"Random Acts" Series (RAS)
A variety of events and rentals. Many of the performers are up-and-comers who might not be familiar to you. We present them at very affordable ticket prices to encourage you to come and bring family and friends!
2011-2012 Random Acts Series Events and Rentals
Coming Next:
WE'RE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE, THIS CONCERT IS
SOLD OUT!!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 – 7:00pm
WGAR and Lorain County Community College/Stocker Arts Center present
A Concert for Chuck (Collier)
featuring performances by Phil Vassar and Neal McCoy
WGAR personality and everyone’s friend, Chuck Collier, passed away suddenly on Thursday, September 22, 2011. He spent nearly 40 years on the air at WGAR and we hope that you can join us for our special tribute to Chuck. The evening will include performances by Phil Vassar & Neal McCoy. Both artists knew Chuck well and have plenty of stories to share.
Proceeds will benefit one of Chuck’s favorite Charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
PHIL VASSAR
After six albums, four label mergers, two ASCAP “Songwriter of the Year” trophies, countless radio hits of his own, as well as for other artists, Phil Vassar is more than ready for the brand new direction his career is taking. His new single, Let’s Get Together, on the newly formed Rodeowave label, is the perfect feel-good summer anthem to kick off this exciting new phase of both his life and career.
This award-winning artist is actually at a point in his career where many artists might be tempted to sit back and rest on their laurels, reaping the rewards of the success they’ve worked so hard to achieve. Not Phil Vassar. Excited at the limitless possibilities of starting fresh and he’s ready to embark on a brand new chapter in an already impressive career that has yielded hits like Carlene, American Child, and Love Is A Beautiful Thing, among others.
Known as one of Nashville’s top tunesmiths, Phil was racking up hits on the radio long before he even began his own recording career. Little Red Rodeo, (Collin Raye) My Next Thirty Years, For A Little While, (both by Tim McGraw) She’s Right On The Money, (Alan Jackson) and I‘m Alright (Jo Dee Messina) are just a few of the songs he’s penned that other artists have recorded and taken to the top of the charts. Vassar continues to churn out incisive, soulful lyrics and infectious melodies that capture the heart and soul in the unique and special way that only he can.
In this latest chapter of his career, Vassar is not only debuting some freshly penned songs but he’s dusting off some vintage tunes from the vault as well and the wide range of material on this new project is a reminder of just how diverse and multi-talented an artist he really is. Known for up-tempo piano numbers that instantly get your foot tapping like Carlene, and Six-Pack Summer, and heartstring-tugging devotionals like That’s When I Love You, and Just Another Day In Paradise, Phil can also dig deep into heartbreak territory, as evidenced by the wrenchingly honest ballad, April Fools a song he wrote years ago that’s making its first appearance under the Rodeowave banner. For Vassar, his philosophy about songs has never changed during his time spent writing hits for himself and other artists, it’s important for a song to carry a message and make the listener feel something.
The Virginia native is definitely no stranger to a good time and he makes sure with every performance that his fans feel exactly the same way. Years of playing clubs and even owning his own nightspot at one point, have helped Phil cultivate the easygoing, fun-loving manner he has onstage and the infectious energy that infuses every single show he does. And he’s bringing that same enthusiasm and verve into his latest project, which he anticipates will definitely be more wide-ranging than his previous label outings for Arista and Universal Records South.
To help shake things up and infuse some of that fresh, new energy into his latest CD, Vassar enlisted the help of fellow Virginian and longtime buddy Ross Copperman to produce his first record for the new label. The newfound joy and freedom Vassar found in being able to record whatever he wanted without having to answer to anyone is evident in the wide range of tunes that are slated to appear on the album, from the inspirational, stirring mid-tempo ballad Love Is Alive, to the sentimental look back at what could have been, High School, and the infectiously fun, buoyant, sunny new single, Let’s Get Together.
That love for chilling out with his toes in the sand or in the water even influenced the name of Phil’s new venture, Rodeowave -- a fitting title for a guy who definitely has a country heart, but a laid-back, Jimmy Buffett soul. “I wrote a song, Waves on my new album, and it’s about being fed up with winter and being in front of your computer and just wanting to go sit on the beach. And that’s me to a ‘T.’ I’m just a beach bum, a country bumpkin beach bum! Our logo is a dude with a cowboy hat on a surfboard, which is kind of cool. And that’s me right there!”
The logo is a perfect one for an artist who has endured his share of ups and downs in life and the “biz” and now is ready to make some waves. “It’s absolutely the perfect time for me to do this,” says Vassar. “I’m not going out there to try and change the world, but for me, this is my thing, this is my little world that I can control now, and I’m really excited about this new musical journey and getting new music out to the fans. For me that’s what it’s all about.”
NEAL MCCOY
Ask anyone about Neal McCoy, and they may not be able to name all of the songs, but they’ll go on and on about his live concerts: full-tilt celebrations of music, life, laughter, joy and yes, his five #1s. He also has had BMI Songs of the Year with Wink and The Shake.
