CenterStage 2015 Issue 1

Centerstage Experience a performing arts season full of classical music, dance, rock ‘n’ roll, your favorite movies, patriotic fanfare and more at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in 2015. Showcased are eight exhilarating Houston Symphony performances, including the debut of new Houston Symphony music director Andrés Orozco-Estrada, a full production of “The Magic Flute” by Houston Grand Opera, a mixed repertory program by Houston Ballet and a brand new experience with the Grease Sing-ALong. See full list of 2015 performing arts events on right.

For the first time ever, join The Pavilion August 15 in your best T-bird or Pink Lady gear for a Grease Sing-ALong. Sit back and watch Danny, Sandy and the gang, while singing (and dancing) along to the lyrics on the screen to hit songs like “You’re the One That I Want,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and, of course, “Greased Lightning.” It couldn’t be easier – or more fun. Costumes are strongly encouraged and audience participation is essential.

At most performing arts events, mezzanine and lawn seating is free. Free seating sponsors include Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, H-E-B, Huntsman, Insperity, The Wortham Foundation, Woodforest National Bank, KPMG, Talisman USA and The Woodlands Development Company. Orchestra seating for most events is $20.

Guests are welcome to have a picnic in their seat or on the hill. Keep in mind that

The Peking Acrobats Soar Into The Pavilion April 22 Photo by Tom Meinhold

April 22 • 8 p.m.

Experience thrilling Chinese acrobatics paired with classical symphony sounds at The Peking Acrobats with the Houston Symphony April 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for orchestra seating. Mezzanine and lawn seating is free courtesy of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. Tickets are not required for free seating. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

The Peking Acrobats is a troupe of China’s most gifted tumblers, contortionists, jugglers, cyclists and gymnasts.

Since their Western debut in 1986, The Peking Acrobats have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs; they are experts at trick-cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting and gymnastics. They also defy gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control and push the envelope of human possibility with astonishing juggling dexterity and incredible balancing feats.

The Peking Acrobats

Starting at 6 p.m., kids are invited to join the fun at the Hats Off to Reading Celebration, a free event in The Pavilion’s House of Blues Hospitality Tent. All children receive a free book and can participate in activities such as a book walk, hat-making, face painting, fishing for prizes and a coloring contest. Sponsors of this year’s Hats Off to Reading event include Dr. George and Diane Kaufman, Scholastic Book Fairs, Junior League of The Woodlands, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Chick-fil-A of The Woodlands, Conroe Independent School District, Montgomery County Memorial Library System, St. Anthony of Padua Library and Lamar Elementary School PTO. Pre-performance activities begin at 6:30 p.m. in the North Plaza, including performances from the aerial artists from The John Cooper School. Under the direction of Elizabeth DeMonico, the students perform on silks, bringing this unique art form to life. Children and parents can visit The Pavilion Partners Arts & Crafts Booth and Instrument Petting Zoo as well as activities by Texas Children’s Hospital, Woodforest National Bank, Renewal by Andersen, Century 21 Realty Partners and Audi of America, official automobile of The Pavilion. Get insight into the evening’s program with Pavilion Talk, a free pre-concert discussion led by noted music scholar and former college professor Ira J. Black from 7:15- 7:45 p.m. in the North Plaza.

C elebrate the A rts

beverages cannot be brought into The Pavilion. Sitting on the hill? Lawn chairs also are provided free at all performing arts events.

Looking for the same great seats for every show? Performing arts season subscriptions are only $175 per seat and include orchestra-level seating to all Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and Houston Grand

Opera performances at

The Pavilion, VIP on-site

parking, admission to the

Woodforest National Bank

VIP Club for each perfor mance and a subscription to

The Pavilion’s CenterStage

newsletter. Performing arts

subscribers also receive

preferred seating and VIP

on-site parking for the

Houston Symphony’s Star- Spangled Salute, Texas

Music Festival Orchestra and Holly Jolly Jingle. The total value of the performing arts season package is $435. Children’s Festival and the Grease Sing-A-Long are not included in season subscriptions, but individual tickets are available for purchase.

Individual and season tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office, located at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands, Texas. Tickets also are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Fiesta, Walmart and select H-E-B locations, by calling 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Houston Symphony Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada Makes His Debut at The Pavilion May 8 May 8 • 8 p.m.

Join The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in welcoming the Houston Symphony’s new music director Andrés Orozco-Estrada as he conducts Beethoven & Bartok with the Houston Symphony May 8. Tickets are $20 for orchestra seating.

Mezzanine and lawn are free courtesy of The Wortham Foundation. Tickets are not required for free seating. Gates open at 7 p.m.

Andrés Orozco-Estrada, one of the most sought after conductors of his generation, began his tenure as the Houston Symphony’s 15th Music Director in September 2014. Born in 1977 in Medellín (Colombia), Andrés began his musical studies on the violin and had his first conducting lessons at age 15. The emphasis of his artistic work lies in the Romantic repertoire and Viennese classics. At the same time, Andrés shows a keen interest in contemporary music and regularly performs premieres of Austrian composers as well as compositions of Spanish and South American origin.

The

official automobile of The Pavilion

F

Volume 16, Issue 1

Wednesday, April 22 8 p.m.

The Peking Acrobats Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating Friday, May 8 8 p.m.

Beethoven & Bartok Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating Friday, May 15 8 p.m.

“The Magic Flute” (full production) Houston Grand Opera $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating Friday, May 29 8 p.m.

The Music of Led Zeppelin Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating Friday, June 12 8 p.m.

