2015-16season
The Batte Center Presents
Adam Trent: The Futurist
The Jones Family Singers
Chris Thile
WINGATE UNIVERSITY
San Jose Taiko
www.battecenter.org 704-233-8300
Judy Collins
I Draw Slow
Eclectic. Audacious. Engaging. Affordable. That’s The Batte Presents 2015-2016 Season! It’s packed with passion and intrigue, tragedy and grand illusion. World-class musicians sweep audiences away with thunderous drums, ferocious fingerwork, tight harmonies and bold brass. Each artist presented is truly exceptional, but I must admit, I do have several shows that I’m pretty excited about. Here are a few: I Draw Slow – When I saw them at Merlefest, they captivated a rain-soaked audience with their fresh and dynamic approach to old-time Appalachian music. The Southern Circuit –This new free film series celebrates independent film and connects audiences with the people who make them. Sometimes challenging, frequently funny, often inspiring, each filmmaker tells a unique story. Chris Thile – Bill Monroe was a master of the mandolin, but Thile takes the instrument in bold new directions and we get to go along for the ride. Jonathan Ryan – A prize-winning organist with an impressive repertoire, Ryan is from Wingate and often rehearsed at Wingate on the Rivers Organ when he was young. The Jones Family Singers – Both Rolling Stone Magazine and the Wall Street Journal called them the “must see act” of the SXSW festival in Austin where they had everyone up on their feet. The arts are thriving at Wingate! Come explore the expanded scope of the visual arts at Wingate at the unveiling of the newly commissioned fresco by Ben Long and the opening of the Hinson Art Museum. The Music Department has also expanded and is adding exceptional programs which includes partnering with The Batte to present Cantus. Serving over 90,000 people annually, The Batte Center has a longstanding commitment to fostering the lively arts in our community through diverse artistic programs, educational outreach and strong collaborations with campus and community. We are grateful for our Friends of The Batte members, programing partners and The Batte Center team of staff and students who all bring the arts to life in our community. It’s going to be a great season at The Batte. Join us! Laura Kratt, Director of Cultural Events
Our Season Sponsors:
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704.774.1779
Judy Collins* October 3, 2015 n 8 PM $42
Known for her crystal clear voice and iconic renditions of “Both Sides Now” and “Send in the Clowns,” Judy Collins has inspired five decades of audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism.
“Watching Ms. Collins perform... is like studying a jewel that reveals new facets as it is slowly turned into the light.” – New York Times
*Special Event
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Star of the Broadway hit show - The Illusionists - and the #1 selling magic show in the world, Trent blends dancing and singing to his own original pop music with innovative stage illusions and charming wit to create an experience that is part magic show, part concert and part stand-up comedy.
October 17, 2015 8 PM n $25
*Special Event
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“His elaborate and often stunning playing is laced with sadness but also with a wild, delirious pleasure, a piercing happiness, even a joy.” – the New Yorker
Chris THile** November 20, 2015 n 8 PM $42
Multiple Grammy Award-winner and MacArthur Fellow Chris Thile, a member of Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, is a mandolin virtuoso, composer, and vocalist. With his broad outlook that encompasses classical, jazz, rock, and bluegrass, Thile transcends the borders of conventionally circumscribed genres, creating a distinctly American canon and a new musical aesthetic for performers and audiences alike. On this new program, Thile will perform Bach solo violin works on the mandolin, as well as his own compositions and contemporary music. *Special Event
Media Sponsors: WDAV
January 19 – Feb
Join us for a month long series o events that explore the Renaissan movement that transformed Euro scientific and political thought an Here are just a few of the Conne
Explore your wor • 32nd Annual Shakespeare Recitation Competition Feb. 18, 2016
January 24, 2016 n 3 PM $25 Set against a backdrop of warring households, Romeo and Juliet are the very archetype of tragic young lovers. It’s a story of romance, murder and tragedy, as famous as any that has graced the stage. The New Yorker called Aquila’s innovative style and dynamic physical approach to Shakespeare’s most famous and heart-breaking play “Beautifully spoken, dramatically revealing and crystalline in effect.” Media Sponsor: WDAV
• I Capuleti e I Montecchi (The Capulets and The Montagues) – Feb. 12 & 13 Presented by Wingate Opera and Mosiac Arts Bellini’s bel canto opera based on the original Italian poetry about Verona’s starcrossed lovers, on which the Bard himself based his tale. • Speaker: The Art of Fresco – Charlene Bregier, Wingate Visual Arts Coordinator • Speaker: Human Curiosity – Dr. Mario Livio, Astrophysicist and author, discusses the role curiosity plays in shaping our world.
