Center for the Arts - 2007 - 2008
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Series Prices (includes 20% discount) $160, $128, $80 for 5 events

Leon Bates
Gershwin on Broadway
with Louise Toppin and Robert Mack

Friday, Oct. 19 at 8 pm
PURCHASE SINGLE TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT - SEPT. 1, 2007

One of America’s leading pianists, Leon Bates performs on concert stages around the world. Audiences and critics always respond enthusiastically to his exceptional talent and musical spirit. “Mr. Bates has all the brilliance wanted, but so much more,” writes The Irish Times. Audiences are on their feet whenever Bates performs his signature rendition of Gershwin’s classic, Rhapsody in Blue. Now, this major artist focuses his pianistic genius on the immortal Broadway classics of Gershwin in a delightful and entertaining program that includes two of the best singers currently performing on Broadway. In Gershwin on Broadway, he is joined by extraordinary vocalists Louise Toppin and Robert Mack. This production brings to life longtime favorites from great hit shows like Lady Be Good, Funny Face, Strike Up the Band, and Girl Crazy.
$40, $32, $20 Family Friendly Icon
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Rockapella
A Rockapella Holiday

MATINEE ADDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND
Saturday, Dec. 8 at 3 pm and 8 pm
PURCHASE SINGLE TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT - SEPT. 1, 2007

“Some say the best musical instrument of all is the human voice – if you’ve seen Rockapella you know that’s the truth,” says USA Today. Come celebrate the season with this five-man a cappella powerhouse as they perform such holiday classics as Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, I’ll Be Home For Christmas, and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, as well as popular new pieces like Little Mary Snowflake, and their signature Snowstar. Young and old alike are drawn to their humor, style and artistry, their amazing and innovative “vocal percussion”, and their winning combination of soul, rock, R&B, and jazz. Often remembered for their Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? theme, Rockapella tours widely each year, and performs regularly on television and radio.
$40, $32, $20 Family Friendly Icon
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Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra
Jim Carroll, artistic director
Byron Stripling, trumpet

Friday, Feb. 8 at 8 pm
PURCHASE SINGLE TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT - SEPT. 1, 2007

The trademark of this dynamic group of outstanding musicians, pulled from the ranks of the metro area’s finest jazz players by artistic director Jim Carroll, has always been the insightful interpretation of revered jazz classics. For this performance, the orchestra welcomes trumpeter/actor/singer Byron Stripling in what promises to be a very special night of music. Stripling, artistic director of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, earned his stripes as lead trumpeter and soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra and has also played and recorded extensively with the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band. The Los Angeles Times called him “a towering and powerful trumpet player.”
$38, $30, $19 Family Friendly Icon
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Doc Watson
Hills of Home
with Richard Watson and David Holt

RESCHEDULED TO:
SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2008 AT 8 PM

Tickets for the originally scheduled performance on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007 at 8 pm will be honored for the Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 8 pm performance.

Doc Watson is the recipient of six GRAMMY Awards, a National Medal of the Arts, a National Heritage Fellowship, and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award. For this performance, Watson is joined by his grandson Richard, and longtime collaborator and GRAMMY-winning banjoist David Holt, making his Center for the Arts debut, showcasing his universally acknowledged genius and mastery of the flatpicking and fingerstyle guitar. Declared a “national treasure” by President Jimmy Carter, his genius includes an assortment of musical genres, including traditional ballads, fiddle tunes, blues, gospel, country, and contemporary music. This is a groundbreaking performance spanning generations and musical traditions.
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Monterey Jazz Festival
Terence Blanchard, trumpet; James Moody, saxophone; Benny Green, piano; Nnenna Freelon, vocals; Derrick Hodges, bass; Kendrick Scott, drums

Sunday, Mar. 9 at 7 pm
PURCHASE SINGLE TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT - SEPT. 1, 2007

For lovers of great jazz, the Monterey Jazz Festival (MJF) has always been the ultimate jazz festival. This season marks its 50th anniversary, and to commemorate this milestone, the festival has organized a national tour. True to its tradition, it brings together old favorites and new talents, each of whom have strong connections to the festival. Terence Blanchard (trumpet) is a 2007 Artist in Residence at Monterey, James Moody (saxophone) has been performing at Monterey since 1963, Benny Green (piano) was part of the MJF High School All-Star Big Band, Nnenna Freelon (guest vocalist) has regularly performed at the MJF and the Next Generation Festival, and Kendrick Scott (drums) performed with the Berklee/Monterey Quartet. Anyone who loves jazz will want to experience the Monterey Jazz Festival so close to home!
$42, $34, $21 Family Friendly Icon
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