The Center for the Performing Arts will span the spectrum in its upcoming 2019-20 Center Presents Season sponsored by Allied Solutions, kicking off with more than 40 concerts and other events – including some new concepts – and promising more to come.
Musical highlights include Songbook Series evenings with Johnny Mathis, Rita Moreno, Ben Vereen and Michael Feinstein; a joint appearance by Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin; return visits from soul diva Gladys Knight and country star Trisha Yearwood; jazz from the Brubeck Brothers, Snarky Puppy violinist Zach Brock and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis; and classical sounds from the cutting-edge COLLECTIF9 and premier flute duo Sir James and Lady Galway.
For “something completely different,” Monty Python’s John Cleese will share hilarious anecdotes and observations in quintessential British style, and comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short will bring a band of top-notch bluegrass pickers to back their buddy act. Piaf! The Show is an acclaimed multimedia tribute to France’s greatest popular singer. And Napoleon Dynamite stars Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez will conduct a live Q&A after a screening of the cult classic on the Center’s new HD video system.
President/CEO Jeffrey C. McDermott said the new season builds on the success of the 2018-19 schedule, which has seen 11 sold-out performances at the Palladium and first-time patrons accounting for 50 percent of ticket purchases. The current Center Presents season closes May 29 with neo-soul singer-songwriter India.Arie.
“We’ve done our best to craft a new season that everyone in the community can enjoy,” McDermott said. “In terms of the quality, the variety and the sheer scope of this lineup, I think we will surpass expectations and provide some amazing experiences for the people of Central Indiana.”
Also new this year is the multi-genre Encore Series, with artists to be announced throughout the season. Due to the nature of concert booking cycles, McDermott said, these added performances tend to feature bigger names from the fields of pop, rock, country and comedy.
Subscription packages for the Center’s Classical, Jazz and Songbook Series are on sale now, offering up to 20 percent savings from the regular ticket price, among other perks. Create Your Own Series packages offer similar benefits for the purchase of any four or more performances from the schedule, including Pop/Rock, Country, Holiday, Family and Passport Series events.
Series subscribers also are eligible for:
- Discounts up to 20 percent on other Center Presents performances
- Immediate purchase access to the entire 2019-20 Season, before 2019 single-event sales to the general public begin in August (2020 single-event tickets go on sale in November.)
- Presale access and up to 20 percent discounts for new events added during the season
Visit TheCenterPresents.org/SubscribeNow for more information on subscription packages and benefits. Purchases can be made online at TheCenterPresents.org, by phone at (317) 843-3800 or toll-free (877) 909-2787, or in person at the Palladium Box Office, 1 Center Green, Carmel.
About the Center for the Performing Arts
The mission of the nonprofit Center for the Performing Arts is to engage and inspire the Central Indiana community through enriching arts experiences. The Center presents and hosts hundreds of events each year, including the Center Presents performance series, featuring the best in classical, jazz, pop, rock, country, comedy and other genres. The campus in Carmel includes a 1,600-seat concert hall, the Palladium; a 500-seat proscenium theater, the Tarkington; and the black-box Studio Theater. The Center is home to the affiliated Great American Songbook Foundation and provides space and support services for six resident companies: Actors Theatre of Indiana, Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, Civic Theatre, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and Indiana Wind Symphony. The Center also provides educational and experiential programming for people of all ages. More information is available at TheCenterPresents.org.
SONGBOOK SERIES
Songbook Academy Finals
Sat July 20 at 7pm
The Great American Songbook Foundation’s annual Songbook Academy® summer intensive is the only youth program dedicated to our nation’s timeless popular music. In this closing concert hosted by Michael Feinstein, these top high school vocalists vie for awards and opportunities to perform at prestigious venues across the country. THE PALLADIUM
DREWRY SIMMONS VORNEHM JAZZ SERIES
Ranky Tanky
Fri Sep 13 at 8pm
Based in Charleston, SC, this quintet offers a jazzy take on traditional music from the West Africa-influenced Gullah culture of America’s southeastern Sea Islands. The name Ranky Tanky translates loosely as “work it” or “get funky” in the Gullah dialect. The repertoire ranges from playful game songs and ecstatic shouts to heartbreaking spirituals and delicate lullabies. The Tarkington
ANNUAL GALA
Songbook Celebration: A Grand Night!
