Songbook Hall of Fame names 2013 honorees

Inductees include Sinatra, Minnelli, Moreno and Webb
Celebration expands to include Friday, Saturday
Silent and live auction added to festivities

The Center for the Performing Arts and the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative announce an expanded weekend lineup for the annual fundraising gala. The 2013 Encore Celebration Gala Weekend presented by Krieg DeVault is now two nights – Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29. The Friday evening event, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis, includes a cocktail reception, dinner, auction and dancing, with the Saturday evening Songbook Hall of Fame performance and induction ceremony at the Palladium in Carmel. The live and silent auction also is a new addition to the annual event.

The Saturday evening of the gala weekend will feature Michael Feinstein as he inducts a new round of honorees as part of the Songbook Hall of Fame. The star-studded ceremony will honor the musical contributions of Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Rita Moreno and Jimmy Webb. Conceived as an enduring testament to the Great American Songbook’s artistic contributors, the Hall of Fame honors lyricists, composers and performers responsible for creating America’s soundtrack. Saturday evening will include a pre-show cocktail reception and post-show after party.

Feinstein, the Initiative’s founder and noted American Songbook ambassador, said the 2013 celebration builds on the Initiative’s goals. “We intentionally created the Hall of Fame to honor our country’s songwriters and artists,” said Feinstein, who also serves as the Center for the Performing Arts artistic director. “Sharing their music and recognizing their contributions ensures that our heritage endures for generations to come.”

The 2013 awards include:

Legend: Awarded posthumously to an artist who made a significant contribution to the Golden Age of American popular music, typically defined as the period from the early years of the 20th century through the 1960s. Inductees: Frank Sinatra, 2013; Cole Porter, 2012.

Songbook: Awarded to living songwriters, both lyricists and composers, who have made a significant impact on American pop culture by creating the most beloved songs from the American popular songbook. Inductees: Jimmy Webb, 2013; Alan and Marilyn Bergman, 2012.

New Standard Awarded to the artist, songwriter and/or performer, who continues to create the soundtrack of our lives by writing and/or performing music that will stand the test of time and become the pop standards of tomorrow. Inductee: Liza Minnelli, 2013; Rita Moreno, 2013; Barry Manilow, 2012.

The gala weekend and Songbook Hall of Fame ceremony is presented by Krieg DeVault, First Merchants Bank and Katz, Sapper & Miller LLP, with support from Tom Wood Jaguar and Tom Wood Land Rover. The silent and live auction on Friday, June 28 will allow guests to bid on vacation packages, exotic trips, unique experiences and one-of-a-kind memorabilia from artists seen at the Palladium. All proceeds will benefit the Center for the Performing Arts. Preview auction items and online bidding starts in mid-June at the Center’s website.

For details on table reservations or individual tickets, call Laura Varnau at 317-819-3521. Patron table for 10 is $5,000. Celebrity Circle tables are $7,500. Single tickets are $500 and are on sale now. Information is available online by clicking here. Tickets are sold as a package and include admission to all events on both evenings.

Jump to Single Ticket-Only Shows:

Pop & Rock | Spotlight | Family | Holidays

PRINTING PARTNERS CLASSICAL SERIES

 

Lang Lang

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Thursday, September 19, 2013 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Deborah Voigt

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Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Sir James Galway with the Irish Chamber Orchestra

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Pinchas Zukerman with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

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Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Jean-Yves Thibaudet with Bahia Orchestra Project

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Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Haifa Symphony Orchestra of Israel

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Midori

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Sunday, April 13, 2014 at 7pm | at the Palladium

THE STRATFORD SONGBOOK SERIES

 

The Great American Songbook High School Vocal Competition

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Friday, July 26, 2013 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Neil Berg's "100 Years of Broadway"

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Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 7pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Patti LuPone

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Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 7pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Michael Feinstein's "The Gershwins & Me"

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Sunday, February 16, 2014 at 7pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Linda Eder

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Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Mandy Patinkin: Dress Casual

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Friday, April 11, 2014 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

CNO FINANCIAL GROUP COUNTRY SERIES

 

Craig Morgan

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Friday, September 20, 2013 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Merle Haggard

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Thursay, October 31, 2013 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Gretchen Wilson

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Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium

 

Trace Adkins Christmas

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Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 7pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Kenny Rogers

