Ovation - February/March

ovation RUTH ECKERD HALL presents the 2010-2011 Season

Photo: Paul kolnik

RICHARD B. BAUMGARDNER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ART ARTS

February/March 2011

member Members are important to Ruth Eckerd Hall. They community to master, experience, discover and Become a member and

Member Meet & Greets

Vocalist and Tony AwardÂŽ winner Sutton Foster with Ken Hamilton, member since 1988.

1Up Club Members C.J. Supel and Nathan Ward meet comedian Margaret Cho (center). Club1Up.com

Corporate Partners

Annica Keeler of the St. Petersburg Times, a corporate partner since 1980, with electric and acoustic performer Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson.

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connections... help us accomplish our mission of engaging the explore quality performing arts. experience the magic.

Family Membership

The cast of Giggle, Giggle Quack, characters from Doreen Cronin’s popular book series, met Alyona Ruley, daughter of Suzanne and Matthew Ruley, members since 2003, at a Family Membership Connection event.

Penelope Lara (third from left), and Dr. Cesar Lara (fifth from left), founding Friends of Music members, with members of Maroon 5.

For more information on becoming a Ruth Eckerd Hall member, contact us at (727) 712-2720 or www.rutheckerdhall.com.

A COPY OF THE REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Registration #CH-1562. 100% of each contribution goes to Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.

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uPCOMInG EvEnTS APRIL 2011 Janis Ian In Concert

With natalia Zukerman

The Beach Boys (CT)

Fri., Apr. 1, 8 pm

Leading Ladies “Pickfair” At la villa des Beaux Art*

Fri., Apr. 1, 6 pm, at private estate of Julian Hartzog, Tarpon Springs

Steve Solomon’s My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m Still in Therapy (MST) Mar. 29 - Apr. 2, Eight performances

GREASE

Apr. 1 - 2, Three performances

Too Marvelous for Words: A Tribute to Rosemary Clooney (MST) Fri., Apr. 8, 7:30 pm Disney Tv’s

Lauran Irion In Concert (MST) Sat., Apr. 9, 7:30 pm

Dick Fox’s Golden Boys Starring

Fri., Apr. 15, 8 pm

Ralphie May

Sat., Apr. 16, 8 pm

The Aluminum Show Sat., Apr. 23, 2 & 7 pm

6th Annual Spring Gala **

Fri., Apr. 29, 6:30 pm $250, $350 and sponsorship opportunities

Earth, Wind & Fire Sat., Apr. 30, 8 pm

MAY 2011 One Night of Queen (CT) Thu., May 5, 8 pm

Pinellas Youth Symphony (MST) Finale Chamber Ensembles Concert Fri., May 6, 7:30 pm

Silent Melodies with Ian Beck & Melody Craven (MST) Fri., May 20, 7:30 pm

Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Bobby Rydell

Corbian visual Arts and Dance presents

Clearwater Chorus Choral Cornucopia

Sat., May 21, noon

Sat., Apr. 9, 7:30 pm

Sun., Apr. 10, 2 pm

Paul Taylor Dance Tue., Apr. 12, 8 pm

Boz Scaggs

Special Guest Marc Cohn Thu., Apr. 14, 7:30 pm

Darwin the Dinosaur: A Glow-in-the-Dark Adventure

(MST)

Murray Studio Theater At Ruth Eckerd Hall (CT) Capitol Theatre In Downtown Clearwater (MHGR) Margarete Heye Great Room *For info, call Betty Lang with Leading Ladies (727) 772-8012. ** Call nancy Dietrich at (727) 712-2760 for details. new Shows Are Being Added All The Time!

Go to www.rutheckerdhall.com

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$

79

RATE when mentioning Ruth Eckerd Hall

3535 Ulmerton Rd. Clearwater, FL

(727) 577-9100

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Table of Contents February/March 2011 Upcoming Events............................................................4

New Orleans’ Own Dukes of Dixieland .....................40

Letter from the President & CEO

John Mellencamp ........................................................41

of Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. ...............................................8

Doo Wop Reunion XI ...................................................42

Letter from the Chairman of Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.....9

Ballroom with a Twist ....................................................43

Board of Directors and Leading Ladies .....................10

‘S Wonderful .................................................................44

Lovers and Other Strangers ......................................11

Kenny G..........................................................................45

Diana Krall ....................................................................12

Lucid Druid ....................................................................46

Joshua Bell, violin .........................................................13

The Rat Pack Is Back! ..................................................47

Young Frankenstein ....................................................14

Roslyn Kind In Concert .................................................48

10th Concession ..........................................................15

Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra .............................49

Great Big Sea................................................................16

Natalie Cole In Concert ..............................................50

Alvin Ailey ® American Dance Theater ...................17

Elayne Boosler................................................................51

Honor Roll of Donors ....................................................18

Spring Awakening ........................................................52

John Davidson in Concert ..........................................22

Mitzi Gaynor .................................................................53

Willie Nelson .................................................................23

Chris Botti .......................................................................54

Johnny Winter ..............................................................24

Jury’s Irish Cabaret .......................................................55

Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons ................................25

The Avett Brothers ........................................................56

Leon Redbone...............................................................26

I Never Saw Another Butterfly .....................................57

Celtic Woman .............................................................27

Engelbert Humperdinck ..............................................58

Henry Gross One Hit Wanderer ..................................28

Blue Suede Shoes .........................................................59

Cirque Mechanics – Boom Town ...............................29

My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish.....................60

Daniel O’Donnell In Concert.......................................30

Laughter and Reflection with Carol Burnett..............61

Andy Cooney’s Forever Irish ......................................31

For Your Information......................................................62

Leon Russell....................................................................32

Ruth Eckerd Hall Staff....................................................63

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly .......................................33

Memphis is coming.......................................................65

David Gonzalez: Run It Down .....................................34

Annual Contributors .....................................................67

The Frog Bride ...............................................................35

Legacy Society .............................................................69

Michael Amante, Italian-American Festival..............36

Ruth Eckerd Hall Map ..................................................70

Peter Yarrow & Paul Stookey ......................................38

CEO Hall of Fame .........................................................74

Paul Anka ......................................................................39

Dining & Lodging Around Ruth Eckerd Hall ..............77

The use of still and video cameras and audio/tape recorders is strictly prohibited at performances in Ruth Eckerd Hall. Patrons may be asked to check such equipment with the House Manager prior to entering the auditorium.

All artists, programs and dates are subject to change.

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc., All Rights Reserved 2010–2011 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publisher.

Reprint permission: Mary Sharrard Johnson, Publications Manager Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.

Support for Ruth Eckerd Hall is provided in part through the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Arts, Pinellas County Cultural Affairs Cultural Tourism Grant Program, the City of Clearwater, the Bank of America Foundation, the Doyle Family Foundation and the Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall. The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute and the Eckerd Theater Company are supported in part by Bank of America, the Broward County Student Enrichment in the Arts (SEAS), South Arts, The St. Petersburg Times Fund, Inc., Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., Verizon Foundation, the Pinellas Community Foundation, Eckerd Family Foundation, The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation, New England Foundation for the Arts and the MetLife Foundation.

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Letter from the President & CEO of Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Many people don’t realize that, like most performing arts centers, Ruth Eckerd Hall is a not-for-profit, donor-supported organization. While our earned revenues are higher than the industry norm, covering 80% of expenses, ticket sales alone are insufficient to cover 100% of our operating costs. Ticket prices are directly related to the cost of bringing an artist to our community and cover performance-related expenses such as advertising, stage hands, artist fees, etc. We must raise funds to cover the remaining 20% of operational expenses. As a mission-driven, not-for-profit entity, we try to make tickets as affordable as possible. If we were to set ticket prices to meet the full cost of presenting events, we would be inaccessible to many. We do our best to ensure that all shows have some moderately priced tickets to allow broad community participation.

Part of our mission is to present a wide variety of performances, many of which are important from an artistic standpoint but may not generate positive revenue. Our mission also includes a fantastic education program through our Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute, offering adults and children opportunities to discover, experience and master the arts. Our education program includes (among other offerings) SchoolTime performances, PASSport, Eckerd Theater Company, which performs children’s theater both locally and throughout the eastern U.S., an Arts in Medicine program, and introductory and pre-professional instruction in group and private lessons, offering excellent classes in theater, dance, and vocal and instrumental music (jazz and classical), impacting tens of thousands of children and adults with more than 175,000 hours of experiences annually. As a not-for-profit, we hope to achieve positive revenues, but unlike a for-profit corporation, positive earnings are used to enhance programming, build cash reserves, and allow broader access to our education programs through scholarships and tuition assistance.

We hope you will spread the word about the good work at Ruth Eckerd Hall and the not-for-profit nature of our organization.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Freedman President & CEO Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.

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Letter from the Chairman of Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. At this point in our 28th season, I’d like to take the opportunity to say thank you to my fellow Ruth Eckerd Hall Board of Directors members, our corporate partners and the organizations that support the Hall’s activities through the funding of grant requests. nearly 35 members of our community serve on Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Board of Directors. They lend their time and expertise for the betterment of our community through their tireless support. They help to guide Ruth Eckerd Hall in a number of ways -- from formulating future plans to setting financial goals. Their insights help oversee activities that impact the operations and fundraising endeavors that the Hall conducts.

It has been an honor and pleasure to work with each of them, and I hope each Board member knows that you have truly made a difference in our community through your involvement with Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Ruth Eckerd Hall is very fortunate to have many corporate partners and grantors that support our efforts to bring exceptional performing arts and arts education programs to our community each year. We would especially like to recognize Progress Energy Corporation, our 2010 - 2011 Season Sponsor, the St. Petersburg Times, our Broadway Series Sponsor and the Clearwater Threshers, our Summer Series Sponsor. We would also like to say a big thank you to Dimmitt Automotive Group for being the Official Vehicle Sponsor of Ruth Eckerd Hall and Ceviche for being the place to go before and after a show. Thank you to each of you for all that you do to support our programming! (Please see page 76 and page seven for the complete listing of our generous Corporate Partners and Grantors for the 2010-2011 season.)

To express your personal thanks to these groups of supporters, I’d like to invite you to our upcoming Annual Dinner on Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30 pm in the Margarete Heye Great Room.

Room To make reservations to attend Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Annual Dinner, please visit us at rutheckerdhall.com or contact us at (727) 712-2720. I hope to see you there!

Best Regards,

Rick Bouchard Chairman of the Board Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.

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Board of Directors Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. – Board of Directors Chairman, Richard E. Bouchard Vice Chairman, Joshua Magidson Secretary, Sandy Stroyne Treasurer, Philip K. Beauchamp Immediate Past Chairman, REH, Inc., George M. Cantonis Immediate Past Chairman, REH Foundation, Inc., Mark Edmunds Barry Alpert Glenn Bergoffen Susan Blackburn Joyce Cotton Bryan Crino Dan Doyle, Sr. Marcus Greene Charlene Gordon Linda Griffin-Keliher

Ken Hamilton Jana L. Jones Joan Kline Steven Kramer Stan Levy Jill Melkonian Stephen R. Mixson Gary Namm Anand Pallegar

Carlen Petersen Kenneth Roberts Charlie Robinson, Jr. Charlie Rutz Barbara Schmitz David Suellau, II John Thomas Karen White Mark V. Wimberly

Leading Ladies

The Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. The Leading Ladies support Ruth Eckerd Hall through exciting fundraising projects such as Parties Potpourri, The Posh Sale and much more. They have raised more than $1.5 million to support arts education programs of Ruth Eckerd Hall. For membership information, please call (727) 712-2723.

Executive Board President, Karen White 1st Vice President, Jan Harroun 2nd Vice President, Jenny Austin Recording Secretary, Val Rees Corresponding Secretary, Louise Collins

Treasurer, Anne Lauder Assistant Treasurer, Jan Weaver Parliamentarian, Pat Jordan Advisor, Gail Agnew

Committee Chairs Internal Communications, Stephanie Smith Newsletter, Barbara Chapman Historian, Katherine Jones Publicity, Barbara Chapman Hospitality, Sue Sibley Directory, Jan Harroun Membership, Beverly Lingle Members at Large Barbara Engelhardt Marie Gage Gloria Hollingsworth Katherine Jones Lila Kumar

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Betty Lang Terry McHarg Jill Melkonian Alma Pasquale Stephanie Smith

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Lovers and Other Strangers

Starring Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna Thursday, February 3, 2 pm htttp://scottstander.com

Lovers and Other Strangers explores the foibles of love and human relationships.

While Mike Vecchio and Susan Henderson prepare for marriage, it seems they are the only ones still in love. Mike’s parents are “content” but not happy, and brother Richie is getting a divorce, much to the dismay of his Catholic mother. Susan’s father is having an affair, and her sex-starved sister can’t lure her husband from the TV to the bedroom. Mike’s best friend Jerry is meanwhile trying to make time with Susan’s maid of honor. Excellent fodder for a comedy. This Broadway play, written by Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna, became an Academy Award®-nominated film and returns to the stage with the original stars performing multiple roles in a series of vignettes.

Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna are a winning team on and off stage and screen.

This husband and wife duo has co-written and collaborated on the Emmy®-winning Acts of Love and Other Comedies, Lovers and Other Strangers, Made For Each Other, It Had To Be You, Love Is All There Is, The Bermuda Avenue Triangle, If You Ever Leave Me I’m Going With You, Paradise (CBS), Carlucci’s Department (CBS), and Writers Guild Award-winning Bedrooms (HBO). Renee is an accomplished actress, comedienne, director, and author of the spoof My Life On A Diet. She has written for and starred on Broadway, and has appeared off-Broadway, in national companies, and in numerous film and TV roles, including as Fran Drescher’s mom on The Nanny, and moms on HBO’s Dream On and FOX’ Daddy Dearest. On Broadway, she starred in The Rehearsal and Lovers and Other Strangers. Joe Bologna began acting at Brown University, served in the Marines, then directed documentaries and commercials and wrote comedy material. His professional acting debut came in Lovers and Other Strangers and his film debut in Made For Each Other. Film credits include: My Favorite Year, The Woman in Red, Blame It On Rio, Chapter Two, Honor Thy Father, Coupe de Ville, Cops and Robbers, Mixed Company, The Big Bus and Big Daddy. Joe has appeared in numerous films for TV. What lies ahead for Renee and Joe? Returning Mickey and likely a lot more.

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Diana krall Quiet Nights Tour

Friday, February 4, 8 pm www.dianakrall.com It has been nine years since Diana Krall graced our stage, but at last, she is back!

The pride of Nanaimo, Canada is fortunate to have a father who is a stride pianist and serious record collector, so as a child, Diana had exposure that helped guide her musical growth. She attended Berklee College of Music before moving to Los Angeles, where she studied with bassists Ray Brown and John Clayton, drummer Jeff Hamilton and pianist Jimmy Rowles. Rowles encouraged the budding pianist to sing.

In 1990, Krall moved to New York City and began performing with a trio. Her debut album was released in 1993. When I look in Your Eyes was awarded a GRAMMY® for Best Jazz Vocal and was the first jazz record in twenty-five years to be nominated for Album of the Year. The Look of Love shot to #1 in the U.S. and went platinum five times in Canada. Adding songwriting to her arsenal, Krall’s first album to feature her own songs was The Girl in the Other Room (including six tunes co-written with husband Elvis Costello). From This Moment On featured upbeat music reflecting the joy in her life while awaiting the birth of twin sons as well as her personal attraction to the golden era of song when Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat “King” Cole were in their prime.

Quiet Nights, her twelfth album and most recent effort, is an intimate love letter to her husband that expresses itself in the bossa nova style of Brazil.

Diana Krall has unquestionably grown as an artist. Known for her breathy vocals and the rhythmic lilt to her music, producer Tommy LiPuma notes, “She’s completely matured...She approaches her vocal phrasing much more like an instrumentalist than a straight singer [not surprising, since she began as a pianist]. It’s in the reading of the lyrics, and the timbre of her voice, much more misty like Peggy Lee in her mature period.” Krall’s strikingly sensitive piano playing and captivating vocals have enabled her to transcend barriers of genre and rise to the top of the jazz charts.

Sponsored by

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Joshua Bell, violin

Sam Haywood, piano

Saturday, February 5, 8 pm www.joshuabell.com www.samhaywood.com Classical music’s superstar, “the greatest American violinist active today” (Boston Herald) is back to share his breathtaking virtuosity. Joshua Bell began making music early. When he was four, his parents found him plucking rubber bands he had stretched around the handles of his dresser drawers, so they gave him a violin. At 12, he was already serious about the instrument, nurtured by his teacher and mentor Josef Gingold. His orchestral debut was at 14 with Riccardo Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra and he recorded his first album at 18. He has enchanted audiences for more than two decades and has recorded more than 35 CD’s, featuring the music of Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Goldmark, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, his GRAMMY®winning Nicholas Maw Concerto and more. His recent CD At Home with Friends is evidence of his eclectic taste as he collaborates with Chris Botti, Sting, Josh Groban, Kristin Chenoweth, Regina Spektor, Anoushka Shankar, Marvin Hamlisch, Tiempo Libre and others. Film soundtracks include The Red Violin, Defiance and Angels and Demons. Bell appeared as himself in Music of the Heart with Meryl Streep. He has made frequent TV appearances and is often profiled in newspapers and magazines.

Equally at home as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestra leader, Bell was Musical America’s 2010 Instrumentalist of the Year. Billboard named Romance of the Violin 2004 Classical CD of the Year and Bell Classical Artist of the Year. He is the 2008 recipient of the Academy of Achievement award for exceptional accomplishment in the arts and was honored in 2009 by Education Through Music for his dedication to sharing his love of classical music with disadvantaged youth. He is a recipient of the coveted Avery Fisher Prize. This “Indiana Living Legend” is also an avid computer game player and was Indiana State Junior Tennis Champion.

Bell is joined by British pianist/composer Sam Haywood, whose latest release, Chopin’s Own Piano, was performed on Chopin’s 1846 Pleyel piano.

Stradivarius Society Gala, February 5, 5:30 pm.

Call (727) 712-2760 for details.

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We thank the members of the Stradivarius Society for their suppport of classical music performances.

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The new Mel Brooks Musical

Young Frankenstein

Tuesday, February 8, 8 pm | Wednesday, February 9, 8 pm Thursday, February 10, 8 pm | Friday, February 11, 8 pm Saturday, February 12, 2 & 8 pm | Sunday, February 13, 2 & 7 pm The classic Mel Brooks movie is ALIVE! Young Frankenstein offers monstrously good fun as this fabled story comes to life on stage with laughs and wit galore. Winner of the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award and the Broadway.com Audience Award for Best Musical, this spectacular production includes your favorite moments from the classic film, plus show-stopping numbers such as Transylvania Mania, He Vas My Boyfriend and the irresistible Puttin’ on the Ritz.

The Frankenstein legend has enjoyed enduring fascination. This reimagining follows young Dr. Frankenstein as he attempts to create a living monster – with scary and hilarious complications. The genius behind this production is that of three-time Tony® winner Mel Brooks, who wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the book, along with his team from The Producers: five-time Tony®-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman, and three-time Tony®-winning writer Thomas Meehan.

John Heilpern of The New York Observer praises Brooks’ “infectious lunacy” and says Puttin’ on the Ritz is a “deliriously funny showstopper that lifts us all into comic euphoria!” Clive Barnes of the New York Post was also captivated by “the Broadway musical at its dizziest, glitziest and funniest!... The special effects are among the cleverest things I’ve ever seen on stage.” Louise Kennedy of The Boston Globe observes, “There’s enough electrcity here to power a dozen ordinary musicals!” And Charles McNulty of the Los Angeles Times finds Young Frankenstein “Delightfully nutty!

Glittering, buoyant fun that tickles its audience into high spirits. Classic Brooks!” So join the fun and let yourself be tickled into high spirits. There’s nothing quite like a Mel Brooks production!

Part of the

Circle of Stars Reception February 8 at 6:30 pm.

1UP event on February 10.

Call (727) 712-2723 for details.

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Sponsored by

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10th Concession

Saturday, February 12, 7:30 pm www.10thconcession.com Murray Studio Theater Sometimes the best surprises are right under our noses. 10th Concession (the name derives from the street where their father grew up in Canada) originated in 2002 as an acoustic duo of the Koteles brothers, Ian and Evan. Evan was the original inspiration when he performed in an eighth grade talent show. Ian was so impressed with his brother’s achievment that he returned to college with a mission and a guitar, determined to teach himself just as his brother had done. Growing up in a household steeped in the arts (their mother an actress and their father a drummer), it’s not surprising that the brothers made rapid progress with their songwriting and music making. Good chemistry was there as well. The brothers began playing around their hometown Tampa with their dad on drums. They released two albums. At that time, they were known as E&i.

After high school, Evan went to Tallahassee and Ian to Nashville to pursue his music career. The exchange of song ideas continued despite the distance, both online and during visits. In Nashville, Ian met Fred Mollin (Dan Hill, B.B. King), who agreed to produce a few of their songs. Evan joined Ian in Nashville and began writing for their first full-length album as 10th Concession. After a year and hundreds of songwriting sessions, Ian and Evan returned to Tampa with an album. Now they needed a band.

Time, patience, and Craigslist finally paid off, and Matt Brady, a multi-instrumentalist who had been playing with bands in the Tampa area, became their bassist. David Daniels won the final spot as drummer after auditioning on borrowed equipment. The chemistry was instant and 10th Concession was on its way!

10th Concession’s music is easy on the ear, with a familiar rock and roll beat.

Songs are melodic and give voice to universal concerns of teenagers of generations present and past. Engaging personalities add to the band’s appeal. 10th Concession headlines for the Suncoast Chapter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and has contracts pending in Canada and Japan. Not a bad start for a couple of homegrown brothers!

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Great Big Sea

Saturday, February 12, 7:30 pm www.greatbigsea.com

From the land of generous hearts and open arms that welcomed 39 transatlantic flights and 6,600 passengers on September 11, 2001 comes Great Big Sea, a band that has come to define the energetic spirit of Newfoundland. Their roots are in the rowdy pubs of St. John’s, where co-founders Sean McCann and Bob Hallett met while playing Newfoundland folk songs for boisterous crowds of partying university students and off-duty fishermen. When pub stalwart Alan Doyle joined them in 1993, Great Big Sea was born. Their goal was to create a new approach to Newfoundland folk music, combining their own original music with the traditional sounds and instruments of their youth. Drummer Kris MacFarlane joined them in 2002, and bass player Murray Foster came aboard a year later.

