Enjoy the Smooth Sounds of Magical Romance!

An Evening With Johnny Mathis

Saturday, March 9 at 8pm, Tickets: $95/85

Johnny Mathis uses a fitting description when he talks about the connection he makes with his fans onstage…”It’s a love affair!”

At the start of his career, Mathis’ vocal depth and innocent image made him a favorite with female fans looking for an alternative to the brash rock of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. His voice, then and now, was immediately recognizable and unique: a rich, honeyed tenor that transcended social and racial barriers.

In the more than 50 years since his first hit records, Mathis has successfully wooed several generations of fans through early hits like “Wonderful, Wonderful,” “Chances Are” and “It’s Not for Me to Say,” and later successes, including 1978′s chart-topping “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late,” a duet with Deniece Williams. His 2011 album, “Let It Be Me: Mathis In Nashville,” earned a Grammy® nomination for the Lifetime Grammy Achievement winner. Enjoy a warm and “Wonderful, Wonderful” evening listening to the silky, sultry sensuous sounds of this legendary romanticist.

“…Johnny Mathis still has the magic of romance…

Mathis was terrific, singing romantic songs with three musicians he brought along, and one of the

- The Columbus Dispatch

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An Evening With

Michael McDonald

Friday, March 8 at 8pm, Tickets: $65/59

Two notes. That’s all it takes to recognize the voice of Michael McDonald. Distinctive and soulful, it is one of the most yearningly emotive instruments of our times. To this add formidable songwriting and keyboard skills, and you have an artist who has been a singular musical presence for four decades. From ‘70s-era Doobie Brothers classics such as “What A Fool Believes” and solo hits like “I Keep Forgettin’” through two highly-acclaimed Motown covers albums and recent genre-busting guest spots with alternative buzz bands Grizzly Bear and Holy Ghost, the five-time Grammy-winning McDonald is that rare thing in contemporary pop – an artist whose work is both timeless and ever-evolving.

In the early ‘70s, McDonald joined Steely Dan. Over the course of four classic albums, from Katy Lied to Gaucho, McDonald became an integral part of the group’s sound, singing background vocals on FM staples like “Black Friday” and “Peg.” In the mid-‘70s, McDonald joined The Doobie Brothers, helping the band redefine their funky R & B sound as a singer, keyboardist and songwriter on such Top 40 singles as “Takin’ It To The Streets,” “It Keeps You Runnin’,” “Minute By Minute” and “What A Fool Believes.”

His distinct vocal style also made him one of the world’s most sought-after session singers. During the ‘80s and ‘90s, his solo career zoomed from success to success on the wings of evergreen hits like “I Keep Forgettin’,” “On My Own” (a duet with Patti LaBelle) and the Grammy-winning duet with James Ingram “Yah Mo B There.”

Continuing to explore new vistas, in 2003 and 2004, McDonald released his Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling pair of Motown albums. Then in 2005, he partnered with Hallmark for a special Christmas album, Through The Many Winters, which sold 500,000 copies in its first two weeks.

With a career that encompasses five Grammys, numerous chart successes, personal and professional accolades, as well as collaborations with some of the world’s most prominent artists, Michael McDonald remains an enduring force in popular music.

Kodo

Thursday, March 7 at 7pm, Tickets: $45/39

Kodo is a professional taiko drumming troupe. Based on Sado Island, Japan, they have had a role in popularizing taiko drumming, both in Japan and abroad. They regularly tour Japan, Europe, and the United States.

Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo is forging new directions for a vibrant living art-form. In Japanese the word “Kodo” conveys two meanings: Firstly, “heartbeat” the primal source of all rhythm. The sound of the great taiko is said to resemble a mother’s heartbeat as felt in the womb, and it is no myth that babies are often lulled asleep by its thunderous vibrations. Secondly, read in a different way, the word can mean “children of the drum,” a reflection of Kodo’s desire to play the drums simply, with the heart of a child. Since the group’s debut at the Berlin Festival in 1981, Kodo has given over 3500 performances on all five continents, spending about a third of the year overseas, a third touring in Japan and a third resting and preparing new material on Sado Island.

Kodo strives to both preserve and re-interpret traditional Japanese performing arts. Beyond this, members on tours and research trips all over the globe have brought back to Sado a kaleidoscope of world music and experiences which now exerts a strong influence on the group’s performances and compositions. Collaborations with other artists and composers extend right across the musical spectrum and Kodo’s lack of preconceptions about its music continues to produce startling new fusion and forms.

Dwight Yoakam

Wednesday, March 6 at 7pm, Tickets: $65/$59

Don’t miss Singer, actor, songwriter and two time Grammy Award winner, Dwight Yoakam for one night only at The Sunrise Theatre.

