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Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 2 Alethia Drive Storrs
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About The New Britain Museum of American Art
The New Britain Museum of American Art’s founding in 1903 entitles the institution to be designated the first museum of strictly American art in the country. The singular focus on American art and its panoramic view of American artistic achievement makes the New Britain Museum of American Art a significant teaching resource available to the local, regional, and national public. The New Britain Museum of American Art welcomes all people to explore American art through our permanent collection, special exhibitions, and incredible programs. More info at nbmaa.org.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
JORGENSEN BOX OFFICE
(860) 486-4226
jorgensen.uconn.edu
Hours Mon-Fri, 10-5 pm, and 90 minutes before curtain.
CRT BOX OFFICE
(860) 486-2113
crt.uconn.edu
Hours Mon-Fri, 11-1 pm, and 60 minutes before curtain.
LATE ARRIVALS
Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the artists’ management.
CAMERAS AND RECORDING DEVICES
Strictly prohibited.
SMOKING
Not permitted within 25 feet of the building.
CHILDREN AND INFANTS
Tickets are required for everyone, no matter how young. Minimum 4 years old recommended for Jorgensen Center events and CRT productions.
BAG POLICY
For the safety of all, bags and backpacks larger than 10” x 10” are prohibited in the theater. Small bags and purses are permitted. An exception will be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags after proper inspection. All bags are subject to search.
SPECIAL SERVICE
Accessible rest rooms located in the lower Jorgensen & Katter lobbies. Elevator service from the main Jorgensen lobby down to the lower lobby only.
ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM
Free from the front office for Jorgensen and Katter Theatre productions.
TOO LOUD?
Free hearing protection is available upon request from the front office.
LOST AND FOUND ARTICLES
Can be reported or picked up at each box office.
PARKING & TRAVEL
Parking is available across from Jorgensen in the North Garage. For a detailed parking map, visit park.uconn.edu
PLEASE NOTE:
The parking fee for Jorgensen events is now included as part of your ticket price. Patrons no longer have to pay upon entry or exit in the North Garage. All gates have been removed and gateless parking begins one hour prior to showtime through the conclusion of each performance. Please note: this applies to North Garage only.
REFRESHMENT BARS
Enjoy refreshments at your seat. Bars located in the upper Jorgensen and main lobbies of each theater.
GROUP TICKETS
Call the respective box office for more information.
REST ROOMS
Located in the upper and lower Jorgensen lobbies and the Katter Theatre lobby.
CRT parking is available after 5pm and on weekends in surrounding University lots. Surface lots are free; garages will charge a fee.
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Hillside Road on the UConn Storrs campus is closed to vehicular traffic between Glenbrook Road and Jim Calhoun Way. Motorists who park in North Garage should access the garage by taking Discovery Drive or Glenbrook Road to the garage entrance on north Hillside Road.
Saturday, December 7, 2024, 8:00 pm University of Connecticut School of Fine Arts
Deanna Fitzgerald, Dean Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts
Rodney Rock, Director presents
BOSTON POPS ON TOUR
KEITH LOCKHART
Julian & Eunice Cohen Boston Pops Conductor endowed in perpetuity
JOHN WILLIAMS
George & Roberta Berry Boston Pops Conductor Laureate
KEITH LOCKHART conducting with The Metropolitan Chorale Lisa Graham, Music Director
BOSTON POPS ON TOUR
KEITH LOCKHART, Julian and Eunice Cohen Boston Pops Conductor
JOHN WILLIAMS, George and Roberta Berry Boston Pops Conductor Laureate
KEITH LOCKHART conducting with The Metropolitan Chorale, Lisa Graham, Music Director 2024 HOLIDAY TOUR
A Christmas Prelude: arr./orch. Cumberland Angels from the Realms of Glory
Fête de Campagne
Pat-a-Pan/Farandole de La Monnoye—arr. Kay; Bizet
What Sweeter Music? Rutter
The Adoration of the Magi, from Three Botticelli Pictures Respighi
