Thursday, August 01, 2002

WILMINGTON, NC -- The Campus Activities and Involvement Center at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington announces its 2002-03 Arts in Action Performance Series. Eight music, dance and theatre offerings are scheduled from October through April. All performances will be held at 8 p.m. in UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium with the exception of jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves whose concerts are set for 4 and 8 p.m. at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts.

Celebrated jazz pianist Chucho Valdes opens the series Monday, Oct. 7. Valdes is described by Time magazine as “one of the greatest pianists in the world” and is regarded as Cuba’s foremost musical ambassador. A recent Grammy winner, this world-renowned pianist, composer, band leader and educator explores the African, Spanish and American influences on Afro-Cuban Latin jazz.

Master blues man Keb’ Mo’ takes center stage Monday, Oct. 14. Keb’ Mo’ is a street-talk version on the performer’s given name Kevin Moore. This two-time Grammy Award winner infuses his blues-based instincts with strains of Memphis soul, folk, country, gospel and even pop.

The Koresh Dance Company rounds out fall performances Saturday, Nov. 9. Renowned for its powerful stage presence and eloquent style, this Philadelphia-based dance company has been hailed as an extraordinary newcomer to the national stage. Founded in 1991 by Israeli-born choreographer and artistic director Ronen Koresh, this troupe’s critically acclaimed choreography is recognized for its storytelling strength and ardent interpretations of significant social motifs.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and pianist William Bolcom and mezzo-soprano Joan Morris open the 2003 performances Saturday, Jan. 18. Heralded as “one of the great musical collaborations of our time” by The Boston Globe, this husband-and-wife duo is acclaimed for its vividly imagined interpretations of American popular songs from the 1920s and ’30s. This performance is presented in partnership with the UNCW Department of Music Artist Recital Series.

The N.C. Jazz Festival Preview comes to Kenan Auditorium Thursday, Jan. 30. One of the nation’s premiere weekend jazz parties kicks off its 22nd year with this Dixieland-flavored concert preview. A stellar line-up of consummate jazz masters take the bandstand each year. This performance is co-presented with the N.C. Jazz Festival Inc. and the UNCW Department of Music.

Shining star of the Irish fiddle, Eileen Ivers will perform Tuesday, March 18. From her star turn in Riverdance to her work and appearances with Paula Cole, the Chieftains and the Boston Pops Orchestra, Ivers has established herself as the world’s pre-eminent Irish fiddler. Backed by her band, her programs draw upon a wide range of musical styles while remaining true to Celtic traditions.

Best-selling author and satirist David Sedaris will share some of his funniest stories on life Friday, April 11. Sedaris made his comic debut recounting his sad but true experiences as a Macy’s Christmas elf on National Public Radio. Beloved by fans and regarded as one of America’s wittiest and most irreverent voices, Sedaris’ incisive, sardonic humor spares no one, especially himself. He is the author of Barrel Fever, Naked, Holidays on Ice, and most recently Me Talk Pretty One Day. This performance is presented in partnership with the UNCW Creative Writing Department and Leadership Lecture Series.

The series finale is a continuing collaboration with Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Acclaimed jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves will perform at 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at Thalian. With her strong, agile voice, rhythmic virtuosity and improvisational ease, Reeves is considered the modern voice of jazz. Her singing draws upon the geographical influences of Africa, Brazil and the Caribbean, as well as the influence of various musical styles: gospel, R&B, classical and contemporary pop. As with Billie Holiday, Reeves’ music is tied to a powerful storytelling instinct that has earned her a Grammy Award.

For more information or to request black-and-white and/or color photography of 2002-03 artists, contact Shannon Hooker, assistant director for programs and marketing, at 910/962-7600 or hookers@uncw.edu. UNCW Arts in Action information is also available on the Web at www.uncw.edu/stuaff/arts.

Box Office and Ticket Information

Subscriptions to the series are now available and offer a savings of 20 percent as well as priority seating for all performances. Season tickets are $29 for UNCW students and children ages 12 and under; $58 for UNCW faculty and staff and seniors; and $86 for all others. A smaller ticket package (Choose-Your-Own-Series) is available and offers a 10 percent savings for purchases of four different events. Individual tickets, which go on sale Aug. 26, are $6 for UNCW students and children ages 12 and under; $12 for UNCW faculty/staff and seniors; and $18 for all others. For tickets, call the Kenan Auditorium box office at 910/962-3500 or 800/732-3643. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets to Dianne Reeves’ performances must be purchased through the Thalian Hall Box Office at 910/343-3664