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Arcadia Weekly Aug 23, 2018
The season’s broad range of cultural and educational programming includes legacy, international, classical, family, dance, and more. – Courtesy photo / Arcadia Performing Arts Center
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The season’s broad range of cultural and educational programming includes legacy, international, classical, family, dance, and more. – Courtesy photo / Arcadia Performing Arts Center
New membership program and “concerts with a cause” raise funds for arts education
The Arcadia Performing Arts Center recently announced its new 2018 – 2019 season. Presented by the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation, the new season features legacy artists and emerging talent, reflects a diverse community, and raises funds to give back to local schools. An all-inclusive membership program encourages community, highlights leadership, and honors legacy members. KFI AM 640 is the season’s official radio partner.
Season seven opens on Saturday, Sept. 22 with the Star Party Gala featuring Grammy Award-winner and nine-time Billboard jazz charts icon Steve Tyrell. The gala honors philanthropists Alan and Sandy Whitman. The season’s broad range of cultural and educational programming includes legacy, international, classical, family, dance, theatre, and the Black Box Series.
The Center is the busiest premiere cultural destination venue in Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley. The venue features a state-of-the-art concert hall, black box theater, and outdoor festival courtyard.
The Foundation is the nonprofit fundraising organization that supports the Center. Last season, the Foundation launched Arcadia’s first Classical Series and professional theatre company, STEAM festival, Americana festival, Lunar New Year festival, and a job training program.
The Center’s full 2018-2019 Season 7 lineup includes:
Star Party Gala: Steve Tyrell
Sept. 22 from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; VIP from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Grammy Award-winning, nine-time Billboard jazz charts legend Steve Tyrell headlines the Star Party Gala that launches the endowment campaign and honors philanthropic leaders Alan and Sandy Whitman. Steve Tyrell popularized the “Great American Songbook” in the hit movie “Father of the Bride.” He has performed for President Bush, Prime Minister Tony Blair, Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace, and many others during his 40-year career. Red carpet VIP experience starts at 5 p.m. with silent auction, artist meet-and-greet, dinner, and live music. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. concert. Tickets range from $20 to $300.
Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra ft. Chanteurs and Arcadia Choral Society
Oct. 20 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Brilliant maestro Carlo Ponti conducts the professional Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra in their Arcadia Performing Arts Center concert debut. Thrilling symphonic works by Samuel Barber and Gustav Holst climax in Mozart’s uplifting “Coronation” Mass with award-winning Arcadia High School Chanteurs and Arcadia Choral Society. Tickets range from $20 in the mezzanine to $60 for VIP with artist meet-and-greet. This is part of the Classical Series made possible by the Lee Family.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
Nov. 15 – 17 from 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Arcadia High School’s award-winning Arcadia Stage and Stagecraft class present their sensational fall production. Senior and student tickets are $10, adult tickets are $15, and VIP tickets are $30. All tickets are open seating and available through Eventbrite. This production is part of the Theatre Series.
Charity Dance Show ft. Orchesis
Dec. 7 from 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Arcadia High School Dance Department hosts their annual sell-out Charity Dance Show. Professional and pre-professional dance companies join Arcadia High School’s beginning, intermediate, and advanced Orchesis Dance Company. Contemporary, hip-hop, Chinese folk dance, and more beautiful genres of dance will light up the stage for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are $10 presale, $15 at the door. This production is part of the Dance Series.
“Christmas with Maki”
Dec. 8 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Originally broadcast for “PBS Presents,” the breathtaking “Christmas with Maki” concert is donated to the foundation. Enjoy an enchanted evening with classically-trained violinist, 12-language operatic singer Maki and special guests. Tickets range from mezzanine $20 to VIP $60 with artist meet-and-greet. This production is part of the Classical Series.
“A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 9 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.; sensory-friendly production from 11 a.m. – noon.
Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story “A Christmas Carol” is an adventurous and heartwarming tale that will surely put the entire family in the holiday spirit. Presented by Arcadia’s new professional theatre company, Vaulting Ambition. Students are $20, adults are $30, and VIP is $40. This production is part of the Black Box Series made possible by the Katy Hsieh Foundation.
Sunday with Santa
Dec. 9 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Santa’s North Pole comes to Arcadia! Take photos with Santa and join Mrs. Claus for storytime. Make gifts at Santa’s Workshop with helpful elves. Get raffle tickets for a chance to win unique gifts. Hot chocolate and concessions are available for purchase. Tickets and entry are free. To enhance your family’s reason for the season, enjoy the ticketed “A Christmas Story” children’s play in the 60-seat Black Box Theatre at 1 p.m. This event is part of the Family Series.
