Jason Alexander, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, Complexions Ballet and More Set for Harris Center's 2013-14 Season

Bringing artists from all over the world, and from most every genre, the Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College - formerly known as Three Stages at Folsom Lake College - will offer literally hundreds of performances in 2013-14. Beginning in late July, 2013 and extending into spring 2014, the new season includes world-class performers like Kenny Loggins, Seinfeld's Jason Alexander, and Savion Glover; Broadway productions such as Peter and the Starcatcher, The Addams Family and Bring It On: The Musical (all of which are appearing in the capital region for the first time ever); and an unprecedented season of dance in Folsom which kicks off with Alonzo King LINES Ballet and also features Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Bellydance Superstars, Ballroom with a Twist, and return visits of the popular Moscow Festival Ballet's Swan Lake and Diavolo Dance Theatre; and many more, all on the stages at the Harris Center.

Tickets for the initial round of announced shows in the 2013-14 Season of Performing Arts will be available for sale beginning July 8, 2013 at 10 am, and may be purchased online, by phone or in person. The phone number is 916-608-6888. Complete information about shows, ticket prices, performance times and more will be available at www.HarrisCenter.net on July 8. Patrons buying tickets to five or more Harris Center Presents events will receive a 15% discount over single ticket prices.

Opened in February, 2011 as Three Stages, the facility was renamed in 2013 to honor Dr. Brice Harris, Chancellor Emeritus of the Los Rios Community College District, for his many contributions to the capital region, including the vision and leadership he provided in opening this regional arts center. The Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College is a $50 million facility built with a combination of state, regional, local and private funds. The Harris Center has three intimate theaters, an art gallery, a recording studio, elegant teaching spaces, plenty of safe parking and all the other amenities of a state-of-the-art performing arts venue, situated on the Folsom Lake College campus at 10 College Parkway, Folsom CA 95630. Over 300,000 patrons have attended events at the Harris Center/Three Stages since the inaugural performance in 2011, with 150,000 attending during the 2012-13 season alone.

Complementing the stellar international lineup at the Harris Center are the Partners of the Harris Center-a who's who of regional arts organizations, from the El Dorado Musical Theatre to the Sacramento Guitar Society to the Folsom Symphony and more. Many of their events are also on sale at this time, and the entire season of Partners events will be announced in August, when additional Harris Center events will also be announced in the 2013-14 Season Brochure. Patrons are encouraged to sign up to receive the Season Brochure by mail at www.HarrisCenter.net

Coming in 2013-14:

The Big Stage

Big shows, familiar names-all will perform on Stage One at the Harris Center. On Aug 5-7, 2013, Kenny Loggins returns, with the Blue Sky Riders opening. On Aug 31 & Sep 1, 2013, Rhythmic Circus performs "Feet Don't Fail Me Now," one of the most popular tap shows since Tap Dogs. On Oct 23, 2013, the Center hosts An Evening with Jason Alexander. The winner of six Emmys for his portrayal of George Costanza on NBC's Seinfeld, Jason Alexander offers a unique and hilarious dose of comedy in an entertaining variety show format. On Oct 30, 2013, Dan Aykroyd, Judy Belushi and Musical Director Paul Shaffer present The Official Blues Brothers Revue, paying homage to Chicago's rich history of blues, gospel and soul music. On Nov 1-3, 2013, Ballroom with a Twist takes center stage, featuring Dancing with the Stars celebrity pros joined by American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance finalists. Nov 12-13, 2013, finds two-time Grammy winner Peter Nero performing on Tuesday The Gershwin Project and on Wednesday Classic Connections. With 67 recordings to his name, "Peter Nero is, of course, known for his piano playing, covering a range from classical concert repertoire to straight-ahead jazz." (All About Jazz).

