WELCOME TO THE CENTER!

Believe it or not, we’re heading into the final stretch of the 2022-2023 performing arts season, but our spring lineup has plenty to offer for a wide range of tastes.

One can practically trace the evolution of the singer-songwriter with upcoming appearances by folk-rock legend Graham Nash (April 23), Marc Cohn and Shawn Colvin sharing a stage (April 13), the Wallflowers led by Jakob Dylan (April 26) and former 10,000 Maniacs diva Natalie Merchant (May 16) touting her first album of new material in nearly a decade.

The Center’s growing comedy schedule rolls on with SNL alum Kevin Nealon (April 7) and queen of snark Chelsea Handler (April 14). Fans of Broadway and the Great American Songbook won’t want to miss the Four Phantoms (April 21) or Michael Feinstein’s tribute to Judy Garland (April 29), the topic of our cover story that begins on Page 6.

If you like the idea of classically trained musicians pushing the envelope with unconventional instruments and repertoire – and a sense of humor –you’ll probably dig the experimental quartet Abilene (April 15) and George Hinchliffe's Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (April 30).

The pop/rock genius of British songwriterproducer Jeff Lynne will be on display May 5 when the tribute production Evil Woman – billed as “the American ELO” – brings its show to the Palladium. And on May 11, American Idol rivals Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken will either bury the hatchet or continue their 20-year grudge match.

Beyond the standard menu of music and arts, globetrotting National Geographic filmmaker Filipe DeAndrade is coming April 25 to dazzle wildlife fans with his clips and stories. Local school groups can take in a free matinee earlier in the day.

Elsewhere in the Center’s upcoming activities are the second annual New Works Premiere Performances, the Jungle Jams summer music camp for kids, and the new Prism Project performing arts camp for youth with disabilities. More information on education programs and upcoming shows is always available at the TheCenterPresents.org.

Glad you could join us!

Jeffrey C. McDermott President/CEO

Feinstein Artistic Director