Chinese New Year Festival
Jan. 26 from 3 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Lunar New Year Show from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Free festival in the outdoor courtyard with food, games, and fun is followed by a ticketed Lunar New Year Show inside the world-class main stage. Spend a thrilling evening enjoying spectacular Chinese cultural artists and ushering in the most auspicious Year of the Pig! Mezzanine tickets are $18.88 and VIP tickets are $88.88 with artist meet-and-greet. This event is part of the International Series with City of Arcadia.
“Les Misérables”
March 14 – 16 from 7 p.m – 9:30 p.m.
Arcadia High School’s award-winning Arcadia Stage and Stagecraft classes are proud to present the heart-wrenching Broadway musical “Les Misérables.” Senior and student tickets are $10, adult tickets are $15, and VIP tickets are $30. Tickets are open seating and available through Eventbrite. This production is part of the Theatre Series.
Jack Jones: American Music Icon
March 30 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Two-time Grammy Award-winner Jack Jones is one of the greatest singers of all time with 17 of his 50 recorded albums making Billboard Top 20. Admired by Mel Tormé, Michel Legrand, and many other legendary artists, Jack Jones is an American music icon with a prolific career that spans record labels, live concerts, television, film, and musical theatre. Jack Jones charms guests with his wit, sensitivity, and vocal power one night only in Arcadia! Tickets range from Mezzanine $20 to VIP $80 with artist meet-and-greet. This production is part of the Legacy Series.
Orchesis Spring Concert
April 19, 20, 25 – 27 from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Arcadia High School Orchesis Dance Company proudly presents its annual spring dance show. Two weekends showcase diverse dance performances in the style of contemporary, hip-hop, Bollywood, jazz, and more! Presale tickets are $10 for general admission and $15 for VIP. Tickets are $15 at the door. This production is part of the Dance Series.
Arcadia Poetry Slam
April 28 from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Scout for the next superstar during National Poetry Month! Poets sixth through 12th grade compete for the coveted Arcadia Slam Poetry Prize and opportunity to be published in “Arcadia Slam Poetry Competition.” Each poet has five minutes to present their original piece before the Los Angeles Poet Society and raise awareness for Foothill Unity Center. Grand prize of $500 cash and other awards are generously donated by sponsors. Tickets are $10 for students and $20 for adults. This is part of the Black Box Series made possible by the Katy Hsieh Foundation.
Journey and Pat Benatar Tribute by DSB and Live From Earth
May 4 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Top-tier tribute bands DSB and Live From Earth perform two epic American rock icons of all time: Journey and four-time Grammy Award-winning Pat Benatar! Get up on your feet and jam to one classic hit after another. California Children’s Choir proudly opens for both bands. Tickets range from Mezzanine $20 to VIP $60 with artist meet-and-greet. This production is part of the Legacy Series.
Makoto Taiko: 20th Annual Concert
June 8 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., and June 9 from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Cultural treasure Makoto Taiko’s awe-inspiring performance of traditional Japanese taiko drumming is a powerful experience for all cultures and the entire family to enjoy. Tickets range from$15 to VIP $40 with artist meet-and-greet. This production is part of the International Series.
Father’s Day Magic Show ft. Gary Peterson
June 16 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Grand illusionist Gary Peterson’s Vegas-style magic show takes two semi-rigs and four days to load. His immersive storytelling, world-class illusionists, and talented dance troupe create an unforgettable Father’s Day Magic Show. Now in its third year, this popular annual fundraiser for Arcadia High School Stagecraft features fantastic feats and daring tricks. It’s a magical night for those of any age! Tickets range from $20 to $50 for VIP with artist meet-and-greet. This is part of the Family Series.
Americana Festival: Johnny Cash Tribute by James Garner
June 27 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Iconoclastic Johnny Cash was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame. Enjoy the “Man in Black” all over again by nationally-renowned James Garner and his band inside the main hall after you browse through the spectacular classic car show outside. Tickets range from Mezzanine $20 to VIP $60. This is part of the Legacy Series.
5th Annual International Dance Festival
July 12 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dance the night away with international food, music, karaoke, and dancing from around the world! This free festival celebrates its fifth-year with raffles, bingo, games, and dancing under the stars. This is part of the International Series with City of Arcadia and Arcadia Unified School District.
STEAM + M Festival
Aug. 24 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Creativity brings technology to life at the free Arcadia STEAM + M Festival. Jedi Training Academy, music, dancing, and hoopers light up tech booths, engineering challenges, and hands-on science workshops. Kona Shaved Ice, grilled bacon hot dogs, nachos, and cool raffle prizes top off a fun summer evening. This event is part of the Family Series with City of Arcadia.
For more information, visit arcadiapaf.org.