From Broadway

"We have an amazing line up of new Broadway shows coming this season," notes Executive Director Dave Pier, "with shows that are fresh out on national tours and haven't been seen in this region before." The stellar list of performances begins on Sep 8, 2013, with Todd Ellison and his "Classic Broadway" show. Hailed by the New York Times as one of "Broadway's electric conductors," Todd is one of the most sought after Music Directors working today, performing here with four accomplished singers. (MR. Ellison will return to the Harris Center on June 6, 2014 with Romance of Broadway). Oct 18-20, 2013will see Ring of Fire, a musical revue of Johnny Cash's storied life, from his early days in the cotton fields of Arkansas to the Grand Ole Opry. It's "touching and exuberant," (Associated Press). On Nov 26 & 27, 2013, the Harris Center will bring The Addams Family to Stage One. It was immediately one of Broadway's biggest hits-and the Harris Center is proud to bring the show about America's spookiest and funniest family to the capital region for the first time. A "classic, full-tilt, fast paced, old-fashioned musical comedy!" (Chicago Tribune). Currently back on Broadway for its third run, Luis Bravo's FOREVER TANGO debuts at the Harris Center Jan 3-5, 2014. With 14 world-class tango dancers, a vocalist and on-stage eleven piece orchestra, "FOREVER TANGO accomplishes what it sets out to do, seducing an audience with infectious tempos, haunting Latin rhythms and, most certainly, the masterful techniques of its seasoned dancers" (Variety). On Mar 7-9, 2014 Bring It On-The Musical, which was inspired by the film of the same name, celebrates the challenges and unexpected bonds formed through the thrill of extreme competition. Nominated for the 2013 Tony Award for Best Musical, it will be staged for the first time in the capital region at the Harris Center, and it is "impossible to resist!"(New York Times). On Mar 25 & 26, 2014, the Harris Center is deeply honored to present Peter and the Starcatcher, a "fantastical and enchanting" (Philadelphia Inquirer) work also new to the Sacramento region. Winner of 5 Tony Awards, this swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan is "absurdly funny" (Entertainment Weekly). On May 23-25, 2014, from the underground dance clubs of 1950s Tennessee comes Memphis, a hot Broadway musical with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. It is "the very essence of what a Broadway musical should be" (Associated Press) and was the winner of four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Artists From Around The World

All the world is a stage, and the Harris Center offers artists from all over the world. Coming right up, on Jul 28, 2013, Summer Guitar Fest, offers three artists of diverse backgrounds in a seamless show. Featuring Laurence Juber, selected by Sir Paul McCartney himself as lead guitarist for Wings, with Mimi Fox and Pierre Bensusan. On Sep 20-22, 2013 Hungarian State Folk Ensemble comes to Folsom. Regarded as one of the greatest folkloric dance ensembles in the world, "it is marvelous--crackling with dancing that snaps like a whip in a program framed successfully by a sophisticated context" (Anna Kisselgoff, New York Times). On Oct 5, 2013 Gamelan Sekar Jaya performs, with music and dance range from traditional Balinese repertoire to cutting-edge compositions. On Oct 9, 2013, a truly multicultural performance, rooted in Hawaii: Malana Ko Aloha (Keep Your Love) with Keola Beamer, "the best slack key guitar player on the planet!" (Willie Nelson), pianist Geoffrey Keezer, "more than enough virtuosity, wit and intelligence to weave his apparently disparate strands into an original and compelling whole" (Time), renown Native American flautist R. Carlos Nakai and Moanalani Beamer, performing hula and ancient Hawaiian instruments. On Oct 14, 2013 Bellydance Superstars perform DanZara, a new standard for bellydance. "Sheer genius!" (Village Voice). On Oct 27, 2013, Fiesta del Día de los Muertos will be performed by Danza Floricanto, whose "treatment of the holiday's rites proved poignant, whimsical and infectiously entertaining" (Los Angeles Times).

Also returning to the Harris Center is this Folsom favorite: on Jan 8, 2014 Mark Hummel's Blues Harmonica Blowout pays tribute to Sonny Boy Williamson II, with John Mayall, Rick Estrin, Little Charlie Baty, Curtis Salgado, Mark Hummel and others. On Jan 18, 2014 Golden Dragon Acrobats presents Cirque Zíva. Comprised of acrobats, athletes, actors and artists who have trained since childhood, they amaze with acrobatic feats with simple props: plates, jugs, bicycles, umbrellas and more. On Jan 23, 2014 International Guitar Night returns, with Italy's Pino Forastiere, Jon Gomm from England, founder Brian Gore and Quique Sinesi from Argentina, in North America's premier mobile guitar festival.