“I think when people come to see you, sure they want to hear your music,” he explains. “But they really wanna be somewhere that makes’ em forget their troubles for a little bit; to have some fun, to laugh and remember how good life can be. I always say, they’re not fans…they’re friends and I want’ em to have a good time.”
Modesty aside, McCoy has sold over 6 million albums. His entrance into the country music world was championed by Hall of Famer Charley Pride, and his return is being orchestrated by CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee and reigning Male Vocalist of the Year Blake Shelton, and CMA/ACM Album, Single and Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert.
People like that know music – and performing. Those who came before and those who’re now setting the standard both recognize how special McCoy’s kind of country is. Or as Blake Shelton himself says, “The only thing that blows me away more than Neal McCoy in concert is the fact he asked me to be involved in making his new album.... I'm honored to work with a hero of mine.”
And the album helmed by Lambert, Shelton and guitar-slinger Brent Rowan is no less special. Nashville’s very best writers – Song of the Year winner Tom Douglas, Rivers Rutherford, Jamey Johnson, Allen Shamblin, and new hitmakers Luke Laird, Brett Eldredge, George Terren & Barry Dean – have all opened up their secret stash of songs saved for the very few who deserve them to provide the songs for XII, McCoy’s Blaster Records debut.
“It’s like my shows, a little bit of everything that makes music special,” explains the man who’s done 15 USO tours, represented President Bush at the inauguration of Phillipine President Arroyo, established the East Texas Angel Network 17 years ago for children with life threatening illnesses, helping over 400 families along the way, and co-written the good natured Lucky Enough, an all street corner bravado shuffle and bright-eyed look at life, dreams and love.
But he’s spent almost two decades chasing ‘that song.’ With A-OK, the song that co-producer Blake Shelton found the Longview, Texan entertainer, McCoy’s quest may be over. With its bouncing beat, bright melody and yes, pure Andy Griffith whistle, the song about seeing the glass as half-full and the smile upside down in a frown, along with the Barry Dean/Luke Laird/Brett Eldridge mid-tempo, is the perfect distillation of McCoy’s always effervescent show.
Tickets: $15/each are on sale now.
*Friday, March 23, 2012 - 7:00pm;
*Saturday, March 24, 2012 - 1:00pm; &
*Sunday, March 25, 2012 - 2:00pm
Open Door Christian Schools Patriot Theatre presents
Bye Bye Birdie
Book by Michael Stewart; Music by Charles Strouse; Lyrics by Lee Adams
Originally Produced by Edward Padula
Bye Bye Birdie is one of the most captivating musical shows of our time. The show won 4 Tony Awards and played on Broadway for 607 shows and in London for 268. It tells the story of a rock and roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army. The singer, Conrad Birdie, an Elvis Presley type, has a pompadour and thick sideburns; he wears gaudy gold costumes and speaks in a rugged voice. Albert Peterson, his agent, is a very pleasant mild mannered young man. Albert's faithful secretary Rose Alvarez keeps him and Birdie moving forward in the world. Rosie concocts one final national publicity plan before Conrad's induction. Conrad will bid a typical American teen-age girl goodbye with an all-American kiss. Kim MacAfee in Sweet Apple, Ohio wins the honor. The arrival of Birdie in Sweet Apple causes people of all ages to swoon.
Bye Bye Birdie is a satire done with the fondest affection. It gives an insight into the everyday life that is very much part of us all. It is the tops in imagination and frivolity; a show that will be enjoyed by all.
Tickets: $10/each
Bye Bye Birdie is presented through special arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Tams-Witmark, 560 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022; Phone: 212-688-9191; Fax: 212-688-5656; www.tamswitmark.com
Saturday, March 24, 2012 – 7:30pm
Arts Midwest World Fest
Tarim, Uygur Song and Dance Ensemble (China)
TAKE A CHANCE
Arts Midwest World Fest presents international musical ensembles in intensive weeklong residencies and they have chosen Stocker Arts Center as the Ohio site for the next two years.
Tarim, Uygur Song and Dance Ensemble perform the ancient songs of the Silk Road, the melodies of the Uygurs, the Kazaks, the Kirkiz; the rhythms of the Hui, the Uzbek and Tatars. As you listen, close your eyes – the sounds will take you to the spice markets, deserts, and vineyards of western China, a land of vast contrast, scale, and history. Experience Tarim, an ensemble of musicians and dancers from the Cultural Bureau of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. www.artsmidwestworldfest.org
Tickets: $15/Adults; $10/Children 12 and under
An Arts Midwest initiative, the 2011-2013 Arts Midwest World Fest is generously Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, 3M Foundation, MetLife Foundation, the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, and the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest.
Arts Midwest World Fest is also generously supported by our member state arts agencies: Illinois Arts Council, Indiana Arts Commission, Iowa Arts Council, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Minnesota State Arts Board, North Dakota Council on the Arts, Ohio Arts Council, South Dakota Arts Council, and Wisconsin Arts Board.
