Patina Miller, Norm Lewis & More Coming to Mesa Arts Center as Part of Lincoln Center's American Songbook Series

Lincoln Center's American Songbook series, a perennial highlight of New York City's arts season, is coming to Mesa. For the first time ever, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts has curated an additional American Songbook event, March 3-5, 2016, for Mesa Arts Center's intimate 550-seat Piper Repertory Theater. Performers for the Mesa series include cellist and songwriter Ben Sollee on March 3; vocalist and Orange is the New Black star Lea DeLaria on March 4; and actor/actress and Broadway greats Norm Lewis and Patina Miller in a shared evening on March 5.

Tickets go on sale to Mesa Arts Center members Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available at Mesa Arts Center's Box Office, at mesaartscenter.com or by calling 480-644-6500. Prices range from $35-$55 for single tickets. Special packages that include all shows and/or an add-on Songbook Café experience are also available for additional cost.

Ben Sollee's unique blend of smoky-smooth vocals, intricate arrangements, honest storytelling, and thrilling cello playing have invited comparisons to Sufjan Stevens and Paul Simon. The young musician's concerts have become legendary for their emotional resonance and fiery mix of folk, bluegrass, jazz, and R&B.

Comedian, SAG Award Winning Actress, and Orange Is the New Black star Lea DeLaria is recognized for her gutsy vocals and scatting technique. Long admired for her innovative jazz covers of rock staples and a favorite of New York City's nightclub scene, Ms. DeLaria has been making waves since stepping onstage at The Arsenio Hall Show in 1993 as the first openly gay comic on television in America.

History making Broadway actor and singer Norm Lewis was The Phantom of the Opera's first African-American Phantom on Broadway. He's been nominated for every major stage award and currently stars on the hit television show Scandal on ABC.

Tony Award-winning singer and actress Patina Miller can be seen in The Hunger Games series, and the hit CBS television show Madam Secretary. She starred in award-winning Broadway shows Pippin and Sister Act.

From musical theater and jazz to rock and folk, Lincoln Center's acclaimed series American Songbook is in its 17th season in New York City and celebrates the best in American singing and songwriting as interpreted by top performers and rising stars.

Mesa Arts Center is located at One East Main Street in downtown Mesa.

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