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The Assad Brothers
Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012 / 7:30 p.m.
Nightingale Concert Hall, Church Fine Arts Building
Multiple Latin Grammy winners described by critics as nothing short of “guitar gods,” Sergio and Odair Assad have been commanding the rarefied world of guitar virtuosity for more than four decades. From jazz to the classics and in their profoundly unassuming but consummately exceptional way, they also play with such other masters as Paquito D’Rivera and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Listen for them on the sound track of Julia Roberts’ recent film Duplicity. A compelling and brilliant duo indeed.
50th Anniversary Celebration of the Reno Jazz Festival with
The Mingus Big Band
Friday, April 27, 2012 / 7:30 p.m.
Lawlor Events Center
Considered one of the best of its kind in the world, and lauded by the San Francisco Chronicle as “showcasing music’s future,” the Reno Jazz Festival has been bringing Grammy winners, jazz superstars and the finest emerging young artists to town for nearly half a century. The Performing Arts Series is proud to partner in celebrating the festival’s 50th anniversary by hosting the world-class Mingus Big Band to wow the enthusiastic fans of RJF. The 14-piece Grammy-nominated band celebrates the music of the legendary late composer/bassist Charles Mingus, under the direction Sue Mingus. Jazz greats who regularly play with the band include such superstars as Randy Brecker, Robin Eubanks, Jeff “Tain” Watts and many more.
“The hippest big band in the universe — robust, earthy, sanctified.” — Time Out New York
Previous Performances
theater simple: 52 PICK UP
Thursday-Friday, Sept. 22-23, 2011 / 7:30 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 / 10 p.m.
Redfield Proscenium Theatre, Church Fine Arts Building
With deceptively simple props, this decidedly sophisticated Seattle troupe delivers seriously good (in fact, award-winning) theater on a shoestring. Opening with a deck of cards tossed into the air, 52 PICK UP begins. Simple enough, except each card holds a scene written to prompt the actors into scripted discourse and ingenious improv — on meaningful relationships no less. Chosen randomly, 52 issues unfold to become a sage, sobering and side-splitting navigation through love (with adult language).
Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet
Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011 / 7:30 p.m.
Nightingale Concert Hall, Church Fine Arts Building
In a famous literary family (grandfather Ciro was Perú’s most famous novelist, and father Alonso is a leading playwright), trumpeter/composer Gabriel Alegría carries a passionate legacy of achievement in his own creative pursuits. One of the most influential jazz artists in Perú, Alegría is also associate director of jazz studies at New York University, with a doctorate from USC. His Afro-Peruvian Sextet explores a similarly cross-cultural exchange — between the Americas and the rich heritage of black music from coastal Perú. His adoring international fans (some follow along on tour) call his work “life changing.”
Mystery Science Theater presents Cinematic Titanic
Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 / 7:30 p.m.
Nightingale Concert Hall, Church Fine Arts Building
From Joel Hodgson, creator of those movie-riffin’ robots and the cult-TV comedy series Mystery Science Theater (named one of 100 Best TV Shows of All Time by TIME Magazine), comes another milestone in wise-cracking movie commentary. Cinematic Titanic pits the original human members of the mst3k company against one of the worst films ever — this time live on stage — giving them ample opportunity to riff their insanely irreverent comments from the peanut gallery while the movie plays on. Laff riots abound.