DISNEY IN CONCERT Tale as Old as Time Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating Friday, June 19 8 p.m.

Texas Music Festival Orchestra FREE event Friday, July 3 Star-Spangled Salute Houston Symphony FREE event

8 p.m.

8 p.m.

Thursday, July 30 “Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll” Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating Saturday, Aug. 15 Grease Sing-A-Long $15 orchestra seating

8 p.m.

8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 10 Music of the Americas Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating Thursday, Oct. 1 8 p.m.

Mixed Repertory Program Houston Ballet $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating Andrés Orozco Estrada

At Beethoven & Bartok, the symphony performs Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D major and Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra, two of the composers’ best known works.

Along with the symphony, James Ehnes performs as violin soloist for the evening.

Known for his virtuosity and probing musicianship, Ehnes has performed in over 30 countries on five continents, appearing regularly with many of the most celebrated orchestras and conductors. A native of Manitoba, Canada, Ehnes attended The Julliard School.

Pre-concert activities in the North Plaza sponsored by Fidelity Investments, Renewal by Andersen and Century 21 Realty Partners include The Pavilion Partners and Woodforest National Bank. Guests can register-to-win Tommy Bahama’s “Best Seats in the House,” which includes dinner for four at the next performing arts event and participate in Fidelity’s Seat Exchange. At the symphony get insight into the evening’s program with Pavilion Talk, a free pre-concert discussion led by noted music scholar and former college professor Ira J. Black from 7:15- 7:45 p.m. in the North Plaza.

2015 Performing Arts Season Sponsors and Plaza Sponsors

Wortham oundation

March - April 2015

Photo by Werner Kmetitsch

Published by The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands

Friday, Oct. 23 7:30 p.m.

Hocus Pocus Pops Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating Saturday, Nov. 14 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 15 Noon - 5 p.m.

20th Annual Children’s Festival $8 in advance / $10 at the door Thursday, Dec. 3 Holly Jolly Jingle FREE event

7:30 p.m.

Support the Arts at The Pavilion by Becoming a Season Subscriber Performing arts subscribers also receive preferred seating and VIP onsite parking for the Houston Symphony’s Star-Spangled Salute, Texas Music Festival Orchestra and Holly Jolly Jingle.

Get a spectacular deal for every performance of the season with a 2015 performing arts subscription.

2015 marks the 26th season of operation for The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Our very first event was the Houston Symphony on April 27, 1990. The next day, Frank Sinatra and his orchestra performed on our stage. We have come a long way since then. The Pavilion is now known as the Summer Home of the Houston Symphony, home away from home for the Houston Ballet and a presenting sponsor for the Houston Grand Opera.

Last year marked a huge milestone for The Pavilion, as we welcomed our 10 millionth guest since our opening. This season we welcome the Houston Symphony’s new Music Director, Andrés Orozco-Estrada. His first performance at The Pavilion is May 8 at Beethoven & Bartok. Come out and enjoy our exciting new Maestro and give him a big Woodlands welcome.

Our 2015 season will be an exciting one with something for everyone. I encourage everyone to attend our performing arts events and become a season subscriber for only $175 per ticket. Being a season seat holder for the performing arts events is a great way to show your support for the arts and enjoy some great performances. Come out, bring the family and enjoy this world-class venue.

Thanks to our guests and sponsors for making 2014 a great year for us, and also thanks to our employees and Board of Directors for their continued support.

See you on the hill,

Jerry MacDonald President and CEO

Board of Directors and Staff Officers

Joseph P. Ash – Chairman of the Board Jerry MacDonald – President and CEO Carol P. Garner – Vice Chairman

Mark E. Ellis – Secretary Jeff Young – Vice President Lori Figaro – Treasurer

Board of Directors

Bob Abendschein

Jeff Beard

Gary Becker

Carolyne Hannan

Jeffrey R. Harder

Jason K. Harris

Peter R. Huntsman

Patrick Hynes

Paul R. Kenworthy, M.D Daniel E. Kolkhorst Estelle P. McLaughlin C. Grant Mitchell Steve A. Morrow Steven W. Nance Sara Ortwein Steve Pate

John Robichau Julie Rock Maryann T. Seaman Larry Shaffer Jeffrey H. Shipley Steve Van Howe Marsha K. Williams Janet S. Wong

Director in memoriam Cynthia Woods Mitchell (1922 - 2009)

STAFF

Jerry MacDonald – President & CEO Mallory Vanderhieden - Executive Assistant

Jeff Young – Vice President of Operations JD Villaseñor – Director of Premium Seat Sales David Schlauch – Operations Manager Kelly Rich – Event Manager Josie Moore – Box Office Manager Jessica Young – Assistant Box Office Manager Matt Meyer – Assistant Operations Manager Carla Denman – VIP & Event Coordinator Joey Rincon – Overnight Security Supervisor Mike Bevel – Operations Justin McShan – Operations Jacob Meidel – Operations Matt Poche - Operations Paula Jauregui – Maintenance Victor Maldonado – Maintenance Larry Stewart – Overnight Security Susana Salazar – Overnight Security Javier Ramirez – Maintenance

Lori Figaro – Chief Financial Officer Natalia Livingston – Senior Accountant Heather Reding – Human Resources Manager Jenny Lewis – Accountant Stephanie Stone – Accounting Assistant

Christine Scully – Director of Development Leslie Williams – Volunteer & Special Events Coordinator

Shannon Wilson – Director of Marketing & Education Whitney Hough – Marketing & PR Manager Sarah Stephan – Social Media Marketing Coordinator Taylor Tompkins – Marketing Assistant

Centerstage

Shannon Wilson – Editor-in-Chief Whitney Hough – Managing Editor Don Crouch, imagineer

Performing arts season subscriptions are only $175 per seat and include orchestra-level seating to all Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera performances at The Pavilion, VIP on-site parking, admission to the Woodforest National Bank VIP Club for each performance and a subscription to The Pavilion’s CenterStage newsletter.

