Sounds of the Season SRU, BC3 tout arts schedules
SLIPPERY ROCK — The sounds of the New Christy Minstrels will fill Slippery Rock University's University Union on Sept. 6 for the first show in SRU's 2013-14 Performing Arts Series.
The American folk group's concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. With more than 20 albums to its credit, the group has sold millions of records. Their hits include “Green Green” and “This Land Is Your Land.”
Founded in 1961, the group is still going strong with three original members and newcomers selected for their ability to mimic and retain the group's original harmonies and humor.
The group was founded by Randy Sparks, who still serves as the minstrels' leader.
Sparks has said that when he was creating the group he was looking for the exuberance of The Kingston Trio and the choral harmony of The Norman Luboff Choir.
He took the group's name from his reading about the struggles of American composer Stephen Foster and his association with the most popular musical ensemble of his era, Christy's Minstrels.
Tickets to the New Christy Minstrels show at SRU are $22 for adults; $20 for senior citizens; $18 for youths; and $8 for SRU students. Call 724-738-2018.
Before the show, campus vendor AVI will offer a 6 p.m. dinner in the University Union for $20.95. Reservations are available at 724-738-4644 through Sept. 2.
Other shows are: “Simply Sinatra starring Steve Lippia” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11; “The Broadway Boys,” a holiday concert, at 4 p.m. Dec. 8; a “John Denver Tribute starring Ted Vigil” at 7:30 p.m. April 13; and “Dala,” featuring Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine, at 4 p.m. May 4.
Butler County Community College will celebrate national and local performing artists as well as the Pittsburgh Philharmonic on its 2013-14 performing arts events calendar.The Performing Artists Mini-Series offers its 12th season of shows. All start at 8 p.m. in the Succop Theater. The shows are:“Macbeth” by Shakespeare, Sept. 21“A Valentine Affair” by the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble, Feb. 14“The Fantasticks” by the Nebraska Theatre Caravan, March 25“Folk Music with an Asian Twist' by AppalAsia, April 25.The Pittsburgh Philharmonic Mini-Series includes four concerts. All start at 8 p.m. in the Succop.Famous Finales — Any Last Words? on Oct. 2512th annual Holiday Concert, Dec. 6Encore! Save the Last Dance for Me! March 21Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, May 16.And the new Local Artist Mini-Series takes place at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoons at the Succop.Grand Ole Radio by Rob and Tom, Nov. 3Arias in the Afternoon with Jessica Spafford, Feb. 2Robin Hasenpflug, cellist, with Shirley Yoo, March 2The Occasional Divas, June 1.An all-series season pass (12 tickets) is $135.Single ticket price for the Performing Artists Mini-Series is $20, for the Philharmonic Mini-Series, $15, and for the Local Artists Mini-Series, $10.Senior citizens get a $2 per ticket discount. Student tickets are $10. Call the BC3 box office at 724-284-8505.
