University of Dubuque Announces Live at Heritage Center Inaugural Season

Jul 18, 2013 | Kristi Lynch

The University of Dubuque is pleased to announce the launch of its newest performing arts initiative, Live at Heritage Center.  This new performing arts series features nine professional guest artist performances selected from today’s international touring circuit.  The season debuts with Doc Severinsen, of Tonight Show fame, on Saturday, September 21.  The series includes two performances specifically tailored to family audiences with young children, and a bonus event, Christmas at Heritage Center  - the University’s newest annual holiday celebration.  All 2013-2014 Live at Heritage Center performances occur in Heritage Center’s signature venue, John and Alice Butler Hall, with a seating capacity of 1000 patrons.

The 7-event CenterStage Series package offers the best value including a host of subscriber benefits.  Discounted CenterStage Series subscription orders will be accepted upon receipt of order form via fax, mail, and email beginning Thursday, August 1, and via phone or in-person at the Farber Box Office beginning Monday, August 5.  Individual event ticket orders will be accepted via fax, mail, and email beginning Wednesday, August 7, with box office window and phone sales beginning Friday, August 16.  Farber Box Office hours are 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Online ticket sales will commence Monday, August 19, at www.dbq.edu/heritagecenter.  For more information or to request a brochure, call the Farber Box Office at 563-585-SHOW (7469).

Heritage Center will offer a public open house on Wednesday, August 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  The evening will feature live entertainment, guided tours of the building, complimentary refreshments, and an early opportunity to purchase individual event tickets.

According to Heritage Center Executive Director, Thomas Robbins, “Besides our celebrity season opener, this new series takes audiences on journeys to Ireland, Scotland, England, Africa, and Japan through the variety of artists we have booked.”  From musical nostalgia, to theatrical drama, to family fun, there is truly something for everyone.”

The 2013-2014 season features the following events:

Saturday, Sept 21, 2013
7:30 p.m.
Doc Severinsen & His Big Band: “Once More With Feeling!”

"Heeeeere's Johnny!" That lead-in, followed by a big band trumpet blast, was the landmark of late night TV for three decades. Trumpeter Doc Severinsen is perhaps the most iconic band leader as Johnny Carson’s leader of the “Tonight Show Band.” Named after his best-selling recording, this concert features Doc’s 17-piece band and an amazing vocalist.

Friday, October 11, 2013
7:30 p.m.
Jim Witter’s “The Piano Men” featuring the music of Billy Joel & Elton John

A special Homecoming event!  The Piano Men is a musical celebration of the 1970's- year by year, hit by hit- from the songs of Billy Joel and Elton John. Dove Award and Canadian Juno Award nominee, recording artist Jim Witter and his band lead an expertly crafted tour of an entire decade in popular music.

Sunday, November 3, 2013
2:00 p.m.
Ensemble Galilei presents “First Person: Seeing America”

Hailed for its unique blend of Irish, Scottish, early and original music, Ensemble Galilei creates an inspired sound on stage and CD. First Person: Seeing America takes audiences on an innovative journey combining the spoken word, music, and projected iconic images from The Metropolitan Museum of Art featuring the Civil War, the Great Depression, and more. Two professional actors narrate the program.

Saturday, December 14, 2013
7:00 p.m.
Christmas at Heritage Center: “On This Day Earth Shall Ring”

Following in the spirit of 15 years of Christmas on the Quad, the University celebrates the birth of Christ though this dynamic concert production featuring choral, instrumental, and dance performances by UD’s Fine and Performing Arts Department. This community celebration offers free admission for all and promises to bring renewed spiritual meaning to the Christmas season. 

Monday, February 3, 2014
7:30 p.m.
The King’s Singers: The Great American Songbook

One of the world's most celebrated a cappella vocal ensembles, The King's Singers are instantly recognizable for their spot-on intonation, impeccable vocal blend, flawless articulation, and a delightfully British wit. This special program will include the music of Harold Arlen, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin, and much more. With over 150 recordings, The King’s Singers recently won a 2009 Grammy® award.

Sunday, Feb 16, 2014
2:00 p.m.
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia presents “The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites”

After much demand, that little caterpillar is returning, along with an assortment of favorite puppet characters. The triple-bill includes the wonderful story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar's metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly; the fanciful account of Little Cloud's travels through the sky, and the Mixed-Up Chameleon's discovery of his own unique nature.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014
7:30 p.m.
Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 performed by Aquila Theater of New York

One of the most revered novels of the 20th century, Fahrenheit 451 is Ray Bradbury’s riveting tale of society where literature and knowledge are on the edge of extinction. The story has been debated for decades – issues of censorship, the effects of technology on society and literature. Written in 1953, Fahrenheit 451 has achieved the rare distinction of being both a literary classic and a perennial bestseller.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014
7:30 p.m.
Soweto Gospel Choir

Experience the beautiful songs of joy, peace, and hope, sung in a way that only this celebrated Grammy Award-winning South African Gospel choir can sing. In ten short years, the 26-voice Soweto Gospel Choir has achieved international fame by enchanting audiences with their glorious voices, energetic dancing, vibrant costumes, and most importantly, an exuberant spirit that fills up the heart.

Friday, March 28, 2014
7:00 p.m.
Charlotte’s Web performed by Theatreworks USA

Theatreworks' production of Charlotte's Web is based on E.B. White's loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! This treasured tale, featuring mad-cap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love, and the true meaning of friendship.

Friday, April 4, 2014
7:30 p.m.
San Jose Taiko, Japanese power drumming

San Jose Taiko (SJT) has been mesmerizing audiences with the powerful, spellbinding and propulsive sounds of the taiko drums for 40 years. Inspired by traditional Japanese drumming, SJT performers express the beauty and harmony of the human spirit through the voice of the taiko as they strive to create new dimensions in music.