“The Magic Flute” Houston Grand Opera May 15 • 8 p.m.

The total value of the performing arts season package is $435, so the performing arts season subscription truly is a great value. Children’s Festival and the Grease Sing-A-Long are not included in season subscriptions, but individual tickets are available for purchase.

The Music of Led Zeppelin Comes Alive at The Pavilion May 29 • 8 p.m.

By Taylor Tompkins Beautifully written music, exceptional vocals and dancing bears come to life as the Houston Grand Opera returns to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for “The Magic Flute” May 15 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for orchestra seating. Mezzanine and lawn seating are free courtesy of The Wortham Foundation. Tickets are not required for free seating. Gates open at 7 p.m.

Bridging the gulf between rock ‘n’ roll and classical music, conductor and arranger Brent Havens takes the podium to present The Music of Led Zeppelin with the Houston Symphony May 29. Tickets are $20 for orchestra seating. Mezzanine and lawn seating are free courtesy of Huntsman and Kiewit. Tickets are not required for free seating. Gates open at 7 p.m.

The opera tells a story of a dapper prince, Tamino, who is rescued from a serpent by three mystical ladies working for the Queen of Night. In return for his rescue, the Queen of Night offers Tamino a deal. If he can save the Queen’s daughter Pamina from the evil Sarastro, she will allow the two to wed. Accompanied by a magic flute, Tamino sets off to save the beautiful princess. Although faced with hardship during Tamino’s journey, courage, virtue, and wisdom prevail.

Performed with the Houston Symphony and amplified with a full band and vocals, Havens and his ensemble capture Led Zeppelin’s “sheer blast and power” riff for riff while churning out new musical colors.

Pre-performance activities begin at 7 p.m. in the North Plaza.

Children and parents can visit The Pavilion Partners Arts & Crafts Booth and Instrument Petting Zoo as well as activities by Texas Children’s Hospital, Woodforest National Bank, Renewal by Andersen, Century 21 Realty Partners and Audi of America, official automobile of The Pavilion. Guests also can register-to-win Tommy Bahama’s “Best Seats in the House” and participate in Fidelity’s Seat Exchange. At the opera get insight into the evening’s program with Pavilion Talk, a free pre-concert discussion led by noted music scholar and former college professor Ira J. Black from 7:15- 7:45 p.m. in the North Plaza.

o f f

“My concept for The Music of Led Zeppelin was to take the music as close to the originals as we could and then add some colors to enhance what Zep had done,” said Havens. “The wonderful thing with an orchestra is that you have an entire palette to call upon.

The band is reproducing what Led Zeppelin did on the albums, verbatim, and then having an orchestra behind the band gives the music a richness, a whole different feel, a whole different sense of power.”

Havens felt Led Zeppelin’s intricate rhythm patterns and unusual progressions contained within straight-forward rock n’ roll makes them an ideal choice for scoring. The performance features 18 Zeppelin tunes, including “Stairway to Heaven,” “Heartbreaker,” “Black Dog” and “Immigrant Song.”

Delivering a note-for-note interpretation, vocalist Randy Jackson (lead singer of the rock band Zebra), shrieks brilliantly, acting as a window between the audience and reworked material. “The music itself is one thing, but Jackson more than captures the spirit of legendary Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant,” said Havens.

Arrive early for pre-concert activities in the North Plaza beginning at 7 p.m. with The Pavilion Partners, Fidelity Investments, Century 21 Realty Partners, Renewal by Andersen and Woodforest National Bank.

s t a g e

Fulfilling The Pavilion’s Mission An important element of The Pavilion’s mission is to provide educational outreach programs about the performing arts to students in the greater Houston area. Every year, The Pavilion touches the lives of approximately 40,000 students and their families through a variety of educational outreach programs.

One of The Pavilion’s newest education programs is Arts Day Out. Created in 2015, Arts Day Out provides the opportunity for kindergarten through 2nd grade students to venture outside the classroom during STAAR testing. Specially designed for “flex” elementary schools, or schools that serve kindergarten through sixth grade students, this program allows CISD students to experience the arts in an intimate setting. Held in the House of Blues tent, a performance by Houston Grand Opera’s “Opera to Go” program will educate and entertain more than 300 students.

Another great educational program is the annual Hats Off to Reading Celebration, sponsored by the Montgomery County Book Festival. The free event takes place April 22 in conjunction with Peking Acrobats with the Houston Symphony at The Pavilion. Kids are invited to join the fun in The Pavilion’s House of Blues Hospitality Tent beginning at 6 p.m.

All children receive a free book and can participate in activities such as a book walk, hat-making, face painting, fishing for prizes and a coloring contest. Sponsors of this year’s Hats Off to Reading event include Dr. George and Diane Kaufman, Scholastic Book Fairs, Junior League of The Woodlands, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Chick-fil-A of The Woodlands, Conroe Independent School District, Montgomery County Memorial Library System, St. Anthony of Padua Library and Lamar Elementary School PTO. Musical Scores, one of The Pavilion’s most successful educational outreach programs, has grown from serving 200 students its first year to 6,000 students and teachers in 2014.

