High Point Theatre Finalizes, Announces “Passport to Entertainment” Professional Artists Series for 2016-2017

Billy “Crash” Craddock
Community can expect world-renown musicians, popular
comics and unique, family-friendly artistic performances.

"High Point, North Carolina – Since 1975, the High Point Theatre has provided the Triad community with a diverse selection of world-renown artists and creative performances. The Theatre’s intimate atmosphere, continental seating and fine acoustics continue to make it one of the Triad’s best venues for live performance. Featuring a total of fourteen critically acclaimed musicians, side-splitting comedians, and imaginative artistic performances, the Theatre’s 2016-17 “Passport to Entertainment” lineup will provide the highest quality entertainment experience for every guest.
The new season kicks off Sat., July 16, as three highly gifted NC artists come together for a good ole’ southern-style, boot scootin’, country music throwdown! Greensboro native Billy “Crash” Craddock has experienced phenomenal world-wide success with nine #1 singles, countless top ten charted singles, and toured to sell-out crowds. Featuring The Malpass Brothers from Goldsboro and Michael Cosner from Greensboro, each brightly rising stars in the country music industry, you do not want to miss “Crash” Craddock’s Country Jam!
Building on his past successes as the “Hemi Guy,” his redheaded hillbilly character in the Dodge Ram commercials, and winner of season 5 of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” Hickory native Jon Reep’s stand-up routines are supersonic energy filled with non-stop characters and clever writing (PG13). Opening for Jon will be internet sensation, and Greensboro’s own “keep it real” girl, MollyAnn Wymer. Fri., Sept. 23.
Classical pianist Alina Kiryayeva has been praised for her powerful command of the instrument, unique interpretations and charismatic stage presence. The audience will be captivated as the Ukrainian-born, multi-award winning artist brings her brilliant talent to the Triad on Thurs., Oct. 6, as part of the High Point Community Concerts lineup.
Inspired by the seasons and topographies, George Winston’s concerts feature a variety of styles including melodic folk piano, New Orleans R&B, and stride piano. Performing songs from his seasonal favorites “Autumn,” “December,” “Winter Into Spring,” and “Summer,” as well as Peanuts pieces from his Vince Guaraldi tribute albums, the theatre presents an Evening With George Winston, Friday evening, November 11.
It’s become a holiday tradition for Triad families to attend a performance of the joyful, dream-inspired story of The Nutcracker. Swirling with heroic toy soldiers, sword-fighting mice, and the glittering Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, this classic is beautifully presented by the High Point Ballet through the choreography of award-winning Artistic Director Gary Taylor, award-winning set designer Howard Jones, lighting by Craig Stelzenmueller, and original costumes designed by Executive Director-Founder Rita Tayor. Performances are scheduled Dec. 21-23.
The Theatre kicks off the New Year on Sat., Jan. 14, with a one of a kind crossover experience sure to delight the senses, Artrageous! A unique visual journey packed with wild inspiration, creativity and fun, you will be amazed as a troupe of artists, musicians, singers and dancers pay tribute to a variety of art forms, pop icons and musical genres culminating in a gallery of fabulous finished paintings.
Sat., Jan. 21, brings folk icon Peter Yarrow back to High Point Theatre by popular demand! This legendary singer/songwriter was part of folk music’s most influential trios - Peter, Paul & Mary. The “up close and personal,” nostalgic feel of Peter’s concert will have you talking about the experience for years to come.
Closing out the month of January is renowned Steinway artist Robin Spielberg. Compelling melodies, sensitive and expressive piano techniques, and story-telling about the origins of the music combine to make the pieces come alive and transforms what could easily be an ordinary evening at the theatre into a very memorable concert experience  … coming on Sat., Jan. 23.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Tues., Feb. 14, don’t miss Ken Lavigne: The Road to Carnegie Hall. Joined by a gifted four-piece musical ensemble, Levigne will use his exciting blend of classical tenor sound and modern style to take concert goers on a wonderfully riveting and enchanting journey, recalling his ultimate dream to sing at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops. An optional dinner package will also be available for the perfect romantic experience!
Two of the most acclaimed, award-winning vocal groups in pop music - The Manhattan Transfer and Take 6 - combine forces for the first time, creating an unforgettable concert event sure to thrill audiences of all ages. With a remarkable 20 Grammy Awards between the two, and a range of styles from jazz to swing, gospel to R&B, each group will perform a set, culminating with a duet featuring innovative arrangements, funky grooves, and the tightest harmonies known in the music business! “The Summit” is coming up on Sat., Feb. 25.
Fri., Mar. 24, The Blackpack: All Laughs Matter, consisting of Vince Morris, BT, and Billy D. Washington, celebrates individualism rather than differences, one joke at a time. The ensemble’s spontaneous and hilarious reactions to questions received from the audience during the “Ask A Black Man” segment is sure to be a crowd favorite!  
Who would have ever believed that banjo, dobro, mandolin, bass, and guitar could bring the same energy and vision to “Tommy” as Peter Townsend and The Who did with a full rock band and orchestra? 45 years after its original release, this classic of classic rock has now been realized as a full length bluegrass tribute, conceived and produced by SXSW co-founder and longtime musician-producer Louis Jay Meyers. Featuring Springfield, Missouri’s, The HillBenders, it’s The Who’s Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry, on Fri., Mar. 31.
Sat., April 1, the theatre presents “The Prince of Sophisticated Soul” Will Downing, followed by the Three Redneck Tenors on Sat., April 29. Over the course of a 27 year career, Downing’s music has become a living example of the absolute best that smooth R&B and Soul has to offer. Then, prepare yourself for a sidesplitting ride as the mullet-haired trio of hillbilly bumpkins Billy Joe, Billy Bob and Billy Billee bring “down home laughs with big city music.” Matthew Lord, Blake Davidson, and Jonathan Frugé - classically trained veteran artists from world opera stages – will delight you with their vocal prowess.
Closing out the season on May 16, Dr. Elliot Engel will reveal the fascinating life of author-explorer-courtier Sir Walter Raleigh who deserves to be celebrated for far more than his muddy cape. “Beyond the Muddy Cloak: The Brilliance of Sir Walter Raleigh” is a lecture for lovers of all things related to literature, humor, history, and enlightening entertainment.
“I hope you enjoy our lineup of artists and performances scheduled for the theatre’s 2016-2017 Passport to Entertainment series,” says High Point Theatre Director David Briggs. “Now celebrating our 41st year of operations, our focus continues to be providing our supporters with an exceptional entertainment experience.” For tickets and information, please call the High Point theatre box office at (336) 887-3001 during regular business hours (Mon-Fri, 12 noon–5 PM) or visit our website at www.highpointtheatre.com.




About High Point Theatre
Owned and operated by the City of High Point, the High Point Theatre is conveniently located within
the International Home Furnishings Center at the corner of Commerce Avenue and Hamilton Street
in High Point. The Theatre features an elegant 965-seat auditorium with continental style seating,

three exhibition galleries for meetings, displays, and receptions, and free parking."

- A Press Release

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