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ASU Announces 2008-09 Performing Arts Series

Story by Anna Oakes

The North Carolina Dance Theatre brings its American Masterpieces tour to ASU as part of the 2008-09 Performing Arts Series. Photo by Jeff Cravotta The 2007-08 Performing Arts Series at Appalachian State University ended last week with a performance by the Philharmonic Quintet of New York. The Office of Arts & Cultural Programs recently announced the 2008-09 lineup—eight acts of comedy, traditional music, opera, jazz, dance and more.

The 2008-09 Performing Arts Series opens with laughter, with a performance by political satirists Capitol Steps on Thursday, October 9. The troupe began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the people and places that employed them. Since then, the Capitol Steps have recorded 27 albums and have been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS and on NPR stations nationwide.

On Friday, October 24, settle in for an evening with the High Country’s favorite son, Doc Watson, and his regular touring partner, traditional artist David Holt. In 2002, Watson and Holt won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Recording for Legacy, a three-CD collection of songs and stories reflecting Watson’s lifetime.

Teatro Lirico D’Europa presents the French opera Carmen by Georges Bizet on Friday, November 14. One reviewer said the performance of the opera about a beautiful, saucy gypsy and her love escapades “soared in the manner of its delivery from an outstanding cast that gave its all … riveting performances from a cast that oozed talent, vocally and as actors.”

Boasting seven years of history, the Blind Boys of Alabama bring the best of New Orleans gospel music to ASU for a special holiday performance on Saturday, December 6.

For more than 20 years, members of the African Children’s Choir have served as ambassadors for the continent, giving joyful, energetic performances in support of relief and development projects for youth and children in African countries. The choir opens the spring 2009 portion of the Performing Arts Series on Tuesday, January 27, 2009.

Doc Watson and David Holt are sure to draw the crowds for their performance at ASU in October. On Wednesday, February 11, 2009, the controversial 1925 Scopes Trial—challenging Tennessee’s ban on teaching evolution in public schools—is the subject of a production by L.A. Theatre Works titled The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial.

The Tuesday, February 17, performance features the jazz label Blue Note Records on its 70th Anniversary Tour, with artists Bill Charlap, Ravi Coltrane, Pat Martino, Lewis Nash, Nicholas Payton, Peter Washington and Steve Wilson.

And on Thursday, April 2, the North Carolina Dance Theatre performs American Masterpieces—some of the best American choreography of the past century, including pieces by Alvin Ailey, George Balanchine and Twyla Tharp.

All performances take place at 8:00 p.m. in Farthing Auditorium. Individual performance ticket prices for all shows are $18 for the public, $16 for ASU faculty and staff and $10 for students.

For tickets or more info, click to pas.appstate.edu or call 800-841-2787 or 828-262-4046.