Lehman Center kicks off season

The concert season at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is kicking off on Thursday, Sept. 18 with a show by Grammy Award winner Jason Mraz. A variety of Latino performers, a series called “Broadway Moves to the Bronx,” several classical concerts and a hip-hop showcase will maintain a high pitch of excitement for the rest of the season.

“I’m excited about every single performance because they’re all so different,” said the center’s Executive Director Eva Bornstein. “Every year, we try something new because we want to attract different crowds.”

The critically acclaimed Todd Ellison, who has conducted Annie and other shows on Broadway, is whipping up a series aimed at giving Bronxites the Broadway experience — minus steep prices and long commutes. Marquee names will sing a variety of hits on Saturday, Oct. 11. After that, there is a show all about romance, and then another centering on old favorites.

“It is really exciting to have these young stars in the Bronx,” Ms. Bornstein said of singers including Ashley Blanchet, Gavin Lodge and others known for lead roles on Broadway.

After performances by groups including a Senegalese choir, Chinese acrobats and symphonic orchestras, the season concludes with a show about old-school hip-hop. Ms. Bornstein explained a well-known rap producer, Sal Abbatiello, is still organizing the Saturday, May 9 2015 production, which is expected to feature pioneers of the genre.

“It’s very exciting,” Ms. Bornstein said of the upcoming season. “It lets us forget all the negative and bring the positive to the community. And that’s the goal of Lehman Center, [to be] an entertainment hub for the Bronx.”

Thursday, Sept. 18, 

8 p.m.

Jason Mraz and Raising Jane

One of the world’s hardest working and most beloved artists, Jason Mraz’s journey has propelled him from the San Diego coffee house scene to arenas, amphitheatres, and stadiums all over the world. A two-time Grammy award winner and six-time nominee, Mraz made pop history with his record-breaking classic single, “I’m Yours,” while also earning platinum and multi-platinum certifications in more than 20 countries. 

Tickets: $75, $47.50

Saturday, Sept. 20,
8 p.m.

Danny Rivera 

Be part of a unique event in the history of Lehman Center! Come and relive a night of intense passion with romantic oldies interpreted by the national voice of Puerto Rico, Danny Rivera. Featuring Nelson González, Konrad Adderley, Federico Britos, Andy González, Ricardo Pons, Johnny Rodríguez, Willie Rodríguez, and Juan Wust. Obsesión, Danny Rivera’s new album with Nelson González, marks a new turn in his career as he returns to the repertoire of the great Latin American songbook, singing great songs by iconic composers with a stripped-down cast of the music’s most knowledgeable veterans. 

Tickets: $60, $55, $45

Saturday, Oct. 4,
8 p.m.

Pégate a la Locura

What an explosion of comedy with favorite comedians of Puerto Rico, from the #1 program Pegate Al Mediodia and Sunshine Remix, with beloved characters and personalities Casacarita, Feliciano, Viroldo, Guitarreno, but that’s not all from the hit comedy show Sunshine Remix, Mr Governor, Mama’s Boy, Malapily and more.

Tickets: $35, $25, $20

Saturday, Oct. 11, 

8 p.m.

Todd Ellison’s ‘Broadway Moves to the Bronx’

Hailed by the ‘New York Times’ as one of “Broadway’s electric conductors,” Todd Ellison is one of the most accomplished and sought after music directors working today. Join us for the premiere of ‘Broadway Moves to the Bronx,’ featuring Broadway Showstoppers in concert as vocalists perform hit songs from famed Broadway musicals. Featuring Ashley Blanchet, Klea Blackhurst, Gavin Lodge, and Thom Allison.

Tickets: $25, $20, $15

Children 12 and under: $10 any seat

Sunday, Oct. 19, 4 p.m.

The Senegal St. Joseph Choir

The Senegal St. Joseph Gospel Choir was founded in 1950 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s Ambassador Artist for Peace, Mr. Julien Jouga (1931-2001). Now more than 44 years ago, the choir is led by Music Director,  Ambroise N’Diong, and is composed of the Cathedral’s chorale, that of St. Joseph’s of Medina, who interprets Gospel/Negro Spirituals, traditional African Songs and the magnificent masses that Julien Jouga composed in his country’s four national languages: Ouolof, Diola, Sérère and Portuguese Creole. 

Tickets: $25, $20, $15

Children 12 and under: $10 any seat

Saturday, Oct. 25,
8 p.m.

Jose Alberto “El Canario” and La Típica’73

Together for the first time at Lehman Center, Lehman Center is proud to present the reunion ofJose Alberto “El Canario” and La Típica’73. The reunion will feature their original stars such as Camilo Azuquita,Tito Allen, Sony Bravo, Johnny Rodriguez, Alfredo De La Fé and more!

Tickets: $50, $45, $30

Sunday, Nov. 9, 4 p.m.

National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China

Founded in 1951, the National Acrobats of The People’s Republic of China has been one of the most acclaimed acrobatic troupes in China. The company has also created several impressive productions performed across Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Argentina and Chile. For their 2014 North American tour, the company will bring a brand new production that will amaze and astound audiences.

