LEHMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

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SPECTACULAR 2011-12 SEASON ~ Featuring Pop and Latin Superstars

SMOKEY ROBINSON, BOBBY McFERRIN, THE O’JAYS, GLORIA GAYNOR, GILBERTO SANTA ROSA, SONORA PONCEÑA, GRUPO NICHE, TITO NIEVES, LA INDIA & DOMINGO QUIÑONES

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts proudly announces the lineup for its 2011-12 Season, which continues its 31-year tradition of bringing world-class entertainment to the Bronx. The season will include the return of multi-GRAMMY Award-winning legend SMOKEY ROBINSON and Latin jazz master PAQUITO D’RIVERA with the great MAMBO LEGENDS ORCHESTRA. Audiences will thrill to the hot salsa of GRUPO NICHE, SONORA PONCEÑA, GILBERTO SANTA ROSA, RAPHY LEVITT Y LA SELECTA and SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA, and SALSA PALOOZA, featuring TITO NIEVES, LA INDIA and DOMINGO QUIÑONES. Other performers include vocal genius BOBBY McFERRIN; American treasures THE O’JAYS; multi award-winning Gospel duo MARY MARY; dance icon GLORIA GAYNOR; multi GRAMMY-winning merengue and Latin pop star OLGA TAÑÓN; FOREVER FREESTYLE 6; UNFORGETTABLE DOO WOP featuring that era’s most popular groups. Lehman Center’s eclectic 31st Season promises an exciting array of talent to please all appetites. (Complete Latin and popular music schedule included below.)

For three decades Lehman Center for the Performing Arts has presented an international array of artists and celebrities at very affordable ticket prices. Eva Bornstein, who is beginning her seventh season as Executive Director of Lehman Center, says, “Last season, in celebration of our 30th Anniversary, Lehman Center was greatly honored by the Bronx community. Audiences attended our performances in record numbers, and we received tributes and accolades from the local media and community leaders from the borough. In addition, the Center was prominently featured in the New York Times, Daily News and on CUNY television. In return, we left audiences with some unforgettable memories. Latin legends and superstars such as Victor Manuelle and Oscar D’León appeared in the Bronx for the first time. This season is even more spectacular than ever, as our favorite stars return and new ones are born! The Bronx deserves the very best, and we will continue to work hard to bring the very best in the performing arts to the borough and beyond.”

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is on the campus of Lehman College/CUNY at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468. Tickets for all events can be purchased by calling the Lehman Center box office at 718.960.8833 (Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 10am–5pm, closed on Tuesdays, and beginning at 12 noon on the day of the concert), or through 24-hour online access at www.LehmanCenter.org. Lehman Center is accessible by #4 or D train to Bedford Park Blvd. and is off the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Major Deegan Expressway. Low-cost on-site parking available for $5.

Special discounts are built into Lehman’s concert series. “Create your own Series” offers a 10% discount on a minimum of three shows, or a 20% discount for six or more shows. Plus special $10 tickets for any seat are available for selected shows for children 12 and under. Senior discounts also apply. Becoming a 31st Season Friend of Lehman Center by making a tax-deductible donation will help the Center bring in major artists at affordable ticket prices. Visit www.LehmanCenter.org for more information.

Lehman Center receives support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York State Council on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and through corporations, foundations and private donations.

For additional information, photos, interview requests, contact:
Leah Grammatica / LGPR / 212.243.6052 / Leahgram@aol.com

Lehman Center 2011-12 Latin and Popular Music schedule:

MARY MARY
The Multi Award-Winning Gospel Duo
Sunday, October 9, 2011 – 7pm
Tickets: $45, $40, $25
Ever since Mary Mary (comprised of siblings Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell) broke through in 2000 with the pioneering crossover hit “Shackles (Praise You),” the chart-topping sister act has never wavered from defying convention to fulfill its mission: sending uplifting messages through music and words that are relatable to everyone. The talented sisters, who have earned three Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, an NAACP Image Award and a BET Award, will bring an unforgettable and uplifting evening to Bronx audiences.

PAQUITO D’RIVERA and the MAMBO LEGENDS ORCHESTRA
Latin Jazz Masters
Saturday, October 29, 2011 – 8pm
Tickets: $50, $45, $35
Paquito D'Rivera is a true master of Bebop, Afro-Cuban and Latin Jazz. The winner of nine Grammy Awards, he is the only artist to have won such a distinguished achievement in both Classical and Latin Jazz categories.

The Mambo Legends Orchestra is comprised of former members of the Tito Puente Orchestra. Led by famed bongocero Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez and musically directed by conguero and arranger José Madera, the band is dedicated to keeping the ‘50s and ‘60s Palladium-era sound alive as it explores new musical concepts.

