Performing Arts Series

Rockapella

November 17, 2008
Concert 7:30 pm

 Long ago and far away in Providence, Rhode Island, a few young men began something which over the next decade would build from a collegiate hobby into a national phenomenon.

Often imitated; never duplicated, this certifiably unique pop musical group has taken the previously stodgy music genre of a capella and brought it full-force into the 21st century. Their story is like no other, and they create a sound and impression like no one else!

As the undisputed kings of contemporary a capella music, Rockapella continues to offer proof to everyone of their boundless ability to inspire and attract devoted fans, new and old.

You may not know the name but more than likely you have heard their music.

For instance, you may recall this popular PBS Show with music performed live by Rockapella...

And who hasn't heard this commercial... 

But did you know that they also perform other popular songs? Such as...

For the slightly younger generations...

Keep in mind the sounds above used no instruments other then their voices. Not even the drums.

Chicago City Limits

December 3, 2008
Performance 7:30 pm

The holiday season brings wishes of joy and peace on earth, but not necessarily if you're a reindeer, especially one that has to spend the holiday season flying from rooftop to rooftop lugging a big fat guy in a red suit who keeps trying to squeeze down chimneys.

Well, we all have our issues, and Chicago City Limit's special holiday show, “Revenge of the Reindeer” gives us a chance to air them out. Through a combination of comedy sketches, improvisations created on-the-spot from audience suggestions and song parodies, the CCL cast will add a little Ho Ho Ho point-of-view to the trials and tribulations of the past year. This special December event is unlike any other holiday show. Yule love it!

Sophia Grech, Mezzo-Soprano

February 12, 2009
Masterclass 2:00 pm
Concert 7:30 pm

Renowned mezzo Sophia Grech graduated from the London Royal College of Music in 1995 and is now enjoying a busy; International career. Traveling extensively she has gained considerable acclaim for her performances which has led to a number of prizes, awards and recordings. In 1999 Sophia was nominated for the Daily Express Young Achievers Award and in 2002 she was presented a medal by the Spanish Government for her contribution to Spanish classical song. She has given performances in most of London's major venues including the Royal Festival Hall, Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, St John's Smiths Square, Conway Hall and Westminster Cathedral. To date she has given over two hundred recitals in prestigious festivals and leading concert halls across the UK, Spain, Gibraltar, Malta, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Canada, USA and China.

J.D. Crowe and the New South

March 27, 2009
Concert 7:30 pm

 J.D. Crowe and the New South are among the most influential bluegrass bands of the past three decades, with a visionary sound that suggests both a rich past and a wide-open future. From 1975's classic J.D. Crowe and the New South (affectionately referred to by fans by its catalog number, 0044), to their newest project, 2006's “Lefty's Old Guitar,” bandleader/banjo player/guitarist/vocalist Crowe has led an array of brilliant musicians in a mission to continually reinvent and update bluegrass while simultaneously paying tribute to the legacy of tone, taste, and timing established by Crowe's musical idols.

New Orleans’ Hot 8 Brass Band

April 15, 2008
Concert 7:30 pm

 The members of the Hot 8 were all born and raised in New Orleans; many of them began playing together in high school. In 1995 they came together and began playing traditional New Orleans brass band music professionally.

Founded by Bennie Pete, Jerome Jones, and Harry Cook in 1995, the band has played in traditional Second Line parades hosted each Sunday by a Social Aid and Pleasure Club ever since. The Hot 8 are famous for playing all day in the sun, then hopping to a club gig and playing through the night. But even more than their boundless energy, what makes the Hot 8 special are the sounds they coax from their well-loved, well-worn horns.

Following Hurricane Katrina and the devastation wrought upon New Orleans, the Hot 8 became the featured band in the SAVE OUR BRASS! relief project, which brought music to evacuee shelters, temporary trailer parks, and communities that have reached out to New Orleanians. As a result, the Hot 8 Brass Band have been featured on CNN, “Nightline”, WDSU-TV (New Orleans) and in the New York Times.