Safe Upon the Shore, their latest album, is a feast of creative impulses recorded in multiple locations over a period of six months. The band wanted to record somewhere with a vibe that would permeate their songs, so New Orleans was a natural choice for some of the tracks. Others were recorded in their St. John’s studio, and some were recorded onto Alan’s laptop while they were on the road, on tour buses and in dressing rooms. Looking for fresh new ideas, the band collaborated with other musicians and writers when they hosted a small songwriting retreat in Western Newfoundland in the fall of 2009. Many of the songs on the album reflect the concerns of men trying to balance family life with time touring on the road. Long Life,the opening track, is about the passage of time and the constant push and pull between band and home.

Essentially immune to music fads and fashions, Great Big Sea continues to work hard and build audiences across the continent. Although they have side projects, Doyle with acting and soundtrack work, McCann with solo projects, and Hallett with writing, these band members feel they have a lot of creativity left to share, and for the foreseeable future, they plan to share it together.

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Celebrating

Revelations at 50

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Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater Tuesday, February 15, 8 pm www.alvinailey.org

“The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music. Bodies never lie.”

- Agnes de Mille Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater holds a prominent place in the arts. The appeal of these ambassadors of American culture transcends age, race, genre and nationality and has uniquely enriched American modern dance. The company has performed for approximately 23 million people in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents, featuring classics and new works. Revelations, celebrating its 50th year and the troupe’s signature piece in a repertoire of more than 250 works, has been performed more than any other modern dance. Ailey is famous for using his compositions to tell a story and communicate human experience through the universal language of dance. Clearwater’s own Brianna Reed is a member of this illustrious company.

In March 1958, at the 92nd Street Young Men’s Hebrew Association in New York, Ailey led African American modern dancers in a performance that forever changed the perception of American dance. Born in Rogers, Texas, Ailey discovered dance through performances of the Katherine Dunham Dance Company and the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Formal training began with Lestor Horton. Although he created 79 ballets, Ailey believed his company should also feature the works of other choreographers. The troupe has performed more than 200 pieces by more than 70 choreographers. Judith Jamison has carried on Ailey’s work, strengthening the company and following his vision of promoting dance as a medium for honoring the past, celebrating the present and fearlessly reaching into the future. After more than 20 vibrant years of artistic direction, Jamison will pass the torch to Robert Battle in 2011. Anointed celebrates this transition to the choreographer of The Hunted.

Ailey dancers constantly seek bold new ways to communicate, infusing every piece with excitement and vital energy. Regardless of repertoire, an evening of Ailey dance is a breathtaking, glorious and exuberant explosion of artistry and emotion.

Ailey’s legacy flourishes as the next generation forges ahead with vision, dedication and talent.

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Honor Roll of Donors Ruth Eckerd Hall, a donor-supported 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, is tremendously grateful to the more than 5,500 members who support our commitment to presenting the finest in the performing arts and providing arts education opportunities to nearly 100,000 young people and adults each year.

The following list represents the cumulative giving totals (over $1,500) for our generous supporters from the inception of Ruth Eckerd Hall to the present. As of December 1, 2010. Trustee

$2,000,000+ Jane McFarland O’Connell

Individual Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Raymond E. Murray In Memoriam: Mr. & Mrs. Jack Eckerd Corporate Bright House Networks City of Clearwater Trustee

Corporate The Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall Pinch A Penny, Inc. Progress Energy The State of Florida, Department of State

$750,000+

Individual Anonymous Corporate – St. Petersburg Times Verizon Trustee

$500,000+

Individual Mr. Robert B. Challener Mr. & Mrs. Carroll Cheek Mr. & Mrs. Daniel M. Doyle Gladys Douglas Hackworth Renée and John Hurley Mr. Nelson W. Morrow Gus & Frances Stavros Corporate Bank of America Raymond James & Associates, Inc/ Mr. Thomas A. James Honorary Trustee Alfred Hoffman In Memoriam: Marcia Payne Hoffman Trustee

$250,000+

Individual Mrs. Charles C. Amos Anonymous C. Douglas and Eleanor Baker Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Engelhardt Mr. & Mrs. James R. Harper Bill & Mary Lou Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Minck Mr. & Mrs. Charles Rutenberg In Memoriam: Robert K. Richey & Macdonald “Mike” Richey In Memoriam:

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Corporate Pinellas County Commission Publix Super Markets Charities Regions Bank

Trustee $150,000+ Individual -

$1,000,000+ Doug & Sally Bailey

Individual Drs. Lofty & Laila Basta The Baumgardner Family Mr. & Mrs. Larry H. Dimmitt, Jr. Fred & Aleta Fisher Margarete, Harold & Diane Heye Mrs. William A. Mitchell/English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Dean Ramus Fred & Joy Thomas and Family In Memoriam: Mrs. Courtney Campbell In Memoriam: William A. Mitchell

Trustee

In Memoriam: Charles C. Amos

Mrs. Ivon E. Culver Yvonne L. Gubner Alfred Hoffman Joan & Michael Kline Mrs. George E. Mariani, Sr. Mrs. James B. Mooney Mr. & Mrs. William E. Nodine E. Leslie Peter Mr. & Mrs. Edward A. Proefke, Sr. Will & Donna Ptak George & Sandra Ruppel Charlie Rutz Ray & Geri Trautlein The Williams Family In Memoriam: Dr. Ivon E. Culver In Memoriam: Mr. & Mrs. Willard A. Gortner In Memoriam: Dr. Richard S. Gubner In Memoriam: Marcia Payne Hoffman In Memoriam: Mr. George E. Mariani, Sr. In Memoriam: Jan Chase Rutz In Memoriam: Gwendolyn M. Sherrick In Memoriam: Dorothy S. Wright

Corporate Carrabba’s Italian Grill Charles A. Dana Foundation, Inc. Coca-Cola USA Honeywell, Inc. - Avionics Division Tampa/Clearwater Lexus Dealer Association Wachovia Donors with a $150,000 level or more are recognized on the “Wall of Stars” located outside the West Entrance.

Founder $100,000+ Individual Bob & Jennifer Banks Cantonis Family Foundation Keith & Dottie Clark Mrs. Richard N. Colhoun Ralph Coxhead/Nichols Foundation Mrs. Kay A. Davison Edward Droste Mrs. Ralph Dutcher Dr. & Mrs. Harry J. Free Dr. & Mrs. James Gills Mardy & Charlene Gordon Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Gustafson Mr. & Mrs. C. Edgar Hart Mr. W. R. Jacobsen William N. Konrad Mr. Terry Loebel Mrs. Carol Martin Mrs. Terry McHarg Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Schwartz Bob & Cathy Smith Les & Judy Smout Foundation Ms. Bonnie Sonnenfeld Stewart & Linda Turley In Memoriam: Sarainne L. Andrews In Memoriam: Betty A. Colhoun In Memoriam: Mrs. Norine V.N. Corell

In Memoriam: Mrs. Hans Heye In Memoriam: Mrs. John A. Jenkins In Memoriam: Mrs. John Rhoades In Memoriam: Mrs. Augustine J. Todd In Memoriam: Roger VanGorder

Corporate AT&T Paradyne Bonefish Grill City of Dunedin City of Safety Harbor Clearwater Auto Dealers Association Clearwater Cardiovascular & Interventional Consultants C & R Building Dimmitt Automotive Group Eckerd Family Foundation Greater Largo Chamber of Commerce Hooters Management Corporation Jerome & Ilene Cole Foundation, Inc. Melitta St. Petersburg/Clearwater Convention and Visitors Bureau SunTrust Synovus Bank of Tampa Bay

Benefactor $75,000+ Individual Mrs. Sidney G. Albert Dan & Nadine Carlisle Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Doyle, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. George E. Feaster Ed Halleran & Steve Sika Harriet & Joe Knight Family Judy & Ron Petrini Mrs. Donna Sitton Dr. & Mrs. Jerald B. Turner Debbie White In Memoriam: Frederic W. Hays In Memoriam: Mr. E. Eugene Sitton Corporate Anheuser Busch General Dynamics - OTS GATX Technology Services

Fellow $50,000+ Individual Paul & Bobbi Wileman Adair Mr. & Mrs. Barry M. Alpert Tony & Linda Bacon Mrs. Gloria Batts Mr. & Mrs. Alan Bomstein Rick & Karen Bouchard Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Bragin Kathy & Bob Brooks Barry A. Cohen & Dr. Barbara Casasa-Cohen Mr. & Mrs. John P. Connelly Vincent A. Dotolo Julia Eiden George & Lisa Etheridge Dr. & Mrs. Phillip Farthing Dr. & Mrs. Ben I. Friedman Dr. & Mrs. Paul Goldenfarb Dr. Bill & Jeanne Heller Mr. & Mrs. James Hinton Mr. & Mrs. James J. Howley Mr. & Mrs. Thomas James Peggy and Fred Langenberg Mrs. Howard Lawrence Mr. & Mrs. Walter Loebenberg Maude Warde Tate Trust Jill & Dodge Melkonian Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Nathanson Mrs. Douchka Noren Mr. Ralph Pomrenke

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Mr. & Mrs. Bernard F. Powell Mrs. James Quinlan Mr. & Mrs. Marshall E. Rinker, Jr. Eric & Carla Roahrig Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Rutenberg Mrs. Carlos B. Schoeppl Kathleen Short Mr. Everett L. Simpkins Coley & Susie Tooke Mr. & Mrs. Raphael Tourin Mr. & Mrs. James L. Villa Mrs. Madge G. Wagner Edna L. Wissing In Memoriam: Mr. Larry Batts In Memoriam: Carl Eiden In Memoriam: Mrs. Ben Gelbart

Corporate AAEGON B B & T Bank Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant City of Largo Clearwater Threshers Baseball Club Creative Contractors Fifth Third Bank Harper Van Scoik & Company HCA West Florida Division Northern Trust Bank Northside Medical Center Palm Pavilion of Clearwater, Inc. / Ken Hamilton The Stailey Company, Inc. The Johnson Family/Sylvan Abbey U.S. Home Corporation The Van Pelt Foundation Donors at a cumulative giving of $50,000 or more are recognized on the “Panel of Honor” located in the West Lobby.

Patron $25,000+ Individual David & Jeanie Abelson Drs. Michael & Pamela Adams Jim & Gail Agnew Toni Alexander Dr. & Mrs. Michael J. Andriola Anonymous Dr. Rodney Anthony Mr. & Mrs. R.W. Arnegger Mr. Stuart W. Arnold Millicent B. Athanason Dr. & Mrs. Michael Austin Mr. & Mrs. Martin Awerbach Seena & Bill Baker Dr. & Mrs. John Barrett, Jr. Fran Bartlett Mr. & Mrs. Henry Becker Winifred & Lee Bell Mr. & Mrs. D.A. Bennett, II Mr. & Mrs. Gerald M. Benstock Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Bergoffen Clay Biddinger David & Nancy Bilheimer Bunny & Bill Bitner Mr. & Mrs. W. Gerald Blaney Mr. & Mrs. Joseph G. Blanton, Sr. John & Shirley Boelhower Mike & Bonnie Bollenback Mr. & Mrs. John R. Bonner, Sr. CJ & Dana Botsolas Mrs. Jill Nealy Boudreau Mrs. Sally Bowler Joyce Brewer The Derrick Brewster Family Mrs. Loretto R. Burmester Mrs. Jack Burnison Drs. Winton & Katherine Burns

OVATION February/March 2011

Honor Roll of Donors Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Bush Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Cambas Mr. & Mrs. Steve Carlisle Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Catani Gary & Amanda Catenac Mr. & Mrs. Steven B. Chapman Mrs. Leon Chasan Mr. & Mrs. Edward Christiano Robert B. Churney & Ericka Reincke Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Clark Dr. & Mrs. Harold Colbassani Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Coleman Michael & Roxanne Connor Keith & Debra Cook Mr. & Mrs. Earl Cooper Sandy Cotterman Alice & Thomas J. Culhane Mr. James C. David Mrs. Ruth Davis Charles J. and Karleen F. DeBlaker Dr. Michael & Mrs. Diana DeVito Dr. & Mrs. David Dieterich Dr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Deal Terry & Marilyn Deeb Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Delarbre Mr. & Mrs. Salu Devnani Dexter Family Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Dickson Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Dimmitt, III Doreen & Richard Dimmitt Mr. & Mrs. David W. Dunbar Ann & Ronnie Duncan Holly H. Duncan Mr. & Mrs. Dunald F. Dunn Dr. & Mrs. Paul R. Duryea Wally & Bunny Dutton Mrs. Thomas Easton Kennedy M. Eckerd Rick & Bridget Eckerd Mr. & Mrs. William K. Eckerd Dr. & Mrs. Richard Eicher Sharon Ellis-Champagne Dr. & Mrs. Irwin Entel Mr. & Mrs. Don K. Enzmann Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd M. Ferrentino Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Fishman Robert & Leslie Freedman John D. Fite Jerry & Elaine Flatt Dr. James C. Fleming Ms. Nina Focardi Mr. & Mrs. Charles K. Ford Michael J. Franks Family Joyce Fuller Mr. & Mrs. John F. Gerlach Mr. Kingsley H. Gerlach III Mr. Stephen R. Gerlach Mr. & Mrs. James C. Gibson Mr. John Gillis Ms. Anne V. Goiran Mr. & Mrs. Richard R. Gomez Mr.& Mrs. Gary P. Gormin Linda Suzzanne Griffin-Keliher Mr. David W. Griffith Priscilia Rudd Gross Mr. & Mrs. Howard G. Groth Mrs. Pat Grubb Mrs. Ruth M. Grymes Mrs. Cathy Gurba Mr. Stephen L. Gurba Myra Chandler Haas Dr. & Mrs. Robert E. Hackett Mrs. Alfred Hall Dr. & Mrs. J. Robert Hamill, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Howard G. Hamilton Leon R. Hammock Mrs. Kent Harden Dr. & Mrs. Norman R. Harris Mrs. Eugene Harrison John & Geri Herbert Mr. & Mrs. Rick Heye Susan Morgenstein Heyman Mary Gerlach Hickok Mr. & Mrs. Rayford Howard Hixon, Jr. Abby K and Joseph E Holt, Sr. Kenneth W. & Sheri Hoye Barbara & Cletus Humm Carolyn C. Hunter Nancy E. Jenkins Kathleen & Roger Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Timothy A. Johnson, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Michael Jordan

Mr. & Mrs. Donald G. Kaiser David & Angela Katz The Karnes Kids John & Joanne Kavanagh Mrs. Marshall Kent Mr. & Mrs. Roger Kenyon Mark & Judy Klein Mr. & Mrs. Ken Klespies Mr. & Mrs. Roger Kumar Mr. & Mrs. Ted Lassiter Mrs. Suzanne Logan Leatherman Al Leo Stanley & Susan Levy Joni R. Long Rick & Pamela Lopez Mr. & Mrs. Jack Machbitz Mrs. Jeannie Finn Macpherson Mr. & Mrs. Joshua Magidson Elizabeth B. Mann Nancy & George Mariani James A. Martin, Jr. Mike & Denise McCracken Barbara McNeill Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. McSheehy Mrs. James P. McSorley Mrs. Daniel C. Meek Mr. & Mrs. Paul Meissner Ms. Anne Meyer Stan & Ida Michels Joseph and Julia Miglin Mr. John Miles Mr. & Mrs. Aristides Miliotes Donna Mills Joseph & Antoinette Montoro Mr. Larry Morgan Dr. & Mrs. George A. Morris III Jack & Phoebe Moss James Donohue Murphy/ Elizabeth Felicetti Murphy Mr. Chet Needelman Raymond & Trina Oakes Don & Doris Olson Dr. Yi-Hwa Outerbridge & Mr. Felix Cannella, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Pawlowski Mr. & Mrs. Lowell Paxson Mr. & Mrs. James N. Paxton Mr. & Mrs. David G. Perkins, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Leslie Peter Ronald Peterson Family The Lew B. Phillips Family Margaret M. Pitkethly Mr. & Mrs. F. Wallace Pope, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Peter J. Porcelli, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Walter Powell Joseph Proctor Mr. Donald Prokes J. Crayton & Johanna Pruitt Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Rabon Mrs. William Reed Mr. & Mrs. Robert Resnik Dr. & Mrs. John J. Rinde Mr. & Mrs. Douglas D. Roach Louise & Charlie Robinson Mrs. Patricia Rowan Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Ruppel Howard & Dina Sachs Mr. & Mrs. Harrison Schaffhauser Dr. & Mrs. Alan C. Scheer Mr. Kenneth B. Schick Mrs. Lisl Schick Mrs. Irving Schoenberg Dr. & Mrs. Bruce A. Schorr Eric & Barbara Schmitz Mr. Wendell F. Schott Royal E & Ethel V. Schroeder Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Schwartz Mr. & Mrs. F. J. Sharpe Mr. Harold T. Singer Honorable Jim Smith Mr. & Mrs. Norman Smith Mrs. Rodney Smoot Col. & Mrs. Donald W. Spearel Mr. & Mrs. James L. Spencer Mr. Stephen J. Spencer Mr. Andrew Spetz Dr. & Mrs. James Spicer Ellen Stavros Paul B. Stavros Mark Stavros Mr. & Mrs. George M. Steinbrenner Mr. & Mrs. Jim Stewart

OVATION February/March 2011

Mrs. William A. Stinson David P. Stone & Deborah G. Stone Mrs. J.O. Stone & Mrs. Neil Rodriguez Mrs. W.E. Stracey Mr. & Mrs. Richard Surette Dr. Diane Sutton Mr. & Mrs. James T. Swann III Steve & Maureen Swanson Jeanne Talerico Dave Thomas & Julie Lochman Dr. Barbara Van Winkle Frank & Barbara Walker Jim Walters/ Smith & Associates Dr. & Mrs. Steven Weiss Elden & Ruth Weiss Eric D. Weston & Barbara A. Baccari Dr. Woodrow Wheetley, Capt. USN, Ret. Ron & Lonni Whitchurch Mr. & Mrs. Ernest J. Whittle Paul A & Vivienne B Wilcock Wendy Wilkerson Dr. & Mrs. Frank M. Williams Greg & Sandra Willsey Mrs. P.G. Winquist Douglas & Lisa Wycoff Warren & Debbie Young In Memoriam: Helen Arfaras In Memoriam: Edward E. Brewer In Memoriam: Mrs. William Burchenal, Sr. In Memoriam: Mrs. Anne M. Doyle In Memoriam: Constance N. Hall In Memoriam: Ed & Phyllis Lambert In Memoriam: Mrs. Walter McGhee In Memoriam: Mary S. Welch In Memoriam: Ms. Martha Wychor

Corporate Alliant Techsystems American Association of University Women Am-Med, Inc. Belleair Jewelry Belleair Opticians/Image Eyewear Carlisle, Fields & Co. Castco Construction Dr. Cesar Lara/ Center for Weight Loss Management Citibank Cox Target Media Danka Industries, Inc. Dillard’s Execujet Charter Service, Inc. Fleming’s Full Spectrum Communications Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce Halliburton & Associates, Inc. Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa Kirkland, Russ, Murphy & Tapp, P.A. McFarlane, Ferguson & McMullen Main Street Medical Drs. Schwartz & Neuwirth Majemac Enterprises, Inc. Mandalay Surf & Sport, Inc. Perenich, Carroll, Perenich, Avril, Caulfield & Noyes, P.A. Polypack, Inc. ProVise Management Group, Inc. Raymond James Trust Private Wealth Management Rooms To Go Rotary Club of Clearwater Schmalz Insurance Agency John & Trudy Schmalz Square D. Company Suncoast Roofers Supply, Inc. Sun Toyota, Inc. Think Tank Studio The Stuffed Mushroom U.B.S. Financial Services Wadsworth Golf Construction Co. Director $15,000+ Individual Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Akerson Mrs. Charlotte Bailey

Dr. & Mrs. H. Russell Bernd Richard Bialor & Byron Mathis Mr. & Mrs. Richard F. Binnig Mr. & Mrs. Ray Bouchard Fred & Lori Brown Mr. William Bruggeman Penny Burnison Bryan & Mary Crino Randy & Ellen Crisorio Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Czuprawski Mrs. Ardelle F. Darling Dr. & Mrs. Miguel Fana Scott & Leigh Feuer Mr. & Mrs. Thomas F. Flynn Dr. & Mrs. George Giannakopoulos Dr. & Mrs. Pit Gills Ms. Jan Gordon Chad & Sarah Harrod Mr. & Mrs. Burton Hartman Kevin & Angela Hawkins Phil & Janet Henderson Dr. & Mrs. Harvey Kerstein Louise M. Kirk Dr. & Mrs. Robert S. Klein Selma Kron Dr. & Mrs. Paul Kudelko Jason & Susie Kuhn Mr. & Mrs. Brian Ladell Mr. & Mrs. Clark Lea Mr. Stuart Lipman Robert C. Mason Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey McDonald Mrs. John Mulock Ronald & Fagl Oxman Mr. & Mrs. Michael Pappas Tannia Peeples Mrs. Pat Plumlee Dr. & Mrs. Andrew Rackstein Mr. & Mrs. J. Paul Raymond Mr. & Mrs. Fred N. Roberts Helen L. Robinson Robert & Annette Rochlin Vick & Sharmilla Seth Mr. & Mrs. William Shull Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Stephens Jeffry Stern Mr. John Stross Tim & Sandy Stroyne Dr. & Mrs. Lee C. Watkins, Jr. Mrs. Grace Williams Mr. & Mrs. Philip Williams Mr. & Mrs. Mack Worden Mr. & Mrs. Roy Workman Dr. & Mrs. Lane Ziegler In Memoriam: Mr. Joseph Wileman

Corporate The Ackerman Foundation Alfano’s Restaurant Anesthesia Associates of Dunedin AT&T AXA Advisors Elite Travel Group Ferman Motor Car Co., Inc. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar MMA Financial, LLC Rosewater, Lerner & Rudolph Roy’s Restaurant Sea Wake Resorts, Inc. Smith Barney Tew, Barnes & Atkinson The Sidney & Beatrice Albert Foundation VSA Arts of Florida