Jan 29 & 30, 2014 finds a glittering production of Celtic Nights - Journey of Hope, with six of Ireland's most prominent vocal talents complimented by six of its most accomplished step dancers. "No wonder this unmissable two hour spectacular has brought audiences to their feet all around the world" (The Guardian, England). Stepping off into edgier territory, on Mar 4 & 5, 2014 brings Siro-A "The Digital Technodelic Experiment." Six performers from Sendai, Japan combine electro beats with visual effects, motion, light, dance choreographies and elements of comedy. "You remember the New York artist group Blue Man Group, but they are anything but a copy... Good fun" (Focus). On Mar 11, 2014 SamulNori takes Stage One. "The four musicians in the Korean ensemble known as SamulNori are all virtuoso percussionists ...their drumming - modulated into sounds of any nuance - could lead to total astonishment ..." (Anna Kisselgoff, New York Times). And on Mar 15, 2014, the triumphant return of An Irish Hooley! A raucous, rave-up of an Irish night with rip-roaring music, song, and dance. "Seeing these guys live makes me feel like I'm at a pub in the west of Ireland" (Conejo News Press).

Jazz

Just around the bend, on Aug 11, 2013 Arturo O'Farrill and The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra are recognized as "a remarkable New York institution" by the New York Times. The next generation of Brubeck comes to Folsom on Sep 19, 2013 with The Brubeck Brothers - A Tribute to Dave Brubeck "Once again the BBQ attains that rarefied level where music is both relaxed and expressive, and their joy in its creation is contagious. There's really nothing out there that comes close to their unique brand of inventiveness" (AllAboutJazz). On Nov 19, 2013 Pacific Mambo Orchestra with Tito Puente Jr. "...one of the best current Latin Big Band Orchestras in the world..." (www.salsa-trips.com). On Dec 2, 2013, Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Group returns. Nine-time Grammy Award-winning Palmieri continues to thrill with his legendary style as a bandleader of Salsa and Latin Jazz orchestras, as he has for over 50 years. On Feb 26, 2014, A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald will be performed by The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, utilizing a prized and rarely performed repertoire: original arrangements done for Ms. Fitzgerald in the 1940-1950s by superstar arrangers Billy May, Count Basie, Van Alexander, Billy Strayhorn and others.

Classically Inclined

Jeffrey Siegel's popular series, Keyboard Conversations returns for four "concerts with commentary": Aug 23, 2013, Bach and the Romantics; Oct 26, 2013, The Miracle of Mozart; Mar 19, 2014, The Glory of Beethoven; and May 18, 2014, Mistresses and Masterpieces. On Oct 16, 2013, "the major touring classical theater in the United States" (New York Times), The Acting Company, performs Hamlet. Founded in 1972 by John Houseman, the company has garnered critical acclaim on a national scale through 137 productions and 39 seasons of classic, contemporary and new plays. On Mar 10, 2014, one of Russia's leading ensembles Chamber Orchestra Kremlin returns. "The sound is rich, the playing impassioned, the unanimity impressive; ...a formidable ensemble in more than one sense...an expert body under the direction of a keen stylist" (Gramophone, England).

Dance & Movement

the Harris Center/Three Stages features a dramatically expanded offering of dance for the 2013-14 season, beginning on Sep 27, 2013 with Alonzo King LINES Ballet "Alonzo King is one of the few bona fide visionaries in the ballet world today" (San Francisco Chronicle). Comprised of 40 accomplished dancers and musicians, Pacífico Dance Company performs on Oct 4, 2013. "Pacífico brings us Mexican dances with classical rigor" (La Opinión). On Oct 24 & 25, 2013 Complexions Contemporary Ballet - "two of the greatest virtuosos ever to emerge from Ailey land " (New York Times) Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson ? bring a groundbreaking mix of methods, styles, and cultures. With a history spanning over three decades, Shanghai Ballet has created a new folk-styled ballet production The Butterfly Lovers, following the presentation of its legendary The White Haired Girl. "The costumes were dazzling... Starting off in a low-key manner, the Shanghai Ballet ... built to a crescendo of rapid fire over-the-head lifts and tours en l'air at the sold-out ... Auditorium" (The Post and Courier). The Butterfly Lovers will be performed Oct 31, 2013.