The program primarily serves academically at-risk middle school students who earn the privilege to attend a special event at The Pavilion by displaying model behavior and achieving specific scholastic goals. Once the students have achieved their goals, or “musical scores,” they are rewarded to a free performance at The Pavilion and lunch sponsored by Aramark. The students also receive complimentary Musical Scores T-shirts for their achievement.

For more information on The Pavilion’s educational outreach programs, visit www.woodlandscenter.org.

ShowTime is a list of events scheduled for The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, including start times and ticket prices. Information is subject to change.

Please visit www.woodlandscenter.org for the latest event information.

Photo by Tom Meinhold

Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band

Andrés Orozco Estrada

The Peking Acrobats

The Doobie Brothers

ZZ Top

Lana Del Rey

Photo by Anthony Rathbun

Train

5 Seconds of Summer

The Music of Led Zeppelin

The Avett Brothers

Train • 7 p.m. with The Fray and Matt Nathanson $79.50 Res. Pit / $79.50, $59.50, $49.50 & $29.50 Reserved / $25 Lawn

June 12

DISNEY IN CONCERT • 8 p.m.

Tale as Old as Time with the Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating courtesy of Woodforest National Bank & Huntsman

June 13

Boom Bash – King of the Mic • 4:30 p.m. with LL Cool J with Doug E. Fresh, Whodini, Big Daddy Kane, Scarface, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Grandmaster Flash, Sugarhill Gang and Public Enemy $125 Res. Pit / $125, $79.50, $59.50 & $39.50 Reserved / $32.50 Lawn

The Doobie Brothers • 7:30 p.m. with Don Felder $89.50 Res. Pit / $89.50, $59.50 & $39.50 Reserved

June 17

MOVE with Derek & Julianne Hough • 7:30 p.m. $75 Res. Pit / $75, $65, $45 & $35 Reserved

June 19

Texas Music Festival Orchestra • 8 p.m.

FREE event

May 1

Elton John • 8 p.m. $149 Res. Pit / $149, $89 & $49 Reserved / $49 Lawn

July 2

Third Eye Blind & Dashboard Confessional • 7 p.m. $49.50 GA Pit / $49.50 & $25.50 Reserved

May 2

ZZ Top and Jeff Beck • 7 p.m. $99.50 Res. Pit / $99.50, $69.50, $49.50 & $39.50 Reserved / $25 Lawn

July 3

Star-Spangled Salute • 8 p.m.

FREE event presented by The Woodlands Development Company

May 3

Lady Antebellum • 7 p.m. with Hunter Hayes & Sam Hunt $55.25 GA Pit / $55.25 & $40.25 Reserved / $25.50 Lawn

July 10

Tedeschi Trucks Band • 6:30 p.m. with Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings and Doyle Bramhall $99 Res. Pit / $99, $59, $49, $39 & $29 Reserved

May 7

Lana Del Rey • 7:30 p.m. with Courtney Love $79 GA Pit / $79 & $49.50 Reserved / $25 Lawn

July 17

The Avett Brothers • 7:30 p.m. with Old Crow Medicine Show $62.50 GA Pit / $62.50, $55, $45 & $35 Reserved

May 8

Beethoven & Bartok • 8 p.m. with the Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating courtesy of The Wortham Foundation

July 18

Steely Dan • 7 p.m. with Elvis Costello & The Imposters $129.50 Res. Pit / $129.50, $95, $75 & $55 Reserved / $35 Lawn

May 15

“The Magic Flute” • 8 p.m. with Houston Grand Opera $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating courtesy of The Wortham Foundation

July 22

Kid Rock • 7 p.m. with Foreigner $24 Reserved & Lawn / Platinum tickets available online via Ticketmaster.com

May 16

Dave Matthews Band • 8 p.m. $85 GA Pit / $85 & $75 Reserved / $40.50 Lawn

May 28

Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band • 8 p.m. $136 Res. Pit / $136, $86 & $46 Reserved / $46 Lawn

July 25

Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire • 7:30 p.m. $125 Res. Pit / $125, $89.50, $69.50 & $39.50 Reserved / $25 Lawn

May 29

The Music of Led Zeppelin • 8 p.m. with the Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating courtesy of Huntsman & Kiewit

July 30

“Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll” • 8 p.m. with the Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating courtesy of Insperity & Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

Buzzfest 33 • 1 p.m. with Godsmack, Hollywood Undead, Buckcherry, You Me At Six, Within Reason, Dirty Heads, Breaking Benjamin, New Politics, AWOLNATION, Joywave, Everclear, IAMDYNAMITE, Young Guns & Robert DeLong $175 GA Pit / $69.50, $59.50 & $39.50 Reserved / $39.50 Lawn

April 22

The Peking Acrobats • 8 p.m. with the Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating courtesy of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

April 24

Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga • 8 p.m. $199.50 Res. Pit / $125, $89.50, $69.50, $49.50 & $39.50 Reserved / $29.50 Lawn

April 25

Chris Tomlin • 7 p.m. with Tenth Avenue North and Rend Collective $47.25 Res. Pit / $47.25 & $42 Reserved / $26.25 Lawn

April 26

Def Leppard

Idina Menzel

May 30

April 18

Houston Grand Opera

July 31

Idina Menzel • 8 p.m. $115 Res. Pit / $115, $95, $75, $55 & $35 Reserved

Aug. 8

5 Seconds of Summer • 7:30 p.m. $69.50 Res. Pit / $69.50, $49.50 & $29.50 Reserved / $35 Lawn

Aug. 15

Grease Sing-A-Long • 8 p.m. $15 orchestra seating

Aug. 21

J. Cole • 6:30 p.m. with Big Sean / YG / Jeremih and Dreamville Artists Bas / Cozz and Omen $70.75 GA Pit / $70.75, $50.75 & $35.75 Reserved / $34.75 Lawn