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Friday, January 31, 2014 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Lee Greenwood

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Friday, February 21, 2014 at 8pm | at the Palladium

TAFT LAW JAZZ & BLUES SERIES

 

Buddy Guy

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Friday, September 27 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Tito Puente, Jr. stars with the Pacific Mambo Orchestra

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Tuesday, October 29 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Jonathan Batiste

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Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 7:30pm | at the Tarkington
 

 

Madeleine Peyroux

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Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 8 pm | at the Palladium
 

 

The Pat Metheny Unity Band

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Friday, March 14, 2014 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

DANCE SERIES

 

Hungarian State Folk Dance Ensemble

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Saturday, October 26 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Rioult Modern Dance Company featuring the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra

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Friday, November 15, 2013 at 8pm | at the Tarkington
Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 8pm | at the Tarkington

 

"Swan Lake" - Moscow Festival Ballet

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Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 7:30pm | at the Tarkington
Friday, January 17, 2014 at 8pm | at the Tarkington
Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 8pm | at the Tarkington
 

 

Koresh Dance Company

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Friday, March 14, 2014 at 8pm | at the Tarkington
Saturday, March 15. 2014 at 8pm | at the Tarkington 

COCA-COLA WORLD STAGE SERIES

 

Fernando Otero

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Sunday, September 29, 2013 at 7pm | at the Tarkington
 

 

Mariza

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Hungarian State Folk Dance Ensemble

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Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

 

The Chieftains

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Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Tao: The Martial Art of Drumming

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Wednesday, March 19, 2014 7:30pm | at the Palladium

 

SINGLE TICKET-ONLY SHOWS

 

Kansas

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Friday, August 9, 2013 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Aaron Neville & Dianne Reeves

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Tuesday, October 1 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Gloria Gaynor

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Friday, October 18 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

 

ABBA - The Concert

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Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 7pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Jonny Lang

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Sunday, November 10, 2013 at 7pm | at the Palladium
 

 

The Temptations & The Four Tops

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Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Arlo Guthrie

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Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby with Kentucky Thunder

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Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Celtic Thunder

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Friday, October 11, 2013 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Coach Bob Knight

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Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 7:30pm | at the Palladium
 

 

The 5 Browns

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Friday, May 16, 2014 at 8pm | at the Palladium

 

"Sleeping Beauty" - David Gonzalez, Storyteller

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Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 7pm | at the Tarkington
 

 

An Evening with Groucho

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Friday, February 21, 2014 at 7pm | at the Studio Theater
Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 3pm | at the Studio Theater
 

 

Blue! The Mediterranean Sea - Teatro di Piazza d'occasione

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Wednesday, February 26 - Sunday, March 2, 2014 | at the Studio Theater
 

 

Frogz - Imago Theatre

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Friday, March 7, 2014 at 7pm | at the Tarkington
Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 3pm | at the Tarkington
 

 

Cashore Marionettes

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Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 7pm | at the Tarkington
Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 3pm | at the Tarkington

 

Jim Brickman

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Friday, November 29, 2013 at 8pm | at the Palladium
 

 

Dave Koz

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Friday, December 13, 2013 at 8pm | at the Palladium

Center offers summer literary conference

‘Across the Arts’ event is July 20 at the Palladium

WriteStuff Writers Conferences and the Center for the Performing Arts are presenting a July 20 literary event. “Across the Arts: A Gleeful Literary Celebration” showcases Indiana's finest filmmakers, best-selling New York Times authors, award-winning journalists, columnists, magazine writers, editors, publishers and musicians. The guests will be featured in a Writer’s Studio on the Palladium concert hall stage. The day-long event runs from Noon to 6 p.m., with an after-party and movie screening following the conference.

“We are looking forward to creating something exciting and new for the literary arts,” said J. Andy Murphy, founder of WriteStuff Writers Conferences. “Our goal is to bring together the literary and performing arts all under one roof.”

The Center’s President/CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko added: “We continuously look for new partnerships to expand the Center’s artistic endeavors. Bringing authors and writers to the Palladium stage is an opportunity to explore and discuss the arts in a different way.”

General admission is $60 and includes access to the after-party and movie presentation by Heartland Film Festival. General admission for seniors is $40 and students are $18 (with school ID). Tickets are on sale Monday, April 29 at the Palladium box office, by phone at (317) 843-3800 or online.

