Jazz great Al Jarreau to play Downey Theater

DOWNEY - The Downey Theatre has released 2013-14 season schedule, highlighted by an Oct. 12 concert by Grammy Award-winning American jazz singer Al Jarreau.Jarreau's unique vocal style has been called "one of the world's most precious treasures." His innovative musical expressions have earned him seven Grammy Awards, scores of international music awards and popular accolades worldwide. Album hits include "Look to the Rainbow," "All Fly Home" and "Breakin' Away" cemented him as an international superstar. The rest of the schedule includes: The Hungarian Folk Ensemble, Sept. 24: Regarded as one of the greatest folkloric dance ensembles in the world, the group has performed in 44 countries across four continents. Their rich and colorful repertoire has made the ensemble one of the top touring groups in the world. As a musical genre, the rhapsody is characterized by its tumultuous rhythms, strong emotion, impassioned surges of thought, and freedom of expression. The Pacific Mambo Orchestra featuring Tito Puente Jr, Nov. 10: Tito Puente Jr. carries his father with him - imprinted on his physical being and locked in his soul. He has captive audiences who echo his passion in performing arts centers, symphony halls and jazz festivals worldwide, with a high voltage celebration that takes place on stage. A new and exciting big band, the Pacific Mambo Orchestra, has a sparkling rhythm section and bristles with energy, making it one of the best current Latin big band orchestras in the world. The Russian Ballet Theatre, Feb. 15: With more than 50 dancers, many of which have been with the company since its inception, the Russian Ballet Theatre will perform a repertoire that is often considered the finest achievement of the classical ballet. It is a grandiose and refined blending of the traditional mime, expressive pas d'action and spectacular divertissements in a lavish theatrical setting. Tchaikovsky was delighted with the invitation to write the music for a ballet based on Charles Perrault's well-known fairy tale. The fairy tale, replete with a king and queen, fairies both good and evil, a beautiful princess and dream prince, magical stage effects, and courtly splendor, lends itself perfectly to the full evening ballet that was Petipa's pride. Tickets to any of the performances can be purchased by visiting the Downey Theatre box office or by calling (562) 861-8211. The theater also offers the Marquee Club, a membership program that provides members the rights to purchase tickets prior to the on-sale date to the general public, seat "ownership" for every show, and other VIP benefits. Members also receive advance notification of added shows throughout the season. To become a member or for more information, call the box office or stop by during normal box office hours. The theater also has volunteer opportunities available. For information, call (562) 861-8211. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and one hour before shows. Residents can also receive text message updates on Downey Theatre news by texting "downeycivic" to 22828.

********** Published: Aug. 8, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 17