Rialto Center "Holding the Light" 2023-24 Season Brochure

HOLDING THE LIGHT 2023-24 SEASON

WELCOME TO THE 2023-24 SEASON

Dear Rialto Friends,

Our human existence is a paradox; on one hand there is much beauty to nourish our soul, on the other hand there is much hardship, even suffering to endure. Amazingly, the universe has given us a life raft of incredibly high spirit that helps remind us that if we hold our light, even as small as a metaphorical candle flame in our heart, we can survive and eventually thrive. That life raft is…the Arts.

The long success of the Rialto Center for the Arts is based on the foundation of “Holding the Light;” being a powerful and life-inspiring home for the Arts as a beacon of encouragement for our Atlanta community. Here, our amazing and diverse community unites to experience the spiritual effects of a wide variety of the Arts; soul-moving instrumental and vocal music in all genres, incredible dance from around the world, uplifting spoken word from wonderful authors and poets, and on and on.

We welcome and encourage you to subscribe to our seasonal offerings of enriching presentations. In your own life journeys, in which you will need the spirit-filled effects of all the Arts, we invite you to experience a highly spiritual benefit, the unifying power of “holding your light” together with us here at the Rialto! Welcome to the Rialto Lighthouse!

Best and thanks,

L EE F OSTER

D IRECTOR, R IALTO C ENTER FOR THE A RTS

“This, my dear, is the greatest challenge of being alive. To witness the injustice of this world, and not allow it to consume our light.”

U N k NOWN S AGE

“Everybody has a light. If you’ve held a baby of any kind, you know they come with the light. They come with this beautiful openness--all of them! And what happens to them, if they are lucky, they are blessed and that light is fueled; it is fueled with love, investment, opportunity. But for too many of us, that light is snuffed out. And it’s snuffed out by neglect, abuse, and disinvest. We see it. And for those who are exhibiting a lack of light as an adult--the ones we question.”

This is where empathy comes in and I have to think, “What happened to you over the course of your life that you are that bitter, or greedy, or selfish, or lacking in compassion, or unable to see beyond your own fear. Something happens to kids to get them to that place where they as adults do not have light or can’t find. But we all have it. We have to find it in ourselves.

M ICHELLE Ob AMA

Sat, Oct 14, 2023; 8 p.m.

R AN ky TAN ky

with very special guest

M S . L ISA F ISCHER

Funky Fusion of Gullah and R&B

C OME R AN ky TAN ky W ITH U S !

Grammy Award-winning vocalist Ms. Lisa Fischer joins Grammy-winning Roots band Ranky Tanky for an unforgettable performance—it’s “gone be lit!”

Ranky Tanky is a Gullah phrase for “get funky.” The band by the same name gets funky when they combine songs handed down through generations in the Sea Islands of the southeastern U.S. with their own original compositions in the Gullah tradition. They won a Grammy in 2019 for Best Regional Roots Album for their Billboard No 1. hit album “Good Time.”

“Lively, soulful honey to the ears.”

NPR

After singing with the legendary Luther Vandross for two decades, Ms. Fischer earned her first Grammy for Best R&B Performance for “How Can I Ease The Pain.” She sang toe-to-toe with Mick Jagger for The Rolling Stones’ 1989 Steel Wheels Tour and graced their stage for 26 years. She was featured in the Oscar-winning 2013 documentary “20 Feet from Stardom,” a behind-the-scenes look at the experiences of background singers, and scored another Grammy for Best Music Film. In addition to Luther Vandross and The Rolling Stones, Ms. Fischer has collaborated with Tina Turner, Sting, YoYo Ma, Bruce Springsteen and many more!

“She’s at the top of her vocal game, thrilling fans with her range, her tone and her charisma.”

P ARADE M AGA z INE

Sat, Nov 11, 2023; 8 p.m.

T HE Q UEEN ’ S C ARTOONISTS

Classic Cartoons, Live Music and Comedy

A NIMATED F UN

The Queen’s Cartoonists (TQC) perform music from cartoons! Pulling from over 100 years of animation, TQC’s performances are perfectly synchronized to the films projected on stage. The band matches the energy of the cartoons, leading the audience through a world of virtuosic musicianship, multi-instrumental mayhem, and comedy.