The literary panels are formatted as a Writer’s Studio, allowing ample time to get up-close-and-personal as guests share private reflections during audience Q&A. Individual panel themes include authors, journalists, filmmakers, publishing executives and social media contributors. A signing table is scheduled throughout the day. Meet award-winning filmmakers including Angelo Pizzo, Academy-Award winner for “Hoosiers,” and Michael Husain, 13 time documentary award-winning film director, writer and producer. Dog Ear Publishing will host a 30-minute educational presentation in the Robert Adam Room immediately after the close of stage presentations.

For a complete listing of authors and guests, click here or visit www.WriteStuffWriters.com.

A few of the authors include:

Michael Shelden – Author of four literary biographies, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist, Orwell: The Authorized Biography, which was also a New York Times Notable Book. For 15 years, he was a features writer for the London Daily Telegraph, and for 10 years he served as a fiction critic for the Baltimore Sun. His latest biography is a groundbreaking account of the early life of Winston Churchill, Young Titan: The Making of Winston Churchill (Simon & Schuster). Shelden lives in Terre Haute, Ind.

Edward Kelsey-Moore – His short fiction has been published in literary magazines Indiana Review, African American Review and Inkwell. His new novel, The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat! (Knopf) and is a Barnes & Noble Best Book Picks. His short story “Grandma and the Elusive Fifth Crucifix” was selected as an audience favorite on National Public Radio’s “Stories on Stage” series. He is also a noted cellist who has performed with the Chicago Philharmonic and the Joffrey Ballet Orchestra, and is principal cellist of the New Black Music Repertory Ensemble.

Rebecca Dotlich – Poet and children’s picture book author is published by Simon and Schuster/Knopf/Harper Collins and Henry Holt. Her works include Bella & Bean (Atheneum) and What is Science? (Henry Holt), a finalist for an AAAS BSF Award for juvenile nonfiction.

Matthew Tully – Author of Searching for Hope (Indiana University Press) and popular columnist at The Indianapolis Star.

A portion of ticket sales go to field trip programs for students in grades K-4 with the opportunity to explore all three of the Center for the Performing Arts venues. The students not only perform on the Palladium stage, but they discover the magic of lighting and sound and the imaginative uses of props. Educators and parents experience the field trip alongside the students.

The WriteStuff Writers Conferences and Events was created by J. Andy Murphy in 1998 and has hosted national presentations across the country joining local, regional and national best-selling authors, Academy Award-winning screenwriters, Emmy Award-winning directors/producers and Pulitzer Prize-winning poets in the on-stage "Writer’s Studio." Murphy, with her WriteStuff Writers partner Marcia Ellett, also provides creative writing and publishing courses.

Governor Mike Pence and the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced today the selection of Carmel and the Center for the Performing Arts as hosts of the 2013 Governor’s Arts Awards.

“It will be my honor and privilege to carry on the tradition of sharing Indiana’s highest honor in the arts with communities around our great state,” Gov. Pence said. “We look forward to working with the people of Carmel, the Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Center for the Performing Arts, and I am confident they will help make this a successful event.”

The 2013 Governor’s Arts Awards program will mark the fourth time the event has been hosted outside the city of Indianapolis. In 2007, the program was held in Bloomington, the 2009 awards presentation took place in Muncie, and South Bend hosted the 2011 event.

“The Center for the Performing Arts is delighted to be hosting the 2013 Governor’s Arts Awards,” said Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, President/CEO of the Center. “The Palladium stage is the perfect place for Indiana’s best and brightest, having become a landmark of excellence through the presentation of artists from all over the world.”

The proposal submitted by the Center for the Performing Arts with support from the Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau was chosen by the IAC’s Executive Committee during a March 13th meeting with a recommendation made to, and approved by the full 15-member Commission during its March 22nd meeting in Terre Haute.

“The tremendous growth in performing and visual arts offerings in Hamilton County in the past five years makes Carmel a perfect destination for this traveling event. We’ll roll out the hospitality carpet and celebrate Indiana’s rich arts heritage,” said Brenda Myers, Executive Director of the Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The 2013 Governor’s Arts Awards program will be presented this fall, and is jointly promoted by the Indiana Arts Commission and the Office of Governor Mike Pence.

