Big Band Holidays
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
featuring Dianne Reeves
with Samara Joy
Saturday, December 3 | 7:30pm
VICTOR GOINES, Music Director/tenor and soprano saxophones, clarinet, bass clarinet
SUMMER CAMARGO, trumpet
RYAN KISOR, trumpet
KENNY RAMPTON, trumpet
MARCUS RAMPTON, trumpet
CHRIS CRENSHAW, trombone, The Golkin Family Chair
SAM CHESS, trombone
ELLIOT MASON, trombone
CHRIS LEWIS, tenor and soprano saxophones
SHERMAN IRBY, alto and soprano saxophones, flute, clarinet
TED NASH, alto and soprano saxophones, flute, clarinet
PAUL NEDZELA, baritone and soprano saxophones, bass clarinet
DAN NIMMER, piano, The Zou Family Chair
CARLOS HENRIQUEZ, bass, The Mandel Family Chair in honor of Kathleen B. Mandel
OBED CALVAIRE, drums
DIANNE REEVES, vocals
SAMARA JOY, vocals
Program to be announced from the stage.
Artists subject to change.
With the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and guest artists spanning genres and generations, JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER produces thousands of performances, education, and broadcast events each season in its home in New York City (Frederick P. Rose Hall, “The House of Swing”) and around the world, for people of all ages. Jazz at Lincoln Center is led by Chairman Clarence Otis, Managing and Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, and Executive Director Greg Scholl. Please visit us at jazz.org.
The JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA (JLCO), comprising 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today, has been the Jazz at Lincoln Center resident orchestra since 1988 and spends over a third of the year on tour across the world. Featured in all aspects of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s programming, this remarkably versatile orchestra performs and leads educational events in New York, across the U.S. and around the globe; in concert halls; dance venues; jazz clubs; public parks; and with symphony orchestras; ballet troupes; local students; and an ever-expanding roster of guest artists. Under Music Director Wynton Marsalis, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performs a vast repertoire, from rare historic compositions to Jazz at Lincoln Center-commissioned works, including compositions and arrangements by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus, and current and former Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra members Wynton Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, Ted Nash, Victor Goines, Sherman Irby, Chris Crenshaw, and Carlos Henriquez.
Throughout the last decade, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra has performed with many of the world’s leading symphony orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic; Cleveland Orchestra; Philadelphia Orchestra; Czech Philharmonic; Berlin Philharmonic; Boston Symphony Orchestra; Chicago Symphony Orchestra; London Symphony Orchestra; Sydney Symphony Orchestra; Melbourne Symphony Orchestra; St. Louis Symphony Orchestra; Los Angeles Philharmonic and many others. Marsalis’ three major works for full symphony orchestra and jazz orchestra, All Rise – Symphony No. 1 (1999), Swing Symphony – Symphony No. 3 (2010), and The Jungle – Symphony No. 4 (2016), continue to be the focal point of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s symphonic collaborations.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra has also been featured in several education and performance residencies in the last few years, including those in Melbourne, Australia; Sydney, Australia; Chautauqua, New York; Prague, Czech Republic; Vienna, Austria; London, England; São Paulo, Brazil; and many others.
Education is a major part of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s mission; its educational activities are coordinated with concert and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra tour programming. These programs, many of which feature Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra members, include the celebrated Jazz for Young People™ family concert series; the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival; the Jazz for Young People™ Curriculum; Let Freedom Swing, educational residencies; workshops; and concerts for students and adults worldwide. Jazz at Lincoln Center educational programs reach over 110,000 students, teachers and general audience members.
Jazz at Lincoln Center, NPR Music and WBGO have partnered to create the next generation of jazz programming in public radio: Jazz Night in America. The series showcases today’s vital jazz scene while also underscoring the genre’s storied history. Hosted by bassist Christian McBride, the program features hand-picked performances from across the country, woven with the colorful stories of the artists behind them. Jazz Night in America and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s radio archive can be found at jazz.org/radio.
