KU News Release

LAWRENCE — The Lied Center of Kansas has announced its exciting season of world-class events for 2010-11.

Highlights of the 2010-11 season include Lawrence native Karole Armitage’s contemporary dance company Armitage Gone! Dance, progressive bluegrass and country-classical chamber music ensemble Punch Brothers, Broadway’s rock musical “Spring Awakening” and more.

To kick off the new season, families will enjoy Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys performing zydeco favorites at the annual free concert and Family Arts Festival. Families also will like Jim Brickman’s 15th Anniversary Holiday Concert and pianist Frederic Chiu and storyteller David Gonzalez’ reinterpretation of the classical works “Carnival of the Animals” and “Peter and the Wolf” later in the season.

“We’re delighted to be presenting such wonderful performances,” said Lied Center Executive Director Tim Van Leer. “We’re going to delve into contemporary classical music explorations with bluegrass-chamber quintet Punch Brothers as well as hip-hop meets classical music duo Black Violin. Also, with our new donated Steinway piano, we’re thrilled to have talented pianists Adam Gyorgy and Alpin Hong among others. Our Broadway selections are fantastic, too, including ‘100 Years of Broadway,’ a revue of some of the best songs from the last century. We’re also excited to be presenting a special appearance by Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Del McCoury Band, two groups with true American music legacies. We really do have something for everyone.”

As with the current season, events in 2010-11 are priced with families and students in mind. All performances feature student and youth prices that are half the price of, or less than half the price of, adult tickets. Several events are priced at $10 for students and youth and some at just $5 for students and youth.

2010-11 performance tickets are available in “create your own,” or “fixed event” packages, as well as single-event tickets. Performances go on sale to the Friends of the Lied on Monday, April 19, and then to the public two weeks later on Monday, May 3. Online ticket sales also begin May 3. Before this date, call or visit the Lied Center ticket office to purchase tickets. The Lied Center ticket office can be reached at (785) 864-2787 or (785) 864-2777/TDD.

Free concert and Family Arts Festival, 6 p.m.; Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, 7 p.m., Aug. 20

—Louisiana natives Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys perform their own brand of sensational contemporary zydeco and tangy, energetic interpretations of Creole classics.
— Broussard, leading member of the influential nouveau zydeco band Zydeco Force is known for his accordion mastery and soulful vocals.
— Together with the Creole Cowboys, the band fuses southern tradition with popular music flair to craft a new style of fast-paced, expressive Creole folk.
— Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys overflow with rich vocals, sultry melodies and an infectious beat.

Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 30. Tickets: $32 adults, $14 students

— 100 Years of Broadway shines the spotlight on some of the finest theatrical moments from the greatest musicals of the century.
— Featuring five of Broadway’s finest stars direct from New York City, these amazing performers light up the stage singing songs from the hit musicals they starred in and other outstanding Broadway shows.
— A jubilant revue of Broadway’s most beloved songs, this dazzling evening includes smash hits from “Phantom of the Opera,” “Cabaret,” “Chicago,” “West Side Story,” “Jersey Boys” and more.

Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 2; Tickets: $28 adults, $14 students and youth

— An extraordinary collaboration of fiercely talented musicians, Punch Brothers entice the ear with a riveting intersection of bluegrass, folk and classical music.
— The acoustic quintet, named for the Mark Twain short story “Punch, Brothers Punch!,” captivates audiences with atypical and inventive interpretations of classical works and progressive bluegrass (newgrass) performances.
— Founded by mandolin player Chris Thile, former member of the Grammy Award-winning bluegrass/folk group Nickel Creek, the Punch Brothers generates a truly unique sound fusing bluegrass instrumentation, expression and spontaneity in the construction of modern classical music.

