Recent Past Performances
2018-2019 SRU Performing Arts Season
An Evening with Soledad O'Brien: Her Life Stories
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, 7:30 P.M.
Award-Winning Journalist, Entrepreneur and Host of the Weekly Syndicated Political Show Matter of Fact Through the power of storytelling, Soledad O'Brien brings a fresh perspective on diverse and contemporary issues to foster change in our community. Good luck and hard work can take you a long way, and in the case of Soledad O'Brien, good fortune was only a part of the winning combination that has led to her success. Driven by a desire to be the best in her profession, O'Brien has excelled by pushing her own limits. Touching on her secrets to a successful career, O'Brien emphasizes her belief in a strong work ethic and a never give up attitude.
Free, 7:30 p.m., Smith Student Center Ballroom
Doors open at 7 p.m. This lecture will be very popular. Free tickets can be picked up at the Smith Info desk beginning on Jan.21.
Cirque Zuma Zuma
Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, 7:30 P.M.
A one-time "America's Got Talent" finalist, Cirque Zuma Zuma has been called the ultimate African circus and an African-style Cirque du Soleil. The nonstop action features virtuoso performers who showcase African culture, including dance, acrobatics, tumbling and live music. Audiences are kept on the edge of their seats with the variety of acrobatics, Egyptian limbo dances, South African gumboot dances, Gabonese tumbling and feats of South African contortionism.
This event will be held in the Smith Student Center Ballroom.
EILEEN IVERS' A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS
Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, 7:30 P.M., University Union-MPR An original star of "Riverdance," virtuoso fiddler Eileen Ivers weaves traditional Irish songs, beloved American carols and even a "jigging" Bach into this celebration of Christmas through music. Ivers is a Grammy Award winner, Emmy nominee and nine-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion who has performed with various orchestras, Sting, The Chieftains and many others. Her recording credits include more than 80 contemporary and traditional albums and numerous movie scores. The New York Times called Ivers "The Jimi Hendrix of the violin."
CROSSING THE POLITICAL DIVIDE WITH DONNA BRAZILE & ANA NAVARRO
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, 7:30 P.M.Donna Brazile - Renowned political strategist and commentator and the former Interim Chair of the Democratic National Committee.
Ana Navarro - A well-known Republican strategist and a political analyst for CNN, Telemundo and cohost of ABC's The View.Despite being from opposing parties, these pundits have joined forces to give audiences their unparalleled insights from the world of politics, and candid stories from behind the scenes to deliver an entertaining and practical talk about today's hottest political topics.
THE QUEEN'S SIX
Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, 7:30 P.M., University Union-MPR
Based at Windsor Castle, The Queen's Six are members of St. George's Chapel Choir,which performs at chapel services as well as private and state occasions and often before the royal family. These extraordinary singers perform a broad repertoire, from early chant,Renaissance polyphony, bawdy madrigals and haunting folk songs to upbeat jazz and pop arrangements.
DISNEY AND THE BOYS
Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, 7:30 P.M., University Union-MPR Acclaimed singers and entertainers Will and Anthony Nunziata take audiences on a magical ride through the music and stories of iconic Disney songs, many from the songwriting team of the Sherman Brothers, or as Walt called them, "The Boys." This multimedia concert includes rare footage from the Disney archives, as Will and Anthony provide fresh takes on classic songs from "Mary Poppins," "The Lion King," "Aladdin," "The Little Mermaid" and more. The Chicago Tribune calls the pair, "... a winning combo of beautiful tenor voices and comedic flair."
NEIL BERG'S AMERICAN ROYALTY: QUEENS OF SEX, SOUL, AND SONG
Friday, March 29, 2019, 7:30pm, University Union Celebrate Women's History Month with an amazingly talented all-female cast comprised of four incredibly diverse musical artists as they perform the hit songs and tell the stories behind the music that has transformed American culture and character. These extraordinary singers take audiences on a musical journey that includes Bessie Smith, Appalachian and bayou music, as well as tributes to Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand and many other musical icons. This show premieres at SRU.