Projections of animated films dazzle the audience, while the band re-creates original soundtracks note-for-note, or writes their own fresh compositions to modern pieces, all the while breathing new life into two uniquely American forms of art: jazz and animation.

Watch your favorite classic cartoon characters interact with the musicians on stage, and expect the unexpected from the Golden Age of Animation, cult cartoon classics, and modern animated films. Inspired by the crossroads of jazz, classical music, and cartoons, TQC features Jazz Age composers like Carl Stalling, Raymond Scott, and Duke Ellington, alongside classical giants Mozart, Rossini, and R. Strauss (to name just a few).

“Who needs another broadway show when you can hire a jazz combo playing music from bugs bunny cartoons?”

T HE W ALL S TREET J OURNAL

Sun, Dec 3, 2023; 3 p.m.

26 TH A NNUAL H OLIDAy G ALA

Presented by the Georgia State School of Music

J O y OUS C ELE b RATION

This highly anticipated concert has been an Atlanta tradition for 26 years, presented by Georgia State University School of Music, and brings together talented student and faculty performers from the School of Music in a joyful celebration of the holiday. The Gala Holiday Concert is brimming with holiday cheer! There is only one performance, so tickets will go fast.

“Treat your ears to some seasonal tunes at the Gala Holiday Concert… the more than 200 students and faculty musicians will surely get you pumped up for the season.”

J E z E b EL M AGA z INE

Sat, Jan 27, 2024; 8 p.m.

TA k E 6

The Most Awarded A Cappella Group in History

H EAv ENLy vOICES

TAKE 6 is six virtuosic voices, Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Alvin Chea and Khristian Dentley, united in crystal clear harmony against a backdrop of syncopated rhythms, innovative arrangements and funky grooves that bubble into an intoxicating brew of gospel, jazz R&B and Pop. Gospel Music Hall of Famers, TAKE 6 is the most-awarded a cappella group in history with eight Grammy Awards, 10 Dove Awards, two NAACP Image Awards and a Soul Train Award. With their most recent recording “ICONIC,” TAKE 6 emerged on seven Billboard Charts simultaneously and their music is played all over the country in various formats!

“[The] baddest vocal cats on the planet!”

Q UINC y J ONES

Sat, Feb 10, 2024; 8 p.m.

P EA b O bRy SON

Grammy-Winning Singer/Songwriter/Producer

I N THE G LOW OF L O v E FOR vALENTINE ’ S D Ay

Join us for an enchanting evening of love songs by one of the premier male vocalists in contemporary music of the last quarter century, Peabo Bryson, in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Possessing a beautifully rich voice, this two-time Oscar and Grammy Award-winner has created and performed timeless classics including “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” with Roberta Flack.

Peabo earned his two Grammys and two Oscars for “Best Song” for Disney animated films: “Beauty and the Beast” (1991) with Celine Dion which was a No. 1 Pop hit and for “A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme -1992)” which he performed with Regina Belle.

“I think the sensitivity in my songs stems from my early childhood. I was raised by women – my grandmother, until she died, and my mother. My grandmother was a woman who lived and loved with incredible passion.”

P EA b O bR y SON

Sun, Feb 25, 2024; 3 p.m.

THE k ING’S SINGERS

The Gold Standard of A Cappella Singing

I LLUMINATED vOICES

The King’s Singers have represented the gold standard in a cappella singing on the world’s greatest stages for over 50 years. They are renowned for their connection and engagement with their audiences, their unrivalled technique, versatility and skill in performance, and for their consummate musicianship, drawing both on the group’s rich heritage and pioneering spirit to create an extraordinary wealth of original works and unique collaborations. Their extensive discography has led to numerous awards including a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, and a place in Gramophone magazine’s inaugural Hall of Fame.