Illuminations of Chanukah Hyken
Carol of the Brown King Coleman/Elliott Pops commission; world premiere | Images by Ashley Bryan
Let There Be Peace on Earth Jackson-Miller/Miller—arr. Perito
INTERMISSION
The Twelve Days of Christmas arr. Chase
Carol of the Bells Leontovych/Wilhousky—arr. Smith Lisa Graham conducting
Sleigh Ride Anderson
Home for the Holidays Medley arr. Chase
A Visit from St. Nicholas (’Twas the Night Before Christmas) Reisman
Text by Clement C. Moore | Artwork by Jan Brett
All I Want for Christmas Is You Carey/Afanasieff—arr. Chase
A Merry Little Sing-Along arr. Reisman
Steve Colby, Sound Designer | Pam Smith, Lighting Designer, | Susan Dangel and Dick Bartlett, Visual Media Designers
Keith Lockhart
Keith Lockhart is the second longest-tenured conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra since its founding in 1885. He took over as conductor in 1995, following John Williams’s thirteen-year tenure from 1980 to 1993; Mr. Williams succeeded the legendary Arthur Fiedler, who was at the helm of the orchestra for nearly fifty years. Keith Lockhart, who occupies the Julian and Eunice Cohen Boston Pops Conductor chair, has conducted more than 2,000 Boston Pops concerts and annual Boston Pops appearances at Tanglewood, as well as 45 national tours and 5 international tours to Japan and Korea. The annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular conducted by Mr. Lockhart draws a live audience of over half a million to the Charles River Esplanade and millions more who view it on television or live webcast. With the Pops he has recorded fourteen albums, eight of them on RCA Victor/BMG Classics; recent releases on Boston Pops Recordings include A Boston Pops Christmas–Live from Symphony Hall, The Dream Lives On: A Portrait of the Kennedy Brothers, and Lights, Camera . . . Music! Six Decades of John Williams. The list of nearly 300 guest artists with whom Keith Lockhart has collaborated represents performers from virtually every corner of the entertainment world. Having recently completed an eight-year tenure as principal conductor, he is now chief guest conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra in London; he is also artistic director of the Brevard Music Center summer institute and festival in North Carolina. Prior to his BBC appointment, he spent eleven years as music director of the Utah Symphony. He has appeared as a guest conductor with virtually every major symphonic ensemble in North America and many in Asia and Europe. Before coming to Boston, he was the associate conductor of both the Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Pops orchestras, as well as music director of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. For more on Keith Lockhart, visit www.bso.org/keith-lockhart or bostonpops.org.
The Boston Pops
Led by conductor Keith Lockhart, the Boston Pops, known affectionately as “America’s Orchestra,” performs an exciting and eclectic mix of orchestral arrangements from a wide range of traditions including Broadway and the great American songbook, film music, classical, jazz, pop, country, folk, and, of course, holiday classics. The Pops was created in 1885 as the “light classical” summer-season venture of the Boston Symphony. The Boston
Pops Orchestra reached its current iconic status during the 50-year tenure of the legendary Arthur Fiedler, who was succeeded in 1980 by the equally renowned film composer John Williams. Keith Lockhart took the helm in 1995 and recently celebrated his 25th anniversary season. It was Fiedler who started the tradition of Pops performances on the Charles River Esplanade, including the annual Fourth of July celebration, brought the Pops to television with Evening at Pops (1970-2004), and initiated Holiday Pops, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2023. Fiedler welcomed to our stages dynamic, world-class guest artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Julia Child, and Bob Hope. That tradition continues today with Keith Lockhart working with such stars as Brian Stokes Mitchell, The B-52s, Chaka Khan, Nick Jonas, and Rhiannon Giddens. Through it all the orchestra has remained of the most recorded, familiar, and beloved ensembles in the world today.
