Reposted from Marietta College
Marietta College and Peoples Bank Theatre team up once again to bring the entire community another exciting season of Esbenshade Series performances, which begin on Sunday, Sept. 17.
The 37th season is highlighted by three musical performances, as well as best-selling author J.D. Vance and the talented dancers of Ailey II.
“This year, as always, my commitment is to bring top-tier talent to the Mid-Ohio Valley via the Esbenshade Series,” said Tanya Wilder, Director of the Esbenshade Series. “The generous support from the Esbenshade family makes it possible for the College and community at large to experience concerts and performances at the Peoples Bank Theatre that complement ongoing initiatives in the arts in our area.”
All performances are free and open to the public. You cmay reserve up to four seats per performance about a month before the show. Tickets may reserved at peoplesbanktheatre.com or by calling the Peoples Bank Theatre Box Office at (740) 371-5152
The season opens with Rhiannon Giddens, a vocalist, violinist, banjo player and founding member of the Grammy-winning country, blues and old-time music band Carolina Chocolate Drops. She will perform at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Peoples Bank Theatre.
Rhiannon Giddens
The Greensboro, North Carolina, native is also a founding member of the super group New Basement Tapes, a studio collaboration celebrating the discovery of never-seen Bob Dylan lyrics from his 1967 recordings known as the Basement Tapes.
Tickets may be reserved starting on Aug. 14.
Up next is world-class cellist Sujari Britt at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 12, at Peoples Bank Theatre. Britt began her formal training at the age of 4, following her study on the violin and piano. She is pursuing her Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at the Manhattan School of Music.
Sujari Britt
Britt is the distinguished recipient of the 2016-17 and 2015-16 Hans & Klara Bauer Scholarship at Manhattan. In Spring 2016, Britt was featured in Canada’s Neapolitan Connection Concert Series.
Tickets may be reserved starting on Oct. 9.
The final three performances of the Esbenshade season will take place in the spring semester, beginning with Vance at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 8, in the Alma McDonough Auditorium. This event is first-come, first-served and there are no reservations being taken.
Vance, who grew up in Middletown, Ohio, and the Appalachian town of Jackson, Kentucky, will be speaking about his New York Times’ bestseller, Hillbilly Elegy. It is a passionate and personal analysis of a culture in crisis — that of white working-class Americans.
He is a graduate of The Ohio State University and Yale Law School, and he has contributed to the National Review and the New York Times. Vance has also appeared on FOX News, CNN, MSNBC and CNBC.
The talented dancers of Ailey II, who are renowned for captivating audiences and translating their strength and agility into powerful performances, will be at the Peoples Bank Theatre at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 4.
Ailey II
Under the artistic direction of Troy Powell, this critically acclaimed company presents vibrant performances and innovative community programs across the U.S. and internationally.
Ticket reservations begin Jan. 29.
The final performance of the 2017-18 Esbenshade Series features The Romeros in Concert at 7 p.m., Sunday, April 15, at the Peoples Bank Theatre.
The Romeros
Known to millions as “The Royal Family of the Guitar,” The Romeros were founded by the legendary Celedonio Romero with his sons Celin, Pepe and Angel in 1958. With a 55-year plus history, The Romeros have built an enviable discography.
Ticket reservations begin March 12.
In part, these events have been funded by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, which provides annual income for the purpose of bringing lectures, performing artists or programs of diverse nature to the campus for public appearances. The endowed fund was established in 1980 by Harry H. Esbenshade, Sr. and Harry H. Esbenshade, Jr., husband and son, respectively, of the late Mrs. Esbenshade of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. All events are free and open to the public.
2017-18 Esbenshade Series schedule:
Peoples Bank Theatre is excited to welcome Missoula Children’s Theatre for a summer production of Cinderella. Performances are scheduled for Saturday, July 29 at 3 p.m. and 5:30.
A pumpkin coach, Prince Charming, a glass slipper and a dream come true are woven together by the magic of a Fairy Godmother in this enchanting musical. When Cinderella’s stepsisters try to keep Cinderella from attending the ball, the Fairy Godmother enlists the help of the Mice and the Pumpkins and is able to transform Cinderella just in time for the big event. Also featured in the production are Cleo the Cat, Fido the Dog, the Lords and Ladies, the Town Criers, the King and the Beggars. Experience the unique twist the Missoula Children’s Theatre puts on this classic story.
Auditions for Cinderella will be Monday, July 24 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Students entering 1st grade through 12th grade are encouraged to audition. Approximately 50-60 local students will be cast to appear in the show. (Please note: There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will be cast in the play.) Students wishing to audition must arrive by the scheduled starting time and stay for the entire two-hour session. The first rehearsal begins approximately 15-30 minutes after the audition.
Due to time constraints, late-comers and anyone missing the initial audition may not be considered in the casting of the show.
