WPRO-AM IS MEDIA SPONSOR

 BRING A NEW HAT OR NEW PAIR OF MITTENS TO THE VMA ON DECEMBER 3rd  AND SAVE $10 ON MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER TICKETS

Patrons are invited to bring the gift of warmth to Rhode Island children in need and save $10 on tickets to the Mannheim Steamroller performance!  Any patron who brings a new hat or a new pair of mittens will receive $10 off best available seating for the show ($10 off per ticket for each item donated).  All donations will be given to the “Warm Hands, Warm Hearts” Hat and Mitten Drive via LiteRock 105FM.  Patrons are asked to bring their donations the VMA on-site Box Office that day beginning at 10A; donations will be accepted through curtain time at 7:30P.

WPRO-AM’s Tara Granahan and LiteRock 105 FM’s Morning Team Jones and Heather will be at the VMA pre-show to host a hot chocolate party for lucky WPRO-AM and LiteRock 105 FM winners.  Hot chocolate will be provided courtesy of TIM HORTONS, there will be prize drawings, and more!  To enter, patrons may tune in to WPRO-AM 630/99.7 FM or LiteRock 105 FM or visit their websites for details.

The Veterans Memorial Auditorium (VMA) is located at One Avenue of the Arts in Providence, and the Box Office is located at the Providence Performing Arts Center, at 220 Weybosset St. in Providence.  Tickets for “The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis” are still available and on sale now. Ticket prices are $82.00, $68.00, and $58.00; all ticket prices include a $3 per ticket restoration charge.  Tickets may be purchased at the PPAC Box Office window Monday-Friday 10A – 5P, or Saturday 10A – 2P, online at www.vmari.org, or by phone at (401) 421-ARTS.  On the day of the performance, the on-site VMA Box Office will be open from 10A - curtain.

Christmas, no matter where and how it is celebrated, finds its heart and soul in holiday music. International favorite Mannheim Steamroller (www.mannheimsteamroller.com) perfectly captures the spirit of the season this year when it arrives at the VMA in Providence for this one-night only performance on December 3^rd.  The tour is produced by Chip Davis’ Sound Track Inc. and Magic Arts & Entertainment, a subsidiary of Tix Corporation (Nasdaq: TIXC).  “The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis,” will feature the band’s unmistakable sound in an extravagant multi-media show.

Known for its now classic arrangements of “Silent Night,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Angels We Have Heard On High,” the latest holiday albums, “Christmas Song” and “Christmasville,” marks Mannheim Steamroller’s eighth and ninth Christmas titles. Total album sales for the Christmas series have exceeded 35 million copies worldwide thus far, surpassing that of industry icons and solidifying the band’s place in music history as the largest selling Christmas artist of all time.  Davis promises that upcoming holiday tour dates will showcase the band’s ability to break new musical ground. “Christmas music should touch people in a way that is familiar. Yet by giving the songs a 21^st Century perspective, a door opens deep inside. In an instant, the season’s message of hope and miracles comes alive.”

WPRO-AM is the media sponsor for this show, and the “Warm Hands, Warm Hearts” special offer is in cooperation with LiteRock 105 FM.

Visit www.vmari.org for more information, and to order tickets.  To order by phone, call (401) 421-ARTS (2787).

ART GARFUNKEL AND HIS BAND COMING TO PPAC

with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops

Conducted by Francisco Noya

at the Providence Performing Arts Center,

Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 8PM

Part of the 2008/2009 POPS PHIL PPAC Series

Media Sponsor WPRO-AM

ART GARFUNKEL, WITH THE RHODE ISLAND PHILHARMONIC POPS is the last concert in the 2008/2009 POPS PHIL PPAC SERIES, and will be conducted by Francisco Noya.  ART GARFUNKEL, WITH THE RHODE ISLAND PHILHARMONIC POPS is sponsored by series media partner WPRO-AM.  Tickets for this event are $75.00, $63.00, $50.00, and $40.00; all ticket prices include a $3 restoration charge. Tickets for all shows can be purchased at PPAC’s Box Office window, or by calling (401) 421-ARTS Monday – Friday from 10A – 5P and Saturdays from 10A – 2P; or visit www.ppacri.org to purchase tickets any time.  Discounted admission is available for groups of 20 or more; for more information, email Paul Hiatt at phiatt@ppacri.org or call (401) 574-3162. 

