By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo State College's Rockwell Hall opens its next season in September with an expanded line-up.
Some old favorites will be returning to Rockwell Hall for the 2002-2003 season. Canada's Queen of the Celtic fiddle Natalie Macmaster performs in November, with Leahy trouping in for an Irish Christmas in December. But there's more than just celtic.
There's a line-up of seven eclectic shows, with some new faces taking the stage. Among them, the comedy improve team, Chicago City Limits, jazz-fusion band, the Yellowjackets, and legendary singer-songwriter Roger McGuinn from the Byrds.
Jeff Marsha, operations director for the Performing Arts Center, says with Rockwell Hall's intimate seating space, the challenge is finding acts that are big -- but not too big.
"I kind of look at it as I'm trying to find soemone who, maybe a year from now, will make it big...and are kind of on the upswing, or just being noticed by the public," said Marsha. "Those are the types of acts that I try to go after, and bring in, and in the big picture, trying to set that reputation that maybe if you haven't heard of the artist, we have a reputation of doing quality shows, and quality up and coming performers - so you can kind of trust your luck and come see a show over at Rockwell."
One performer certain to fit the bill is Jane Monheit - one of the brightest new stars of the jazz vocal scene.
Tickets for all shows go on sale August 26th.