Most students in the production will rehearse daily 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Although not all cast members will be needed at every session, those auditioning must have a clear schedule for the entire week and if selected, be able to attend all rehearsals required for their role. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be distributed at the conclusion of the audition. Cast members scheduled for the full 4½ hours of rehearsal will be asked to bring a sack lunch or snack.
Performances will be Saturday, July 29 at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the stage of Peoples Bank Theatre. Tickets: Adults $12 / Children $8. Admission proceeds directly support this program.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre is a non-profit organization based in Missoula, Montana. This coming year more than 65,000 cast members across the globe will take to the stage to the delight and applause of their families, friends, community, neighbors and teachers!
Participation is FREE. No preparation or prior experience is necessary for the audition. (But a smile never hurts!) For more info call Peoples Bank Theatre at 740-373-0894.
- Auditions: Mon., July 24, 3 – 5 p.m.
- Rehearsals: Tues. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Performance: Sat., July 29, 3 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Opening for Dennis DeYoung: The Music Of STYX.
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The songs of John A. Walsh have been described as “intensely personal,” “he sang what I wanted to say…” and, “the lyrics read like a painting…” Walsh is also an accomplished guitarist and vocalist blessed with a sweeping tonal range. His special talent for lyrical depth coupled with an off-the-beaten-path style of chord progression and song structure renders unique, listenable and memorable songs.
Over the years, Walsh has written scores of songs and has performed both as a soloist and in a variety of bands all over the United States. John has had the opportunity to play on the same stage with notables such as Jason Isbell, Lucy Kaplansky, Tim O’Brien, Amanda Shires, Todd Burge and Larkin Poe. He has released nine albums (as a soloist, with The Fields of Gettysburg ensemble, and with George’s Attic and The Fossils).
In 2013, John released The Fields of Gettysburg to coincide with the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. John’s all original song cycle brought real historical characters to life, enabling the listener to get to know people of the day on a personal level. The record, co-produced by Parkersburg singer/songwriter, Todd Burge, brought together an impressive ensemble of musicians, including Mountain Stage’s Larry Groce and Michael Lipton, two-time Grammy winner Tim O’Brien, Jessica Baldwin, Colton Pack and Justin Arthur. Met with wide critical acclaim, The Fields of Gettysburg was featured on NPR’s Mountain Stage and is currently available at Tamarack and The Gettysburg National Park’s Museum Gift Store.
Guitarist Jeff George will be joining John for this evening’s performance. Jeff and John have been playing music together on and off for 40 years, starting with their very first garage band – Scenario – when they were at Marietta Junior High School (1977). Jeff is a virtuoso lead guitarist who has played with countless bands and appears on numerous recordings (including records by 11/11, George’s Attic, The Fossils, and John A. Walsh). Jeff also composes original music; in fact, he and Walsh have co-written many songs over their years performing together.
For more information on John and his music, please visit www.johnawalsh.com
The historic Peoples Bank Theatre announces a new season that welcomes back a couple of past audience favorites, as well as an award-winning author and humorist, a throwback to a famous night in 1956, and shows for the family, including a recent America’s Got Talent finalist group.
Tickets for the Summer-Fall Spotlight Series go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 3. Seat Sponsor tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 19 at 10 a.m. Peoples Bank Theatre Member tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 26 at 10 a.m.
The Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association and Peoples Bank Theatre are honored to be among this year’s recipients of Dominion East Ohio’s Community Impact Awards.
Dominion East Ohio has presented $110,000 in grants to 12 winning community organizations in its 22nd annual Community Impact Awards competition, co-sponsored with ClevelandMagazine.
A panel of community judges chose the winners from among more than 70 entries, submitted by organizations throughout the region. The award recognizes organizations that have made an impact in the community. The Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dominion East Ohio’s parent company, Dominion Resources Inc., funds the Community Impact grants. The Dominion Foundation is dedicated to the economic, physical and social health of the communities the company serves.
“For more than two decades, our Community Impact Awards have honored area community and non-profit organizations and projects, which have made significant positive impacts upon their respective communities, ” said Jeff Murphy, Dominion East Ohio vice president and general manager. “This year’s winning projects certainly have lived up to those historical standards of excellence and community service.”
Since 1996, Dominion East Ohio has distributed more than $1.7 million in Community Impact Awards to organizations throughout its service area. This year’s Community Impact Award winners are:
- The Gordon Square Arts District of Cleveland received $12,500 for its support of Cleveland Hustles, a reality cable television show broadcast nationally on CNBC. The program featured local entrepreneurs competing to secure investment from area investors. As a result of the program, produced by Cleveland Cavaliers basketball star LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s Springhill Entertainment, three businesses opened up storefronts in the neighborhood, generating $1 million in investment and creating 45 new jobs.