ART GARFUNKEL was originally revered for his Grammy-winning, chart-topping songs and albums with partner and fellow NYC native Paul Simon.  Their greatest hits collection, which includes “Mrs. Robinson,” “Scarborough Fair,” “The Sound Of Silence,” “The Boxer” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” among others, is the biggest selling album ever by a duo. 

After Simon & Garfunkel parted ways in 1970, GARFUNKEL landed several major film roles, including “Carnal Knowledge” (opposite Jack Nicholson), “Catch 22” and Nicholas Roeg’s “BadTiming/A Sensual Obsession.”  His solo debut ANGEL CLARE spawned the top 10 hit “All I Know.”  His other solo albums include BREAKAWAY (‘75; features the hit “I Only Have Eyes For You”), WATERMARK (‘78; featuring “[What A] Wonderful World” with James Taylor and Paul Simon), FATE FOR BREAKFAST (‘79), SCISSORS CUT (‘81), THE ANIMALS’ CHRISTMAS (‘86), LEFTY (‘88), GARFUNKEL (greatest hits, ‘88), UP TILL NOW (‘93), ACROSS AMERICA (‘97), SONGS FROM A PARENT TO A CHILD (‘97), EVERYTHING WAITS TO BE NOTICED (’03) and SOME ENCHANTED EVENING (’07).

Visit www.artgarfunkel.com for further information on Art Garfunkel.

Visit www.riphil.org for more information about the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School.

Log on to www.ppacri.org for more information on PPAC’s 2008/2009 season

WGBH PRESENTS THE 6^th ANNUAL

A CHRISTMAS CELTIC SOJOURN WITH BRIAN O'DONOVAN

AT THE PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
 

Warm and inviting are good descriptions of this year’s event.   A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with the entire family.  Featuring traditional music, dance, poetry and storytelling, the show brings the feeling of Christmas to life.  The show features performances by some of the foremost Celtic performers who, through their performances, invite you in to experience the holidays together.  

This year, Brian O’Donovan welcomes Irish super group Solas, led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Seamus Egan. Since its birth in 1996, Solas has been loudly proclaimed as the most popular, influential, and exciting Celtic band to ever emerge from the United States.  Solas will be joined by Galway Singer Sean Keane who is making a rare New England appearance in A Christmas Celtic Sojourn.  Cara Dillon, one of the fastest rising stars in Irish traditional music, will be joined by pianist Sam Lakeman on the Majestic Stage.  

Award-winning dance director Kieran Jordan is once-again planning what has become one of the most anticipated aspects of the show, its spectacular Irish dancing. Traditional Irish step dancer Kevin Doyle, who starred in the 2004 edition of the show, will join Kieran on stage along with eight young dancers from the Harney Academy of Irish Dance.

Finally, Navan, the wonderful three-piece harmony group that sings in all six Celtic languages, will return to the show in 2008.  Navan had been a beautiful audio centerpiece to many of the shows before scheduling difficulties in 2007. 

Artistically directed again by Paula Plum, this year’s version of A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan promises to become an instant classic. 

A Celtic Sojourn with Brian O'Donovan will be celebrating the holidays throughout the season on your radio at WGBH 89.7 (each Saturday at 12 noon) and on television on channels 2 and 44 with broadcasts of a live taping of A Christmas Celtic Sojourn. Highlights include music and performance by many of the artists featured in this year's concerts. Broadcast details can be found at wgbh.org/celtic. DVDs and CDs of A Christmas Celtic Sojourn can also be purchased at shop.wgbh.org. 

Brian O’Donovan and A Celtic Sojourn

Born in Clonakilty, West Cork, Ireland, Brian O'Donovan is the host of A Celtic Sojourn on WGBH 89.7.  Each week, he explores traditional and contemporary music from throughout the Celtic countries and England.  O’Donovan is a musician and world music aficionado whose expertise extends to a variety of musical genres, including rock, folk, classical, opera and country.  A Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan airs Saturdays, 12-3pm on WGBH 89.7 and is available on-demand at www.wgbh.org/celtic.

Listener-supported WGBH 89.7 is Boston's NPR® arts and culture station. Bringing you the best for more than 50 years, 89.7 serves its wide-ranging audience with a menu of classical music, NPR news, jazz, blues, folk, and spoken-word programs. The station is an active participant in New England's vibrant music community, presenting more than 300 performances every year, including live broadcasts and remote recordings from such diverse venues as Tanglewood, the Lowell Folk Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, and WGBH's own studios. WGBH 89.7 can be heard online anywhere in the world at www.wgbh.org, and can be heard on Nantucket at WNCK 89.5.

