Cal Poly Arts 23/24 Season Brochure

WELCOME TO THE 2023|2024 SEASON!

It is with great excitement that we invite you to join us for the inspiring artists of Cal Poly Arts’ 2023-2024 Season! We are thrilled to bring prominent artistic voices that have made their mark across generations, as well as introduce innovative artists in their SLO debuts. With a diverse lineup that travels across genres and cultures, there is ample opportunity for all members of our community to discover the unique joy that is experiencing live performing arts. We are also proud to welcome our first season sponsor on this journey with us: The Foundation for the Performing Arts Center!

I encourage you to venture to the Performing Arts Center to enjoy your favorite artists as well as explore artists performing here for the first time to add some new “favorites” to your list! I look forward to sharing with you in all the magical moments these performances will bring to the stage.

Warm regards,

Molly Clark Director, Cal Poly Arts

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE!

CHOOSE ANY COMBINATION OF FOUR OR MORE SHOWS FOR A 10% DISCOUNT ON YOUR TICKETS!

THE BEST SEATS WILL BE YOURS!

Subscriptions go on sale July 5, 2023. Your subscription order will be processed before single event tickets go on sale August 7, 2023, so you will be getting the very best seats available. For the first time ever you can subscribe online at calpolyarts.org!

SEATING PRIORITY

Seating priority is determined by the number of years of continuous subscription renewal and the date the order is received. New subscribers will be assigned seats after the renewing subscriber deadline of July 30, 2023; renewal status will be applied in subsequent seasons.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO COMMIT — WE’RE FLEXIBLE!

Worried that you’ll buy tickets for a show and then find you can’t make it? VIP Members at the “Advocate” level and above may exchange tickets for another season performance, free of charge. See pg. 46 for more information on VIP membership.

INDIVIDUAL SHOW TICKETS

Individual tickets go on sale to the general public August 7, 2023. Orders received prior to that date with fewer than four events will be processed as single ticket orders and filled in the date order received once the subscription order period has ended.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

TAIMANE

BOBBY MCFERRIN

DREAMERS’ CIRCUS

BODYTRAFFIC

LUPITA INFANTE

PHANTOM OF THE ORGAN WITH RAÚL PRIETO RAMÍREZ

AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS

FLOR DE TOLOACHE

MATTHEW WHITAKER

NOCHEBUENA

A CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

JANE LYNCH

A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS

TURTLE ISLAND QUARTET ISLAND PRAYERS

HERB ALPERT AND LANI HALL

MARQUIS HILL

DANIEL TIGER’S

LIVE: KING FOR A DAY!

A TRINITY IRISH DANCE

SHAOLIN JAZZ: CAN I KICK

CHICAGO

TAJ MAHAL QUARTET & SONA JOBARTEH

LIGHTWIRE THEATER

DINO-LIGHT

STOMP

THE QUEEN’S CARTOONISTS

TAIMANE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 • 7:30PM | SPANOS THEATRE

TICKETS: $39

Experience Taimane’s captivating versatility on the ukulele as she masterfully blends genres from classical to rock to flamenco. This Hawaiian sensation, discovered by Don Ho, dazzles audiences with her innovative compositions, fierce energy, and graceful stage presence.

SPONSORED BY Sharon & John Dobson, KCBX FM

“...she’s playing the ukulele like you would not believe. She can do so much with this tiny little instrument.”

– Jazztimes

BOBBY McFERRIN

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $56-$74

Known for his iconic hits like “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, 10-time Grammy Award-winner Bobby McFerrin comes to SLO for an extraordinary event of boundless creativity and communal connection. Showcasing his innovative a cappella performances and beatbox techniques, McFerrin will perform music from Circlesongs, in a collective improvisation with the audience.

Photos: Carol Friedman

SPONSORED BY

Francie Levy & Larry Akey, Coleen & Ray Mattison, KCBX FM, KRUSH 92.5 FM, Pacific Western Bank

“...he is to music what Julia Child is to food...”

SingOut!