Aug. 22

Def Leppard • 8 p.m. with Styx & Tesla $125 Res. Pit / $125, $99, $79.50 & $59.50 Reserved / $25 Lawn

Sept. 1

Kelly Clarkson • 7 p.m. with Pentatonix and Eric Hutchinson $99.50 Res. Pit / $99.50, $69.50, $39.50 & $29.50 Reserved / $25 Lawn

Sept. 4

Slipknot • 6 p.m. with Lamb of God, Bullet for My Valentine & Motionless in White $70 GA Pit / $70, $60, $50 & $40 Reserved / $30 Lawn

Sept. 10

Music of the Americas • 8 p.m. with the Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating of The Wortham Foundation

Sept. 25

Van Halen • 7:30 p.m. with Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band $149.50 Res. Pit / $149.50, $79.50 & $59.50 Reserved / $35 Lawn

Oct. 1

Mixed Repertory Program • 8 p.m. with Houston Ballet $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating courtesy of Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts

Oct. 23

Hocus Pocus Pops • 7:30 p.m. with the Houston Symphony $20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating courtesy of H-E-B

Nov. 14

20th Annual Children’s Festival • 10 a.m. $8 in advance / $10 at the door

Nov. 15

20th Annual Children’s Festival • Noon $8 in advance / $10 at the door

Dec. 3

Holly Jolly Jingle • 7:30 p.m.

FREE event

Ticket Information Prices do not include service charge. Tickets are available at all outlets, including Fiesta, select H-E-B and Walmart locations and Media Magic, by calling 800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets also can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on event days through intermission. For more information, call 281-363- 3300 or visit www.woodlandscenter.org.

Aramark Helps Local Community Organizations Raise More Than $300,000

During the 2014 season, Aramark, located at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, provided the opportunity for local nonprofit groups to raise more than $300,000. These groups raised funds by staffing many of the concession stands found at The Pavilion.

Groups include high school band booster clubs, dance clubs, sports teams, college groups and other charitable organizations.

“Aramark is dedicated to being a partner in the community where we work and live,” said Jesse Collier, general manager of Aramark at The Pavilion. “The Woodlands area is my home, so it just makes sense for us to give back to the community that supports us.”

There are no guarantees on the minimum or maximum that a group can earn, but earnings can depend on number of events

worked, fan attendance, weather conditions and how well the group serves the customers.

“In my 18 years in the business, the most successful groups are those that are dedicated, have a strong group leader and engaged team members who recognize the benefits of raising funds through this channel versus traditional means such as bake sales and car washes,” Collier said. “We value and appreciate the hard work and commitment of these groups.”

In order to be eligible, organizations need to be an IRS-certified nonprofit organization. If your nonprofit organization is interested in Aramark’s fundraising program, contact Duane Ussery at ussery-duane@aramark.com or 281-363-1621.

S p o n s o r

s p o t l i g h t

e n c o r e

In each issue of CenterStage, we turn the spotlight onto one of our sponsors, a gesture of thanks for their invaluable contributions to the many things we work hard to accomplish.

Real Life Dreams—The Real Live Nation As people drive by The Pavilion each day, they may recall a good time with friends or an encore performance for the ages.

However, few people see the haven that The Pavilion provides to the classical artistry that was so beloved by Cynthia Woods Mitchell herself.

Cynthia Woods Mitchell, wife of The Woodlands developer George Mitchell, was by all definitions a lover of the arts, more specifically the performing arts. She had a true passion for bringing people closer to art and tearing down the walls of unfamiliarity many people often experience with classical music. She wanted that mission to be her legacy and she knew that The Woodlands would be the fertile soil on which Cynthia Woods Mitchell and it could thrive.

George Mitchell on The Pavilion’s opening night in 1990.

Like all good gardeners know, you cannot will your way to a bumper crop. Cynthia knew that for The Pavilion to become a reality she would need some expert help. What she didn’t know is that her dream would grow ten-fold and would far surpass her early vision of making the arts accessible to all.

There’s No Business Like Show Business Ask anyone on the street what they know about The Pavilion and they may tell you a number of things. Most answers, however, will probably include an anecdote of a great contemporary show they saw at one time or another. Their answer may even include comments about the current line-up and the often free classical events that are “a great time for the kids” or a “good idea for a date night.” Many people never consider just how intertwined those free classical shows and the rock-and-roll contemporary shows are.

When the Mitchells set out to build The Pavilion in the late 80’s, they had a vision of a small outdoor venue that would only play classical shows and would bring the people of The Woodlands closer to the performing arts. As plans continued, George Mitchell knew that he would have to solicit the help of venue development professionals to ensure The Pavilion’s success. One such professional was Allen Becker, co-founder and then president of Houston-based PACE Concerts.

Becker saw the passion that the Mitchells had for The Pavilion, but he knew that they needed to expand their idea for it to work. Becker suggested that The Pavilion’s repertoire include contemporary shows to raise funds to support their performing arts events.

“It’s an expensive habit,” said Becker.

“They were thinking symphony, opera, ballet and I’m thinking rock and roll, country western, and all of that.”

