Tony Bennett
Saturday, May 24 , 2014 @ 8:00 PM
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 14@ 9AM
Judy Garland: “…the epitome of what entertainers were put on earth for. Tony was born to take people’s troubles away, even if it’s only for an hour. He loves doing it; he’s a giver.”
"We aren't likely to see a recording career like this again." - The New York Times
The Stiefel Theatre proudly presents Tony Bennett, the 17 time Grammy Award-winning musician whose music spans over six decades on MAY 24 at the Stiefel Theatre In Salilna.
Sony Legacy just released Tony Bennett: the classics which showcases a compilation of selections from Tony’s recent series of Duets CDs as well as solo versions of many catalog favorites.
With worldwide record sales in the millions, and dozens of platinum and gold albums to his credit, Tony Bennett is a musician who touches the hearts and souls of audiences with his legendary vocals and charming stage presence. His long list of achievements, spanning over 60 years, includes seventeen Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, making this artist a true international treasure. His signature tunes, such as “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” and “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” form part of the fabric of American music culture. Often billed as the world’s most boyish octogenarian, Tony Bennett is a vital musical artist at the peak of his powers.
Tony Bennett’s daughter, Antonia Bennett has been touring with her father and will open the performance with a collection of jazz/pop standards. Antonia Bennett is a graduate of the pretigious Berklee College of Music.
Tony Bennett celebrated his 85th birthday in 2011 with a the release of “Duets II” and made music history by making Tony the oldest artist to ever have a #1 CD on the Billboard album charts. “Duets II,” followed up “Tony Bennett Duets: An American Classic” CD, released in 2006. 2012 marked the 50th anniversary of the singer’s signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” as well as the release of a new documentary film, THE ZEN OF BENNETT, created and conceived by Tony’s son and manager Danny Bennett. Bennett also released his fourth book, LIFE IS A GIFT, was also released in 2012 and entered the NY Times Best Seller list.
Tony Bennett is also a talented painter. He has exhibited his work in galleries around the world, and three of his original paintings are part of the permanent collection in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC.
Throughout his career, Tony Bennett has put his heart and time into supporting humanitarian concerns and joined with Dr. Martin Luther King in the historic Selma march in 1965. His many charitable works include raising millions towards Diabetes, and lending his artwork to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. In 2007, he was honored by the United Nations. Together with his wife, Susan, Tony Bennett established the charitable organization, Exploring The Arts (ETA) to support arts education in public high schools. Tony founded the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, a NYC public high school in his hometown of Astoria, Queens and ETA now supports 14 additional NYC public high schools throughout New York City and just expanded to support three public arts high schools in Los Angeles.

STYX
Sunday, August 24th @ 8:00 PM
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 7
@ 9AM
STYX - Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Lawrence Gowan, Todd Sucherman and Ricky Phillips (along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo), have performed more live since ’99 than all of the previous years of its career combined. Two Super-Bowl appearances, Pollstar Box Office chart-topping tours with Def Leppard, Journey, Boston, REO Speedwagon, Bad Company (to name only a few), two more studio albums and no end in sight, STYX continues to conquer the planet, one venue at a time.
Spawned from a suburban Chicago basement in the early ‘70s, Styx would eventually transform into the virtual arena rock prototype by the late '70s and early '80s, due to a fondness for big rockers and soaring power ballads.
Early on, Styx's music reflected such then-current prog rockers as Emerson, Lake & Palmer and the Moody Blues, as evidenced by such releases as 1972's self-titled debut, 1973's Styx II, 1974's The Serpent Is Rising, and 1975's Man of Miracles. While the albums (as well as non-stop touring) helped the group build a substantial following locally, Styx failed to break through to the mainstream, until a track originally from their second album, "Lady" started to get substantial airplay in late '74 on the Chicago radio station WLS-FM. The song was soon issued as a single nationwide, and quickly shot to number six on the singles chart, as Styx II was certified gold. By this time, however, the group had grown disenchanted with their record label, and opted to sign on with A&M for their fifth release overall, 1975's Equinox (their former label would issue countless compilations over the years, culled from tracks off their early releases). On the eve of the tour in support of the album, original guitarist John Curulewski abruptly left the band, and was replaced by Tommy Shaw. Shaw proved to be the missing piece of the puzzle for Styx, as most of their subsequent releases throughout the late '70s earned at least platinum certification (1976's Crystal Ball, 1977's The Grand Illusion, 1978's Pieces of Eight, and 1979's Cornerstone), and spawned such hit singles and classic rock radio standards as "Come Sail Away," "Renegade," "Blue Collar Man" and "Fooling Yourself.”
The band decided that their first release of the '80s would be a concept album, 1981's Paradise Theater, which was loosely based on the rise and fall of a once-beautiful theater (which was supposedly used as a metaphor for the state of the U.S. at the time -- the Iranian hostage situation, the Cold War, Reagan, etc.). Paradise Theater became Styx's biggest hit of their career (selling over three million copies in a three-year period), as they became one of the U.S. top rock acts due to such big hit singles as "Too Much Time on My Hands". It also marked the first time in history that a band released four consecutive triple-platinum albums.
A career-encompassing live album, Caught in the Act, was issued in 1984, before Styx went on hiatus, and the majority of its members pursued solo projects throughout the remainder of the decade. A re-recording of their early hit, "Lady" (titled "Lady" '95"), for a Greatest Hits compilation, finally united Shaw with his former Styx bandmates, which led to a full-on reunion tour in 1996. But drummer John Panozzo fell seriously ill at the time (due to a long struggle with alcoholism), which prevented him from joining the proceedings -- as he passed away in July of the same year. Although grief-stricken, Styx persevered with new drummer Todd Sucherman taking the place of Panozzo, as the Styx reunion tour became a surprise sold-out success, resulting in the release of a live album/video, 1997's "Return to Paradise," while a whole new generation of rock fans were introduced to the grandiose sounds of Styx via a humorous car ad which used the track "Mr. Roboto," as well as songs used in such TV shows as South Park and Freaks & Geeks.