On Jan 22, 2014 Hover Space will be performed by Printz Dance Project, featuring 10-12 dancers; a dance fusion of contemporary, jazz, acrobatic, and hip hop movement on, above, and beneath the Hover Stage - the 16 x 12 foot floating, tilting, and always-moving stage. On Feb 4-6, 2014 Moscow Festival Ballet performs Swan Lake. Led by legendary principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, Sergei Radchenko, MFB has amassed the highest classical elements of the great Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet companies into this independent new company. On Mar 12 & 13, 2014 former child prodigy Savion Glover will perform STePz, taking tap dance to new heights while fusing traditional music selections of the past with his self-proclaimed tap style and energy of the future. And on Mar 21 & 22, 2014 Diavolo Dance Theater returns: an internationally renowned company that reinvents dance, re-imagines theater, and redefines thrills by taking movement, athletics, and daring to the extreme. "World Class: exacting choreography... Elegance, power, beauty with the thrill of danger, a special way of dancing..." (Hannoversche Allgemeine, Germany).

Back In The Day

Celebrating beloved traditions across several eras, beginning on Aug 27-29, 2013 with In The Mood, a terrific musical review of the 1940s Swing Era, featuring a 15-piece big band orchestra plus singers and dancers - their performances at the Harris Center launch the show's 20th Anniversary tour. On Sep 13, 2013, a Reunion of the Doo Wop Stars, with Danny & The Juniors ("At The Hop," "Rock & Roll Is Here To Stay, "Twistin' USA"; Leon Hughes Coasters ("Yakety Yak," Charlie Brown," "Poison Ivy" and more); The Chordettes ("Mr. Sandman," "Lollipop") and The Vibrations ("Hang On Sloopy" and more). On Jan 12, 2014 DeAna Martin: A Tribute to Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra, featuring the daughter of the iconic entertainer. "Not only does Deana look like her dad, she has his way with a song and all of his songs too" (Regis Philbin). On Mar 30, 2014, the perennial Folsom bestseller It's Magic! returns, delighting magic enthusiasts for more than five decades with many of the top professional magicians worldwide. On Mar 23 & 24, 2014 The Pink Floyd Experience brings their two-hour tribute show, performed live with six musicians and over $2.5 million worth of production equipment.

What the The Hit Men are is not is a tribute band, nor a cover band. They were the Four Seasons who sang with Frankie Valli; they were the Shondells who sang with Tommy James. They performed, arranged and composed some of the best loved songs of the 60s, 70s and 80s: "Oh What a Night," "Who Loves You," "Silence is Golden," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," "Mony, Mony," "Peace Train," "Bad, Bad LeRoy Brown," "You're So Vain," and "Younger Girl." And onstage June 8, 2014, they share great back stories and anecdotes from their days on tour and in the studio with these best loved names in pop and rock and roll.

Home for the Holidays

On Nov 29-Dec 1, 2013, the Harris Center welcomes An Irish Christmas, a celebration of Christmas in Ireland with glorious music, traditional dance, storytelling, laughter and plenty of Irish soul. "....music, dance and song that leaves everyone breathless" (The Village News). And on Dec 26-29, 2013Moscow Classical Ballet brings The Nutcracker back to the Harris Center/Three Stages. "The troupe boasts a cluster of phenomenal young dancers... and its corps performs in an uncluttered, streamlined style" (New York Times).

More To Come

Look for more Harris Center Presents events, featuring artists from all over the world, and the complete listing of Partners of the Harris Center - a virtual who's who of the best of the regional performing arts organizations - in August, when the Harris Center will publish its 2013-14 Season Brochure.

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