Few entertainers have attained the iconic status of Dwight Yoakam. Perhaps that is because so few have consistently and repeatedly met the high standard of excellence delivered by the Kentucky native no matter what his endeavor. His name immediately conjures up compelling, provocative images: A pale cowboy hat with the brim pulled low; poured-on blue jeans; intricate, catchy melodies paired with poignant, brilliant lyrics that mesmerize with their indelible imprint. Then there’s Yoakam the actor, who seemingly melts into his roles, impressively standing toe-to-toe with some of the world’s top thespians: Jodie Foster, Tommy Lee Jones, Forest Whitaker, Nicholas Cage. Add to that Yoakam the entrepreneur and you have a singular talent without peer.

He has 12 gold albums and nine platinum or multi-platinum albums, including the triple-platinum “This Time.” Five of those albums have topped Billboard’s Country Albums chart with another 14 landing in the Top 10. More than 30 singles have charted, with 22 going Top 20, including the incomparable hits “Honky Tonk Man,” “Please Please Baby,” “Little Ways,” “I Sang Dixie,” “It Only Hurts When I Cry,” “Fast as You” and “Thousand Miles from Nowhere.”

Praised by Associated Press as “one of the most consistently interesting country music visionaries of his time” and honored at the 2012 6th Annual ACM Honors with the prestigious Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, Yoakam has sold more than 25 million albums, has 12 gold albums and nine platinum or multi-platinum albums, including the triple platinum This Time. Five of his albums have topped Billboard’s Country Albums chart with another fourteen landing in the Top 10. More than 30 singles have charted, with 22 Top 20 hits. Yoakam has won two Grammy Awards and earned an impressive 21 nominations.

“Dwight Yoakam never compromises a moment on his music or his performance, and never fails to deliver. Dwight Yoakam gives a show that is absolutely not to be missed….”
About.com – Country Music

An Evening with

Chris Botti

Friday, April 26 at 8pm, Tickets: $59/49

Playing with his uniquely expressive sound and soaring musical imagination, Chris Botti’s performance is a warm, intimate celebration of melodic balladry. Trumpeter Chris Botti’s new Sony CD, Impressions, is the latest in a stellar parade of albums – starting with 2004′s When I Fall In Love and continuing with To Love Again, Italia and the CD/DVD Chris Botti In Boston – that have firmly established him as the world’s largest selling jazz instrumentalist. Add to that a cluster of Grammy® nominations and three #1 albums on Billboard’s Jazz Albums listings.

A major artist in his own right, performing worldwide, selling more than three million albums, Botti has found a form of creative expression that begins in jazz and expands beyond the limits of any single genre. With Impressions and the albums that preceded it, Chris Botti has thoroughly established himself as one of the important, innovative figures of the contemporary music world.

‘His faintly jazz-inflected style — traceable to the Miles Davis of late-1950s vintage, around “Porgy and Bess” and “Kind of Blue” — luxuriates in melody and mood. He’s Sting-endorsed and Oprah-approved, with brooding looks that any camera seems to love.”

- NYTIMES

Performing Classic American Duos

Aztec Two-Step

Friday, April 19 at 8pm, Black Box Theatre, Tickets: $30 ($35 at the door)

Don’t miss this special evening with AZTEC TWO-STEP performing the Songs of Simon & Garfunkel and The Everly Brothers, plus their own Fan Favorites. When Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman of the critically acclaimed duo Aztec Two-Step burst upon the scene on Elektra Records in 1972, they were often reviewed as having the “east coast sensibility,” “intellectual lyricism” and “ethereal harmonies” of their legendary predecessors, Simon & Garfunkel. As staples of progressive FM and college radio and recognized for helping to usher the folk/rock music of the 1960′s into the 70′s and beyond, Aztec Two-Step continues to be one of acoustic music’s most respected and enduring acts.

Possessing a rich musical legacy of their own, few groups, if any, are more qualified to interpret and perform the timeless songs and harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel and The Everly Brothers than Aztec Two-Step. Throw in ATS’s engaging stage presence, their original soaring harmonies and Neal’s dazzling lead guitar, and you have so much more than a typical tribute show. In this memorable evening, Rex and Neal honor the pure poetry of the legendary Simon & Garfunkel and the influential songs and harmonies of the remarkable Everly Brothers. And just for fun, they perform fan favorites of another famous duo that helped make their generation’s musical memories: Aztec Two-Step!

“Cult folk-rockers can still carry off their sweet, supple harmonies and bouncy acoustic pop with aplomb. Recommended.”

– Billboard

Henson Alternative’s

STUFFED AND UNSTRUNG

Wednesday, April 17 at 7pm, Tickets: $45/39

Henson Alternative’s Stuffed and Unstrung, starring the Miskreant Puppets is a live, outrageous, comedy, variety show for adults only. What happens when Henson puppeteers are unleashed? You get a new breed of intelligent nonsense with six talented, hilarious, expert puppeteers improvising songs and sketches based on your suggestions!

