Mark your calendar now for these special performances on schedule for the Kanawha Valley's major performing-arts groups and venues in 2010-2011.
Clay Center
Shows are 8 p.m. unless noted. Call 304-561-3570 or visit www.theclaycenter.org.
Jason Mraz: Sept. 20. Tickets $57 (most remaining are in the second balcony). Spend an evening with the multiple Grammy winner behind hits like "The Remedy," "You and I" and "I'm Yours" and his special guest, Robert Francis.
Chick Corea Trio: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26. Tickets $15, $25 and $35. An evening of sublime jazz with this group of musicians on an exclusive U.S. tour. The trio is jazz legend Chick Corea, bass virtuoso Christian McBride (Sting, Diana Krall) and drummer Brian Blade (Wayne Shorter, Bob Dylan). Co-presented with Charleston Jazz Series.
Sheryl Crow: Sept. 30: Tickets $65, $85, $95 and $125 (on sale at 10 a.m. Sept. 13). The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is touring in support of her latest album, "100 Miles from Memphis," which has a vintage Memphis-styled, soul-inspired sound.
David Sedaris: Oct. 8. Tickets $25, $35 and $45. Experience the sarcastic wit and insightful social critiques that have made Sedaris one of the pre-eminent humorists of his generation.
Step Afrika!: Oct. 29. Tickets $15, $25 and $35. The first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping, this ensemble has been captivating audiences with their percussive style of dancing since 1994.
Dionne Warwick: Dec. 3. Tickets $20, $35 and $55. The multiple Grammy-winning artist delivers a soulful blend of pop, gospel and R&B.
West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
All concerts are at 8 p.m. at the Clay Center. Prices for the 2010-2011 Grand Series subscriptions range from $85 to $450. Symphonic Series subscriptions are $55 to $320, and ZMM Pops Series are $20 to $215. The City National Bank Discovery Series is $25 for adults and $14 for students and children. Single tickets are $10 to $62 for adults and $6 to $15 for students. Call 304-561-3570 or visit www.wvsymphony.org.
Symphonic Series:
Concerts start at 8 p.m.
Opening Night Celebration!: Sept. 10 and 11. Guest artists include violinist David Kim and cellist Carter Brey; program includes Rachmaninoff and Brahms.
Valentina Returns!: Oct. 15 and 16. Guest artist is pianist Valentina Lisitsa playing Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3. Program also features Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, "Pastorale."
An Appalachian Autumn: Nov. 12 and 13. World premiere of Grant Cooper's "Appalachian Autumn," with guest artist violinist Mark O'Connor. Also, "Fiddle Concerto for Violin and Orchestra" and Brahms' Symphony No. 4.
A Touch of Tchaikovsky: Jan. 28 and 29. Guest artist is pianist Adam Golka; program features works by Lilburn and Tchaikovsky.
Classic Expressions: March 4 and 5. Guest artists include clarinetist Bob Turizziani and pianists Vicki Berneking and Deborah Gross; program features works by Debussy, Saint-Saëns and Stravinsky.
Song of the Earth: April 15 and 16. Guest artists are mezzo-soprano Nancy Maultsby and tenor John Mac Master in Gustav Mahler's "Das Lied von der Erde."
Pops Series
Home for the Holidays: Dec. 10 and 11. Guest artist is soprano Janet Brown. Holiday music complete with the special touches and unique arrangements by Maestro Cooper and the WVSO.
Piano Pops!: Feb. 11 and 12. Guest artist is pianist Rich Ridenour performing piano classics from "Clair de Lune" to "Linus and Lucy."
The Music of ABBA: March 18 and 19. Sweden's The Arrival performs tunes from the pop sensation ABBA.
From Broadway to Broad Street: May 6 and 7. Concert features Symphony Idol vocalist Ryan Hardiman, and local talent Randall Reid-Smith.
Special event
"The Nutcracker Ballet": 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets $18 to $50 for adults, $9 to $30 for children 12 and under. This full-length version, presented with the Charleston Ballet, is staged by Miguel Campaneria and Kim Pauley and includes more than 170 West Virginia dancers, guest artists, musicians and choral singers.
Family Discovery Series
Concerts are at 11 a.m. Family-friendly activities begin at 10 a.m.
Legends of Appalachia: Nov. 13. Featuring Maestro Cooper's "Song of the Wolf," a classic retelling of the Three Little Pigs story set in West Virginia. The Glenville State College bluegrass band from will be the guests at the pre-concert activities.
Blast Off! with the WVSO: Feb. 12. Featuring space-themed classics such as the "Star Wars" themes and more.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame: March 19. Featuring baseball-themed pieces, including "Casey at the Bat."
Broadway in Charleston
Shows are at the Clay Center at 7:30 p.m., unless noted. Tickets are $35 and $50 unless noted. Subscription tickets range from $145 to $210. "Riverdance" may be added for an additional cost. Call 304-561-3570 or visit www.theclaycenter.org.
"A Chorus Line": 8 p.m. Dec. 2. The musical about Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line was the longest-running musical on Broadway.
