Whether you’re looking for something different for a date night or want to enjoy a fun and relaxing evening out with friends, we invite you to experience UpStage at UF Performing Arts. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres at 7 p.m. and complimentary desserts at 9 p.m. Join the artists on the stage, which is transformed into a jazz club atmosphere complete with tables, chairs, and a cash bar.
Look for the UpStage logo throughout this brochure for performances at Gainesville’s most unique music lounge! Scan the code to see our season’s performance offerings.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2023 | 7:00 & 9:00 P.M.
UPSTAGE AT THE PHILLIPS CENTER
The intercontinental super-group of four acoustic guitarists has returned for its 23rd year of touring with Stephanie Jones (Australia), Olli Soikkeli (Finland), Jocelyn Gould (Canada), and Jesús Guerrero (Spain). The guitar greats take the stage displaying their individual diverse styles and then perform together, mesmerizing audiences with an evening of grandeur. Every time you think one piece is the peak of a performance, another player commands the audience’s attention! Favorites of UFPA, it will be great to welcome them back to our stage.
RESERVED — 7:00 P.M. SEATING $50 | 9:00 P.M. SEATING $35 | UF STUDENTS $10 UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7:00 p.m. seatings include heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; 9:00 p.m. seatings include desserts and cash bar. 352.392.2787 | PERFORMINGARTS.UFL.EDU
Thanks to Bobby Rush’s long memory and quick wit, he’s hailed as one of the blues’ best storytellers, which shines through during his live shows. The two-time, Grammy-winning legend, and Blues Hall of Famer, incorporates humor, prolific guitar, and harmonica playing into his stunning performances. Pair this icon with 26-year-old UFPA favorite, Jontavious Willis, and you’ll have the ultimate blues experience. Willis was nominated for a Grammy in 2020, thanks to his latest album, Spectacular Class. He’s a fingerpicker, flat-picker, and slide player who masterfully plays guitar, harmonica, banjo, and cigar box. Expect a lot of foot tapping the entire show!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2023 | 7:00 & 9:00 P.M. UPSTAGE AT THE PHILLIPS CENTER
Buffalo Rose is a wildly charismatic six-piece modern folk/Americana band that will change your entire perspective on acoustic music. Inspired by a world of idiosyncratic influences, this wildly diverse group crafts original songs that are emotive and meticulously arranged. Buffalo Rose puts on dynamic live shows that are unforgettable. Songs range from upbeat and moving to sad and sweet then back again—they bring the entire audience along. Their latest EP, Rabbit, was released February 2022; it was created in collaboration with Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Tom Paxton.
RESERVED — 7:00 P.M. SEATING $50 | 9:00 P.M. SEATING $35 | UF STUDENTS $10 UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7:00 p.m. seatings include heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; 9:00 p.m. seatings include desserts and cash bar.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023 | 7:00 & 9:00 P.M. UPSTAGE AT THE PHILLIPS CENTER
Isaiah Sharkey and his band fuse their background in rock, gospel, jazz, R&B, blues, and funk to create an original sound with an unmistakable dose of soul. Sharkey toured as lead guitarist with D’Angelo and John Mayer. He started his recording career at 14 and served as a sideman for gospel artists such as Smokie Norful, Donald Lawrence, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. He has worked, recorded, and toured with several world-renowned and Grammy-winning artists ranging from Patti LaBelle to Brian McKnight. This is a show you won’t forget!
RESERVED — 7:00 P.M. SEATING $50 | 9:00 P.M. SEATING $35 | UF STUDENTS $10 UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7:00 p.m. seatings include heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; 9:00 p.m. seatings include desserts and cash bar. 352.392.2787 | PERFORMINGARTS.UFL.EDU
FEBRUARY 3, 2023 | 7:30 P.M. | PHILLIPS CENTER STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments—matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps—to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding electrifying show. As The Boston Globe says, “If you haven’t seen STOMP, GO! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.
PROGRAM
String
String Quartet No. 3 in A Major, Op. 41/3 Robert Schumann
String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 11 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
FEBRUARY 19, 2023
2:00 P.M. | PHILLIPS CENTER A new adventure is coming to UFPA, Disney’s iconic Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, and Owl (oh... and don’t forget Tigger, too)! The characters we know and love come to life in a beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation. Featuring the Sherman Brothers’ classic Grammy Award-winning music with further songs by A.A. Milne. This fresh stage variation is told with stunning life-sized puppetry through the eyes of our favorite characters, in a new story from the Hundred Acre Wood. This performance promises to be sweet as honey for the entire family!
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023 | 7:00 & 9:00 P.M. UPSTAGE AT THE PHILLIPS CENTER
Jessica Vosk is a celebrated singer and actress known for her starring role on Broadway and in the national tour of Wicked. Her strengths are in her stage presence and in her natural humor! She draws audiences in with her unique voice and by sharing real-life stories about her pandemic experience, journey to Broadway, her love life, and formative years.
