News Archive

“Imagine More” at the Nazareth College Arts Center in 2018-19

Published April 16, 2018

The Nazareth College Arts Center invites you to "imagine more" with the announcement of the 2018-19 season. Following a record-breaking 50th anniversary season, which included several sold-out events and nearly 30,000 attendees, the Arts Center is poised to continue on an upward trajectory serving all members of the community by offering world-class touring performances that appeal to all age groups.

"I'm excited for the new season and the variety of experiences that it offers our patrons," said Nazareth College Arts Center Executive Director Rita Mannelli. "We've increased the number of programs on our series from 16 to 19 shows and selected diverse and exceptional artists that we believe will resonate with Rochester audiences. We had such a positive response to our anniversary season, and we look forward to welcoming both returning and new audiences next year."

A highlight of the new season will be an evening with three-time Grammy Award winner and National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master Branford Marsalis and his quartet on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. in Callahan Theater. Called the "most respected living U.S. jazz instrumentalist" by the Las Vegas Sun, Marsalis comes to the Arts Center to lead his unparalleled quartet on saxophone in this one-night-only engagement.

Other 2018-19 season highlights include Irish quartet We Banjo 3, who topped the Billboard World Music charts, on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 7 p.m. in Beston Hall in the new Jane and Laurence Glazer Music Performance Center, Bessie Award-winning Bridgman|Packer Dance on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 8 p.m. in Callahan Theater, and CW series Masters of Illusion star Jason Bishop on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in Callahan Theater.

In addition to performances in the Callahan Theater, this season marks a new chapter in the Arts Center's ability to present the best in diverse programming with the opening of the Jane and Laurence Glazer Music Performance Center. Located adjacent to the Arts Center, the $15.5 million venue includes a 550-seat performance hall designed specifically for the acoustics of large instrumental ensembles and features state-of-the-art technology.

"An extension of the Nazareth College Arts Center, the new performance center is a vibrant and vital addition to Nazareth College and the region," said Nazareth College President Daan Braveman. "Not only will this new venue draw more visitors to campus to experience the arts, but it will also enable the College to accommodate those students who wish to pursue careers in music."

The full 19-show Arts Center season includes a mix of established and up-and-coming artists, returning favorites, and family programming. The season opens with Rochester City Ballet: Tutus & Tango on September 28-30, 2018 in Callahan Theater. Artistic Director David Palmer will debut a hot new ballet that celebrates tango, accompanied by Raymonda Act III, a favorite from the classical repertoire.

Next up, a ragtag band of "tight and vibrantly free" (Creative Loafing) musicians brings their "ferocious technique" (Austin Chronicle) to Beston Hall in the Jane and Laurence Glazer Music Performance Center on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 8 p.m. Equal parts gypsy jazz and low country swing, Velvet Caravan's self-proclaimed blend of "European redneck music," is unlike anything else you have heard. The high-energy quintet of guitar, violin, standup bass, percussion, and keyboards (plus some accordion for good measure!) plays upbeat tunes from all over the world with thunderous virtuosity and a relentless sense of humor. They will be joined by guest vocalist and Nazareth alumna Jessica Ann Best '06.

The remainder of the 2018-19 season includes:

Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. in Callahan Theater
An Evening with Branford Marsalis
Jazz quartet featuring the three-time Grammy Award-winner and "most respected living U.S. jazz instrumentalist" (Las Vegas Sun).

Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 8 p.m. in Callahan Theater
From NPR's Snap Judgement, Stand-up Storytellers James Judd & Jen Kober
Two award-winning comedians delight with slice-of-life humor.

Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 8 p.m. in Callahan Theater
The Company Men
Broadway singers combine Motown moves with the greatest hits of the last six decades.

Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 2 p.m. in Callahan Theater
Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas
In a dark theater, light and technology combine to tell a magical holiday tale the whole family will enjoy.
Suggested for ages 5+

December 5-9, 2018 in Callahan Theater
Garth Fagan Dance
Premieres by Garth Fagan and Norwood Pennewell, plus spectacular revivals from the company's repertoire.