- The Hattie Larlham Foundation received $12,500 for its Hattie’s Food Hub program in Akron’s Cedar-Douglas neighborhood. The program, located on a 4,400-square-foot space built on a once vacant lot, provides a venue for local residents to purchase affordable produce and dairy products from the local farmers. Hattie’s Hub employs 21 people with developmental disabilities, who receive training to wash, prepare, package and market produce and other healthy foods.
- Coleman Professional Services of Kent received a $10,000 Special Workforce Development Impact Award grant for its Coleman Data Solutions’ Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities initiative. The program is a model for demonstrating that people with disabilities can become valuable assets in the workplace, if given the right support and training. Coleman Data Solution, founded as a non-profit organization in 1987, is dedicated to employing people with disabilities, as 75 percent of current workers are individuals with disabilities.
- Cleveland’s St. Clair Superior Development Corporation received $10,000 for its Upcycle Parts Shop project, which collects and transforms donated materials, such as vinyl floor samples, leather, and rolls of canvas, yarn and fabric scraps and sells them as supplies for area artists. The program already has collected more than 12,700 pounds of supplies from more than 200 donors. Resulting projects, such as benches built from recycled pallets, are helping to revitalized one of the city’s most historic and diverse neighborhoods.
- The Friends of Max Hayes of Cleveland received $10,000 for its program that helps provide high school students real-world work experience that can lead to full-time jobs after graduation. The program includes plant tours, job shadows and internships at member employers. Teachers also participate in externships with member companies, aligning with the school career pathways.
- Marietta’s Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association received $10,000 for its Peoples Bank Theatre Restoration project, which transformed a vacant 1919-vintage entertainment center. The $7.5 million project, which opened in January 2016, regularly hosts touring theater productions, comedy shows and movie screenings, attracting new tourism and entertainment dollars to downtown Marietta. Peoples Bank Theatre also works closely with nearby Marietta College.
- The Up Side of Downs of Northeast Ohio received $10,000 for its new Artful 21 facility in Independence, which includes a retail store, featuring the work of local artisans with Down syndrome. The store, which showcases the work of 13 local artisans, employs two staff members with Down syndrome, who are trained in all aspects of retail, including sales, stocking and customer service.
- Youth Opportunities Unlimited of Cleveland received $10,000 for its Pathways program, which offers workforce training sills to youth, ages 14 to 24, living in economically distressed communities. For example, during the 2015-16 academic year, Pathways provided internships for 102 Cuyahoga County teens with 37 different employers.
- The Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation received $7,500 for its Cleveland Summer Cinema program, which attracts thousands of summer visitors to the neighborhood. The weekly programs feature a movie screening on the lawn of a neighborhood Cleveland Metropolitan School District campus, along with local food truck vendors. The program, which began in 2015, has grown to include a local farmers’ market and educational presentations.
- The Famicos Foundation of Cleveland received $7,500 for its Famicos Cares legal assistance program. Famicos’ Community Access to Resolution and Expungement Services (CARES) helps those whose lives and livelihoods have been suspended because of correctible legal issues. The program helps area residents free legal assistance in matters of clemency, and record sealing, low-level criminal defense, license suspensions, drafting wills, housing and probate matters and defending civil or credit-related claims. In the past three years CARES has helped more than 500 people.
- The Summit County Historical Society of Akron received $5,000 for its Sheep Return to Historic Mutton Hill program. The Society contracted with an area sheep farmer to bring a herd of sheep to graze on the grounds of the Perkins Stone Farm, recreating the 1840s era when the property once housed a flock of up to 1,500 sheep. The helped increased Perkins Stone Mansion tour and property visits by 50 percent and more than 1,750 people attended such related free events as herding, fiber art, wool-spinning demonstrations and children’s craft activities.
- The Allen Economic Development Group of Lima received $5,000 for MakerFest 2016 initiative, a three-day career expo for jobs in manufacturing, health care, skilled trades and service industries. The event attracted five colleges and universities, 75 employers and 1,300 high school students from 28 schools. The program also includes Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competitions and breakout sessions. For example, the four winners of a welding competition, all females, reportedly received job offers upon graduation, in a historically male-oriented career field.
About Dominion
Dominion (NYSE: D) is one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 26,400 megawatts of generation, 15,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline, and 6,600 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion operates one of the nation’s largest natural gas storage systems with 1 trillion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves more than 6 million utility and retail energy customers. For more information about Dominion, visit the company’s website at www.dom.com.
Hipp Stage productions is holding local auditions at Peoples Bank Theatre on Sunday, February 26 at 5 p.m. for its summer stock theatre productions of Cabaret and The Merchant of Venice.
Hipp Stage productions is seeking men and women for both productions. Actors for Cabaret should be 17 years and older.
Actors should prepare a brief monologue from a Shakespeare work of their choosing.
Production dates are as follows:
Cabaret (Peoples Bank Theatre):
- June 23 at 8 p.m.
- June 24 at 8 p.m.
