By Jill Yesko, University Relations
The Moscow Festival Ballet is among the highlights of the UC/LS season this year.
From African drummers to Broadway hits to Russian ballet, the University Concert/Lecture Series includes an eclectic mix of entertainment in its 2006-07 season.
The series is moving to the Carolina Theatre on Greene Street in Greensboro due to Aycock Auditorium’s long-awaited renovation through the N.C. Higher Education Bonds funding.
Tickets go on sale Aug. 28. Package and season tickets are available. For ticket information, call (336) 334-4849. Tickets are available through the University Box Office web site at http://boxoffice.uncg.edu.
All performances will start at 7 p.m. and this year's series features:
• Sept. 21. Royal Drummers of Burundi/Mombassa Dance Party. The Royal Drummers of Brundi perform in a centuries-old tradition that has been passed down from father to son. Their drumming traditionally accompanied sacred ceremonies associated with births, funerals, and the enthronement of kings. In 1975, their sound caught the ear of Joni Mitchell, who included them on her album The Hissing of Summer Lawns. Mombassa Party assembles some of the town’s major taarab artists, who celebrate this popular East African musical style. Tickets are $26, $22 and $18. Seniors, children under 12 and students receive $2 discount. UNCG student tickets $9, $8 and $6.
• Oct. 20. Bonnie Rideout. Bonnie Rideout’s unique style of Scottish fiddling has charmed audiences with a vast array of traditional Scottish dance tunes and Highland bagpipe music, reflecting the rich musical tradition of her heritage. Frequently featured on National Public Radio’s The Thistle and Shamrock, two of Rideout’s recordings have received Grammy nominations. She is also the only American to hold the honor of representing Scottish fiddle music at the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival. Rideout is joined for this performance by the world champion City of Washington Pipe Band for a celebration of music from the Highlands that will feature jigs, reels, hornpipes, and marches. Tickets are $26, $22 and $18. Seniors, children under 12 and students receive $2 discount. UNCG student tickets $9, $8 and $6.
• Nov. 30. Chita Rivera. Chita Rivera burst onto Broadway almost a half-century ago as “Anita” in the original 1957 production of “West Side Story” and she has hasn’t slowed down much. Other memorable stage performances include “Bye-Bye Birdie” opposite Dick Van Dyke, “Serafina” in “The Rose Tattoo,” “Zorba the Greek” opposite John Raitt, and “Kiss Me Kate” opposite Hal Linden. Her more recent appearances include the Broadway musical “Nine,” the hit movie musical “Chicago” and an episode of the TV sitcom “Will and Grace.” Her performance will be a cabaret show featuring highlights from her remarkable career. Tickets are $34, $29 and $24. Seniors, children under 12 and students receive $2 discount. UNCG student tickets $9, $8 and $6.
Bonnie Rideout will also be among UC/LS performers.
• Jan. 13. “Man of La Mancha.” A powerful blend of tragedy, romance, comedy, and adventure, this musical is a stage tribute to Don Quixote’s romantic idealism. Based on “The Adventures of Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes, “Man of La Mancha” is the epic story of knight-errant Don Quixote, his servant Sancho, and the woman of his dreams, the lovely Dulcinea. Set during the Spanish Inquisition, the tale follows the journey of a man who sets out to right all wrongs and win the heart of a good woman. The impeccable score includes “The Impossible Dream,” “Dulcinea,” and the title song, also known as “I, Don Quixote.” Tickets are $34, $29 and $24. Seniors, children under 12 and students receive $2 discount. UNCG student tickets $9, $8 and $6.
• Feb. 24. Max Weinberg and the UNCG Jazz Ensemble. Best known as the longtime drummer for Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band and as the leader of the Max Weinberg Seven, house band for the TV talk show Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Weinberg has played with some of the most prominent contemporary musicians. A highlight of his career was performing the instrumental “Night Train” with President Bill Clinton at his 1992 inaugural ball. In his appearance, Weinberg will team up with the UNCG Jazz Ensemble for an evening that is sure to bop and swing. Tickets are $26, $22 and $18. Seniors, children under 12 and students receive $2 discount. UNCG student tickets $9, $8 and $6.
• March 22. Moscow Festival Ballet “Sleeping Beauty.” The Moscow Festival Ballet promises a magical evening as it brings the fairytale favorite Sleeping Beauty to life in the season finale. Founded in 1989 by principal dancer Sergei Radchenko, the Moscow Festival Ballet combines the highest classical elements of the famed Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet companies in a new, independent company. Under his direction, leading dancers from across the Russias have come together to stage exciting new productions of timeless classics. Tickets $34, $29 and $24 and $9, $8 and $6 for UNCG students. Tickets are $34, $29 and $24. Seniors, children under 12 and students receive $2 discount. UNCG student tickets $9, $8 and $6.