With a motley group of characters brought to life by the world renowned puppeteers of The Jim Henson Company, this is not your average night of improv and it is definitely not for children. But all others are welcome to enjoy the uninhibited anarchy of live puppet performance as never seen before. The Miskreant Puppets have enjoyed 21st century success performing alongside Cee-Lo Green and Gwyneth Paltrow at The Grammys in a homage to Elton John’s 1977 appearance on The Muppet Show and will appear in their very own upcoming feature length film.

80 Henson Puppets. 6 Comedians. 100% Uncensored.

Adult Content/For Mature Audiences Only

“Watching these pros work is consistently funny and fascinating. Since the puppeteers are visible throughout, viewers are treated to an up-close look at the mechanics of their trade. After it’s all over, it’s doubtful that you’ll ever be able to watch Sesame Street the same way again… and you’ll be all the better for it.”

-Time Out New York

Weird Al Yankovic

Sunday, April 14 at 7pm, Tickets: $49/39

“Weird Al” Yankovic is an American singer-songwriter, music producer, accordionist, actor, comedian, writer, satirist, and parodist. Yankovic is known for his humorous songs that make light of popular culture and that often parody specific songs by contemporary musical acts. Since his first-aired comedy song in 1976, he has sold more than 12 million albums (as of 2007), recorded more than 150 parody and original songs, and has performed more than 1,000 live shows. His works have earned him three Grammy Awards among nine nominations, four gold records, and six platinum records in the United States. Yankovic’s first top ten Billboard album (Straight Outta Lynwood) and single (“White & Nerdy”) were both released in 2006, nearly three decades into his career.

Yankovic’s success comes in part from his effective use of music video to further parody popular culture, the song’s original artist, and the original music videos themselves, scene-for-scene in some cases. He directed later videos himself and went on to direct for other artists including Ben Folds, Hanson, Black Crowes, and The Presidents of the United States of America. In addition to recording his albums, Yankovic wrote and starred in the film, UHF, and television show, The Weird Al Show. He has also made guest appearances on many television shows, in addition to starring in Al TV specials on MTV.

Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter with “Weird Al” Yankovic!

A Concert Tribute to the Music of Paul McCartney

McCartney Mania – Up Close & Personal

With Special Guest Artist

Scott Benge

A Fundraiser For Family Meals, Inc.

Friday, April 12 at 7pm, Black Box Theatre. Tickets: $30 Advance, $35 Door

An evening you’ll not soon forget. McCartney Mania has toured concert and festival venues througout South Florida.

Their act honors a sample of the vast catalog of works of perhaps the greatest composer/artist whoever lived.

From the humble beginnings of the Quarrymen in Liverpool, to the whirlwind of Beatlemania, to Wings, full orchestral works, and a continuing energetic solo career, Sir Paul McCartney has reigned as a dominant force in popular music for over 40 years.

This is a special performance in the intimate setting of the Sunrise Black Box, with a unique program with new surprises!

McCartney Mania showcases some of Paul’s greatest hits from his different groups. The band strives to recreate the unique sensation that his music brings when played live and on-stage.

All the instruments, all the music in all the selections you hear are played by the musicians you see before you, with no recorded tracts.

Featuring the Ft Pierce Jazz & Blues Society Horn Section.

So sit back and enjoy it all. “The Magical Mystery Tour is coming to take you away!”

“Close your eyes and you think you’re hearing McCartney right there” – J.A. Rabadash Records

“McCartney Mania is as good a tribute band as I’ve ever heard…” – T.P. Scripps Newspapers

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An Evening with

Smokey Robinson

Friday, April 12 at 8pm, Tickets: $95/85

Smokey Robinson is one of the most beloved and influential figures in the history of popular music. Smokey is the founder of R&B group The Miracles, a group that delivered 37 Top 40 hits for Motown Records, earning him the title, “King of Motown.” A prolific songwriter, he is credited with 4000 songs, including “Tears of a Clown,” “Tracks of My Tears” and “Love Machine.”

Smokey also served as vice president of Motown records, writing and producing hits for groups such as the Temptations (“My Girl”) and Mary Wells (“My Guy”). He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Once pronounced by Bob Dylan as America’s greatest living poet, acclaimed singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson’s career spans over 4 decades of hits. Never resting on his laurels, Smokey Robinson remains a favorite icon in our musical heritage. Smokey continues to thrill sold-out audiences around the world with his high tenor voice, impeccable timing, and profound sense of lyric.

“For anyone who wants to spend an evening having a Motown soulful, memory fun filled evening, make sure you catch Smokey Robinson as he is one of the premier entertainers around today. “

– Examiner.com