International Performance Series

SALSA PALOOZA
Featuring Tito Nieves, La India and Domingo Quiñones
A Gathering of Salsa Giants
Saturday, November 19, 2011 – 8pm
Tickets: $60, $55, $45
Salsa Palooza is back with three of the most successful and popular Salsa artists who will perform hit after hit of their amazing careers.

International Performance Series

PARRANDA NAVIDEÑA
Featuring Odilio Gonzalez “El Jibarito de Lares,” José Miguel Class “El Gallito de Manatí” and Yomo Toro
Celebrating the Holiday Season, Jíbaro Style!
Saturday, December 17, 2011 – 8pm
Tickets: $45, $35, $25 | Children 12 and under, $10 any seat
This must-see concert features the unique jíbaro music from the mountains of Puerto Rico and offers the historical reunion of three celebrated masters of the genre, Yomo Toro, José Miguel Class “El Gallito de Manatí” and Odilio Gonzalez “El Jibarito de Lares.” Joining them will also be Estampas de Borinquen, Estercita Figueroa, William Guzmán, and many more!

THE O’JAYS
Living Legends and American Treasures
Saturday, January 14, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $65, $60, $55
By any measurement, The O’Jays must be considered one of the most important soul music groups of the past 30 years. Their string of hits, including “Backstabbers,” “Love Train,” “Use Ta Be My Girl,” “For the Love of Money,” and “I Love Music,” took their Philly sound to an international audience earning them 10 gold albums with 9 going platinum, 10 number one hits and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Thanks to the fans the LOVE TRAIN is still going strong!

RAPHY LEVITT Y LA SELECTA and
SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA
Solid Gold Salsa from Puerto Rico to El Barrio
Saturday, January 21, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $55, $50, $45
Raphy Leavitt and his orchestra La Selecta featuring Sammy Marrero, considered as Puerto Rico’s national orchestra, has had a string of hits that began in the early 1970s, including “Jíbaro soy,” has become a Puerto Rican anthem, as well as “Café colao,” “Payaso,” “El buen pastor,” “La cuna blanca” and “Somos el son.”

The Grammy Award winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra, under the musical direction of Oscar Hernandez, is definitely one of the most revered Salsa bands in New York City today. With their all-star lineup, this concert will be remembered and talked about by the most critical salseros.

UNFORGETTABLE DOO WOP
With The Drifters featuring Charlie Thomas, The Herb Reed Platters, The Coasters, The Chiffons and Jimmy Beaumont and The Skyliners.
Richard Nader’s Doo Wop Show Returns to the Lehman’s stage for another Night of Oldies and Fun!
Saturday, January 28, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $50, $45, $35
Doo Wop’s leading singers and musical groups will offer a finger-snappin’, foot-tappin’, sing-along evening of classic hits with The Drifters featuring Charlie Thomas “Save the Last Dance for Me;” The Herb Reed Platters “My Prayer;” The Coasters “Charlie Brown;” The Chiffons “One Fine Day” and Jimmy Beaumont and The Skyliners “Since I Don’t Have You.”

BOBBY McFERRIN
Most Recognizable Singer of Our Generation
Saturday, February 4, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $45, $40, $25 | Children 12 and under, $10 any seat
Bobby McFerrin live is perhaps the most engaging sight and sound in music today. His famous song "Don't worry Be Happy" made him one of the most recognizable singers of our generation. His extraordinarily flexible voice matched by warmth and humanity never fails to draw the audience into a world of sound that is completely original. A vocal explorer who has come out of a jazz tradition to create music that celebrates the power and the seemingly infinite resources of the human voice. He is a genius of improvisation, a genre-bending vocal magician and conductor.

VALENTINE’S DAY COMEDY FEVER
Featuring Mark Viera, Imagine, Ruperto Vanderpool, Edgar Rivera, Cipha Sounds and more surprise guest artists and comedians!
Also featuring DJ LUCHO with special appearance by Freestyle legend LISA LISA
A Latino-Flavored Comedy Evening
Saturday, February 11, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $45, $40, $25
Produced by Sal Abbatiello of Fever Records

THE ORIGINAL TRIBUTE TO THE BLUES BROTHERS
A Night of Music, the Moves and Comedy!
Saturday, February 25, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $40, $35, $25
They're back – the legendary Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers™. The original members from the West End run, the (all new!!!) 'Original' show brings you all those amazing favorite moments and songs from TV and the movies with a few new twists, a few new moves and a clean, freshly laundered suit. The boys are joined by the sassy Bluettes, three amazing ladies with voices to knock you out of your seat. No one does it like these brothers and they’re back to show you just why they are the best.