Vosk made her sold-out Carnegie Hall debut November 2021 and had the leading role as Anita in West Side Story with the San Francisco Symphony, which was nominated for a Grammy.
RESERVED — 7:00 P.M. SEATING $50 | 9:00 P.M. SEATING $35 | UF STUDENTS $10 UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7:00 p.m. seatings include heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; 9:00 p.m. seatings include desserts and cash bar. 352.392.2787 |
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023 | 7:00 & 9:00 P.M. UPSTAGE AT THE PHILLIPS CENTER
When talking about Stacey Kent, it’s easy to get caught up in all of the accolades she’s earned during her 20-plus years as a jazz vocalist. The Gold, Double Gold, and Platinum-selling artist has released hit records on legendary jazz label Blue Note, garnered a global following of diehard fans, and received endless praise from critics along the way. Still, none of that can prepare you for how unmistakable and captivatingly talented she is when you get the chance to see her live. In such an intimate setting as UpStage, Kent is sure to fill the room with magic!
RESERVED — 7:00 P.M. SEATING $50 | 9:00 P.M. SEATING $35 | UF STUDENTS $10 UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7:00 p.m. seatings include heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; 9:00 p.m. seatings include desserts and cash bar. 352.392.2787 | PERFORMINGARTS.UFL.EDU
Known for its legendary music collection, including the early albums of Elvis Presley, Sun Studio left an indelible mark on the history of rock ‘n’ roll. In 2005, Tyler Hilton was cast to play the legendary rock star in the blockbuster biopic, Walk the Line (starring Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash). Now Tyler has teamed up with America’s premiere hot jazz and Western swing trio, Hot Club of Cowtown, bringing Elvis’ greatest hits from the Sun Studio years to life on the stage. RESERVED
University of Florida Symphony Orchestra
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023 | 7:30 P.M. | PHILLIPS CENTER SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2023 | 7:30 P.M. | PHILLIPS CENTER
Set in 1830 Spain, Carmen is a roller-coaster ride of desire, passion, and the relentless hand of fate. Alluring and irresistible, Carmen is a charismatic independent spirit who refuses to compromise her own liberty and right to live her life as she chooses.
The celebrated melodies of the Toreador Song, Habanera, and many more, lavish costumes, and heart-rending twists are why Bizet’s masterpiece continues to be the most popular opera in the world year after year.
Join the University of Florida Opera Theatre, UF Symphony Orchestra, and guest artist Kirstin Chávez as Carmen. Ms. Chávez is one of the world’s most soughtafter interpreters of the role and has starred at the Metropolitan Opera, Sydney Opera House, and Lincoln Center. The talented graduate and undergraduate performers of the UF Opera Theatre make up this dynamic cast.
MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2023 | 7:30 P.M. | PHILLIPS CENTER From Lincoln Center Theater that brought you The King & I and South Pacific, comes “a sumptuous new production of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Weekly), Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY. Director Bartlett Sher’s glowing production is “thrilling, glorious, and better than it ever was” (The New York Times). “Every so often a revival comes along that reminds you how indispensable great theater can be” (NY1). Boasting such classic songs as I Could Have Danced All Night, The Rain in Spain, Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, and On the Street Where You Live, MY FAIR LADY tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?
THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023 | 7:00 & 9:00 P.M. UPSTAGE AT THE PHILLIPS
The members of San Salvador have made it their mission to search for what they call “universal folklore,” rooted in their region’s deep troubadour traditions yet oscillating between cultures and musical genres.
Singing in Occitan—a language that is spoken primarily in southern France—this group of six singers composes hypnotic vocal harmonies cascading over shifting patterns of compelling polyrhythmic percussion. It’s impossible to resist the spell they cast with each note as they remarkably balance intricate drumming, hand claps, and their towering voices.
RESERVED — 7:00 P.M. SEATING $50 | 9:00 P.M. SEATING $35 | UF STUDENTS $10
UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7:00 p.m. seatings include heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; 9:00 p.m. seatings include desserts and cash bar. 352.392.2787 |
FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023 | 7:00 & 9:00 P.M. UPSTAGE AT THE PHILLIPS CENTER
Love Canon takes you back in time. The group’s performances reimagine pop hits of the ’80s and ’90s. Additionally, they deliver a fresh take on classics, crossing genres to recount music from the likes of Peter Gabriel, Billy Joel, Depeche Mode, and Paul Simon.
Pairing charismatic vocal stylings with ingenious instrumentation, this group has created their own raucous blend of acoustic-roots for the masses.
RESERVED — 7:00 P.M. SEATING $50 | 9:00 P.M. SEATING $35 | UF STUDENTS $10 UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7:00 p.m. seatings include heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar; 9:00 p.m. seatings include desserts and cash bar.
