Times Union Center Welcomes Benise, 11/3

THE SPANISH GUITAR is an epic tale that will transport the audience to exotic places with video, new songs, and an ever changing set. Benise's new show will feature his guitar as protagonist, as it becomes the keeper of the stories of glory and tragedy through times and world's gone by. Benise - The Spanish Guitar will perform in Jacksonville on Wednesday, November 3rd at 7:30PM at the Times Union Center's Moran Theater.
 
An opening video will set up the story of Benise's lost love and the gypsy guitarmaker who's mysterious workings create a guitar that can transport Benise to the far ends of the world and also through time, on his quest of passion.
 
The enchanted Spanish Guitar becomes a treasure chest of inspiration and propels Benise into his roll as troubadour for the ages.  His masterful playing speaks passionately for anyone who has ever lost something dear to them. Brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral pieces accompany the stories that were sealed inside this magical instrument.
 
The Dancers in 'The Spanish Guitar' were carefully handpicked from a global pool of some of the brilliantly divers talent to be found. Traditional Flamenco dancers, Broadway dancers, and featured  soloists from Madonna, Celine Dion, and Ricky Martin. Breathtaking couture fashion and the unparalleled beauty of Benise female dancers (The Gitana's), gives Spanish dance a luminous makeover.
 
Benise's band is made up of such world-class musicians as Karen Briggs (Yanni) and Walter Rodrigez (Stomp, Yanni). Directed by Raj Kapoor (Josh Groban, American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, Britney Spears), Choreographed by Alex Magno (Madonna, Yanni, Pussycat Dolls, Ballet Hispanico), Lighting Design by Bud Horowitz (Bette Midler, Natalie Cole, Yanni,).
 
A great addition to THE SPANISH GUITAR will be the appearance of Guest Artists and Vocalists. Smooth Jazz icon - Dave Koz. From her own PBS Special, Giorgia Fumanti singing Evermore (The Wedding Song), from Americal Idol, Kimberly Locke, with the Los Angeles Gospel choir singing "Spanish Guitar", and a Parisian waltz by Dancing With The Stars couple Nick Kosovich and Lena Bacheva.
 
THE SPANISH GUITAR will integrate real footage of Benise in his voyage across the globe.  Follow Benise's passionate journey through the cobblestone streets of OLD HAVANA, an ARABIAN DESERT, the romantic canals of VENICE, the oldest Bullring in SPAIN, a Paris Café, and a 2000 year old sacred Buddhest Temple in INDIA.
Benise's THE SPANISH GUITAR will take us to worlds both faraway and deeply personal, and remind us that hope can be the healing thread in all of our lives.
 
BENISE - THE SPANISH GUITAR will be performed at the TIMES UNION CENTER'S MORAN THEATER Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 7:30PM.