DREAMERS’ CIRCUS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 • 7:30PM | SPANOS THEATRE TICKETS: $42

Discover the innovative brilliance of Dreamers’ Circus, a Nordic world music sensation. This Danish trio skillfully reinvents traditional folk music, captivating audiences with their unique blend of violin, piano, and Nordic cittern. Boasting five Danish Music Awards and international acclaim, let their creativity and talent enchant you.

Photos: Kristoffer Juel Poulsen

”They’re world class. Now the world needs to hear them.”

BODYTRAFFIC

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18 • 7:30PM

HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $36-$60

POST-SHOW TALKBACK WITH ARTISTS

Captivating audiences by their Los Angeles grown, contagious and lyrical vivacity BODYTRAFFIC is hailed as one of the most musical and talked about contemporary dance companies nationwide. Led by Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett, the world-class company brings the timeless vocal and melodic styles of Peggy Lee, James Brown, and Dean Martin to life through an “absolutely joyous and oh-so-entertaining” evening of dance. Jampacked with enthralling “vivid theatricality”, BODYTRAFFIC’s performances reverberate through a dynamic tension of music, harmoniously alternating in time with the dancers.

SPONSORED BY Libbie Agran, Gina Kirk, Ann & David Lawrence, Carol MacCurdy & Tom Nuckols

Photos: Christopher Duggan-Gotham

LUPITA INFANTE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL TICKETS: $32-$57

Lupita Infante, a Mexican American singer-songwriter and the granddaughter of the iconic Pedro Infante — Mexico’s most beloved singer and actor from the golden age of Mexican cinema — is part of an emerging generation of contemporary artists working to remake ranchera traditions for Millennial and Gen Z fans. Her debut album, “La Serenata,” was nominated for both a Latin Grammy and 2021 Grammy. Lupita will perform songs from her new album “Amor Como En Las Películas De Antes” (Love like in the movies of before) her new album with Sony Music. Inspired by Lupita’s admiration for the golden age of Mexican cinema, it is an eclectic mix of new songs that honors both traditional and new Mariachi, breaking the generational barrier and making it distinctly her own all at once.

SPONSORED BY 95.7 FM The Beat, La Ley 100.3 FM

“...with Mexican royalty running through her veins, she has a stunning vocal range and emotional depth that can leave chills down your spine.”

– HOLA!

PHANTOM OF THE ORGAN

WITH RAÚL PRIETO RAMÍREZ

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $35

Experience the electrifying talent of Raúl Prieto Ramírez, an iconoclastic Spanish organist renowned for his sizzling, transcendent performances. Join him for a haunting Halloween concert featuring Phantom of the Opera arias alongside two opera singers, and be captivated by the organ’s mesmerizing, spooky side.

SPONSORED BY

Bert & Candace Forbes, Maryellen & Michael Simkins, Carol A. Williams, TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Luis Obispo

AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $42-$66

POST-SHOW BOOK SIGNING

Loaded with sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris returns to SLO! Known as one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers, the great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.

SPONSORED BY Tonya & Bob Omdahl, Roxy Peck, Carmel & Naccasha, LLP, Edible Magazine , KCBX FM

Photos: Anne Fishbein

“He’s smart, he’s caustic, he’s mordant, and, somehow, he’s . . . well, nice.”

– Toronto Globe and Mail

“Flor de Toloache stuns at the crossroads of fusion and mariachi girl magic. Whether intimately airy or ice-crackingly powerful, their intricate vocal runs and harmonic alchemy seem to defy logic with equally clever instrumental arrangements by the singers themselves.”

– NPR

FLOR DE TOLOACHE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $28-$46

Returning to SLO after their incredible 2019 show, this Latin Grammy-winning all-female ensemble is revolutionizing traditional Latin American music with their edgy, versatile flair. Transcending culture and gender, they’ve enchanted global audiences with three albums and a fresh rock-inspired compilation. Experience their boundary-breaking fusion and be captivated by their unique sound.