- June 25 at 2 p.m.
- June 30 at 8 p.m.
- July 1 at 2 p.m.
- July 2 at 2 p.m.
The Merchant of Venice (Muskingum Park):
- June 29 at 8:30 p.m.
- July 1 at 8:30 p.m.
- July 2 at 8:30 p.m.
- July 7 at 8:30 p.m.
- July 8 at 8:30 p.m.
- July 9 at 8:30 p.m.
Rehearsals will begin May 15.
For more information contact Geoff Coward at 917-640-3825 or geoff.robbie@nullgmail.com.
The judges have spoken! The Colony Short Film Festival is pleased to announce its official selections for 2017. The Eleventh Annual Colony Short Film Festival will take place at the historic Peoples Bank Theatre in downtown Marietta, Ohio, March 2–4.
The Bouquet
( Belgium )
10:27
Directed by Julien Segard, Romain Carciofo
Written by Julien Segard, David Brenot
Produced by Cédric Delannoy, Pierre-Yves Bronsart, Antoine Levi, Jesse Salto, Louie Salto, Jacques Ballard
Mayfield
( United States )
19:30
Directed by Zach Daulton
Written by Zach Daulton
Produced by Zach Daulton, John Adrian Riley
Don’t Think About It
( United States )
12:12
Directed by Niv Klainer
Written by Niv Klainer
Produced by Victoria Aleksanyan, Jessica Caldwell
About the Boy who ate an Oakwood Chair
( Belgium )
28:07
Directed by Pieter Goethals
Written by Pieter Goethals
Produced by Pieter Goethals, Jimi Abidts
Murky Water
( United States )
08:20
Directed by Carl T. Rogers
Written by Carl T. Rogers
Produced by Alex White
Hope
( Switzerland )
06:02
Directed by Michael Scherrer
Written by
Produced by Samuel Scherrer
Four Day Weekend
( United States )
19:56
Directed by Nicole Jones
Written by Nicole Jones
Produced by Dan Asma, Nicole Jones, Jesse McClung
Pangaea
( United States )
06:12
Directed by Olivia Peace
Written by Olivia Peace
Produced by Ethan Senser
Destroy Madrid
( Spain )
09:29
Directed by Joseba Alfaro
Written by Joseba Alfaro
Produced by Joseba Alfaro
Pushing Buttons
( United States )
15:41
Directed by John Kerfoot
Written by John Kerfoot
Produced by John Kerfoot
Dads
( United States )
11:00
Directed by Ethan Roberts
Written by Ethan Roberts
Gardening At Night
( United States )
12:19
Directed by Shayna Connelly
Written by Shayna Connelly
Produced by Wendy Roderweiss
Father
( Canada )
09:13
Directed by Lella Satie
Written by Lella Satie
Produced by Alona Metzer
Entropy
( United States )
03:31
Directed by Mark Gerstein
Written by Mark Gerstein
In The Thicket – The Tony Bosco Story
( United States )
24:19
Directed by Nick Czerula
Produced by
Lonely Kingdom
( Japan )
20:00
Directed by Thom Southerland
Produced by Naomi Uechi, Thom Southerland
Agrinoui
( Cyprus )
19:40
Directed by Alexis Chaviaras
Written by Alexis Chaviaras, Christiana Vasiliou
Produced by A. CHAVIARAS PRODUCTIONS LTD.
State Inspection
( United States )
07:37
Directed by David Smith
Written by David Smith
Produced by Justin Litton, Ben Berry
Drew Gets It!
( United States )
20:30
Directed by Konrad Norris, Bryce Norris
Written by Katherine Leurck, David Leurck
Produced by Drew’s Rainbows Foundation, Inc.
Heather’s Painting
( United States )
15:05
Directed by Freddie Connor
Written by Freddie Connor
Produced by Freddie Connor
Hearts of Steel
( Canada )
20:51
Directed by Gayle Wilmot
Written by Gayle Wilmot
Produced by Gayle Wilmot, Kim Davidson
Invasion
( United States )
05:52
Directed by Ryan Murphy
Written by Ryan murphy
Isolamento
( Canada )
05:23
Directed by Carmelo Zucco
Written by Carmelo Zucco
Produced by Carmelo Zucco
The Kings
( United States )
16:20
Directed by Max Romanowski
Written by Austin Yoder
Produced by Ryan Avery
Infidel
( United States )
09:29
Directed by Carey Kight
Written by Carey Kight
Produced by Carey Kight, Nikhil Shukla, Tim Simek
Aftermath
( United States )
07:12
Directed by John Cantine
Written by John Cantine
Produced by John Cantine
In addition to our official selections, the Colony Short Film Festival will feature a collection of seven award-winning short films from Another Kind of Girl Collective, a group of Syrian teenage girls living in Jordan’s Za’atari Refugee Camp, documenting their everyday lives, on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. On Saturday, March 4, the festival will feature workshops on lighting and drone photography, as well as special guest Michael Lipton, and a screening of his recent short documentary: West Virginia My Home: Musicians and the Mountain State Experience. View the festival schedule. Tickets and VIP passes are available at the Peoples Bank Theatre website or by calling 740-371-5152.
