NEWMAN CENTER PRESENTS
2024–2025 SEASON
Lakecia Benjamin
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear friends,
Welcome to the 2024-25 Newman Presents season! We are excited to bring you a season full of thought-provoking and entertaining performances at the University of Denver. Thank you for joining us as we continue our mission to uplift audiences and artists through cultural connection. This season features artists from Taiwan, India, Mali, Portugal, Canada, and the United States, enriching our local cultural scene with diverse artistic perspectives and fostering dialogue and exchange.
AT WASH PARK GRILLE
Choose from our extensive menu of seafood, housemade pasta, salads and grilled meats. Enjoy live music as you sit back and sip on one of Washington Park Grille’s lively libations.
This year, we offer numerous ways to engage with our programming. In addition to live performances, we invite you to tour the Newman Center or attend an artist Q&A before or after select shows. Stay informed about these opportunities and additional offerings, such as our cultural diplomacy conversations, throughout the year by signing up for our e-newsletter at newmancenterpresents.com and following us on social media.
We are proud of our extensive educational programming for K-12 students which continues to flourish. Our student matinee series, Musical Explorers (in-class curriculum and live performances), Music Creators (summer camp), and teacher development opportunities served over 8,000 students and teachers in the metro area this past year.
Please consider joining our Giving Circles and become part of our community of arts advocates, creating memorable moments with friends and family. Courtesies include access to the Rose Club with complimentary appetizers and refreshments before select performances, invitations to soundchecks and rehearsals, conversations with artists, and more. Your financial support is vital for expanding our nationally recognized programming, educational initiatives, and community partnerships. Learn more at newmancenterpresents.com/give.
We look forward to a memorable season filled with performing arts, community, and connection.
With gratitude,
Aisha Ahmad-Post
Center for the Performing Arts
Visionary
DENVER BRASS
SEPT 15
OCT 20
NOV 23-24
DEC 21-22
CRAFTED
Brass by Request
The People’s Building
Canadian Brass meets The Denver Brass
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Pipes & Horns of Plenty
Bethany Lutheran Church
Home for Christmas King Center
FEB 15-16
MAR 15-16
APR 5-6
Fat Tuesday Festa
Newman Center for the Performing Arts
Celtic Awakening
Newman Center for the Performing Arts
Echoes in Time with St. Martin’s Chamber Choir
St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church
St. Andrew United Methodist Church
MAY 17-18
Sketches of Courage
Parker Unithed Methodist Church
Bethany Lutheran Church
FROM THE CHANCELLOR
Welcome to the 22nd Newman Center Presents season at the Robert & Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts! Since 2003, the Newman Center has been the University of Denver’s cherished home for the performing arts. Each Presents series offers a chance to experience the creativity of emerging artists, hear diverse voices, and celebrate talents whose exceptional work has earned national and international acclaim.
At the University of Denver, we provide a holistic experience focused on intellectual growth, well-being, character and purpose-driven lives and careers. The Newman Center plays a crucial role in our DU 4D Experience, promoting the public good both on and off campus. It brings joy and freedom of expression to our community in invaluable ways.
This season, dance enthusiasts can look forward to worldly performances from such groups as Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan and one of the vanguards of American modern dance Limón Dance Company. The popular jazz series, which sold out all its performances this past season, includes the return of Cécile McLorin Salvant, as well as newcomers like the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band. Artists such as Vieux Farka Touré from Mali, and Mariza from Portugal will shine a light on global music from around the world.
The Newman Center continues to be a cultural hub for our community, hosting many performances by local organizations both big and small. You can catch a Friends of Chamber Music performance or listen to your favorite author share their work at the Denver Post’s Pen & Podium series. Along with performances by our talented students in the Lamont School of Music and DU Department of Theatre, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy. Thank you for your continued support of this incredible center.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Haefner Chancellor
ABOUT THE NEWMAN CENTER
The Robert & Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver has become over the past 22 years a cultural community hub for the entire region. Acclaimed as one of the nation’s finest university performing arts centers, the Newman Center is unique for its size, acoustic quality, and programming.
At the core of the Newman Center’s programming is Newman Center Presents, a multidisciplinary professional arts series, showcasing renowned artists and new and underrepresented voices from around the world. The Newman Center is home to DU’s Lamont School of Music and Theatre Department, who collectively present hundreds of performances every year. The Newman Center is also home to many of our community’s premier arts organizations and events, such as Friends of Chamber Music, Denver Brass and The Denver Post’s Pen and Podium Series.