Adam Gyorgy, 2 p.m., Oct. 3; Tickets: $24 adults, $5 students and youth

— Hungarian pianist Adam Gyorgy performs classical music with a brilliance, insight and perspective well beyond his 28 years.
— He believes the audience — the listener — plays an integral role in bringing the music to life.
— Accepted to the Béla Bartók Conservatory as a prodigy at the age of 12, Gyorgy has since studied with master pianists and won several awards including first prize, grand prize and special prize at the first International Chopin piano Competition in Budapest.
— Gyorgy made his U.S. debut at New York City’s Carnegie Hall to great acclaim and regularly appears at prestigious concert halls around the world.

Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 8; Tickets: $28 adults, $10 students and youth

— Celebrating the diverse cultures and dance traditions of the Philippines, Bayanihan is recognized around the world for its artistry, choreography and originality.
— Named for the ancient Filipino tradition of working together for the common good, this multiple award-winning dance company has revived cultural pride and honor in Filipinos across the globe.
— Through colorful costumes, rich music and movement, Bayanihan performs traditional folk dances inspired by Chinese, Spanish and Islamic influences unique to the Philippines.

Turtle Island Quartet, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9; Tickets: $28 adults, $10 students and youth

— Turtle Island Quartet, the innovative San Francisco ensemble, makes its highly anticipated return to the Lied Center.
— Widely recognized for its genre-defying compositions, the Grammy Award-winning Quartet fuses elements of classical, jazz and rock music to create its own distinct sound.
— Celebrating 25 years of recording and performance, the quartet presents an extraordinary program featuring special guests, illustrious jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut and mandolin virtuoso Mike Marshall.
—Founded by violinist David Balakrishnan, the quartet has composed two commissioned works for the Lied Center, including 2009’s Tree of Life.

Fiddler on the Roof, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 21; Tickets: $46 adults, $23 students and youth

— As one of Broadway’s most enduring pieces of musical theatre, “Fiddler on the Roof” captures the hearts of people all over the world with its universal appeal.
— Winner of nine Tony Awards, “Fiddler on the Roof” follows Tevye and his five exceptional daughters in the Russian village of Anatevka.
— The rousing score features classic songs including “Tradition;” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker;” “If I Were A Rich Man;” and Sunrise, Sunset.
— This heartwarming tale weaves music, dance and laughter into a stirring theatrical experience.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 22; Tickets: $28 adults, $14 students and youth

— Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, “America’s favorite little big band,” is an irresistible multi-platinum swing revival group.
— This nine man ensemble is known for its high-energy performances that will make you want to get up on your feet, dance and party all night.
— Specializing in a hugely successful fusion of classic American jazz, swing, Dixieland and big band music, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has an extensive songbook of covers and original dance tunes.
— Paying homage to the legendary “Hi De Ho” man, the band will perform selections from its 2009 album, “How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway.”

Spring Awakening, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 27; Tickets: $48 adults, $24 students

— “Spring Awakening” is Broadway’s groundbreaking synthesis of morality, sexuality and rock ’n roll.
— Exploding onto the stage in 2006, the production took Broadway by storm winning eight Tonys and a Grammy.
— This exhilarating rock musical adaptation of the infamous 1891 Frank Wedekind play follows three teenagers as they grapple with puberty, self-discovery and arousal in repressive 19th century Germany.
— Featuring an electrifying score by Duncan Sheik and compelling choreography by Bill T. Jones, “Spring Awakening” delves into the journey from youth to adulthood with power, poignancy and passion.

Parental discretion is advised. Mature content, including brief partial nudity, sexual situations and strong language.

Armitage Gone! Dance, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 5; Tickets: $24 adults, $10 students

— Lawrence native Karole Armitage returns to the Lied Center with her contemporary and internationally renowned dance company Armitage Gone! Dance.
— The troupe will perform Three Theories — a new, evening-long dance piece derived from the theoretical physics outlined in Brian Greene’s best-selling book “The Elegant Universe.”
— With choreography inspired and informed by Einstein’s theory of relativity, quantum mechanics and string theory (which resolves the conflict between the very big — humans, planets and galaxies — and the very small — atoms, electrons and quarks), the work also features a multifaceted soundscape and kinetic projected imagery.

