Brooklyn Center Announces 2010/2011 Music Series

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College announces its 56th season of music, dance, theater, and family programming reflecting the multicultural diversity of Brooklyn. The outstanding line-up features musical artists representing the genres of Latin Jazz, reggae, gospel, Broadway, klezmer, big band, and children's music.

"We are proud and excited to be able to share with the Brooklyn community an astounding variety of exceptional talent in our 2010-2011 Season," said Frank L. Sonntag, Managing Director of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts. "We work hard to make sure that our programs reflect the diversity of the borough and that they are reasonably priced so that families and regular folks can take advantage of these opportunities to experience the thrill of live performances. There will be many reasons to smile at Brooklyn Center this season!"

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' 2010-2011 Season includes:

* A family concert by Tom Chapin
* The Klezmer Conservatory Band
* The Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra
* A Brooklyn Gospel Celebration
*A Christmas concert featuring a capella group Take 6
*MLK Jr. Celebration
*A Valentine's weekend concert with reggae legend Gregory Isaacs
* American Big Band
* U.S. Military Academy Band
* Ladysmith Black Mambazo
* A family-friendly performance by Soh Daiko Taiko Drum Ensemble
* Betty Buckley's one-woman show Broadway by Request

Tom Chapin
Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 2pm
With eleven kid's recordings and five Grammy nominations for Best Musical Album for Children, Tom Chapin engages the hearts, minds and imaginations of children and adults alike with his clever lyrics and tuneful melodies. Parents magazine praises his showmanship, saying "Nobody today is writing and performing better kids' songs than Tom Chapin!" Recommended for ages four and up.
Tickets: $6 ($7 at door)

Klezmer Conservatory Band
Sunday, October 24, 2010 at 2pm
Credited as the band that jump-started the Klezmer revival, the Klezmer Conservatory Band celebrates the centuries-old musical traditions of Eastern Europe with a joyous afternoon of Jewish dance music. Join us as the ten multitalented musicians of KCB transform the Walt Whitman Theatre into a Simcha Palace with its infectious dance beats and irresistibly expressive melodies.
Tickets: $27

Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra
Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 8pm
Sparks will fly and ignite the stage of the Walt Whitman Theatre as the Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra presents an evening of Afro-Cuban rhythms and Latin Jazz. Led by the son of the legendary Tito Puente, this red hot ensemble carries on the legacy of the original "King of Mambo" with its high voltage brand of Latin dance music, bringing Puente's musical spirit and energy to a whole new generation.
Tickets: $37 ($40 at door)

A Brooklyn Gospel Celebration
Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 4pm
This inspirational afternoon of joyful music and worship features a talented array of individuals and ensembles from throughout New York City. Promoting harmony, solidarity, and community, this celebration strives to engender a strong sense of hope for a positive future. Made possible with the support of and hosted by NYS Senate Conference Leader John L. Sampson, NYS Senator Eric Adams, NYS Assemblyman Karim Camara, NYC Council Member LetiTia James, and District Leader Walter Mosley.
Tickets: FREE

Take 6: We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 8pm
With a staggering eight Grammy Awards and 23 Grammy nominations, the a cappella sextet Take 6 is the most nominated Gospel, Jazz, Pop, or R&B artists in Grammy history. They lend their exquisite harmonies to a joyful program of traditional and contemporary holiday favorites, including selections from their albums He is Christmas and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Tickets: $32-$42 ($35-$45 at door)

MLK Jr. Celebration
Monday, January 17, 2011 at 6pm
DR. Martin Luther King, Jr. exemplified the difference that one person can make in this world. Celebrating the incredible legacy of a true American hero, this annual free concert brings together churches, ministries, community leaders and youth from all over Central Brooklyn to commemorate the tremendous personal sacrifice that Dr. King made for all African Americans and to promote unity and cohesion among youth and teens. Made possible with the support of NYS Senator Kevin S. Parker.
Tickets: FREE

Gregory Isaacs
Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 8pm
One of Jamaica's most beloved singers, Gregory Isaacs' musical career spans three decades, from the heady days of reggae through lovers rock (a genre he virtually invented) and into the modern age. With dozens of classics to his credit, including "My Number One," "Rumors," and "Night Nurse," his status as a Jamaican reggae superstar is unquestionable. Enjoy a special Valentine's Day concert with the man described by The New York Times as "themost exquisite vocalist in reggae."
Tickets: $36-$45 ($40-$48 at door)

American Big Band
Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 2pm
Take the A Train back to the days when Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman lit up the airwaves and Duke Ellington raised the roof at the Cotton Club in this swingin' big band revue. Featuring such memorable favorites as "String of Pearls," "Caravan," "Green Eyes," and many more, this show will get you in the mood as it spotlights how the "sound of hope" altered the course of American music forever.
Tickets: $27

United States
Military Academy Band
Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 2pm
As the U.S. Army's oldest active band, the United States Military Academy Band has served the nation for over 190 years, performing for U.S. Presidents and Heads of State. Under the direction of Lt. Col. Timothy J. Holtan, it is committed to being the standard bearer of musical excellence, instilling the best of national values, spirit and patriotism in the American public.
Tickets: FREE

Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 8pm
Almost 25 years after they acquired international superstar status with Paul Simon's Graceland album, Ladysmith Black Mambazo continues to tour the world as South Africa's cultural emissary. With a career including more than 50 recordings and three Grammy Awards, including 2009's Best Traditional World Music Album, the group continues to thrill audiences with its rich a cappella arrangements and joyously energetic performances.
Tickets: $37 ($40 at door)

Soh Daiko Taiko Drum Ensemble
Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 2pm
This family-friendly concert includes traditional pieces from the Shinto music tradition, as well as original compositions by members of the company. The performance is presented in collaboration with Carnegie Hall's Neighborhood Concert Series, a Program of the Weill Music Institute. For ages six and up.
Tickets: FREE

Betty Buckley: Broadway by Request
Brooklyn Center's Annual Gala Fundraiser
Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 8pm
In Broadway by Request, Tony Award winner Betty Buckley performs selections picked by the audience from her illustrious Broadway career in landmark musicals. A different show every time it is performed, this unique evening offers a rare opportunity to hear the first lady of the Great White Way sing all Broadway, all night! A portion of every ticket goes to support Brooklyn Center's educational programs.
Gala tickets (including post-performance party): $175
Performance tickets: $65-$45 ($75-$55 at door)

Multibuy (three or four performances) and Megabuy packages (five or more performances) save up to 15% off individual ticket prices. Multibuy and Megabuy discounts do not apply to Betty Buckley: Broadway by Request or to Target FamilyFun performances. Discounts are available for seniors, students, Brooklyn College faculty/staff/ alumni, and groups of 15 or more. Complimentary student rush tickets are available to all Brooklyn College students, with $10 student rush tickets available to all other students.

About Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Founded in 1954, the mission of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts is to present outstanding performing arts and arts education programs, reflective of Brooklyn's diverse communities, at affordable prices. Brooklyn Center's presentations explore both the classical traditions and the boldest contemporary performances, embracing the world culture that defines Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts welcomes over 70,000 people to the 2,400 seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season, and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving 46,000 schoolchildren from over 300 schools annually with its SchoolTime series. In recognition of its commitment to quality family programming, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts has been voted Brooklyn's Best Theater or Theater Group for Kids as part of Nickelodeon's 2009 ParentsConnect Parents' Picks Awards.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College
2900 Campus Road, Brooklyn

Online orders: BrooklynCenterOnline.org
Box Office: (718) 951-4500, Tuesday - Saturday, 1pm-6pm
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Groups of 15 or more: (718) 951-4600, ext. 33