Exciting Opportunity! Tarim, Uygur Song and Dance Ensemble from China will be in residence from March 18-24, 2012. If you are interested in having them come to your place of business, Senior Center, etc., they want to be out and about in our community. Please contact Janet Herman Barlow at (440) 366-7105 or by email at jbarlow@lorainccc.edu. Made possible through the support of the Arts Midwest World Fest program and the Beth K. Stocker Trust.
Sunday, April 29, 2012 – 3:00pm (Note Special Matinee Time)
New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players
Wand’ring Minstrels
in The Pirates of Penzance
& an Afternoon of Gilbert & Sullivan Favorites
Valet Parking is available for this event for $5/car.
The Wand’ring Minstrels are each a leading performer from the acclaimed New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players company with a long list of G & S roles in their repertory. For this special matinee, they will be doing the leading characters songs from The Pirates of Penzance and an Afternoon of Gilbert & Sullivan Favorites. Don’t expect this light-hearted group to stand still and sing. But you can expect to hear five great voices, skilled in the G & S style, singing all of your favorites from Pirates in costume pieces during Act I. Act II will be all about you - they will don formal wear and sing your Gilbert & Sullivan requests presenting the satirical, sentimental, and rousing G & S favorites you have come to love with style and flair. The camaraderie and spontaneous banter of the Wand’ring Minstrels will add an extra measure of froth to the proceedings. See if you can stump them on their G&S knowledge by making a challenging request from the lesser known G&S songbook! www.nygasp.org
Tickets: $34.00/Orchestra; $27/Mezzanine;
FREE for 6-show PAS subscribers!
Sorry you missed this wonderful event:
Saturday, October 22, 2011 - Yamma Ensemble from Israel in Concert - an event of the Arts Midwest WorldFest program
Yamma Ensemble did a great workshop for the LCCC Children's Learning Center during their week in Elyria! Here's a link so you can watch some excerpts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP_XE7nWTwk
Sunday, January 15, 2012 - The Making of...Carousel
* - Denotes Rental Events
TO ORDER TICKETS FOR STOCKER EVENTS:
Call the Stocker Arts Center Box Office from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm Mondays through Fridays at (800) 995-5222 ext. 4040 OR (440) 366-4040, or click on the “Buy Stocker Event Tickets” icon on the right to place your order.
Stocker Box Office at (440) 366-4040 or (800) 995-5222 ext. 4040 or Click above to buy tickets!
CONTINUING THIS SEASON – our TAKE A CHANCE Ticket Program!
Tickets are discounted to 1/2 off the TOP ticket price, beginning 90 minutes prior to curtain and available at the Stocker Box Office (in person only) for designated Stocker-sponsored "Random Acts” Series performances, based on availability. Please look for the TAKE A CHANCE icon in the event listing or scroll down for the list of qualifying events. The chance you will be taking is that the events are not already sold out!
TAKE A CHANCE tickets for 2011-2012 season are available 90 minutes before curtain time for the following events:
Yamma Ensemble (Israel) - Saturday, October 22, 2011
The Making of...Carousel - Sunday, January 15, 2012
Tarim, Uygur Song and Dance Ensemble (China) - Saturday, March 24, 2012
(Take A Chance tickets are only available for the above noted Stocker Arts Center events. They are not available for Rental Events, the Studio Theatre Cabaret events, Guitars for Girls or The Nutcracker).
Please also visit our myspace page at www.myspace.com/stockerartscenter
and become a fan on our Stocker Arts Center Facebook page!
If you have comments about any Stocker events, please feel free to share them with me. My email is: jbarlow@lorainccc.edu
Please check back often for any "Random Acts" events and rentals that may be added to our schedule!
Sorry you missed these wonderful events:
*Friday, July 15, 2011 - 7:00pm & Saturday, July 16, 2011 - 2:00pm - Lorain County Children's Pioneer Theatre presented Mirror Image
Saturday, July 23, 2011 - 7:00pm - Cleveland Shakespeare Festival - Othello
Sunday, July 24, 2011 - 7:00pm - Cleveland Shakespeare Festival - Love's Labour's Lost
*Thursday, Friday & Saturday, July 28, 29 & 30, 2011 - 7:30pm and Sunday, July 31, 2011 - 2:00pm - Lorain Community Music Theater presented Chicago
*Saturday, August 20, 2011 - 2:00pm - Ohio Dance Theatre presented The Fairy Forest as told by Mr. Hatbox!
*Saturday, August 20, 2011 - 7:30pm - Ohio Dance Theatre presented their
Season Encore Performance
*Saturday, September 17, 2011 - 7:00pm - Lights – The Ultimate Journey Experience with guests Less than 88
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 – 7:00pm - Guitars for Girls starring LeAnn Rimes, the JaneDear Girls and Sunny Sweeney
*Monday, December 5, 2011 - 7:30 pm - Lorain Community Music Theater presents
Festival of Carols
*Saturday, December 10, 2011 - 7:30 pm - Patriots Symphonic Band - Christmas Magic
*Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 16, 17 & 18, 2011 - Ohio Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker
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To hear the songs written by our area students during the week-long residency during the 2010-2011 season, please click: on the box that says
"Stocker Arts Center Workshop students click here for songs"
http://www.songwritingmadesimple.com%20and%20click/