Performing Arts Center Announces Spring 2019 Great Performers Series
The Buffalo State Performing Arts Center proudly announces the Spring 2019 Great Performers Series presented by M&T Bank. The series includes jazz keyboardist Bob James, contemporary swing revival group Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, musical legends Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, and four-time Grammy Award nominee Boney James.
Tickets for the Great Performers Series go on sale Friday, January 11, at 9:00 a.m. All shows in the Great Performers Series are priced between $35 and $45. Tickets may be purchased at the Buffalo State Performing Arts Center Box Office in Rockwell Hall, by calling (716) 878-3005 or online. Box Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Opening the series on February 22 is Grammy Award-winning jazz keyboardist Bob James. Performing with James will be bassist Michael Palazzolo and drummer Billy Kilson. James was the founding member of jazz superstar group Fourplay, and also created and performed the theme song to the hit show Taxi. He has written dozens of jazz albums and samples of some of his music have even been credited with contributing to the formation of hip-hop.
On March 23, the Performing Arts Center welcomes Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. For over 25 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's unique take on American swing and jazz has thrilled audiences around the world. They've sold millions of albums and performed sold-out shows around the world including at the Hollywood Bowl and Lincoln Center. Some of their chart-topping hits include "Go Daddy-O" and "You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight." Big Bad Voodoo Daddy also has made countless television appearances, including during Super Bowl XXXIII and Dancing with the Stars, and they also wrote and performed the theme song to the hit NBC TV show Third Rock from the Sun.
On April 12, The Performing Arts Center welcomes musical legends Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes. They first achieved prominence in the mid-1970s, emerging from the same Jersey music scene as Southside Johnny's good friend Bruce Springsteen. Their first three albums were produced by band co-founder Steven Van Zandt (E Street Band, the Sopranos). The Van Zandt-written "I Don't Want To Go Home" became Southside's signature song, a mix of horn-based melodic riffs and sentimental lyrics. In 1982 Rolling Stone Magazine voted Southside's Hearts of Stone among the top 100 albums of the 1970s and 1980s and Jon Bon Jovi attributes Johnny and his Jukes as one of his key musical influences.
The Buffalo State Performing Arts Center welcomes back Boney James on April 14 for his Honestly Tour. The four-time Grammy-nominated saxophone legend has sold over three million records, has four RIAA gold albums, a Soul Train Award and has 10 CDs atop Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Albums Chart. In 2009, Boney James was named by Billboard as one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the Decade, along with Kenny G and Norah Jones.
Bob James Trio featuring Michael Palazzolo and Billy Kilson
Friday, February 22, at 8:00 pm
$40-$35
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Saturday, March 23, at 8:00 pm
$40-$35
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
Friday, April 12, at 8:00 pm
$40-$35
Boney James: The Honestly Tour
Sunday, April 14, at 8:00 pm
$45-$40
Patrons aged 60 and older take $3 off the price of upper tier tickets. Student rush is available one-hour prior to curtain, full-time students with proper ID can purchase one ticket for $15, subject to availability.