Jefferson Center’s new season continues a tradition that began more than a decade ago. Four distinctly different series, Star City, Jazz, Family and Jazz Club will feature world class art that will be accessible to all who want to experience inspirational live art.
“We’re inviting everyone to celebrate the arts renaissance in Virginia’s Blue Ridge with us. In eleven short years, Jefferson Center has produced, pushed and prodded great live art into this region. Creating amazing nights that rival what’s available anywhere in the world,” says Cyrus Pace, Jefferson Center Executive Director.
“That’s why we are thrilled to celebrate the ongoing arts renaissance happening all around us. Live music, dance and theater are happening nearly every day in Southwest Virginia. There is a movement throughout this region, a rebirth of the arts, and Jefferson Center is proud to continue to play an integral role in not only the performances themselves, but as the venue for many of the community programs and local arts organizations that host their own shows inside our community theater. In fact, more than half of the performances inside historic Shaftman Performance Hall are not exclusive to Jefferson Center, but are organized and performed by this community’s arts programs.”
In addition to its strong lineup this season, upgrades have been made to Jefferson Center’s online ticketing system. For the first time in their history, patrons will have the option to choose their specific seats and complete their entire transaction online. Thanks to this upgrade, the “best seat available” will be the one concert goers can choose. Additionally, patrons are now able to purchase tickets to Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Opera Roanoke, and Jefferson Center shows all from the same box office. This collaborative solution reduces expenses for all three organizations and creates a single point of sale.
2012 – 2013 SEASON LINEUP-
Jefferson Center opens the 2012 – 2013 season with recent Grammy Award winners The Tedeschi Trucks Band on September 25th. The husband, wife combo of Susan Tedeschi and former Allman Brothers guitarist Derek Trucks brings a mature mix of power, gospel, rock and blues to Shaftman Performance Hall to kick off the season right.
The diversity of the Star City Series shines on with Acoustic Africa’s Afropean Woman on November 2nd, followed by the Celebration of 100 Years of Bill Monroe featuring the Travelin’ McCourys, with Peter Rowan and Tony Rice on November 30th.
The Star City Series continues in 2013 with Eddie Palmieri’s and his Latin Band on January 25th. Palmieri was just awarded this nation’s highest jazz honor, the National Endowment for the Arts 2013 Jazz Master award. Back by popular demand and immediately following the Palmieri show is Jefferson Center’s 10th Annual Latin Dance Party inside Fitzpatrick Hall.
On February 16th, prepare to experience a blues dream team when Blues at the Crossroads 2 featuring The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Kim Wilson, with James Cotton, JJ Grey, Bob Margolin & Jody Williams take the stage. Wrapping up the Star City Series in the spring is Rosanne Cash on March 2nd, followed by Bobby McFerrin on April 12th.
This season’s Jazz Series includes Esperanza Spalding on October 23rd, showcasing a jazz meets pop sound with her Radio Music Society lineup, followed by Jane Monheit and Mark O’Connor on February 1st and culminating with More to Live For, An Evening Inspired by the Life of Michael Brecker. This special night includes the Virginia film premiere of More to Live For, a documentary chronicling the lives of Brecker and two other men with leukemia, an opportunity to literally save lives with cheek swabs, and a concert from Brecker’s jazz peers and friends, Brandford Marsalis and Joey Calderazzo.
Jefferson Center’s Family Series continues to mix education and fun with Cashore Marionettes on October 14th and Cirque Ziva on March 24th. Bring the entire family, children 12 & under are just $5.
Finally, enjoy personal expressions of art with an intimate experience inside Jefferson Center’s Jazz Club. Located inside our Rehearsal Hall, Jazz Club brings the artist to you. Sit face to face with Ben Williams and Sound Effect on October 19th, the Jim Campilongo Trio on December 7th and The James Carter Organ Trio on April 20th.
Visit www.jeffcenter.org for more information.
