Make plans for fall, winter and spring entertainment in town as tickets are on sale for the Kent Arts Commission’s 2011-2012 Spotlight Series.
The performing arts series brings musicians and other entertainers to Kent. The series starts Sept. 24 and runs through April 2012.
Tickets are available at www.kentarts.com, by calling 253-856-5051 or in person at the Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Hours for phone and in-person sales are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Tickets are priced for general, senior (ages 55 and older) and youth (ages 25 and younger).
The 10 performances are:
Amy Hanaiali’i
Saturday, Sept. 24
Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28 general, $26 senior, $20 youth
Amy Hānaiali‘i is Hawaii’s most respected and loved female vocalist, songwriter, composer and performer.
Riders in The Sky
Friday, Oct. 14
Kentwood PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30 general, $28 senior, $20 youth
*Spotlight for Families
America’s favorite cowboys. For thirty years, Riders in The Sky have been keepers of the flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, reviving and revitalizing the Western music genre. They have become modern-day icons by branding the genre with their own wacky humor and way-out Western wit.
Ruth Moody Band
Saturday, Oct. 29
Kentwood PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $24 general, $22 senior, $18 youth
Although best known for her work with Billboard-charting folk trio The Wailin’ Jennys, Moody is an artist of exceptional depth and grace in her own right. Critics have lauded her ethereal vocals, impressive multi-instrumentalism and her talent as a songwriter. She plays the guitar, accordion, banjo and other instruments.
Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert
Sunday, Dec. 4
Kent-Meridian PAC, 3 p.m.
Tickets: $22 general, $20 senior, $16 youth
*Spotlight for Families
The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season is a treasured tradition and this year marks the 25th anniversary of their Celtic music, Irish dancing and storytelling in Kent.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” with David Benoit
Saturday, Dec. 10
Kentwood PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35 general, $30 senior, $20 youth
*Spotlight for Families
Contemporary jazz piano legend, David Benoit pays tribute to the much-loved animated television special with the classic music of Vince Guaraldi. The heartwarming show also features the young voices of the Kent-based Rainier Youth Chorale.
Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys
Friday, Jan. 20
Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28 general, $26 senior, $20 youth
Over his 40 year career (he started playing drums in his father’s renowned band at the age of 8) Broussard has gained the reputation as one of the greatest accordion players and vocalists to come out of the Creole culture.
New Shanghai Circus
Wednesday, Feb. 15
Kentwood PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35 general, $30 senior, $20 youth
*Spotlight for Families
Astonishing athletes defy gravity and execute breathtaking feats as they stretch the limits of human ability in this spellbinding show. The troupe’s acrobats, jugglers and contortionists bring more than 2,000 years of Chinese circus traditions to the stage with boundless energy.
Bettye LaVette
Saturday, March 10
Kentwood PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30 general, $28 senior, $20 youth
LaVette is one of the greatest soul singers in American music history and a 2011 Grammy nominee for Best Contemporary Blues Album. She melds elements of country, soul, Blues, folk, pop, jazz, gospel and R&B seamlessly. The New York Times says, “Ms. Lavette now rivals Aretha Franklin as her generation’s most vital soul singer.”
Sister’s Easter Catechism “Will My Bunny Go To Heaven?”
Friday, March 30
Kentwood PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28 general, $26 senior, $20 youth
This latest of the sinfully funny Late Nite Catechism series unearths the origins of Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, Easter baskets, Easter bonnets, and, of course, those yummy Easter Peeps.
The Brubeck Brothers Quartet
Friday, April 6
Kentwood PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28 general, $26 senior, $20 youth
The Brubeck Brothers Quartet features Daniel Brubeck (drums) and Chris Brubeck (bass and trombone) – both sons of legendary jazz pioneer Dave Brubeck. The group’s music reflects their dedication to melody, rhythm, culture and the spontaneous spirit of jazz.
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