From a Frank Sinatra tribute to a singer who performs opera and pop music, Live On Stage in NWA Board of Directors President Don Kernwein says "we really have a really great lineup of performers this season."
The 2014-15 season of Live On Stage kicks off in September, and tickets are on sale now. The shows will take place at Arend Arts Center in Bentonville.
FAQ
Live On Stage in NWA
2014-15 Season
WHEN – Sept. 21 through May 3
WHERE – Arend Arts Center in Bentonville
COST ‑ Season tickets are $85; single show tickets are $25 and student tickets are $5
INFO – 855-9997 or liveonstagenwa.com
FYI
Live On Stage in NWA
2014-15 Season Schedule
Sept. 21 – Simply Sinatra
Nov. 9 – Fernando Varela
March 1 – Live from Nashville
April 19 – William Florian
May 3 – Paul McDermand
— Source: liveonstagenwa.com
When choosing performers and shows for a season, Kernwein says "we have to have something that is going to really strike a bell with our audience." He notes that most of the audience members are age 55 and older, and about 90 percent are from Bella Vista.
The first show Sept. 21 will be Simply Sinatra, a tribute to Frank Sinatra by Steve Lippia. Lippia is more than a "sound-alike," and his Las Vegas appearances and national tours have cemented his place as a champion of the Great American songbook, according to the Live On Stage national website. Fernando Varela, who sings opera and pop and is "the very picture of the modern tenor," will perform Nov. 9. Kernwein expects the audience to really like that music since past Live On Stage patrons "like a strong tenor."
On March 1, Live From Nashville, described as a high-octane country show with a live band, will come to Bentonville. "Nashville-based Matt Davenport Productions celebrates the songs that gave Music City its name -- from rural roots to sold-out stadiums," according to the website. The show features multimedia, dancers and country singers performing classic country songs and latest hits.
William Florian will perform a show called "Those Were the Days" April 19. Florian is an iconic music songwriter and performer, taking on spirit and folk music of the 1960s and songs by John Denver on stage along with telling humorous stories and interacting with the audience, according to the website.
"I think William Florian is going to be one of my favorites," Kernwein says.
The final show of the season will be Paul McDermand, a Caribbean/pop percussionist backed by a live band.
-- Ashley Batchelor
NAN What's Up on 07/04/2014