Sat Sep 21 at 6pm
Dionne Warwick headlines the Center’s annual gala presented by Krieg DeVault, with proceeds supporting the Center’s artistic and educational programming. The night includes the First Merchants Bank Cocktail Reception, a sumptuous dinner, a live auction, performances by Warwick and Michael Feinstein, the Songbook Hall of Fame inductions of Duke Ellington and songwriter Paul Williams. THE PALLADIUM
Special Event
Steve Martin & Martin Short: Now You See Them, Soon You Won’t
Thu Sep 26 at 7:30pm
Two longtime friends and comedy legends – veterans of Saturday Night Live and much more – perform musical sketches and reflect on their iconic careers. Joining them are the all-female bluegrass band Della Mae, banjo innovator Alison Brown and keyboardist Jeff Babko from the Jimmy Kimmel Live house band. THE PALLADIUM
Printing Partners Classical Series
COLLECTIF9
Fri Oct 4 at 8pm
This cutting-edge string ensemble is known for energized, innovative arrangements that bring immediacy and approachability to the classical repertoire. The Montreal-based group combines the power of an orchestra with the crispness of a chamber ensemble for a unique experience described by critics as “dazzling” with “great brio and vitality.” THE PALLADIUM
Passport Series
The Kingdom Choir
Sat Oct 5 at 8pm
Known for a show-stopping performance of “Stand by Me” at the 2018 Royal Wedding, this London-based choir is bringing its infectious joy and inspiration across the Atlantic for a major North American tour. Founded in 1994 by award-winning conductor Karen Gibson, the choir draws from the various spiritual music traditions of South East England. THE PALLADIUM
COUNTRY SERIES
Lyle Lovett
Fri Oct 11 at 8pm
Since his national debut in the late 1980s, singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett has released 14 albums exploring the landscape of American music, with witty storytelling and influences from country music, Western swing, folk, gospel, blues, rock and jazz. The Texas native and four-time Grammy Award winner also has acted on stage and television and in 13 feature films. THE PALLADIUM
KATZ, SAPPER & MILLER POP/ROCK SERIES
Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin: Together on Stage
Sun Oct 20 at 7pm
Friends for over 30 years, two acclaimed singer-songwriters promise an intimate evening of music and stories. Mary Chapin Carpenter has sold over 14 million records with country hits like “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her.” Shawn Colvin burst on the folk scene with her Grammy-winning debut album and later scored Record and Song of the Year honors with her single “Sunny Came Home.” THE PALLADIUM
Country Series
Trisha Yearwood
Thu Oct 24 at 7:30pm
Trisha Yearwood became a leading voice in country music with her first No. 1 single in 1991, “She’s in Love with the Boy,” and went on to deliver hits including “Perfect Love,” “Thinkin’ About You,” “Believe Me Baby (I Lied) ” and “How Do I Live.” After a hiatus from solo work following her 2005 marriage to superstar Garth Brooks, she returned in 2018 with Let’s Be Frank, a tribute to Frank Sinatra. THE PALLADIUM
Passport Series
The Four Italian Tenors: Viva Italia
Fri Oct 25 at 8pm
Direct from Rome on their inaugural U.S. tour, vocalists Alessandro D’Acrissa, Roberto Cresca, Frederico Parisi and Frederico Serra pay tribute to their illustrious predecessors Enrico Caruso, Mario Lanza, Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli. The program includes the most beloved arias and songs of the Italian opera tradition, performed with romanticism, lyricism, dramatic flair and operatic style. THE PALLADIUM
KATZ, SAPPER & MILLER POP/ROCK SERIES
The Righteous Brothers
Sun Oct 27 at 7pm
Blue-eyed soul pioneers Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield have delivered decades of hits, including “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin,’” cited as the most frequently played song in radio history. The current tour, with vocalist Bucky Heard replacing the late Hatfield, features such hits as “Soul & Inspiration,” “Unchained Melody,” “Rock and Roll Heaven” and Medley’s “The Time of My Life.” THE PALLADIUM
PRINTING PARTNERS CLASSICAL SERIES
Sir James and Lady Galway
Tue Oct 29 at 7:30pm
Considered the world’s top interpreter of classical flute repertoire, Sir James Galway is also a consummate entertainer and boundary-breaker. He has sold over 30 million albums, performed extensively with leading orchestras and collaborated on film soundtracks including The Lord of the Rings. Joining him is his wife and premier flute duo partner, Lady Jeanne Galway. THE PALLADIUM
SONGBOOK SERIES
An Evening with Johnny Mathis: The Voice of Romance
Thu Oct 31 at 7:30pm
Known for such timeless hits as “Chances Are” and “Misty,” Johnny Mathis was one of the top-selling singers of the 20th century, with dozens of gold and platinum albums. The longest-running artist in Columbia Records history, he has earned five Grammy nominations as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014, he was named to the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame. THE PALLADIUM
DREWRY SIMMONS VORNEHM JAZZ SERIES
Harlem 100: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance
Fri Nov 8 at 8pm
Created in collaboration with the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, this multimedia show captures the spirit of artists like Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes and Billie Holiday who made Harlem a cultural mecca. With a nine-piece band and three dancers, Harlem 100 evokes the heyday of the Apollo Theater, the Cotton Club and other pillars of the Harlem Renaissance. THE PALLADIUM
Old Town Companies Family Series
The Fourth Wall: Fruit Flies Like a Banana
Sat Nov 9 at 10:30am & 1pm
Originating in Indianapolis and now based in Massachusetts, the Fourth Wall is a “hybrid arts ensemble” that blends stellar musicianship, acrobatic choreography and theater into a vaudeville-style extravaganza. Flutist Hilary Abigana, bass trombonist C. Neil Parsons and percussionist Greg Jukes create a madcap, interactive atmosphere in which the audience steers the program. The Tarkington
SPECIAL EVENT
An Evening with John Cleese
Thu Nov 14 at 7:30pm
Actor, writer and comedian John Cleese is best known as a co-founder of the Monty Python comedy troupe and a lead player in its classic films and Flying Circus TV series. He later co-wrote and starred in the BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers among countless other TV and film roles. Don’t miss an unforgettable evening as Cleese shares hilarious stories and observations from his life and career. THE PALLADIUM
KATZ, SAPPER & MILLER POP/ROCK SERIES
An Evening with Gladys Knight
Wed Nov 20 at 7:30pm
With her smooth-moving backup vocalists the Pips, Gladys Knight rose from teen gospel singer to international superstar on the momentum of hits like “If I Were Your Woman,” “Neither One of Us,” “Best Thing to Ever Happen to Me” and the #1 smash “Midnight Train to Georgia.” She has continued her Grammy-winning recording career while venturing into film, television and other projects. THE PALLADIUM
KATZ, SAPPER & MILLER POP/ROCK SERIES
Damien Escobar: Elements of Love Tour
Thu Nov 21 at 7:30pm
Rising-star violinist Damien Escobar first gained national attention as half of the duo Nuttin’ But Stringz. As a solo artist and bandleader since 2012, the New York native has released two albums and found new success with his crossover mix of classical, jazz, pop, R&B and hip-hop, landing numerous appearances on TV, at national events and in a widely viewed Mitsubishi advertising campaign. THE PALLADIUM
DREWRY SIMMONS VORNEHM JAZZ SERIES
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: Big Band Holidays
Tue Dec 3 at 7:30pm
Led by jazz master Wynton Marsalis, the celebrated ensemble marks the season with Big Band Holidays, featuring soulful versions of classics like “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World” and “Brazilian Sleigh Ride.” This year’s holiday tour includes vocals by baritone Denzal Sinclaire and teenage phenomenon Alexis Morrast, first-place winner of the nationally broadcast Showtime at the Apollo. THE PALLADIUM
SPECIAL EVENT
Napoleon Dynamite: A Conversation with Jon Heder & Efren Ramirez
Thu Dec 5 at 7:30pm
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Napoleon Dynamite, the quirky $400,000 indie film that went on to gross nearly $50 million at the box office and become a cult classic. Come watch the film on the Center’s new HD video system and enjoy a freewheeling discussion with lead actors Jon Heder (Napoleon) and Efren Ramirez (Pedro). THE PALLADIUM
SONGBOOK SERIES
An Evening with Rita Moreno
Fri Dec 6 at 8pm
Few entertainers compare with this winner of the Oscar, the Tony, two Emmys and a Grammy Award. Debuting on Broadway at age 13, Rita Moreno went on to appear in more than 40 feature films and countless TV shows, most recently the acclaimed reboot of One Day at a Time on Netflix. Expect standards from the American Songbook and stories from Moreno’s stellar career. THE PALLADIUM
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT HOLIDAY SERIES
Cantus: Three Tales of Christmas
Sat Dec 7 at 8pm
The Minneapolis-based men’s vocal ensemble Cantus is known for innovative performances of music spanning from the Renaissance to the 21st century. In Three Tales of Christmas, the group combines familiar carols, new holiday classics and narrated passages from such classic holiday tales as A Christmas Carol, Gift of the Magi and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. THE PALLADIUM
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT HOLIDAY SERIES
Postmodern Jukebox: A Very Postmodern Christmas
Fri Dec 13 at 8pm
Best known for its viral YouTube videos that reinterpret modern pop hits in various vintage genres, Postmodern Jukebox is a rotating musical collective founded in 2011 by arranger and pianist Scott Bradlee. Expect your favorite holiday tunes to get the PMJ treatment when this raucous revue returns to the Center. THE PALLADIUM
ASCENSION ST. VINCENT HOLIDAY SERIES
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2019
Sun Dec 15 at 7pm
A popular annual tradition at the Center, Dave Koz’s holiday concerts feature stellar special guests performing fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites in a high-energy show for the entire family.
