Thursday, July 20, 2006

Wilmington, NC- UNCW Presents proudly announces its 2006-07 Arts in Action performing arts season that builds on the excitement and success of previous years. UNCW Presents continues to bring the highest caliber professional performing artists on tour from around the world and across the spectrum of artistic disciplines to southeastern NC. Seven performing arts events and related outreach activities are scheduled Oct. 2006 through April 2007 at UNCW's Kenan Auditorium unless otherwise noted.

The series opens Saturday, Oct. 14 with a perfomance by Brazilian jazz power house Luciana Souza with the impeccable Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ). The Grammy Award-winning guitar quartet joins forces with two-time Grammy nominee Luciana Souza in a program of songs by Manuel de Falla, Osvaldo Golijov, Heitor Villa-Lobos, things Brazilian and a few surprises. Expect guitar and vocal fireworks from these genre-bending virtuosos.

Bringing us a new program celebrating romance and matters of the heart, Grammy-winning a cappella ensemble Chanticleer performs Love's Messengers Friday, Oct. 27. With its unmatched virtuosity and flawless reputation for vivid interpretations of vocal literature, Chanticleer combines the immortal words of beloved poets with music by master composers.

Fall events wrap up with two generations of bluegrass performers David Grisman Quintet with Old School Freight Train on Thursday, Nov. 9. Known lovingly as "Dawg," master mandolinist David Grisman has for decades blended stylistic influences from swing to gypsy music to jamgrass. The Quintet, now celebrating their 30th anniversary, will be joined by Old School Freight Train (OSFT), a breakthrough five-piece acoustic band whose creative new sound rounds out a hot double-bill for those who love the original "unplugged" music.

The New Year opens with one of the hottest Latin bands today, Miami-based Tiempo Libre on Friday, Jan. 26 at Thalian Hall. Known for its imaginative, high-voltage Latin jazz, and the seductive hard-driving rhythms of their distinctive timba, Tiempo Libre are true modern heirs to the rich tradition of the music of their native Cuba. Co-presented with Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts.

Sensational newcomer Shemekia Copeland will perform on Wednesday, Feb. 14. The Grammy-nominated vocalist and daughter of blues legend Johnny Copeland merges blues and soul with rock and roll. "Young Shemekia is the most soul-shaking, big-voiced blues singer in years, attacking contemporary material like the early Etta James." (Village Voice)

Dance theater innovator, Joe Goode Performance Group will perform on Tuesday, March 20.

Known for his edgy spontaneity and subversive humor, San Francisco-based Joe Goode creates works of witty and affecting dance, theater and song. He claims his artistic mission is "to experience the big feelings and the big thoughts that don't get the air time they deserve." He collaborates with New World Symphony Director, Michael Tilson Thomas, to present Stay Together, an exploration of long-term relationships.

The series finale features Stefon Harris presenting African Tarantella…Dances with Duke on Saturday, April 14. This vibraphonist and marimbist is known in the jazz world as a "Happy Cat." His playing and personality reflect his great spirit, fresh ideas and joy of playing. Blazing new trails in jazz, Stefon and his bandmates flavor their sets with the bold blend of jazz, hip-hop and R&B.

UNCW Presents is working toward crafting innovative outreach opportunities including master classes, lectures, demonstrations and more within the Wilmington community and with our partner K-12 schools, and community groups. Performances slated for possible community outreach efforts include Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Luciana Souza, Chanticleer, Old School Freight Train, Tiempo Libre, Joe Goode Performance Group and Stefon Harris. These events are free and open to the public for observation. For more information, visit www.uncw.edu/presents.

BOX OFFICE AND TICKET INFORMATION
Mainstage subscriptions to the series will be available July 24 and include six events at Kenan Auditorium. The subscription offers savings of 15% as well as priority seating for all performances. Season tickets are priced at $34 for students and youth; $75 for UNCW faculty/staff and senior citizens; and $95 for all others. A smaller ticket package ("Choose-Your-Own-Series") option is also available and offers 10% savings for ticket purchases to at least three different events at Kenan Auditorium.

Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 21 with special savings for students and senior citizens. Groups of 10 or more receive a 20% discount.

For tickets, call Kenan Box Office at 962.3500 or 800.732.3643 outside of the Wilmington area. Box office hours are 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. To request a season brochure, telephone UNCW Presents at 910.962.7971 or visit www.uncw.edu/presents.

ABOUT UNCW ARTS IN ACTION PERFORMANCE SERIES
Sponsored by UNCW Presents, the Arts in Action Performance Series seeks to culturally enrich, educate and entertain both students and the general public through the presentation of diverse programs featuring professional, high-quality performing artists. For more information, please visit the UNCW Presents Web site at www.uncw.edu/presents.

Media Contact: Shannon Hooker,910.962.7600, hookers@uncw.edu

Attention: Editors for Arts, Entertainment, Features, Travel & Tourism, Event Calendars - Color photography of 2006-07 speakers may be downloaded at www.uncw.edu/stuaff/activities/UNCWPresents/about-presskit.htm