best Singer/Songwriter and Comedian in the Capital Region by the Times Union Reader's Poll and The Alt, she also received the Thomas Edison Award for Best Solo/Duo Artist in 2020.
Since venturing into stand-up comedy in 2012, Erin has graced nearly every major club in NYC, Toronto, and Montreal, in addition to being a regular at Funny Bone Comedy Clubs nationwide. She humorously describes music as her spouse and comedy as her mistress, skillfully balancing both passions on stage.
Beginning her songwriting journey at 19, Erin has released four albums, including her debut, “Bar Napkins and Magic Markers,” inspired by her college days. Her music, infused with themes of resilience, captivates audiences with powerful vocals reminiscent of Janis Joplin.
In April 2010, Erin showcased her spontaneity by winning "Battle of the Instant Bands" on the Jimmy Fallon Show, performing with an impromptu group and charming the audience (And Fallon) with her song, "Free Jimmy."
Erin has shared the stage with national acts like 10,000 Maniacs, Spin Doctors, and Pat Benatar, and has collaborated with comedians such as Jeff Dye and Demetri Martin.
Driven by a passion for the arts, she revitalized the Capital Region's arts scene by acquiring and becoming Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Metroland, a beloved local publication. Under her leadership, Metroland operates as a nonprofit organization, supporting local arts, small businesses, and community initiatives.
She also enjoys road biking and jigsaw puzzles but hasn’t figured out a way to do them safely at the same time.
And she bakes a mean chocolate chip cookie.
Igor Kulyk
Igor Kulyk is a dance instructor at Fred Astaire Dance Studios–Albany. Originally from Ukraine, Igor began dancing at the age of nine.
He has been a winner and finalist in numerous Dancesport competitions across Ukraine and Poland. His accolades include winning the Ukrainian Championship “IDSA Dance Way Cup 2021” in the Youth 2 Rising Star category, and earning top placements in prestigious events such as the international competition “Volin Open 2023” and the International Dance Festival “Spring Cup 2022,” among many others.
Igor holds the title of Candidate for Master of Sport of Ukraine. Outside the studio, he enjoys sports, traveling, and discovering new places.