The Metropolitan Chorale
Lisa Graham, Music Director
Founded in 1979, The Metropolitan Chorale (metropolitanchorale.org) is an auditioned chorus that is recognized as one of metropolitan Boston’s premier choral ensembles. Since 2004 the ensemble has been under the direction of Dr. Lisa Graham, 2021 winner of the American Prize Dale Warland Award in Choral Conducting. Metropolitan Chorale concerts explore works by many of today’s leading American and British composers, as well as major choral masterworks. In addition to performances at All Saints Parish (Brookline, Massachusetts), the Chorale has been heard throughout the Boston area. Its Artists in Residence program enables the chorus to work with young professional singers.
Under the leadership of Lisa Graham, The Metropolitan Chorale’s membership has grown to encompass 100 members who hail from communities throughout greater Boston. Dr. Graham has expanded the ensemble’s repertory and has enhanced the reputation and reach of the Chorale. Also the Evelyn Barry Director of Choral Programs at Wellesley College, she conducts the Wellesley College Choir, Chamber Singers, and Choral Scholars and teaches academic courses. Active in the Boston musical scene and as a clinician and festival adjudicator, Dr. Graham prepared a vocal ensemble for this season’s Holiday Pops Kids’ Matinee and Sensory-Friendly concerts at Symphony Hall.
C oSt rs★
Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts
2024 - 2025 Co-Chairs: Jane Moskowitz & Ruth Buczynski
$750 per person, $1,500 per couple
Elena Sevilla & Paul Aho
Mona & Greg Anderson
Marianne Barton
Deborah Walsh Bellingham
In Memory of
Dr. Bruce A. Bellingham
Honey & Harry Birkenruth
Ruth Buczynski
Carol Colombo
In Memory of Maurice Thompson
Susan & John DeWolf
Stan & Sandy Hale
Judy & Peter Halvorson
Patricia Hempel
Shareen Hertel & Donald Swinton
Jan Huber
Lynn & Harry Johnson
Blair T. Johnson & Blanche Şerban
Janet & George Jones
Lin & Waldo Klein
James Knox
Ann Kouatly
Becky & Scott Lehmann
Jean & John Lenard
Gene Likens & Leola Spilbor
Margarethe & Matthew Mashikian
Antonia Moran
Vin Moscardelli & Virginia Hettinger
Jane & Robert Moskowitz
Constance & Rodney Rock
Nancy & John Silander
Beverly Sims & William Okeson
Winthrop Smith
In Memory of Anne K. Smith
Michael & Susan Zito
Join the CoStars, Jorgensen’s Active Volunteers!
The CoStars is a special group of volunteers who generously donate not only $750 per person, but also their talent and time. The invaluable CoStars support Jorgensen through community advocacy by creative fund-raising activities, and by hosting pre- and post-concert receptions that often feature world-class luminaries. The CoStars have been instrumental in the purchase of the new portable chamber stage and acoustical shell, a new Steinway Model D Concert Grand Piano, funding the JOY! Conservatory Program, the installation of the exterior Jorgensen message center, the renovation of the Jorgensen Gallery, and continued support of Jorgensen programming. By becoming a CoStar, you’ll join with other vibrant, thoughtful and devoted arts lovers who have made Jorgensen’s success a priority.
CoStars receive an honorary membership in the Jorgensen Circle of Friends at the Producers Circle level. Benefits include early ticket ordering privileges for one full year from the date of enrollment; reserved lower-level parking in the North Garage, providing a speedier exit after each Jorgensen event; and recognition in the Jorgensen playbill.
As a Special Thank You... An Invitation to the CoStars
CoStar members receive an exclusive invitation to attend the Annual Sneak Peek hosted by Jorgensen Director Rodney Rock. This party offers attendees an exciting preview of the coming season – prior to the public announcement. Join the CoStars and be the first to know what’s new!
If you are interested in becoming a CoStar, please contact Rodney Rock at 860-486-1983, or by e-mail at rodney.rock@uconn.edu.
Circle of Friends 2024-2025 Jorgensen
Become a Friend of Jorgensen!
