The dazzling Tony Award-winning star of stage and television is also a musical miracle in concert. Her vivacious personality and vocal talent will dazzle the audience in this special Festival opening night event. A full 28-piece orchestra accompanies her astonishing range, amazing versatility and superb interpretations of the classic theater songs of Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers and
Hammerstein, Irving Berlin and others.
"As an actress, singer, comedienne and all-around warming presence, Bernadette Peters has no peer in the musical theatre right now." Frank Rick, The New York Times.
An accomplished designer/architect from ABC’s Extreme Makeover:Home Edition and multi-talented host of HGTV’s new series, Color Correction, Ramos shares homeowner tips for the perfect color fix. Program will include "visual" large screen projection.
The audience is invited to meet Constance and enjoy complimentary beverages immediately following the program (wine and non-alcoholic beverages).
RISSI PALMER
HOT, TALENTED AND CRACKING THE COUNTRY CHARTS!
Friday, May 30, 2008 - 7:30 p.m.
Dow Gardens
At 26, Rissi Palmer’s stunning voice isn’t the only thing that makes her stand out. Despite having piqued the interests of top pop and R&B producers, the Missouri-raised singer stuck to her roots and chose to pursue country music. In 2006, Starbucks Entertainment distributed a 4-song EP that put Rissi among the top five best country artists on iTunes. Her self-titled debut album and hit single, “Country Girl,” broke into the country-pop scene in 2007. Her new single “Hold On To Me” was just released to radio on January 28, 2008.
Come early, meet friends at the Garden Pub! 5:30 pm to 7:30 p.m. - Wine and beer available for purchase.
Concert will be held outdoors in Dow Gardens weather permitting. Lawn seating only, bring blanket or lawn chair. Picnic dinners welcome. In the event of inclement weather, concert will be held in the MCFTA Auditorium.
ANALYZING POLITICS, MEDIA AND THE LAW
WITH JEFFREY TOOBIN
Monday, June 2, 2008 - 7:30 p.m.
Little Theatre
CNN senior analyst and best-selling author of The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court discusses the disturbing impact of politics on the rule of law in the United States.
With a presidential election looming this year and politics on just about everyone’s mind, one of the country’s most esteemed experts on politics, media and the law will deconstruct the events, the players and the intricacies of our judicial system, ending up with a remarkable account of one of the most significant periods in our nation’s history. Toobin’s relaxed style, insight, sense of humor and unprejudiced forthright analysis make for a fascinating Festival presentation. You'll have an opportunity to meet the high profile CNN analyst at the book signing and a public reception immediately following the presentation in the relaxed setting of the Garden Room adjacent to the theater.
J. Craig Venter is a biologist, a genetics pioneer and author of A Life Decoded. Most well-known for his visionary contributions in sequencing the human genome, Dr. Venter is regarded as one of the leading scientists of the 21st century for his invaluable contributions in genomic research. From positively impacting human health and better treating disease, to enabling a better understanding of the environment and potentially creating new biologcial sources of energy, Dr. Venter speaks passionately about the impact genomic information will have on the future of biology and medicine, as well as the complex relationship between genes, environment, disease and behavior. In this presentation, the future of life depends not only in our ability to understand and use DNA, but also perhaps in creating new synthetic life forms.
Monday, June 9, 2008 - 1:00 p.m.
The H Hotel, 111 W. Main Street
Celebrate the unveiling of Midland's hottest new downtown destination with chef demonstrations at each of its restaurants, culminating in a delectable dessert in the new courtyard. Guests will be treated to a special preview of the latest in dining and entertainment at the H by the sommelier and the Chefs. Enjoy samplings and insider tips at Oxygen O2, Table and Cafe Zinc. The tour will end in the courtyard where everyone will enjoy dessert and opportunity to mingle and ask more questions to the chefs.
Singer/songwriter Amos Lee draws inspiration from such soul and folk artists of the '70s as John Prine, Neil Young, and James Taylor. The Philadelphia native first became serious about performing while attending the University of South Carolina during the mid-'90s. A period of waiting tables and bartending followed as Lee honed his songwriting skills. Eventually, he landed some high-profile opening-slot gigs, including an extended tour with pianist/vocalist Norah Jones. He released his eponymous debut album on Blue Note in 2005. "Supply and Demand" followed in 2006.
Recent highlights:
· New release coming in May
· Just finished tour with Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello
· AT&T television ad “Sweet Pea” currently running
Come early, meet friends at the Garden Pub! 5:30 pm to 7:30 p.m. - Wine and beer available for purchase.
Concert will be held outdoors in Dow Gardens weather permitting. Lawn seating only, bring blanket or lawn chair. Picnic dinners welcome. In the event of inclement weather, concert will be held in the MCFTA Auditorium.
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DREAM ENGINE: Conedancers and Heliosphere
June 12-15, 2008
Conedancers
Thursday, June 12 • 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. at MCFTA Parking lot Sunday, June 15 • 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Dow Diamond
Heliosphere
Friday, June 13 • 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Dow Diamond Saturday, June 14 • 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., MCFTA parking lot
Specializing in dreaming up the amazing and bringing it to life, the innovative Dream Engine will set Midland abuzz with utterly unique free outdoor aerial performances. The visually stunning large-scale aerial performances fuse the daredevil with beautiful acrobatic work.
Spiraling and spinning, a weightless aerialist suspended beneath huge helium filled balloon explores the uncharted space between street level and rooftops. The Heliosphere rises and falls to a wistful musical soundtrack as its Helionaut tumbles and turns with balletic grace and beauty. And at night the Heliosphere becomes alive with its internal color changing light show. Truly an awe-inspiring spectacle!
Sponsored by Dow Corning Corporation and the Three Rivers Corporation.
CHILDREN'S CHEERING CARPET (Italy)
The Japanese Garden
Fri., Sat., Sun., June 13, 14, 15, 2008
1:00, 4:00, and 7:00 p.m.
Auditorium
Exploding with colors and shapes, this magic carpet sprouts a fabulous garden: a funny-looking lawn, musical steps, all kinds of flowers and fish wanting to play hide-and-seek. Combining multimedia art with theater, using digital installations and touch sensors, this “virtual garden” responds to the pressure of feet and bodies translating every movement into fantastic images and sounds. The children in the audience are invited to explore and animate the garden themselves, engaging with the imagery and magical transformations.
For young people ages 5 -11 and their families. Each session is a period of facilitated play for a limited number of children, please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Festival "Gold" package: $190 (Rows AAA-H)
Festival "Premium" package: $183
(Rows K-Z)
Festival packages include six individual tickets with priority seating for Bernadette Peters, Constance Ramos, Rissi Palmer, Jeffery Toobin, J. Craig Venter, and Amos Lee.