BIG NEWS!
MARIETTA, OHIO IS IN THE RUNNING FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS REVOLUTION MAIN STREET CONTEST WHERE OUR COMMUNITY HAS THE CHANCE TO WIN $500,000 AND TO BE FEATURED ON SEASON 2 OF SBR’S HULU SERIES.
Is this the first you’ve heard of this?
READ HERE TO LEARN HOW WE ARE IN THE RUNNING.
The Small Business Revolution visited to Marietta on January 6th for a First Friday chock full of celebration, community building, interviewing, photographing, filming, laughter, and downtown Marietta, OH lovin’ that continued all the way into January 7th.
Our community is lucky to have so much to celebrate, and we are grateful to have the chance to share a piece of our story with The Small Business Revolution team.
The Small Business Revolution completed their tour of visiting all eight towns on the shortlist, down from 14,000 nominations. On the morning of February 9th, SBR will announce the finalists still in the running for $500,000 and to be featured on the 2nd season of their Hulu series.
What’s Next?
1. February 9th: Find Out if Marietta is a Finalist
We will find out if Marietta is a finalist between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. on February 9th, either via the SBR website and a Facebook Live or via a national media outlet as part of SBR’s national media publicity tour where Amanda Brinkman and Robert Herjavec will be discussing SBR, the Main Street Contest, and each of the 8 towns.
2. February 9th to February 16th: Vote for Marietta, OH Every Single Day
Voting is as follows: Each person can cast one vote per day, per device, per web browser. So, let’s say you have 1 desktop, 1 laptop, 1 cell phone, and 1 tablet. Each device currently has 3 different web browsers (IE, Firefox, Chrome). That means that you, as one person, would be able to cast 12 votes per day through 9 p.m. on February 16th.
All voting is online-only, from February 9th to February 16th only, and only through the Small Business Revolution website: smallbusinessrevolution.org
3. February 22nd: Winner Announced
The Small Business Revolution team will announce the winner of the contest on February 22nd. The goal is for SBR to host a live announcement event where each finalist community will gather at a selected location. Stay tuned for details!
How you can help…
- Vote for Marietta, OH every single day from February 9th to February 16th on every device you have in every browser you have.
- Encourage as many people in your network to also vote for Marietta, Ohio daily, on each device, on each browser. This is a nationwide vote, so help us reach far and wide to rack up the votes for Marietta!
- Share your #MyMarietta story on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter about why people should vote for Marietta. What makes Marietta so special? What impact do you think The Small Business Revolution could have on downtown? What are your favorite things about Marietta?
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE MARIETTA MAIN STREET NEWSLETTER AND RECEIVE UPDATES ABOUT SBR.
Paul Newman. Sean Connery. Rex Harrison. Julie Andrews. Spencer Tracey. Sidney Portier. Katharine Hepburn. Warren Beatty. Faye Dunaway. Mowgli.
See the biggest stars of 1967 on the big screen once again as Peoples Bank Theatre brings back a selection of Golden Anniversary films this winter and spring, with titles that include:
- Bonnie & Clyde (February 9 at 7 p.m.)
- Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (February 26 at 2 p.m.)
- The Jungle Book (March 12 at 2 p.m.)
- Thoroughly Modern Millie (March 23 at 7 p.m.)
- Dr. Dolittle (April 2 at 2 p.m.)
- You Only Live Twice (May 11 at 7 p.m.)
- Cool Hand Luke (May 25 at 7 p.m.)
Plus, with love in the air during the month of February, Peoples Bank Theatre will also offer two romantic comedies that have developed cult followings over the decades: Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day (1993) and the Audrey Hepburn & Gregory Peck classic Roman Holiday (1953).
At Peoples Bank Theatre, you can step back in time and experience movie-going in a historic American movie house that originally screened silent films, as well as titles from the golden age of Hollywood.
And if you love seeing classics on the big screen you can now save on movie tickets. Get tickets for 5 or more of our upcoming films for just $5 each. Click here to order your tickets online.
Sunday April 9, 2017
Doors 6:30 p.m. | Show 7:00 p.m.
BUY TICKETS
*ON SALE NOW*
$20 / $26 / $32
Peoples Bank Theatre and Mountain Stage with Larry Groce are excited to announce three of the guests for the radio show’s first appearance in the Pioneer City on April 9: Shemekia Copeland, Bridget Kearney, and The T Sisters.