We invite you to join Jorgensen’s Circle of Friends, a group of generous arts supporters who over the years have made vital contributions to Jorgensen’s special projects, commissioned works, and interior restorations. Your membership in the Circle of Friends entitles you to early ticket ordering privileges for one full year from the date of your enrollment; you will be recognized in the Jorgensen Playbill; and if you contribute at the Directors or Producers Circle levels, you will enjoy reserved parking in the North Campus Parking Garage for each Jorgensen performance you attend.
Please consider making your tax-deductible donation and become a Circle of Friends member today. Simply call 860-486-4226 for more information.
Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges the support of its Friends.
Producers Circle
$500/person
$1,000 & above/couple
Elena Sevilla & Paul Aho*
Mona & Greg Anderson*
Marianne Barton*
Deborah Walsh Bellingham*
In Memory of Dr. Bruce A. Bellingham*
Honey & Harry Birkenruth*
Lynn Brown
Ruth Buczynski*
Carol Colombo*
In Memory of Maurice Thompson*
Michael Cucka
Susan & John DeWolf*
Ms. Joan N. Gionfriddo
Stan & Sandy Hale*
Judy & Peter Halvorson*
Patricia Hempel*
Shareen Hertel & Donald Swinton*
Jan Huber*
Lynn & Harry Johnson*
Blair T. Johnson & Blanche Şerban*
Janet & George Jones*
Lin & Waldo Klein*
James Knox*
Ann Kouatly*
Becky & Scott Lehmann*
Jean & John Lenard*
Gene Likens & Leola Spilbor*
Tom Martin & Susan Spiggle
Margarethe & Matthew Mashikian*
Antonia Moran*
Vin Moscardelli & Virginia Hettinger*
Jane & Robert Moskowitz*
Craig & Karen Nass
Barbara Rhein & Stan Shaw
Constance & Rodney Rock*
Stella Ross & Eric Schultz
Cheryl A. & Mark J. Roy
Nancy & John Silander*
Beverly Sims & William Okeson*
Winthrop Smith*
In Memory of Anne K. Smith*
Dana Wilder
Keith Wilson & Marjorie Hayes
Karen Zimmer & Roger Ingraham
Michael & Susan Zito*
*Members of the Jorgensen CoStars
Directors Circle
$250/person,
$500/couple
Mr. Phil Brencher
Keith & Paula Enderle
Mr. David Johnson
David & Carol Jordan
Kelly Olander
Steven & Barbara Rogers
Ms. Joanne Sousa
Ms. Nancy A. Swiacki
In honor of
Janina W. Swiacki & Nancy A. Swiacki
Artists Circle
$125/person, $250/couple
Anonymous
Pat Anderson
Mrs. Dorothy Blocker
Bennett & Linda Brockman
Anne-Marie Campbell
Dr. & Mrs. Steven & Elaine Cohen
M. Kevin & Jeanne Fahey
Betty Hale
Betty & Ken Hanson
Ms. Cathy Jameson & Ms. Renee Fournier
Col. & Dr. Leonard & Judith Kaplan
Mary Lacek & Neil Aldin
Gerald & Zoe Leibowitz
Carl Nawrocki
Len Oberg
Harriet Walker
Patrons Circle
$50/person,
$100/couple
Roger & Tina Abell
Roger & Cynthia Adams
Ms. Sandra Albom
Susan & John Boland
Irene & Richard Brown
Kevin Conklin
Paul D’Italia
Mary & Michael Donnelly
Dr. & Mrs. Ed & Susan Grace
Peter Jacques
Richard & Karin James
Art Kirschenbaum &
Cheryl Pomerantz
Yves & Carol Kraus
Donald Kray
Shoshana Levinson & Chris Crossgrove
Robin Lubatkin
Susan Phillips
Edith Posselt
Yvonne & Joseph Prudente
Laura T. Raccagni
Bonnie Ryan
Mr. & Mrs. Eric A. Santini
Ms. Jacqueline Seide
Paul & Annette Shapiro
Dr. Jay S. Shivers
Susan Stoppelman
Jamie Summers
Jeremy Teitelbaum
Adeline Theis
Ms. Susanna Thomas
Shirley Waldron
Critics Circle
$25/person, $50/couple
Anonymous
Joyce Armstrong
Charles Cleary
Howard & Carol Drescher
Drs. Rebecaa & Jacob Earp
Mrs. Joy Favretti
Margaret & Peter Files
Wendy Leclair
Joseph & Francine Linonis
Mr. & Mrs. Wesley & Mary Lord
Jennifer Macionus
Mr. & Mrs. Joeph Madar
Donna Matulis
John H. Mayer & Irwin M. Krieger
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Miller
Robert G. Paris
Peter Polomski
Jim & Sari Rosokoff
Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz & Ms. Merle Potchinsky
Joann Scott
Mrs. Pamela Sutkaitis
Denise Winland
Director’s Fund
Deborah Walsh Bellingham
Diane & Joseph Briody
Karen & John Foley
Ann Kouatly
Jennifer & Peter Morenus
NICABM
Nancy & John Silander
Endowed Sponsorship Program
The Endowed Sponsorship Program provides individuals and families with the opportunity to support Jorgensen by sponsoring any concert or other program. Benefits to Endowed Sponsors will include name recognition in the Jorgensen playbill, additional recognition in the community through press releases provided by the University, and an opportunity to visit with the guest artist.