DAVID SEDARIS
Thursday, Mar 13 @ 8:00PM
With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.
David Sedaris is the author of Barrel Fever and Holidays on Ice, as well as collections of personal essays, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, and his most recent book, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, each of which became an immediate bestseller. He is the author of the NYT-bestselling collection of fables entitled Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary (with illustrations by Ian Falconer). He was also the editor of Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules: An Anthology of Outstanding Stories. Sedaris’s pieces appear regularly in The New Yorker and have twice been included in “The Best American Essays.” There are a total of seven million copies of his books in print and they have been translated into 25 languages. Tickets: $38, $49, $55


REO SPEEDWAGON
Friday, Mar 14 @ 8:00PM
Formed in 1967, signed in 1971, and fronted by iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin since 1972, REO Speedwagon is a band where the main constant over the decades is a never-ending desire to give their all to their fans, year in and year out. Formed loosely in the late '60s at college in Champaign, IL, REO (named after the precursor to the light truck) rode to gigs in station wagons, hopping from small gigs to even tinier gigs, just to get their name out. It worked, as fans quickly realized there was much more going on here than your average college party band.
By the early '70s, the band's unrelenting drive, as well as non-stop touring and recording, jump-started the burgeoning rock movement in the Midwest. It carved a path that was eventually followed by STYX, Kansas, Cheap Trick and more. Platinum albums and freeform FM radio staples such as "Ridin' The Storm Out" followed, setting the stage for 1980's explosive Hi Infidelity. REO rode the top of the charts with a RIAA-certified 22 million albums sold in the U.S. and 40 million around the globe, with a string of gold and platinum records and international hit singles.
Even now, fully established with songs on the radio in every city and town they ever set foot in, REO Speedwagon still has that Midwest work ethic. The band has gone on stage and in the studio to work- dozens of albums, thousands of concerts, and countless radio spins. Their eyes have always been on the future and on the road - not a year has gone by where REO Speedwagon didn't perform live, thrilling fans with hit filled sets.
The band's younger fans might not realize the sheer impact REO has had on music and the culture of rock 'n' roll. Hi Infidelity'smillions in sales were fueled by massive hit singles such as "Keep On Loving You" and "Take It On the Run." Thirty-plus years later, the nine-times certified platinum Hi Infidelity still remains a high-water mark for rock bands; the album spent 15 weeks in the #1 slot, a feat simply unattainable in music today.
At the center of REO's desire to keep it rocking for the fans is Kevin Cronin, who looks like he's found the fountain of youth--along with the secret to penning some of the biggest hits in rock. With bandmates Bruce Hall on bass, keyboardist Neal Doughty, Dave Amato on lead guitar and drummer Bryan Hitt, REO has remained busy since the band celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2007.
These days REO are still doing what they've always done - taking good care of their legacy while keeping the focus on the future. REO's career will always carry on with music that continues to define excellence in song craftsmanship and brilliant live performance for several generations of fans. Tickets: $79, $89, $99


MARTY STUART
Saturday, Mar 22 @ 8:00PM
Marty Stuart is a five time GRAMMY-winner, platinum recording artist, Grand Ole Opry star, country music archivist, Southern culture historian, photographer, musician, songwriter, TV show host, charismatic force of nature, and country music fan.Since starting out singing gospel as a child, Stuart, 54, has spent over four decades celebrating American roots music with a missionary's zeal. His teenage years on tour with bluegrass legend Lester Flatt in the '70s were followed by six years in Johnny Cash's band during the '80s and a chart-topping tenure as a solo artist in the '90s.The turn of the century saw Stuart looking inward to make deeply felt records paying homage to his love of vintage gospel, his Native American passions, and as always, his core -- foot-stompin', tail-shakin', honky tonkin', rockin' hillbilly music. His latest musical oeuvre is ably supported by the coolest cats in Nashville - his backing band, The Fabulous Superlatives: guitarist Kenny Vaughan, drummer Harry Stinson, and bassist Paul Martin.Stuart's zest for every conceivable flavor of country music is also seen regularly by TV viewers these days, on RFD-TV's "The Marty Stuart Show", a musical variety show and the number one program on the network.So, what's next? As musicologist Peter North cites, "Marty Stuart seems wrapped in his destiny at this point in time. Not only as country music's most notable ambassador/caretaker, but as its main archetypical crusader. He has without question evolved into one of the most important roots musicians and visionaries in America." Tickets: $35, $45, $55


