Tickets for confirmed shows for the 2014-2015 performing arts series at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College are set to go on sale on-line at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at www.durangoconcerts.com. Ticket sales will also be available by phone at 247-7657, or in person at the ticket office inside the Durango Welcome Center at Eighth Street and Main Ave.
A Season Kick-off Party will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the welcome center, offering an opportunity for those in attendance to purchase tickets in advance of the on-line release.
The line-up of confirmed shows for 2014-2015, including brief show descriptions, follows below. This line-up is subject to change.
Asleep at the Wheel
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
7:30 p.m.
$34/$24
Asleep at the Wheel, the Grammy-awarding winning band revered for sustaining Texas-based Western Swing, once again returns to Durango. Since the early '70s, Asleep at the Wheel has been the most important force in Western swing - a mix of big band, country and dance music popularized in the 1930s and 1940s by Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. Now included in the tour repertoire is music from the Wheel's critically-acclaimed musical play, A Ride With Bob, which starred the band's larger-than-life founder and lead vocalist Ray Benson encountering the ghost of Bob Wills on a tour bus. Dance floor is open.
An Evening with Paula Poundstone
Saturday, August 23, 2014
7:30 p.m.
$34$28
Paula Poundstone is considered one of the foremost comics working today. Appearing on stage with only a stool, a microphone and a can of Diet Pepsi, Poundstone is famous for her razor-sharp wit and spontaneity. For her live shows she draws upon her own complex life: three children, 13 cats, a demanding job and crazy travel schedule, and aging, as well as her signature bag of neuroses. Every show is unique as she works with each audience, engaging audience members in humorous dialogue.
Jazz on the Hill
Featuring Joyce Lyons and the Community Concert Hall Band
A fundraiser for the Russ & Bette Serzen Endowment Fund for Concert Hall operations
Saturday, September 20, 2014
6 p.m.
$100
Jazz on the Hill features an evening of fine food and music in support of the Community Concert Hall. Guests dine on the Concert Hall stage, and, this year, a performance from Joyce Lyons. Lyons' rich alto has been compared to Dianne Reeves and Oleta Adams as she digs into the lyrics and meaning of a song, whether it's classic Broadway, the Great American Songbook or hard-swinging Jazz. Elaine Stritch, Bobby Short and Jonathan Schwartz all have highly praised Lyons' talent, and according to Tony Award-winning composer Stephen Flaherty, "Joyce Lyons makes each and every song truly her own. Her performances are both timeless and timely. Joyce is a true original." Seating is limited.
Hot Rize with Red Knuckles and The Trailblazers
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
7:30 p.m.
$39/$33/$29
Named after the secret "self-rising" ingredient in Martha White Flour (a long-time sponsor of bluegrass music), Hot Rize remains a legend in bluegrass, delivering a high-energy, soulful and unique sound to fans old and new. As noted by Steve Martin, "Hot Rize is the great modern bluegrass band. They're the connective tissue that links the great founders of bluegrass with the modern tradition." Traveling with Hot Rize, Red Knuckles and The Trailblazers is known for its original brand of entertainment, performing a unique blend of 1940s and 1950s country music.
Get the Led Out
The American Led Zeppelin
Friday, September 26, 2014
7:30 p.m.
$37/$29
From the bombastic and epic, to the folksy and mystical, Get the Led Out (GTLO) has captured the essence of the recorded music of the renowned Led Zeppelin, bringing it to the concert stage. The band's accomplished musicians recreate Zeppelin's songs in all their depth, including the studio overdubs that Zeppelin never performed live. Whether it's the passion and fury with which GTLO delivers the blues-soaked, groove-driven rock anthems, or the delicate nature of the band's intimate, sit-down acoustic set, GTLO's attention to detail and nuance makes a Get The Led Out performance a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Capitol Steps
Saturday, October 18, 2014
7:30 p.m.
$42/$34
Noted Humorist P.J. O'Rourke, "The Capitol Steps are what Washington would be like if everyone were smarter and could sing." A troupe of Congressional staffers-turned-comedians, The Capitol Steps has mastered the political parody. No person or topic - including national elections or Colorado's marijuana laws - is sacred. Be prepared to laugh out loud and yearn for more.
Suzanne Vega
Thursday, October 23 2014
7:30 p.m.
$33/$26
American singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega is revered as a rare poetic genius, and one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation. Her profound insight into the basics of human existence, exemplified in her hits "Luka" and "Tom's Diner," has earned her followers of all ages and walks of life. In live performance, experiencing Vega is either a revelation for the uninitiated, or a reminder to her fans of how engrossing she truly is.
Abba Mania
From London's West End
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
7:30 p.m.
