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December musical highlights at Ruth Eckerd Hall
By SUZETTE PORTER
| Article published on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006 |
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CLEARWATER - While holiday entertainment is emphasized throughout December, Ruth Eckerd Hall continues to offer a variety of musical performances.
Klezmer Conservatory Band will bring back the traditional music of European Jewish troubadours on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m.
"Raucous and sentimental, rackety and soulful, the group's generous program was crammed with wedding songs, Yiddish theater numbers, folk ballads, as well as a lovely instrumental from Fiddler on the Roof and a seductive Leonard Cohen waltz," wrote a reviewer in Seattle.
The program will include some Chanukah melodies and vocal, clarinet, violin, alto sax, cornet, trombone, piano, accordion, banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass and drums. Tickets are $27, $35 and $45.
Known to the world for his golden voice and a career that spans over 50 years of jazz, popular song and even MTV, Tony Bennett is the kind of artist that moves the hearts and souls of audiences. He returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall on Friday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m., for an unforgettable, enchanting evening of masterpieces, such as "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," "Rags to Riches" and "Because of You."
Back by popular demand and backed by a 65-piece orchestra! Christian recording star Michael W. Smith sold out so quickly last year that he will perform for two nights this season - Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15-16.
With hope-laden songs like "Love Me Good", "Never Been Unloved" and "I Will Be Here For You", Smith gives listeners a time to reflect, to celebrate, to remember and to rediscover the freshness of their faith.
Saturday's show begins at 8 p.m. and Sunday's start time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $39, $49 and $80.
Celebrate the holidays with the smooth jazz styling of guitarist Peter White on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 8 p.m. White returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall to share the stage with contemporary jazz trumpeter Rick Braun and the sultry sax and seductive vocals of Mindi Abair. This evening of songs of the season makes the perfect present for any jazz fan. Tickets are $35 and $45.
Holiday Jazz with Fred Johnson is next on the December calendar. This nationally acclaimed jazz musician and performer will share his holiday favorites in a festive cabaret setting for two performances on Friday, Dec. 22, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $15; $10 for students.
A 70s Soul Jam, with headliners The Chi-Lites, The Spinners and The Stylistics, is set for Friday, Dec. 29, 8 p.m.
Get ready for a show that celebrates sweet soul music with some of the best artists of that era: The Spinners ("I'll Be Around," "Rubberband Man," "Games People Play"), The Stylistics ("You Make Me Feel Brand New," "You Are Everything," "Betcha By Golly Wow"), and The Chi-LItes ("Have You Seen Her," "Oh Girl").
Tickets are $36, $45 and $75.
For tickets to these shows, call 727-791-7400 or visit www.rutheckerdhall.com. Ruth Eckerd Hall is at 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater.
Coming attractions at REH, including the Indigo Girls on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007, 8 p.m. Tickets, on sale beginning Friday, Dec. 8, are $37 and $42, with limited VIP seating.
The Beach Boys are coming to town on Thursday, March 8, 8 p.m. Tickets, available starting Dec. 8, are $47.50, $52.50 and $75 with limited VIP seating.
Call 727-791-7400 or visit www.rutheckerdhall.com. Tickets also available at all TicketMaster outlets.
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Article published on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006
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