Vilar Performing Arts Center adds 22 shows to its 2016-17 winter schedule

The Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC) just announced 22 additional performances for the 2017 winter season including their Broadway, Concert, Family and Comedy series.

Headliners include indie rock band The Revivalists, stand-up comedian Joel McHale, Grammy Award-winning singer Peter Cetera and the Broadway musical Once. This group of shows joins their previously announced Holiday, Classical and Dance Series.

Single tickets for the 2017 season go on sale Thursday, November 10, at the VPAC box office. Call 970-845-8497 or go to www.vilarpac.org. Shows will take place at the VPAC, located under the ice rink in Beaver Creek Village (68 Avondale Lane, Beaver Creek, Colorado).

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

BROADWAY SERIES

Once the Musical

January 9 | Starting at $68

Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once is the celebrated new musical based on the Academy Award-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friendship and collaboration evolves into a powerful but complicated romance. Brought to the stage by an award-winning team of visionary artists and featuring an ensemble cast of gifted actor/musicians, this Broadway National Tour is a musical celebration of life and love: thrilling in its originality, daring in its honesty.

Shaolin Warriors

February 27 | $58 ($38 child)

This fully choreographed theatrical production is more than a Kung Fu show; it’s a traditional strength through adversity story. Featuring rarely seen Buddhist meditation alongside deadly martial-arts prowess, this breathtaking extravaganza starring 20 Kung Fu masters follows the journey from a young child’s initiation into the monastery, to achieving fully fledged warrior status through diligent training and study.

CONCERT SERIES

The Good Lovelies

January 13 | $25

This Canadian folk/country harmony trio is a Juno (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy) and four-time CFMA Award-winner. Most recent albums include “Burn the Plan” and “Let the Rain Fall.” Part folk-roots, part Western Swing, the Toronto-based trio relies on unerring three-part vocal harmonies, clever songs, and, on stage, funny repartee drawn from a seemingly endless succession of comedic adventures on the road.

Peter Cetera

January 15 | Starting at $140

The Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and Rock of Roll Hall of Fame inductee is a former member of legendary rock group Chicago and has since launched his solo career performing rock music and writing well-known songs for Hollywood films.  In his time with the group, they recorded 18 of the most memorable albums of a generation, including such hits as “If You Leave Me Now”, “Hard to Say I’m Sorry”,  “Baby What a Big Surprise”, “You’re the Inspiration”, “Stay the Night”, “Love Me Tomorrow”, “Happy Man”,  “Feeling Stronger Every Day” and “Along Comes a Woman”. A solo artist since 1986, Peter has recorded 10 time-honored CD’s including his #1 hits, the Academy Award nominated song “The Glory of Love”, “The Next Time I Fall” with Amy Grant, “Feels Like Heaven” with Chaka Kahn”, “After All” with Cher, “No Explanation” from the mega hit film, “Pretty Woman” and the unforgettable “Restless Heart”.

Brett Dennen

January 20 | $38

A regular performer at musical festivals and on tour with the likes of John Mayer and Lily & Madeleine, Brett Dennen is a folk/pop singer/songwriter who was catapulted to stardom with the release of his self-titled debut album.

Edgar Meyer and Christian McBride

January 25 | $38

With nine Grammy awards between them, Christian McBride and Edgar Meyer are two of the most respected bassists/composers performing today. Having done a short US tour in Autumn 2015 the two will join forces again in spring 2017 with a program of new original music composed by both for this historic collaboration.

Gregory Alan Isakov

January 29 | $45

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and calling Colorado home, Gregory Alan Isakov has been traveling all his life. Songs that hone a masterful quality tell a story of miles and landscapes, and the search for a sense of place. His song-craft lends to deep lyrical masterpieces, with hints of his influences, Leonard Cohen and Bruce Springsteen.

The Revivalists

February 2 | $42

Since forming in 2007, the seven-piece New Orleans roots-driven rock band logged countless miles on the road, cultivating a high-octane live show and a studio presence equally steeped in instrumental virtuosity and charismatic vocal magnetism. The group’s combination of danceable rock and soulful songs including “Wish I Knew You” comes to life through a meticulously crafted and ever-evolving live performance.

Martin Sexton

February 3 | $30

Fiercely independent and headlining venues from The Fillmore to Carnegie Hall, Martin Sexton has influenced a generation of contemporary artists. His songs have appeared in television series such as “Scrubs,” “Parenthood,” “Masters of Sex” and in numerous films, though it’s his incendiary live show, honest lyrics, and vocal prowess that keep fans coming back for more.

Ensemble Denada

February 9 | $48 ($10 student)

Ensemble Denada, made up of contrabass clarinet, quadraphonic electronics, 10 formidable horn players and a high-ranking piano quartet, merge European tradition with jazz and native Norwegian expressions into a blend of strict composition and free improvisation. Ensemble Denada is not a traditional big band. The idea behind the ensemble is to achieve small-band dynamics with thrice the number of people – for the sound of it!

