Wells Fargo Center for the Arts welcomes the holiday season in the newly renovated Ruth Finley Person Theater (50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa) with a lineup of celebrated music, comedy, dance and family performances. The 2013-2014 season is well underway and continues with a performance featuring the talents of singer-songwriters Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell with Richard Thompson (November 2), the classic vocals of nine-time Grammy award winner Natalie Cole (November 24) and rounds out 2013 with a celebration of the holiday season, including Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker (December 18 and 19) and The Brian Setzer Orchestra: Christmas Rocks 10th Anniversary Tour! (December 26). Since its reopening in August, after a $2.8 million renovation, the Ruth Finley Person Theater has showcased a variety of talent from Patti LaBelle to Lewis Black to The Beach Boys. Tickets for 2013-14 performances are available at wellsfargocenterarts.org, by calling 707-546-3600, or in person at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts box office (50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa).
See below for lineup and ticket information:
Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell with Richard Thompson
Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $69/$49;
Richard Thompson Meet & Greet Package: $200; Richard Thompson Tour Package: $125
Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell come to Santa Rosa on the heels of their new album, Old Yellow Moon, released to widespread critical praise earlier this year. They are joined by Richard Thompson, one of the world's most critically acclaimed songwriter/guitarists, and the recipient of BBC's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dan Aykroyd, Judith Belushi, and music director Paul Shaffer present The Official Blues Brothers Revue
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $45/$35
It seems like yesterday that brothers Jake and Elwood Blues, played by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in the hit movie "The Blues Brothers," invited the world to join them on a "mission from God." Now, 30 years later, the Blues Brothers live on in The Official Blues Brothers Revue, starring Wayne Catania as Jake and Kieron Lafferty as Elwood. The Official Blues Brothers Revue combines the comedy, music and mayhem from the original movie, as well as songs from the five albums put out by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
An Evening with Foreigner
Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $65/$45
Foreigner has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide, and continues to captivate generation after generation of music fans with larger-than-life rock hits including "I Want to Know What Love Is," "Waiting for a Girl Like You," "Cold as Ice," and more. Audiences will re-experience the band's enduring hits like it is the first time and see why Foreigner continues to resonate as one of the most accomplished bands of all time. Join founder-lead guitarist Mick Jones, lead vocalist Kelly Hansen, bass guitarist Jeff Pilson, multi-instrumentalist Tom Gimbel, keyboardist Michael Bluestein and drummer Chris Frazier for a night of hits, throwbacks and fun.
Five Time Grammy Winner Buddy Guy with special guest Quinn Sullivan
Friday, November 8, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $67/$57/$47
At age 76, Buddy Guy is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, a pioneer of Chicago's fabled West Side sound, and a living link to that city's halcyon days of electric blues. His latest album, "Rhythm & Blues," is the first double-album set of his stories career. Having recently played Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival, and winner of six Grammy Awards, the Presidential National Medal of Arts, and the Kennedy Center Award for lifetime contribution to the arts, Buddy Guy is a true living legend of the blues.
Whose Live Anyway?
Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $59/$39
Whose Live Anyway is a 90-minute show of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Joel Murray, and Jeff B. Davis provide sidesplitting laughter for the audience with the witty scenes and songs they invent before your eyes! Whose Live Anyway performs games made famous on the Emmy-nominated TV show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"-as well as a few new ones, too!
Clover Stornetta Family Fun Series Story Pirates
Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: Child $12 Adult $17
Improv comedy gets an educational twist as the Story Pirates create outlandishly funny sketches and mini-musicals using wildly imaginative stories written by kids. Described as "Monty Python meets Schoolhouse Rock," a Story Pirates performance leaves audiences howling in the aisles. Don't miss the sensation sweeping the nation that showcases the importance of creative writing and imagination... especially when the audience participates in creating a live, original story!
So You Think You Can Dance Live!
Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $69/$49 SOLD OUT!
The top ten finalists from TV's So You Think You Can Dance will make their Sonoma County debut with all the sizzling, one-of-a-kind dance routines expected from the hit television show in So You Think You Can Dance Live! The TV show's tenth-season finalists are coming to the Center to perform the season's most popular routines as well as original pieces created just for the nationwide tour.
Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $85/$65/$45
Nine-time Grammy award winner Natalie Cole wows audiences, delivering effortless renditions of pop, R&B, jazz and standards from the American Songbook. Her latest release breaks new ground with her first Spanish-language album, "Natalie Cole En Espanol." In what's sure to be an "Unforgettable" night, Natalie Cole returns to Santa Rosa with her irresistible style that has sold more than 30 million records worldwide. In her first new studio album in five years, Natalie revisits the rich repertoire of ageless Latin standards that once opened new vistas for her father. The lushly orchestrated tracks, produced by Rudy Perez, Billboard's Latin Music Producer Of The Decade, features Natalie's distinctive take on three classics from her father's catalog, plus several other carefully chosen selections from the Latin American Songbook.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $75/$55
Santa Rosa welcomes America's favorite holiday celebration for over 25 years to the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. The spirit of the season comes alive with the Signature Sound of Mannheim Steamroller. Don't miss this ultimate holiday tradition from the #1 Christmas music artist in history!
