Staff Reports
Niagara Gazette
BUFFALO —
The Great Performers Series features world-class artists in the intimate setting of Rockwell Hall at Buffalo State College has been announced.
The series begins with on Oct. 22 with the leading smooth jazz trumpeter of his era, Rick Braun. No jazz trumpeter today has got a sweeter sound or more engaging musical sensibility. His new album “All It Takes” debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Top Jazz Album chart.
On Nov. 5, The Performing Arts Center welcomes comedian Steven Wright. An enigma wrapped in a paradox inside a conundrum — with a few yuks thrown in. That’s Wright, the deadpan jokester whose comedy is “observational” in the sense that it's the observations of one really weird dude.
Arlo Guthrie a true folk music legend returns to Rockwell Hall on Nov. 9. Guthrie is a legendary artist who shares timeless stories and unforgettable classic songs as he carries on the Guthrie Family legacy. With his singular voice, as both a singer-songwriter and social commentator, he has maintained a dedicated fan base that spans the globe.
Esperanza Spalding comes to town on Dec. 11. The captivating singer and bassist, is one of the most exciting artists on the jazz scene. Effortlessly dexterous on the bass and able to deliver a captivating vocal in three languages — English, Spanish, and Portuguese — Esperanza’s new album features a modern chamber music group that combines the spontaneity and intrigue of improvisation with sweet and angular string trio arrangements. The result is a sound that weaves the innovative elements of jazz, folk and world music into the enduring foundations of classical music.
Perhaps best known as the comedian who puts the cerebral in Cerebral Palsy, Josh Blue exploded onto the national comedy scene by capturing the attention and endearment of the country as the winner of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” He has gained a national fan base by using wry wit and an often-sarcastic sense of humor that enables himself and audiences alike to laugh at the disability he lives with. Blue jokes, “I realize that people are going to stare so I want to give them something to stare at.” Blues performs at Rockwell Hall on Jan. 29.
Al Di Meola will perform with his New World Sinfonia on March 26. He’s a bona fide guitar hero, perennial poll-winner and virtuoso of the highest order.
Making his saxophone sing like a human voice — that's Boney James. Soulful and gifted saxman performs in Rockwell Hall on April 15.
Tickets for the Great Performers series go on sale Aug. 30 for between $40 and $30. With the Flex Pack, patrons can purchase any three or more Great Performers shows for as low as $27 each. Tickets may be purchased at the Rockwell Hall Box Office, 1300 Elmwood Ave. or by calling 878-3005 or online at www.buffalostate.edu/pac.