SALINA SYMPHONY - BEAUTY AND THE BEAST –
Symphonic Musical
Presented in Partnership with the Salina Community Theatre & Kansas Wesleyan University
Saturday March 29, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday March 30, 4:00 p.m.
“Be our Guest” for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as it comes to life on the Stiefel Theatre stage. Join Belle, the Beast, Mrs. Potts and the cast of characters as they tell this enchanted story accompanied by
full orchestra.
Sponsored by: The Bank of Tescott
Sat:   Sun:

SALINA YOUTH SYMPHONY
Sunday April 6, 4:00 p.m.
These inspiring performances will feature more than 160 members of the Youth Symphony, Junior Youth Symphony and Preparatory Orchestra.
Sponsored by: Symphony Educational Partners, Claudia Perez-Tamayo, M.D., & Alfredo Lopez


Rob Thomas
Thursday, April 17 @ 8pm
Multiple Grammy winning Emblem/Atlantic recording artist Rob Thomas has announced plans for a month-long North American special headline run. These shows will offer the rare and unique opportunity to catch the superstar performing in a more up close and personal setting, playing a career-spanning set.
Rob Thomas is one of the most distinctive vocalists and accomplished songwriters in contemporary music, garnering a string of accolades - both for his work as lead singer and primary composer with Matchbox Twenty as well as for his solo work and collaborations with other artists. In 2004, the Songwriters Hall of Fame presented Thomas with its first ever "Starlight Award" - created to recognize a songwriter in the early years of his or her career that has already made a lasting impact. He has won numerous BMI and ASCAP Awards, and has earned the Songwriter of the Year crown from both Billboard and BMI, two years in a row.
Thomas is best known for his chart-topping hits such as "Lonely No More" and "This is How a Heart Breaks" and Matchbox Twenty hits like "Push," "3AM," "If You're Gone," and "Bent." Thomas also earned three Grammy Awards for "Smooth," his smash collaboration with Santana. Thomas wrote and sang the song, which currently ranks first onBillboard's"Top Hot 100 Rock Songs" chart and second on the magazine's "Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs." Thomas last solo album,Cradlesong, generated even more number one hits, including "Someday" and "Her Diamonds." Overall, Thomas has contributed to sales of more than 80 million records.
Rob Thomas and his Matchbox Twenty band mates recently finished up their hugely successful sold-out world tour in support of their #1 selling album "NORTH." Fueled by critical acclaim - as well as the hit singles, "She's So Mean," "Overjoyed" and "Our Song"- the album's unprecedented success marked the band's first-ever chart-topper and #1 debut. Rob is currently at work on his third solo album.


SALINA SYMPHONY - CELEBRATE THE MAESTRO: MAESTRO’S CHOICE
Sunday May 4, 4:00 p.m.
The season will conclude with a musical celebration of Maestro
Hakoda’s 10th anniversary with the Symphony! The program will include a number of the Maestro’s favorite works, including the fourth movement from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 featuring the Maestro’s former students as soloists as well as a community chorus.
Sponsored by: Artful Parties and Events, Roger & Sissy Morrison


ROGER MCGUINN
Friday, May 9 @ 8:00PM
As the founder of The Byrds, Roger McGuinn is firmly established as an indisputable industry icon. From his signature 12 string Rickenbacker sound, to his instantly recognizable vocals on hits like “Turn, Turn, Turn”, Eight Miles High” and Mr. Tambouring Man”, McGuinn didn’t just make music; he made history with his fearless sense of experimentation. As the leader of the influential 60s group, The Byrds, he was on the leading edge, combining the rock beat of the Beatles with the folk sensibilities of Bob Dylan, to create the genre known as “folk-rock.” Roger’s solo career began in 1973 and has yielded 10 albums, a Grammy nomination, and extensive touring and performing for enthralled audiences ever since. Tickets: $35


THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
Friday, May 30 @ 7:30PM
The Wichita Grand Opera presents Rossini’s comic opera, The Barber of Seville, under the music direction of Maestro Ken Hakoda. Charming, lighthearted, and endlessly enjoyable, Rossini’s most popular comic opera tells the story of Rosina, whose heart is pursued by two suitors. The town’s mischievous barber, Figaro, is at the heart of the action. Tickets: $15 students, $32, $42