The Brooks Center for the Performing Arts is excited to announce its 2021-22 season. Performances will take place in person at the Brooks Center. Managing Director Thomas Hudgins looks forward to welcoming patrons back to the Brooks Center. “I don’t think many could have anticipated exactly how long we would have to be apart. It has been such a challenging year, but we are so excited to announce a new slate of performances beginning this fall. Whatever your favorite genre, we’ll have something you’ll enjoy. We can’t wait to share these experiences with you, and, perhaps most of all, we can’t wait to see you again.”
Campus and community members are invited to attend with colleagues, family and friends. Season ticket packages are available now for Friends of the Brooks Center. Tickets will be available to the general public beginning Wednesday, Aug. 18, online, by phone at 864-656-7787 or at the box office.
Boni Belle Brooks Series
Jake Shimabukuro, ukulele – Thursday, Sept. 9
Jake Shimabukuro is recognized as one of the world’s most exciting and innovative ukulele players and composers. His latest album, “Trio,” is a collaboration with bassist Nolan Verner and guitarist Dave Preston.
Stefon Harris + Blackout – Tuesday, Sept. 28
Four-time Grammy nominated vibraphonist Stefon Harris brings his acclaimed ensemble, Blackout, with him to the Brooks Center for an exciting evening of jazz.
Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company – Thursday, Oct. 14
Celebrating 30 years of dance making, the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company is an Asian American female-led touring company that honors and advances the dynamic spirit of Chinese American cultural tradition.
Julie Fowlis – Tuesday, Oct. 26
Julie Fowlis is a multi-award-winning Gaelic singer who is deeply influenced by her early upbringing in the Outer Hebridean island of North Uist in Scotland. Her music was featured prominently in the Disney film, “Brave.”
Mariachi Herencia de México – Monday, Nov. 8
This Latin Grammy-nominated group of young musicians is defying a music industry trend and pointing to a revival in recorded mariachi music. Mariachi Herencia de México has performed alongside the most respected artists of the genre, demonstrating that this group of students has the talent, training and bravado to hold its own with the best in the world.
Clemson Choirs present “Sounds of the Season” – Sunday, Dec. 5
Join us for an afternoon of holiday favorites performed by each choral ensemble and a festival orchestra. With a sing-along and cookies, it will be an event the whole family can enjoy.
STOMP – Friday, Jan. 21
Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans and more fill the stage with energizing beats at STOMP, the inventive and invigorating stage show that’s dance, music and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying rhythm.
Polish Wieniawski Philharmonic Orchestra – Tuesday, Jan. 25
Sponsored by Bill Dowler
The Polish Wieniawski Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in December 1944, and, since then, and has performed throughout the world, acclaimed by both critics and audiences. The evening’s program will include Rossini’s Overture to “La Gazza Ladra,” Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22, and Beethoven’s mighty Symphony No. 5.
Nobuntu – Thursday, Jan. 27
Nobuntu, an a cappella quintet from Zimbabwe, has drawn international acclaim for its inventive performances that range from traditional Zimbabwean songs, to Afro-jazz, to gospel.
Cirque Mechanics: “Birdhouse Factory” – Tuesday, Feb. 8
Cirque Mechanics, although inspired by the modern circus, finds its roots in the mechanical and its heart in the stories of American ingenuity. “Birdhouse Factory,” a nostalgic tale set in a 1930s Depression-era factory, has entertained audiences throughout the United States and Europe.
Guitar Festival: Christopher Berg and Hiroya Tsukamoto – Friday, March 11
Join us for the first-ever Clemson Guitar Festival, highlighting the instrument in a variety of styles from classical to finger style to singer songwriter. The first night features Carolina Distinguished Professor of Music at the University of South Carolina, Christopher Berg, and, composer, guitarist and singer-songwriter Hiroya Tsukamoto from Kyoto, Japan, and now of New York City. The concert will begin with a short world premiere performance of a piece composed for the occasion by Clemson’s director of choral activities Anthony Bernarducci and will honor several individuals who had a direct and indirect impact on the direction of guitar studies at Clemson.
Clemson Guitar Festival: Molly Tuttle – Saturday, March 12
Alex de Grassi and Andrew York
A virtuosic, award-winning guitarist with a gift for insightful songwriting, Molly Tuttle established herself as a new artist to watch and has been welcomed into the Americana, folk and bluegrass communities, winning “Instrumentalist of the Year” at the 2018 Americana Music Awards. Legendary, groundbreaking finger-style guitarist, composer and arranger Alex de Grassi, along with former Los Angeles Guitar Quartet member and Grammy-winning guitarist and composer Andrew York, will perform on the first portion of the concert.