Log on to www.ppacri.org for more information on the 2008/2009 season.

“DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE!” COMING TO EXPLORE PROVIDENCE!

World Famous Explorer Will Perform at Providence Performing Arts Center from February 6-8, 2009

Tickets Go On Sale November 8^th at 10A!

Tickets for opening night are $21 for all seats; all other performances range from $40, $28, $19, $13, and all tickets will go on sale on November 8^th at 10A.  All ticket prices include a $3.00 restoration charge.  Tickets for “Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys” can be purchased online at www.ppacri.org.  Patrons may also purchase tickets at the PPAC Box Office window (located at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence) or by calling (401) 421-ARTS. Please note that the Box Office will be open Monday – Friday 10A – 5P, and Saturday 10A – 2P. “Dora the Explorer Live!” will appear Friday, February 6 at 7P, Saturday, February 7 at 11A, 2P, and 5P, and Sunday, February 8 at 11A, 2P, and 5P.  Discounted admission is available for groups of 20 or more; for more information, email Paul Hiatt at phiatt@ppacri.org or call (401) 574-3162. 

“'Dora the Explorer Live!' is a culturally rich, interactive theatrical show for preschoolers and their families," said Stuart Rosenstein, Senior Vice President, Resorts and Theatricals, Nickelodeon Recreation.  “This show has captured preschool audiences everywhere.  We’re thrilled to introduce it to a brand-new audience and to work with the same extraordinary team who brought other successful Nickelodeon shows to life.”

"Dora is to kids what the Rolling Stones are to parents – she’s one of the biggest stars in the world," said Stacey Burns, Vice President of Family Production for Broadway Across America. “‘Dora the Explorer Live!’ has proven to be one of the most successful family titles on the road in recent years.  It truly is a blockbuster.”

Featuring familiar songs, a captivating storyline and all the characters children have come to love, "Dora the Explorer Live!" showcases Dora’s friends, including special helper Backpack, best friend Boots, cousin Diego, Map, Swiper the Fox, Tico and Benny.   Each step of the gang’s journey consists of a problem or puzzle that Dora and the audience must solve together in order to move on to the next challenge.  Dora is proudly bilingual and uses her knowledge of English and Spanish to communicate with her friends, teach the audience Spanish words and overcome obstacles.

"Dora the Explorer Live!" is based on Nickelodeon’s hit animated series, Dora the Explorer, which currently ranks as the number-one-rated preschool show on all of commercial television.  Dora is a seven-year-old Latina heroine, whose adventures take place in an imaginative, tropical world filled with jungles, beaches and rainforests.  Both the Dora TV and stage shows are designed to actively engage their audiences using a variety of learning techniques. 

“Dora the Explorer Live!" is directed by Gip Hoppe who has worked with Nickelodeon on other successful productions, including: "Blue's Clues Live!" and "Blue's Clues Live! - Blue's Birthday Party"; "Dora's Pirate Adventure"; and "Go, Diego, Go Live!"  Hoppe also wrote and directed the Broadway play "Jackie: An American Life." He is a founding member and co-artistic director of the Wellfleet Harbor Actor's Theatre.

“Dora the Explorer Live!" is written by Chris Gifford, who, along with Valerie Walsh Valdes and Eric Weiner, created Dora the Explorer.  Gifford and Walsh Valdes serve as executive producers of the TV show.

Performances will feature set and costume designs by Tony Award-winners David Gallo and Gregg Barnes, respectively.  Gallo has been recently represented on Broadway with "The Drowsy Chaperone", "Xanadu", "Thoroughly Modern Millie", "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown," "Lion In Winter," and "Little Me".  He was also the production designer for "Jackie: An American Life."

Tony Award-winning Costume Designer Gregg Barnes' credits include: "Legally Blonde", "The Drowsy Chaperone", 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels", "Flower Drum Song," "Disney on Ice - Princess Classics," "Side Show," "Scooby-Doo in Stagefright - Live on Stage!", "Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show" and Madison Square Garden's "The Wizard of Oz."

"Dora the Explorer" airs at 10:30 a.m. and noon (ET/PT) weekdays on Nick Jr., a specially designed programming block airing on Nickelodeon weekdays from 9A. to 2P. (ET/PT).  Completely dedicated to preschoolers ages 2-5, Nick Jr.'s Emmy, Peabody and Parents' Choice Award-winning programs are curriculum based, fun and commercial free. 

