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The Carver Community Cultural Center has announced its 2018-2019 performance season before its subscribers, patrons, and friends.
The performance season is packed with its signature blend of multicultural and multidisciplinary performances. Features include the legendary voice of love, Peabo Bryson; the impressive vocals of Lisa Fischer and her band, Grand Baton; and the most awarded a cappella group in history, Take 6. Cuban dynamic duo Alfredo Rodríguez and Pedrito Martínez will leave audiences mesmerized by their fearless and virtuosic playing.
The Little Carver Intimate Series also returns, highlighting local and regional talent.
“Our season this year presents some of the most well-known talents and premieres some incredible new performers,” said Executive Director Yonnie Blanchette. “It is eclectic, exciting and exceptional, and covers a wide range of artistic expression and disciplines.”
Highlights of the 2018-19 Performance Season include:
Peabo Bryson (Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m.)
Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter Peabo Bryson begins the 2018-2019 performance season. Bryson’s rich, silky voice is truly compelling. He is back and collaborating with powerhouse producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for his 21st album titled Stand for Love. See the legendary voice of love on Saturday, Oct. 20.
Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton (Friday, Nov. 16, 8 p.m.)
Serenading us with her impressive vocal range is the one and only Lisa Fischer appearing on center stage Friday, Nov. 16. Fischer is stepping into the spotlight after four decades of singing background for icons like the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, and others. She is finally offering her own humble, heartfelt songs accompanied by her inventive new band, Grand Baton.
Take 6 (Saturday, Dec. 1, 8 p.m.)
Heralded by Quincy Jones as the “baddest vocal cats on the planet!” and the most awarded a cappella group in history, Take 6 will appear Saturday, Dec. 1. Take 6 has no musical bounds, having performed with an impressive array of talent, past and present, including Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Don Henley, James Taylor, and Queen Latifah, among others. Take 6 is the quintessential a cappella group and the model for vocal genius.
The Baylor Project featuring Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor (Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, 8 p.m.)
The Baylor Project featuring Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor is a highly anticipated collaboration steeped in the heart and soul of jazz. As children of pastors, Marcus and Jean’s musical roots were planted deep within the church. Vocalist Jean Baylor and drummer Marcus Baylor’s dynamic performance is soulful to the bone. This husband-wife duo will raise you up and inspire you to clap along with them on Saturday, Jan. 12.
Stefon Harris & Blackout (Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, 8 p.m.)
Stefon Harris’ passionate artistry and astonishing virtuosity have propelled him to the forefront of the jazz scene. Acclaimed as “one of the most important artists in jazz” by the Los Angeles Times, Harris is a recipient of the prestigious Martin E. Segal Award from the Lincoln Center. He has earned four Grammy nominations and has been named Best Mallet player by the Jazz Journalist Association. Harris’ stage presence strives to set a fire in the hearts of those around him. Share his passion and love of his art on Saturday, Feb. 2.
Susana Baca (Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, 8 p.m.)
Susana Baca performs on Saturday, Feb. 23. Known worldwide as the voice of the Afro-Peruvian community, Baca is a recipient of two Latin Grammys, and her most recent recording, Afrodiaspora, celebrates African influence on Latin America. The Wall Street Journal‘s music critic said of Afrodiaspora, “Susana Baca delivers what is likely the sweetest and most appealing lesson in ethnomusicology we’ll ever enjoy.” Her love of culture paired with her smoky, ethereal voice creates a performance you don’t want to miss.
Alfredo Rodríguez & Pedrito Martínez Duo (Saturday, March 16, 2019, 8 p.m.)
Grammy-nominated artists Alfredo Rodríguez and Pedrito Martínez first worked together on Rodriguez’s 2012 release Invasion Parade. Since that initial recording session, the duo has had the rare occasion to perform together, leaving audiences completely mesmerized by their fearless and virtuosic playing. Rodríguez, schooled in classical conservatories in Havana, and Martínez, whose musical training comes directly from the streets of Old Havana, are sure to take listeners on a unique journey, Saturday, March 16.
Rennie Harris Puremovement (Saturday, April 13, 2019, 8 p.m.)
