Press Release

2009-10 Entertainment Series Announced

Date: October 14, 2009  

COLDWATER, MI—

A variety of musical entertainment is in store as Tibbits announces its 2009-10 Entertainment Series offering some new faces as well as some familiar favorites.

The season opens November 3 with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Southwest Michigan’s own KSO builds a lifelong appreciation for symphonic music through its performances and education programs. After a sold-out performance in 2007, KSO returns and once again includes students in the unique experience of performing with a full orchestra. Concert includes a vocal selection from Vivaldi’s “Gloria” sung by the Coldwater High School Choir as well as participation from members of the CHS band. The show is sponsored by Coldwater Board of Public Utilities.

On December 18 America’s premier youth fiddling show, the Saline Fiddlers takes to the stage. The group has wowed audiences from the west coast to the White House with their fusion of folk, bluegrass and western swing, seasoned with a dash of Celtic flair. The Saline Fiddlers demonstrate what happens when old-time fiddling meets the polish, sound and energy of a professional stage show.  Audiences of all ages will enjoy the dazzling fiddling, lively dancing and singing.  

In January audiences will experience an entertaining, interactive culinary and musical show! On January 16 Andy LoRusso, also known as “The Singing Chef,” will present a four course all Italian menu from his best selling cookbook, "Sing & Cook Italian." Sit in your theater seats and enjoy tasting each course perhaps with a splash of wine! Andy sings while beautiful images of Italy are projected on screens. He sings, he cooks, we taste, we have fun!  Tibbits will again foster the educational opportunity by teaming with the Branch Area Career Center and their Culinary Art/Hospitality Management program.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Tibbits will present accoustic rock musician Jay Buchanan on February 12.  Singer, songwriter and outstanding acoustic guitarist Buchanan comes to Tibbits from California where he has twice been awarded “The Best of the West” for his musical talents. Normally touring with his rock band “Rival Sons,” Buchanan loves the rare opportunity to perform in the old opera houses. His appearance at Tibbits is a one of only two in the state.

“Not for Women Only” a lively musical review takes to the stage on March 13. Three of West Michigan’s finest vocalists, Kim Mercatante, Carol Black, and Francesca Amari, with Wright McCargar on keyboard, present this sassy, funny, entertaining revue with songs by, for, and about women and their lives.  All audiences, even men, will delight in the variety of musical genres, including Broadway, pop, and country.

The season wraps up on April 16 with Kuungana Drum and Dance Company. This exciting and mesmerizing performance incorporates drums, dance and costumes in an exciting colorful spectacle of rhythm and inspiration evoking the traditions of  West Africa. The music allows listeners to feel the pulse of drum beats in their chests and the crashes in their ears. The audience is encouraged to participate with a little foot moving and hand clapping. The troupe's dancers, as young as four, never seem to stop with their fast, high-stepping foot movements. Kuungana continues the activities of Celebrating Cultural Connections which last year presented the Ballet Folklorico in an effort to share the beauty and spectacle of various cultures in our world.

Tickets for Tibbits Entertainment Series are $100 for all six shows or $95 for Tibbits members. Upgrades are available for the Singing Chef including a wine pairing for $10 additonal or premium seating on stage with the chef for an additional $26. Series tickets are avaiable by calling Tibbits at 517-278-6029. Individual show tickets are also available. For more information or to order individual shows go to www.Tibbits.org or stop by the Tibbits offices at 93 West Chicago Street. 

Sponsorships for these shows are available by contacting Tibbits. All shows are presented in the historic setting of Tibbits Opera House built in 1882 and entertaining audience for more than a century.

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