UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 40, Page 4
August 29, 1996
Irish program to open Performing Arts Series

     The University's 1996-97 Performing Arts Series includes 10
diverse offerings, a Junior Series for families and children (see
accompanying article) and a Blue & Gold Club Dining Series, with
combination prices for shows and theme-oriented buffets served before
selected performances. Unless otherwise noted, performances will be
held in Mitchell Hall.
     The series opens at 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12, with the Irish
song, music and step-dancing of the Green Fields of America. This
group of five, world-class Irish musicians and accompanying dancers
offers a spellbinding program of song and dance.
     "The Green Fields of America" is the name of an old Irish reel
and also the title of one of the most eloquent songs of Irish
emigration. The opportunity that America held for rural Irish-its
"green fields"- attracted millions to the U.S. In large American
cities, musicians from widely separated villages in Ireland would come
together, creating a rich cross-fertilization of style and repertoire.
The cultural traditions that grew from this intermingling are uniquely
Irish and American.
     The group was formed by Mick Moloney, one of Ireland's finest
tenor banjo and mandolin players, in 1977. It has toured nationally,
representing Irish culture at major national festivals, including the
Smithsonian Institution's Festival of American Folklife, the National
Folk Festival and the 1986 Statue of Liberty Celebration.
     Individual tickets for the Sept. 12 concert are $15 for the
general public, $10 for UD faculty, staff and senior citizens and $6
for students and children. Dinner at the Blue & Gold Club is available
prior to the performance at combination prices of $27 for the general
public, $22 for UD faculty, staff and senior citizens and $11-$18 for
students and children. Children ages 5-11 can eat at the Blue & Gold
Club for $5 and children under 5 eat free. Blue & Gold Club membership
is not required to participate.
     The evening's menu will include carved turkey breast, corned beef
and cabbage, linguini and clams in alfredo sauce, potatoes O'Brien,
beverage and more.
     The Performing Arts Series continues on Sunday, Oct. 13, with
contemporary music's popular CeCe Winans on stage at 3 and 7 p.m.,
singing the R&B and contemporary Christian songs that have garnered
her unprecedented acceptance in both the Christian and secular music
worlds.
     Returning to their native Newark, Katherine and Kristine
Ciesinski, world-renowned operatic soloists, will perform together in
concert at 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 3.
     A holiday celebration for all will be offered by Hesperus &
Western Wind at 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5. The two exciting ensembles
offer a blend of medieval and traditional music.
     The New Year opens with the Mendelssohn String Quartet in concert
at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, in the Loudis Recital Hall of the Amy E.
du Pont Music Building.
     Sweethearts of all ages can celebrate Valentine's Day, Friday,
Feb. 14, at an 8 p.m. performance of SPARX, renowned flute and harp
duo, performing chamber music by celebrated composer Lowell Lieberman.
     The authentic words of former slave women before, during and
after the Civil War will be presented in the moving drama, We Are Your
Sisters, scheduled at 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27.
     The energetic Lula Washington Dance Theatre will bound onto stage
at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 9, for a public performance.
     In April, the newest sounds from Brazil will ring out when Alma
em Agua performs at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 6. The vibrant young quintet
captures the spirit of Brazil with its soulful melodies.
     The series concludes at 8 p.m., Thursday, May 8, when Corky
Siegel's Chamber Blues performs jazz with a classical twist. Known for
its perky, good-natured songs, the group presents a humorous and
entertaining evening.
     Ticket prices range from $15 to $20 for individual performances,
more if the meals at the Blue & Gold Club are included.
     There is a l5 percent discount for those who order tickets to
five or more shows a year and a 20 percent discount for those
purchasing season tickets. Special rates are available for UD faculty,
staff and alumni and senior citizens, along with special prices for
students and children. There is separate ticket information for the
Junior Series.
     The Blue & Gold Club Series, which includes dining in the campus
club, is also available for the performances by the Lula Washington
Dance Theatre on March 9 and Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues on May 8, as
well as the Junior Series performance of The Velveteen Rabbit on Sept.
29.
     For a brochure or more information, call 831-2341 or check out
the series' web page at www.udel.edu/alumni/pas.html.
     Tickets may be purchased in person at the University box offices
located at the Bob Carpenter Center, the Trabant University Center and
in Hartshorn Hall. Series tickets may be ordered by phone at 831-2204,
and individual event tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster
at 984-2000 or at any Ticketmaster outlet. A convenience charge may be
included.
     Both CeCe Winans and We Are Your Sisters are cosponsored by the
UD Center for Black Culture and the Christina Cultural Arts Center.
The UD Cultural Programs Advisory Board also is a sponsor for Winans.
     LuLu Washington's appearance is made possible by a grant from the
Delaware Division of the Arts and is part of a dance residency that
includes children's workshops, dance workshops, choreography workshops
and master classes at the University and at the Christina Cultural
Arts Center.
                                                          -Beth Thomas