SPONSORED BY Bert & Candace Forbes, Bank of America, 95.7 FM The Beat, KCBX FM, La Ley 100.3 FM

MATTHEW WHITAKER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 • 7:30PM | SPANOS THEATRE TICKETS: $44

Meet Matthew Whitaker, a prodigious talent who began his musical journey at age 3. As the youngest artist endorsed by Hammond and a Yamaha Artist, he’s made a remarkable impact on the jazz scene. With training from Juilliard, Harlem School of the Arts, and Manhattan School of Music, you must witness this extraordinary pianist in action!

SPONSORED BY

Celebrating the Love of Diversity! Charles Becker Foundation, KCBX FM

“As a student of great piano masters, he has quickly identified the buttons that resonate with a crowd looking for a good time.”

– Los Angeles Times

Photo: Taylor Brandt

Photo: Rahil Ashruff

Resonance: A Cultural Art Series Sponsored by OUDI

NOCHEBUENA:

A CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $38-$77

Experience the vibrant spirit of Mexico’s Christmas season with an all-star cast featuring Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar. Immerse yourself in Nochebuena traditions, where captivating music, dance, and festive customs create an unforgettable cultural celebration.

SPONSORED BY Bert & Candace Forbes, Edible Magazine, 95.7 FM The Beat, La Ley 100.3 FM

JANE LYNCH

A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $49.50-$79.50

A Swingin’ Little Christmas is a delightful fusion of cabaret, comedy, and Christmas kitsch, reminiscent of the ‘50s and ‘60s holiday specials. Starring Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and The Tony Guerrero Quintet, this high-energy performance promises to jingle your bells and ignite your holiday spirit.

SPONSORED BY Coleen & Ray Mattison, Coast 104.5 FM

– Broadway World

“More pep than an elf on peppermint!”

TURTLE ISLAND QUARTET

ISLAND PRAYERS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL TICKETS: $30-$65

The Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet returns to SLO with a captivating new program. This evening will showcase works commissioned by and created for TIQ from renowned composers Terence Blanchard, Rhiannon Giddens, Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, and founder David Balakrishnan. In addition to the quartet’s unique combination of jazz, American roots and new music, these works will also include indigenous and folkloric styles that the quartet will be approaching for the first time.

SPONSORED BY Dr. Elaine Yin & Michael J. Wilson

“It’s group string jazz at its finest, not only brilliantly conceived but brilliantly played as well, by master-musicians having a wonderful time with their own with humor and imagination.”

– Sacramento Bee

Photos: Sylvia Elzafon

HERB ALPERT AND LANI HALL

– The New York Times

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 • 7:30PM

HAROLD MIOSSI HALL TICKETS: $44-$64

Join Herb Alpert and Lani Hall for an unforgettable evening of eclectic jazz, world, and American pop music. This husband-andwife duo has been captivating audiences since 2006, boasting Alpert’s five #1 hits, 28 Billboard-charted albums, and eight Grammys, alongside Hall’s Grammy-winning vocals and history as the original lead singer for Sergio Mendes’ Brasil ‘66.

SPONSORED BY Jim Conway in memory of Cheryl Conway, Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, New Times, Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills

Photos: Dewey

Nicks

“Happy music made by happy people.”

MARQUIS HILL

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 • 7:30PM | SPANOS THEATRE

TICKETS: $44

Marquis Hill, a trailblazing trumpeter, breaks barriers between genres, embracing jazz, hip-hop, R&B, Chicago house, and neo-soul. Experience his mastery as he seamlessly blends jazz interplay, hip-hop-infused rhythms, and socially conscious spoken-word as he reinvents jazz standards in his electrifying performance.

SPONSORED BY Andi & Jeff Portney, Dr. Elaine Yin & Michael J. Wilson, KCBX FM

“...demonstrating the true high-wire act of improvisation and art.”

– Downbeat Magazine

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE: KING FOR A DAY!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 • 6:00PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $29-$75

VIP MEET AND GREET TICKETS AVAILABLE

The grr-ific musical for little tigers and grown-ups alike is back! The hugely popular Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE! , based on the #1 PBS KIDS TV series, has delighted live audiences on stages across the country. Daniel and all of his friends invite you for a brand-new adventure in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe where Daniel learns just what it takes to be King. It’s an event filled with tigertastic fun, teaching the valuable lessons of kindness, helping others, and being a friend.