For more information about “Dora the Explorer Live!” log on to www.nickjr.com or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com

ABOUT NICKELODEON

Nickelodeon Recreation is one of the leading producers of top quality theatrical and touring shows for kids and their families. Strategically leveraging Nickelodeon’s hits into high quality Broadway level stage productions that tour both domestically and in international markets, the division has executive produced 14 unique multimillion dollar theatrical stage productions that have grossed in excess of $100 million in tickets sales.

Nickelodeon, in its 29^th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 96 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 14 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

ABOUT BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA

Broadway Across America (Producer): Owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and led by Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman), Broadway Across America presents first-class touring Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 43 North American cities.  Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theatre for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world.  Current productions include Tony Award-winners BOEING BOEING and SPAMALOT, as well as THE BACKYARDIGANS.  Upcoming productions include 13, WEST SIDE STORY, DORA THE EXPLORER and the Broadway premiere of Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS opening this 2008 holiday season.  For more information log on to www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

Log on to www.ppacri.org for more information about the 2008/2009 season.

 2008/2009 SEASON!

The Full Season Includes Mamma Mia!, Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Neeley, Stomp, Annie, the POPS PHIL PPAC Series, Family Shows, and More!

In the 2008/2009 POPS PHIL PPAC Series, a partnership between the Providence Performing Arts Center and the Rhode Island Philharmonic now in its fourth year, two fantastic performers will take the stage with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops: in THE VON TRAPP CHILDREN HOLIDAY CONCERT (December 21 at 6:30P), conducted by Francisco Noya, the four great-grandchildren of Captain Von Trapp will sing a variety of folk, classical, and holiday songs from various American and European traditions, as well as timeless pieces from The Sound of Music; and Francisco Noya conducts ART GARFUNKEL (January 17 at 8P), one half of the  Grammy Award-winning group Simon & Garfunkel who secured a  collection of hits such as "The Boxer," and "Mrs. Robinson," as he presents songs from his recently released solo album Some Enchanted Evening.

There are three Broadway Specials: Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus' MAMMA MIA! (December 30 - January 4) is an enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship complemented by ABBA's smash-hits, including "Dancing Queen," "Take A Chance on Me," and "The Winner Takes It All;" see "what all the noise is about" when the international percussion sensation STOMP (February 20 - 22) returns to PPAC to fill the stage with magnificent and unique rhythms; Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's original groundbreaking production JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (April 14 at 8P), starring Ted Neeley in the title role and Living Colour's Corey Glover as Judas, makes a triumphant return to the PPAC stage with a score of amazing songs; and boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores, ANNIE (May 1 - 3), the timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie provides a delightful theatrical experience about the significance of never giving up hope.

There are also four extraordinary shows that are part of the FirstWorks Festival and Season, co-presented by FirstWorks, the Providence Performing Arts Center, and the City of Providence: Grammy Award-winning DAN ZANES AND FRIENDS (October 11 at 2P) perform exuberant, family-friendly, folk-rock music, including numbers off their recently-released CD ¡Nueva york!;  Heddy Maalem's interpretation of THE RITE OF SPRING (October 21 at 7P) features fourteen distinct dancers from Mali, Benin, Nigeria, and Senegal; with a spectacle that seemingly defies gravity, MOMIX (November 8 at 8P) continues to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide with luminous fantasy and theatrical brilliance; and in YO-YO MA AND THE SILK ROAD ENSEMBLE (March 6 at 8P), the legendary cellist unites artists from regions of the ancient Asia-Europe trade route known as the Silk Road to create musical experiences which have delighted audiences around the world.

There is also a wonderful Family Show making its PPAC debut: based on the popular international television show sensation, BOB THE BUILDER LIVE! SPUD'S BIG MESS (January 11 at TBD) follows Bob and friends as they work together to save Sunflower Valley from Spud's mischievous tricks. On March 19 at 7:30P, come celebrate Kids' Night on Broadway with CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, when children, ages 18 and under, can attend this performance of the show for free when accompanied by an adult who purchases a full-priced ticket.

This December, start new traditions with our outstanding Holiday Specials: Festival Ballet Providence's THE NUTCRACKER (December 12 - 14) features a live orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's magnificent score, glittering costumes, and breath-taking dancing; first launched in 2003, WGBH PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS CELTIC SOJOURN WITH BRIAN O'DONOVAN (December 18 at 7:30P) will feature Irish dancing as well as Irish super group Solas, singer Sean Keane, and singer Cara Dillon with husband Sam Lakeman; and be sure to catch THE VON TRAPP CHILDREN HOLIDAY CONCERT, with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops (December 21 at 6:30P), conducted by Francisco Noya.