Eighth Blackbird – Tuesday, March 29
Eighth Blackbird, hailed as “one of the smartest, most dynamic ensembles on the planet” (Chicago Tribune), has won four Grammy Awards for “Best Small Ensemble/Chamber Music Performance” over its 23-year history.
United States Air Force Concert Band and the Singing Sergeants – Thursday, April 7
The United States Air Force Concert Band is the Air Force’s premier musical organization. Since its formation in 1941, this world-class organization has inspired listeners through its exhilarating music, engaging concerts and masterful recordings. The Singing Sergeants is the official chorus of the United States Air Force and regularly perform with their instrumental combo and in duets, Barbershop quartets and specialized musical ensembles.
Lillian and Robert Utsey Chamber Music Series – 35th Anniversary
Escher String Quartet and Jason Vieaux, guitar – Tuesday, Sept. 14
The Escher String Quartet and Grammy Award-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux perform the world premiere of the Utsey Capricci by composer-guitarist Sergio Assad, commissioned in celebration of the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Utsey Chamber Music Series. The quartet and Vieaux will also perform selections from Aaron Jay Kernis’ 100 Greatest Dance Hits for Guitar and String Quartet. Additional works will include Haydn’s Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 76, No. 4 and solo works for guitar by Agustin Barrios, Antonio Jobim, Isaac Albéniz and Fernando Bustamante.
Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble – Monday, Oct. 18
The Academy of St Martin in the Fields was founded by Sir Neville Mariner in 1958 and is currently led by Music Director Joshua Bell. In 1967, the Academy Chamber Ensemble was formed to perform the larger scale chamber music repertoire with players who customarily worked together, instead of the usual string quartet with additional guests. Drawn from the principal players of the orchestra, the Chamber Ensemble’s touring commitments are extensive and include regular tours of Europe and North America. Included in this world-renowned mixed strings and wind ensemble is Chacony for Strings by Purcell (arr. Britten), Octet, Op. 4 by Howard Ferguson and Octet in F Major for Winds and Strings, D. 803 by Schubert.
Imani Winds – Thursday, Feb. 10
Acclaimed as “strikingly virtuosic (Boston Musical Intelligencer) and “what triumph looks like” (The Philadelphia Inquirer), the Grammy-nominated wind quintet Imani Winds has forged its own path through the international classical musical world with dynamic performances, culturally poignant programming and imaginative collaborations. The quintet’s program, A Woman’s Perspective, will feature contemporary masterworks by the following women composers: Ledah Finck, Ruth Crawford Seeger, Augusta Read Thomas, Tania León, Reena Esmail and Valerie Coleman.
Hanzhi Wang, accordion and Steven Banks, saxophone – Tuesday, March 8
First Prize winner of the 2017 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, and the only accordionist to ever win a place on the roster of YCA, Hanzhi Wang was named “New Artist of the Month” by Musical America, and was awarded First Prize in the 40th Castelfidardo International Accordion Competition in Italy. Saxophonist Steven Banks, First Prize winner at the 2019 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, was also the first saxophonist to win the competition in YCA’s history. Both a classical and a jazz musician, Banks has played alongside musicians affiliated with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Buddy Rich Big Band and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
Family Series
Sonia de los Santos – Monday, Oct. 4
Sonia De Los Santos was born with a smile on her face (that’s what her mom says) in Monterrey, Mexico. She started touring the world in 2007, singing in English and Spanish while playing guitar and jarana. She is a Latin Grammy Award nominee for her second family music album, “¡Alegría!” Sonia has been hailed by Billboard as “one of the Latin children’s music artists you should know.”
Clemson Players
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare
Monday, Sept. 27 – Friday, Oct. 1 and Sunday, Oct. 3
A royal wedding. Lovers mismatched. Fairies at war. And one rogue and ridiculous community theatre. Throw them all into the woods and you’ve got Shakespeare’s classic comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Join us for a light-hearted romp through the forest.
“Cast/Miscast”
Monday, Nov. 15 – Friday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 21
For every actor, there is a fabulous role that you know you were destined to play. Equally compelling is the role that is just out of reach — the one that will never be yours. But what if the cosmic laws of casting were suspended for one night? What if the earth moved and all of your casting dreams came true? In that moment, you are the living embodiment of cast and miscast.
“Ten Million Dollar Melody!”
Monday, Feb. 28 – Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6
Contestants form unlikely alliances in a cut-throat competitive musical journey to win an incredible ten-million-dollar pot. Behind-the-scenes revelations expose the character flaws of a popular celebrity host, paving the way for a game-changer. Sometimes, in life, winners lose, and losers win. Join us for the final round when we meet the champions of Ten Million Dollar Melody 2022!
