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Consider yourself enchanted by Oliver! Hailed the world over as one of the best-loved family musicals of all time, Oliver! brings to the stage some of Charles Dickens’ most unforgettable characters, along with one of Broadway’s most beloved scores. Rousing hits such as “Consider Yourself (At Home)” and “Food, Glorious Food” plus the touching “Where Is Love?” and the aching “As Long As He Needs Me” surround this heartwarming tale of the young orphan Oliver Twist in this all-new production of Lionel Bart’s magical musical. (No children under 5, please)

“An ideal show to introduce children to the world of musical theatre.” The Baltimore Sun

Please visit www.oliverontour.com for complete artist/event information.

We really do mean “Back by popular demand!” Folks are still talking about Sam’s January show. It was that magical, that theatrical, that much fun – performed with a charisma second only to his soaring vocals. Sam’s back, performing selections from his latest CD as well as Broadway and pop favorites (and perhaps, sharing a story or two about his new talk show on Lifetime!) For those returning fans – and for those who heard about what they missed – Sam promises an all-new evening of music and memories, delivered with his signature style and wit.

“Not only does Sam Harris have a spectacular voice, with a range that plumbs the depths of soulful blues and ballads and scales the heights of some classic rock and show tunes, he’s hilariously funny as well.” LA Magazine

Please visit www.samharris.com for complete artist information.

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Since 1993, Canada’s favorite Celtic pop band has fused the rich, lively spirit of Newfoundland’s traditional folk music with bright modern pop in a crowd-pleasing formula that’s both heartfelt and vital. The GBS sound is a lively blend of mandolin, bodhran, fiddle, concertina, and exquisite vocal harmonies. You’ll delight in the melodies they create and Newfoundland tunes they love. (Some songs may not be sung in English)

“The band took the level of exuberance as high as it would go without breaking things and the crowd was there for every ever-loving step.” Toronto Star

Please visit www.greatbigsea.com for complete artist/event information.

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This glitzy ballroom dance spectacular dazzles on the live stage, hosted by the legendary Debbie Reynolds and featuring the popular American Idol* singing stars Anthony Fedorov and Vonzell Solomon. Ballroom indeed meets Broadway in a lavish production filled with glamour and breathtaking performances by international world-champion ballroom dancers. From the waltz and foxtrot to the tango, quickstep, cha-cha and beyond, Simply Ballroom is simply sensational.

* American Idol stars subject to change.

“Great choreography, dazzling costumes, and invigorating music...full of energy and vibrancy. Glitz, color, and entertainment.” South London Press

Please visit Simply Ballroom for more event information.

In a celebration of revered Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, Grammy Award- winning jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis joins Maestro Gil Jardim and the renowned Philarmonia Brasileira in an innovative new project commemorating the 50th anniversary of Villa- Lobos’ death. The Orchestra is known for its remarkable work with the composer’s oeuvre, which is uniquely suited to Marsalis’ mastery of jazz and classical music. The collaboration promises to be a truly musically-sumptuous evening.

Please visit www.branfordmarsalis.com for complete artist/event information.

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The Bungee Jumpin’ Cows – described as “the Far Side” of music – deliver cool, funny, hard-driving, and original science education music. In a wide variety of energetic styles, including rock, funk, pop, surf, and rap, a Cows concert is a feast of visual imagery with wild characters and crazy costumes plus fun audience participation and shenanigans. All ages welcome. (Please, no infants)

“A combustible brew of hard rock and solid science… (The Cows) accomplish what many a more conventional teacher only dreams of.” Parenting Magazine

Please visit www.moo-boing.com for complete artist/event information.

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With a wide-ranging repertoire, California’s premier “organ plus” ensemble presents a unique concert experience featuring brass and percussion accompaniment to the Forbes Pipe organ. The afternoon will feature Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky and new works by Bay Area composer/organist John Karl Hirten, including a set of four Irish tunes entitled Ceathair and a premiere performance of The Pinot Suite.

Please visit www.millenniaconsort.com for complete artist/event information.

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When Massachusetts-based Shakespeare & Company staged their stunning New York production of Hamlet, the New York Times praised the 30 year-old company for “...speak(ing) the speech so clearly and comprehendingly that even theatre- goers new to Shakespeare grasp the plot and characters.”Now America’s foremost center for Shakespearean performance and studies brings a “pared- down, revved-up” version of The Bard’s uncontested masterpiece to audiences here in San Luis Obispo.

“Sharply intelligent, lean, and taut…
ingenious and thought- provoking.” The Boston Globe

Please visit www.shakespeare.org for complete artist/event information.