The Providence Performing Arts Center will also be the showcase for a wide range of Musical and Contemporary specials: LISA WILLIAMS: MESSAGES FROM BEYOND (October 14 at 7P) features the internationally acclaimed medium, clairvoyant, and star of the hit television show Lisa Williams, Life Among the Dead; the best of R&B will take the PPAC stage in HEART & SOUL: VALENTINE'S SOUL JAM (February 5 at 7:30P), including The Stylistics, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, and the Chi-lites; the biggest Doo-Wopp and Rock "Oldies But Goodies" concert of them all returns to Providence in HARVEY ROBBINS' ROYALTY OF DOO-WOPP & ROCK N' ROLL (March 7 at 8P), featuring Jimmy Merchant ("Why Do Fools Fall in Love"), Johnnie & Joe ("Over the Mountain, Across the Sea"), and more; and don't miss AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS (April 6 at 8P), author of the recently-released When You are Engulfed in Flames and bestsellers Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.

The Providence Performing Arts Center has three series to which patrons can subscribe for the 2008/2009 Season.   The Citizens Bank Broadway Series is comprised of six shows: the National Tours of both LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (September 21 & 23 - 28) and GREASE (December 2 - 7) open in Providence; the series continues with FIDDLER ON THE ROOF starring Chaim Topol (February 10 - 15); A CHORUS LINE (March 31 - April 5); SPRING AWAKENING (April 21 - 26; parental discretion is advised - this show contains mature themes including sexual situations and profanity); and concludes with THE COLOR PURPLE (May 26 - 31). Three shows make up the Contemporary Classics Series, which kicks off with HAPPY DAYS - A NEW MUSICAL (January 23 - 25), continues with THE WIZARD OF OZ (February 27 - March 1), and concludes with CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (March 19 - 22). There are also two shows in the aforementioned POPS PHIL PPAC Series.  PPAC Subscribers receive a host of benefits, including guaranteed seat location, exchange privileges, advance ordering, and more; for more information on becoming a subscriber, visit ppacri.org or call the PPAC Box Office at (401) 421-ARTS.

Please note that all dates, programs, and artists are subject to change without notice. Visit ppacri.org for the most current show and pricing information, and to purchase single tickets. If you wish to receive a hard copy of the complimentary brochure (available mid-July 2008), purchase single tickets, or to place a subscription order, call the Box Office at (401) 421-ARTS during their summer hours from 10A - 3P from Monday through Thursday.  Please note: NEW regular hours will resume on Tuesday, September 2; NEW regular hours are 10A - 5P Monday through Friday and 10A - 2P on Saturdays.

You may also receive detailed subscription information by contacting Sharon Corcoran in PPAC's Direct Response Department at (401) 574-3136; if you leave a message, Sharon will return your call.

Schools, organizations, clubs, churches, families, and friends who wish to obtain more information on group sales of 20 or more, please contact Paul Hiatt at (401) 574-3162 or groups@ppacri.org. PPAC also offers a dinner and Show Shuttle Package, with Davenport's Restaurant of East Providence and with Luigi's Restaurant of Johnston; the dinner, transportation from the restaurant to the theatre in a beautiful trolley, and a wonderful show are all included. The Show Shuttle Package for the 2008/2009 Season is on sale now for LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL and GREASE - contact Paul Hiatt at (401) 574-3162 for more information; availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Patrons whose families and friends might not share their love of theatre have the option of joining the Broadway Bunch by getting a Tuesday night subscription to the Citizens Bank Broadway Series.  Membership in the Broadway Bunch includes evenings of fine dining, great shows, and the opportunity to meet new friends.  For more information, call Betty Benedetti at (401) 574-3119.

Details regarding reception rooms and restaurant packages are available for groups upon request.  For more information, contact Betsy Menders at (401) 574-3117.

THE PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

AND BANK OF AMERICA ANNOUNCE

THE 2008/2009 BANK OF AMERICA ARTS SHOWCASE

Admission is Free for Rhode Island Middle School Students

Providence, RI – The Providence Performing Arts Center and Bank of America are pleased to announce the 2008/2009 Bank of America Arts Showcase, with five separate engagements through April 30, 2009. The Arts Showcase is an educational program developed in 1997 to encourage and motivate Rhode Island middle school students, grades six through nine, to learn more about the arts. About 85,000 middle school students have attended the shows since the program’s inception, and about 10,000 more students are expected attend the five live shows at PPAC during the 2008/2009 school year free of charge. The performances are presented by New England artists selected by PPAC based on the cultural diversity and educational value of their productions and the positive, energetic responses of their audiences.