$34/$29
ABBA MANIA celebrates the music and style of the renowned super-group Abba, recreating the special memories of when Abba ruled the airwaves. Formed in 1999, ABBA MANIA continues to perform to sell-out crowds in the United Kingdom, and now travels throughout the world to equal acclaim. The show features all the traditional Abba favorites, from "Mamma Mia" to "Dancing Queen," performed in respect to the original quartet whose songs still stand the test of time. The original Abba harmonies are featured and the emotional lyrics continue to enthuse rapt audiences.
Shelby Lynne
Saturday, November 1, 2014
7:30 p.m.
$34/$28
A born country singer, Shelby Lynne was raised in rural Alabama by musical parents who stressed individuality and the importance of standing apart - characteristics Lynne has embodied throughout her career. Receiving the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2000, Lynne has since amassed a body of highly-acclaimed work, the most recent of which is Thanks, about which Mother Jones wrote, "Her sultry, commanding voice has rarely been more effective than on these bracing country-soul tunes."
The Duhks
Thursday, November 6, 2014
7 p.m.
$24/$18
A Canadian folk music group formed in 2002, the Duhks (pronounced "ducks") offers a blend of Canadian soul, gospel, North American folk, old-time country string band, zydeco, and Irish dance music, while successfully integrating Latin-music-influenced percussion. The Duhks' innovative approach to modern bluegrass music is reminiscent of other great young grassrock bands such as Nickel Creek and Yonder Mountain String Band. The Duhks' band name comes from banjo player Leonard Podolak's former band, Scruj MacDuhk - a tribute to a Scottish warrior who fought alongside William Wallace.
Dancing Earth's Rulan Tangen presents SEED
Saturday, November 15, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 16, 2014, 2 p.m.
$25/$15
With a devotion for the development of the innovative field of indigenous contemporary dance, Rulan Tangen brings her unique program SEED to Durango. Tangen is the director/choreographer of the indigenous dance collective Dancing Earth, which embodies an elemental language of bone and blood memory in motion, rooted in the spirit and energy of the first peoples and the land. Dance Magazine named Dancing Earth "One of the Top 25 To Watch." Tangen believes this form of dance continues the link of culture from ancient to futuristic.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Wild and Swingin' Holiday Party
Sunday, November 30, 2014
7 p.m.
$50/$40
This year, 2014, marks the 21st Anniversary of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's remarkable arrival onto the music scene. "America's favorite little Big Band," Scotty Morris and the boys return to Durango by popular demand to reprise the "Wild and Swingin' Holiday Party," a "live" and continually updated version of BBVD's popular album, Everything You Want for Christmas. The Wild and Swingin' Holiday Party celebrates the season in true BBDV style, with an energetic performance to be enjoyed by all ages.
State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara
"Nutcracker"
Friday, December 12-Sunday, December 14, 2014
2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
$39/$29
As has become tradition at the Community Concert Hall, the magical holiday ballet, "Nutcracker," performed by the highly-acclaimed State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara, will usher in the holidays with two matinee and two evening performances. Artistic Director Rodney Gustafson holds true to the original classical ballet in this Tchaikovsky masterpiece, creating a traditional "Nutcracker" set in Victorian times and suited for all ages.
Bar D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
7 p.m.
$28/$18
Durango's much-beloved cowboy crooners come off the Bar D and return to the Community Concert Hall stage for their traditional cowboy Christmas show. Founded by Cy Scarborough in 1969, the Bar D Wranglers offer their own unique style of Western music, cowboy poetry and humor. The Christmas Jubilee is a warm-hearted and fun-filled show that inspires the entire family to remember the true meaning of the holidays.
Golden Dragon Acrobats present Cirque Ziva
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
7 p.m.
$34/$24
Returning once again to Durango, the widely popular Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats will astound and amaze as the troupe delivers, as the New York Post reported, ". beautifully choreographed routines showcasing their amazing skills and physicality, accompanied by a musical score of traditional Chinese music filtered through a New Age sensibility. Juggling everything from umbrellas to soccer balls - and with props as varied as ladders and giant spinning wheels - the performers show just why they're world-famous." Celebrating 34 years as a touring entity, the Golden Dragons present a new show, Cirque Ziva.
Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana
Thursday, February 19, 2015
7 p.m.
$44/$38
Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana - building bridges between cultures using the universal spirit of flamenco - is known for the purity of its work and the unique and creative way the dancers have enriched the art of flamenco. The company brings an exciting evening of flamenco dance, featuring accomplished artists from both the U.S. and Spain. Happiness, sadness, joy and sorrow are translated through this eloquent art form. As noted in The Philadelphia Inquirer, "This was a show of graceful, sensuous dance, expressing a host of raw human emotions - evocative of loneliness, pride, passion and joy."