The saxophonist and bandleader has earned nine Grammy nominations and sent nine albums to the top of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. THE PALLADIUM
SONGBOOK SERIES
An Evening with Ben Vereen
Sat Jan 18 at 8pm
Actor, dancer, singer – Ben Vereen will bring all those talents to the stage in his debut appearance at the Palladium. Alongside a lengthy resume in TV and film, his Broadway career has included roles in Jesus Christ Superstar, Wicked, Fosse, Hair and Pippin, for which he won both a Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for Best Actor in a Musical. THE PALLADIUM
Printing Partners Classical Series
NFM Wroclaw Philharmonic Orchestra
Thu Jan 23 at 7:30pm
A pillar of Poland’s music scene since 1945, the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic Orchestra has been growing in international acclaim since the opening of its new concert hall, the National Forum of Music in Wroclaw, and the appointment of music director Giancarlo Guerrero. This performance features Guerrero conducting and Piotr Anderszewski on piano. THE PALLADIUM
Old Town Companies Family Series
Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza
Sat Jan 25 at 10:30am & 1pm
Bubble rainbows with people inside. Audience members making volcano bubbles. Gigantic bubbles that blow their own bubbles? See the newest, funniest production from world-record master bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer as he takes his soap-bubble artistry to the max. Mixing comedy, music and interactive bubble magic, Boyer engages and delights audiences of all ages. THE TARKINGTON
KATZ, SAPPER & MILLER POP/ROCK SERIES
Chris Botti
Sun Feb 9 at 7pm
Trumpeter Chris Botti’s blend of jazz, classical and pop music has made him one of America’s best-selling instrumental artists, with four albums reaching No. 1 on the jazz charts. His most recent release, Impressions, claimed a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album and featured contributions from such prominent guest artists as Andrea Bocelli, Vince Gill, Herbie Hancock and Mark Knopfler. THE PALLADIUM
Printing Partners Classical Series
Siberian State Symphony Orchestra
Fri Feb 28 at 8pm
The Siberian State Symphony Orchestra dates to 1977 but won greater acclaim touring internationally after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1993, by special decree of the Russian Ministry of Culture, the ensemble was awarded the title of State Orchestra. Under Artistic Director Vladimir Lande, SSSO has launched new collaborations with international recording labels and made its televised concerts available for online streaming. THE PALLADIUM
Songbook Series
4 Girls 4: Broadway’s Leading Ladies in Concert
Sat Feb 29 at 8 pm
Expect an evening of song, laughter and memories when four dynamic stars of stage, screen and studio come together on the same stage. The production features Andrea McArdle (Annie, Beauty and the Beast), Maureen McGovern (“The Morning After,” Little Women) and Tony Award winners Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line, Company) and Faith Prince (Guys & Dolls, Bells Are Ringing). THE PALLADIUM
KATZ, SAPPER & MILLER POP/ROCK SERIES
VoicePlay
Fri Mar 6 at 8pm
As seen on NBC’s The Sing-Off, VoicePlay is an a cappella quintet that recreates elaborate pop and rock arrangements using nothing but the human voice. The Florida-based group, which has more than 500,000 YouTube followers, laces its performances with inventive and often hilarious onstage theatrics as it bounces between eras and styles. THE PALLADIUM
Special Event
U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus
Thu Mar 12 at 7:30pm
The United States Army Field Band has been thrilling audiences of all ages for more than six decades. “The Musical Ambassadors of the Army” travel thousands of miles each year presenting a variety of music throughout the nation and abroad. Through these concerts, the Field Band fosters support for the armed forces and supports diplomatic efforts around the world. Free tickets will be available in late February. THE PALLADIUM
Old Town Companies Family Series
Peking Acrobats
Sun Mar 15 at 3pm
For over 30 years, the Peking Acrobats have dazzled live audiences and TV viewers around the world with trick cycling, precision tumbling, juggling and daring maneuvers at precarious heights. The troupe of approximately 20 acrobats is accompanied by colorful lighting effects and several musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments, evoking the festive pageantry of a Chinese carnival. THE PALLADIUM
DREWRY SIMMONS VORNEHM JAZZ SERIES
Kurt Elling Quintet: A Century of Heroes
Sat Mar 21 at 8pm