Shemekia Copeland
Whether she’s belting out a raucous blues-rocker, firing up a blistering soul-shouter, bringing the spirit to a gospel-fueled R&B rave-up or digging deep down into a subtle, country-tinged ballad, Shemekia Copeland sounds like no one else. This month, Shemekia was nominated as the 38th Annual Blues Music Award’s Contemporary Blues Female Artist. Shemekia won that same category in 2016 after the release of Outskirts of Love. Her acclaimed eighth album, released by Alligator Records in September 2015, was also nominated for a Grammy Award.
The Chicago Tribune says Copeland delivers “gale force singing and power” with a “unique, gutsy style, vibrant emotional palette and intuitive grasp of the music.” NPR Music calls her “fiercely expressive.” She has sung with Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Carlos Santana, James Cotton and opened for The Rolling Stones.
Bridget Kearney
Over the past 12 years, Bridget Kearney has toured the world as the bassist of the soul pop sensation Lake Street Dive. An incredibly versatile musician, Kearney has always been voraciously collaborative, dabbling in chamber pop with the Brooklyn group Cuddle Magic, bluegrass with the now defunct Boston outfit Joy Kills Sorrow, and Ghanian music as part of a duo with fellow songwriter Benjamin Lazar Davis. A past winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, this year Kearney steps into the spotlight with her first solo effort, a wry, big-hearted pop album titled Won’t Let You Down, scheduled for release in March.
T Sisters
The T Sisters, born and raised in California and now based in the creative hub of Oakland, embody harmony. It’s in their blood, bones, and history. Erika, Rachel and Chloe have been singing and writing music together since childhood. Their sound represents a continuum of music, from traditional to pop influences, moments of breathtaking a cappella to swells of energetic indie Americana. The T Sisters have appeared at Merlefest, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Music City Roots, and Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, among others.
Stay tuned as more artists will be announced in the coming weeks. Mountain Stage is produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and distributed by NPR Music. The event will be recorded for broadcast later this year via 200 NPR stations nationwide.
Hipp Stage Productions announces its summer theatre productions of Cabaret (June 22 – 25, and June 30 – July 2) at Peoples Bank Theatre and Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice (June 28 – 29, July 1 – 9) at Muskingum Park. Cabaret will be directed by Geoff Coward, with musical direction by David Tadlock, and choreography by Jill Ruff. The Merchant of Venice will be directed by Andy Felt. Both shows are produced in collaboration with the Marietta College Theatre Department.
The first round of auditions for dancers and the roles of Herr Schultz and Fraulein Schneider will take place January 4 at 6 p.m. at Marietta Dance Academy located at Frontier Shopping Center, 150 Gross Street, Marietta.
Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz are both mature, middle-age, and Jewish. Fraulein Schneider is a down-to-earth realist, and she sometimes mixes speech and singing, so we are interested in hearing those who feel comfortable doing this kind of character voice. Her singing range is very low. Listen to the soundtrack excerpts to get an idea of her character. Those auditioning for Fraulein Schneider will sing TWO song excerpts – “So What” and “It Couldn’t Please Me More.” Refer to the audio files and score excerpts below.
1. So What (Fraulein Schneider)
Download PDF of sheet music – Listen:
2. It Couldn’t Please Me More (Fraulein Schneider, Herr Schultz)
Download PDF of sheet music – Listen:
Herr Schultz is a sweet man, ever the optimist, even when it blinds him to the truth. He sings in a mature, romantic tenor voice that requires some high notes. Those auditioning for Herr Schultz will only sing one song excerpt, “It Couldn’t Please Me More,” available at the link above
For the Kit Kat Dancers at this audition, we’re looking for technically trained dancers age 17 and older with some tap experience. There may be some singing involved with the dancers, so we’d like to hear everyone sing a short verse of “Mein Herr,” using whatever singing voice feels comfortable to you – it can be cute, defiant, or something in between. A guide to the German pronunciation is on the sheet music. (The singing may not be a strict requirement.)
Mein Herr (Kit Kat Dancers)
Download PDF of sheet music – Listen:
It is possible that some of the dancers may also be eligible to play one of the “named” Kit Kat character performers, but this will require a later audition. The primary “named” Kit Kat character roles have solos and duets, and must be good singers as well as dancers.
Please practice with the audio files and score excerpts above. We will use these recorded accompaniments in the audition, in order to make everything equal for everyone. Thanks – We look forward to hearing you!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to Tanya Tucker’s continuing treatment for an upper respiratory infection, her doctors have advised her to take the rest of this month off from performing. Her concert scheduled for this Friday, October 21, has been RESCHEDULED for Friday, December 9, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.
V-M Charities and Peoples Bank Theatre wish Tanya a quick & speedy recovery!
Tanya’s management notes that: “This show is very important to Tanya and it means a lot to her to help the charity. Postponing the concert is not something that Tanya wants to do, but she has been advised by her doctors, and her health is the number one concern at this time.”