Edgar Meyer and Mike Marshall
Sunday, March 8, 2015
7:30 p.m.
$39/$33/$25
"Classgrass" (classical bluegrass or bluegrass with class) is the hot duo of Edgar Meyer and Mike Marshall. Two masters of modern acoustic music, Mike Marshall is a triple threat - virtuoso on mandolin, guitar and fiddle. Edgar Meyer is a Grammy Award-winning genius whose stand-up bass swings from bluegrass to classical to jazz with remarkable ease. Together they take audiences on an enthralling musical ride.
The Wailin' Jennys
Saturday, March 14, 2015
7:30 p.m.
$42/$34/$29
The Canadian folk trio the Wailin' Jennys began as a onetime-only grouping of three singer/songwriters, but musical chemistry and audience response turned it into an ongoing band. The Wailin' Jennys are Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody and Heather Masse - three distinct voices that together create an extraordinarily perfect vocal sound. The organic, professional honesty of the Jennys' craftsmanship comes through with every strum and pick.
The Blues Hall of Fame Tour
Featuring Charlie Musselwhite and John Hammond
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
7:30 p.m.
$49/$39
A rare opportunity to see two living legends together on one stage, the Blues Hall of Fame presents Grammy Award-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite and his band, with an individual and collaborative performance from the legendary John Hammond. Musselwhite and Hammond are regarded as two of the world's most important acoustic blues musicians. Since its inception in 1980, The Blues Foundation has inducted members for their historical contribution, impact and overall influence on the blues.
Nashville Chicks with Hits
Saturday, March 28, 2015
7:30 p.m.
$28/$20
A celebration of the songwriters, Nashville Chicks with Hits features three of Nashville's top female songwriters - Sherrie Austin, Kylie Sackley and Alissa Moreno. The ladies will be on the stage with their guitars singing the hits they wrote, and telling the stories behind the songs, including Blake Shelton's "Good at Startin' Fires" (Sherrie Austin), Leann Rimes' "Nothin' Bout Love Makes Sense" (Kylie Sackley) and Rascal Flatts' Grammy-nominated "Every Day" (Alissa Moreno).
Loudon Wainwright III
Thursday, April 2, 2015
7:30 p.m.
$34/$24
Returning to Durango for the first time in six years, Loudon Wainwright III is widely remembered as the "singing surgeon" from the classic television show "M*A*S*H," but is also heralded as one of America's most astute lyrical commentators - said to be lyrically compelling and emotionally overpowering - and of course, quirky. The 2010 Gammy winner (Best Traditional Folk Album) for High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project, Wainwright's new album Haven't Got The Blues (Yet) will be released in September 2014. Noted the New York Times, "Wainwright has proved to be far and away the most candid diarist among the singer-songwriters who.brought confessional poetry into popular song."
RAVE ON!
The Buddy Holly Experience
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
7:30 p.m.
$34/$28
RAVE ON! The Buddy Holly Experience re-invents the ordinary tribute show with an electrifying, high-energy, rock 'n' roll extravaganza featuring America's premiere Buddy Holly interpreter, Billy McGuigan, a dead-ringer for the legendary rocker. Backed by the rockin' six-piece Rave On Band, the show also features a three-piece horn section that helps ignite the stage and breathe new life into the music of Buddy Holly, including such hits as "Peggy Sue," "Raining in My Heart," "It's So Easy," "That'll Be the Day," and more. According to the Omaha World-Herald, "A must-see for any rock & roll fan!"
DIAVOLO "Architecture in Motion"
Jacques Heim, Artistic Director
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
7:30 p.m.
$44/$34
The internationally renowned modern acrobatic dance company, Diavolo Dance Theater has earned a reputation for stunning, innovative movement on oversized surrealistic sets and everyday structures. Working together, the Diavolo dancers explore the challenges of relationships, the absurdities of life and the struggles to maintain our humanity. In 2015, Diavolo will stage a new work, Architecture in Motion. Diavolo is said to make precisely coordinated feats look improvisational, even reckless. To say Diavolo is exciting is redundant.
Visions from Cape Breton and Beyond
Thursday, May 14, 2015
7:30 p.m.
$49/$42
One of Durango's favorites, Natalie MacMaster, returns to Durango in a special show, Visions from Cape Breton and Beyond. MacMaster and Donnell Leahy have created a show that brings their fans the next chapter in their musical and personal journey. For the first time on stage, they'll feature their children alongside dancers and singers from the traditions of their hometowns of Cape Breton and Lakefield, Ontario. The evening highlights the unique talents, influences, and stories of the first family of traditional fiddlers through dancing, singing, and, of course, world-class music-making.