Becker knew that to make The Pavilion successful the Mitchells would have to expand their plans from “500 seats on the side of a hill” to a full blown amphitheater that would provide revenue generating contemporary shows that could support the performing arts shows. Cynthia was the first to be convinced and by then “George had a really big bill on his hands,” Becker said. Plans went from 500 seats to 6,000 and a deal was struck with PACE Concerts (now Live Nation) to bring contemporary shows to The Pavilion and have “rock start paying for Bach.”

Bob Roux, co-president, North American concerts; Jerry MacDonald, president and CEO of The Pavilion; and Randy McElrath, senior vice president of booking

How Rock Pays for Bach Now an often used mantra of The Pavilion staff, “rock pays for Bach” is the essential model for how The Pavilion operates today. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, The Pavilion utilizes a partnership with Live Nation to make possible the performing arts events that are the essential mission of the venue.

Live Nation co-president, North American Concerts, Bob Roux admits “there is a big responsibility on our shoulders knowing that our partnership is what helps The Pavilion fulfill its 501(c)3 status.”

Live Nation has been with The Pavilion since the beginning.

Since the day the doors opened Jerry MacDonald, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Roux and they have always served to help Steve Lawler, Director of Production The Pavilion support its model of rock paying for Bach, and it has certainly come with its perks, according to Roux.

“The Pavilion’s charitable mission towards the performing arts, truthfully, makes my job easier,” Roux said. “Artists love playing The Pavilion because they recognize how The Pavilion gives back. They really feel good about being able to play a show that will help make the classical arts accessible.”

And that’s not all. Live Nation senior vice president of booking, Randy McElrath, adds that the facility itself is also coveted by artists.

“Artists want to play The Pavilion... they like the fact that it was built for music,” McElrath said.

“Not to mention they are always impressed with the progress that the facility is making. I think they really notice the improvements.”

The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands would like to thank the following contributors for their financial support of our 2015 Performing Arts Season and Educational Outreach Programs as of March 26, 2015, printing deadline. $100,000 - $249,999 Live Nation The Pavilion Partners $50,000 - $74,999 ExxonMobil Huntsman Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands Development Company The Wortham Foundation $25,000 - $49,999 Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Audi of America PepsiCo Woodforest National Bank $15,000 - $24,999 Aramark H-E-B $10,000 - $14,999 Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Comcast FMC Technologies Insperity Kiewit Energy Group, Inc. KPMG, LLP TalismanUSA Wells Fargo YMCA – Run Thru The Woods

$5,000 - $9,999 Fidelity Investments Linn Energy, LLC Newfield Exploration Company Strike, LLC Woodlands Waterway Art Festival $2,000 - $4,999 Century 21 Realty Partners City of Shenandoah Sheryl & Fred Greene Renewal by Anderson

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion acknowledges the financial support of The Woodlands Township that is generated by the Event Admissions Tax for its performing arts and educational programs.

With a portion of the proceeds from each contemporary show going directly to The Pavilion, the partnership with Live Nation is a “true partnership in every sense of the word,” said Jerry MacDonald, president and CEO of The Pavilion. “We are risking as much as Live Nation every time we have a contemporary performance. We win together and we lose together. With so many wins under our belt, we owe it all to our partnership with Live Nation.”

In addition to their partnership, Live Nation contributes over $100,000 annually to The Pavilion to help support the mission to bring the performing arts to The Woodlands community. That funding is invaluable to The Pavilion’s efforts and the gratitude for such a partnership is expressed by The Pavilion at every opportunity.

“The Pavilion truly is a first class operation,” said Roux. “It is by far one of the best run amphitheaters in the country and it is a privilege to be able to work with them. I think it’s because their mission really comes from the heart.”

From Hundreds to Thousands While the Mitchells always set sights high and planned big, people close to them know that they never expected to see The Pavilion become the immense success it is today. From the planned 500 seats on the side of a hill to the 16,500 seats available today, Mrs. Mitchell’s vision of a haven for the performing arts has by all measures exceeded expectations. Those strides could not have been made possible without the vital partnerships made along the way. “[Cynthia] saw how rock and roll could provide the revenues needed,” said Becker. “I think if she saw The Pavilion today she would be proud. I think she would say ‘I never dreamed it could be this big’ and ‘we did a good thing’.”

Live Nation has been instrumental in making The Pavilion a dream come true for both the Mitchells and The Woodlands community. Their dedication to the venue, as well as the performing arts mission, has proved their own motivation to truly see “rock pay for Bach.”

The Pavilion Ranks Second in the World

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion ranked second in the top 100 amphitheaters in the world based on the number of tickets sold during 2014, according to Pollstar magazine, the concert industry’s leading trade publication. The Pavilion’s ticket sales totaled 488,916 for shows played in 2014. The Pavilion has consistently ranked in the top five since 2010. The Pavilion celebrated its 25th season in 2014, continuing its tradition of presenting exceptional performing arts events, educational outreach programs and live music.

“The Pavilion’s 25th season proved to be one of our best seasons yet,” said Jerry MacDonald, president and CEO of The Pavilion. “We would not have had such a successful season without our partnership with Live Nation, our dedicated staff and supportive community. We already look forward to a strong lineup in 2015.” The Pavilion had 17 sold-out concerts in 2014 including Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band May 9, Jimmy Buffett May 29, Luke Bryan Sept. 19 and Jason Aldean Oct. 23 and currently has a waiting list for season subscriptions.

In addition to its lineup of contemporary entertainment in 2014, The Pavilion presented its performing arts series that included eight Houston Symphony concerts, performances by Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera and the Texas Music Festival Orchestra, the 19th Annual Children’s Festival and several educational outreach programs.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colo. was ranked first with DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, Mich., Molson Canadian Amphitheatre in Toronto, and the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles rounding out the top five. Pollstar magazine provides music business professionals with the most reliable and accurate source of information on the industry.