Vocalosity: The Aca-Perfect Musical Experience

February 19 | $58 ($38 child)

From the creative mind of artistic producer Deke Sharon (“Pitch Perfect,” “The Sing-Off”) comes the all-new live concert event that takes a cappella to a whole new level! This fast-paced production features 10 dynamic voices singing some of today’s chart-topping hits in brand-new arrangements too incredible to miss. No genre of music is off limits in the world of a cappella and Vocalosity explores them all.

Dark Star Orchestra

March 1 | $38

Performing to critical acclaim worldwide for nearly 15 years and over 2000 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead concert experience. On any given night the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show.

Noam Pikelny

March 9 | $25

Winner of Album of the Year at the 2014 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards and the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, Noam Pikelny has emerged as the preeminent banjoist of his generation. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as the “pros’ top banjo picker,” Noam is a founding member of Punch Brothers, a string ensemble which the Boston Globe calls “a virtuosic revelation” and the New Yorker describes as “wide-ranging and restlessly imaginative.”

Who’s Bad: Michael Jackson Tribute

March 13 | $38

As the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, and the only one to predate his untimely passing, Who’s Bad’s power-packed tribute to Michael Jackson has ignited crowds on every continent and can only be described as a jaw-dropping, musical must-see.

Clint Black

March 26 | Starting at $55

Prolific singer-songwriter Clint Black has long been heralded as one of Country music’s brightest stars. His many talents have taken him even further, as Black has transcended genres to become one of the most successful artists in all the music benchmark in any artist’s career.

COMEDY SERIES

Joel McHale

February 4 | Starting at $98

Joel McHale is one of the most sought after comedians and actors in the industry. McHale recently wrapped his twelfth and final season of E!’s “The Soup” in which he satirized pop culture and current events. He is also best known for his starring role on the hit comedy series “Community,” which wrapped its sixth season on Yahoo after five seasons on NBC.

The Second City: We’re All In This Room Together

February 10 | $38

Full of the live and in-your-face entertainment Netflix can’t provide, this must-attend show features improvised comedy, audience interaction, and of-the-moment sketches and songs from The Second City made famous by superstars like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more. Never the same show twice, join us in the “Room” where it happens during this special engagement.

Paula Poundstone

February 16 | $38

Heralded as one of our country’s foremost comics, Paula Poundstone’s quick-thinking, unscripted approach to comedy makes for a perfect fit as a regular panelist on NPR’s #1 show, the screwball weekly news quiz show “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” where she holds the record for game losses. In 2016 Paula voiced the character “Forgetter Paula” in Disney/Pixar’s Academy Award winning animated feature film, “Inside Out” and released her first double-live album, “North by Northwest: Paula Poundstone Live!”

Kevin Nealon

February 26 | $58

Nealon sets himself apart from other comedic performers with his unique sense of humor, dry wit and likeable demeanor.  Nealon is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, and has received critical acclaim for his role in the Showtime series, Weeds. Nealon found great comedic success in his extensive film career including appearances in In Anger Management, Eight Crazy Nights, The Wedding Singer, Happy Gilmore, You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, Joe Dirt, Daddy Day Care, Roxanne and the cult hit Grandma’s Boy with Jonah Hill.

FAMILY SERIES

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater

February 18 | $38 ($28 child)

Gain a new leash on life with the comedy and juggling skills of Las Vegas “Entertainer of the Year” Gregory Popovich and his furry costars. The show employs over 30 rescue animals, including the goat duo Kurt and Helgo, and special guest star Mr. Diamond, the miniature horse. Popovich has performed on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, “Late Night” with David Letterman, “The Late Late Show” with Craig Ferguson and was a finalist on America’s Got Talent.

Cirque Montage

March 16 | $38 ($28 child)

For nearly a decade, WonderWorld Entertainment has provided Cirque inspired theatrical productions of all types featuring former artists of Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere, O, KA, and Wintuk.  This troupe of eleven international, award-winning performers hailing from eight different countries provide everyone in the family—from preschoolers to grandparents, or just about anyone else who enjoys watching the color, action, and excitement of shows featuring skilled acrobats and performers doing unusual feats of grace, daring, physical prowess and dexterity—with a wonderful and different entertainment experience.

Rhythmic Circus: Feet Don’t Fail Me Now

March 23 | $48 ($28 child)

Home-grown hoofers from the Minneapolis arts scene, Rhythmic Circus features three guys and a gal combining rapid-fire tap talent with the funky styling and original lyrics of a seven-piece band with a big, brass sound. Add vocal percussionist Aaron “Heatbox” Heaton, the human beatbox, and it’s easy to see why this show earned a 2012 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Spirit of the Fringe Award. Rhythmic Circus enthralls audiences of all ages with its medley of positivity and infectious rhythm.

Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix

March 30-31 | $35 (25 child)

Johnny leads over a dozen dogs through challenging and hilarious tricks as Johnny plays the straight man role in this wonderful show. A Ringling Brothers Clown College graduate, Johnny Peers and his Muttville Comix have appeared on David Letterman, Primetime Live and Circus of the Stars, and at Disneyland, Busch Gardens, the Big Apple Circus, the Royal Hanneford Circus, even The White House!