Master $10,000+ Individual Allison & Robby Adams Mr. Gregg M. Akin Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Alloway Mike Baldridge Mr. Billy Beattie, Jr. Steve & Marie Beaty Philip & Ann Beauchamp Ms. Linda Bellew Mr. & Mrs. Steven Benjamin Mr. & Mrs. Al Biller Maurice & Selma Biller

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Honor Roll of Donors Mr. & Mrs. Ray Bouchard Ms. Lisa Parker Boudreau Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Bowlby Mr. & Mrs. Cleveland E. Branscum Mr. Bjorn Brunvand Mr. Sid Burtnick Mr. & Mrs. Mark Carlson Judge & Mrs. James R. Case Ms. Gloria Cecchi Mrs. Deborah Clements Mr. & Mrs. Louis Close Robert & Tricia Collins Tom & Diane Colton Joanne D’Urso Conrey Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Copher Mr. & Mrs. Brian Donushi Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Fava Mr. & Mrs. Chris V. Gagnon Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Gavron Ms. Debra Gomes Barbara & Gordon Goodman Dr. Elinor Gordon Ms. Dana Guy Bill & Betsy Adams Hall Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence W. Harkins, III Dr. Jack M. Hirshon Mr. & Mrs. Todd Holder Mr. George Iacono Mike & Penny Jackson Paula Eleazar Johansen Valerie J. Johnson Anna and Joseph Kokolakis Richard & Rosetta Jordan Wilma M. Krentzman Mr. & Mrs. James Lankton Dr. Michael P. Lazor and Mrs. Rose Lazor Mr. & Mrs. Daniel T. Mann Laura & Brian Maiocco Mr. Gene Marshall Veronica Martin Jeanne R. McGinty Mr. & Mrs. Arthur McKenzie Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Medlin Max W. & Andrea J. Mitchell Dr. & Mrs. Steven Mirabello Drs. Vincent & Natalie Monticciolo Mr. & Mrs. James Moyles Dr. & Mrs. Craig Munger Mrs. Michael Musto Ms. Donna Nettestad Skip & Jan Olney Mr. Kenneth O’Neil Mr. & Mrs. Dennis O’Shea Dr. David & Mrs. Cheryl Parker Jason & Bonnie Patchen Joy & Loren Pollack Harvey Pollak & Children Wilma & James Price Mr. & Mrs. Richard Redmon Jimmy & Amy Richman Tara & David Ruberg Ms. Susan Scott Terry & Aleta Schmidt Gail & Robin Selby Mr & Mrs. Roger F. Sellew Mr. & Mrs. Donald Shepard Mr. William Silver Mr. & Mrs. Garry Simpson Gary & Janet Sica Mr. & Mrs. John Slaughter, Jr. Mrs. Vi Smith Mr. Joseph K. Solomon Mr. & Mrs. Jack Sprague Mr. Ezack Sptaru Mr. & Mrs. Johnston Staples Mr. Warren Stevens Roy & Cathy Sweatman Mr. & Mrs. Gary Tocklin Mr. & Mrs. David Wall Gene & Brenda Whitehead James Yarbrough Mr. & Mrs. Al Zeppenfeld Corporate Advance Placement Travel APG Electric / Mr. John R. Kavula Foundation for Global Understanding Homes by Bill Young, Inc. Homestead Title of Pinellas, Inc. LaQuinta Inn & Suites Manheim St. Pete

20

McFarland, Gould,Lyons, Sullivan & Hogan, P.A. Medfab Corporation Moffitt Cancer Center New York Life Peterson Metal Products, Inc. Phil Lopez, Elf Salad Music, BMI Precision Architectural Products, Inc. Professional Leads Network R O Systems Consultants The NELCO Companies

Principal $5,000+ Individual Erik Abrahamson Ms. Diane Adams Ms. Lorral Allen Drs. Devendra & Dipti Amin Mr. James Ashbaugh Mr. Nicholas M. Athanason, Esq. Mr. Don Bailey Dan Balda Bette & John Barr Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Bates Robert & Erin Bean Mr. & Mrs. Hilmer Beckers Thilo Best Mr. & Mrs. Frank Bianco Dr. Geoffrey Bild Mr. & Mrs. James Bircher Jonathon & Kimberly Blake Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Bloom Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Bogart Alison Boh Tom & Karen Boland Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bonanno Rob & Kathy Boos Mary Alice Braukman Mr. & Mrs. Ronald E. Brodeur Mr. Marty Brooker Dr. Charles A. Brooks Mr. Harold E. Brown Mark & Suzanne Brown Mr. Bjorn Brunvand Ronald Buck Ms. Linda Burke Myra Burke Dr. Kevin Burrill Burt and Gloria Bussey Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bussey David & Jennifer Calverley Ms. Karen Cameron Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Canham The Carolan Family Mr. & Mrs. John Cartiglia Blake Casper Mr. Don Cayo Mrs. Frank J. Cesario, Jr. Peter & Jenny Chicouris Ms. Roberta Lutz Christenson Mr. & Mrs. Edward Anthony Cingoranelli Mr. & Mrs. Patrick J. Clarke Mr. & Mrs. Harry S. Cline Mr. & Mrs. Donald Cohen Ms. Louise Collins Mrs. Jill Fisher Cope Jimmy & Brenda Compton Charlene & Kevin Connelly Gary & Amy Connors Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Cook Mr. R. Cook & Mrs. J. Flaherty Derek & Tracey Cooper Carole Core Mr. Jim Coston Leonard F. Coyle Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Cullen Mr. & Mrs. Charles Curtis Mr. & Mrs. Joe Daniels Eric & Amy Dann Dalton & Tammy Davis Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Davis Jimmie & Janet Dean Candy & Eddie DeBartolo and Family Dr. David Decamella Daniel & Terri Dennehy Steven DeGeorge Kathleen Despota PA Rob & Jaqui DiMarco Mr. & Mrs. Norm Dobiesz

Ms. Stephanie Dobies Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Dominick Mr. Robert Donath Mr. & Mrs. Al Drzewiecki Ms. Mary Easton Douglas F. Edwards, CPA, PA Mr. David Eldridge Mr. Trey Engelke Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Engquist David & Tina Eyers Mr. Robert A. Fajt Lisa Faller Mr. & Mrs. Norman Ferenz Ben & Dana Fertic Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Finnegan Mr. Roman Fish Louise Flandreau Cecilia Fonte Tom & Jennifer Frederick Lawrence Friedman, M.D. Mr. & Mrs. Steven Friedman Mr. & Mrs. P. Douglas Freedle Mrs. Betty Ann Foxworthy Dr. Thomas E. Furlong, Jr. Giselle Gay Mr. John Geigle Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey J. George Anthony & Nicola Giallourakis L. Thomas & Chris Giblin David & Cris Gilden Mr. Todd Gould & Mrs. Jennifer Barbaro Miss Billie Jo Grassinger Mr. Michael Greco Johnny Green Mr. William Grob Bobby & Linda Gross Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey S. Grove Ms. Barbara Haagsma Steve & Taunya Haire Drs. Brian & Connie Hale Mr. & Mrs. Carl Hall Ms. Doreen Halliwell Mr. Dale H. Hamilton Mr. & Mrs. Hoyt P. Hamilton Mr. & Mrs. Wade B. Hamilton Ms. Kathryn Hammond Mr. Paul Hanna Mr. Robert Hannum Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Harkins Mike & Janice Hayes Mike & Harriet Hernandez Pete & Kristy Hernandez Mrs. Elizabeth Hoaglin Kevin & Tammie Hourigan Stephen Hove Mr. Jerry Howard Drs. Robert & Teresa Howard Ms. Karen Sweeney Hummer Mr. & Mrs. Larry Ingram Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Inzina Mary & Howard Iverson Ms. Kim Jackson Paul & Joanne Jackson Mr. Marc Jacobson Mr. Anthony H. Johannesmeyer Mr. & Mrs. Guilherme Johannpeter Mr. & Mrs. J. B. Johnson Mr. & Mrs. James Jordan Richard D. & Rosetta Jordan Mr. Tedd Juanis John & Christina Kaddis Harriet Kaplan Mr. & Mrs. William B. Keck Mr. & Mrs. Henry Kempf Mr. Mike Keniston Ms. Beverly L. Kennedy Keith & Cathy Kerrigan Mr. David King Michael & Joanne King Paul & Stacey Klimczak Mr. Mel Klinghoffer Mr. Donald Kocolowski Theodore & Mary Kramer Steve & Holly Kramer Dr. RF Kuehne Marc & Lee Ann Kudelko Chris & Angela LaFace Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Lally Dr. & Mrs. David A. Landis Ms. Betty L. Lang Ms. Anne Lauder

Nathaniel W. Lea III & Kim Roberts Bradley & Audrey Leach Mrs. Pamela LeCompte Mr. & Mrs. Walter J. Lehrer, Jr. Mr. Raymond Leppla Ms. Lisa Levine Peter & Kitty Liebelt Mr. & Mrs. Randolph Loos Frank Lorenzo Mr. Stephen Lucas Mr. & Mrs. Scott Lyon Dave & Mary Macdaid Dr. & Mrs. Christopher MacLaren Mr. & Mrs. Mark Maconi Mr. John Makholm Mr. Robert Martin Dr. Andrew Maser & Dr. Debbie Brown Mr. Marc Massaro Kim & Todd Mattox Bill & Kiki Mazas Ms. Donna B. McMullen Mr. & Mrs. Paul McMullen Mr. John Medaska Dr. & Mrs. Oscar Menendez Cheryl Mercuris Bob Meringo Mr. & Mrs. Ron Miller Darryl & Shannon Minardi Mark & Leslie Monkarsh Drs. Vincent & Natalie Monticciolo Thomas Mooser Dr. Lynn Moscinski Mr. & Mrs. Robert Myers Mr. Peter Nascarella Jane Newton Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Niedzwiecki Timothy & Heather North Mr. & Mrs. Lyle H. Odland Mr. Frank Offer III Mr. Hershall Oliff Michael A. Ortoll Mei & Pam Ora Mr. Anand Pallegar Mr. Bruce Palmer Mr. Roy Pandeloglou Mr. & Mrs. E.B. Pasquale Sandip & Rita Patel Suzette Peraza Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Perlman Mr. John Pistilli Jim & Sue Petru Mr. Dave Pettinato Dr. J. Wayne & Bridget Phillips Dr. & Mrs. Paul Phillips AnneNeil & Christopher Piccone Mr. Michael A. Plummer Steven & Haven Poirier Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Pollak Mr. & Mrs. Charles Possick Ms. Donna Poulos Dr. Cathryn Powers Dr. Evelyn Presley Michael Preston & Geri Pearsall Scott & Maureen Prossen Mrs. Carolyn Quinn Mr. & Mrs. James Ragan Dr. Lori Ransohoff Dr. & Mrs. Roger A. Ray Richard Raymond Pam & Dick Roberts Mr. & Mrs. Charles Robinson, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Parker Robinson Ms. Tara Rogachefsky Mark & Carol-Lynn Roman Deirdre & Adam Rosen MD Nermine & Les Rubin Mr. Henry Ruschke Marty & Melissa Ryan Mr. & Mrs. Marc Sachs Kelly & Robert Schmidt Carol-Lynn Schofield Randy & Tara Schroeder Mrs. Donna Seeley Mr. Patrick Sheppard Scott & Mariela Shear Alan & Deborah Sherman Barry & Kathryn Shevlin Seth & Tammy Schimmel Mr. William H. Simon Col. Paul Sims Neil & Deborah Smalbach Richard & Donna Smith

OVATION February/March 2011

Honor Roll of Donors Mr. & Mrs. William Smith Mr. & Mrs. James Snyder Sylvetta Sola Mr. & Mrs. Russell Stefany Barbara A. Stein, M.D. PA Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Stone Tom & Sharon Streng Mr. & Mrs. Scott Stromer Charles & Kathy Strong Ms. Jill Strumpf Carol Stutrud Mr. & Mrs. John S. Taylor, III Mr. Mark C. Taylor Rick & Lori Toenjes Mr. Patrick Torchia Ms. Lida Torrence Mr. & Mrs. Steven Torres John & Susan Touchton Mr. & Mrs. Lou Traxler Trey & Nina Traviesa Teresa & Joe Trepani Christopher & Georgette Tsavoussis Mr. & Mrs. Kelly Tutterow Dr. & Mrs. Ty Tvedten Mr. Gary Ubaldini Mr. Douglas Van Houten Joan Vecchioli & Andrew Salzman Ms. Karen Vietto Mrs. Alan E. Walker Dr. & Mrs. Paul Wallace Glenn & Liz Waters Mark & Beth Weaver Dr. Randall Weisel Mr. David Weiss Mr. & Mrs. Carl White Mr. & Mrs. Stephen White Mr. & Mrs. Paul Whitford Mr. & Mrs. Arthur L. Whitney Jr. Suzanne Piper Wilder Mrs. Linda Wilkin Ms. Patricia Willing Ms. Susan Wilson Mr. & Mrs. Albert Wiseman Dr. Ditmar Wissel Ms. Patricia Wooten Dr. & Mrs. Herbert Wollowick Doug & Tina Wuorinen Fred Yonteck & Emilie LeBoeuf Mr. & Mrs. Hal Ziecheck David & Dana Zucker

Corporate ActionCoach Pinellas Albritton Title, Inc. Amerisure Insurance Ameri-Tech Community Management, Inc. AMPLEX Applied Health Outcomes Baxter, Strohauer, Mannion & Silbermann, P.A. Belloise Realty Billingsly Associates, LLC Boos Development Group Brandon Construction Company Burchard Galleries - Fine Art & Antiques Auctioneers Caroline & Lee, P.A. Creative Touch Interiors D-MAR General Contracting & Development Embassy Mortgage Group I, LLC Embassy Mortgage Group, Inc. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Fantastic Five, Inc. First American Title Forrest Excavating Hale, Swope & Paulsen, PA Haynes Appraisal Group, Inc. Hoyt-Jolley Foundation Law Office of Charles Phillips Lincks & Associates, Inc. Market Technologies, LLC Mr. Louis Mendelsohn Media Impact Advertising Paradise Development Group Pinellas Community Foundation Radiology Associates Rauh-Co Construction Services, Inc. Realtors Choice Financial

Richard Nader Entertainment Rothman Family Foundation Staack, Simms & Hernandez, P.A. Stahl & Associates Sun Country Cleaners The List Experts The Sembler Company

$1,500+ Individual Bob & Cathy Abood Dr. & Mrs. Curtis Adolphson Debbie Angelus & Ralph Harris Dr. & Mrs. Guy Barat Roberta A. Bary Mr. Ken Beasley Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Benjamin Mr. Ron Benson Janie & Marty Borell Mrs. Shana Boyarsky Laurie Breen April & David Brown Mr. Brian Brown Kyle Burd & Ashanka Kananda Patricia Burke and Howard Ritchie Brant & Alexandra Byrd Doug & Janice Case Ms. Terri Castro Mr. & Mrs. Rick Carlson Mr. & Mrs. William F. Clark Mrs. Jacqueline Cole-Graziano Miss Mary Collins Mr. Randy Cook Mr. & Mrs. Larry Cotton Margaret Cuthbert Mrs. Margaret Darraugh Ms. Brenda Davis Mr. Stewart L. Davis Anthony & Lynn DiAngelus Kathryn & Pierre Drouin Dr. Anthony & Audrey Duany Nick & Connie Dukas Stacie Dunphy Andrew & Judy Duvall Drs. A.E. & Natalie Dyer Richard Eckerd Foundation, Inc. Mark & Sue Edmunds Timothy & Amanda Eiman Mr. David Erickson Dr. Robert Entel Vicki Franklin Mr. John Francis Mr. & Mrs. Alan Gassman Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Giordano Mrs. Betty J. Girens Mr. & Mrs. Paul Glogower Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Goldman Mr. Gary Gray Ms. Catherine Green Dr. Robert Hackney Eric & Annie Hambsch Mr. Lawrence Hamilton John & Brenda Hanson Howard & Linda Harris Bill & Jan Harroun Barbara O. Hart Harold Hartigan & Michael Beckwith Mr. Wayne Harvey Mrs. C. Henry Mr. & Mrs. Harlan Heshelow Mr. John Hobach Mr. Craig Hurlbert Chris & Christa Jewell Jana Jones Robert & Sharon Jorgensen Ms. Janice Joslin Mr. & Mrs. Donald Kahn Mr. Demetrios Kaiafas Mr. Gary Kappel Mr. & Mrs. John Kasper Keith & Cathy Kerrigan Mr. Rod Khleif Mr. & Mrs. James Kimbrough, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Kluesner Damian Kondrotas Mr. James Koss Mr. Aaron Krause Eva & Michael Krutchik Vincent & Karen Lawrence Dr. Verlin Lee

OVATION February/March 2011

Bud Levy Dick and Beverly Lingle Thomas & Nancy Lloyd Mr. Ralph Mangione Ms. Jill Manno Jennifer Margolius Mr. & Mrs. Kelly McClung Mr. & Mrs. John S. McConnell III Mr. Patrick Meehan Lynn & Maria Meredith Mrs. Catherine Minteer Mr. William Mitchell Leslie & Darlene Moffatt Mr. & Mrs. Robert Moler Bill & Tanga Moyle Mr. Gary Namm Rep. Peter & Anita Nehr Mr. & Mrs. Jim Nelson Mr. Larry Nelson Mr. Edmund Oman Louis S. Orloff Trisha & Chris Patterson David & Carmen Pelletz Joyce Pemberton Richard & Tina Perkins Mr. & Mrs. Walter Piper Robert Pitcher Ms. Lorraine Potocki John Psomas & Luke Lovgren Heather Radke Ms. Jean Anne Reed Jackrice & Kelly Lee McFrederick Mr. Joseph Rifenburg Mr. Coda C. Roberson, III John & Kimberly Robinson Ms. Gloria Rodriquez Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rognstad Mr. & Mrs. D. Scherer Wes Scheufler Mr. & Mrs. R. Matlock Schilleman Louise & George Schram Mr. & Mrs. Andrew W. Schultz Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Shane Mr. & Mrs. Howard Sharf Mr. & Mrs. Walter Smith Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Smolensky Ms. Laurie Smoot Drs. Jonathon and Lisa Squires Mr. & Mrs. Kyle Stevenson Ms. Shirley Strange Mr. David Suellau Vera & Kenny Swade Mr. Roy Sweatman Mr. Mark Swick Ms. Heidi Tandatnick Robert & Terri Tankel Jeffrey Thomas Laura A. Trapnell Mr. Gary Trombley Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Trusina Mrs. Edwin Van Pelt Mr. Donald Walden Mr. & Mrs. Michael Walker Peter & Susan Ward Angel Welker Mr. & Mrs. John H. Whitcomb Mr. Mark Wimberly Mr. & Mrs. Ron Wind Mr. & Mrs. William Witter Jeff & Christine Wolsky Mr. Herb Zerden

Grillsmith Restaurant Jerry Ulm Dodge Chrysler Jeep Jim Quinlan Chevrolet Lokey Motors, Inc. Lokey Oldsmobile, Inc. Lydian Bank & Trust Mercantile Bank Oldsmar Chamber of Commerce Overmyer Charitable Foundation Pepsi Cola RDK Truck Sales & Service Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kemner Rock & Roll Heaven Memorabilia Inc./ David & Deanna Wakefield The Macula Center The Rogers Foundation Mr. Michael Waxman Southern Arts Federation Stonewall II, Inc. USAA Foundation Vision Systems, Inc.

IN KIND GIFTS Ruth Eckerd Hall gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the following individuals and companies for their in kind contributions.

Art at the Plaza/ Sharon Drenner Carrabba’s Italian Grill Elite Travel Group IM Events Laurie Farthing Kirkland, Russ, Murphy & Tapp,P.A. Maddux Business Report Rent-All City Syd Entel/Susan Benjamin Glass Think Tank Studios Tiffany & Co. WEDU Channel 3 PBS WFTS ABC Action News

Corporate Arnold Jewelers Bella Southern Interiors, Inc. The Bernd Group, Inc. Big 3 Records – Bill Edwards Brady’s Backyard BBQ Checkpoint Technologies Dayton-Andrews, Inc. Dick Norris Buick-Pontiac-GMC Dimmitt Cadillac, Inc. Dimmitt Chevrolet, Inc. Distinctive Escape, Inc. FDM, PLC First American Title, Insurance Company Fitzgerald Jeep-Eagle Florida Drives & Gearmotors, Inc. Gibson Grey Consulting

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John Davidson in Concert Wednesday, February 16, 1 pm www.johndavidson.com

John Davidson has done just about everything there is to do in show business.

Following a New York City modeling career while still in high school in White Plains, John went on to Dennison University, where he got a B.A. in theater arts and appeared in 30 of Dennison’s summer theater shows. Then he was on to Broadway to play Burt Lahr’s son in Foxy. After being discovered by TV producer Bob Banner, John starred in The Hallmark Hall of Fame production of The Fantasticks, received a Theater Guild Award for his portrayal of Curly in the Broadway revival of Oklahoma!, and hosted The Kraft Summer Music Hall with George Carlin, Flip WIlson and Richard Pryor. John made 13 albums with Columbia Records and appeared at major Las Vegas venues. He also starred in many regional theater productions, including The Music Man (Harold Hill), 110 In The Shade (Starbuck), Camelot (Lancelot), Carousel (Billy), I Do, I Do, Will Rogers Follies (Will), Chicago (Billy Flynn), Shenandoah (Charlie Anderson), Man of La Mancha (Cervantes), and Bully (Teddy Roosevelt).

John’s television career includes hosting That’s Incredible, The New Hollywood Squares, One Hundred Thousand Dollar Pyramid, The Tonight Show (80 evenings, more than any other singer), The John Davidson Show, and assorted specials and beauty pageants. He played Sally Field’s husband in The Girl With Something Extra and appeared in Love American Style and The Streets of San Francisco.

