Black ties and gowns usher in the names of next season's big shows at Proctors. But as YNN's Erin Vannella explains, the good news transcends the stage to the city.

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- Announcing an unprecedented six show season, Proctors gives the Electric City a shot in the arm.

"This event tonight just continues to reinforce the level of activity that occurs in Schenectady's downtown," said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy.

A packed theater Wednesday reflects a growing interest in the city and in the past few years, that investment of time and money has shown.

"There's been a dramatic revitalization in this community over the last eight years and we're continuing to build on that," said McCarthy.

"Families from outside the area have made this a destination," said 111th Assembly District democrat Angelo Santabarbara. "That wasn't so years before. You've watched the entire downtown area transform with new buildings, new businesses, a lot of things that have made this community thrive."

Johnny's Italian restaurant opens at City Center on State next Friday. Mexican Radio is moving in down the block. Standby's Apertivo and Bomber's welcome them with open arms.

"I don't necessarily view it as competition," said Bomber's kitchen manager Paul Tracy. "It's something different. We're becoming an area with multiple places to eat and go see shows, catch a movie. It's got a lot to offer in general."

More foot traffic means dollar signs for the city and more to be proud of, said Mayor McCarthy. We've come a long way, but we've a long way to go.

"It's not, get up and expect to hit a grand slam every day," said McCarthy. "You want to do those slow incremental things that add value, that are thought out, financed, make sense and are going to be successful."