The Ware & Winter Centers of Millersville University Host Kick-Off Event Today

The Ware & Winter Centers of Millersville University have scheduled more than 300 performances for the public in their upcoming September to May season from the "2013 Van Cliburn Silver Medalist Piano Winner, Beatrice Rana" to a new version of "Irish Christmas in America". Today, September 20, the sister-Centers plan a huge kickoff event which will preview some of those upcoming performances. More than four dozen performers will perform in the hour and a half show. The evening is emceed and hosted by WGAL's anchor person Kim Lemon.

Harvey Owen, one of two Directors of the Ware & Winter Centers, said "We wanted to start the season off with a bang, entertain the citizens of Lancaster and present all of the arts in the coming season. So, you'll be entertained by singers, dancers, actors, musicians, bands, authors and poets."

"It was tough to narrow down the 300 plus performances to just 14 for this Opening Night performance. But we think we've done a good job in demonstrating the wide range of acts we present," explained Laura Kendall, who also is a Director of the Centers and has been chosen to succeed Owen when he retires next summer. "We're very excited because we asked each act to perform their "knockout" number - the one they do best. So every act you'll see that night is basically over the top."

The performers include both national and local professionals. Among them are: Elijah Morton's Hip Hop Dancers (Family Programming); Lancaster's Poet Laureate Christine Longenecker (Poetry); Irish jig band Fire in the Glen (Holiday Shows); Mezzo-soprano Amy Yovanovich and Tenor Jose Garcia (Vocals); Singer Amy Banks, Bass player Keith Mohlerand Pianist JR Ankney (Jazz); Bollywood dancers: Shonini Banerjee and Dilesha Tanna (World Festivals); former White House Chef John Moeller reading from his about-to-be-published book "Dining at the White House" (Authors); PianistsXun Pan and Chris Shih (Classical Music); Actor Jeremy Kendall (Theatre); Pianist Maria Thompson Corley and Singer Jessica Gondweperforming a spiritual (Special Events); and Rev Nine Dancers Lindsay Russell and Adam Steinmetz, with pianist Xun Pan and violinist Simon Maurer (Dance);

Also, guests can also enjoy a special appearance by NYC-based singer Marieann Meringolo, who received raves after her successful run at Manhattan's popular Metropolitan Club this summer. One reviewer said "If this doesn't cement her success and elevate her to the stardom previously achieved by someone along the lines of the late Nancy Lamott or Eva Cassidy, there is simply no justice in this world. Yes, she's THAT good." The Martin Report.

Lancaster favorite - a stellar performer who now lives in New York and recently appeared in the world premiere of "Sense & Sensibility: The Musical," in Denver and will next be portraying Julie LaVerne in a touring company of "Showboat" - Daniella Dalli will bring her own interpretation of Barbra Streisand's "My Man" to stage. Daniella will be back on May 13, 2014 for the closing performance of the Season.

Speakers include Mayor Rick Gray, who will be introducing a short segment on his wife's (Gail Gray) performance and visual art event in November "36 Dramatic Situations," and the jazz segment. Dr. John Anderson, Millersville University's new president will also be on hand.

The program is followed by a dessert reception to which all attendees are invited. A band will be on hand to top off the festivities of the Opening.

The show is preceded by a gala dinner prepared by former White House chef John Moeller. But tickets for the gala are already sold out. However $25 and $50 tickets are still available for sale. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be available for sale on site the night of the event. For tickets call 717-872-3811; on the net at artsmu.com; or at the Ware Center, 42 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA - Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Discount parking vouchers for the Prince Street Garage (at the corner of West Orange and North Prince Streets) and the Hager Parking lot (across the street from the Ware Center) are also available on-site. They can be picked up the evening of the event.

For more information, go to artsmu.com.