“We are eager to be working with Carmel, the Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and The Center for the Performing Arts in presenting the State of Indiana’s highest honor in the arts,” said IAC Executive Director Lewis C. Ricci. “The committee members and Commission were impressed by the level of organization and network of volunteer commitment reflected in the proposal.”

Originally conceived in 1973, the biennial awards program honors individuals, organizations, partnerships, businesses, and communities that have made significant contributions to the arts in and beyond the confines of Indiana. The awards recognize excellence in artistic achievement, philanthropy, arts education, and leadership in the arts, and at the same time build statewide awareness of the important role the arts play in Indiana.

In 2011, Governor Mitch Daniels presented awards to renowned opera singer and educator Sylvia McNair, Bloomington; concert pianist and educator Alexander Toradze, South Bend; concert harpist and educator Susann McDonald, Bloomington; actor and educator Mark Fauser, Marion; volunteer and arts patron June Edwards; and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

The Indiana Arts Commission is committed to the vision of the arts everywhere, every day, for everyone in the state of Indiana.

For more information regarding the Governor's Arts Awards, please visit the Indiana Arts Commision website here.

On Sale Now!

New shows added to Palladium lineup
Concerts include Lyle Lovett and Kris Kristofferson

The Center for the Performing Arts today announced two new performances for its 2012-13 season. The single ticket events include an acoustic concert by Lyle Lovett (May 1) and a performance by singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson (May 17).

Tickets for both performances at the Palladium go on sale Monday, March 25 starting at 7 a.m. online at www.TheCenterPresents.org. At 10 a.m., tickets are available at the Palladium box office and by phone at 317-843-3800.

The Center’s season additions include:

Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group

Date: Wednesday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Venue: The Palladium

To many, Lovett is the modern embodiment of Texas music. Lovett is a four-time Grammy winner and has led a remarkable career which now includes 14 albums and over four million records sold. Since his self-titled debut in 1986, Lovett has created an incredible body of acclaimed work, as evidenced by such well-known songs as “If I Had a Boat,” “Nobody Knows Me,” “South Texas Girl,” “She’s No Lady,” “Baby Don’t Tolerate,” “In My Own Mind,” “That’s Right (You’re Not From Texas),” “Here I Am.” Click here to learn more or buy tickets.

Kris Kristofferson

Date: Friday, May 17 at 8 p.m.
Venue: The Palladium

Kristofferson is a towering figure in American music, a poet who captured the spirit of a generation. Few American songwriters have such a long list of famous compositions, with “Me and Bobby McGee,” “For the Good Times,” “Sunday Morning Comin' Down,” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” Touring with a critically-acclaimed new album of original material, this is an acoustic show, the perfect medium for this most meditative and honest of American songwriters. Click here to learn more or buy tickets.

Center offers spring classes for adults, teens

Learn to sing opera or play the ukulele

The Center for the Performing Arts is now offering classes. Inspired by upcoming concerts by opera star Kathleen Battle (April 27) and ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro (June 4), the three-week courses are open to adults and teens.

“The team here at the Center for the Performing Arts is never content with the status quo,” said President/CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko. “That’s why we continuously unveil new opportunities, like the vocal and ukulele lessons. Here’s your opportunity to discover a new artistic talent.”

Starting April 2, the Center offers “Opera 101,” co-sponsored by Intimate Opera. The 3-week course will focus on operatic vocal techniques and building confidence. This is the perfect opportunity for beginners interested in developing their voice. Tuition is $75 and includes one ticket to the Palladium concert “An Evening with Kathleen Battle” on April 27. Dates and time: April 2, April 16, April 23; each class meets 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Palladium concert hall. Class limited to 25.

In May, the Center launches “Ukulele 101,” co-sponsored by Nickel Plate Arts. The 3-week course – perfect for beginners – is led by ukulele master Geoff Davis. He will prepare students for a pre-concert performance in the Robert Adam Room of the Palladium on the night of the Jake Shimabukuro concert on June 4. Tuition is $25 and includes a demo ukulele for use during class time. Dates and time: May 7, May 14, May 28; each class meets 7 to 8 p.m. in the Palladium concert hall. Class limited to 25.