By way of Russia, Israel, and Canada comes a promising young jazz luminary who – with a nod to Diana Krall and Norah Jones – is “turning heads in the jazz world” (Billboard Magazine). Sophie’s richly- nuanced vocal levels and sold-out tours are earning her rave reviews from critics and fans alike – she just received the 2008 “Vocal Jazz Album of the Year” Juno Award, surely the first in a long line of celebrations. (Some songs may not be sung in English)

“Milman’s rhythm-driven numbers possess the swing of straight-ahead jazz spiced with a rock music-like intensity reaching back to Janis Joplin. (The) sky’s the limit for this exceptional young talent.” Los Angeles Times

Please visit www.sophiemilman.com for complete artist/event information.

Heralded as an “artist’s artist” with an unvarnished voice and an uncanny ear for lyrics and music, this three- time Grammy- winning singer/songwriter has delivered a myriad of multi-covered hits over the last three decades, such as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” “For The Good Times,” and “Loving Her Was Easier...” Our solo acoustic show is about the songs; as Kristofferson himself describes it: “It’s like being an old blues guy, just completely stripped away.”

“When (Kristofferson) sings, ‘I’m so glad I got to dance with you,’ the sense of loss is louder than a bomb.” Rolling Stone Magazine

Please visit www.kriskristofferson.com for complete artist/event information.

Lar Lubovitch, one of America’s most versatile, popular, and highly acclaimed choreographers, returns to Cal Poly in celebration of his 40th anniversary season. This will mark the company’s first U.S. tour in more than a decade. The lyrical and lushly romantic 12-member company offers Men Stories – a powerful exploration of masculinity that has never before been seen on tour – as well as Dvorak Serenade and Little Rhapsodies, set to Schumann’s symphonic etudes.

“(Lar Lubovitch) is one of the ten best choreographers in the world.” New York Times

Please visit www.lubovitch.org for complete artist/event information.

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A Central Coast debut! A riotous, Tony Award- winning new musical comedy in which six young people in the throes of puberty – overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves – learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a “loser.” This tuneful, offbeat, and often heart-warming show even offers willing audience members the opportunity to become part of the action as on-stage spellers. (Due to language, recommended for ages 14+)

“Perfect in every possible way – that rarity of rarities, a super-smart musical that is also a bona fide crowd pleaser.” Wall Street Journal

Please visit www.spellingbeethemusical.com for complete artist/event information.

American Ballet Theatre is of one of the world’s most revered and innovative dance companies. Under its auspices comes ABT II, a classical company of 13 young dancers of outstanding talent, hand-picked from around the world. The ABT II corps vigorously trains under the direction of former ABT principal Wes Chapman, who offers us a preview of protégés who will surely become some of ABT’s finest dancers.

“One of the great dance success stories in recent years.” New York Times

Please visit www.abt.org for complete artist/event information.

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Recognized as one of the world’s premiere string quartets, the Takács Quartet is renowned for the ability to fuse four distinct, expressive musical personalities into gripping, unified interpretations so strong that one could believe “there’s no other possible way the music should go” (Gramophone). The program will include Haydn’s Quartet Op. 77 No. 2 in F Major, Bartók’s Quartet No. 2, and Schumann’s Quartet Op. 41 No. 1.

“The Takács Quartet…is a gale of fresh air, (leaving) its audience breathless, invigorated and delighted.” New York Times

Please visit www.takacsquartet.com for complete artist/event information.

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Experience live on stage, the musical that inspired the Tim Burton and Johnny Depp movie. This revolutionary modern-dress, revival from Tony Award- winning director/ designer John Doyle features a multi- talented ensemble of ten actor/musicians. Don’t miss the Central Coast premiere of this phenomenal ground- breaking minimalist production that rocked the socks off New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco audiences. Multiple Tony Award-winner Stephen Sondheim’s renowned musical has never been in better hands and the music soars like never before. (Due to content, recommended for ages 14+)

“An event theatre-goers will be talking about for years.” Wall Street Journal

“To see Doyle’s intensely powerful revival again...is to be reminded of its singular blend of precision, simplicity and humanity.” Chicago Tribune

Please visit www.sweeneytoddtour.com for complete artist/event information.

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Jesus Christ Superstar, the first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, exploded onto the scene in 1971 changing the world of musical theatre forever. With a score of amazing songs, like “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Hosanna,” “Everything’s Alright,” “What’s the Buzz,” “Superstar,” and “Heaven
on Their Minds,” this original ground-breaking production starring Ted Neeley – who starred in the film version – in the title role and Living Colour’s Corey Glover as Judas, is as relevant and timeless as ever. (Due to content, recommended for ages 14+)

Musicians perform off- stage

Please visit www.thejcstour.com for complete artist/event information.

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Since 1956, the National Acrobats of China have been one of the most influential large-scale acrobatic troupes in the world. The colorful costumes and traditional music of China augment the 35 members who perform thrilling circus acts, precise martial artistry, mesmerizing illusions, and breathtaking stunts - such as daring cycling, bench juggling, plate spinning, and chair balancing. Al