Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall Announces Great Performers Series
The Great Performers Series, in conjunction with Buffalo State’s Year of the Arts, features world-class artists in the intimate setting of Rockwell Hall. The series includes performances by French-American singer/songwriter/guitarist Madeleine Peyroux; jazz keyboardist Jeff Lorber; a holiday performance by smooth jazz guitarist Peter White; folk-blues guitar legend David Bromberg; pop icon Richard Marx, with a 20-piece string orchestra; contemporary jazz pianists David Benoit and Brian Culbertson together in Piano 2 Piano; and Rent stars Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp.
Tickets for the Great Performers series go on sale Monday, August 29, at 9:00 a.m. Continuing to be one of the best entertainment values in the area, the Performing Arts Center has priced all shows in the Great Performers Series between $30 and $35. With the Flex Pack, patrons can purchase any three or more Great Performers shows for as low as $27 each. Tickets may be purchased at the Rockwell Hall Box Office, 1300 Elmwood Ave., by calling (716) 878-3005, or online at www.buffalostate.edu/pac. Box Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The series begins on Saturday, October 8, with the stylish and beguiling French-American singer/songwriter and guitarist Madeleine Peyroux. She’s at times reminiscent of Billie Holiday, a primary influence; but she covers a wider repertoire that blends jazz, acoustic blues, country ballads, torch songs and pop that sounds both classic and contemporary. Her bittersweet, brokenhearted alto shines on tunes by Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, and Joni Mitchell. She has also written some indelible, soul-baring songs of her own. Her new CD, Standing on The Rooftop, is another brilliant album to what is already a notable and brilliant career.
On Saturday, October 15, the Performing Arts Center hosts a rare Western New York appearance by keyboardist Jeff Lorber. This jazz fusion pioneer and his sizzling band, including Jimmy Haslip on bass, William Kennedy on drums and Eric Marienthal on saxophone, will be playing the sounds that made Lorber famous plus tracks from his latest hit CD Now Is The Time. This new recording captures the raw energy and enthusiasm that fueled the music of his early days and reinvents some of his most compelling compositions.
Smooth jazz guitarist Peter White will celebrate the holidays at Rockwell Hall on Friday, December 9, with special guests saxophonists Mindi Abair and Kirk Whalum. Over the past 17 years, Peter White has kept thousands of smooth jazz fans worldwide enthralled by his spirited melodies, soulful grooves and instantly recognizable acoustic guitar tone. Now the affable Englishman brings his charm and playfulness to dazzling arrangements of favorite holiday songs.
The Performing Arts Center is pleased to present David Bromberg, on Saturday, December 17. The extraordinary folk-blues guitarist David Bromberg has strolled back into the spotlight as abruptly as he resigned from it nearly three decades ago. With his Grammy-nominated Try Me One More Time, Bromberg’s guitar playing is as agile as ever, and his song choices are astute: tales of death, sex and struggle that sound astonishingly relevant, funny and moving at their core. Full of warmth, wit and hot licks, this legend’s show is another rare Western New York appearance.
The Performing Arts Center is thrilled to welcome pop superstar Richard Marx for a performance with a 20-piece string orchestra on Friday, February 3. With over 30 million albums sold and 13 songs hitting #1, Richard Marx has consistently and powerfully made his mark on the music industry. Between 1987 and 1994, he recorded seven songs that topped the Billboard charts – “Don’t Mean Nothing,” “Hold on to the Nights,” “Right Here Waiting,” “Satisfied,” “Keep Coming Back,” “Hazard” and “Now and Forever.” This intimate, acoustic concert will feature Marx performing his greatest hits accompanied by a 20-piece string orchestra.
Two of the highest profile keyboardists in contemporary jazz join together to make a completely unique pairing in Piano 2 Piano on Friday, March 16. Playing two acoustic grand pianos, David Benoit and Brian Culbertson will perform some of their best known compositions along with original music they’ve collaborated on specifically for this project. Combining these two very distinctive styles in an acoustic setting will make for a new and exciting concert experience sure to ignite some unexpected sparks!
Original Rent stars Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp join forces on the concert stage on Friday, April 20, in a special pop/rock evening celebrating their individual musical careers as well as the Broadway cultural hit, Rent. These two friends and co-stars will share stories about the hit show that brought them together and perform songs from the Pulitzer Prize-winning show. The electric and acoustic concert will also feature fresh interpretations of Sondheim songs and other popular Broadway music, along with a mix of pop and original songs. It's the concert that Rent fans have been waiting for!
The 2011-2012 Great Performers Series is sponsored by M&T Bank.
About the Year of the Arts at Buffalo State:
The 2011–2012 academic year is the Year of the Arts at Buffalo State. Join us on campus and in the community as we showcase established and emerging artists and celebrate the importance of art in all we do. An anchor institution in Buffalo’s cultural corridor, Buffalo State is proud to partner with local arts organizations in this non-stop celebration of creativity. Come enjoy performances, exhibitions, workshops, speakers, and more. For a listing of events, visit www.yearofthearts.com.