For information and class registration, click on the links below:

"Opera 101" | "Ukulele 101"

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

MICHAEL MCDONALD
SUNDAY, APRIL 21 AT 7PM | THE PALLADIUM

“I’m very much looking forward to seeing Michael McDonald, because I know exactly what we’re going to get: his classic, unmistakable blue-eyed soulful vocals that are baritone rooted, but with an otherworldly upper register, and his ability to make the keys seemingly tap-dance for him and for the audience. I anticipate an incredible evening.” — Steve Greenberg, Executive Vice President, Current Publishing, LLC

KATHLEEN BATTLE
SATURDAY, APRIL 27 AT 8PM | THE PALLADIUM

“I have never had the pleasure of experiencing trailblazing artist Kathleen Battle in a live performance so I look forward to attending her Palladium concert. I am eager to hear not only music from her classical repertoire but also the jazz and crossover works that she performs as well.”
– Tom Alvarez, Writer, TheExaminer.com

GORDON LIGHTFOOT
THURSDAY, MAY 2 AT 7:30PM | THE PALLADIUM

“Gordon Lightfoot is a national treasure of Canada and one that has enriched audiences throughout the world. Whether you grew up in Indiana or Montana, he is likely one of the guitar-playing singer song writers who has contributed richly to the sound track of your life.”
– James Nottage, Vice President & Chief Curatorial officer, Eiteljorg Museum

ERTH’S DINOSAUR PETTING ZOO
JUNE 13–16 | THE PALLADIUM’S EAST PATIO

“From adorable baby dinos to monstrous giants, this is going to be a petting zoo like no other! And this is the first time for the Center to offer programming outdoors. These dinosaurs are going to come to life just feet from the Monon. Everyone in the audience will have the opportunity to feed, water and care for these dinosaurs.” – John Hughey, Director of External Relations, Center for the Performing Arts

Saturday, March 9 at 8pm
& Sunday, March 10 at 3PM at the Tarkington

Experience dance at its most organic and inventive...
MOMIX at the Tarkington is just a few days away!

To learn more about this stunning performance and buy tickets, click here.

The Center for the Performing Arts today announced a performance by folk music legend Gordon Lightfoot. Tickets for the May 2 concert at the Palladium go on sale Monday, March 4 starting at 7 a.m. online at www.TheCenterPresents.org At 10 a.m., tickets are available at the Palladium box office and by phone at 317-843-3800. Tickets are $20-$110.

The 2012-13 Season presented by St.Vincent Health includes performances representing Classics, Great American Songbook, Jazz & Blues, Country & Bluegrass, and Dance. Additional special performances, including Pop, Spotlight, Family and Holiday are also featured in the 2012-13 season.

Folk legend Lightfoot presents his prolific catalogue of hits including “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and “Sundown.” The Canadian singer-songwriter achieved international success in folk, folk-rock and country music. He has been credited for helping define the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and 1970s.

To learn more about the performance, click here.

In early February, the Center added three performances including classic rock vocalist Michael McDonald (April 21), ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro (June 4) and the interactive family show Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo (June 13-16). 

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Michael Feinstein, two-time Emmy® and five-time Grammy® Award-nominated entertainer dubbed “The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook,” will take the stage on Oscar Sunday, February 24, at the Academy's official post-Oscar ® celebration, the Governors Ball.

Feinstein is considered one of the premier interpreters of American standards. His 200-plus shows a year have included performances at Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House and the Hollywood Bowl as well as the White House and Buckingham Palace.

Feinstein has received national recognition for his commitment to celebrating America’s popular song and preserving its legacy for the next generation. In 2007, he founded the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative, dedicated to celebrating the art form and preserving it through educational programs, Master Classes, and the annual High School Vocal Academy and Competition, which awards scholarships and prizes to students across the country. Through his live performances, recordings, film and television appearances, and his songwriting (in collaboration with Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Lindy Robbins and Carole Bayer Sager), Feinstein is an all-star force in American music.

Feinstein will perform for the Ball’s 1,500 guests, which will include Oscar winners and nominees, show presenters and performers, and other luminaries. The Ball will be held in The Ray Dolby Ballroom on the top level of the Hollywood & Highland Center®.

Oscars for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Oscar® Sunday, February 24, at the Dolby Theatre™ at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and will be hosted by Seth MacFarlane. The Oscar presentation will be televised live on the ABC Television Network and in more than 225 countries worldwide. For more information go to Oscar.com or download the official Oscars app.