Sponsorship could be a means of celebrating a special holiday or anniversary, or of dedicating an event to a loved one. Most importantly, by contributing to the cost of current programs, sponsors would help ensure that the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts will continue to present wonderful music and other programs in the future. Your gift would benefit not only Jorgensen, but also the community at large.
Patrons interested in sponsoring an event should contact Rodney Rock at 860-486-1983 or rodney.rock@uconn.edu for further information.
Jorgensen Outreach for Youth
Funded through private contributions as well as corporate support, JOY! provides school-age children, many from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with access to live performances and special enrichment programs. Now in its 16th season, the JOY! Conservatory program offers instrumental and vocal students in grades 9-12 the opportunity for a rigorous course of study including private lessons, ensemble rehearsals and coaching, and basic musicianship courses. For more information, contact Jorgensen director Rodney Rock at 860-486-1983.
Corporate / Foundation Sponsors
SBM Charitable Foundation
Diamond / $1000+
Honey & Harry Birkenruth
Harry & Lynn Johnson
Jean & John Lenard
Nancy & John Silander
Mrs. Nora Stevens
Ruby / $300+
James Knox
Becky & Scott Lehmann
The University of Connecticut League, Inc.
Sapphire / $100+
Ms. Margaret Dillon & Dr. Larry Bowman
Maryellen Donnelly & James Krall
Jan Huber
Carol & David Jordan
Craig Knox
In memory of Jane L. Knox
The McChesney Family
In honor of James Knox
Joanne Sousa
Pearl / up to $99
Sabrina & Daniel Bowersett
Paul D’Italia
Dr. Alain Frogley
Karen Jason
Elizabeth Kemp
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Linonis
Robin Lubatkin
Bonnie Ryan
Lenard Chamber Music Endowment Fund
The Lenard Chamber Series is made possible through the generosity of longtime patrons Jean and John Lenard and the Lenard Chamber Music Endowment.
Thanks to the generous philanthropy of patrons Jean and John Lenard, chamber music, one of the hallmarks and most dearly loved elements of the programming at Jorgensen, is secure well into the future. Also thanks to the Lenard Endowment, UConn students, non-UConn students, and area youth are invited to attend all chamber music events for free.
Please join this giving community and make your contribution today. To make a gift, contact Jorgensen Director Rodney Rock at rodney.rock@uconn.edu or 860-486-1983, or visit jorgensen.uconn.edu/online/article/lenard-endowment.
