For Immediate Release
15 August 2007

Variety of Events tempt patrons to
New Performance Season at Cal State Northridge

Northridge, CA:  A wide variety of events, including top Irish Band Dervish, Broadway Showstoppers, internationally renowned Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal, politically attuned Second City Comedy Troup’s Dysfunctional Christmas, followed by “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” The Magic of Ireland, The Pasadena Symphony, and Texas Swing Band Asleep at the Wheel, are all joining ArtsNorthridge, as the Plaza del Sol Performance Hall (formerly the Performing Arts Center) is proud to present the upcoming 2007-2008 Season at California State University, Northridge.  Long a Mecca for local entertainment in the San Fernando Valley, the Performance Hall provides several new programs each month—a welcome alternative for those looking for thrilling live entertainment without the time and expense of a long drive to Los Angeles.

Saturday, October 13 at 8 p.m. marks the return appearance of Ireland’s famed Dervish” band to the ‘shores of Northridge for another frolicking good time.  Known from the Great Wall of China to packed auditoriums in the Holy Land, and more recently-- being the first Irish band to perform at the greatest music festival in the world, "Rock in Rio,” in front of an estimated audience of two hundred and forty thousand people-- Dervish has come a long way in eighteen years!  Eight CD’s and thousands of appearances later, Dervish is one of the most respected, raucously fun and pleasingly tender bands in all he world.

The Producers, Spamalot, Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Lion King and Wicked are among the biggest Broadway shows of all time—still playing to sold out houses each and every night!  Come hear your favorite Broadway hits by Elton John, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and Kander and Ebb in one electrifying blockbuster show—Broadway Showstoppers--Saturday, November 10 at 8 p.m.  Experience comedy, passion and romance as you take a highly charged emotional ride through Broadway’s greatest hits!  Our performers combined credits include starring roles on Broadway in Les Miserables, Evita, and Phantom of the Opera, as well as guest artist appearances with major symphony orchestras and concerts everywhere from Carnegie Hall to a command performance at the White House.  With such dynamic music and extraordinary talent, this performance is certain to be a thrilling celebration of musical theatre’s most spectacular moments!

” Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal” is forging on under a new name: [BJM_danse]—and blasting it’s way to the Performance Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m.  With its new artistic orientation, and its wealth of skills and experience, this renowned contemporary dance company has splendidly followed the path set out by Louis Robitaille, the troupe’s artistic director since 1998. Without renouncing its artistic heritage, [bjm_danse] is expanding its horizons, offering a form of dance that is vibrant, accessible and interfused with elements of the avant-garde. By featuring works by such choreographers as Crystal Pite, Edgar Zendejas and Rodrigo Pederneiras in its 2007-2008 season, [bjm_danse] is continuing to provide a showcase for the leading figures of contemporary dance.

This year marks the second annual visit of Chicago’s famed Second City Comedy Troupe—this time, for your seasonal pleasure, with their “Dysfunctional Holiday Revue.”  Get your tickets early, because this Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007 event was an early sell-out in 2006!  The “Dysfunctional Holiday Revue” is a raucous blend of sketches, songs, and improvisation—with a healthy dose of seasonal satire.  The show is a fast-paced, interactive comedy revue filled with style and wit.  Holiday film classics, family gatherings, improvised Christmas carols, even Joseph and Mary—nothing is too sacred for the Second City ensemble.  Funny, bright and completely original, “Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue” is the perfect alternative to the same old holiday shows!  Come see something completely new and possibly shocking—call 818 677 2488 for tickets now

Linda Eder: The Most Anticipated Christmas Concert of 2007

Broadway’s brightest star, Linda Eder, will make a triumphal Christmas Concert return to Cal State Northridge on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.  This will be Ms. Eder’s only California performance of the year! Linda’s last appearance at CSUN was an astonishing overnight sellout of thrilling performances that quickly became LA’s social and celebrity destination du jour.  Hear the much-loved standards, as well as all our favorites from her Christmas album.  “Simply one of the most spell-binding singers of our time”  New York Daily News

December 15 and 16, brings Ebenezer Scrooge back to life in the ongoing favorite METN’s “Christmas Carol,” with performances scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday, and a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday. This is an annual family favorite!

Ain't Misbehavin,” the musical revue with book by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr., and music by Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller, serves as a tribute to the black musicians of the 1920s and '30s who were part of the Harlem Renaissance, an era of growing creativity, cultural awareness, and ethnic pride.   The show takes its title from the 1929 Waller song "Ain't Misbehavin'". It was a time when Manhattan nightclubs like The Cotton Club and The Savoy Ballroom were the playgrounds of high society and Lenox Avenue dives were filled with piano players banging out the new beat known as swing. Five performers present an evening of rowdy, raunchy, and humorous songs that encapsulate the various moods of the era and reflect Waller's view of life as a journey meant for pleasure and play.  On Sunday, February 9, 2008 at 8 p.m., come see what a joyous cast Cal State Northridge has delivered, and celebrate Black History Month with this creative and memorable event.

Start your St. Paddy’s weekend early with an enchanting evening of Irish song and dance Friday, March 14, 2008, at 8 p.m.  Long before Riverdance, there was Irish dance, music and song, often taking place spontaneously in kitchens, taverns, and family gatherings.  The percussion of dance steps fuelled the exciting pulse of music and its ancient compelling rhythms.  The Magic of Ireland offers the most authentic Irish cultural experience, featuring traditional Irish dance, music and song enhanced by stunning costumes, lighting and sound—find yourself transported to the Emerald Isle for an outstanding evening of entertainment.

Kick off the spectacular Spring season with a gathering of musical friends! Join Jorge Mester and The Pasadena Symphony, along with special guests, at Cal State Northridge on Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m.  Rediscover the Plaza del Sol Performance Hall’s incredible acoustics and intimate setting as you are treated to a stimulating afternoon of favorite concert music.

“We’re a dance band.  That’s what we’re about.  And that’s plenty,” says Ray Benson of his famous Texas 36-year old swing band, Asleep at the Wheel.  Carrying the torch of western swing to packed venues across the globe, Asleep at the Wheel rolls through Northridge on Saturday, April 12, at 8 p.m.   Says Liz Smith of the New York Post—“The most entertaining night in Texas!”—now here at Cal State Northridge.  Prepare to boogey!

Whatever your fancy, bring your family and friends to the Cal State Northridge Performance Hall for a dose of real live entertainment, in a small, intimate theatre with perfect acoustics!  No seat is further than 50 ft. from the performers—it’s like having them visit you in your own living room!

The above artists will be at the Plaza del Sol Performance Hall (formerly the Performing Arts Center) at California State University, Northridge, on days noted.  Tickets are available from $20-$75.  There are a limited number of student tickets available at $20-$30 each (limit 2 per student) with proper ID.  20% Group Discounts for 12 or more are available by calling 818-677-7686.  Parking is $5 at all times. All regular priced single tickets can be purchased by calling the Ticket Office at 818-677-2488 or log on to: www.ArtsNorthridge.csun.com

The Plaza del Sol Performance Hall is located off the west side of Zelzah Avenue, between Prairie and Plummer Streets in the Plaza del Sol complex. Patrons should use Parking Lot G4 and follow the orange signs to the ticket office, located next to the Performance Hall staircase. For more information contact:
Therri Donnelly
818-677-7686,
Fax 818-677-5472 or
e-mail: therri.donnelly@csun.edu
High-resolution photographs (300dpi) for most events are available for download at www.ArtsNorthridge.csun.com