“Split in Three” by Daryl Lisa Fazio
Monday, April 18 – Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24
The Mississippi Delta. 1969. The Supreme Court has put its foot down and in this last county, desegregation must end. Poor, white sisters, Nola and Nell, one grounded in cynicism and the other in faith, live day-to-day. Then they discover Penny, their biracial, highly-educated sister from Chicago. In a place where separation fosters ignorance and isolation, difference turns out to be a saving grace.
Student Ensembles
Music in the Air XVIII Carillon Concert – Sunday, Sept. 19
Bring a picnic, enjoy fresh air and unwind as University Carillonneur Linda Dzuris performs on our 48-bell instrument. You are invited to tour the playing cabin following the performance.
CU Singers and Cantorei – Thursday, Oct. 21
Join us for an evening of exciting choral music. CU Singers will perform a variety of a cappella and accompanied works. The Clemson Cantorei will present a chamber music experience with contemporary choral works.
CU Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band and Drumline – Thursday, Nov. 4
This one-of-a-kind percussion extravaganza features the top marching, concert, and world percussion ensembles at Clemson sharing the stage in a celebration of percussion.
Tigeroar and TakeNote – Friday, Nov. 12
The women of TakeNote and the men of Tigeroar team up for their combined show, featuring unique arrangements for both groups together, and on their own.
CU Jazz Ensemble – Tuesday, Nov. 16
Join the Clemson University Jazz Ensemble, The Jungaleers, as the musicians perform various selections ranging from the classics to the contemporary.
CU Men’s and Women’s Choirs – Thursday, Nov. 18
The Men’s and Women’s choirs will perform an evening of inspiring music ranging from classics to contemporary arrangements.
CU Symphonic Band – Monday, Nov. 22
Enjoy selections performed by the CU Symphonic Band led by conductor Mark Spede. The program includes the world premiere of African American composer Kevin Day’s “Concerto for Wind Ensemble.” The five-movement symphonic work that highlights aspects of rhythm, groove, and feel, as it relates to his jazz, gospel and hip hop background.
CU Symphony Orchestra – Tuesday, Nov. 30
Join us for an evening of inspiring performances by the Clemson Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy the talent of the winner of our annual concerto/aria competition.
CU Symphonic Band – Tuesday, March 15
Traditional band favorites are featured in this concert, along with fascinating new music for the wind ensemble. The program will include consortium premieres of music composed around the subject of Alzheimer’s disease, and you can help by making a contribution for the cure to the Alzheimer’s Association. Conductor Mark Spede’s father passed in June of 2020 due to complications from Alzheimer’s.
CU Men’s and Women’s Choirs – Tuesday, April 5
The Men’s and Women’s choirs will perform an evening of inspiring choral music, featuring an additional collaboration with special guests from the Choral Arts Exchange program.
Tigeroar and TakeNote – Saturday, April 9
The women of TakeNote and the men of Tigeroar perform recent favorite hits and classics from a variety of genres and styles for an exciting night of pop music!
CU Symphonic Band and CU Concert Band – Tuesday, April 12
The Symphonic Band and Concert Band join forces for a concert of serious and fun music written for percussion and winds. Dr. Lisa Odom and the Symphonic Band will perform a consortium premiere of a piece for voice and wind ensemble called “Fashion Goddess” by Allen Feinstein. There’s a cold snap on Mt. Olympus and Zeus’ attire isn’t doing the trick. But there is no “god of clothing” — what’s a chilly deity to do? “Fashion Goddess” is a comic retelling of the Greek myth of the battle between the god Athena and the mortal Arachne — who will emerge as the weaver to the gods? Fashion Goddess “weaves” together musical theatre and instrumental movements to tell the story, punctuated by the band serving as a Greek chorus. Funny and poignant, “Fashion Goddess” will engage audiences in new and entertaining ways.
CU Jazz Ensemble – Tuesday, April 19
Make plans to join the Clemson University Jazz Ensemble, The Jungaleers, for an exciting evening of jazz.
CU Percussion Ensemble and CU Steel Band – Friday, April 22
The percussion ensemble features contemporary drumming and percussion from around the world.
CU Symphony Orchestra – Tuesday, April 26
Enjoy inspiring performances by the Clemson Symphony Orchestra.
CU Singers and Cantorei – Thursday, April 28
CU Singers and Cantorei will perform an evening of inspiring music ranging from classics to contemporary arrangements.
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