Ars Nova Announces 2008-09 Season

Ars Nova has announced their upcoming 2008-09 Season:

UNCHARTED blasts through industry blockades, providing a forum for burgeoning singer/songwriters to perform their original music in front of a live audience. Focusing on emerging talents who have yet to break the Billboard 100, this series sets out to cover a wide range of styles while providing music lovers and industry taste-makers an introduction to exciting new music.

Tuesday, September 16th 8pm
The Rob Kendt Songbook 

Rob Kendt's songs unspool like beautifully intricate short stories, keeping you happily on The Edge of your seat. Ranging freely from lounge pop to alt-country, Kendt's nimble lyrics and easygoing baritone have drawn comparisons to Ben Folds, Rufus Wainwright and Elvis Costello, but his sly humor and gift for narrative are all his own. Kendt will be joined by a cast of celebrated guests, including Rebecca Hart, Chris Wells, Andrea Frierson, Kevin Ray and Inna Barmash. For more information please visit www.robkendt.com
Tuesday, September 23rd 8pm

Max Vernon

In his New York headlining debut, Max Vernon pulls out everything he has to offer. Soaring melodies and sardonic humor; barbershop harmony and political insight -- his unique brand of blue-eyed-indie-soul-pop music is like nothing else you've heard. Joined by Ars Nova favorite and New York phenom Erin and Her Cello, drums dynamo Diamond Dave, and hosted by DJ JonJon Battles, Vernon is on the brink of becoming New York’s next big thing. Catch him early in a show full of discovery, charm, cello and moxie. For more information please visit www.myspace.com/maxvernon

Wednesday, September 24th 8pm
Storytelling: The Music and Lyrics of Farah Alvin

Though she’s best known as one of Broadway’s favorite belters, Farah Alvin has spent years honing a secret identity as a gifted songwriter. With her soulful voice and frank, thoughtful lyrics, Alvin weaves a sound that’s equal parts Laura Nyro, Paul Simon, and Ben Folds. Making her Ars Nova debut with an evening of songs reflecting on love, loss, melancholy and joy, Alvin's secret life is about to be big news. For more information please visit www.farahalvin.com .

TRAGEDY TOMORROW

TRAGEDY TOMORROW brings the raw underbelly of New York’s alternative comedy scene to the Ars Nova stage. This ongoing series encourages creative risk-taking by showcasing a wide-ranging spectrum of emerging comedic talent.

Wednesday, September 17th 8pm
Jeffrey Self: People I Slept With Who Never Called Me Back

Have you slept with Jeffery Self? Did you call him back? If you did, come see him dish the dirt on all the ones who didn't, and if you didn't.... then you might just hear your story told! Hot from his sold-out run of My Life on the Craig's List and YouTube stardom as half of the duo VGL Gay Boys, hilarious writer-performer Jeffrey Self brings his saucy new solo show to Ars Nova. Mud will be slung -- if you're guilty, you better duck. Directed by Shira Milikowsky. For more information please visit www.jefferyself.com
 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Friday, September 19th 8pm
Arthur Lewis: If We Were

Original Freestyle Love Supreme member and Ars Nova favorite Arthur Lewis celebrates the release of his long-awaited debut solo album, “If We Were,” with a night of bewitching and soulful songs. Drawing on influences from Prince to Radiohead to Steely Dan, Lewis and his indie soul band The Geniuses spin a captivating sound packed with irresistible hooks, sweet harmonies, and deliciously slow grooves.  Special guests include: Lewis’ twin sister, Marie Lewis, guitarist Matty Fasano and a fierce horn section.  For more information please visit http://arthurthefourth.com/.

Thursday, September 25th 11pm
Tits Fisher with Kitten’s Kiss

Back to score another triumph, legendary troubadour Jason St. Little as Tits Fisher is out on artistic parole--and anyone is fair game! Part Vaudeville, part Dada, and all rock and roll, this Cabaret Voltaire is a mad trip through the mind of one of our most beloved show biz figures. Taking cues from Tristan Tzara and the New York Dolls, Tits Fisher attempts to decipher the current state of our lost world with bravery, bon mots, and a healthy dose of synth and bass. Radical chic exists, and the party is over circa 1985. Remember—you can’t go wrong with Tits. For more information please visit www.titsfisher.com

Friday, September 26th 8pm
Ilene Reid: A New Standard

Ilene Reid brings her signature blend of updated classics and new favorites back to Ars Nova. With her light touch, candid humor and characteristic class, Reid performs the work of a varied roster of legendary songwriters and contemporary artists, seamlessly melding the worlds of pop, jazz, folk and Broadway into a sublime sound that’s all her own.

Sunday, September 28th 7pm
 Corey Tut: Everything… ‘Til Now

New York City guitarist and singer-songwriter Corey Tut brings his sweet acoustic tunes, pop melodies, high voltage rock-guitar hooks and punk energy back to Ars Nova.  Playing a set of emotionally charged songs laced with personal narrative, Tut offers a captivating exploration of topics ranging from the painfully honest to riotously funny.  Featuring songs from his latest album, Everything, this is one rock concert that will have you hanging on every word.  Directed by Shira Milikowsky. For more information please visit www.coreytut.com

As New York’s premiere hub for emerging artists and new work, Ars Nova is committed to developing and producing eclectic theatre, comedy and music to feed today’s popular culture.  To that end, Ars Nova strives to create daring collaborations, meld disciplines and give voice to a new generation of artists.  This season Ars Nova developed and produced critically acclaimed productions of Peter Sinn Nachtrieb’s Boom, Liz Flahive’s From Up Here (in a co-production with Manhattan Theatre Club), and Nick Jones and Raja Azar’s Jollyship the Whiz-Bang. Past productions include Dixie’s Tupperware Party, At Least It’s Pink, 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother, Holy Cross Sucks!, Freestyle Love Supreme and The Wau Wau Sisters.  In addition to its featured productions, Ars Nova supports and develops new work from the most promising emerging artists through its alternative comedy series (Tragedy Tomorrow), music series (Uncharted), public play-reading series (Out Loud), writer's group (Play Group) and artist-in-residence program.  Ars Nova was founded in memory of Gabe Wiener.

For more information, visit www.arsnovanyc.com

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