Project @ the CFA

Special Project at the CFA features flute prodigy

The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series University of Wisconsin-Platteville presents Project September 9th at 7:30pm.

PROJECT is a dynamic young group that is exciting audiences with their energy and innovative style. Their sound can only be described as a fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and world music, balanced out by a sincere allegiance to their classical roots. By combining the classical repertoire with original compositions, PROJECT reaches out to new audiences. Through performance and outreach/education concerts, they provide access for the next generation of music lovers.

Dallas native Peter Seymour has performed with a multitude of highly acclaimed artists and ensembles. As a member of the Cleveland Orchestra he performed under the baton of Franz Welser-Möst and in the New World Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. He was the recipient of the Downbeat Magazine Award for Best Jazz Soloist in 1996. Peter is active composing and performing with PROJECT, the ensemble he co-founded with cellist Eric Stephenson.

An exceptionally versatile cellist, Eric Stephenson’s style ranges from classical to jazz to rock and folk. He is currently a member of the IRIS Chamber Orchestra in Memphis, Tennessee and the Colorado Music Festival. Eric served as Principal Cellist of the Canton Symphony Orchestra from 2002-2006.

Greg Pattillo (Flute) is recognized throughout the world for his redefinition of flute sound. Greg was lauded by The New York Times as "the best person in the world at what he does." His groundbreaking performance videos on Youtube, showcasing "beatbox flute," have been viewed more than 20 million times.

PROJECT is an ensemble of genre bending performers emerging from classical music roots.

Tickets for this event are $10 for General Admission $8 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $6 for Kids Under 18 and $2 for UWP Students (with current ID).

Tickets are available through the University Box Office in the Center for the Arts the University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm and can be reached by calling (608)-342-1298. The University Box Office is located in newly renovated Ullsvik Hall located at the intersection of Hickory and Main Streets in Platteville. Tickets are now available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

Center for the Arts announces season

PLATTEVILLE-The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Performing Art Series proudly announces its 2008-2009 Season. The Series strives to bring a wide variety of productions to Platteville and the Tri-States area.

The first half of the season includes:

Project a dynamic young group that is exciting audiences with their energy and innovative style. Their sound can only be described as a fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and world music - balanced out by a sincere allegiance to their classical roots. September 9th 7:30pm

Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim is the hit musical based on the 19th century legend of a London barber driven to a life of crime after a malevolent judge takes his wife and child from him. Sweeney’s plan for revenge includes a cutthroat partnership with Mrs. Lovett—an enterprising businesswoman—who is soon producing the tastiest meat pies in London. October 5th 7:00pm

Spanish Brass was formed in 1989 by five Spanish musicians who created an eclectic and innovative project that they developed over the years in different fields including: music, performance, education, and creation. Today they tour all over the world with courses intended for chamber music and recordings. October 8th 7:30pm

Frigg combines elements of their respective folk traditions with touches of American Appalachian and Country music, they create an entirely new sound which feels simultaneously innovative and familiar. October 15th 7:30pm

Simply Sinatra with Steve Lippia brings a performer who has become one of the most prominent, in-demand vocalists and has quickly established his place among the finest interpreters of “standards” and traditional pop music in the nation. Steve’s youthful, energetic talent and powerful show creates a perfect blend of “classic” with “today”. His show introduces a new generation to the timeless music of Frank Sinatra, while appealing to long-time listeners. November 9th 7:30pm

Chic Gamine a vocal super group from Winnipeg’s French Quarter, has been singing together in various formations since 1997. Most recently, three of them were members of the acclaimed World Vocal ensemble Madrigaia, and look to embellish that legacy with new, original material. November 13th 7:30pm

Ricky Skaggs has often said that he is "just trying to make a living" playing the music he loves. But it's clear that his passion for bluegrass puts him in the position to bring this lively, distinctively American form of music out of isolation and into the ears and hearts of audiences across the country and around the world. November 15th 7:30pm

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has become one of the most popular touring bands on the road today. Having put the swing craze that briefly dominated Alternative radio in 1998 behind them, BBVD now carries on the tradition of the legendary Big Bands and orchestras by touring non-stop, performing over 100 concerts each year around the world. December 4th 7:30pm

The second half of the season which begins in February of 2009 includes: The Jeff Coffin Mu’Tet on February 6; the 70 piece Czech Symphony Orchestra on February 13; the national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Neeley February 15; Footloose The Musical will be April 17; and Gilligan’s Island the Musical starring Barry Williams will be May 3.

Series subscriptions for all events are on sale now. Single tickets for Fall PAS events are also on sale with tickets for the second half of the series going on sale 12/1/08 with an Internet presale beginning 11/29/08. Visit the CFA website for ticket information at http://www.uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

Tickets are available through the University Box Office in the Center for the Arts the University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm and can be reached by calling (608)-342-1298. The University Box Office is located in newly renovated Ullsvik Hall located at the intersection of Hickory and Main Streets in Platteville. Tickets are now available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

Heartland Breaks Records

The Heartland Festival at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville is UW-Platteville’s summer festival of Theatre. Founded in 2001 the Festival has cause to celebrate at the close of the 2008 season according to Festival Director John Hassig.

“This season has been nothing short of amazing,” Hassig said. “The buzz about all the shows has been astonishing. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Heartland has had a successful season marked with a series of broken sales records. Wake Me When I’m Dead, directed by Vivienne Elborne, broke records for number of sellout shows and highest selling play in Festival history. The play attendance record has stood since 2002 with the Festival’s production of You Can’t Take It With You

“Audiences were very excited about Wake Me. The whole concept of the excellent meal, dining during the performance, interacting with the actors and the intimacy of the small venue made it more than just a show – it was an event,” according to Hassig.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat broke the record for highest selling musical and best selling show in the Brodbeck Concert Hall. The most lavish Festival production to date, Joseph was the season’s highest selling show and was directed by Paul Helm. Helm’s directorial debut was for last season’s Seussical.

“The reaction that we experienced with Joseph was phenomenal. I received many kind letters, emails and phone calls about this production which were greatly appreciated. Paul had a great vision for this show and everyone rose to the task,” said Hassig.

The season overall also broke annual attendance records. Well over 6400 people attended the festival for the 2008 season. With large audiences and close to 200 people involved in creating the productions it is truly a community festival.

“My deepest thanks and appreciation go out to everyone who was involved this season and who supports the Festival. I am already looking forward to next season,” Hassig continued.

The Heartland Festival will announce the 2009 season very shortly and has already begun promoting the season to motor coach tour planners.

For more information on the Heartland Festival or for the most up to date information please visit Heartland on the web at http://www.uwplatt.edu/arts/heartland.