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Madeleine Peyroux

Pollak Theatre

“The only thing that matters is the song,” says singer-songwriter Madeleine Peyroux. That conviction along with a ‘one of a kind’ voice, has carried the Jazz artist from busking on the streets of Paris, all the way to mainstream recognition. Through intensely distinctive renditions of old classics and modern tunes by the likes of Leonard Cohen and The Beatles, Peyroux has proved to be an uncannily insightful ‘interpreter’ with her consistently impeccable choice of material. Peyroux’s new album, The Blue Room, sees the genre-blending singer reworking some landmark musical gems, in a repeat collaboration with longtime Peyroux producer Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Walter Becker, Tracy Chapman, Herbie Hancock) The result is a sophisticated album that rather than just ‘crossing over’, seamlessly fuses musical styles together to create an entirely new sound. Peyroux has come a long way from the streets of Paris to the word’s grandest concert halls and collaborating with the some of the world’s finest musicians. Still, where other artists might rest on their laurels and bask in the glory of countless gushing reviews, Peyroux continues to fearlessly explore new territories.

$39; $49; $60 (Gold Circle)

HUGH MASEKELA & LARRY WILLIS

Pollak Theatre

Hugh Masekela, a world-renowned flugelhornist, trumpeter, bandleader, composer, singer, and defiant political voice, combines his talents with powerhouse pianist Larry Willis for a show of epic proportions. These two giants of the jazz world put on a one-of-a-kind show together, after decades of cultivating careers apart. Willis and Masekela met while they were both students at the Manhattan School of Music some 50 years ago. After coming under the tutelage of Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong, Masekela went on to carve out a five-decade-long (and counting) career, releasing over 40 solo albums. His 1986 anti-apartheid anthem “Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela)” became a rallying call around the world for Mandela’s release from prison. At the same time, Willis has performed or recorded with almost every great jazz musician of the modern era, including Dizzy Gillespie, Lee Morgan, Woody Shaw, Cannonball and Nat Adderley, and Stan Getz. Don’t miss this rare chance to watch these two jazz legends (and dear friends) perform together.

$35; $45; $60 (Gold circle)

One Last Waltz: A Celebration of the music and legacy of The Band.

Pollak Theatre

Glen Burtnik, Salvatore Boyd, Bob Burger & Arne Wendt, performing as The Band, will be joined by local and national talent to recreate not only the music but the celebration, camaraderie and talent that took over the stage November 25 back in 1976.

Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea – SOLD OUT

Pollak Theatre

Celebrating his 25th year at Monmouth University, the ever lovable and expressive Reverend Alphonse Stevenson returns to conduct the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea in a well-established Christmas tradition at Monmouth University. There’s simply no better way to start the holiday season than to spend a special evening with Father Alphonse, his 42-piece orchestra and distinguished vocalists as he provides humorous and personal anecdotes amidst a program of holiday classics and carols. This Christmas tradition is sure to sell out so get your tickets early! 25th Anniversary pre-show reception at 6:30. Reception tickets are $25.

SOLD OUT

Winter Tapestry: A Holiday Concert

The Great Hall

An evening of seasonal music for choir, orchestra, and handbells performed in the majestic and festive atmosphere of Wilson Hall. The concert is conducted by Professor Michael Gillette and
Dr. David M. Tripold and features the Colts Neck Reformed Church Exultation Ringers conducted by Maggie Tripold.

$15

Doo Wop Explosion: A Night of Acappella Harmony

Pollak Theatre

Born on the street corners of urban America, rhythm & blues and doo wop singing reached its peak in the 1950’s, but still has a strong following today. While doo wop singing began as an African American art form, by the late 1950’s it was enjoyed by singers of all races. Doo wop harmony in its purist form is acappella (without instrumentals). We’ve assembled six of the top acappella doo wop vocal groups from NYC to Philadelphia, plus a couple special guests. Choice hails from Jersey City and has been singing for 35 years. Their video recently went viral attracting 6 million views. The Tee-Tones formed on the streets of Brooklyn and fine tuned their harmonies in the tunnels of the NYC subway system. They’ve since appeared on Good Morning America and ABC World News Tonight. The versatile group, Quiet Storm, has developed a huge following in the Philadelphia area. Called “Storm Chasers,” their fans follow them from concert to concert. Frankie and the Fashions are a Philadelphia acappella group whose origins reach back to the 1960’s. They’ve recorded several CD’s and are well known for their popular signature song, “What Do I Have To Do”. The popular Piscataway NJ group, Re-MemberThen, has the distinction of twice winning the acappella showdowns at the Meadowlands. The Vic Donna Group is known for their tight intricate harmonies of obscure R&B and Doo Wop collectors sides and original material. Vic, himself, has been singing since 1956. Over the years, he’s been backed on record by such noted groups as the Fi-Tones, Parakeets, Cadillacs, Sharps, Compliments and Angels. The Vic Donna Group has recently added a couple new singers with a lot of previous experience. As a special guest, we welcome Larry Chance of the Earls. Larry is an internationally known doo wop star who has agreed to sing acappella for us, backed by Re-MemberThen. By way of a big screen video, we’ll have De’Sean Dooley, grandson of the Orioles Sonny Til, singing Orioles songs backed by Quiet Storm.