Follow Michael Feinstein's Oscar activities as he posts photos and updates through the night:

• Facebook
• Twitter

7am online & 10am at the Box Office at 317.843.3800

The single ticket events represent multiple genres, from classic rock vocalist Michael McDonald (April 21) to ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro (June 4) to the family-oriented Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo (June 13-16).

Michael McDonald
Date: Sunday, April 21 at 7:30 pm
Venue: The Palladium

Vocalist Michael McDonald’s unique “velvety tenderness” helped propel both The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan to incredible success. McDonald first gained wide attention when he joined the group Steely Dan singing backup and playing keyboards onstage. One year after the release of Steely Dan’s “Katy Lied,” McDonald was asked to join the Doobie Brothers. In the years that followed, McDonald and the Doobie Brothers enjoyed tremendous success with hits including “What A Fool Believes,” “Minute by Minute” and “Yah Mo B There.” McDonald’s writing and lead singing abilities propelled the hits “Taking It To The Streets,” and the Grammy Award winning song of the year “What A Fool Believes.” In 2008 he released his “Soul Speak” album which features his interpretations of 11 soul inspired songs like “Walk On By” and “Living For the City,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Heard It Through The Grapevine.”

To learn more about this performance or to buy tickets, click here.

Jake Shimabukuro
Date: Tuesday, June 4 at 7:30 pm
Venue: The Palladium

Jake Shimabukuro (she-ma-BOO-koo-row), the wide-ranging virtuoso of the four-string, two-octave ukulele, will sweep onto the Palladium stage in a stop on his Grand Ukulele Tour. Shimabukuro redefined the ukulele and exploded onto the pop stage in a little over a decade. Early recordings made him a household name in Hawaii, but then the YouTube phenomenon happened – a video of Shimabukuro playing George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” in Central Park went viral, with 8 million views and counting. Since then he has performed with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Bette Midler (before the Queen of England), Yo-Yo Ma, Cyndi Lauper, Ziggy Marley, Levon Helm, Les Paul and Jimmy Buffett, all the while fine-tuning his mastery on what some thought was a limited instrument. He’s played on The Late Show with Conan O’Brien, The Today Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live! and was a featured artist on NPR’s Weekend Edition. His latest album, Grand Ukulele, includes original songs such as “Island Fever Blues,” a traditional Hawaiian song titled “Akaka Falls” and a unique track called “Missing Three,” performed with only three strings – created on a day when Jake was missing the third string on his instrument. Legendary producer/engineer Alan Parsons (Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, The Beatles’ Abbey Road) collaborates on the album.

To learn more about this performance or to buy tickets, click here.

Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo
Dates: June 13-16 (multiple showtimes)
Venue: The Palladium’s east courtyard

Families will have the opportunity to feed, water and play with a variety of creatures straight from the prehistoric era. The Dinosaur Petting Zoo is a unique, visually stunning experience that allows children and adults to travel back in time. The artists behind these stunning creatures are Australian-based Erth - Visual & Physical Inc. Founded in 1990 in Ballarat Victoria, Erth has consistently been creating art for the public domain since its inception and is recognized today as an innovator of physical and visual theatre worldwide. Erth’s goal is to provide audiences with eye popping visual experiences by combining a truly fantastic aesthetic with performance, using large-scale puppets, stilts, inflatable environments and aerial techniques to create its productions. Erth tours the globe extensively. Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo is made possible in part by a grant from the Jean Yorke Memorial Fund, a fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation.

To learn more about this performance or to buy tickets, click here.

Michael McDonald

To learn more about this performance, click here.

Jake Shimabukuro
Date: Tuesday, June 4 at 7:30 pm
Venue: The Palladium

Jake Shimabukuro (she-ma-BOO-koo-row), the wide-ranging virtuoso of the four-string, two-octave ukulele, will sweep onto the Palladium stage in a stop on his Grand Ukulele Tour. Shimabukuro redefined the ukulele and exploded onto the pop stage in a little over a decade. Early recordings made him a household name in Hawaii, but then the YouTube phenomenon happened – a video of Shimabukuro playing George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” in Central Park went viral, with 8 million views and counting. Since then he has performed with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Bette Midler (before the Queen of England), Yo-Yo Ma, Cyndi Lauper, Ziggy Marley, Levon Helm, Les Paul and Jimmy Buffett, all the while fine-tuning his mastery on what some thought was a limited instrument. He’s played on The Late Show with Conan O’Brien, The Today Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live! and was a featured artist on NPR’s Weekend Edition. His latest album, Grand Ukulele, includes original songs such as “Island Fever Blues,” a traditional Hawaiian song titled “Akaka Falls” and a unique track called “Missing Three,” performed with only three strings – created on a day when Jake was missing the third string on his instrument. Legendary producer/engineer Alan Parsons (Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, The Beatles’ Abbey Road) collaborates on the album.

