Melody Thomas Scott, who earlier this month was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Daytime Emmy Awards, is planning to visit Western New York the second weekend in August, and she’s hoping to meet as many “The Young and the Restless” fans as possible while she’s there.
“I love Western New York, have a special place in my heart for Jamestown, and when the opportunity came to spend a weekend with my fans in nearby Lily Dale, I said, ‘Yes! Count me in!’ ”
Lily Dale, north of Jamestown, was incorporated in 1879 to further the science, philosophy and religion of spiritualism. Each summer thousands of people visit for a nine-week season which includes lectures and workshops on mediumship, astrology, spiritualist studies and the paranormal.
“I have an interest in psychics, mediums, and all that comes with Spiritualism, so hosting three fundraising events for Lily Dale Assembly in Lily Dale, New York, this summer is a perfect fit for me,” Scott said from her home in Los Angeles.
On Friday evening, Aug. 9, Scott will welcome Buffalo-based astrologer Cassandra Butler to the Lily Dale Assembly auditorium stage for “Astrology & The Stars With Melody Thomas Scott.” While Butler provides the audience with an understanding of the basics of astrology, Melody will bring in the “stars” as she shares 12 fun stories of Hollywood celebrities she’s encountered over the years — with each star representing a different sign of the zodiac. “I’m looking forward to being on stage, learning from Cassandra, and reflecting back on meeting Aretha Franklin and confessing to what I did to Clint Eastwood,” Scott laughed. “It will be a great way to kick-off our Lily Dale weekend together.”
For her fans, “Always Young and Restless: An Evening with Melody Thomas Scott” on Saturday night, Aug. 10, will be devoted to a retrospective of Scott’s career. She’ll share stories, take questions from the audience and sprinkle in a lot of fun video clips of her early movie career and her 45 years as Nikki Reed Newman on Y&R. “We’re planning a little extra surprise, too,” she said.
Immediately following the stage event, a special VIP gala is planned, where fans will visit one-on-one with the iconic star — with time for a chat, a selfie, and an autographed photo. To guarantee Scott will have individual time with each person, only 65 gala tickets are being sold. As a bonus for those attending the gala, a silent auction featuring several pieces of unique memorabilia donated by Scott including a “The Young & The Restless” script signed by several cast members and an iconic wardrobe item worn by her on the daytime drama, will be part of the VIP experience, with all auction proceeds benefiting Lily Dale Assembly. Live music and refreshments will also be included.
Lily Dale Assembly Board President Amanda DeShong shared, “Melody Thomas Scott’s work on The Young and the Restless has been a part of so many people’s lives for so many years. Her coming to Lily Dale Assembly is a great opportunity not just for the Assembly but for the countless people who will be making the pilgrimage here this summer.”
Tickets to all three events are now on sale exclusively at www.lilydaleassembly.org by simply typing “Melody” on the website’s search bar, or by calling 716-595-8721.