Spotlight Series celebrates 20th season with top talent.
Tickets for the Kent Arts Commission’s 2017-2018 Spotlight Series are on sale now. The performing arts series brings exceptional entertainment to Kent. The upcoming season is the 20th anniversary of Spotlight Series and features nine performances, beginning October 6 and running through March 2018.
Wylie and the Wild West
Friday, October 6
Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth
Wylie Gustafson is an American Original. The singer, songwriter, rancher, horseman, and world-famous Yahoo!® yodeler leads the musical outfit known as Wylie & the Wild West. The group delights audiences with cowboy music, traditional country, western swing, folk, and, of course, yodeling.
Las Migas
Friday, October 27
Kent Lutheran Church, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth
Las Migas delivers a fascinating blend of Flamenco and Mediterranean music from Spain. The Barcelona-based quartet combines classic and contemporary rhythms, and melodies that range from powerful to passionate to playful. Co-sponsored by Judy Woods, and Pete and Pat Curran through the Kent Parks Foundation.
An Evening with Molly Ringwald
Thursday, November 30
Kentwood PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $32 general, $28 senior, $18 youth
Along with her quartet, actress, writer, and singer Molly Ringwald delivers a crowd-pleasing jazz concert. The New York Times says, “The spin she brings to the American Songbook is thoroughly contemporary.” An actress of stage and screen, Ringwald earned a Golden Globe nomination at age thirteen, and went on to star in numerous films, including the iconic films Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink. On stage, Ringwald starred in Broadway productions of the Pulitzer Prize winning How I Learned to Drive; the revival of Cabaret; Tony-nominated Enchanted April, and the West End production of When Harry Met Sally. Sponsored by the Curran Family in memory of Don Raftis.
Magical Strings 31st Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert
Sunday, December 3
Kent-Meridian PAC, 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth
The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season is a festive and memorable tradition. Once again, Pam and Philip Boulding are joined by their children, grandchildren and guests for an afternoon of Yuletide music, Irish step dancing, drumming, and storytelling.
Tapestry Dance Company “Passing it Forward”
Friday, January 26, 2018
Kentwood PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10 general, $10 senior $10 youth
Tapestry is a world-renowned tap dance company. “Passing It Forward” takes a dynamic look at “The American Dream,” and how individuals navigate through complexities of race, culture, gender identity, and equal rights. The show explores some of the most challenging aspects of our complicated American history in a positive and joyful way. Sponsored by Allegro Performing Arts Academy, with partial Funding from WESTAF, National Endowment for the Arts, Washington State Arts Commission, and Kent Parks Foundation.
Seattle Rock Orchestra performs the Music of Pink Floyd
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Kentwood PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth
Seattle Rock Orchestra blends the unabashed performance energy of rock ‘n ‘roll with the broader musical nuances of classical music. This orchestra, with strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, choir and guest vocalists, celebrates the orchestral tradition while exploring the rich history of rock and pop music. Co-sponsored by Pete and Pat Curran through the Kent Parks Foundation, Curran Law Firm, and the Haffner Family
We Banjo 3
Friday, February 9
Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $26 general, $24 senior, $15 youth
One of the best live acts to come out of Ireland in recent years is the multi-award winning quartet We Banjo 3. The group delivers a ground-breaking mixture of Irish, old-time American, and bluegrass music with remarkable virtuosity and passion. This group opened for The Irish Rovers in last year’s Spotlight Series and are now back, headlining, by popular demand. Sponsored by Pete and Pat Curran through the Kent Parks Foundation.
John McEuen & Friends present “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”
Friday, March 9
Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth
John McEuen has been performing with his banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin for 45+ years. A founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, McEuen instigated the 1972 classic Will the Circle Be Unbroken album. This concert features music from the 1860’s to now, original songs laced with known hits, and a special tribute to the ‘Circle’ album music and stories. Co-sponsored by Pete and Pat Curran through the Kent Parks Foundation
Frank Ferrante in “An Evening with Groucho”
Friday, March 23
Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth
Award-winning Frank Ferrante recaptures his New York, London and PBS triumph as legendary Groucho Marx in this fast-paced comedy packed with classic Marx Brothers one-liners, dances, jokes, ad-libs, and songs. The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style. Partial Funding from WESTAF, National Endowment for the Arts, Washington State Arts Commission, and Kent Parks Foundation.
Tickets for all Spotlight Series performances are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased online at kentarts.com, by calling 253-856-5051 or in person at the Kent Commons, 525 4th Ave. N. Hours for phone and in-person sales are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Box office is closed on Sunday.
Spotlight Series is presented by the Kent Arts Commission and Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services and partially funded by 4Culture, WESTAF, National Endowment for the Arts, Washington State Arts Commission, and a variety of business and individual sponsors. For information call 253-856-5050 or visit kentarts.com.
[Source: Kent Arts Commission]
