by Michael Grady
Yavapai College Performing Arts Center hit its stride in 2017-18, selling out seven performances last year. This season, the strategy is to go even bigger:
“Our 27th season of YCPAC will bring a cutting-edge array of artists,” YCPAC Director Dr. Craig Ralston said. “Our lineup includes three incredible cabaret artists, a Broadway musical and a Christmas season that will have you asking for more!”
YC begins by celebrating the college’s 50th anniversary with beloved comedian and former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno, Saturday night Aug. 26. YCPAC then follows with its season, which includes the legendary Engelbert Humperdinck, Sept. 24; and the ingenious rescue animals of Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre, Sept. 28.
Autumn highlights include Former Eagles lead guitarist Don Felder (Oct. 13); and Country icon Travis Tritt (Nov. 1) to rock the house. Raul Midón, a 2018 Grammy nominee for Best Vocal Jazz Album, offers an intimate performance Nov. 16.
YCPAC covers the holidays like no one can, with Handel’s “Messiah,” Dec. 1, followed by season’s greetings from Aussie singing sensations The Ten Tenors, Dec. 2.
Pink Martini, the jazz-and-world music band that wowed local audiences last year, returns Jan. 17; comedienne Paula Poundstone flashes her NPR-honed wit Jan. 26; and Bria Skonberg, trumpeter and darling of jazz festivals around the world, breezes in Feb. 8. Murphy’s Celtic Legacy, Feb. 15, celebrates the Emerald Isle; Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” presented by Aquila Theatre Company, heralds a spring that brings “Carmina Burana,” featuring a live orchestra and professional dancers, Mar. 23-24. And “Mary Poppins,” that peerless child-care professional, serves musical mayhem, courtesy of Yavapai College Performing Arts, April 4-7.
The YCPAC season closes with a favorite from two seasons ago: ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro returns, by popular demand, Friday, May 3.
Single tickets go on sale Monday, July 9. But those interested in a Choose Your Own subscription series package can order as early as June 14. For reservations, questions or a look at YCPAC’s full season, call 928-776.2000 or visit: ycpac.com.
