Poway Center Announces VICKI LAWRENCE & More for FAll 2012

Poway Center for the Performing Arts Foundation's Fall 2012 Season will feature an array of artists continuing the POW! Foundation's eclectic programming. The Season begins in September with O Berkley, Where Hart Thou? featuring a line-up of San Diego folk, country and bluegrass musicians recreating the Academy Award-winning soundtrack to O Brother, Where Art Thou? Ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro takes the stage in October followed by an encore performance from Natalie MacMaster. The Fall 2012 offerings come to a conclusion with Vicki Lawrence: A Two Woman Show in December. Four more shows will be offered in the 2013 Professional Performance Season.

"September is the time when Poway celebrates her history with parades, the rodeo, street fairs and more. We thought 'what better way to join in the celebration of The City in the Country than with O Berkley, Where Hart Thou?," declares Michael Rennie, Executive Director. "Many of the performers will be familiar to our audience, but we're also excited to introduce some new talent to the Poway stage as well. This will be the perfect conclusion to the summer and a fitting tribute to our area's Western heritage.

Legendary songs "Man of Constant Sorrow," "In the Jailhouse Now," "Oh Death," "I'll Fly Away" and more will receive a modern update from the likes of Sean and Sara Watkins, Tim Flannery, Berkley Hart, the Seventh Day Buskers, Lisa Sanders and more. Oh Berkley Where Hart Thou? is the brain child of local award-winning acoustic duo Jeff Berkley and Calman Hart aka: Berkley Hart. (Line-up subject to change).

"Sometimes the world really does seem like it is divided into two kinds of people: those who have never heard of Jake Shimabukuro, and those who are huge fans. Suffice it to say, I'm one of the latter," says Rennie. "I first became aware of Jake Shimabukuro after seeing him perform at a NAMM show in 2008. I was struck but how inspired and inspiring Jake was – clearly a virtuoso musician who loves what he does and wants the entire world to pick up an instrument. Jake has none of the aloofness or detachment that often divides performers from their audiences. On stage, Jake combines the positive, easy-going charm of Jason Mraz with the effortless musicianship of a Stevie Ray Vaughn or Yo-Yo Ma. Yes, I realize that's high praise, but Jake lives up to it."

Award-winning fiddle player Natalie MacMaster returns for an encore concert to perform songs from her new CD "Cape Breton Girl." Winner of numerous awards for outstanding musicianship and a captivating live entertainer, MacMaster has shared the stage with The Chieftains, Paul Simon, Faith Hill, Luciano Pavarotti and has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Good Morning America.

"With a new album out (Cape Breton Girl) we thought, 'what better time to welcome back an old friend and audience favorite?'" remarks Rennie. We are immensely proud to be Natalie MacMaster's chosen venue for her San Diego County shows. We introduced our audience to Natalie in 2008 and brought her back to town (with husband, Donnell Leahy) in 2009. We can't wait to welcome her back this October. Much like Jake, Natalie is one of those rare performers who can dazzle you with her virtuosity all the while planting the seed that 'hey, maybe I could do this.' And that is the POW! Foundation's mission at its best: not just presenting stellar talent, but igniting a spark in others. "

The Fall 2012 Professional Performance Season concludes in early December with one of television's most outspoken senior citizen--Thelma Harper -- aka "Mama" to decades of fans -- is the blue-haired, sharp-tongued, senior citizen created by actress Vicki Lawrence in the late 1960s while on "The Carol Burnett Show."

From her eleven years with The Carol Burnett Show (which won her an Emmy®) to her gold record for "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia," her TV series "Mama's Family," her hosting of Win, Lose or Draw, Vicki! and Fox After Breakfast, and her numerous stage productions, Vicki approaches everything with a sense of humor.

"Vicki Lawrence has one of those personalities that inspires an almost irrational amount of good will -- people just light up when they see Vicki's smile. Vicki says her graduate studies in comedy occurred in front of an audience of millions, and I count myself among them," says Rennie. "While many of us watched Vicki come of age on the Carol Burnett Show, others discovered her during her stint on "Mama's Family" from 1983 – 1990. Vicki's comedic chops are as strong as ever. Mama? Well, we never know what Mama will say. Regardless, we can't wait to welcome 'both' ladies to the stage in December."

Four show season subscription packages are on sale March 23, 2012 through May 31, with single tickets going on sale June 1st at noon.

POW! FOUNDATION FALL 2012 SEASON SCHEDULE

O Berkley, Where Hart Thou?
8 pm, Saturday, September 22, 2012

Natalie MacMaster
8pm, Saturday, October 27, 2012

Jake Shimabukuro
8pm, Friday, October 12, 2012 (Special engagement: no discounts, ticket vouchers or youth priced tickets.)

Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show
8pm, Saturday, December 1, 2012

Tickets: www.powayarts.org or Ticket Office at 858.748.0505. Ticket office Hours: Friday, Noon to 5 pm; Saturday 10am to 3pm and two hours prior curtain.

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