Mission:
The Newman Center uplifts Denver audiences and artists by creating regional and global connections.
Vision:
To be a cultural anchor for a thriving, dynamic and diverse 21st century Denver.
PATRON INFORMATION
The Newman Center offers multiple accessibility services including: assisted listening devices, transport chairs, transfer theatre seats, wheelchair seating, booster seats, automatic door openers for restrooms and exterior doors, audio description, captioning, language translation and American Sign Language. Patrons seeking accommodations can call 303.871.7720.
Paid parking is available for all shows in the Newman Center garage, subject to availability. Patrons are advised not to park in the neighborhoods, as most of the side streets have one hour parking only. Arrive early to ensure a space in the garage.
Artists, programs, venues, and schedules are subject to change without notice. The Newman Center will make reasonable efforts to notify ticket holders of changes.
Patrons are encouraged to call the Newman Center at 303.871.7720 for information on the suitability of events for children.
The University of Denver is a smoke-free campus. Smoking and vaping is permitted only in designated areas.
M ALLAN FRANK
FAMILY BOX OFFICE
2344 E. Iliff Ave. Denver, CO 80208 newmancenterpresents.com 303.871.7720 newmanboxoffice@du.edu
Tickets can be purchased 24hrs a day online. The box office and phone lines are open: 10am-4pm Mon – Fri 12pm-4pm Sat (Sept – May) Closed Sundays
The box office opens one hour before each performance. Note that the Newman Center’s website, box office and pvhone line are the only authorized ticket sources for events produced and presented at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. You can purchase from us knowing that you’ve received the best price available, your seat is guaranteed, and your privacy is secure.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Angie Flachman Johnson, Publisher
Wilbur E. Flachman, President Emeritus
Advertising information: 303-428-9529 or sales@pub-house.com coloradoartspubs.com
All content copyright 2023-2024. All rights reserved.
This program is produced for the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts by The Publishing House Westminster, Colorado
NEWMAN CENTER ADMINISTRATION
Executive and Programming
Jennifer Karas, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
Aisha Ahmad-Post, Executive Director
Andryn Arithson, Director of Business & Operations
Marike Fitzgerald, Artistic Operations Manager
Iden Sheng, Artistic Operations Assistant
Julia Johnson, Administrative Assistant
Tim Healy, Business Operations Assistant
Advancement
Adriel Long, Assistant Director of Development and Individual Giving
Ticketing Services
Richard Moraskie, Assistant Director
Max Manoles, Box Office Manager
Ticket Agents
Emma Calvert*
Lee Cyphers*
Ian Emmer*
Gabby Gillespie*
LJ Hansen*
Education Initiatives
Morgana Keller*
Delaney Kottenstette*
Reagan Luchte*
Ethan McGraw*
Melissa Monjaras*
Luke Wachter, Associate Director of Educational Initiatives
Lee Cyphers, Education Assistant*
Event Services
Taylor Beia, Assistant Director
Zachary Westerman, Manager
Jennifer Reed, Manager on Duty
Marketing and Communications
Justin Levy, Assistant Director
Connie Washington, Manager on Duty
Christian Jaeger, Marketing Coordinator
Jin Wook Lee, Graphic Design Specialist
Patron Services
Rachel Hargroder, Assistant Director
Angela Edgington, House Manager
Debbie Hindin-King, House Manager
Jennifer Reed, House Manager
Connie Washington, House Manager
Production
Garret Glass, Assistant Director
Zach Jovanovich, Coordinator
Newman Center Advisory Board
Lisa Alcorn, Vice Chair
Hannah Christian
Julio Martinez Coronado, Chair
Beverlee Henry Fullerton
Omar Aittakalla, Event Support Specialist*
Matin Kakhsaz, Event Support Specialist*
Drew Tilbrooke, Event Support
Specialist & Patron Services Assistant
Shakeel Wahab, Coordinator
Chad Hollingsworth
Lynnea Hutton
Vanecia Kerr
Alexander Pankonin
Honorary Advisory Board Members
Margot Gilbert Frank
Celeste Grynberg
Judi and Robert Newman
Cleo Parker Robinson
Stephen Seifert
Stephanie Rance
Marcia Romero
Kwon Atlas * Student Employees
Located on the University of Denver campus, Ricks Center for Gifted Children fosters a community of thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators through a dynamic and challenging gifted educational environment, offering programs for children ages three through eighth grade.
