JANUARY 8, 2009 issue
2008's Performing Arts Series
Compiled by Anna Oakes
Appalachian State University’s Office of Arts and Cultural Programs did it again. In 2008, it successfully scheduled another diverse slate of artists as part of the annual Performing Arts Series. From Chinese acrobats to jazz legends to political satire, from opera to Tennessee Williams to gospel, the Performing Arts Series delighted audiences last year.
Take a look at a few highlights of the 2008 Performing Arts Series concerts.
January 26
Golden Dragon Acrobats
A full house packed Farthing Auditorium for a performance by the Golden Dragon Acrobats, a 21-member company from Xian, China. The Golden Dragon Acrobats demonstrated the ancient art of Chinese acrobatics that has evolved into many forms of performance, including dance, opera, martial arts and sports.
The reputation of the Golden Dragon Acrobats is solidly rooted in their attention to artistic details that is unparalleled in the art form. The company combines award-winning acrobatics, theatrical techniques and traditional dance with spectacular costumes.
February 15
The Taj Mahal Trio
It looked as though every seat in the house was filled for the February 15 performance by the Taj Mahal Trio. Internationally renowned musician Taj Mahal has mastered a fusion of blues, soul, folk, jazz, zydeco, gospel, rock and pop to create his own signature sound. He performed on guitar, banjo and piano along with bassist Bill Rich and drummer Kester Smith.
And to boot, the concert opened with a performance by the Carolina Chocolate Drops, a talented trio of young African American string players whose popularity is rapidly growing in the Americana music scene.
April 10
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Featuring an impressive set of the Pollitt mansion, the Montana Repertory Theatre’s performance of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof received thunderous applause after its April 10 performance in Farthing Auditorium.
Williams’ steamy play about vibrant characters trapped in a repressive society—made famous on the big screen by Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor—came to life once more, as the actors conveyed the characters’ feelings of loneliness, frustration and discomfort with emotion the audience could sense.
October 9
Capitol Steps
In the midst of a historic, eventful and drawn-out 2008 presidential campaign, audience members came to Farthing Auditorium ready for some laughs on October 9. That’s because the Capitol Steps—one of the best known political satire troupes—was in town.
With clever lyrics sung to the tunes of familiar songs as well as humorous costumes and props, the Capitol Steps delivered zingers for both the casual political reader and the well-read news junkie.
October 24
Doc Watson, David Holt, Richard Watson and Riley Baugus
While Performing Arts Series entertainers come from as far away as China, one local artist will always command the stage at ASU. Legendary folk, old-time and blues musician Doc Watson, who lives just a few minutes away in Deep Gap, performed to a huge Farthing Auditorium crowd alongside David Holt, grandson Richard Watson and Riley Baugus.
Watson, Holt and Baugus paused between songs to share stories, memories and a few jokes with the audience.
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