"Riverdance: The Farewell Performances": Feb 22. Tickets $37.50 and $57.50. A thunderous celebration of Irish music and dance.
"All Shook Up": March 22. Jukebox musical featuring more than 24 Elvis Presley hits in a story of romance and rebellion in a Midwestern 1950s town.
"Avenue Q": April 11. A musical mixing puppets and people that satirizes the transition into adulthood. (Features adult content; please contact the box office before bringing teens.)
"Disney's Beauty and the Beast": 2 p.m. May 22. Tickets $37.50 and $57.50. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature.
Community Music Association
All shows are at 3 p.m. at the Municipal Auditorium, unless noted. Season passes are $90. Individual show tickets are $35. Call 304-744-1400 or visit the Charleston Community Music Association on Facebook.
"'S Wonderful: The New Gershwin Musical": Oct. 24. Five singing, dancing mini musicals take audiences to the different places, times and styles featured by the songwriting team of the Gershwin brothers.
"POP! Go the Classics, Chapter II": Jan 9. Mac Frampton and his ThreePenny Symphony are classically trained musicians who play fresh and original interpretations of classical works.
Stringfever: Feb. 6. Billed as the world's first "genetically modified string quartet," the four musicians perform their own versions of classical and popular music, including the "History of Music in Five Minutes."
"Take Me Home: The Music of John Denver": March 13. Singer and guitarist Jim Curry captures the true essence of John Denver and his music.
Quartetto Gelato: April 10. Ensemble members play multiple instruments, including the accordion, as their music features virtuosic showpieces, romantic songs and gypsy pyrotechnics.
FOOTMAD
Shows are at the West Virginia Culture Center at 8 p.m. unless noted. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students. Season passes are $90 for adults and $45 for students. Children, age 13 and younger, free. Order with credit card at www.footmad.org.
Tim O'Brien & Bryan Sutton: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9, Clay Center. Two of the best in bluegrass are co-presented with the Woody Hawley Concert Series.
Nathan & Zydeco Cha-Chas: Oct. 15. The five-member band is considered Louisiana's premier zydeco band.
Steppin' In It: Nov. 20. The group plays traditional roots music with plaintive vocals and sweet harmonies.
Old Sledge: Dec. 12. An awarding-winning trio of young musicians that plays and sings traditional Appalachian songs and tunes.
Eric Bibb: Jan. 29. The singer of acoustic folk-blues was named "Best Newcomer" in the British Blues Awards.
The Battlefield Band: Feb. 12. The classic Celtic band mixes old songs with newly written material.
Clandetine: March 26. Group plays and sings its unique Texas Celtic music.
Woody Hawley Concert Series
All shows are at 7:30 p.m. at the Clay Center. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students. Season tickets are $113.50 for adults and $94.50 for students. Call 304-561-3570 or visit www.theclaycenter.org.
Tim O'Brien & Bryan Sutton: Oct. 9. Two of the best in bluegrass are co-presented with FOOTMAD.
Muriel Anderson with Tierra Negra: Nov. 20. A harp-guitarist joins a duo of Flamenco guitarists.
Hank Williams Tribute: Jan. 8. Music of the country legend is honored in this annual concert.
Susan Werner: Feb. 5. Singer-songwriter puts on a diverse show of folk to jazz to pop music.
Paul Thorn: March 12. Singer of blues, country, gospel and rock brings an arsenal of story-telling songs.
April 16: Performer to be announced.
Darrell Scott: May 14. The man who wrote "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" returns to perform his country hits.
'Mountain Stage'
Shows are at the Culture Center Theater at 7 p.m., unless noted. Tickets are $14 in advance and $20 at the door, unless noted. Call 800-594-TIXX or visit www.mountainstage.org.
Lizz Wright, The Holmes Brothers, Deolinda, Raul Midon and The Paper Raincoat: Oct. 3. Advance tickets $15, at the door $20 (call 800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com). Styles include gospel, jazz and world music. WVU Creative Arts Center, Morgantown.
The Hold Steady and Brooke Waggoner: Oct. 10. Styles include indie rock and piano-infused indie pop. Other acts to be announced.
The Felice Brothers, Alejandro Escovedo & The Sensitive Boys and Adam Haworth Stephens: Oct. 17. Styles include singer-songwriters, roots rock and Americana. Other acts to be announced.
Jenny and Johnny: Oct 24. Indie rock duo. Other acts to be announced.
Carrie Rodriguez, Jimmy Webb and The Chapin Sisters: Oct. 31. Singer-songwriters and American folk pop. Other acts to be announced. Tickets $30. West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon.
Hot Rize, Red Knuckles and The Trailblazers and Stan Ridgeway Nov. 7. Bluegrass, western swing and New Wave artist-turned singer-songwriter. Other acts to be announced. WVU Creative Arts Center, Morgantown. Advance tickets $15, at the door $20 (call 800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com).
Punch Brothers, Infamous Stringdusters, Trampled By Turtles and The Weepies: Nov. 14. Progressive bluegrass and indie pop/folk. Other acts to be announced.