“As we celebrate the 11^th year of Arts Showcase, Bank of America’s commitment is more important than ever; this type of experience helps to support arts education for our students,” said PPAC President J.L. “Lynn” Singleton.  “Through the Arts Showcase, tens of thousands of Rhode Island students have been able to see exceptional education-based live performances at the Providence Performing Arts Center, completely free of charge.”

“The Providence Performing Arts Center is a key economic and cultural driver for our capitol city and state,” said William F. Hatfield, president, Bank of America Rhode Island.  “Bank of America is proud to support this program, which helps students appreciate all the arts have to offer.”

All Rhode Island public, private, and parochial school children in grades six through nine are invited to attend the 2008/2009 Bank of America Arts Showcase performances. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required. Reservation requests will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please call Cynthia Goldsmith at (401) 421-2997.  Tickets are not available to the general public.  This program is an outreach offering to Rhode Island middle schools only.

The 2008/2009 Bank of America Arts Showcase is as follows; all performances begin at 9:30A:M

October 2, 2008

Rob the Drummer - Pro-Arts, Pro-Sports, Anti-Substance Abuse, self-Esteem

Rob Gottfried is a nationally acclaimed children’s motivational educator whose musical concerts educate audiences through a dynamic approach – the drums – to convey a message focused on anti-bullying and accepting ethnic diversity. This “bare foot” percussionist seeks to strengthen life choices through music, sports, academics, and creative arts while addressing the problems of drug and alcohol abuse in school-age children.  “Rob the Drummer” has been described as a role-model beacon for today’s youth. 

October 30, 2008

Carlos de Leon’s - Latin American Orchestra and Dancers

Carlos de Leon is a seasoned “salsa” band leader, composer, and musician who performs regularly in New England, New York, and Latin America.  His music is lively, his presentation engaging and interactive, and his focus is on sharing his knowledge and love of Latin music with young audiences.  To enhance the Latin American rhythms, colorful dancers meticulously execute dances including salsa, boleros, and the meringue.

February 26, 2009

Everett Dance Theatre - Marriage of Art and Science

This lecture/demonstration celebrates the creative thinking used by scientists and artists alike.  Constructed with the help of a physics teacher, Everett Dance Theatre explores the natural forces which affect us all.  Principles of center of gravity, momentum, cause and effect, rotational inertia, and conservation of energy are pulled from the pages of the textbook and given life on the stage.

March 26, 2009

Inca Son - Music & Dance of the Andes

This internationally acclaimed Peruvian music and dance ensemble will bring the Andean culture to life on the PPAC stage, dressed in authentic Inca costumes and demonstrating the unique, traditional instruments used by Andean musicians.   Inca Son has won numerous awards for their beautiful musical portrayal of the rich history and folklore of this South American region.

April 30, 2009

Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly - Traditional American Folk Music & Dance

This award-winning duo performs with band members to present traditional American folk music highlighting the cultural mix that is the basis of our American heritage. Introducing students to a wide array of instruments, dynamic music, and captivating dance, Atwater-Donnelly brings the American culture and history to life with ease and humor with their student audiences.

About Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy

Building on a long-standing tradition of investing in the communities it serves, Bank of America will embark in 2009 on a new, ten-year goal to donate $2 billion to nonprofit organizations engaged in improving the health and vitality of their neighborhoods. Funded by Bank of America, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation gave more than $200 million in 2007, making the bank the most generous financial institution in the world and the second largest donor of all U.S. corporations in cash contributions. Bank of America approaches giving through a national strategy called "neighborhood excellence" under which it works with local leaders to identify and meet the most pressing needs of individual communities. Through Team Bank of America, bank associate volunteers contributed more than 650,000 hours in 2007 to enhance the quality of life in their communities nationwide. For more information about Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy, please visit www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.

About the Providence Performing Arts Center

Originally built in 1928, the Providence Performing Arts Centers has established itself in Rhode Island history as one of the longest-running original venues.  PPAC is not only a beautifully restored theatre, but is also a state of the art venue that presents and showcases a wide range of music, touring Broadway shows, and more.  Please visit www.ppacri.org for more information.