“[Aquila] takes the classics off their pedestals and presents them as live action, flesh and blood adventures.” – Dramatics Magazine
“The premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States” – Fanfare
bruary 19, 2016
of performances, exhibits and nce - the sweeping cultural ope, reinvented artistic, social, nd fueled the Age of Discovery. ected Campus events planned.
rld, at Wingate.
Cantus: The Four Loves January 29, 2016 n 8 PM $25 Cantus, called “intellectually, emotionally and musically rich” (Star Tribune), is a nine-member men’s vocal ensemble known worldwide for its trademark warmth and blend and its engaging performances. The Four Loves program includes works by Francis Poulenc, Eric Whitacre, Edvard Grieg, Ludwig van Beethoven, Bobby McFerrin, and Ysaye Barnwell and looks at this unquantifiable emotion from all sides. Media Sponsor: WDAV In keeping with the belief that diversity of experience is essential to a well-rounded education, The Connected Campus is a collaborative project of the Wingate University Departments of International Studies, History and Political Science, English, Lyceum, Student Ministries, Art, Music, The Batte Center and community partner Mosiac Arts.
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the jones family singers
February 19, 2016 n 8 PM $25
The Jones Family Singers, consisting, in part, of five sisters, two brothers and their father, have been tearing up churches and festivals alike for over two decades. The Texas-based gospel powerhouse are modern practitioners of a long musical tradition, infusing joyful and reverent songs with vintage soul, funk and R&B. Media Sponsors: The Charlotte Post
“Their music is full of familiarity: tightly wound guitar parts, funky bass lines and the gale-force rush of human voices.” – Houston Chronicle
I draw slow February 27, 2016 n 8 PM $25
This Dublin band has created a new sound, rooted in the old time Appalachian style, drawing on Irish traditional music, bluegrass and modern Americana, but with a whole new songbook of stories and well-crafted melodies.
“one of the most beguiling and singular acts currently on the circuit.” Irish Independent
San Jose Taiko
March 18, 2016 n 8 PM $25 Fusing the ancient art of traditional Japanese drumming (taiko) with the beats of world and rock rhythms, this dynamic percussion ensemble dazzles family audiences with the power and beauty of taiko. Sponsored by:
“...a superb, blood-racing exhibition of taiko drumming” – San Francisco Chronicle
Rodgers & Hammerstein Celebration April 1, 2016 n 8 PM $25
Celebrate the golden age of Broadway with Oscar ‘Andy’ Hammerstein III, author of The Hammersteins: A Musical Theatre Family. It will be an entertaining evening of behind the scenes stories of the legendary Rodgers & Hammerstein artfully woven in with their most memorable songs from South Pacific, The Sound of Music, State Fair, The King and I, Carousel and OKLAHOMA!. Featuring Broadway Stars: Sarah Pfisterer Showboat/Phantom of the Opera Nathaniel Stampley Lion King/Porgy & Bess n 704.233.8300 www.battecenter.org n 704.233.8300 www.battecenter.org
Wingate University Art Exhibitions in Helms Gallery & the Hinson Museum WU Wind Ensemble
The Helms Gallery is located in The Batte Center and is open M-F 10am-5pm. The Hinson Museum is located in adjacent to The Batte Center on Cedar Street and is open M-F 10am-4pm. Receptions are free and begin at 6pm.
Elizabeth Spotswood Spencer – Sept. 8 – Oct. 13 HELMS – A North Carolina coastal native, Spencer’s mixed media work combines wood, graphite, and colored pencils. Her sculpture is truly unique and speaks the language of the South. Unveiling the Ben Long Fresco – Sept 25 – Oct. 22 (Reception Sept. 30) HINSON – Wingate commission: Renowned North Carolina fresco artist Ben Long creates the center piece for the Hinson Art Museum. Character Study – Oct. 20 – Dec. 9 HELMS – Artist Terri Otten will exhibit twenty portraits that the Wingate University English department will respond to. Through creative writing exercises, these subjects will be brought to life by our students. Sonia Nazario, Pulitzer Prize winner
Carl Plansky, Paint Maker – Nov. 5 – Dec. 11 HINSON – Artist and paint maker Carl Plansky founded Willaimsburg Handmade Oil Paints. Plansky’s large-scale abstract paintings revel in his intense color explorations using his own paint recipes. Conversations with Trees – Jan. 21 – Mar. 18 HELMS – Wingate’s Department of Art painting instructor will exhibit his recent landscape paintings. Darren Young’s work focuses on the expressive qualities of paint through brush stroke and the play of light. New Acquisitions to the Permanent Collection – Jan. 14 – Feb. 26 HINSON – A broad array of new acquisitions including painting, wood, fiber, and sculpture will be on display.