In 2015, Jazz at Lincoln Center launched Blue Engine Records, a new platform to make its vast archive of recorded concerts available to jazz audiences everywhere. The label is dedicated to releasing new studio and live recordings as well as archival recordings from past Jazz at Lincoln Center performances, and its first record—Live in Cuba, recorded on a historic 2010 trip to Havana by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis—was released in October 2015. Big Band Holidays was released in December 2015, The Abyssinian Mass came out in March 2016, The Music of John Lewis was released in March 2017, and the JLCO’s Handful of Keys came out in September 2017. Blue Engine’s United We Swing: Best of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Galas features the Wynton Marsalis Septet and an array of special guests, with all proceeds going toward Jazz at Lincoln Center’s education initiatives. Blue Engine’s most recent album releases include 2020’s A Swingin’ Sesame Street Celebration and 2021’s The Democracy Suite featuring the JLCO Septet with Wynton Marsalis.
For more information on Jazz at Lincoln Center, please visit www.jazz.org.
Five-time Grammy winner DIANNE REEVES is the pre-eminent jazz vocalist in the world. As a result of her breathtaking virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique jazz and R&B stylings, Reeves received the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings—a Grammy first in any vocal category.
Featured in George Clooney’s six-time Academy Award nominated Good Night, and Good Luck, Reeves won the “Best Jazz Vocal” Grammy for the film’s soundtrack.
Reeves has recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. She has also recorded with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim and was a featured soloist with Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic. Reeves was the first Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the first vocalist to ever perform at the famed Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Reeves worked with legendary producer Arif Mardin (Norah Jones, Aretha Franklin) on the Grammy winning A Little Moonlight, an intimate collection of standards featuring her touring trio. When Reeves’ holiday collection Christmas Time is Here was released, Ben Ratliff of The New York Times raved, “Ms. Reeves, a jazz singer of frequently astonishing skill, takes the assignment seriously; this is one of the best jazz Christmas CDs I've heard. ”
In recent years Reeves has toured the world in a variety of contexts including “Sing the Truth,” a musical celebration of Nina Simone which also featured Lizz Wright and Angelique Kidjo. She performed at the White House on multiple occasions including President Obama's State Dinner for the President of China as well as the Governors’ Ball.
Reeves’ release Beautiful Life, features Gregory Porter, Robert Glasper, Lalah Hathaway and Esperanza Spalding. Produced by Terri Lyne Carrington, Beautiful Life won the 2015 Grammy for “Best Jazz Vocal Performance.”
Reeves is the recipient of honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music and the Juilliard School. In 2018 the National Endowment for the Arts designated Reeves a Jazz Master—the highest honor the United States bestows on jazz artists.
With her Verve Records debut, Linger Awhile, 23-year-old SAMARA JOY makes her case to join the likes of Sarah, Ella, and Billie as the next mononymous jazz singing sensation recorded by the venerable label. Her voice, rich and velvety yet precociously refined, has already earned her fans like Anita Baker and Regina King, appearances on the TODAY show, and millions of likes on TikTok — cementing her status as perhaps the first Gen Z jazz singing star.
Growing up in the Bronx, it was the music of her parents’ childhoods that she listened to most. She treasures her musical lineage, which stretches back to her grandparents Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, both of whom performed with Philadelphia gospel group the Savettes, and runs through her father, who is a singer, songwriter and producer who toured with gospel artist Andraé Crouch. Eventually, she did follow in the family tradition, singing in church and then with the jazz band at Fordham High School for the Arts, which led to her enrolling in SUNY Purchase’s jazz studies program. She fell deeply in love with the music, and as a sophomore, entered and won the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Notably, Samara also attended the late, great pianist Barry Harris’s legendary classes, where he became a particularly important influence and mentor. “You inspired me as well as many others with this fire for teaching and playing that couldn’t be dimmed by anything or anyone,” Samara writes in Linger Awhile’s liner notes.
On Linger Awhile, she effortlessly swings alongside esteemed veterans (jazz guitar virtuoso Pasquale Grasso, pianist Ben Paterson, bassist David Wong, and master drummer Kenny Washington), presenting understated yet powerful renditions of a varied collection of material. From the chestnuts “Misty” and “Someone to Watch Over Me” to less familiar standards like Ronnell Bright’s “Sweet Pumpkin” and the Sarah Vaughan specialty “Can’t Get Out of This Mood,” the project showcases the vocalist tackling a stunningly wide variety of styles and moods. Her emotional depth is further on display with a spine-tingling version of “Guess Who I Saw Today,” originally popularized by Nancy Wilson.