Jean & John Lenard
Elena Sevilla & Paul Aho
Greg & Mona Anderson
Deborah Walsh Bellingham
Ruth Buczynski
Carol Colombo
Anne D’Alleva
Kenneth Doeg
Judy & Peter Halvorson
Patricia Hempel
George & Janet Jones
Carol & David Jordan
Lin & Waldo Klein
James Knox
June & Henry Krisch
Becky & Scott Lehmann
Shoshana Levinson & Chris Crossgrove
Julia J. & Carl W. Lindquist, MD
Joan & Austin McGuigan
Jane & Robert Moskowitz
Lauren & Eric Prause
Donald Shankweiler & Ruth Garrett Millikan
John & Nancy Silander
Beverly Sims & William Okeson
Kenneth & Janet Slavett
Marilyn & Arthur Wright
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 8 pm
University of Connecticut School of Fine Arts
Deanna Fitzgerald, Dean
Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts
Rodney Rock, Director presents
jorgensen.uconn.edu jorgensen.uconn.edu
Samara Joy
With three GRAMMY wins and a chart-topping debut album already under her belt, 24-year-old Samara Joy makes her case to join the likes of Sarah, Ella, and Billie as the next mononymous jazz singing sensation recorded by the venerable Verve Records. Her voice, rich and velvety yet precociously refined, has already earned her fans like Anita Baker and Regina King and appearances on the TODAY Show, The Tonight Show w/Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show w/Stephen Colbert, CBS Mornings, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, and more, in addition to millions of likes on TikTok — securing her status as perhaps the first Gen Z jazz vocal star. The New York Times praised the “silky-voiced rising star” for “helping jazz take a youthful turn” while NPR All Things Considered named her a “classic jazz singer from a new generation.”
Samara is still relatively new to jazz. Growing up in the Castle Hill neighborhood of the Bronx, it was music of the past — the music of her parent’s childhoods, as she put it — that she listened to most. She treasures her musical lineage, which stretches back to her grandparents Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, both of whom performed with Philadelphia gospel group the Savettes, and runs through her father, who is a vocalist and bassist who toured with gospel artist Andraé Crouch. Though she’s young, she relishes the process of digging through the music’s history. “I think maybe people connect with the fact that I'm not faking it, that I already feel embedded in it,” Samara says. “Maybe I'm able to reach people in person and on social media because it's real.”
Samara began singing jazz as a senior at Fordham High School for the Arts and was awarded Best Vocalist at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington competition. Following her graduation as valedictorian, she attended the jazz program at SUNY Purchase, where she became the school’s Ella Fitzgerald Scholar and graduated Magna Cum Laude. While in college, she also won the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, one of the most sought-after honors for a rising jazz performer. The competition’s judges were Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jane Monheit, Christian McBride, and producer Matt Pierson, who would eventually become her manager. In July 2021, the same year she graduated from SUNY Purchase, Samara released her self-titled debut on Whirlwind Recordings.
On her debut album for Verve Records, Linger Awhile, which was produced by Pierson and recorded by Chris Allen at Sear Sound in NYC, Samara is accompanied by esteemed veterans: her former professors, guitarist Pasquale Grasso and drummer Kenny Washington, form the core of the band, which also includes bassist David Wong and pianist Ben Paterson. With ease and a preternatural assurance, Samara swings right alongside them through understated yet powerful renditions of this creative collection of standards.
There are burnished, gleaming versions of chestnuts in “Misty,” “Linger Awhile” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” transporting listeners to some romantic, long-lost supper club. Those familiar tunes are listed alongside some more unusual, if equally vintage selections: “Sweet Pumpkin,” a Ronnell Bright tune performed by the likes of Blue Mitchell and Gloria Lynne, a fresh take on “Guess Who I Saw Today” (a story of infidelity famously told by Nancy Wilson), and “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood,” which Samara uncovered on a collection of Sarah Vaughan rarities, add a lilting, upbeat bent to the album’s selections.
In February 2023, Samara took home two GRAMMYs — Best Jazz Vocal Album for Linger Awhile and the highly sought after Best New Artist statuette. In a relatively short time, Samara has toured throughout Europe and the U.S., making stops at legendary festivals including Newport Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, Barbican Center in London, Nice Jazz Festival, and Philharmonie Paris. 2023 also saw Samara headlining iconic venues including sold out shows in her native New York at The Village Vanguard, The Apollo, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall, and the Blue Note Jazz Club.
