The 2016-17 Goshen College Performing Arts Series will once again bring outstanding performers from around the world to the stage of the Music Center’s Sauder Hall. This year’s line-up is a diverse and international group of new and returning artists from many different countries, including Argentina, England, Ireland, South Africa, Norway, and Ukraine, as well as many brilliant musicians from the United States.
Over the coming year, 10 groups of musicians will come to perform in Sauder Hall, bringing with them the excitement of multiple genres of music, song, and dance. With performances ranging from classical to jazz, (even mbube, a South African a capella singing style) this year’s performers will not disappoint.Brian Mast, managing director of the Music Center, who is in charge of finding and booking the artists for the Performing Arts Series, says that what makes this year so special is “the eclecticism of the series. With the addition of dance, as well as the international connections with groups from around the world, it’s difficult to pick just one that I am really excited for.”
The series kicks off on Sept. 18 with a double feature, Carrie Newcomer and Over the Rhine. An Indiana-based singer-songwriter, Carrie Newcomer’s combination of spiritual and ordinary Midwestern soul music has earned her a strong international following by those who have fallen in love with her warm voice and unique melodies. Wife and husband duo, Over the Rhine, is well known for its jazzy take on folk music. Comparing life’s questions with smooth, soulful melodies will make it difficult not to fall in love with this pair of singer-songwriters.
On Oct. 1, Grammy award winning singer-songwriter, Marc Cohn will perform his entire debut album in his new 25th anniversary show. Cohn is seen as an amazing storyteller and songwriter. With great hits, such as his single, “Walking in Memphis”, and many more, Cohn’s concert is not one to miss.
Next on Oct. 28, VOCES8, a British vocal ensemble, famous for their wonderful timing and tuning will take the stage in Sauder Hall. Known worldwide, VOCES8 performs selections ranging from Renaissance polyphony to arrangements of Jazz and pop songs.
Cherish the Ladies: Celtic Christmas will be celebrating the holiday season at Sauder Hall with their concert on Dec. 13. An all-female band, Cherish the Ladies is an Irish-American group that specializes in Celtic song and dance. Full of instrumental talents, wonderful singing, and captivating step dancing, these Celtic women wow audiences, leaving them full of holiday cheer.
On Jan. 29, the Brandford Marsalis Quartet with special guest artist Kurt Elling will be coming to the Goshen College Music Center. This collaboration between extraordinary jazz musicians and an accomplished jazz vocalist is one concert that should not be missed. With the strong instrumentals of the Brandford Marsalis Quartet, equally matched with the vocals of Kurt Elling this concert is bound to be anything but ordinary.
The critically acclaimed, Ladysmith Black Mambazo will be returning to the Sauder stage on Feb. 10 bringing with them the culture and music of South Africa. Four time Grammy award winners, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is the undisputed king of Mbube, South African a Capella singing. Bringing the power of gospel singing and the accuracy of Broadway, Ladysmith Black Mambazo leaves its audiences dancing in their seats begging for more.
On Feb. 28, The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine will make its appearance on the Sauder Hall stage. Conducted by Volodymyr Sirenko, the instrumental group is famous worldwide for their virtuosic and brilliant performances of Nationalistic composers, such as Tchaikovsky and many more.
The Latin Jazz group Pink Martini will return to the Sauder Hall stage on March 10. Back by popular demand, this instrumental group, known nationally for its expansive repertoire, ranging from classical and jazz to samba and pop, brings the stage to life through song. Having played with numerous orchestras, this band will transport the audience to the streets of Rio de Janeiro, as well as, the quiet city of Naples, Italy. Presenting both well-known and yet to be released songs from their 2017 album, Pink Martini is a blast for all ages to enjoy.
On March 28, the all-female brass band, tenThing, led by Tine Thing Helseth will make their debut on the Sauder Hall stage. A brass band consisting of ten performers, originating in Norway, has rapidly gained an international following. This music ensemble specializes in energetic arrangements of works by composers such as Bizet, Grieg, and Mozart, as well as original works.
Finally, the last group of this year’s Performing Arts Series, Che Malambo, will perform on May 2. Originating from Argentina, Che Malambo is a group of drummers who impress their audiences with precise footwork and rhythmic stomping, drum playing, singing, and much more. Inspired by the lifestyle of the Argentinian Gaucho, Che Malambo is a whirl-wind of sound and sight, bound to leave you in awe.
The Performing Arts Series is a wonderful opportunity for Goshen to experience live, internationally known performers and ensembles as they share their love of storytelling, music, and performance with their audiences. When asked about how the ticket sales for these concerts has been so far, Brian Mast says, “Ticket sales have been strong for many of the shows, and we are excited to expand our marketing efforts in order to reach new audiences.” Mast also made it clear that students should also look for special prices for tickets in the week leading up to each concert.
For information about ticket availability, prices, reservations and more, contact the Welcome Center at (574) 535-7566 or e-mail welcomecenter@goshen.edu.
