Orcas Center’s 2011 season hosts a tour around the world, with performances from many different cultures.
Representing Mexico, Canada and Cuba within the first few weeks, the season will open with the return engagement of Mariachi Huenachi, the award-winning high school ensemble from Wenatchee, on Friday, January 28. The Canadian fiddler April Verch, a definite Orcas favorite, will also be returning on Saturday, February 12. Making her San Juan Islands debut in March is Afro-Cuban songstress Bobi Céspedes. Bringing the sounds from another group of islands west of here is “Hawaii’s super group”, HAPA, who will perform on July 8. The Battlefield Band will return to both Orcas and San Juan Islands in October, bringing sounds of Scotland with them.
The season will also feature some true Orcas talent, when Caleb Klauder and His Country Band will play in April; and in October when Orcas Horns shares an evening with Lorraine Feather, recent Grammy-nominee. Feather has recently teamed up with rising stride piano sensation Stephanie Trick, and the two will swing out the tunes of Fats Waller, James P. Johnson and other ragtime-inspired tunes. Carolyn Cruso will also perform an intimate show in the OffCenter Stage.
Other highlights include Doktor Kaboom! who will perform a live, interactive science show as part of Science Fair Weekend, and the return of Academy Chamber Orchestra and the Midnight Mystery Radio Players. Two local artist showcases are scheduled in the OffCenter Stage and all artists who want to participate are encouraged to contact curator Carolyn Cruso (carolyncruso@rockisland.com). The featured entertainment for Orcas Center’s annual summer Gala is The Diamonds (Little Darlin’).
Several other events will occur at Orcas Center during the year, including Crossroads Lectures, the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival and performances by the Orcas Island Community Band and Orcas Choral Society.
For more information about Orcas Center 2011 season events, please visit www.orcascenter.org. Tickets may also be purchased on the website or by calling or visiting the Orcas Center box office during box office hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon- 4 pm.