$25 $35, $45 (Gold Circle seats include meet and greet reception)

Cherish the Ladies

Pollak Theatre

“It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do,” says the Boston Globe speaking of Cherish the Ladies, the long-running, Grammy-nominated, Irish-American super group that formed in New York City in 1985 to celebrate the rise of extraordinary women in what had been a male-dominated Irish music scene and has since toured the world, played the White House and the Olympics, recorded 15 outstanding albums including their latest, “An Irish Homecoming” which was also videotaped for an Emmy winning Public Television Special that is airing across America.

$40; $50

Ethel with Robert Mirabal

Pollak Theatre

Continuing a deeply successful six-year collaboration inspired by ceremonies dedicated to the Sun, ETHEL and Robert Mirabal, Native American musician, instrument builder and three time GRAMMY® Award winner present their next evolution of the cross-cultural concert experience. The inspiration this time is Water as the embodiment of Spirit, and its essential role in Life on Earth. The audience is immersed in a flow of music, narrative, and ritual, that evokes timeless Native American traditions through contemporary musical artistry. As delivered by these master performers, the effect is breathtaking, even ecstatic. To complement the music created by ETHEL and Mirabal exclusively for this program, ETHEL will also perform part of Gabriela Lena Frank’s epic Andean Walkabout and Phil Kline’s gorgeous The River.

“Indefatigable and eclectic” (The New York Times), “vital and brilliant” (The New Yorker), at the heart of ETHEL is a collaborative ethos—a quest for a common creative expression forged in the celebration of community.

A Native American “Renaissance man”—musician, composer, painter, master craftsman, poet, actor, screenwriter, horseman and farmer—Mirabal travels extensively throughout the world, offering “exquisitely nuanced flute playing” (The New York Times) and creating music that honors the spirits of the earth.

$28; $38; $50 (Gold Circle)

Songwriters By The Sea

Lauren K. Woods Theatre

Distinguished NJ Songwriters Joe Rapolla and Joe D’Urso are back this year hosting the celebrated Songwriters by the Sea series at the Lauren K. Woods Theatre. What once started in a small coffee shop as an area for local songwriters has now grown into a series that features some of the top songwriters in the country.
This year, the show features a twist of rock music and country music. The rock music is courtesy of Eric Bazilian, founding member of the rock band Hooters. Bazilian is also known internationally for his efforts as a Grammy nominated songwriter, as well as being an arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and producer.
Singing-songwriting duo Williams Honor will bring a bit of the country to Woods Theatre. The duo have exploded in Asbury Park’s music scene, and features producer and multi-instrumentalist Gordon Brown and performer powerhouse Reagan Richards. The two previously have worked and toured with many national acts before coming together to form the Jersey Shore’s first ever country duo. They’re about to release their first single to country radio “Send It To Me” from their debut album. Opening the show will be Monmouth University students Daniel Amato and Brittany Cannarozzi. There will be a pre-show hospitality reception at 7:00pm and post show reception (included with ticket price)!

$30

Laurence Juber

The Great Hall Auditorium

Fusing folk, jazz, pop and classical styles, Two-time GRAMMY winner Laurence Juber creates a multifaceted performance that belies the use of only one instrument. Lead guitarist for Paul McCartney’s Wings, Juber is a world-class guitar virtuoso solo artist, composer and arranger. Laurence Juber has released 18 critically acclaimed solo albums, including Guitarist and PCH. His solo CD, Pop Goes Guitar, includes the arrangement of Stand By Me that was heard nationally in the ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ commercial. His last release, Wooden Horses, showcases LJ’s compositions for solo guitar, and his latest CD is LJ Plays The Beatles Vol.2, a follow-up to Vol 1 which is one of Acoustic Guitar Magazine’s’ all-time Top Ten acoustic albums. Juber is featured on the CD Poppin’ Guitars, a tribute to the music of the Sherman Brothers, and can be seen in the documentary film, The Brothers, about those celebrated Disney composers. Performance will be followed by a followed by Q&A from Monmouth’s Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Kenneth Womack.

$28; $35 (Gold Circle)