Ware Center to Host OPENING NIGHT, 9/26

Join the Ware Center of Millersville University on Friday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. for Opening Night. The Arts at Millersville kicks off its artistic season with a Roaring Twenties style speakeasy featuring a sizzling jazz performance by The Hot Sardines.

Reminiscent of early 20th century music, The New York City-based jazz band will bring the speakeasy spirit alive with its blustery brass lineup and rhythm section. Led by stride-piano virtuoso Evan "Bibs" Palazzo, and fronted by its "one-of-the-boys" vocalist, "Miz Elizabeth" Bougerol, The Hot Sardines pay homage to artists such as Fats Waller, Django Reinhardt and Louis Armstrong. The band even features its very own tap dancer!

Hailed by Forbes magazine as "one of the best jazz bands in NYC today," The Hot Sardines was born out of a meeting of Palazzo and Bougerol at a jam session held above a noodle shop on Manhattan's 49th Street, where they discovered their mutual love for the songs of the 1920s, '30s and '40s. The Hot Sardines is now devoted to reviving those sounds while creating a musical bridge to the current era.

"This music isn't historical artifact," says Palazzo. "It's a living, breathing, always-evolving thing."

The Hot Sardines will perform in Steinman Hall at 7:30. Following the performance will be a post-show reception with sinful desserts by Millersville University's Pastry Chef which is included with all ticket purchases.

Seating is by reservation only. The cost for tickets, $50 for preferred seating, for an additional $25 you can join our Roaring Twenties pre-show party that starts at 6 p.m. in the Atrium. General admission is $35.

Tickets may be reserved by calling 717-871-7600. (PLEASE NOTE: this is a new phone number.) On the web at ArtsMU.com. In person at the Ware Center Box Office (42 N. Prince St., Lancaster) or at the Student Memorial Center Ticket Office on the Millersville University campus. Ticket Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged. If tickets are still available they may be purchased the day of the show, one hour prior to the performance.

Discount parking vouchers for the Prince Street Garage (located at North Prince and West Orange streets, less than a half-block north of the Ware Center) are available for the performance.