USC Aiken's Annual Series Rich in Cultural Performances

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AIKEN, SC (06/25/2018) Subscriptions are now available for the University of South Carolina Aiken's Cultural Series presented annually in the Etherredge Center.

"We have a lively and energetic season lined up that is sure to please audiences of all ages," said Michael St. John, Etherredge Center box office manager.

The 2018-2019 season offers audiences an array of entertaining performances and unique sounds from all over the world. For more information or to purchase season tickets, call 803-641-3305.

The 32nd annual Cultural Series kicks off Nov. 15, with Four Celtic Voices, sponsored by White Rose Eclectics. Four kindred spirits, Celeste Ray, Maria Banks, Carol Crittenden and Alison Crossley joined forces to create a vibrant, vivacious and fresh Celtic group for the enjoyment of their many fans. Focusing on the music and poetry of the ancient Celtic tradition, their instruments and harmony-singing style transport audiences to the enchanted kingdom of the ancient isles.

Longtime Etherredge Center patron, Jet Pilot Services, is sponsoring Doro Wat Jazz Band, Dec. 8. Doro Wat, named after an Ethiopian Stew, is a New Orleans-style jazz band. Ben Polcer on trumpet and vocals; Bruce Brackman playing clarinet; James Singleton on string bass; John Royen on piano; Colin Meyers on trombone; and Benji Bohannan playing drums, along with world renowned lindy hop swing dancers, Amy Johnson and Chance Bushman, have been performing together in New Orleans for nine years.

On Jan. 17, Denise and Bob Hood present the VIDA Guitar Quartet, four guitarists of exceptional artistry and "unerring musical instinct." VIDAs ability to "conjure up an orchestral palette of colour and effects" combined with their "exquisite tonal and dynamic control" has firmly established them as a passionate and masterful ensemble who sparkle with "vitality and spontaneity". VIDAs seemingly effortless sense of ensemble and their broad range of timbres and dynamics evokes "listening to an entire orchestra and not merely to four guitars. There's only one word for it: magic."

Turner's Keyboards sponsors Havana Cuba All Stars, Feb. 14. Back in the United States by popular demand, this high-energy group is a joyous celebration of Cuban music and dance styles. This acoustic ensemble completed a 60-date tour in 2016 with wonderful outreach for students and communities. With melodies and rhythms from cha cha cha to rumba, and from "Son Cubano" style to the salsa, the All Stars will showcase a wide variety of Cuban beats. The group is inspired by and dedicated to promoting the entire tapestry of Cuban music through a fresh, contemporary lens.

SRP Federal Credit Union presents Turtle Island Quartet on Feb. 28. In this highflying program, the two-time Grammy winning Turtle Island Quartet, pays homage to the incandescent visionary brilliance of jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker. The genius of his improvisations almost single handedly catapulted jazz from pop style into art music, indelibly altering the musical landscape of America.

The season winds up March 22 with the Stepcrew, courtesy of Betty and Greg Ryberg. Created by Cara Butler and Jon and Nathan Pilatzke, who were longtime touring members of The Chieftains, The Stepcrew combines Irish, Tap and Ottawa Valley Step dancing, music and song. The virtuosic cast of 11 dancers and musicians, comprised of the leading performers in today's Celtic music scene have appeared on the international stages of the leading PAC's and Celtic Festivals worldwide.

For more than three decades, the Etherredge Center for the Fine and Performing Arts has promoted and inspired cultural and intellectual opportunities for the benefit and enjoyment of individuals in the CSRA.