In October 2023, Samara released her holiday EP A Joyful Holiday, 6-song collection of seasonal favorites that included a rendition “O Holy Night” performed with multiple generations of her family. The EP also features a swinging arrangement of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" as well as a new recording of Stevie Wonder’s “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me.” In December, accompanied by members of her family and other special guests, Samara toured the U.S., selling out nearly every performance. Cementing herself as a rising star in the worlds of both music and fashion, Samara fronted a holiday campaign for the fashion label Theory, a partnership befitting her timeless onstage style and casual elegance.
The campaign also featured Samara’s original song “Now and Then,” a track she dedicated to her late mentor Barry Harris, whose famous jazz workshops she had regularly attended.
In 2024, at the 66th Grammy Awards she added on to her growing collection of accolades by taking home Best Jazz Performance for her single “Tight.” The self-produced track features Joy with her working band (pianist Luther Allison, bassist Mikey Migliore and drummer Evan Sherman), and was recorded at the legendary Electric Lady Studios in NYC.
Most recently, the breakout vocalist released the original single “Why I’m Here.” This incredibly triumphant and rousing track from the Netflix film Shirley (starring Oscar winner Regina King), further establishes Samara as a voice to be reckoned with, not just in the world of jazz but effortlessly across genres. Written by Samara and fellow multiple GRAMMY winner PJ Morton, the anthemic song plays over Shirley’s end title credits.
The ascendant, 3x GRAMMY-winning vocalist, who continues to tour all over the world on increasingly larger stages — is still shocked to be performing in front of thousands who hang on every word. “I'm still very much a student, even though I've graduated,” Samara says. “So this is only the beginning... there is much, much more to come.”
CRT Box Office: 860.486.2113
802 Bolton Road, Unit 1127 Storrs, CT 06269-1127
crtboxoffice@uconn.edu crt.uconn.edu
SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
Deanna Fitzgerald, Dean
Alain Frogley, Associate Dean
CRT ADMINISTRATION
Megan Monaghan Rivas Artistic Director & Head, Department of Dramatic Arts
Michelle Polgar Managing Director
Vincent Tycer Associate Artistic Director
Annie Suite Box Office Manager
Morgan Lee Company/House Manager
CRT PRODUCTION
Robert Copley Production Manager
Alison Savino Production Stage Manager
Michael Beschta Technical Director
John Parmelee Associate Technical Director
Daniela Weiser Scenic Charge Artist
Susan Tolis Costume Shop Supervisor
Michael Demers Production Stage Electrician
Matthew Sorensen Puppet Arts Technical Supervisor
Jake Neighbors Sound Supervisor
Gino Costabile Properties Manager
Lindsay Cummings Dramaturgy Advisor
Manchester OBGYN
Dr. Roa Alammari
Dr. Lawrence Arky
Dr. Christine Armstrong
Dr. Robert Gildersleeve
Dr. Lesley Gumbs
Willington Pizza
Rte 32, Willington Center • 860.429.7433
Italian Cuisine served in a 200-year-old home with lovely antique decor. Seating for 200. National award-winning pizza featured on CBS This Morning and ABC Good Morning America. Desserts. Open Mon-Thurs 11am–11pm; Fri & Sat 11am–12am; Sun 11am–10pm. Casual attire. Entrées $6–$13. No reservations. (MC, V, D, AE) Best Pizza, Tolland County by Connecticut Magazine.
Willimantic Brewing Co.
Main Street Café
The Willimantic Brewing Co./Main Street Café is a living landmark restaurant & pub brewery located in Willimantic, in the heart of rural northeastern Connecticut. We offer an extensive menu from fun appetizers, daily specials, gluten free, vegetarian and so much more. Fresh craft beers brewed on site, ciders, cocktails, and guest beers we have something to please everyone. Visit us at www. willibrew.com for more information.