◆ Flexible, differentiated curriculum designed around the whole child
◆ Access to the University of Denver resources
◆ Flexible, differentiated curriculum
◆ Low student to teacher ratio
◆ Teachers who know, understand and care deeply about gifted education and each individual student
◆ An empathetic, inclusive, and equitable school community
Exploration in Education
CALL OR INQUIRE ONLINE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RICKS CENTER AND TO DISCOVER HOW RICKS IS THE BEST FIT FOR YOUR CHILD.
performance sponsors
newman center presents Cécile McLorin Salvant
Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 7:30pm
June Swaner Gates Concert Hall
Newman Center for the Performing Arts
University of Denver
There will not be an intermission.
tonight’s musicians
Cécile McLorin Salvant (voice)
Adam Birnbaum (piano)
Yasushi Nakamura (bass)
Savannah Harris (drums)
about Cécile
Cécile McLorin Salvant, is a composer, singer, and visual artist. The late Jessye Norman described Salvant as “a unique voice supported by an intelligence and fullfledged musicality, which light up every note she sings.”
Salvant has developed a passion for storytelling and finding the connections between vaudeville, blues, theater, jazz, baroque and folkloric music. Salvant is an eclectic curator, unearthing rarely recorded, forgotten songs with strong narratives, interesting power dynamics, unexpected twists, and humor.
Salvant won the Thelonious Monk competition in 2010. She has received three consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album for “The Window,” “Dreams and Daggers,” and “For One To Love,” and was nominated for the award in 2014 for her album “WomanChild.”
In 2020, Salvant received the MacArthur fellowship and the Doris Duke Artist Award. Nonesuch Records released GRAMMY Nominated “Ghost Song” in
Photo Credit: Karolis Kaminskas
Photo Credit: Karolis Kaminskas
March 2022, and in 2023, the highly anticipated GRAMMY Nominated follow up, “Mélusine,” an album mostly sung in French, along with Occitan, English, and Haitian Kreyòl.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, of a French mother and Haitian father, she started classical piano studies at 5, sang in a children’s choir at 8, and started classical voice lessons as a teenager.
Salvant received a bachelor’s in French law from the Université Pierre-Mendes France in Grenoble while also studying baroque music and jazz at the Darius Milhaud Music Conservatory in Aix-en-Provence, France.
Salvant’s latest work, “Ogresse,” is a musical fable in the form of a cantata that blends genres (folk, baroque, jazz, country). Salvant wrote the story, lyrics, and music. It is arranged by Darcy James Argue for a thirteen-piece orchestra of multi-instrumentalists.
Salvant makes large-scale textile drawings. Her visual art can now be found at Picture Room in Brooklyn, NY.
about Adam
An Assistant Professor of Jazz at SUNY Purchase, Adam Birnbaum is one of the top young voices in jazz piano. He has performed at many festivals including the Montreal Jazz Festival, and performed with such talent as Regina Carter and Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis. As a leader, Birnbaum has released four albums under his name including 2023’s “Preludes.”
https://www.adambirnbaum.com/
www.cecilemclorinsalvant.com
facebook.com/CecileMcLorinSalvantMusic instagram.com/CecileMcLorinSalvant
Photo Credit: Karolis Kaminskas
about Yasushi
Yasushi Nakamura is praised for imaginative, quicksilver bass lines that deepen the grove. He has collaborated with such artists as Hank Jones, Steve Miller, and Wynton Marsalis.
A regular performer at such venues as Birdland, Village Vanguard, and the Blue Note, Nakamura’as latest album, “Hometown,” was called the “Album of the Year 2017” in JazzLife Magazine.
https://www.yasushinakamurabass.com/
about Savannah
In 2019, Savannah Harris was awarded the Harlem Stage Emerging Artist Award as a NYC-based drummer, composer, and producer. Her recordings include releases from Peter Evans, Kenny Barron, and Billy Childs. She has been featured in Modern Drummer as both a featured artist and a contributing writer.
https://ybca.org/artist/savannah-harris/
your support as of August 1, 2024
Thank you to our donors, patrons, and advocates for supporting the Newman Center through donations! In recognition of your generosity, this listing recognizes annual giving fund donors who gave between July 1, 2023 to August 1, 2024. If you have any questions about this listing, contact Development at ncpa.dvevelopment@du.edu or 303.871.6426.