SUPPORTING C ST

2015 Members of The Pavilion Partners $1,000-$1,999 Candi & Gerald Glenn Alison & Rich Henderson Amy & Jonathan Homeyer Lisa & Paul Kenworthy Tricia & Jerry MacDonald Whitney & Derek McCoy Brenda & John Mizell Vicki & Michael Richmond Susie & Jeff Shipley $500-$999 Mrs. Tom Battle Cynthia & John Hageman Annette & Ken Hallock JoAnne & Randy Lowry Linda Manning Melissa & Jeff Young $200-$300 Julita & Gary Bolen Debra Butler Jana & Jeff Graham Beth & Doug Grijalva Cathia & Dennis Houston Amy & Jeff Kaszak Suzanne & Richard Kelly Karen & Gary Lach Robert Wolfe $50-$100 Melissa & Bernado Aguayo Alana & David Ashley Suzie & Andy Baker Melissa Barksdale Judith Bartok Nancy & Mike Becker Sandra Benke Audrey Bernhoft James Bibis Jody & Brian Black Debbie & Danny Black Lisa & Tom Blanchard Joy & James Borneman Sharon & Tom Bowen Michelle Bridges Carol & Tom Buffa Beth & Kim Butler Debbie & Skip Cain Annabelle & Chris Carrillo Gordon Carruth Barbara & Regan Chambers Patsy & Namen Chambliss Simone Chiang Sean Kenneth Connelly Gaye & Bill Craig Debra & Robert Cruz Andrea & Gabe Cuellar Melissa D’Mello & Ravi Davuluri Charles Dougherty Ruth Dowden Debra & Matt Dozier Christine Dunne Brenda Eames & Alan Braaten Linda & Rob Eissler Suzanne & Ed Ellis Melissa Fadler Keith & Grady Ferry Jane Fisher Lisa & Al Fittipaldi Sylvia Forbes Perry Frank Melinda & David Gardner Viorica & Ion Ghica Angela & Mark Gott Careen Gregory Linda & Noble Gulledge Nozomi Haiola Samantha Hardin & Sal Vela Janene & Rick Hemmen Leanna & Rick Hinds Beth Hollis Monica & Jon Hoover Vicki Huebler & Debbie Stofcheck Taylor Hurd Michelle Huser Marlies Iida Maria Ivers Theresa Jensen Lisa Johnson DaLinda Judy Judy & Richard Jones Conchita & Eric Ladwig Letty Kelley Rosie & Bill Kelly Kris Kirby Cindy Kirk Deborah Kline Lisa & Fred Koetting Judy Latour Karen & Alex Lewis Evelyn Link Linda & Irv Litchman Karen & Jim Listak Mary Loy Mr. & Mrs. John Lundgren Kathryn MacKenzie & Don Koetting Nancy & Terrance Mahan Linda Mallet Melinda Martin Christine & Bo McBee Kim McCauley Christine McClusky Brian McCulloch Anne Moore Carmen Mulraney Myron Murphy Betty & Ray Nelson Janlyn Nentwig Linda & John Newbold Diane Nielsen Nora Norman Cindy Notarainni Shelly & Michael O’Neil Kathryn & Paul Painter Callie Piper Karen & Lance Portman Patricia Harrison & Frank Radik Tom Rafferty Liz Regan Joyce & Ken Reynolds Margie & Keith Richardson Rhonda Richardson John Robichau Arlene & Sol Sachs Nancy & Steve Sandstrum Ann & Dane Sever Sharon Schilling Pete Smith Chris Steinke Kim Stetler Stacey Stout Mr. & Mrs. Clay Tarro Stephanie & Mark Teed Ben Thomas Ellen Turner Freda Thomas & Nathaniel Holt Paula & Benny Van Osdell Maria Valenzuela Connie Wagner Edward Walsh David Wilson Eileen & Gilbert Withers Rebecca Wolfe Carolyn Wong As of March 22

P r e si d e nt ’ s

m e ss a g e

Hello fellow Partners, It’s that time of year again! Time to dust off the green Partners shirts and get ready for another great season. This season we have exciting new and familiar acts coming the Pavilion. We started the season off with a KSBJ concert featuring MercyMe March 28 and Nickelback April 1. We have two acts that are going to be very special: Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga will be here in April, followed by the one and only Elton John who will be here in May. The great shows keep on rolling with Buzzfest, Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews, Lady Antebellum with Hunter Hayes and Sam Hunt, Lana Del Ray, Steely Dan and 5 Seconds of Summer just to name a few. There will be plenty of opportunities to sign up and volunteer. I would like to thank you for your continued support of the Pavilion Partners.

See you out there,

John Robichau The Pavilion Partners President For more information about Partners, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org/partners.

Volunteers Needed for The Pavilion’s 2015 Season

By Leslie Williams

The Pavilion Partners, the official volunteer organization of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, is looking for volunteers with a passion for the arts. The 2015 season kicked off on March 22 with the 17th Annual Wine Dinner and Auction and the following weekend the first concert of the season with the KSBJ Anniversary Concert on Saturday, March 28 and Nickelback on April 1.

“We have added two new educational outreach programs in 2015 and that translates to lots of volunteer opportunities,” said Leslie Williams, volunteer and special events coordinator for The Pavilion. “We are recruiting and training many new volunteers to get ready for the season. Even if members don’t become an active volunteer, joining Partners benefits The Pavilion’s educational and community outreach programs.”

