Artpark announces exciting 30th anniversary season

Big Bands, BPO concerts, Tuesdays in the Park,
just a few of the Artpark happenings

by Terry Duffy
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, April 3, 2004
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, April 8, 2004

2004 promises to be a memorable season as Artpark celebrates its 30th anniversary on the lower Niagara in Lewiston. Shown above is a scene from the ever popular Tuesdays in the Park series which returns this year with a number of entertaining concerts.

Artpark President George Osborne spoke on what is expected to be a spectacular 30th anniversary season this year on the lower Niagara. (photo by Larry Kensinger)

Joan McDonough, Artpark director of special programs discussed the wide range of exciting and diverse happenings planned for 2004. (photo by Larry Kensinger)

While Buffalo-Niagara moves from the recent spate of wintry weather into Easter, there's certainly spring in the air at Artpark in Lewiston, as the state's cultural and entertainment center on the lower Niagara has unveiled "30 years in bloom," a celebration of what promises to be a spectacular 30th anniversary season.

"The beat goes on at Artpark 2004," commented Osborne last week as he previewed Artpark's exciting spring-summer line-up.

Legendary Broadway Musicals Smokey Joe's Café and A Chorus Line will headline a blockbuster schedule that includes big-time outdoor concerts, colorful dance productions, a residence by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and a rainbow of entertainment for kids and families.

Focusing on Artpark's milestone of providing 30 years of entertainment for Western New York as well as southern Ontario residents and beyond, Osborne spoke of the institution's innovativeness in planning a line-up geared for varying ages and tastes.

Wide Appeal

"Programming for Artpark is particularly challenging as we endeavor to take advantage of the unique setting and to provide activities and events that appeal to a broad spectrum of residents in Western New York and Canada," said Osborne. "This year I believe we have been especially successful ... the addition of a 10-concert residency by the BPO, the return of professional dance with the North Carolina Dance Theater, the expansion of Tuesdays in the Park plus our traditional Broadway and Big Band Series' combine to make this one of the most varied and stimulating seasons in recent history."

It all starts this May. And talk about variety.

• Tuesday, May 18 opens the season with E.B. White's famous tale of Stuart Little, the pint-sized mouse whose small stature provides him with numerous adventures. Continuing to May 20, all shows are presented by the Rochester Children's Theatre and start at 10 a.m.
• Moving right into the highlights, Artpark's Mainstage Theater will be the site this year two of the longest-running Broadway Musical Revues of all-time: Smokey Joe's Café with performances Aug. 6-15, while A Chorus Line sings its way in Aug. 20-29.

Smokey Joe's Café takes theater-goers back to the 1950s golden age of rock-and-roll. With songs cleverly strung together, this light-hearted comedy features blazing classics like "Jailhouse Rock," "Hound Dog," "On Broadway," "Fools Fall in Love" and "Stand By Me." Artpark's production is directed and choreographed by Lynne Kurdziel-Formato.

A Chorus Line, Marvin Hamlisch's nine-time Tony award-winning musical on the struggles of actors in the long, drawn out process of auditions, makes a triumphant return to the Artpark Stage. Directed by Ellen Douglas Schlaefer, choreographed by Kurdziel-Formato and with lyrics by Edward Kleban, it offers attendees a timeless experience portraying the travails of all the members of "the line."

Big Band Series

• Indulging drumbeats and shiny brass come swinging back into Artpark this season with a quartet of illustrious big bands at the Artpark Theater. All Big Band Series events are scheduled for 2 and 8 p.m., with evening performances preceded by free live music in the theater plaza.

Kicking off the festivities is the always-impressive Kings of Swing on June 7. An incredible display of lavish musicians and extraordinary vocalists, the Kings will be joined by Canada's Galaxy All-Star Orchestra as they pay tribute to Duke Ellington and Harry James among other big band icons.

No Big Band Series would be complete without the presence of the unforgettable Glenn Miller Orchestra which returns with its unique jazz sounds on the Artpark Mainstage for a seventh year on June 28.

Making its first ever appearance at Artpark, the Sammy Kaye Orchestra conducts a pair of shows on July 19. Reminisce and dance down memory lane as Roger Thorpe leads a talented group through over 50 years of Sammy Kaye arrangements.

Aug. 9 marks the final set of big band performances as the Toronto All-Star Band makes its way across the border. Featuring the incredible Serenaders on lead vocals, this dynamic orchestra, comprised of members all under the age of 22, pays homage to the Big Band Era with unprecedented youthful enthusiasm.

• The North Carolina Dance Theater's "Red Hot & Bluegrass" brings a very unique presence to the Artpark Mainstage this summer. Intertwining classical dance with bluegrass sound, the high-kicking dancers will be accompanied by The Greasy Beans July 30-31 for a trio of shows, including a children's performance on July 31 at 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday evening presentations of "Red, Hot & Bluegrass" begin at 8 p.m.