BY

SPONSORED

Sharon & John Dobson, Coast 104.5 FM, KSBY TV, SLO Craft, Inc.

Photo: Lois Greenfield

JIG A TRINITY IRISH DANCE COMPANY PRODUCTION

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $36-$60

POST-SHOW TALKBACK WITH ARTISTS

JIG, a Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) production, is a fresh take on TIDC’s internationally-renowned, alternative approach to a traditional form. In its premiere season, JIG will redefine what is possible for Irish music and dance. Centered by a live band, JIG will immerse audiences in an authentic experience that celebrates the power of vibrations, rhythm and movement.

“A cool vibe... It stretches the limits of what irish dance can do aesthetically and rhythmically”

– Chicago Tribune

SPONSORED BY The Christakos Family

Photos: Michelle Reid

SHAOLIN JAZZ: CAN I KICK IT?

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 • 7:30PM | PAC PAVILION TICKETS: $30

Experience the entertaining fusion of hip-hop, jazz, and martial arts with Shaolin Jazz’s CAN I KICK IT? Witness cult classic and contemporary martial arts/action films come to life as they’re scored scene-by-scene with a vibrant blend of Hip Hop, Soul, and Funk by live DJs – uncovering the unique intersections of these dynamic cultures.

CO-PRESENTED BY SLO Film Fest

SPONSORED BY Mary Baiamonte, India D’Avignon & Ignati Vakalis, Matchfire

Resonance: A Cultural Art Series Sponsored by OUDI

“...every fight scene becomes an epic music video.”

– The Linfield Review

CHICAGO

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $78-$119

After 26 years, CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. No wonder CHICAGO has been honored with 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy, and thousands of standing ovations. Come see why the name on everyone’s lips is still... CHICAGO .

SPONSORED BY Jeffrey & Sharon Armstrong, Susan Minker, M.D. & Stephen Holtzman, M.D., Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills

Photos: Jeremy Daniel

TAJ MAHAL QUARTET & SONA JOBARTEH

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $45-$69

With a 50+ year career, three Grammy wins, 14 nominations, Blues Hall of Fame membership, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association, Taj Mahal’s impact on the blues is undeniable. This performance will include widely acclaimed Gambian musician Sona Jobarteh, one of the first female Kora virtuosos, who is known for her skill as an instrumentalist, her distinctive voice, infectious melodies and her grace onstage.

“...brims with both jazz eloquence and blues power.”

– Blues Rock Review

SPONSORED BY Mary Kay Harrington & Thom Brajkovich

LIGHTWIRE THEATER DINO-LIGHT

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25 • 2:00PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $26-$40

Join Lightwire Theater, semi-finalists on NBC’s America’s Got Talent and winners of Tru TV’s Fake Off , for their electrifying production, Dino-Light . Recipient of the prestigious Jim Henson Foundation Grant, this glow-inthe-dark adventure weaves a heartwarming story with a cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology, and dance, dazzling audiences worldwide.

“Absolutely incredible” – Rolling Stone Magazine

SPONSORED BY The Duffy Family, Associated Students, Inc., Coast 104.5 FM, SLO Provisions, Quality Suites San Luis Obispo

Photos: Ian Carney

STOMP

Witness STOMP , an explosive, inventive, and utterly unique percussion sensation for all ages. This award-winning eight-member troupe captivates audiences with unconventional instruments, from matchboxes to garbage cans, creating magnificent rhythms. With rave reviews and repeat performances worldwide, STOMP delivers a pulse-pounding, electrifying experience. As the Boston Globe suggests, “If you haven’t seen STOMP , GO!” See what all the noise is about!