Annual Giving Circles
Director ($25,000+)
Anonymous
Bonfils-Stanton Foundation
Genesee Mountain Foundation
Andrew Lane
Celeste Grynberg
Gold ($10,000+)
Colorado Creative Industries
The National Endowment for the Arts
U.S. Bank Foundation
Encore ($5,000+)
Anonymous
Anonymous
Benefactor ($2,500+)
Carolyn A. Agosta +++
Giving While Living Fund at Bank of America
Charitable Gift Fund
Anonymous WESTAF
Jaclyn Yelich
Ovation ($1,000+)
Teri & Gordon Appell
John & Mary Bayard
Jeffrey & Lena Benedict
Pamela Brody
Diane D. Butler
Anne Culver
Margot Gilbert Frank
In memory of David H. Gieskieng
Donna Bryson and Fredrick Glick Family Charitable Fund
Robert Hodges
Hodges Family Fund at Fidelity
Anonymous
Mark & Nancy Magliery
Doloris & Gene Milstein
Anonymous Anonymous
Daniel K. Paulien
Kathryn Spuhler
Carolyn Strand
Texas Instruments Foundation
Wilderness Bond Partnership
Patron ($500+)
Aisha Ahmad-Post
Lisa & Matthew Alcorn
Hannah C. Christian
Robert B. Daugherty & Donna Boucher
Rus & Dale DeWitt
Lee H. & Dr. Burton P. Golub
KJ Community Fund at the Denver Foundation
Linda & Kenneth Kosten
Adnan Reza
Roger & Lynn Ritvo
Kathy A. & Donald D. Rosenkrans Jr.++
Amy & Jay Sage
Douglas G. & Mary B. Scrivner
Christopher & Linda Williams
Friend ($250+)
Daniel Allen Andree
Charities Aid Foundation of America
Marcia Lazar
Sarah Lincoln
Julio A. Martinez Coronado
Anonymous
Richard & Wendy Henry-Moraskie
Diane Moy
Sandra & Robert Righter
Norwood L. & Barbara J. Robb+
Gertrude E. Schneider
Kenneth K. Stuart
Jennifer & Alan Tanaka
Advocate ($100+)
Jeanette M. Albertson
Claudia Alexander
Kwon Atlas
Peter Bemski
Brian Bennett
Libby Bortz+
Anonymous
Barbara Ellman
Linda Everson
Timothy Gill & Scott Miller
Mary Ann Groswold
Joseph Hall & Marilyn Katzman
Rachael Harding
Kathryn Heet
L. Roger & Meredith Hutson
Anonymous
Vicki Johnson
Jeremy & Holly Kinney
Leona Lazar
Diana Lee
Jean Lu & Robert Nouhan
Gary & Elise Lubell
Anonymous
Hensley R. & James Peterson
Stephanie Rance
Susan Rifkin
Jean Rosecrans
Bill & Janie Shepard
Elisabeth C. & John H. Shippey
James Michael Taylor
Thomas & Kay Toomey
Leland D. Wagner
David Wilhelm
Jeffrey Zax & Judith Graham
Key:
“+” Pioneer Legacy Society member.
“*” deceased
“++” All or a portion of this gift was made in honor of Robert and Judi Newman.
“+++” This gift was made in memory of William Rauschert.
Scan the QR code to support the Newman Center today!
Million Dollar Quartet
October 17 - 27, 2024
Las Migas
The story of a legendary jam session that defined an era of rock ‘n’ roll.
November 22, 2024
Cirque Kalabanté:
Afrique En Cirque
February 13, 2025
Four remarkable women united by their passion and talent for flamenco.
A spectacular circus representing the strength, agility and joy of young Africans.
Parsons Dance
March 16, 2025
Energized movement combining the artistry of modern dance with the precision of classical dance.
Ken Ludwig’s
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
April 3 - 13, 2025
A hilarious telling of the famous detective’s escapades with five actors portraying more than forty characters!