The King’s Singers were formed in 1968, when six recent choral scholars from King’s College, Cambridge, gave a concert at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. By chance, the group was made up of two countertenors, a tenor, two baritones and a bass, and the group has maintained this formation ever since that debut. The current members are Patrick Dunachie (Countertenor), Edward Button (Countertenor), Julian Gregory (Tenor), Christopher Bruerton (Baritone), Nick Ashby (Baritone), Jonathan Howard (Bass).

The Georgia State University Singers will join The King’s Singers to perform a few songs under the direction of the Director of Choral Activities at GSU Dr. Deanna Joseph.

“Astonishing, exhilarating musicianship.” GRAMOPHONE

Sun, March 10, 2024; 3 p.m.

P ARSONS D ANCE

Internationally Renowned Contemporary Dance Company

Dy NAMIC E NERG y

February 25, 2024; 3pm

known for its energized, athletic, and joyous style, Parsons Dance is internationally renowned for creating and performing contemporary American dance. Their bold ensemble work and movement has solidified them as one of the world’s leading dance companies. Works, like the iconic Caught, exemplify this company’s innovation and huge audience appeal. Parsons Dance is always a favorite that is sure to thrill audiences with their effortless movement and stunning dancers.

The King's Singers

“Wondrous Beauty”

Founded in 1985, by Artistic Director David Parsons and Tony Award-winning lighting designer Howell Binkley, the company has toured more than 447 cities, 30 countries, and five continents and has appeared at such notable venues as The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Sydney Opera House, Maison de la Dance, Teatro La Fenice and the Teatro Municipal de Rio de Janiero.

“It does not take long to see why Parsons and his company are one of the hottest tickets in contemporary American dance.”

C LI v E bARNES , N EW yOR k P OST

“This is a ‘dance your heart out’ (at all times, no excuses) kind of enterprise.”

T HE N EW yOR k T

IMES

Select four or five shows and receive a 15% discount

Select six or more shows and receive a 20% discount

Ticket Subtotal Minus 15% 4 or 5-Show Subscriber (or GSU Discount )**

Ticket sales cover only a portion of our season expenses. Please consider a tax-deductible gift so the Rialto Center can continue to support our programming. NEW this year is the addition of Name a Seat. All support outlined on pages 23-24.

Check here if your company has a Matching Gift Program. Company Name _________________________

Minus 2 0 % 6 or 6+ Show Subscriber ***

Subtotal

Tax-Deductible Contribution

Name a Seat Contribution Handling Fee Grand Total

$5.00

2023/24 Serie S Order F O rm

Please print name and address as you would like it to appear in our database

Name

Address City State Zip

Daytime Phone Evening Phone

E-mail Please add me to the Rialto’s E-mail List.

Single Tickets go on sale August 17, 2023. New orders will be processed in the order received after series renewals have been completed. All sales are final, with no refunds. Exchanges are permitted only for Series Subscribers calling with 24 hours notice. All shows begin at 8:00 PM unless otherwise noted. Children over age 2 must have a ticket and sit in a seat. Programs and artists subject to change. SINGLE AND GROUP TICKET PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO INCREASE CLOSER TO SHOW DATES.

* Limited seating available.

** 15% discount applies to subscribers who purchase 4 or 5 shows at the same time OR to Georgia State University students, faculty, and staff who purchase 1-5 shows (please attach copy of Georgia State University ID).

*** 20% discount applies to subscribers who purchase 6 or more shows at the same time.

By Phone: 404.413.9TIX (9849)

Online: rialto.gsu.edu

By Fax: 404.413.9850

By Mail: Rialto Box Office P.O. Box 2627 Atlanta, GA 30301-2627

Name on card

Signature

Any Special Requests?

Payment Options

Personal Check, make payable to: Rialto Center for the Arts, GSU

Visa MasterCard AMEX Discover Card Expiration Date

Card Number

S U b SCRI b E NOW! TO GET THE b EST SEATS.

Get the best seats now by calling the Rialto Box Office at 404.413.9TIX(9849). Patrons may subscribe in two ways: purchase 4 or 5 shows and receive a 15% discount or purchase 6 or more shows and receive a 20% discount. Single tickets will go on sale August 17, 2023, at the Rialto Box Office, by phone at 404.413.9TIX(9849), and online at rialto.gsu.edu.

