annenberg center live 16/17 season brochure

16/17 SEASON

w e a r e t h e c e n t e r o f

eXcIteMent

WElcOmE tO ANNENbErg cENtEr livE 16/17 seasonJoin us as we continue our African Roots, American Voices series: a multi-year journey celebrating the African diasporas unique contributions to American culture. Each year focuses on a specific genre, recognizing its roots and cultural impact.

This year its all about the blues. As Willie Dixon said, The blues are the roots. Everything else is the fruit. Our exploration features soulful sessions with authentic blues artists, each with a heartfelt story to share. Plus, enjoy the outstanding dance, jazz, theatre and film youve come to expect from Annenberg Center Live.

Discover our diverse African Roots, American Voices programs designated throughout this brochure with .

- Etta James

I wanna show that gospel, country, blues, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock n roll are all just really one thIng. those are the amerIcan musIc and that Is the amerIcan culture.

AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900 2

blues jazz dance

theatre world musIc

NOV 3-5 Step Afrika! pg 16

NOV 19 BiRDMAN LiVE pg 12

NOvEmbEr

OctObErOCT 1 Ladies Sing the Blues pg 6

OCT 13-16 Abbey Theatre: The Plough and the Starspg 18

OCT 21 Terence Blanchard pg 12

OCT 22 Memphis Soul Stew pg 7

OCT 26 The Blues Film Series: The Road to Memphispg 10

OCT 29 Liz Vice pg 8

SeP 28 The Blues Film Series: Feel Like Going Homepg 10

SEPtEmbEr

DEcEmbErDeC 9 The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass

pg 13

A T A G L A N C E

16/17 SEASONLadies Sing the Blues

The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass

The Plough and the Stars

Terence Blanchard

Liz Vice Step Afrika!

APrilAPR 2 SFJAZZ Collective pg 14

APR 6-9 Pilobolus Dance Theater pg 16

mArcHMAR 1 The Blues Film Series: Red, White & Blues

pg 10

MAR 11 Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahypg 20

MAR 24 Lurrie Bell & The Campbell Brotherspg 9

JANUArYJAN 28 Sierra Leones Refugee All Stars

pg 20

FEbrUArYFeB 1 The Blues Film Series: Warming by the Devils Fire

pg 10

FeB 11 Miguel Zenn Quartet pg 13

FeB 18I Go On Singing: Paul Robesons Life in His Words & Songs

pg 18

FeB 26 Corey Harris & Eric Bibb pg 7

mAYMAY 6 Meshell Ndegeocello pg 14

MAY 18-20 Philadelphia International Childrens Festivalpg 21

Sierra Leones Refugee All Stars

Miguel Zenn Quartet

Corey Harris & Eric Bibb

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

Lurrie Bell SFJAZZ Collective

Pilobolus Dance Theater AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900 4

s o u l f u l . f u n k y. D e e p.

Blues

Courtesy Eric Bibb

Marv G

oldschmitt

Frank Stewart

Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents

lADiES SiNg tHE blUESVocalists Catherine Russell, Brianna Thomas and Charenee Wade channel the liberated spirits and pioneering vocalizations of four 1920s blues divas: Bessie Smith (the Empress of the Blues); Mamie Smith (the Queen of the Blues); Ma Rainey (the Mother of the Blues); and legendary stage and screen icon, Ethel Waters. Backed by a seven-piece band, the ladies demonstrate the ageless relevance of this important genre in American music, tackling loves follies and stompin the blues away!

1OCT

SAT 10/1 @ 8 PM

Courtesy Eric Bibb

Marv G

oldschmitt

Courtesy C

harenee Wade

Courtesy Brianna Thom

as

Frank Stewart


mEmPHiS SOUl StEWArpeggio Jazz Ensemble

Its the blues, served with some Memphis soul and seasoned with jazz! Blues was a springboard for rock n roll, R&B, country, gospel and jazz. Join bassist Warren Oree and an expanded Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble for a hearty helping of musical nourishment for the soul, featuring hits by Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Aretha Franklin and more!

trUE blUESCorey Harris & Eric Bibb

True Blues chronicles the living culture of the blues in an uplifting evening of music and conversation. A former New Orleans street performer, MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and guitarist/vocalist Corey Harris boasts a unique blues style and was featured in PBS The Blues film series. Eric Bibb is known for his fiery soul, gospel and folk vocals and his impressive guitar chops. Together, Harris and Bibb vividly bring to life this crucial source of American music.