Rennie Harris and his company Rennie Harris Puremovement, are known internationally for creating a cohesive dance style that finds a forceful voice in theater. Lifted! is a highly theatrical narrative work that is loosely based on the story of Oliver Twist. Harris’ compelling combination of the spiritual vocals of gospel and the powerful rhythms of house music and dance come together to create a story that explores contemporary issues of morality and spirituality. Get ready to be “lifted” off your seats, Saturday, April 13.
Joe McBride & The Texas Rhythm Club (Saturday, May 18, 2019, 8 p.m.)
Keyboardist and singer Joe McBride began playing the piano at age 4. As a teenager, he was stricken with a degenerative eye disease that eventually claimed his sight, but McBride’s passion for music has only grown stronger. “Smokin” Joe, as he is often referred to, has recorded several albums and is a consummate entertainer in modern R&B, jazz, soul, gospel, or Funk. His high-level and energetic show is scheduled for Saturday, May 18.
Angelique Kidjo (Saturday, June 1, 2019, 8 p.m.)
Three-time Grammy Award winner Angelique Kidjo closes the 2018-2019 season on Saturday, June 1. One of the greatest artists in international music today, this creative force has produced 13 albums to her name. As a performer, her striking voice, stage presence, and fluency in multiple cultures and languages has won her respect from her peers. Her ability to blend her West African traditions with elements of American R&B, funk, and jazz is why Time magazine has called her “Africa’s premiere diva.”
Intimate Series
The 2018-2019 season welcomes the return of the Little Carver Intimate Series. These four performances feature some of San Antonio’s finest artists.
Althea Rene (Saturday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.)
The Little Carver welcomes Althea Rene, Saturday, Dec. 15. This soul-jazz flutist’s uncanny ability to take an instrument we usually look at as dainty and turn it into an explosive soulfulness of R&B is simply astounding. She is regarded as a master of her craft and in 2017 delivered the first single release “Gypsy Soul” from her scorching CD, Unstoppable. Rene also launched her first book in June 2018, Becoming Chocolate Barbie – A guide for professional women in the music business.
San Antonio African American Community Fund – Talent Winners (Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, 8 p.m.)
The Carver will partner with the San Antonio Area African American Community Fund to present the winners of the “2018 Showtime at the Apollo” talent competition. The community fund’s annual Renaissance with the Stars gala supports nonprofit organizations that serve African Americans in arts and culture, health, youth, and education. In addition to taking home the title, talent winners will make their debut as part of the Little Carver Intimate Series. Keep an ear open for the naming the winners and watch them perform on Saturday, Jan. 26!
A.D. Snipes (Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, 8 p.m.)
The unmistakable comedy stylings of standup A.D. Snipes are more than simply unique. His act is truly one of a kind. Snipes is steadily carving out a national following of loyal fans. Touting his own point of view, Snipes pays homage to many of comedy’s legends. He has the lovable, irreverent attitude of Robin Harris, the precise timing of Bernie Mac, and the urban sensibilities of Richard Pryor. Snipes makes his big splash at the Carver’s Intimate Series on Saturday, Feb. 16.
Judi Deleon (Saturday, March 30, 2019, 8 p.m.)
From gospel, Latin, R&B, and jazz, Judi DeLeon is one of the most versatile vocalists in the industry. Singing gospel since the age of 4, DeLeon learned improvisation and the importance of interacting with her audience as well as integrating the various genres of music. She has created her own style: the silky sounds of rhythm and blues, the heavenly groove of gospel, and the timeless essence of jazz. Join us on Saturday, March 30, for a unique and intimate concert with Deleon as she takes you through a musical journey, blending the styles and rhythms she has crafted.
Subscription Information
Season subscriptions for the 10 main stage performances are available for the full season price of $325 per seat and are available through the Carver Box Office. The full Intimate Series price is $90 per seat. For additional season subscription information, please call the Carver Box Office at (210) 207-2234.
Individual tickets are now on sale, and discounts are available for students, teachers, seniors, military, and groups.
Individual tickets may be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets by calling (800) 745-3000, online, or at the Carver Box Office located at 226 N. Hackberry. The Carver Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and two hours prior to curtain.
For more information about the performance or individual artist, visit www.thecarver.org or call (210) 207-2234.