See the full season: lonetreeartscenter.org
2024-25 Educational Impact
2023-24 Educational Events
Connecting students to creativity, community, and a world of cultures
Connecting students to creativity, community, and a world of cultures
The Newman Center prides itself on educational programming that serves over 8,000 students and teachers, providing experiences that both mirror student’s lives and open windows to new cultures and ideas.
Student Matinee Series
Student Matinee Series and Residencies
The Student Matinee Series brings the best performing artists on the planet to the students of Colorado. Each show includes free, innovative project-based learning experiences created in partnership with Think 360, the artists before the show even starts. This season, our Student Matinee Series includes Dog Man: The Musical, Latinx dance ensemble ArtistiCO, Okareka Dance: Mana Wahine, and a special in-school performance by Urban Bush
Thanks to the generosity of donors, school districts are provided complimentary tickets to multiple performances, including shows both on and o the DU campus. Performances this season include Colorado’s own Latinx dance ensemble ArtistiCO, Limón Dance Company from NYC, the bestselling book series turned theatrical production Dog Man: The Musical, and GRAMMY winning vocal group säje. In school residencies include Music From The Sole, Julia Keefe, and more!
Music Creators
Music Creators
Musical Explorers, developed in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, enters its fifth season at the Newman Center. Second grade students from around Denver discover rich and program features music and artists from Latin America, the Middle East, and right here in Denver.
Musical Explorers
Over the course of an entire semester, second graders from 34 schools around the metro area discover rich and diverse musical communities as they build fundamental music skills through listening, singing, and moving to songs from around the world. The program culminates with live performances in the spring with Yasser Tejeda (Dominican roots), Martin Gilmore (bluegrass), and traditional Japanese song and dance with the Japanese Arts Network.
Back by popular demand in summer 2024, Music Creators is a week-long camp experience for teens who are serious about the art of creating original music. Students find and express their unique voice while learning to write, record, and produce using industry standard technology with some of Denver’s best musicians.
Community Programs
The Newman Center goes beyond K-12 education, offering unique educational opportunities in an
After two successful sessions of camp in June 2024, Music Creators will be back in 2025, providing teens the opportunity to find and express themselves through the creation of original music. Students have a hands-on experience with the latest music technology, learning techniques for composition, recording, and production, led by the professional sta of the Newman Center and the Lamont School of Music.
For more information and registration, please visit www.newmancenterpresents.com/education or contact luke.wachter@du.edu.
To learn more about the Newman Center’s educational programs, visit us at newmancenterpresents.com/education or contact luke.wachter@du.edu
VITALY An Evening of Wonders
Friday–Saturday, September 27 & 28
Trio con Brio Copenhagen Friday, October 11
ETHEL + Robert Mirabal The Red Willow Saturday, October 12
Chicago Tap Theatre Unleash the Beats Thursday, October 17
Nobuntu Friday–Saturday, November 1 & 2
Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers
Home for the Holidays — Thanksgiving too! Friday–Saturday, November 8 & 9
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Co-presented with Performance Now Theatre Company Thursdays–Sundays, December 6–22
Maeve Gilchrist
Thursday, February 13
Larry & Joe
Sunday, March 2
Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado Fanfares & Flourishes
Friday–Saturday, March 7 & 8
Fiddler on the Roof
Co-presented with Performance Now Theatre Company Fridays–Sundays, March 14–30
Takács Quartet
Saturday, April 5
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Dances with Bernstein
The Denver Concert Band 2024/2025 Concert Season
A Rockin’ Holiday
Discover the vibrant and diverse world of dance-inspired compositions by Leonard Bernstein and others that will keep your toes and fingers tapping.
September 22, 2024 | 2:00pm
Celebrate the season with an electrifying blend of rock-themed music and festive holiday cheer. Featuring the vocal talents of Roger Holland, Director of The Spirituals Project at DU
November 17, 2024 | 2:00pm
I’ll Have Seconds, Please
Experience a second helping of great band music along with our guest artist, Stephen Dombrowski, Principal Tubist of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra
February 23, 2025 | 2:00pm
Journey Through Time and Space
Embark on a musical adventure, featuring the winner of the annual Young Artist Competition. A stellar performance awaits!
April 27, 2025 | 2:00 pm
Any way you listen
Béla Fleck Plays Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue
Carmina Burana with the Colorado Symphony Chorus
