The Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center 2008-2009
The Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons announced its 2008-2009 season performances on Thursday and, according to Managing Director, Adam Philipson, “we’re really excited about the lineup we’ve put together and think the community will be thrilled with the variety of what they can experience in our spectacular Center!”
The September 12 season opener is the legendary performer, Bill Medley, better known as one-half of the classic 1960’s pop duo, The Righteous Brothers. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Medley will fill the venue with songs he helped make famous such as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” and the Oscar-winning theme song from Dirty Dancing, “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.”
September also features a return performance by the Capitol Steps on the 27th. They are an irreverent group of current and former congressional staffers who always have a hilarious take on sometimes-serious issues. With its proximity to this year’s presidential election, this performance will be one audiences won’t want to miss.
Art Garfunkel, the winner of five Grammy Awards will be making a special appearance with the Santa Clarita Symphony on January 11. He, too, is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has 12 solo albums to his credit. His magnificent voice and one-of-a kind persona are the first performance of 2009.
May of 2009 brings the legendary Tom Rush performing with The Lovell Sisters on the 16th. This performance is one of four shows in a new partnership with radio station Go Country 105 that will bring concerts to the Center’s mainstage. Rush is an iconic figure of the 1960’s who had a profound impact on the American music scene for decades. His influence helped propel the careers of Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Joan Baez, Shawn Colvin and many more. Performing with Rush, the Lovell Sisters, one of the hottest new acts in the nation perform an innovative fusion of country, folk and contemporary acoustic sounds.
May ends in grand fashion when Los Lobos takes the stage on the 29th. The group broke into the mainstream music scene with a stirring rendition of Richie Valens’ classic “La Bamba.” They currently perform a wide-ranging repertoire of blues, rockabilly, jazz, Latin and their own, unique Mexican-American sound.
Additional Go Country concerts during the season include a special holiday show on December 7 featuring American idol contestants Phil Stacey and Josh Gracin in an Acoustic Holiday Concert, the Hunt Family Fiddlers in January and Grammy-award winners Riders in the Sky in April.
Twice during the season, the Center will be turned into a cabaret with audience members taking seats on the mainstage along with the performers in an intimate eat, drink and be entertained environment. Star of stage, screen and song, Susan Egan will dazzle audiences in October and Valentine ’s Day will bring Lee Lessack and Joanne O’Brien performing Broadway love songs.
The 2008-2009 season also features programming for children with an adorable New York tour of Junie B. Jones the musical, Los Angeles Opera’s Figaro’s American Adventure and the Tweaksters. A new arts education program will invite school kids to attend special performances with artists visiting the schools as well.
The season also includes the college’s theatre department with performances of South Pacific, Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House and its outstanding New Works Festival and the Santa Clarita Regional Theatre will offer performances of Grease and A Chorus Line.
Additional shows include performances by the Spencers: Theatre of Illusion; the visual spectacle of Diavolo; Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, a special free chamber recital by Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and much more.
For complete season details, go to the Performing Arts Center Website at www.canyonsPAC.com