STRINGS ‘N THINGS HIGHLIGHT BUCKMAN’S 15TH SEASON
Posted April 13, 2011
For the 2011-2012 season, Buckman has selected an impressive array of eclectic masters and dynamic artists for it’s main stage performance series. “Once again, we are showcasing our strongest asset: our intimate, beautiful and comfortable space that creates a connection between the audience and the artist,” says Director, Cindi Younker. “You feel as though you are part of the process when you sit in our house.” Strings are a reoccurring theme this year weather they are on guitars, banjos, fiddles, violins or puppets. This season offers masters of string manipulation from across the spectrum of the performing arts, plus few other surprises. The events, which will run from October to May, will also include a dozen educational outreach opportunities for area youths.
Over the last decade, the Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary’s has inspired the Memphis arts scene through creative programming that features a rich variety of internationally renowned artists, dancers and musicians. With a reputation as a home for eclectic music and dance in the most intimate of settings, it is the premiere performance venue uniting the Memphis community.
Buckman’s 15th season is filled with artists of the highest caliber. The diverse mix of performers reflects Buckman’s commitment to present talented entertainers that educate as well. The 2011-2012 year features iconic legends, perennial favorites, rising stars, Memphis debuts and some hardy laughs.
Subscriptions are now available and feature discounted prices for students, seniors and groups of ten or more. Single tickets start at $20 and will be available for purchase beginning August 22. Call (901) 537-1483 for more information or visit www.buckmanartscenter.com.
Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
Season XV Performances
Eileen Ivers Thursday, September 29, 2011, 7 p.m.
$28
“Ms. Ivers is a gentle band leader, mixing bluegrass, classical, rock and even a little rap into her eclectic reels, the pinnacle of which was a percussion solo battle by the bongos, a drum kit and a tap dancer from Riverdance.” New York Times
Eileen Ivers transformed Irish fiddling from a folk music tradition into an internationally acclaimed art. A former member of Cherish The Ladies, the Hall & Oates Band and a session player for Paula Cole, Hothouse Flowers and Patti Smith, Ivers continues to expand the genre on her own terms. In addition to her successful solo career, she is a headliner of Riverdance. Her high-energy performance and dynamic band will be a grand kick off to the season.
www.eileenivers.com
Sara Watkins Saturday, October 15, 2011, 8 p.m.
$28
“Fiddler Sara Watkins played a show as long on charm and good manners as it was on winsome, airy country...full of warm, winning songs that showcase her aching alto and feature bluegrass-inflected breakup ballads built for slow-swaying and lighter-waving.” Rolling Stone Magazine
At the tender age of 27, violin prodigy and stand-out singer, Sara Watkins has spent over half of her life as one-third of the Grammy–winning trio Nickel Creek. Now embarking on a successful solo performance and recording career, Watkins has the sole distinction of hosting Garrison Keilor’s A Prairie Home Companion and performing with Indie-Rock’s, The Decemberists. Her latest collaborators include Led Zepplin’s John Paul Jones, Gillian Welch, Ronnie McCoury, and of course, her Nickel Creek band mates. Enjoy an evening with this multitalented rising super star.
www.sarawatkins.com
Isadora Duncan Dance Company Friday, October 21, 2011, 8 p.m.
$25
“Dancers in sheer Grecian dresses, their arms raised high and their faces exultant — it’s not just another night at the theater, but something from another world. Lori Belilove, a celebrated practitioner of the dances of Isadora Duncan, offered a glimpse into the past.. It’s not only breathtaking, but real too.” New York Times
Isadora Duncan, the revolutionary and iconic dancer who threw out her toe shoes in favor of bare feet, unrestricted costumes, flowing hair, natural movement and emotional expression, launched modern dance and forever influenced pop culture. Under the artistic direction of Lori Belilove, the Isadora Duncan Dance Company features works that highlight the unique qualities of Duncan's repertoire, ranging from early pieces to the later tragic solos, all with a purity of style and execution of movement hailed by the international press. This Memphis debut is not to be missed.
www.isadoraduncan.org
Keola & Moana Beamer Friday, November 4, 2011, 8 p.m.