SPONSORED BY KSBY TV, KZOZ 93.3 FM, Trust Automation

Photos: STOMP

Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas © Steve McNicholas

SUNDAY, MARCH 3 • 7:00PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL TICKETS: $59-$92

THE QUEEN’S CARTOONISTS

FRIDAY, MARCH 8 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL TICKETS: $28-$46

The Queen’s Cartoonists bring cartoons to life with perfectly synchronized music from over 100 years of animation. Experience virtuosic musicianship, multi-instrumental mayhem, and comedy as they perform original soundtracks and fresh compositions alongside projections of classic and modern animated films. Delight in the fusion of jazz, classical music, and animation, featuring composers like Raymond Scott, Carl Stalling, and Duke Ellington. Audiences of all ages will delight in this immersive and fun concert!

SPONSORED BY Josephine & Wesley Laacke, Edible Magazine , La Cuesta Inn, Med Stop Urgent Care - Madonna Plaza

Photo: Mark Sheldon

Photo: Lindsey Theong

“The Queen’s Cartoonists can make a jazz lover out of anyone.”

– The San Diego Union Tribune

THE CONCERT TRUCK

MONDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 11 – 17 | SLO COUNTY

Featured on Voice of America, Minnesota Public Radio, and in the Washington Post , The Concert Truck revolutionizes the live music experience by turning a 16-foot box truck into a mobile concert hall, giving it the ability to bring live classical music anywhere in SLO county. With 10 free community concerts throughout a weeklong engagement, this is an incredible experience providing access to the arts for all!

SPONSORED BY Suzan Boatman, Sharon Dobson, Marti Lindholm & Allan Smith, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Luis Obispo, Tablas Creek Vineyard

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

TUESDAY, MARCH 19 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $36-$59

No group is more closely identified with African song – some might say with world music itself –than this vibrant South African nine-member vocal ensemble. Since 1987, when they were introduced to mainstream America with the release of Paul Simon’s groundbreaking Graceland album, these African troubadours have traveled the world with the uplifting, polyrhythmic harmonies of their homeland.

SPONSORED BY Celebrating the Love of Diversity! Charles Becker Foundation

“Theirs is among the most distinctive and uplifting choral sounds around.”

–NPR

“HILARIOUS! It’s not shocking that MEAN GIRLS is a fastpaced fancy fun time, but it’s a real treat to find that it’s WITTY, WORLDLY, AND WISE.”

– New York Magazine

“Tina Fey still writes funnier, smarter, sharper satire than anyone else in the business.”

– Chicago Tribune

MEAN GIRLS

MONDAY, APRIL 1 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $94-$119

MEAN GIRLS is a ferociously funny new musical from an award-winning creative team. Based on the book by Tina Fey, MEAN GIRLS tells the story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A MARVEL: dazzling and hilarious!” and USA Today says, “We’ll let you in on a little secret, because we’re such good friends: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!”

SPONSORED BY Drs. Edwin & Janet Chen Hayashi, Dr. Howard & Stephanie Hayashi, Tenet Health Central Coast, Lindsey Harn GroupChristies International Real Estate

BRUCE HORNSBY & yMUSIC

TUESDAY, APRIL 9 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL TICKETS: $56-$74

Eclectic singer-songwriter and pianist Bruce Hornsby rose to fame with his Grammy-winning debut album The Way It Is and its title track, the most played song on U.S. radio in 1987. Since then, he has released more than 20 albums as a leader, toured with the Grateful Dead, and appeared on 100-plus records from artists including Bob Dylan, Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, Sting, Mavis Staples and Willie Nelson. Hornsby is touring with the New York-based classical-pop ensemble yMusic, a sextet known for its original compositions as well as collaborations with Ben Folds, John Legend, Paul Simon, St. Vincent and other artists.

SPONSORED BY Tonya & Bob Omdahl, Radiology Associates, Popolo Catering, 920 AM KVEC

Photo: Sarah Walor

Photo: Juan Patino

ANNA LAPWOOD

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL

TICKETS: $35

Anna Lapwood, a trailblazing organist and social media sensation, captivates audiences with her fresh approach to classical music. As Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge, and deemed “the TikTok organist”, she bridges genres and generations by performing movie compositions, Bach, and jazz-infused pieces. Discover a unique musical experience with this innovative artist.