Feature films include Disney musicals The Happiest Millionaire and The One And Only Genuine Original Family Band. John also appeared in Airport 80, Edward Scissorhands and The Squeeze. He had his own theater in Branson before returning to star in State Fair on Broadway and in High Infidelity with Morgan Fairchild offBroadway. As if all this were not enough, he has written a book (The Art of the Singing Entertainer) and a play (Father/Son & Holy Ghost). This consummate performer brings us an afternoon of popular music classics laced with a bit of comedy.

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Willie nelson

Special Guest Lukas nelson and Promise of the Real Wednesday, February 16, 8 pm www.willienelson.com www.promiseofthereal.com

The red headed stranger returns! With a six-decade career and 200 plus albums, this iconic Texan is the creative genius behind Crazy, Red Headed Stranger and Stardust.

He has earned every conceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. Recent releases include Naked Willie, Willie and the Wheel, American Classic and Country Music.

Willie began playing guitar at six and wrote his first song at seven, but stardom wasn’t instant. He was a DJ, sang in nightclubs, and wrote songs for Patsy Cline (Crazy), Faron Young (Hello Walls) and Billy Walker (Funny How Time Slips Away).

His nasal voice and jazzy, off-center phrasing didn’t attract attention at first, but he eventually began recording his songs and took on a redneck outlaw image, aligning himself with Waylon Jennings. Red Headed Stranger turned the tide (1975), becoming the best-selling country album ever and a success in pop circles. Always eclectic, Nelson had a crossover hit cover of Elvis Presley’s Always on My Mind. Success in films followed (The Electric Horseman, Honeysuckle Rose, Thief, Barbarosa, Songwriter).

Willie, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash toured together as The Highwaymen. Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame (1993) was followed by Kennedy Center Honors in 1998. Willie has borrowed from traditional pop, Western swing, jazz, traditional country, cowboy songs, honky tonk, rock ‘n’ roll, folk and the blues, creating a distinctive, elastic hybrid that has influenced new country, new traditionalist and alternative country music.

Joining Willie is his son Lukas, singer-songwriter/guitarist, offering an eclectic mix of rock, blues and reggae. His work exhibits lyrical maturity and depth of understanding, backed up by expertly balanced instrumentation. Despite having played with B.B. King and Bob Dylan, for Lukas, it’s all about the music, not the glory.

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Johnny Winter

Thursday, February 17, 7:30 pm www.johnnywinter.net

A guitar hero without equal, Johnny Winter, guitar slinger and international ambassador of rocking Texas blues, makes his debut appearance at the Capitol Theatre. The Texas guitar tradition runs deep. It’s a gutsy school of blues playing, delivered with characteristic Lone Star State flamboyance and swagger. Johnny grew up in Beaumont, a rough-and tumble town of oilfield wildcatters and shipyard workers, marred by racial tensions and riots. Despite the presence of National Guardsmen and Texas Rangers to maintain martial law, young Johnny didn’t hesitate to frequent black neighborhoods to hear and play the blues he loved. He was welcomed in black clubs and befriended Clarence Garlow, deejay at the local black radio station, who introduced him to rural blues and Cajun music.

Winter shifts between primal country blues in the style of Robert Johnson and all-out electric slide guitar blues-rock. He is respected by rockers and has been a link between British blues-rock and American Southern rock. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, he was the unofficial torch-bearer for the blues, championing the careers of his idols including Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker. At 17, Johnny and his brother Edgar went to see B.B. King at a Beaumont club. The brothers were the only whites in attendance, and Johnny wanted to play with B.B. Although King hesitated at first, he eventually invited Winter onstage and let him play his guitar. Johnny got a standing ovation. His big break, however, came when Rolling Stone featured him in a piece about Texas music. Record labels came calling and Winter signed with Columbia. His debut album featured covers and two original songs. In the late ‘70s, Johnny collaborated with Muddy Waters on four CD’s, including the GRAMMY®-winning Hard Again.

Johnny’s CD’s are critically acclaimed. He has appeared at blues festivals and has played to sold-out audiences worldwide. Despite commercial success, he has never compromised his commitment to his roots and the pure blues he loves, summed up in his latest release, I’m a Bluesman.

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Frankie valli and the Four Seasons Thursday, February 17, 7:30 pm Friday, February 18, 7:30 pm www.frankievallifourseasons.com

Frankie Valli, the original “Jersey Boy,” has entertained fans for more than half a century. He has even had his story told on Broadway. He and the Four Seasons charted 71 hits, 40 of them in the Top 40, 19 in the Top 10, and eight that went to #1 – an amazing accomplishment. Frankie has toured almost nonstop since 1962, when he and the Four Seasons burst on the scene singing Sherry on American Bandstand, followed by the hits Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, and dozens more. Covers of Can’t Take My Eyes Off You have been done by 200 artists, from Nancy Wilson’s jazz version to Lauren Hill’s hip-hop take. Artists from Billy Joel to Brian Wilson have acknowledged Frankie Valli’s influence. Much of Valli’s music makes listeners want to get up and dance, especially December 1963 (Oh, What a Night), which rocketed to #1 in 1976. Valli’s songs are heard in films including The Deer Hunter, Dirty Dancing, Mrs. Doubtfire, Conspiracy Theory and The Wanderers. The Sopranos often featured Frankie’s music during the show or with the credits, and Frankie himself appeared in the series as mobster Rusty Millio, who died in a hail of bullets. Coming from a rough Newark, New Jersey neighborhood, Frankie could just as easily have ended up like Rusty rather than as a singer in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Luckily for Frankie, his mom took him to see Frank Sinatra when he was seven and he chose his career then and there.

Success wasn’t instant. Valli had been singing with the Four Lovers, made an album, and had even appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, but with insufficient success to quit his “day job” cutting hair. When the group (now the Four Seasons) met Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe, things began to change. Using Frankie’s falsetto in the lead instead of as backup created the distinct sound that finally brought lasting success after nine years in the business. Even after Valli pursued a solo career, he continued to sing with the Four Seasons, scoring hits in parallel careers. His solo perfomance in Grease went to #1 in 1978. Frankie Valli’s popularity continues unabated.

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Leon Redbone

Friday, February 18, 7:30 pm www.leonredbone.com

For more than 30 years, Leon Redbone has held steadfastly to the music of a bygone era, maintaining his love affair with turn-of-the-20th-century tunes, flapperera radio ditties, Depression-spawned ragtime and World War II folk-jazz. His career first gained momentum in the early ‘70s when Bob Dylan sought him out at the Mariposa Folk Festival. Many people were introduced to him during his network debut on Saturday Night Live in 1976, when he showcased his version of Walkin’ Stick. At a time when amplified arena rock was the norm, Redbone’s intimate, lowkey delivery was a jolting contrast. Since then, opportunities for this unlikely figure to impose himself on pop culture have been plentiful. He appeared as a wise, animated snowman opposite Will Ferrell in the $173 million-grossing comedy Elf. His duet with Zooey Deschanel on the seasonal standard Baby, It’s Cold Outside was the film’s theme song. Redbone has also provided TV title tunes to Mr. Belvedere and Harry and the Hendersons and had a guest role as a quixotic, guitar-wielding guardian to the character Corky on ABC’s critically acclaimed series Life Goes On. The ballets Mr. XYZ (featuring Mikhail Baryshnikov) and Paper Tiger, choreographed by Eliot Field, were woven around Redbone’s signature songs.

Redbone has more than 15 albums to his credit (his most recent one is Anytime, 2001), and over the years, he has remained remarkably true to his original style.

Habitually sporting a panama hat, sunglasses and a moustache, his warm baritone, easy manner and sense of humor captivate fans. If there is one common element to Redbone’s diverse music, it is his mastery of his acoustic guitar. It is easy to get lost in his stage exploits (which often gravitate between vaudeville and performance art) and overlook what a truly fine player he is, fingerpicking with a ragtime bounce or jumping between chords with the grace of a hurdler (or perhaps more aptly with the grace of a card shark, because he makes it look so effortless that it can often be deceiving). Leon Redbone is an original.

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Celtic Woman

Songs from the Heart

Saturday, February 19, 2 & 8 pm Sunday, February 20, 1 pm www.celticwoman.com Joined by a six-piece band and the Aontas Choir, Celtic Woman returns with an all-new show filmed live at Powerscourt House and Gardens in Ireland to create their latest PBS special. This spectacular production offers Irish classics, contemporary covers and original compositions, featuring renditions of Jimmy Webb’s The Moon’s a Harsh Mistress, Billy Joel’s Goodnight My Angel, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Pie Jesu, Amazing Grace, Irish classics My Lagan Love and Galway Bay, a new favorite, Níl Sé’n Lá, and Songs from the Heart, written for this tour. In just five years, this all-female ensemble has come to enjoy remarkable success without help from radio and video airplay. Worldwide sales are in excess of six million, they have had two Top 10 album debuts on the Billboard Top 200, three gold and platinum albums, four Top 5 releases on the Billboard Top Video chart, and they have entertained more than 1.2 million with live performances. Crossing musical and cultural boundaries, Celtic Woman has performed at the National Christmas Tree Lighting in Washington, D.C., on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, and on multiple PBS specials.

Violinist Máiréad nesbitt has played both classical and traditional Irish music, has worked with Van Morrison, Sinéad O’Connor and Emmylou Harris, and performed on the original soundtracks of Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Feet of Flames. Chloë Agnew was winner of the First International Children’s Song Competition in Cairo, Egypt. She released her first album at 12, and studies piano, guitar and recorder. Lisa kelly is classically trained in both voice and piano and toured with Riverdance for five years. She has had major roles in Chicago, Chess, Oklahoma! and Grease and has sung in concerts. Lisa Lambe is a renowned Irish actress and vocalist who has starred in numerous title roles. Performances include dramas, musical theater, film, television and radio. Musical Director, arranger and composer David Downes ties it all together in a celebration of Ireland you won’t soon forget!

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Henry Gross

One Hit Wanderer

Saturday, February 19, 8 pm henrygross.com Murray Studio Theater This performance is part of our new B Sides Live series, which showcases some of pop music’s most prolific singer/songwriters and a flip side of their other talents.

Co-founder of Sha Na Na, the rock ‘n’ roll group that was launched to stardom at Woodstock, Brooklyn-born Henry Gross comes by his talent naturally. His mother loved music and enjoyed a brief stint with the Metropolitan Opera Chorus. Zelda encouraged her son to pursue a career in music. At eighteen, he helped found Sha Na Na, which played frequently in the Fillmore Auditoriums, East and West. The group sang just before Jimi Hendrix on the last day of Woodstock, and their appearance in the movie gave the group an additional boost.

In 1970, Henry went solo and forged ahead as a singer-songwriter. He performed on college campuses and in clubs around the country. Gradually, he gained national recognition as a rock ‘n’ roll guitarist in publications such as Rolling Stone and The New York Times. Henry’s biggest hit is Shannon, written about the passing of Beach Boy Carl Wilson’s Irish setter. While Henry was visiting Carl and they were talking about their dogs, Carl, who had two huskies at the time, heard that Henry had an Irish setter named Shannon. Carl told Henry he had recently lost an Irish setter named Shannon.

His dog had been hit by a car. When Henry returned home and was working on his Release album, the sight of his beautiful dog reminded him of Carl’s setter and the incredible sense of loss Carl must have felt. The song Shannon flowed easily for him and was written in about ten minutes. It went gold and became his biggest hit.

Artists who have recorded Henry’s music include Judy Collins, Mary Travers, Cyndi Lauper, Sonny Burgess, Ronnie Milsap and All The Kings Men. Henry offers a hilarious and poignant 40-year rock ‘n’ roll retrospective featuring stories and songs that will bring you to your feet.

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Cirque Mechanics – Boom Town Tuesday, February 22, 1 & 7 pm www.birdhousefactoryshow.com/BoomTown

Circuses and acrobatics offer special thrills as spectators are awed and mesmerized by death-defying feats and jaw-dropping stunts. Cirque Mechanics has taken modern day cirque-style entertainment to a new level and uses it to tell an adventure story at the same time. Boom Town transports us to the 1860s and the small frontier town of Rosebud, where two ambitious saloon owners have set up shop in hopes of cashing in on the town’s gold rush frenzy. The circus that ensues when they begin to feud and compete for the townsfolk’s patronage leads to a series of explosive events, exciting brawls, an unexpected romance and a lucrative discovery.

Once again, as with their previous production Birdhouse Factory, Cirque Mechanics explores the relationship between man and machine. Inspired by early mining equipment and the spirit of adventure that enticed prospectors and entrepreneurs alike to head west searching for gold, Boom Town features innovative and one-ofa-kind mechanical apparatus that serve both as scenery and performance props.

Acrobats climb up swaying telegraph poles, dance on a swinging chandelier, fly high and fast on a revolving crane, flip and jump on moving ore carts, and balance on whiskey jugs. Boom Town takes you beyond the town, deep into the mine to join in the excitement of exploration and to experience the thrill of discovery.

Cirque Mechanics Boom Town is brought to life thanks to the vision and dedication of it’s creative team: Director Chris Lashua, Assistant Director/Choreographer Aloysia Gavre and Writer/Performer Steven Ragatz, veterans of the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil and the creative team behind Cirque Mechanics’ critically acclaimed Birdhouse Factory.

Boom Town is ready to take you on an exciting, rollicking adventure. So grab your picks and pans, hop in an ore cart and come along for the ride!

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Daniel O’Donnell in Concert Special Guest Mary Duff

Wednesday, February 23, 7 pm www.danielodonnell.org In a world that generated hard rock and hip-hop, Daniel O’Donnell went retro and gained a loyal following singing his own blend of country, ‘60s pop, inspirational ballads and traditional Irish standards. With sold-out concerts and ten popular PBS specials, Daniel has gained admirers across the country. He is known for spending time greeting fans after his concerts, which include a mix of country, gospel, and old time rock and roll. Raised in rural Kincasslagh in County Donegal, Ireland, where life was slow, food was cooked over an open fire, and plumbing was absent, his childhood was happy, but not privileged. Unable to support his family locally, Daniel’s father worked on farms in Scotland until he died of a heart attack at 49. It fell to Mrs. O’Donnell to raise her five children. Older sister Margo had made a name for herself as a singer and Daniel sometimes sang with her when he and his mother traveled to see her perform. He also sang in the church choir. He gave up studies at Galway Regional College to pursue a career as a singer.

Daniel got his start in Margo’s band, learning about the music business and enjoying opportunities to sing. In 1983, he decided to try to make a go of it on his own.

His debut single (My Donegal Shore/Stand Beside Me) was a humble beginning. Every record that sold, he sold himself. His first band was Country Fever (1983), followed by The Grassroots in 1984. After Daniel performed at the 1985 Irish Festival in London, Mick Clerkin offered to make a record with him and introduced him to Sean Reilly, who has managed his career ever since. Daniel has been named Donegal Person of the Year, Irish Entertainer of the Year, and British Country Music Awards Artist of the Year. His career has blossomed and brought him success on both sides of the Atlantic.

Mary Duff has been touring with Daniel and his band since his first tour more than two decades ago. She first sang with her father’s band at 12, then with the band Jukebox before joining Daniel.

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Andy Cooney’s Forever Irish Thursday, February 24, 1 pm www.cmientertainment.com

Hailed as “Irish America’s Favorite Son” by The New York Times, Andy Cooney offers a high-energy production showcasing the finest in Irish music, comedy and dance.

“An American gift to Ireland’s heritage” (Jim Mahoney, The Daily News), Andy has been thrilling Irish and American audiences since he struck out on his own in 1994 after touring with Paddy Noonan for several years. One of nine children in an Irish American family from Long Island, N.Y., Andy got his start at family and church gatherings, then singing and playing piano in numerous Irish establishments in the New York area before being asked to tour with Noonan. Cooney’s excellent tenor voice, versatility, dynamic stage presence and boyish charm make him an audience favorite. Songs in his show range from Galway Bay and Danny Boy to his hits The Irish Wedding Song, Boston Rose and Daughter of Mine. Cooney has associated himself with the finest musicians on the Irish recording scene and made an album with Phil Coulter entitled Home Away From Home. His latest release (It’ll Be Me) was recorded in Ireland with the RTE Concert Orchestra and features a duet with Crystal Gayle. Larry Gatlin wrote the title track and sings it with Andy and Ronan Tynan. Since much of country music has its roots in Irish music, it has been a natural progression for Andy to make his mark on county music as well. Andy’s PBS special of Irish classics was filmed in Tennessee in 2004.

Cooney is joined by Irish comedian George Casey, who has kept audiences laughing for 30 years. He has toured with Rosemary Clooney, Bobby Vinton and other legends. kate Purcell, a leading folk artist from Ennis, County Clare, offers a fresh and engaging way with a song and has opened for and played with most of the major acts on the Irish touring circuit. She adds a blend of blues and American country to her music as well. Andy’s Irish band and the Celtic Angels Irish Dancers complete the entertainment.

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Leon Russell

Thursday, February 24, 8 pm www.leonrussellrecords.com

On March 14, Leon Russell will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and honored with a Musical Excellence Award. Over the past five decades, he has contributed as a session musician, arranger, singer, songwriter, pianist, guitarist, record company owner, bandleader and producer, working with genres ranging from pop to rock, blues, country, bluegrass, standards, gospel and surf. He has collaborated with hundreds of artists, including Elton John, Glen Campbell, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Bruce Hornsby, B.B. King, Barbra Streisand, Herb Albert, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Ann-Margret, Dean Martin, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, The Righteous Brothers and many more. Russell has produced dozens of albums. His most recent effort, The Union, is a collaboration with Elton John that debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard chart. The single If It Wasn’t For Bad was nominated for a Grammy® Award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.

Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, Russell spent much of his youth in Tulsa. He took up piano at four and was playing in nightclubs at 14. He and his band The Starlighters toured briefly with Jerry Lee Lewis before, at 17, Leon headed to L.A., where he became an excellent Hollywood session musician. He was also in the house band on ABC’s Shindig!. His first solo album included Russell classics A Song For You, Hummingbird and Delta Lady. Many of Leon’s songs went on to be successfully covered by other artists.

George Benson’s cover of This Masquerade won a Record of the Year GRAMMY® and became the first song ever to hit #1 on jazz, pop and R&B charts. Leon led the band for Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. With success not just in rock, Leon has also released country albums under the moniker Hank Wilson. A major concert attraction, he continues to tour, his music resonating with old fans and new.

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Puccini’s

Madama Butterfly

Presented by Teatro Lirico D’Europa With Symphony Orchestra In Italian with English supertitles Friday, February 25, 8 pm www.jennykellyproductions.com

America’s most popular opera returns. Torn between truth and lies, reality and fantasy, love and death, Cio-Cio-San is faced with an impossible situation and a devasting choice.

Madama Butterfly is set in Nagasaki, Japan in the early 1940s. The selfish U.S. Navy officer Lt. Pinkerton has procurred a house and servants in preparation for his marriage to the geisha Cio-Cio-San (Butterfly). Although the naive 15-year-old bride is in love with Pinkerton, the marriage contract contains a monthly renewal option.

At his wedding to Butterfly, Pinkerton callously asks the U.S. Consul Sharpless to join him in a toast to the American bride he plans to marry one day. It is not long before Pinkerton abandons his child bride, but despite a three-year absence, Butterfly does not give up hope that he will one day return to her. She is torn between optimism and despair. Butterfly, who has borne a son, struggles in poverty, but nonetheless resists an offer to marry a wealthy suitor, declaring she is already married. She tells Sharpless that Pinkerton would never abandon his beautiful child. Sharpless promises to tell Pinkerton he has a son.

Pinkerton’s ship returns to the harbor at last, and Butterfly prepares for his return, decorating the house with flowers. But when Pinkerton approaches, he is accompanied by his American wife Kate. At last recognizing Butterfly’s love for him, the remorseful Pinkerton flees, leaving his wife and Sharpless to confront Butterfly. Kate wants to take Pinkerton’s son back to America. Butterfly’s worst fears have materialized. She agrees to give up her son if Pinkerton will come for him in half an hour. Alone, faced with a choice between a life of disgrace and death with honor, Butterfly uses her father’s dagger to take her life as Pinkerton calls her name in the distance.

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David Gonzalez:

Run It Down

Friday, February 25, 7:30 pm www.davidgonzalez.com Murray Studio Theater Run It Down weaves together music, stories, and poetry ranging from sonnets to rants, from the personal to the transcendent. Hickman Device recounts a friend’s musical bravery in the face of AIDS. Jazz Orpheus sets the classic Greek myth to a cappella scat, and Slash the Boats relates a father-son story of fascination, false promises and the CIA in Chile. Original music for piano and guitar round out this exceptional evening with the inspired phenomenon referred to as “a New York Puerto Rican version of Bill Cosby.”

With speech, sound, mime, dance and above all, inspired imagination, David Gonzalez keeps the ancient art of storytelling alive. A winner of the Helen Hayes Performing Artist of the Year Award, he is praised for his vocal, physical and narrative talents and gifts for mimicry, comic timing, and wordplay. Relying on the majesty and variety of language, the limitless landscape of imagination, the pulse of music and the beauty of art, he creates and performs multimedia productions that capture audiences of all ages and cultures. Gonzalez has been commissioned to create multimedia works with social justice themes. Wounded Splendor combines poetry and monologues inspired from interviews with activists and experts in the environmental movement. Oh Hudson, a suite of historical and colorfully descriptive poems and music, commemorates the Hudson River’s quadricentennial. Public speaker and poet, Gonzalez has been featured at Lincoln Center’s Out of Doors Festival, Bill Moyers’ documentary Fooling with Words on PBS, and All Things Considered on NPR. He performed at the 2008 National Storytelling Festival, Lincoln Center’s 2008 Imagination Conversation symposium, and the 2008 Alliance for a New Humanity conference alongside Deepak Chopra in Spain. Gonzalez received his doctorate in Music Therapy from NYU’s School of Education, where he taught for ten years. He was host of New York Kids on WNYC for eight seasons and is a contributor to NPR’s Studio 360.

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David Gonzalez presents

The Frog Bride

Saturday, February 26, noon www.davidgonzalez.com What makes a good story? According to David Gonzalez, storyteller extraordinaire, requirements are: a difficult situation inhabited by great characters, a bucketful of colorful details, and a brilliant resolution. When beautiful music and captivating art are added, it’s a winning combination. Gonzalez brings us a hip adaptation of a classic Russian fairy tale that traces the journey of a dreamy youth to manhood.