WU Choirs
Perception – Mar. 10 – May 10 HINSON – Artist SPOON reduces the painting composition to dots for a interactive experience with art. This Atlanta artist asks the question, “How much information does the brain need to perceive a subject?” Senior Exhibit – April 5 – May 7 HELMS – Graduating art majors will exhibit their work created during their senior year. Distinguished Speaker Series Speaker events start at 7:30pm in McGee Theatre and are free with the exceptions noted below **.
Sonia Nazario, Pulitzer Prize winner, Author of Enrique’s Journey – Oct. 27 Topic: Enrique’s Journey & America’s Immigration Dilemma in Austin Auditorium** Dr. Mario Livio, Astrophysicist, Author of Brilliant Blunders: From Darwin to Einstein – Jan. 27 Topic: Human Curiosity (Connected Campus event) Zak Ebrahim, Peace Activist & Author of The Terrorist’s Son – Feb. 24 Topic: The Terrorist’s Son: A Story of Choice
Artist Ben Long at work. The Hinson Museum Helms Gallery
y Cultural Events Music Department Concerts in McGee Theatre All Music Department events start at 7:30pm in McGee Theatre and are free with the exceptions noted below **.
Wind Ensemble Concert – Oct. 5 University Choirs Fall Concert: “New Beginnings” – Oct. 8 Presenting a varied program in a concert that will debut the newest choir, the Advanced Women’s Ensemble, conducted Dr. Nana Wolfe-Hill.
WU Opera
Wingate University Opera presents: H.M.S. Pinafore – Nov. 6 & 7 Wingate University students will perform the brilliant and comedic work H.M.S. Pinafore by Arthur Sullivan. Wingate University students and faculty as well as members of the Union Symphony Orchestra will comprise the orchestra. Tickets: $15** Wind Ensemble Concert – Nov. 30 Chamber Ensemble Concert – Dec. 1 University Choirs Christmas Concert: “A Wingate Christmas” – Dec. 6 The Wingate University Choirs invite all to its traditional Christmas concert that will feature seasonal selections from different countries. Austin Auditorium** Wingate University Opera and Mosiac Arts presents: I Capuleti e I Montecchi (The Capulets and The Montagues) – Feb. 12 & 13 Vincenzo Bellini’s opera of the story of the Capulets and the Montagues. Tickets: $15** University Singers and Chamber Choir Home Concert – Feb. 25 Wind Ensemble Concert – Feb. 29 University Men’s and Women’s Choirs Concert – Mar. 3 Presenting vocal music that spans the centuries of music history. University Opera, Singers and the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra present: “An Evening of Baroque Music” – Apr. 15 Students will perform Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, J.S. Bach’s Cantata 140 and J.S. Bach’s Motet Der Geist hilft unsrer Schwachheit auf accompanied by the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra. Paige Whitley-Baugess, renowned Baroque Dance Specialist, will direct Dido and Aeneas. Tickets: $10**
by John Littleton & Kate Vogel
Advanced Women’s Ensemble: “Celebrating Women and Music” – Apr. 22 The Advanced Women’s Choral Ensemble will perform solo and choral music by women composers from varying backgrounds and time periods. Wind Ensemble Concert – Apr. 25 Chamber Ensemble Concert – Apr. 26 Wingate University Choirs Spring Concert – Apr. 28
by Terri Otten
Wingate University
6 Films . 6 Filmmakers
Sept. 8, 2015 7PM McGEE THEATER
Oct. 20, 2015 7PM RECITAL HALL
Nov. 9, 2015 7PM McGEE THEATER
In a city where young Joseph East peoples’ fate seems predetermined by their circumstances, I Will Dance is a defiant proclamation not to be another statistic, teenage parent, or gang member. The film follows Random Acts of Theatre Company (RATCo) in Selma, AL journey to New York City. There, they share their stories through an original show written and choreographed by the participants themselves.
On March 8, 1971 eight Johanna Hamilton ordinary citizens broke into an FBI office in Media, Pennsylvania, took hundreds of secret files, and shared them with the public. In doing so, they uncovered the FBI’s vast and illegal regime of spying and intimidation of Americans exercising their First Amendment rights. The FBI never solved the mystery of the breakin. For the first time, the members of the Citizens’ Commission speak out about their actions. 1971 is their story.