Angelina Ballerina: The Musical Presented by Vital Theatre Company
Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: Child $16 Adult $21
Angelina And her friends, Alice, Gracie, A.Z., Viki, and even their teacher, Ms. Mimi, are all aflutter because a special guest is coming to visit Camembert Academy! Angelina And her friends will perform all types of dance, including hip-hop, modern dance, the Irish jig, and, of course, ballet. They are excited to show off their skills to their famous visitor. Angelina is the most excited of all, but will she get the starring moment she hopes for? Based on the CG-animated series, "Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps" on PBS KIDS, Angelina Ballerina: The Musical will have the entire audience dancing in the aisles.
Rodney Strong Vineyards Dance Series Compañia Mazatlán Bellas Artes' Posada Navideña
Friday, December 6, 2013 at 7 p.m. Tickets: $10-Adults/$5-Children
Experience the folk culture of Mexico and its unique customs and traditions during this Christmas production and traditional Posada celebration. This traditional Mexican holiday presentation portrays the "Pastorela" (pilgrimage) made by Joseph and Mary before the birth of Christ. Featuring traditional Mexican folkloric dance and music performed by 28 dancers and musicians from Sacramento's renowned Compañia Mazatlán Bellas Artes, this performance will make you feel as if you've been transported to Mexico for an uplifting dose of the beautiful culture and customs of Mexico past and present. Audiences can enjoy free pre-show arts & crafts with family and friends at 6pm, as well as a free post-show Posada celebration.
Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $70/$56
Comedian and entertainer, George Lopez will perform at the Center on Saturday, December 7, 2013. Lopez has risen to become one of the premier comedic talents in the entertainment industry. He has been praised by audiences and critics alike for his work in television, film and standup, as well as his extensive charity work with various foundations.
Willie Nelson & Family
Friday, December 13, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $86/$66/$46
The iconic Texan is the creative genius behind historic recordings like "Crazy," "Hello Walls," "Red Headed Stranger" and "Stardust." His career has spanned six decades and his catalog boasts more than 200 albums. He's earned every conceivable award and honor to be bestowed a person in his profession. He has also amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. As ever, Nelson tours tirelessly, climbing aboard Honeysuckle Rose III (he rode his first two buses into the ground), taking his music and fans on a seemingly endless journey to places that were well worth the ride.
Symphony Pops Series: A Very Merry Holiday Pops
Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 3 p.m. Tickets:$75/$56/$45/$32
This uplifting and multicultural concert features holiday music from traditional to swing to rock, and is sure to become a holiday tradition! A full chorus joins the orchestra for special arrangements of "Baby It's Cold Outside," "Sleigh Ride," "O Holy Night," "Jingle Bells Forever," "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies," an audience sing-along, and much more. Celebrate this holiday season with a joyful afternoon of music!
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour with special guests Oleta Adams, Jonathan Butler and Keiko Matsui
Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $69/$59/$39
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2013, a cherished holiday tradition marking its 16th anniversary, is an uplifting, high-energy show the whole family will love. Get into the holiday spirit as some of music's biggest and brightest names jam on fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites, led by multi-GRAMMY nominee and saxophonist extraordinaire Dave Koz.
Moscow Ballet Presents Great Russian Nutcracker
Wednesday, December 18 & Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $102-VIP*/$68/$48/37.50/$27.50
Celebrate this Christmas with Moscow Ballet's world famous production of theGreat Russian Nutcracker! Bring the whole family for the quintessential Holiday experience. Forty star-studded Russian artists perform Olympian feats in the Holiday classic seen by millions. Don't let your family miss the performance of a lifetime, full to the brim with magical toys, falling snow, growing Christmas trees and astounding Russian dancers.
*VIP ticket includes premium seating, a nutcracker doll, and commemorative book.
The Brian Setzer Orchestra: Christmas Rocks 10th Anniversary Tour!
Thursday, December 26, 2013 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $85/$65
The Brian Setzer Orchestra returns to Santa Rosa this holiday season for the first time since 2009 with Setzer's legendary guitar magic on re-imagined holiday classics as well as hits such as "Rock This Town," "Stray Cat Strut" and "Jump, Jive and Wail" and lots more. The swingin' holidays are back with The Brian Setzer Orchestra: Christmas Rocks 10th Anniversary Tour!
Tickets for 2013-14 performances are available at wellsfargocenterarts.org, by calling 707.546.3600, or in person at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts box office (50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa).
About Wells Fargo Center for the Arts:
A 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and events center, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is home to world-class performances, nationally recognized education programs, contemporary visual art, and many popular civic events. The Arts Center is located in the heart of the Sonoma wine country and ranked among California's top performing arts presenters. Together with its resident companies, the Center presents more than 100 performances in music, dance, theater, renowned speakers, and comedy; provides education programs serving 30,000 children and adults; and hosts more than 1,000 community events a year. Owned and operated by the Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation, the Center relies on charitable community donations to achieve its mission - to enrich, educate, and entertain. www.wellsfargocenterarts.org
Videos