Archived Press Releases
REICHHOLD CENTER UNVEILS 34TH SEASON
FEATURING INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT
FEATURING INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT
August 30, 2012
Download as a pdf file (Requires Adobe Reader. Click the icon to the right to download free. |
Between October and May, the Center will present a top-selling R&B vocalist, England's hottest all-female quartet, a famous Latin percussionist, an Argentine cabaret, and an African-style circus show.
“This season is full of international flavor and is certainly one of our most ambitious to date,” said Reichhold Center Manager of Marketing and Development Karen Gutloff. “Many of the performers will be familiar to the public, but there are others who while acclaimed worldwide, will be new to the Virgin Islands audience. We believe this introduction to performers from far parts of the world is going to be exciting for our patrons.
The multi-cultural season of music, dance, and theatrical productions kicks off in October with top-selling R&B vocalist Brian McKnight. McKnight performs on Friday, October 26, 2012. Billed as “An Evening with Brian McKnight,” the concert will feature McKnight in an intimate performance on piano, singing from his catalogue of hits. McKnight’s debut album, released at the age 19, spawned the top 20 single “One Last Cry.” From there, McKnight ruled the airwaves with hits, including “Anytime” which sold more than 2 million copies and received a Grammy nomination. His songs, crossed over from R&B to receive heavy play on pop music stations as well. McKnight’s hits include the chart toppers “Back At One,” and “Crazy Love.”
Sensational Latin and Afro-Cuban flavors take center stage when Tito Puente, Jr. brings his 13-piece orchestra to the Reichhold stage on Saturday, November 17, 2012. The son of legendary mambo king Tito Puente, Sr. is keeping his family’s musical legacy alive. The percussionist and his band perform lively versions of his father’s classics, as well as modern spins on Latin jazz and salsa. Patrons will not want to miss the salsa party in the Reichhold concession area after the concert.
Jazz fans get an extra bonus with a concert presenting not one, but three, of the top performers in the smooth jazz genre. Najee’s Smooth Side of Jazz concert featuring female vocalist Maysa and Swedish pianist Alex Bugnon takes place Saturday, January 26, 2013. Saxophonist Najee is credited with giving birth to the genre of smooth jazz. Najee became a mainstay on jazz stations with his debut CD “Najee’s Theme” and stayed popular with such hits as “Betcha Didn’t Know.” Maysa’s sultry alto has earned her a loyal fan base. Her voice has often been compared to that of R&B singer Phyllis Hyman. Jazz pianist Alex Bugnon, a native of Switzerland, began his recording career with the debut album Love Season, which reached the pop charts and Top 40 of R&B charts, as did his follow-up Head Over Heels. The three artists and collaborators will perform their individual hits and join together on smooth jazz classics.
When the Olympics broadcast presented a tribute to British music, many Americans were riveted by the sexy, all-female quartet playing classical violin—with a major twist. England’s young, stylish group, known as Bond Quartet makes its way across the pond to the Reichhold stage on Saturday, March 9, 2013. Bond Quartet has taken Europe and the world by storm with their stunning looks and vibrant energetic performance on the electric violin. With more than 4 million records sold, the women of Bond are the best-selling string quartet in the history of the music industry. Bond Quartet transforms turns classical string music on its head, using the electric violin to render Latin, Indian, electronica and pop rhythms.
Reggae has become a mainstay of the Reichhold Center season and fans of the genre will be delighted to hear from one of the brightest and freshest voices from Jamaica on Saturday, March 30, 2013. ETANA debuted on the reggae scene in 2008 with her breakout hit “Roots” and quickly built a catalogue of conscious music and a massive fan base. Her debut CD, The Strong One, was highly successful and spawned the hits “I Am Not Afraid,” “Blessings,” and “Don’t Forget.” The reggae show also features a performance from Dominica’s sensation Temptatious (Tracy Johnson). A talented songwriter and singer, Temptatious has performed at Jamaica’s Rebel Salute 2011 alongside Queen Ifrica, along with other reggae festivals.
Moving from the Caribbean to Latin America, Reichhold brings the tantalizing story of Argentina’s tango to life on stage with Rhythm and Passion on Saturday, May 18, 2013. This cabaret-style theatrical production takes the audience on a mystical journey to discover the people, the stories and the drama behind the salsa, tango and gaucho. An international cast of singers and musicians perform before a backdrop of exquisite scenery depicting the origins of the tango in the seedy bars of 1920s Buenos Aires, Argentina. The audience will revel in the joy and exhilaration of salsa dancing in the streets, and delight in the antics of the Argentine cowboy—the Gaucho—and the dramatic storytelling of his art.
The Reichhold Center family series is back with two exciting shows for family members of all ages.
Theater of Physical Comedy: AGA-BOOM has performed to sell-out crowds throughout the United States with its hilarious brand of slapstick comedy. On November 10, 2012 these colorfully dressed clowns and performers will get children laughing as they pratfall, stilt-walk, and engage in comedy antics. Children will take special delight in the grand finale that engulfs the audience in a barrage of paper streamers, confetti, and balloons.
The second family series group comes to Reichhold Center riding the wave of their successful turn on the hit NBC show “America’s Got Talent.” Cirque Zuma Zuma performs Friday, February 22 and Saturday, February 23, 2013 with more than a dozen African acrobats, gymnasts and tumblers showcasing eye-popping and draw dropping feats, including a mile high human pyramid.
Rounding out the season is a number of co-productions with community partners, including The Forum, The UVI Music Department, and the Virgin Islands Lottery:
- On October 13, 2012 The Forum Presents the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra with Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra. The two orchestras will collaborate on a number of musical selections and perform individually.
- The Virgin Islands Lottery and UVI Music Department collaborate to bring Motown & More: The Power of Music from the 60s, 70s & 80s. Some of the Virgin Islands’ top singers and dancers join this talent extravaganza on Saturday, October 20, 2012 for the ultimate trip down memory lane.
- The UVI Music Department returns to the Reichhold stage on Saturday, December 8, 2012 for A Golden Jubilee Christmas, featuring the UVI Concert Band, UVI Steel Orchestra, and UVI choir.
- The Office of the President of the University of the Virgin Islands presents the Alfred Heath Lecture Series, a free forum on April 2, 2013 (Reichhold Center) and April 3, 2013 (UVI St. Croix campus). The lecture series will feature a nationally recognized speaker discussing issues of interest to the Virgin Islands community.
The Reichhold Center 2012-2013 season is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including: International Capital and Management Company, Virgin Islands Lottery, First Bank, Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, VI Council on the Arts, Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Hotel, and Innovative. The Center’s performances are also supported by generous donations from individuals in the Reichhold Center Donor Circle.
Reichhold Center will sell season subscriptions between August 30 and September 7, 2012. Season subscriptions guarantee patrons their preferred seating for each show within the, Foundation series. Beginning September 10, the Center will make available for sale single tickets for each performance. For more information, call the Reichhold box office at (340) 693-1559. Or visit www.reichholdcenter.com.