Showing her deep knowledge and reverence for the jazz tradition, she takes on Thelonious Monk iconic “‘Round Midnight,” although she sings lyrics written by vocalese master Jon Hendricks. Samara also penned her own lyrics to classic jazz material with her takes on Fats Navarro’s “Nostalgia (The Day I Knew)” and “I’m Confessin’,” where she wrote a deeply moving lyric set to Lester Young’s legendary 1952 solo.
The release of Linger Awhile is just one more step for the ascendant vocalist, who will spend the next year touring increasingly large stages, collaborating with the Clayton/Hamilton Big Band, Christian McBride, Kenny Barron, and Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and continuing to expose a new generation to the timeless art form, jazz. As Samara herself says, “So this is only the beginning… there is much, much more to come.”
Welcome to another exhilarating season in our historic theatres, filled with the sounds, sights and excitement of the live performing arts. We have so much planned so far this season—rock, pop, folk/Americana, Broadway, jazz, comedy, films, variety shows, family programs and more—and we are continuing to add even more stellar events to the schedule. I hope you will spend some time in our digital playbill and discover all we have going on at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts.
Something for Everyone
This spring we announced the first shows in our 2024-25 season roster. Mark your calendar, or better yet, click HERE or tap into our Season At A Glance in the menu and get your tickets today!
As always, the best way to get first access to the best available seats and our new show announcements is to become a Member. Membership starts at just $75 for a full year of amazing benefts for everyone in the household!
A very big THANK YOU to our current Appell Center Members ~ you play a crucial role in our sustainability! It is Membership support that makes it possible for us to foster and inspire the artists of tomorrow, unite friends and loved ones in shared experiences, and cultivate a bustling downtown, while attracting the hottest concerts and theatrical productions for your enjoyment, expanding our education programs and community outreach, boosting York city tourism and nightlife, and preserving our historic facilities.
Community Focus
In addition to the shows on our stages, the Appell Center is committed to recognizing and celebrating the talent and knowledge found in our community. Our team is involving our community partners and residents to broaden our focus and ensure that everyone has access and is welcome to experience the arts and create art as well. Tap into the menu and read all about it in our Learning & Engagement story. Then think about how you can become involved or have an impact on this work.
Again, welcome to the Appell Center and enjoy the show!
Todd Fogdall
President & CEO
The Strand and Capitol Theatres at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts feature the very best artists and stories from around the region and across the country. We are excited to welcome you to experience the joy and inspiration that can only come from the live performing arts!
The 2024-25 season is here! We know you will have an amazing experience at this performance, and welcome you to click through all the pages to see all that we have coming this season... You won't want to miss it!
Tickets and Appell Center Memberships can be purchased online at appellcenter.org, in person at 50 N. George Street, York, or by calling the Box Office at 717-846-1111.
COMING SOON
BEN FOLDS (11/15) Widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of our generation, Ben Folds returns to the Strand Theatre following a sold-out performance in 2022! Opening the show is multi-faceted actress, singer and composer Lindsey Kraft.
CHICAGO THE MUSICAL (11/27) is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.
TOM PAPA (12/5), one of the top comedic voices in the country, this accomplished actor, host, author and stand-up comic makes his Strand Theatre debut with all new material. Don’t miss it!
MANDY GONZALEZ ~ Home for the Holidays (12/7), one of the most powerful and versatile Broadway voices of our time, makes her Appell Center debut with a very special program to kick off the holiday season! She's been in HAMILTON, WICKED and the original Broadway cast of IN THE HEIGHTS, and she is currently performing on Tuesday nights on Broadway as ‘Norma Desmond’ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s revival of SUNSET BLVD. There is no denying she is a star on the rise, and she will be here for one night only!
... there are simply too many shows to list, including COLD CASE LIVE, JEFF BOYER'S BIG BUBBLE BONANZA, comedian EARL DAVID REED, and so much more. Join our email list and get all the news as it happens!
FILM
CAPFILM continues to provide unique opportunities for moviegoers of all ages and styles...
Click HERE for a full schedule of upcoming CapFilms... including our Art House series, December Holiday films and classic family movies... new titles are being added all the time!
These are just the FALL HIGHLIGHTS ... New events are being added to the calendar all the time, so visit appellcenter.org for the most updated schedule or click on SEASON AT A GLANCE in the menu… and be sure you are on our email list for announcements.