Ticket prices vary by event and seat location.

TICkET PRICES ARE SUbJECT TO INCREASES CLOSER TO SHOW DATES.

TO ORDER RIALTO TICKETS

BY PHONE: 404.413.9TIX(9849)

Monday-Friday, 10:00AM–4:00 PM

ONLINE: rialto.gsu.edu

BY FAX: 404.413.9850

BY MAIL: Rialto Box Office

P.O. Box 2627 Atlanta, GA 30301-2627

I N P ERSON: 80 Forsyth St., NW, Atlanta, GA

F REE PARKING FOR R IALTO S ERIES P ERFORMANCES

Complimentary validated parking for all Rialto Series performances at The 100 Peachtree Parking Garage

GPS Address: 123 Fairlie St, NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

F REE P RE -S HOW E VENTS

Join us an hour before select Series shows to learn more about the performances.

Outstanding artists and experts will give you inside information on what you’re about to see.

The 100 Peachtree Parking Garage

e XCLUS i V e SUBSC ri B er B e N e F i TS

P RIORITY S EATING & G UARANTEED S EATS

Subscribers receive priority seating, guaranteeing them the best seats in the house! With your seats for some of the hottest shows in town locked-in, there will be no standing in line at the Box Office on the evening of the show. Subscriber tickets are conveniently mailed in advance!

A DVANCE P URCHASE P RIVILEGES

In addition to discounts on single tickets, you may purchase additional single tickets to performances before they become available to the general public.

VIP TREATMENT

Subscribers have access to a VIP concierge who can assist them with their ticket needs, exchanges, and special requests.

SPECIAL EVENTS

UILD Y OUR O WN S ERIES AND S AVE

Receive 15% off the price of your total ticket order for four or five shows and 20% off orders for six or more shows. Plus, subscribers receive a discount on additional single tickets to bring friends to Rialto Series shows!

C OMPLEMENTARY T ICKET E XCHANGE

Let us take the worry out of unexpected changes in your schedule! Up to 24 hours in advance, you can exchange your tickets if you are unable to attend any of your season subscription performances.

As a Rialto subscriber you will enjoy a variety of events and functions throughout the season, such as gatherings with artists or special receptions.

AND FOR ALL RIALTO SERIES SUBSCRIBERS... CHOCOLATE!

We love our subscribers and prove it with chocolate at every performance! Stop by the subscriber table for your sweet treat.

Sat, March 23, 2024; 8 p.m.

J UMAANE S MITH

Acclaimed Jazz Trumpeter/Vocalist /Composer in “Louis! Louis! Louis!

R ADIANT H APPINESS

We invite you to experience the excitement of acclaimed trumpeter, vocalist and composer, Jumaane Smith as he celebrates the origins of jump blues and jazz in Louis! Louis! Louis! Hear Jumaane’s thrilling renditions of timeless classics from Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, and Louis Jordan, along with music he composed especially for this show!

A protégé of Wynton Marsalis, Jumaane has performed on five Grammy Award-winning records (selling more than 60 million copies), two Emmy Award nominated TV performances, the Grammy Awards with Stevie Wonder, in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” and more. He has spent the last 17 years touring and recording with Michael Bublé as lead trumpeter and vocalist and has toured with his own band to such world-class venues as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Vail Jazz Festival, Java Jazz Festival, Low’s Regency, North Star Festival, Joe’s Pub, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Catalina Island Jazz Festival, and many more.

“Jumaane is a very special artist...a unique and irresistibly creative voice!”

D ON H EC k MAN , D OWNbEAT M AGA z INE

“Trumpeter Jumaane Smith was singled out for a spotlight vocal and almost stole the show!”

D AILy H ERALD T RI b UNE (Michael bublé concert review)

Sat, April 6, 2024; 8 p.m.

