The Bitterroot Performing Arts Council will be presenting an incredible, multi-genre series of six performances designed to inspire, entertain, educate and enlighten our audiences in the Bitterroot and Missoula valleys as they celebrate their 15th season.
“We are also thrilled to announce that four out of six of our performing artists have agreed to be part of our educational outreach forums,” executive director Laurie Ruffner said. “We are blessed with incredible sponsors, grantors and community members who are helping us to continue our legacy here in the under-served Bitterroot Valley communities. We simply cannot do this without the ongoing support we receive!”
Kicking off the 2018/2019 series on September 21 are the sons of legendary bluegrass artist, Del McCoury. ‘The Travelin’ McCourys’ bring a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into people’s lives. With Ronnie McCoury on mandolin, Rob McCoury on banjo, fiddler Jason Carter and bassist Alan Bartram, the ensemble is loved and respected by the bluegrass faithful. They have the confidence that only comes with having paid their dues with twenty years on the bluegrass road.
On October 6, The Ahn Trio graces the PAC stage. Hailed as “exacting and exciting musicians” by the LA Times, the three sisters of the Ahn Trio have earned a distinguished reputation for embracing 21st century classical music with their unique style and innovative collaborations. Dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of musicians, the Ahns are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Angella is a Professor of Violin and Viola at MSU in Bozeman, MT. Maria teaches cello at the Harlem School of the Arts in NYC and Lucia has a growing private studio. They hold master classes and workshops across the country and around the world where they share their innovative spirit and ever evolving vision of music.
The third performance, on November 3, features singer/songwriter, A.J. Croce. A.J. has been inextricably linked to a version of his own story by his name. He’s experienced a lifetime of comparison to a father he lost at age two, whose music bears little resemblance to his own but serves as a reference point. According to Willie Nelson, “A.J. Croce has wisdom beyond his years. With his music, he represents his generation with a profound sense of honesty in his lyrics and quality in his delivery. The future of entertainment is safe in his hands.”
On January 12, 2019, the PAC house will be brought to it’s knees as it welcomes Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Elvin Bishop and one of the finest blues harmonica artists today, Charlie Musselwhite. With five decades of nonstop touring, performing and recording, both artists have reaped huge rewards; cutting their teeth alongside Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf and artists from all around the world.
The fifth performance on March 30, 2019, features the Smuin Contemporary Ballet. Michael Smuin was a beloved native “Missoula son” who tragically passed away in 2007. Artistic Director Celia Fushille’s vision to push the boundaries of contemporary ballet within a distinctly American style while combining classical ballet, training, technique and artistry, has carried on Michael Smuin’s vision to create performances that highlight uncommon physicality and expression. Smuin offers audiences an experience of ballet that is entertaining, evocative and original.
The series will wrap up on April 12, 2019 with singer-songwriter, Judy Collins. Collins is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions. She’s as creatively vigorous as ever; writing, touring worldwide and nurturing fresh talent. She’s a modern-day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor and an in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention. Collins continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to our hearts.
“We expect many if not all of our performances for our 2018/2019 season to sell out,” says Ruffner. “We have been fortunate to be able, with the support of all of our community, to really bring some significant world-class performing artists to our Hamilton stage to celebrate our fifteenth season!”
Tickets for all the performances for the 2018/2019 series are available by calling the box office at 363-7946, go online at bitterrootperformingarts.org or stop by the box office at 127 W. Main, Suite 103, Hamilton.