RUMOURS - A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE
Friday, January 25, 7:30pm, University Union The country's premier Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Rumours, re-creates the energy of the British-American rockers at the height of their career. Rumours blends perfect harmonies and precise instrumentation to create a visually engaging stage show that appeals to diehard Fleetwood Mac fans as well as those who are new to the band's music. Rumours has played to packed houses at major venues across the country, including the House of Blues and a one-week residency at Disney's Epcot Center during the theme park's popular "Sounds Like Summer" concert series.WEATHER RELATED INFORMATION: Our guest artists are driving to us from Atlanta. The show will continue on schedule providing Rumours has safely arrived. (Refunds will only be issued if the artists cannot get to our venue.)
A SWINGIN' HOLIDAY AFFAIR
Saturday, November 17, 7:30pm, Smith Center Ballroom In this memorable show, Lippia performs many of Frank Sinatra's most well-known and beloved numbers as well as popular Christmas songs. This wonderful blend of holiday cheer and jazz and swing standards will feature the wonderfully talented SRU Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jason Kush. Lippia's last concert with the SRU Jazz Ensemble was an audience favorite.
MARTINI POP
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2018, 7:30PM, UNIVERSITY UNION The talented musicians of Martini Pop combine the cool factor of the Rat Pack, the harmony of Manhattan Transfer, and the quirky arrangements of Post-Modern Jukebox to bring audiences an unforgettable musical experience. Four amazing vocalists, backed by a jazz combo, sing fun retro versions of radio hits from Sinatra to Lionel Ritchie to Taylor Swift to Rhianna-and many more of the world's most popular musicians. Pop meets swing in a powerhouse show by performers who know how to deliver.
WELL-STRUNG: THE SINGING STRING QUARTET
Saturday, September 15, 2018, 2pm University Union Well-Strung reimagines what a string quartet can be by fusing classical and pop music with a unique blend of vocals and strings. Edmund Bagnell (first violin), Chris Marchant (second violin), Daniel Shevlin (cello) and Trevor Wadleigh (viola) have appeared on NBC's "TODAY" while Boston Spirit Magazine describes them as "a genius mash-up of boy band and classical string quartet;" and the New York Daily News calls them "the hottest thing with a bow since Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games."
2016-2017 SRU Performing ARTs Season
The Young Irelanders
Sunday, March 25, 2018, 7:30pm, University Union MPR
These eight sensational performers have traditional Irish music, song and dance running through their veins. They have toured as lead performers with Riverdance and Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, performed as soloists on PBS specials, shared the stage with Bono, and collaborated with Ronnie Wood (Rolling Stones) and Sting (The Police).
The Legacy Motown Revue with Sound Express
Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, 7:30pm, University Union MPR
Four talented entertainers-backed by the Sound Express band-dance, sing and transport their audience back to the days of The Drifters, The Coasters, The Jacksons, Earth Wind & Fire and The Temptations. Directed by band leader Stan Stigall from Bill Pinckney's original Drifters, The Legacy entertains audiences with exciting choreography and impressive showmanship that showcases not only classic Motown sound but some contemporary soul music.
http://www.thelegacymotownrevue.com
Shades of Bublé
Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, 7:30 pm, University Union MPR
Performing a set list of songs recorded or performed live by Michael Bublé, this world-class trio honors - but doesn't imitate - the sophistication, style and high-energy fun that Bublé himself brings to his concerts. Members of our very own SRU Jazz Ensemble will back up the vocalists.
Members of the SRU Jazz Ensemble performing with Shades of Bublé are:Baylee Summerhill - bass - sophomore (Criminology)
Josh Bonnici - trumpet - senior (Music Education)
Kyle Strain - tenor saxophone/clarinet - senior (Music Performance and Biology)
Justin Vorp - drums - senior (Music Performance)
Jeanne Marie Stalteri - saxophone - senior (Music Education/Music Performance)
Wesley Woodward - trumpet - senior (Music Performance)
David Vevers - trombone - junior (Music Therapy)
(Not pictured) Jason Kush - director - Associate Professor of Music
Nobuntu
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, 7:30pm, Smith Student Center Ballroom
This female a cappella quintet from Zimbabwe has drawn international acclaim for their inventive performances that range from traditional Zimbabwean songs to Afro Jazz to Gospel. Their breath-taking voices, organic dance and passionate performances celebrate the beauty and power of being an African woman. This show is general admission although subscribers choosing to add this event to their order will be in a reserved section in the front. The Special Events Office is grateful for the fiscal support from The President's Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity, Frederick Douglass Institute, Office for Inclusive Excellence, Office for Global Engagement and Slippery Rock University Student Government for Nobuntu's visit to SRU.
The Modern Gentlemen
Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, 7:30pm, University Union MPR
These amazing men have provided all the background vocals and choreography for rock and roll icon Frankie Valli for the last decade. Their own signature sound blends modern voices in four-part harmonic perfection together with high-energy dance moves as they perform classic hits of Pop, Rock, Doo-Wop and, of course, The Four Seasons. Not a tribute show, but the real thing!
https://www.themoderngentlemen.net
WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN: Carpenters Remembered
Friday, March 31, 2017
7:30 p.m.
University Union
See the show that sold out in Las Vegas! Led by Michelle Berting Brett and accompanied by a live Nashville band directed by Harry Sharpe, We've Only Just Begun re-creates the original sound of the Carpenters, one of the most successful and beloved recording acts of all time. "Brilliant performance!" says musician Peter Noone. JazzTimes magazine says, "Michelle Berting Brett is a richly gifted vocalist whose heartfelt tribute to Karen Carpenter is simply not to be missed."
http://weveonlyjustbegunshow.com
JOHN FORD COLEY
Friday, Feb. 3, 2017
7:30 p.m.
University Union, Café seating
Best known as half of the Grammy-nominated duo England Dan and John Ford
Coley-who had six Top 40 singles between 1976 and 1979-singing legend John
Ford Coley is now playing classic hits and new music in a solo show that is nostalgic
and uplifting. This singing legend and audience favorite has multiple double platinum
and gold records to his credit, with hit songs like "I'd Really Love To See You Tonight,"
"Nights Are Forever Without You," and "Love Is the Answer."
http://www.johnfordcoley.com
GRAVITY & OTHER MYTHS
Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016
7:30 p.m.
Smith Student Center (General Admission)
A multi-award winning and critically acclaimed acrobatics ensemble from
Australia, Gravity and Other Myths creates their work with an emphasis on
an honest approach to performance, moving away from traditional circus and
theatre models toward a fusion of acrobatic physical theatre. Arts and culture
magazine TV Bomb describes a GOM performance as "daredevil feats with the
confetti and sequins stripped away leaving nothing in their place but sheer
talent and truly astonishing skill."
Gravity & Other Myths is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body
This engagement of Gravity & Other Myths is funded through the Mid Atlantic Tours program of Mid Atlantic Arts foundation with support from the National Endowment of the Arts
This performance was supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
ANNIE MOSES BAND - "The Art of the Love Song"
Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016
2:00 p.m.
University Union
A brilliant blend of folk and classical, the Annie Moses Band is a talented
family of musicians who combine technical skill with exhilarating
showmanship. They have delighted audiences around the world, including
in record-breaking numbers of airings on PBS and at Carnegie Hall and
the Grand Ole Opry. "The Art of the Love Song" was recently released and
showcased on PBS. These virtuosic siblings bring Juilliard-honed chops to
Nashville-styled music-making.
http://www.anniemosesband.com
WOMEN OF THE WORLD
Friday, Sept. 16, 2016
7:30 p.m.
University Union
Celebrate global folk traditions with Women of the World, a dazzling
ensemble that creates and performs a rich tapestry of cultures and
sounds. The 2014 champions of the Harmony Sweepstakes national a
cappella competition, the premier American showcase for vocal harmony
music, these four amazing entertainers from around the globe perform
in 29 of the world's languages and demonstrate the power of music to
bridge cultural divides. "Beautiful, Spirited, Loving ... Wonderful!" says
Bobby McFerrin.
http://womenoftheworldmusic.com
2015-2016 SRU Performing Arts Season
BARRAGE 8
Thursday, April 28, 2016
University Union, Multi-Purpose Room
7:30 p.m.
Barrage 8, from the creators of the hit show "Barrage," features
all the instruments in the modern string family, played with energy
and panache by virtuoso performers. The instrumentation drives
a rich and powerful sonic palette that explores music from many
genres - and will leave you wanting more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBHlY75W70w
vocaldente
Thursday, March 24, 2016
University Union, Multi-Purpose Room
7:30 p.m.
Join us for a magical evening with these five extraordinary
performers from Germany and you'll understand how vocaldente
won the world's biggest a cappella competition. Unlike other
a cappella groups, vocaldente doesn't rely on technical devices or
amplifiers - their purely acoustic concerts take a cappella back to
its roots.
http://www.vocaldente.org/en/
Holiday Nights and Days
starring Kevin Spirtas
Friday, December 4, 2015
University Union, Multi-Purpose Room
7:30 p.m.
Let Kevin take you on an energetic tour of his career highlights, from
his Broadway debut to his years as physician Craig Wesley on "Days
of Our Lives." His performances bring down the house, whether
he's crooning a beautiful ballad, singing his way through unforgettable
music from Broadway shows or brightening up the season with
holiday tunes.
Café-style seating
http://kevinspirtas.com/
Alice Tan Ridley in concert
Friday, October 16, 2015
University Union, Multi-Purpose Room
7:30 p.m.
An "America's Got Talent" finalist in 2010, gospel and R&B sensation
Alice Tan Ridley has got it all: a powerful voice, extraordinary musicianship
and an electrifying stage presence that brings audiences to their feet.
Talent runs in the family: actress Gabourey Sidibe is her daughter.
http://alicetanridley.com/
A Swinging Good Time
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Smith Student Center, Ballroom
7:30 p.m.
Our incredibly talented SRU Jazz Ensemble and dance students
promise a special evening as they teach, demonstrate and perform
your all-time swing favorites. Come prepared to dance or just
watch ... how much you participate is up to you.
Café-style seating
2013-2014 SRU Performing Arts Season
New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players
"I've Got a Little Twist"
Sept. 5, 2014
University Union, Multi-Purpose Room
Take Gilbert and Sullivan, add a twist of Broadway and the result is a fun, fresh, fill-of-life musical cabaret. This one-of-a-kind show celebrates the timelessness of Gilbert and Sullivan and its legacy in modern musical theatre.
Livingston Taylor in Concert
Oct. 19, 2014
University Union, Multi-Purpose Room
From his own Top 40 hits to music written for his brother James,
Livingston Taylor creates an unforgettable performance with folk,
pop, gospel, jazz, touching ballads and amazing stories.
The New Christy Minstrels
Friday September 6, 2013
This renowned American Folk group recorded more than 20 albums, including their Grammy Award winning debut album, and sold millions of records. Their hits are still popular today: "Green Green" "Saturday Night" "Today" "Denver" and their cover of "This Land Is Your Land." Randy Sparks who founded the New Christy Minstrels, still leads this amazing group in concert.
"Simply Sinatra"
Starring Steve Lippia
and featuring SRU Jazz Ensemble
Friday, October 11, 2013
Steve Lippia has been thrilling sold-out pops audiences across America. In this musical celebration, Steve interprets some of the most well-known and beloved Frank Sinatra hits. Be wowed by such timeless standards as "I've Got You Under my Skin," "The Lady is a Tramp," "My Way," "The Best is Yet to Come," and "Come Fly With Me." The award-winning and internationally traveled SRU Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jason Kush, will back Steve for this evening of extraordinary music.
The Broadway Boys Holiday Show
Sunday, December 8, 2013
A collection of the hottest singers working on the New York stage, the Broadway Boys infuse elements of pop, funk, gospel, and rock into traditional holiday classics and show tunes to create a new and contemporary musical theater sound. Enjoy songs from The Book of Mormon, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Mary Poppins, Memphis, Spiderman, and many more, as well as your holiday favorites.
http://www.bwayboys.com/
Rocky Mountain High John Denver Tribute,
Starring Ted Vigil
Thursday, April 3, 2014
The legendary John Denver was a brilliant song writer and a truly gifted performer. His music was a combination of romance ("Annie's Song"), folk ("Leavin' on a Jet Plane"), country ("Thank God I'm a Country Boy") and environmentalist ("Calypso"). Ted Vigil, a man who closely resembles John both physically and musically, is carrying on John Denver's inspiring legacy. Ted is not an impersonator; rather he sings a tribute to this colossal musical icon, performing with long-time Denver guitar accompanist Steve Weisberg.
http://www.tedvigil.com/
The Jammin' Divas
Sunday, May 4, 2014
The Jammin' Divas perform stunning renditions of traditional and contemporary original folk music from Ireland, Australia, Israel and the USA. Through beautiful three-part harmonies set against the plush melodic landscape of the flute and double bass, The Jammin' Divas draw the audience into an experience that transcends four continents' history by sharing songs and stories of how each country culturally influences and enriches another.
www.thejammindivas.com