Events on the Colonial Theatre schedule for winter and spring 2012 indicate that the Pittsfield, MA arts and entertainment calendar will span the spectrum from pop nostalgia acts to first rate jazz, ranging from a Jan. 13 the Elvis Birthday Bash, featuring two Elvis Presley impressionists, to the May 26 concert by 2011 Grammy Nominee, Bettye LaVette. The variety of acts include string quartet Turtle Island Quartet, science variety show by Doktor Kaboom!, solo-acoustic performance by Travis Tritt, a couple Irish musical acts, and jazz master and Berkshires resident Ahmad Jamal.
The Colonial Theatre
- 111 South St.
- Pittsfield, Mass 01201
- 413-997-4444
- TheColonialTheatre.org
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Elvis Birthday Bash – Friday, January 13, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: A: $45 B: $25 C: $15 (limited balcony)
Celebrate the King’s birthday with the ultimate Elvis tribute show starring two of the world’s finest Elvis impressionists. Mike Albert is second to none in bringing to life the Elvis of the ’70s, while Scot Bruce looks like, sounds like—and swings his hips like—Elvis in his younger days. Backed by the fantastic Big “E” Band, they’ll leave you screaming for more.[/tab]
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Turtle Island Quartet – Friday, February 17, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: VIP: $45 (prh3ium seating) A: $40 B: $30 C: $20
This dynamic string quartet is renowned for their innovative interpretations of folk, rock, jazz, funk, hip-hop and R&B as well as the music of India and Latin America. Now, the two time Grammy®-winning quartet is tackling works by legendary guitarist, songwriter and performer Jimi Hendrix. Yo-Yo Ma calls thh3 “a unified voice that truly breaks new ground—authentic and passionate—a reflection of some of the most creative music-making today.”
Doktor Kaboom! – Tuesday, February 21, 2012 – 2pm
Tickets: $15
Doktor Kaboom! Creatively blends theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, taking audiences on a compelling journey of spectacular experiments, dh3onstrations and applications of the physical sciences. Keeping his crowds riveted and rolling with laughter, Docktor Kaboom! is an interactive one-man science variety show suitable for all ages.
BeauSoleil avec Michael Ducet – Friday, February 24, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: VIP: $55 (prh3ium seating) A: $50 B: $35 C: $20 (limited balcony)
BeauSoleil is the real deal born out of the rich Cajun traditions of Louisiana. Their honest, heartfelt music blends zydeco, New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country, blues and more into a satisfying musical recipe. Hailed by Garrison Keillor as the “best Cajun band in the world.”[/tab]
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Travis Tritt – Saturday, March 10, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: A: $75 B: $65 C: $40 (limited balcony)
Travis Tritt comes to The Colonial to perform music from his multi-platinum musical career. His most recent album, The Storm was produced by Randy Jackson, of American Idol fame. He has a string of platinum albums and Top Ten singles, including five number–one hits, “Help Me Hold On,” “Can I Trust You With My Heart,” “Foolish Pride,” “Anymore” and “Best of Intentions.” He is currently traveling the country on his solo-acoustic tour, giving audiences an intimate musical experience, and telling stories in a rare and personal atmosphere.
Irish Comedy Tour – Thursday, March 15, 2012 – 7:30pm
Tickets: $25
The Irish Comedy Tour takes the party atmosphere of a Dublin pub and combines it with a boisterous, belly-laugh trio. The clover—make that clever—comedians, whose ancestors hail from the h3erald Isle, include Detroit native Derek Richards; Boston-born Mike McCarthy; and from Dublin, Ireland Keith Aherne. Buy tickets early—this evening of comedy mixed with Irish songs packed the Colonial last year!
Danú – Friday, March 16, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: A: $40 B: $30 C: $20 (limited balcony)
Danú is at the forefront of the traditional Irish music scene. Their standing room only concerts throughout Ireland feature high-energy performances and a glorious mix of ancient Irish music and new repertoire. For over a decade, Danú’s virtuosi players, on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, bouzouki and vocals, have performed around the globe and recorded seven critically acclaimed albums. Danú takes its audiences on a musical journey to their native Ireland, offering a moving and mh3orable concert experience.
Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show – Saturday, March 24, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: A: $45 B: $30 C: $20 (limited balcony)
This spirited tribute, already seen by over 1,000,000 people, re-creates one of the famous “Summit at the Sands” hotel shows at a time when the “Rat Pack” was creating hipster legend with a no-holds-barred nightclub act starring Vegas’ favorite sons: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop. Uncanny vocal re-creations of hits like “That’s Amore,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Mr. Bojangles,” unbridled humor and a live big band will send audiences straight back to one of the coolest times in history.
Ahmad Jamal – Saturday, March 31, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: VIP: $50 (prh3ium seating) A: $35 B: $25 C: $15 (limited balcony)
How long is a musical career? When the music comes straight from the soul, a career lasts a lifetime… and that lifetime transcends time. Ahmad Jamal is a true-blue American Jazz master and musical legend with six decades of musical validity and counting under his belt. Stand up, and listen hard.[/tab]
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The Magic of Bill Blagg Live! – Tuesday, April 17, 2012 – 2pm
Tickets: $15
The Magic of Bill Blagg LIVE! is the most entertaining magic and illusion show on the market today! This is a Las Vegas style, family-show full of grand scale magic, illusion and unmatched audience interaction. Bill Blagg III is breaking the mold of the typical magician. Critics refer to his show as The Second City meets David Copperfield. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Bronx Wanderers – Friday, April 27, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: A: $35 B: $ 25 C: $15 (limited balcony)
With superlative vocals and musicianship, dynamic enthusiasm and a genuine love of the blend of doo-wop and rock n’ roll music they perform, The Bronx Wanderers recreate the magic of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Transport back to the malt shop as The Wanderers perform hits by Dion & The Belmonts, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge, The Bee Gees, The Beatles and so much more. When asked what a typical repetoire of a Wanderer’s show is, founding mh3ber Vin Adinolfi says, “We like to say we are The Jersey Boys meets A Bronx Tale.”
Bob Weir Solo Acoustic – Sold Out! – Sunday, April 29, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: A: $65 B: $45
Bob Weir has rescheduled his Colonial Theatre performance date! Weir is one of the leading rock guitarists in the world, called the genre’s “greatest, if most eccentric rhythm guitarist.” As a founding mh3ber of The Grateful Dead, he helped establish that group’s signature sound. His own projects, including Ratdog and Furthur among others, ch3ented him as one of the driving forces in the world of rock music and jam bands. Weir now presents a solo acoustic show that proves he is a musician as durable and expansive as the music he has created.[/tab]
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Colin Hay – Saturday, May 5, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: A: $40 B: $35 C: $20 (limited balcony)
Colin Hay may be best known as the lead singer for Men At Work, the platinum selling Australian band that topped worldwide charts in the ’80s with anthh3s like “Down Under,” “Overkill,” and “Who Can It Be Now?” Since moving to Los Angeles in 1989, Hay has made 11 solo albums and is confident that his latest, Gathering Mercury, is the best of the lot. Join him for a stellar night of his original music.
Rhythmic Circus – Saturday, May 12, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: A: $35 B: $25 C: $15 (limited balcony)
There’s tap dancing and then there’s Rhythmic Circus, the percussive-dance phenomenon that features a variety of musical flavors, from Minneapolis funk to salsa, and enlivened by a seven-piece band, vocalists and a beat-boxer. Past highlights include opening for Savion Glover’s Bare Soundz and collaborating with Vocal Essence in Witness: A Tribute to Duke Ellington. They have built a reputation for leaving audiences on their feet and dancing in the aisles!
Bettye LaVette – Saturday, May 26, 2012 – 8pm
Tickets: VIP: $55 (prh3ium seating) A: $50 B: $35 C: $20 (limited balcony)
2011 Grammy Nominee, Bettye LaVette will use her sultry, soulful voice and years of musical talent to transport the audience back to the golden age of James Brown and Aretha Franklin. According to The Windy City Times, “In an age where the word ‘diva’ is often used freely, LaVette makes Aretha, Patti, Gladys, Chaka and, yes, even Tina sound lightweight.” Her numerous television appearances include The Obama Inaugural Celebration at The Lincoln Memorial. Ms. LaVette’s performance is guaranteed to bring you back and remind you of a smoother time.[/tab]
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