Two concerts featuring Fredonia’s talented student vocalists will be among the highlights of the 2014-15 Lake Shore Savings Season at the Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center.
The season also includes two events in the popular Kaleidoscope Family Series sponsored by the Observer and two film/lectures in the World Travel Series sponsored by Fredonia Place.
The student vocalists and dancers will star in two DFT Communications Pops Series events – “The 2014 Big Band Christmas Spectacular” on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m., and the traditional Commencement eve pops event, “South Pacific in Concert,” on Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. Both concerts will be presented in King Concert Hall at Rockefeller Arts Center.
“The 2014 Big Christmas Spectacular” will also feature the Little Apple Big Band under the direction of Bruce Johnstone, director of Curricular Jazz at Fredonia. Songs include “Winter Wonderland,” “We Need a Little Christmas,” “Jingle Bells” and many more all-time favorites. It is a follow-up to the popular 2012 presentation of, “Big Band Christmas Spectacular,” which was a sold-out event.
The Commencement eve pops tradition continues for a 24th season as Maestro Glen Cortese leads the Western New York Chamber Orchestra and a cast of talented student performers in “South Pacific in Concert.” The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is set in an island paradise during World War II, following two parallel love stories that are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. The songs include “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” and “Younger Than Springtime.”
The Pops Series opens on Friday, Sept. 26 with Presidio Brass’ “Sounds of the Cinema” at 7:30 p.m. in King Concert Hall. Since forming in 2006, Presidio Brass has rocketed to success as the face of a bold new generation in brass entertainment. The ensemble from San Diego, Calif., combines a brass quintet, piano and percussion instruments in fresh, original arrangements that have captivated audiences the world over. From the main theme from “Star Wars” to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” to the theme from “Mission Impossible,” this show is packed with tunes cinema fans know and love.
The Kaleidoscope Family Series opens on Friday, Nov. 14, when The “Nearly World Famous” DuffleBag Theatre Company returns to perform “Rumplestiltskin.” Parents, grandparents and children will enjoy the interactive production in which selected audience members will be brought on stage to play roles in this adventure.
On Friday, Feb. 20, the series concludes with, “The Vocal Illusions of Lynn Trefzger, Comedy Ventriloquist.” Trefzger’s show features a trunk full of zany characters and sense of humor that delights young and old alike. In 2006, Campus Activities Magazine named her “Funniest Female Performer of the Year.” All Kaleidoscope shows begin at 7 p.m. in Marvel Theatre.
Two events are also planned as part of the World Travel Series: Peter Rowe’s “Volcanic Planet” on Saturday, Nov. 1, and “China Rising” with Dale Johnson on Saturday, April 11. All World Travel events begin at 7:30 p.m. in King Concert Hall. As the producer of the well-known TV series “Angry Planet,” Rowe has explored many of the world’s most active volcanoes. The film brings together the most breathtaking footage he has gathered during his explorations. In “China Rising,” Johnson captures many sides of the world’s most populated land. He visits the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall, then rides the high speed bullet train to Shanghai, observes ultra-modern cities and explores huge farming operations with giant tractors producing corn, soybeans and other crops.
Tickets for all the events may be purchased through the Ticket Office in the Williams Center (673-3501 or www.fredonia.edu/tickets). Special “Mix & Match Season Ticket” packages are available.