Please hold on to your tickets! Tickets already purchased for the October 21 concert are still valid for the December 9 concert date. If you are unable to make the rescheduled date, please email the box office at tickets@nullpeoplesbanktheatre.com with your confirmation number and contact information, or call the box office at 740-371-5152. Box Office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Heritage Ohio presented the Historic Theater of the Year to Peoples Bank Theatre. The award was accepted by Peoples Bank Theatre, Tuesday, October 11th at Heritage Ohio’s Annual Revitalization and Preservation Awards Ceremony held at the historic Netherland Plaza Hotel in Cincinnati. The Awards Ceremony is held in conjunction with Heritage Ohio’s Statewide Conference.
Built in 1919 as the Hippodrome and renamed the Colony Cinema in 1949, this Marietta landmark closed in 1985. Almost one hundred years after the initial opening; thirty years after closing; and after more than ten years of hard work and $7.5 million in restoration by the non-profit Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association, Peoples Bank Theatre opened January 8, 2016. The activities that have taken place since then have served as a dramatic exclamation point to the beautiful restoration work by general contractor, Grae-Con Construction. Since its opening the theatre has had a number of sell-out shows and hosted Ohio Governor, John Kasich’s, “State of the State” address.
“We are really excited to receive this award from Heritage Ohio,” says Hunt Brawley, Executive Director of the Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association and Peoples Bank Theatre. “As the leading advocate for historic preservation in the state of Ohio, Heritage Ohio has always been supportive of this project to restore our historic theatre. They were instrumental in establishing the Ohio State Historic Tax Credit, which was a major funding piece for this theatre. This award is a reflection of a lot of hard work by our board and staff, as well as the support of the people of Marietta and the surrounding community.”
Heritage Ohio is the statewide, not-for-profit preservation organization, dedicated to encouraging and assisting people and organizations to protect, preserve and revitalize Ohio’s heritage. Formed in 1989, is the coordinating agency for the Ohio Main Street Program. In 2002, Heritage Ohio was designated as the statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Heritage Ohio mission is to help people: save the places that matter, building community, and live better. Learn more at www.heritageohio.org.
Learn more about the ways to support the continued preservation of the historic Peoples Bank Theatre at peoplesbanktheatre.com/support/.
On September 16, 1986, country music legend Randy Travis performed at the Colony Theatre in Marietta, Ohio, just as his career was taking off. Almost 30 years later on Thursday September 15, 2016, at 7:30 p.m., Travis will return to the stage of the present-day Peoples Bank Theatre. Travis will not be performing, due to a stroke he suffered three years ago, but he will make an appearance to be honored and enjoy the show. Chuck Lipps, VP of Rick Modest & Associates, was a member of the opening band The Breeze at the 1986 show and opened many others for Travis from 1987 through 1997. He has continued his friendship with Travis over the years and is very proud that RMA could put this show together.
The show will feature The Randy Travis Band with special guest vocalist Kevin Denney. Opening the show will be two former members of the Breeze, drummer Lipps and bass guitarist Ron Bevan, along with lead guitarist Dave James and steel guitarist Gary Carter. Carter was in Travis’s band at the 1986 show.
“To come full-circle almost 30 years to the date in the same venue is historic and certainly a part of country music history for Randy, myself, and the theatre’s executive director Hunt Brawley,” Lipps says. “From 1986 CMA Horizon Award winner to 2016 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, Randy has cemented his place in country music forever, and part of it started right here.”
Having Travis there in person is a miracle in itself. In July, 2013, he suffered a heart virus followed by a stroke that left him unable to sing. But with his intense therapy and determination, he has made great strides and “giant baby steps” in his abilities in the past three years.
“I was fortunate to visit with Randy this past December and again in May, and I saw improvement over that time,” Lipps adds. “His wife, Mary, is his rock. I truly believe he will sing again. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor him. He’s a big reason I’m still in the music business.”
Rick Modesitt & Associates is producing the show, and all proceeds will go to the newly established Randy Travis Foundation for Viral Cardiomyopathy Detection, Stroke Rehab and Music for Underprivileged Children. Tickets will go on sale at noon on August 24 at peoplesbanktheatre.com and at the Box Office: 740-371-5152.
All Esbenshade Series performances are free and open to the public. Beginning August 22 you may reserve your seats for free at https://peoplesbanktheatre.com/events/category/esbenshade-series/ or call the Peoples Bank Theatre Box Office at 740-371-5152. Subscribe to our email list to be notified when reservations open.
For anyone who hasn’t attended an Esbenshade Series performance at Marietta College in recent years — or if you have — you should be in for a real treat this year as the schedule is filled with exciting acts.
Musical acts are the driving force behind this year’s five events — four of which will be held at the new Peoples Bank Theatre in downtown Marietta — including Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, as well as the Branford Marsalis Quartet with Kurt Elling.
