By Beacon Staff
The Burlington Civic Music program is returning for its 91st season in September, bringing 10 diverse music performances to Memorial Auditorium and the Capitol Theater.
According to executive director Barbara McRoberts, eight of those shows will be at the auditorium, while the other two will take place at the Capitol Theater in downtown Burlington. The shows are scheduled through the end of 2020 and into 2021.
To ensure current seats or best seating at Memorial Auditorium, Burlington Civic Music is encouraging previous and new season subscribers to order their tickets now for the 2020-2021 season.
Prices for reserved season seats at the auditorium are $130 for the main floor, $115 for the first balcony, $115 for the second balcony, and $20 for students. The cost includes all 10 shows. Tickets for the two Capitol Theater shows can be purchases separately and are $20 for each show.
To order season tickets or for more information, call 319-752-0336 or email BurlingtonCivicMusic@gmail.com.
All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
• Thursday, Sept. 17: Shaun Johnson Big Band and Tonic Sol-fa. Last seen and heard in Burlington in 1997, Shaun Johnson and Tonic Sol-fa are described as a “five-man swinging sensation.” His big-band experience is rare for traditional pop, fusing a big band spirit with an inventive edge.
• Friday, Oct. 9: Gentri — The Gentlemen Trio. Gentri delivers a signature sound described as “cinematic pop.” That means arrangements with lush orchestrations and rich, dynamic three-part harmonies, combining classic hits with original songs.
• Tuesday, Nov. 3: Dhamaal Dancers and Singers. This new show pays homage to the rich culture and traditions of India passed down through generations. Drawing on mythology, traditional dance, and a variety of Indian musical styles, these legendary dances tantalize senses with acrobatic flair and world-class music.
• Saturday, Dec. 19: A Country Christmas With David Kroll. Civic Music welcomes David Kroll to the concert series as a vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader. Sporting a musical career that began in Burlington as a 16-year-old, Kroll moved to Nashville in 2007. A Burlington resident once again, his Country Christmas show has become an area favorite. Special guest Bethany Shane will join him.
• Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021: Sultans of String. Riding a wave of international success, this Canadian string super-group combines acoustic strings with electronic wizardry. Their sonic tapestry of Spanish flamenco, Arabic folk, Cuban rhythms, and gypsy-jazz fill the hall. This performance will take place at the Burlington Capitol Theater.
• Monday, Feb. 8, 2021: “Wings” Dublin Irish Dance. Dazzling dance, theatrical performances, and the vibrant emotion of Celtic music. These world champion dancers and performers from Riverdance present a captivating portrayal of Irish culture.
• Thursday, March 25, 2021: Catapult: Magic Shadows. Dancers transform their bodies into seemingly impossible shapes from the world around us.
• Thursday, April 22, 2021: FLY Dance Company: The Gentlemen of Hip-Hop. Originally an experiment combining hip-hop movement with classical music by Antonio Vivaldi, the company crosses street dance with classical choreographic principles. Known for their high-energy performances, clever staging, and clean-cut artistry designed to cross all audience boundaries, FLY has trained and inspired a generation of dance students.
• Monday, May 3, 2021; Chicago Harp Quartet. A leading harp ensemble in the U.S., Chicago Harp Quartet has played in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Ravinia Festival.
• Saturday, May 15: The Texas Tenors. These classically trained and versatile tenors have become classic performers.
Besides their evening performances, five of the season’s artists will provide free hour-long student concerts on the same day as their shows. Adults must be accompanied by a student to attend.
All student concerts begin at 1 p.m. at the venues of their evening performances. This season’s student concerts are Shaun Johnson and Tonic Sol-fa, Gentri – The Gentlemen Trio, Sultans of String, Catapult: Magic Shadows, and FLY Dance Company.