In this engaging tale, a king instructs his three teenage sons to cut down a tree in the forest, make a bow and arrow from the tree, shoot the arrow, and choose a wife based on where the arrow lands. One son marries a banker’s daughter, one a general’s daughter. The youngest son finds his arrow in the mouth af a frog, but decides to marry her anyway. When a frog speaks, listen. It’s a voice from the wet, murky swamp – half land, half water – where anything can happen. And so, the fantasy begins to unfold.

Qualities of innocence, wonder, loss and discovery are clothed in the characters of frogs, witches, and one very enchanted young lady. Young Ivon marries the frog, but that is just the start of his adventure, his quest, and the unearthing of wisdom.

Prokofiev’s Five Melodies for Violin and Piano (played by Christian Howes on violin and Daniel Kelly on piano, supplemented with jazz and hip-hop) and Kandinsky’s paintings provide the perfect backdrop and musical accompaniment to enhance the adventure, lending emotional depth and passion, and stirring the imagination.

Ivon marries his frog and, through his wife’s accomplishments, is chosen to be heir to the king. Then, through his selfishness, he loses her. In the end, he finds both true love and a human bride.

Gonzalez has observed, “Theater happens when imagination takes wing and lands on the tree of possibility.” That is precisely what happens in this story. Great music, great art and masterful storytelling engage the imagination and open the heart. Enjoy the magic and the wonder!

Family Theater supported by The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation.

Family Membership Connection.

Call (727) 712-2720 for details.

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PHOTO CREDIT Sofia Monge

Michael Amante

Italian-American Festival With Special Guests The Bronx Wanderers Saturday, February 26, 8 pm www.michaelamante.com www.thebronxwanderers.com

A true crossover talent, Michael Amante, affectionately known as the “People’s Tenor” and “Prince of the High C’s” (to Pavarotti’s “King of the High C’s”), is vocally and emotionally powerful whether singing opera, pop, rock, gospel, jazz or Broadway.

Although he got his start singing in biker bars along the interstate and did mean imitations of Lou Gramm of Foreigner and Steve Walsh of Kansas, after the choir director of an upstate New York church introduced him to a recording of Swedish tenor Jussi Björling singing a Donizetti aria, Michael decided Björling’s Una furtiva lagrima might be his ticket to success with girls, so he rapidly assembled a portfolio of Italian arias that made effective use of his killer high C. Training in Bel Canto followed.

Among Michael’s impressive qualities are his charisma and his ability to make an immediate, intimate connection with an audience. Seeing him perform live is an unforgettable experience. When Michael sings a song, he immerses himself in it and gives it a life of its own, brimming with emotion. Amante has a phenomenal fouroctave range and sings in seven languages. But his impact goes beyond his vocal ability. When Luciano Pavarotti was asked to suggest someone to fill in for him before an international audience, he suggested just one name: Michael Amante. Michael has enjoyed considerable thespian success as well, from Danny Zuko in Grease to Tony in West Side Story, Jesus and Judas in Jesus Christ, Superstar, and Rodolfo in La Bohème, Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, and Turiddu in Cavalleria Rusticana. Since he played the title role in Oliver in the Sisters of St. Anne’s school production at age six, Michael has been delighting audiences with the effortless, unabashed power and versatility of his vocal prowess.

Special guests The Bronx Wanderers bring the sounds of doo wop, Dion, the Four Seasons and more, with precision, sharp vocals, and musicianship that endures.

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“One of the most enduring musicals in American theater history.”

-Tampa Tribune

TICKETS !

ON SALE NOW

APRIL 1–2 Tickets: 727.791.7400 • rutheckerdhall.com For best seats, become a member!

Call 727.712.2720 Group Discounts: 727.712.2717 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater

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Peter Yarrow & noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary

Sunday, February 27, 2 pm www.peterpaulandmary.com

As two-thirds of Peter, Paul and Mary, Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey were an integral part of the activism of the ‘60s and the resurgence of folk music as a genre with a message of hope, humanity and social consciousness. Music was the vehicle for their mission of change and human rights. No American folk group lasted longer or amassed a more loyal following. During a career spanning nearly five decades, they have won five GRAMMY®s, produced 13 Top 40 hits (6 in the Top 10), and had eight gold and five platinum albums. All of this was done without compromise, raising their voices for freedom. For their efforts, they have been honored by the Songwriters Hall of Fame with the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award. Blowin’ in the Wind, If I Had a Hammer, Cruel War, Leaving on a Jet Plane, Where Have All the Flowers Gone, 500 Miles, Lemon Tree, In the Early Morning Rain, All My Trials and Puff(The Magic Dragon) have become classics that still resonate today. Peter and Paul have consistently supported civil and human rights.

In These Times, a recent release, features emerging writers and offers exposure to fresh talent, a longtime tradition of these artists. Just as they helped inspire and awaken our nation to stand up and be a country with liberty and justice for all in the ‘60s, their compassion and commitment to social activism continue. In the early days, which began in Greenwich Village in New York, they took their music to Selma, Alabama and to the 1963 March on Washington. Peter co-organized the 1969 March on Washington, where the trio sang before half a million people. Their music belongs to and offers hope to everyone. From Peter Yarrow’s Operation Respect, which has reached more than 20,000 schools to combat school violence, to Paul’s support of human rights and the sheltering of refugees of political oppression in Central America, their work continues unabated.

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Paul Anka

Monday, February 28, 8 pm www.paulanka.com The ever-popular Paul Anka returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall for a tenth visit. Once a ‘50s teen idol who frequently appeared on American Bandstand, Anka has matured into a superb vocal musician and one of the most prolific and successful pop songwriters ever. He has recorded 125 albums, including more than 10 in foreign languages. Album sales are close to 15 million. Three of his hits (Diana, Lonely Boy, You’re Having My Baby) went to #1, and he had 22 Top 20 hits. Of Anka’s staggering 900 songs, 130 have been recorded by other artists including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, Buddy Holly (It Doesn’t Matter Anymore), Tom Jones, Donny Osmond (Puppy Love) and Frank Sinatra. He was co-writer of Michael Jackson’s This Is It. Paul has had a song on Billboard’s charts in every decade since 1957 and has discovered talents including John Prine and Michael Bublé.

Following early success with songs for teenagers, Anka changed his style to appeal to nightclub audiences and became the youngest performer to headline at the Copacabana in New York. He also appeared in several films (including The Longest Day) and wrote the theme song for Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show. Writing signature songs for Tom Jones (She’s a Lady) and Frank Sinatra (My Way) revitalized Anka’s career.

Rock Swings, a recent release, features songs originally recorded by some of rock’s raunchiest bad boys, but Anka is wise enough to realize that a good song can be sung in multiple styles. From Bon Jovi to Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Oasis, Van Halen, Nirvana, Billy Idol and more, he makes these songs his own, approaching them as a songwriter, with discipline and meticulous attention, evaluating each one on its own terms. Anka has come a long way from the tightly-knit Lebanese community in Ottawa, Canada, where he fell in love with music and decided to be a singer/songwriter. A total professional, fans know that no one delivers a show quite like his.

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new Orleans’ Own

Dukes of Dixieland

Thursday, March 3, 1 pm www.dukesofdixieland.com The oldest continuous Dixieland jazz band, these globe-trotting jazz ambassadors from the heart of the Big Easy blow traditional Dixieland into the 21st century, blending pop, gospel and country with authentic New Orleans sounds. The Dukes of Dixieland embody 37 years of tradition, offering jazz the way is is meant to be: both durable and flexible. Steeped in tradition, their sound is strong as they continue to break new ground.

On New Year’s Eve 1974, when John Shoup opened “Dukes’ Place” in the rooftop nightclub of the Monteleone Hotel in New Orleans’ French Quarter, a new ensemble called The Dukes of Dixieland was the featured entertainment, led by Connie Jones.

In the summer of 1975, they performed outside with the Grant Park Pops Orchestra in Chicago. Henry Brandon (composer of the famous Oscar Mayer wiener commercial) conducted the orchestra and wrote several symphony charts for the Dukes. Thus began a history of performing with symphony orchestras around the country.

The Dukes have taken their music to France for the U.S. Bicentennial Celebrations, to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Ecuador, Peru and Japan. They have played on college campuses in the U.S. and at music and jazz festivals around the world. In 1984, they moved to 309 Bourbon Street (Lulu White’s Mahogany Hall), where they hosted parties and concerts and shot several TV shows. In 1991, they found their current home aboard the Steamboat Natchez, where they perform for dinner cruises. As Katrina approached New Orleans, the Natchez sought refuge in Baton Rouge and the Dukes scattered from Seattle to Florida. Only Shoup weathered the storm in New Orleans. Shortly after Katrina, the Dukes embarked on a four-week fundraising tour on the Natchez to benefit the Bush-Clinton Katrina Foundation. They continue to assist in rebuilding by attracting tourists to New Orleans. Bright and brassy or smooth as dark cane syrup, the Dukes bring time-honored authenticity to the hits of Dixie’s yesteryear.

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John Mellencamp Friday, March 4, 7 pm www.mellencamp.com

Time to celebrate! John Mellencamp comes to Ruth Eckerd Hall for the first time ever. The last time he was in the Tampa Bay area was 20 years ago. This Seymour, Indiana son brings his heartland rock to us for a special evening that includes a film about the making of his recent CD No Better Than This, a stripped down acoustic set with his band, and a solo acoustic set. It’s all capped off with a fully electrified rock set.

Mellencamp was fronting a soul band by the time he was fourteen and released his first album in 1976 under the moniker Johnny Cougar. His MCA Records manager didn’t think a name like Mellencamp would sell. In 1982, his fifth album (American Fool), best-selling album of the year, spawned two monster hits, Hurts So Good and the #1 Jack & Diane, giving him enough clout to introduce his real name. Subsequent albums in the ‘80s were released under the name John Cougar Mellencamp as he hit the road with a band considered by many to be the best in the business. Small Town is from this period. In 1985, Mellencamp, Willie Nelson and Neil Young co-founded Farm Aid, which became an annual event and has raised millions to help save American family farms. By the 1990s, “Cougar” was dropped entirely, and John reverted to his real name for a string of successful albums. 1991 saw his film debut in Falling From Grace, a career he decided to forego in favor of his music.

Mellencamp has been honored with the 2001 Billboard Century Award, the 2004 Woody Guthrie Award, a GRAMMY®, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Billy Joel in 2008. His most recent album No Better Than This was recorded at several historic facilities and taped with antique recording equipment to create the sound of vintage blues recordings. On The Rural Route 7609 is a recent four-CD release. When not making music, John expresses himself as a painter and has completed close to 100 works. John Mellencamp is here at last. Definitely an evening to remember!

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Richard nader’s Doo Wop Reunion XI Starring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Special Guests

Little Anthony and the Imperials, kenny vance & The Planotones, Jay Siegel & The Tokens and Tommy Mara Saturday, March 5, 7:30 pm www.richardnader.com/events

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Little Anthony and the Imperials brought us Tears on My Pillow, Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop, Goin’ Out of My Head and so many more.

Anthony Gourdine, Clarence Collins and Ernest Wright were friends as youngsters.

Robert Deblanc joined the group later. The Imperials are one of only a few R&B groups retaining all of the original members. kenny vance and The Planotones gave us the unforgettable Looking for an Echo, Come A Little Bit Closer, Cara Mia and Only in America. The cool and sultry approach of The Planotones brings sophistication and freshness to the oldies of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Formed for the movie American Hot Wax, Kenny and The Planotones have long been Ruth Eckerd Hall favorites and were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002. Jay Siegel and The Tokens took audiences by storm with Tonight I Fell in Love, The Lion Sleeps Tonight and Portrait of My Love. They have achieved the second longest chart span in the history of rock and roll and were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004. Jay Traynor, original lead singer for Jay and the Americans, now sings with The Tokens. Local favorite Tommy Mara treated audiences to 16 Candles, Step by Step, Summertime and The Angels Listened In. This “Pavarotti of Doo Wop” and “Meatloaf of Doo Wop” can also be heard in the Tampa Bay area with Tommy and the Saints.

These incredible artists bring us the best of their hits and the doo wop era. The fresh new sound of Amanda nikka will also be introduced. This is music many of us grew up with and fell in love to, the soundtrack of our lives. Enjoy this irresistible evening of fun and nostalgia.

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Ballroom with a Twist

Hosted by Cloris Leachman & Gilles Marini from ABC’s Brothers and Sisters Choreographed by Dancing with the Stars’ Louis van Amstel Featuring American Idol finalists David Hernandez and Paris Bennett Sunday, March 6, 2 pm www.scottstander.com

Dancing With the Stars fans, this afternoon belongs to you! Ballroom with a Twist offers extravagant entertainment highlighted by stunning costumes, great music, and sexy, breathtaking performances. This national tour spinoff of Dancing With the Stars is directed and choreographed by Emmy®-nominated Louis van Amstel, four-time DWTS pro who has partnered with Priscilla Presley, Lisa Rinna, Monique Coleman and Kelly Osbourne. Costumes are colorful and flashy. Dances vary from Broadway-style numbers to classical and pop. Then dancers crank it up a notch with hip-hop moves as well.

Ballroom with a Twist has a rotating cast of celebrity hosts and young stars from So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With the Stars and High School Musical. Academy Award® winner Cloris Leachman and Sex and the City star Gilles Marini are our hosts, and American Idol finalists David Hernandez (a top ten contestant from season seven with David Cook, David Archuleta and Jason Castro) and Paris Bennett (top ten from season five with Taylor Hicks, Kellie Pickler and Chris Daughtry) are featured. This production pushes the boundaries of ballroom dance, infusing it with the energy and intensity of the latest hip-hop styles.

Louis Van Amstel is an international dance champion who trained in a theater school learning ballet, tap and jazz, then attended the University of the Arts in Amsterdam. He was seven times Dutch National Amateur Champion, European Amateur Latin Champion, World Amateur Latin Champion (twice), Grand Slam Professional Latin Champion, World Professional Showdance Champion, Professional World Latin Finalist and U.S. National Latin Champion (in 2000, after immigrating to America). Van Amstel created Latin Fusion, which appeared at City Center in New York City, and Latin Revolution. Now he has turned his attention to Ballroom with a Twist. Get ready for an afternoon of live ballroom dancing with a surprise twist!

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‘S Wonderful

The new Gershwin Musical

Monday, March 7, 1 pm www.swonderfulthemusical.com ‘S Wonderful is a singing, dancing musical celebration of the brilliant and breathtaking music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin, the most successful songwriting team in the history of popular music. This production features five minimusicals inspired by real events occurring in and around the lives of the Gershwin brothers and illustrates their impact on the world both then and now.

‘S Wonderful first takes us to New York City in 1924, with a slapstick and vaudevillestyle homage to the comedic silent movie stars of the 1920s. A desire for love allows newspaper typesetter Harold to shatter his black and white existence and find a world of color. As the journey continues, in a nod to Gershwin’s An American in Paris, we arrive in that fair city in 1938, where Leslie, a Parisian café waitress, and an American sailor discover that their love can conquer the trials of World War II. Then it’s on to Hollywood of 1948, where Jane, whose profession is to make others beautiful, discovers her creative gifts and finds beauty in herself for the first time. Ella, a singer who has traveled the world, finally finds her true love...The City of New Orleans of 1959.

Finally, we find ourselves somewhere in the world today. Separated by 3,000 miles, young Gene uses modern technology and the songs of George and Ira Gershwin to say to his girlfriend what he can’t manage to say for himself, proving the enduring and timeless power of the Gershwin Songbook, which can affect a whole new generation today. Throughout these vignettes, we are treated to Gershwin classics including Swanee, Rhapsody in Blue, Fascinating Rhythm, Strike Up The Band, Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Summertime, I’ve Got Rhythm, Someone to Watch Over Me, and many more.

‘S Wonderful brings love stories to life, from the comic to the bittersweet, using complex choreography, scenic backdrops, effective lighting, and the incomparable, wonderful music of the Gershwin brothers.

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kenny G

Monday, March 7, 8 pm www.kennyg.com GRAMMY®-winning saxophonist Kenny G returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall for his eighth visit. Using jazz as his musical foundation, Kenny adds elements of R&B, pop and Latin influences. Over a period of nearly three decades, he has created 23 albums with sales in excess of 75 million worldwide and has become one of the most successful artists on the contemporary jazz scene. He has topped the Billboard jazz chart more than a dozen times.

Kenny Gorelick grew up in Seattle, Wahington, where he was exposed to a culturally diverse student body at an inner-city high school. Inspired by Earth, Wind and Fire and Grover Washington, Jr., Kenny was fortunate to land a gig with Barry White and his Love Unlimited Orchestra at the Paramount Northwest Theater in 1973 when he was just 17. After high school, gigs with R&B and contemporary artists like Barry White and Jeff Lorber continued, and in 1982, Kenny landed his first record deal with Arista, launching his solo career with Kenny G, G-Force and Gravity. By the 1990s, Kenny was a multi-platinum seller and collaborating with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole and Frank Sinatra. His studio album Breathless sold more than 12 million copies in the U.S. and spawned the GRAMMY®-winning single Forever in Love. Miracles, his 1994 holiday album, shot to the top of the Billboard chart (his first to go all the way to the top) and became the best-selling holiday album of all time. Subsequent holiday albums include Faith and Wishes. On At Last...The Duets Album, Kenny was joined by Barbra Streisand, Burt Bacharach and LeAnn Rimes. The album also features a remake of Outkast’s The Way you Move with Earth, Wind and Fire. In 2008, Kenny went Latin with Rhythm and Romance, then returned to his classic R&B roots with Heart and Soul, released in June 2010. This album captures the spirit and vibe of the music that influenced Kenny as a teenager. Making full use of the creative freedom allowed in the making of Heart and Soul and true to the integrity of his art, Kenny’s most recent work is among his best.

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Lucid Druid

Friday, March 11, 7:30 pm www.luciddruid.com Murray Studio Theater Bagpipes and much more, this trailblazing sound appeals to all ages and is unlike anything you’ve ever heard. Since 2003, Lucid Druid has been offering Celtic Fusion instrumental music with an innovative twist.

Adam Quinn’s powerful, melodic compositions form the foundation for this group.

He has played bagpipes for more than 25 years and composed music since he was 13. In Dunedin schools, he pursued his interest in bagpipes, clarinet and piano, then performed at Tokyo Disneyland and EPCOT Center. While a member of the world renowned Simon Fraser University Pipe Band in Vancouver, he earned two World Championship titles. Adam’s music has been performed around the world and featured on numerous recordings. A musical non-conformist, his innovative style pushes the boundaries of traditional piping. Doug White began his career with a pipe band in upstate New York when he was eleven. He has been playing Scottish snare and kit drums for more than 20 years. He is a former member of the City of Dunedin Pipe Band and the City of Washington Pipe Band in the District of Columbia. Doug integrates classic Scottish drumming techniques with his own unique touch on a variety of percussive instruments. Joe Porter earned a degree in jazz performance at the University of South Florida, studying bass under Mark Neuenschwander and Dee Moses. Following graduation, he toured with legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson for two years. He joined Lucid Druid after returning home to Clearwater and meeting Adam Quinn. Sebastian Deledda’s innovative guitar adds ethereal elements to Lucid Druid’s music. From a musical family and eclectic in his musical tastes, he has been involved in recording and producing a wide array of projects, including Lucid Druid’s Anecdota album. Finally, Steve Turner of Giving Tree Music provides enticing rhythms to this music. Steve has been making and playing drums for more than 20 years.

Comfortable with jazz, rock and traditional African music, Steve blends these styles to create his own distinct sound.

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The Rat Pack is Back!

Sunday, March 13, 2 pm www.ratpackisback.com

When The Rat Pack hit the iconic Copa Room at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, the entertainment world was forever changed. What happens in Vegas...all started with The Rat Pack. Our spirited tribute show recreates one of the famous “Summit at the Sands” nights. “Summit” was a nod to a meeting of Eisenhower, de Gaulle and Khrushchev back when The Rat Pack first brought its act to the Sands. This swingin’, ring-a-ding group (ostensibly first given the Rat Pack moniker by Lauren Bacall) was creating hipster legend with a free-wheeling, no-holds-barred nightclub act starring Las Vegas’ four favorite sons: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop. Irreverent, funny, laid back, and openly demonstrating a fondness for alcohol, this ragtag group consisting of two Italians, a black and a Jew redefined the image of the successful entertainer in America. Audiences flocked to the less straight-laced, less formal style of these newcomers. These stars had grown up in ethnic neighborhoods and made it big, attaining the American dream. In this show, the audience is transported back to a balmy night circa 1960 when these four show business legends converged at the Sands Hotel for the first time. They delivered style with substance, swing with swagger, and a non-stop party to which everyone wanted access.

Providing the atmosphere and fun are four accomplished singer/actors: Mickey Joseph as Joey Bishop, Drew Anthony as Dean Martin, Kenny Jones as Sammy Davis, Jr. and Brian Duprey as Frank Sinatra. They re-create one of The Rat Pack’s raucous, antic-filled performances featuring Joey Bishop’s hilarious comedy and performances of standards including Sinatra’s You Make Me Feel So Young, A Foggy Day, Martin’s That’s Amoré, and Davis’ Mr. Bojangles. A swinging twelve-piece live orchestra provides period perfect orchestrations and an opening montage of video clips effectively sets the stage for the show.

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Roslyn kind in Concert

Monday, March 14, 1 pm www.roslynkind.com

Equally at home on stage, screen and disc, Roslyn Kind may be Barbra Streisand’s sister, but as an artist, she has won acclaim on her own merits. She has forged a successful career as a recording artist on Broadway, off-Broadway, in nightclubs and at top concert venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, where she performed with her friend and frequent musical collaborator Michael Feinstein.