Writing for The New York Times, dance critic Brian Seibert finished his review of Nrityagram Dance Ensemble by proclaiming, “the only proper response to dancers this amazing is worship.” That may sound like hyperbole, but devotion is in their DNA.
Today, Nrityagram is a thriving community of artists dedicated to the practice of Odissi, a 2,000-year-old classical dance of India. The village is home to a school inspired by the Gurukula, an ancient teaching paradigm, and an internationally renowned dance ensemble. The mission is to nurture dance professionals through the gurukula system, perform on a global stage, and forge a community through outreach.
As you’ll see, Nrityagram Dance Ensemble has been recognized as the torchbearers for Odissi, honoring the ancient practice while carrying the artform into the 21st century.
Whether you need to know if a performance is appropriate for your child, how our accessible seating works, or directions to one of our venues, our box office is here for you. Please call our friendly box office staff at 352.392.ARTS (2787) with any questions you may have about a performance or one of our venues.
• Please leave backpacks or large bags at home or in your car
• We reserve the right to inspect purses and other small bags upon entry
• Please discard outside food and drinks before entering the building
• Drinks purchased on site are now allowed in our theatres
• We kindly ask that you refrain from bringing food of any kind into the theatres
Our box office can help you change your tickets to a different performance, move seats, donate the value of your tickets to UFPA, or exchange your tickets for a gift certificate. UFPA policy allows for refunds only in the case of an event cancellation or date change. We do not offer cash refunds By donating your ticket(s) to the box office, you are allowing another patron(s) to purchase them and enjoy the performance. Call the box office, 352.392.2787, or check the UFPA website, performingarts.ufl.edu, for details.
• Exchanges are not available on the day of the performance
• A $5 transaction fee will be charged at the time of the exchange
• The customer will be charged the difference in price in the case of an exchange for a higher priced ticket
University of Florida students receive special ticket pricing thanks to support from Student Government.
UF student tickets to all UFPA spring 2023 performances are on sale now. UF students may purchase discounted tickets online, by phone, or in person at the Phillips Center Box Office.
Each student may pick up only one ticket per performance with a valid Gator 1 card. Gator 1 card must say “Student.”
The Gator 1 card used to purchase a student-priced ticket must be presented for entry to the performance.
Any non-UF student may purchase discounted balcony tickets for select UFPA performances.
Student tickets to all UFPA spring 2023 performances are on sale now.
Any person, regardless of age, must have a ticket to our performances. Please ensure that your child has a ticket before arriving.
Many of our performances are suitable for children, but some are not. Please call our box office should you have questions.
Child-in-lap tickets are available to many UFPA performances for $10. Contact the box office for purchase information.
Any person, child, or otherwise, who disrupts the performance or other patrons’ enjoyment may be asked to leave the hall.
Buy 10 or more tickets to any performance and save 10 percent. Group tickets must be purchased at the same time, for the same performance, in person or by phone directly from the Phillips Center Box Office. Group discount is not available online.
University of Florida Performing Arts is committed to making your visit as comfortable and accessible as possible. We gladly provide the following at all of our venues:
• ADA-compliant parking
• Wheelchair seating
• Audio assistance
• Elevators
• Accessible restrooms
• Sign language interpretation (Request should be made one month prior to the performance.)
For full information about any of the above, please visit performingarts.ufl.edu/about/accessibility.
DIRECTLY FROM THE PHILLIPS CENTER BOX OFFICE
• Call 352.392.ARTS (2787) or toll-free within Florida, 800.905.ARTS (2787)
• Visit us in person at 3201 Hull Road on the University of Florida campus PHILLIPS CENTER BOX OFFICE HOURS OF OPERATION
• Monday – Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.
