Check Out The 2012-13 Arts Center Concert Season

(The following news release comes from the . Tickets go on sale at noon on Aug. 1. To purchase tickets, log on to www.hopkinsartscenter.com or call 952-979-1111.)

The Hopkins Center for the Arts is pleased to announce its eclectic and exciting 2012-2013 concert season -- featuring national and regional touring artists ranging from Aaron Neville to McCoy Tyner to Michael Johnson. In addition to purchasing tickets to individual events, patrons may purchase flex packages of any 3, 6 or 9 events at a substantial savings.

Saturday Sets (all events are at 8pm, preceded by a social hour at 7 pm with free appetizers and a cash bar):

October 6, 2012            An Evening with Michael Johnson*            $24

Singer/songwriter Michael Johnson has performed recorded and lived more music than most of us can imagine. Landmark songs by this guitarist extraordinaire include “Bluer Than Blue” and “This Night Won’t Last Forever”, and he is working on a new collection.

October 27            Monroe Crossing            $24

Monroe Crossing dazzles audiences with and electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. Their airtight harmonies, razor sharp arrangements and on-stage rapport make them toe-tapping favorites across the US and Canada.

November 17            Quartet San Francisco*            $26

This high powered classical cross over ensemble is redefining the sound and definition of chamber music. Grammy nominees for their last 3 CDs, Quartet San Francisco demonstrates agility and virtuosic playing.

January 19, 2013            Aaron Neville solo*            $46

For five decades Grammy-winner Aaron Neville and the Neville brothers have been synonymous with the indelible spirit of New Orleans. Sustained by his music and his faith, Aaron Neville has managed to thrive. Hear this gospel, R&B and country legend in an intimate setting. 

February 23            The Calder Quartet*            $26

Considered one of the most exciting, innovative and accessible quartets to emerge this century, the Calder Quartet presents programs balancing masterworks with works by contemporary composers, emerging musicians, and performers across genres. 

March 9            McCoy Tyner Quartet* (A Twin Cities Jazz Society Jazz from J to Z event )$36

Five time Grammy winner and NEA Jazz Master, McCoy Tyner will bring his sophisticated, fierce blues based piano style and extraordinary band to our stage.  Tyner has been hailed around the world as a master pianist, jazz stylist and one of the best living composers of the genre.

April 13            Arne Fogel presents “We Love Our Pianos”            $24

                  A musical symposium on singers, piano players and their relationship in jazz and popular song.  Featuring vocalists Connie Evingson, Nancy Harms and Arne Fogel and an all-star team of piano wizards.                 

April 27            An Evening with Peter Yarrow            $28

Peter Yarrow’s talents as a creative artist—both with the legendary trio Peter, Paul & Mary and as a solo performer have produced such well-known songs as “Puff, the Magic Dragon”, “Day is Done” and “Light One Candle”. Yarrow has earned multiple platinum albums, as well as numerous Grammys.                 

May 11            “From Bach to Bop” with the Laura Caviani Trio            $24

Pianist Laura Caviani merges her jazz background with classical works by such composers as J.S. Bach, Schumann , Chopin , and Gershwin to create inspired and beautiful arrangements.  Featuring her trio as well as a variety of guest artists.

*Made possible in part by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Special Holiday Concert and Fundraiser for the Arts

December 29, 2012            The Peterson Family Presents A New Year Celebration                        $TBA

Minnesota’s First Family of Music will fill the evening with jazz and holiday music from past and present. This will be the only concert the entire Peterson Family will be presenting during the 2012 holidays.

 (The New Year Celebration is not eligible for flex package pricing)

Take Five Tuesdays (all events are at 7pm, preceded by a social hour at 6 pm with free appetizers and a cash bar):

Co-presented with Sue McLean & Associates

December 18, 2012            Holiday Concert with Alison Scott            $20

Alison Scott’s soulful organic sound has cut through the din of indie rock to build a large and loyal following. A favorite from last year’s Take Five Tuesday series, she returns to Hopkins to perform a mix of her hits and holiday songs.

January 29, 2013            Ruthie Foster            $28

Multiple award-winner Ruthie Foster can burn down a stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk and gospel. Her powerful, deeply soulful vocals have earned her a dedicated fan base nation-wide.

February 5            Dala            $20

Juno nominees and winners of the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine are Dala, an acoustic duo that performs with infectious joy and lush vocal harmonies.

March 26            The Pines            $24

One of the most distinct and powerful indie-rock/Americana groups to hit the national scene in years, The Pines create a sound that Rolling Stone writer David Fricke calls “quietly gripping” and others have termed “stark-country.”

April 2            Halloween, Alaska            $24

This Minnesota indie rock band is a full bodied rock band with equal tastes for winsome melody, warm atmospheric flourish, heady lyricism and freewheeling sonic detours.

For more information on both series, see www.hopkinsartscenter.com.