Tuesdays Return

• That's not all. Artpark's popular Tuesday in the Park outdoor concert series returns with a rejuvenated lineup featuring such well-known national acts such as Asleep at the Wheel, David Clayton-Thomas with Blood, Sweat & Tears, Gino Vannelli and Kelley Hunt. Hands-on activities such as face-painting and building sculpting are just a glimpse of some of the family-oriented entertainment provided during Tuesday shows, which begin at 6:30 p.m.

June 15 kicks off Tuesdays with a country-western flare and showcases the nine-time Grammy winning western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, followed by an awe-inspiring fireworks display. On June 22, the Dave Mason Band brings their 1970's influenced sound to the outdoor stage.

Junction West serves up some Western New York flavor as the high-energy 11-piece funk band receives top billing on June 29. Terry Buchwald, another familiar face on the WNY entertainment scene, offers a hip-shaking welcome to the summer on July 6 with his kingly Elvis tribute. One week later, 70's favorite Gino Vannelli cranks up the mid-July heat with a heart melting performance.

There's More...

• Explore things Irish on July 20 as the Glengarry Bhoys and Kilbrannan rock Artpark's annual Celtic Festival. And the Amphitheater then becomes the site of a British Invasion on July 27 as The Caverners perform all the hits from John, Paul, George and Ringo.
• Rock icons David Clayton-Thomas with Blood, Sweat & Tears showcase the fiery infusion of jazz, rock, blues and classics that has made them one of the hottest tickets in America for the past three decades on Aug. 3. And Ambrosia brings five Grammy nominations and Top-10 hits such as "Biggest Part of Me," "You're the Only Woman" and "Holdin' on to Yesterday" on Aug. 10.
• Aug. 17 will see Artpark's Italian Festival featuring former Raven lead man Tony Galla. Outstanding live blues performer Kelley Hunt takes center stage on Aug. 24 while classic pop band Switch once again headlines the Tuesday in the Park Grand Finale on Aug. 31.
• In association with the Lewiston Council on the Arts, Artpark's Outdoor Amphitheater will serve as the location this year of the Blue Monday Concert Series Grand Finale on Aug. 23. Soulful blues artist Mighty Sam McClain is preceded by Canadian imports Steve Burnside & the Original Marquis.

Unique Musical Experiences

• Joining Artpark in its historic 30th anniversary celebration is the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra who will perform in the Mainstage Theater throughout the month of July. Evening shows start at 8 p.m., while the children's performance, "All in this Together" begins at 2:30 p.m.. Opening the series on July 2 is a collaboration between classic rock cover band Flash Cadillac and the Ron Spigelman-led BPO Pops.

Hamlisch's legendary conducting skills are put on display July 9-11 as he guides the BPO Pops through a trio of unique musical experiences -- each exploring a different theme. The Friday show is a big band tribute featuring vocalists Lynn Roberts and Michael Maguire as well as saxophone/clarinet/flute player Bill Holcombe with a special extended piano piece by Marvin Hamlisch. Saturday night has a Bravo Broadway theme that includes vocalists Christian Noll, Debbie Gravitte and Douglas Labrecque, while the one-and-only Hamlisch will then perform several of his choice arrangements in the Sunday performance.

BPO Music Director JoAnn Falletta and the orchestra present a minimally staged version of the beloved opera Carmen! July 16-17. "All In This Together," a family-oriented program illustrating the interdependence of people, animals and nature, is set for July 18 with Ron Spigelman conducting.

The Peking Acrobats combine their dazzling aerial display with the BPO Pops' soothing arrangements for a can't-miss production July 23-24. Highlighting the residence is a 30th anniversary BPO Concert on July 25 that includes Falletta conducting the BPO through rare presentations of "Berlioz' Overture to Benvenuto Cellino" and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." Concluding the special evening is a post-concert event in Artpark's Amphitheater under the stars featuring Sal Andolina and the Jazz All-Stars along with a fireworks display.

Something for Everyone

Yes, Artpark has it this year and then some. There's Art Camp, a fun experience for young artists ages 8-14, offered July 12-16, 19-23 and Aug. 2-6.

Artpark's Theatre Camp for youths ages 8-14 and running Aug. 9-13 offers participants a chance at developing basic acting skills, while Video Camp offers participants a chance to get behind the camera. And Artpark's Artists in residence program returns with Austrian-sculptor Rod Dowling and his stainless steel creations.

As Artpark President Osborne stated, 2004 promises to offer "...one of the most varied and stimulating seasons in recent history." Make it a point to check it out this year.

For more on Artpark's offerings, visit their web site at www.artpark.net, call the box office at 754-4375, or on-line at www.tickets.com.