Since forming in 1975, Grammy Award winners BeauSoleil have claimed their undisputed role as the most esteemed Cajun group in music. BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet take the rich Cajun traditions of Louisiana and artfully blend elements of zydeco, New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country, blues and more into a satisfying musical recipe. From The
Grand Ole Opry to Newport Folk, from concert hall to dance floor, the music of BeauSoleil continues to
captivate audiences the world over.

 

 

 

 

 

Though some still have trouble pronouncing his last name and the instrument he plays, Jake Shimabukuro (she-ma-BOO-koo-row) is recognized as one of the world’s most exciting and innovative ukulele players and composers.

Renowned for lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques, Jake views the ukulele as an “untapped source of music with unlimited potential.” His virtuosity defies label or category.

Playing jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock, Jake’s mission is to show everyone that the ukulele is capable of so much more than the traditional Hawaiian music many associate it with. The Opera House is proud to welcome Jake back for his third appearance!

“Shimabukuro is a monster musician and boldly takes the ukulele where no ukulele has ever gone before, dazzling listeners with his blinding speed, melodic invention, and open-ended improvisations
of remarkable virtuosity.” –allmusic

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Capitol Steps return to the Opera House for another rousing night of hilarity. The group began as Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them. In the years that followed, many of the Steps ignored the conventional wisdom (“Don’t quit your day job!”), and although not all of the current members of the Steps are former Capitol Hill staffers, taken together the performers have worked in a total of 18 Congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience. Since they began, the Capitol Steps have recorded 29 albums, including their latest, Obama Mia! They’ve been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS, and can be heard four times a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their Politics Takes a Holiday radio specials.

 

 

Hotel Partner: River Terrace Inn

 

 

 

 

 

Words and Music by Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley
Adapted for the Stage by Leslie Bricusse & Timothy A. McDonald
Based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
By Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, which features the songs from the classic family film Willy Wonka
and The Chocolate Factory. Come join Willy Wonka, the Oompa Loompas, Charlie, and the cast of wacky characters in this yummy show that is sure to be a delicious experience for the whole family!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featuring Mo Mandel, who at only 28 years old will start shooting a new Fox TV series, "Strange Brew," shortly after headlining this show. In the series, Mandel will play a somewhat developmentally challenged son of the owner of a struggling Colorado brewery in the TV series. His live comedy performance, however, is greatly based on the experience of growing up as just about about the only Jew in Booneviille, CA. Since making the finals of the 33rd Annual San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition in 2006 and subsequently moving to Hollywood, Mo Mandel has become quite the success story. In a short space of time, he hosted a VH1 pilot, signed a sitcom development deal with FX, appeared on “Chelsea Lately” and topped it all off by landing a Comedy Central special.

 

Joining Mo in the show will be another past finalist from the annual comedy competition, Sadiki Fuller, who was Thunder, the mascot of the Golden State Warriors before becoming a full-time comedian. Pretty and funny Bethany Therese will round out the bill.     

Your host for the evening is Dave Burleigh, who has been entertaining audiences around the globe with his unique blend of comedy. His universal appeal and talent has landed him on various t.v. shows, premiere cruise lines, the biggest casinos in Las Vegas and in the boardroom of Fortune 500 companies. Dave has honed his skills as a master impressionist and possesses an arsenal of spot-on celebrity impersonations. His ability to incorporate this lost art form into his act guarantees the audience will be left wanting more. Burleigh has performed on stage with some of comedy's biggest stars including Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, Tim Allen and George Lopez.