Peter Goodchild’s The Real Dr. Strangelove, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 12; Tickets: $32 adults, $10 students

— Based on Peter Goodchild’s docudrama, “The Real Dr. Strangelove: Edward Teller and the Battle for the H-Bomb” is a gripping, historical tale of nuclear origins.
— This captivating story examines the lives and convictions of famous scientists Edward Teller and Robert Oppenheimer as they face impossible disagreements over further development of nuclear weaponry in post-World War II America.
— Presented by L.A. Theatre Works as live radio theatre, “The Real Dr. Strangelove” is performed by a cast of distinguished actors.
— The production creates a one-of-a-kind theatre experience that explores the fractured personal relationship between Teller and Oppenheimer and their sincere arguments on both sides of the bomb.

Interpreti Veneziani, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 13; Tickets $24 adults, $5 students and youth

— Experience the romantic charm of Venice with internationally renowned chamber music ensemble Interpreti Veneziani.
— Based in Italy’s most passionate city, the ensemble is known for its exquisite musicianship and vast repertoire of classical works.
— With frequent appearances at San Vidal Church, the same venue where master composer Vivaldi regularly played, Interpreti Veneziani performs on historical instruments to showcase its solo and ensemble virtuosity.
— Program (subject to change) includes Francesco Geminiani, Antonio Vivaldi and Handel Halvorsen.

Legally Blonde The Musical, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 7; Tickets: $48 adults, $24 students
— ”Legally Blonde The Musical” is a giddy adaptation of the popular film, bursting with fun and charisma.
—When sorority girl Elle Woods is dumped by her boyfriend for someone more serious, she puts down the credit card, picks up the books and enrolls in Harvard Law School.
— With the help of her chihuahua sidekick Bruiser, a Greek chorus of sorority sisters and a teaching assistant named Emmett, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.
— Nominated for seven Tonys, “Legally Blonde” is a hilarious romp with memorable music and unforgettable dance.

Jim Brickman’s 15th Anniversary Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 11; Tickets: $40 adults, $20 students and youth

— Considered a solo piano phenomenon, Jim Brickman is known for his enchanting melodies, pop-style instrumentals and tender, touching enthusiasm.
— With a reputation for lush, expressive music, Brickman plays velvety piano originals with his signature sincerity and warmth.
— He began playing the piano at the age of 5, studied at the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music and is now a Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling recording artist.
— Performing an evening of magical festive favorites, Brickman’s 15th Anniversary Holiday Concert will take audiences on an emotive journey and offer an inspiring, uplifting experience.

Black Violin, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 8; Tickets: $24 adults, $10 students and youth

— Not your ordinary classical violin performance, Black Violin — two classically trained violin and viola instrumentalists — stages an evening of contemporary classical, jazz, funk and hip hop music.
— With influences ranging from Shostakovich and Bach to Nas and Jay-Z, this ensemble breaks all the rules, remixing classical works with current popular music.
— Winners of the 2005 Apollo Legends title, the group creates a soulful, concert like atmosphere with the addition of a DJ.
— With Kev Marcus on violin, Wil B on viola and DJ TK, Black Violin produces the ultimate synergy between classical and hip-hop.

Alexander String Quartet, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 15; Tickets: $24 adults, $5 students and youth

— For more than 25 years, the Alexander String Quartet has been recognized for its profound interpretations of influential and master composers, Beethoven, Mozart and Shostakovich.
— The Quartet has also established itself as an advocate of new music with more than 25 commissions and numerous premiere performances.
— Praised for strong lyricism and virtuosity, this San Francisco-based ensemble is lauded for its balance and precision.
— Truly entertaining, the Alexander String Quartet’s performances feature versatility and musicianship at its best.
— Program (subject to change) includes Beethoven’s early, middle and late works.