Charleston Civic Center
Events are at the Charleston Civic Center unless noted. Call 800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Charcon Gaming Convention: Game, comic and fantasy convention. Oct. 22-24. Tickets $15 for Friday or Sunday, $20 for Saturday; weekend pass $30; $10 daily for children under 12; children's weekend pass $20. Civic Center South Hall.
Jeremy Camp with John Mark McMillan and Carlos Whittaker: Contemporary Christian concert. 7 p.m. Oct. 22. Tickets $17.05, $27.85, $38.10 and $43.25. Municipal Auditorium.
Capitol City Gospel Sing: 6:45 p.m. Oct. 30. Tickets $16 and $24.25. (On sale Sept. 17.) Municipal Auditorium.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Holiday-themed rock opera. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4. Tickets $33.75 and $66.10 (on sale Sept. 18).
VeggieTales: Children's animated series brought to life. 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets $22.48 and $33.31. Municipal Auditorium.
Beni Kedem Shrine Circus: Nov. 7. Show times and prices to be announced.
"Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker": 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Tickets $35.75, $46.05, $56.30 and $76.85. VIP tickets $110.20 (includes floor level center seats, a show DVD, signed poster, tote bag and teddy bear). Platinum tickets (limited) $366.95 (includes front row center seating, backstage meet-and-greet with dancers, early seating, preferred parking, gourmet chocolates and limited edition Giclée print of original artwork.)
Charleston Chamber Music Society
All shows are at Christ Church United Methodist, 1221 Quarrier St., at 7 p.m., unless noted. Season tickets are $40 for first-time ticket buyers, $60 for regular season tickets and $10 for student season tickets. Individual tickets are $17 for adults, $5 for college students and free for students through high school with a paying adult. Call 304-344-5389 or e-mail Ndav...@aol.com.
La Catrina Quartet: Sept. 25. Four young musicians from Mexico perform string quartet classics and Latin American favorites.
"A Nightmare in Venice": Oct. 30. Baroque music rock stars Red Priest present a theatrical music event.
Max Brod Trio": Nov. 20. Czech Republic trio on first American tour.
Robert Cruca: 2 p.m. Jan.9. Classical guitarist performs guitar masterworks.
Trio Con Brio Copenhagen: April 9. The piano, cello and violin trio perform a repertoire of well-known works as well as contemporary compositions from Scandinavia.
ChamberKids offers free programs for children ages 2 to 10 during the concerts. Call 304-610-2443 or e-mail CCMSChamberK...@yahoo.com.
Kanawha Players
Shows are at 8 p.m. unless noted. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for ages 17 and younger. A 10-ticket package is $128 and five-ticket package is $68. Family plans for each show (except "Li'l Abner") are available in advance at $42 (two adults, two children), $26 (one adult, two children) and $21 (one adult, one child); additional children's tickets are $6. Call 304-343-7529 or visit kanawhaplayers.org.
"Li'l Abner": Musical based on the comic strip about the hillbilly town of Dogpatch USA and its inhabitants. Sept. 24 and 25, Oct. 1 and 2. Matinees at 2 p.m. Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. Civic Center Little Theater.
"The Art of Murder": Award-winning comedic mystery about a painter waiting at his remote countryside estate for his art dealer, whom he plans to kill, but the tables may be turned. Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30, plus 2 p.m. Oct. 31. Kanawha Players Theater, 309 Beauregard St.
"Anne of Green Gables": Comedic drama that re-creates all the memorable events and characters from L.M. Montgomery's classic novel about an orphan girl. Dec. 10 and 11 and 2 p.m. Dec. 12. Civic Center Little Theater.
"The Homecoming": Tony Award-winning drama by Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter about a philosophy professor who brings his wife home to meet his working-class family in North London for the first time. Dec. 17 and 18 and 2 p.m. Dec. 19. Kanawha Players Theater.
"Our Lady of 121st Street": Dark comedy about a funeral home in big trouble after the body of beloved community activist and nun Sister Rose is stolen. Feb. 25 and 26, March 4 and 5. Kanawha Players Theater.
Mark your calendar now for these special performances on schedule for the Kanawha Valley's major performing-arts groups and venues in 2010-2011.
Clay Center
Shows are 8 p.m. unless noted. Call 304-561-3570 or visit www.theclaycenter.org.
Jason Mraz: Sept. 20. Tickets $57 (most remaining are in the second balcony). Spend an evening with the multiple Grammy winner behind hits like "The Remedy," "You and I" and "I'm Yours" and his special guest, Robert Francis.
Chick Corea Trio: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26. Tickets $15, $25 and $35. An evening of sublime jazz with this group of musicians on an exclusive U.S. tour. The trio is jazz legend Chick Corea, bass virtuoso Christian McBride (Sting, Diana Krall) and drummer Brian Blade (Wayne Shorter, Bob Dylan). Co-presented with Charleston Jazz Series.
Sheryl Crow: Sept. 30: Tickets $65, $85, $95 and $125 (on sale at 10 a.m. Sept. 13). The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is touring in support of her latest album, "100 Miles from Memphis," which has a vintage Memphis-styled, soul-inspired sound.
