Michael Feinstein
Friday, July 11th | 7:30 PM
Muriel Kauffman Theatre
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Biography
The roots of Michael Feinstein’s passion began in Columbus, Ohio, where he started playing piano by ear as a 5-year-old. After graduating from high school, he worked in local piano bars for two years, moving to Los Angeles when he was 20. The widow of legendary concert pianist-actor Oscar Levant introduced him to Ira Gershwin in July 1977. Feinstein became Gershwin’s assistant for six years, which earned him access to numerous unpublished Gershwin songs, many of which he has since performed and recorded.
Music
Michael Feinstein, the multi-platinum-selling, two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated entertainer dubbed “The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook,” is considered one of the premier interpreters of American standards. More than simply a performer, Feinstein has received national recognition for his commitment to celebrating America’s popular song and preserving its legacy for the next generation.
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Paquita La Del Barrio
Saturday, July 12th | 7:30 PM
Muriel Kauffman Theatre
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Biography
Francisca Viveros Barradas, better known as ‘Paquita la del Barrio’ (rough English translation: “Frannie from the neighborhood”) is a popular Mexican singer of rancheras and other Mexican styles most famous for being a bit aggressive against her male counterparts in the industry. In 1970 Paquita traveled to Mexico City to try her luck with the name which eventually would make her famous as she belted many tunes of pride and courage against men.
Music
Her music, a staple in cantinas and clubs throughout Mexico, often takes a feminist stance, and has earned her a huge female following. Men are more than welcome to attend, but should be ready to receive some good-natured ribbing. The renowned singer has gained prestige due her signature phrase, with which she often teases male spectators in her shows, is “¿Me estás oyendo, inútil?” (“Are you listening, good-for-nothing?”).
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Phm2CSr9M
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Paquita La Del Barrio’s official website
Tony Bennett
Friday, May 23rd | 7:30 PM
Muriel Kauffman Theatre
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Biography
With worldwide record sales in the millions, and dozens of platinum and gold albums to his credit, Tony Bennett is a musician who touches the hearts and souls of audiences with his legendary vocals and charming stage presence. Winning 17 Grammy Awards over his 60 year career, his signature tunes, such as “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” and “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” form part of the fabric of American music culture. Often billed as the world’s most boyish octogenarian, Tony Bennett is a vital musical artist at the peak of his powers.
Tony’s daughter, Antonia Bennett is touring with her father and will open the performance with a collection of jazz/pop standards. She is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
Video
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Jodi Cobb: Uncovering Hidden Worlds
Tuesday, April 29th | 7:30 PM
National Geographic Live!
Muriel Kauffman Theatre |Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Photographer Jodi Cobb
Jodi Cobb specializes in large-scale, global stories, as well as more intimate stories set inside closed and secret worlds. She has worked in more than 50 countries, primarily in the Middle East and Asia, and she was the first woman to be named White House Photographer of the Year. Cobb has entered many worlds closed to outsiders, including the geisha of Japan.
Watch this video to learn how the question “What can I do that I have never done before?” drives Jodi Cobb:
National Geographic Live
Behind every great National Geographic story there is a great storyteller: the writers, photographers, filmmakers, scientists, explorers, and adventurers who bring the world home. The Kauffman Center’s National Geographic Live series brings these storytellers to Kansas City audiences.
Jodi Cobb’s presentation is generously supported by the following sponsors:
Hilton President Kansas City,
official hotel sponsor
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The 5 Browns
Friday, May 16th | 8:00 PM
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts | Helzberg Hall
5 siblings, 5 pianos, and an exciting infusion of energy into the classical piano music repertoire!
Biography
The 5 Browns – Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra and Desirae – all attended New York’s prestigious Juilliard School. They became the first family of five siblings ever accepted simultaneously. The quintet received their first wave of attention in 2002 when People magazine dubbed them the “Fab Five” and they were featured on Oprah and 60 Minutes. The 5 Browns have released three CDs that each went to #1 on Billboard Magazine’s Classical Album Chart.
Performance
Whether performing individually or together in complex five-piano arrangements, The 5 Browns reveal a deep connection to the intent of the material while bringing a fresh energy and dynamic character, color, and tone to the music.
Video
Check out this video to see the 5 Browns play their arrangement of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue for five pianos:
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