Acadiana will experience a night of sophisticated, sultry, soulful music when jazz trumpeter Chris Botti takes the stage at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center in Lafayette.

Chris Botti’s performance is sponsored, in part, by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, River Ranch Development, Lafayette General Medical Center, Lofton Staffing Services and Centennial Wireless, the official wireless provider for PASA.

Since the release of his 2005 critically acclaimed CD “When I Fall in Love” Chris Botti has become the largest selling American jazz instrumental artist. His success has crossed over to audiences usually reserved for pop music and his ongoing association with PBS has led to four #1 Jazz Albums, as well as multiple Gold, Platinum & Grammy Awards.

"Chris Botti is master jazz trumpeter whose distinctive sound reaches audience of all ages," says George Graham, CEO of The Graham Group."His ability as an artist to connect through his music is what audiences have come to know and love about his live shows. The Graham Group is proud to partner with PASA to present Chris Botti in concert. The audience is in for a night of incredible music."

Over the past three decades, Chris Botti has recorded and performed with the best in popular music; including, Frank Sinatra, Sting, Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, John Mayer, Andrea Bocelli, Joshua Bell and Aerosmith’s own Steven Tyler. An international music star, Botti and his incredible band have performed with many of the finest symphonies, at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including performances at the World Series and the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony. In addition to being a sought after musician/collaborator, People Magazine voted Chris one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in 2004.

“Chris Botti's musical genius shouldn't be missed,” says Shanna Higginbotham, PASA Executive Director. “Personally, I have been a fan for more than 15 years, his sound is soulful, beautiful and honestly just amazing, this concert is the perfect date night experience or a great night of live music for a group of friends.”

Tickets are available for this show through the Heymann Center by calling 1(800) 745-3000, online at www.pasaonline.org or through all Ticketmaster outlets.

For more information about PASA please visit us online at www.pasaonline.org or call (337) 237-2787.

The UL Lafayette Opera Theater will hold auditions for its spring production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta, The Mikado.  The auditions will take place in Angelle Hall (in the chorus room) on January 14th beginning at 3 pm.    Appropriate audition material would be any song by Gilbert and Sullivan, a light operatic aria, or a classic, lyric musical theatre piece.  Try to keep it comic if possible. 

Auditioners may also be asked to do a cold reading.

Rehearsals will be Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 – 8 pm with 4 performances from April 14th through the 16th in Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium in Angelle Hall on the UL Lafayette campus. 

The cast have 5 females and 5 males with a chorus.  The role of the Mikado is pre-cast.

Cast Breakdown:

The Mikado, bass

Nanki Poo,  tenor

Yum Yum, soprano

Koko, baritone (Patter role)

Katisha, mezzo or contralto

Poo Bah,  baritone or bass

Pish Tush, baritone or bass

Peep Bo,  soprano or mezzo

Pitti Sing,  mezzo

Contact Shawn Roy at 482-5939 or srr3023@louisiana.edu for more information about the auditions or performances.

The operetta is being accompanied by the UL Lafayette Wind Ensemble conducted by Dr. William Hochkeppel.  The show is being directed by Shawn Roy and choreographed by Kenneth Jenkins.  Sets are by Duncan Thistlethwaite and Lighting Design by Ken Harrelson.  Costumes are by Malabar Costume rental, Inc. 

Editor's Note

I'm back after the holidays!  2011 looks to be an exciting year for local theatre!  Please keep sending me notice of what's going on in the area, so that it can receive the publicity it deserves.