22OCT

SAT 10/22 @ 8 PM

Courtesy A

rpeggio Jazz Ensemble

Courtesy M

acArthur Foundation

Courtesy Eric Bibb

Courtesy Liz Vice

26FEB

SUN 2/26 @ 7 PM

29OCT

SAT 10/29 @ 8 PM

Courtesy A

rpeggio Jazz Ensemble

Courtesy Liz Vice

liz vicEGospel, soul and R&B combine in the timeless vocals of breakout artist Liz Vice. This inspiring, up-and-coming artist is dedicated to making positive social change through her genuine yet playful approach to soul-filled music. Come what may, Liz Vice is gonna let it shine.


SiN & rEDEmPtiONLurrie Bell & The Campbell Brothers

Sin & Redemption illuminates the undeniable connection between the blues and gospel music. Rousing Saturday night juke joint sounds morph into Sunday morning gospel tunes. This special double bill starts with blues guitarist and vocalist Lurrie Bell, son of famed blues harmonica player Carey Bell. Then, The Campbell Brothers, on pedal steel, lap steel and electric guitars, complete the evening with a rich variety of African-American gospel music.

Courtesy The C

ampbell Brothers

Delm

ark Image

Toshiya Suzuki

24MAR

FRI 3/24 @ 8 PM

Courtesy The C

ampbell Brothers


Michel Verlinden

Toshiya SuzukiC

ourtesy The Cam

pbell Brothers

mArtiN ScOrSESES ThE BluEsFilm Screenings + Discussions

Executive produced by Martin Scorsese, The Blues consists of several films that capture the essence of the blues and explore its profound influence on music and people the world over. Originally aired on PBS, the films trace the evolution of the blues from parochial folk tunes to a universal language, each film focusing on a distinct topic from the perspective of seven different directors. Together, the films honor the art form and preserve its legacy in a celebration of its lasting impact. Our goal never was to produce the definitive work on the blues, Scorsese said. It was, from the start, to create highly personal and impressionistic films as seen through the eyes of the most creative directors around with a passion for this music.

Our African Roots, American Voices season-long focus on the blues includes four free film screenings from The Blues series, each with a post-show discussion.

WED 9/28 @ 7 PMFeel Like Going HomeDirected by Martin Scorsese

WED 10/26 @ 7 PMThe Road to MemphisDirected by Richard Pearce

WED 2/1 @ 7 PMWarming by the Devils FireDirected by Charles Burnett

WED 3/1 @ 7 PM Red, White & BluesDirected by Mike Figgis

Line-up subject to change.

r h y t h M I c . e X p r e s s I v e . Dy n a M I c .

JaZZ

Greg M

iles

Henry Adebonojo

Bgar Adame M

endoza

tErENcE blANcHArD Featuring The E-Collective

Multiple Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard returns to the Annenberg Center with his quintet, The E-Collective. The group creates a groove fusion teeming with funk, R&B and blues influences that range from dance-steeped party to pensive, ambient sounds. This performance will feature songs from Blanchards latest album, Breathless, written in response to current social tensions.

birDmAN livEAntonio Sanchez Live Drum Score

2015 Oscar Award winner for Best Picture, Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance starred Michael Keaton as a washed-up action star trying to reinvent his career on the Broadway stage. The music, a frenetic heartbeat of drumbeats, is a palpable secondary character propelling the action forward. For this special event, Grammy Award-winning jazz drummer Antonio Sanchez plays his movie soundtrack live alongside the visually stunning film.r h y t h M I c . e X p r e s s I v e . Dy n a M I c .

19NOV

SAT 11/19 @ 8 PM

Greg M

iles

Henry Adebonojo

Bgar Adame M

endoza

21OCT

FRI 10/21 @ 8 PM


tHE rODNEY mArSAliS PHilADElPHiA big brASSMixing classical, big band jazz and New Orleans swing, this brass ensemble brings together top musicians from across the country for a jazzy holiday celebration. The group is led by trumpeter Rodney Marsalis who learned from none other than his cousin, Wynton Marsalis, and is now Principal Trumpet for the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and an Artist in Residence at Temple University. Join this dream team of brass players for some swinging holiday sounds!

