CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, ESCONDIDO ANNOUNCES 2017/2018 SEASON

East County News Service

June 20, 2017  (Escondido) -- California Center for the Arts, Escondido announces its forthcoming 2017/2018 season featuring an exceptional lineup of acclaimed performers, including Bill Murray, Jan Vogler and Friends; Jane Lynch; Cesar Millan; Chris Botti; Valerie June; Pink Martini; Shaping Sound; Black Violin; Jesse Cook; Priti Gandhi; Natalia LaFourcade; Bria Skonberg; Las Migas with Flamenco Arana; The Hillbenders: TOMMY; International Guitar Night; Masters of Hawaiian Music; QUATTROSOUND; Flip Fabrique; Michelle Cann Pianist; Simply Three; and more.

Through its presentation of internationally renowned talent, the Center is a premier performing arts venue in the Southern California market.  The Center's 2017/2018 season debuts on Saturday, October 21, 2017 and continues until Thurs, May 25, 2018, and events will take place in both the 1,523-seat Concert Hall and 404-seat Center Theater at 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. Please see the 2017/2018 performance schedule below, and for additional information about the Center, visit artcenter.org.

The Center's Executive Director Jerry VanLeeuwen comments, "The upcoming season brings outstanding artists to the theaters. The variety of entertainment is extraordinary as well including Bill Murray, Cesar Millan and Shaping Sound. The goal of the season is to offer shows that will attract to a wide array of interests. I believe we have hit the mark."

Performing Arts 2017/2018 Season Lineup

Shaping Sound

After the Curtain

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Concert Hall @ 7:30 p.m.

Through his Emmy Award-winning work on So You Think You Can Dance, Travis Wall has established himself as one of America's favorite choreographers. His artistic direction of SHAPING SOUND has already produced one spell-binding show in Dance Reimagined, which has captivated audiences all across North America. Now, Travis and SHAPING SOUND are back with their brand new show, After the Curtain. These visual musicians continue to dazzle audiences as they tell the story of a man fighting to find his creative voice after the death of his one true love. Heart-wrenching, breath-taking and ultimately uplifting, this is one dance show that audiences will remember forever.

Las Migas with Flamenco Arana

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Lyric Court @ 7:30 p.m.

Las Migas (Spanish for "the crumbs") plays a fascinating blend of Flamenco and Mediterranean music that combines classic and contemporary rhythms with powerful melodies. Hailing from four different regions of Spain, guitarists Marta Robles and Alicia Grillo, singer and dancer Alba Carmona, and violinist Roser Locos unite around the common passion for Flamenco who have also incorporated other influences to expand their repertoire.

Simply Three

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Center Theater @ 3:00 p.m.

Simply Three is an electrifying trio that has old school training but a new school sound and have been captivating audiences worldwide with high-octane performances since 2010. The trio is comprised of Glen McDaniel a multi-faced violinist, Nick Villalobos a bassist and Zack Clark a cellist.

Flip Fabrique

Attrape-Moi! (Catch Me!)

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Concert Hall @ 3:00 p.m.

Come one, come all to the spellbinding cirque sensation that will entertain adults and children alike! Leave your troubles behind and settle in for an astonishing, lively show that will leave you smiling from ear to ear as this Quebec-based troupe of six acrobats will dazzle you in this fast-paced circus show.

Valerie June

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Concert Hall @ 7:30 p.m.

Valerie June is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose sound encompasses a mixture of folk, blues, gospel, soul, country, Appalachian and bluegrass. June has earned the attention of music legend Bob Dylan. Dylan said he'd been listening to June, whose latest album, The Order of Time, is a blend of spacey hippie soul, blues and folk with June's pinched, modern-Appalachian voice at the center.

Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Friends

New Worlds

Friday, December 1, 2017

Concert Hall @ 7:30 p.m.

Bill Murray teams up with distinguished German cellist Jan Vogler, alongside violinist Mira Wang and pianist Vanessa Perez, to present a spirited evening of music and literature. In this rare live appearance, Murray -- as both singer and narrator -- brings his charm and wit to songs by Foster, Gershwin, Mancini, and Bernstein, as well as readings of classic American poetry and prose in dialogue with Vogler's singing Stradivari cello.

Jane Lynch

A Swingin' Little Christmas featuring Kate Flannery & Tim Davis with The Tony Guerrero

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Center Theater @ 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Join Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner singer, actress, and comedian Jane Lynch as she rings in the holidays with songs from her brand-new Christmas album, A Swingin' Little Christmas! and other holiday classics.

QUATTROSOUND

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Center Theater @ 7:30 p.m.

QUATTROSOUND is an innovative acoustic ensemble that skillfully blends their classical and jazz training with a wide-range of musical influences to create a uniquely engaging sound. The four musicians are equally astute at playing a Bach Suite, rocking out to Led Zeppelin, or interpreting a piece by Chick Corea. Their playful passion captures enthusiasm from audiences of all ages.

The Hillbenders: TOMMY, A Bluegrass Opry

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Center Theater @ 7:30 p.m.