H AROLD Ló PE z-N USSA AND P

EDRITO M ARTINE z

Afro-Cuban Music Superstars

F IERy bRILLIANCE

ACT 1: H AROLD Ló PE z-N USSA

The music of pianist Harold López-Nussa reflects the full range and richness of his Cuban heritage, with its distinctive combination of classical, folkloric and popular elements. His embrace of jazz improvisation is fresh, exhilarating, and the personification of ritmo. His latest album, 2020’s “Te Lo Dije,” received a four-star review from DownBeat magazine and peaked at No. 1 on the Latin North American College & Community (NACC) Radio Chart.

“López-Nussa’s single-note grace is akin to Herbie Hancock’s, and his two-fisted attacks are as joyous as Chick Corea’s”

H OWARD M ANDEL , D OWNbEAT M AGA z INE

ACT 2: P EDRITO M ARTINE z

Aconsummate master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum, he is also the world’s first-call rumbero—playing, singing, and dancing with dozens of Cuban rumba groups. Pedrito was a founding member of the highly successful, Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band, Yerba Buena, with which he recorded two albums and toured the world in the mid-to late-90’s. Pedrito and Eric Clapton recorded a newly arranged version of Clapton’s song, “My Father’s Eyes,” for a Pedrito Martinez album, called “Acertijos“(Riddles), which was released in 2021.

Pedrito Martinez…is a source of rhythmic delight and inspiration… an incomparable performer… he is as close as traditional Afro-Cuban music has to a superstar.

T HE N EW yOR k T IMES

Sat, April 13, 2024; 7 p.m. // Sun, April 14, 2024; 3 p.m.

“C ARMEN ” by G EORGES bI z ET

Presented by the Georgia State Opera Theater

I GNITES PASSION

Experience the timeless allure of Georges Bizet’s beloved opera “Carmen” presented by the Georgia State Opera Theater. Immerse yourself in a captivating tale of love, jealousy, fate, and revenge. Join us for an extraordinary performance that will transport you to a world where passion ignites and destinies collide.

Fri, April 19, 2024; 8 p.m.

M ARSHALL G IL k ES

Legendary Jazz Trombonist In Concert with the Georgia State Jazz Band

E LECTRIF y ING I MPRO v ISATION

Join us for an e evening of exhilarating jazz rhythms, soulful melodies, and electrifying improvisation as the Georgia State Jazz Band joins forces with the legendary trombonist Marshall Gilkes for an unforgettable extraordinary musical collaboration. Over the past 20 years, Marshall Gilkes earned two Grammy Award nominations and established himself as one of the world’s preeminent trombonists. An unparalleled artist at the forefront of brass playing, his virtuosic command of the instrument, marked by a warm and enveloping tone, Herculean chops, astounding flexibility and awe-inspiring range, place him in a league of his own. Not surprisingly, his vast experience and genre-straddling skills have made him an in-demand educator, reflected by his current position on the faculty at the New England Conservatory of Music.

LET THE RIALTO HOST y OUR NE x T SPECIAL E v ENT

The Rialto Center for the Arts, centrally located downtown in the historic Fairlie-Poplar district, offers the perfect venue for everything from: Film premieres/screenings to concerts and comedy shows, VIP receptions and weddings to corporate events and more!

THE RIALTO CENTER OFFERS

• 833-Seat Theater

• New State-of-the-Art Film Projection and Screen Equipment

• 5,600 sq. ft. Lobby and Mezzanine 1,100 sq. ft. SunTrust Presidential Suite

• Convenient, Safe and Secure Parking

• Choose Your Own Caterer

CONTACT

Contact us at 404-413-9814 or rialtoevents@gsu.edu, or scan the QR code here

W E ’v E G OT A S EAT WITH yOUR N AME ON I T !

ecome part of the legacy of the historic Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University by naming a seat in the Rialto Theater! Leave an enduring mark in the theater and celebrate special memories of a loved one or a performance long into the future.

We invite you to name one or more seats in the theater for yourself, your loved one or your business. You may provide us with your choice of seat location for naming.*

Each named seat will display a handsome, engraved brass plaque bearing the name of your choice. Your nameplate will remain in place for years to come.**

When you name a seat, you will be invited to enjoy a private backstage tour at the Rialto with up to four (4) family and friends (per seat named).