William Inge’s Bus Stop, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 19; Tickets: $28 adults, $10 students
— In this warm and affecting hit comedic drama, iconic playwright William Inge examines some of the many faces of love.
— Written in 1955 by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and KU graduate, “Bus Stop” is about a group of strangers traveling by bus.
— Stranded in a rural Kansas diner during a freak snowstorm, the compelling narrative observes eight characters as they experience frustration, tears and laughter, examine their own motivations and forge unlikely romantic connections in a single night.
— Immortalized in the 1956 film featuring Marilyn Monroe, “Bus Stop” is an enduring work written by an American master and Kansas native.

The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 24; Tickets: $28 adults, $10 students and youth

— Husband-and-wife duo Kevin and Cindy Spencer have redefined the art of grand illusion, captivating audiences with spectacular acts of levitation, escape and fantasy.
— Joining the ranks of Doug Henning, David Copperfield, Penn and Teller and Criss Angel, the Spencers were recently named International Magicians of the Year by their peers.
— The duo presents a big, high-tech stage show that combines drama, comedy, romance and suspense with elaborate stage illusions, amazing special effects and over-the-top sets.
— You won’t believe your eyes — the Spencers bring awe and surprise to the stage.

Kansas City Symphony, 7:30 p.m., March 6; Tickets: $40 adults, $10 students and youth

— Conducted by Music Director Michael Stern and joined by special guest, talented American piano soloist Jonathan Biss, the symphony will present a diverse and well-balanced program featuring Richard Wagner’s dramatic “Overture to Rienzi,” Johannes Brahms’ powerful “Piano Concerto No. 1” and the Kansas premiere of American Symphony — a new commissioned work for the symphony by accomplished young composer Adam Schoenberg.

An Evening with Garrison Keillor, 7:30 p.m., March 9; Tickets: $42 adults, $21 students

— Known as the host of public radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” Garrison Keillor is a syndicated columnist and best-selling author of more than a dozen books including “Lake Wobegon,” “Love Me” and “Homegrown Democrat.”
— Genuine, charming and charismatic, Keillor’s distinctive, inviting voice is heard each week by more than 4 million listeners on 590 public radio stations.
— At the Lied Center, Keillor will share entertaining anecdotes about his experience growing up in the Midwest.

Carnival of the Animals & Peter and the Wolf, 2:30 p.m., March 13; Tickets: $24 adults, $10 students and youth

— ”Carnival of the Animals” and “Peter and the Wolf” — two classical music masterpieces — are reinvented for young audiences by Frederic Chiu’s brilliant piano transcription and David Gonzalez’ original, funky poetry.
— Chiu and Gonzalez present a marvelous musical menagerie in their sensational, lyrical performance. Written by French romantic composer Camille Saint-Saëns in 1886, “Carnival of the Animals” is a musical suite introducing residents of the animal kingdom to classical music enthusiasts, both old and new.
— ”Peter and the Wolf,” written by Russian composer and pianist Sergei Prokofiev in 1936, is a symphony fairy tale for children to cultivate their musical taste.

Alpin Hong, 7:30 p.m., April 8; Tickets: $24 adults, $5 students and youth

— Exciting young pianist Alpin Hong is a gifted recital and orchestral musician who enchants audiences with skillful technique and passionate performances.
— Hong has developed a reputation for eclectic concerts, diverse programs and an interpretive, improvisational style.
— With an orchestral debut at the age of 10 and an advanced degree from the Juilliard School, Hong has a distinctive ability to combine technical prowess with a deep, emotional understanding of the works he performs.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Del McCoury Band, 7:30 p.m., April 14; Tickets: $30 adults, $15 students and youth

— The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Del McCoury Band, two legendary groups of musicians from two distinctly American musical lineages, come together in concert.
— The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is a New Orleans jazz music national treasure, featuring some of the city’s finest and most exciting musicians.
— The Del McCoury Band, the most honored group in bluegrass history, performs original and traditional American roots music compositions with eloquent musicianship.
— Together, the two groups create a seamless blend of soul-lifting traditional harmonies as hot and lively New Orleans jazz meets the high and lonesome sound of the Appalachians.

Media advisory: News releases, images and related information about Lied Series events will be available online about six weeks before each event during the 2010-11 season. To access these materials online, visit lied.ku.edu/press.