Park Theatre adds new shows to 5th anniversary lineup

Posted 9/11/14

Preparing to celebrate its fifth anniversary, the historic Park Theatre has announced the addition of three shows to its already exciting 2014-15 season.

The season, which will feature a …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Park Theatre adds new shows to 5th anniversary lineup

Posted

Preparing to celebrate its fifth anniversary, the historic Park Theatre has announced the addition of three shows to its already exciting 2014-15 season.

The season, which will feature a wide-variety of performances, including jazz, comedy, reggae, R&B and soul, magic, international music and more, kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 28 with Tower of Power. Tickets for all shows are currently on sale.

Among the new shows added, the Park will welcome star-studded super group The Empty Hearts on Sunday, Oct. 19. Consisting of Wally Palmer of The Romantics on vocals and rhythm guitar, Elliot Easton of The Cars on guitar, Andy Babiuk of The Chesterfield Kings on bass and Blondie’s Clem Burke on drums, The Empty Hearts are no cynically constructed super group.

Formed in 2013 by Babiuk, the group – whose members remain active with their original bands – has parlayed a combined lifetime of rock ‘n’ roll into their self-titled debut. Released on Aug. 5, “The Empty Hearts” features a sterling collection of influences that include ’50s American roots rock ‘n’ roll, ’60s British Invasion and ’70s garage-punk that is anything but retro, rather a refreshing return to core musical values.

Saturday, Nov. 8 brings “An Evening with American Idols” featuring Crystal Bowersox and Rhode Island’s own Erika Van Pelt. The runner-up on season 9 of “American Idol,” Bowersox captured hearts around the country with her rich blend of blues, country, folk and rock, making her one of the most dynamic young voices in music today. Her debut album, “Farmer’s Daughter,” was released in December 2010, peaking at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Rock Chart. In 2013, Bowersox released her sophomore album, “All That for This,” which exposes new dimensions of her music. Since rising to fame, Bowersox has performed alongside Harry Connick Jr., Alanis Morrisette, BB King, Joe Cocker and many others.

No stranger to the bright lights, especially in her home state, Erika Van Pelt’s unmistakable voice and ambition led her all the way to the Top 10 during season 11 of “American Idol.” Following performances during the international “American Idols LIVE! Tour” in 2012, Van Pelt released her debut album, “My Independence,” in 2013. Drawing influences from soul, rock, blues, funk, pop and even hip-hop, Van Pelt has a lot of new music on the way, teaming up with talented artists from around the world to collaborate both in the studio and on stage.

“An Evening with American Idols” will also include an opportunity for a special meet-and-greet with Crystal Bowersox prior to the show. For $50, guests will receive an exclusive picture and photo with Crystal, an acoustic song performance and a question-and-answer session.

Back by popular demand, Buddy Guy will return to the Park Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 15. For each of the past two years, the “Living Legend of Blues” has sold-out the Park, dazzling its audience with his energetic and soulful performances.

A pioneer of the Chicago Blues, and six-time Grammy winner, Guy has influenced some of the most notable musicians of his generation, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 2005, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in December 2012 he received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors recognizing his lifetime of contributions to American culture and the performing arts.

On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Park will host “Rockin’ the Holidays with Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals,” an all-ages appropriate celebration of joy, compassion and family. Having rocked the music world for generations, Cavaliere’s concert events are a musical journey featuring a perfect blend of music and entertainment from one of the most celebrated American singer-songwriters in history.

Backed by a local choir, an astonishing band, interactive video, a soulful voice and amazing Hammond organ skills, “Rockin’ the Holidays” channels holiday favorites with original music from Felix’s Songwriter Hall of Fame resume, including “Good Lovin,’” “Groovin,’” “It’s a Beautiful Morning,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Run Run Rudolph” and more. And, as a special gift to audiences, Felix will perform tracks from his upcoming album, “Christmas in Your Arms,” which will be released in November.

One of the biggest names in American Blues Rock history, George Thorogood & The Destroyers will bring their “Badder Than Ever Tour” to the Park on Sunday, March 8, 2015. Known for his timeless hit “Bad to the Bone” and covers of blues classics such as Hank Williams’ “Move It On Over” and Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love,” the band’s career spans more than four decades, 8,000 live shows and 15 million albums sold worldwide. Today, Thorogood remains true to his roots as a maverick guitar-slinger still making electrifying music and thrilling audiences as the most bad-to-the-bone performer in rock.

The current schedule of shows for 2014-15 is as follows, with additional shows to be added:

Sunday, Sept. 28: Tower of Power

Friday, Oct. 3: The Wailers Band 30th Anniversary of Legend

Friday, Oct. 10: The Celtic Tenors

Sunday, Oct. 12: Engelbert Humperdinck

Friday, Oct. 17: Boney James with special guest Stanley Jordan

Sunday, Oct. 19: The Empty Hearts

Saturday, Nov. 1: Lyn Dillies and “Magic of Lyn”

Friday, Nov. 7: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone

Saturday, Nov. 8: An Evening with American Idols Crystal Bowersox and Erika Van Pelt

Saturday, Nov. 15: Buddy Guy

Saturday, Dec. 13: Rockin’ the Holidays with Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals

Sunday, March 8, 2015: George Thorogood & The Destroyers

*Saturday, April 25, 2015: Wayne Brady and “It’s My Line” Tour

(Due to scheduling conflicts, the Wayne Brady show originally scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 2 has been postponed to Saturday, April 25, 2015. Tickets for the Oct. 2 show will be valid for the show in April.)

Tickets for all shows are currently on sale through the Park’s Box Office at 467-PARK and online at www.ParkTheatreRI.com. The Park Theatre is located at 848 Park Ave. in Cranston. Free parking is available for all shows.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here