Livingston Taylor Headlines Concert Series in Newport
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
While Newport's International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum may be well-known for hosting the sport's celebrated stars, it is about to host several musical ones as well.
The historic Casino Theatre, located on the property Hall of Fame in Newport, will be the setting for a series of concerts in the new year, starting with popular folk singer-songwriters Cheryl Wheeler on Sunday, February 19 at 7 pm and Livingston Taylor on Saturday, April 7 at 8 pm.
"The Casino Theatre has a rich history of hosting legendary performers, and it has served as an entertainment venue to bring the community together for more than 130 years," said Mark L. Stenning, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. "As result of last year's successful restoration, we are pleased to be able to invite people back once again to enjoy the facility and some great entertainment."
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Originally constructed in 1880 and restored and re-opened in 2010, the 295-seat Casino Theatre offers a grand atmosphere reminiscent of Newport's Gilded Age history, but provides an intimate musical experience. Over the years, the venue has hosted entertainment ranging from theatrical performances to live music to ballroom dancing. The theatre was closed for 30 years, until 2010, when the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum partnered with Salve Regina University to restore the facility to its original grandeur. Following the award-winning restoration, the University began using the theatre for its Performing Arts Department and the Hall of Fame has utilized it to host numerous public events.
The buzz is on for two beloved visitors to Newport's music scene. "Cheryl Wheeler and Livingston Taylor deliver fantastic shows and we look forward to welcoming them and many other top musicians in the future," Stenning said.
Cheryl Wheeler
Truly a stand-out performer on the acoustic music scene, New Englander Cheryl Wheeler treats fans to a one-of-a-kind show that features original songs, beautiful vocals, and quick-witted humor. Wheeler has released 10 albums over the past 25 years or so. She tours extensively, having accumulated a huge following of fans who enjoy her unique mix of comedic story-telling and beautiful, unique songs- often written about interesting observations regarding life's little nuances. A highly respected songwriter, Wheeler's original music has been covered by artists as diverse as Bette Midler, Garth Brooks, Peter, Paul & Mary, and Kenny Loggins, among many others. Her most recent album, Pointing at the Sun, was released in 2009.
Livingston Taylor
Livingston Taylor has been a frequent headliner on the Newport music scene during his 40-plus-year career, but the Casino Theatre show will be his first public show in Newport in several years. Known for his comfortable and entertaining stage presence, Taylor is an expert at drawing the audience into his music. His concerts often range from original works spanning folk, country, bluegrass and blues genres to an occasional rock cover or Broadway classic.
Taylor has written most of his musical repertoire, including Top-40 hits "I Will be in Love with You" and "I'll Come Running," and, recorded by his brother James, "I Can Dream of You," "Going Round One More Time" and "Boatman" (all on the double Grammy-winning album Hourglass). His most recent album, Last Alaska Moon, was well received upon release in 2010. In addition to songwriting and a robust tour schedule of some 80 shows per year, Taylor is a full professor at Berklee College of Music, where he has taught a Stage Performance course since 1989.
Concert details + more
Additional performers for the new Casino Theatre Concert Series will be announced in the coming months. Tickets for Cheryl Wheeler are $30, $35, or $40 and are now on sale. Livingston Taylor tickets are $45, $50, or $60 and will go on sale to Hall of Fame Members on January 12, and to the general public on January 17. Tickets and Hall of Fame memberships may be purchased on www.tennisfame.com or by calling 849-6053.
