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The Reichhold Center for the Arts’ 2009-2010 season boasts a diverse lineup of entertainers. Some of the biggest names in entertainment are scheduled to perform, including pop star Michael McDonald, vocalist Patti Austin, jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, reggae group Steel Pulse and R&B star Musiq Soulchild.
Michael McDonald is the official season kick-off on October 17, 2009. From the Doobie Brothers to his successful solo career, Michael McDonald has thrilled audiences with a string of hits including Sweet Freedom, I Keep Forgetting, Yah Mo B There, and On My Own.
Vocalist Patti Austin has enjoyed a string of hits, including Baby Come To Me and How Do You Keep The Music Playing. More recently she recorded tribute albums to Ella Fitzgerald and George Gershwin. On February 6, 2010 Austin will share the stage with pianist Ramsey Lewis who remains one of the hottest acts in jazz after 40 years in the business. Lewis has produced more than 80 albums, five gold records and countless Grammy Awards.
Gospel music is also on the lineup, with Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir, praised for its rich harmonies and haunting acappella arrangements. The choir presents a dazzling show filled with colorful costumes and energetic dancing.
The season’s reggae offering features a mainstay on the scene as well, with the UK’s Steel Pulse performing March 13, 2010.
Contemporary dance fills the stage on November 21, 2009 with the sizzling hot Latin troupe, Ballet Hispanco.
Reichhold Center continues its popular family series with two unique performances. First up on October 3, 2009 is COBU, a New York based dance group that has electrified audiences across the world with its dynamic blend of Japanese traditional Taiko drumming with funk tap dance. The show has been described as energetic and mesmerizing.
On March 26 (St. Croix) and March 27 (St. Thomas) the Family Series presents Black Violin, a duo of young urban men who blend of up-tempo hip hop with classical violin. These classically trained young men are three-time winners of the Apollo Theater competition, and America’s Got Talent.
Reichhold Center’s directors announced an increase in co-productions with local organizations this season. These co-productions have drawn even more diverse stage productions to the Reichhold stage.
The Forum and Reichhold Center will team up to present the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra on November 14, 2009. PRSO performs Sibelius, Spring Song, Op. 16; Chausson, Poeme de l’amoure et de la mer, Op. 19; and Mendelssohn, Symphony n. 3. St. Thomas native and mezzo-soprano Melita Etienne is a featured vocalist. Etienne is a graduate of Sts. Peter and Paul High School and the University of the Virgin Islands.
The second co-production is blues extravaganza presented in conjunction with St. John resident Steve Simon. Steve Simon Presents the 1st Annual St. Thomas Blues Festival on January 22, 2009. Three amazing blues artists will take the stage, including Curtis Salgado, heralded as one of the finest blues harmonica players in the country. Trampled Under Foot are the 2008 winners of the International Blues Challenge, while Eden Brent’s “whiskey-smoke” voice has drawn comparisons to Janis Joplin and Sarah Vaughn.
The final co-production is February 27, 2010, with the rock music band, Orleans in Concert: Presented by Jim Tunick and the Rotary Club of St. Thomas. Orleans’ chart-toppers include Still the One and Dancing in the Moonlight. Proceeds of this event support the Nana Baby Home on St. Thomas.
The season closes May 15, 2010 with two of the hottest singers on the Neo-Soul scene: Musiq Soulchild and Vivian Green. Musiq Soulchild has proven himself to have staying power in the music business with his hits Teach Me, Halfcrazy, and Love. Vivian Green’s debut album A Love Story featured the hit song Emotional Rollercoaster. She scored again in 2005 with the hit, Gotta Go, Gotta Leave.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Reichhold Center website.