David Sedaris: Oct. 8. Tickets $25, $35 and $45. Experience the sarcastic wit and insightful social critiques that have made Sedaris one of the pre-eminent humorists of his generation.
Step Afrika!: Oct. 29. Tickets $15, $25 and $35. The first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping, this ensemble has been captivating audiences with their percussive style of dancing since 1994.
Dionne Warwick: Dec. 3. Tickets $20, $35 and $55. The multiple Grammy-winning artist delivers a soulful blend of pop, gospel and R&B.
West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
All concerts are at 8 p.m. at the Clay Center. Prices for the 2010-2011 Grand Series subscriptions range from $85 to $450. Symphonic Series subscriptions are $55 to $320, and ZMM Pops Series are $20 to $215. The City National Bank Discovery Series is $25 for adults and $14 for students and children. Single tickets are $10 to $62 for adults and $6 to $15 for students. Call 304-561-3570 or visit www.wvsymphony.org.
Symphonic Series:
Concerts start at 8 p.m.
Opening Night Celebration!: Sept. 10 and 11. Guest artists include violinist David Kim and cellist Carter Brey; program includes Rachmaninoff and Brahms.
Valentina Returns!: Oct. 15 and 16. Guest artist is pianist Valentina Lisitsa playing Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3. Program also features Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, "Pastorale."
An Appalachian Autumn: Nov. 12 and 13. World premiere of Grant Cooper's "Appalachian Autumn," with guest artist violinist Mark O'Connor. Also, "Fiddle Concerto for Violin and Orchestra" and Brahms' Symphony No. 4.
A Touch of Tchaikovsky: Jan. 28 and 29. Guest artist is pianist Adam Golka; program features works by Lilburn and Tchaikovsky.
Classic Expressions: March 4 and 5. Guest artists include clarinetist Bob Turizziani and pianists Vicki Berneking and Deborah Gross; program features works by Debussy, Saint-Saëns and Stravinsky.
Song of the Earth: April 15 and 16. Guest artists are mezzo-soprano Nancy Maultsby and tenor John Mac Master in Gustav Mahler's "Das Lied von der Erde."
Pops Series
Home for the Holidays: Dec. 10 and 11. Guest artist is soprano Janet Brown. Holiday music complete with the special touches and unique arrangements by Maestro Cooper and the WVSO.
Piano Pops!: Feb. 11 and 12. Guest artist is pianist Rich Ridenour performing piano classics from "Clair de Lune" to "Linus and Lucy."
The Music of ABBA: March 18 and 19. Sweden's The Arrival performs tunes from the pop sensation ABBA.
From Broadway to Broad Street: May 6 and 7. Concert features Symphony Idol vocalist Ryan Hardiman, and local talent Randall Reid-Smith.
Special event
"The Nutcracker Ballet": 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets $18 to $50 for adults, $9 to $30 for children 12 and under. This full-length version, presented with the Charleston Ballet, is staged by Miguel Campaneria and Kim Pauley and includes more than 170 West Virginia dancers, guest artists, musicians and choral singers.
Family Discovery Series
Concerts are at 11 a.m. Family-friendly activities begin at 10 a.m.
Legends of Appalachia: Nov. 13. Featuring Maestro Cooper's "Song of the Wolf," a classic retelling of the Three Little Pigs story set in West Virginia. The Glenville State College bluegrass band from will be the guests at the pre-concert activities.
Blast Off! with the WVSO: Feb. 12. Featuring space-themed classics such as the "Star Wars" themes and more.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame: March 19. Featuring baseball-themed pieces, including "Casey at the Bat."
Broadway in Charleston
Shows are at the Clay Center at 7:30 p.m., unless noted. Tickets are $35 and $50 unless noted. Subscription tickets range from $145 to $210. "Riverdance" may be added for an additional cost. Call 304-561-3570 or visit www.theclaycenter.org.
"A Chorus Line": 8 p.m. Dec. 2. The musical about Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line was the longest-running musical on Broadway.
"Riverdance: The Farewell Performances": Feb 22. Tickets $37.50 and $57.50. A thunderous celebration of Irish music and dance.
"All Shook Up": March 22. Jukebox musical featuring more than 24 Elvis Presley hits in a story of romance and rebellion in a Midwestern 1950s town.
"Avenue Q": April 11. A musical mixing puppets and people that satirizes the transition into adulthood. (Features adult content; please contact the box office before bringing teens.)
"Disney's Beauty and the Beast": 2 p.m. May 22. Tickets $37.50 and $57.50. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature.
Community Music Association
All shows are at 3 p.m. at the Municipal Auditorium, unless noted. Season passes are $90. Individual show tickets are $35. Call 304-744-1400 or visit the Charleston Community Music Association on Facebook.
"'S Wonderful: The New Gershwin Musical": Oct. 24. Five singing, dancing mini musicals take audiences to the different places, times and styles featured by the songwriting team of the Gershwin brothers.
"POP! Go the Classics, Chapter II": Jan 9. Mac Frampton and his ThreePenny Symphony are classically trained musicians who play fresh and original interpretations of classical works.