We look forward to welcoming you through our doors often!
The Appell Center is committed to making the performing arts available to everyone in York County. Our Community ConnectTix program expands access to free and discounted ticket to those for whom the price of a ticket is a barrier.
Nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for blocks of tickets (up to 20) for select events so the groups they serve can experience the wonder and thrill of live performance.
Look around. Here you are, seated in this beautiful, historic theatre about to enjoy a professional, live show right here in York’s downtown! What could be more exciting? This would not be possible without the support of our members.
We are humbled by the generosity of individuals across the county who make it all happen, Appell Center membership support allows us to make a significant impact in York. Members are the reason we have been able to continue entertaining the community for nearly 100 years and maintain these two historic theatres. Their support has allowed us to provide free uplifting experiences to our neighbors for whom the price of a ticket is a barrier and provide free educational programming for a generation of children in school districts throughout York County.
Members have helped us stay the course. Because of them, we remain focused on our mission and are able to throw our doors open for another season full of inspiring entertainment for you!
Our members are passionate about the performing arts. Aren’t you? Make a lasting impact right now by becoming a member of the Appell Center for the Performing Arts.
For information on the levels and benefits of membership, visit appellcenter.org or contact Kimberly Soderberg, Development Manager, at 717-825-2236 or ksoderberg@appellcenter.org
In August 2022, the Appell Center wrapped up its Centennial Capital Campaign, raising over $7,500,000 to support vital infrastructure improvements and establish a Facility Endowment Fund for much needed improvements to our facility, which will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2025. The summers of 2023 and 2024 saw the completion of many of these improvements, including ADA compliant doors and into the Strand Theatre lobby, highly efficient concessions areas and a brand new HVAC system throughout the facility roof-top units, interior air management devices and system controls, which improves the efficiency and comfort of the building, reduces energy costs and provides cleaner and healthier air.
We would like to recognize the many loyal and generous community members, foundations and businesses that helped us reach our goal and invested in the future of the performing arts in York County. They deserve a standing ovation!
The Appell Center continues its focus on bringing the very best entertainment to diverse audiences of all ages... but wait, there's more!
In addition to planning the shows on our stages, the entire organization is committed to recognizing and celebrating the artistic talent of our community in many ways.
Learning Workshops for All Ages
Acting... dance... singing... storytelling... jazz... improvisation... even circus arts! These are just a few of the focus areas that are available for students age 3 and up to explore. PLUS, we have added Tot Rock, an early learning program for our youngest friends age 0-2!
FAMILY WORKSHOP - Theater Games for the Whole Family
Saturday, September 21 • Ages 4 - 10 and their families | 10:00am
Price: Pick Your Price (recommended $15 per Family)
Enjoy a mix of fun theatre games and imaginative storytelling for the whole family that will spark creativity and build confidence through the powerful play of acting and theatre. Family fun is guaranteed, along with great ideas for games and activities to take home for your next family game night.
Taught by Ángel Nuñez, Executive Director of OrangeMite Studios Theater Company.
PRE-TEEN WORKSHOP - Intro to Shakespeare
Saturday, September 21 • Ages 8 - 13 |1:00pm
Price: Pick Your Price (recommended $15 per student)
Step into the world of Shakespeare as this workshop explores scenes from some of the Bard’s classic works. Participants will not only explore the language but build their confidence and enhance their acting skills as they discover the joys and thrills of Shakespearean theatre.
Taught by Ángel Nuñez, Executive Director of OrangeMite Studios Theater Company, York County’s premier Shakespeare-focused theater company.
TOT ROCK RETURNS!
October 5, 19; November 2; December 7 | 10:00am
Ages: 0-5 and their adults
Price: Pick Your Price (recommended $15 per family)
This early childhood music learning program shares a well-rounded musical experience with infants, toddlers, and their families—an experience rooted in melody, rhythm, repetition and collaboration. Even more important than these musical concepts is the quality time Tot Rock will provide you and your children in a safe, fun, positive space full of music, laughter, and shared experiences. Music can be a foundation of family learning, so let’s make some joyful noise here at the Appell Center!
MONDAY NIGHT IMPROV CLASS with Chris Myers
Mondays, October 14 – November 18
All Ages
Price: $130
Come ready to laugh the day away with local actress and improv comedy wiz Chris Myers while learning classic and new wave improv games that will jostle your brain and tickle your funny bone! The six-week session ends with a performance open to the public on the Capitol Theatre stage.
