The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach’s premier cultural venue, has announced its 2009-2010 season of performances. The “Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Great Performance Series presented by Charles Barker Lexus” features concerts by popular, classical, and jazz music stars, dance, comedy, holiday, and family entertainment. 

Season Packages go on sale July 23; patrons can purchase season tickets by calling 385-ARTS (2787), downloading an order form online at www.sandlercenter.org, or by visiting the Sandler Center Box Office.

By purchasing a Gold or Platinum subscription package you enjoy discounted tickets, best available seating, Ruth’s Chris Diner Card, invitations to special receptions, pre-sale ticket purchasing opportunities, and exclusive access to the VIP Founder’s Room. The Diamond Series package, which includes all 16 events at even deeper discounts, allows subscribers the opportunity to enjoy the full breadth of the 2009 -2010 Great Performance Series. For more information on all artists on the line-up, please visit www.sandlercenter.org.

Gold Series: Branford Marsalis Quartet, The Robert Cray Band, TAP DOGS, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Michael McDonald, Marc Cohn, Ballet Folklorico de México de Amalia Hernández, and Paula Poundstone

Platinum Series: Paul Anka, Brian Wilson, MOMIX: The Best of MOMIX, The American Boychoir, Camelot, Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour, Suzanne Vega, and Randy Travis

Diamond Series: All of the Above

Popular Music Stars

- Topping the billboard charts in every decade since the 1950’s with songs like My Way, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, She’s a Lady, and Puppy Love, Paul Anka is set to serenade his admiring fans, Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m. 

- Legendary producer, arranger, songwriter, and performer Brian Wilson (co-founder of the Beach Boys) brings his Good Vibrations and other cherished rock music to the stage Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m.

- One of the most distinctive voices in all of rock & roll and a true American pop music icon, Frankie Valli, the original “Jersey Boy”, teams up with the Four Seasons for an evening of legendary music, stories, and entertainment Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m.   

- Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, pianist, acoustic and electric guitarist, Marc Cohn, widely recognized for his debut hit Walking in Memphis, performs Saturday, Feb. 13, at 8 p.m.

- Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation, Suzanne Vega’s work is utterly distinct, thoughtful, creative, and bears the stamp of a masterful storyteller, Thursday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m.

- Grammy Award & Dove Award-winning American country singer, Randy Tra vis, considered to be a pivotal figure in the history of country music with over thirty chart-topping hits and a unique neotraditionalist country style. Friday, March 26, at 8 p.m.

Broadway, Blues, and Beyond

- The “NEW” Branford Marsalis Quartet features Marsalis on saxophones, Joey Calderazzo – piano, Eric Revis – bass, and Justin Faulkner – drums. “…the music was almost compulsively loud, fast, aggressive, elaborate, generous and interactive. In other words, the show was extremely good,” The New York Times.  Saturday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.

- With five Grammy Awards and plenty of W.C. Handy Awards, The Robert Cray Band brings a smooth mix of popular and traditional blues. Friday, October 16, at 8 p.m.

- Rediscover the grandeur of one of history’s greatest love stories in Lerner and Loewe’s classic masterpiece, Camelot. Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

- Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour featuring a stunning combination of critically-acclaimed jazz legends: pianist Kenny Barron, violinist Regina Carter, seven-time Grammy nominee Kurt Elling, and guitarist Russell Malone. Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

- Famous for her razor-sharp wit and spontaneity, her self-deprecating style, political observations, and hilarious riffs on motherhood, Paula Poundstone has earned the reputation of being one of the funniest comics of our generation! Saturday, April 10 at 8  p.m.

Dazzling Dance

-TAP DOGS is an award-winning international sensation and rough, tough, rocking theatrical entertainment that has revolutionized the way tap dance is presented to modern audiences. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m.

- For years, audiences have watched choreographer/director Moses Pendleton transform dancers into figments of his imagination. Don’t miss this surreal journey through a unique universe of movement with MOMIX: The Best of MOMIX. Sunday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.

- Ballet Folklorico de México de Amalia Hernández features 78 expert dancers and musicians well versed in the beautiful dancing traditions of Mexico, the music, technical perfection, traditional dress, and original choreographies take audiences centuries into the past. Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Family Entertainment

- Enchantment Theatre Company presents: The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon based on the delightful picture books by Crockett Johnson. With charming actors, life-sized puppets, masks, magic and music, this production will delight anyone young or young at heart. Friday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.

- Mad Science presents: CSI: Live, an exciting, interactive journey through the fascinating world of crime scene investigations. With the help of a room full of audience recruits, they will use their superior logic and forensic know-how to investigate the evidence and solve the crime! (Ages 8+) Thursday, Nov. 5 at  7 p.m.

- Maximum Entertainment presents: Tomie dePaola’s Strega Nona: The Musical based on the popular children’s books of the friendly witch who saves her tiny town from being engulfed by a magical pasta pot. A delicious good time! Thursday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.

Holiday Entertainment

- Multi Grammy Award-winner and one of the most popular and distinctive vocalists of our time, Michael McDonald shares his signature soul and smooth rock style including a mix of holiday classics. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m.

- Regarded as the United States’ premier concert boys’ choir and one of the finest boychoirs in the world, The American Boychoir will dazzle with a unique blend of musical sophistication, effervescent spirit, ensemble virtuosity, and holiday favorites. Monday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

About the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts opened on November 3, 2007. With its soaring glass façade revealing the magnificent lobby with its grand staircase and glittering chandelier, Sandler Center beckons patrons from its location in the heart of Virginia Beach’s Town Center. With 1300 seats, the Sandler Center is an adaptable, acoustically superb space suited for virtually every kind of live performance. In addition to performances for audiences of all ages, the Sandler Center enriches the life of the Virginia Beach community with arts education programs, including student matinees, in-school performances, and master classes with renowned artists.

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