With a season full of stand-out shows, it can be hard to decide which ones you just can’t miss. That’s why we’ve asked some of Walton Arts Center’s staff (the people in the know) to recommend some of the performances they are most excited about this new season. This is part two - shows that we recommend for a memorable night out! To see part one, click here!
Amazing Music
When I was President of the Mann Center, the summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, two members of Time for Three stepped in to save a sold-out performance after we lost power due to a nearby lightning strike. The sold-out audience of 8,000 came to hear the magnificent Philadelphia Orchestra perform Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, and with only a backup generator running, our options were limited to one microphone and a few speakers. Fortunately, Raanan Meyer on bass and Zack DePue on violin offered up their services, and dazzled the audience with their virtuosic take on old tunes, bluegrass classics and classical gems.
Their performance lasted nearly 45-minutes while the singers, orchestra members and choir members waited patiently for the full power to be restored – which never happened. Although we never heard Beethoven that evening, we realized we had witnessed a special, albeit unexpected evening of joyous music making that left us thrilled and wanting more.
I always wonder how good the show would have been with full power and the third member of their trio!
Peter B. Lane, President and CEO
Date Night Pick
STAR DUST: From Bach to Bowie had me hooked just from the name! If you are not familiar with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, they are a phenomenal ballet company formed by two Alvin Ailey alumni with a singular approach to reinventing dance and contemporary ballet. From Bach to Bowie is a two-shows-in-one tribute to artists who managed to create their own musical hemispheres. Bach 25, set to the music of Johann Sebastian and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, is an exploration of love and alliances, perfectly merging contemporary dance with ballet technique. Then, after intermission, Star Dust features Bowie’s most iconic hits in a spectacular dance extravaganza with glam-rock inspired costumes. Hello, date night? Two tickets, please!
Rachel Burkevich, Programming Specialist
Girls Night Out - Culture Night Out
For my second pick (Rachel couldn’t just pick one!), I have to recommend this incredible, multi-disciplined, multi-cultural group, LADAMA. This a Latin alternative band consists of four musician/activists who originate from Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and the U.S. Their music fuses sounds from South America and the Caribbean with soul, R&B and pop. I’m calling this one a “don’t miss” not only because their sound is gorgeously innovative, but also because their mission is to empower women and girls through voice, percussion and movement. Perfect for a girls night out! Plus, LADAMA is part of our 10X10 Arts Series, meaning tickets are only $10, so you’ll have plenty of money to get some drinks at concessions! Cheap tickets, Latin music AND female empowerment? Yes, please! (Speaking of Latin music and female empowerment – also be sure to check out Aida Cuevas on Oct. 20.)
Can’t-Miss Comedy
Last, but absolutely not least (still Rachel!), I am picking Tig Notaro for a perfect night of comedy. Tig is known mostly for her deadpan comedy and hilarious stories about her wife, twin sons and cat named Fluff. She is a favorite on numerous talk shows and has been nominated for a WGA, a Critic’s Choice Award, two GLAAD Awards and two Grammy Awards. Her memoir, I’m Just a Person, is a New York Times Bestseller. This show is during 2023 NWA Pride and is sure to be popular, so get your tickets now before they are sold out!
Rachel Burkevich, Programming Specialist