Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Announces New Shows for 2018-19 Season

By: Apr. 02, 2018
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Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Announces New Shows for 2018-19 Season

Today, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (LBC)made its spring announcement of 18 new shows added to the 2018-2019 season, continuing to showcase chart topping musicians, compelling dance companies, groundbreaking storytellers and authors and a wide range of holiday performances, all appealing to diverse audiences. Tickets for all shows go on sale first to LBC members on Monday, April 9 at 12 p.m. and then to the general public on Friday, April 20 at 12 p.m. Tickets are available online at lutherburbankcenter.org, by calling 707-546-3600 or at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts ticket office (50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa), open daily from noon to 6:00 pm.

The new show lineup kicks off this summer with a varied array of acts - Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons bring all their hits on Sunday, August 5; Gipsy Kings, the Grammy Award-winning band behind the hit song, "Bamboléo," celebrate 25+ years of flamenco, salsa, and pop fusion perfection on Wednesday, August 8; Grammy Award-nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer and best-selling author Jim Gaffigan performs for one-night-only on Thursday, August 9; T Bone Burnett, celebrated songwriter, performer and music producer, shares stories and selections from his 50-year career in music and entertainment on Sunday, September 9; and nine-time Grammy Award winner Norah Jones returns to her piano and jazz roots with selections from her 2016 album "Day Breaks" Thursday, September 20.

Fall shows continue to feature the wide range of performances that is a trademark of LBC programming. The semi-finals of the prestigious 43rd San Francisco Comedy Competition will be held on Saturday, September 22. In a celebration of Latino culture, the "Queen of Ranchera Music" Aida Cuevas presents a mariachi spectacle paying tribute to her friend and mentor, Juan Gabriel, on Thursday, October 4, followed by the return of The Rodney Strong Vineyard Dance Series on Wednesday, October 17 with a thought-provoking, dynamic performance from Complexions Contemporary Ballet. OnThursday, November 1, the speaker series at LBC presents bestselling author Anne Lamott and playwright Eve Ensler In Conversation, which addresses provocative issues with compassion, pathos, and humor. The multi-platinum Irish group Celtic Thunder will perform as part of their X Tour celebrating the group's 10th anniversary on Saturday, November 10.

The holiday season at LBC offers the return of perennial audience favorites as well as brand-new productions, including the jaw-dropping magic and breathtaking circus acts of A Magical Cirque Christmas on Friday, November 23. Shows returning to LBC includeTranscendence Theatre Company's Broadway Holiday Spectacular, spotlighting holiday favorites Broadway-style on Friday, November 30, Saturday, December 1 andSunday, December 2; the continuation of the Rodney Strong Vineyard Dance Series withPosada Navideña featuring Ballet Folklórico de Sacramento, a beloved Sonoma County tradition on Friday, December 7; and Moscow Ballet's innovative, eye-popping version of the holiday classic Great Russian Nutcracker on Tuesday, December 18. Also new to LBC's holiday lineup is Beach Boys founding member Brian Wilson presenting"The Christmas Album Live" with special guests Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin onSaturday, December 22.

In the new year, several performers return by popular demand. Following previous sold-out appearances, psychic medium John Edward returns on Sunday, January 13. OnThursday, January 31, LBC welcomes back Black Violin, led by classically-trained string players Wil B. (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin), joined onstage by DJ SPS and drummer Nat Stokes. The spring season also features the final performance in the Rodney Strong Vineyards Dance Series from the Trinity Irish Dance Company, known for their fusion of Ireland's vibrant and longstanding dance-form and elements of American innovation onSunday, March 3.

LUTHER BURBANK CENTER FOR THE ARTS 2018-2019 SEASON ADDITIONS

Frankie Valli & THE FOUR SEASONS
Sunday, August 5, 2018 at 7 p.m.
TICKETS: $79-$125
Frankie Valli, who came to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of the Four Seasons, is hotter than ever in the 21st century thanks to the volcanic success of the Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys, which chronicles the life and times of Frankie and his legendary group. Such classic songs as, "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," "Rag Doll," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" are all the rage all over again.

GIPSY KINGS
Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $61.50-$81.50
Melding deep-heated flamenco, rumba, salsa and pop to the tune of 20 million albums sold, the Grammy Award-winning hit-makers behind "Bamboléo" celebrate in their very own, blistering tradition - taking audiences back to the south of France with flamenco guitars and booming Spanish vocals. Uniting the Reyes and Baliardo families, the band continues a musical tradition whose fans include Picasso, Cocteau, Dali and Chaplin, and celebrates 25+ years of flamenco, salsa, and pop fusion perfection.

Jim Gaffigan
Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $59-$75
Jim Gaffigan is a Grammy Award-nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, two-time New York Times best-selling author, top touring performer, and multi-platinum-selling father of five. He is known around the world for his unique brand of humor which largely revolves around fatherhood and his observations on life. In January 2017, he premiered his fifth one-hour stand up special, "Cinco," on Netflix, and has four other comedy specials, including "Beyond the Pale" (2006), "King Baby" (2009), "Mr. Universe" (2012) and "Obsessed" (2014), which premiered at #1 on iTunes which marked the fifth time Gaffigan reached the Top 25 Comedy category on iTunes. The album also earned a nomination for Best Comedy Album of the Year at the 2015 Grammy Awards. He comes to LBC as part of his Noble Ape international arena and theater comedy tour, with dates in China, Japan, England, Canada, Paris, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland.

