Tryon Fine Arts Center announces 2015-2016 Main Stage Season

Published 10:00 pm Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Tryon Fine Arts Center announces an exceptional 2015-2016 Main Stage Season, opening Saturday, Oct. 3 with America’s premier cross-classical ensemble Annie Moses Band. The series, sponsored by Millard & Company, is an exciting array of music and stories, taking season audiences on a journey celebrating award-winning performances from folk musicians to powerful theater, to remembering the glory days of jazz and Broadway, and musicians full of soul.

 

Annie Moses Band sets the season bar high with their exciting blend of modern and classical sound on Saturday, Oct. 3. This band is a classical-crossover ensemble of six siblings and their father, known for their virtuosic string playing, eclectic vocals and stylistically diverse arrangements. Their music includes classical, Americana, progressive folk, and jazz influences. They have been inspiring and entertaining audiences across the U.S. and around the world for over a decade.

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On Saturday, Nov. 14 and inspired by the sounds and vibes of 1960s and 70s soul, Sonny Knight and the Lakers, sponsored by Pacolet Milliken Enterprises, will bring us the hot beats of yesterday. Sonny Knight’s first record was recorded in 1965 when he was 17 and 50 years later he leads the Lakers recapturing the passion and energy of the soul music of the 50s and 60s. They have created a tight sound that has thrilled audiences across the country and will continue to do so for many years.

On Friday, Feb. 5, enjoy a pre-Mardi Gras trip to the past with the brilliant, seasoned performers of A Night in Old New Orleans, sponsored by WWE Realty. Orange Kellin, along with Broadway performer Vernel Bagneris, will bring an exhilarating performance to our stage. Since 1978, New Orleans native Bagneris has been writing, choreographing and starring in theatre productions, movies and television. Orange Kellin has had a long and illustrious career as a musical arranger and clarinetist. He was also the creative originator of the mega hit “One Mo’ Time.” The group will perform songs from the glory days of jazz in New Orleans.

Eugene O’Neill’s classic “A Moon for the Misbegotten” comes to the stage, sponsored by Missildines, LLC on Friday, March 4. “A Moon for the Misbegotten” is Nobel laureate O’Neill’s final completed work. The play, set in 1923 Connecticut, described as hauntingly poetic, is based loosely on the life of O’Neill’s brother Jamie. Since opening in 1947, “A Moon for the Misbegotten” has had five Broadway runs. Lauded by critics and audiences alike, this production is sure to please.

The final show in the 2015-2016 series is Franc D’Ambrosio’s “Broadway – Songs of the Great White Way,” sponsored by The Cliffs on Saturday, April 23. Most recognized for his role in “The Godfather III,” for which he sang the Academy Award-winning theme song, Franc D’Ambrosio has led a wildly successful career. D’Ambrosio also played the title role on Broadway in “The Phantom of the Opera,” directed by Hal Prince, who won a Tony for this play. His one-man show has been on tour in the country playing for sold out audiences for years. Featuring such hits as “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Music of the Night” and “Bring Him Home” this show is sure to help the Main Stage season go out in style.

Seating for these events is reserved and season tickets can be purchased. For more information, call 828-859-8322 or visit the box office Tuesday – Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Information and tickets may also be found online by visiting www.tryonarts.org.

Tryon Fine Arts Center, located on Melrose Avenue in Tryon, NC, has been a center for the visual and performing arts for over 45 years attracting a diverse range of audiences. TFAC’s Main Stage Season is the centerpiece series honoring the center’s commitment to produce and present the best of national, regional and local arts.

– Submitted by Susan Brady