SPONSORED BY Bert & Candace Forbes

Photos: Nick Rutter

SMALL ISLAND BIG SONG

“Impassioned choruses are joined with polyrhythmic beats, meditative passages cool the pace between songs tailor-made for dancing, indigenous instruments support modern sensibilities and vice versa.”

– Rootsworld

Small Island Big Song unites seafaring cultures of the Pacific and Indian Oceans through a contemporary musical statement addressing the climate crisis. Showcasing indigenous artists maintaining their cultural voice, this project blends diverse styles like roots-reggae, RnB, folk, and spoken-word, connecting cultures from Madagascar to Easter Island. Experience a jaw-dropping musical dialogue that transcends boundaries.

SPONSORED BY Sharon & John Dobson

Resonance: A Cultural Art Series Sponsored by OUDI

Photos:

Kimmi

Cranes

FRIDAY, APRIL 26 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL TICKETS: $34-$57

COME FROM AWAY

THURSDAY, MAY 2 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL TICKETS: $78-$119

On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all. This stirring and inspiring musical takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of the small town in Newfoundland that opened their homes to 7,000 stranded travelers on 9/11. During that fateful week, cultures clashed and nerves ran high—but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Celebrate the best of humankind and the best in all of us at COME FROM AWAY.

SPONSORED BY George & Esther Pudlo Adamski Moroski Madden Cumberland & Green, LLP, SESLOC Federal Credit Union

“It takes you to a place you never want to leave!”

– Newsweek

ALCEE CHRISS

FRIDAY, MAY 31 • 7:30PM | HAROLD MIOSSI HALL TICKETS: $35

Dr. Alcee Chriss III, featured in the PBS documentary Pipe Dreams and winner of prestigious organ competitions, is regarded as one of today’s leading young organists. Currently the University Organist and Artist-in-Residence at Wesleyan University, he also serves on the editorial board of Vox Humana magazine.

Photo: Emily Gan

SPONSORED BY Bert & Candace Forbes, Marti Lindholm & Allan Smith

PASSPORT TO THE ARTS

CREATING ACCESSIBILITY TO NEW ARTISTIC WORLDS

Cal Poly Arts believes the arts should not be a luxury reserved for the privileged few in our county, but rather, available and accessible to everyone. With this notion in mind, Cal Poly Arts created and launched the Passport to the Arts program in 2022.

Passport to the Arts provides free or deeply subsidized access to performing arts experiences on the Central Coast to low-income and marginalized communities who have not historically had access to high-quality, live, artistic programming. This includes providing free tickets to public performances, delivering transformative performing arts workshops on and off campus, and making deeply subsidized student tickets available for the majority of Cal Poly Arts’ shows.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PASSPORT TO THE ARTS’ INAUGURAL SEASON

Over 1,000 deeply discounted student tickets were distributed, enriching students’ academic and social experiences with the arts.

Over 1,350 free tickets were offered to 14 performances for low-income and marginalized communities, enriching local residents’ lives with cultural experiences.

12 transformative artist workshops impacted over 300 participants ranging from dance and music masterclasses to puppetry workshops, an organ demonstration, and intimate conversations with important artists of our time.

TO SUPPORT PASSPORT TO THE ARTS OR BECOME A COMMUNITY PARTNER

Contact Maria Taylor: mtaylo83@calpoly.edu

PASSPORT

POLY ARTS FOR YOUTH

POLY ARTS FOR YOUTH (PAFY) is Cal Poly Arts’ education enrichment program for K-12 students. Our world-class touring artists engage directly with children in their classrooms or onsite at the Performing Arts Center allowing for rich cultural, and artistic workshop experiences that extend the performing arts beyond the stage. PAFY is vital because students who have access to arts education have better grade point averages, score better on standardized tests in reading and math and have lower dropout rates. Last year, PAFY held 6 inperson workshops and 1 virtual workshop impacting over 1,200 students.

What teachers and students are saying about last season:

“NORTH was magnificently produced and the creative design, choreography and costuming was executed well. It showed a young audience another way of studying Black History and its relevance in education. The content was entertaining yet very educational. It introduced important vocabulary which led to deep conversations.”