9DEC

FRI 12/9 @ 8 PM

Courtesy Rodney M

arsalis

11FEB

SAT 2/11 @ 7 PMSAT 2/11 @ 9:30 PM

migUEl zENN QUArtEtA Grammy-nominated Latin jazz trailblazer, Miguel Zenn is widely considered one of the most groundbreaking and influential saxophonists of his generation. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Zenn and his quartet perform a unique mix of Latin American folkloric music and jazz from Tipico, an album to be released in February 2017. Dont miss this Annenberg Center audience favorite and 2015 Jazz Journalist Association Alto Saxophonist of the Year! Jim

my Katz

Jay BlakesbergC

ourtesy Meshell N

degeocello

6MAY

SAT 5/6 @ 8 PM

tHE rODNEY mArSAliS PHilADElPHiA big brASS

Courtesy Rodney M

arsalisJim

my Katz

SFJAzz cOllEctivE The Music of Miles Davis & Original Compositions

Eight jazz all-stars make up the award-winning SFJAZZ Collective, known for its commitment to jazz as a constantly evolving, ever-relevant art form. In a mighty one-night-only performance, the ensemble showcases original compositions alongside a tribute to legendary jazz trumpeter/composer Miles Davis. More than anyone else, Davis consistently changed the sound of jazz from the birth of bebop in the 1940s to the integration of rock approaches that gave rise to the fusion movement in the 1970s.

2APR

SUN 4/2 @ 7 PM

Jay BlakesbergC

ourtesy Meshell N

degeocello

Mercurial and masterful, bass player and vocalist Meshell Ndegeocello sojourns into soul, spoken word, R&B, jazz, hip-hop and rock with ease. For over 20 years, she has performed solo and also alongside the Rolling Stones, Madonna, James Blood Ulmer, John Medeski, Billy Preston, Chaka Khan and more. Ndegeocellos groove-driven, melodic and meditative sound is always transforming, promising a performance like none other.

mESHEll NDEgEOcEllO


v I B r a n t. c o M p e l l I n g . v I s u a l .

Dance

Robert Whitm

an

Robert Whitm

anM

eredith Hanafi

Stepping is a percussive, rhythmic dance style combining African and modern dance traditions. This professional company performs the Philadelphia premiere of their full-length work, The Migration, based on Jacob Lawrences iconic painting series that charts the story of African-Americans moving from the south to the north in the early 1900s. High-energy performance combines with the images, color palette and motifs of the paintings to create a thrilling feast for the senses.

StEP AFrikA!The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence

Contemporary dance, gymnastics, technology and playful props combine in the wild antics of Pilobolus Dance Theater! This perpetual audience favorite returns with a program guaranteed to amuse and inspire. The physically daring movement and elaborately imaginative concepts of Pilobolus is a must see!

PilObOlUS DANcE tHEAtEr

v I B r a n t. c o M p e l l I n g . v I s u a l .

Dance6-9APR

FRI 4/7 @ 8 PM SAT 4/8 @ 2 PMSAT 4/8 @ 8 PMSUN 4/9 @ 3 PM

THU 4/6 @ 7:30 PM

3-5NOV

THU 11/3 @ 7:30 PM FRI 11/4 @ 8 PM SAT 11/5 @ 2 PMSAT 11/5 @ 8 PM

Robert Whitm

an

Robert Whitm

anM

eredith Hanafi


f a s c I n at I n g . p o w e r f u l . u n e X p e c t e D .

theatre

Ros Kavanagh

Ros Kavanagh

ThE Plough AND ThE sTArsAbbey TheatreDublin, Ireland

I go oN sINgINg: PAul roBEsoNs lIfE IN hIs WorDs & soNgs

Dublin, Ireland, 1915. Revolution is imminent as violence sweeps through the streets. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the historic Easter Rising and the birth of the Irish Republic, The Plough and the Stars tells the story of ordinary lives ripped apart by the idealism of the time. Olivier Award-winning director Sean Holmes brings a new and challenging perspective to Sean OCaseys provocative play. A limited U.S. tour by Irelands Abbey Theatre!

Equal parts documentary and live concert, the life of all-American athlete, singer, actor and civil rights champion Paul Robeson is explored in this multimedia performance. Led by versatile baritone Anthony Brown, a pianist and a narrator, I Go On Singing celebrates Robesons life and impact with archival video and musical selections ranging from Broadway to spirituals, including favorites such as Wade in the Water and Ol Man River.

f a s c I n at I n g . p o w e r f u l . u n e X p e c t e D .

13-16OCT

THU 10/13 @ 7 PMFRI 10/14 @ 8 PMSAT 10/15 @ 2 PMSAT 10/15 @ 8 PMSUN 10/16 @ 3 PM

18FEB

SAT 2/18 @ 8 PM

Ros Kavanagh

Ros Kavanagh

Courtesy A

nthony Brown


g l o B a l . D I v e r s e . o r I g I n a l .

worlD MusIc

Zach Smith

Jay Dickm

an

SiErrA lEONES rEFUgEE All StArS

viSiONS FrOm cAPE brEtON AND bEYOND: A cEltic FAmilY cElEbrAtiON Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

A potent example of the redeeming power of music and the ability of the human spirit to persevere. From their humble beginnings in West African refugee camps, Sierra Leones Refugee All Stars have risen to acclaim with their energetic mix of old-school reggae, funky African grooves and moving tribal chants. Traumatized by the horrors of war, they continue to fight back and spread awareness with the only means they have music.