Monday, December 31, 2018 at 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. in Callahan Theater
The Capitol Steps
Rochester's favorite New Year's Eve tradition of award-winning, bipartisan political satire ripped from current headlines

Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in Callahan Theater
Cirque-tacular's Art of Circus
Experience the artistic masterpieces of Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Warhol, and more in this all-ages acrobatic fantasy.
Suggested for ages 10+

Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 7 p.m. in Beston Hall in the Glazer Music Performance Center
We Banjo 3
Four Irish musicians who topped the Billboard World Music Charts reveal the banjo's rich legacy through Irish music with classic Americana and bluegrass influences.

Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 8 p.m. in Callahan Theater
Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar
This group of vocal powerhouses transcends cultural boundaries with fresh adaptations of contemporary gospel, pop, and musical theatre hits.

Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 8 p.m. in Callahan Theater
Bridgman|Packer Dance
Using cinematic projections, two contemporary dancers perform a Bessie Award-winning piece that blurs the boundaries between reality and the imagined.

Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in Callahan Theater
David Dorfman Dance
David Dorfman's Aroundtown examines the meaning of love through movement, music, and monologues. Presented in collaboration with the program of dance and movement at the University of Rochester.

Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in Callahan Theater
Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic
CW series Masters of Illusion star Jason Bishop interweaves classic magic tricks with larger-than-life illusions. World premiere presented on November 18, 2016 by The New 42nd Street at The New Victory Theater, New York.
Suggested for ages 6+

Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.* in Callahan Theater (sensory-friendly*)
Theatreworks USA: Rosie Revere, Engineer
A fun new musical based on three books by The New York Times best-selling author Andrea Beaty.
Suggested for ages 4+

March 22-24, 2019 in Callahan Theater
Rochester City Ballet: Dangerous Liaisons
Petty jealousies become life-or-death battles in the epic romance that inspired three films and a Tony Award-winning play.
Suggested for ages 10+

Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 8 p.m. in Beston Hall in the Glazer Music Performance Center
Aaron Diehl: Paradoxes in Performance
Jazz pianist Aaron Diehl, a featured soloist with the New York Philharmonic, interprets classical works and brings a new twist to jazz favorites.

Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.* in Callahan Theater (sensory-friendly*)
Shh! We Have a Plan
A tale based on the whimsical storybook follows three friends on an adventure to catch a beautiful bird.
Suggested for ages 4+

May 17-19, 2019 in Callahan Theater
Rochester City Ballet: Sleeping Beauty
Be enchanted by the classic fairy tale, featuring Tchaikovsky's beautiful score.
Suitable for all ages

TICKETS
Renewing subscribers will enjoy priority access to all events in advance of the public. Tickets to the Arts Center's 2018-19 season go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at artscenter.naz.edu/season or 585-389-2170.

The Arts Center offers two subscription options: patrons who order three or more different shows receive 15% off their entire order; patrons who order five or more different shows receive 20% off their entire order. Subscribers enjoy numerous benefits including the first opportunity to renew for the following season, the ability to purchase additional tickets throughout the season at their discounted subscriber rate, half-price tickets to Nazareth College Theatre and Dance Department performances, and the courtesy of ticket exchanges prior to curtain time. Subscribers will also receive one complimentary beverage coupon for each subscription ordered by July 15, 2018.

To celebrate the new season, the Arts Center will also offer patrons who order single tickets within the first 30 days (Wednesday, June 6) 10% off their entire order, redeemable at checkout with promo code SAVE10. (Prior sales excluded. Not combinable with other discounts.)

The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus, at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618. The Box Office is open Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (summer hours May 22–August 18 are Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Friday).

ABOUT
Since 1967, the NAZARETH COLLEGE ARTS CENTER has served as a venue and educational resource for students, educators, artists, and audiences of all ages to create, study, and experience the visual and performing arts. The Arts Center's subscription series and K-12 school performance series provide area residents of all ages with opportunities to experience world-class dance, multicultural entertainment, family programming, music, theatre, and special events. The Departments of Art, Music, and Theatre and Dance present exceptional productions, recitals, and exhibitions, which are open to the public, while preparing students for successful careers in arts-related fields.

The Nazareth College Arts Center is the performance home of the Rochester City Ballet and world-renowned Garth Fagan Dance; and is home to the Bach Children's Chorus.

The Nazareth College Arts Center's 2018-19 season is sponsored by The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation and M&T Bank.

Media please note: High-resolution photos are available at here.
Interviews and photo/footage opportunities may also be arranged.

For More Information

Michelle Shippers, 585-389-2093, mshippe0@naz.edu

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.