SRU Performing Arts Series announces 2017-18 schedule

August 1, 2017

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - The sounds of some of music's biggest acts, past and present, will fill the air - and the schedule - as part of the 2017-18 Slippery Rock University Performing Arts Series.

"It's a great honor to welcome the amazing artists coming to SRU this season," said Deb Baker, director of special events. "Not only will we offer the very best pop, rock, doo-wop, Motown and jazz artists this season, but we also proudly introduce sensational artists from Ireland and Zimbabwe. This season is not to be missed."

Season tickets, which include four main stage shows, are $76 for adults; $68 for seniors (62 and older); $60 for youth (17 and younger); and $28 for SRU students. The fifth show may be added for $17. SRU students can add the fifth show for just $8.

The Modern Gentlemen, originally brought together 10 years ago to serve as background vocalists to the legendary Frankie Valli, will open the series at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 15 in the University Union's Multipurpose Room.

Individually, each of The Modern Gentlemen were in-demand singers prior to being brought together as a quartet by Valli. Since that time, they've been wowing audiences worldwide providing all the background vocals and choreography alongside the vocal icon.

Away from Valli, the quartet - Brian Brigham, Brandon Brigham, Landon Beard and Todd Fournier - has developed their own signature sound, blending tight four-part harmonies while performing classic pop, rock, Doo-Wop and Motown hits. They've performed on some the world's biggest stages, including the Royal Albert Hall with the London Symphony Orchestra and Broadway, while touring throughout Asia, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

In addition to Valli, they've appeared onstage with The Beach Boys, The Manhattan Transfer, Tony Bennett and Smokey Robinson among others.

General admission tickets for the performance are $22 for adults; $20 for seniors (62 and older); $18 for youth (17 and younger); and $8 for SRU students.

Nobuntu will perform at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 25 in the Smith Student Center Ballroom.

A five-part a cappella ensemble made up of young women from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Nobuntu values humbleness, love, purpose, unity and family from a woman's perspective. Their repertoire is a fusion of traditional Zimbabwean-rooted music, Afro Jazz, gospel and crossover in pure voices with minimalistic percussion, traditional instruments such as Mbira and some dance movements.

The release of their 2013 debut album titled "Thina," immediately took them beyond their own border to countries including Austria, Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic. The ensemble was nominated for Best Musician of the Year at the 2015 Zimbabwe International Women Awards.

General admission tickets for the performance are $20 for adults; $18 for seniors (62 and older); $16 for youth (17 and younger); and $8 for SRU students.

Performing a set list of songs recorded or performed by Michael Bublé, Shades of Bublé honors, but doesn't imitate, the sophistication, style and high-energy fun that Bublé himself brings to his concerts. Members of the SRU Jazz Ensemble will serve as backup musicians during the performance.

The trio provides audiences seamless variety by combining big-band standards from the jazz era; classic hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s; and modern Billboard chart toppers in a high-energy show that has generated standing ovations from sold-out crowds around the country.

General admission tickets for the 7:30 p.m., Nov. 3 performance in the University Union's Multipurpose Room are $22 for adults; $20 for seniors (62 and older); $18 for youth (17 and younger); and $8 for SRU students.

The Legacy Motown Revue is a quartet of talented entertainers, backed by the Sound Express Band, that dance, sing and transport their audience back to the heyday of Motown through the music of The Drifters, The Coasters, The Jacksons and The Temptations. The group combines exciting choreography and impressive showmanship that showcases not only the classic "Motown Sound" but contemporary soul music as well.

Launched in 2010, the troupe also features an amazing six-piece horn section, Sound Express, that will transport audiences to one of the most influential musical periods in American history.

General admission tickets for the 7:30 p.m., Feb. 2 performance in the University Union's Multipurpose Room are $22 for adults; $20 for seniors (62 and older); $18 for youth (17 and younger); and $8 for SRU students.

The series will wrap up with a 7:30 p.m., March 25 performance in the University Union's Multipurpose Room by The Young Irelanders. The group was formed to not only to merge the significant creative ideas and talents of a select group of young Irish performers who are unique among their peers; but also in the hope that given their combined youthfulness and ability, their existence in the music business would act as a catalyst in attracting more young people to the world of traditional Irish music throughout the world.

The sound the band creates is best described as eclectic, where traditional Irish music, Celtic music, folk music, world music, jazz music, country music and popular music all come together to give rise to a very unique and multi-faceted sound.

The group has toured as lead performers with Riverdance and Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance;" performed as soloists on various PBS specials; and shared the stage with U2's Bono, Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones and Sting.

General admission tickets for the show are $22 for adults; $20 for seniors (62 and older); $18 for youth (17 and younger); and $8 for SRU students.

Lastly, the Performing Arts Series will be teaming up with the Office of Alumni Engagement to offer a pair of non-series day excursions.

A coach bus will depart from the Alumni House parking lot at 12:45 p.m., Oct. 29 for a trip to the Blackwood Theater in Harrisville for a performance of the silent movie, "The Phantom of the Opera." The bus will depart for its return trip to SRU following the 2 p.m. performance and reception. Tickets are $40 per person or $10 for SRU students with transportation; or $25 per person without transportation.

A trip to the Pittsburgh Opera for a showing of Donizetti's "The Elixir of Love" will take place April 24 at the Benedum Center. The show is a comedy about a traveling medicine show huckster who claims to possess a love potion. Prior to the show, dinner will be offered at Buca di Beppo. Tickets are $60 per person or $40 for SRU students with transportation; or $45 per person without transportation. A 6 p.m. preshow talk is included. A coach bus will depart from the Alumni House parking lot at 2:45 p.m. the day of the show. The bus will depart for its return trip to SRU immediately following.

For additional information, call: 724.738.2018.

MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robert.king@sru.edu