Stringfever: Feb. 6. Billed as the world's first "genetically modified string quartet," the four musicians perform their own versions of classical and popular music, including the "History of Music in Five Minutes."
"Take Me Home: The Music of John Denver": March 13. Singer and guitarist Jim Curry captures the true essence of John Denver and his music.
Quartetto Gelato: April 10. Ensemble members play multiple instruments, including the accordion, as their music features virtuosic showpieces, romantic songs and gypsy pyrotechnics.
FOOTMAD
Shows are at the West Virginia Culture Center at 8 p.m. unless noted. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students. Season passes are $90 for adults and $45 for students. Children, age 13 and younger, free. Order with credit card at www.footmad.org.
Tim O'Brien & Bryan Sutton: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9, Clay Center. Two of the best in bluegrass are co-presented with the Woody Hawley Concert Series.
Nathan & Zydeco Cha-Chas: Oct. 15. The five-member band is considered Louisiana's premier zydeco band.
Steppin' In It: Nov. 20. The group plays traditional roots music with plaintive vocals and sweet harmonies.
Old Sledge: Dec. 12. An awarding-winning trio of young musicians that plays and sings traditional Appalachian songs and tunes.
Eric Bibb: Jan. 29. The singer of acoustic folk-blues was named "Best Newcomer" in the British Blues Awards.
The Battlefield Band: Feb. 12. The classic Celtic band mixes old songs with newly written material.
Clandetine: March 26. Group plays and sings its unique Texas Celtic music.
Woody Hawley Concert Series
All shows are at 7:30 p.m. at the Clay Center. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students. Season tickets are $113.50 for adults and $94.50 for students. Call 304-561-3570 or visit www.theclaycenter.org.
Tim O'Brien & Bryan Sutton: Oct. 9. Two of the best in bluegrass are co-presented with FOOTMAD.
Muriel Anderson with Tierra Negra: Nov. 20. A harp-guitarist joins a duo of Flamenco guitarists.
Hank Williams Tribute: Jan. 8. Music of the country legend is honored in this annual concert.
Susan Werner: Feb. 5. Singer-songwriter puts on a diverse show of folk to jazz to pop music.
Paul Thorn: March 12. Singer of blues, country, gospel and rock brings an arsenal of story-telling songs.
April 16: Performer to be announced.
Darrell Scott: May 14. The man who wrote "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" returns to perform his country hits.
'Mountain Stage'
Shows are at the Culture Center Theater at 7 p.m., unless noted. Tickets are $14 in advance and $20 at the door, unless noted. Call 800-594-TIXX or visit www.mountainstage.org.
Lizz Wright, The Holmes Brothers, Deolinda, Raul Midon and The Paper Raincoat: Oct. 3. Advance tickets $15, at the door $20 (call 800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com). Styles include gospel, jazz and world music. WVU Creative Arts Center, Morgantown.
The Hold Steady and Brooke Waggoner: Oct. 10. Styles include indie rock and piano-infused indie pop. Other acts to be announced.
The Felice Brothers, Alejandro Escovedo & The Sensitive Boys and Adam Haworth Stephens: Oct. 17. Styles include singer-songwriters, roots rock and Americana. Other acts to be announced.
Jenny and Johnny: Oct 24. Indie rock duo. Other acts to be announced.
Carrie Rodriguez, Jimmy Webb and The Chapin Sisters: Oct. 31. Singer-songwriters and American folk pop. Other acts to be announced. Tickets $30. West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon.
Hot Rize, Red Knuckles and The Trailblazers and Stan Ridgeway Nov. 7. Bluegrass, western swing and New Wave artist-turned singer-songwriter. Other acts to be announced. WVU Creative Arts Center, Morgantown. Advance tickets $15, at the door $20 (call 800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com).
Punch Brothers, Infamous Stringdusters, Trampled By Turtles and The Weepies: Nov. 14. Progressive bluegrass and indie pop/folk. Other acts to be announced.
Charleston Civic Center
Events are at the Charleston Civic Center unless noted. Call 800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Charcon Gaming Convention: Game, comic and fantasy convention. Oct. 22-24. Tickets $15 for Friday or Sunday, $20 for Saturday; weekend pass $30; $10 daily for children under 12; children's weekend pass $20. Civic Center South Hall.
Jeremy Camp with John Mark McMillan and Carlos Whittaker: Contemporary Christian concert. 7 p.m. Oct. 22. Tickets $17.05, $27.85, $38.10 and $43.25. Municipal Auditorium.
Capitol City Gospel Sing: 6:45 p.m. Oct. 30. Tickets $16 and $24.25. (On sale Sept. 17.) Municipal Auditorium.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Holiday-themed rock opera. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4. Tickets $33.75 and $66.10 (on sale Sept. 18).
VeggieTales: Children's animated series brought to life. 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets $22.48 and $33.31. Municipal Auditorium.
Beni Kedem Shrine Circus: Nov. 7. Show times and prices to be announced.
"Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker": 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Tickets $35.75, $46.05, $56.30 and $76.85. VIP tickets $110.20 (includes floor level center seats, a show DVD, signed poster, tote bag and teddy bear). Platinum tickets (limited) $366.95 (includes front row center seating, backstage meet-and-greet with dancers, early seating, preferred parking, gourmet chocolates and limited edition Giclée print of original artwork.)
Charleston Chamber Music Society
All shows are at Christ Church United Methodist, 1221 Quarrier St., at 7 p.m., unless noted. Season tickets are $40 for first-time ticket buyers, $60 for regular season tickets and $10 for student season tickets. Individual tickets are $17 for adults, $5 for college students and free for students through high school with a paying adult. Call 304-344-5389 or e-mail Ndav...@aol.com.
La Catrina Quartet: Sept. 25. Four young musicians from Mexico perform string quartet classics and Latin American favorites.
"A Nightmare in Venice": Oct. 30. Baroque music rock stars Red Priest present a theatrical music event.
Max Brod Trio": Nov. 20. Czech Republic trio on first American tour.
Robert Cruca: 2 p.m. Jan.9. Classical guitarist performs guitar masterworks.
Trio Con Brio Copenhagen: April 9. The piano, cello and violin trio perform a repertoire of well-known works as well as contemporary compositions from Scandinavia.
ChamberKids offers free programs for children ages 2 to 10 during the concerts. Call 304-610-2443 or e-mail CCMSChamberK...@yahoo.com.
Kanawha Players
Shows are at 8 p.m. unless noted. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for ages 17 and younger. A 10-ticket package is $128 and five-ticket package is $68. Family plans for each show (except "Li'l Abner") are available in advance at $42 (two adults, two children), $26 (one adult, two children) and $21 (one adult, one child); additional children's tickets are $6. Call 304-343-7529 or visit kanawhaplayers.org.
"Li'l Abner": Musical based on the comic strip about the hillbilly town of Dogpatch USA and its inhabitants. Sept. 24 and 25, Oct. 1 and 2. Matinees at 2 p.m. Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. Civic Center Little Theater.
"The Art of Murder": Award-winning comedic mystery about a painter waiting at his remote countryside estate for his art dealer, whom he plans to kill, but the tables may be turned. Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30, plus 2 p.m. Oct. 31. Kanawha Players Theater, 309 Beauregard St.
"Anne of Green Gables": Comedic drama that re-creates all the memorable events and characters from L.M. Montgomery's classic novel about an orphan girl. Dec. 10 and 11 and 2 p.m. Dec. 12. Civic Center Little Theater.
"The Homecoming": Tony Award-winning drama by Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter about a philosophy professor who brings his wife home to meet his working-class family in North London for the first time. Dec. 17 and 18 and 2 p.m. Dec. 19. Kanawha Players Theater.
"Our Lady of 121st Street": Dark comedy about a funeral home in big trouble after the body of beloved community activist and nun Sister Rose is stolen. Feb. 25 and 26, March 4 and 5. Kanawha Players Theater.
"The Odd Couple": Neil Simon's classic comedy about two mismatched roommates. Performances will alternate between the male version and Simon's lesser-known female version. Feb. 11, 12, 18 and 19. Civic Center Little Theater.
"A Few Good Men": "The West Wing" creator Aaron Sorkin's drama/thriller about military lawyers who uncover a high-level conspiracy. April 15, 16, 22 and 23. Civic Center Little Theater.
"Rounding Third": Two-man show about the tumultuous journey of two Little League coaches through an entire season. The audience serves as the stand-in for the team and the coaches speak directly to them. April 29 and 30, May 6 and 7. Kanawha Players Theater.
"Fellows Inn": Original comedy by local playwright Derek Samms about a bed-and-breakfast full of secrets, misunderstandings and a colorful group of family and guests. June 10, 11, 17 and 18, plus 2 p.m. June 19. Kanawha Players Theater.
Charleston Light Opera Guild
All shows are at Civic Center Little Theater, unless noted. Tickets are $20. Call 304-343-2287 or visit www.charlestonlightoperaguild.org.
"Dreamgirls": 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, plus 3 p.m. Nov. 14.
"The Drowsy Chaperone": May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, plus 3 p.m. May 15.
"Thoroughly Modern Millie": June 17, 18, 24 and 25, plus 3 p.m. June 19 and 26.
"Hairspray": July 29 and 30, Aug. 5 and 6, plus 3 p.m. July 31 and Aug. 7. Tickets: $20 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Clay Center. Call 304-561-3570.
Charleston Stage Company
Shows are at the Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summers St., and begin at 7:30 p.m., unless noted. Tickets are $15 for adults (ages 16-64) and $10 for students (elementary through college) and seniors (65 and older). Season tickets (all four productions and one extra good for any show) are $60. Call 304-343-5272 or visit www.charlestonstagecompany.com.
"Superior Donuts": A "sharp, funny, aggressively authentic and proudly ethnic" comedy-drama about the unlikely friendship between a disillusioned, aging hippie who owns a donut shop in Chicago and the college dropout who's his only employee. Oct. 14, 16 and 21-23.