T Bone Burnett
Sunday, September 9, 2018 at 7 p.m.
TICKETS: $49-$99
With 50-years' experience in music and entertainment, T Bone Burnett has earned an unparalleled reputation as an innovative artist, songwriter, producer, performer, film and concert producer, record company owner and artists' advocate. An Academy Award winner, a Golden Globe winner and 13-time Grammy Award winner, Burnett has worked and collaborated with musicians across many genres, including Elton John, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, B.B. King, Tony Bennett, k.d. lang, Elvis Costello, The Civil Wars, Taylor Swift, Ryan Bingham, Steve Earle and Leon Russell.

Norah Jones
Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $79-$99
With her trademark sultry vocals and distinctive blend of jazz and pop, Norah Jones appeals to audiences who enjoy a variety of genres. She first emerged on the world stage with the 2002 release of "Come Away with Me," which swept the 2003 Grammy Awards and signaled a paradigm shift away from the prevailing pop music of the time. She is now a 9-time Grammy-winner and has sold 47 million albums worldwide. Her versatility is apparent through her collaborations with artists including Willie Nelson, Outkast, Herbie Hancock and Foo Fighters. Jones will perform songs from her full catalog and 2016 album "Day Breaks" with acclaimed musicians Brian Blade (drums) and Chris Thomas (bass).

THE 43rd ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO COMEDY COMPETITION SEMI-FINALS
Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $46
The San Francisco Comedy Competition is one of the most prestigious comedy contests in North America-launching the careers of comedy stars from Dana Carvey to Ellen Degeneres. At this outrageously funny evening, audiences will see the comedians oftomorrow competing for their chance at fame and fortune. Hundreds audition each year to compete, but only 30 are chosen. The competition's prestigious past participants include 1979 Champ Marsha Warfield, who went on to "Night Court" to star as Roz the bailiff, 1982 finalist Kevin Pollak and 1987 finalist Rob Schneider, who achieved major film careers, and two first runners up-DeGeneres in 1985 and Mark Curry in 1989-who landed their own TV series.

AIDA CUEVAS - TOTALMENTE JUAN GABRIEL
Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 8 p.m.; Pre-Show Discussion at 7 p.m.
TICKETS: $39-$59
The "Queen of Ranchera Music" Aida Cuevas presents a mariachi spectacle paying tribute to her dearest friend and greatest mentor, Juan Gabriel. Performing her legendary friend's biggest hits off of her new album "Totalmente Juan Gabriel," Cuevas exhibits her stunning vocals on "Te Lo Pido Por Favor," "Te Sigo Amando," "La Diferencia," among others. The concert features Cuevas' Mexico City based mariachi band, Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlán, with special guest musicians on the requinto guitar, accordion, percussion and keys. This concert features two Mexican icons, two masters of the mariachi genre, two lifelong friends and musical partners: Aida Cuevas sings to Juan Gabriel.

Rodney Strong Vineyards Dance Series
COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY BALLET
Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $20-$49
Combining technical precision, power and passion, Complexions Contemporary Ballet transcends tradition in a groundbreaking mix of styles ranging from ballet to hip-hop. Founded by former members of Alvin Ailey, Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden, the company has been featured several times on the hit show "So You Think You Can Dance." This season the company brings an exhilarating program set to music from Bach to Bowie to Arcata.

ANNE LAMOTT & Eve Ensler: IN CONVERSATION
Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $39-$49
Eve Ensler, acclaimed playwright, performer, activist, and author of The Vagina Monologues, joins Anne Lamott, essayist and bestselling author of "Hallelujah Anyway," "Rediscovering Mercy," and other amazing guides to real life, for a passionate and humorous conversation on the provocative issues that they've courageously brought out of the shadows throughout their careers. Ensler and Lamott enlighten and inspire people around the world through their brave stories and fearless activism, tackling tough topics like sex, religion, abuse, and political injustice.

CELTIC THUNDER X TOUR
Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $59-$69
Continuing their tradition of paying homage to the musical culture and traditions of Ireland, Celtic Thunder returns to LBC on their X Tour, celebrating the group's 10th anniversary. Formed in Dublin in 2007, the ensemble is a multi-dimensional musical and theatrical ensemble celebrated around the world for emotionally powerful performances and a state-of-the-art production. The group now features five male vocalists backed by the amazing 8-piece Celtic Thunder band. Billboard magazine has named Celtic Thunder the Top World Album Artist in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2015, and the group has had recordings placed in the World Album Top 10 every year since 2008.