To learn more about this performance, click here.

Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo
Dates: June 13-16 (multiple showtimes)
Venue: The Palladium’s east courtyard

Families will have the opportunity to feed, water and play with a variety of creatures straight from the prehistoric era. The Dinosaur Petting Zoo is a unique, visually stunning experience that allows children and adults to travel back in time. The artists behind these stunning creatures are Australian-based Erth - Visual & Physical Inc. Founded in 1990 in Ballarat Victoria, Erth has consistently been creating art for the public domain since its inception and is recognized today as an innovator of physical and visual theatre worldwide. Erth’s goal is to provide audiences with eye popping visual experiences by combining a truly fantastic aesthetic with performance, using large-scale puppets, stilts, inflatable environments and aerial techniques to create its productions. Erth tours the globe extensively. Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo is made possible in part by a grant from the Jean Yorke Memorial Fund, a fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation.

To learn more about this performance, click here.

What do you do at the Center?

As Artist Concierge, I handle all the logistics for the artists: hotels, transportation, dressing rooms, meet & greets and signings, etc. And Lisa, our Production Assistant, takes care of the great catering we provide.
It's my job to make them feel welcome and comfortable. And I think that they do!

What has been your favorite show at the Center and why?

Hmmm...that's a tough one. Fab Faux was amazing and that was a show that I actually saw from the audience. They just gave it all; so entertaining to watch and the music of The Beatles was absolutely note for note true to the originals. Most of the time, I'm backstage taking care of things for the performers and I just hear the show through the speakers while I'm working. I thought that Melissa Etheridge gave a terrific performance, as did Debbie Boone, Vince Gill...so many!

I have favorite performers for sure: loved Michael McDonald, Martin Short. Lucie Arnaz was a fantastic person - warm and funny. As was Sheryl Crow, Amy Grant... And of course, I love me some Michael Feinstein! I get to know them in a personal way as we work together for the day or two that they're here. It's really a very special treat to be able to work with so many stars!

What is a random fact about you, or is there anything specific you’d like to share?

My husband Rick and I have a company just a few blocks from here called Kingston's Band Rehearsal Space where bands of all sizes and genres rehearse. We also produce a house concert series called "Live from Kingston's Living Room" where we offer shows in an intimate club setting for small audiences of 20 to 40 people. We love to mentor young musicians and help them work on their stage presence and performing skills.

People might also be interested to know that I am a professional voiceover artist, actress and singer with over 40 years of performing experience. Which helps me take care of our visiting artists, because I can anticipate what they might need before they even ask for it.

To learn more about the Center for the Performing Arts and get the behind-the-scenes scoop, make sure to "like" our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter!

• Join us for a pre-concert chat before the Black Watch & Scots Guards performance on Wed., Feb. 13
• Learn about "The People's Diva," Renée Fleming and her rare Central Indiana performance at the Palladium on Sun., Feb. 24
• Network with Central Indiana business professionals at the upcoming Business After Hours on Thurs., Feb. 21
• and more!

Click here to read more.

Classics In Context

Arrive early on Tuesday for the Center's "Classics In Context" program held in the Robert Adam Room at 7pm. Join moderator Geoff Lapin for a pre-concert chat with Nick Kendall, member of East Coast Chamber and the ISO's resident ensemble Time For Three.

Co-presented with the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis.

The Program:
Pärt Fratres for Violin, Strings and Percussion
Tchaikovsky Serenade in C major, Op. 48
Britten Variations on a Theme by Frank Bridge
Geminiani/Wiancko Variations on “La Follia”

To learn more about the performance, click here.

If you have any questions, please call the box office at 317-843-3800.

Great American Songbook Movie Series

OKLAHOMA!

Friday, February 1 at 7:30PM | at the Palladium

The Great American Songbook Movie Series continues with Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" To learn more about the screening, click here.