On the heels of a hugely successful 2011-2012 Professional Performance Season, Poway Center for the Performing Arts Foundation’s Fall 2012 Season will feature an exhilarating array of accomplished artists continuing the POW! Foundation’s excellent eclectic programming. The Season begins in September with O Berkley, Where Hart Thou? featuring an all-star line-up of San Diego folk, country and bluegrass musicians recreating the Academy Award-winning soundtrack to O Brother, Where Art Thou? Ukulele ace Jake Shimabukuro takes the stage in October followed by an encore performance from Natalie MacMaster. The Fall 2012 offerings come to a conclusion with Vicki Lawrence: A Two Woman Show in December. Four more shows will be offered in the 2013 Professional Performance Season.
"September is the time when Poway celebrates her history with parades, the rodeo, street fairs and more. We thought 'what better way to join in the celebration of The City in the Country than with O Berkley, Where Hart Thou?,'" declares Michael Rennie, Executive Director. "Many of the performers will be familiar to our audience, but we’re also excited to introduce some new talent to the Poway stage as well. This will be the perfect conclusion to the summer and a fitting tribute to our area’s Western heritage."
Legendary songs "Man of Constant Sorrow," "In the Jailhouse Now," "Oh Death," "I’ll Fly Away" and more will receive a modern update from the likes of Sean and Sara Watkins, Tim Flannery, Berkley Hart, the Seventh Day Buskers, Lisa Sanders and more. O Berkley, Where Hart Thou? is the brain child of local award-winning acoustic duo Jeff Berkley and Calman Hart aka: Berkley Hart. (Line-up subject to change).
"If everyone played the ukulele, the world would be a better place” –Jake S. Forget everything you know about the ukulele–this is no tiptoe through the tulips! Jake Shimabukuro takes the ukulele to places you've never seen or heard before. Compared to Yo Yo Ma, Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis, Shimabukuro has redefined the ukulele for the 21st Century, performing fully arranged versions of concert classics like the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," Queen’s "Bohemian Rhapsody" and Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah"–all on only four short strings!
His live shows have critics and fans tripping over themselves with praise, and his YouTube clips have been viewed more than 10 million times. The guru of "Peace, Love and Ukulele," Shimabukuro offers a one-of-a-kind concert experience! Catch Jake now and say "I saw him when…" for years to come.
"Sometimes the world really does seem like it is divided into two kinds of people: those who have never heard of Jake Shimabukuro, and those who are huge fans. Suffice it to say, I’m one of the latter," says Rennie. "I first became aware of Jake Shimabukuro after seeing him perform at a NAMM show in 2008. I was struck but how inspired and inspiring Jake was–clearly a virtuoso musician who loves what he does and wants the entire world to pick up an instrument. Jake has none of the aloofness or detachment that often divides performers from their audiences. On stage, Jake combines the positive, easy-going charm of Jason Mraz with the effortless musicianship of a Stevie Ray Vaughn or Yo-Yo Ma. Yes, I realize that’s high praise, but Jake lives up to it."
Award-winning fiddle player Natalie MacMaster is an international sensation, recognized around the globe as a scintillating entertainer and the preeminent practitioner of the "Cape Breton sound." But MacMaster has also become something of a "home-town" sensation appearing at the Poway Center with her own band (2008) and with husband Donnell Leahy in 2010.
Now, MacMaster returns for an encore concert to perform songs from her new CD Cape Breton Girl. Winner of numerous awards for outstanding musicianship and a captivating live entertainer, MacMaster has shared the stage with The Chieftains, Paul Simon, Faith Hill, Luciano Pavarotti and has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Good Morning America.
"With a new album out (Cape Breton Girl) we thought, 'what better time to welcome back an old friend and audience favorite?'" remarks Rennie. "We are immensely proud to be Natalie MacMaster’s chosen venue for her San Diego County shows. We introduced our audience to Natalie in 2008 and brought her back to town (with husband, Donnell Leahy) in 2009. We can’t wait to welcome her back this October.
"Much like Jake, Natalie is one of those rare performers who can dazzle you with her virtuosity all the while planting the seed that ‘hey, maybe I could do this.’" Rennie said. "And that is the POW! Foundation’s mission at its best: not just presenting stellar talent, but igniting a spark in others."
The Fall 2012 Professional Performance Season concludes in early December with one of television’s most outspoken senior citizen–Thelma Harper–aka "Mama" to decades of fans–is the blue-haired, sharp-tongued, senior citizen created by actress Vicki Lawrence in the late 1960s while on "The Carol Burnett Show."
Vicki Lawrence’s classmates were spot on when they voted her "Most Likely to Succeed." From her 11 hilarious years with "The Carol Burnett Show" (which won her an Emmy®) to her gold record for "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia," her TV series "Mama’s Family," her hosting of "Win, Lose or Draw, Vicki!" and "Fox After Breakfast," and her numerous stage productions, Vicki approaches everything with a sense of humor, because "Life is much too serious to be taken seriously!" She and Mama share a double-bill for an evening of stories, songs and laughs.
"Vicki Lawrence has one of those personalities that inspires an almost irrational amount of good will–people just light up when they see Vicki’s smile. Vicki says her graduate studies in comedy occurred in front of an audience of millions, and I count myself among them,” says Rennie. "While many of us watched Vicki come of age on the 'Carol Burnett Show,' others discovered her during her stint on 'Mama’s Family' from 1983–1990. Vicki’s comedic chops are as strong as ever. Mama? Well, we never know what Mama will say. Regardless, we can’t wait to welcome 'both' ladies to the stage in December."
Get the best price for these shows at the consistently lowest prices by subscribing to the POW! Foundation Fall 2012 Professional Performance Season.
Ticket packages begin at low as $130 with Youth Ticket (18 years and under) subscriptions at $70. Four show season subscription packages are on sale March 23 through May 31, with single tickets going on sale June 1 at noon.
POW! FOUNDATION FALL 2012 SEASON SCHEDULE
O Berkley, Where Hart Thou?
8 p.m., Saturday, September 22
Natalie MacMaster
8 p.m., Saturday, October 27
Jake Shimabukuro
8 p.m., Friday, October 12
Special engagement: no discounts,
ticket vouchers or youth priced tickets.
Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show
8 p.m., Saturday, December 1
Ticket Discounts:
- Seniors (62 years older) save 15% off single ticket prices.
- Discounts for groups of 10 or more and fundraising tickets are also available.
Online: www.powayarts.org
Phone: Ticket Office at 858-748-0505.
Ticket office Hours: Friday, Noon to 5 pm; Saturday 10am to 3pm and two hours prior curtain.