With the Hillbenders’ incredible ability to bridge the gap between common music and the bluegrass genre, they bring to you the bluegrass version of The Who's breakthrough fourth studio album, Tommy. Experience this GRAMMY Hall of Fame rock album and relive 1969 in the glory of the Scotch-Irish and English settlers’ musical traditions of bluegrass.

Pink Martini

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Concert Hall @ 7:30 p.m.

Pink Martini returns to the Center with their mid-tempo style, smooth vocals, romantic lyrics, a sparse trumpet solo and acoustic piano accompaniment. Featuring a dozen musicians and singer China Forbes, Pink Martini brings their one of a kind sound and show.

Michelle Cann, Pianist

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Center Theater @ 3:00 p.m.

Classical pianist Michelle Cann is a young artist with a deep musical commitment to performing a wide range of repertoire throughout the US and to bringing the arts to local communities. Michelle made her orchestral debut at age 14 and has since performed with various orchestras including the Cleveland Institute of Music Symphony Orchestra.

International Guitar Night

Sunday, February 18, 2018

Concert Theater @ 7:30 p.m.

International Guitar Night (IGN) is North America's premier mobile guitar festival, bringing together the world's foremost acoustic guitarist to perform their latest original compositions. Each tour, IGN founder Brian Gore performs with a new cast of guitar luminaries for special evenings of solos, duets and quartets that highlight the virtuosity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar. This year, Gypsy Jazz legend Lulo Reinhardt (Germany) will return as guest host, along with young Canadian sensation Calum Graham; classical guitarist Marek Pasieczeny (Poland) and award-winning American guitarist Michael Chapdelaine.

Black Violin

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Concert Hall @ 7:30 p.m.

Back by popular demand, Black Violin, a string duo from Florida combines both classical and hip-hop traditions to bring two musical worlds together. Wil Baptiste (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin) are classically-trained musicians deeply entwined with the hip-hop generation. This perfect fusion of music sensibilities defines their distinctive style.

Jesse Cook

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Concert Hall @ 7:30 p.m.

Award-winning guitarist, composer and producer Jesse Cook returns to the Center bringing his "nuevo flamenco" music style while incorporating elements of flamenco, rumba, jazz and many forms of world music.

Chris Botti

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Concert Hall @ 7:30 p.m.

With four #1 jazz albums, Chris Botti has emerged as the top selling American instrumental artist. Botti's creative expression begins in jazz yet expands beyond the limits of any single genre. His latest effort, Impressions (Columbia Records: 2012), features Andrea Bocelli, Vince Gill, Herbie Hancock, Mark Knopfler and David Foster. His stellar parade of albums prior to Impressions includes his critically acclaimed debut album When I Fall In Love (2004), To Love Again: The Duets (2005), Italia (2007), and the CD/DVD Chris Botti in Boston (2009). Botti's accolades include an array of multiple Gold, Platinum and GRAMMY® Awards. His album, Impressions, won the GRAMMY® Award for "Best Pop Instrumental Album" at the 55th GRAMMY® Awards in 2013.

Bria Skonberg

Friday, March 9, 2018

Concert Theater @ 7:30 p.m.

An emerging powerhouse on the New York jazz scene, Bria Skonberg brings her unique sound and reimagined standards through a modern prism. This millennial singer, songwriter, trumpeter brings her one-of-a-kind sound to the Center. Her music style is rooted in New Orleans jazz and blues, world percussion, and cabaret.

Masters of Hawaiian Music

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Concert Theater @ 7:30 p.m.

Known as Hawaii's Renaissance Man, George Kahumoku Jr. is a four-time GRAMMY & Na Hanohano (Hawaiian Grammy) Award winner and a slack key guitar virtuoso. George Kahumoku Jr. returns to the Center with award-winning slack key guitarist Led Kaapana and guitar virtuoso Jeff Peterson.

Generously sponsored by WESTAF & National Endowment for the Arts

Cesar Millan

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Concert Hall @ 3:00 p.m.

Cesar Millan, original host of the Dog Whisperer series and star of the brand new Cesar Millan's Dog Nation series on Nat Geo WILD, will reveal the secrets of happier, healthier relationships between humans and their beloved canines in his exciting live show that has delighted audiences all over the world. Cesar will share his training secrets in his funny and entertaining way.

Priti Gandhi

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Concert Theater @ 3:00 p.m.

Join us for a Mother's Day special with soprano sensation Priti Gandhi. Ms. Gandhi's career includes performances with the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, New York City Opera, the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, San Francisco Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Seattle Opera, the Caramoor International Music Festival, UNAM in Mexico City, San Diego Opera, the Estates Theatre in Prague, Opera Pacific, the Utah Symphony, and Michigan Opera Theatre. She returns to the Center to perform classical selections as part of our Intimate Classics series.

Natalia LaFourcade

Friday, May 25, 2018

Concert Hall @ 7:30 p.m.

Mexican pop-rock singer songwriter Natalia LaFourcade brings her chart topping lyric soprano sound to the Center. Lafourcade was nominated for two Latin GRAMMYs, one for "Best Female Pop Vocal" and for "Best Latin Pop Album."