“We have an exciting line up of performers for the 2016-17 season,” said Tanya Wilder, Director of the Esbenshade Series. All performances are free and open to the public. Reserve your seats for free at peoplesbanktheatre.com or call the Peoples Bank Theatre Box Office at 740-371-5152.
The 36th season begins with author Kao Kalia Yang on Friday, September 16. She will give a lecture to the freshman class at noon, meet with international students and education majors later in the afternoon, and then give a 7 p.m. lecture for the community in the Alma McDonough Auditorium.
Yang is a teacher, public speaker and writer. She is also the author of the award-winning book, The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir and the book, The Song Poet. She is a graduate of Carleton College and Columbia University’s School of the Arts. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her family.
The rest of the Esbenshade Series performances will take place at Peoples Bank Theatre, beginning with Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn at 3 p.m., Sunday, October 9. Fleck has been called one of the world’s premiere banjo players. Fleck was raised in New York City and love watching The Beverly Hillbillies as a young boy. The bluegrass sounds of Flatt & Scruggs flowed out of the TV set and into his young brain. Earl Scruggs’s banjo style hooked Béla’s interest immediately. Fleck’s wife, Abigail Washburn, is a well-known Nashville-based claw hammer banjo player. Abigail and Béla are touring the world as a “trio” with their young son, Juno.
Gavin George, a 13-year-old piano prodigy from Westerville, Ohio, will close out the fall semester with a concert at 3 p.m., Sunday, November 20. George was a gold-medal winner in 2010 and 2011 in the American Association for the Development of the Gifted and Talented International Piano Competition, and he performed twice in Carnegie Hall. He made his orchestral debut at the age of 7 and is hailed as one of the world’s most talented up-and-coming pianists.
The Esbenshade Series returns in the spring semester with The Shaolin Warriors from China, known throughout the world for their deadly martial-arts prowess, at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 5. Beginning at a very early age, the Warriors are trained in mental and physical disciplines that allow them to perform stunning, spectacular feats of athleticism. This wonderfully colorful and choreographed theatrical production features many forms of Kung Fu.
The final performance of the 2016-17 season features the famous jazz sounds of Branford Marsalis & Quartet, along with Kurt Elling at 7 p.m., Sunday, April 23. Marsalis formed his own quartet in 1986 and, with a few minor interruptions in the early years, has sustained the unit as his primary means of expression. Elling is a jazz vocalist, composer, lyricist and vocalist.
In part, these events have been funded by the Frederica G. Esbenshade Memorial Fund, which provides annual income for the purpose of bringing lectures, performing artists or programs of diverse nature to the campus for public appearances. The endowed fund was established in 1980 by Harry H. Esbenshade, Sr. and Harry H. Esbenshade, Jr., husband and son, respectively, of the late Mrs. Esbenshade of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. All events are free and open to the public.
Peoples Bank Theatre is excited to announce the artists for the second half of our 2016 Spotlight Series.
The Summer-Fall 2016 Spotlight Series features 10 performances, encompassing a mix of music, comedy and theatre. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on June 30. PLUS Join us for a FREE season kick-off celebration with Ladysmith Black Mambazo on July 17.
The series includes:
- Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder on Friday, July 29 at 8 p.m.
- The Bob Thompson Band on Saturday, August 20 at 8 p.m.
- Comedian Steven Wright on Friday, September 16 at 8 p.m.
- Tim O’Brien & J.D. Hutchison with Realbilly Jive on Saturday, September 24 at 8 p.m.
- Driving Miss Daisy, starring Clarence Gilyard and Charlene Tilton, on Saturday, October 1 at 8 p.m.
- The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told on Friday, October 14 at 7 p.m.
- The Capitol Steps: What to Expect When You’re Electing, on Saturday, October 15 at 8 p.m.
- Larry & Sandra Groce & Todd Burge on Friday, October 28 at 8 p.m.
- Sinatra Forever on Saturday, November 12 at 8 p.m.
- Cathie Ryan: The Winter’s Heart – An Irish American Christmas, on Friday, December 16 at 8 p.m.
Seat Sponsors may order tickets for sponsored seats until June 21 by calling the box office at 740-371-5152, visiting the box office in person 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, or by emailing ticket requests to tickets@nullpeoplesbanktheatre.com.
Members may order tickets beginning on the following dates:
- June 22 at 10 a.m. for Headliners and Benefactors
- June 24 at 10 a.m. for Underwriters and Patrons
- June 28 at 10 a.m. for Supporters and Contributors
General public ticket sales begin 10 a.m. June 30.
Subscription & Flex Plan options:
Get a subscription to all 10 shows and save 10% off regular ticket prices. Members save 20%.
Interested in tickets to 5 or more events? You can build your own season ticket and save on regular ticket prices! Or call the box office at 740-371-5152.
(Subscription and Flex Plan orders follow the same on-sale schedule as outlined above for individual ticket orders.)