Buffalo State Performing Arts Center Announces Great Performers Series

The Buffalo State Performing Arts Center, on the campus of SUNY Buffalo State, proudly announces the Fall 2014 Great Performers Series, presented by M&T Bank. The series features world-class artists in the intimate setting of Rockwell Hall. The fall series includes smooth jazz saxophonist Mindi Abair, Celtic fiddler Eileen Ivers And Immigrant Soul, soulful singer and guitarist Jonathan Butler, and romantic piano sensation Jim Brickman. 

Tickets for the Great Performers series go on sale August 14 at 9:00 a.m. All shows in the Great Performers Series are priced between $30 and $45. Tickets may be purchased at the Rockwell Hall Box Office, 1300 Elmwood Ave. by calling (716) 878-3005 or online at www.buffalostatepac.org. Box Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Opening the series on Friday, October 17, is smooth jazz saxophonist Mindi Abair. Abair is one of the most dynamic performers on the music scene today. In addition to her acclaimed solo work, she was the featured saxophonist on the 2011 and 2012 seasons of American Idol, jammed with Paul Shaffer on the Late Show with David Letterman and joined rock legends Aerosmith for their 2012 summer tour. More recently, Abair received a 2014 Grammy nomination in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category for Summer Horns, a #1 recording with her friends Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, and Richard Elliot, four of the most pre-eminent saxophonists in contemporary music. Her latest album, Wild Heart, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Jazz chart and on iTunes jazz albums. It also hit #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart. This latest album plays on her jazz roots while expanding into an explosive horn based pop/soul sound.

The series continues on Friday, November 7, with Celtic fiddler Eileen Ivers and her band Immigrant Soul. A nine-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion and GRAMMY award winner, Ivers is the original musical star of Riverdance. Her recording credits include over 80 contemporary and traditional albums and numerous movie scores, including Gangs of New York. Ivers has established herself as the pre-eminent exponent of the Irish fiddle in the world today. She has performed with everyone from the London Symphony Orchestra, to The Chieftains, Sting, Hall and Oates, Randy Brecker, Patti Smith, Paula Cole, Al Di Meola, and Steve Gad. She was a founding member of Cherish the Ladies and is an Emmy-nominated musician. She's been hailed "a sensation" by Billboard magazine, "a virtuoso" by The Irish Times and "the Jimi Hendrix of the violin" by the New York Times.

South African singer-songwriter-guitarist Jonathan Butler performs on Saturday, November 15. A life well lived is often the best foundation for compelling art and there's no denying Butler has been blessed with a fascinating life. A South African native whose expansive musical gift has earned accolades in the R&B, contemporary jazz, and gospel fields, Butler's new release, Living My Dream, provides an honest and revealing soulfully-inspired songbook probing the artist's life and loves: God, family, and his homeland. Butler signed his first record deal as a teen and became the first black artist played on white South African stations. That was 1974 and it was a song titled "Please Stay", which went on to win a Sarie Award, the South African equivalent of a Grammy. Butler has toured the world with such acclaimed artists as Kirk Whalum, Dave Koz and Ruby Turner. He's earned Grammy nominations and rave reviews in the jazz and R&B fields.

Jim Brickman's On A Winter's Night Tour makes a stop at SUNY Buffalo State on Saturday, December 20. As he marks this 18-year holiday tradition from coast to coast, Brickman will showcase new music, along with holiday favorites and the hits that made him the most charted (30) Billboard Adult Contemporary artist of all time. Brickman has revolutionized the sound of solo piano with his pop-style instrumentals and star-studded vocal collaborations. With four certified gold albums he's sold more than 7 million CDs. Brickman also has the most No. 1s (19) in the 25-year history of the New Age Albums chart.  Brickman received top honors with two Grammy award nominations, two SESAC "Songwriter of the Year" awards, the Canadian Country Music Award, and the Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association. Brickman's best-known compositions include the chart-toppers "Valentine," "The Gift," "Love of My Life," "Simple Things," and "Peace." He has established a reputation for his collaborations with many musical artists including Martina McBride, Lady Antebellum, Johnny Mathis, Michael W. Smith, Kenny Loggins, Carly Simon, Collin Raye, Michael Bolton, Donny Osmond, Wayne Brady, Olivia Newton-John, and Herb Alpert. Since 1997, he has hosted his own radio show called "Your Weekend with Jim Brickman," which is carried on radio stations throughout the United States. 

Senior Discount

Patrons Aged 60 And Older Take $3 Off The Price Of Upper Tier Tickets.

Student Rush
One-hour prior to curtain, full-time students with proper ID can purchase one ticket For $15, subject to availability.

Tickets go on sale August 14 at 9:00 a.m.

Charge by phone: (716) 878-3005
Order Online: buffalostatepac.org

Box Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.