S EAT PLAQUES ARE $1,000 PER SEAT AND ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR NAMING A SEAT AND BECOMING PART OF THE R IALTO LEGACY FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS!

* While we will try to accommodate your seat request(s), we cannot guarantee that you will receive your choice of seats, nor can we guarantee that your named seat will be available when making ticket purchases. Seat plaques and season subscriptions are unrelated.

** Your seat plaque will remain in place for many years to come, unless or until the seat is replaced (we have no plans to replace seats in the foreseeable future).

SUPPORT THE RIALTO

BECOME A DONOR TODAY

Your donations help support the Rialto Center for the Arts as we strive to advance creativity, innovation and the boundaries of imagination through engaging arts, education and entertainment. We hope to be the heartbeat of downtown Atlanta bringing together a University and Community inspired and united by the power of the arts. Won’t you help us?

Programs your gifts support:

• Artistic Donor Circle: Join one of the exciting NEW Artistic & Donor Circles and be part of the creative team that pushes the boundaries of imagination and contributes to the ever-deepening artistic genres over the next five years.

• Rialto Jazz for Kids: Help fund our signature outreach program preserving America’s indigenous music.

• Feed Your Senses: Support our free monthly lunchtime series showcasing new talent on the Atlanta scene.

• Student ticket subsidies: Help provide Georgia State students reduced-priced tickets to our great shows.

DONATE NOW!

If you would like to suport the Rialto Center, there are several ways to do it:

1) Become a Donor

2) Sponsor a Rialto Series Show

3) Fund an Education Outreach Program

Contact Lee Foster. at lfoster@gsu.edu or 404-413-9825, for more information.

Scan the QR code to Donate Now.

PHOTO CREDITS

COVER Ms. Lisa Fischer photo by Alex Logaiski

PAGE 2

Ms. Lisa Fischer photo by Alex Logaiski

PAGE 3

Ranky Tanky photo by Peter Frank Edwards

PAGE 4

The Queen’s Cartoonists photo by Mark Sheldon

PAGE 5

Holiday Gala, Georgia State University Choir Photo by Dot Paul

PAGE 6

TAKE 6 Photo by John Shyloski

PAGE 7

TAKE 6 Photo by John Abbott

PAGE 8-9

Peabo Bryson Photo Courtesy of MPI Talent Agency

PAGE 13

Ranky Tanky Photo by Peter Frank Edwards

The King’s Singers Photo by Frances Marshall

PAGE 14

The King’s Singers Photo by Frances Marshall

PAGE 15

Parsons Dance Photo by Andrew Eccles

PAGE 16-17

Jumaane Smith Photo by Gina Intorre

Jumaane Smith headshot Photo Courtesy of The Deep End Productions

PAGE 18

Harold López-Nussa Photo Courtesy of The Kurland Agency

Pedrito Martinez with band Photo by Pedrito Martinez

PAGE 19

Pedrito Martinez Photo by Danny Clinch

Harold López-Nussa Photo Courtesy of The Kurland Agency

PAGE 20

Marshall Gilkes photo Courtesy of Marshall Gilkes

PAGE 24

Parsons Dance Photo by Andrew Eccles

TAKE 6 Photo Courtesy of The Kurland Agency

Ms. Lisa Fischer Photo by Alex Logaiski

& Suites

Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. The 2023-2024 Rialto Series is sponsored in part by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Funding provided in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta. Funding for Rialto programming is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. Other partners include Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Arts Entertainment Atlanta, Theatrical Outfit, NBAF, the Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta, the Latin American Association, Landmark Diner, Georgia State University School of Music. Marketing & Media Partners: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Creative Loafing, Reporter Newspapers & Atlanta INtown, Global Atlanta, E NCORE WABE 90.1FM, Jazz 91.9 WCLK, Atlanta ShowGuide and WOWNOW, Inc. The Rialto Center is a unit of the College of the Arts.