Ages 8 – 12: 6:00 – 7:00pm
Ages 13 – 18: 7:00 – 8:00pm
Ages 18+: 8:00 – 9:00pm
Performance Date: Monday, November 18 at 7:00pm
JUGGLING & OTHER FUN STUFF with Antonio Briley, Jr.
Saturdays, October 19 - November 9 |10:00am
Ages 8+
Price: $80
Have you ever wanted to learn how to juggle? Balance a bowling pin on your chin? Other things? Taught by local phenomenon and man of many talents Antonio Briley, Jr. (you may know him as Bananaman), this four-week class will give you the opportunity to learn and master all the quirky, interesting, and fun skills you’ve ever imagined... and some you haven’t.
Click HERE to register today for one or more of these amazing and unique workshops they will only experience at the Appell Center!
Community Engagement
In July 2022 the Appell Center began a collaboration with Creative Generation, a group committed to pioneering projects in the arts and cultural, education and social change fields to support those organizations driving systemic change in their communities. This work produced an actionable plan elevating knowledge within our community to help inform a set of tools to create a societal hub for arts and cultural education in York County, PA. Listening sessions with key partners and their constituents were conducted, and information gathered from those sessions has helped inform the next steps of our strategic plan in this area.
At the completion of the active phase of this collaboration, the following statement was crafted and made public on our website:
The Appell Center for the Performing Arts seeks to be a cultural hub for the community in York.
We play a vital role in the local ecosystem, collaborating with educational, civic and other cultural organizations, informal networks, and individual artists to create experiences as outlets for healthy, creative expression.
Together, we believe in connecting the arts with education, personal wellbeing and family life.
We seek to build meaningful pathways in arts, cultural and creative learning for the York community through consistent, reliable opportunities which provide
We strive to be a relationship-builder, convener and host.
PARTNER WITH THE APPELL CENTER
There are many ways to join us in partnership, but here are some common starting points:
Click HERE to learn more about our Discovery Sessions and Community Engagement initiatives, and how you might work with us in partnership to bring one of your ideas to the community at large!
Your health and safety are our priority
The Appell Center will continually monitor all health related concerns with guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. All are encouraged to regularly visit our website or call the Box Office for up-to-date information, a list of Frequently Asked Questions and any specific instructions for your scheduled performance.
Bag check
It is recommended that you do not bring any bags with you in order to expedite entry. Bag checks are mandatory and conducted by our security team. Metal (or wooden) rods will be used to search each bag. Guests will be asked to open and hold their own bags while they are being searched for any items not permitted in the building.
Concessions
Concessions are available at both the Capitol and Strand Theatres. All alcoholic beverages are sold in reusable cups which must be purchased with your first drink. Guests are encouraged to bring their cups back to our concessions stands during future visits to purchase drinks at the refill price. Non-Appell Center cups will not be eligible for refills.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located on both levels of the Strand Theatre and on the first floor of the Capitol Theatre. Accessible restrooms are available in both theatres.
Accessible Services
ADA-compliant seating is offered in several locations. Assistive-listening devices are available for all Strand Theatre shows and select films. These devices can be requested from a member of our Front of House staff when you arrive or by calling the Box Office in advance at 717-846-1111. We also offer audio description and closed captioning for some films. Sign language interpretation may be available when requested at least two weeks in advance. Notify the Box Office of any needs when purchasing tickets. We’re happy to arrange the perfect seats and services for you.
Smoking
The Appell Center is a non-smoking facility, including e-cigarettes and vape pens.
Child booster seats
Complimentary booster seats are only available in the Strand Theatre on a first-come, first-served basis. Please see one of our Ushers when you arrive for assistance.
Electronic devices
We appreciate your cooperation in silencing all electronic devices before the performance begins.
Photo/recording policy
For most events, photography/recording of any type is prohibited. However, for some events, non-professional, non-flash, photography is permitted. Any adjusted policy will be advertised on signs at the entrance to the venue. The Appell Center reserves the right to confiscate any photo or recording device if policies are ignored. Patrons found possessing professional equipment not expressly authorized will be asked to leave their cameras in their vehicles or will otherwise be escorted from the venue.
Click HERE to learn more about our policies.