Dynamic, warm, funny and sincere, this versatile, vibrant artist began her career in her teens with the release of the album Give Me You. She made multiple appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. “Rozzie” is comfortable with a variety of musical genres. Her latest CD release, Come What May, showcases her impeccable phrasing, richness and clarity of tone, and an undeniable emotional connection to her always first-rate material. On Broadway, she has demonstrated her theatrical talent starring in the musical revue 3 From Brooklyn, and off-Broadway in Show Me Where the Good Times Are, Leader of the Pack and Ferguson the Tailor. In Los Angeles, she stopped the show in William Finn’s Elegies. Television credits include the film Switched at Birth, multiple episodes of NBC’s Gimme a Break, Throb and starring as herself on The Nanny. The latter featured her songwriting talent in a performance of her composition Light of Love. She also performed the title song for the made-for-TV movie Not Just Another Affair. Starring movie roles include The Underachievers, I’m Going to Be Famous, and Ladies of the House, a Hallmark movie for TV. Roslyn’s voice can be heard singing Hold On While You Can in the 2008 movie Truloved. Ms. Kind supports various animal welfare organizations including the Humane Society (HSUS), and Alzheimer’s and AIDS-related charities such as APLA and Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS. The New York Post raved, “This elegant, beautiful, petite, dynamo delight rules the stage with a royal command that demands adoration from every seat in the house.”

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Photo: Stu Rosner

Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra

You’ll Get A Kick Out of Cole keith Lockhart, conductor; kelli O’Hara and Jason Danieley, soloists Wednesday, March 16, 8 pm www.bso.org

“America’s Orchestra” honors Cole Porter, one of the greatest of the Great American Songbook writers. Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops celebrate the 120th anniversary of Porter’s birth with highlights from his dynamite shows Anything Goes, Can-Can, Silk Stockings and Kiss Me Kate. Porter was a supreme tunesmith and sublime wordsmith. His saucy style and witty wordplay come to life sung by Broadway stars Kelli O’Hara and Jason Danieley. From his ultra-sophisticated love songs Night and Day, I Get A Kick Out of You and What Is This Thing Called Love? to his matchless melodies Begin the Beguine, It’s De-Lovely and his hilarious humor in Can-Can, Brush Up Your Shakespeare and Too Darn Hot, the Boston Pops showcases some of the best from this quintessential American composer and lyricist.

The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra’s beloved annual 4th of July concert, which began with the U.S. Bicentennial celebration in 1976, attracts more than 300,000 people to the Hatch Shell in Boston and is viewed by more than 20 million. Boston Pops concerts were the brainchild of Henry Lee Higginson, founder of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Originally called “Promenade Concerts,” beginning in July 1885, he offered concerts of light classical music, current musical theater hits, and an occasional novelty number. Arthur Fiedler’s dream was realized in 1929 by offering a series of free outdoor concerts (the first Esplanade Concerts) along the banks of the Charles River. In 1995, keith Lockhart became the twentieth conductor of the Boston Pops, which celebrated its 125th season last year. Among his many accomplishments, he has promoted programs for young musicians and introduced the innovative JazzFest and EdgeFest series, featuring jazz and indie artists. kelli O’Hara recently played Nellie Forbush in the Tony Award®-winning revival of South Pacific at Lincoln Center and Jason Danieley played Lt. Joe Cable in the Emmy®-nominated PBS airing of South Pacific at Carnegie Hall. Whatever the music, the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra is always a special treat.

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natalie Cole In Concert Thursday, March 17, 8 pm www.nataliecole.com

With a voice both warm and supple, Natalie Cole has a way with song that inevitably works its magic. A versatile artist, this eleven-time GRAMMY® winner, singer, songwriter, performer and actress has shown her ability to get to the heart of music in multiple genres including R&B, pop and jazz. Cole rocketed to stardom in 1975 with her debut album Inseparable, which won GRAMMY® Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and yielded the #1 single This Will Be (An Everlasting Love). A string of hits followed and in 1987, her album Dangerous included Jump Start, I Live For Your Love and Bruce Springsteen’s Pink Cadillac.

Despite impressive success as an R&B artist, Natalie took a gutsy leap by turning to the Great American Songbook and releasing Unforgettable...With Love in 1991.

The title track featured a duet with her father and the album earned five GRAMMY®s including Song, Record and Album of the Year. Five weeks at #1, sales exceeded 14 million. Switching genres again, Take A Look won a GRAMMY® for Best Jazz Vocal Performance in 1993 and 1996 brought a GRAMMY® for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for Stardust. Ask A Woman Who Knows (2002) won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Artist. Cole’s acting credits include Lily in Winter and Always Outnumered. She played herself in Livin’ For Love: The Natalie Cole Story, which aired on NBC. Natalie has appeared on more than 300 TV shows from Law & Order and Touched by an Angel to major talk shows. Still Unforgettable (2008) won GRAMMY®s for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and Best Instrumental Accompanying Vocalist and the NAACP Award for Best Jazz Artist. Cole has written two books: the autobiography Angel On My Shoulder (2000) and Love Brought Me Back, written following her diagnosis with Hepatitis C and her subsequent kidney transplant in 2009. Whether singing R&B, jazz or pop, Cole’s vocal dexterity, intimate understanding of her music and immersion in it yield outstanding results.

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Elayne Boosler

Friday, March 18, 8 pm www.elayneboosler.com

Born in Brooklyn, New York around the time of the Dodgers’ exit, Elayne’s first memories are of grown men crying. Not understanding, she felt responsible, and chose to go into comedy. Following a lighter-hearted path than that of her tooland-die-maker dad and her escaped Russian ballerina mom, after public school in Brooklyn, Elayne spent a year or so at the University of South Florida in Tampa in mostly other than academic pursuits, managing to escape unburdened by a single college credit. Having reached the age of eighteen, with school no longer a legal requirement, Elayne moved to Manhattan to fulfill her dream of becoming a waitress, which she did in countless New York establishments.

One night, a waitress called in sick at a music and comedy club where wait staff performed between comedians, and Elayne was asked to pinch hit. During her elevenminute rendition of Van Morrison’s Moondance, she emptied the club sufficiently for the owner to close early, allowing him to go home, save his marriage, have a second child, and offer her a job as club doorman, a position she held for three years. Noticing how naturally funny she was, comedian Andy Kaufman, a regular, convinced her to do stand-up comedy – well, actually, he implored her never to sing publicly again.

Friend Kaufman and peers Freddy Prinze, Jay Leno, RIchard Lewis, Richard Belzer, Jimmie Walker and others guided Elayne through her comedy education. Elayne was an instant success. Audiences welcomed her slice of life approach to comedy just as they embraced the new breed of male comics like Richard Pryor. She did talk shows, music shows, variety specials, and went on tour as an opener for countless groups.

She has written for TV and print media, currently writes for The Huffington Post, and is working on two books. Boosler was the first woman to do her own cable comedy special (self-produced in 1986), opening the door for female comics on cable. She is proactive in politics and current issues.

Laughs abound as Elayne makes her first appearance at the Capitol Theatre.

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Spring Awakening

Friday, March 18, 8 pm Saturday, March 19, 2 & 8 pm www.springawakening.com Mature Content Bold, provocative, groundbreaking, Spring Awakening is a powerful coming of age story that deals with issues of adolescence including sexuality, abuse, teen suicide and more, issues as relevant today as they were more than 100 years ago when Frank Wedekind’s play of the same name was banned in Germany in 1891. Proclaimed “the most explosive new musical since Rent,” this daring production cleverly intertwines life in a repressive and provincial 19th century German town with 21st century music that speaks directly to today’s youth. Winner of eight Tony Awards® including Best Musical, Spring Awakening follows 19th century German students on their passage as they navigate teenage self-discovery and coming of age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion, an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll.

The cast of characters includes people we have all likely encountered among teenagers. Smart, scholarly, free-thinking, atheistic and handsome Melchior catches the girls’ eyes, seeks accurate information on sex, and recognizes the hypocrisy around him. Misfit Moritz has a muddled brain and sexually-charged dreams as crazy as his hair, to the point that he’s in danger of failing school. Innocent Wendla, whose mother has been less than candid and forthcoming in her explanation of sex, questions her own ignorance. In addition, we meet the free-spirited, bohemian Ilse, arrogant Hanschen and unhappy Martha. Each of them attempts to navigate the treacherous path from childhood to adulthood, with all the heartbreak and teenage angst encountered along the way. This is a clash between raging hormones and adult repression. Teenagers teeter on the edge of catastrophe, rebelling against adults who are at best misguided and at worst cruel. Spring Awakening explores this journey with a poignancy and passion you won’t forget, and reminds us that ignorance often ends in tragedy.

1UP event on Fri., Mar. 18 following the performance.

Call (727) 712-2723 for information.

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Mitzi Gaynor

Razzle Dazzle: My Life Behind the Sequins Sunday, March 20, 1 pm missmitzigaynor.com

Mitzi Gaynor brings a glittering multimedia one-woman tour-de-force of music and memories from her show-stopping career. Fashion icon Bob Mackie has designed eight breathtaking new costumes for her, and a seven-piece orchestra will accompany her as she shares songs from her film, television and nightclub catalog along with new material from recent hits. Mitzi shares recollections of friends and costars including Frank SInatra, Ethel Merman, Marilyn Monroe, Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hammerstein and Marlene Dietrich. Television and film footage and personal photos are interspersed with anecdotes and song.

Mitzi has what it takes to excel. One of the top song and dance film stars ever, she comes by her talent naturally. Mitzi’s dancer mother and virtuoso musician father nurtured her budding talent. The result: 17 films, nine television spectaculars, and countless nightclub and concert stage appearances. The family moved from Chicago to California to facilitate Mitzi’s career. At twelve, she was chosen for the corps de ballet of the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera. Soon, she was signed by 20th Century Fox and made her film debut in My Blue Heaven, followed by Golden Girl, Bloodhounds of Broadway, We’re Not Married and The I Don’t Care Girl. As her career soared, she appeared in There’s No Business Like Show Business, The Birds and the Bees, Anything Goes, the Joker is Wild, Les Girls, and in the coveted role of Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. Mitzi appeared with such legends as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, David Niven, Yul Brynner and Kirk Douglas. She smashed attendance records when she debuted at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas in 1961 and enjoyed similar success on television, getting top billing over The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, performing on Academy Awards® broadcasts and more, making headlines with her sizzling song and dance numbers. Of her nine TV specials, six received Emmy® Awards. The epitome of razzle dazzle, Mitzi lights up the Ruth Eckerd Hall stage.

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Chris Botti

Sunday, March 20, 8 pm www.chrisbotti.com Chris Botti returns with his inimitable velvet tone and sublime trumpet phrasings, offering contemporary jazz, classic romantic jazz, and pop standards. Since the release of his 2004 critically acclaimed CD When I Fall in Love, he has become the largestselling American jazz instrumental artist. His success has crossed over to audiences usually reserved for pop music and his ongoing association with PBS has led to four #1 jazz albums, multiple gold and platinum albums and GRAMMY® Awards.

Over the past three decades, Chris has recorded and performed with the best in the business, including Frank Sinatra, Sting, Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, John Mayer, Andrea Bocelli, Joshua Bell, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.

On the road more than 250 days a year, Chris and his incredible band have performed with many of the finest symphonies and at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including performances at Carnegie Hall, the World Series and the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony. People magazine voted Chris one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in 2004.

Born in Portland and raised in Corvallis, Oregon (with the exception of two years spent in Italy), Chris’ mother, a classically-trained pianist and part-time piano teacher, was his first musical influence. Miles Davis was also an inspiration. Playing trumpet since he was nine, when Chris heard Davis play My Funny Valentine, he understood the potential of his instrument of choice. He has worked as a sideman on many compilations and soundtracks, and before going solo, Chris spent two years as a featured soloist touring with Sting’s “Brand New Day” tour. Chris Botti in Boston, recorded in 2008 with Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops, offers an eclectic mix of outstanding music with stars ranging from Sting and Steven Tyler to Yo-Yo Ma and Josh Groban. A composer as well as a gifted instrumentalist, this charismatic perfomer blends classical, jazz and pop influences into his own signature sound that has transformed the contemporary jazz scene.

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Jury’s Irish Cabaret Starring Tony kenny

Monday, March 21, 1 pm www.tonykenny.com/JuRYSIRISHCABARET.html You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy all the Emerald Isle has to offer. Our celebration of traditional Irish music, dance and good fun continues with Tony Kenny, three times Ireland’s Entertainer of the Year, and Jury’s Irish Cabaret, Ireland’s National Entertainment Awards’ Show of the Year. Ireland brings to mind glorious green vistas and rolling hills, craggy shores, ancient castles, thatched cottages, pubs resounding with lighthearted entertainment, spirited parties, friendly smiles and laughter, wit, wisdom, stories, jokes and legends. All that is wonderful about Ireland and its people comes to us in this entertainment extravaganza.

Tony Kenny began his musical career starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ, Superstar. He has received dozens of awards for his stage and television performances. Tony was invited to perform for President Bill Clinton at the White House on St. Patrick’s Day in 1995 and was honored at a special reception by Irish President Mary MacAlesse in 2001. He is a recipient of the Performing Artists Trust Society Annual Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Performing Arts.

Tony sang the American national anthem at the 2001 Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins game. His 25 albums have enjoyed success on both sides of the Atlantic. The Very Best of Tony Kenny went platinum, one of two platinum and seven gold discs he has garnered. Known for his powerfully expressive delivery, dynamic stage presence and ability to draw an audience into a song, it’s no wonder he is one of Ireland’s most beloved entertainers.

Joining Tony is Richie Hayes, Ireland’s Leprechaun of Laughter. Dancing singer Victoria Kenny and Edna Dunne and the celebrated Dublin City Dancers provide world-class Irish dancing. These performers are former cast members in Ireland’s most prestigious shows, including Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Traditional Irish musicians round out the cast to offer irresistible, toe-tapping, spirit-lifting entertainment.

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The Avett Brothers

Friday, March 25, 8 pm www.theavettbrothers.com The long wait is over. The Avett Brothers are finally here! With naked honesty, rousing intensity, and a rootsy amalgam of folk, country, bluegrass, rock, pop, and even a jab of punk-style dynamics, The Avett Brothers, a grassroots phenomenon built from the ground up, have captured the imagination of fans across the country.

The songs of this sibling duo have a depth that speaks to universal human emotions.

Signed by producer Rick Rubin (Johnny Cash, Tom Petty and The Dixie Chicks) in 2008, for Scott and Seth Avett, songwriting is their first passion, but they clearly enjoy sharing their music with fans. Bassist Bob Crawford completes the band. As Rick Rubin commented, “The Avetts’ songs have such a sincere emotional resonance. The purity of the messages stops you in your tracks. It’s unusual to hear such open-hearted personal sentiment from young artists today.”

The Avetts began as Nemo, a neo-punk band, soon abandoning electric for acoustic, creating Nemo Back Porch Project, from which The Avett Brothers evolved.

Before working with Rubin, the Avetts issued five albums and two EPs. Country Was (2002), their first full-length album, was followed by Mignonette, Four Thieves Gone and Emotionalism. Stage shows are rowdy and infectious. In concert, this high-flying ensemble tears through tunes with unbridled energy, popping banjo and guitar strings right and left while inciting stomping sing-alongs among audiences that appear to know every word. The band aims for clarity. As Seth declares, “...I love music you can grasp hold of because there’s no mistaking what the person is saying and presenting...” Recurring themes of these North Carolina natives include commitment, maturity, and moving forward through life with a positive outlook, transitioning from youth to adulthood. Talented artists, the Avetts’ sketches and paintings adorn their albums. Scott and Seth are in it for the long haul, creating music of substance that is also a lot of fun.

1UP event.

Call (727) 712-2723 for information.

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Eckerd Theater Company presents

I Never Saw Another Butterfly

By Celeste Raspanti Saturday, March 26, 7:30 pm Murray Studio Theater

A triumph of the human spirit, I Never Saw Another Butterfly shares the hopes, the fears, and the beauty of the children of Terezin. More than 15,000 children passed through Terezin Concentration Camp during World War II; fewer than 100 survived.

Their true story, told through the artwork and poetry they left behind, creates a compelling picture of defiance and of vibrant life.

The village of Terezin (Theresienstadt) in what was then Czechoslovakia, was a walled fortress built by Emperor Joseph II of Austria, named for his mother Maria Theresa. It became Hitler’s model concentration camp to “prove” to the Red Cross that Jews were being treated well. Ostensibly used to offer musicians, artists, writers and the elderly protection from the war, Terezin was a holding camp, not an extermination camp. Before the Red Cross inspection, it was spruced up to mask deplorable conditions. The Red Cross didn’t know residents would later be slaughtered. Although forbidden, clandestine schooling took place. Children immortalized the horrors they witnessed in pictures and poetry. Some contained beautiful visions of home, family and escape. However, many children feared they would die. This realization is evidenced in their drawings and writings. Friedl Dicker-Brandeis, a successful Bauhaus artist, taught art classes in the girls’ and boys’ homes. Under threat of punishment, she secured paper of any type she could find. In her lessons, she tried to help children see past their surroundings to find beauty and self-esteem. She encouraged them to express their feelings through art and poetry. Before being transported to Auschwitz, Friedl hid two suitcases in Terezin that contained 4,500 children’s drawings.

Discovered after the war, this art serves as a memorial to her courage. The book I Never Saw Another Butterfly is a compilation of some of these poems and drawings.

Eckerd Theater Company’s production is an adaptation of the book.

Produced by special arrangement with DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY, Woodstock, Illinois.

Family Theater supported by The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation.

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Engelbert Humperdinck

Saturday, March 26, 8 pm www.engelbert.com

The quintessential romantic balladeer is back for an astounding 20th visit and offers his record-setting 33rd Ruth Eckerd Hall performance! Engelbert has established a bond with fans from multiple generations. For more than four decades, he has brought his music to admirers throughout the world. Clearwater audiences have been treated to his music since 1987. Engelbert’s musical legacy includes 64 gold and 24 platinum records and sales of more than 150 albums. Recent releases include Legacy of Love and Released (an import), featuring music by some of the world’s greatest songwriters. Another recent release, The Winding Road, features music from some of Britain’s best, including John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting, Eric Clapton, Christine McVie and James Blunt. Engelbert was the only artist who was able to keep The Beatles from the top of the charts at the peak of their fame. He can be heard on the soundtracks of Showtime’s Weeds, the indie hit Romance and Cigarettes, and Beavis and Butt-Head Do America.

“Enge” was born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras, India, the youngest of ten children born to British army officer Mervyn Dorsey and his wife Olive. The family returned to England when he was 10. He saved the money he earned on his paper route for saxophone lessons and dreamed of being a band leader. When he sang publicly for the first time at 17, his ambitions changed, along with his name. He became Gerry Dorsey and enjoyed some success in the U.K. A stint in the military and a bout with tuberculosis set him back a bit, but when his manager suggested he take yet another name, this time Engelbert Humperdinck (a German classical opera composer), he began to get noticed and his career took off. Release Me went to #1 in 11 countries and The Times of London declared him “the premier voice of the 20th century.” After the Lovin’, The Last Waltz, There Goes My Everything and many others followed as Engelbert took on pop, disco, rock and gospel. With music that transcends time, Engelbert remains a consummate entertainer.

Sponsored by

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Blue Suede Shoes

The ultimate Elvis Bash

Starring Scot Bruce and Mike Albert with the Big “E” Band Sunday, March 27, 1 pm www.scotbruce.com | www.mikealbertsings.com Elvis is an international phenomenon without equal. “The King’s” popularity remains undiminished as generations of new fans come to appreciate his music.

Do you prefer the young Elvis of the ‘50s, with groundbreaking swiveling hips and bedroom eyes, or the polished Las Vegas professional of later years, oozing charisma and glitz? Blue Suede Shoes brings us the best of both. Scot Bruce looks and sounds uncannily like the young Elvis, and Mike Albert uses his powerful voice and style to recreate the later rock and roll and love songs.

Scot Bruce was a radio personality and drummer in the Pacific Northwest before moving to L.A. to pursue an acting and music career. His impersonation of the ‘50s Elvis began as a way to make ends meet. Much to his surprise, this temporary “gig” blossomed into a full-time career. With an uncanny resemblance to Elvis, and the voice, guitar and moves to match, Scot has taken his tribute show to audiences worldwide. As “Elvis,” he has appeared in music videos with Faith Hill and Sheryl Crow and he is the “Resident Elvis” on a Los Angeles morning radio show. Other credits include Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful, commercials, performances at Disneyland and multiple productions of Shakespeare’s Idols of the King. Scot tours with Legends of Rock & Roll – Buddy, Roy & Elvis.

Mike Albert has won several major world “Elvis” contests. To emulate the sound of the band Elvis used in Las Vegas and on tour, he put together the seven-piece Big “E” Band. He has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and was featured in six music videos on A Current Affair with Maury Povich. Elvis’ original backup groups the Jordinaires and J.D. Sumner and the Stamps quartet have appeared with Mike in many of his shows around the world. His charisma and style get audiences involved and his powerful voice makes the most of rock and roll, gospel and love songs. Mike has twice been asked to do the Miss Tennessee beauty pageant. Get ready to rock and roll. Elvis is back!

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Steve Solomon’s

My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m Still in Therapy

Tuesday, March 29, 8 pm | Wednesday, March 30, 2 & 8 pm Thursday, March 31, 2 pm | Friday, April 1, 2 & 8 pm | Saturday, April 2, 3 & 8 pm www.stevesolomoncomedy.com Murray Studio Theater After ten sellouts in 2010, Steve Solomon is back with a hilarious new show – and he’s still in therapy! With a family like his, it’s no wonder. There’s Uncle Willie, Stuttering Cousin Bob, Demented Cousin Kenny, Cousin Sal (and Sal’s parole officer), and (of course) Steve’s new therapist is on hand, along with a host of wacky characters that seem remarkably familiar: those we know, love and tolerate from our own families.

Steve traces his life from infancy with his twin sister right up to the present. He uses his gift for creating dialects, voices and zany sound effects to add to the hilarity of his stories. Variety says, “Steve Solomon is Alan King, Billy Crystal, a smidgen of Don Rickles and George Carlin all thrown in.”

