USAO Launches Seventh Season of Performing Arts Series Sept. 18

Video

CHICKASHA – Season tickets are now on sale for the seventh season of the Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series at the University of Science and Arts. The highly anticipated series kicks off Sept. 18 with a bluegrass band from Guthrie, with an eclectic collection of performances including a jazz trio, a flamenco guitarist, an operatic tenor, a South American folk band and a Shakespearean production from New York.

Dr. Ken Bohannon, associate professor of music and coordinator for the DWPAS series, said he’s excited about the new season.

“We have a great series lined for the 2007-08 season, from bluegrass to ‘classical-grass,’ and Shakespeare to boot, we’ve got something for everyone this year,” he said. “We have also expanded our season to include one additional artist for a total of six shows – you can’t beat that anywhere.”

Tickets may be purchased by phone at (405) 574-1213 or in person at the USAO Business Office.

Straight out of Guthrie, Okla., the Byron Berline Band combines traditional bluegrass and Western swing music for a house-stompin’ evening of fiddles, banjos and acoustic guitars. Three-time fiddle champion and Grammy Award-nominated Byron Berline has recorded with some of the biggest names in music, from the Rolling Stones and the Eagles to John Denver and Alabama. A finger-pickin’ good time starts Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Te Ata Memorial Auditorium.

The Jeni Fleming Acoustic Trio makes its Chickasha debut Oct. 16 with a blend of jazz, folk and fusion. From pop covers to lush ballads and gospel remixes, the trio fires off original jazz interpretations of popular tunes in a passionate performance that could leave listeners reaching for their handkerchiefs – Fleming’s effortless, gliding vocals drip with emotion and grace. The vibrant trio hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. in the Te Ata Auditorium.

Flamenco guitarist Ronald Radford takes listeners on a gypsy joyride through the mysterious hillsides of Spain. On Nov. 6, the world-traveling virtuoso will share his guitar mastery with a crowd in the Te Ata Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. A protégé of the legendary Carlos Montoya, Radford lived and traveled in Spain, where he immersed himself in the music of the gypsy guitar masters. Today, he tours the globe, weaving a musical tapestry recognized the world over as the heartbeat of Spain.

Christmas comes early with a seasonal concert by tenor and USAO alumnus Steven Sanders on Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the USAO Alumni Chapel. Sanders has performed with prestigious opera companies across the nation, including the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Opera Boston and many others. Sanders’ performances have been described as having “a spectacular effect” and “ideal in tone, technique and phrasing.” Sanders’ selection of seasonal favorites should put even the grumpiest of Scrooges in the Yuletide mood.

When Andes Manta performs, listeners will think they’ve left the continent. The season kicks off 2008 with international music by the renowned South American folk ensemble. From the lyrical sounds of the Andean flute to the haunting tones of 6-foot long panpipes, Andes Manta illustrates the ancient life and culture of the Incas and South American peoples. The cultural collage lights up the stage Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Te Ata Auditorium.

DWPAS draws the curtain with Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” by The Acting Company. With revenge in mind, a usurped wizard draws his enemies to an enchanted island. Based in New York, the Tony- and Obie-award winning Acting Company transforms the classic play into mesmerizing theater designed for audiences of all ages. With 129 productions for more than 2 million people in 48 states behind it, The Acting Company brings “The Tempest” to USAO March 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Te Ata Auditorium.

Tickets for the general public are $10 each for each show, with discounts available for seniors 60 and above, students and children under 18 and USAO faculty and staff.

USAO students receive an additional discount to all DWPAS events. Enrollment for the fall semester is open through Aug. 31; classes begin Aug. 27.

Season tickets are available at discounted rates, and corporate sponsorships are still available, beginning at $250.

The Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series is presented with support from Mid-America Arts Alliance and KOOL 105.5 radio with generous underwriting by the National Endowment for the Arts, Oklahoma Arts Council and foundations, corporations and individuals throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas