Looking Forward to Great Shows

Catherine Harris
World Stage Coordinator

Wow, it's hard to believe that the semester is almost over! It seems like just yesterday we were busy preparing for the first show on the World Stage Series--Yamato--on October 27. Now that we've been through the first couple of shows in this year's program, including the historic, very first ever show in The Sett put on by the Performing Arts Committee, it's time to start getting ready for the many events in the upcoming spring semester.

The Sett

Other than looking forward to winter being over (already, even though it hasn't really even yet begun), I'm excited for the first concert back from break, The Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming blog entry by the Isthmus Jazz Series Associate Director, Ben Ferris, about the amazing history of this world renowned group.

Another concert I am definitely going to be sure not to miss is Bela Fleck and the Flecktones on March 1 in the Union Theater. This concert is also going to be historic in that it is the first time in 20 years that the original Flecktones, (including none other than Howard Levy, bass god Victor Wooten, the all around amazing Future Man, and the banjo man himself, Bela Fleck) will be touring! They just released a new album called Rock-Et Science, which blends the sounds of their old albums with the trademark boundary-pushing and craziness that everyone of the band members exhibits in their approach to their respective instruments. Do note: they reunited for this one tour and one album. This is a historic opportunity to see them. It's not likely to happen again.

Lastly, what I am totally most excited for, above all else for the spring, is the arrival of Seun Kuti with his father's legendary afro-beat band, Egypt 80. Since this concert is at the very end of the academic school year, I'm trying not to get too hyped up about it so that I can still enjoy all of the other concerts I go to, but it is, for sure, without a doubt, going to be something to look forward to, and a perfect wrap up for this academic school year--it will be an amazing treat to behold this stunning group.

Stay tuned for more exciting information about the Village Vanguard from Ben and for the appearance of a new blogger from the performing arts committee who has a love for Celtic music, and is even a fiddler herself!