Director's Notes
Did you see Dionne Warwick, Percy Sledge, Dianne Reeves, Richie Havens, John Corbett, A Tribute to Red Skelton or It’s A Wonderful Life? Did you try your hand at pottery, photography, ballroom dancing or shag? No? Then you missed our exciting first season at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. But don’t worry. The best is yet to come!
Our second season has something for everyone! Perhaps you can live your dream of being a performer by catching a great show in our intimate 500 seat Birdsong Theater! We officially kick-off the season on October 12 with two-time Grammy Award winner PEABO BRYSON. Other Grammy winners appearing include legendary folk singer JUDY COLLINS; there’s B.J. THOMAS of “Rain Drops Keep Fallen’ On My Head” fame, and gospel greats THE DIXIE HUMMINGBIRDS. We have a fun Kids’ & Family Series which includes MAMMOTH FOLLIES starring a 9-foot tall singing T-Rex! Or, catch a rising star with our innovative Emerging Artist Series featuring last year’s finalists of “America’s Got Talent,” THE MILLERS. We have music greats CHRIS HILLMAN, founder of the Byrds, legendary JANIS IAN, and the pop band BLESSID UNION OF SOULS. Or, laugh with SECOND CITY: the comedy troupe that launched careers like John Belushi and Bill Murray. Perhaps you want a blast from the past. OK, then try AN EVENING WITH MARK TWAIN or A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE. We have creative partnerships with the Hurrah Players, TR Dance, the Virginia Opera, and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Back by popular demand are the Virginia Ballet with THE NUTCRACKER and country great, KATHY MATTEA, with her very special Christmas show. Haven’t had your fill yet? Catch movie star, JEFF DANIELS, live on stage.
Oh, you say you really want to experience a life-long dream? Then try your hand at one of our visual or performance arts classes. Classes are offered in ceramics, painting, photography, ballroom dancing, swing dancing, acting and so much more! The Suffolk Center also offers dance classes, taught by instructors from the Todd Rosenlieb Dance Company, and private music lessons for kids and young adults.
Check-out the exceptional artists listed in this brochure. Save money by becoming a Series Subscriber. Or, Build Your Own Series – pick the exact shows that fit your tastes, plus you’ll even get a few tickets free! Historic downtown Suffolk is just a short drive from anywhere in Hampton Roads. I’ll see you at the Center – where dreams do come true.
MICHAEL BOLLIGNER
Executive Director