A Brooklyn native, Steve grew up in the multi-ethnic neighborhood of Sheepshead Bay, the perfect training ground for a dialectician. As the class clown and a very authentic-sounding Chinese restaurant delivery boy, he learned at an early age to use his gift for imitating accents to advantage. He earned a doctorate in education and taught high school physics, using humor, dialects and sound effects as teaching tools. He went on to become Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools on Long Island, New York and then discovered he had a knack for business as well. At last leaving both academics and business behind, Steve turned his attention to making people laugh. He has appeared at more locations in a shorter period of time than any other comic – much to the delight of his audiences. An evening with Steve is like an evening with dozens of zany characters. He has honed the art of impersonation to a science, weaving assorted characters into stories of memorable moments in his past.

Prepare yourself for an interlude of laughter. Steve is still defending himself against those whose sole purpose in life is to add chaos to his. Not an easy task!

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Laughter and Reflection with Carol Burnett:

A Conversation with Carol where the Audience Asks the Questions Thursday, March 31, 8 pm

One of America’s funniest, most beloved and respected performers, Carol Burnett, award-winning actress and best-selling author (GRAMMY®-nominated This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection and One More Time), returns for a conversation at Ruth Eckerd Hall in the tradition of question-and-answer sessions with her studio audiences for episodes of The Carol Burnett Show.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Carol and her sister were raised by their grandmother in a less-than-glamorous section of Hollywood. While studying journalism, Carol took an acting class – and found a new direction for her life. Her start in New York City was rough, but she was eventually booked on The Jack Paar Show and The Ed Sullivan Show. A permanent position on The Garry Moore Show followed. Carol landed the leading role as Princess Winifred in the original Broadway cast of Once Upon A Mattress, and after an Emmy®-winning special with Julie Andrews, CBS offered Carol her own show and a ten-year contract.

Named by Time magazine one of the “100 Best Television Shows of All Time,” The Carol Burnett Show ran for 11 years, averaged 30 million viewers per week, and received 25 Emmy® Awards, one of the most honored shows in television history.

Carol’s portrayal of Starlet O’Hara in Went With The Wind, a parody of Gone With The Wind, is counted among the Top 10 greatest moments in television. The “curtainrod dress” now resides at The Smithsonian. For her comedic and dramatic roles on television, film and Broadway, Carol has been honored with a record 12 People’s Choice Awards, eight Golden Globes®, six Emmy® Awards, the Horatio Alger Award, the Peabody Award and the Ace Award. She has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, is a Kennedy Center honoree, and has been inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. But it is Carol’s artistic brilliance, her respect and appreciation of her fans, and her graciousness, integrity, warmth, and humor on and off screen that have made her one of the most beloved and admired women in America.

Sponsored by

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For Your Information Managed by Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc., Ruth Eckerd Hall and The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute (the organization’s education arm) are located at the Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Performing Arts at 1111 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater, FL 33759. Ruth Eckerd Hall Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.

TICKET OFFICE: Located outside the West Entrance of Ruth Eckerd Hall. Hours are Monday through Saturday, noon to 6:00 pm and one hour prior to performances.

FOR TICKETS: (727) 791-7400 or rutheckerdhall.com.

GROUP DISCOUNTS and Advertising INformation: Sharon Halligan, (727) 712-2717.

MEMBERSHIP: Contact us at (727) 712-2720 or www.rutheckerdhall.com.

LATE SEATING POLICY: To be considerate of the artists and other patrons, anyone arriving after the performance has begun will be seated only at times designated by the artists and their management. Patrons arriving late will be directed to remain in the lobby until they can be seated. No price adjustments, refunds or exchanges can be made for late arrivals.

SMOKING: Ruth Eckerd Hall is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is permitted at the East Side Cafe located outside the East Lobby.

ILLEGALLY PARKED CARS may be towed at the owner’s expense or ticketed.

“BEHIND THE SCENES” TOURS: Group tours of Ruth Eckerd Hall are offered free of charge to the public. Call Patron Services at (727) 712-2707 to schedule a tour.

FIRE NOTICE: IN THE EVENT OF FIRE OR OTHER EMERGENCY, PLEASE WALK TO THE PORTAL DOORS NEAREST YOUR SEAT, PROCEED TO THE NEAREST UPPER OR LOWER LOBBY EXIT DOORS, AND FOLLOW THE USHER’S instructions.

LOST AND FOUND: Please contact our Security Office at (727) 712-2731.

SERVICES FOR PATRONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: Ruth Eckerd Hall is committed to providing services for people with disabilities, assuring a more accessible building and pleasurable performance for every member of the audience. These services include theater wheelchair locations and audio aids, as well as parking spaces, restroom facilities and elevators for patrons with special needs. For assistance, call Patron Services at (727) 7122707 three weeks in advance of the performance you plan to attend.

ELEVATORS: Located in both East and West Lobbies.

RESTROOMS: Located in both East and West Lobbies and Gallery levels.

COURTESY PHONES: Available in both East and West Lobbies upon request.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: Management is not responsible for patrons’ personal apparel or property.

ATM: For your convenience, an ATM is located in the Grand Concourse.

ALL PATRONS MUST HAVE A TICKET, regardless of age. For Family Theater Series performances, a complimentary lap pass will be issued for children under one year of age based on availability (limit: one per paying adult).

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Ruth Eckerd Hall Staff Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.

Robert A. Freedman, President & CEO Norma Romey, Assistant to the President & CEO

Development

Lara Shane, Chief Development Officer Jennifer Gonzalez-Bohnert, Director of Membership Maggie Ciadella, Social Memberships Manager Joyce Pemberton, Director, Corporate Partnerships Nancy Dietrich, Special Events Manager Suzanne Ruley, Grants Manager Heather Wilson, Development Research Analyst Tami Alderman, Development Associate

Education

Joyce M. Bonomini, Director of Education Sharon Reid-Kane, Assistant Director of Education Barry Hamilton, Instruction Manager Julia Flood, Artistic Director, Eckerd Theater Company Susan Zelenka, Booking & Sales Manager Katrina Watters, Data Assessment Coordinator Melody Craven, ETC Artistic Coordinator Ian Beck, Production/Facility Coordinator Jared O’Roark, Resident Teaching Artist Melissa Nolan, Registrar Cynthia Hook, Registrar

Entertainment

Bobby Rossi, Director of Entertainment Kevin Stone, Entertainment Manager

Finance

Karen Jubrail, Chief Financial Officer Doris Alchin, Controller Linda Gardner, Accounting Specialist Maria Carcich, Business Manager

Food & Beverage

Mike Jeckel, F & B Manager Carol Bodin, F & B Lobby & Backstage Supervisor Marty Timoney, F & B Event Coordinator Jack Brown, Chef Rene Eichelberger, Office Assistant

Human Resources

Debra Vermeer, Director of Human Resources Cheryl Calderone, HR Coordinator

Marketing & Communications

Holly Brown, Director of Marketing & Communications Megan Funk, Marketing Manager Katie Pedretty, Public Relations Manager

Mary Sharrard Johnson, Publications Manager Ellen Barr, Publications Coordinator Randy Gilmore, Graphic Designer Cathy Nold, Graphic Design Specialist Sharon Halligan, Group & Advertising Sales Manager Pavlo Synadinos, Digital Media & Web Content Editor Katie Mae Maloney, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator Kristen Battle, Marketing Assistant

Operations

Jeffrey Hartzog, Director of Operations Lisa Taylor Votaw, Assistant Director of Operations Tyson Smith, Technical Director Wes Eubanks, Production Manager Ray McCoy, Facilities Technician Pat Larsen, Building Mechanic

Patron Services

Sandy Villasuso, Senior House Manager Didi Marinake, House Manager Kerry Moore, House Manager Denise Watkins, House Manager Karen Clare, House Manager Louise Schram, Community Relations Coordinator

Security

John Goldsboro, Safety & Security Manager Brandon Groc, Safety & Security Coordinator

Ticketing & Information Technology

Susan Crockett, Chief Information Officer Sheila Crossman, Database Analyst Atid Tayourane, Systems Administrator Bob Snyder, IT Support Specialist Melissa DeMonbreun, Ticketing Services Manager Rachel Ahern, Supervisor Janet Macomber, Supervisor Bethany Ellis, Assistant Supervisor Jan Burger, Receptionist

VIP & Donor Services

Patty Arias, VIP Team Leader Anna McGuire Kelly Simone Belen Rubin

Our stage employees are represented by Local 321, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States and Canada.

Ruth Eckerd Hall is a donor-supported 501(c)3 not-for-profit arts organization.

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LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE Have you experienced our wonderful new venue at the historic Capitol Theatre in Downtown Clearwater, within sight of the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful Coachman Park? Response to the Theatre and shows there has been excellent. With Clearwater’s City Council unanimously approving underwriting for the Capitol, the number of shows will increase from 36 to 100 annually, including both live events and films. This expansion is designed to bring new life and activity to downtown Clearwater.

Beginning with an outdoor concert by Todd Rundgren on March 27, 2009, we had offered a total of 43 shows at the Capitol by the end of January 2011. Artists have ranged from Allstar Weekend to our inaugural performance by William Joseph on April 4, 2009. We have featured rock, pop, blues, classical, comedy, New Age and more. For film buffs, we offered JAWS, Ghostbusters, and a series of theater productions filmed live at the National Theatre in London, England. We have presented live concerts by some of today’s hot new stars like Nikki Yanofsky and David Garrett, and familiar favorites like Arlo Guthrie, Ottmar Liebert, Marc Cohn and Judy Collins. “The Cap” is at the center of the excitement in downtown Clearwater, convenient to shopping and dining, and offers something for everyone. Plan a night on the town. We’re offering more variety, more shows, more fun!

To be sure not to miss any of the great events at the Capitol, sign up for our e-newsletter or check out our new website: www.atthecap.com.

Janis Ian

Ottmar Liebert

Elayne Boosler 64

TRAIn OVATION February/March 2011

Ruth Eckerd Hall proudly presents MEMPHIS! The 4-Time Tony Award® Winner Hits the Stage in February 2012

This 2010 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical is a story of racial tension, forbidden love, personal sacrifice, and a passion to change the world. From the smoky halls and underground dance clubs of the segregated South in 1950s Memphis, this hot new Broadway musical bursts on the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and prohibited love. Much more than a song and dance spectacular about the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is the compelling story of a white radio DJ who falls for everything he shouldn’t: first rock ‘n’ roll, and then an electrifying black singer. Huey Calhoun is willing to lay it all on the line to get airplay for the music he loves. He is determined to change the world, regardless of consequences. Along the way and amid seething racial tensions, he falls in love with a black club singer ready for her big break. This show teems with soaring emotion, laughter, and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll.

A NEW MUSICAL

Why is MEMPHIS coming to us? Ruth Eckerd Hall supports the arts in a myriad of ways. We bring the finest artists and entertainers to Clearwater for your enjoyment, we teach classes, produce and present children’s theater throughout the eastern u.S., support and encourage the development of aspiring actors, dancers and musicians, help integrate the arts into the curriculum of our local schools, and much more.

One way we encourage the arts is by offering financial support to select aspiring Broadway shows, assisting them in obtaining the resources they need to help make their dreams a reality, and providing audiences with a variety of outstanding entertainment.

As a backer of MEMPHIS, we are fortunate to be able to be the first in our market to bring the show to you.

So look for MEMPHIS in 2012. Help us celebrate the remarkable success of the most awardwinning musical of the 2009-2010 season. Witness the cultural revolution that erupted when Huey’s vision met Felicia’s voice – and the music changed forever.

For information on show dates and how to be among the first to buy tickets, call (727) 7917400.

To view a video clip from MEMPHIS and see what everyone is talking about, visit memphisthemusical.com.

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Hot Food!

Live Music!

Full Service Bar!

East Side Cafe at Ruth Eckerd Hall

FEATURING THE

BEER GARDEN

90 minutes before show time, weather permitting (prior to most shows)

CONNECT WITH

RUTH ECKERD HALL!

Get up-to-the-minute show announcements, special offers and discounts, contests, video sneak peeks, reviews, photos and fan postings.

Log on to www.rutheckerdhall.com to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter!

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Annual Contributors Ruth Eckerd Hall is tremendously grateful to the more than 5,500 members who support our commitment to presenting the finest in the performing arts and providing arts education opportunities to nearly 100,000 young people and adults each year.

The following list represents the annual contributions (over $750) made to Ruth Eckerd Hall, november 1, 2009 – november 30, 2010. $50,000 + IndividualLarry & Marge Dimmitt Mr. and Mrs. Raymond E. Murray CorporateEckerd Family Foundation Florida Department of State Michael G. Cantonis Foundation Progress Energy St. Petersburg Times Tampa/Clearwater Lexus Dealer Association

$25,000 - $49,999 IndividualMrs. Sidney G. Albert Michael and Roxanne Connor Mr. and Mrs. Daniel M. Doyle Fred and Aleta Fisher David and Angela Katz CorporateAEG Live LLC Florida Bank of America Bright House Networks Carrabba’s Italian Grill Kirkland, Russ, Murphy & Tapp, P.A. The Leading Ladies of Ruth Eckerd Hall Raymond James Financial Verizon Communications

$10,000 - $24,999 IndividualTony and Linda Bacon C. Douglas and Eleanor Baker Leah and Glenn Bergoffen Mr. and Ms. Clay Biddinger CJ Botsolas Rick & Karen Bouchard Ms. Lillian Brogan Bryan and Mary Crino Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Doyle Jr Mrs. Ralph Dutcher Mrs. Barbara Engelhardt George & Lisa Etheridge Dr. and Mrs. Miguel Fana Scott and Leigh Feuer Dr. and Mrs. Pit Gills Mr. and Mrs. Mardy Gordon Kevin and Angela Hawkins Kathleen & Roger Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Donald K. Karnes Michael & Joan Kline Jason and Susie Kuhn Mr. & Mrs. Roger Kumar Dr. Cesar Lara / Center for Weight Loss Management Nancy & George Mariani Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Minck Drs. Vincent and Natalie Monticciolo Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Rutz Eric and Barbara Schmitz Mr. and Mrs. Vivek Seth Mr. Jeffry Stern

Tim and Sandy Stroyne Dave Thomas & Julie Lachman The Thomas Family / Pinch A Penny, Inc. Warren & Debbie Young

Kevin and Tammie Hourigan Mr. and Mrs. Thomas James Mr. and Mrs. Guilherme Johannpeter Mr. & Mrs. Robert Klingel Anna and Joseph Kokolakis Steven and Holly Kramer CorporateMarc and Lee Ann Kudelko Bonefish Grill Dr. and Mrs. Paul Kudelko City of Clearwater Chris and Angela LaFace Clearwater Cardiovascular & Laura and Brian Maiocco Interventional Consultants Dr. Andrew Maser and Dr. Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Inc. Debbie Brown Clearwater Threshers Cheryl Mercuris Baseball Club Darryl and Shannon Minardi Elite Travel Group Mark and Leslie Monkarsh Tammy Levent Execujet Charter Services, Inc - Mrs. Jean Munro Kenneth and Elizabeth O’Neil Peter & Rhonda Cunzolo Mr. Hershel Oliff Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Mel and Pam Ora & Wine Bar Full Spectrum Communications Mr. Michael A. Ortoll Mr. Anand Pallegar HCA West Florida Division La Quinta Inn Clearwater Central Mr. and Mrs. Jason Patchen Sandip and Rita Patel Melitta USA Publix Super Markets Charities Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Pawlowski Ms. Suzette Peraza Regions Bank Dr. and Mrs. Paul Phillips Synovus Bank of Tampa Bay Steven and Haven Poirier The Jane Blalock Company Michael Preston VSA Arts of Florida and Geri Pearsall Mark and Carol-Lynn Roman Deirdre and Adam Rosen MD $5,000 - $9,999 Kelly and Robert Schmidt IndividualMr. Wendell F. Schott Erik G. Abrahamson Gail & Robin Selby Mr. and Mrs. Robby Adams Scott and Mariela Shear Michael J. Adams, DDS and Mr. and Mrs. Barry Shevlin Pamela G. Adams, DDS, MS, PA Mr. William H. Simon Mr. and Mrs. Barry M. Alpert Dr. and Mrs. R. Bob Smith III Dr. Rodney Anthony Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Stone Doug and Sally Bailey Tom and Sharon Streng Dan Balda Mr. and Mrs. John Touchton Mr. & Mrs. Steven Benjamin Nina and Trey Traviesa Thilo D. Best Teresa and Joe Trepani Tom and Karen Boland Dr. Steven & Mrs. Irene Weiss Rob and Kathy Boos Gene and Brenda Whitehead Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bouchard Greg & Sandra Willsey Lisa Parker Boudreau Charles A. Brooks, MD CorporateMr. Bjorn E. Brunvand Ameri-Tech Community Mgmt, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Cambas Inc. / Mr. Michael Perez The Carolan Family AT&T Mr. Blake J. Casper BB&T - Branch, Banking Mr. Robert Challener and Mr. and Trust Nelson Morrow Belleair Jewelry Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Cheek Bina Kumar Irrevocable Trust Peter and Jenny Chicouris C & R Building Mr. and Mrs. Ms. Claudia Sokolowski Edward Cingoranelli Coca-Cola USA Gary and Amy Connors Dillard’s Keith & Debra Cook Dimmitt Automotive Group Randy and Ellen Crisorio Engelke Insurance & Financial Alice & Thomas J. Culhane MacFarlane Ferguson Eric & Amy Dann & McMullen Rob and Jacqui DiMarco Nichols Foundation, Inc. Sharon Ellis-Champagne Mr. Ralph Coxhead Lisa M. Faller Northern Trust Bank Ben and Dara Fertic Palm Pavilion of Clearwater Tom and Jennifer Frederick Ken Hamilton David and Cris Gilden Pinellas Community Foundation Mr. William Grob Raymond James Trust Private Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey S. Grove Wealth Management Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Haire Sullivan Associates Dr. Bill & Jeanne Heller SunTrust Bank of Tampa Bay Pete and Kristy Hernandez The Wachovia Foundation

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Whitney Bank

$2,500 - $4,999 IndividualJeanie and David Abelson Ms. Diane Adams Mr. and Mrs. Martin Awerbach Dr. & Mrs. John P. Barrett Fran Bartlett Mrs. Gloria Batts Steve and Marie Beaty Philip & Carol Beauchamp David and Nancy Bilheimer Bunny and Bill Bitner Jonathon and Kimberly Blake W. Gerald and Carolyn E. Blaney M. Alison Boh Ms. Mary Alice Braukman Harold Brown William L. & Ruth J. Bruggeman Mrs. Loretto R. Burmester David and Jennifer Calverley Terri L. Castro Robert B. Churney DMD & Ericka Reincke Mr. John R. Cook Earle and Dawn Cooper Carole Core Ardelle F. Darling Charles J. and Karleen F. DeBlaker Dr. and Mrs. David Decamella Terry & Marilyn Deeb Mr. Steven DeGeorge Dr. Anthony and Audrey Duany Mr. and Mrs. Mark Edmunds Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Fava Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Ferrentino Mr. Forrester and Ms. Morris Mr. & Mrs. Robert Freedman Mrs. Anne V. Goiran Linda Suzzanne Griffin-Keliher Mrs. Gladys Douglas Hackworth Drs. Brian and Connie Hale Ms. Doreen Halliwell Mr. and Mrs. Eric Hambsch Mrs. Kent Harden Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence W. Harkins III Bill and Jan Harroun Mr. and Mrs. Harold F. Heye Susan Morgenstein Heyman Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Hoffman Abby and Joe Holt, Sr. Kenneth W. & Sheri Hoye Mr. Donald Kocolowski Mrs. Selma Kron Mr. & Mrs. Brian Ladell Dr. Michael P Lazor & Mrs. Rose Lazor Bradley and Audrey Leach Joni R. Long Rick & Pamela Lopez Jill and Dodge Melkonian Mr. & Mrs. EB Pasquale Mr. & Mrs. Lowell Paxson Mr. and Mrs. David Pelletz Judy and Ron Petrini Mr. Dave Pettinato Mr. & Mrs. F. Wallace Pope, Jr Joseph Proctor Jimmy and Amy Richman Ms. Tara Rogachefsky Tara and David Ruberg Mr. & Mrs. D. Scherer

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Annual Contributors Mr. Kenneth Schick Terry and Aleta Schmidt Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Schwartz Mr. & Mrs. F.J. Sharpe Hon. J. Harrison Smith Joe Nemo Mr. & Mrs. Jack Sprague Mr. & Mrs. Johnston Staples David P. Stone & Deborah G. Stone Jeanne Talerico Mrs. Ray W. Trautlein Christopher & Georgette Tsavoussis Elden & Ruth Weiss Debbie White Mr. & Mrs. Albert Wiseman Mr. & Mrs. Workman Douglas & Lisa Wycoff

CorporateBelleair Country Club Best Buy Stores Clearwater Gas System Mr. Andrew Spetz Creative Contractors, Inc. Ferman Motor Car Co., Inc. Foundation for Global Understanding General Dynamics - OTS Island Way Grill, Inc. Jim & Jill St. Louis Maddux Report Palma Ceia Storage, Inc. Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners Provise Management Group, LLC Red Diamond Wine Richard Nader Entertainment Southern Arts Federation The Docobo Corporation USAmeriBank Wells Fargo Insurance Services Wells Fargo

$1,500 - $2,499 IndividualPaul & Bobbi Wileman Adair Jim & Gail Agnew Dr. & Mrs. Michael Andriola Ms. Debbie Angelus & Mr. Ralph Harris Mr. and Mrs. Vance Arnett Mrs. Linda Bellew Mr. Ron Benson Mr. & Mrs. Gerald M. Benstock Mr. & Mrs. Richard F. Binnig Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Blanton Sr Mr. and Mrs. Daniel T. Bloom John and Shirley Boelhower Michael & Bonnie Bollenback Ms. Laurie Breen Fred and Lori Brown Patricia Burke and Howard Ritchie Mrs. Penny Burnison Mr. Sid Burtnick Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bush Mrs. Greta Cesario Drs. William and Elaine Clark Dr. & Mrs. Harold Colbassani Mrs. Jacqueline Cole-Graziano Mr. Thomas Spencer Colton Mr. Randy Cook Mr. and Mrs. Larry Cotton Mrs. Margaret Darraugh Stewart Davis Brenda Davis Dr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Deal Dexter Family Anthony and Lynn DiAngelus