Its all in the family. Master fiddlers Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy perform a new show with some very special guests their children! The evening will highlight the unique talents, influences and stories of the first family of Irish culture with dancing, singing and, of course, world-class music-making. This fierce fiddling duo commands the stage with raw energy and passion that combines their traditional Celtic heritage with a taste for the contemporary.g l o B a l . D I v e r s e . o r I g I n a l .

28JAN

SAT 1/28 @ 8 PM

11MAR

SAT 3/11 @ 8 PM

Zach Smith

Courtesy N

atalie MacM

aster & D

onnell Leahy

Jay Dickm

an


M A Y 1 8 - 2 0 , 2 0 1 7

Photos: Mark G

arvin

2017 PHilADElPHiA iNtErNAtiONAl cHilDrENS FEStivAlFeaturing professional theatre, music and dance performances, our annual Childrens Festival is a perfect and affordable family-friendly outing! Plus, the free outdoor FUN ZONE offers interactive activities and fun performances throughout the day. Exact show information and times will be available on AnnenbergCenter.org.

18-20MAY

MusIctheatre

Dancecrafts

actIvItIes

Photos: Mark G

arvin AnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900 22

Arts4YouthDANCe JAzz TheATRe WORlD MuSiC

We love having local students of all ages experience the arts! Our weekday Arts4Youth series provides the opportunity for students to see our professional music, theatre and dance performers. Study guides are included and most shows feature a post-show conversation with the artist(s). For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 215.898.3900.

AT A N N E N B E R G C E N T E R L I V E

eXplore mOrE

Henry Adebonojo

Mark G

arvin

ANNENbErg cENtEr livE lObbY bArHead to our lobby bar for beverages and snacks before the show or during intermission. We use souvenir lidded cups so you can enjoy your beverages in the theatre and bring them back for a discount on additional drinks!

NOTICE: You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. We will request ID from any customer who appears to be under 30 years of age. We will refuse service to any customer who cannot produce a valid ID or appears to be visibly intoxicated. Acceptable IDs: A valid photo drivers license issued, a valid photo identification card issued, a valid Armed Forces ID card with holders photo or a valid passport, passport card or travel visa with holders photo.

Beer & wInesoDa & water

snacks

iNSigHtSWANT MORe iNFORMATiON ABOuT OuR gReAT PeRFORMANCeS? ATTeND AN iNSighTS eVeNT!

Annenberg Center Live proudly presents INSIGHTS events in conjunction with some of our shows. INSIGHTS events explore the complex themes presented on stage and can occur before and/or after select shows. FREE for ticket holders, INSIGHTS feature conversations with artists, Penns esteemed faculty or relevant thought leaders.

For an up-to-date listing of INSIGHTS events, visit AnnenbergCenter.org/INSIGHTS.


gEt UPDAtES viA EmAilAnnenbergCenter.org

likE US ON FAcEbOOkFacebook.com/AnnenbergCenter

FOllOW US ON tWittEr@AnnenbergCenter

FOllOW US ON iNStAgrAm@AnnenbergCenter

connectw I t h u s

Mark G

arvin

Mark G

arvin

AbOUt YOUr viSitPATRONS WiTh SPeCiAl NeeDSThe Annenberg Center offers wheelchair-accessible seating as well as large print programs and assisted listening devices.

For more details and to request special accommodations, call 215.898.3900 or visit AnnenbergCenter.org.

PARkiNg & TRANSPORTATiONThe Annenberg Center is located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania and is easily accessible by SEPTA regional rail, trolley and busses. Convenient parking is located one block away at 38th and Walnut Streets.

Parking passes can be purchased at the Box Office or by visiting AnnenbergCenter.org/parking. Subscribers save $2 per pass.

Mark G

arvin

Mark G

arvin


tWO WAYS tO bUYAnnenbergCenter.org // 215.898.3900

Pick any combination of shows (three or more) from this brochure and save up to 25% off single ticket prices. Plus, enjoy all the benefits of being a subscriber, including free ticket exchanges and discounted parking.

Buy individual tickets, ranging from $25-$75 (subject to change). Order early to get the lowest prices and the best seats! Single tickets are non-refundable but can be exchanged for another show. A $7 exchange fee applies; exchanges are based on availability and must be made in-person at the Box Office.

All programs, artists and prices are subject to change.