$25
“Mr. Beamer was staunchly traditional at some moments, cannily pop-oriented at others. His guitar instrumentals relied on humor as well as virtuosity. His finale made him sound like Hawaii's answer to John Denver.” New York Times
Keola Beamer, Hawaii’s premier singer/songwriter, composer and musician, holds the distinguished title of the world’s best slat key guitar player. His well of talent springs from five generations of Hawaii’s most illustrious and beloved musical families. Keola is the father of contemporary Hawaiian music with his iconic Honolulu City Lights, which is still the all-time best selling recording in the history of pacific island music. His enchanting wife, Moana, will accompany with her mastery of authentic hula dancing.
www.kbeamer.com
Loudon Wainwright, III Friday, January 20, 2012, 8 p.m.
$35
“The quintessential Wainwright performance is an emotional tour de force of writing, singing, acoustic guitar, acting and mugging in which the singer, alternately mischievous and shamefaced, ruthlessly cracks his own preppy exterior.” New York Times
The Grammy award-winning and billboard chart-topping Loudon Wainwright, III boasts a career that spans 23 albums and countless movie and television roles. The legendary, singer, guitarist and banjo player was awarded “Album of the Year” by Entertainment Weekly, scored the music for Judd Apatow’s Knocked Up and composed topical songs for NPR’s Morning Edition, All Things Considered and ABC’s Nightline. Wainwright’s songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Earl Scruggs, Rufus Wainwright and Mose Allison, among others. Don’t miss an intimate evening with this iconic legend and witty songster.
www.lw3.com
Mark Nizer in 3D Friday, February 10, 2012, 7 p.m.
$25
“Nothing less than brilliant” Performance Magazine
"One of the best practitioners of the art." Los Angeles Times
International juggling champion, comedic superstar Mark Nizer has a penchant for juggling burning propane tanks, electric carving knives, bowling balls and ping-pong balls with his mouth. Considered one of the greatest entertainment comedians performing today, Nizer's invention of new juggling tricks and techniques combined with his unique wit have set him apart from his peers. Audiences of all ages thrill to his original comedy, world-class juggling, movement, music and technology that promises a spellbinding show with amazing 3D and laser effects.
www.nizer.com
Lula Washington Dance Theatre Friday, March 2, 2012, 8 p.m.
$25
“Athletic bodies, jumping and undulating. Rousing, infectiously enthusiastic performances by fine dancers. There’s much to enjoy about the Lula Washington Dance Theatre.”
New York Times
Lula Washington Dance Theatre, one of the most admired African-American dance companies in the nation, is known for its powerful, high-energy dancing and unique performance. Washington choreographed and the company starred as the N’avi aliens in the blockbuster movie Avatar, wearing computerized bodysuits that captured their every movement. Her talented work can also bee seen in Disney’s Little Mermaid.
www.lulawashington.org
Cashore Marionettes Friday, April 13, 2012, 7 p.m.
$25
“Mr. Cashore, who’s vignettes could be described as Chekhovian, makes his own wooden marionettes. With up to 36 strings each, these puppets really move. They also tell stories -- resonant patches of life set to classical music -- virtually without words.” New York Times
Unmatched in artistry, grace and refinement, the internationally acclaimed and award-winning Cashore Marionettes redefine the art of puppetry. In the Memphis debut of Life in Motion, Joseph Cashore presents his marionette masterworks through a combination of virtuoso manipulation, humor, pathos and poetic insight. Characters of depth, integrity and humanity are portrayed in their everyday life, set to music by Beethoven, Vivaldi, Strauss and Copland. The Cashore Marionettes take the audience on a moving and humorous journey, celebrating the richness of life for adults and youngsters.
www.cashoremarionettes.com
An Evening with Larry Miller Friday, May 18, 2012, 8 p.m.
$30
“Larry Miller is, was and will always be the funniest guy I know.” Jerry Seinfeld
“Being with Miller is like being on a rollercoaster ride without a lap bar or a shoulder harness. The instantly recognizable character actor, whose IMDB filmography seems about two hundred pages long, has played memorable roles in everything from films to television to Broadway. The rapid-fire mania of Larry Miller demands nothing less than our full attention.” The Austinist
As one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, Larry Miller has appeared in over fifty films and hundreds of television shows, including Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries and The Nutty Professor. He is an ensemble member of Christopher Guest’s brilliant movies including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration. A close friend of Jerry Seinfeld, he has had reoccurring roles on Seinfeld, Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and holds a weekly spot on The Adam Carolla Show. In his Memphis debut, Larry invites you to join him for an evening of comedy, music and humor, as he tackles the subject of everyday life with a charm that is relatable, thought provoking, and above all else, hysterically funny.
www.larrymillerhumor.com
