Browse All Performances
The following shows are eligible for Create Your Own (CYO) subscriptions (excluding Center Stage designations). Choose only four or more series shows and get 10% off every seat; order 8+ shows and receive 15% off.
CYO subscriptions are available throughout the season.
Be sure to visit available artist/event websites, linked at the bottom on our show pages and at the top of the show page right-hand link menu.
Live Music/Concerts
James "Superharp" Cotton
& The James Cotton Blues Band
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Spanos Theatre
8pm
Inducted into the Smithsonian Institute in 1991, the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006, and winner of countless W.C. Handy Blues Awards, Grammy Award-winner James “Superharp” Cotton is one of the most sought-after, hard-driving blues musicians touring today. A true blues living legend.
Sponsored by KPYG 94.9 FM and New Times
Please visit the artist's website
View video on YouTube
Live Music/Concerts
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
An Evening of Bluegrass
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Cohan Center
7pm
With shelves full of Grammy Awards and legions of bluegrass fans across the nation, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder roll into the Cohan Center for a toe-tappin’, foot-stompin’ hoe-down of an evening that is guaranteed to be the feel-good show of the season.
Sponsored by Best Western Royal Oak Hotel and KJUG 98.1 FM
Please visit the artist's website
View video at YouTube
Theatre
Reduced Shakespeare Co.
Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Spanos Theatre
8pm
This madcap condensation of the Bard’s prolific portfolio features non-stop laughs. The RSC performs at a delightfully zany, whirlwind pace (see all of the “Histories” in 10 minutes!) With pure wit and masterful commitment, the troupe wins over even the most die-hard Shakespearean scholar.
Sponsored by the Santa Maria Sun; additional support provided by KCBX 90.1 FM
“If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show!”
THE TODAY SHOW
Please visit the company's website
View video at YouTube
World Music
Keola & Moana Beamer
Friday, March 19, 2010
Spanos Theatre
8pm
Keola and Moana Beamer are Hawaii’s “First Couple,” touring the world with their unique vision of Hawaii’s cultural arts. Keola is the revered King of Hawaiian slack key guitar and Moana is the Queen of luscious, authentic hula dancing.
With special guest, Raiatea Helm.
Morro Bay's Hawaiian dance halau, Na Mele o ke Kai, will also perform.
Sponsored by
Quality Suites
Please visit the artists' websites:
Keola/Moana Beamer Raiatea Helm
Na Mele o ke Kai
View video on YouTube
Classical
Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Cohan Center
7pm
The Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra is one of the most revered Russian ensembles. With guest conductor Robert Cole (pictured right), pianist Alexander Sinchuk, and cellist Julian Schwarz, the program includes glorious masterworks:
Tchaikovsky - Romeo and Juliet Overture and Variations on a Rococo Theme in A for Cello & Orchestra
Rachmaninov - Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Rimsky-Korsakov - Scheherazade: Symphonic Suite for Orchestra
Sponsored by Carol & Jay Devore, James Sargen, and the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center in Honor of its Legacy Members
Pre-show lecture scheduled
Please visit the Orchestra's webpage
Dance
Ballroom with a Twist
Starring Barbara Eden & Louis van Amstel
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Cohan Center
7pm
Directed and choreographed by Dancing With the Stars pros and starring television’s own Barbara Eden as guest host, this brilliant extravaganza filled with stunning costumes, magnificent music, and breathtaking performances pushes the boundaries of ballroom dance, infusing it with the energy and intensity of the latest hip hop styles.
Pre-show lecture scheduled.
Please visit the event website
View video on YouTube
Live Music/Concerts
Los Lobos & Leo Kottke
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Cohan Center
8pm
For more than 35 years, East L.A.’s Los Lobos has re defined what a rock band should be and how rock music can sound by delivering thought provoking lyrics and consciousness raising songs that are driven by blues, rockabilly, jazz, and Latin rhythms and their own Mexican American heritage.
Sharing the concert is the multi Grammy Award winning Leo Kottke famous for his innovative finger-picking style and unconventional tunings on his signature 6- and 12-string guitars and a sound that is steeped with blues, jazz, and folk.
This stunning acoustic evening will showcase virtuosic musicianship and a variety of blended styles that will deliver nothing short of dazzling artistry.
Sponsored by KCBX 90.1 FM
Please visit the artists' websites: Los Lobos Leo Kottke
Comedy
Whose Live Anyway?
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Cohan Center
7pm
Stand up is fun, but improv can be funnier and these guys are the world’s best. This evening features star alumni from TV’s hit Whose Line Is It Anyway? including the irrepressible Ryan Stiles. Bring your suggestions and you might just end up on stage in one of their hilarious improvised moments!
Sponsored by Bert & Candace Forbes, the City of San Luis Obispo, La Cuesta Inn, Rabobank, and The CW
“It’s the first comedy show I’ve been to where everyone was laughing!” THE SEATTLE TIMES
Please visit the tour website
View video at YouTube
A Center Stage Event
Elvis Costello - Solo
Monday, April 12, 2010
Cohan Center
8 pm
Known for his seminal work with The Attractions and The Imposters, Costello's special solo tour will feature the multi-talented rock icon, his guitars, songs, and stories in an incredible night of entertainment with music from the present, past, and future. A true "must-see" for every Costello fan.
Program Partner: Linda McGregor
Pop/Rock/Vocals
Rockapella
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Cohan Center
7pm
They’re known as the “Kings of Contemporary A Cappella.” This five-man powerhouse of vocal talent sweeps through continually sold out venues around the globe; every element of their sound is unique in each pitch perfect performance. For years, Rockapella enjoyed a daily run as the house band on the hit PBS TV show, Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego? and thanks to a heavy touring schedule, fans continue to share the fun.
Sponsored by Apple Farm Inn
“Some say the best musical instrument of all is the human voice if you’ve seen Rockapella, you know that’s the truth.”
USA TODAY
Please visit the group's website
View video at YouTube
Dance
Essential Graham
Classic from the Martha Graham Dance Co.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Cohan Center
7pm
Choosing from over 180 works in Martha Graham’s eclectic repertoire, the famed choreographer’s career highlights are featured in a stellar showcase, performed by one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary dance ensembles.
Sponsored by the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center and Holiday Inn Express at Cal Poly
Supported in part by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts American Masterpieces: Dance Initiative, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA).
“The Graham dancers made it luminous.”
NEW YORK TIMES
Pre-show lecture scheduled
Please visit the company's website
View video on YouTube
Comedy
Capitol Steps
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Cohan Center
8pm
A perennial favorite, the Steps’ satirical songs and spoofy sketches make today’s politics and current events actually enjoyable! Laughter will be your best defense against the times that are a-changing when the Capitol Steps return in the spring with madcap musical mayhem and hits from their latest CD, Obama Mia!
Sponsored by Bert & Candace Forbes, Bill & Harriette Shaffner, Courtyard by Marriott, SLO, and KCBX 90.1 FM
“The Capitol Steps are what Washington would be like if everyone were smarter and could sing.” P.J. O’ROURKE
Please visit the group's website
View video at YouTube
Forbes Pipe Organ Recital
Paul Woodring
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Harman Hall
Christopher Cohan Center
3pm
As resident University Organist, Mr. Woodring returns this season with a program featuring music by Dudley Buck, Jean Langlais, J.S. Bach, György Ligeti, and the premiere performance of Woodring’s own arrangement of “Babar, The Little Elephant”by Francis Poulenc, which includes percussion and charming narration.
Sponsored by
Bert & Candace Forbes
and Roy & Jane Gersten
Forbes Pipe Organ & Film
Silent Kings of Comedy
Silent Film with Live Music
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Cohan Center
3pm
Charlie Chaplin. Buster Keaton. Harold Lloyd. The stars are as well-known today as in the early days of silent filmmaking. Three classic comic short films are accompanied by three styles of live music – including a performance on the Forbes Pipe Organ – for a unique, fun-filled afternoon.
Sponsored by Bert & Candace Forbes
and Michael & Ann Smith
In partnership with the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival
Please visit the Film Festival's website
World Music
NEWLY-RESCHEDULED DATE
Béla Fleck/Zakir Hussain/Edgar Meyer
Monday, May 24, 2010
Cohan Center
8 pm
Three masterful genre benders and leading virtuosos Béla Fleck (banjo), Zakir Hussain (tabla), and Edgar Meyer (bass) move with ease among the worlds of classical, bluegrass, and world music. Each a superstar in their own fields, they combine their brilliance for a one of a kind collaboration.
Sponsored by Peggy Peterson in Loving Memory of Gerry Peterson, the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center, and KCBX 90.1 FM
Pre-show lecture scheduled
EXISTING TICKET HOLDERS:
Simply hold onto your original tickets and they will be honored on the new date. If for some reason you are unable to attend on this new date, please contact the Ticket Office at 756-2787 to arrange for an exchange for another Cal Poly Arts show or provide a refund.