FOREVER FREESTYLE 6
Celebrating 25 Years of Freestyle Fever!
Featuring STEVIE B, CORINA, SAFIRE, CYNTHIA, NOEL, NAYOBE, JOHNNY O, FASCINATION and many more to be announced soon!
Featuring DJ LUCHO and Hosted by SPEEDY and SAL ABBATIELLO.
Saturday, March 3, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $60, $55, $45
It was a quarter of a century ago when the freestyle phenomenon started in a small club called The Devil’s Nest in Tremont Avenue, here in the Bronx, before it broke out into the mainstream. This year’s sixth annual Freestyle Fest features the artists that made this genre a world-wide sensation, including Stevie B “Party Your Body,” “I Wanna Be the One,” “Because I Love You;” Corina “Temptation,” “Out of Control,” “Whispers;” Safire “Boy I’ve Been Told,” “Thinking of You,” “Don’t Break My Heart;” Cynthia “Change On Me,” “Dream Boy, Dream Girl;” Noel “Silent Morning,” “Like a Child,” “The Question;“ Nayobe “Please Don’t Go,” “Second Chance For Love;” Johnny O “Dream Boy, Dream Girl” (Duet with Cynthia,) “Fantasy Girl,” “Memories” and many more to be announced soon.
Produced by Sal Abbatiello of Fever Records

SONORA PONCEÑA
A Long Waited Return
Saturday, March 24, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $60, $55, $45
La Sonora Ponceña, entertaining audiences for over five decades and featuring the piano virtuosity of Papo Lucca, will turn up the heat on Lehman’s stage for an unforgettable night of old school salsa.

GILBERTO SANTA ROSA
El Caballero de la Salsa Live in Concert
Saturday, April 14, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $60, $55, $45
Gilberto Santa Rosa is known to tropical music fans around the world as "El Caballero de La Salsa" (The Gentleman of Salsa). He gained worldwide recognition for a career spanning over 20 years as an impressive sonero with his unique style of "soneo" (improvisation) in salsa that permitted him to be successful in both the "tropical" and "romantic" styles of the music. His string of hits and artistic record of accomplishment reaffirms him as one of the most prolific masters of popular Caribbean music.

GLORIA GAYNOR and THE HIT MEN
A Dance Party You Can’t Miss!
Saturday, April 21, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $45, $40, $25
Gloria Gaynor has become one of the best-known female disco artists from the '70s due to the ongoing success of her monster 1979 hit (and subsequent "woman's anthem"), "I Will Survive." Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a live concert from this outstanding artist backed by a full band!

The Hit Men features original recording and performing members of iconic bands such as Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons, Tommy James & The Shondells, The Critters, and many others. They are the guys who made, played, sang and recorded such megahits as "Oh What a Night (Dec. 63),” "Sherry," "Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown," "Who Loves You," and many more!

SMOKEY ROBINSON
The Living Legend
Saturday, April 28, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $85, $75, $55
The Grammy Award-winning Smokey Robinson was crowned the "poet laureate of soul music" with hits like “Tears of a Clown,” “Ooo Baby, Baby,” “I Second that Emotion” and “Tracks of My Tears.” Named “one of the smoothest tenors in soul music” by People Magazine, he will bring his golden voice to Lehman Center’s stage backed by a career whose $60 million-plus in record sales “helped turn Motown into the largest Black-owned corporation in the world.”

OLGA TAÑÓN and
THE NUYORICAN EXPRESS
La Mujer de Fuego and New Yorican Artists Luis Damon and George LaMond
Saturday, May 12, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $60, $55, $45
Five-time Grammy Award and three-time Latin Grammy-winning Merengue and Latin Pop artist Olga Tañón, also known as La Mujer de Fuego, comes to Lehman Center to deliver an unbelievable night of hit after hit including “Es mentiroso,” “Como olvidar,” and “Así es la vida.”

For the first time New Yorican artists Luis Damon and George LaMond collaborate to bring you an urban masterpiece that is hip, stylish, edgy and nostalgic. The Nuyorican Express is a live musical performance that will take you on a vivid journey through time, which chronicles some of the major events that helped shape the urban landscape and social dynamics that created a cultural identity – the New Yorican identity.

GRUPO NICHE
30th Anniversary Tour
Saturday, May 19, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $60, $55, $45
Grupo Niche is the most popular salsa group from Colombia. Led by songwriter Jairo Varela, they are still going strong and continue to tour the world to bring their hot and strong Colombian Salsa sound to international audiences. From their signature song “Cali Pachanguero,” to the numerous hits from the Etnia album and a repertory of ten gold and five platinum records, the group continues to maintain its festive and celebrated rhythms.

CAPONE and FRIENDS
A Stand-Up Comedy Night that’s Bound to Have You ROFL!
Saturday, June 2, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: $45, $40, $25
Straight out of the Bronx, Capone is known as the “Gangster of Comedy.” He is without a doubt one of the best comedians/hosts in the comedy circuit today. He attacks the stage with confidence and no hesitation, making the microphone and the audience his own. Prepare to be drawn in, get hooked and laugh uncontrollably with Capone and Friends in this hilarious comedy night!

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