Coyote Flaco
50 Higgins Highway, Mansfield • 860.423.4414
We are a family owned and operated restaurant. We just celebrated our 20 year anniversary this past March and we look forward to serving you for more to come. We invite you to try our cuisine from our made from scratch tamales to our Churrasco. We have a full bar and are constantly creating new cocktails for you to try. We look forward to seeing you at our tables. For menu and reservation please visit our website www.coyoteflacomansfield.com
Hilltop
Come and visit Hilltop Restaurant, Bar & Banquet to experience a delicious meal, live entertainment, full bar with flat screen TVs, and more, stop in today. If you’re looking for a place to hold a party or event, call and talk to us about our banquet rooms, Make sure that you call ahead to find out what our Chef’s Specials are. They change daily. hilltopct.net
Beni’s American Bar and Grill
1280 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon Rockville 860.875.4443
Family and Locally Owned American bar & grill featuring fresh seafood, premium steaks, upscale pasta dishes, salads and sandwiches. Indoor, Outdoor, & Lounge Seating. Live Entertainment! Let Us Cater Your Next Event or Party. We have two banquet rooms available, accommodating 25 and 50 people each (or more!). Full and half trays are available for catering orders! Please allow us at least 24 hours of notice for large orders. Seasonal items, special requests, and some entrees require additional time. www.benisct.com
Dog Lane Cafe
One Dog Lane, Storrs • 860.429.4900
Northeastern Connecticut’s European/American cafe, offering something for everyone from early morning to late at night. Our menu and our daily specials emphasize seasonal, local and freshly-prepared food, all made to order. Offering a wide variety of sandwiches, grilled items and freshly tossed salads or help yourself to coffee at our self-service coffee bar. Offering indoor and outdoor seating. Whether you are in a hurry or want to take some time and relax with friends, our style of service lets you set your own pace. Serving beer & wine. doglanecafe.com
Fenton River Grill
135A Storrs Road, Mansfield• 860.786.7870
A dynamic and friendly bar and restaurant located near the University of Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut University offering an enticing selection of craft beer, carefully crafted cocktails and an approachable menu including lighter shareable plates, salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, and full dinners. Lively Bar, Cozy Atmosphere, Shareable Food, Outdoor Patio, Craft Cocktails.
The Tavern at Spring Hill Inn
957 Storrs Rd., Storrs • 860.477.1199
Welcome to The Tavern at Spring Hill Inn! Come with your family and friends, dine and stay at this beautiful historic inn and tavern. The menu includes many New England dishes like shrimp scampi, lobster and penne a la vodka, along with Tavern favorites such as burgers, and mac and cheese. Whether you’re dining on the terrace or enjoying the comfort from inside there’s something for everyone!
Monday-Friday 11am-10pm • Saturday and Sunday Open 8am-10pm Serving Breakfast Sat and Sun 8am-noon 39 Adamec Rd, Willington, CT Rte 32 Exit 69 off I-84. 860-477-1054
Enjoy a Fantastic Meal with Your Friend and Loved One
Steaks, Seafood, Pasta Dishes, Salads, Burgers, Wraps, Brick Oven Pizzas and more.
Open for dining indoor or on our beautiful patio Chefs Specials • Take Out Trays • Banquet Facilities up to 85 guests
Live Entertainment Fri and Sat Night Happy Hours: Sun-Thurs 3:30-6:00. Extended Lounge Hours
Serving
Thanksgiving Dinner Call for Reservations
Enjoy the Flavor of the Neighorhood
Enjoy our Specialty Omelets, our Creative Benedicts, Belgium Waffles, Breakfast Burritos. $6 Mimosas and more! Weekend Breakfast Sat & Sun 8am-noon
Local cuisine expertly prepared by people who appreciate good food and honest value as much as you do. We offer
Exceptional Seafood, Premium Steaks, Upscale Pasta Dishes, Daily Specials & Speciality Martinis, Wines and many Select Beers. Pizza available for Take-Out!
1280 Hartford Tpke, Vernon, CT • Exit 67 off I-84. 860-875-4443 • www.benisct.com
Open Monday-Saturday 11am-10:00pm Sunday 11:30am-9:30pm
American Bar and Grill Banquet Rooms for guests up to 50 or as allowed.