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Dr. & Mrs. David Dieterich Mrs. Irving Schoenberg Kathryn and Pierre Drouin Mr. & Mrs. David W. Dunbar Holly Duncan Ms. Stacie A. Dunphy Dr. & Mrs. Paul Duryea Merrill Lynch & Company, Inc. / W. Wallace Dutton III Dr. & Mrs. Richard Eicher Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Eiman Dr. Robert Entel Dr. & Mrs. Irwin Entel Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Farthing Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Fishman Mrs. Louise Flandreau Mr. John Francis Ms. Vicki Franklin Mr. and Mrs. P. Douglas Freedle Dr. Lawrence Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Alan Gassman Mr. John Gillis Mrs. Betty J. Girens Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Goldman Ms. Debra Gomes Mr. & Mrs. Richard R. Gomez Mr. Gary Gray Ms. Catherine M. Green Johnny Green Priscilla R. Gross Mr. Robert Gross Mrs. Pat Grubb Mrs. Yvonne Gubner Ms. Dana Guy Ms. Barbara Haagsma Dr. and Mrs. Allen Haimes Lawrence W. Hamilton Mr. Paul Hanna Mr. and Mrs. John Hanson Howard & Linda Harris Ms. Barbara O. Hart Harold Hartigan and Michael Beckwith Mr. Wayne Harvey Mr. Thomas Hassel Phil & Janet Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Heshelow Mr. W. R. Jacobsen Anthony Johannesmeyer Mr. Leland D. Johansen Mr. William Jonson Mr. & Mrs. James Jordan Robert & Sharon Jorgensen Mr. and Mrs. John Kasper Mr. Michael E. Keniston Mr. & Mrs. Roger Kenyon Keith & Cathy Kerrigan Mr. & Mrs. Ken Klespies Mr. Mel Klinghoffer Ralph and Nancy Kluesner Sandy Cotterman Mr. James Koss Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Lally Peggy & Fred Langenberg Mrs. Pamela LeCompte Mr. and Mrs. John Lehmann Stanley and Susan Levy Dick and Beverly Lingle Anonymous Dave & Mary Macdaid Dr. & Mrs Christopher MacLaren Mr. Ralph Mangione Robert C. Mason Kim and Todd Mattox Mr. & Mrs. Kelly McClung Mr. & Mrs. John McConnell III Mr. and Mrs. Arthur McKenzie Mr. & Mrs. Paul McMullen Barbara McNeill and Tim Rush Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. McSheehy Mr. John Medaska Dr. & Mrs. Steve Mirabello Max and Andrea Mitchell Bill & Tanga Moyle

Dr. Yi-Hwa Outerbridge & Mr. Felix Cannella Jr. Overmyer Charitable Foundation Mr. Roy Pandeloglou Mrs. Maria Pappas Mr. & Mrs. James N. Paxton Ms. Tannia Peeples Ms. Joyce A. Pemberton Grant and Carlen Petersen Mr. & Mrs. Walter Piper Mrs. Pat Plumlee Mr. and Mrs. Loren Pollack Mr. Donald Prokes Mrs. Lillian Pulver-Giordano Dr. & Mrs. Andrew Rackstein Ms. Heather Radke Dr. Lori Ransohoff Mr. & Mrs. J. Paul Raymond Mr. and Mrs. Robert Resnik Dr. & Mrs. John J. Rinde Mr. Charles Robinson Jr Mr. and Mrs. John T. Robinson Louise & Charlie Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Ruley Howard & Dina Sachs Mr. & Mrs. Matlock Schilleman Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Shane Bill and Missy Smith Mr. & Mrs. James Snyder The James L. Spencer Family Drs. Jonathan & Lisa Squires Mr. and Mrs. Gus Stavros J.O. Stone and Nell Rodriguez Ms. Shirley Strange Ms. Jill Strumpf Mr. and Mrs. Richard Surette Kenny and Vera Swade Steve & Maureen Swanson Roy and Catherine Sweatman Ms. Karen Sweeney Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tankel Mr. Jeffrey D. Thomas Gary and Adrian Tocklin Mr. and Mrs. Raphael Tourin Mr. Gary R. Trombley Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Trusina Joan Vecchioli & Andrew Salzman Ms. Karen Vietto Dr. and Mrs. Lee Watkins Jr Angel Welker Ron & Lonni Whitchurch Mr. & Mrs. Carl White Suzanne Piper Wilder Dr. & Mrs. Frank M. Williams Mr. Mark Wimberly Mrs. P.G. Winquist Diane Bennett and Chet Yoakum Mr. Fred Yonteck & Emilie LeBoeuf Dr. & Mrs. Lane Ziegler

Cosmetic Surgery Cox Target Media Dayton-Andrews Inc. Gulfcoast Programs Mr. & Mrs. Phil Nathanson Mr. Edward Droste Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa Land Care Solutions LLC Lincks & Associates, Inc. Majemac Enterprises, Inc. Mandalay Surf & Sport Inc. Manheim St. Pete Market Technologies, LLC Louis Mendelsohn McFarland, Gould, Lyons, Sullivan & Hogan P.A. NELCO Realty Holdings Nurses Choice, Inc. Ed Halleran and Steve Sika Perenich,Caulfield, Avril & Noyes P.A. Polypack, Inc. Radiology Associates of West Pasco Mr. Richard Cook Rock N Roll Heaven Memorabilia Sun Country Cleaners The Bernd Group, Inc. The Stuffed Mushroom U.B.S. Financial Services USAA Foundation VISION SYSTEMS, INC. WGUL-AM/FM

$750 - $1,499

IndividualToni Alexander Lori Allen Ms. Betty Jo Andrews Mr. James Ashbaugh Mr. Nicholas Athanason Mr. Don Bailey Charlotte Bailey Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy F. Bates Mr. Billy Beattie Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Hilmer Beckers Mr. and Mrs. D.A. Bennett, II Richard Bialor & Byron Mathis Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bianco Ms. Ellen Bilgore Mr. & Mrs. Al Biller Maurice and Selma Biller Walter W. Blenner Mr. and Mrs. Alan C. Bomstein Mr. and Mrs. Mark Brown Myra Burke Mr. and Mrs. George Cantonis Judge and Mrs. James R. Case Ms. Roberta Lutz Christenson Mr. and Mrs. Robert Collins Kevin and Charlene Connelly CorporateDerek and Tracey Cooper AEGON Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Copher Albritton Title, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Davis Alfano’s Restaurant Dr. Michael All Star Transportation, Inc. and Mrs. Diana DeVito Alliant Techsystems Mr. & Mrs. Anthony R. Dominick Am-Med, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Brian J. Donushi American Association of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dunn University Women Richard and Bridget Eckerd Amplex Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Engquist Anesthesia Associates Mr. Robert A. Fajt of Dunedin Mr. & Mrs. Norman Ferenz APG Electric, Inc. / Dr. Enesto Fernandez Mr. John R. Kavula Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Finnegan Arcieri & Associates Jerry & Elaine Flatt Bank of America Matching Prgm Mrs. Betty Ann Foxworthy Baxter, Strohauer, Mannion Dr. and Mrs. H. James Free & Silbermann, P.A. Mr. and Mrs. Chris V. Gagnon Burchard Galleries Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Gavron Clearwater Center For Mr. John Geigle Anthony & Nicola Giallourakis

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Annual Contributors Mr. and Mrs. L. Thomas Giblin Dr. and Mrs. James P. Gills Jr Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Goodman Dr. Elinor Z. Gordon Todd Gould & Jennifer Barbaro Ms. Billie Jo Grassinger Robert and Rachel Hackney Dr. Robert Hannum Mr. & Mrs. Burton Hartman Mike & Janice Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Mike Hernandez Dr. Jack Hirshon Drs. Robert & Teresa Howard Alvin and Shirley Howes Mr. George Iacono Mr. & Mrs. Larry Ingram Paul & Kim Jackson II Mike & Penny Jackson Paul & Joanne Jackson Mrs. Karen P. Johnston Ms. Jana Jones Richard D. & Rosetta Jordan Pat and Mike Jordan Dr. Demetrios Kaiafas Harriet Kaplan Dr. & Mrs. Harvey Kerstein Michael & Joanne King Mark & Judy Klein Theodore & Mary Kramer Dr. R F Kuehne Dr. & Mrs. David A. Landis Mr. and Mrs. James Lankton Mr. Raymond Leppla Mr. Stuart Lipman Mr. Walter Loebenberg Randy and Jolene Loos Frank Lorenzo Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Lucas

Mr. John Makholm Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Mariani Jim & Charlane Martin Robert and Susan Mauch Bruce and Terri Medlin Mr. and Mrs. Ronald W. Miller Mrs. John Mulock Dr. & Mrs. Craig Munger Mr. and Mrs. John Murray Mr. and Mrs. Gary Namm Mr. Larry Nelson Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Niedzwiecki Mr. and Mrs. William Nodine Mr. William F. Noren Timothy & Heather North Raymond and Trina Oakes Mr. & Mrs. Gregory “Skip” Olney Mr. Donald Olson Fagl Oxman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Perkins Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Perlman Jim & Sue Petru Mr. and Mrs. Chris Piccone Mr. & Mrs. Peter Piro Mr. and Mrs. James R. Price J. Crayton & Johanna Pruitt Mr. & Mrs. James Ragan Mr. and Mrs. Richard Redmon Mr. and Mrs. Parker Robinson Robert & Annette Rochlin Nermine & Les Rubin Mr. and Mrs. George Ruppel Marty and Melissa Ryan Seth and Tammy Schimmel Mr. James Seletos Alan and Deborah Sherman Mr. and Mrs. Garry Simpson Col. Paul Sims

Ms. Violet Smith Sylvette Sola Mr. and Mrs. Ezack Sptaru Mr. and Mrs. Jay B. Starkey Jr Mr. John E. Stross Dr. Diane Sutton Mark C. Taylor Mrs. Jerald B. Turner Dr. & Mrs. Ty Tvedten Dr. Barbara Van Winkle Glenn and Liz Waters Mark & Beth Weaver Dr. Randall Weisel Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Welpton Eric D. Weston & Barbara A. Baccari Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Whiddon Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Williams Mr. Horst D. Winter Dr. Ditmar Wissel Patricia Wooten The Peggy and Robert Word Family

Carillon Floor Center Caroline and Lee, P.A. Counter Productions D-MAR General Contracting & Development Dean Guitars Ed’s Fine Wines Elf Salad Music, BMI / Phil Lopez Haynes Appraisal Group, Inc. Homestead Title of Pinellas Hoyt-Jolley Foundation Humana IBM Corporation Matching Grant Program Kathy and Bob Brooks Law Office of Charles Philips Lifestyle Family Fitness Media Impact Advertising, Inc. Michael Clayton Generation Nex Neurosurgical Spine Center Dr. & Mrs. George D. Giannakopoulos Ocean Reef Club Radiance Medspa Belleair Bluff Rauh-Co Construction Services, Inc. RBC Dain Rauscher Rosewater, Lerner & Rudolph Rotary Club-East Lake Sunrise CorporateActionCoach Pinellas Firm - Southwest Airlines Co. Spencer & Associates Architecture, Mrs. Barbara Kyes Inc. - Mr. Stephen J. Spencer Advance Placement Travel Taylor Guitars AirTran Airways Automotive Fleet Enterprises The List Experts Thirsty Marlin / Louis Spiro Truefire.com Belloise Realty Verizon Foundation Brady’s Backyard BBQ Brandon Construction Company

Legacy Society Thank you to the Legacy Society members listed below for including Ruth Eckerd Hall in their estate plans. If you are interested in finding out how you can provide Ruth Eckerd Hall with a planned gift, please contact Lara Shane, Chief Development Officer at lshane@rutheckerdhall.net or at (727) 712-2718.

Anonymous Drs. Lofty & Laila Basta Mrs. Greta Casario, Jr. Mr. Robert Challener & Mr. Nelson Morrow Mr. & Mrs. Carroll Cheek Mrs. Ivon Culver Mr. & Mrs. George & Doris Dalack

Mrs. Ralph Dutcher Ms. Julie Eiden Sharon Ellis Champagne Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Fisher Mr. & Mrs. Mardy Gordon Ms. Linda Griffin-Keliher Ms. Patricia Grubb Mrs. Ruth Grymes Dr. & Mrs. Robert Hackett

Ms. Gladys Douglas Hackworth Mr. Ed Halleran & Mr. Steve Sika Ms. Doreen Halliwell Mr. James Harper Ms. Renée Hurley Mr. & Mrs. Bill Johnson Ms. Tammy Leverent Mr. Richard W. Murphy Mr. & Mrs. Dean & Liz Ramus

Start Your Own

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Redmon Michael & Carla Roy Mrs. Carlos Schoeppl Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Schwartz Mrs. Lara Shane Mr. Everett Simpkins Dr. & Mrs. R. Bob Smith Mr. & Mrs. David Stone Mrs. Ray Trautlein

Legacy with Us

Become a member of Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Legacy Society and make a personal investment in the community and ensure years of world-class entertainment and cultural enrichment for yourself and your children. You can enjoy the quality of life we have here in our community and at Ruth Eckerd Hall. And, you can do your part to make it even greater.

The array of gift-giving options and the ways you can incorporate them into a legacy gift are as varied as the circumstances they serve.

We are always available to provide you with further information and suggestions on gifts that fit with your lifestyle and philanthropic goals.

For more details, please contact Lara Shane, Chief Development Officer at (727) 712-2718 or lshane@rutheckerdhall.net. Your legacy gift will help Ruth Eckerd Hall keep the dream of the arts and arts education in our community alive for generations to come!

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FInDInG YOuR WAY AROunD RuTH ECkERD HALL

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RUTH ECKERD HALL HA TO FIT EVERY STA 1UP

is a dynamic group at Ruth Eckerd Hall taking an active role in enhancing Tampa Bay’s cultural scene.

Become a member of this exclusive, new social concert club for Tampa Bay’s young professionals (ages 21-35) who are seeking a new venue to “co-create” modern, musical experiences.

One up [wuhn-uhp] – verb, succeed in being a step ahead of (someone).

Source: Dictionary.com

1UP Events coming soon: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 8 pm

The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein

Friday, March 18, 2011, 8 pm

Spring Awakening

Check club1up.com frequently to find out about new 1UP events.

For more information or to join the club, visit: CLUB1UP.COM

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP is

Ruth Eckerd Hall’s new level of membership. For as little as $250, you can build memories with your loved ones while supporting the arts! Some of the benefits you and your family will experience include: • Ticket purchasing before the general public • Meet and Greet opportunities at Family Shows based on artist availability* • Access to the Hoffman Dress Circle Lounge during Family Attraction Shows featuring child-friendly amenities including comfortable seating, private restrooms, coloring activities, milk and cookies and other fun activities.

Upcoming Workshops Sat., February 25 Sat., May 21

The Frog Bride Darwin the Dinosaur: A Glow-in-the-Dark Adventure

*Some restrictions may apply

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S A MEMBERSHIP LEVEL GE OF YOUR LIFE...

Become part of Ruth Eckerd Hall’s “in-crowd,” and get advance notice and first chance at the best seats! Don’t miss out on attending such sold out shows as: • • • • • • •

Lady Antebellum Ringo Starr Neil Young Crosby, Stills & Nash Earth, Wind & Fire Robert Plant Peter Frampton

For more information on how Ruth Eckerd Hall’s membership levels can benefit you in your current stage of life, contact us at (727) 712-2720 or www.rutheckerdhall.com.

A COPY OF THE REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Registration #CH-1562. 100% of each contribution goes to Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.

Save the Date!

Enjoy an outstanding theatrical experience, including an evening of superb live performances, excellent food and beverages, exciting live auction items and fabulous dancing to benefit the arts education programs of The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall at the

6th Annual Spring Gala Friday, April 29, 2011 6:30 pm – Cocktail Reception 7:30 pm – Gala Dinner and Dancing Ruth Eckerd Hall Main Stage 1111 McMullen Booth Road Clearwater, Florida Individual tickets are available for $350 and $250. Sponsorship levels are available for $15,000, $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 with benefits including a table for ten guests and recognition the night of the event. For more information, please contact Nancy Dietrich, Special Events Manager at (727) 712-2760 or ndietrich@rutheckerdhall.net.

A COPY OF THE REGISTRATIOn AnD FInAnCIAL InFORMATIOn MAY BE OBTAInED FROM THE DIvISIOn OF COnSuMER SERvICES BY CALLInG 1-800-435-7352 WITHIn THE STATE. REGISTRATIOn DOES nOT IMPLY EnDORSEMEnT, APPROvAL OR RECOMMEnDATIOn BY THE STATE. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Registration #CH-1562. 100% of each contribution goes to Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.

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CEO Hall of Fame Thank you to the CEOs that understand the importance of the arts in our community and the impact the arts have on our lives. If you would like to learn how you can support the arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall, please contact Joyce Pemberton, Director of Corporate Partnerships at (727) 712-2716 or jpemberton@rutheckerdhall.net.

“Both the St. Petersburg Times and Ruth Eckerd Hall are among our region’s leading cultural and intellectual assets, so the partnership between our organizations is a natural.” ~ Paul Tash, Chairman & CEO, St. Petersburg Times

"The Verizon Foundation is committed to helping improve student achievement, so we are pleased to support the outstanding educational programs of Ruth Eckerd Hall. Through programs such as PASSport, experiential learning through the arts will increase the likelihood of academic success for at-risk students, and increased educational success will help produce self-sustaining, creative, and contributing adults." ~ Michelle Robinson, Southeast Region President, Verizon

"As a corporate partner operating in 35 counties in Florida and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Progress Energy is committed to supporting the arts. We believe there is nothing more powerful than strong communities. After all, our success is wholly intertwined with that of the communities we serve. That’s why we take an active role in supporting community partners like Ruth Eckerd Hall that positively impact our customers and employees." ~ Vincent Dolan, President & CEO, Progress Energy Florida

“As a keen supporter of the arts, our partnership with the Hoffman Institute and Ruth Eckerd Hall gives me tremendous pride that we are furthering such an important part of these students’ lives. As a community, we came together to enjoy the exceptionally talented women of the Legends Tour with the knowledge we are supporting such a worthy cause. This is a winning relationship on many levels.” ~ Sheila Johnson, owner of Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club former music teacher, classically trained violinist and avid arts supporter

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CEO HALL OF FAME “Bright House Networks hosts The Bright Stars Senior Idol Show here every year. The staff is always professional and reliable. We always have a great experience using Ruth Eckerd Hall, and it is great to know that by bringing business to the Hall, we are also supporting culture and arts in our community.” ~ Mike Robertson, Division President, Bright House Networks

“A partnership with Ruth Eckerd Hall feels right on many different levels.

It is great to provide our automotive dealership clients with special privileges and amenities at this outstanding venue, while continuing to show support for the arts and our local community. We are very excited.” ~ Richard Dimmitt, President and CEO, Dimmitt Automotive Group

“The Ameri-Tech group of companies has always been a strong supporter of the arts and Ruth Eckerd Hall. For years, Ruth Eckerd Hall has been an intricate part of the Tampa Bay community providing big performances without the atmosphere of a huge auditorium. It is this kind of experience that leaves you with a lasting impression regarding the performing arts. That’s why we are proud to sponsor The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute and Ruth Eckerd Hall.”

-Mike Perez, CEO, Ameri-Tech Community Management

“Raymond James is as passionate about supporting our community as we are about providing quality financial services for our clients.

One manifestation of this is our continuing support of the arts in the Tampa Bay area. We not only believe that artistic expression and arts education contribute tangibly to the health and vitality of our community – it also enhances our economic climate. Raymond James is proud to be associated with Ruth Eckerd Hall, one of Tampa Bay’s outstanding institutions.”

-Thomas A. James, Chairman, Raymond James Financial, Inc.

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A BIG THANK YOU TO RUTH ECKERD HALL’S CORPORATE PARTNERS! 2010 - 2011 Season Sponsor

CLEARWATER CENTRAL

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Dining & Lodging Around Ruth Eckerd Hall We recommend...

La Quinta Inn

21338 U.S. Hwy. 19 N. Clearwater, FL 33765 (727) 799-1565

& Restaurant

4 Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

McMullen Booth Rd.

Enterprise Rd.

Hyatt Regency Clearwater

11 Beach Resort & Spa

301 South Gulfview Boulevard Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 (727) 373-1234; (800) 233-1234 www.clearwaterbeach.hyatt. com

Perkins Restaurant

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10

36750 U.S. Highway 19 North Innisbrook, FL 34684 (727) 942-2000; (800) 492-6899 www.innisbrookgolfresort.com

Market & Café 1225 Cleveland St. Clearwater, FL 33755 (727) 443-6703

(Open 24 Hours) U.S. Hwy.19 & Gulf to Bay 2626 Gulf to Bay Blvd.

Clearwater, FL 33759 (727) 799-2019

1322 W. Boy Scout Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 874-WINE(9463)

SR 580

Golf & Spa Resort

nature’s Food Patch

7

2519 McMullen Booth Rd. Clearwater, FL 33761 (727) 726-1315

W

3

.H

Ills

bo

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ug

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Av

e.

Old Tampa Bay

Sunset Point Rd. SR 590 Drew St.

–A 10 Innisbrook Salamander®

2930 Gulf to Bay Blvd.

Clearwater, FL 33759 (729) 799-3082 www.ceviche.com

Bonefish Grill

2

3535 Ulmerton Rd. Clearwater, FL 33762 (727) 577-9100 www.holidayinn.com/ clw-stpete

6 Ceviche Tapas Bar

33983 U.S. Hwy.19 N. Palm Harbor, FL 34684 (727) 787-8910 19919 U.S. Hwy 19 N. Clearwater, FL 33764 (727) 712-0844

3

9 St. Pete/Clearwater Airport

Causeway Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 281-0000

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

2

Holiday Inn

Westin Tampa Bay 5 The 7627 Courtney Campbell

1 Clearwater Central

1 8

6

Courtney

Gulf to Bay Blvd.

ay

5

7

l Causew

Campbel

Ruth Eckerd Hall Bridg ide Bays

2

4

US HWY 19

e

11

wa

Ho

East Bay Dr.

Ulmerton Rd.

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summer arts

Just around the corner ... classes & camps enrolling soon!

The Marcia P.

HOFFMAN INSTITUTE Performing Arts

Call today! (727) 712-2706 or visit us online at hoffmanperformingarts.org