"Shipwrecked! An Entertainment: The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself)": A madcap adventure on the high seas, presented by three actors who portray everything from flying wombats to giant sea turtles and even a monstrous man-eating octopus. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27-29 and 2 p.m. Jan. 29-30. Clay Center Walker Theater.
"Palace of the End": A series of three dramatic monologues graphically depicting the horror of war, including the story of Mineral County native Lynndie England, one of the soldiers seen in the Abu Ghraib prison photographs. March 31, April 1, 2 and 7-9.
"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?": Edward Albee's Tony Award-winning drama about a bitter aging couple, who with the help of alcohol, use a young couple to fuel each other's emotional pain. May 26-28, June 2-4.
Children's Theatre of Charleston
All shows are at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children, students and senior citizens. Call 304-346-0164 (leave voice mail) or visit www.ctoc.org. Call 304-541-7222 for information about school performance scheduling and prices.
"Alice in Wonderland": Oct. 15-17; school performances Oct. 15. Musical adaptation that brings Lewis Carroll's tale of Alice's adventures with the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and company to life.
"Oliver!": Dec. 3-5; school performances Dec. 2 and 3. Musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' much-loved story of the orphan struggling to survive amid the dangers of 19th-century London.
"Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Jr.": March 11-13; school performances March 11. Disney's one-hour version of the tale of the prince who is turned into a beast because of his selfishness and the girl who loves him.
Charleston Ballet
Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets ("The Nutcracker" excluded) are $20 in advance or $25 at the door for adults and $15 in advance or $20 at the door for students and seniors available at the Civic Center Box Office, Backstage Bodywear and the Charleston Ballet Office. Group discounts are available. Call 304-342-6541 or visit www.thecharlestonballet.com.
"The Beatles and a Brat": The full-length works "La Fille Mal Gardee" ("The Badly Guarded Daughter") and "She Loves You" (featuring the music of the Beatles). Both are light and humorous, reflecting common themes of young love and concerns of life for ordinary people. Oct. 22 and 23. Civic Center Little Theater.
"The Nutcracker Ballet": This full-length version of the ballet, presented with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, is staged by Miguel Campaneria and Kim Pauley and includes more than 170 West Virginia dancers, guest artists, musicians and choral singers. Dec. 17 and 18, plus 2 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets $18 to $50 for adults and $9 to $30 for children 12 and under.
"Pinocchio": World premiere of a work based on the beloved children's story that was created to an original score composed by Evan Mack. March 25 and 26. Civic Center Little Theater.
Contemporary Youth Arts Company
All shows are at 8 p.m. at the Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summers St. Tickets are $9 for adults and $5.50 for students and seniors. Call 304-342-6522 or visit web.me.com/cyac2001/CONTEMPORARY_YOUTH_ARTS_COMPANY.
"Hoods": Sept. 23-25 and Oct. 1-2. Dan Kehde drama about racism in the foothills of West Virginia in the late 1950s.
"Social Action Plays": The plays, each less than an hour, are "The Girls Room" (about date rape), "Love Is Not An Angry Thing" (teenage domestic violence) and "Alice.com" (cyber-bullying). Sept. 27-29.
"Hector's Warehouse and Other Ghost Stories": Tales of the supernatural. Oct. 28-31.
"Mary": Mark Scarpelli-Dan Kehde rock opera about the months prior to the birth of Christ. Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 2-4, plus 2 p.m. Nov. 28.
"Social Action Plays": Plays include "The Girls Room," "Love Is Not An Angry Thing," "Alice.com," (Cyber-bullying) "The Forever Clause" (teen pregnancy) and "Keeping Bobby Close" (the grieving process following a teen's death). Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 1.
"Norman Rockwell's An American Love Story": The premiere of Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde's newest musical based on the paintings of American artist Norman Rockwell. Feb. 10-12 and 17-19, plus 1 p.m. Feb. 13.
"Social Action Plays": Plays include "The Girls Room," "Love Is Not An Angry Thing," "Alice.com," "The Forever Clause" and "Keeping Bobby Close." Feb. 14-16.
Montclaire String Quartet
All concerts are at 3 p.m. at Kanawha United Presbyterian Church, 1009 Virginia St. E. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students and children. Season subscriptions are $40 for adults and $20 for students and children. Call 304-561-3570 or visit www.wvsymphony.org.
Beautiful Beginnings: Works by Haydn, Villa-Lobos and Smetana. Oct. 3.
Something for Everyone: Works by Mozart, Stravinsky and Debussy. Nov. 7.
Romance: Works by Wolfe, Ginastera and Brahms. Feb. 6.
Spring Lullaby: Works by Schubert, Gershwin and Mendelssohn. May 29.
JADCO Contemporary Dance Company
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Call 304-345-5141.
Choreography Showcase: West Virginia State University. Nov. 20. Tickets $5.
Chasing Butterflies: March 24 and 25. Adults $18, children $12. Culture Center Theater.
West Virginia Youth Symphony
Winter Concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 5. Scottish Rite Temple. Adults $5, students and seniors $2.
Marshall Artists Series
All shows, unless otherwise stated, are at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, by calling 304-696-6656 or at www.marshallartistsseries.org.