Imba Means Sing is a Erin Bernhardt character-driven heartfelt story of resilience and the impact of education. The film follow Angel, Moses and Nina from the slums of Kampala, Uganda through a world tour with the Grammy-nominated African Children’s Choir. The film is stunningly shot and told through Angel, Moses and Nina’s perspectives on their one shot journey from poverty to education.
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. . nts Evequired Re Free ets c i k
Jonathan Ryan, organist September 27, 2015 • 4pm • Austin Auditorium
Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike for his strong communicative skills in numerous styles, depth of musicianship, and passion, Jonathan Ryan is hailed as one of the premiere young concert organists. With a repertoire spanning the 16th- to 21st-centuries, this Wingate native has performed at celebrated venues, festivals, and conventions throughout the North America and Europe.
Media Sponsor:
Cal th Get Boxl or ese Frticke Off Visit ee E ts fo ice. Th ven r Engaging Audiences with Films and Discussions 704 e Ba ts! .233 tte .830 The Southern Circuit is the South’s only tour of emerging and respected filmmakers, 0
providing communities with a free and interactive way of experiencing independent film. Featuring six films over six months, The Circuit presents filmmakers screening and discussing their work with campus and community audiences at The Batte Center at Wingate University.
Feb. 23, 2016 7PM McGEE THEATER
Mar. 15, 2016 7PM McGEE THEATER
Apr. 5, 2016 7PM McGEE THEATER
Dorothea Lange: Grab A Dyanna Taylor Hunk of Lightning, tells the compelling story of the passion, vision, and drive that made Lange one of the most important documentary photographers of the 20th century. While Lange’s haunting image The Migrant Mother is one of the most recognized photographs in the world, few know the full range and depth of Lange’s work or the suffering and sensitivity that drew her to empathize with the people she photographed.
To many Americans, it feels like there is Christopher Harvey Vincant Vittorio no one fighting for American jobs–especially the jobs in manufacturing. Fortunately, people are making a difference and have prospered. American Made Movie shows the positive impact of domestic manufacturing jobs on national and local economies in the face of great challenges. Everyone has the power to transform America’s future through the simple choices you make every day.
A sharecropper’s daughter Rex Miller and a truant from the rough streets of Harlem, Althea Gibson emerged as a most unlikely queen of the highly segregated tennis world in the 1950. No player, overcame more obstacles than Althea Gibson; the first AfricanAmerican (male or female) to play at (and win) Wimbledon and the US Open. Throughout her entire journey, Althea remained true to her convictions - an uncompromising individual and unique trailblazer.
This is a collaborative project of The Batte Center and the Union County Community Arts Council with support from the Wingate University Lyceum program, Writing Center and Department of English.
The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers is a program of South Arts. Screenings are supported in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.
US Army Jazz Ambassadors November 17, 2015 • 8PM • Austin Auditorium The Jazz Ambassadors—America’s Big Band is the official touring big band of the United States Army. This 19-member ensemble, formed in 1969, has received great acclaim both at home and abroad performing America’s original art form, jazz. Their diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, vocals, and patriotic selections. Media Sponsors: Union Lifestyle Magazine
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Subscriber Benefits n Save 10% off the regular ticket price n Maximum flexibility n Early access to tickets & great seats n Free ticket exchanges
Become a Member of the Friends of The Batte! Ticket sales only cover a portion of the costs associated with presenting The Batte Center Season. The invaluable support of our MEMBERS makes it possible to continue to set our artistic sights high, keep ticket prices low and expand the services we provide our community. Last season, our MEMBERS helped: n Introduce 1,500 wonderstruck first graders to to the magic of live theater. n Sponsor performances by Union Symphony Orchestra and Union County Youth Ballet n Host regional student competitions ranging from Shakespeare Recitation to Odyssey of the Mind. n Serve over 90,000 people from this region and beyond. Think what The Batte could do with YOUR support! With memberships starting at just $50, your tax deductible contribution will help ensure the lively arts have a home in Union County. In appreciation for their support, Members can receive these great benefits:
Your Membership Benefits Premier Box Office Service which features: • Advance Ticket Buying opportunity • Early Concert Notice & Email updates • Donor recognition in the Playbill
Friend Supporter Patron Benefactor Guardian Challenger $50-$99 $100-$174 $175-$249 $250-$499 $500-$999 $1,000+
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS date Time Event Sept 8 Sept. 8 Sept. 27 Sept. 30
Dec. 1 Dec. 6 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 27 Jan. 29
october
8:00 PM 4:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM
Judy Collins n n Union Symphony Orchestra n Wind Ensemble Concert University Choirs Fall Concert Adam Trent: The Futurist n n Gallery Reception: Character Study Film Series: 1971 n n n Speaker Series: Sonia Nazario n
BUYING YOUR TICKETS In Person: Batte Center Box Office: Located inside the Batte Center near the Plyler-Griffith Recital Hall Hours: 10 AM-5 PM, M-F and 90 minutes before showtime in the theatre lobby
november
7:30 PM H.M.S. Pinafore n 7:00 PM Film Series: Imba Means Sing n n 8:00 PM US Army Jazz Ambassadors n n n 8:00 PM Chris Thile n n 7:30 PM Wind Ensemble Concert
ingate University W The Batte Center 403 N. Camden Rd. Wingate, NC 28174
Over the Phone: Batte Center: 704.233.8300 Hours: 10 AM-5 PM, M-F
december january
7:30 PM Chamber Ensemble Concert 7:30 PM University Choirs Christmas Concert n
6:00 PM Gallery Reception: Conversations with Trees 3:00 PM Romeo and Juliet n n 7:30 PM Speaker Series: Dr. Mario Livio 8:00 PM Cantus n n
february
Feb. 12 & 13 Feb. 19 Feb 23 Feb. 24 Feb 25 Feb. 27 Feb. 29
7:30 PM I Capuleti e I Montecchi (The Capulets and The Montagues) n 8:00 PM The Jones Family Singers n n 7:00 PM Film Series: Grab a Hunk of Lightning n n 7:30 PM Speaker Series: Zak Ebrahim 7:30 PM Choir Tour Home Concert 8:00 PM I Draw Slow n n 7:30 PM Wind Ensemble Concert
Mar. 3 Mar. 10 Mar. 15 Mar. 18
7:30 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 3:00 PM
Apr. 1 Apr. 5 Apr. 5 Apr. 15 Apr. 22 Apr. 24 Apr. 25 Apr. 26 Apr. 28
WINGATE UNIVERSITY
season
Nov. 6 & 7 Nov. 9 Nov. 17 Nov. 20 Nov. 30
september
Film Series: I Will Dance n n Gallery Reception: Elizabeth Spotswood Spencer Jonathan Ryan, Organist n n n Museum Reception: Unveiling the Ben Long Fresco Hinson Museum
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Oct. 3 Oct. 4 Oct. 5 Oct. 8 Oct. 17 Oct. 20 Oct. 20 Oct. 27
7:00 PM 6:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM
march
Men’s and Women’s Choirs Concert Museum Reception: Perception Film Series: American Made Movie n n San Jose Taiko n n
Online: www.battecenter.org www.carolinatix.org The Batte Box Office hours apply during the regular school session. It will be closed for University observed holidays. Internet and phone orders are subject to a per-ticket convenience fee. All orders are subject to N.C. sales tax.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL. EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF AGE, IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A TICKET. REFUNDS GIVEN ONLY IN THE CASE OF ARTIST CANCELLATION. Smoking, cameras and recording equipment are not permitted. As a courtesy to artists and patrons, latecomers will not be seated until an appropriate interval in the performance.
april
8:00 PM Rodgers & Hammerstein Celebration n n 7:00 PM Film Series: Althea n n 6:00 PM Gallery Reception: Senior Exhibit 7:30 PM An Evening of Baroque Music n 7:30 PM Advanced Women’s Ensemble Choir Concert 4:00 PM Union Symphony Orchestra n 7:30 PM Wind Ensemble Concert 7:30 PM Chamber Ensemble Concert 7:30 PM University Choirs Spring Concert
CarolinaTix: 704.372.1000 Hours: 10 AM-6 PM, M-S
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Tickets required
Batte Center Presents In Austin Auditorium In Recital Hall All events are in McGee Theatre except as noted
All Batte Center performance facilities are handicapped accessible. Service animals are welcome.
All dates, times and artists subject to change.
ENJOY THE SHOW!
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WINGATE UNIVERSITY
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Physical Address The Batte Center – 403 N. Camden Road, Wingate, NC 28174 Austin Auditorium – 230 Cedar Street, Wingate, NC 28174
Just 19 miles from I-485, Matthews, Mint Hill, Waxhaw and Weddington, The Batte Center is located southeast of Charlotte off of U.S. Highway 74 (Independence Blvd). Our facilities are handicap accessible and surrounded by ample free parking.
We’re closer than you think George A. Batte, Jr. Fine Arts Center Wingate University 403 N. Camden Road Wingate, NC 28174 www.battecenter.org 704.233.8300
WINGATE UNIVERSITY