Curtain Rises on OCCC Cultural Arts Series Season

From a self-conducted chamber orchestra to classical Broadway hits to the living-legend songwriting of Jimmy Webb, the Cultural Arts Series (CAS) at Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) will feature an array of performances during the 2012-2013 season.  Concert tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 2.

Cultural Arts Series Concerts:

A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra – Sept. 25, 2012

Five years ago, 17 young musicians bent on making music according to their own rules came together to form A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra. Since then, the group has enjoyed an exciting climb toward the highest ranks of today’s new generation of classical ensembles. A Far Cry explores the traditional boundaries of classical music, experimenting with the ways they prepare, perform and are experienced by their audiences.

Time for Three – Oct. 23, 2012

Back by popular demand, the self-described “classically trained garage band”, Time for Three will return to OCCC to present a concert that transcends traditional classification by including elements of classical, country-western, hip-hop, gypsy and jazz expressions, forming a blend all its own. Members, Zach De Pue, violin; Nick Kendall, violin; and Rannan Meyer on the double bass, carry a passion for improvisation, composing and arranging, all prime elements of the ensemble’s playing.

The Four Freshmen – Nov. 13, 2012

Also returning to OCCC are The Four Freshmen with their amazing four-part jazz harmonies.  The exciting presentation of these entertainers will offer remarkable arrangements and audience-pleasing charisma and humor. A show with the Freshmen is sure to entertain. As the Wall Street Journal exclaims, “Long live The Four Freshmen. May they never graduate!”

Holiday on Broadway – Dec. 13, 2012

The Best of Broadway will present Raymond Saar, Diane Ketchie, Valerie Perri and Scott Harlan in Holiday on Broadway, just in time to catch the spirit of the season.  Audiences will enjoy an evening of unforgettable music to celebrate the most festive time of the year during a show that promises seasonal favorites from Broadway, film and television alongside humorous twists on your favorite holiday songs. Come celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day as The Best of Broadway takes you on a musical journey around the globe.

An Evening with Frank Vignola – Jan. 24, 2013

Start your new year off right – with guitarist Frank Vignola. One of the most extraordinary guitarists before the public today, Vignola is the guitarist of choice by many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Wynton Marsalis, Tommy Emmanuel, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops and guitar legend Les Paul. Vignola’s jaw-dropping technique explains why the New York Times deemed him “one of the brightest…stars of the guitar.”

Oklahoma City Ballet – Feb. 14, 2013

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the ballet. Oklahoma City Civic Center’s resident dance company, the Oklahoma City Ballet, will produce a special program of chamber dance works especially for the OCCC Cultural Arts Series.

An Evening with Jimmy Webb, March 26, 2013

A true songwriting legend, Jimmy Webb has been crafting amazing songs and selling classics for years. In the spring, hear many of your favorites live, including “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”, “Wichita Lineman”, “Galveston”, “The Worst That Could Happen” and many more. Webb’s songs have been performed by Glen Campbell, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Linda Ronstadt, Carly Simon and many others. Webb is the only artist ever to have received Grammy Awards for music, lyrics and orchestration.

                Tickets for each concert go on sale at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 2. To purchase your individual or season tickets, please choose from the following options:

• Purchase tickets online at www.occc.edu/cas/tickets.html.
• Charge your tickets by calling the Cultural Programs department at (405) 682-7579.
• Stop by the Cultural Programs department (Room 1G1 A in the Main Building just inside SEM Entry 1) to purchase your tickets. 

                CAS season subscribers may purchase tickets to any of the concerts at a reduced price.  For more information about this year’s lineup, please visit www.occc.edu/cas or call (405) 682-7579.