Whitaker Center On The Move

Whitaker Center On The Move
by Lisa Hummel

Since its grand opening in September, The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts has become a hotbed of live events — with performances ranging from the dramatic to the musical kind. As home-base to Theatre Harrisburg, the Center has not only raised its curtains on a variety of theatrical productions ("Moon Over Buffalo," "Follies") it has also played host to a healthy listing of talented and well-known performers, including Moxy Fruvous and Cry, Cry, Cry.

Keeping with that tradition, The Whitaker Center has secured its position as the place to go for live entertainment in the upcoming months, boasting a killer jazz series and a line-up of talented performers known the world over:

Twenty-five years after the release of their debut album, the Marshall Tucker Band will be taking the Whitaker Center stage on February 10 in support of their latest release, Face Down in the Blues. Complete with the band’s signature, legendary Southern sound, the newest album also reaches into another foray — classical blues. The one-night event is sure to be a memorable performance for any Tucker fan, new and old, as the rock legends play the music that has garnered them a life-long career and a reputation for being a Southern band with a "definite blend of rock, rhythm and blues, jazz, country, and gospel."

A "master instrumentalist," Edgar Meyer is the next act to take the Whitaker Center stage in the month of February, performing for the area crowd on February 11. Hailed by San Diego Magazine as " … the best bassist alive," Meyer began playing the instrument at the age of five and has never stopped — winning countless awards and changing the genre with his composing and playing skills. Meyer has spent much of his career collaborating with others, creating an eclectic range of music — from bluegrass to classical. Appalachian Waltz II, a follow-up to his successful collaboration with YoYo Ma and Mark O’Connor on Appalachian Waltz, is scheduled to be released this month.

Kicking off the Whitaker Center’s jazz series is jazz legend Dave Brubeck with a performance on February 16. Known for his "light, swinging sound" Brubeck has long been considered a staple in the jazz industry, gaining praise from both critics and fans alike for his innovative and harmonious style. Winner of countless awards and recognitions, Brubeck and his Quartet have been wowing listeners for the past forty-some years, sharing the stage with such notables as Charlie Parker, Leonard Benstein, and Dizzy Gillespie and performing in front of audiences that have included royalty, politicians, presidents, and Pope John Paul II. Widely lauded for his "long and outstanding contributions to the world of jazz," Brubeck — along with his Quartet — continues to invigorate and stun jazz listeners, continually expanding and enhancing his legendary style.

Also taking the Whitaker Center stage, is the all-male, South African chorus, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Representing the traditional culture of South Africa — and regarded as the cultural emissaries of the land — Mambazo celebrates the music of the South African mine workers. Known for a spirited sound that was included in such projects as Paul Simon’s Graceland, Michael Jackson’s "Moonwalker," and the soundtracks of such hit movies as Coming To America and The Lion King Part II, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has recorded over 40 albums, sold over four million records, and have become the number one record selling group in Africa. Performing a selection of traditional pieces called ISICATHAMIYA, the group that was sent on a path to commercial success after a meeting with musical legend Paul Simon, puts on a rhythmical performance that is guaranteed to make you want to dance in the aisles! Ladysmith Black Mambazo will take the Whitaker Center stage on February 17.

For more information on these and other events, check www.whitakercenter.org. For ticket information, please call 214-ARTS.