Liza Minnelli: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award-winning superstar. 7 p.m. Sept. 12. Tickets $45, $65 and $85.25.
Pablo Ziegler: Latin Grammy Award-winning pianist and his trio. Oct. 15. Tickets $25 and $35.
Daniel Tosh: Comedy Central's "Tosh.0" star and comic sensation. Oct. 19. Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Mature content. Tickets $25.
The Doobie Brothers: Classic rock n' roll powerhouse. Nov. 16. Tickets $40 and $62.50.
Marvin Hamlisch and J. Mark McVey: The composer presents a holiday concert with tenor McVey. Dec. 6. Tickets $35, $45 and $65.
"Stomp": Percussive dance experience. Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Jan. 11 and 12. Tickets $60.
"Video Games Live": Multimedia show featuring video game footage and music performed by a live orchestra. Feb. 3. Tickets $25, $35 and $47.
"A Chorus Line": Tony Award-winning musical. Feb. 24. Tickets $45, $50 and $58.
"Spring Awakening": Tony-nominated rock musical about teens in late-19th-century Germany discovering their sexuality. March 29. Tickets $45, $50 and $58.
"The Color Purple": Musical based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. 8 p.m. April 8. Tickets $45, $50 and $58.
Carnegie Hall
All performances start at 7:30 p.m. in Carnegie Hall, 105 Church St., Lewisburg. Call 304-645-7917 or visit www.carnegiehallwv.org.
The Capitol Steps: Longtime satire group that takes political issues and turns them into song parodies. Sept. 17. Tickets $20 to $28.
Josh Ritter: Critically acclaimed folk rock singer-songwriter. Oct. 8. Tickets $18 to $26.
Step Afrika!: The first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Nov. 5. Tickets $15 to $21.
"Home for the Holidays" West Virginia Symphony Orchestra with soprano Janet Brown. Dec. 9. Tickets $20 to $28.
Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys: The iconic bluegrass performer and band. Dec. 10. Tickets $20 to $28.
The Travelin' McCourys: Bluegrass music with an Appalachian base and jazz improvisation. Feb. 11. Tickets $15 to $21.
The Vienna Boys Choir: World-renowned choir with a repertoire from medieval chants and Renaissance music to Schubert. March 11. Tickets $20 to $28.
"The Glass Menagerie": Philadelphia's Walnut Street Theatre presents the Tennessee Williams classic. March 18. Tickets $18 to $26.
Javon Jackson Band: Music styles including jazz, funk, R&B and rock. April 9. Tickets $15 to $21.
The Seldom Scene: Progressive bluegrass band. May 20. Tickets $18 to $26.
West Virginia University Arts Series
Performances, except where noted, are at 7:30 p.m. in the WVU Creative Arts Center. Season tickets are on sale; individual tickets go on sale Sept. 15. Visit www.events.wvu.edu or call 304-293-7469.
"Spamalot": The Monty Python musical comedy about the search for the Holy Grail. Sept. 27.
The B-52s: The band's catalog includes hits like "Love Shack" and "Rock Lobster." Oct. 2.
Mary Chapin Carpenter: Winner of Grammy and Country Music awards with songs like "Passionate Kisses." Oct. 10.
"Oklahoma!": The Rodgers & Hammerstein musical about feuding ranchers and farmers. Oct. 16.
Cirque Dreams Illumination: Mix of urban aerobatics, choreography and illusions. Oct. 18.
The Sounds of Romance: Golden oldies from Gary Puckett, The Association and The Lettermen. Oct. 21.
"Spring Awakening": The Tony-winning coming-of-age musical set in 19th-century Germany. Nov. 1.
Amy Grant: Six-time Grammy Award-winning contemporary Christian singer. Nov. 6.
Moscow State University Orchestra: One of the most respected Russian ensembles. Nov. 10.
"Legally Blonde": Broadway musical based on the popular film. Nov. 14.
"Mamma Mia!": Dec. 7-9. The music of ABBA is the star of this Broadway and Hollywood hit.
Vienna Boys Choir: Music ranges from symphonic to folk, pop and holiday. Dec. 17.
"Fiddler on the Roof": Timeless musical about a poor Russian Jew trying to marry off his three daughters. Jan. 12.
"Stomp": Eight-member percussion group bangs on everything but drums. Feb. 8 and 9.
The Chieftains: Legendary Celtic band. March 8.
Maya Angelou: Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. April 29.
Joan Rivers: Veteran comic and talk-show host. April 30.
"Beauty and the Beast": May 20 and 21 and 3 p.m. May 21. Disney's musical version of the fairy tale.
West Virginia Book Festival
Held at the Charleston Civic Center, the West Virginia Book Festival offers something for book fans of all ages and interests: authors, publishers, book vendors, a children's section, workshops, meet-the author events and panel discussions.
This year, visiting authors include Nicholas Sparks, Diana Gabaldon, Jayne Anne Phillips, Carmen Deedy, Jim Benton, E. Lockhart and Dr. James Robertson.
Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 16 and noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 17. A used-book sale takes place Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 17 from noon to 4 p.m.
Visit www.wvbookfestival.org.