Tickets: $45, $40, $25 

Children 12 and under: $10 any seat

Saturday, Nov. 22,
8 p.m.

Papa Lucca and La Sonora Ponceña

La Sonora Ponceña has been entertaining audiences for six decades. Featuring the piano virtuosity of Papo Lucca, they will be returning to Lehman Center to celebrate its 60th anniversary!

Tickets: $100, $85, $75

Saturday, Dec. 6,
8 p.m.

Viennese Christmas

The Hollywood Concert Orchestra, an ensemble of America’s finest musicians, has become one of the premier ensembles in the world. A “Viennese Christmas” program has been touring for 18 years. The concept of the program was conceived in the late 1990s as a tribute to the annual Gala performed in Vienna each New Year’s Eve. This program is a great combination of the famous Holiday tunes and the Viennese music that we all love.

Tickets: $25, $20, $15

Children 12 and under $10: any seat.

Saturday, Dec. 13,
8 p.m.

Parranda Navideña

A Lehman Center holiday tradition, this must-see concert features the unique jíbaro music from the mountains of Puerto Rico with three celebrated masters of the genre: Odilio Gonzalez “El Jibarito de Lares,” Lily Y Su Gran Trio singing all her famous romantic songs and Felito Felix Y El Trio Los Antares.

Tickets: $50, $45, $25 

Children 12 and under: $10 any seat

Saturday, Jan. 24,
8 p.m.

Rock n’ Roll is here to stay

Doo wop returns to Lehman Center for another night of oldies and fun
featuring the Duprees, the Platters, the Belmonts, Barbara Harris & the Toys, Larry Chance & the Earls and the Rag Dolls: A Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons Revue. Hosted by Johhny Z of WFAS 1230AM and Sal Abbatiello & Speedy.

Tickets: $55, $50, $45

Saturday, Feb. 14,
8 p.m.

Symphonic Orchestra of the State of Mexico

This orchestra aims to promote music as a means of union and identification among Mexicans. A source of pride and joy to Mexican-Americans and Mexiquense, the Orquestra Sinfonica has toured North America, China and throughout Europe. Their concerts feature a wide range of traditional Mexican and Spanish songs as well as classics by Verdi and Beethoven.

Tickets: $35, $30, $25

Children 12 and under: $10 any seat

Sunday, Feb 22,
4 p.m.

Tango Buenos Aires

Tango Buenos Aires has become one of Argentina’s great cultural exports, known throughout the Americas, Europe and the Far East as the most authentic and uncompromising representative of the Tango. This breathtaking evening will bring to life all the drama, sensuality and elegance of this exciting dance form.

Tickets: $35, $30, $25

Saturday, March 7,
8 p.m. 

Forever Freestyle 9

Sal Abatiello and Speedy host this Lehman Center favorite, a sensation of Latin-flavored dance music. Live performers include TKA/K7, Judy Torres, George Lamond, the Cover Girls, Noel, Lisette Melendez, Sugar Hill Gang, Rob Base, Soave, Coro and Nocerra, with more to be announced. Tickets: $100, $65, $60, $55

Sunday, March 15,
4 p.m.

‘Romeo and Juliet,’ by the Moscow Festival Ballet

The Moscow Festival Ballet returns to Lehman Center to bring to life the beautiful tale of William Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ “For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”

Tickets: $45, $40, $25

Children 12 and under: $10 any seat

Saturday, March 21,
8 p.m.

Todd Ellison’s ‘Broadway Moves to the Bronx:’

Romance of Broadway

Come to the second installment of ‘Broadway Moves to the Bronx,’ featuring Romance of Broadway in concert as vocalists perform hit songs from famed Broadway musicals. Broadway stars and hits to be announced soon.

Tickets: $25, $20, $15

Children 12 and under: $10 any seat

Sunday, April, 4 p.m.

‘Swan Lake,’ by the Russian National Ballet Theater

Prepare to be memorized by the Russian National Ballet Theatre’s stunning rendition of ‘Swan Lake.’ The world’s great love story offers an unforgettable evening of ballet telling the story of Prince Siegfried, Princess Odette, who is cursed by evil sorcerer Von Rothbart to take the form of a swan by day, and Odile, the black swan who is sent by Von Rothbart to keep Siegfried an Odette apart so his spell on Odette cannot be broken. Stylish choreography and masterful storytelling make Swan Lake one of the most beautiful ballets and a delight for the entire family.

Tickets: $45, $40, $25

Children 12 and under: $10 any seat

Saturday, April 25,
8 p.m.

Todd Ellison’s ‘Broadway Moves to the Bronx:’

Broadway classics

Come to the final installment of ‘Broadway Moves to the Bronx,’ featuring Broadway Classics in concert as vocalists perform hit songs from famed Broadway musicals. Broadway stars and hits to be announced soon.

Tickets: $25, $20, $15

Children 12 and under: $10 any seat

Saturday, May 9,
8 p.m.

Old-school hip-hop

In the early 1970s a musical genre was born in the neighborhoods of the south Bronx. This night will celebrate that heritage with performers to be announced.

Tickets: $60, $55, $45