Chris Walker News

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate the joyous holiday season with four different concerts, shows and special presentations, ranging from family-friendly to hilariously offbeat.

I am often asked what my all time favorite Broadway musical is. I always reply A Chorus Line. I consider it to be a perfect musical in every way. The show's original director/choreographer Michael Bennett captured the heart and soul of the dancer so beautifully in what I consider to be his masterwork. Marvin Hamlisch's music and Edward Kleban's lyrics were and still are one of the most inventive theatre scores ever written. James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante's book (based off of taped interviews of Broadway dancers conducted by Bennett) frame the songs to sheer perfection. Paul's monologue in the show is actually based on Dante's true story.

In October 2019, Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz released his new holiday album, Gifts of the Season. In the 11-track collection, Koz takes a very different stylistic approach, bringing a buoyant, soul/funk/pop feel to Christmas classics across different eras, and shedding new light on their rich musicality and lyrical depth. The accompanying 22nd annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour will feature Jonathan Butler, Melissa Manchester, Michael Lington, and special guest Chris Walker, all of which appear on the new album. Butler and Lington have also released new Christmas albums this fall, so in a first for the tour, the show will feature material from three brand new holiday albums.

The critically-acclaimed Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour returns for another stop at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, back by popular demand on Friday, November 29, 2019 at 8 p.m. In a recording career that spans nearly three decades, Dave Koz has received 9 Grammy nominations and has logged 11 No. 1 albums on Billboard's Current Contemporary Jazz Album chart. The 2019 tour, now in its 22nd year, features South African guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester, known for such mega-hits as a?oeMidnight Bluea?? and a?oeDon't Cry Out Loud,a?? Copenhagen-born jazz/soul saxophonist Michael Lington and special guest Chris Walker, singer, bassist and former musical director for Al Jarreau.

A Contemporary Theatre People of the Book, a world premiere play by award-winning playwright and ACT 2018 Core Member, Yussef El Guindi,takes its audience on an emotional thrill ride of secrets, hidden truths, jealousy, and the lies we tella?"to ourselves, to the ones closest to us, and about our country.

Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, announces five shows for the upcoming 50th Anniversary Season. Tickets for these shows go on sale Friday, July 12, 2019 at 10 a.m. The remainder of the 2019-2020 season will be announced at a later date.

Atlantic Theater Company announces a one week extension of the world premiere production of The Secret Life of Bees.

Atlantic Theater Company's World Premiere musical The Secret Life of Bees, book by Lynn Nottage, music by Duncan Sheik, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, directed by Sam Gold, choreographed by Chris Walker and based on the best-selling novel by Sue Monk Kidd, just opened at the Linda Gross Theater (336 West 20th Street). The production is a limited run through July 14, 2019.

A young African-American woman living in 1964 rural South Carolina is interrupted on her way to a voter registration rally by a pair of white men who not only rough her up until she's on the ground and bloody, but convince a police officer that it was her fault.

Atlantic Theater Company' presents the world premiere of the new musical The Secret Life of Bees, book by Lynn Nottage, music by Duncan Sheik, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, directed by Sam Gold, choreographed by Chris Walkerand based on the best-selling novel by Sue Monk Kidd.

Good morning BroadwayWorld!

Get a first look at Atlantic Theater Company's World Premiere musical The Secret Life of Bees, book by Lynn Nottage, music by Duncan Sheik, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, directed by Sam Gold, choreographed by Chris Walker and based on the best-selling novel by Sue Monk Kidd.

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) and Ohio City Theatre Project (OCTP) present Central Concern, a world premiere production conceived and directed by Pandora Robertson, OCTP Executive Artistic Director. The play will run May 18 - June 8, 2019, in CPT's James Levin Theatre.

National and international recording artists abound this month at Blue Note Hawaii, bringing some of entertainment's most recognizable names to Hawaii's premier live music venue. The month kicks off with an exclusive pairing of two of the most innovative artists in the local music scene, Taimane and Tavana, in a Lei Day celebration, that is not to be missed. The incomparable Dionne Warwick is back by popular demand sharing hit after hit from her legendary career. Vocalist Ginai returns to Blue Note Hawaii presenting a showcase of young local talent, Erisan Awaya and Rachel Javier, in a tribute to Whitney Houston. Henry Kapono shares the next installment of his Artist 2 Artist Series with The Songs of C&K, featuring Kalani Pe'a, Josh Tatofi, Alx Kawakami, Blayne Asing, Paula Fuga, Starr Kalahiki, Tavana, Mike Love and Kimié Miner. Jazz saxophonist Dave Koz returns alongside guitarist Adam Hawley and bassist Chris Walker. Bringing everything that New Orleans and Louisiana music stands for, Davell Crawford and Charmaine Neville of the iconic Neville family grace the stage for one night only. A Bowie Celebration features alumni band members Mike Garson, Gerry Leonard, Mark Plati and Carmine Rojas along with vocalist Corey Glover and drummer Lee John, performing a mix of Bowie's hits and deep-cuts. Jazz fusion icons Spyro Gyra are back and local power couple Imua and Tiffa Garza share their unique blend of island music. J-Pop superstar turned jazz pianist Senri Oe performs with his trio featuring Henry Cole and Matt Clohesy live for one night only. Next up is 2018 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award nominees for Most Promising Artists Beat-Lele, followed by Canadian singer-songwriter Gino Vannelli. Hawaiian Music 105 KINE presents Willie K and crossing genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop, Pink Martini triumphantly returns to the Blue Note stage. Be transformed by the amazing vocals of Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton for two shows only and the month rounds out with the very popular local band The Mana'o Company.

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) and Ohio City Theatre Project (OCTP) present Central Concern, a world premiere production conceived and directed by Pandora Robertson, OCTP Executive Artistic Director. The play will run May 18 - June 8, 2019, in CPT's James Levin Theatre.

The Secret Life of Bees begins performance on May 12 and opens on Thursday, June 13 at Atlantic Theater Company's Linda Gross Theater (336 West 20th Street). The production is an extended run through July 14, 2019

Atlantic Theater Company announces a one week extension for the world premiere production of The Secret Life of Bees, book by Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage, music by Tony and Grammy Award winner Duncan Sheik, lyrics by Drama Desk winner Susan Birkenhead, directed by Tony Award winner Sam Gold, and based on the best-selling novel by Sue Monk Kidd. The highly anticipated production, which opens on Thursday, June 13th, will now play through Sunday, July 14th, 2019 Off-Broadway at the Linda Gross Theater (336 West 20th Street).

World-renowned singer and songwriter Regina Belle makes a welcome return to recording with a timely new single titled 'Freedom' featuring Iyanla Vanzant. The tune offers inspirational commentary on the political and moral climate found currently at home and abroad. Recorded with a live band, a full choir, and live spoken-word segments by lifestyle guru Vanzant, and Bishop Kenneth W. Paramore of Christ Centered Church in Akron, Ohio. Belle premiered 'Freedom' on TV One's 'Sister Circle,' the single is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play and other digital retailers everywhere.

Do not miss this Tony-winning musical!

DocFest / New York DocFest (docfestjazz.org) will have its inaugural New York Benefit Concert (matinee), hosted by The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Featured performers include world renown drummer/composer Eric Harland with Aaron Parks, piano; Matt Brewer, bass; Walter Smith III, tenor sax and Mike Moreno, guitar.