After 14 years atop the DownBeat Critics Poll and eight Jazz Journalists Association awards for Male Singer of the Year, Kurt Elling can safely be called the top male jazz vocalist of his generation. In this program, the Chicago-born baritone pays tribute to personal heroes Louis Armstrong, Billy Eckstine, Nat “King” Cole and Jon Hendricks. THE PALLADIUM
Passport Series
Doolin’
Fri Mar 27 at 8pm
Considered one of France’s premier Celtic ensembles, Doolin’ features six acoustic musicians performing traditional and original music. Though their sound is rooted in Irish folk, they spice up the sound with elements of pop, rock, folk, jazz and funk. From ballads to furiously paced jigs, Doolin’ offers a rich palette of sound. THE PALLADIUM
Old Town Companies Family Series
Treasure Island
Sat Mar 28 at 10:30am & 1pm
The Richmond-based Virginia Repertory Theatre’s touring company performs a musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel. With book, music and lyrics by Paul Deiss, Treasure Island follows young Jim Hawkins on a swashbuckling West Indies adventure, downplaying the book’s rum-soaked violence in favor of its fun, action and moral foundation. THE TARKINGTON
Passport Series
Piaf! The Show
Sat Mar 28 at 8pm
Inspired by the award-winning film La Vie en Rose, this production celebrates the life and career of the legendary French chanteuse Edith Piaf through her most popular songs. Vocalist Anne Carrera is joined by live musicians and projected historical images for a multimedia experience that explores Piaf’s rise from poverty to worldwide fame. THE PALLADIUM
Passport Series
George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
Sun Mar 29 at 7pm
Formed in 1985, this groundbreaking ensemble – comprising only ukuleles of various sizes, along with the voices of its members – has become an international sensation, selling out such venues as Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House. The eight-member group blends elements of rock, classical, jazz, folk, film soundtracks and other genres into a truly unique musical experience. THE PALLADIUM
SONGBOOK SERIES
Michael Feinstein with special guest
Fri Apr 17 at 8pm
“The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook” returns with a special evening of timeless music. Known for his high-profile collaborations and his many projects for public radio and television, singer and pianist Feinstein is founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation and artistic director for the Center for the Performing Arts. THE PALLADIUM
Printing Partners Classical Series
American Brass Quintet
Fri Apr 24 at 8pm
Hailed for its burnished sound, virtuosity and musical acuity, the American Brass Quintet has been called “of all the brass quintets, the most distinguished” (American Record Guide). Founded in 1960, the quintet has performed on five continents, made nearly 60 recordings and premiered more than 150 contemporary works for brass. THE PALLADIUM
KATZ, SAPPER & MILLER POP/ROCK SERIES
The Company Men
Sat Apr 25 at 8pm
This Motown-influenced vocal quartet mashes up today’s Top 40 hits with reimagined classics of the past six decades, blending songs by artists as diverse as Sam Smith, the Four Tops, Michael Jackson, Katy Perry, Adele, the Temptations, Sam Cooke, The Weeknd, Billy Joel, Prince, Meghan Trainor, Bruno Mars, Michael Bublé, Nick Jonas, the Eagles and many more. THE PALLADIUM
Drewry Simmons Vornehm Jazz Series
Brubeck Brothers Quartet: Dave Brubeck Centennial Celebration
Sun Apr 26 at 7pm
Drummer Dan Brubeck and bassist, trombonist and composer Chris Brubeck lead their combo in a salute to their legendary father. Pianist-composer Dave Brubeck, who died in 2012, was a leading exponent of cool jazz and a pioneer in the use of unusual time signatures. His 1959 album Time Out remains one of the most popular and influential jazz records of all time. THE PALLADIUM
Drewry Simmons Vornehm Jazz Series
Zach Brock Quintet: Snarky Violin
Fri May 15 at 8pm
Zach Brock is a Grammy Award-winning violinist and composer whose music evokes the spirits of John Coltrane, Béla Bartók and Jimi Hendrix. Best known for his work with the instrumental supergroup Snarky Puppy, he was named Downbeat Magazine’s Rising Star Violinist of 2013. Brock also has recorded and toured with jazz greats Stanley Clarke, Phil Markowitz and Wycliffe Gordon. THE PALLADIUM
SPECIAL EVENT
Gaither Vocal Band
Sat May 16 at 8pm
Since the early 1990s, the Gaither Vocal Band has served as a standard-bearer in the world of gospel music. Founded by legendary gospel songwriter and producer Bill Gaither, this Grammy-winning vocal group has performed in the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Sydney Opera House, the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. THE PALLADIUM