Museum Exhibitions 2017/2018 Season Lineup

California Connections: Selections from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

July 8 – August 27, 2017

This collaborative exhibition draws from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego's (MCASD) permanent collection, featuring works by beloved California artists from the 1950s to today. MCASD and The Center share a commitment to serving diverse audiences and bringing people together through the arts. This partnership expands the audience of both organizations and invites members of the two Museums to visit both institutions throughout the run of the exhibition with reciprocal free admission.

Photography Expanded

September 30 – November 12, 2017

Explore how photography has changed in his exhibit that includes several different takes on the medium. Richard Slechta is a composer of chromogenic photograms that use light as a vehicle for expression. Sol Hill skillfully distorts his images to discover new narratives entitled Missightments. Also featured is a selection of portraits from the Notes to our Sons and Daughters: My Sister's Voice exhibition, as well as works by Major Morris, local educator, photo journalist and author of "Nurture Their Dreams."

The Tower Gallery will host a special offrenda (offering) for the Center's annual Día de Los Muertos celebration.

Niki de Saint Phalle: Mythical California

January 13 – March 4, 2018

Internationally known mosaic artist, Niki de Saint Phalle created larger than life works of art about the myths and legends of California. This exhibition includes her Californian Diary print series as well as an exploration of the making of the sculpture garden Queen Califia's Magical Circle. Through maquettes, models, sculptures, photographs, furniture, blueprints, video and film, we celebrate this vibrant 20th century artist and the fifteen-year anniversary of Queen Califia's Magical Circle. The exhibition will also celebrate our California Mosaic artists who were inspired by Niki.

Campus Creatives: From the Classroom to the Museum

April 7 – May 13, 2018

Visual Art Department Faculty members teaching at the college level in San Diego County will showcase newer works of all media. This juried exhibition will underscore the talents of local educators and highlight our County's strength in art education, giving faculty a chance to show the public how they practice what they teach and influence the art world beyond their institutions.

Annual Community Events

54th Annual Independence Day Festival & Fireworks

Join 20,000 patriotic festival-goers for a day of rockin' live music, tasty treats and Fourth of July fun and games for all. After dark, turn your gaze to the sky for a dazzling fireworks display!

July 4, 2017

Puttin' Down Roots: Americana Music Series

Explore several genres of American roots music through artists’ talkbacks, live music and dancing with Zydeco Patrol, G Burns Jug Band, Brogue Wave and Veracruz Blues.

Fridays in July 2017.

First Wednesdays

Featuring Erika Davies & The Men (October 4, 2017 @ 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.), MiraCosta College Symphony Orchestra (December 6, 2017 @ 7pm), Brogue Wave (March 7, 2018 @ 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.) and more!

*Every first Wednesday of the month, September 2017 through June 2018

Jazz Jam Sessions

Jazz up your summer with live music in the moonlight! Whether you sit back and enjoy a glass of wine or pick up your sax and play with the band, the musical talent at our jam sessions will blow you away.

Fridays in August 2017

Música en la Plaza

New this year, bring your dancing shoes to our Lyric Court and enjoy live music, tacos, tequila, and more. From Cumbia and Bachata, to Salsa and Norteña, these rhythms will move you to get up and dance under the stars!

Fridays in September 2017.

22nd Annual Día de los Muertos Festival

Create altars and sugar skulls to celebrate and honor deceased loved ones on this traditional Mexican holiday. Afterward, explore the country's rich cultural heritage through art, music, and dance.

November 1, 2017.

Holiday Tree Lighting & Winter Wonderland Festival

Celebrate the holidays at the Center! Every December we bring the North Pole to the heart of Escondido with a visit from Santa, real snow, and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

December 2, 2017

First Marine Division Band Annual Concert

Don't miss Camp Pendleton's finest musicians as they return to the Center for their popular annual performance. Each spring, the band presents a new and engaging concert that keeps audiences coming back year after year!

Spring 2018

6th Annual smART Festival

Enjoy a vibrant showcase of artwork and performances by Escondido's students. This celebration of aspiring artists is held in our museum, theaters, and Great Green.

March 17, 2018

About California Center for the Arts, Escondido

With a mission of bringing people together to discover, create and celebrate both the visual and performing arts, California Center for the Arts, Escondido is the cultural center of North San Diego County.

The Center's unique campus includes a 1,523-seat concert hall, a 404-seat theater, a contemporary art museum, art and dance studios, and a full-service conference center with meeting and banquet facilities. The Center also runs an extensive education program and produces free community events. San Diego Magazine named the Center the "Best Limited Engagement" in North County. The Center was named in the Top Five for U-T San Diego's Readers Poll for "Best Live Music Venue" and the Top Five for "Best Place to Get Married." In 2016, the Center was named "Organization of the Year" by the Escondido Chamber of Commerce.

The Center is located at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. in Escondido. The Ticket Office can be reached at (800) 988-4253. Tickets can also be purchased online. To learn more, including performance dates, times and ticket information, visit artcenter.org.