A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS
Friday, November 23, 2018 at 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $35-$129
A Magical Cirque Christmas is a holiday entertainment blockbuster set to dazzle audiences of all ages. Featuring the best talent from around the globe, this show includes jaw-dropping magic, breathtaking circus acts, and angelic voices singing Christmas carols backed by incredible live musicians on stage. Audience members will be transported to the golden age of entertainment by the mind-blowing talents, stunning costumes, comedy and more.

TRANSCENDENCE'S BROADWAY HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
Friday, November 30, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 2 p.m.
TICKETS: $39-$89; VIP: $129-$139
This exciting Broadway tradition returns to LBC and is packed with showstoppers, holiday favorites, and modern twists on some of the world's most uplifting & cherished songs. Performers scheduled to appear have been featured in Broadway shows such as Wicked, 42nd Street, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins and many more. Transcendence Theatre Company is an award-winning nonprofit arts organization comprised of artists with professional experience from Broadway, movies, and television.

Rodney Strong Vineyards Dance Series
POSADA NAVIDEÑA BY BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE SACRAMENTO
Friday, December 7, 2018 at 7 p.m.
TICKETS: $10 adults, $5 children; $2 lap passes (children 2 and under)
Twenty-five dancers and musicians of Sacramento's Mexican Folk Dance Company, Ballet Folklórico de Sacramento will take audiences on a whirlwind journey through the regions of Mexico to celebrate the holiday season. With the "posada," a traditional Christmas processional, Mexican holiday songs, "vllancicos," a visit from the Three Wise Men, a festive piñata scene and captivating dance choreography, Posada Navideña is sure to leave guests in the holiday spirit.

MOSCOW BALLET'S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 7 p.m.
TICKETS: $34-$181
The quintessential Christmas experience returns to Santa Rosa direct from Russia with the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker. This brand-new over-the-top production features world class Russian artists, larger than life puppets, nesting dolls and gloriously hand-crafted costumes. Bringing a message of peace and unity, young dancers from Santa Rosa will join the cast in this must-see holiday event.

Brian Wilson PRESENTS "THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM LIVE" WITH SPECIAL GUEST AL JARDINE
Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $79 - $129
Brian Wilson, who wrote some of the greatest tunes in American pop music as a founding member of The Beach Boys, performs "The Christmas Album" in its entirety at LBC. Fans can expect to hear Beach Boy classics "Little Saint Nick," "The Man with all The Toys," and a selection of Wilson's favorite Yuletide songs including "Blue Christmas" and "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town." Joined by long-time bandmates Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin, the performance will also include cuts from Wilson's critically acclaimed solo Christmas album "All I Really Want for Christmas" and other holiday fan favorites.

John Edward
Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 12 p.m.
TICKETS: $60-$100 VIP: $150
As one of the world's most sought after psychic mediums, John Edward has also established himself as a preeminent author of several critically acclaimed New York Timesbest sellers. His works include "Crossing Over: The Stories Behind the Stories" and "After Life: Answers from the Other Side," and his most recent book, "Infinite Quest." He has captivated audiences worldwide on his internationally acclaimed talk shows, "Crossing Over" & "Cross Country." Edwards returns to LBC for an intimate evening that is sure to leave audiences in awe.

BLACK VIOLIN
Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $35-$45
Black Violin is a blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass music. Classically trained on violin and viola, Kev Marcus and Wil B. create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as "classical boom." The duo has garnered rave reviews from NPR to Essence and recent appearances on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" and "The Tavis Smiley Show," shared stages with top names including Kanye West, Aerosmith and Tom Petty, and has creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean, P.Diddy and Alicia Keys. They return to LBC by popular demand after acclaimed performances in 2016 and 2017.

Rodney Strong Vineyards Dance Series
TRINITY IRISH DANCE COMPANY
Sunday, March 3, 2019 at 7 p.m.
TICKETS: $20-$49
A fusion of Ireland's vibrant and longstanding dance-form and elements of American innovation, Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) dazzles audiences with its hard-driving percussive power, lightning-fast agility and aerial grace. TIDC expands whatever notions audiences may have about Irish dance, revealing its limitless possibilities. Founded in 1990 by Choreographer and Artistic Director Mark Howard, the company was the birthplace of progressive Irish dance, opening new avenues of artistic expression which directly lead to commercial international hits such as Riverdance. Howard's Emmy Award-winning work has been met with great critical acclaim around the globe, with sold-out tours in Europe and Asia and appearances in such distinguished US venues as the Kennedy Center, New York's Joyce Theater and UCLA's Royce Hall.

Resident theater companies Left Edge Theatre and Roustabout Theater will continue to call LBC home for their 2018-19 seasons, producing a diverse range of works for audiences of all ages. Details for these companies' individual seasons can be found at lutherburbankcenter.org

About Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is home to world-class performances, nationally recognized education programs, contemporary visual art, and many popular events. The Arts Center is located in the heart of the Sonoma wine country and ranked among California's top performing arts presenters. Together with its resident companies, the Center presents more than 230 performances in music, dance, theater, renowned speakers, and comedy; provides education programs serving 40,000 children and adults; and hosts more than 1,000 community events a year. Owned and operated by the Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation, the Center relies on charitable community donations to achieve its mission - to enrich, educate, and entertain.



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