Stiefel Theatre Adds Two Shows To Line Up

The Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Salina has added two shows to their upcoming line up.

Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis will perform with special guest vocalist Catherine Russell at 8 p.m. Saturday, December 3rd and Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters will return to the Stiefel stage at 8 p.m. Friday, August 19th.

Tickets for both these shows go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, May 6th. Billy Bob Thornton tickets start at $29. Tickets for Wynton Marsalis and Catherine Russell start at $69.

Teddy Andreadis, J.D. Andrew, Brad Davis and Billy Bob “Bud” Thornton make up “The Boxmasters”; an American roots-rock band of seasoned musicians whose sound is rich in rhythm and story.

Formed in 2007, the band released the self-titled debut record “The Boxmasters” to critical acclaim. This two-CD set was comprised of original songs – including the Americana Radio hit “The Poor House” – and eclectic covers of tunes by The Beatles, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Mott The Hoople and Mel Tillis.

After touring the country in 2008, The Boxmasters released a Christmas album – “Christmas Cheer” – and by April of 2009 had released their third album – “Modbilly” (a term that they coined as their style of music which was influenced by 60’s British mod music and influences from Southern American music, both pop and country)– which was yet another double album that spun to the top of the Americana charts for two weeks. “Modbilly” later was ranked #14 on the 2009 Americana Music Association’s Top 100 Albums of The Year.

The Boxmasters are back with a new album – “Somewhere Down The Road” – slated for release April 7, along with an aggressive tour schedule that kicks off with a slew of LIVE performances from Texas to Tennessee and throughout the South. Network TV performances include: “The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson”, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “Live with Regis & Kelly”.
Venue performances include: Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble twice as well as Levon’s concert “Ramble at The Ryman”, Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas, with ZZ Top as the opening act, opening act for Willie Nelson and Family and Ray Price tour, “Virtual Concert” at Michael Nesmith’s Video Ranch, The Harley Davidson “Hog Rally” in Milwaukee, BMI Showcase at The Sundance Music Festival.

In this much-anticipated annual tradition, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis offers swinging and soulful performances of your favorite holiday music. The JLCO will perform brand new arrangements of songs both sacred and secular, from Billie Holiday’s “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” to favorites like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” For the occasion, JLCO saxophonist Sherman Irby will handle all of the arrangements, guaranteeing a fresh and poignant experience. Irby is an extraordinary arranger and composer whose most recent commissioned work was met with a standing ovation in Rose Theater. This year’s holiday festivities are made complete with a very special guest vocalist: Catherine Russell. The next generation in a family of jazz royalty, Russell possesses a transcendent voice and uplifting spirit that have secured her spot as an audience favorite at Jazz at Lincoln Center. She will personally choose some of her favorite holiday tunes, so good cheer is sure to be shared when she joins the JLCO in celebration of “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Catherine Russell is a native New Yorker, born into musical royalty. Her father, the late Luis Russell, was born in Panama, emigrated to New Orleans and then New York City, becoming a legendary pianist/bandleader/arranger/composer, and Louis Armstrong’s long-time collaborator and musical director. Her mother, Carline Ray, was a pioneering bassist/guitarist/vocalist and holder of advanced degrees from Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music, who performed with International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Mary Lou Williams, and Ruth Brown. Not surprisingly considering her pedigree, Catherine Russell is a one of a kind musician and vocalist. A graduate of American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Catherine has toured the world, performing and recording with David Bowie, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Jackson Browne, Michael Feinstein, Levon Helm, Paul Simon, Rosanne Cash, Carrie Smith, and many others. Catherine Russell is that rarest of entities – a genuine jazz and blues singer – who can sing virtually anything. Her voice is full blown feminity incarnate; a dusky, stalwart and soulful instrument that radiates interpretive power yet remains touchingly vulnerable. She launches fearlessly into each tune, getting inside the melody and capturing every emotion. Catherine Russell joins the ranks of the greatest interpreters and performers of American Popular Song.

Tickets for both shows can be purchased at the Stiefel Theatre ticket office, 151 S. Santa Fe, by phone at 785-827-1998, or online at ticketmaster.com, which can also be accessed through the Stiefel website at www.stiefeltheatre.org.