SUbScriPtiONS

SiNglE tickEtS

1

2

SUbScribEr bENEFitS great savings Save up to 25% off regular single ticket prices. Plus, save a bundle in handling fees.

restaurant Discounts

Save 10% at our restaurant partners: Pod Restaurant & Penne Restaurant.

priority seating Subscribers get early access to the best seats.

additional tickets Save 10% on additional tickets throughout the year.

penn experiences Save on visits to other Penn attractions.

special offers Receive subscriber-only offers and priority notification of new events. Be the first to hear about the 17/18 season.

parking $2 off pre-paid parking at the 38th and Walnut Street garage. Visit AnnenbergCenter.org/parking for details.

free exchangesCant attend a show or rather see something else? Exchange your tickets for free in person or over the phone. Its that easy!

lobby Bar Save $1 on drinks at the bar.


SUbScriPtiON PriciNg

Prices valid until 9/1/16.

Full Price

PiCk 5

PICK 3

Full Price

PiCk 5

PICK 3

Full Price

PiCk 5

PICK 3

Miguel Zenn Quartet

I Go On Singing: Paul Robesons Life in His Words & Songs

PRINCE THEATRE SHOWS Price PerTicket

$40

$30

$34

$35

$26.25

$29.75

$30

$22.50

$25.50

Memphis Soul Stew, Liz Vice, Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass,

Sierra Leones Refugee All Stars, True Blues

Full Price

PiCk 5

PICK 3

Full Price

PiCk 5

PICK 3

Pilobolus Dance Theater*

Ladies Sing the Blues, The Plough and the Stars, Terence Blanchard, Step Afrika, BiRDMAN LiVE, Visions from Cape Breton, Sin & Redemption,

SFJAZZ Collective, Meshell Ndegeocello

ZELLERBACH THEATRE SHOWS Pit &Center Orch

Price Per Ticket

Orch L/R AccessibleSideOrch

$75

$56.25

$63.75

$55

$41.25

$46.75

$60

$45

$51

$40

$30

$34

$45

$33.75

$38.25

$25

$18.75

$21.25

$30

$22.50

$25.50

$25

$18.75

$21.25

*Balcony seating also available. Call the Box Office for pricing.

grOUPSwhat: Groups of 10 or more save up to 25% on ticketshow: Call 215.573.8827 or email [email protected] Info: AnnenbergCenter.org/groups

cOllEgE StUDENtSwhat: $10 student rush tickets are available the day of the performancehow: Purchase in person and present valid student IDMore Info: AnnenbergCenter.org/students

PENN AlUmNi, FAcUltY AND StAFFwhat: Penn alumni, faculty and staff receive a 10% discount on single ticketshow: Use promo code PENNALUM or PENN and present valid ID at ticket pick-up

WAYS tO SAvE

Mark G

arvin

ZELLERBACH THEATREORCHESTRA SEATING

pit/center orchestra

orchestra left & right

side orchestraaccessible seating

HElP US briNg Art tO liFEIn a society where we are inundated daily with headlines focused on crisis and division, live performing arts bring us together in celebration of creativity, collaboration, culture and community. please help us continue to bring the unifying power of performing arts to life with your gift to the annenberg center annual fund. Ticket revenues cover only a fraction of the cost of presenting renowned artists on the Annenberg Center stage. Like many arts organizations, we rely on the support of our generous community of patrons to help bridge that gap. In addition to sustaining live music, theatre and dance, your gift allows us to provide deeply subsidized tickets to the 8,000 plus young people who attend our annual Childrens Festival and Arts4Youth series.

Mark G

arvin

Nathea Lee

Photo Bravura

ThE sTAgE is NOT MERElY ThE MEETiNg PlACE OF All ThE ARTs, BuT is AlsO ThE RETuRN OF ART TO liFE.

Oscar WildeThE RETuRN OF ART TO liFE.

Ariane Rousselier

Jim G

raham


Mark G

arvin

thank you

to the following institutions for

their support of Annenberg Center Live:

Ravitz Family Foundation

Stavros Niarchos Foundation

Virginia C. Mulconroy Fund of The Philadelphia Foundation

Connelly Foundation

Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation

Lomax Family Foundation

Exclusive Hotel Sponsor

give onlineAnnenbergCenter.org/give

give By phoneCall Kristin Winchat 215.898.6754

give By Mail or In personAnnenberg Center LiveOffice of DevelopmentUniversity of Pennsylvania3680 Walnut StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19104-6219

Thank you for playing your part in bringing art to life through your gift to

the Annenberg Center Annual Fund.N

athea Lee Photo Bravura

Ariane Rousselier

Jim G

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Renata Pavam

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annenberg center live 16/17 season brochure

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