Millikin University’s Kirkland Fine Arts Center is pleased to announce its 2010-2011 Performing Arts Series. Currently in its 41st year, the series blends extraordinary music, sparkling comedy and wonderful performances sure to delight patrons young and old.
The 2010-2011 series includes six spectacular shows, and marks a new beginning as the Center welcomes longtime employee Jan Traughber as its new director. Outgoing director Barry Pearson will continue to oversee the Center’s activities as Millikin’s new Vice President for Academic Affairs.
“After more than ten years with the Center, Jan brings a wealth of experience and insight to leading the Center and serving our patrons,” remarked Pearson. “I look forward to working with her to promote the Center’s growth.”
Traughber began working at the Center in 1999 as the Box Office Manager and became Patron Relations Manager in 2003. She looks forward to continuing the Center’s mission of offering unique, economical entertainment in a setting that provides exceptional customer experiences. “Live entertainment is a passion of mine,” she remarked. “I’ve seen many wonderful shows at Kirkland, and I look forward to ensuring that other patrons have an enjoyable, memorable experience.”
The 2010-2011 series kicks off on September 24 at 7:30 p.m., as Twist & Shout: The Beatles Tribute takes the stage performing a variety of classic Beatles hits, highlighted with film clips from the sixties. Twist & Shout is the definitive Beatles experience, capturing the essence of history’s most beloved and respected rock band. Audience members will know exactly what it was like to experience the band live. Tickets are $12-$24 for adults and $6-$10 for children. For more information, visit www.twistshout.com.
Illusionist Mike Super will take the Kirkland stage on October 24 at 4 p.m. to present his unique brand of interactive magic. Winner of NBC’s hit television show “Phenomenon,” Super has shattered stereotypes by taking magic in a very surprising direction, with shows that incorporate music, side-splitting comedy, amazing lighting, and unbelievable magic and illusion for a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. Talented and versatile, Super has been creating the impossible since the young age of six. His ever-growing popularity has garnered him many prestigious honors, including America's Entertainer of the Year, the Best Performing Artist, and the Performing Arts Entertainer of the Year! Tickets are $12-$24 for adults and $6-$10 for children. For more information, visit www.mikesuper.com.
On December 18 at 7:30 p.m., Millikin’s Faculty Jazz Sextet and guest vocalist Angel Spiccia will return to Kirkland for Holiday Jazz, the Center’s third annual holiday concert. The evening will feature a jazzy swing on a variety of cherished Christmas favorites. Celebrate the sounds of the season with Holiday Jazz! Tickets are $10-$16 for adults and $6-$10 for children.
The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, a dance troupe from Dayton, Ohio, will perform their unique brand of modern dance at Kirkland on January 23 at 2 p.m. Rooted in the African-American experience, their mission is to deliver contemporary dance of the highest quality to the broadest possible audience. Four decades and more than 100 original works after its inception, the troupe now boasts the world’s largest collection of African-American choreographed dance, performed by a company whose well-honed technical skills match their heartfelt passion. For more information, visit www.dcdc.org. Tickets are $12-$24 for adults and $6-$10 for children.
Nine-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, Grammy winner and past Kirkland performer Eileen Ivers will return to Kirkland’s stage on March 20 at 4 p.m. The daughter of Irish immigrants, Ivers has been rooted in Irish music traditions since the age of eight and has established herself as the exemplar of the Irish fiddle in the world today. Described as a "sensation" by Billboard magazine and "the Jimi Hendrix of the violin" by The New York Times, Ivers' recording credits include over 80 contemporary and traditional albums and numerous movie scores. If you saw her at Kirkland in 2004, you won’t want to miss her new arrangements just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. For more information, visit www.eileenivers.com. Tickets are $12-$24 for adults and $6-$10 for children.
Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of the legendary Jacques Cousteau, will conclude the 2010-2011 season on April 10 at 4 p.m. Cousteau’s childhood was spent exploring the world’s oceans with his famous father. Now, as a filmmaker, environmentalist, and educator, Cousteau charms audiences with his stories, images and video from the world deep below the surface. In this multimedia experience, patrons of all ages will experience delight and awe as he takes them on a "great ocean adventure," inspiring audiences to protect this precious resource. For more information, visit www.oceanfutures.org. Tickets are $12-$24 for adults and $6-$10 for children.
The Center will continue its popular “Behind the Curtain” series with two events to be announced this fall. “Behind the Curtain” combines intimate entertainment with a five course gourmet dining experience. Visit www.kirklandfinesarts.com for more information!
Millikin University believes that the arts are essential to the enrichment of society and a fundamental part of the educational process. Millikin’s founder, James Millikin, declared that men and women should have both a classical and practical education to meet the demands of a changing society. The Kirkland Performing Arts Series supports this mission by encouraging both students and the community to participate in its programs and understand our multicultural heritage through performing arts events.
The Kirkland Fine Arts Center is the primary not-for-profit fine arts presenting organization in Macon County. During the past few seasons, over 100 professional performances have been staged at Kirkland, with Broadway tours of CATS, Showboat, and RENT, Grammy award nominees including Patti Page, The Neville Brothers, and Little Richard, animal kingdom expert Jack Hannah, PostSecret blog founder Frank Warren, internationally acclaimed dance companies David Parsons, River North, Cirque Eloize, and MOMIX, popular celebrities Bill Cosby and Howie Mandel, performing ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Julliard String Quartet, and London City Opera, and speeches by distinguished guests like White House correspondent Helen Thomas and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
For more information on Kirkland Fine Arts Center, please visit www.kirklandfinearts.com. Events at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.