If you would like to learn more about Partners, please join us at one of our monthly information sessions. The next session will be May 6 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. and will last approximately an hour and a half. You are only required to attend one meeting. A tour of The Pavilion is included and reservations are required.

Partners offer a variety of ways to volunteer including fundraising, scholarships, arts and crafts, membership and more. “The Pavilion Partners is a great group and has so much to offer as a volunteer organization. Come to the meeting to learn how you can be involved in the events and programs at The Pavilion,” Williams said.

For more information on becoming a volunteer, please contact Leslie Williams at 281-210-1125 or lwilliams@woodlandscenter.org.

Guests Wined and Dined Center Stage to Raise Nearly $170,000

A record 259 guests experienced a one-of-a-kind evening dining on the Main Stage at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in support of the arts at The Pavilion Partners 17th Annual Wine Dinner & Auction March 22. Partners, the official volunteer organization of The Pavilion, raised approximately $170,000 at the event, with $106,000 going directly to scholarships. Since its inception, Partners has raised more than $911,000 for scholarships to students studying the arts.

“The evening was such an amazing success,” said Lisa Koetting, co-chairwoman of the Wine Dinner & Auction. “The ability to dine on stage at The Pavilion combined with the perfect weather, amazing food from Fleming’s and superb wines from Hunnicutt Winery made the event truly one-of-a-kind.”

Guests were treated to the sounds of Maydwell Musical Group during the social hour of the event. Following the social hour was a seated dinner donated by Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and featured wines from Hunnicutt Winery.

Michael Grijalva, a Pavilion Partners fine arts scholarship recipient in 2014, performed during the dinner.

The live and bid board auctions featured fabulous trips to Cabo San Lucas and Napa, custom-made jewelry donated by Robichau’s Jewelry, premium wine baskets, fur coats, concert tickets and much more. Dynamic duo Judy Larson and Nelda Blair served as auctioneers for the event.

Eleven named fine arts scholarships were donated by guests at the event. Guests also had the opportunity to purchase tickets to exclusive dinners featuring former Philadelphia Eagles coach Dick Vermeil and Tom and Lauren Scott from Tom Scott Vineyards. Another opportunity to support the Fine Arts Scholarships was to purchase a collectible wine glass charm for $50. All proceeds from the live auction, bid boards, dinner packages and wine charms directly benefit The Pavilion Partners Fine Arts scholarships.

This year’s event honored Candi & Gerald Glenn.

A former Pavilion board member who served as chairman from 2008-10, Candi also has served as co-chair of the Wine Dinner & Auction committee. The Glenns have been members of The Pavilion Partners since 2002 and are very active in The Woodlands community.

“Candi and Gerald Glenn are passionate supporters of education and the arts,” said Randy Lowry, co-chairman of the Wine Dinner. “They are true believers in Cynthia Woods Mitchell’s mission to bring the arts to the people. Since the wine dinner funds provide scholarships to students who will major in the arts, Candi and Gerald were the obvious choice to be the 2015 honorees, and were instrumental in the success of this year’s dinner.”

Underwriters of the event include Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Candi & Gerald Glenn, Dianne & George Lindahl III, Lisa & Fred Koetting, Texas Children’s Hospital, Lorri & Brian Petrauskas, Sewell Infiniti of North Houston, Audi North Houston, Sylvia Caracio, Sara & Randy Ortwein, Theresa & Dr. Lamar Roemer, Cindy Notarainni, Julita & Gary Bolen, Judy & Dickie Jones, JoAnne & Randy Lowry and Robichau’s Jewelry.

For more information about The Pavilion Partners 17th Annual Wine Dinner & Auction, or the Partners organization, please contact Leslie Williams at 281-210-1125 or lwilliams@woodlandscenter.org.

New Additions at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

By Taylor Tompkins

While in college, Young served as the operations intern at the Society for the Performing Arts in Houston, Texas and participated in the 2013 Spoleto USA Festival as a box office apprentice.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion welcomes new employees to the operations and marketing and education departments.

Sarah Stephan joins the marketing team for the 2015 season as the new social media marketing coordinator. She comes to The Pavilion from Montgomery, Ala. where she served as the communication services coordinator for the Montgomery Biscuits, the Minor League Baseball AA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Stephan joined The Pavilion in March and is responsible for managing The Pavilion’s social media presence as well as assisting with various marketing efforts. Stephan is a 2011 graduate of Auburn University at Montgomery with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications.

Taylor Tompkins joined the marketing and education department as the marketing assistant in February.

Tompkins contributes toward the marketing, public relations and education efforts of The Pavilion. Tompkins grew up in The Woodlands making many memories at The Pavilion. While working part time, she is finishing up her senior year at Sam Houston State University and will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications.

Whitney Hough, formerly the social media marketing coordinator, was promoted to the marketing and public relations manager position at The Pavilion. In this role, Hough is responsible for all non-paid media relations and producing all in-house newsletters and programs. Hough also coordinates all educational outreach programs.

Jessica Young, assistant box office manager; Sarah Stephan, social media marketing coordinator; and Taylor Tompkins, marketing assistant

Jessica Young joined The Pavilion team at the end of February as the assistant box office manager.

Young previously worked as an administrative assistant at The Center for the Arts & Sciences and the box office attendant with the Brazosport Symphony. She is a recent graduate from the University of Houston C.T. Bauer College of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing.

The Woodlands Center for the Performing Arts 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380

CenterStage is a publication of The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands, a nonprofit organization and home of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

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Photo by Ted Washington