• The Phillips Center Box Office is open one-two hours prior to each UFPA-presented performance for in-person sales
• Tickets are available 24/7 at our website: performingarts.ufl.edu
CURTIS M. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (PHILLIPS CENTER), SQUITIERI STUDIO THEATRE, AND UPSTAGE AT THE PHILLIPS CENTER 3201 Hull Road, Gainesville, Florida 32611; phone (Front Desk) 352.273.2457
For detailed driving directions, call the Phillips Center Box Office at 352.392.2787 and select option four. 352.392.2787 | PERFORMINGARTS.UFL.EDU
3 Bridging the Gap: Bobby Rush Saturday, January 21 7:30 p.m. $40 $40 $30 $20
4 Interpreti Veneziani Wednesday, January 25 7:30 p.m. $45 $45 $35 $25
7 STOMP Friday, February 3 7:30 p.m. $75 $60 $45
10 MOMIX: Alice Saturday, February 11 7:30 p.m. $45 $35 $25
11 Demetri Martin Tuesday, February 14 7:30 p.m. $40 $40 $30 $20
12 Winnie the Pooh Sunday, February 19 2:00 p.m. $40 $40 $30 $20 VIP/Meet & Greet tickets $75 (includes seat for performance)
14 Academy of St Martin in the Fields Tuesday, February 28 7:30 p.m. $60 $60 $45 $30
16 Itzhak Perlman | Rohan De Silva ◆ Monday, March 6 7:30 p.m. $75 $60 $45
19 The Kingdom Choir Monday, March 20 7:30 p.m. $40 $40 $30 $20
20 UF Opera Theatre: Carmen Friday, March 31 7:30 p.m. $40 $30 $20 Saturday, April 1 7:30 p.m. $40 $30 $20
21 My Fair Lady Monday, April 3 7:30 p.m. $75 $60 $45
25 Angélique Kidjo Tuesday, April 18 7:30 p.m. $60 $60 $45 $30
26 The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble Saturday, April 22 7:30 p.m. $40 $30 $20
27 Alan Cumming Sunday, April 23 7:30 p.m. $60 $60 $45 $30
◆ The Itzhak Perlman | Rohan De Silva performance is rescheduled from March 2022. Many tickets have already been sold, therefore seating in prime locations may be limited.
2 International Guitar Night
Friday, January 20 7:00 p.m. Reserved $50 | 9:00 p.m. Reserved $35
5 Buffalo Rose Friday, January 27 7:00 p.m. Reserved $50 | 9:00 p.m. Reserved $35
6 Isaiah Sharkey Saturday, January 28 7:00 p.m. Reserved $50 | 9:00 p.m. Reserved $35
9 Delfeayo Marsalis Thursday, February 9 7:00 p.m. Reserved $50 | 9:00 p.m. Reserved $35
13 Kings Return Friday, February 24 7:00 p.m. Reserved $50 | 9:00 p.m. Reserved $35
15 Jessica Vosk Thursday, March 2 7:00 p.m. Reserved $50 | 9:00 p.m. Reserved $35
17 Stacey Kent Thursday, March 9 7:00 p.m. Reserved $50 | 9:00 p.m. Reserved $35
18 Tyler Hilton and Hot Club of Cowtown Friday, March 10
7:00 p.m. Reserved $50 | 9:00 p.m. Reserved $35
7:00 p.m. Reserved $50 | 9:00 p.m. Reserved $35 23 Love Canon Friday, April 14
22 San Salvador Thursday, April 13
7:00 p.m. Reserved $50 | 9:00 p.m. Reserved $35 ▲ 7:00 p.m. seatings include hors d’oeuvres and cash bar, 9:00 p.m. seatings include desserts and cash bar.
8 Viano String Quartet
Sunday, February 5 2:00 p.m. Reserved $35 24 Risa Hokamura, violin Sunday, April 16 2:00 p.m. Reserved $35 Funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
Symphony Orchestra
the Artist. PAGE 2: International Guitar Night — Courtesy of the Artists. PAGE 3: Bobby Rush — Bill Steber, Jontavious Willis — Courtesy of the Artist. PAGE 4: Interpreti Veneziani — Courtesy of the Artist. PAGE 5: Buffalo Rose — Jeff Fasano. PAGE 6: Isaiah Sharkey — Courtesy of the Artist. PAGE 7: STOMP — Courtesy of the Company. PAGE 8: Viano String Quartet — Jeff Fasana. PAGE 9: Delfeayo Marsalis — Zac Smith. PAGE 10: MOMIX: Alice — Sharen Bradford. PAGE 11: Demetri Martin — Courtesy of the Artist. PAGE 12: Disney’s Winnie the Pooh — Courtesy of the Artists Management. PAGE 13: Kings Return — Courtesy of the Artist. PAGE 14: Johannes Moser — Uwe Arens. PAGE 15: Jessica Vosk — Matthew Murphy. PAGE 16: Itzhak Perlman — Masterclass.com. PAGE 17: Stacey Kent — Courtesy of the Artist. PAGE 18: Hot Club of Cowtown and Tyler Hilton — Courtesy of the Artists. PAGE 19: The Kingdom Choir — Andrew Whitton. PAGE 20: University of Florida Opera Theatre: Carmen — Courtesy of the Artist. PAGE 21: MY FAIR LADY — Joan Marcus. PAGE 22: San Salvador — Antoine Parouty. PAGE 23: Love Canon — Sandlin Gaither. PAGE 24: Risa Hokamura — Matt Dine. PAGE 25: Angélique Kidjo — Fabrice Mabillot. PAGE 26: The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble — Karthik Venkatraman. PAGE 27: Alan Cumming — Courtesy of the Artist. BACK COVER: Jessica Vosk — Matthew Murphy, Bobby Rush — Bill Steber, Delfeayo Marsalis — Zac Smith.