– 6th

grade teacher

“Dear Somos Amigos, Gracias, thank you for performing at our school today. I loved every part of your singing. I really loved when you played the guitar, banjo and jarana. It was so cool! My favorite part was when we sang. You inspired me to be me!”

– Tommy, 3rd grader

In the 2023-2024 season, PAFY K-12 programs will include a unique workshop combining puppetry, dance and LED technology with Lightwire Theater , a music workshop with Latin Grammy winners 123 Andrés , and interactive acting workshops with the talented casts of Tomás and the Library Lady and NORTH: The Musical . We are excited to bring world-class artists into schools including the Grammy award winning Turtle Island Quartet who will give a lecture/demonstration, The Queen’s Cartoonists screening cartoons with perfectly synchronized jazz accompaniment, and The Concert Truck showcasing two classical pianists performing out of a fully outfitted 16-foot box truck, bringing the concert hall directly to the students.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE INCREDIBLE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Contact Maria Taylor at mtaylo83@calpoly.edu

VIP MEMBERSHIP LEVEL BENEFITS

Our VIP Membership program offers great benefits to our patrons and provides a broad range of support levels so that members can bolster Cal Poly Arts diverse programming and arts access initiatives.

FRIEND $100+

Benefits include:

• Donor Honor Roll recognition in the Performing Arts Center lobby during Cal Poly Arts events

• Exclusive pre-sale access for single ticket sales

• Exclusive e-mail updates with Cal Poly Arts news and special offers

• Complimentary season magnet

ADVOCATE $300+

All of the previously listed benefits plus:

• Free ticket exchange

• VIP one-time use parking pass for the top level of the Grand Avenue parking structure. Valid at Cal Poly Arts events only

(Premium value of $12)

CHAMPION $600+

All of the previously listed benefits plus:

• Add an additional 5% off your subscription tickets for up to 15% off. Excludes Broadway shows and select events

• Invitation to a VIP Appreciation Party

• One additional (2 total) VIP one-time use parking pass for the top level of the Grand Avenue parking structure. Valid at Cal Poly Arts events only

(Premium value of $24)

BENEFACTOR $1,500+

All of the previously listed benefits plus:

• Exclusive season preview before the season is announced to the general public

• All season VIP parking pass for the top level of the Grand Avenue parking structure. Valid at Cal Poly Arts events only.

(Premium value of $30)

Please note that in keeping with IRS regulations, the fair-market value of certain benefits is not tax deductible. The “premium” (benefits) amounts listed will be subtracted from your gift to determine the tax-deductible value and will be reflected on your gift receipt from Cal Poly University Development. To waive all benefits and receive full tax-deductible credit, please call 805-756-6383.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS

(805) 756-4849

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE!

CHOOSE ANY COMBINATION* OF FOUR OR MORE SHOWS FOR A 10% DISCOUNT ON YOUR TICKETS!

TICKET OFFICE HOURS

Summer Hours: Monday – Friday, 10AM – 4PM, July 5 – September 1

Regular Hours: Monday – Saturday, Noon – 6PM

Show Days (including Sundays): Noon until 30 minutes past curtain time.

IMPORTANT DATES

Subscription orders open on July 5, 2023.

Renewing Subscribers: Place your order by July 30, 2023 to guarantee seating priority.

Individual show tickets are available for sale to the general public August 7, 2023.

PARKING

Parking in the Grand Avenue structure is included in your ticket price.

Free parking is available for five minutes outside the Ticket Office window on Grand Avenue. A campus parking permit is required for stays longer than five minutes.

CAL POLY DISCOUNTS

Staff & Faculty enjoy a 20% discount* on tickets!

Discounted student prices ranging from $15 - $25 are available for most performances! Check out the specific event page on calpolyarts.org to find out if student pricing is available.

BE CAREFUL ORDERING THIRD-PARTY TICKETS!

The Cal Poly Ticket Office, calpolyarts.org, and pacslo.org are the only official ticketing sources for our events.

*Some exceptions apply